Author Archives: mcseniorcenter

Aging Well in the Gorge September 13th 2016

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It’s that time of the year. I’m not talking about the weekend football games or the disappearing daylight, but flu season. Seasonal flu outbreaks can start as early as October, and most often peaks between December and February.  
Flu is a particular concern for older adults, because while the flu was once a nasty inconvenience, now that we are older, it can have serious health implications. It is estimated that between 71 percent and 85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths and 54 percent and 70 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred in people 65 years and older.
To protect yourself, the first step is your annual flu shot. Once again, the Center will be offering flu shots in cooperation with Rite-Aid on Wednesday, September 21st from 10:00 until 1:30. Call the Center to sign up.
But since the CDC announced this year’s flu vaccine only covers 50 percent of the strains floating around, you can’t rely only on the flu vaccine, and should take the following additional steps.  
1. Practice good hygiene: wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water; and if soap and water aren’t available use an alcohol-based sanitizer on your hands. 
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth whenever possible. 
3. Avoid crowds when the flu is most prevalent in your area. 
4. Practice good health habits: get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, drink plenty of fluids, eat a nutritious diet, and manage your stress. 
(And don’t forget to stay up to date with your pneumococcal vaccination to protect against pneumococcal pneumonia disease – one of the flu-related complications that can cause death.)
And no, you cannot get the flu from a flu shot – I promise! (Although even with a flu shot, some folks still get the flu from one of the influenza viruses not protected by the vaccine or they caught the flu during the two weeks before the vaccine took effect.)
If you want to increase your chances of avoiding the flu – and its complications, be health wise and get your flu vaccine now, before the flu viruses show their runny noses in the Gorge.
In 1965 Congress passed the Older Americans Act (OAA), creating programs & services for adults aged 60+.  As a recipient of OAA federal funds, the Mid-Columbia Council of Governments’ Area Agency on Aging (AAA), is required to update their Area Plan every 5 years to address needs of seniors. Your input is vital to the development of the Area Plan to help review, assess, redesign and develop programs to meet the needs of our growing elder population. The Area Agency on Aging is asking for citizens 55 and older to participate in a community forum on September 16th from 9:30-11:30 am at the Center to review the services offered to the community and to identify unmet needs. For any questions contact the AAA at 541-298-4101.
On Thursday, September 29th the Center has scheduled a two hour ride on the Mt. Hood Railroad to enjoy the fall colors up the Hood River Valley to Odell. The cost is $55 which includes a lunch and transportation to Hood River. Call the Center to sign up.
The Simcoe Boys will be playing at the Center on Tuesday, September 20th. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and donations are appreciated.
The Checkers Speech heard by 60 million Americans and led to an outpouring of public support was made by the 1952 Republican vice-presidential candidate Richard Nixon. (This week’s winners of a quilt raffle ticket each are Virginia McClain, Maxine Parker, Jerry Taylor and Sue Ortega.)
Two folks who often frequented the Center passed away over the Labor Day weekend: Juanita Ignowski and Bill Van Nice. They were a wealth of local history and the source of my “Remember When” questions about The Dalles. In conversations, they had mentioned this popular roller skating rink on the east side of town out by Big Jim’s. For this week’s “Remember When” question, and in memory of both Juanita and Bill, what was the name of this roller rink from way back when? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or put on your old pair of roller skates and drop your answer off at the Center.  
Well, it’s been another week, cheering for the home team. Until we meet again, our greatest critics are often ourselves.

“Acting is all about honesty. If you can fake that, you’ve got it made.” George Burns

