Do you really want to stay young? Or let me put in another way. Do you really want to relive middle school? But although staying forever young may not be our goal, we do want to live independently; we do want to see our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren grow and set out on their own paths. And we do want to live caring and meaningful lives, so who we are and what we do matters.

The other day Jan Holt gave me a list of eleven simple rules that although they are titled “How to Stay Young”, are more about achieving those things we do want; about how to live well. Here they are for your consideration – plus my own short observations on each one.

1. Keep learning – see the world with virgin eyes,
2. Enjoy the simple things – as in the Shaker song, “Tis the gift to be simple”,
3. Laugh often, long and loud. – its contagious,
4. The tears happen – the ones we love won’t live forever,
5. Keep only cheerful friends – leave the rest alone,
6. Surround yourself with what you love. – not with what others say you should have,
7. Cherish your health – don’t take it for granted,
8. Don’t’ take guilt trips – life happens,
9. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity – stay current,
10. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second chance – forgiveness shall set you free,
11. Try everything twice – except Brussels sprouts

This Saturday is the third Saturday of the month which means it is your chance to skip your normal breakfast and enjoy a fine delicious meal of biscuits and gravy, sausage, and scrambled eggs, as well as fruit and your favorite beverage. The cost is only $5.00 and $4.00 for Center members. The breakfast is open to the whole community and all ages, so bring your family and friends. The food starts flowing at 8:00 and we don’t turn off the spigot until 9:30. And as Jack always said,” Breakfast always tastes better when someone else cooks it”.

Next Chapter Lecture on Tuesday October 20th at 11:00 will feature Roger Luedtke discussing the Portland Classical Chinese Gardens in Portland. The Gardens are described as “an authentically built cultural heritage garden and living museum of Chinese trees and flora”. Roger is an avid supporter of the Gardens and his informative presentation of pictures and commentary will be the next best thing to being there.

Because of the talented musicians, Tuesday Night music is the Center’s most popular activity. And the next two weeks are no exception. The always popular and danceable Truman Boler’s one man “Country Gold” is playing tonight. And next Tuesday on the 20th, The Sugar Daddies will be back with Mark Womble leading on keyboard and vocals. Dancing starts at 7:00 and everybody is welcome. There is no charge although donations are appreciated.

Last week’s question was a trick one, but you can’t fool Sandy Haechrel who had the first correct answer. Most of us remember William Bendix playing the role of Lester A Riley on both radio and TV, but when the show moved to television in 1949 the first actor to play the role was Jackie Gleason before his “Honeymooners” fame in the 50’s.

This week’s question celebrates the recent release of the re-mastered catalogue of recordings by the Beatles who one critic described as “not able to carry a tune across the Atlantic”. Although the Beatles had several earlier hits in England, what was the Beatles first single (and #1 song) released in America? Email your guess to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com or call 296-4788.

That’s it for another week. Until we meet again, as the Beatles once sang, “Let it be”. Or as the philosopher farmer from Fossil would say, “Don’t interfere with something’ that ain’t bothering you none.”