Author Archives: mcseniorcenter

Aging Well in the Gorge July 5th 2016

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Today there is tremendous interest in keeping your brain sharp, fit and tanned. And last week I shared several techniques to help remember what you are trying to learn. In addition, there are many brain activities being promoted to strengthen your brain. But which ones actually help? To help choose the best activities to work your brain, ask the following five questions.
1. Is the activity challenging? The activity should force you to concentrate and pay close attention. You may feel frustrated and discouraged. But don’t stop. If it doesn’t push you, it may not provide the necessary workout your brain needs. 2. Is it progressive? Now here is the second part. As you learn the skill, the difficulty needs to increase so you can continue challenging yourself. You can’t rest on your successes, but instead use them to motivate yourself to try the next level. 3. Does it engage several of your brain’s processing systems? You should try to use different parts of your brain in the same activity. For example as you dance – under dimmed lights to your favorite romantic song, following your partner’s firm lead and appreciating his masculine cologne, try eating a sloppy Big Mac. 4. Is it rewarding and surprising? If you don’t enjoy the activity and find it interesting, you probably won’t be doing it for long – unless you are a glutton for punishment. So make it fun and reward yourself – maybe with some brain healthy dark chocolate and a small glass of wine?

Okay now that you know the questions to ask, how about a few Brain Rattlers that are fun, challenging and get progressively harder – at least in my mind. I’ll provide the answers next week.
1.) If there are two ducks ahead of a duck, and two ducks behind a duck and one duck in the middle, how many ducks are there?
2.) Before Mount Everest was discovered what was the tallest mountain on earth?
3.) Melissa’s mother has seven kids. Their names are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. What is the seventh child’s name?
4.) In the dead of winter you are in a house with only one match. There is a gas lamp, a fireplace, and a wood stove. Which would you light first?
5.) Two boys are identical in appearance and have the same parents. One was born five minutes after the other. These two boys are not twins. How is this possible?
Whether you try memory techniques or challenging Brain Rattlers, the bottom line is to keep learning, keep moving and keep trying something new every day.
Paint parties are a great way to enjoy an evening out: having fun creating your own painting to take home. To make sure you aren’t missing the fun, Meals-on-Wheels has scheduled a braveART paint party fundraiser on Friday, July 8th at 6:30 PM at the Center. For $40 per person, all supplies are provided as well as light refreshments with all proceeds supporting the valuable work of Meals-on-Wheels. To purchase tickets, contact Jenny Loughmiller at jloughmiller@gmail.com.
For the Center’s Tuesday Night Music last week, I almost had two bands show up. My apologies to Bob, Roger and rest of the Country Road band for my mess up. But the Center is back on the regular schedule, so on the 12th, Martin and Friends 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 popular animated series of short films, first created in 1940, about a cat always trying to catch the same mouse (and also the name of a winter holiday drink) is Tom and Jerry.  
For many young baseball fans’ in the 50’s, like myself, the New York Yankees was the team you loved to hate – winning eight American League pennants and six World Series during the 1950’s. For this week’s “Remember When” question, who was the Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher, who spent his entire 18-year career with the Yankees winning 236 games? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it to the Center with a #16 Yankee jersey.
Well, it’s been another week slapping on the sun screen. Until we meet again, isn’t it true that as you grow older, you don’t have to worry about avoiding temptation. It will avoid you.

