“If I had known how wonderful it would be to have grandchildren, I’d have had them first.” Lois Wyse
Ah, grandchildren. For many, grandchildren have been the joy of their lives. For my parents, who retired between Florida and the mountains of North Carolina, they never visited me after my wife and I moved to Oregon. (I guess eighteen plus years raising me was enough!) But once my son Andrew was born, it didn’t take them long to say goodbye Ashville, North Carolina and hello The Dalles – living in our small basement apartment and inviting Andrew down stairs every afternoon for Sesame Street. You could tell who they were interest in seeing!
In Oregon, 6% of children under 18 are living in the homes of their grandparents and in a third of those homes, the grandparents are responsible for raising the children. And there are many more grandparents who everyday provide trusted, caring and affordable childcare while the parents work.
“The best baby-sitters, of course, are the baby’s grandparents. You feel completely comfortable entrusting your baby to them for long periods, which is why most grandparents flee to Florida.” Dave Barry
Grandparents play an important role in the lives of their grandchildren. And if you would like to learn “Why grandchildren do the things they do!” you are invited to the Center’s 11:00 Tuesday Lecture on June 4th. Valerie Kendrick, Director of Great-n-Small (MCMC’s Child Development Center), will discuss what to expect as children grow through the different stages of childhood. And as a bonus, you will learn several proven tricks of the trade to help children develop to their full potential.
“I don’t intentionally spoil my grandkids. It’s just that correcting them often takes more energy than I have left.” Gene Perret
And if you are still baffled by your grandchildren’s behavior, there is a FREE three-hour workshop on June 11th from 6:00-9:00 PM at CGCC. You will learn how the revolutionary process known as “Pocket Full of Feelings” will give you everything you need to know to help improve your grandchildren’s behaviors. Space is limited, so please register early to reserve your spot. Call 541-506-6130 or email ccp@cgcc.cc.or.us.
“What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies.” Rudolph Giuliani
It is not easy to maintain the grounds around the Center, but thanks to David Zopf, Gary Conley and the Union Pacific Retirees it gets done. And thanks Barb Pashek, who is following a line of volunteers (Mary Barrett, Betty Richmond, Prudence Amick) for giving her time planting flowers in the raised flower beds in front of the Center. But Barb and I have a special connection: both of us have lost a parent to Alzheimer’s. And consequently when we meet, we often check to see if either one of us has picked up the gene. So Barb, I just have to say “We will be friends until we are old and senile – and then we will be new friends!”
“The Cruise ships are coming! The Cruise ships are coming!” You can hear the cries coming from The Dalles Chamber of Commerce office. In order to prepare for the cruise ships, the chamber is stuffing tourist information packets, so the visitors can learn more about The Dalles and tell their neighbors and friends. That is a lot of work and they could use some help. If you are interested in volunteering during the tourist season give them a call at 541-296-2231.
And before the lights fade and the curtain opens, playing tonight at the Center is “The Dufur Boys” And on Tuesday, June 4th, The Strawberry Mountain Band” will knock your socks off. Music starts at 7:00, everyone is welcome and donations are appreciated.
The answer to last week’s “Remember When” question was Country Hall of Fame piano player Floyd Cramer. So you know your jazz and country music stars? How about folk musicians of the 50’s and 60’s? These three young men started performing in the San Francisco Bay area and in 1958 helped launch the pop-folk boom with their first album and its hit recording which sold over three million copies as a single. What was the name of this trio? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with the lyrics of the Appalachian “sweetheart murder ballad” named Tom Dooley.
Well, it has been another week trying to slip out the back door while they’re knocking at the front. Until we meet again, keep your shoes tied and never leave the playground.
