Author Archives: mcseniorcenter

Living Well in the Gorge December 12th 2018

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It’s the Christmas season, but scammers never take a holiday – and what’s worse, they’re getting more cunning. They’ve learned know how to bait the hook and pull you in. But here are four tips so you don’t get caught, cleaned and gutted of your hard-earned cash.
Never “pay to play”. You cannot win a lotter or sweepstakes you did not enter, and a legitimate sweepstakes will not ask for money upfront. Even though we dream being offered that incredible “deal”, if it seems too good to be true, it usually is.
Take your time. Scammers often claim an emergency hoping you will take quick action without checking out the situation. One of my rules is never commit to anything on the phone and I always give myself at least a couple of days to think about the offer. And seldom is the “one time only” deal available only once.
Check with loved ones. Before offering to help a grandchild or a loved one, call them to make sure the request is real.
If you do receive a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission online at www.ftccomplaintassistant.govor call 1-877-FTC-HELP.
Interestingly, older adults are more likely to report fraud than younger people. The top scams reported by older adults are technical support scams, prizes/sweepstakes/lottery scams, family and friend imposter frauds, and real estate and timeshare resale offers.
What I found surprising though is that contrary to popular thinking, older Americans are not necessarily defrauded by scams at higher rates than younger consumers. But tragically older adults have reported much higher individual dollar losses than younger consumers.
The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s primary consumer protection agency, has been working diligently to protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices. – and protecting older adults has been a top FTC priority for decades. Actions they have taken include challenging phony sweepstakes and bogus tech support to a case over alleged claims that a product could treat everything from arthritis to memory loss.
But the FTC can’t do it alone. Consequently, the FTC has started a “Pass It On” campaign encouraging individuals to share their experiences with friends and family. The more information that gets out to every corner of our communities, the better protected we will all be from costly scams. For more information go to consumerfinance.gov/oa or call 855-411-2372. Or you can check out “Pass It On” at www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0030-pass-it-on.
Now that we’ve had our first visit of snow, it is a good time to mention the Center’s snow closure policy. If School District 21 is closed, the Center will be closed. If there is a two-hour morning delay, the morning classes will be cancelled. The Center’s concern is we don’t want anyone to feel obligated to attend a class or meal when the roads and sidewalk are unsafe.
Last week I mentioned The Center’s Christmas Breakfast from 8:00 – 9:30 on December 15th sponsored by Dean Dollarhide and Dennis Morgan. But I forgot to mention there’s going to be more than the “All-You-Can-Eat” Pancakes. There will be door prizes, a raffle drawing for one of the two quilts hanging in the lobby – one of which is a full size 77” by 97” quilt with an animal theme; and another chance to purchase a beautiful one-of-a kind lap blanket or apron. Come and enjoy breakfast and more!!
The 1965 epic romantic drama set in Russia between the years prior to World War I and the Russian Civil War; and starred Julie Christie was Dr. Zhivago. (I received correct answers from Cheri Brent, Sandy Haechrel, Jess Birge, Tiiu Vahtel and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket Laura Comini.)
Time to move from Julie Christie to Warren Beatty whose career as an actor, writer, director and film producer spanned 5 decades. But his popularity took off when he starred in this landmark film that told the story of a couple who during the middle of the great depression started with small time heists then moved to robbing banks; and who in the movie’s final scene died in a flood of bullets. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of this 1967 film? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or send your answer with a recording of “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” by Flatt and Scruggs.
Well, it’s been another week learning how to deal with it. Until we meet again, with time you learn that one of the necessary ingredients of successful aging is PATIENCE.
“When you stumble make it part of the dance.” author unknown

