Category Archives: Aging Well in the Gorge

Welcome to Aging Well in the Gorge, the Mid-Columbia Senior Center’s article series by former director Scott McKay.

Aging Well in the Gorge August 15th 2017

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It’s been said “The future ain’t what it used to be,” and that can certainly be applied to the future of aging in America.
But what can we expect in this new future?
Last month the best minds from medicine, social science, finance, public policy, and other disciplines met in San Francisco for the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics Conference to share the latest science, research, technology, and policy development in the field of aging.  
Sophie Okolo, an associate with the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging, attended and wrote about some of the significant trends in aging for Next Avenue, a website for the “booming older population” produced by Twin Cities PBS.
One of the trends she heard was older adults are seeking ways to take charge of their own health using emerging technologies which includes finding self-care solutions to improve their health. In some rural communities, patients are already seeing a doctor using telemedicine; several start-up companies are developing virtual reality apps for physical exercise and pain treatment, and although this may sound as futuristic as a smart watch once did, Nestles is working on personalized digital nutrition to help deliver the ideal nutrition at the right cost. Pretty amazing.
Another trend is the changing view of aging – acknowledging the challenges, but also embracing the opportunities, and creating a culture that supports the long life we experience today. You can look around and see how older adults create stronger communities and strengthen our economies. For example, did you know older workers over fifty are responsible for at least $7.6 trillion in annual economic activity?  
Although the future is not what it once was, with new and developing technologies and a more positive view towards aging, there can be a better future for all of us: the current generation of older adults and for future generations to come.
Katy Joblonski came by the Center to drop off a flyer for her class, “Shakespeare: The Early Plays” (English 201 – 1091658), which will be held at The Dalles campus of the Columbia Gorge Community College on Mondays from 10:00 – 12:00 starting September 25th.
As you can tell, it is for folks who have unchained themselves from the shackles of employment and are fancy free – if they can find time between the projects around the house, their volunteer commitments, and their trips to visit/babysit the grandkids.
But she told me the exciting news is the class is free if you are over 65 and want to audit the class. And in addition, although there is no guarantee, you may be able to audit many of the other CGCC classes for free or little cost.  If you want to know more about how to audit CGCC classes, call 541-506-6057.
Tuesday Night music at the Center may have played its last chords. Attendance has dropped and although everyone enjoyed the music and dancing, there just wasn’t enough people to make it worthwhile for the bands. But there is plenty of music in the Gorge – with only ten days a month when you can’t find a place to dance. For information about the dance locations, Sheryl Doty distributes a monthly calendar which you can pick up at the Center or you can call her at 541-296-3707.
The “bodacious hillbilly” that Barney Google met when he visited “Hootin’ Holler” was Snuffy Smith. (Several folks thought the answer was Li’l Abner which was another hillbilly humor comic strip, but the only correct answer I received was from Marta Moser – this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.)
Okay, this week’s “Remember When” question is not about a comic strip, but it did start out as a comic book before it turned into a classic American humor magazine. First published in 1952 and reaching its peak in 1974, this magazine satirized all aspects of cultural life, politics, entertainment, and public figures. What was the name of this humor magazine whose satire influenced a whole generation? Email your answers to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or send it with a book of Don Martin’s best comic strips.
Well, it’s been another week, trying to remember what doctor I’m supposed to see this month. Until we meet again, keep your foot on the peddle and your hands on the steering wheel.
“Life is surely worth a certain amount of struggle, but sometimes I wonder exactly how much?” Ashleigh Brilliant