 “Never make predictions, especially about the future.” Casey Stengel

Aging Well in the Gorge June 21st

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You may have heard that the Center’s UpLifting Elevator Project was awarded $50,000 by City of The Dalles and Wasco County as one of the Google Immediate Impact Projects. And now you may be asking what does that mean for the Elevator Project? It is definitely good news. And with the hundreds of donations from all of you plus the foundation and local grants, the Center has secured almost $360,000 for the project. Sadly, the $360,000 would have been enough four years ago, but with increasing costs, the Center is still short of funds. (It confirms a basic truism: the more time it takes, the more the project will cost.)
To bridge the funding gap, the Center has applied to the Meyer Memorial Trust (MMT), the largest foundation in Oregon, for the remaining funds to complete the project. We expected to hear in mid-July if the Center made the first cut, but because of the enormous number of applications MMT has received, they need additional time to review all of the requests. In the meantime, we are still accepting donations knowing there will always be unexpected costs. 
Since we are very close to acquiring the necessary funding, the Center has decided to initiate the planning process to install the elevator. The first step is to meet with construction firms to review the current design to see if there are any practical ways to reduce the total cost of the project. From those conversations, a final design will be decided with opportunities for Center members and the community to comment, before the final design is ultimately approved by the MCSC board. With approval of the final design, the building permits can be acquired so the Center will be ready to start construction once all the funding is secured.
It is exciting to know that with your help, and the local support of The City of The Dalles, Wasco County, Northern Wasco County PUD, MCMC and Northwest Farm Credit Services, we are close enough to start transitioning from a dream to reality. And soon those who have difficulty walking, will no longer need to take the exterior stairs to the Center’s activities downstairs.
Do you ever feel that different parts of your body are competing for your attention? I mean if I make an appointment with my cardiologist, my ears start bothering me so I have to see my ENT doctor. Of course my skin doesn’t want to be ignored, so I make my annual appointment with my dermatologist; and my eyes demand their annual check-up. And I won’t mention how jealous my knees and lungs can get. It’s to the point where every month I have an appointment to see a specialist for some part of my body. Can’t they just get along! Sorry about the distraction. I just had to vent.
The Center’s annual rummage sale is this Saturday, June 25th from 8:00 – 2:00 PM in the basement. This year we have a particularly good selection of items including home furnishings, furniture, kitchen items, knick-knacks as well as clothes.
Every Tuesday night at the Center there is live music for your dancing and listening enjoyment, and during the summer months you don’t have to worry about driving home in the dark. Next Tuesday on the 28th, Andre and Friends will be performing. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and donations are always appreciated.
The answer to last week’s question was Tab Hunter: one of the top romantic leads in the late fifties who costarred in the 1955’s World War II drama “Battle Cry”.
This week’s “Remember When” question is about a movie released in 1968 that became a landmark, science fiction classic – about exploration of the unknown. What was the name of this masterpiece that many considered (including myself when I first saw it) bewildering, boring, and slow-moving, and contained more spectacular imagery and special effects than verbal dialogue? And for bonus points what was the name of the computer that was the brains of the space journey to Jupiter? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it to the Center with a recording of Richard Strauss’s Also Sprach Zarathustra.
Well, it’s been another week enjoying the cool mornings in June. Until we meet again, a smile is the best way to say hello.

“There are exactly as many special occasions in life as we choose to celebrate.” Robert Brault

Aging Well in the Gorge June 14th

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Most of you have probably heard the quote, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter”. But for those of us who are curious about whether we are getting old, I found this list of “scientifically validated” indicators of old age. See how you compare with my answers below..
1.      You fall asleep watching TV or reading the paper. No, but at 3:00 I do start nodding off.
2.      You become forgetful. No, because I can’t recall the last time I forgot something.
3.      You groan when getting up from a chair or out of bed. No, but for some reason my wife thinks I do. 
4.     You say ‘back in my day’. No, I say “back in the good old days”.
5.     You have an afternoon nap. No, they are “power naps” – and millennials take them too!
6.     You don’t know the names of current celebrities. I do – if they are over 65.
7.     You have a low tolerance for teenagers. No. I find teenagers great. Maybe because it brings back fond memories of my youth without actually having to relive them.
8.     You only listen to music from your youth. No. I listen to contemporary music that sounds like music from my youth.
Half way through and looking good. I feel like doing fifty pushups!
9.      You choose places to eat because they play quiet music. Yes, because I want to hear who I am talking with – which isn’t easy with hearing aids.
10.     Choosing to meet friends for lunch or dinner rather than a night out for drinks. Yes. I need to be in bed by 9:00.
11.     Wear slippers all the time. No. I can’t ever remember to put them on.
12.     You spend weekends or holidays in garden centers. No. I try to stay out of the garden – that’s my wife’s domain – thankfully.
13.     Gardening is a hobby. No. See above
14.     You forget where your glasses are. No. I always find them on my head.
15.     You choose clothes for comfort rather than style. Yes, because who am I trying to impress.
16.     You get a haircut to ‘suit your age’. No, because I’m still figuring out what my age is.
So how did you do? Did you do better than my 13 out of 16 “no” answers? If so let’s go out and celebrate – but please, not too long.
If you have thought about taking classes at Columbia Gorge Community College and hanging with the twenty and thirtysomethings, are you aware that adults 65 or older are eligible for a 50 percent tuition discount on many credit and non-credit classes? To find out which classes are eligible and all the details call (541) 506-6057. Classes start June 20th.
When was the last time you actually looked at the Oregon Driver’s manual? It’s probably been a while. A way to understand the new “rules of the road” and to learn more about safe and smart driving is by attending an AARP Smart Driver class at the Center on Monday, June 20th and Tuesday, June 21st from 8:45 am to 12:05 pm both days. The cost is $20 or $15 for AARP members.  Call (541) 296-4788 to sign up. 
Every Tuesday night at the Center there is live music for your dancing and listening enjoyment, and on June 21st, the Simcoe Boys will be performing. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and donations are always appreciated.
Considered the most intimidating fighter of the time, Sonny Liston was the fighter Mohammad Ali (Cassius Clay at the time) defeated in 1964 for the boxing World Heavyweight Championship.
This week’s “Remember When” question is about one of the top romantic leads in the late fifties. Who was the top grossing actor for Warner Brothers from 1955 – 1959 co-starring as the young Marine Danny in the 1955’s World War II drama “Battle Cry”; and also co-starring in films with Natalie Wood, Sophia Loren, and Debbie Reynolds? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it to the Center with a 45 record of the 1956 number one hit song “Young Love”.
Well, it’s been another week watching the sun slip away each night. Until we meet again, there is always an answer – some are just not meant for us to find.