Aging Well in the Gorge December 5th 2018

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I have been fighting a cold this last week and on Friday I started feeling better. Was it because I was drinking plenty of fluids? Getting extra sleep? Or the cold medicine was finally kicking in? Maybe. But I realized what seemed to make the most difference was the sun was shining!
Do you often feel more motivated, energized and in a better mood when the sun has broken through the clouds? And does it sometimes get you down when during the winter months of inversion and overcast skies, the sun becomes that friend who runs off spending the winter in Arizona.  
Feeling a little down during the winter months is not unusual. But for a few people it may be more than just the winter blues. They may be experiencing Seasonal Adjusted Disorder or SAD. Symptoms of SAD include a depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep and appetite, a loss of pleasure in activities you once loved, and even thoughts of death or suicide. If you experience these types of feelings causing disruptions in your life, you should reach out to your primary care provider or a mental health professional because treatments are available.
But for rest of us there are things we can do to lift our spirits. Suggestions include getting outside more often, trying to get more sunshine (although you may have to drive to Dufur on Mt Hood), getting plenty of sleep, practicing relaxation exercises and keeping up your physical exercise.
During the winter it is easy to get stuck inside – adding pounds and moving slower. But the Center offers several movement classes, so you don’t lose “your get up and go” over the winter months. Classes range from Tai Chi to Zumba Gold with Chair Yoga, Strength Yoga and Strong Women in between.
Planning a healthier lifestyle during the winter months is always a good idea – staying active and engaged even when you might just want to stay under the covers in a nice warm bed all day.
The bazaars keep cascading through the holiday season and one of my favorites is Habitat for Humanity’s Annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 8th from 10 – 2 PM at the UCC Church. Besides a variety of local vendors and baked goods, you won’t want to miss their always popular Soup and Pie Luncheon for $6.00. And this year they have added the “Festival of the Wreaths” – wreaths made by the local banks and credit unions. You can vote for your favorite wreath and maybe take one home.
Quick reminder. Nehemiah Brown will be performing his Christmas Concert at the Center on Tuesday, December 11th 11:30 – 1:30 sponsored by The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation
The Center’s annual Christmas Breakfast will be December 15th sponsored by the Center’s friends Dean Dollarhide and Dennis Morgan. The menu will include “All-You-Can-Eat” Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Sausage plus fruit and your favorite beverage. The cost is still only $6.00 for the general public and $3.00 for children 12 and under.
The four Disney animated films that were among the top ten grossing films of the 1950’s, listed in order of gross earnings, were Lady and the Tramp (1955), Peter Pan (1953), Cinderella (1950) and Sleeping Beauty (1959). (I received correct answers from Cheri Brent, Jeanne Pesicka and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket Ruth Radcliffe. And from the week before the only answer I could find was also from Cheri Brent who answered correctly Ray Price.)
We’ll stick with movies for a couple more weeks. If I asked my kids who the most popular movies stars are today, I’m sure I wouldn’t recognize half of their names. But they probably wouldn’t recognize Julie Christie who starred in several box office hits in the 60’s. For this week’s “Remember When” question what 1965 epic romantic drama did she star in that was directed by David Lean; set in Russia between the years prior to World War I and the Russian Civil War of 1917–1922: and was based on the 1957 Boris Pasternak novel of the same name? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or send your answer or the back of the score for “Lara’s Theme”.
Well, it’s been another week trying to pay attention to where I am in life. Until we meet again, you know you are getting older when your memories are found in museums.
“I still have a full deck; I just shuffle slower now.” ~Author Unknown

Aging Well in the Gorge November 28th 2018

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You are probably reading this on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. But to have more time to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday, I wrote this a week ago – before Thanksgiving. (which makes me feel as if I’m in two places at once – now and then!)
So to keep it simple, here is fun mental challenge I found circulating on the Internet which I don’t remember sharing before – which doesn’t mean I haven’t. (But if I did, you won’t remember the answers, right?)
There are only four questions, but you are going to have to think outside the proverbial box. And according to the mental health specialists who developed this test, if you miss all four, you should strongly consider scheduling an appointment with your favorite counselor. (I have mine scheduled for next month!)
1.The Giraffe Test – How do you put a giraffe into a refrigerator? Stop and think about it and decide on your answer before you move on.
The correct answer: Open the refrigerator, put in the giraffe, and close the door. This question tests whether you tend to do simple things in an overly complicated way.
2. The Elephant Test – How do you put an elephant into a refrigerator?
Did you say, Open the refrigerator, put in the elephant, and close the refrigerator? Wrong Answer.
Correct Answer: Open the refrigerator, take out the giraffe, put in the elephant and close the door. This tests your ability to think through the repercussions of your previous actions.
3. The Lion King Test – The Lion King is hosting an Animal Conference. All the animals attend … except one. Which animal does not attend?
Correct Answer: The Elephant. The elephant is in the refrigerator. You just put him in there. This tests your memory.
Okay, this is your last chance before you have to pick up the phone to schedule your appointment. Think!
4. The Crocodile Test – There is a river you must cross but it is used by crocodiles, and you do not have a boat. How do you manage it?
Correct Answer: You jump into the river and swim across. Haven’t you been lis-ten-ing? All the crocodiles are attending the Animal Conference. This tests whether you learn quickly from your mistakes.
So how did you do? Are you still mentally on top of your game – or are you slipping a few strokes?  If you didn’t do so well, don’t worry. Maybe good mental health isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be!
On Saturday, December 8th, Habitat for Humanity will be holding their Annual Christmas Bazaar (with their famous selection of delicious soups), downstairs at the United Congregational Church from 10:00 – 2:00 PM. And if you are interested in displaying your crafts and wares, call Becky Bailey at 541-980-9015.
The Center has scheduled the always popular Nehemiah Brown to perform three more times thanks to The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation Center’s support. Nehemiah’s next performance will be a Christmas Concert on Tuesday, December 11thfrom 11:30 to 1:30 – before and after the noon lunch provided by Meals-on-Wheels. There is no charge, but you are welcome to enjoy lunch for a suggested donation of $4.00 for anyone 60 and over or $6.00 for anyone under 60.
The country singer who started playing honky-tonk, then moved to the smoother Nashville sound; and who recorded hits over three decades including “Release Me”, “For the Good Times” and “You’re the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” was Ray Price. (Since I’m writing this column early, I’ll include the correct answers next week. But from last week, I did miss Cheryl Green who enjoyed dancing to the BeeGees on a Disco Dance Team.)
It’s time to change gears from television and music to movies. Let’s see if I can spark any memories from back in the day of drive-ins and opulent downtown movie theaters.
The 1950’s was a very successful decade for Disney Animation. For this week’s “Remember When” question, name two of the four Disney animated films that were among the top ten grossing films of the 1950’s – not the 30’s or 40’s. And for bonus points tell me your favorite. Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or send your answer with a picture of Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California.
Well, it’s been another week pulling out the winter coats. Until we meet again, it always feels warmer when the sun is shining.
“I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.” Anna Quindlen, writer