Aging Well in the Gorge September 6th 2016

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As we grow older, there are significant challenges: illicit drugs, unprotected sex – oops, wrong age group! Let’s start again.
As we grow older, there are significant challenges: the cost of health care – even with Medicare coverage; transportation – particularly if you no longer drive; affordable housing – that is clean and accessible; and finding skilled and trusted caregivers. But do you agree? Or are there other challenges you feel haven’t been adequately addressed? And which ones do you feel are the most critical?
The local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) would like to hear your thoughts and insights about what our communities need to support older adults, at a community meeting at the Center on Friday, September 16th from 10:00 – 11:30. The results from the meeting will help shape the services and supports the AAA provides for older adults in the region.
But it will take more than government programs such as the AAA to support and improve the lives of older adults. I will take non-profits, businesses, families, and the health care community, all working together to address the issues facing older adults now and in the future.
One grass roots effort that is working to create a community that promotes and fosters the well-being of elders through education and advocacy is the Aging in the Gorge Alliance (AGA). They have several functioning work groups including Housing and Transportation, Caregiving, Multigenerational activities and Age of Dignity Reading Project.
(You will be hearing more about Age of Dignity Reading Project in the next several weeks. But briefly, the AGA will be distributing for free four hundred copies of the book Age of Dignity – Preparing for the Elder Boom in a Changing America to local libraries and small discussions group in the Gorge (including the Center) with a large community forum to be held on Saturday, October 22nd, in Hood River.)
The AGA is looking for more folks from The Dalles area. If you want to get involved, the next general AGA meeting is on Tuesday, October 11th from 6:30 – 8:45 at Down Manor in Hood River. Give me a call if you would like a ride. And if you want to receive their emails, contact Tina Castanares at tdcastanares@gmail.com or 541-354-1666.
You may have recently decided to stick your toe in the waters of the digital age with a new smartphone or tablet. Or maybe you bought a new computer with Windows 10 and the last operating system you used was Windows XP. Where can you get help? Before you spend money on professional services, you can stop by the Center any Wednesday at 9:00 for help. Or you can stop by the “Bring Your Own Device Lab” at The Dalles/Wasco County Library on every third Wednesday from 1pm – 2pm and every third Saturday from 10am – 11am. Six slots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
To celebrate the importance and joy of being a grandparent, the Center is hosting a Grandparents’ Breakfast this Saturday, September 10th from 8:00 – 9:30. The menu consists of pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, fruit and juice. The cost is $5.00 for one adult, $3.00 for children twelve and under. And there’s a special rate for a grandparent and one grandchild, or great grandchild, or great-great grandchild for $6.00.
Martin and Friends will be playing at the Center on Tuesday, September 13th. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and donations are appreciated.
“What’s My Line?” was one of network television’s longest running and most beloved prime time game shows; and where the question “Is it bigger than a bread box?” was first used by Steve Allen. (This week’s winners of a quilt raffle ticket each are Patsy Warner and Nadine McCracken.)
Controversy has always been a part of America’s political landscape ever since Burr shot Hamilton. So for this week’s “Remember When” question who said during the 1952 presidential campaign, “And our little girl—Tricia, the 6-year-old—named it Checkers. And you know, the kids, like all kids, love the dog and I just want to say this right now that regardless of what they say about it, we’re gonna keep it.” Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with the names of the members of the 1948 House Committee on Un-American Activities.
Well, it’s been another week, wondering, “Where did the time go?” Until we meet again, sometimes stubbornness is just another name for being determined – and sometimes it’s not.

“Never have children, only grandchildren.” Gore Vidal

Aging Well in the Gorge August 30th 2016

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After last week’s column, I received a phone message from a friend I’ve known for a long time (I could say an old friend, but these days I try to avoid to avoid using the word old) reminding me of the risks associated with taking statins.

It was a good point. Statins, as is the case with most every prescription drug, do have side effects that every person who uses them should know. But it is always important is to weigh the benefits against the risks for any drug.

We all know that too much cholesterol in your blood increases your risk of heart attacks and strokes. And research shows that statins block a substance that your liver needs to make cholesterol which causes your liver to remove cholesterol from your blood – which is a good thing. But there are side effects.

According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the most common complaints of taking statins is muscle pain causing mild discomfort, but it could be severe enough to interfere with your daily activities. Statins can also cause mild to severe liver damage; increased blood sugar levels which may lead to developing type 2 diabetes; and some people have developed memory loss or confusion. If you think you’re experiencing any side effects from taking one of the different types of statins, it is important you talk to your doctor. Your doctor may be able to come up with an alternative treatment plan.

We all react to drugs differently, so know the possible side effects and always consider both the benefits and the risks. And in the case of statins, they can reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke, and even though the risk of life-threatening side effects is very low – they do exist. It’s your choice.

You may have noticed, it’s back to school time – a time for drivers to keep an eye out for youngsters walking to school. And doesn’t it also bring back memories of walking to school in your new clothes, with your used books, notepads, Scheaffer pens and no. 2 pencils; and sitting at your wooden desk with that round ink well in the corner. They were simpler days. 