“Life becomes easier when you learn to accept an apology you never got.” Robert Brault

Aging Well in the Gorge June 7th 2016

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Did you grow up where the summers were hot and humid: without air conditioning; sleeping uncovered and spread out as if you were going to be frisked by a city cop; where you emptied the dehumidifier every morning; and when you got out of the car, the back of your shirt was drenched with sweat? We may not have liked it, but we found ways to stay cool and lived to tell about it!

But we’re older now and summer heat can cause major health problems particularly dehydration. The Oregon Department of Human Services cautions, “Not getting enough fluids each day can take a tremendous toll on every aspect of bodily functions, including possible changes in memory, vision, and kidney and heart function.” This is especially true for older adults because the percentage of a person’s weight in water changes significantly as we age. Consequently, any decrease in fluid consumption can cause proportionately more dehydration.

But according to the American Red Cross, heat related problems can be prevented by “staying cool, hydrated and informed”.

Stay cool.
If you do need to go outside during extreme heat conditions, early morning or later evening are the best times. Avoid sun exposure between 11 am – 5 pm. Wear light-weight, light-colored and loose fitting clothes that cover your skin. Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Slow down – additional activity can put extra strain on the heart. And ice packs and cool showers are still a nice relief from the heat – just as they were when we were younger.
Stay hydrated.
Drink plenty of fluids regardless of your level of activity even if you are not thirsty – and enough to have to urinate every four hours. (I wish I could last four hours!) Remember not all fluids are beneficial – avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks.

Stay informed and connected with family, friends and neighbors.
During any heat advisory, it is a good idea to check in on your friends and have them check in on you. A broken air conditioner can be a life threatening situation.

Know the signs of heat stroke: high body temperature (104 F or higher); altered mental state or behavior; changes in sweating; nausea or vomiting; flushed skin, rapid breathing, racing heart rate, and headaches. If you notice any of these symptoms call 911.

The heat should be taken seriously. It is the number one weather related killer causing more deaths than hurricanes, tornadoes, lightening and floods combined. By staying cool, hydrated and informed, you can avoid serious heat related illnesses. And in six months we’ll be longing for the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.

Betty Harlan was manager of The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels until she retired, but she didn’t go far. These days you can still find her volunteering for Meals-on-Wheels. To celebrate the 30+ years she has contributed to Meals-on-Wheels, there will be a Birthday Party for Betty on June 14th during the noon meal. (I’m not sure whether she is turning 48 or 84.) There is a beach theme so you can dress appropriately if you wish, but please – no bikinis.

Every Tuesday night at the Center there is music for your dancing and listening enjoyment. But for June 14th, I have to juggle the line-up so at this time I am not sure who will be playing. But I promise there will be someone – so you can dance the night away. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and donations are always appreciated.

Bob Dylan’s first big hit that he recorded in the summer of 1965 was “Like a Rolling Stone”. (The winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Bill Van Nice.)

With the death of Mohammed Ali, it brought back memories of February, 1964 when the fast talking, quick footed Cassius Clay shocked the world of boxing by winning the World Heavyweight Championship. For this week’s “Remember When” question who was the fighter he beat – considered the most intimidating fighter of the time? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it to the Center with picture of this boxer knocking out heavyweight champion Floyd Patterson in the first round.

