Author Archives: mcseniorcenter

Aging Well in the Gorge April 21st 2015

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The Dalles will be a happening place this week starting off with the always popular Lip-Sync tonight and the BYU-Idaho Symphony Band on Thursday, both at TDHS; followed by three days of fun activities downtown. There will be plenty of entertainment including the Twangshifters at the Swingin’ Sock Shop on Saturday night playing rockabilly from the 50’s that is still cool today. And you won’t want to miss the parade along its familiar route starting at 10:00. The Dalles Chamber and all the volunteers should be congratulated for organizing quite a show. Let’s hope the weather cooperates
The Center will be part of the action hosting the annual Cherry Festival Pancake Breakfast, once again sponsored by our neighbors to the north – Cherry Heights Living. From 7:30 to 9:30, the Center will be serving pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage plus fruit and beverage – all for $5.00 per person and $3.00 per child. Let the Center cook your breakfast on a busy Cherry Festival parade day.
The Center will also have a table downtown on Federal Street near the Veteran’s office. There will be information about the activities at the Center plus one last chance to buy raffle tickets for the Necktie Quilt made by Francie Yuhas. Stop by and say hi.
There hasn’t been a Tuesday Lecture at the Center for several weeks. (I was either out of town or I couldn’t remember which Tuesday of the month it was. Ever have that problem?) But the Tuesday Lecture is back on April 28th with Alida Raynor, MCMC’s Breast Health Nurse Navigator, speaking about breast health and MCMC’s new program to support women that need a diagnostic mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram is used when the initial mammogram identifies any abnormalities – which, speaking for myself, would freak me out. But those abnormalities may not be breast cancer. The diagnostic mammogram helps identify whether the abnormality is cancer or nothing to be concerned about. The Breast Health Navigator supports the patient through the process and helps ease any anxiety that may occur.
I have often mentioned the value of participating in creative activities whether it is building back scratchers or writing ten minute plays; designing a garden or writing a country ballad. And if your creative interests are in drawing, Debra Jones has arranged for Joy Kloman to return to the Center to teach a drawing class for those who want to have fun learning how to draw or want to broaden their knowledge of drawing. Joy is a former university art professor who has taught classes to all ages.
There will be a series of three Tuesday classes from 1:30 – 4:00 on May 5th, May 19th and June 9th. . Because of the Wasco County Cultural Trust grant, the three classes cost only $40 plus $15 for supplies. To register or for more information contact the Mid-Columbia Senior Center at 541-296-4788 or mcseniorcenter@gmail.com.
Because Tom Graff told me he can’t seem to read backwards, I’m not going to mix up this week’s Tuesday Night Music announcement – except for my normal typos. But Tom can sing! You can hear him perform at the Center on the first, third, and fifth Thursdays of the month starting at 11:00 am before the Meals-on-Wheels dinner.
On Tuesday April 28th, Andre and Friends will be performing at the Center for your dancing and listening pleasure. Music starts at 7:00, all ages are invited and donations are appreciated.
And the popular bluegrass band “Hardshell Harmony” is still going to play before the Meals-on-Wheels diner at the Center, but the date has been postponed to Wednesday April 29th starting at 11:00.
I guess I stumped everyone last week, since no one knew the satirical radio quiz show that aired from 1942 – 1951 and featured “a board of experts who are dumber than you are and can prove it” was It Pays To Be Ignorant – which you can still hear on several old time radio websites.
This week I am going to make it up by asking a local question I think most everyone will know. What successful business, that is celebrating 75 years in The Dalles, built the super market on 9th Street that St. Vinnies now occupies? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with an eight foot Stihl chain saw.  

Aging Well in the Gorge April 14th 2015

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You usually hear dementia associated with memory loss, but it is also often expressed through ceaseless repetitive questions and irrational behavior that can be challenging for any caregiver. To help better understand how dementia affects the person living with dementia and the caregiver, there will be two workshops on May 2nd presented by Vicki Schmall, OSU Extension Gerontology Specialist Emeritus; and sponsored by OSU Extension Service and the Oregon Geriatric Education Center and supported by Providence Home Services.

The first workshop, “The Challenging Behaviors of Dementia: Preventing & Responding”, will be offered at the Center from 10:00am-12:00pm. It will provide an understanding of how brain changes resulting from dementia affects a person’s perceptions and behavior; why challenging behaviors occur; what to do to minimize such behaviors and intervene when the behaviors do occur; and the adaptions the caregiver must make as dementia progresses.

The second workshop, “Packing Your “Caregiving Basket” for Self-Care” will be offered at the Hood River Adult Center from 2:00pm – 4:00pm.  It will provide you the tools to reduce stress, increase self-care and maintain your personal well-being while taking care of your family member.

