Did you ever consider that by hiring an in-home caregiver you become an employer with all the corresponding responsibilities? It does make sense. But when I hired a caregiver to stay with my mom while my wife and I worked, I never really thought about it. And you may not have either. But I have since learned if you pay a caregiver more than $1000 in a calendar quarter, you are a domestic employer and must register with the Oregon Employment Department, pay unemployment taxes, and file an annual or quarterly tax report. That sounds pretty daunting. But at the Center’s 11:00 Tuesday Lecture on the 20th, Isabel Allen from the Oregon Employment Department will help explain what you need to do to hire the caregiver you need.

Mark your calendars! On Friday October 7th Meals-on-Wheels and the Center are bringing back the Baby Back Rib dinner – with dinner served from 5:00 – 7:30 PM and the Hardshell Harmony playing bluegrass starting at 6:30. The dinner of baby back ribs, cole slaw, corn on the cob, bread, dessert and a beverage plus your own bib (if you are the messy type) will only set you back $12 for adults and $5 for children under 12. You can purchase your tickets in advance at the Center – which we prefer – but if you are the spontaneous seat-of-your-pants type you can buy them at the door. The board members of both Meals-on-Wheels and the Center have dug into their pockets to purchase all the food for the dinner, so every dollar raised will go directly to the two programs.

If you ever had a loved one with Alzheimer’s or have known someone with the disease, the Oregon Alzheimer’s Association would like you to complete a short survey. Your thoughts and opinions from the survey will be used to help craft a state plan for addressing Alzheimer’s Disease in Oregon. To complete the survey, go to http://www.alz.org/oregon/ and scroll down the page under “Programs and Events” and click on “Take our Survey”. But you have to reply by September 15^th.

This coming Saturday, the 17th, from 8:00 – 9:30 AM it is again breakfast time at the Center. This “Back to School” breakfast sponsored by The Dalles High School Class of ‘63 will include your choice of three kinds of hotcakes: blueberry, buckwheat, or plain, sausage or bacon, scrambled eggs, fruit and your choice of beverage. It will be a definite yum-fest. But be aware! Considering the reputation of the class of ’63, there may be dancing on the tables and food fights in the halls. The cost is only $5.00 and a dollar less for Center members.

And yes Virginia, there was someone who did attend the Beatles Portland concert in August of ‘65! And that lucky girl was Shirley Bailey who even emailed me pictures of her $6.00 matinee tickets. Pretty cool! And Shirley, if you promise to share some of your memories of that day, you have a free breakfast waiting for you this Saturday at the Center.

If you get your Chronicle early you may still have time to hoof it down to the Center and dance to the sounds of Martin and Friends starting at 7:00. And next Tuesday on the 20^th, Truman will be playing his country gold (and Truman are the rumors true –you have recorded a CD of country favorites?) Everyone is welcome and donations are appreciated.

It was Gasoline Alley the comic strip which introduced Skeezix – found as a baby abandoned on Walt Wallet’s doorstep and now a grandfather in his 80’s. But this week, I’m doubling your pleasure with two “Remember Whens” from the spring of 1963 when TDHS seniors were cutting class and cramming for finals while trying to surprise their parents by actually graduating from high school. 1) What was the name of the first James Bond movie that was just released? And 2) What was the name of Lesley Gore’s #1 hit. The third person to correctly answer both questions will receive not one but two free breakfasts. Email your answers to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or drop them off with a six pack of Coca Cola’s first diet drink: Tab.

Well it’s been another week dazed and confused trying to figure out what “it” is. Until we meet again, stay strong, stay calm and stay in touch.

“How often we choose the safe path only to discover that it was not one of the choices.” Robert Brault

I am writing this column on Friday so I can enjoy a labor-less Monday. So to keep it simple I am including three of my favorite jokes that I have shared previously in the Center’s weekly newsletter. And to keep is short, the usual Center announcements are in the form of that long ago equivalent to today’s text messaging – the telegram.

A good time to laugh is any time you can. ~Linda Ellerbee

An old man living alone on a farm wrote to his only son, Bubba, in prison. “Dear Bubba, I’m feeling pretty bad because it looks like I won’t be able to plant my potato garden this year. I’m just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. Wish you were here–I know you’d take care of it for me. Love, Dad”
About a week later, the farmer received this letter: “Dear Dad, Whatever you do, Don’t dig up the garden! That’s where I buried the bodies!! Bubba”
The next morning FBI agents stormed the property and dug up the entire garden. They didn’t find any bodies, so they apologized to the old man and left disgusted.
Soon the farmer received another letter: “Dear Dad: Go ahead and plant the potatoes now. It’s the best I could do under the circumstances. Bubba”
.

