Carpe Diem! How often have you seen or heard this common expression? From a poem by the Roman poet Horace, the phrase is part of the longer Carpe diem quam minime credula postero – “Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the future”. It is a testament to being in the moment, drinking its pleasures and living each day to its fullest.

But as we seize the day, have we forgotten or avoided envisioning a future with all of its possibilities? By imagining a rocky path of painful joints, failing sight, lost friends, and memories lost, have we ignored tomorrow for today or even yesterday?

So let me ask “How would you live your life if you knew you were going to live another 20 years, ten years, or even five years – guaranteed? Not just another day. Would you go back to school? Learn to paint? Remodel that old Buick? Write your life history? What are your passions, what is your purpose? And what are you waiting for?

As you seize each day, as you write each new page, imagine the whole book of your life. You have already written many wonderful chapters – but there are many more to be written: some brave, some thrilling, and inevitably, some sad. To paraphrase James Dean – Imagine you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today.

Next Tuesday (April 20) at the Center, representatives from the local office of Seniors and People with Disabilities (SPD), a division of Oregon’s Department of Human Services, will discuss the many supports and services they provide so seniors can live independent, healthy and safe lives. Some of the important work they do is enforcing standards of care in long term care settings; providing management and oversight of senior programs and providing Medicaid benefits for seniors. The presentation starts at 11:00 and afterwards you can enjoy a delicious dinner of marinated Steak Tips provided by Meals-on-Wheels.

The Sugar Daddies are back but – sorry ladies – you won’t find guys with dollars hanging from their pockets and charm dripping from their lips – these guys just like to play music. Come and enjoy an evening of listening and dancing to new tunes and old favorites. And if you like what you hear, you can purchase their latest CD produced right here in the Gorge. And tonight the popular Cherry Park band will be playing. The music starts at 7:00 and if the cost of admission was any cheaper, we would be paying you. But donations are appreciated.

April is the Center’s spring membership month – and I won’t be as intrusive as Oregon Public Radio during their quarterly membership drives – but again a gentle reminder to take that step and become a member of the Senior Center. The cost is only $35 per person and $60 per couple. And thank-you to the over 250 individuals who have already renewed or became new members. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Last week I attended a two-day Gerontology Conference at OSU (and as an Oregon graduate I hate to admit it but it was an excellent conference). In future columns I will share with you what I learned. But as a tease, and if you have Internet access, there is a five part presentation on the Mastery of Aging you can find at http://ecampus.oregonstate.edu/workforce/aging-well that includes memory, depression, medications, nutrition and physical activity. Each part is about an hour long and well done.

I had several responses from last week’s question (favorite TV or radio show you listened to as a kid) including listening under the covers to “Inner Sanctum”; “Jackpot Bowling with Milton Berle”, and the Lone Ranger’s “Hi-yo, Silver, away!”.

This week’s question again follows the theme of personal memories. What was your most memorable date movie from the past? Could it have been the first date with your high school or college sweetheart – or the last? Or a movie you don’t quite remember because you were – I’ll put it politely – engaged in other activities? If you are willing to share your answer, call 541-296-4788, or email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com.

Has it been another week? Until we meet again, as they said in Rome “Modo fac” or as translated in Beaverton “Just do it!”

People who throw kisses are hopelessly lazy. – Bob Hope

The temperatures are warming, the days are longer – it is time to get out and explore. And what a rich bounty of opportunities we have in the Gorge area. Just look at the number of first class museums: Maryhill, Fort Dalles Museum, St. Peter’s Landmark, the Original Wasco County Courthouse, the Discovery Center and Wasco County Museum, Hood River County Historical Museum and the Sherman County Historical Museum where you can “take a walk on the rural side”.

While the Center promotes healthy aging by offering activities and programs, it can play a more important role by helping active adults connect with these and many other incredible resources in the area. As an example, the Center has just completed a list of the Trips and Tours that are available this spring and summer in the Gorge and beyond. It includes trips provided by Sherman County Transportation, the Hood River Community Education (including their popular monthly mystery trips) and the Center. The list is available at the Center and will soon be posted on the Internet at midcolumbiaseniorcenter.com. The Center will continue to publicize ways you can explore, connect and contribute within and beyond the Center’s walls.

As part of its membership month, the Center will host an Open House from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Tuesday the 13th (before the dancing starts) with cake and ice cream for both those who want to learn more about the activities at the Center and for those who need to be supplied with cake and ice cream to bring you to your senses and join. Come on in. You are all invited!

A local magnet for musical talent is the Cherry Park Grange. They offer Saturday night dances ($5 per person, children under 12 free), Thursday night Gospel music, Jams at Viewpoint Trailer Court on alternating Friday nights and host the Jammers on the second Sundays. A core group of the musicians who play at the grange have formed the Cherry Park Band and occasionally play a Tuesday night gig at the Center. Next Tuesday (13th) will be one of those nights when can dance to till the lights go off. And tonight – all I need to say is “Truman” and you know what I mean: good music and good times. Music starts at 7:00 followed by dancing and shaking. There is no charge but donations are welcome.

The May primary election (ballots will be mailed on April 30th and need to be returned by May 18th) is usually a time of great democratic apathy. But with two contested primary races for county commissioner, and one contested race for Circuit Court Judge, and lawn signs sprouting on every corner and support letters filling the editorial page, you can tell this year is different. But the most far reaching question on the ballot is the proposed home rule charter for Wasco County. You can read the proposed charter on Wasco County’s web site: http://co.wasco.or.us, but you may also want to attend the Center’s 11:00 lecture next Tuesday featuring Keith Mobley Chairman of the Wasco County Home Rule Charter Committee. The volunteers on the committee – including vice-chair Lewis Flint who set the wheels in motion – spent many, many hours working to develop the proposed home rule charter. They deserve a big thanks. Now it will be up to the voting public to decide whether to adopt the proposed changes.

Whether you feel like Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. – “I like to pay taxes. With them I buy civilization” or lean more towards Mark Twain’s perspective “What is the difference between a taxidermist and a tax collector? The taxidermist takes only your skin”, this is the last weekend to take advantage of the AARP tax aide program at the Center. The hours are from 3:00 – 6:00 on Friday and from 9:00 – 1:00 on Saturday. The service is open to all procrastinators and there is no charge.

Marilyn Scarsfield was the winner of last week’s “Remember When” question. And even though I didn’t receive many examples of memorable high school songs (is it because those days are just a faint glimmer – too far down and around too many corners and up and over too many hills?) I was reminded of Rosemary Clooney during the early 50’s and the 1961 novelty hit “Does Your Chewing Gum Lose It’s Flavor On the Bedpost Over Night)”.

As a young boy growing up in the 50’s, I was a regular fan of the Saturday morning TV shows. This week’s question is “What TV (or radio) show was your favorite when you were a child?” And speaking just to the guys, was anyone else in love with Annette Funicello of the Mousketeers?

Well it’s another week when you know isn’t truly spring, if you still can see snow on the Klickitats. So until we meet again, keep your head down and your belly full.

“We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. When the loyal opposition dies, I think the soul of America dies with it.” Edward R. Murrow

While more and more older adults are jumping on the information superhighway, many are tentatively dipping their toes in the pool of social networking sites to broaden their social connections and to stay engaged in their communities. According to one report in the New York Times, the number of older adults visiting social networks online last year grew twice as fast as the overall rate of Internet use among older adults.

For folks who live alone – about one third of persons over 75 according to a recent study by AARP – it is important to stay connected and engaged. And social network sites – where you can share stories; connect with old friends and make new ones; and learn about civic and educational opportunities – can help. As Joseph F. Coughlin, director of the AgeLab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, stated “The new future of old age is about staying in society, staying in the workplace and staying very connected. And technology is going to be a very big part of that, because the new reality is, increasingly, a virtual reality. It provides a way to make new connections, new friends and new senses of purpose.”

Jeff Eagan, in his work helping many older adults navigate through the maze of Medicare options, has seen the need for an easy accessible online Internet site where adults over 50 can keep connected and engaged in the community. Because of this vision, Jeff has created the online site Myover50.com. You can learn more about how to use this website to stay connected with friends and your community at 11:00 next Tuesday April 6th at the Center.

April is the month for planting, taxes, baseball and, yes, the Center’s spring membership drive. By providing opportunities to “explore, connect and contribute”, the Center is working hard to fulfill its mission of “promoting healthy aging by sharing and caring”.

By being a member you will help support the many activities and programs that the Center offers: drawing class, wildflower hikes, monthly foot care, a loan closet of medical equipment, exercise classes, computer classes, lecture series, music and dance, cards, driver safety and Wii bowling. And I mustn’t forget Bingo!

And it is not just about us. The Center also provides space for the local ARC chapter and sponsors Boy Scout Troop and Cub Scout Pack #395; provides space for several community programs including the Area Agency on Aging’s “Living Well with Chronic Conditions” and Medicare counseling; and La Clinica’s “Steps to Wellness” class and well as the AARP Tax Aide.

Since there is a richness of activities providing a variety of opportunities for older adults we, we also support and promote other community resources including MCMC, the Columbia Gorge Community College, Wasco County Historical Society, Community concerts and many others.

The Center’s goal is to increase its membership to 600 – one person, one couple at a time. Whether you participate directly in the Center activities or indirectly – such as reading this column – I ask you to become a member. The annual dues are only $35 per person on $60 per couple. Just drop in or mail you membership dues to the Center at 1112 W 9th, The Dalles.

Next Tuesday, Truman, the Center’s friend and guitar picker (who like Madonna and Bono is identified by only one name) will be playing his country gold. And tonight the good ole Dufur Boys (and Molly) will be playing for your dancing and listening enjoyment. The fingers start plucking at 7:00 and there is no charge but donations are widely accepted.

The epic film that debuted in 1959 and featured a chariot race was Ben-Hur. Joe Usatine’s name was randomly drawn winning him a free breakfast on Cherry Festival Saturday.

This week I am taking a different tack and see how far upriver I can sail. My memories of my youth – those that I can remember or want to remember, and which usually involve a girl – usually include a sound track. This week’s “Remember When” question is “What is your most memorable song from your high school days? Call 541-296-4788, or email mcsenorcenter@gmail.com.

Well that is another week and another seven dollars. Until we meet again, keep clean, keep current and keep connected.

“A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked” Bernard Meltzer

Last week was Brain Awareness Week – no, I didn’t forget, apparently I just wasn’t aware. But at the Center and in this column I have been discussing and promoting brain fitness for some time. Although it is personal (where is my banana?), there is a growing national interest in how our brain functions so as we live longer, we can continue to be productive and enjoy our later years.

At last year’s “Aging in America” conference I attended a workshop by Alvaro Fernandez, co-founder and chief executive officer of SharpBrains which provides independent, research-based, information about the growing brain fitness market. Their website offers fascinating information about the brain including a list of ten lifestyle activities to help maintain and improve your brain health. As part of Brain Fitness Week – better late than never – I want to share them with you in an abbreviated version – since we all have things to do and people to meet.

1. Better understand your brain. “It will serve you well to appreciate your brain’s beauty as a living and constantly-developing dense forest with billions of neurons and synapses”.
2. Eat well. The “brain only weighs 2% of body mass but consumes over 20% of the oxygen and nutrients we intake.” And especially avoid the junk foods.
3. Exercise. “Things that exercise your body can also help sharpen your brain”.
4. Be positive. “Stress and anxiety, no matter whether induced by external events or by your own thoughts, actually kills neurons and prevent the creation of new ones. You can think of chronic stress as the opposite of exercise: it prevents the creation of new neurons.”
5. Engage in Mental Challenges. “The point of having a brain is precisely to learn and to adapt to challenging new environments. Challenge your brain often with fundamentally new activities”.
6. Aim high. “The brain keeps developing, no matter your age, and it reflects what you do with it.”
7. Explore and travel. “Adapting to new locations forces you to pay more attention to your environment. Make new decisions, use your brain.”
8. Think for yourself. “Make your own decisions, and mistakes. And learn from them. That way, you are training your brain, not your neighbor’s”.
9. Develop and maintain stimulating friendships. “We are ‘social animals’, and need social interaction”.
10. Laugh loud and often, “especially to cognitively complex humor, full of twists and surprises”.

In a nutshell, the four legs to the table of good brain health are: physical exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and brain exercise. At the Center there are activities addressing all to these legs: Seniorcise and Strong Women, the Meals-on-Wheels’ noon dinner, yoga and massage, and the Center’s Brain Fitness class. Celebrate a belated Brain Awareness Week by stopping by the Center and giving your brain a treat.

And speaking of treats, there are only four months this year that include a special fifth Tuesday and March is one of those months. And what does that mean? Another evening of dancing on the 30th for all of you dancing fools. And the special treat will be the Dufur Boys (and one girl) playing for your dancing and listening pleasure. And tonight don’t forget the Jazz Generations playing your favorites from not too long ago. Admission is free but donations are appreciated. And all generations are welcome.

The answer to last week’s “Remember When” question was “Wheaties” – the Breakfast of Champions. The name randomly drawn from the fourteen entries and winner of a free Cherry Festival Saturday breakfast at the Center is Nadine McCracken.

This week’s question and another chance to win a free breakfast in April is “What 1959 epic film directed by William Wyler, won eleven academy awards and included a chariot race – considered by many as one of the most spectacular action sequences ever filmed? Call 541-296-4788, email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com or just write the answer on the back of a 1200 sq ft piece of carpet delivered to the Center.

Well that is another week with flowers sprouting – checking who is new in the neighborhood. Until we meet again, take a chance and try something uncomfortable – anything new will be.

“Brain: an apparatus with which we think we think.” Ambrose Bierce

If only I was a cow. I wouldn’t have to endure this biannual tradition of adjusting my inner timepiece – which always takes me a few days even though it is only one hour. Cows don’t have to adjust their watches so they can “spring forward” in March and then “fall back” in November to insure all the planets are aligned. So here I am at my desk– still yawning, after having dragged my body out of bed, grasping for the covers screaming “one more hour!” Well I guess all I can say is “Moooo?”

Like your favorite lost pet that has finally returned home, the Center’s Third Saturday Breakfast is back this coming Saturday between 8:00 – 9:30. You can enjoy some tasty biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, fruit and your favorite beverages. The breakfast is sponsored by Mel Thompson’s family in his memory. Mel’s wife Dee regularly attends the lunch time meal provided by Meals-on-Wheels and is also a Monday night Wii bowler at the Center. So come and join Dee for a fine breakfast with good friends – because as Jack always said, “Breakfast tastes better when someone else cooks it.” The cost is $5.00 and for Center members it is only $4.00.

Tuesday night music at the Center may be a kick in the pants but no one steps on the blue suede shoes. Next Tuesday playing the beats from the past will be the Jazz Generations and their favorite big band sounds. And tonight the Sugar Daddies will be playing for your dancing and listening pleasure. You won’t have to smash your piggy bank to get in – it’s free, but to keep the musicians off the street corners we do gladly accept donations.

Next up on the Center’s Tuesday lecture card on the 30th at 11:00 is Jerry Tanquist, a popular local historian, presenting his latest slide show and commentary on the “Restoration of the Harris Canyon Water Tower” and the “Harry Carleton Story”. Jerry always seems to find those personal stories and anecdotes that make our local history so fascinating.

Folks must be doing their spring cleaning early because once again the Center’s Nu-2-U shop has received some nice donated clothes. And since we really don’t have the room to store them and we don’t have much room to display them, we need to move them. So Betty and Martha have decided to have another half price sale. But this time it won’t be just for a day, or three days but for practically two weeks from Wednesday March 17th to Friday the 26th. The Nu-2-U shop is open from 10:00 – 1:30 Monday through Friday.

Saturday’s Prescription Drug Collection was a tremendous success. Organized by YouthThink with help from The Dalles City Police and several local pharmacists, over seventy-five folks turned in their unused prescription drugs totaling almost one thousand containers. A big thank-you goes to all of these folks for making our community a healthier and safer place to live.

The answer to last week’s “Remember When” question was Edward R. Murrow: the American broadcast journalist who from 1953 – 1959 hosted the popular television show “Person to Person”. Sandi Goforth’s name was randomly selected from the 10 correct answers submitted and wins a free Saturday breakfast.

This week’s question is “What breakfast cereal in the 1930’s started depicting athletes on their packaging (including Bob Richards as the first athlete on the front cover in 1958) and is known as the ‘Breakfast of Champions’”? You can call 541-296-4788 or email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com.

And finally, you may want to stop by the “Citizens for the Gorge Discovery Center” Annual Meeting, on Wednesday the 17th at 5 pm for their annual social hour, business meeting, and tribute to Bill Hulse. I had the pleasure of working with Bill when he was Wasco County Judge and he is at the top of my list for people I admire most. He is definitely a class act. For more information call 541-296-8600 x 215.

Well that is another oar in the water – I just hope I am going in the right direction. But if you’re ever confused take solace in this perspective from Edward R. Murrow, “Anyone who isn’t confused really doesn’t understand the situation”.

“For myself, I am an optimist. It does not seem to be much use being anything else.” Sir Winston Churchill

The great baseball player Satchel Paige once asked “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?” Do see yourself younger, older than your chronological age? Are you as young (or old) as you feel?

Your actual age does matter but according to Markus H. Schafer, a doctoral student in sociology and gerontology at Purdue University “it’s your interpretation that has far-reaching implications for the process of aging. If you feel old beyond your own chronological years you are probably going to experience a lot of the downsides that we associate with aging. But if you are older and maintain a sense of being younger, then that gives you an edge in maintaining a lot of the abilities you prize.”

Shaeffer believes there are both negative and positive effects of trying to stay up with the Jones’ kids. “People want to feel younger, and so when they do inevitably age they can lose a lot of confidence in their cognitive abilities.” As the saying goes, “Inside every older person is a younger person – wondering what the hell happened.”

But Shaeffer also sees the positive effects of trying to stay young. As we try to keep up with all the new trends and activities we can feel energized, excited, alive and relevant. One example he mentions is learning new technologies which from my experience will keep you cognitively challenged for a long time. (I mean it will keep you on your mental toes and not make you feel stupid – well actually it will do both.)

In our current modern culture we constantly see messages urging us to look younger: Botox, vitamins and plastic surgery; and to stay active: Elderhostel (renamed Exploritas), a variety of master sports such as swimming – and should I even dare mention Viagra!

But even though you were God’s gift to the human race when you were 21, there are limits to staying youthful and current: don’t wear anything that shows more flesh than fabric, if you “cruise the gut” looking for some action there is a reason you are alone (they’re texting) and even though wearing shoulder length hair was a sign of standing up to the “man”, it doesn’t quite have the same affect when your hair line starts at your ears. There is a difference between possibility and fantasy!

A quick reminder: The Prescription Drug Collection will be held this coming Saturday from 10:00 – 3:00 pm at the Center. Help your community, your environment and yourself by bringing your out-of-date, unused or unwanted prescription drugs to the Center so they can be safely disposed.

Dance till the stars come down from the rafters/ Dance, Dance, Dance till you drop. W.H. Auden

Every Tuesday Night starting at 7:00 pm at the Center whether it is cloudy or not, the stars shine when the music starts. Next Tuesday the Sugar Daddies will be back. The Center missed them last month because of illness (thanks to Truman for filling in at the last moment) but the Center always look forward to their upbeat sounds. And tonight the Notecrackers will be playing your favorite dance tunes. Even though you may feel like a million dollars, the evening is free, although donations are gladly accepted

The answer to last week’s “Remember When” question was American Bandstand hosted by the venerable Dick Clark. Ben Neumayer’s name was drawn from the fourteen entries and wins a free breakfast at the center on Saturday March 20th serving from 8:00 – 9:30 am.

This week’s question is “Who was an American broadcast journalist (and WSU graduate) who first came to prominence with a series of radio news broadcasts during World War II. And from 1953 – 1959 hosted the popular television show “Person to Person” interviewing celebrities in their homes from his chair in his New York studio. Call 541-296-4788, email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com or just slip me a ten dollar bill with the answer written on it.

Well, that is another divot in the fairway of life. Until we meet again as Jonathan Swift once said “May you live all the days of your life”.

“Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.” Will Rogers

Through this weekly column I try to provide a little humor, invoke a few memories, suggest a couple activities to enjoy and offer some ideas to ponder. But more importantly, I hope to encourage you to keep exploring, keep seeking adventure and not just accept what appears to be – no matter your situation.

Many of us don’t have a clue what to expect during this third chapter of our lives: the emotional and physical challenges that lie ahead. Many of those who do know tell me, “It ain’t easy!” But we are all given this gift of life, some longer than others, in this land of so many opportunities for a purpose. And this gift is to be embraced and not ignored. I am optimistic because I see so many folks who still have the energy and passion to dance, to read, to share ideas and most importantly to visit and care for one another – to nurture those relationships that mean so much.

So keep up the good fight. Stay strong. Keep looking. But if you can’t see, use your ears; if you can’t hear, raise your arms and if you can’t move, open your heart to all the possibilities.

Are you up for a win-win-win opportunity? At the Center on Saturday March 13th from 10:00 – 3:00 PM, there will be a “Prescription Drug Turn-in Event” sponsored and organized by “Youth Think” – a local grass roots organization partnering with youth to prevent the use of alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and other harmful behaviors. Bring to the collection expired or unwanted prescription medications, over the counter medicines that are no longer used and any unknown medications. By doing so, you will keep them out of the soil and groundwater – which could happen if flushed down the toilet, keep them from those who would abuse the use of prescription drugs, and reduce the risk of you or a loved one accidentally taking the wrong prescription. By helping your environment, your community and yourself, it is definitely a win-win-win. For more information contact Debby Jones at 541-506-2673.

It has been said, “There ARE short-cuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them”. So you don’t have to go to the top of the mountain, just show up every Tuesday night at the Center. On the 9th you can dance to the sounds of the Notecrackers who will be playing favorites from the 20s through the 60s — vintage music that will bring back memories. And tonight the popular two-man country duo the Rhythm Ramblers will be playing for your dancing and listening pleasure. And how much does all of this happiness cost? Zero, zip, zilch, but donations are kindly accepted. The Center starts shaking at 7:00. And as Dave Barry says, “Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.”

The Center’s 11:00 AM Tuesday lecture on March 9th will feature Carola Stepper, Licensed Acupuncturist, explaining and demonstrating the benefits of “Acupressure”. Carola has presented several times at the Center and you can expect her presentations to be informative and “hands-on”.

Last week’s ‘Remember When” question caught a few off guard with the reference to the “forgotten miracle”. It was 1960 when the US won the Gold to Canada’s Silver – a reversal of the outcome 50 years later. And the location was Squaw Valley in California. Correct answers were sent in by John Layson and Joann Scott, who were both just old enough to watch the Olympics on TV.

Many of my peers learned the latest dance steps (the Monkey, Watusi and the Twist) from the “regulars” on this television show – originally taped in Philadelphia – which featured teenagers dancing to hits from the top 40 introduced by a clean-cut 26 year old (it was 1956). What was the name of the show? Call 541-296-4788, or email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com. The first name drawn from all the correct answers will win a free Saturday Breakfast on March 20th.

Well, that is another seed in the ground. Until we meet again, keep your chin up but don’t forget to duck.

“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming…Wow! What a ride!” Melvin Trotter 1924-2006

With the “Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat” playing on the television in the living room – crowds screaming for Apolo, Bode Miller and the American hockey team – it is hard to focus on the important stuff: writing this column. So if the column feels a little disjointed, disorganized – it’s the quick trips to the television set to watch the latest Olympic excitement.

We are social beings and no one should go a day without personal interaction with someone. But many folks for various reasons are homebound or unable to prepare their own meals. For over ninety folks, Meals-on-Wheels provides a daily home delivered meal and a friendly hello, and for many, this may be their only daily contact. But the number of people receiving home delivered meals is growing while the number of drivers is not. Friends, husbands and wives, working professional of all ages deliver meals, and if you have the time to join these good folks, Meals-on-Wheels needs your help! You will learn first-hand that this valuable and important service is “more than a meal”. For more information you can call them at 541-298-8333.

Once a month, the Tuesday lecture series invites world renowned speakers to discuss various topics of interest. Well not exactly. But just imagine you spent $50, drove 180 miles roundtrip to sit in a large auditorium where the speaker is so far away you have to watch the presentation on a large monitor to your left. You might as well be at the Center, sitting in a comfortable chair, watching the presentation on the Center’s large television screen – except the speaker won’t be here in person. (But if you still feel like you are missing the real experience you can pay us the $50.) This week’s speakers – via the website TED – will discuss the creativity within all of us. Elizabeth Gilbert the author of “Eat, Pray and Love” talks about the “impossible things we expect from artists and geniuses — and shares the radical idea that, instead of the rare person ‘being’ a genius, all of us ‘have’ a genius”. Also Amy Tan the author of the “Joy Luck Club” will discuss “out of nothing comes something” or how we create.

The tickets are going fast for “Cats” – the Broadway musical coming to Portland. But the Center still has thirteen tickets to sell. These are great seats: Orchestra Level rows C,D,E,F – so close you can smell the greasepaint. And did I say only $65 including transportation? Stop by the Center to pay for your tickets – you will receive them the day of the show. We will leave at 10:45 for the 1:00 Sunday matinee performance on March 28th.

Even though I don’t know for sure who is playing next Tuesday night, I do know you will be kicking and screaming when we have to turn off the lights. Every Tuesday night we offer music that’s “got a good beat and it’s easy to dance to” even though we’re not in Philadelphia. Tonight the Sugar Daddies will be playing their danceable music for you and your sweetheart. Music starts at 7:00 and doesn’t cost you one thin dime, although donations are appreciated. And on Sunday the 28th from 2:00 – 5:00 it will be the Center’s monthly turn to host the Jammers. Enjoy the talents of our local musicians who play because “it is just what they love to do”.

The answer to last week’s “Remember When” question was “The Catcher in the Rye” by JD Salinger who just recently died on January 27th. And this week, to celebrate the Vancouver Winter Olympics, a question from fifty years ago. In the 1960 Winter Olympics, thirty teams competed (the Soviet Union winning the most medals) highlighted by the US Hockey team upsetting Canada, USSR and Czechoslovakia to win the gold medal in what has become known as the “forgotten miracle”. Where were the 1960 Olympics held? Email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or drop by the Center.

Well, that’s another hole in the dike. Until we meet again, keep your skates on the ice and your eye on the puck.

“I am a kind of paranoid in reverse. I suspect people of plotting to make me happy.” J. D. Salinger

It hasn’t always been this way. When I was growing up in the Midwest, it was a simpler time. There were only three network television stations, a few fast food restaurants (Big Boy, McDonalds and White Castle – and it was always a special treat when after work mom would bring home a sack of neatly stacked White Castle hamburgers) and t-shirts that were just plain white.

But time passes and things change. The choices we have in practically every aspect of our lives has increased dramatically, but we as a people seem to be less happy. How can that be? Barry Schwartz in his book the “Paradox of Choice” suggests we are experiencing too much of a good thing. When given too many choices, instead of liberating, we are paralyzed; unable to choose among the many options – whether it is shampoos, pants or Medicare Advantage plans. And once we make a choice we are less satisfied, because we can imagine out there somewhere, some place there is a better product at a better price.

Would I give up my iPhone for a simpler time? Probably not. But just the realization the more choices doesn’t necessarily mean greater happiness is something we should acknowledge and appreciate.

On your wall calendar or in your iPhone, I want you to write down for Tuesday the 23rd, “7:00 pm -Senior Center – Tuesday Night Music and Dance”, because that is where the action will be. Bring your best dance floor moves because the Sugar Daddies are playing and they want to see everyone up and dancing. And tonight you can dance to the golden country sounds with Truman Boler. All the C minors and B flats are free and the dance steps won’t cost a thing either. But donations are appreciated. And there is no age discrimination – we welcome anyone under 105.

Starting Monday March 1st from 1:00 – 2:00 we are going to repeat the weekly Brain Fitness class. In the class we do a variety of activities that stimulate different parts of the brain, including reminiscing about past experiences, engaging in listening and seeing activities, testing memory skills and sharing information we have found about memory and brain development. Many of us will be repeating the class to see if we remember half of what we heard the first time. I will also add several videos to the curriculum to provide some new content that will challenge your thinking and stretch your brain.

Do you remember reading a particular book in high school that reflected the feelings and attitudes of the time? When I was in high school in the early 60’s there was one controversial book every guy wanted to read and it wasn’t Moby Dick. Even though it was written in 1951, it had elements of rebellion and teenage angst that was beginning to infiltrate the adolescent culture of the 60’s. This week’s “Remember When” question is about that book. What novel follows Holden Caulfield’s experiences in New York City after being expelled from prep school? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or drop it off at the Center.

The answer to last week’s question was Kookie – played by Edd Byrnes – who was the parking attendant in the television detective series “77 Sunset Strip”. You may also remember the top ten Billboard hit Edd Byrnes sang with Connie Stevens, “Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb”. We had over 10 folks who knew the correct answer and I was going to mention them all, but I misplaced the list on my desk – and if you saw my desk you would understand.

Well that is another nail in the – uh, let’s see – in the two by four? Until we meet again, I hope your days are good and you can sidestep those days that made the “Old Perfessor” Yankee manager Casey Stengel say, “I’ll never make the mistake of turning seventy again”.

Last week it got a little heavy writing about sunsets and the pace of time. So this week I will go straight to what’s happening in our little corner of the world.

It is said that dogs have owners, and cats have staff. Whether you are a cat aficionado or not you will enjoy the matinee performance of the musical “Cats” on Sunday March 28th. Last summer, to get the best possible seats, the Center reserved tickets and now with less than two months, tickets are on sale. The cost is still only $65 including hassle free to-the-Keller-Auditorium-door service. And the trip is open to anyone in the Mid-Columbia region whether you are a Center member or not. Call or stop by the Center to purchase your tickets.

If you are on a limited or fixed income and require various medical prescriptions, there is a Medicare program that could save you some hard cash. If you qualify you will pay no more than $2.40 for each generic drug and $6 for each brand name drug plus the program helps pay your prescription copayments and other drug costs like monthly premiums and annual deductibles. Jean Hockman learned there are 232 folks in the 97058 zip code region who for whatever reason are missing out on this opportunity. And she wants to find them! You qualify if you make less than $16,245 and have less than $12,510 in resources or as a married couple you make less than $21,855 and have less than $25,010 in resources. If you think you or someone you know may qualify, call Jean at the Area Agency on Aging at 541-298-4101.

Truman Boler is back again this coming Tuesday the 16th playing his one man Country Gold. And when Truman plays, the girls just want to dance – we keep moving the tables further back to make more room. And tonight the Notecrackers will be playing for your dancing and listening pleasure. The music starts flowing and the bodies swaying when the clock strikes seven. It is all free but if you enjoy fine music, donations are appreciated.

It is clear that loneliness and isolation are detrimental to one’s health particularly for older adults. The Friendly Visitor program works to address this problem by providing “social visits” by screened and trained volunteers to homebound seniors. You can learn more about the Friendly Visitor program at the Center’s Tuesday Lecture on the 16th at 11:00 am. Marilyn Buchanan the coordinator will be discussing how the program can help isolated seniors stay connected and engaged.

Sometimes you know what you want to say, but you don’t really say it. Last week I didn’t mention I was looking for the sponsor of Burns and Allen’s television show which was Carnation Evaporated Milk. (You can go to the Center’s blog at midcolumbiaseniorcenter.com and see a short video from the show.) But both Joanne Scott and Loretta Commander did know the sponsor for the Burns and Allen radio show from 1945 – 1949 which was Maxwell House “good to the very last drop”.

This week’s “Remember When” question is again about a television series, about a decade later from 1958 – 1964 which I watched as a teen and thought was pretty cool. In the ABC television series “77 Sunset Strip” what was the name of the hipster parking attendant who helped the private eyes on their cases and was known for combing his hair? Call 541-296-4788, email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com or stop by with the correct answer so I can show folks you are as old as I am.

Well that’s another cobblestone on the walkway of life. Until we meet again, keep searching and asking questions because as Walter Mondale once said, “If you are sure you understand everything that is going on around you, you are hopelessly confused.”