Aging Well in the Gorge August 8th 2017

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We’ve been hearing in the news about the opioid epidemic effecting many working-class communities in America. In the past when I thought of opioid abuse I thought of heroin use. But according to the most recent data, in 2015 over 13,000 people have died from heroin – but over 15,000 people have died from overdoses on legal prescription opioids such as OxyContin, Vicodin, morphine, and others. In addition, every day over one thousand people across the country are treated in emergency rooms for misusing prescribed opiates.
But I was surprised to read in Terry Lynn’s article in the Oregonian, it’s not just young people affected by this epidemic.
In fact, in 2015, Oregonians age 65 and over are entering the hospital for opioid overdoses, abuse, dependence and adverse effects at a greater rate than any other state. In Oregon, the rate has tripled in the past decade; peaking at 700 hospitalizations per 100,000 elderly which translates to 4,500 people.
But why does Oregon have the highest rate nationally? While there is not a definitive answer, there are several possible factors.
First is history. Oregon has been a national leader in encouraging a more liberal use of medications that focus on treating pain. Consequently, doctors have continued to prescribe more opioids to older adults. Also, many people who started taking opioids when they were younger have likely stayed on them or resumed using them when experiencing arthritis or after having hip or knee replacements.
Second is a lack of awareness. Many doctors underestimate the effect of opioids on older adults.
Third is perception. Many doctors miss seeing opioid abuse in older adults, because they see substance abuse and addiction as a young person’s problem; or they might associate symptoms such as falls, delirium and memory loss, with aging instead of opioids.      
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
Chronic pain can dramatically affect your life. Thankfully, pain relieving opioids can bring some comfort particularly for hospice or cancer patients or for patients during or after surgery. But always be aware of the risks. Even when prescribed by a doctor, regular use of opioids can lead to dependence, and even overdose and death.
Speaking of medications, often when you are discharged from the hospital, you will be prescribed an opioid such as Vicodin in case the pain returns. But what do you do if you don’t use it or any other medications?
Thanks to the partnership between YouthThink, MCMC and The Dalles Police Force, you can drop off your unwanted medications at The Dalles police station. Just walk inside, turn to your left and you will find a green container where you can safely drop your unwanted medications – but they will not accept needles or sharps, thermometers, medical waste or equipment, or inhalers.
No music on the 15thbut the all-star band of Andre, K.C., Tom and Joe will be back at the Center on the 22nd playing blues, bluegrass, ballads and country rock for your dancing and listening pleasure.
The name of the comic strip first introduced in 1931 featuring a police detective was Dick Tracy. (I received answers from Marta Moser, Donna Smith, and several of the regular suspects: Ed Anghilante (who I also missed mentioning several weeks ago), Jim Ayres, Diane Weston, Jess Birge, Jerry Phillips, and Bob and Sandy Haechrel. But this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket goes to Joel Brown who texted me his answer using his Dick Tracy-like smartwatch.)
Continuing with comic strips from the past, this comic strip debuted in 1919 and starred Barney Google with his Goo-Goo-Googly eyes. But in 1934, Barney visited “Hootin’ Holler” in the North Carolina mountains and met a “bodacious hillbilly” who became the star of the comic strip. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of this character with the broad brimmed felt hat, scraggly moustache, and tattered britches? Email your answers to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or send it with a bottle of “corn-likker” moonshine in a plain brown paper bag so Sheriff Magill won’t confiscate it.
Well, it’s been another week, trying to decide, do I stay hydrated during the hot day, or do I sleep through the night. Until we meet again, as I was recently told at the Center, there are times when living by yourself is bad company.

“If you think communication is all talking, you haven’t been listening.” Ashleigh Brilliant

Aging Well in the Gorge August 1st 2017

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Would you consider yourself a child or an adult? Okay, that is a dumb question. But in the 1800’s, you were either considered a child or an adult – and back then you could be considered an adult, working and married, by the age of 16. Life was tough and childhood didn’t last long.

But starting in the early 1900’s a social revolution began. With new child labor laws, children encouraged to stay in school longer, sixteen to eighteen-year old’s waiting longer to marry, and with the automobile providing greater independence, another life stage evolved which became known as the “teenager”.