Besides serving tasty and healthy meals at the Center, Meals-on-Wheels has scheduled music before their dinners on several days of the month. Starting at 11:00, Tom Graff performs on the first and third Thursdays of each month and on the second and fourth Tuesdays, Andre Lamoreaux and KC Kortge perform. In addition on Thursday, April 23rd at 11:00, the excellent local bluegrass band “Hard Shell Harmony” will be making a special appearance. They perform throughout the Gorge and will once again be playing at the Baby Back Rib Dinner at the Center on Friday October 2nd.

There will be a $2 a Bag Sale for used clothing and fabric at the Center on Saturday April 18th from 8:00 to 1:00. The Center’s Nu-2-U Shop is overflowing with clothes from the generous donations and they need to make room. If you can’t make the Bag Sale, the Nu-2-U Shop, which offers the best of the best used clothing at very reasonable prices, is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 – 3:00.  

It was nice to visit with U.S. Representative Greg Walden lst Friday night when he stopped by the Center to attend Opportunity Connection’s 48thAnniversary Dinner and show his support for the good work they do providing services and supports for people with disabilities. Besides discussing the challenges of life within the D.C. beltway, several of us were also able to share with him examples of how Meals-on-Wheels and the Center are working to support older adults

Last week I shook up the Tuesday Night Music announcement by reversing the text. See how fast you can read this week’s mixed up announcement – which you should find a little easier than last week’s.  
.appreciated always are donations and welcome is Everyone .00:9 by home be can you and 00:7 at starts music the  ,00:6 at open doors The .pleasure listening and dancing your for music country of brand special their playing be will Boys Simcoe popular the 21st April on Center the at Dance and Music Night Tuesday the For
The name of the dance where you would ‘dance’ under a stick that was lowered as low as you could go, and was popularized by Chubby Checker’s hit song “Limbo Rock”, was, you guessed it, the Limbo. (Winner of five Necktie Quilt raffle tickets is Corliss Marsh – and you may want to ask her what it was like being a limbo champion.)
I haven’t asked a question about old time radio in quite a while, so let’s see if anyone recalls this week’s “Remember When” question. What was the name of the satirical radio quiz show that aired from 1942 – 1951 and featured “a board of experts who are dumber than you are and can prove it” answering questions such as “What town in Massachusetts had the Boston Tea Party?” Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with a CD of Dr. IQ episodes.
Well, it’s been another week, still trying to keep time to the music without falling over. Until we meet again, you know life is unfair when the November freeze killed many of the rose bushes, but the blackberry bushes are still thriving.

“If we are strong, and have faith in life and its richness of surprises, and hold the rudder steadily in our hands. I am sure we will sail into quiet and pleasant waters for our old age.” Freya Stark