Well, it’s been another week looking for the bread in the oven. Until we meet again, we don’t always say what we mean – or mean what we say.

“The willingness to share does not make one charitable; it makes one free.” ― Robert Brault

Aging Well in the Gorge May 31st

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Senior Living May 31st 2016
“You don’t stop laughing because you grow older. You grow older because you stop laughing.” Michael Pritchard
At the Center we often talk about the importance of humor and laughter. Dr. Steve Allen, Jr., son of the talk show host and comedian, said “Laughing, especially at yourself is the most powerful stress-releaser we have.” It not only reduces the body’s negative reaction to stress, it helps prevent such stress from occurring in the first place.
Humor is particularly helpful as we age, because it acknowledges the incongruities and absurdities of life and reminds us that we are all in this together. We all deal with the struggles and challenges of aging and yet here we are still alive and kicking – or at least moving. As Bob Newhart said, “Laughter gives us distance. It allows us to step back from an event, deal with it and then move on.”  
The best laugh is always on ourselves. Elsa Maxwell, 75, declared, “Laugh at yourself first, before anyone else can.” Or as Robert Fulton puts it “It is a matter of laughing with ourselves, not at ourselves.” Can you remember the funniest thing that has ever happened to you? And what makes you smile or laugh?
A sense of humor is very personal. You can be offended while others find a joke amusing. I have watched several standup comedians on Netflix, and for some I couldn’t make it past the first ten minutes because it was such poor taste and too embarrassing – especially watching it with my wife. Yet the audience thought it was hilarious. Am I getting old?  
But here is one of Elt Fadness’s “Ole and Lena” stories – for us who still remember drive-ins.
Ole and Lena were at the drive-in movie. Ole says, “Say Lena, you wanna get in the back seat?” Lena says, “Naw, Ole, I’d just as soon stay up here with you.”
Have you ever left a store and can’t remember where you parked your car? Many boomers have resorted to strapping bicycles or kayaks on their car roofs so their cars would be easy to spot. (And you were envious thinking they were just enjoying the great outdoors!) But since not all of us can afford a mountain bike or kayak, the Center will soon be selling large colorful plastic balls to attach to the end of your car’s antenna. Never again will you have waste time remembering where your car is – it will just be under the bright red plastic ball. But we will only be selling a few. We don’t want you to walk out of Fred Meyer and see a whole field of plastic balls and still not know which car is yours.
At the Center’s Tuesday Lecture at 11:00 on June 7th, Tria Bullard from Google will demonstrate how to use Google Apps on your computer – so you can connect with friends and family, organize your photos and files, and even make calls for free. You’ll explore Gmail, Google Docs, and Hangouts. And if you don’t have a Gmail account, Tria will walk you through the process of getting one. The class is open to anyone with basic computer skills.
Every Tuesday night at the Center there is live music for your dancing and listening enjoyment, and on June 7th, Andre, KC and Tom will be playing. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and, donations are always appreciated.
The actor-singer who sang “Back Home Again in Indiana” at the Indy 500 from 1972 until 2014 was Jim Nabors. (The winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Jim Ayers – and Ruth Radcliff who I forgot to mention last week.) 
This week’s “Remember When” question is about the musical icon Bob Dylan who turned 75 last week. It doesn’t seem that long ago in the summer of 1965 when I was vacationing with my family in Los Angeles and on the radio heard this singer called Bob Dylan which I, from Middle America, had never heard of. But in September of that year he recorded his first hit song that was over six minutes long and reached #2? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it to the Center with a small clump of green moss.
Well, it’s been another week trying to keep my hat from blowing off. Until we meet again, as Lord Byron once said, “Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine.”

Aging Well in the Gorge May 24th 2016

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During the last twelve months, the Center has hosted many presentations about either Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease: explaining how to discern the signs, what behaviors to expect and how to respond to the often difficult behaviors in order to provide caring and quality care with patience and sensitivity. From those presentations, one may have learned more about these debilitating conditions, but is there some way to feel what it is like to live with memory loss every day? Now there is.

Providence Senior Village & Hospice is inviting you to join over 200,000 individuals and caregivers who have completed the Virtual Dementia Tour® where you can experience what it is like to be in a world of memory loss.