But teenager wasn’t the only term created to describe an age group. In a 1938 political campaign, senior citizen was first used as a euphemism for “old person”. It has since been abbreviated to senior and is generally defined as a person over the age of 65 – when retirement usually begins or social benefits generally start.

So here’s another question? Do you consider yourself a senior even though you are probably over 65? And to be a little more blunt, do you consider yourself old?

If you answer is no, you are not alone. There is growing number of individuals who are over 65 who see themselves as healthy and do not consider themselves seniors – as in “old”. For these individuals, their idea of retirement is not withdrawal – but active engagement including working into their 70’s, particularly if the work is flexible, traveling, and recreating. They feel they have many more active years left, and they aren’t ready to sit it out.

Understanding this new life stage of the “young-old” and the value of naming it, was the focus of several articles in the July 8th Economist. It was suggested that by giving a name to this life stage, it could dramatically change attitudes toward the “young-old” and create economic changes and new opportunities as was the case when the term “teenager” was created. 

But what do you call this new life stage? Some of the ideas suggested by the Economist are Geriactives, Sunsetters, “Nyppies” (Net Yet Past It) or “Owls” (Older, Working less, Still Earning). None of those suggestions sound good to me. But if you have an idea, email it to me. Maybe you can be on the cutting age of a whole new attitudinal revolution towards older adults.

This may yet be the hottest week of the summer, so don’t take any chances in the heat. Stay cool, drink plenty of liquids, keep informed and stay connected with family, friends and neighbors. And have a plan for an emergency which could be as simple as losing the power in your house to operate your air-conditioner.  
If you don’t have air conditioning in your house, don’t forget the old-fashioned ways to stay cool: fans, cold water foot baths, ice packs, and cool showers. And if you know of anyone, who needs, but cannot afford to purchase a fan or air conditioner, the Center has two fans and one small window air conditioner that have been donated to the Center to loan out for emergencies.
For the second and fourth Tuesdays in August, Andre Lamoureux and his band will be performing at the Center for your dancing and listening pleasure. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00. Everyone is welcome and donations are appreciated.
The name of the liquid detergent soap that in 1968 was advertised as being strong enough to remove the “ring around the collar” was Wisk. (I don’t believe I received any correct answers this week although several folks, including my wife, thought the answer was TIDE.)
It’s a new month and the theme for this month’s “Remember When” questions is “Comic Strips from the Past”. This comic strip was first introduced in 1931; featured a police detective who fought various villains including his popular rival Flattop Jones; and included comic characters who were caricatures of celebrities such as B.O. Plenty, (Gabby Hayes), Vitamin Flintheart (John Barrymore), and Spike Dyke (Spike Jones).  What was the name of this comic strip? Email your answers to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or send it with a two-way wrist watch – preferably an Apple watch.
Well, it’s been another week, looking for the shade. Until we meet again, don’t let the sun beat you down.

“If you’re going to do something tonight that you’ll be sorry for tomorrow morning, sleep late.” Henny Youngman

Aging Well in the Gorge July 15th 2017

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You don’t get things done by complaining or by wishing upon a star. You have to put on your boots and get to work. And over the last year, there have been several examples of community organizations who like the “little engine that could”, never gave up: Wonderworks, the children’s museum that was featured on the front page of Sunday’s paper, The Dalles/Wasco County Library’s new children’s space, and the Civic Auditorium which received $745,000 from the Oregon state lottery for their theater.

Another community success was celebrated last Tuesday when The Dalles Chamber Ambassadors held a ribbon cutting for the opening of the Center’s new addition. It was a chance to recognize all the individuals, local businesses and foundations that made the new addition possible. And although every successful fundraising campaign needs hundreds of small donors, there is usually one major donor who makes the project possible. 

For the Center that person was Roberta Heisler. She donated $50,000 earlier in the fundraising campaign, and then after it was decided to hire a general contractor even when we didn’t have all the necessary funding, she walked in and gave the Center another $25,000 which took us over our fundraising goal.