Aging Well April 7th 2015

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If you haven’t heard, Brain Goodwin and his small staff of dedicated teachers are running an amazing educational program at the Wahtonka Community High School. There the fifty-five students focus on hands-on, project based learning by working with community members to create and participate in service projects that help others. 
Since February, I have been working with Kyla Mitchell, a senior at the Wahtonka Community HS, on one of her service projects: a “Seniors-4-Seniors Dance” on May 1st from 6:00 – 8:30 at the Center. Tickets are $4.00 a piece or $6.00 for a couple and can be purchased at the Center or at the door. Andre Lamoreaux is putting together a one-of-a-kind band for this special event. 
What is unique about this dance is that it is an opportunity for the Wahtonka Community HS seniors to support the “seniors” in the area by organizing and promoting a dance for them. At the same time, the “seniors” are helping the Senior Class of Wahtonka Community HS since all the money raised from the dance will be used for their first ever high school graduation. It is a two-way street of mutual support. Pretty cool idea of Kyla’s. 
Although this is a dance for “seniors”, it is open to all ages. I hope you will come and support the Wahtonka Community High School’s first ever graduation while enjoying an evening of entertaining music. Kyla also wants to invite everyone to the Grand Opening of GISMO – General Integrated Science Museum Operations at the Wahtonka Community HS Campus on May 4th. Afterwards it will be open to the public on Mondays and Thursdays from 12:45 – 2:15. GISMO is organized and run by the students of Wahtonka Community HS as one of their learning-by-doing projects. 
Every spring, I take advantage of my annual Medicare Wellness exam so I can find out if my body is still operating properly and what maintenance is required. At my most recent visit I was pleasantly informed that in 2016 I would be eligible for my next colonoscopy! Eligible? What is this, the Publishers Clearinghouse of medical procedures? As if I’m now eligible to win a cruise through the inner workings of my colon as if it were a Viking Cruise on the Rhine River. Oh look over there! Isn’t that a polyp? It’s so spectacular! 
And since I’m on a roll, when did I become of age to start receiving mailings for cremation services? In one mailing, I even had a chance to win a free pre-paid cremation – like that is something I am really looking forward to enjoying! Oh, well. As the English have often said, “Keep calm and carry on”. 
I haven’t shaken up the weekly Tuesday Night Music announcement for quite a while. So once again a quick test of your synapses and neurons. .detaicerppa syawla era snoitanod dna – srelddot gnuoy ot srezeeg dlo morf – emoclew si enoyrevE .00:7 ta strats cisum eht dna 00:6 ta nepo srood ehT .erusaelp gninetsil dna gnicnad ruoy rof senut nretsew yrtnuoc dlo doog emos gniyalp eb lliw Friends and Martin,14th April no retneC eht ta ecnaD dna cisuM thgiN yadseuT eht roF 
The actor who starred as Lucas McCain, a widowed Union Civil War veteran and a homesteader, in the ABC television series Rifleman was Chuck Connors. (The winner of five raffle tickets for the Necktie Quilt is Janet Williams who told me you can still watch the Rifleman on MeTV.) 
This week’s “Remember When” question came from an email for “older” kids. I tried this dance when I was much younger and could actually touch my toes, (And yes Debra, I know your chair Yoga class at the Center would really help my flexibility.), but today I wouldn’t even think about it. What was the name of the dance, popularized by Chubby Checker in his 1962 hit song, where you would ‘dance’ under a stick that was lowered as low as you could go? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with a picture of yourself doing this dance in the 60’s – and I promise I won’t make fun of your hairdo. 
Well, it’s been another week, still trying to decide what to be when I grow up. Until we meet again, remember if plan A doesn’t work there are 25 more letters in the alphabet. 
“It is utterly false and cruelly arbitrary to put all the play and learning into childhood, all the work into middle age, and all the regrets into old age.” Margaret Mead

Aging Well March 31st 2015

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Over the last seven years, how many times has the Center asked for your financial support to expand and remodel the Center – most recently to install an elevator? And how many times have you stepped up by giving to the Center? For some of you, many, many times. Because of your generous financial support, and with the help of Chris Zukin and the Uplifting Elevator Committee, The Dalles Chamber, Northern Wasco County PUD, The City of The Dalles, NW Farm Credit Services, and an anonymous donation of $50,000, the Center has raised over $120,000.

That is good news. But there is more good news to report. The Center has recently been awarded a $115,000 grant from The Ford Family Foundation. With that grant, the Center is now two-thirds of the way towards raising the necessary $350,000 to install the elevator and complete the necessary remodel to accommodate it.

The Center is continuing to apply for several smaller grants, and will initiate one last local fundraiser. But just imagine. With your continued support, it is quite possible the Uplifting Elevator campaign could be completed by the end of this year. And that would be really good news.

The Center still has a few tickets left for the 2:00 matinee performance of I Love Lucy On Stage on Saturday, April 11th at the Keller Auditorium in Portland for only $75 including transportation – much less than the $91 it would cost if you purchased a ticket on your own.
But for those of you who may not have considered attending a play at the Keller Auditorium because of poor hearing – which many of us have, Lyn Dalton discovered when she saw Guys and Dolls, that the Keller Auditorium provides assistive listening devices. These devices amplify and clarify sound by cutting down or eliminating ambient noise. (Lyn said it was as if you were right on stage.) Individual headsets with a receiver or a neck loops for use with hearing aids with a “T” switch (Telecoil) are available free of charge. Ask your audiologist whether your hearing aid has a “T” switch and how to use it with an assistive listening headset or neck loop.