During a twenty minute Virtual Dementia Tour, trained facilitators guide you through common everyday tasks and exercises while outfitted with devices that temporarily alter your physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities – giving you the ability to experience the physical and mental challenges facing those with dementia.

From the tour, you will have a better understanding of how certain common behaviors such as repetitive actions, refusal to follow directions, and rummaging are actually normal coping strategies to deal with their confusion.

This free event takes place on both Wednesday, June 1st from 10:30am-5:30pm and Thursday June 2nd from 9:30am-4:00pm at Providence Hospice of the Gorge, 751 Myrtle Street, The Dalles. The tour only takes twenty minutes but you must call or email to schedule an appointment time.

Providence Hospice of the Gorge is also sponsoring a free community screening of Inside Alive, an award winning 2014 documentary that follows social worker Dan Cohen as he demonstrates music’s ability to combat memory loss to those suffering from it by restoring a deep sense of self. Alive Inside also includes revealing interviews with renowned neurologist and best-selling author Oliver Sacks (Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain), and numerous visionaries in healthcare including geriatrician and healthcare disrupter, Dr. Bill Thomas.

After the film there will be an open discussion lead by Providence Hospice of the Gorge caregivers – Colleen Ballinger, Hospice Nurse and Emily Vawter, Music Therapist. But the screening is tomorrow (or today depending on when you read the paper), Wednesday, May 25th at 6:30 at Flagstone Senior Living, 3325 Columbia View Drive. If you would like more information, about the Virtual Dementia Tour or the showing of Alive Inside, you can call Providence Hospice at 541-387-6370 or email Desirae.Espeland@providence.org.

In time for these warmer days, the Center’s NU-2-U Shop has a nice selection of used spring and summer clothes. But they are beginning to run low in inventory. If you are sorting through your spring and summer wardrobes, the Center would be glad to find a home for your unwanted clothes. Just bring them to the Center and leave them at the front desk.

This coming Monday, May 30th is Memorial Day: a day to honor the men and women who died while serving in the armed forces. In recognition of Memorial Day, the Center and Meals-on-Wheels will be closed for the weekend; and for the bingo players in the audience, there will not be bingo on either Thursday or Saturday nights.

Every Tuesday night at the Center there is live music and on May 31st, The Dufur Boys return to play for your dancing and listening enjoyment. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, all ages are welcome, and donations are always appreciated.

The Swedish born film actress, who starred in the 1936 movie Camille and was famously averse to any publicity was Greta Garbo. (The winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Sandy Haechrel.)

With the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 this Sunday in my home town, this week’s “Remember When” question is about the “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”. The Indy 500 is filled with traditions: the starting command “Gentlemen start your engines”, releasing the multi-colored balloons, the winning driver drinking milk in Victory Lane, and from 1972 until 2014 the tradition of this actor-singer singing “Back Home Again in Indiana”. Who was he? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it to the Center with a picture of the “addlebrained” gas station attendant on the Andy Griffith Show.`

Well, it’s been another week trying not to spill my milk. Until we meet again, if you fall flat on your face at least you’re moving forward.

“…treat people with understanding when you can, and fake it when you can’t until you do understand.” ― Kim Harrison