September National Emergency Preparedness Month –(Stop)- Lynette Black OSU Extension agent speaker Tuesday 13^th 11:00 –(Stop)- Learn how to prepare for unexpected emergencies

One day an old German Shepherd starts chasing rabbits and before long, discovers that he’s lost. Wandering about, he notices a panther heading rapidly in his direction with the intention of having lunch. The old German Shepherd thinks, “Oh, oh! I’m in deep blankety-blank now!”

Noticing some bones on the ground close by, he immediately settles down to chew on the bones with his back to the approaching cat. Just as the panther is about to leap, the old German Shepherd exclaims loudly, “Boy, that was one delicious panther! I wonder, if there are any more around here?”
Hearing this, the young panther halts his attack in mid-strike, a look of terror comes over him and he slinks away into the trees. “Whew!,” says the panther, “That was close! That old German Shepherd nearly had me!”

Meanwhile, a squirrel who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree, figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the panther. So, off he goes. The squirrel soon catches up with the panther, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the panther.
The young panther is furious at being made a fool of and says, “Here, squirrel, hop on my back and see what’s going to happen to that conniving canine!”

Now, the old German Shepherd sees the panther coming with the squirrel on his back and thinks, “What am I going to do now?,” but instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers, pretending he hasn’t seen them yet, and just when they get close enough to hear, the old German Shepherd says…

“Where’s that squirrel? I sent him off an hour ago to bring me another panther!”

Music 7:00 tonight at Center –(Stop)- Strawberry Mountain Band –(Stop)- Next Tuesday John Martin and Friends playing –(Stop)- Everyone invited for good time –(Stop)- Donations accepted

During a visit to my doctor, I asked him, “How do you determine whether or not an older person should be put in an old age home?”

“Well,” he said, “we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the person to empty the bathtub.”
“Oh, I understand,” I said. “A normal person would use the bucket because it is bigger than the spoon or the teacup.”
“No” he said. “A normal person would pull the plug. Do you want a bed near the window?”

Chester A. Riley played by William Bendix often exclaimed “What a revoltin’ development, this is.” –(Stop)- Winner Marilyn Sarsfield –(Stop)- This week’s “Remember When” question –(Stop)- What is name of comic strip began in 1918 still running –(STOP)- was the first to show its characters aging –(Stop)- Skeezix is now an octogenarian –(Stop)- E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it with a copy of Walt Wallet’s family tree

Well, it’s been another stop and go week that got up and went. Until we meet again when you are driving through life, don’t confuse the gas pedal with the brake.

“When people are laughing, they’re generally not killing each other.” Alan Alda

It’s been warm this past week – Mother Nature’s reminder of what we missed during this mild summer. But next Monday is Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer and the traditional beginning of a new school year: a time to get back to business – no more sandy swimsuits, cocoa butter from head to toe, and late nights looking for action in all the wrong places. (Or at least that is what I remember.)

But these days are quieter – at times just as unpredictable, but a whole lot saner. And a time in our lives when we decide what we want to learn – whether it’s pottery painting at the Art Center, Bill and Neva’s Monday night dance classes at the Civic or one of the many opportunities offered at the Center such as the Young-at-Heart Serenaders with Phyliss Farner at the helm meeting every Wednesday from 10:00 – 11:30 starting on the 14th. Or Tai Chi meeting at its regular time – every Tuesday from 1:00 – 1:45 starting the 13th and again lead by Corlis Marsh (except when she is traveling the globe). Or the Bridge group which is back meeting every Friday from 1:00 – 3:00 and is always looking for new players while offering an opportunity to learn or improve your bridge skills in a low pressure, friendly environment.

Also two Do-It-Yourself Learning Circles are scheduled for September. These are not your traditional classes with prepared curriculums and paid instructors but small groups exploring together a particular subject. The first is “Digging up Bones: An introduction to Genealogy” and will be guided by Edna Miller. It will meet twice a month on the second and fourth Tuesdays from 1:00 – 2:00 starting on September 13^th. The second is “All things iOS” – from iPhone to iPad”. This Learning Circle will meet from 1:30 – 2:30 on the second and fourth Wednesdays starting September 14th. And the rest of the Center’s activities – from Chair Yoga to Pinochle and everything in between – are still going strong. So check with your guidance counselor or call the Center at 541-298-4788 for more information.

