Libraries have been described as the “medicine chest of the soul”, “reservoirs of strength, grace and wit”, the “delivery room for the birth of ideas”, and the “cradle of democracy”. Yet when was the last time you visited a library?

We are very fortunate in Wasco County to have access to three fine libraries serving the public. Next Tuesday at the Center from 11:00 until noon, folks from Columbia Gorge Community College library, The Dalles/Wasco County library and Planetree Resource Center will discuss the many resources and services they provide. Learn how to access general interest and professional magazines, both at the library and on a new online database; learn how to find accurate and reliable health information; and learn about story time for your grandkids, the large print book collection, and even knitting groups. As Malcolm Forbes once said “The richest person in the world – in fact all the riches in the world – couldn’t provide you with anything like the endless, incredible loot available at your local library”.

Every week I mention who is performing on Tuesday night at the Center. But I struggle to say it in a way that isn’t same the same old, same old. So this week I am going to challenge you by using the language of millions: sign language. So focus and see if you can understand what I am signing.

Now, did you catch all of that? Since I know not everyone understands sign language and my presentation might have been a little rough, here is the written translation. Tonight, the Notecrackers are back and next week Truman Boler’s one man Country Gold will be playing for your listening and dancing pleasure. The shows start at 7:00 and admission is free, but donations are gracefully accepted.
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From the five correct answers submitted last week for the “Remember When” contest, Joanne Scott’s name was drawn. She won a free Saturday breakfast by remembering that Bob Keeshan played the title character in the children’s TV show called Captain Kangaroo. (Keeshan was also the first Clarabell the Clown on Howdy Doody.)

This week’s question is a reminder of the US auto industry’s better days. What American singer/actress hosted a popular variety show and every week sang the show’s theme song “See the U.S.A. in Your Chevrolet”?

Each week you can enter the “Remember When” trivia contest by calling the Center at 296-4788, emailing your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com or by the preferred method – writing your answer on a brand new crisp $50 bill and dropping it off at the Center. And don’t forget they have to be in by 5 PM on Wednesday.

It’s that time of year: Thanksgiving week when we gather with friends and loved ones and appreciate all that we have – including this last bit of sanity before the big Christmas rush.

And to provide a little comfort as you plow through Thanksgiving dinner, all the cranberry sauce, bread crust in stuffing, and the cocoa in hot chocolate are loaded with antioxidants which are good for fighting disease and the effects of aging. So when you finish off your third helping of cranberry sauce and stuffing, feel good knowing you have helped your brain health – although maybe not so much your waistline.

The Center and Meals-on-Wheels will both be closed Thursday through Sunday for the Thanksgiving holiday (including no Bingo on Thursday and Saturday) but don’t forget the Community Thanksgiving dinner served at St. Mary’s from 12 till 3. The dinner is again organized by the Salvation Army and they can always use volunteers. You can call them at 296-6417.

Another week has passed and all is good. Until we meet again, as you sit down for Thanksgiving dinner, you may want to keep in mind the Latvian proverb, “A smiling face is half the meal”.