But also in every project, someone has to have the drive to keep pushing the project forward even when everyone else is wondering whether it will ever happen. For the Center’s UpLifting Elevator Project, Joan Silver was the engine that drove the UpLifting Elevator train: writing all the grants and keeping everyone on task.

Joan is an example of the older adults throughout this community who decide to use their “retirement” years to make a difference – not for financial gain or for personal recognition. And you know who they are. They are found in your service clubs, churches and other organizations – folks who are giving back to build a healthy community for everyone.

But unfortunately, Joan can’t move mountains – or elevator inspectors. So you aren’t able to ride the elevator yet. It still needs to go through the elevator company’s inspection process and then the final inspection by the State of Oregon. We will announce in August when the elevator will be operating. But until then, you are now able to use the enclosed stairs instead of walking outside and around to the downstairs’ back doors.

Last Tuesday was a busy day at the Center. Besides the ribbon cutting, in the afternoon the Center held its annual membership meeting – which included a delicious dinner catered by Cherry Heights Living. At the meeting, the membership approved changes in the bylaws to allow up to eleven board members from the current seven. If you are interested in serving on the Center’s board, call the Center for an application. But one caution, it is a working board!

Every second and fourth Tuesday at the Center, we push back the tables and the band sets up, so you can dance, dance, dance from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. And as I mentioned last week, on Tuesday, August 1st, Truman will be back in town for one night playing his Country Gold. And no matter if your hair is silver, blonde or a nice beaver orange, everyone is welcome and donations are appreciated.
In the 1960’s animated commercial, a rabbit was always trying to trick a group of children out of their bowl of cereal, but was always caught and told “Silly rabbit, TRIX are for kids”.  (This week I received answers from Sharon Hull, Kim Birge, Tiiu Vahtel and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket, Darlein France.)
This week’s “Remember When” question is once again about advertising slogans from the 50’s and 60’s. What was the name of the liquid detergent soap that in 1968 was advertised as being strong enough to remove the “ring around the collar”? Email your answers to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or send it with a kitchen utensil used to whip eggs.
Well, it’s been another week, trying to keep all the eggs in one basket. Until we meet again, as Marcia Lacock reminded me, stay cool, calm and collected.
“[A] youthful old age is the rich and mellow autumn of life… the mind is ripe in wisdom… the intellect is still active and vigorous… spiritual character has reached its full terrestrial maturity of virtue.” W.J. Hunter, “How to Keep Young,” Health Magazine, October 1899.