Aging Well in the Gorge November 21st 2018

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With Thanksgiving becoming another shopping holiday: Black Friday spreading into Black Thursday, and now stealing into most of November, I have begun to appreciate the perspective I have gained from having lived these many years: I don’t need the mad rush of finding the best deals of the pre-pre-holiday sales. And I certainly don’t need crowded stores, long lines and packed parking lots. The fact is I don’t really need any more “things” (although I do dream of the latest Apple products). Instead I’m trying to give away stuff – and there is plenty of it. Anyone looking for a treadmill? How about a 40-year old 10-speed Fuji bicycle?
Knowing that in a flash, my life could be tossed upside down, more “things” aren’t that necessary. As long as I have food in the cupboard, a roof over my head, friends, family and a wonderful and patient wife, I’m doing just fine. I hope you have found all you need and can appreciate all you have during this season of thanksgivings.
For someone who has recently or even not so recently lost a loved one, the holidays can be particularly difficult. You may be that someone, when memories of special times together around the holidays come flooding back, along with all the conflicting questions associated with grief: Shouldn’t I be over this? Am I going crazy? Why can’t I feel happy?
Or it may be someone you know who is experiencing the loss of a loved one; needing your support of listening and being open and present to their quiet and often silent sadness.
Whether it is you or a friend, it can help to find a supportive safe haven where you can share your feelings and maybe even a few tears; and realize you are not alone. It may be an informal group such as your church family or close friends. Or it may be one of several excellent grief support groups available in the Gorge.
A new grief support group is meeting at the Center on the first and third Thursdays at 10:30. At the next meeting on December 6th the focus will be “Coping with Loss on Days That Hold Special Meaning”. The support group is facilitated by Gwen Thomas, a bereavement counselor for Providence Hospice of the Gorge, and if you would like more information you can contact Gwen at 541-490-0525.
If you are in town on Thursday, the annual Community Thanksgiving Meal will be held once again at the St. Mary’s Academy from 12:00 – 3:00 PM. It is a chance to enjoy a nice Thanksgiving Dinner and see friends you may not have seen since last year. And a big thank-you to our local Salvation Army and the many volunteers who make it all possible.
When driving by the corner of 10th and Cherry Heights, I hope you have noticed the Center’s new message board (and if you haven’t, you may want to seriously think about giving up the car keys!) The Center’s board of directors had been considering installing a message board for several years. And thanks to Gary Patton’s determination and the tremendous help from Meadows Outdoor Advertising, the message board is now up and scrolling news from the Center.
The band created by the three Gibb brothers, Barry, Robin and Maurice, that recorded three of Billboard’s Top 20 hits of the 1970’s, all from the soundtrack for Saturday Night Fever, was the BeeGees. (I received correct answers from Jess Birge, Lana Tepfer, Susan Ortega and this week’s winner of a free quilt raffle ticket Cheri Brent.)
I have realized that never listening to country music when growing up has biased the music questions I ask. So, to make up for Pat Boone, Herman’s Hermits and the BeeGees, here is a question about a country singer whose career spanned three decades. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what singer was one of the stalwarts of 1950’s honky tonk music with hit songs such as “Talk To Your Heart” and “Release Me”; in the 1960’s experimented with the Nashville Sound, and in the 1970’s recorded several hits including “For the Good Times” and “You’re the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me”.  Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or send your answer with a picture of cowboys from Cherokee County Texas.
Well, it’s been another week anticipating the excitement of the holidays. Until we meet again, make the best of the hard times and cherish the good times.
“An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day.” Irv Kupcinet