If you want to get in the back-to-school spirit and learn something new, here are three going-ons you might want to check out. Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society’s presents “Non-Population Census Records” on Saturday, September 10, 2016 (https://cggsblog.blogspot.com/); ODOT historian, Robert Hadlow presents “Remember, Restore, Reconnect: The Historic Columbia River Highway,” Friday, September 9, at Columbia Gorge Discovery Center (www.gorgediscovery.org); and a 2-Day Beginner Pastel Painting Workshop with Karen Watson on September 10th and 11th at The Dalles Art Center (http://www.thedallesartcenter.org/).

This is the last week I’m going to pester you to send in your favorite grandchild experience, because the entries have to be submitted by Saturday, September 3rd. Mail them to the Mid-Columbia Senior Center at 1112 W 9th Street, The Dalles, 97058 or email them to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com.

Even though Grandparents Day is on Sunday, September 11th, the Center is celebrating the importance and joy of being a grandparent at the Grandparent Pancake Breakfast sponsored by Flagstone Senior Living on Saturday September 10:00. This is the Center’s first year of what is hoped to be an annual tradition – and I already have some ideas for next year.

There is music every Tuesday at the Center and on September 6th, Andre, KC and Tom will be playing for your listening and dancing enjoyment. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00 and ends when there’s no one left on the dance floor. Everyone is welcome and donations are always appreciated.

The movie that starred Charlton Heston; and was the highest-grossing film of 1959 and winner of a record eleven Academy Awards was Ben-Hur. (This week’s winners of a quilt raffle ticket are Sandy Goforth and Ed Anghilante.)

This week’s “Remember When” questions is about one of network television’s longest running and most beloved prime time game shows which broadcast from 1950 – 1967. What was the name of this game show that consisted of the four panelists trying to guess the occupation of a guest contestant? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it in an object “bigger than a breadbox”.

Well, it’s been another week, laughing at my own mistakes before anyone else can. Until we meet again, remember no one ever died of laughter.

“Grandmas are moms with lots of frosting.” Author Unknown

Aging Well in the Gorge August 23rd 2016

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John C. Maxwell, an American author and speaker, talks about two kinds of pride: “Good pride” representing our dignity and self-respect; and “bad pride” – the deadly sin of superiority composed of conceit and arrogance. As we age, sometimes we let that “bad” pride” get in the way when making decisions about our own well-being.
This may sound silly, but for example, I was proud I took only one prescribed medication. I felt special particularly when nurses were always surprised to learn I took so few for a “man of my age”. 
That was until my annual physical when I was told that according to the latest recommendations, I should be taking a statin to help reduce my cholesterol. I balked. That would mean two prescriptions. And I wouldn’t be so special!
So I went to a higher authority – my cardiologist. He explained that by taking a statin, it would increase my chances of living another twenty years. Okay, so I could be proud and take only one prescription OR I could have a better chance of living another twenty years. And since I need to work twenty more years to pay off my parent loans for my children’s college education, I decided to swallow (no pun intended) my pride and take the statin.
We would all like to feel and act as we did fifty years ago (without repeating the stupid things!). But let’s face it. It ain’t gonna happen. Instead we need to be smart and accept what “is” – and adapt the “is” to what we want it to be. And not let pride get in the way of making good choices – whether deciding to use a walker, or telling someone you were wrong or taking a recommended medication.
It’s early but save the date, October 7th, for the annual Baby Back Rib dinner. The dinner is again sponsored by the good folks at The Springs at Mill Creek, so all the proceeds from the dinner will support Meals-on-Wheels and the Center. The cost is still only $15 – and it includes music performed by the fabulous bluegrass band Hardshell Harmony, who you may have heard at the County Fair’s Senior Picnic.  
And speaking of the Senior Picnic, it was good to see The Dalles Mayor Steve Lawrence; Wasco County Commissioners Steve Kramer and Rod Runyon; and Wasco County Clerk, Lisa Gambee, dishing out all the fried chicken and fixins. (There were others but apparently my memory’s capacity is only four names). Thanks to Flagstone, the Area Agency on Aging and Canyon Rim Manor for sponsoring this county fair tradition.
At the Center’s Saturday Night Bingo on the 27th, there is a real good chance someone will blackout in 58 numbers on the last game and drive home with an extra $1000. Games start at 6:00 and the minimum buy-in is $10. All ages are welcome.
I know there are more great stories out there about your special grandchild experiences. Entries have to be less than 300 words – we have one entry of only 40 words, and you can even write you story on the back of a napkin. We don’t care. Prizes include a Grand prize of a $300 certificate to any Shilo Inn. You have until September 3rd. So get a pen and napkin and start writing.
The Center’s usual fifth Tuesday band couldn’t make it, but we were able to rope in the Shades of Country to perform on Tuesday August 30th. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and donations are appreciated.
The television broadcaster and entertainer who hosted his own Talent Scouts television show was the “Old Redhead” Arthur Godfrey. (This week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Harold Stephens.)
Back in Indianapolis, I remember watching this epic movie with my parents at one of those big motion picture palaces built in the 20’s and 30’s. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the movie that starred Charlton Heston; and was the highest-grossing film of 1959 and winner of a record eleven Academy Awards? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or drive it to the Center in a late model chariot.
Well, it’s been another week, looking for shade on a sunny afternoon. Until we meet again, don’t let the “some things” that could happen, keep you from enjoying the “good things”.  