Aging Well in the Gorge July 18th 2017

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I just spent the weekend driving to San Diego with my daughter where she will be starting her new job. Once again, she will be adjusting to a different environment with new friends and new responsibilities.
As with many young people, her last five years have been filled with constant adjustments: teaching English overseas, attending graduate school and then back home again to look for work.
But for many of us, those anticipated changes and adjustments are distant memories. We are no longer working, at least for a paycheck, and have become comfortable in our everyday experiences: same house, same friends, and same interests. And although we may have slowed down, most things are still familiar.
Then our life changes, whether we want it to or not, and we move from the familiar to the unfamiliar: moving into a retirement community because our children are concerned about our safety; no longer being able to enjoy our hobbies because of chronic pain; or worse of all, losing lifelong friends because they have moved or passed away.
Moving from the familiar to the unfamiliar can be scary and confusing. You may wonder how to deal with things you don’t want to deal with? How do you adjust and cope with what you feel you cannot endure? But cope you must, because there is no such thing as not coping. You either cope well or poorly.
Joan Chittister in her book, “The Gift of Years” eloquently discusses how adjustment is a part of aging and it is up to us to decide whether to live our later years with despair and anger or with joy and anticipation.
For instance, you can decide to fight the changes, blaming others and destroying once good relations when you need them the most. Or you can passively accept your new situation, but emotionally refuse to adjust – living in the gloom of what once was but no longer can be, and making your life a real struggle.
Or you can cope with the stress of change with courage; experiencing the losses, but also seeing the new gifts surrounding you while anticipating the joys of the daily small stuff.
Joan Chittister believes the challenge of these years is “that we must consciously decide how we will live, what kind of person we will become now, what kind of personality and spirituality we will bring into every group, how alive we intend to be”.
But the blessing “is being able to live so openheartedly, and to adjust so well, that others can look to us and see what being old can bring in terms of life, of holiness, of goodness to make the world new again”.
When we were young, we were constantly adjusting to new situations: marriage, children, careers. Then we became comfortable with the familiar. But once again moving from the familiar to the unfamiliar; living life as it comes to you, not as you insist it be, may be our greatest opportunity for personal growth.
Music has returned to the Center on every second and fourth Tuesdays nights starting at 7:00 PM. In addition, on Tuesday August 1st, Truman Boler will be singing. Truman was a regular Tuesday night performer until he moved to the Portland area. But he has been persuaded to come back to play one more time. So, stop by, say hi and once again enjoy an evening of Truman’s Country Gold.
The cigarette commercial that appeared on radio and television from 1954 until 1972, was “Winston taste good like a cigarette should”. (I received answers from Sandy Haechrel and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket non-smoker Jerry Phillips.)
Continuing this month’s theme of popular television commercials, this 1960’s animated commercial, featured a silly rabbit who was constantly trying to trick a group of children out of their bowl of cereal, but was always caught and told the cereal was “only for kids”.  For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the cereal? Email your answers to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or send it with the story of Sisyphus, the King of Ephyra.
Well, it’s been another week, trying to find the dots to connect. Until we meet again, keep on truckin’.

“To know how to grow old is the master work of wisdom and one of the most difficult chapters in the great art of living.” Swiss philosopher Henri Frederic Amiel

Aging Well in the Gorge July 11th 2017

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With the temperatures in the 90’s and the ten-day forecast looking pretty much the same, it’s probably a good time to review how heat affects older adults.
According to Medline Plus, an online service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, there are several reasons older adults are at greater risk for heat related illness. They do not adjust as well to sudden changes in temperature; are more likely to have chronic medical conditions that changes normal body responses to heat; and are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.
But you can take steps to prevent heat related stress: drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages; take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath; wear lightweight clothing; do not engage in strenuous activities; seek an air-conditioned environment and rest. (If you know someone who needs a fan or a small window air conditioner, the Center has several to lend.)
The primary concern is heat stroke: when the body’s temperature rises rapidly and loses its ability to sweat. Warning signs can include an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F); red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating); rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness and nausea. If you find someone in heat stress, call 9-1-1 immediately and start rapidly cooling the individual.
As we all know, “this too shall pass”. But after last winter at least it is nice to know that the chance of snow is 0%.
It has been thirty years since the Center was built and it has been quite a ride. And what better way to observe the thirty years than completing the Center’s new addition with a new elevator to improve access to the downstairs and to finally fulfill the original vision for the Center.
To celebrate the new addition, on July 18th there will be a short ceremony at 8:00 am followed by the Chamber of Commerce team performing a ribbon cutting at 8:15. After the ribbon cutting, you will be able to see the new NU-2-U Shop (which is now open), the remodeled lounge, the enclosed stairway, and all the other improvements. And while the elevator is not yet operational while waiting for final inspection, it will be displayed.
Then later in the day at 3:00, the Center will hold its Annual Membership Meeting. On the agenda is a request to the membership to change the bylaws to allow up to eleven board members, and to elect board members. The membership meeting starts at 3:00 and will conclude by 4:30 in time for attending Center members to enjoy a free dinner with your choice of Pot Roast or Chicken Breast, mashed potatoes and all the fixins provided by our neighbors Cherry Heights Living.
Every week at the Center someone comments on the beautiful cowboy boot quilt displayed behind the receptionist’s desk. But if you want a chance to win this amazing quilt, you better act quickly. The quilt drawing will be held at the conclusion of the annual membership meeting.
Because July 4th was on a Tuesday, it has been two weeks since the last “Remember When” question. And if you are like me (And I thought of the question!), you probably don’t remember that the question was, “What term did you use for kissing when you were young?” Two common expressions I’ve heard are necking and making out, but other terms you might remember are smooching, snogging (although it is a British term), and my favorite – canoodling. (This week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Jeanne Persicka.)
Back in the 50’s when television came of age, commercials were created with catchy slogans that often became household words. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what cigarette brand used the advertising slogan that appeared on radio and television from 1954 until 1972, and included the phrase “tastes good like a cigarette should”? Email your answers to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or write your answer on the back of a map of the “Twin City” in North Carolina.
Well, it’s been another week, waking up to sunshine. Until we meet again, don’t let the heat turn you into a grumpy bag of sand.

“At age 20, we worry about what others think of us. At age 40, we don’t care what they think of us. At age 60, we discover they haven’t been thinking of us at all.” Ann Landers (1918-2002)

Aging Well in the Gorge June 27th 2017

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As we grow older, we often experience changes that make us more vulnerable: social isolation, cognitive impairment, poverty, death of a spouse, lack of a support network or becoming emotionally or physically dependent on another person. These vulnerabilities are some of the risk factors that can lead to the abuse of older adults.
In 2015, there were 43,000 reports of abuse in Oregon, and 19,041 were investigated by Adult Protective Services. Of those investigated, 4,215 people were determined to have been abused. But of the substantiated cases of elder abuse in Oregon, what type do you think was the most common in 2015: social, physical, psychological, financial, or sexual abuse?
The answer is financial abuse at 30% of substantiated cases. And the reporting of financial abuse cases is on the rise with an increase of 19.6% in financial abuse complaints from 2014 to 2015. Unfortunately, those numbers may be low. Financial abuse is often underreported because the victim feels ashamed or embarrassed or the victim is unable to report the abuse because of cognitive and other impairments.
Financial abuse can come in different flavors: theft, forgery, misuse of property and power of attorney, as well as denying access to funds – and is often carried out by someone the victim knows and trusts. It may not be a surprise, but 46% of the victims of financial abuse were abused by a family member.
The victim’s lost can be substantial averaging $24,915. But it not just money. Personal property, real estate, vehicles and food stamps are often taken.
But older adults can reduce their risk of financial abuse by making sure their financial, medical, legal and other affairs are in order; and by learning about the signs of elder abuse.
One program to reduce the risk of financial abuse while promoting independent living is the Oregon Money Management Program (OMMP) which is locally administered by the Area Agency on Aging at the Mid-Columbia Council of Governments (541-298-4101).
OMMP provides assistance with money management tasks including Bill-Pay services, Payee services and Income Cap Trust trustee services – which can be explained when you call. OMMP is personalized, confidential, and safe, and is available to adults 60 and older. And unlike many programs, there are no restrictions because of income or resources, but a small fee may be applied.
Older adults have the right to be free of all forms of abuse so they can live in safety with dignity and respect. If you have suspicions of elder abuse you can find help by calling the local office of Aging and People of Disabilities at (541) 298-4114.
Do you like to stitch, crochet, or knit? Or maybe you want to learn how.  If so, come and join the Needle Nuts who meet every Wednesday from 10:00 – 12:00 in the Center’s newly remodeled lounge. This informal group was started by Sandy Haechrel who once owned Sandy’s Stitch Niche – so she knows her stitch.
Ever since David Zopf passed away the Center’s Rose Garden at the Center has been neglected. But thanks to Google volunteers, David, Boyce, Bradley and Blair, the garden is getting new bulk mulch and some tender loving care. In a week or two it will be looking even better.
The name of the film version of the musical adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, which was the second highest grossing film of 1961 and winner of ten Academy Awards, was West Side Story. (I received correct answers from Sue Ortega, Betsy Ayres, Sandy Haechrel, Marcia Lacock, I hope I didn’t miss any one this week, and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket Vicki Sallee.)
For the last week for the theme of “love and romance”, this week’s “Remember When” question is about the slang we used during the days of our youth. What was the term you used to describe the act of kissing? And I’m only asking about kissing! Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with a bottle of Listerine – “the antiseptic that can fix any marriage”.
Well, it’s been another week, when two plus two still equals three. Until we meet again, there is your side and there is my side – and then there is the truth.