Aging Well in the Gorge May 17th 2016

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Let’s jump to a subject no one really wants to talk about, but all of us will experience in our lifetime. No, I don’t mean sex. (I haven’t had the nerve to talk about the subject yet.) I mean, you know – pushing up daisies, six feet under, succumbed, resting in peace, passed away. Okay, I’ll say it, death – a subject most of us want to avoid. It’s just not your typical after dinner conversation when you want to get the party started.
But the topic of death, or more specifically Death with Dignity, is the focus for this month’s “Beginning Conversations about the End of Life” on Tuesday, May 24th at 6:30 at The Dalles/Wasco County Library and facilitated by Julie Reynolds and Colleen Ballinger.
I imagine most of you haven’t thought much about how to prepare for the ultimate leveler – or how you would want to die.
Would it be in the comfort and peace of your own home with loved ones surrounding you? That’s the wish of most people; and although the proportion of adults over 65 who die in their own homes is increasing, it was still only twenty-four percent in 2007.
Do you want the most accurate and clear information about the consequences of different possible treatments and the chances for recovery, so you can make the best decisions about your care?
Do you want your anxiety and fears, the emotional toll you would most likely be experiencing, to be acknowledged and not ignored? 
Do want any pain to be managed and controlled so you don’t die in unnecessary distress?
And do you want to have the control and autonomy to make your own life decisions; that your Advanced Directive and treatment decisions will be followed and respected by your family and your medical providers, particularly if you aren’t able to speak for yourself?
Death with Dignity and end of life decisions are complex, nuanced, constantly changing and emotionally difficult – although we may all fantasize of a gentle exit. Death is an unavoidable part of life; a subject that may be uncomfortable, but should be discussed. And I promise talking about dying won’t kill you.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed to the Center’s UpLifting Elevator Project. Through local grants and individual donations, the Center has raised over $156,000; and has been awarded $151,500 in foundation grants – totaling over $307,500. That is more than three-fourths of the estimated $400,000 needed to install the elevator which includes enclosing the exterior stairs. And two more opportunities are being pursued to complete the fundraising. It has been a long haul and the Center appreciates your continued support and patience as we hopefully get closer to construction.
This week’s Tuesday Night music announcement is for those who don’t know which direction they are going: forward or backwards. See if you can decipher it. .appreciated always are donations ,on lights the keep to and band the pay To .both or pants ,skirt a wear you whether welcome is everyone and ,00:7 at starts music ,00:6 at open Doors .playing be will Boys Simcoe the ,24th May on and ,enjoyment listening and dancing your for music live is there Center the at night Tuesday Every
The popular 50’s and 60’s destination drive-in for teens who were “cruising the gut” in The Dalles was the “Handout” owned by Tom Foley and later by Phil Hammond. (Although I didn’t receive one Hefty Henry with any of the entries, the winners of a quilt raffle ticket each are Maxine Parker, Pat Fowler and Bob Thouvenel.)
I fell in love with this actress after watching her in the 1936 movie Camille while I was in college. For this week’s “Remember When” question, who was the Swedish born film actress, who received three Academy Award nominations for Romance, Camille and Ninotchka and was famously averse to any publicity – best described by her line in the movie Grand Hotel “I want to be alone; I just want to be alone.”? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it to the Center with a picture of John Gilbert, the popular leading man of the 20’s and 30’s.
Well, it’s been another week looking for the possibilities in every new day. Until we meet again, it is always harder to turn left than to turn right.

“How can I die? I’m booked.” George Burns

Aging Well in the Gorge May 10th 2016

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I have this vague impression I use to be mentally sharp. (But then when I can’t remember what I did four weeks ago, I guess I can imagine my self being anything forty years ago.) But I’ve discovered these days I seem to be living by the “Rule of Three”. I will take the same route three times before I learn to avoid the detour; or I have to follow a new simple office routine three times before I remember to do it automatically. But there are some advantages. I can enjoy watching a TV mystery three times before remembering who killed who. How things have changed. But I’m not going to let it bother me. I’m pretty sure sometime in the future I will be living by the “Rule of Four”, and then five – and who knows what after that.
The Mid-Columbia Senior Center Quilters do more than design and stitch together the beautiful quilts displayed in the Center’s lobby. They also have sewn over forty special one-of-a-kind baby and toddler blankets that make great gifts. In addition, they are available for hire to repair family quilts or complete any unfinished quilts. For more information, you can find the quilters downstairs at the Center every Monday from 10:00 – 3:00 or you can call the Center during those hours.
I wish I could peruse through the old pictures of my classmates and teachers; school clubs and sports teams from when I went to school in Indianapolis – and reawakening forgotten memories by those visual reminders. But if you attended one of The Dalles area schools, you can travel back in time by visiting The Dalles District Archive Museum, now open every Saturday from 10:00 – 3:00. You can find yearbooks, pictures, programs, and much more from local elementary, junior high, and high schools from 1911 to the present. And it is free! You can visit the museum, located at the Wahtonka High School building on 3601 W. 10th Street, by entering the school through the door closest to the athletic fields.  Call Rymmel Lovell at 541-296-6546 or e-mail tlovell@netcnct.net for high school tours and class reunions scheduled this summer. Donations are always appreciated from school alumni.
The Center relies on volunteers, business supporters and its member to keep the doors open and the floors swept. A particular thank-you to the three hundred ninety-five members (five members in the last week) who have already joined during the Center’s 2016 membership campaign. But the Center is still fifty-five members shy of its goal of four hundred fifty members by the Center’s annual meeting in July. The cost is $35 for a single or $60 for a couple or $50 a person to be Super Duper member. Please join by stopping by the Center or online at www.midcolumbiaseniorcenter.com.
It is that time again to shake up your little gray cells. For this week’s music announcement, I’ll give you a chance to practice your backward reading skills. Start at the end of this paragraph and I’ll meet you back here. .detaicerppa syawla era snoitanoD .neewteb-ni ro tfel ,thgir era uoy rehtehw emoclew si enoyreve ,00:7 ta strats cisum ,00:6 ta nepo srooD .gniyalp eb lliw syoB eocmiS eht ,ht71 yaM no dna ,tnemyojne gninetsil dna gnicnad ruoy rof cisum evil si ereht retneC eht ta thgin yadseuT yrevE
The name of the controversial rock musical that portrayed the hippie counterculture in New York City was Hair. (And the winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Bill Van Nice.)
In the Sunday Chronicle, you may have seen the picture of one of the new informational kiosks and bike racks recently installed along Second Street. If you examine closely the kiosk shown in the picture, you will see a photograph from the 1962 The Dalles High School Yearbook of this popular 50’s and 60’s destination for teens “cruising the gut” or just hanging out. What was the name of this popular drive-in? And for bonus points who owned it? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or drop your answer off with a Hefty Henry and its special sauce.
Well, it’s been another week searching for the questions before I forget the answers. Until we meet again, although we may be over 60, life is far from over.