Aging Well in the Gorge November 14th 2018

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Everyone has heard of Osteoporosis – a thinning and weakening of the bones. But have you heard of sarcopenia? According to MedlinePlus, the website for the U.S. National Library of Medicine, sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass, strength and function affecting an estimated 13% to as many as half of all adults in their 80’s. And according to Dr. Jeremy D. Walston, geriatrician at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, “Sarcopenia is one of the most important causes of functional decline and loss of independence in older adults.”
Doesn’t sound good, does it. So, what can you do to help prevent or reduce the effects of sarcopenia?
The most obvious is physical activity – particularly resistance or strength training. Some research shows it is even possible to rebuild muscle strength at an advanced age (If you want to get started, the Center offers Strong Women and Strength Yoga: two classes that include strength training.)
But often forgotten is the importance of nutrition especially protein – the main constituent of healthy muscle tissue. Protein deficiency is a particular concern for older adults because they tend to take in fewer calories in general (I don’t eat as much as I used to – even pizza!) and older adults absorb protein less effectively.
Acccording to Dr. John E. Morley, geriatrician at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, to enhance muscle mass older adults require at least 0.54 grams of protein per pound of ideal body weight (what you should weigh) which is generally much more than what older adults typically consume.
For example, if you are a sedentary and your ideal weight is 150 pounds, you may need to eat as much as 81 grams (0.54 x 150) of protein daily. To give you an idea what that means, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter has 8 grams of protein; 1 cup of nonfat milk = 8.8 grams; 2 medium eggs =11.4 grams; one chicken drumstick = 2.2 grams; a half-cup of cottage cheese = 15 grams; and 3 ounces of turkey = 26.8 grams of protein. And if you’re getting your protein primarily from meat and cereal grains, it should be balanced with a diet high in fruits and vegetable in order to effectively treat sarcopenia.
To avoid the loss of independence associated with sarcopenia consider adding strength training to your exercise routine. Just as important, include in your diet enough protein to help build up your muscle mass so you can pick up both feet – and avoid those nasty falls. And before you start anything new it is always a good idea to check with your health care provider.
The holiday bazaars have begun. And the granddaddy of them all, the St. Peter’s 40thAnnual Bazaar, will be held November 17th from 9:00 – 4:00 at the St. Mary’s Academy. And on the same day, across 10th Street, the Center will be holding its own Bazaar from 9:00 – 3:00. This is your chance to “double your pleasure” shopping two great bazaars at once.
The name of the clean-cut band that had four top-three hits in 1965 including “I’m Henery the Eighth I Am”, (spelled “Henery” but pronounced “‘Enery” in the Cockney style normally used to sing it) was the Herman’s Hermits. I received correct answers from Lana Tepfer, Cherie Brent and Carol Earl this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket. And last week I missed Sharon Hull.)
Did anyone have time to listen to pop hits in the 70’s particularly during the Disco era? If you did, you might remember the answer to this week’s “Remember When” question. In 1955 these three brothers formed their first band in England called the Rattlesnakes. But they changed the band’s name, and by the end of the 1970’s their band had sold over 200 million records worldwide and recorded three of the Billboard’s Top 20 hits of the 1970’s. What was the name of this band most remembered for their hits from 1975 to 1979 that extended the disco craze? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or send your answer with the movie starring John Travolta as Tony Manero, a working-class young man who spends his weekends dancing and drinking at a local Brooklyn discothèque.
Well, it’s been another week tiptoeing around life’s traps that get in my way. Until we meet again, keep searching for that balance between what is real and what is possible.

