Memories has been described as “roses in December”, “lasting perfume” and the “diary that we carry around with us”. And as we age, there is always the nagging fear that the roses will wilt, the perfume will lose its fragrance and the diary will disappear.

But the Mayo Clinic suggests several steps you can take to keep your mind nimble and your memories alive. Physical activity – what is good for the heart is good for the brain. Good nutrition – eat vegetables, fruits, grains and low fat meats. Get organized – eliminate the clutter, (maybe that could be my problem!) and make lists. (But if you want to push the mental envelope, try using memory tricks to remember your shopping list – if you don’t mind going back for what you missed.) Focus – limit distractions. You can’t recall what you haven’t noticed. Socialize regularly – if you have a chance to go out – by all means go. And finally stay mentally active – try something different and take the path less traveled.

All of these steps will be addressed in a new class starting on Monday September 25th when the Center is joining with other Senior Centers from all over the country to pilot a brain health program called “Brunch for the Brain”. In this class you will learn how the brain works while solving puzzles and word games, participating in listening, reminiscing and memory building exercises – as well as stress reducing and creative activities. The twenty one-hour sessions are scheduled for 1:00 on Mondays and Thursdays starting Monday September 25th. Call the Center to reserve your place.

Fern Wilcox will once again be leading the Strong Women’s class but she and her husband still have some unfinished traveling to do, so the class won’t start until October 2nd. Call the Center to register or just show up on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 – 3:00.
The 11:00 Tuesday Lectures are back and since September is Emergency Preparedness Month, I have invited Lynette Black from OSU/Wasco County Extension to discuss that topic on the 18th. And on the 25th, Duane Francis, CEO of Mid-Columbia Medical Center, will discuss the changing landscape in health care.

Call the Center if you are interested in seeing the Sunday matinee performance of the “Singing Christmas Tree” in Portland on December 2nd. If there is enough interest, I will purchase tickets while trying to keep the price under $65 – including transportation.

Saturday the 15th will be a busy day at the Center. The Saturday breakfast sponsored this month by The Dalles High School Class of 1963 will feature hotcakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, fruit and your favorite beverage – served from 8:00 – 9:30 for a price of $5.00. And as recognition of the important role of teachers, the Class of ’63 will pay for breakfast for all past and current public school teachers.

Also on the 15th from 8:00 until 1:00 is the annual Community Parking Lot Sale, as well as Old Fashioned Bingo for all ages from 3:00 – 4:00. And Saturday Night Bingo always starts at 6:00.

Tuesday Night music at the Center is a chance to dance your cares away. Tonight Martin and Friends will be performing, while next Tuesday it is Truman and his Country Gold. Music starts at 7:00 and donations are appreciated.

As many of you knew, Barry Goldwater in 1960 urged conservatives to take back the Republican Party. (And the winner of a free breakfast this coming Saturday is Sandy Goforth.) But for each of the next four weeks, I am going to up the ante and personally give away one $15.00 ticket for the October 5th Baby Back Rib Dinner to the winner of the “Remember When” question. So pay attention.
During the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago, there were nationally televised confrontations between the Chicago police and demonstrators leading to hundreds of arrests and injuries. The following year several participants were charged with conspiracy and inciting to riot. What was the popular name for these defendants? Email your answer to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it with a 1970 edition of “Do It” by Jerry Rubin.

Well, it has been another week, waiting for fall to drop. Until we meet again, let’s face it, getting older is a mixed bag – full of sweet memories and hard truths.

“We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, while others are bright, some have weird names, but we have to learn to live in the same box.” – Anonymous