“Sometimes we can’t find the thing that will make us happy, because we can’t let go of the thing that was supposed to.”  Robert Brault

Aging Well in the Gorge May 3rd 2016

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I dread the day when I have to give up the car keys. (Although I won’t miss the maintenance costs and the insurance payments!) But before I am forced to or worse, before I injure someone, I hope I’ll have the courage to know when the risk is too great and it’s time to let someone else do the driving.  
But how does anyone know when it is time?
AARP has suggested these following questions to help decide when to retire from driving or at least have your driving accessed.
Do you find other drivers honking their horns at you – and they’re not waving to say hi! Do you stop at green lights or brake inappropriately; have trouble making turns, especially left turns; feel confused when exiting a highway or by traffic signs? Do you find yourself easily distracted or have difficulty concentrating? Do you get lost on familiar routes or have trouble remembering where you are going.  Or do you often ask yourself, “Why doesn’t any want to ride with me?!” (Okay, that last question I added. It replaced the question “Do you often forget where you left your car?” which if we answered honestly, half of us wouldn’t be driving.)
Maybe you feel your driving is okay: you’ve modify your driving – no longer driving after dark and staying off the freeways, but you know someone who has stubbornly held on to their car keys way too long. If so, Oregon has an At-Risk Driver Program. You can file a report about an unsafe driver using a Driver Evaluation Request, which you can find at the Center, the DMV office, or can be downloaded at the DMV web site.
But we aren’t talking just about older drivers. Oregon’s at-risk driver criteria are based solely on whether a driver, at any age, has any physical, cognitive or medical limitations that affect their ability to drive a vehicle. A report needs to be specific based upon observed unsafe driving behaviors or medical conditions that may impair a person’s ability to drive safely and not solely because of a person’s age.
You can learn much more about Oregon’s At-Risk Driver Program at the Center’s 11:00 Tuesday Lecture on May 10th, when Kristopher Kyes, Medical Programs Coordinator for the Oregon Department of Transportation, will be speaking.  
The Dalles Annual Community Clean-up co-sponsored by the City of The Dalles and The Dalles Disposal is on Saturday, May 7th. Residents of The Dalles can dispose of yard debris and unwanted items from 9:00 – 3:00 AM at the old county sheds at the corner of 10th and Walnut using the west entrance on Walnut Street near the 9th Street intersection. Household garbage, tires and hazardous waste will not be accepted at the collection site.
And if you’re a senior who doesn’t have a way to take your unwanted items to the community collection site, you can call Cindy Keever at The Dalles Public Works 541-506-2004 and she will arrange to have someone come and pick up the items.
The Center will be the location for the Relay for Life’s Parking Lot and Bake Sale on Saturday, May 7th from 8:00 – 3:00 PM. There will be goodies of all kinds including clothes, toys, books, and more!
Every Tuesday night at the Center there is live music for your dancing and listening enjoyment, and on May 10th, Martin and Friends will be playing. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, everyone is welcome and donations are always appreciated.
The young American musician/songwriter and 50’s rebel rocker who recorded “Sittin’ in the Balcony”, and “Somethin’ Else” before he died in 1960 at the age of 21 was Eddie Cochran. (And the winners of a quilt raffle ticket each are Jim Heitkemper (who still has the record of “Sittin’ in the Balcony”) and Don Hanson.)
For this week’s “Remember When” question, we step back to the bright lights of Broadway when this musical opened forty–eight years ago this week. What was the name of the controversial musical that portrayed the hippie counterculture in New York City and defined the “rock musical”? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail your answer with a vinyl soundtrack of the original Broadway cast album.
Well, it’s been another week looking for my scraps of paper with all my to-dos on them. Until we meet again, open up the windows and “Let the Sunshine In”.