“It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do little.” Sydney Smith, English Preacher

Aging Well in the Gorge November 7th 2018

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A nice group has been gathering at the Center at 11:00 on Fridays to share thoughts about life from a sixty, seventy, eighty and even 90-year-old perspective. Called “Let’s Talk” the group has decided to keep meeting and you are welcome to join us. Next Friday the topic of our conversation will be what do we enjoy doing with our time. Traveling? Volunteering? Hobbies? Taking naps in the afternoon?
One topic we have already discussed is what we worry about. And what do you think the most common answer was? It was falling – which most everyone has experienced including myself. One take away from the discussion was the importance of paying attention – which isn’t easy for me. When I’m moving, I like to let my mind wonder which I find therapeutic and often helps me remember what I’ve forgotten. But that isn’t always a good idea if you want to remain vertical.
Paying attention can help you avoid those painful lessons learned, such as Lesson One: hold on the handrail when using the stairs, because the stairs is the last place you want to fall. Or Lesson Two: pick up your feet when walking to avoid the little stumble which can turn into a nasty fall and black and blue all over.
Whether you are driving, walking, climbing down the stairs – pay attention. It is your insurance plan to avoid any unnecessary unpleasantness. A vacation stay in the nearest hospital is not the ideal way to spend time away from home.
This year November 11th falls on a Sunday, so Veterans Day will be observed on Monday, November 12th. Consequently, on Monday the Center and Meals-on-Wheels will be closed, and the annual Veterans Parade will be held starting at 11:00. Also, if you haven’t checked it out already, Columbia Gorge Veterans Museum will be open on Monday from 10:00 – 3:00 PM.
And speaking of Veterans Day, I use to include an apostrophe in Veterans Day. But I’ve learned. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs website, the official spelling should NOT be possessive case with an apostrophe “because it is not a day that ‘belongs’ to veterans, it is a day for honoring all veterans.”
There is a wealth of information on the Internet – some amusing, some frightening; some informative and some brain numbing. But one gem I came across on the Next Avenue website was an article explaining the calming effects of – what do you think? Aromatherapy? Yoga? A nice soak in a hot tub? No. It’s therapy chickens! I never would have thought – maybe because I grew up in the city where the closest I came to farm animals was a yappy family dog. But apparently, if you are stressed out dealing with your latest ailment or your adult children telling you how to live, you should consider raising chickens.
And the Center can get your started. On display at the Center is a beautiful two-level Chicken Coop for which you can purchase a raffle ticket for $10 or three for $25. But here’s a better idea. Win the chicken coop for your adult children – so they can relax and stop bothering you!
The second-biggest charting artist of the late 1950s with thirty-eight top-40 hits, who hosted a variety television series from 1957 through 1960; and appeared in more than twelve Hollywood films was Pat Boone. (I received correct answers from Alice Mattox, Dale Roberts, Sherry Brent, Sandy Haechrel, Jess Birge, Bobetta Stewart, Carol Earl, Lana Tepfer and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket, Michael Carrico – living in the Columbia River GorgeUs.)
I’m going to stick with music, but a decade later – during the “British Invasion”. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the band with the photogenic lead singer and a simple, non-threatening, and clean-cut image that in 1965 had four top-three hits including a recording of a British music hall song which the lead singer’s Irish grandfather use to sing. Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or send your answer with a family picture of Mrs. Brown and her lovely daughter.
Well, it’s been another week wishing that as I grow older there would be at least one thing getting easier.  Until we meet again, keep moving even though at times it may seem like you’re going backwards.
“The soldier, above all others, prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” General Douglas MacArthur