“I don’t intentionally spoil my grandkids. It’s just that correcting them often takes more energy than I have left.” Gene Perret

Aging Well in the Gorge August 16th 2016

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Since 1966, Medicare has been critical to the health and wellbeing of older adults. But it will be facing significant challenges and the fall elections could have a significant impact on the future of Medicare and your healthcare coverage.
What are some of the challenges?
1. Healthcare spending is nearly five times higher for those aged 85+ than the national average. (Why I probably have seen a doctor more over the last four years than I had during my first forty years.) 2. A growing aging population with the Baby Boomers starting to turn sixty-five. 3. The number of people who pay into Medicare are fewer. (In 2000, there were 5.2 reported workers for every retiree, but by 2030 it is expected there will be only 3 workers for each retired individual.) 4. While Medicare already consumes 15% of the federal budget, many experts believe that today’s benefit levels and quality of service cannot be sustained without more revenue.
So what might you want to know from the candidates? To get you thinking, national senior advocate Carol Marak suggests the following questions that address many of the issues facing Medicare.
What are your proposed policies and strategies to keep Medicare financially secure for generations to come? Do you support limiting Medicare benefits only to those with low incomes? What role would you like to see private health plans play in Medicare? How would you improve the Medicare drug benefit? Do you support federal or state government’s involvement with drug prices negotiations? Do you think greater coverage for preventive care would drive health care costs down?
These are important times. Whoever we elect to Congress and the White House will have to address these questions and find solutions to keep Medicare financially viable while maintaining the benefits levels and quality of services for future generations.
But in blunt terms, the fundamental question may be: Will our elected leaders work together to improve the healthcare for older adults – or will they give up and say we can no longer afford “old” people?
If you like country music from the 50’s, you’ll want to hear Jeanne Coady perform in a free “Tribute Concert to Patsy Cline” at The Springs at Mill Creek’s new Outdoor Amphitheater (1201 W 10th) on Thursday, August 18thstarting at 7:00. Because there is limited seating, please bring blankets or LOW sitting chairs for the grass area.
I’ve found reminders a good thing, so here are a couple quick second reminders.
Write down your most memorable experiences with your grandchildren in 300 words or less, and send it to the Center by September 3rd. And it can just be handwritten if you like. The grand prize for best story is a $300 Shilo Inn gift certificate and runner up prizes include three one-year subscriptions to The Dalles Chronicle.
Thursday, August 18th is Free Day at the Wasco County Fair and Rodeo sponsored by The Dalles Disposal, plus there is a free Senior Picnic in the Park starting at 11:00 – thanks to the generous support of Flagstone, Area Agency on Aging, Hearts of Gold Caregivers and Canyon Rim Manor.
There’s music and dancing at the Center on Tuesday nights; and on August 23rdCountry Road will be playing. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and donations are appreciated.
The first televised National Convention was in 1952 and the anchor was Walter Cronkite – “the most trusted man in America”. (This week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Ron Nelson. And last week’s winner was Jim Ayres who reminded me that he was the one who told me you had to wait an hour before swimming.)
Patsy Cline had been performing for many years before she had her breakout national exposure in 1955 singing “Walkin after Midnight” on the television show Talent Scouts. It was hosted by an American radio and television broadcaster and entertainer who played the ukulele and was nicknamed “Old Redhead”. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was his name? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with the 1951 hit recording, “What is a Boy”.
Well, it’s been another week, when I’m REALLY looking forward to sweater weather. Until we meet again, try something different. You may be pleasantly surprised.
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. ~Rudy Giuliani