The 11:00 Tuesday Lectures are returning for a fourth season and the starting lineup for September has already been set. On the 6th I will be discussing the trend in education towards self directed learning – the concept behind the Center’s DIY Learning Circles. And then on the 13^th Lynette Black from OSU Extension will explain how to prepare for emergencies, followed by Isabel Allen from Oregon Employment Department on the 20^th discussing employer responsibilities when hiring an in-home caregiver. And then batting clean-up on the last Tuesday of the month, Joyce Powell Morin will prep you for MCMC’s Health and Wellness Fair at Water’s Edge on October 1st.

Thanks to Barb Pashek, the Center is sponsoring a Community Parking Lot Sale on Saturday, September 24th from 8:00 – 1:00 PM. This is your chance to rid you closet, basement, or garage of those unwanted items. Spaces are only $25 but you need to reserve your spot before September 10th. You can pick up an application at the Center.

At 7:00 tonight the Dufur Boys will be playing for your listening and dancing pleasure. And next Tuesday on the 6^th the Strawberry Alarm Clock – oops, wrong band! Must have been a temporary flashback to the psychedelic 60’s. (Does anyone else remember “Incense and Peppermint”?) So let me back up. Next Tuesday on the 6^th the Strawberry Mountain Band will be a rippin’ and a roarin’. Everyone is welcome no matter your height, weight or girth. And donations are always appreciated.

I admit last week’s question was pretty easy because who else in August of 1965 could pack the Memorial Coliseum with 20,000 screaming fans – but the Beatles. (And I am still looking for someone who attended the concert.) This week’s “Remember When” question I hope is a little more challenging – unless you listened to Al Wynn’s Coffeebreak last Thursday. On this 40’s radio comedy show which was adapted to television in the 50’s, what was the name of the character who often exclaimed “What a revoltin’ development, this is!” E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it with an original autograph from William Bendix.

Well it has been another week, wondering why the sky is blue, the grass is green and why I don’t have a clue. Until we meet again, for every question there is an answer; we just might not find it in our own lifetime.

“Toss your dashed hopes not into a trash bin but into a drawer where you are likely to rummage some bright morning.” Robert Brault at robertbrault.com

“Tho’ much is taken, much abides; and tho’

We are not now that strength which in old days

Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are,–

One equal temper of heroic hearts,

Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will

To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”

You may be familiar with these last six lines from the heroic poem “Ulysses” by Alfred Lord Tennyson. It was my son’s favorite poem during his youthful days because it encapsulated the romantic belief that at all costs – you never give up.

And Isn’t that the national ideal we try to live up to? – under all adversity, against impossible odds, we cannot accept defeat. We will scale any mountain, navigate any whitewater and overcome any challenge because as our parents always told us “where there’s a will, there’s a way”.

But as we grow older most of us learn there are limits to what we can do, what can be done. We may no longer be able to drive a car safely, or walk without assistance, or be able to stay in our home. And we won’t live forever.

There is a reality that can’t be denied, a time when we must accept, and with courage and imagination adapt to what is real and unavoidable. And no longer complain about the direction of the wind and instead choosing to adjust the sails and move forward.

And to move forward with new understanding and grace; with purpose and strength and not yield to self pity and self delusion that often damages relationships with family and friends. And that may be the toughest struggle – to accept and adapt to the new reality – even though your heart is “Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will/To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”

You know it is the end of summer when the days are hot but mornings are cool, the alarm clock sounds off and it is now dark, and the summer series of activities are coming to an end. On Saturday the 27^th will be the final “Celebrating Local History” presentation for the summer featuring Gerald Richmond discussing the Civic Auditorium and its complex and fascinating history. This series is presented by the Wasco County Historical Society and will begin at 2:00 PM at the Rorick House located at 300 W 13^th street – which is open from 12:00 – 4:00 for the remaining summer weekends. And also in the neighborhood at the Fort Dalles Museum will be the last free “Fourth Sunday at the Fort” featuring Rich and Connie Dunnington playing “folk guitar favorites” including violin/guitar music from the 1800’s. The free concert is from 4:00 – 6:00 PM on Sunday August 28th at the Fort Dalles Museum on the corner of 500 West 15^th and Garrison.

Tonight the Jazz Generations will be-bopping their way through a lush meadow of popular big band hits. And next week on the fifth Tuesday of the month, the Dufur Boys will be passing time showing you how to have a good time dancing and listening to country favorites. It doesn’t matter if you arrive early or late but the music does start at 7:00. Everyone and their great-grandmother are invited and donations are graciously accepted.