Aging Well in the Gorge October 31st 2018

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Do you remember your family doctor stopping by the house with his black leather satchel checking in to see how you were doing? And in those days, you’d do whatever the doctor said. No questions asked.
Times have changed. Communication between you and your health care provider is no longer a one-way conversation. Now it is more a partnership, working as a team. And it should be. If your doctor doesn’t know what you are experiencing, how is she going to treat you successfully. And if you don’t understand the how’s, what’s, when’s  and why’s of your diagnosis and treatment, how are you going to stay motivated to follow your doctor’s orders. 
This is particularly true for older adults. We often are discussing with our doctor more difficult health conditions and treatments, affecting more facets of our lives. And what is said can be easily misunderstood. At a gerontology conference, I heard a health care professional say that after a doctor’s appointment most people only remember about half what they heard – and it’s wrong!
Here are a few tips provided by the National Institute on Aging to help you get the most out of your doctor’s visit.
1.) Be honest. Don’t just say what you want the doctor to hear – that you have been exercising even when you haven’t. Tell it like it is so she will have accurate information for her diagnosis and treatment.
2.) Decide which three or four questions you’ll ask and state them at the beginning of the appointment, so they aren’t overlooked.
3.) Stick to the point. I always enjoy the friendly small-town chats. But keep it short and get to the reason you are there by briefly stating your symptoms, when they started, how often they happen and if they are getting worse or better.
4.) Share your feelings about the visit. Tell your doctor if you feel rushed, worried, or uncomfortable. If you are confused, ask your doctor to clarify. If you are worried about your condition and would like to talk more, ask her for more time or schedule another appointment.
It’s important to stay informed – one reliable source for medical information is MedlinePlus produced by the U.S. Library of Medicine. And to ask questions. But don’t be shy. You need to be your own advocate or find someone who will be. And if your doctor keeps brushing off your questions and symptoms as simply you’re getting old, you might want to look for another doctor.
You can learn more by visiting the website www.nia.nih.gov/health. Or even better, on Wednesday November 7th at 11:00 at the Center, you can attend a presentation by Nicole Pashek ANP on “How to Talk to Your Medical Provider” where you can ask questions and share your doctor-patient experiences.
The name of the first network television western series broadcast on NBC starting in 1949 and starring William Boyd as a reserved and well-spoken hero dressed in black who traveled the west on his white horse Topper was Hopalong Cassidy. (I received correct answers from Carol Earl, Jess Birge, Alice Mattox, Harold and Lucile Stephens, Sharon Hull, Jerry Taylor, Diana Weston, Lana Tepfer and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket, Beverly McKinney.  And as usual, last week I missed Carol Earl and Mary Collins.)
Back in the day, the new technology was television and we all watched with anticipation shows on the “Big Three” networks: NBC, CBS and ABC. It was one of those national experiences we all had in common. And to some degree, you can say the same about popular music when we tapped our foot to the top 40 hits on our favorite AM radio station.
So for this week’s “Remember When” question, who was the second most popular recording artist of the late 1950s (behind Elvis) with thirty-eight top-40 hits including “Love Letters in the Sand”, “April Love”, “Ain’t that a Shame”, “Don’t Forbid Me”, and “I Almost Lost My Mind”; and at the  age of twenty-three, hosted a half-hour ABC variety television series from 1957 through 1960?  Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or send your answer with one of the five issues of the DC comic book series in which this recording artist starred.
Well, it’s been another week living in the now because I can’t remember yesterday. Until we meet again, always do what you can – until you no longer can.
“I told the doctor I broke my leg in two places. He told me to quit going to those places.” Henny Youngman

Aging Well in the Gorge October 24th 2018

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You hadn’t finished the latest chapter in your life and now another chapter starts and you’re in a new living situation: a new town, new residential living facility, or living with one of your adult children. And it’s good: greater safety, less physical demands, fewer worries; but often it also means making new friends. And at our age it isn’t as easy as making friends on the playground. But it is possible. Here are four tips from Margaret Manning, author and founder of Sixtyandme.com. that might help.
Get to know yourself. To make new friends, you will need to be motivated and confident; and knowing what you want and who you are is often the first step. Learn to become your own best friend.
Chase passions not people. Take a class or volunteer in an area that interests you. At the Center, we offer many classes which are always looking for new faces. You will then have that common conversation starter – and who knows where it will lead.
Develop Your Physical and Emotional Resources. Start some simple exercises. Or try Pickleball. Make sure it’s something you enjoy. And emotionally, do activities that make you happier such as the ideas promoted by Gorge Happiness Month.
Invite people into your life. Now that you have a better idea of who you are, and are committed to pursuing your passions, it’s time to reach out and get to know other people. But if it doesn’t work out, not everything does, don’t take it personally!
Making new friends isn’t easy. Don’t compare yourself to those folks who seem to have been bred to make friends. It takes a belief in yourself, getting out and taking a few emotional risks – which often requires time and persistence. But it’s worth it.
Many people look forward to retirement – trading in the stress and worry of work for extra free time, neglected hobbies and grandchildren. But those retired years are not without their own challenges: money, health and loss. The theme for our next “Let’s Talk: Conversations about Things that Matter” on Friday, October 19th from 11:00 – 12:00 is “What do you have to worry about? You’re retired! Come and join the conversation.
We’re coming to the end of Gorge Happiness Month, and after this week you’re on your own. Until next October, keep practicing the Daily 3’s: Three Gratitudes, an Act of Kindness and a Moment of Silence.
25th – Say yes; 
26th– Have a conversation where you listen more than you talk; 
27th – Pick a good moment from yesterday and draw it;  
28th  – Let someone go in front of you in line; 
29th  – Come up with a new idea to do and then send it to Gorge Happiness at info@gorgehappiness.org; 
30th  – Go back and do one you have missed; and  
31st  – Give candy to a stranger.
The name of the gentleman gunfighter who worked as a mercenary gunfighter in the television series Have Gun Will Travel was Paladin played by Richard Boone – who according Diane Weston also starred as the bad guy in the John Wayne movie Big Jake.
(I also received correct answers from Cheri Brent, Herman Nueberger, Merle Gearhart, Jerry Taylor, Dale Roberts, Alice Mattox, Sandy Haechrel, Kim Birge, Jerry Betts, Lana Tepfer (who said you can still watch it on channel 2.2), Dale Roberts, Carol Staves, Kay Tenold, Carol Irwin, and Gary Van Orman who with his acting experience is this week’s winner of quilt raffle ticket. And as is my habit, last week I missed Rhonda Austin, Lucilee Stephens, Sandy Haechrel and Cheri Brent.)
Okay, I promise this is ABSOLUTELY the last western television series question for this year.  I was going to ask about one of Sandy Haechrel’s and my favorite Saturday morning westerns, Sky King. But I went back in the archives and found I had asked about Sky King just last March. So instead, hopefully you’ll remember the first network television western series when it aired on NBC in 1949.  For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of this western series starring a reserved and well-spoken hero dressed in black who traveled the west on his white horse Topper and starred William Boyd? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or send your answer with a bottle of nonalcoholic sarsaparilla.
Well, it’s been another week looking forward to each day’s new surprise.  Until we meet again, before you call the electrician, check the breaker box.
“If fate means you to lose, give him a good fight anyhow.” William McFee, writer

Aging Well in the Gorge October 17th 2018

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Medicare fraud and abuse is costly for our nation losing billions of dollars each year. But according to Oregon’s Senior Medicare Patrol, you can make a difference by protecting, detecting and reporting.
Protecting your personal information is the first and best line of defense in the fight against healthcare fraud and abuse. Treat your Medicare and Social Security numbers like a credit card number. Never give these numbers to a stranger, even when tempted by a friendly voice on the telephone who wants to help.  Remember, Medicare doesn’t call or visit to sell you anything.
Another suggestion is to use a calendar or create a personal health journal to record doctor visits, tests and procedures. It’s like keeping a diary when you were a youngster, but instead of recording loves lost and found, you are tracking your latest health ups and downs. Oh, how times have changed!
It is also important to save your Medicare Summary Notices and any Explanation of Benefits (If it wasn’t for my wife, I would probably toss them because I find them so difficult to understand). You should review them for any potential errors or fraud – and then compare them to your personal health care journal and prescription drug receipts to make sure they are correct. Look for charges for something you didn’t receive; billing for the same thing twice; or services that were not ordered by your doctor.
If you suspect any errors or fraud, or have questions, call your provider or plan first. Then if you are not satisfied with their response, report your concerns to your local Senior Medicare Patron (SMP) at 1-877-808-2468 or contact the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) of Oregon: 1-855-ORE-ADRC (673-2372) or www.ADRCofOregon.org.
You can learn more about Medicare Fraud at the Center’s next “Lectures for the Curious” on Wednesday, October 24th at 11:00. Sue Ann Arguelles, the local SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance) coordinator will be the speaker.
Are you at an age where you feel you are invisible: seldom noticed or valued? Or are you one who makes enough noise you can’t be ignored? For our next “Let’s Talk: Conversations about Things that Matter” on Friday, October 19th from 11:00 – 12:00 the theme will be “I’m Still Here! – Staying Visible”.
Wow, we have already entered the second half of Gorge Happiness Month. Here are a few more suggestions for things to do during this next week.
18th – Send a thank-you note; 
19th– Attend a new free class or event; 
20th – Bite the middle of a pencil for 3 minutes (your brain thinks you’re smiling – but everyone else will think your nuts!)); 
21st  – Make plans for something happy next weekend; 
22nd  – Go for a walk; 
23rd  – Smile at someone you don’t know; 
24th  – Walk or drive a different route.
The name of the western that was the most watched television show in 1962 and recounted the adventures of a group of settlers as they made their way from St. Joseph Missouri to California was Wagon Train. (I received correct answers from Betsy Ayers, Jess Birge, Louise Wooderson, Dale Roberts, Virginia McClain, Alice Mattox, Diana Weston, Lana Tepfer, Sharon Hull, Jerry Taylor, Jerry Betts and Ruth Radcliffe who told me if you have an antenna, you can watch Wagon Train every day at 4:00 on channel 2.2. But since there were so many entries Sharon Pevera, Sunny T and Carol Stace are this week’s winners of a quilt raffle ticket each.)

Since last week’s question was so popular, I’m going to take it up a notch and see if you can remember the lead character in this classic American Western television series that aired on CBS from 1957 through 1963. For this week’s “Remember When” question, in the half hour television series Have Gun Will Travel  (which I do remember watching) what was the name of the gentleman gunfighter who travels around the Old West working as a mercenary gunfighter for people who hire him to solve their problems? And for bonus points, who was the actor that played that character?

Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or send your answer with a knight chess piece.
Well, it’s been another week trying to find the right word before I forget the sentence. Until we meet again, it is never too late to spread your wings and fly.
“Don’t be afraid. Because you’re going to be afraid. But remember when you become afraid, just don’t be afraid.” Joan Jett, musician (You got that?)

Aging Well in the Gorge October 10th 2018

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With the advent of the Internet and social media, newspapers are struggling to adapt – some more successfully than others. But this is not the first time.
When I grew up in Indianapolis, there were two daily newspapers – one delivered in the morning and the other in the afternoon. And as was the case in many large cities, one was considered conservative and the other liberal – well, as liberal as Indiana could be. It was the newspaper equivalent to FoxNews and CNN.
But with the increasing popularity of television’s evening news shows, the evening newspaper gradually lost circulation and eventually ceased operations.
Today there are even greater challenges. On October 17that 11:00, RaeLynn Ricarte and Mark Gibson, the Ying and the Yang of The Dalles Chronicle, will speak about the challenges and opportunities local papers face and answer your questions about how the Chronicle is learning to adapt.
Community based local newspapers will adapt and survive. Where else can you find local news vetted following high journalistic standards – and the obituaries!?
Have you experienced “The Talk” where your children sit you down and talk about what they think your future should be? But how about this for an idea. Before they have a chance, let’s reverse it and sit them down and have “The Talk” explaining what we expect from them as our all-to-caring adult children. In other words, telling them to “Stop bugging me and telling me what I should do!”
The joys and challenges of the parent and adult child relationship will be the focus of our next “Let’s Talk: Conversations about Things that Matter” on Friday, October 12th from 11:00 – 12:00.  
We all have our struggles and many times as we get older it feels like we have more than our fair share. But without struggle there isn’t growth. Wasn’t that what we were told when we were children? “If it doesn’t kill you, it will make you stronger.” But in the midst of our struggles and challenges, we can still find happiness.
As I have mentioned, October is Gorge Happiness month, encouraging everyone to incorporate in their daily routine the three habits that can make us happier and healthier: 3 Gratitudes, an Act of Kindness and a Moment of Silence.
And to prime the pump, a specific task is suggested for each day in October including the following for the next seven days: 

11th – Complete one small irritating task; 
12th – Leave a kind note in an unlikely place; 
13th – Take a nap (that’s any easy one!); 
14th – Reach out to someone you haven’t seen in a long time; 
15th – Stop and count the number of things you hear right now (with and without your hearing aids); 
16th – Do someone else’s chores; 
17th  – Listen to music.
If you didn’t follow the suggestion from last week to talk to someone at a Farmer’s Market, your last chance is this coming Saturday between 9:00 and 1:00. After the 13th the Farmer’s Market will be shutting down until next June.
The pitcher who cemented his place in baseball history in the 1965 World Series when he pitched two shutouts for the Los Angeles Dodgers to compliment his twenty-six wins during the regular season was not Don Drysdale or Don Larson but Sandy Koufax. (I received correct answers from Sandy Haechrel, Sharon Hull, Jerry Betts and Lee Kaseberg this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.)
TV westerns were popular in the 50’s and 60’s: Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and Rawhide for example. But I don’t remember watching this show back when it aired on NBC from 1957 through 1962 before it moved to the new ABC. For this week’s “Remember When” question what was the name of the most watched television show in 1962, starring Ward Bond and Robert Horton and recounted the adventures of a group of settlers as they made their way from St. Joseph Missouri across the Mid-Western plains and the Rocky Mountains to California? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or send your answer with the 1960 episode directed by the legendary director John Ford.
Well it’s been another week trying to decide should I or shouldn’t I. Until we meet again as Anton Chekhov once pointed out “Any idiot can face a crisis. It’s the day to day living that wears you out”.
“A newspaper is the center of a community, it’s one of the tent poles of the community, and that’s not going to be replaced by Web sites and blogs.” Michael Connelly