Aging Well in the Gorge August 9th 2016

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Often I write about the importance of volunteers to the Center and to all the local non-profits in the area. At the Center, volunteers have started and lead most of the activities including many of the exercise and movement classes, card games, quilters and more.
But the Center is always looking for new ideas, and if there is something you enjoy and think others might also, we can find a space for you. For example, Edna Chandler enjoyed playing Dominoes when visiting her family in Hawaii and now she has started a Dominoes group at the Center every Tuesday at 1:00. Evelyn Brown enjoys playing the Ukulele and is now leading a small Ukulele class for all levels on Wednesday afternoons at 3:00. Everyone is invited to join either of these new activities or any of the other activities at the Center. You don’t have to be a member to participate – although we hope you will see the Center’s value and eventually become one.
I’ve heard so many stories about the joys of having grandchildren, great grandchildren and even great-great grandchildren that one of these days I hope to enjoy the pleasure of my own grandchildren – although coaching seventy enthusiastic, young swimmers on The Dalles Swim Team fills in quite well.
So I’m sure you have stories of your most memorable experiences with your grandchildren. And as you may have read, the Center, with the help of The Dalles Chronicle and BiCoastal Media, is asking you to share those special stories in 300 words or less. Mail them to the Center at 1112 W 9th Street, The Dalles, OR 97058, email them to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, or just drop them off at the Center before September 3rd. There will be prizes for the best ones including a grand prize of a $300 Shilo Inn gift certificate. The Dalles Chronicle staff has graciously offered to do the judging, and to keep it fair no names will appear on the entries being judged. And to make it sound like one of those national contests – all entries become the property of the Mid-Columbia Senior Center.
Jean Vercouteren would like to me to help spread the word that the Gray Century Ranch, begun in 1868, will be the subject of a free presentation by fourth generation co-owner Nancy Gray Proctor at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 13th, at the Moody/Rorick House located at 300 W. 13th St., The Dalles. As the presentation will be held outside, lawn chairs are welcomed.
If you are planning to attend the free County Fair Picnic on Thursday, August 18that the Wasco County Fair and Rodeo, but don’t have a ride, the LINK is providing a bus to take the first fourteen folks who call the Center and sign up – for free. The bus leaves the Center at 10:00 to arrive at the fair in time for the 11:00 picnic. The County Fair Picnic is made possible by the generous support of Flagstone, Area Agency on Aging, Hearts of Gold Caregivers and Canyon Rim Manor.
There’s always music and dancing at the Center on Tuesday nights, and on August 16th, the Simcoe Boys will be playing. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and donations are appreciated.
My parents allowed me to do many things that are considered unsafe today, but I had to wait one hour before going swimming. For some reason they thought I would drown from cramps. (This is a little embarrassing, although not unusual, but I can’t remember who told me their correct answer last week. So whoever you are, could you tell me again. But I did remember that I forgot Kay Havig from the week before, who called in the correct answer to the “Beep, Beep” question and wins a quilt raffle ticket.)
The Republican and Democratic National Conventions use to be rough and tumble affairs before television came along. Now the conventions are often described as “sanitized, made–for-television, infomercials”. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what year was the first televised national convention and who was the anchor? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with a picture of “the most trusted man in America”.
Well, it’s been another week, looking forward to sweater weather. Until we meet again, not all that is said was worth saying.
“Becoming a grandmother is wonderful. One moment you’re just a mother. The next you are all-wise and prehistoric.” Pam Brown