The Center’s mission is to promote healthy aging for ALL generations – we don’t discriminate if you happen to be young and inexperienced. So if you know of anyone looking for space to rent whether they are ninety-nine or nine, freckled or bald, have them call the Center.  The hourly rates are quite reasonable; and if you are a non-profit with a similar mission as the Center’s, we can make you a deal. For example, the Center is pleased to provide space at no cost for the annual Relay for Life’s Parking Lot Sale on Saturday May 2nd from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
For the Tuesday Night Music and Dance at the Center on April 7th, Andre, K.C and Tom will be playing their own brand of country western – and whatever else they feel the audience will enjoy. The doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, all ages are welcome and donations are appreciated.
Although Juanita Ignowski received several calls from friends after I wrote about the café across the street from The Dalles High School that she remembered, I didn’t receive any calls with the correct name of the cafe – Peter Pan. But I did hear from Marcia Lacock (and winner of five Necktie Quilt raffle tickets) who remembered The Teepee Café, owned by a neat lady who was the mother of John Byers and his sister Muriel, and which was the go-to place for TDHS kids, as was the Handout. When the Teepee closed, it was replaced by a dry cleaning business called Phillips’ One Hour Martinizing. Bring back any memories?
I’ll ask more local questions in future weeks, email me if you have any good ones, but I was reminded of this week’s “Remember When” question last week when I was on the KODL Coffeebreak with Al Wynn.
Who was the actor, and professional baseball and basketball player, who starred as Lucas McCain, a widowed Union Civil War veteran and a homesteader, in a western aired on ABC from 1958 – 1963? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with a modified Winchester 92.
Well, it’s been another week, with places to go, but nobody to see. Until we meet again, don’t let anyone tell you what you should do at your age – but try to avoid climbing tall ladders.

“Life is so much brighter when you focus on what truly matters.” Unknown author

Aging Well March 24th 2015

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There are many folks who want to stay in their own homes but find it difficult to do so. It is harder to finish all the chores around the house, keep the yard up and even fix healthy meals. But maybe a few hours a week of in-home help could allow them to continue to live in their own homes. If you know of someone in that situation, there is a program funded by the state of Oregon that may help.
Oregon Project Independence (OPI) provides services to Oregonians age 60 and older. These services are intended to support older adults so they can remain in their home as long as they wish. Here in the Mid-Columbia region (Wasco, Sherman, Hood River, Gilliam and Wheeler counties), OPI is administered by the Area Agency on Aging (AAA).
Because of its value, Melissa Howtopat was hired two and a half years ago by the AAA to expand the OPI program. As a result of additional funding from the Oregon legislature and her diligent efforts, OPI is now assisting more than fifty older adults. And the good news is they currently have the resources to assist even more older adults.  
To qualify for OPI, a person must be age 60 or older and need some type of in-home assistance based on an assessment completed by Melissa. Persons younger than age 60 who have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia may be eligible for OPI services.
If a person qualifies, the fees are often affordable – utilizing a sliding fee schedule based on the individual’s monthly income minus their medical expenses. Other financial resources such as savings are not included.
From the individual assessment, services are tailored to the individual’s needs. The available services can include homemaker assistance such as preparing meals, shopping for personal items, or doing light housework; chore assistance such as heavy housework and yard work; respite services which provide a temporary break for the caregiver; assistance identifying other resources and health care options; and personal care services.
Oregon Project Independence has helped thousands of older Oregonians to remain as independent as possible in their own homes. To enroll in OPI or for more information, contact Melissa at the Area Agency on Aging by calling her at 541-298-4101.
For the Center’s 11:00 Tuesday Lecture on March 31st, a Bill Moyers’ interview with Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot will be shown and discussed. Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot is one of America’s leading educators and author of The Third Chapter: Passion, Risk, and Adventure in the 25 Years After 50 and more recently Exit: The Endings That Set Us Free.
As a reminder, if you can’t attend “Are You Ready for Medicare?” on Wednesday April 8th from 9:00 – 11:00 at The Dalles campus of CGCC, you can always call the Center and make an appointment with a trained SHIBA counselor to help answer your Medicare questions.
Every fifth Tuesday, the always popular Dufur Boys perform at the Center for your listening and dancing pleasure. And fortunately, the next fifth Tuesday is this coming Tuesday, March 31st, Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, all ages are welcome and donations are appreciated.
Last reminder. Nehemiah Brown will be performing at the Center this Friday March 27thfrom 7:00 – 9:00 sponsored by The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation Center. The cost is still only $3.00 per person.
Many folks remembered the Spudnut (and if you want to make the trip, there is still one open in Richland, Washington). But Dennis Morgan, who worked at the Spudnut, also known as Otto’s Ice Cream Center when it was owned by “Ma Durfee”, also remembered Egbert’s Tasty Bakery. And Jerry Philips remembers the Super Cream – where you could watch the donut machine in the window. (The winner of five raffle tickets for the Necktie Quilt is Susan Ortega.)
For this week’s “Remember When” question, let’s try one more local question which came from a conversation with Juanita Ignowski. What was the name of the cafe in a house across the street from The Dalles High School where Juanita and Zelta Wasson would often eat when they were in high school? (Juanita, I hope I got that right.) E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or have a girl named Wendy drop it off at the Center.
Well, it’s been another week, enjoying the unexpected surprises- the good and the ugly. Until we meet again, remember, if the world was perfect, we wouldn’t be here.

