It is a busy week ahead. So without any further ado, here is this week’s coming attractions.

Tonight at the Center, Truman will be playing his “Country Gold”. And next Tuesday on the 22nd the Jazz Generations will be back playing the big band sounds for your dancing and listening pleasure. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, everyone is invited and donations are suggested.

Thursday May 17th will be twenty five years to the date since the Senior Center held its first open house in 1987. To celebrate twenty five years supporting older adults in the Mid-Columbia, the Center is hosting a 25th Year Anniversary Open House – starting at 11:00 with displays and demonstrations; followed by a special dinner at noon provided by Meals-on-Wheels. At 1:00 there will be a program with invited guests John Mabrey and Bill Hulse, who were respectively The Dalles mayor and Wasco County Judge in 1987; as well as Betty Harlan who was the manager at that time of Meals-on-Wheels. The Open House will conclude with every ones’ favorite – cake and ice cream.

On Friday May 18th, the Center will host a Team Trivia Night celebrating this year’s theme for Older Americans Month “Never Too Old to Play”. The action will start at 7:00 and will continue until we finish the two rounds or the majority of folks fall asleep – which for me will be around 9:00. The questions cover three areas: Events, Culture and Sports and include all the decades from the 30’s to 2000. So you may want to bring one of your younger friends.

But there are many other activities at the Center that would fit the “play” category. Jody Cochenour (541-296-5692) is looking for more Bunco players to play every third Tuesday from 1:00 – 3:00; there is Mahjong (the Chinese version taught by Corliss Marsh) most every Friday from 1:00 – 3:00. And also at 1:00 on Fridays, the bridge group welcomes new players from experienced to beginners. And if you want to learn the computer, which could either be considered play or torture, there is help available every Wednesday from 9:00 – 11:00.

It is already time for May’s Saturday Breakfast on the 19th from 8:00 – 9:30 AM sponsored this month by The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation Center. The menu will include biscuits and gravy, bacon, scrambled eggs and fruit as well as your favorite beverage. Come and enjoy a delicious breakfast with friends and neighbors.

And there is plenty more action in the Gorge. Noon on Saturday May 19th at the Discovery Center, Jerry Tanquist is presenting his slideshow on the OR&N and The Union Pacific Railroads. Also on the 19th the Compassion Tea for the Relay for Life is from 2:00 – 4:00 at the Untied Church of Christ Congregational (541-298-1602). On Sunday the 20th, the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, a fundraiser for Opportunity Connections, will be at the Columbia Gorge Hotel from 2:00-4:00 ($25 at the door). And if none of that fits your style, there is the 16th Annual Tygh Valley All Indian Rodeo on Saturday and Sunday starting at 1:00 with a $5.00 admission.

The next 11:00 Tuesday Lecture at the Center hasn’t been decided yet, but on May 29th there will be a presentation about the highly contagious disease Pertussis – commonly known as Whopping Cough. Pertussis has reached epidemic levels in Washington and parts of Oregon (there has been one confirmed case in The Dalles). It is most serious for infants and children, but adults can also have complications from the disease. The Tuesday Lecture on May 29th will provide more information about Pertussis: what are the risks for older adults and what steps can be taken to avoid the spread of the disease.

And finally time for the answer to last week’s “Remember When’ question. It was Bob Dylan (and not Jimi Hendrix) who shook up the folk scene when he played an electric set at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. (The winner of a free Saturday breakfast is Esther Esson.)

For this week, I have asked part of the question before, but here is the whole sandwich. “They say the music died when these three musicians’ plane crashed in February 1959. What were all three of their names? Email your answer to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or include it with a picture of Waylon Jennings who was one of the band mates and gave up his seat on the flight.

Well, it has been another week, wondering if I have been here before. Until we meet again, don’t take for granted what you encounter every day.

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” – George Bernard Shaw

As we age why don’t we play as much – we certainly have the time. Are we too tired, too cautious or too self-conscious? Or are we looking for types of play that are more adult, more challenging and finding too few opportunities?

May is Older Americans Month and this year’s theme “Never too Old to Play” tries to dispel the common perception that play, like Trix cereal, “are just for kids”. Instead it promotes the idea that play is a vital component of healthy aging.

There is not a clear definition of play, but it is often described as doing something “just for the sake of it”. And it can include social play, imaginative play and physical play. But even though the understanding of play is unclear, there has developed a greater appreciation of the value of play for all ages – including older adults.

Dr. Stuart Brown, director of the National Institute for Play, believes play has an important physiological and neurological function – just like sleep and dreams. And our bodies are designed to play throughout our lifetime. And why not? Play offers a chance for anyone at any age to explore new imaginative worlds and engage in new social and physical activities – providing many personal benefits including greater social interaction and increased optimism. By expressing yourself, play also offers control, choice and freedom – which are often gradually lost as you get older.

Think back over your life – what types of play did you enjoy? You may no longer be that twelve year old playing kick –the-can on a hot humid night in Indiana, but use those playful memories to find something fun (and maybe crazy) to do now – just for the sake of it. And if your kids think you are nuts – all the better. Just tell them they need to grow up.

The Center’s 11:00 Tuesday Lecture on the 15th is “Educate before you Medicate” a special presentation made possible through a grant received by YOUTHTHINK. From this presentation you will learn the importance of informing your health care provider, dentist and pharmacist about all the prescription medicines, over the counter drugs, vitamins and herbal supplements you are using (in other words, any pill you stick down your throat!); how to ask the appropriate questions to make sure you avoid the dangers of unsafe combination of medicines; and how to use a medicine record form to keep track of the prescription medicines and any other pills you take.

Once again the Center is moving through the monthly dance card with Martin and Friends performing tonight and Truman playing on the 15th. Join one of the Center’s most popular activities with forty to sixty folks listening and dancing the night away. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, everyone is invited and donations are suggested.

Every week my mailbox is stuffed with answers to the weekly “Remember When” question – well, not exactly – but that isn’t my goal (although I do appreciate the emails and phone calls). Rather, I hope each week’s question might uncover forgotten memories tucked away: screaming at the Beatles in Portland, reading the Whole Earth Catalogue during your bell bottom, bead wearing days, or listening to Guy Lombardo on New Year’s Eve. As important as it is to explore new knowledge and experiences, it is also important for your brain health to recall the emotional memories of past experiences that make us the social beings we are. Test yourself each week, but I also hope each question brings back fond memories of “once upon a time”.

And did you remember the “Rumble in the Jungle”? – the heavyweight title fight between George Forman and Mohammad Ali held in Zaire when Ali used the rope-a-dope to knock out George Foreman. (The winner of a free Saturday breakfast is Kathy Shebley.)

This week’s “Remember When” question may bring back memories of the “generation gap” during the sixties. What was the name of the musician that shocked the world and angered many fans when he played an electric set of music at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival? Email your answer to themcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or include it with a map of Highway 61 from Minnesota to New Orleans.

Well, it has been another week riding shotgun in the 56’ Chevy of life. Until we meet again, keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and don’t take your foot off the gas.

For many older adults there comes the time, either of their own choosing or at the urging of their children, to move out of their familiar home and downsize to something considered more manageable: an apartment, a retirement community or assisted living. You could think of it as reliving those youthful carefree days of high expectations and excitement. I remember traveling from Indiana to Oregon with everything my wife and I owned in a Volkswagen Van so loaded down it could barely make it up the mountain grades. But forty years later, I am not as energetic or adventurous (but I hope a whole lot wiser) and downsizing now is more a struggle than an adventure. I have read several articles about where to begin: the old cell phones, VHS movies, used clothing, old bills – and how to get rid of stuff: yard sales, non-profit thrift stores, and eBay. But after raising two children in the same house with a quarter century of accumulated stuff, shrink wrapped in memories, my biggest challenge is the emotional difficulty of downsizing. What anyone else would consider junk misses my emotional attachments to many of the things I have kept: the unusable folding chair my dad gave me before I left for college; the first board game I played with my children; picture notes I drew for my daughter to go with her school lunches. When I look at those useless objects or pieces of paper, I experience feelings that I hadn’t felt in years. And I admit – I am afraid if I toss those memory triggers away, I will also be tossing those comforting memories – out of sight and out of mind – forever. And forever is a long, long time. There are other reasons why downsizing is difficult for older adults according to David Ekerdt, professor at the Gerontology Center at the University of Kansas. You may feel what you give away will not be appreciated as much by someone else. Or downsizing may force you to face reality: maybe you aren’t going to read all those books on your library shelves and you aren’t going to learn to play that electric guitar stored in the basement and tour the world with Paul McCartney. When you have to make decisions about what is important to you, you are really defining who you are by what you want to keep. But it has also been found that after downsizing, most folks are glad they did. You are no longer a prisoner of your past and by deciding what you want to keep as Professor Ekerdt states “you are choosing what you are going to be and this can be very gratifying”. And you may find less stuff can mean more happiness. The speaker for the 11:00 Tuesday Lecture on May 8th will be Dan Hammel from the Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue. Dan will discuss fire safety and prevention including the use and maintenance of smoke alarms. And on the following Tuesday there will be the program “Educate before you Medicate” funded by a grant through YOUTHTHINK discussing how to safely use medications. And don’t forget Saturday is your chance to empty your cabinets of unused and expired prescription or over the counter medications at the local “Drug Take Back Event” held at the Center from 10:00 – 2:00 in concurrence with the local Community Clean-Up day. Who is playing the Center tonight you may ask? It is Andre and the Strawberry Mountain Band for another entertaining evening of music and dance. And next week Martin and Friends will be back to strut their stuff. Doors open at 6, music starts at 7:00, everyone is invited and donations are suggested. The event that an estimated 500 million people watched live on July 21, 1969 was not the lunar landing – which occurred on the 20th – but the first time man walked on the moon. (And the winner of a free Saturday breakfast is Jody Cochenour.) This week’s “Remember When” question is again from Team Trivia Night to be held at the Center on Friday May 18th. What was the promotional name of the classic 1974 boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman? Email your answer to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or include it with a George Foreman “Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine”. Well, it has been another week spreading the manure among the dandelions. Until we meet again, keep singing even though you may have forgotten the tune. “Don’t cry because it is over, smile because it happened.” Dr. Seuss

It was a busy weekend – maybe it was the warm weather – but I didn’t have enough time to finish my thoughts on one of my son’s favorite topics: how living with less stuff can equal more happiness. Of course as a carefree young single man, he doesn’t have a whole lot of possessions to worry about. But it is a subject of interest for many of us “empty nesters” who have too much space filled with too much stuff – at least until the kids come back home to roost. And this extra week gives those of you who have downsized a chance to share your thoughts and any regrets by emailing me at smckay1948@gmail.com and I will try to include them in next week’s column. Sally McBain will be the featured speaker for the Center’s Tuesday Lecture on May 1st. Sally has worked in the field of aging most of her adult life and has witnessed, in various care settings, older adults who are unable to communicate and no one really knows who they are. The result of her experiences is a recently published work “Soul Portrait” which she wants to be “an important component of every one’s retirement plan, as well as a critical part of the family discussion as we age”. As Sally explains, “Soul Portrait helps each of us understand who we are and also encourages our caregivers, family members, friends, and health care personnel to provide us with the best care possible should the time come when we cannot speak for ourselves”. You can learn more about what inspired Sally to write “Soul Portrait” and what she hopes the book will accomplish at next week’s Tuesday Lecture starting at 11:00. It is that time of year again – time for the annual two-day celebration filled with the Friday night’s Lip Sync, live entertainment, vendors and the Saturday parade starting at 11:00am. And before the parade, why not stop by the Center for a breakfast of strawberry topped Texas French Toast with scrambled eggs, sausage, fruit and your favorite beverage – all for only $5.00. Breakfast starts at 8:00 and will continue until 10:00 for the late arrivals. Tonight at the Center, the Strawberry Mountain Band will keep you off your seats with a dance friendly mix of country and western. And next week we start the monthly rounds again with guess who? No, not the classic Canadian rockers “Guess Who” but again with the Strawberry Mountain Band – back to their regular slot on the first Tuesdays of the month. Doors open at 6, music starts at 7:00, everyone is invited and donations are suggested. We have a date! Last week I mentioned in order to celebrate Older Americans Month and this year’s theme “Never Too Old to Play” the Center is going to host a Team Trivia Night. And now the date is set for Friday May 18th from 7:00 – 9:00. Until then the “Remember When” question will be one of the questions that will be used on Team Trivia Night, so you faithful readers who attend can have at least a foot up on the competition – that is if you don’t forget! Last week’s answer was “Grapes of Wrath” published in 1939 and written about Depression-era migrant workers. (And the winner of a Cherry Festival breakfast is Jim Gordon.). This week’s “Remember When” question is “What event did an estimated 500 million people worldwide watch live on July 21, 1969 – which at the time was the largest television audience for any event in history”? Email your answer to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or fly it to the Center in the talons of an Eagle. Well, it has been another week separating the chaff from the wheat. Until we meet again, sometimes the shortest distance between too points is around. (But don’t ask me what that means.) “You can never go home again, but the truth is you can never leave home, so it’s all right.” Maya Angelou (Well, it looks like I’m a little short this week. I could do a clumsy tap dance or sing off key, but why not a few bad puns to keep you grinning – or groaning. “I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.” Or how about, “I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. It’s impossible to put down.” And if that isn’t bad enough, here’s one more, “I couldn’t quite remember how to throw a boomerang, but eventually it came back to me.” And as Porky Pig would say “That’s All Folks!”)

While temporarily sidelined; awkwardly moving about on my crutches like a new born foal, friends ask how I am doing: Any pain? Are things getting better? And I appreciate their concern, but I am a little embarrassed – because I’ve had it easy. There hasn’t been any real discomfort and it is temporary – only six more weeks!
For at the same time, I know too many people who are quietly, without notice or fanfare, carrying a much heavier burden – either physically or emotionally. Some are suffering daily from back pain without an easy medical answer – and yet they get up every morning and keep moving. There are others who are carrying for a loved one, 24/7, and they get up every morning and keep giving. And there are folks who have been diagnosed with a life threatening condition and still get up every morning and keep laughing.

Some of you might think knowing these folks would be depressing – a vivid reminder of a future when “if it doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t work”. But for me, they are my real heroes. They are reach-out-and-hug examples of how to live with whatever problem is thrown your way. And how you learn to just deal with it – both the good and the bad – without self-pity and bitterness, but with graciousness and quiet perseverance. Unknowingly, they have taught me, although problems never go away – they just change, there is no need to hide under the covers when each day is a gift of friendships, memories and new adventures.

Do I remind you of a community event the day before – when it may be too late, because you already made plans? Or do I remind you three week in advance and give you a chance to forget? Since I haven’t a clue to the answer, I’ll do both.

Tomorrow, Wednesday the 18th, The Dalles Area Habitat for Humanity is having their annual Pizza Feed at Spookys. It’s from 5:00 – 8:00 and the cost is $12 for those between 13 and 100. (I guess for any of you out there over 100 – it’s free!) And then on Saturday, May 5th, at Calvary Baptist, the Wasco County Pioneers will have their Annual Wasco County Pioneer Association meeting with lunch starting at 11:30. Membership is $12.50 for a family or $10.00 for an individual and is open to anyone interested in Wasco County history.

The Center’s Old Fashioned Bingo is back for another month on Saturday April 21st. All ages are welcome, parents, grandparents and grandkids, to play bingo as we did when we were kids. We use the old fashioned hard cards which are $3 a piece or two for $5. And to make it interesting, there are small $5.00 cash prizes for the first nine games and $25 for the last blackout. This family affair starts at 3:00 at lasts for a tad over an hour.

This month’s Saturday Breakfast sponsored by Cherry Heights Retirement Community would normally be held this Saturday. But during the month of April we hop on the Cherry Festival train and serve breakfast on the morning of the parade. So don’t stop by the Center this Saturday, unless you want to play cribbage at 9:00, and I’ll see on the 28th serving breakfast at the Center between 8:00 – 10:00 am.

Tonight at the Center, Truman will be playing his smooth Country Gold and next Tuesday the Strawberry Mountain Band will be roughing it up with more country and western. The music starts at 7:00, everyone is welcome and donations are always appreciated.

“Hey, Culligan Man!” was the person housewives called to soften their hard water. (And the winner of a free Cherry Festival Breakfast on April 28th is Jenny Gardner.)
May is Older Americans Month and the theme is “Never Too Old to Play”. And to celebrate, the Center will host a Team Trivia Night on a Friday in May. But one of the trivia questions for that night is this week’s “Remember When” question. What Pulitzer-Prize winning book, published in 1939, was written about Depression-era migrant workers who traveled from farm to farm to pick crops? Email your answer to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or Fed Ex it to the Center with the album “Okie from Muskogee”.

Well, it has been another week pushing the envelope up the mountain slope. Until we meet again, as the British government told their citizens during WW II “Keep Calm and Carry On.”

If exercise is the best prescription for your long term physical health, volunteering could be the best medicine for your mental health. The reasons are many: you meet new friends, improve your social skills, and build self-confidence while having fun and making a difference in your community. Many of you are already volunteering, but for those who are considering volunteering, you may want to follow these five steps to avoid wasting your time pursuing volunteer opportunities that just aren’t “you”.

1. Identify your interests. What do you feel passionate about – children, social issues, gardening? It might help to look back over your life and remember what you found rewarding.
2. List your skills and talents. Do you have computer or writing skills? Do you understand accounting? Are you patient enough to work with children?
3. Decide what you are willing to do—and not do—as a volunteer. Do you enjoying talking on the phone or would you rather spend all day on a tractor? Do you feel comfortable with teenagers or do you consider them another alien species.
4. Determine how much time you can realistically volunteer. Some opportunities are a long term commitment; while others may be a one-time event – and fit your snowbird calendar.
5. Identify the organizations that could be good matches. Ask friends and family; or check the newspaper or Internet for organization’s that might fit. Most organizations are always looking for volunteers.
6. Contact the organizations that match. But let them know your interests and skills; what you can and cannot do and your time commitment.

After you find the volunteer opportunity that is personally rewarding and fits who you are, you will discover the difference it will make in your own life and in your community – guaranteed.

Speaking of volunteer opportunities, do you want to help a student find the right path? The Dalles Wahtonka High School is looking for caring and enthusiastic volunteers for their new MAPS Program. If you enjoy tutoring and mentoring young adults, please consider joining the team of MAPS Navigators! For more information, contact Ginger Gonzales, Parent and Community Involvement Coordinator at (541) 506-3449 ext. 4003 or at gonzalesg@nwasco.k12.or.us.

Although many people have coped with loss in the past, it is always beneficial to learn more about dealing with the loss of someone significant in your life. The Seven Strategies: Coping with the Loss of a Loved One “will help identify unique factors affecting a person’s grief, different ways people grieve, how a person might access support as well as ways to honor a loved one”. The “Seven Strategies” presentation is free and open to anyone and will be held at the Center on Monday, May 7, 2012 from 6:00—7:30 pm. Anne Kister, Community Care Liaison for Providence Home Services, will be the presenter.

At the Center’s next Tuesday Lecture on April 17th at 11:00, local attorney Antoine Tissot will be speaking on the often requested topic: Wills. Antoine practices with Brad Timmons and has special training in Elder Law.

Tonight at the Center, Martin and Friends will be playing country western so you can dance with your sweetheart (or a good friend) till the lights go out. And next Tuesday the 17th Truman will be making his monthly appearance. The music starts at 7:00, everyone is welcome and donations are always appreciated.

Whether you’ve been dancing since you were in diapers or you need to learn because your wife thinks it’s a good idea (I’ve been there!), Steve Hudson will be teaching another session of East Coast Swing starting Sunday April 15th from 7:00 – 9:00 at the Center. To reserve your spot call Steve at 541-993-3540.

The perennial candidate from Minnesota who ran for the Republican Party nomination for President from 1944 until 1992 was Harold Stassen. (And the winner of a Cherry Festival Breakfast on April 28th is Steve Bungum.) This week’s “Remember When” question is about memorable ads. In the radio commercial starting in 1959 and later in the animated television commercials, who did the housewife call to turn her hard water soft? Email your answer to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call541-296-4788 or mail it to the Center on the back of a crisp C-note.

Well, it has been another week searching for that missing word on the tip of my tongue. Until we meet again, the person who truly gives is one who doesn’t take a tax deduction.

People have been conned, scammed, bamboozled and hustled as long as there have been confidence men, flimflam artists and snake oil salesmen. It is nothing new but it when it happens to you, it can be both costly and embarrassing.

A recent example was shared with me by my local resident scam reporter – Helen Lynch. She received another dubious telephone sales pitch (she is on somebody’s list!) this time offering her a chance to purchase a Medical card that would pay all her medical expenses – but only if she gave them her bank account information. She didn’t take the bait because she knew never to give her bank information (or her social security number) to anyone over the phone. And if it is too good to be true, it usually isn’t. (But if you ever do agree to a telemarketer’s sales pitch, it is generally not binding until you sign a written contract.)

If you want to avoid telemarketing calls, you can sign up with the Do Not Call Registry by calling toll free 1-888-382-1222 or registering online at www.donotcall.gov. Registration is free and works for both landline and cell phone numbers. There are some exceptions and some companies do not always follow the law, but if you receive telemarketing calls 31 days after registering with the National Do Not Call Registry, you can report a violation by calling the Oregon Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline at 1-877-877-9392.

Another common complaint is aggressive door-to-door salesmen particularly selling products such as security systems, magazine subscriptions, and home repair. They are pressured to sell you a product – whether you need it or not. But remember, it is YOUR decision. And you do have some legal protection. If you sign a contract and have second thoughts, you have three days to cancel for a full refund if you spent $25 or more on the product or service. (They are required to provide you with the cancellation form.) But after the three days, you are legally obligated in most cases and it may be very difficult to cancel.

If you ever have any concerns about telemarketers, door-to-door salesmen or consumer related issues, you can contact the Oregon Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline at the number I mentioned above or complete an online Consumer Complaint Form at http://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer/hotline.shtml. Always be skeptical and tenacious. You don’t want to be the prize catch of an unscrupulous telemarketer or door-to-door salesman.

Several folks have asked about the next opportunity to safely dispose of their unneeded or expired medications, and now a date has been set. On Saturday May 5th the Center will host a “Drug Take Back” event organized by YOUTHTHINK. The goal is to improve drug safety, prevent drug misuse and abuse, and protect water supplies from drug contamination. And also in May, the Center will be partnering again with YOUTHTHINK to bring to the community “Educate Before You Medicate” a program to raise awareness about medication issues particularly for older adults. Further details will be coming later this month.

It’s been a while since I shook up the grammatical pop can to challenge your brain synapses. So let’s see how well you can understand this week’s Tuesday night music announcement without those pesky self-absorbed vowels. (But I’ll leave the band names intact.) Tnght t th Cntr, th pplr Dufur Boys frm Dfr wll b plyng fr yr dncng nd lstnng plsr. Nd nxt Tsdy Martin and Friends wll b plyng ld fshn cntry nd wstrn. Th msc strts t 7:00, vryn s wlcm nd dntns re lwys pprctd.

It wasn’t “Tell Laura I love Her”, “Dead Man’s Curve” or “Leader of the Pack”, it was “Teen Angel” the 1960 teenage tragedy hit song sung by Mark Dining. (And the winner of a free Saturday Breakfast on April 28th is Robert Kruckman.) And it has been several weeks remembering past entertainers and top 40 hits, so for this week’s “Remember When” question, let’s see who knows their obscure political history. Who ran for the Republican Party nomination for President from 1944 until 1992 and is often cited as an example of a perennial candidate? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it to the Center with a picture of Minnesota’s State Capital.

Well, it has been another week looking everywhere for the door that opens when the other one shuts. Until we meet again, remember to always stay on the bright side of the road.

“The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight because by then, your body and your fat are really good friends” Unknown author

It has been two weeks since my fall and things are going well. Thanks to everyone for their good wishes, “Get Well” cards and particularly the good advice: “slow down and listen to your doctor – you’re not a young man anymore!” And I want you to know, I am listening – because one thing I should show for my age is a little wisdom.
Even though I would like to “unring the bell” and imagine myself gracefully landing on that last step like figure skater Scott Hamilton completing a triple axel, it is what it is. And from life’s tool bag of experiences, you learn to accept the situation, adapt and keep moving.

So you make adjustments, try new approaches and see what works and what doesn’t. I now use a backpack to carry stuff, moved the kitchen table closer to the refrigerator, and sleep on a different side of the bed for a quicker path to the bath room. (Remember last week’s insight number one.)

And often you find pleasant surprises. I now use a shower bench. Instead of standing in the shower stall on one leg like a wet flamingo without the feathers, I can sit down; enjoy the comforting feel and sound of the hot water while letting my mind wonder. (If I could only water proof my laptop I might never leave!).

But although my injury is inconvenient and frustrating (those darn crutches), I know I have it easy. It is my wife who has to deal with the consequences of my clumsiness – attending to my constant requests, making up for what I can’t do around the house – while still working a full time job. In these situations, it is most often the caregiver who has to shoulder the heaviest burden. And yet they do it with love and patience. (Although I don’t know what she says about me at work!)

But enough is enough. It is time to get back to some kind of routine – different, but at least predictable. And as life keeps moving on, I can’t wait to learn what my next lesson will be – and hopefully it won’t be for quite a while.

The next speaker for the Center’s Tuesday Lecture on April 3rd will be Dan Ericksen discussing the Cherry Industry – one of the major economic drivers in The Dalles area. And if I am lucky I will also have persuaded Jim Goff to be there and share his fascinating tidbits of local cherry history. (How did the Bing cherry get its name?) The lectures are always free and start at 11:00 AM.

This year is the Center’s 25th year of operation at its current location. And the Center is going to celebrate with an Open House for the whole community on Thursday May 17th – exactly twenty five years after the date when one hundred seventy seven folks attended the very first Open House. We will recognize the individuals who made the Center possible, showcase many of the Center’s activities and classes and offer a glimpse into the next twenty five years as the Center continues to provide opportunities for older adults to explore, connect and contribute. Save the date and more information will be forthcoming.

Tonight at the Center, the Jazz Generations will get you bebopping to the music all night long. And next Tuesday on April 3rd, The Dufur Boys from Dufur will be making one of their special musical visits to the Center. The music starts at 7:00, everyone is welcome and donations are always appreciated.

The singer/actress who sang with Count Basie and Cab Calloway, recorded the top ten hit “Takes Two to Tango”, and won a Tony for the lead role in the 1968 Broadway revival of Hello Dolly was Pearl Bailey. And every fourth Thursday, I enjoy visiting with Al Wynn on the KODL Coffeebreak; discussing senior issues and occasionally getting an idea for a “Remember When” question. So if you were listening last Thursday you may know the answer to this week’s question. What was the name of the teenage tragedy song sung by Mark Dining released in 1959 and hit number one in February of 1960? Email your answer to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it to the Center with a high school class ring from 1959.

Well, it has been another week knowing it could have been worse – and hoping it isn’t tomorrow. Until we meet again, sometimes you have to take the slow and winding side roads to get to your destination.

“What the world really needs is more love and less paper work.” Pearl Bailey

It could have been worse. I could have landed on my head, torn my rotator cuff, or fractured my kneecap. But instead I just, well, broke my hip (which I have found generates a lot of sympathy. But my own vanity tells me – no way should I – at my young age? – be tripping and breaking a hip!).

Last Monday morning while taking out the recycling, I missed the last step and ended up in the street landing on my side. But as the eternal optimist; hoping it was only a muscle pull, I managed to move around like Chester on Gunsmoke – until Tuesday morning at the Center when trying to get to my car I could no longer put any weight on my right leg without pain.

Stuck in the middle of the Center’s parking lot, I spent the next five minutes contemplating what to do; trying not to look too conspicuous by waving to drivers as they passed by on Ninth Street. (Hi. Don’t mind me. I just can’t move!)

But I was able to get a pair of crutches, (from the Center’s loan closet which ironically was the focus of last week’s column) hobbled my way to the car, and drove myself to the Emergency Room at MCMC.

There thanks to medical advances and Dr. John Schwartz, the broken bone was manipulated back in place, three screws were added and I was back home on Wednesday – as good as any clumsy sixty four year old man with three screws in his hip.

But I found in just one misstep, everything can turn upside down, literally. And now here I am learning to manipulate crutches – while improving my upper body strength, learning how to give myself shots – thank goodness for tiny, tiny needles, and catching up on my reading.

As I look back over this last week, there are always valuable insights gained from any experience. And in case you find yourself in a similar situation, here are my top ten for your consideration.

10) A new appreciation for toilet seat risers and chairs with arms,

9) Any remaining sense of invincibility fell down the steps with me,

8) When you are too old to impress the nurses with your good looks, modesty doesn’t really matter anymore,

7) Sometimes it is nice to be forced to slow down and smell the alcohol wipes,

6) I never use to worry about possible side effects and now I imagine acquiring everyone,

5) My wife will be taking out the recycling for a while, and the trash and – umm – this might not be all bad!

4) There are friends who will graciously fill in when you can’t be there.
3) There is laughter in most any situation no matter how painful,

2) It is difficult to depend on others – but I imagine this won’t be the last time.

And the most important insight,

1) Don’t drink too much water when you have to use crutches to get yourself to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

Tonight at the Center, Truman will be singing his Country Gold. And then next week on Tuesday the 27th, the Jazz Generations will get you swaying to the music. The music starts at 7:00, everyone is welcome and donations are always appreciated.

The “Kamikazie Kids” was the nickname created by Dick Harter (who just recently passed away on March 12^th) for the University of Oregon basketball team from 1971 – 1978. (And the winner of a free Cherry Festival Breakfast on April 28th is Jess Birge.) This week’s “Remember When” question is about one of the guests on the “Best of Johnny Carson” which I watched while recuperating. Who was the singer/actress that sang with Count Basie and Cab Calloway, had a top ten hit “Takes Two to Tango” in 1952, and won a Tony for the lead role in the 1968 Broadway revival of Hello Dolly? Email your answer to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it to the Center with a bag of “lumpy bumpy” Duncan Hines Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Well, it has been another week trying to get back up on my feet without falling flat on my face. Until we meet again, as it said on the Hallmark card sent to me by John and Darlene Lampe, “So can we just forget this whole thing happened, okay?”

“Success is falling nine times and getting up ten.” Jon Bon Jovi

When you get older you find the body is not as resilient as it once was – which is nothing new to anyone reading this column. And when that body needs to be serviced by your local medical mechanic because of an illness, knee surgery or a recent fall, you may need some medical equipment to help you get back on your feet. Because Medicare doesn’t always cover the cost or the equipment is needed for only a few days, the Center expanded its loan closet to include many of the common pieces of medical equipment.

But because the program has been such a success, assisting hundreds of folks a year, the cupboards are once again bare. To continue to assist folks, the Center is in need of shower benches, transfer benches, wheelchairs and even toilet seat risers. (We have plenty of hospital beds, and aluminum walkers.) If you have any medical equipment, that fortunately you no longer need, the Center would be glad to take it off your hands, so we can put it in someone else’s – to help them in their successful recovery.

Steve Lawrence is the speaker for the Center’s 11:00 Tuesday Lecture on March 20th discussing the Wasco County Veteran’s Services Office. But Steve is also bringing newly selected Veteran’s Services Officer Russ Jones. This will be a great opportunity to meet Russ, learn more about the services the office provides and ask any questions about veteran’s benefits.

“Old Fashion Bingo” at the Center is back again on March 17th from 3:00 – 4:00 PM. This is a once-a-month chance for the whole family, including grandma and the grandkids (anyone over 7), to play bingo as we did when we were kids (you know – up, down or diagonal). Bingo cards are only $3.00 and to make it interesting there are small cash prizes: $5 to the winner of each of the first nine games, and $25.00 for the blackout on the last game. And anyone twelve and older (if you are under 18 you need to bring your parent or guardian) can stay around for the Saturday Night Bingo starting at 6:00 PM.

When the garden supply ads are in the newspaper, the sun screen lotion displays are out, and my wife starts making a list of what “we” need to do in the yard, you know spring is around the corner and time to start thinking about the garden. And also time for me to remind folks about a little gardening gem called “Garden Highlights” produced by local master gardener Marty Miller. The latest bi-monthly, no cost, full color edition for March/April is now available electronically (You can receive one by emailing Marty at gardenhighlights@hrecn.net) or you can pick up an old-fashion paper edition at the Center.

After a two month break, it is time to get back into the 3^rd Saturday Breakfast habit starting on March 17th from 8:00 – 9:30 – this month sponsored by the good folks at Flagstone Senior Living. The menu includes flapjacks, scrambled eggs, sausage with fruit and your favorite beverage – all for $5.00 or $4.00 for Center members. And as Jack use to say, “Breakfast always tastes better when someone else cooks it.”

Tonight at the Center, the Martin and Friends will be playing so you can kick up your heels and stretch your toes. And then next week, Truman will be singing his County Gold. Everyone is welcome to join the excitement starting at 7:00. And to keep the lights on and feed the musicians, donations are always appreciated.

I finally stumped Ben Neumayer last week, but not Joann Scott who – even though she thought he was “Phoney Baloney” – remembered Paul Peterson as teenager Jeff Stone on the Donna Reed Show. But this week is the beginning of March Madness, so this week’s “Remember When” question (for another free Saturday Breakfast) has to be about basketball. From 1971-1978 the U of O basketball team was coached by Dick Harter and twice beat #1 UCLA. What was the nickname Dick Harter gave his team? Email your answer to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it to the Center with a pair of basketball shoes worn by Ron Lee.

Well, it has been another week trying to get though life without tripping over my own feet. Until we meet again, forgive the past, live in the present and don’t worry about the future.

“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be.”
Douglas Adams

Wednesday (14) Salisbury Steak
Thursday (15) Irish Potato Feed with all the Toppings
Friday (16) Fish or Chicken Nuggets
Monday (19) Chicken Fried Steak
Tuesday (20) BIRTHDAY DINNER Turkey and Gravy with Dressing