Aging Well in the Gorge August 2nd 2016

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Can you tell the difference between the color of lemonade and apple cider? It could come in handy during the summer and I’ll tell why later.
Last week’s heat wave reminded me of the importance of staying hydrated – especially for older adults who are more susceptible to the dangers of dehydration. But it is not always easy to drink enough fluids, but here are some simple tips I found on Familydoctor.org.
1.) Keep a bottle of water with you – and don’t lose it. (By the way, if you find a purple metal water bottle with “SMILE” printed in bold white letters on the side, please return it to me. It was my favorite!) 2.) If you are the forgetful type, drink on a schedule. For example, drink water when you wake up; at breakfast, lunch, and dinner; and when you go to bed. Although I skip the water before bed. It only adds another bathroom stop during the night and I don’t need any more. 3.) If you don’t like the taste of plain water, try adding a slice of lemon or lime. 4.)  If you like to sweat, be sure to drink water before, during, and after a workout. 5.) When you’re feeling hungry, drink water. Thirst is often confused with hunger, but real hunger is not satisfied by drinking water.
But how much water do you really need?
Although there is no hard evidence to support the popular recommendation to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, it is close to what the Institute of Medicine recommends for women which is nine total cups of fluids a day; and for men thirteen cups a day. Or drink enough so you go to the bathroom every two to four hours. And the obvious, drink water when you are thirsty. Thirst is an excellent indicator of your hydration needs.
But there are other considerations. You may need more water if you are eating a diet high in sodium. Avoid sugary fluids with their unnecessary calories, but not necessarily caffeine – which has a mild diuretic effect, but doesn’t seem to increase the risk of dehydration. Taking a lot of medications without drinking enough water could also put a strain on your kidneys. If that is a concern, talk to your health care provider.
Now you have ideas on how to stay hydrated and how much you should drink, but we are all different, so how can you tell if you are actually hydrated?  An easy way, although maybe a little distasteful, is to check your urine. And this is where we get back to that first question I asked. If your urine is pale like the color of lemonade, you are in good shape. But if it’s dark like apple cider, you need to increase your intake of fluids.
I never use to drink much water. I could run 26 mile marathon without taking a sip. But I’ve changed after finally realizing how important water is to maintaining good health – especially at my age.
There’s always music and dancing at the Center on Tuesday nights, and on August 9th, Martin and Friends will be playing. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and donations are always appreciated.
The 1958 novelty song “Beep, Beep” sung by the Playmates describes the driver of a Nash Rambler passing a Cadillac at 120 mph and yelling, “Hey, buddy, how can I get this car out of second gear”. (The winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Jim Heitkemper.)
Back in the 50’s and 60’s, there were different ideas of what was safe and what wasn’t. I didn’t wear a bicycle helmet; I put raw eggs in my milk shakes; I used baby oil instead of sun screen: and my sister and I would sleep on the mattress in the back of the Mercury station wagon while my mom and dad drove to Florida. But during the summer we were constantly reminded to wait an hour before doing what? Email your answer for this week’ “Remember When” question to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with a copy of a Sandra Dee Coppertone ad.
Well, it’s been another week trying to catch the next wave. Until we meet again, don’t stop. The race isn’t over until you cross the finish line.
“I think fish is nice, but then I think that rain is wet, so who am I to judge?” Douglas Adams