“In youth we run into difficulties. In old age difficulties run into us.” Beverly Sills

Aging Well March 17th 2015

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We have all heard that Alzheimer’s is a debilitating brain disease. The brain cells progressively degenerate causing deterioration in thinking ability and memory; and also affecting behavior, mood and emotions, and the ability to perform everyday activities. Consequently, caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be both frustrating and exhausting.
At the Center on Wednesday March 25th from 1 to 4:30 PM the Oregon Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will present, “Living with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers – Middle Stage”. You will hear caregivers and professionals discuss helpful strategies to provide safe, effective and comfortable care in the middle stage of Alzheimer’s. The class is free, but registration is required. To register, call 800-272-3900.
But what is the middle stage of Alzheimer’s? The middle stage is typically the longest stage and can last for many years. It follows the early stage when the person exhibits mild cognitive impairment and may still be able to function independently such as driving and participating in social activities. And it precedes the late stage Alzheimer’s when around the clock care is usually required.
During the middle stage, as the dementia progresses, the person with Alzheimer’s may find it difficult to express thoughts and perform routine tasks such as getting dressed. As a caregiver during this stage, you become a hands-on caregiver, and it is particularly important to get the support you need as a caregiver.
The “Living with Alzheimer’s” presentation on the 25th will provide valuable information on how to care for a loved one as well as yourself. For more information, you can also go to the Oregon Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association website at www.alz.org/oregon/.
Have you ever visited with your grandchildren or great-grandchildren and wondered why they say what they say? (Maybe even your adult children? But that is a whole different subject!) At the Center’s 11:00 Tuesday Lecture on March 24th, Lindsay Couch, SLP (Speech- Language Pathology) will talk about language and communication development in children including how children develop language skills, how they communicate with their parents and grandparents, and what milestones in communication should be reached at certain ages/stages. She has spoken to other groups in the area and they have found her presentations fascinating.
Are you ready for Medicare? Well, I imagine most of you, like myself, are already enrolled in Medicare. But for those of you who aren’t, you don’t have to wait until you are 65 to understand Medicare. You can get help now at a free community event presented by Oregon’s Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA) on Wednesday April 8th from 9:00 – 11:00 AM at the Columbia Gorge Community College in The Dalles. You will learn how to enroll in Medicare, important deadlines, avoiding penalties, working after you are eligible for Medicare, finding assistance with paying Medicare costs and much more. Call 541-506-6011 to register.
Now that the weather is warmer and the days are longer, more folks are enjoying the Center’s Tuesday Night Music and Dance. This coming Tuesday March 24ththe Simcoe Boys will be playing. Doors open at 6:00 and the music starts at 7:00. All ages are welcome and donations are appreciated.
Nehemiah Brown will be performing at the Center once again on March 27th from 7:00 – 9:00. If you haven’t heard Nehemiah, you should. He sings the hits of the 50’s and 60’s in the style of Nat King Cole and Bobby Darin. And thanks to The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation Center who is sponsoring the event, the cost is still only $3.00 per person.
Okay, last week I may have given the answer away when I mentioned Phil Brady, but I wasn’t sure if anyone would remember Brady’s Market and its sign with the rotating grocery cart on top. I certainly was wrong. (The winner of five raffle tickets for the Necktie Quilt is Morris Melton.)
For this week’s “Remember When” question, here’s another local question about a popular landmark in The Dalles gleaned from my conversation with Jim Slusher and Phil Brady. But this time I’m only going to give one clue.  What comes to mind when I mention “doughnut” (and it’s not the Bakekitchen).  E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with a round trip bus ticket to Richland, Washington.
Well, it’s been another week, laughing with friends – old and new. Until we meet again, don’t use your age as an excuse.

“Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.” Douglas Adams

Aging Well March 10th 2015

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In the United States, we are living longer than ever with the average lifespan in 2013 of 79.8 years according to the World Health Organization. In large measure, this is the result of medical advancements in reducing the number of deaths due to heart disease and stroke.
The idea of lifespan came up this last weekend when my wife and I spent time with my son who was in Oregon for the weekend. During his visit, we had aso I can enjoy those extra bonus years.f study which is the biology of aging or trying  fascinating discussion about his field of graduate study: the biology of aging. He talked about genomes, DNA and RNA, telomeres and proteins (I wish I had remembered more from my high school biology classes!). In those discussions, he mentioned the difference between lifespan – how long you live, and healthspan – the period of your life during which you are generally healthy.
Lifespan I am familiar with since it is one of the most common indicators of health. But when I think about it, an increase in lifespan can’t be the whole picture. Without an increase in healthspan, it could just mean more years with illness and disability. For example, with the rising life expectancy there is a growing number of dementia cases which some researchers are projecting an increase of threefold by 2050. As we add more years to our lives, don’t we still want to enjoy the life in our years?
Even with all the life extending medical advancements, there is a growing awareness that life expectancy may not be the best indicator of overall health. Consequently, I expect there will be a greater focus on research that will address what is most important: the ability to maintain our health as we age, so we can stay active, engaged and able to really enjoy the bonus years.
But as of now, there is no quick fix to healthy aging – no magic fountain of youth. A long and healthy life comes down to making sensible lifestyle choices: exercising, eating well and staying connected with others. And a little bit of good luck.
Now that the Center has sold all twenty tickets for Guys and Dolls, the next show is I Love Lucy On Stage which is a brand-new, feel-good stage show adapted from the beloved television hit of the 50’s. Thirteen seats are still available for the 2:00 Saturday matinee on April 11th at the Keller Auditorium in Portland. The cost is $75 including transportation. Drop by the Center to purchase your tickets.
If you are staying home on St. Patrick’s Day you are missing some great music. The annual “St. Pat’s at St. Pete’s” concert at St. Peter’s Landmark starts at 7 p.m.  Cascade Children’s Choir and instrumentalists will join the Cascade Singers choir, ensemble, and “Almost-All-Irish-Almost All-Brass Band” for Irish favorites and sing-alongs.  Admission is a free-will offering to benefit St. Peter’s Landmark. 
And as I have mentioned before, the Center is having their St. Patrick’s Day Supper and Concert featuring the local Irish band “Barley Draught”. The Irish Potato Supper starts at 5:30 and Barley Draught will be performing from 7:00 till 10:00. Clock Tower Ales will be providing the Guinness Draught, so it is an over 21 event. The cost is $12 for both supper and concert and $7 for concert only.
I heard from a lot of folks that it was “Howdy Doody time” – the answer to last week’s “Remember When” question. (The winner of five raffle tickets for the Necktie Quilt is Ed Anghilante.)
This week I’m going back to local history for all the old and not-so-old timers. At the MCMC Health Foundation’s Compassion Awards event, my wife and I had the pleasure of sitting with Jim Slusher, the director of the Mid-Columbia Community Action Program (this year’s winner of the Community Service Organization Award), and Phil Brady. When they started talking about some of the old landmarks in The Dalles back in their days far, far away, my ears perked up. For those of you who were around back then, what was the name of the grocery store, located on the corner where The Dalles Chronicle building sits today, and known for its sign with a rotating grocery cart on top?  E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with a twenty pound bag of groceries.
Well, it’s been another week, looking for the next right answer – or at least something close. Until we meet again, keep your chin up and your nose clean.

“Life is simpler when you plough around the stump.” Cowboy wisdom

Aging Well March 3rd 2015

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Technology is constantly changing and as most of us would agree – much too fast. But the upside is that the technology will become more intuitive and responsive. And with the boomer bubble moving through the snake, businesses are taking notice. There will be an increasing focus on hi-tech products for older adults that offer enhanced safety and convenience, while also allowing greater independence.
Some of the new technologies include wireless bone conduction headphones, Bluetooth speech enhancement devices, new technology enabled in-home care systems, and fashionable wrist watches that provide medication reminders, count your steps, can be activated in an emergency, and can wash the dishes. (Okay maybe not that last one – at least not yet.) And who knows, we may live long enough to see driverless cars.
But enough of this staring in the crystal ball. How do I get my email to work or download the pictures of my grandkids? Or how do I get started with my new iPad or laptop that my children gave me – because they read how much better my life will be with one.
If you have any “techie” questions, you can just drop in any Wednesday morning at 9:00, or at 1:00 on the first Wednesdays (March 4th) if you have iPad or iPhone, and I will attempt to answer your questions. I can often help or at least give you some direction before you ask for professional help.
Now that Guys and Dolls is sold out, the next show is I Love Lucy On Stage which isa brand-new hit stage show adapted from the beloved television hit of the 50’s. The Center has purchased 20 tickets for the 2:00 Saturday matinee on April 11that the Keller Auditorium in Portland and the cost is $75 including transportation. Just drop by the Center to purchase your tickets.
Debra Jones has lined up an exciting list of creative arts classes at the Center beginning next Tuesday, March 10th from 1:00 to 2:30. There is limited room and the classes fill up quickly, so you should call the Center and reserve your spot ASAP. Because of the grant from the Wasco County Cultural Trust, we can keep the cost low – only $2.00 per class plus all the materials are provided. This allows you to get your toes wet without having to take a full bath. The lineup for the spring classes are: March 10th – Pastels; March 24th – Cup & Saucer; April 14 – Herb Garden; April 28 – Wooden Serving Trays; May 12 – Mosaics; May 26 – Collages. Call the Center at 541-296-4788 if you have any questions.
The topic for the 11:00 Tuesday Lecture on March 10th is “Livable Communities – What does a community that supports all ages look like.”
For the Center’s Tuesday Night Music on March 10th, Martin and Friends will be playing for your dancing and listening enjoyment. Doors open at 6:00 and the music starts at 7:00. All ages are welcome and donations are appreciated.
It was January 11, 1959 on the Ed Sullivan Show when America watched Ed Sullivan interview Fidel Castro just days after the Cuban Revolution. (The winner of a free Cherry Festival Breakfast on April 25th is Alex Currie.)
Starting this week, the winner of the “Remember When” question will win five raffle tickets for the Necktie Quilt that was machine pieced and quilted by Francie Yuhas. You can see the quilt at the Center or on the Center’s website at www.midcolumbiaseniorcenter.com. Tickets are $1.00 a piece or seven for $5.00. The raffle drawing will be held on Monday, April 27th.
This week’s “Remember When” question is about a children’s program telecast on NBC from 1947 through 1960. At the start of each show, Buffalo Bob would come out and ask “Say kids, what time is it? What would the children in the “Peanut Gallery” say in response? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with one of Clarabell’s seltzer bottles.
Well, it’s been another week, living in the “now” because I can’t remember what happened yesterday. Until we meet again, as I am often told, if you ever find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is to put down the shovel.