The “televised nursery school of the air” where Mrs. Francis rang her school bell calling every preschooler of the 50’s to their spot in front of the television set was the “Ding Dong School”. (And the winner of a free Saturday Breakfast or for those who can’t get up that early – ten raffle tickets for the beautiful hand stitched quilt was Debbie Larson.) This week’s “Remember When” question goes back only forty six years ago to August 22^nd when this band, at the height of their popularity, flew into Portland to perform two shows at Memorial Coliseum – each before 20,000 screaming fans. What was the name of this quartet? (And if you have proof you attended the concert, bring it to the September 17^th “back to school” breakfast – sponsored by the rock and rolling TDHS class of 1963 -and receive a free breakfast.) E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of a $6.00 main floor ticket for August 22^nd show.

Well it has been another week, still trying to decide what I am going to be when I grow up. Until we meet again, don’t overlook the little things of life and always keep your shoe laces tied.

“The world is full of cactus, but we don’t have to sit on them.” Will Foley

The American philosopher and educator, Mortimer Adler once wrote “The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as we continue to live.” Today because of the changes in how we communicate, and how we access information – particularly through the numerous resources on the Internet – the opportunities to continue growing by directing our own learning are boundless.

This developing movement toward “do-it-yourself” learning has primarily focused on higher education, but I see exciting possibilities for older adult learners who are not interested in degrees or credentials; can’t afford formal classes, but are self-motivated, willing to share what they have learned, and are open to this new approach to learning.

Because this “Do-It-Yourself” concept of learning fits the Center’s mission of providing inexpensive and accessible opportunities to connect with others while exploring the world around them, the Center will be initiating what I am calling “DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Learning Circles”. In these DIY Learning Circles there will not be a formal teacher but a guide who will help direct you to the numerous available resources, facilitate discussions and encourage your learning efforts. The curriculum will be individualized and molded by those in the Learning Circles. This is new territory and may be a little messy with several false starts but I see tremendous potential in this new approach.

The five possible choices for the Center’s first DIY Learning Circles are Mandarin Chinese, Understanding the Federal Budget, Geneology, Social Media, and All things iOS (learning more about the iPhone, iPad and iPod).The three subjects generating the most interest will be offered starting in September, so call or email the Center if you are interested in any of these areas. And for the first Tuesday Lecture on September 7^th, I will discuss in more detail the potential and benefit of DIY Learning Circles.



It’s Wasco County Fair time! And once again on free admission Thursday, starting at noon, there will be a free Picnic in the Park for older adults – thanks to the generosity of Pioneer Potlatch. The menu includes fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans, watermelon and drinks. And with the temperature forecast to be in the low to mid 80’s, it looks like a real winner.

This coming Saturday is the third Saturday of the month and you know what that means: a chance to enjoy a delicious breakfast at the Center. Bonnie is cooking up a breakfast casserole to go along with bacon, muffins, fruit and the regular beverages – all for $5.00 and $4.00 for Center members. This month’s sponsor is the Area Agency on Aging providing services to help support older adults in the Mid-Columbia area. Breakfast is served from 8:00 – 9:30, so come on in because as Jack always said “Breakfast tastes better when someone else cooks it!”

After his rousing birthday party on Friday, Truman is primed and ready to entertain the assembled multitude tonight at the Center starting at 7:00. And next Tuesday the 23rd, offering a change of pace from the usual Country Western fare, the Jazz Generations will be playing for your dancing and listening pleasure. Everyone is welcome and as always donations are appreciated. (And for those who were stumped by last week’s secret code, each letter represented the letter that preceded it in the alphabet. For example “txffu ebodjoh nvtjd” spelled “sweet dancing music”.)

The answer to last week’s question is “Which twin has the Toni?” the innovative home permanent product that generated a strong pungent odor that several folks still remember. (And the winner of a free breakfast was Modena Carelton.) This week’s “Remember When” question is from June Brown’s February 1997 copy of “Reminisce” magazine. It includes an article about the television school teacher Miss Francis – the 1950’s equivalent of Mr. Rodgers – who opened her half-hour TV show for preschoolers by ringing a bell. What was the name of this “televised nursery school of the air”? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of a stick horse made of an old broom stick and an argyle sock..

Well it has been another week – taking it one laugh at a time. Until we meet again, always learn from your own mistakes, although it is best to learn from the mistakes of others and often less embarrassing.