“You are never too old to set another goal or dream another dream.” CS Lewis

Aging Well in the Gorge April 26th 2016

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Okay, this is for the guys. You’ve been married for thirty years – or more; and you have bought your loved one fresh flowers, sweet chocolates; taken her to the movies or made her breakfast in bed, and now you want to spice things up with something really special, but not too kinky, that will show how much you really care. But you have run out of ideas.
Well, I have a solution that I promise will surprise her. Take her to your favorite pharmacy for a Shingles date! I did and you can’t imagine how much my wife enjoyed it.
Why, it is something she has always wanted. We have been talking about getting our shingles vaccine for years but never seemed to make the time. But finally two weeks ago, after I checked with our Medicare plans and I made sure the vaccinations were available, I took her out for a night at the pharmacy for our shingles shots.
Now every time she hears of someone enduring the misery of shingles, she’ll thank me and give me a big kiss. And that’s an expression of true love – don’t you think?
It was a great Cherry Festival Weekend albeit a little windy, but what do we expect in The Dalles. Thanks to everyone who attended the Center’s Cherry Festival Pancake Breakfast and to this year’s sponsor Cherry Heights Living. Also thanks to Lisa and her talented crew at The Dalles Chamber of Commerce for giving the Center the opportunity to host the King Bing and Queen Anne coronation, recognizing this year’s recipients, Dennis and Shannon Morgan, for their valuable contribution to the community. It was great fun and we are already thinking of ways to make next year’s coronation bigger and better.
I ran into Cal McDermid, the Fort Dalles Museum Director, downtown on Saturday and he mentioned that the Fort Dalles Museum is looking for volunteers. Because the museum is open seven days a week through October, they need plenty of volunteers for landscaping, office work, greeting visitors or helping with special events. If you have the time, they will provide the training. Call them at 296-4547 or go to their website at FortDallesMuseum@gmail.com.
The Center is now offering Strength Yoga taught by Debra Lutje. While sitting and standing with the assistance of a chair, participants will do range of motion exercises, abdominal crunches, free weights, isometric exercises and chair yoga. It is a good all-purpose class that loosens joints, strengthens muscles and connects your mind & body. No matter your fitness level you will be able to do this class! The class meets every Wednesday and Friday at 9:15 downstairs at the Center. The cost is only $3.00 for each class.
There is one last Saturday night of “Second Chance Bingo” at the Center on April 30th. And then to start the month of May with a bang, Saturday Night Bingo will host a Bingo Bonanza on May 7th with a free Pulled Pork Sandwich dinner for all players served between 4:30 and 5:30. There will be new games and payouts with a minimum buy-in of $15. Come and enjoy America’s favorite pastime – BINGO!!
Every Tuesday night at the Center there is live music for your dancing and listening enjoyment. This coming Tuesday, May 3rd, Andre, K.C. and Tom will be playing. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and everyone is welcome. Donations are appreciated.
Looks like I stumped everyone last week with “Heathkit” – the brand name of the popular kits to build your own electronic devices. But this week we’ll see if anyone knows the artist who Ron Sutherland remembers singing the hit song “Somethin’ Else”. 
For this week’s “Remember When” question who was the sharply dressed young American musician/songwriter who epitomized the 50’s rebel rocker and recorded “Twenty Flight Rock”, and “Summertime Blues”, before he died in 1960 at the age of 21 when the taxi he was riding in crashed while on tour in England? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail your answer with a DVD of the 1956 musical comedy The Girl Can’t Help It.
Well, it’s been another week checking the mail and finding only credit card offers. Until we meet again, as my dad often told me, “Pass away shallow water and let the deep see row.”

“The single story creates stereotypes. And the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make the one story become the only story.” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie