At the senior center we often joke about the differences between women and men, the Venus/Mars thing, and the challenges of living with the other sex: putting the toilet seat down (my wife trained me early), making sure the cap is put back on the toothpaste tube (ditto) and why do women need so many shoes (I have no idea.)?. But we all know how important the relationship is between husband and wife especially after a couple has been together for 30, 40 or 50 plus years.
But when we you lose your spouse, the person with which you have shared your dreams, vulnerabilities and embarrassing moments, your world ends. It is tough, really tough. The loss can happen unexpectedly, after a long illness or gradually as you lose the love of your life to dementia or Alzheimer’s.

I don’t imagine you ever really get over it. You can cling to the memories and joys you had experienced together, wishing it could have lasted forever. But nothing in this world lasts forever. And with the help of friends and family and for many a strong personal faith, you do move on.

But if you are struggling with a loss or if you know someone else who is, there are several Bereavement Support Groups in The Dalles where you can find a safe harbor to share your feelings and thoughts. The Hospice of the Gorge Bereavement Support group meets on the first and third Wednesdays at 10:00 am. Call 296-3228 for more information. And The Heart of Hospice Support group meets every Thursday at 10:00 am in the basement community room of the Commodore II. You can call them toll free at 888-882-1942.

Enjoy life and appreciate the good times. But during the times when life may feel like a shipwreck, Voltaire wrote “we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats”.

The Senior Center’s Yoga and Seniorcize classes are supported by a grant from the Area Agency on Aging recognizing the value of exercise and movement in maintaining a positive quality of life as we age. But the grant does not cover all the costs. So to make sure we can continue to offer these two programs, Debra Lutje, the class instructor, has started a fundraiser called “Flower Power” selling flower bulbs to plant in your garden this fall. You don’t have to have a pair of bell bottoms in your closet or a yellow Volkswagen van parked in the back to buy the bulbs. Stop by the Senior Center to see the selection of bulbs you can order and help support our exercise programs.

Dennis Davis, the volunteer AARP Driver Safety instructor, wants to make the world a safer place one driver at a time and consequently wants you to take advantage of his Driver’s Safety class. The class is a great opportunity to review the rules of the road (when is the last time you read the Oregon Driver’s Manual?) and how to handle various situations you may encounter while driving. The class is from 9:00 – 1:00 on every third Monday and Tuesday of the month and costs just $10.00 for the manuals. The next class is scheduled for August 18th and 19th and you can sign up by calling the Senior Center at 296-4788.

You will have another chance to eat out this coming Saturday morning at the Senior Center’s Third Saturday Breakfast. Last Saturday the Mid-Columbia firemen hosted their annual MDA Breakfast with the support of Denise Patton director of Meals-on-Wheels. I had always thought she just wanted to help a good cause, but after eating at the breakfast on Saturday I found out the real reason: she likes to hang out with a bunch of good looking young firemen. (Some of us can only remember when we thought we were good looking). But this Saturday you will have another opportunity (without the good looking firemen) to enjoy a fine breakfast where someone else does the cooking. Besides the traditional pancakes, you will have the additional choice of blueberry or wheat pancakes topped with fruit, peanut butter or syrup. Along with the pancakes there will be bacon, juice and the regular beverages. Breakfast is from 8:00 – 10:00 and the price is just five dollars with one dollar off for Senior Center members.

Next Tuesday, August19th, you can listen and dance to the music of “Harold and Friends” playing again at the Senior Center. Last time they packed the house playing Country and Western standards and again it should be an excellent show. These shows are open to everyone with folks of all ages dancing to the music. Bring your friends and family and enjoy an evening of grand old Country and Western music. If you also enjoy dancing and listening to the sweet sounds of the 20’s through 60’s, tonight is your night of the month, because the Notecrackers will be performing. Music starts at 7:00 PM. Admission is free but any donations help pay for the goodies, the fine musicians who either play for free or peanuts and the many activities at the Senior Center.

The other day I was rushing around outside the Senior Center when I jokingly commented to a volunteer, loading his car to deliver meals that I had just received a certified letter, yet unopened, which was “going to ruin my day”. He replied, “No, its not”. I was confused, because I was pretty sure he wasn’t a clairvoyant who could read unopened letters. Then the light went on. He was just reminding me it is all about attitude. It was my choice whether it was going to be a good day or not regardless of what was in the letter. It was just another life lesson brought to me by the good folks at the Senior Center.

That’s it for another week. Until we meet again, “A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort” by Herm Albright.

And “If you don’t get everything you want, think of the things you don’t get that you don’t want.” Oscar Wilde

Summer is the perfect time for family reunions: the kids are out of school and the weather is warm. Last week the McKay Reunion took place in Indianapolis where the whole clan covering four generations gathered for the first time in eight years. Like many families with busy schedules and long distances, it is hard to stay connected and even harder to get together. The reunion was a success: a simple affair, with plenty of pictures, conversations and memories to share. As usual we asked ourselves why we had waited so long and are already talking about the next gathering. Thanks to Marilyn Ericksen for filling in last week so I could spend more time with the relatives. It was a great time, but it is always nice to be back in Wasco County.

A cool stretch of weather during the summer won’t last long. And during the inevitable hot weather spells, a major health concern for older folks is dehydration. The Oregon Department of Human Services cautions, “Not getting enough fluids each day can take a tremendous toll on every aspect of bodily functions, including possible changes in memory, vision, and kidney and heart function.” Dehydration is a greater concern for seniors because the percentage of a person’s weight in water changes as we age from about 80% for children to only 43% for women and 50% for men between the ages of 61 and 74. Consequently, any decrease in fluid consumption can cause proportionately more dehydration. Older folks often don’t consume enough liquids and for most folks you need at least six cups of liquids per day to stay hydrated.

To avoid dehydration you should drink many times throughout the day, and avoid drinking caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea and caffeinated sodas which act as diuretics. Instead, try drinking flavored carbonated water, or decaffeinated ice teas or just add a slice of lemon to a glass of water.

Ironically this last Sunday the Senior Center experienced its own hot spell when the center hosted the Dallesport Jammers. The air conditioner in the dining room would not kick on, nor would the Meals-on-Wheels freezer, nor the lights in the restrooms. (You know it is too warm in the dining room when it feels cooler walking outside.) I was a little panicked, initially thinking it was a problem with the center’s electrical system. But with the help of Gary and Denise Patton, Phil Hayden of Juniper Heating, Doug Jenkins Electric and the PUD, we found out a squirrel, bound for squirrel heaven, got into the transformer and caused the problems. With everyone’s help, pitchers of water and the excellent music, we all survived although a little stickier. The “lemonade from the lemon” was we thankfully found the problem before Monday when we could have lost all the food in the freezers and refrigerators. But the Jammers will be back on Sunday, August 31^st and I promise this time you may need to wear a sweater.

This coming Saturday morning you may see a bunch of fire trucks parked around the Senior Center. But don’t worry. The fire trucks are there to bring attention to the annual Mid-Columbia Firemen’s Breakfast for MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) from 8 to 10 AM. Thanks to Meals on Wheels for providing their kitchen and support and to the firemen for raising money for this worthy cause. Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast while supporting MDA.

On the same Saturday, August 9th, there will be a Nu-2-U Sidewalk Sale from 9:00 – 3:00 at the Senior Center. They are over stocked with good quality, mostly women’s, used clothes and need to move them out. There are a variety of sizes and styles from summer blouses to jackets to formal gowns. Come by and spend a few minutes. You might be surprised. All ages are welcome, because “what comes around goes around”, although I did not see any striped bell-bottom pants or tie-dyed t-shirts.

Skip and Janet Tschanz will be leading a hike to powerful Tamannawis Falls on Monday August 11th. It is a moderate 4-mile round trip walk following beautiful Springs Creek. If you can walk from the Senior Center to Sorosis Park, this is an outing for you. Bring a camera, snacks, a beverage and a sense of adventure! If you would like to make this outing but don’t think you are up to the entire length of the trail, there are several picnic spots along the trail where you can stop and just enjoy the day! Meet at the Senior Center at 9:00 am to car pool. Donations for gas are appreciated.

The Tuesday Night music for August 12^th will feature the “Notecrackers”. We have been having excellent crowds and are working to get more seats for sitting and more room for dancing. So come on down. It’s a cool spot on hot nights! (now that we have the air conditioning working again.) And tonight another crowd favorite, the “Sugar Daddies” will be playing. The music and dancing starts at 7:00 pm. Admission is free although donations are gladly accepted. And whenever there is music at the Senior Center everyone is welcome from thirteen years old to a hundred and three.

The Wasco County Fair starts August 11^th and runs through Sunday August 18^th. The Fair is a community event which celebrates our vital agricultural industry in Wasco County. On Thursday the 14th there will be Senior Picnic at the Fairgrounds from noon to 2:00. Admission and food are free which is a pretty good price. There will be entertainment, door prizes and the “Third Annual Best Hat Contest”. The picnic is organized by the Area Agency on Aging and sponsored by Pioneer Potlatch. The Area Agency on Aging is trying to coordinate rides so if you think you need a ride, call them at 298-4101 or the Senior Center at 296-4788.

That’s it for another week. Until we meet again,

“Families are the compass that guides us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.” by Brad Henry.

Or as George Burns once said, “Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city”.

In the last year and a half I have a learned much about aging from articles I have read and conferences I have attended and from the senior center’s weekly lecture series. But most importantly I have learned from the fine people at the senior center who live each day as a gift even though many have experienced physical ailments, loss of independence or the death of a spouse or child.

Through this column, I have tried to share with you lessons and thoughts about aging in an appealing and meaningful way. But I am only 60 and in many ways I am just a young thing and even worse, a boomer. What do I really know about aging? Well, I’m not really sure. I know I don’t have all the answers. We are always learning and encountering new experiences, jumping in the water even though it looks awfully cold; looking behind doors we were once afraid to open.

When I was in my twenties I thought I had a pretty good idea what life was all about. I had all my adult years ahead of me. But I really didn’t have a clue. Age does that. It gives you a broader perspective and clearer idea of what is really important. With the experience comes a little more wisdom. At least I’m hoping.

We will all continue to face challenges that come unexpectedly out of the shadows and if we are lucky we will be able to duck but not always. At times we will be strong, other times scared and all times human. But my journey is not your journey. My experiences won’t be yours and yours not mine. Hopefully we can learn from each other as we look forward to new adventures and new lessons whether we want them or not.

I will continue to provide some seeds for thought which you can use or discard, as we experience the challenges and joys of growing older and wiser. And when I look back twenty years from now, I hope I won’t again be thinking “he didn’t have a clue”.

We had a nice turnout for the Saturday breakfast including both The Dalles Rodeo Queen, Jessica Gunnier from Toppenish Washington and Miss Rodeo Washington Jessica Crouch from Vancouver Washington. Meeting them reminded me of the quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr who at the age of 92 saw a pretty young woman and said “What I wouldn’t give to be seventy again.” Both Jessica’s live and breathe rodeos and are hoping to take advantage of their reigns by pursuing careers in agri-business or equinine science. On the other end of the good-looks scale is Bob McFadden. He and three of the young high school students who will be traveling to Japan in early August helped serve coffee and clear the tables to raise funds for their trip. Bob and his wife Kris have been the real sparkplugs that have made The Dalles Sister City program so successful. Incidentally, The Sister City program is considering a trip for adults to Japan next spring. If you are interested in such an adventure, contact Bob at Golden Key Real Estate.

The Dufur Boys with Herb Watts will be playing next Tuesday the 29th at the Senior Center for your musical enjoyment. And for that night only, the music starts at 6:30. And tonight “The Jazz Generations” will be playing the Big Band favorites from the 20’s through 60’s before they head up to the Seattle/Tacoma area to play for nine days. If you think Tuesday Night music is only about sitting and enjoying good local musical talent, you are wrong. It is about good local talent but it is also about a chance to dance and lift up your heals and your spirits. Everyone is invited including Juniors, Sophomores and Freshman. Music starts at 7:00 and admission is free although donations are appreciated.

By the time you reach your midlife years you have experienced many trends and fads that prove the old adage “what goes around comes around”. In the late 50’s my mom wore “peddle pushers” which have recently come back as “Capris”. Same style different name. I recently bought a pair of madras shorts that are coming back in style.They reminded me of a pair of long madras pants a fellow student wore in high school during the mid 60’s which the school officials deemed unacceptable and he and his pants was immediately sent home. From the comments and ribbing I got when I wore the shorts at the senior center, they may still be considered unacceptable or at least pretty ridiculous. But I can also imagine some young kid thinking madras shorts are pretty cool until he sees me, this old guy with skinny white legs, trying to relive his high school glory days, wearing them and then thinking “No. I think I will wear something else!”

Here is a different type of volunteer opportunity for all the gardeners out there. The Columbia Gorge Center, which provides support services for people with disabilities, has started making and selling hand made paper to provide both work opportunities for people with disabilities and to raise money to support the program. But they are in need of marigold seeds, preferably with the petals attached or included, to add color and texture to the paper. With the seeds embedded in this special hand made paper, instead of throwing the paper away you can bury it in your garden and grow a marigold. If you can collect the seeds and petals in a small plastic ziplock bag, drop them off at the Senior Center or at their thrift store in historic downtown in The Dalles on Second Street.

Will that is it again. On Friday, I will be flying back to my home town of Indianapolis for a family reunion so I have asked Marilyn Ericksen to fill in and she has graciously accepted. Marilyn wrote this column for many years before she handed it off to me and folks really enjoyed Marilyn’s perspective and personable style. So until the next time, enjoy one step at a time.

“I still have a full deck; I just shuffle slower now.” Author unknown

A few of us are perennials blooming all the time, a few more are late bloomers and the rest of us are just hoping to bloom someday. Another secret for those of us waiting to bloom is creativity, described by Connie Goldman in her book “Secrets to Becoming a Late Bloomer”. Many people view creativity as a rare talent that few possess which allows these gifted individuals to create beautiful paintings, songs or poems.

But Connie decribes creativity in much broader terms, where everyday we have the opportunity to look at a situation with “beginner’s eyes”; to see in fresh ways, with open and accepting minds. The photographer, Dewitt Jones describes it in a similar way: Everyday creativity is seeing the “extraordinary in the ordinary”. If you understand creativity in this broader sense, we all possess the ability to be creative. It is in all of us, and can be expressed in many ordinary ways: a hobby, a personal relationship or grand parenting. In all of these everyday situations we can see and engage the world with new eyes.

You can nurture your creativity by engaging in something you enjoy doing on a regular basis. It is when you are doing something you love that your creative spirit opens up. But as in anything that is important, it’s not easy. Everyday remind yourself to look at situations, even the mundane, with fresh eyes and find the extraordinary in the ordinary. As Connie points out “Everyone knows that we can’t stay young forever; yet we can stay fresh, alive, and aware.”

Last week was typical The Dalles: Hot! And I am sure the temperature will reach the hundreds again before summer is over. For those of you who do not have air conditioning, and need someplace to cool off for a while, you are welcome to just hang out, read some magazines or chat with new friends at the Senior Center. The Senior Center is always open during the day from 9:00 – 4:00, Monday through Friday. In the evenings we are also open for Wii Bowling on Monday starting at 7:00 PM, Music on Tuesday starting at 7:00 PM and Bingo on Thursdays and Saturdays starting at 6:00 PM. Plenty of opportunities to visit, have fun and stay cool.

This next Tuesday evening July 22nd at the Senior Center our regular fourth Tuesday performers the “Jazz Generations” will be playing the big band music of the 20’s through 60’s for your listening and dancing pleasure. The action starts at 7:00 PM. Admission is free and donations are appreciated. All ages welcome. And tonight you have a chance to enjoy the fine talents of the local band “Stay Tuned” with Linda McAllister and Friends.

The City of The Dalles has been a key supporter of the Senior Center from the beginning, twenty five years ago when the City donated the land and applied for a federal Community Development Block Grant that made the center possible. Thanks to their continued support, the city public works department re-striped the parking lot and painted the curbs. The parking lot now has a fresh look and folks can actually see where to park.

Thanks to the generous donations, the Senior Center’s NU-2-U Shop is overstocked with nice used clothes. To move the inventory, Betty and Martha are going to have another $1 a Bag Sale this coming Thursday July 17th from 10:00 – 1:30. Great used clothes at below bargain basement prices. And keep you eyes and ears open. There may be a sidewalk sale in the near future.

Fort Dalles Days are just a few bucks away. On Saturday, before you get ready for the parade stop by the Senior Center and enjoy a nice breakfast. This month’s menu includes Biscuits and Gravy, Sausage, Eggs and Fruit and the regular beverages. Breakfast is from 8:00 am till 10:00am and is $5.00 per person and $4.00 for Senior Center members.

This Saturday’s Senior Center Breakfast is sponsored by Golden Key Real Estate in support of The Dalles Sister Cities Association. Every summer from five to ten students are selected to travel to Miyoshi, Japan as a part of the sister city exchange program. Before they go, they spend many hours learning about the Japanese culture and customs and a little of the language. It is quite an exciting and rewarding adventure. The trip is a great value but is not cheap. To help pay for their trip they will be helping to serve and bus dishes for the Saturday breakfast with tip jar out for any donations. So stop in, enjoy a fine breakfast and help support the Senior Center and the young ambassadors traveling to Japan this summer.

The Mid-Columbia Senior Center’s has a new website. This website was designed by The Dalles Wahtonka High School seniors Hillary McKay and Olga Tolmachova while taking Mr. Felderman’s Web Design Class at TDWHS. It still needs some fine tuning but it does have the weekly calendar, information about our partners, a list of Senior Center activities, a monthly survey and other information. I really appreciate the help from Mr. Felderman and his class. It was a nice example of seniors helping seniors.

There is a great bunch of folks of all ages who show up Thursday and Saturday nights to play bingo and help support Meals-on-Wheels and the Senior Center while having a good time. The doors open at 4:30 and the first bingo game starts at 6:00. If you aren’t familiar with daubers and black-outs there is always someone who can help you get started. So come on in and enjoy a cool evening of fun.

That is it again for another week. Until the next time, here is something to ponder.

“But words are things, and a small drop of ink, falling, like dew, upon a thought produces that which makes thousands, perhaps millions think.” Lord Byron

“If stupidity got us into this mess, then why can’t it get us out?” Will Rogers

Rumors can be the scourge of any organization or business. We appreciate the positive word of mouth but when it becomes negative and unsubstantiated, rumors can be destructive and hurtful. Vi Grant, a classic teacher of the old school who taught at Petersburg, dealt with rumors in her classroom by telling her student’s parents if they would only believe half of what their children said happened at school, she would only believe half of what they said happened at home.

I started thinking about rumors when a senior center member misunderstood the latest plans for the building expansion. Because the rooms on the plans were not clearly identified, she did not see a kitchen and concluded that Meals-on-Wheels was going to be moved out of the senior center. Considering the past history, I did not want that rumor to start. I called her back, had a nice conversation and clarified that Meals-on-Wheels was definitely included in the future plans for the Senior Center and in fact because what we were planning enhanced their valuable program, Meals-on-Wheels totally supported the expansion.

So for whatever reason rumors travel, misunderstanding, false assumptions, faulty memory (my excuse) or a need for something exciting to share, if you hear something that doesn’t make sense, or doesn’t appear to have any factual support, go to the source. Ask someone who should know. I am always willing to answer your questions and I am sure that is true in other organizations. It is in our best interests and also in the best interest of the community that false rumors are not spread.

Several weeks ago we raffled off a Senior Center Quilt and the winner was Dan and Aggie Adamson from Oregon City. They bought their winning ticket at the Senior Center’s Cherry Festival Breakfast when they came to enjoy the festivities. We now have another quilt to raffle and many have said it is even better than the last one, if that is possible. Stop by to see the new quilt hanging on the lobby wall, and buy your raffle tickets.

You are invited to a festive picnic in the Dufur City Park Saturday July 12th 11:00 am – 1:00, but by July 7^th you need to make reservations by contacting Jackie Williams at 541-298-4065. The picnic is co-sponsored by the Dufur Historical Society and the Wasco County Historical Society. The cost is $8.50 per person for the BBQ sandwich, salads, desserts and drinks catered by Kramer’s Market. The musical entertainment will be provided by the Dufur Valley String Band. At 1:00 pm, the Dufur Historical Society will offer tours of the Metzentine Exhibit Hall, Endersby School, Schreiber Cabin and the newly renovated Kramer’s Market. And don’t forget the Dufur Threshing Bee from August 8 through the 10th.

Skip and Janet Tschanz are continuing their “1^st Monday Hikes”. Their next hike will be on Monday July 7th and will be a “feast for the eyes and feet”. It is an easy hike starting at Starvation Creek Park and includes Lancaster Falls and a trek along a remnant of the Historic Columbia River Highway. Skip always knows the best places to hike at the best times of the year. It is suggested hikers wear traction soled walking shoes and to bring some water. Again we will carpool from the Senior Center at 10:00 a.m. With the price of gas, donations for the drivers are welcome, but not mandatory.

Once in a while when I am on the Coffeebreak with Al Wynn I get a little flustered (maybe I am just envious of his full head of grey hair) and spout off incorrect information. So to correct myself, the next Network on Aging meeting is Thursday July 10th from 3:00 – 4:30 in the basement of the Senior Center and not the earlier time I mentioned on the radio. The meeting is open to all professionals who help support seniors in order to network, learn more about issues in the field of aging and advocate for seniors. If you would like more information contact Sue Samet at the Area Agency on Aging at 298-4101.

On July 8th the Senior Center’s regular second Tuesday musicians, “The Notecrackers” will be playing their fine dancing and listening music from the 20’s through the 60’s. And tonight Truman Boler is back playing his Country Gold. Music starts at 7:00 and admission is always free but donations are kindly accepted. Everyone is welcome.

The mission of the Senior Center is to promote healthy aging by sharing and caring which can be summarized in three simple words: explore – connect – contribute. You can improve your health and attitude by exploring new opportunities and taking positive risks – although it may not necessarily mean taking a walk on the wild side – by connecting with others through shared experiences and stories and by contributing back to your community.

And there are so many ways to contribute. We rely so much on volunteers to make the senior center operate, and we are not the only ones. Most non-profits from Meals-on-Wheels to the Mid-Columbia Medical Center; from Big Brothers/Big Sisters to SMART and from our local service clubs to our local churches, all rely on a cadre of volunteers. The need is huge. To try to help fill the need and to provide healthy opportunities for seniors I will try to highlight a volunteer opportunity that just may fit your interests and time commitment. Volunteering is good for the community but it is also good for the soul.

That is it for another week. Until the next time, stay cool and listen before you leap.

“It isn’t what they say about you, it’s what they whisper.” Errol Flynn

“There are a terrible lot of lies going about the world, and the worst of it is that half of them are true.” Winston Churchill

The fear of the unknown drives many of our decisions. We may not particularly like our current situation but its familiar and we know what to expect. In Connie Goldman’s book “Secrets of Becoming a Late Bloomer” she discusses the secret of risk taking that has helped folks find fulfillment and satisfaction in the third chapter of their lives. Positive risk taking is about moving beyond the unknown and engaging in life-affirming chances or risks that are reasoned, and appropriate.

The first step is deciding what you really want. What are your goals, your dreams and aspirations? Be honest, but positive. And writing them down will help clarify your goals. You have the best chance of success if you have a clear sense of purpose or a clear goal in mind.

No matter how old you are, everything you want in life requires some kind of risk and as we age this may be the best time to take the risks. We have less family responsibilities, the children have left home and started their own families, and we hopefully have less financial responsibilities with adequate savings and retirement to live modestly. With fewer responsibilities we have the time to be a little self-indulgent and make our lives better for ourselves and for our communities. That is if we want to, and if we are willing to take the risk.

There are many examples of people taking a chance to fulfill a life dream, but one close to my family is my mother-in-law, LaVine Rathkey. She was always interested in writing and ten years ago, retired and in her mid 60’s, she took a writing class offered by Chemeketa Community College at her local senior center. When the class was no longer funded, she and the group kept meeting as she continued to hone her writing skills. She never gave up on her dream and with the support of her husband, her first book, “Chalk Dust and Choices”, was just published.

You may not want to write a book. You may want to be an adventurous traveler and decide to attend Elderhostel classes. You may want to sing and perform in front of a live audience and decide to get your guitar and join the Jammers. Or share your interests and passions by teaching a class at the Senior Center. What do you have to lose? This may be the best time to jump into the unknown, take a risk and fulfill a life’s dream.

Some time in the past (the months all seem to flow together) the Senior Center was fortunate to host the Jammers – a bunch of friends sharing their talent and their love of music – for one of their Sunday afternoon Jam and Pie Socials. The dining room was packed, the music was great and everyone wanted them back. That day has arrived. They will play this coming Sunday, June 29^thSenior Center. You never know who will show up but you do know it will be a great afternoon of music and entertainment. from 2:00 – 5:00. There will be pie and coffee for sale to raise a little money for the

On Tuesday July 1^st you will have another chance for some fine musical entertainment. For the Tuesday Night Music program Truman Boler returns to the Senior Center to play his Country Gold. And tonight The Jazz Generations will be performing the Big Band sounds of the 20’s – 60’s. Music starts at 7:00 and is free and donations are appreciated. Everyone is welcome.

Today was the last Next Chapter Lecture for the summer. We will start again on the first Tuesday in September with more informative and stimulating presentations. I would like to thank all the folks who presented during this first series including: Jim Bishop, PK Swartz, Heather Runyon and Tara Donivan, Jason Corey, Jerry Jeffers, Jerry Tanquist, Jay Waterbury and Ed Goodman, Pat Case and Tina Castañares, Dean Dollarhide, Ryan LeBreton, Carola Stepper, Dan Ericksen, and Cassandra Mullins. Thanks also to Suzanne Burd, Susan Wolff and Dan Spatz from CGCC and to Joyce Powell Morin with MCMC for scheduling all of the fantastic medical folks including Dr. Stanley, Dr. Hodge, Dr. Matthew Proctor, and Susan Shipman.

I realized from an unnamed source that it is hard to hide your age when you announce you high school class reunion. But those of you from the 1968 class of The Dalles High School, listen up or detention after school. On Friday September 5^th at 7:00 there will be a no-host get together at Spookys. On Saturday the 6^th, there will be a brunch at 10:00 at the Chat-n-Chew, and then a class picture at noon in front of the High School. The day concludes with dinner and program starting at 5:30 at The Dalles Country Club. For more information visit the web site, www.class1968@gorge.net or call Darlene France at 467-2371.

What better way to strengthen the gray matter between the ears than learning to play Bridge. Every Friday at the Senior Center from 1:00 – 3:00 the Bridge Club meets and is inviting anyone who wants to learn how to play Bridge as well as those who already know how. They are a supportive group that couldn’t intimidate a two of clubs. Take a chance and enjoy a friendly game of bridge.

I want to thank Dennis Morgan and all the realtors and staff at Windermere Realty for cleaning up the grounds around the Center. They spent a whole morning cutting back the ivy, pulling weeds and hauling debris. Every year Windermere staff takes a day off to work on a community project and the Senior Center was fortunate to be this year’s recipient of their community goodwill. Also thanks to David Zopf for taking care of the rose garden and to Mary McDonald for picking the roses for everyone to enjoy at the Center.

That is it for another week. Until the next time, “Remember that every day God is saying to you, ‘May I have this dance?’ ”

Often as we age we settle into our familiar routines. They are comforting and provide a sense of control. We don’t have to think; it’s automatic. When I arrive at the Senior Center every morning, I unlock the basement door, turn off the alarm, unlock both front doors, turn on my computer, and start my daily tasks. When I am interrupted from my regular routine, I usually end up forgetting something. Routines provide a tremendous benefit in our daily lives, but because they are automatic and require very little mental effort, they do not increase the cognitive activity that helps strengthen our brains.

There is a growing body of scientific evidence suggesting that by engaging in new and novel activities that do not depend on automatice processing we can maintain or even improve our cognitive health. The key is to seek activities requiring cognitive effort where you actively focus on the task and give it enough attention to successfully complete the task.

Instead of engaging in a passive activity such as watching TV, try learning something new: a new card game, a new language, or how about tap dancing (you have to learn to use both your brain and your feet at the same time). Or join a book club, try a new Wii game, or learn how to use a computer – which will keep you busy and frustrated for many years.

It is even suggested you change the way you do simple daily tasks: drive home a different way, and observe the new surrondings; learn to eat with chop sticks and then change hands. Very few things maintain their novelty for very long, so we must constantly pursue new opportunities to challenge our brains. In the simplist terms; you either use it or lose it.

In order to provide a structured and challenging program to strengthen our brains, I would like to establish within the next year a Brain Fitness Gym within the computer lab at the Senior Center. At the National Conference on Aging I saw several computer software programs marketed to senior centers and retirement communities to help maintain cognitive health. If you or someone you know would be interested in helping start a Brain Fitness Gym get in touch with me. And in the mean time if you are interested in learning more about brain health check out the Sharp Brains website at www.sharpbrains.com

This coming Tuesday the 24^th the Next Chapter Lecture Series presents “Managing your Medications without Mayhem or Mix-up. “ The presenters will be Icey Sheeran and Marcia Medler both RN’s from Visiting Health Services. Since most of all of us take some kind of medications and many on a regular basis, you should find this interactive presentation informative and helpful. This lecture will be the last one until September, so we can take the summer off to plan for the next season of lectures. If you have any suggestions or ideas for lectures or would like to speak about a specific topic, contact us at the Center 296-4788.

The Cascade Singers will present a farewell concert prior to a musical tour of the British Isles on Saturday, June 21, at St. Peter’s Landmark in The Dalles starting at 2 p.m. There is no charge for the concert, but donations will be split between Cascade Singers and St. Peter’s Landmark. The local concert is a “dry run” of the tour program after several weeks of intensive rehearsals.

And later that same day at 7:00 pm at The Dalles High School Auditorium, Maryhill Museum of Art is presenting a Jody Sperling/Time Lapse Dance production of La Noir, Dance of the Elements, and a preview of the new work, Ghosts, all inspired by the mesmerizing spectacles of Loïe Fuller’s dances. Artistic Director Jody Sperling — a choreographer, performer and dance scholar — combines research with imagination, to craft inventive, visually lush and often humorous dances. Sperling’s luminous works in the style of early modern dancer Loïe Fuller are a mainstay of the repertory. General Admission is $10.

On Sunday, June 22, 2008, 5:00pm – 8:00pm you can celebrate the 100 year opening of the Historic Balch Hotel in Dufur. Live music by Hardshell Harmony, catered dinner on the north lawn, and a vintage fashion show 1900’s – 1920’s with pieces from the Historical Museum of Hood River County. All proceeds will benefit the continued restoration and collection for the museum. Tickets are $40 and available by calling 541-467-2277 Seating is limited. Period dress is encouraged!

On June 24^th, Tuesday Night Music at the Senior Center will feature “The Jazz Generations” playing their big band sounds. There is no excuse now that the weather is warmer and the days are longer. Music starts at 7:00 pm and everyone is invited, young and old. Admission is free but donations are gladly accepted. And tonight the always popular bluegrass band “Hardshell Harmony” is performing.

This coming Saturday is the third Saturday of the month so you know what that means. You don’t have to cook breakfast! Edna Chandler and Bonnie Lobdell will be cooking up a fine breakfast at the Senior Center for your morning enjoyment. Edna has created four different menus that she rotates though out the year and this month’s menu includes: French Toast, Bacon, Scrambled Eggs, Fruit and the regular beverages. This month’s sponsor is the Oregon Veterans’ Home and we appreciate their support. I remember when the late Fred Spivey and the Dalles Chamber of Commerce worked so hard to get the legislative support to build the Veteran’s home here in The Dalles. The Veteran’s Home is a real asset to the community and to veterans throughout the state.

That is it for another week. Until we meet again try something new, take a chance and explore new horizons. Your comfort zone is not always the best place to be.

During the Cherry Festival, I had a chance to talk with Carl and Ruth Long whom I hadn’t seen for quite a while. As we were chatting, Carl mentioned how much fun they have had “geocaching”. They had traveled around Oregon and beyond looking for what one could call buried treasures. A little later I saw Lee Bryant, past director of the Senior Center. We shared the usual greetings and when I mentioned my conversation with the Long’s about geocaching, I found out that she was also an avid “Geocacher”. Within 30 minutes I had two conversations with folks who were so excited about something I had never heard of. I needed to know more.

I found that Geocaching is relatively new. It started in 2000 when the satellites circling the earth were upgraded increasing the accuracy of GPS technology by ten times, and GPS enthusiasts immediately started thinking of ways to use this new capability.

It wasn’t long before a few GPS geeks started leaving items in the woods to test the accuracy of the GPS system and posting the GPS coordinates on the internet. That allowed others to find the items using a GPS unit, an electronic device that can determine your approximate location (within around 6-20 feet) anywhere on the planet. Soon the word spread over the internet and folks started hiding their own caches and posting the coordinates on the new www.geocaching.com web site.

Part of Geocaching’s popularity is that it is a simple game: you hide a container (cache) and note the coordinates with a GPS unit, and with simple rules: take something from the cache, leave something in the cache and write about it in the logbook. What makes it intriguing is that a cache can be anything from some cheap trinkets to a $1000 bill. Since geocaching began there are now tens of thousands of caches hidden all over the world (28 caches hidden within 5 miles of The Dalles) with the locations posted on the geocaching website.

This is the modern equivelent of the treasuer hunt we all enjoyed as kids except this is for kids of all ages. You can learn more about this exciting new game, on Tuesday June 17^th at 11:00 at the Next Chapter Lecture Series. Cassandra Mullins from Parks and Rec will discuss Geocaching: how to use a GPS unit, tips and tricks for finding your first geocache and how to set up an account on line. Don’t miss this presentation.

The Senior Center’s Tuesday Night Music on June 17th will again feature “Hardshell Harmony” who play simple traditional bluegrass music and harmony vocals. Folks really enjoyed them the last time they performed at the Senior Center and I encourage you to take the night off, leave the dishes for another day, and stroll over to the Senior Center for a foot-tappin good time. This energetic group features Clint Miller on the fiddle, KC Kortge on the banjo, Mike Robarge on the lead guitar and Candie Robarge on the bass. And tonight the “Notecrackers” will be playing.The music always starts at 7:00 pm. Admission is free but donations are gladly accepted. Music night is for everyone whether you are ten or a hundred years old.

Every Monday night from 7:00 – 8:30 is now Wii bowling night at the Senior Center. We also practice on Thursdays and Fridays after lunch for those who need the practice – although for some of us the more we practice the worse we get. We were honored to have Marc Berry, the mayor of Mosier, dropping by to try out his Wii bowling skills. We hope he will stop in again. Thanks to several donations we will hopefully have another Wii in a couple of weeks so will be able to accommodate more bowlers. Now if we can only get the new Wii “Fit” we can practice surfboarding without getting wet.

The Dalles Wahtonka High School class of 2008 graduated this last Saturday, the first graduating class that completed all four years in the unified district. High School graduation is a time when the whole community comes together; celebrates the end of these young peoples’ high school careers and wishes them the best as they move to the next stage of their life’s journey.

As the summer is a time for high school graduations, it is also a time for high school reunions. The Dalles High School class of 1958 will hold its 50th reunion July 31 through August 3, 2008. Contact Mike Fowler at mfowler@gorge.net or 541-980-7662 for more information. The Dalles High Class of 1963 will hold their 45-year class reunion September 19, 20 and 21. You can find more information at their website www.dhsclassof63.org/ or contact Dennis Davis at 296-9580. Also The Dalles High School class of 1978 is trying to locate classmates for their reunion this summer. You can find the names of the missing classmates in the Entertainment section on The Dalles Chronicle website. For more information contact Carri at 298-1667.

And there is more. The Dalles High School class of 1988 will have its 20-year reunion during the weekend of August 1-3. Contact Suzy Sato by email at TDHS88@gmail.com for more information. And The Dalles High School class of 1998 will hold its 10th reunion on June 27 and 28. All events and information can be found on their class website www.tdhs1998.blogspot.com, or contact the reunion committee at tdhs998@gmail.com

Well that’s a wrap for another week. Until we meet again, you don’t always need GPS because it is when we get lost that we find new wonders.

“You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but at least you can prevent them from making nests in your hair.” Old Chinese proverb.

I often include a humorous quote at the end of this column to lighten things up and to provide an incentive to read to the very end. But last week I ran out of space. So this time I am adding a little humor at the beginning. I shared this strategy with Rose and she asked if I wasn’t taking a chance that you wouldn’t read any further. Good point! So I am going to scatter a few quotes throughout as you travel the bumpy road to the end. (“An archaeologist is the best husband any woman can have; the older she gets, the more interested he is in her.” Agatha Christie)

But it also started me thinking about the importance of humor, mirth (which I learned is the positive emotion that accompanies humor) and laughter. Dr. Steve Allen, Jr., son of the talk show host and comedian, said “Laughing, especially at yourself is the most powerful stress-releaser we have.” He goes on to suggest that humor not only reduces the body’s negative reaction to stress, it helps prevent such stress from occurring in the first place.

Humor is particularly helpful as we age, because it acknowledges the incongruities and absurdities of life and reminds us that we are all in this together. We all deal with the struggles and challenges of aging and yet we all are still alive and kicking and dancing or at least moving. As Bill Cosby said, “If you can find humor in a thing, you can survive it.”

The best laugh is always on ourselves (Laugh at yourself first, before anyone else can.” – Elsa Maxwell at age 75) or as Robert Fulton puts it “It is a matter of laughing with ourselves, not at ourselves.” One of these days I will share with you my most embarrassing moment – which still makes me smile and turn a little red- if I can gather the nerve. But what is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you? What makes you smile or laugh?

A sense of humor is very individual. Some can be offended while others find a joke hilarious (I left out several quotes because my wife didn’t think they were appropriate for such a young audience.) But I hope I have included a quote that made you smile. (Jack Benny, “I don’t deserve this award, but I have arthritis and I don’t deserve that either.”)

In June you will have another chance to take advantage of AARP’s Driver Safety Class promotion where two people (one with an AARP Card.) can take the class for the individual price of $10. To make this opportunity possible, the June class has been moved up a week to next Monday and Tuesday, June 9^th and 10^th from 9:00 – 1:00 each day. Call the Senior Center at 296-4788 to sign up for the class.

The Next Chapter Lecture on Tuesday June 10^th at 11:00 will feature Carola Stepper, Board Certified Acupuncturist and founder of Cascade Acupuncture Center. She will discuss and demonstrate “Trigger Point Therapy” including practical instructions on how to release neck and shoulder tension. Bring a really stressed partner and learn how to loosen up. (“I heard a woman ask the doctor if it was okay to have children after thirty-five. I said, “Thirty-five children is enough for any women.” Gracie Allen)

Next Tuesday, June 10^th at 7:00 pm at the Senior Center, the Notecrackers will be performing. We really appreciate their commitment to the Senior Center by performing every second Tuesday. And tonight Harold Gimlin and Friends are playing Country and Western. Show starts at 7:00. Free but donations gladly accepted.

We have scheduled a trip to the award winning Sherman County Historical Museum on Thursday June 5^th. We will carpool from the Senior Center at 9:30, visit the museum and have lunch before we return. Their newest exhibit is the Conservation, Cultivation and Clothespins Exhibit which “tells the story of how gasoline and diesel power along with electricity changed the family farm.” We have many more day trips planned for the summer which I will mention in the coming weeks. (This is where I would have added the inappropriate quote by Groucho Marxs.)

It feels like the cost of food is rising as fast as gas which is especially hard on folks with fixed incomes. It also significantly affects Meals-on-Wheels whose federal funding has been fixed for many years. In their monthly newsletter they wrote, “Starting July 1^st, 2008, we will be raising the ‘suggested donation’ to $3.50 for anyone over sixty and $5.50 for anyone under 60. We have worked very hard to keep the cost down, but found this is no longer possible with rising food costs. Less than a year ago, dry milk was around $40 for 25 pounds. It now costs $101.00 for 25 pounds. Eggs went from $12.78 for 15 dozen to $28 for 15 dozen. So the increase we are asking for will help pay for the food only. The last time that an increase was put into effect was in 1998.”

Meals-on-Wheels is also looking at possibly choosing a new name for the lunch time meal they serve in the dining room, since Meals-on-Wheels best describes the meals they send out for home deliveries. They would still be called Meals-on-Wheels but with a different name for the on site lunch. If you have any suggestions, call them a 298-8333.

That is it for another week. Until the next time, keep laughing. We can’t take life seriously all the time.

In difference to Elt Fadness the master of all Ole and Lena stories: Ole and Lena were at the drive-in movie. Ole says, “Say Lena, you wanna get in the back seat?” Lena says, “Naw, Ole, I’d just as soon stay up here with you.”

I started reading a book called “Secrets of Becoming a Late Bloomer” by Connie Goldman and Richard Mahler that I heard about while attending the “Aging in America” conference.

The book tells the stories and secrets of how older adults transformed and brought new meaning to their lives becoming late bloomers, those “extraordinary ordinary people who defies the notion that his or her best years are over, someone who responds to the late stage of life not as a crisis but as a quest.”

One of the secrets Connie identified for staying creative, aware and involved in midlife and beyond is knowing who we are. For many of us, we lived our lives trying to be what others wanted us to be or would allow us to be. We became the role or position that we held: a respected manager, a caring parent or a successful adult athlete. But when we turned 50 reaching that half way point in our adult lives and began to see the end of our working career, or we got smacked in the face with some serious event that knocked us off our balance: a major illness, or a death in the family, these life events may cause us to question who we are and what do we really want.

Through greater insight and understanding particularly through the lens of experience we have developed over our many years, we have the ability to better understand who we are. We can begin to see the possibilities and opportunities and live our lives congruently, as one late bloomer would say, where “who we want to be” becomes the same as “who we are” and we stop worrying about who we should be.

Everyday I meet and hear the strories of extraordinary ordinary people: one who started singing in a local country western band, another who is learning to tap dance, another who started a college class in psychology, and another who taught a class on aging. It can go on and on.

By taking this step of finding who we are and what we want with honesty and without fear, we can redefine aging as a time of great potential for growth and opportunity with remarkable rewards. It is not easy but it is possible.

On Tuesday June 3^rd, at the Next Chapter Lecture Series, Dean Dollarhide, financial representative for Northwest Mutual, will be discussing the “The Myths and Realities of Long Term Care – The Basics”. Dean is another home town boy who has returned and is actively giving back to the community.

Next Tuesday Night, June 3^rd, the music program will feature Harold Gimlin and Friends playing down home Country and Western music. Harold is well known in the local “jamming” scene and he and his friends will put on a really nice show. Tonight the “Jazz Generations” will be performing. The dancing always starts at 7:00 PM. The admission is free although donations are gladly accepted.

Tuesday is the Senior Center Night for music and dancing but Friday night is dance night at the Cherry Park Grange, 1002 Lambert St. in The Dalles. They have line and partner dance lessons starting at 7 p.m. followed by open dancing to DJ music until 10 p.m. It is open to singles and couples of all ages (kids, teens and adults) and only costs $3 per person, $5 per couple and $6 for the whole family. For more information, call 993-3540. And if you don’t want to dance the night away, there is Gospel Music every Thursday night and Karaoke Music on the fourth Sunday of the month from 7 – 10 p.m. All at the Cherry Park Grange.

On June 7^th from 12 to 8 pm, you are invited to a Mosier Cherry Festival benefit for the Seniors of Mosier. It is described as an Octoberfest but in June. There will be food booths, arts and crafts, carnival games for the kids, bingo, desserts and dancing in the streets. For venders or anyone who has questions contact Bernie Evans at 541-490 6882. It sounds like fun and way to support the seniors in Mosier. Like many of us, Seniors of Mosier Valley are dealing with the transition from depending on the old guard to recruiting the younger newly retired seniors. They have been in existence for 28 years providing many activities including lunch every Monday and Wednesday in the community room at Mosier Creek Terrace. As Bernie Evans said, “The Seniors of Mosier Valley isn’t anything but a fun place to go relax and visit.”

Skip Tschanz has led three Wildflower Walks this spring, and he is willing to continue through the summer leading a hike on the first Monday of every month. The next hike on June 2^nd is a moderate trail hike, less strenuous than last month’s Mosier Syncline hike, and has two great waterfalls, Horsetail Falls and Ponytail Falls plus the bridge over Oneonta Gorge. (And there could even still be some wildflowers.) Skip suggests hikers wear traction soled walking shoes to avoid slipping and sliding and to also bring some water. This hike will start at 10:00 a.m. and we should be back to the center by 4:00 p.m. We will car pool from the Senior Center and gas donations are welcome, but not mandatory.

Just a last reminder on Thursay May 27^th at 1:00 at the Senior Center, Collette Tours will present information about trips to Branson, Missouri this October and San Antonio in March 2009.

That is it again for another week. It is always nice to have an extra day off. It gives you a little time just to catch up. So until we meet again, be true to yourself.