“I like to think of my behavior in the sixties as a “learning experience.” Then again, I like to think of anything stupid I’ve done as a “learning experience.” It makes me feel less stupid.” P. J. O’Rourke

Our brains do a good job of blocking memories of unpleasant past experiences – improving our mental health and sense of well being. (I recall many more cheerful memories of Christmas pasts, vacations traveled and childhood friends than the painful memories of strikeouts at bat and girlfriends lost.) And this is all good. But it can be detrimental if we forget to live in the “now” because we yearn for something that never existed. Do we really want to go back to “the good ole days” of the rotary dial phone, the smell of home permanents, and the taste of Tang? There certainly has been change – and not all of it positive, but we shouldn’t idolize the past. The humorist Art Buchward offered good advice when he said “… everyone seems to think yesterday was better than today. I don’t think it was, and I would advise you not to wait ten years before admitting today was great. If you’re hung up on nostalgia, pretend today is yesterday and just go out and have one hell of a time.”

If this Friday night you are driving downtown and suddenly feel you are in a time warp with classic autos surrounding you, you may have entered the world of the “Neon Cruise” starting a weekend of fun and entertainment. Friday night at 7:30 you can wear your poodle skirt to the Sock Hop at the Civic Hop featuring Johnny Limbo and the Lug Nuts. And other weekend highlights include the car show from 9 – 4 at Sorosis Park on Saturday and the Dufur Threshing Bee on Sunday from 9 – 3 at Dufur Park.

AARP is honoring all retired educators by making a special offer to members of the National Retired Teachers Association, and members of the Oregon Educators Association. This month any member of these organizations who comes to the AARP Driver Safety Class – at the Center from 9:00 – 1:00 on August 15 and 16 – will get a free class just by presenting the coupon they received in the mail. (There will also be a limited number of coupons available to members who do not have one.) You can sign up for this class by calling the Center at (541) 296-4788.

Summer is a time to visit friends and family – and Willa and Ken Varner’s daughter and son-in-law, Willa and George Tannabe, are visiting from Hawaii this week. And while they are here they are giving a fascinating talk and slide presentation on Buddhism and the temples of Hawaii. It will be held on Thursday August 11^th at Mill Creek Point (on 10^th street across from St. Mary’s Catholic Church) at 3:00pm in the West Dining Room.

Congratulations to all who deciphered last week’s music announcement (every letter in the paragraph was in reverse order). But that reminded me of my grade school days: creating codes so my secret messages could not be read by the enemy – particularly girls. So test your brain and see if you can break the code and read the following music announcement. (Not every word will be in code so you can still get the jest of the message.) Tonight at the Center, Martin and Friends xjmm cf ippqjoh boe ipmmfsjoh; boe qjdljoh boe hsjoojohbu tubsujoh bu 7:00 QN And next Tuesday on the 16th Truman uif dsppojoh uspvcbepvs xjmm cf tfswjoh b ojhiu pg txffu ebodjoh nvtjd. Everybody is welcome and as always donations are appreciated.

Quite a few folks knew the answer to last week’s “Remember When” question: Brylcreem the “little dab’ll do ya” men’s hair product. (And the winner was one of the Brylcreem Boys of WWII – Alex Currie.) This week’s question is about a women’s hair product. Until the late 1940’s the only way to get a permanent wave was to visit the beauty parlor – costing $15. But a do-it-yourself kit was developed and sold for only $2. And to prove there wasn’t a difference between the two, an advertising campaign involving twins was created asking the question “Which twin has the __________? What was the name of this innovative women’s hair product? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or bring your answer to the Center written on the back of a box of spin curlers.

Well it has been another week – appreciating the past, worrying about the future and enjoying the present. Until we meet again, keep on trucking – we all are capable of doing more than we think.

“The past is a good place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there.” Author Unknown

At the ripe young age of 63, (and the key word is ripe!) I never think about getting old. I do think about the “floater” I discovered – like someone had dropped an annoying speck of black ink on my eyeball; my constant smiling and nodding because I don’t have a clue what was just said; my stiff joints and sore knees and how it is just too awkward and time consuming to get down on the floor anymore; and my fear of forgetting – “Does anyone know where I put that whichamacallit?” But not once do I think about getting old!

But I’m not delusional and realize time does pass and conditions do change. But that is not the same as being old. Old, particularly for my generation, is something different- and to be avoided.

Metlife did a survey of sixty-two year-old’s and asked them what age they would consider “old”. The result was 77 years and 10 months. I wonder what they will think in 15 years when they turn 77. Or will they accept Barnard Baruch’s definition, “To me, old age is always fifteen years older than I am.”