“It is not by muscle, speed, or physical dexterity that great things are achieved, but by reflection, force of character, and judgment; and in these qualities old age is usually not only not poorer, but is even richer.”  Cicero

Aging Well February 24th 2015

Aging Well in the Gorge No Comments
There are 760,000 Oregonians suffering from arthritis, and you may be one of them. With arthritis you may find it difficult to keep moving, but there is a program developed by the Arthritis Foundation named Walk With Ease that has been proven effective in increasing balance, reducing pain, improving mental health, flexibility and overall physical health. If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you will want to join the Walk With Ease program where you will learn how to develop a walking plan, stay motivated, manage your pain and learn to exercise safely.
Lauren Kraemer, the Family and Community Health agent for OSU/Wasco County Extension, will soon be starting a Walk With Ease class. You can learn more about this program at the Center’s 11:00 Tuesday Lecture on March 3rd. Or you can call OSU/Wasco County Extension at 541-296-5494 for more information.  
If you happen to be a regular Fred Meyer customer, you probably have a Rewards Card that gives you cash back and discounts. An easy way to support your favorite non-profit, (and I don’t know one that couldn’t use more financial help), is to link your Rewards Card with the nonprofit. The process is pretty simple. First, go online to https://www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards. At the top right of the page you will be asked to “Sign In” or if you don’t have an account, click on “Register”. After completing the questions to create your account, search for the nonprofit you want to support.
You can only choose one non-profit and as you can imagine there are plenty in The Dalles and Mid-Columbia area to choose from. Also when searching for a Mid-Columbia non-profit find their location. For some reason the Tri-Cities in Washington think they are the Mid-Columbia. By connecting your rewards card to your favorite non-profit, you will make sure it receives a share of the $2.6 million Fred Meyer donates each year.
Meals-on-Wheels has a loyal cadre of volunteer driver’s that deliver meals to individuals who have difficulty preparing a healthy hot meal. But they do need more drivers. It takes only about an hour with 10 – 15 deliveries. You do have to go through a background check. If you would like to be a MOW driver, stop by their office at the Center or call them at 541-298-8333.
Looking ahead to March, there are several concerts scheduled for the Center besides the regular Tuesday Night Music and Dance. On St. Patrick’s Day, Tuesday March 17th, there will be a baked potato supper and concert with Barley Draught playing the best Irish music this side of the Mississippi. Admission for the concert is only $7.00, and $12 if want to enjoy both the baked supper and concert. Supper starts at 5:30 and the concert is from 7:00 to 10:00.
Nehemiah Brown will be back for his first performance of the year on Friday March 27thfrom 7:00 – 9:00 PM. He will be performing the standards from the 50’s and 60’s and the cost will be $3.00 per person. Besides being an entertainer, Nehemiah is also a minister and gospel singer. He will be performing with the Brothers in Christ at the Great Gospel Concert at Calvary Baptist Church on Saturday March 28th from 2:00 – 3:30.
For the Center’s Tuesday Night Music and Dance, it is already time to head back to the top of line-up with Andre, Tom and Joe playing their crowd pleasing brand of country and honky-tonk music on March 3rd. Doors open at 6:00 and the music starts at 7:00. All ages are welcome and donations are appreciated.
The name of the disturbed owner-manager of the hotel in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 thriller, Psycho, was Norman Bates. (And the winner of a free Cherry Festival Breakfast is Betty Richmond.)
This week’s “Remember When” question is from 1959 when entertainment and international politics intersected on the television screen. Shown on January 11, 1959 on this popular Sunday night variety show, just days after Fulgentia Batista fled Cuba and Fidel Castro had assumed control, was a six minute video clip of the show’s host interviewing Castro – calling Castro and his soldiers “Revolutionary Youngsters.” What was the name of the television show? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with Topo Gigio and a block of cheese.
Well, it’s been another week, welcoming another sign of spring – sugar ants appearing on the kitchen counter. Until we meet again, don’t forget to spend time reflecting on what really matters.