Aging Well in the Gorge July 26th 2016

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Often I’m surfing the Internet and I start following one link after another with no idea where I’m going. Last week as I was following those rabbit trails, wasting too much time, I unexpectedly came upon the website Brevedy and a blog post by Mark Frankel called “Positive Psychology and Valuing Meaning over Happiness”.
That caught my interest because what I usually find are articles about how to find happiness: “Five Stages of Happiness”; “Researchers claim to have found the ‘Happiness’ gene”; and “Money actually did buy me happiness” for example.
But how does happiness relate to meaningfulness?
Each person has their own understanding of happiness, but a widely held view is that happiness is the same as pleasure or positive feelings. And if you maximize the positive feelings and reduce the number of negative feelings you are happier. Right?
But in the Brevedy blog post, Mark Frankel, points out that this view is challenged by Martin Seligman, the father of Positive Psychology. Seligman suggests there are several different routes to happiness: the Pleasant Life, consisting in having as many pleasures as possible; the Good Life, which consists in knowing what your strengths are, and then re-crafting your work, love, friendship, leisure and parenting to use those strengths; and the Meaningful Life, which consists of using your strengths in the service of something that you believe is larger than you are.
Although these routes may overlap, according to recent research published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, there are significant differences between a happy life and a meaningful life including the following predictors.  
1. Satisfying one’s needs and wants increased happiness but was largely irrelevant to meaningfulness. 2. Happiness was largely present-oriented, whereas meaningfulness involves integrating past, present, and future. For example, thinking about future and past was associated with high meaningfulness but low happiness. 3. Happiness was linked to being a taker rather than a giver, whereas meaningfulness went with being a giver rather than a taker. 4. Higher levels of worry, stress, and anxiety were linked to higher meaningfulness but lower happiness. 5. Concerns with personal identity and expressing the self, contributed to meaning but not happiness.
The search for meaning, doing something you believe in that addresses a higher goal than just your own enjoyment, is an important aspect of what makes us human.
But can you live a meaningful life and be happy? I believe so. But you’ll have to change your expectations that happiness is only pleasure driven and void of stress and conflict. It can be hard and challenging.
There are plenty of opportunities to give back – if you still have some gas in your tank. At the Volunteer Fair there were over thirty-seven organizations looking for volunteers.  Giving yourself for a higher calling, can bring great satisfaction and meaning. And a whole lot of happiness.
Thanks to the Center members who attended the Annual Membership Meeting last Tuesday. And a big thanks to Nelda and the crew from Cherry Heights Living for providing a delicious dinner everyone raved about.
My goodness, next week is August all ready – which means Andre, KC and Tom will be playing at the Center on Tuesday, August 2nd. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and donations are appreciated.
Also next week on Thursday, August 4th from 5:00 – 7:00 PM The Dalles Art Center’s reception will be held for the “Gorge Artists Create” Exhibition. This is the art center’s annual open juried show and this year’s theme is “Architecture”. The reception is sponsored by Carolyn Wood and The Mid-Columbia Senior Center.
The name of the voluptuous character who was hopelessly in love with Lil’ Abner was Daisy May Scragg (her maiden name before she married into the Yokum clan) who lived in Dogpatch, Kentucky. (The winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Bill Van Nice.)
This week’s “Remember When” question is about the 1958 novelty song “Beep, Beep” sung by the Playmates. It describes, in an increasingly faster tempo, a Cadillac being followed and then passed by what make of car? And for bonus points, as he passes the Cadillac going 120 MPH, what does the driver yell at the Cadillac? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with a picture of the AMC’s assembly plant in Kenosha, Wisconsin from the 1950’s.
Well, it’s been another week waiting to see what comes my way. Until we meet again, don’t let the sun catch you yawning.

“May your choices reflect your hopes and not your fears.” Nelson Mandela

Aging Well iin the Gorge July 19th 2016

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Your current house is no longer working for you and you’ve decided to move. But you also know moving is no easy chore, and you would like this move to be your last. So what should you look for in a house that would be suitable for the rest of your life?
That is the question Sharon Johnson, associate professor emeritus at Oregon State University, and her husband asked themselves when they decided to move from their two story Victorian house in southern Oregon.
She knew from her work in the field of healthy aging, as well as personally, that most adults over fifty want to remain in their home for as long as possible. But she found it difficult to find a house that would accommodate the challenges they may experience as they grow older. So they decided to build.
But before they built, they wanted to know what to consider when building the house for the rest of their lives. To that end, Sharon assisted in the collaboration between the Rogue Valley Council of Governments and AARP Oregon to create a voluntary evaluation program called the “Lifelong Housing Certification Project”.
The certification program includes a comprehensive checklist of features as a way to assess the “age-friendliness” and accessibility of rental apartments, new construction and existing houses. It benefits the buyer by setting a standard to make it easier to identify lifelong homes; and it helps guide the builder on how to construct a house that will be livable for a lifetime.
To give you an idea of what should be included in a lifelong house, the following are some of the features on the checklist.
No step entrance from sidewalk, rear patio and garage; all doors (interior and exterior) are 36” wide (allowing wheelchair access); open, spacious floor plan; hallways 45-52” wide; ADA compliant appliances in kitchen; electrical outlets 22” from the floor; light switches 42-48” from the floor; rocker-style light switches; all doors and faucets are lever or hands free; raised washer and dryer in utility room; walk-in, roll-in, no door shower in master bath; easy-open windows; low maintenance yard; and raised flower beds. Most of these changes can occur without adding significantly to building costs.
If you want to learn more or view the complete Lifelong Housing Certification Checklist, go to the Rogue Valley Council of Governments’ website at www.rvcog.org and click on the link for Lifelong Housing.
Even though I can’t remember what I write from week to week, especially if there is a long holiday weekend in between, Pat Davenport can as she reminded me that last week I had forgotten the answers to the Brain Rattlers from the week before. So if you were wondering, (or maybe you’re one of those smarty pants who knew all the answers), here are the answers: 3 ducks, Mt. Everest, Melissa, the match, and triplets. Now if you can’t remember the questions, you can go back through your old Chronicles or go to the Center’s web site at www.midcolumbiaseniorcenter.com and find the post for July 5th, 2016.
Next Tuesday, July 26th, at the Center, Country Road will be playing for your dancing and listening pleasure. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and donations are appreciated.
The name of the Walt Kelley comic strip that included various animal characters living in the Okefenokee Swamp was POGO. (The winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Bill Van Nice.)
I’m sticking with comic strips for another week, but I hope this question will be a little easier. Li’l Abner is a satirical American comic strip written and drawn by Al Capp that ran from 1934 to 1977. For this week’s “Remember When” question what was the name of the voluptuous character often wearing a polka-dot peasant blouse and cropped skirt who was hopelessly in love with Lil’ Abner? And for bonus points, what was the name of the town where they lived – described by Al Capp as “an average stone-age community nestled in a bleak valley, between two cheap and uninteresting hills somewhere”? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with a family portrait of the Yokum family.
Well, it’s been another week taking nothing for granted. Until we meet again, enjoying the good life isn’t about sitting back and resting, but getting up and doing what you can.

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about dancing in the rain.” Vivian Greene

Aging Well in the Gorge July 12th 2016

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Your house is full of “stuff” you have accumulated since your children were born: family pictures, your children’s school work, and all their ribbons and trophies. And now you want to downsize before a time when it might just be too hard to sort through everything. But what should you save for your children that they would actually appreciate and keep? And what should you throw away or recycle?

It is something I have been thinking about since my children have left home, and recently I found an article on the Next Avenue website suggesting the following items that are often overlooked when considering what to give your children.

1. Your first passport with the country stamps from all the worldly places you visited during your more adventuress days.
2. Your military discharge papers which your children may need to help you get services, but also because it’s always fun looking at old papers from those days way back when.
3. One printed photo of your wedding – that you can actually hold in your hands. I wonder how our grandchildren will be sharing pictures with their children. On a thumb drive?
4. Something belonging to the oldest living relative they know and care about.
5. A sentimental piece of jewelry. Not necessarily something they would wear, but something meaningful to you such as the watch you received from your dad when you graduated from college. 6. An old receipt with a date on it to prove you aren’t lying when you talk about how much things use to cost. Yes, gas did cost twenty-nine cents a gallon (when there were four gas stations on every corner); and there was a time when we were afraid a loaf of bread would cost more than a dollar.
7. The photo of the first time you held them – because the first time is always special.
8. Highlights of their childhood. That does not mean all the little league pictures or the ceramic hand prints – which I still have. But report cards, especially with teacher comments; or their acceptance letter to college.
9. The dog tags worn by their childhood pets or pictures of their furry friends.
10. Your favorite music – in a format they can use such as an iTunes playlist. But no eight tracks or cassettes, although they may still have a CD player.

Not all of these suggestions I found useful, but they reminded me that it is often the little treasures your children will find special and appreciate. And they may even give you an opportunity to share some stories from the good-old-days.

The Center’s Annual Membership Meeting for 2016 will be on Tuesday, July 19th starting at 3:00. There will be an election of board members, a financial report and an update on the Elevator Project. After the membership meeting, you will want to stay because at 4:30, Cherry Heights Living, our neighbor to the north, will be literally giving you a taste of what it is like to live there by providing a Pot Roast dinner with all the fixins for members at no cost.

I thought the Center would be back on the regular music schedule, but no, I was wrong. I want to thank the band Shades of Country (although for some reason I keep wanting to say “shades of grey”), for filling in tonight for Martin and Friends. But next week, on the 19th, we will be back to the usual line-up with the Simcoe Boys playing for your dancing and listening pleasure. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and donations are appreciated.

The Baseball Hall of fame pitcher, who spent his entire 18-year career with the Yankees was Whitey Ford. (The winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Jess Birge.) I always enjoyed this comic strip because of its social and political satire. So for this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the comic strip created by cartoonist Walt Kelley that included various animal characters: possums, alligators, owls, turtles and porcupines living in the Okefenokee Swamp? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with a t-shirt with the quote “We have met the enemy and he is us.”

Well, it’s been another week trying to take the long way around. Until we meet again, it may not always be the same, but it could be better.

“Don’t take life so serious. It ain’t nohow permanent.” Porky Pine