So I understand I am getting older and I know I am no longer young – but I don’t feel old. And I have heard from folks who are ten, twenty and thirty years older than I am who feel the same way. So what does “old” mean?

I don’t think it has to do with age – or how late you stay out, how fast you drive, how busy you are or how much money you have (although that could help). It could have something to do with being afraid and isolated, or frail and hesitant; no longer seeking answers and instead complaining about what is. And it probably does have to do with attitude and beliefs: having a purpose and meaning and still dreaming of what can be.

And after thinking about it – and for quite some time, I really don’t know what “old” means. But maybe you do. What are your thoughts and experiences about getting older? Is it true after seventy it is just “patch, patch, patch” as a friend recently told me. If you have any thoughts or comments to share email me at mcseniorcenter@gmail.com. In the mean time, as I continue to grow up becoming who I am – whatever that is – I’ll keep dreaming of dragons to slay, damsels to save and stories to tell and maybe make a little difference in this world of ours.

For older adults who are barely getting by on their monthly social security check, and maybe a small pension or a little savings, prescription drugs may not be affordable. But many folks may not know they could qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug costs – reducing the cost to as little as $2.40 for generic prescription drugs and $6 for brand name drugs with a possible savings of $4000 annually. To qualify an individual must make less than $16,345 or $21,855 as a married couple. Plus their resources, defined as bank accounts, stocks and bonds but not their house or car, must be less than $12,510 or $25,010 for married couples. If you think you qualify, and would like more information call the Area Agency on Aging at 541-298-4101 and ask for Jean.

It is again time to jumpstart those neurons and synapses in your frontal cortex. So here is the music announcement but you have to figure out how to read it. detaicerppa era snoitanod dna emoclew si enoyreve ,00:7 ta strats wohs ehT . sdradnats nretsew dna yrtnuoc fo gnineve na gniyalp eb lliw sdneirF dna nitraM ,ht9 tsuguA, yadseuT txen dnA .erusaelp gnicnad dna gninetsil ruoy rof tsud eht pu gnikcik eb lliw dnaB niantnuoM yrrebwartS ehT dna erdnA retneC eht ta thginoT

The Texas born musician, songwriter and bandleader and the “King of Western Swing” was Bob Wills. And the winner of a free Saturday Breakfast is Raburn Parker. This week’s “Remember When”” question comes from the category “Classic TV Commercials”. What men’s hair care product used the jingle “. . . a little dab’ll do ya/Use more, only if you dare/But watch out/The gals will all pursue ya/They’ll love to put their fingers through your hair.” E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com or call 541-296-4788.

Well it has been another week watching the cow chips fall where they may. Until we meet again, it is hard to negotiate with someone who holds a gun to their own head.

John Barrymore said ‘One never gets old until regrets take the place of dreams.”

How would you like to experience skin rashes with blisters and severe pain that could last for two to four weeks or even years? Sounds like fun? Shingles, I have been told by several folks, is an agonizing experience you want to avoid. And since 2006 there is a vaccine – which is available at Safeway and other local pharmacies – that can help prevent this unwelcome condition.

To learn more about shingles, I went online to a website called Medline Plus recommended by Linda Stahl who works at the Planetree Health Resource Library. Medline Plus offers a wealth of objective health information from the National Library of Medicine – the world’s largest medical library.

In summary I found that 1. Shingles is a painful skin rash, often with blisters lasting from 2 to 4 weeks. 2. Shingles is caused by the Varicella Zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox . 3. Only someone who has had chickenpox, (or on rare occasions has gotten the chickenpox vaccine) can get shingles. (The virus stays in your body, and can cause shingles many years later.) 4. You can’t catch shingles from another person with shingles. (However, a person who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine could get chickenpox from someone with shingles, but it is not very common.) 4. At least 1 million people a year in the United States get shingles and it is far more common in people 50 and older. 5. In clinical trials, the vaccine for shingles reduced the risk of shingles by 50%. And for those who still get shingles after receiving the vaccine, it can reduce the pain. 6. No serious problems have been identified with the shingles vaccine. 7. In certain situations you should not get the vaccine, i.e. if you have a weakened immune system, a severe to moderate illness, or are pregnant.

The vaccine is recommended for adults over 60 and although the vaccine is not inexpensive your Medicare insurance may cover it. Talk to your health care provider and pharmacist for more information.

This week I was going to write in more detail about the push and pull of the budget negotiations occurring in Washington DC. But why should I try to explain it when you can actually can get down and dirty and balance the federal budget yourself. Through a computer simulation game called “Budget Hero” developed by American Media, you can now solve the budget crisis your way – by raising revenue or cutting programs or both. You can find the website at http://marketplace.publicradio.org/features/budget_hero/ or just google Budget Hero. Like any new game it may take you a while to understand the rules – at least it did for me – but give the game some time and you will gain a better understanding of the challenges facing our elected leaders – and why so often the fiscal can has just been kicked down the gravel road of politics.

There are only a few tickets left for the 1:00 performance of Les Miserables at the Keller Auditorium on Sunday August 7th. Online the few remaining orchestra level seats for that performance are priced at $117. And we are offering you a chance to purchase terrific seats – section orchestra C rows H, J and K – to see this acclaimed musical of revolution and redemption for only $70 – including transportation. Call the Center to purchase your tickets.

It is Tuesday night music at the Center from 7:00 – 9:00 when during the summer you can still drive home before the twilight succumbs to the night’s advances. Tonight the Jazz Generations will be playing in four piece instrumental harmony. And next Tuesday, August 2^nd, the musical power of the Strawberry Mountain Band will be pulling you out of your seats for several hours of dancing. Everyone is welcome and donations are graciously accepted.

The comedian/actor who found his greatest fame occupying the middle square of Hollywood Squares and also played Uncle Arthur on Bewitched was Paul Lynde. And the lucky winner of a free third Saturday Breakfast is Herm Neuberger. This week’s “Remember When” question is about a Texas born musician, songwriter and band-leader who in the 1930’s, along with Milton Brown, created a new music genre called Western Swing. Who was the man whose fans called the “King of Western Swing”? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or stick it inside a loaf of bread baked with Light Crust flour by the Doughboys.

Well it has been another week when I’m once again glad I no longer live in the Midwest. Until we meet again, accept what you can’t change and change what you can.

In the nation’s capital and all across the country there is an ongoing debate about raising the debt limit, the level of federal spending and the broader issue of the role of government. This historical debate will affect adults over 65, now and in the future, and it is important to understand the issues so you can form your own opinions which you will have a chance to express in the 2012 elections. One place to start is to understand where the federal government currently spends taxpayer’s dollars.

I will try to present a short and simple framework. And so you won’t forget – and can impress your friends at late night political discussions – I will use the memory trick of mnemonics – connecting information to pictures. (And in response to my wife, yes, I am using stereotypes but at least I am not using any risque images which some research suggests significantly increases the ability to remember!)

So close your eyes and imagine one big humongous pie – an American cherry pie made of 3.5 trillion cherries. Now also imagine a family of five all wanting a piece of that pie. The strong burly and hairy father – and in this mnemonic represents defense – sits down at the table and devours one fifth or 20% of the pie. The mother, eight months pregnant, represents Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance) and wolfs down another fifth plus a few extra cherries or 21% of the pie. The retired grandmother – strong, active and a volunteer at the local senior center, represents social security and eats a fifth or another 20% of the pie.

The remaining two fifths or 40% is left for the two children. The teenage girl with her own credit card eats 14% of the pie – representing the safety net programs including Social Security Income for seniors and disabled, school meals, low income housing assistance, low income energy assistance and other programs. And then eats another 6% representing the interest on the national debt. Her share of the pie totals another fifth or 20%. And the young boy playing legos in the corner consumes the other 19% – again about a fifth – representing what is left of the pie including benefits for federal retirees and veterans, scientific and medical research, transportation infrastructure, education, and other programs.

So does that help to understand in a very broad sense where your federal tax dollars are spent? Yes? No? Or are you still trying to figure out what is a mnemonic? There are many other pieces to the puzzle including how the money is spent and how to increase revenues. But those pieces I will leave to another day.

Mayor Jim Wilcox and his wife Lyn stopped by for a Cowboy Breakfast – they are becoming regulars these days – but someone should check what Jim is wearing before he leaves the house! And it was a pleasure to have breakfast with Fort Dalles Rodeo Queen Brandy Young before her busy day began. Becky Bailey was the winner of the hand stitched quilt by the Center’s own quilters who already have another quilt hanging in the Center’s lobby. The drawing for that quilt will be at the Center’s December Breakfast – just in time for Christmas.

Tonight at the Center, Truman – the golfing troubadour – will be performing his “Country Gold”. And next Tuesday on the 26th, we will push back the tables and pull up the carpet so you can kick up a storm with the Jazz Generations playing the big band sounds and other favorites. Music starts at 7:00 and donations are appreciated.

The “wide awake American boy” encountered exciting adventures in the comic strip “Terry and the Pirates”. And the winner of a free breakfast is the avid comic strip historian himself – Joe Usatine. Moving from fine literature of the daily comics, and back to something a little more recent, the game show Hollywood Squares first appeared on television in 1968 featuring comedians such as Cliff Arquette as “Charlie Weaver”, Rich Little, George Gobel, Jonathon Winters, and Rose Marie. This week’s “Remember When” question is who was the comedian/actor who found his greatest fame occupying the critical middle square from 1968 to 1981? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of a celebrity photo of Uncle Arthur from the TV series Bewitched.

Well it has been another week trying to stay awake in the afternoon. Until we meet again, remember the advice of Carrie Snow “No day is so bad it can’t be fixed with a nap.”

“Lord, where we are wrong, make us willing to change; where we are right, make us easy to live with.” Peter Marshall

Is there something you always wanted to learn? And wondered if there is anyone else who has a similar interest – because it would be more satisfying to explore the subject with other living souls besides your cat or your disinterested husband! Maybe you want to try algebra again – that beast you were forced to struggle through in high school but now wonder what was it really about? Or maybe the history of the Civil War or the causes of the Great Depression – since we are gradually climbing out of our recent close call.

If there is any topic you would like to explore with a small group, email or call the Center and we will spread the word including posting your interest on the center’s website. Besides connecting you with others, the Center can also provide a space, Internet connection and any video equipment you may need. Hopefully by this fall we can pull together a small study group to delve into the topic. And who knows – there may be someone else interested in Elizabethan eating habits.

And speaking of learning new subjects, I have just started memorizing the 238 most important and useful Mandarin Chinese characters. But you may ask. “For a guy who can’t remember eating a banana – how can that be?” My son shared with me the free website Memrise which uses the latest in cognitive science to teach the basic vocabulary of different languages in an addictive game format – you plant the seed of a new word, grow them in your greenhouse and then transfer them to your garden. It is like mixing Farmville with a language course. And it is much more fun than my high school experience learning German “Ich bin ein dummkopf”. If Mandarin Chinese is not your thing, you can learn French, Spanish, Japanese and many other languages. I haven’t learned to write coherent sentences yet, but, heh, one step at a time. And even if you may never travel to that exotic destination to test your new language competencies, you will be stimulating your brain and gaining the satisfaction of learning a new skill. One of these days you may even hear “Do you know what grandma can say!”

It is Fort Dalles Days with the rodeo galloping into town and the parade starting at 10:00 on Saturday. And what better way to prepare for the parade than a delicious Saturday Cowboy Breakfast at the Center sponsored by The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation Center. Breakfast will be served from 8:00 – 10:00 and this month’s menu will consist of hotcakes, bacon, fruit and the regular beverages. As Jack always said “Breakfast tastes better when someone else cooks it – especially before a parade!”

If tonight you can’t make the Fort Dalles Rodeo Kick Off party and Habitat for Humanity fundraiser at the Auction Yards, stop by the Center and enjoy the sounds of Martin and Friends. And next week, on the 19^th, straight from the Shamrock Club performing for your dancing and listening pleasure will be Truman playing the Country Gold. The music and dancing starts at 7:00 and donations are always appreciated.

Okay now “One, two, three, four/Tell the people what she wore”? She wore an “Itsy, Bitsy, Teenie, Weenie, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” sung by Brian Hyland in the summer of 1960. And the winner of a Cowboy breakfast is the one and only Jim “The Flash” Gordon.

But this week’s “Remember When” question goes back to 1934 when this action adventure comic strip first appeared in newspapers. Created by Milton Caniff (who left the strip in 1946 to create a competing comic strip – Steve Canyon), this comic strip featured a “wide awake American boy” arriving in China with his mentor journalist Pat Ryan – encountering adventures with friends and foes including the beautiful but cold Dragon Lady. What was the name of the comic strip? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the inside cover of a hardbound collection of this comic strip.

Well it has been another week riding the ebbs and flows on the ocean of life – trying not to hang my head over the side. Until we meet again, sometimes life feels like a one-hour long algebra test: the closer to the end, the faster time seems to fly by.

“Still round the corner there may wait/A new road or a secret gate/And though I oft have passed them by/A day will come at last when I/Shall take the hidden paths that run/West of the Moon, East of the Sun.” — J.R.R. Tolkien