“One of the advantages of being disorganized is that one is always having surprising discoveries.” A.A. Milne

Aging Well in the Gorge No Comments
Many of you may agree with Fran Lebowitz who said, “Very few people possess true artistic ability. It is therefore both unseemly and unproductive to irritate the situation by making an effort. If you have a burning, restless urge to write or paint, simply eat something sweet and the feeling will pass.”

Granted most of us may not have true artistic ability, but if you don’t follow that “burning, restless” urge, you will miss the pleasure, and satisfaction and sense of discovery of creating something new whether it is a drawing, a piece of glass art, or just a doodle. It may not be great, or even good. But that is really not the purpose. It is the process of letting yourself go in the act of creating. And if you get a few kudos or ribbons at the county fair, that is just the cherry on top.

To get your creative juices flowing, there are several opportunities coming around the mountain. The Dalles Art Center is offering Clay Play! taught by Yvonne Pepin-Wakefield from 6:00 – 8:00 PM on every Tuesday in March and first three Tuesdays in April. The class is an individually structured open studio ceramics class over the course of 8 weeks for anyone curious about clay or who want to expand their ceramic skills in a supportive and light-hearted environment. The cost is $80 per student which covers attendance for 4 of the 8 available classes – which you can choose at your own convenience. And if you want to attend more than the four, which you are encouraged to do, there is an additional fee of $20 per class.  You can also purchase a 25 lb. bag of low-fire clay for $15 which can be shared. You can register now by contacting The Dalles Art Center at 541.296.4759 or by email at thedallesart@gmail.com

Also the Center’s Creative Arts Program supported by the Wasco County Cultural Trust is taking shape for this year. The first of the ten Tuesday classes will start on March 10th plus there will be several special events throughout the year: Glass Art Classes with Stephanie, Joy Kloman’s Drawing Classes in May, and “An Evening with Darryl Lloyd” national award winning photographer. It is all exciting stuff and I will provide more information closer to the events.

The twenty tickets for the 2:00 performance of Guys and Dolls on Saturday, March 14th are going fast. If you are interested you should purchase your tickets soon. And once again, Sherman County Transit will be providing the transportation, so our friends in Sherman County who want to attend can pick up the bus closer to home.

Since last week I forgot which week it was and announced the wrong band playing tonight (It is the Simcoe Boys), I shouldn’t even try to tell you who is playing next Tuesday on the 24th. And starting this month, the Center will be rotating bands on the fourth Tuesdays to add some variety to our regular music line-up. Let’s see how long I can keep it all straight. But what I do know, well at least I think I know, is that the Elderly Brothers will be playing on the 24th for your dancing and listening enjoyment. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and everyone is welcome. And thanks to everyone who attend the dances for your donations. The bands appreciate the support and it helps keep the lights on at the Center.
The name of the medication that was advertised on television in the 1960’s using the hit song “No Matter What Shape Your Stomach’s In” was Alka-Seltzer. (And the winner of a free Cherry Festival Breakfast is Sandy Haechrel.)
Alfred Hitchcock was known as the “Master of Suspense” directing more than fifty movies spanning six decades. For this week’s “Remember When” question, in his 1960 American psychological thriller-horror film (which I am still too scared to watch), what was the name of the disturbed owner-manager of the hotel? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or drop it off with a brand new shower curtain.
Well, it’s been another week, complaining about the sun in my eyes – now that the sun has finally appeared. Until we meet again, as I heard at the Center, “Don’t pray for better days, but for these to last.”
 “I always knew looking back on the tears would make me laugh, but I never knew looking back on the laughs would make me cry.” Unknown