“Life is supposed to be a series of peaks and valleys. The secret is to keep the valleys from becoming Grand Canyons.” Bernard Williams

Aging Well in the Gorge June 20th 2017

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The philosopher Bernard Williams once said, “If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance.”
So if you want to sneak in a little June romance before the end of the month, Flagstone Senior Living is inviting you to a “Senior Citizens Prom” at The Dalles Middle School on Friday, June 30th from 6:00 pm – 9:00 PM. There will be drinks and light Hors’ devours, prom photos, a music cake walk and a night of classic big band sounds. Tickets are $5.00 or $8.00 for a couple which you can purchase at the door or at the Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation office. For more information contact Denae Manion at 541-298-5656 ext. 2106
The theme for the prom is “Seniors in the Mood” – which makes me wonder, “In the mood for what?” Now this question could lead into the uncomfortable territory of, you know – “the birds and the bees”, and all those baseball terms: first base, second base, etc. which I never did understand. (But then I was so naïve in high school that my sister had to tell me what the banned lyrics to “Louie, Louie” meant.)
But I think I’m going to take a pass. And whether older adults get any “satisfaction” or enjoy an “afternoon delight” or whether they still do the “Hanky Panky”, is a topic for another day. I don’t think I have the literary skill to traverse the subject without embarrassing you or myself.
I’ve learned in life there are matters you can’t control: you just learn to carry on and adapt. And recently I’ve found the same is true for construction projects. The elevator was to arrive two weeks ago, but finally I’ve learned it should be delivered this week – although as the adage goes, “I’ll believe it when I see it.”
I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the elevator arrive, not because it is the last major step in completing the project, but because I want to see how in the heck they get the elevator through the new door way and installed. That’s what I’m looking forward to.
Even though the elevator hasn’t arrived, Jeff Cochenour’s crew has finish the new Nu-2-U Shop. And thanks to the help of Rhonda and Ron Townsend, Joan Silver, Betty Dahlberg, the NU-2-U Shop is ready to resume selling the best used clothes in town.
We also had help from an excellent crew of students from the Wahtonka Community School who moved the boxes of clothes back into the Nu-2-U shop. You may recall I mentioned several weeks ago that Wahtonka Community School students are available on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month to load/unload your boxes, furniture, etc. or just move heavy things around the house. Because they are in school all year, they are available during the summer. To schedule an appointment, call 541-506-3449 ext. 3211.
In 1962, “I Can’t Stop Loving You” was sung by Ray Charles. And the 1958 hit, “To Know Him Is to Love Him” was sung by the Teddy Bears and written, arranged, and produced by Phil Spector at the age of 19! And that’s not all folks. The female singer in the Teddy Bears, who changed her name to Carol Connors, continued singing and writing songs including the theme song to Rocky: “Gonna Fly Now”.
(I received correct answers from Tina Castanares, Jim Heitkemper, and this week’s winners of a quilt raffle ticket are Joanne Scott – plus Dee Holt who I forgot to mention last week.)
Continuing the theme of “love and romance”, this week it’s all about movies. One of the most popular romantic movies was the film version of the musical adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of this film that became the second highest grossing film of 1961, won 10 Academy Awards, and starred Natalie Wood, Rita Moreno, and George Chakiris? Email your answers to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail in your answer on the back of a picture of Officer Krupke.
Well, it’s been another week, enjoying the early morning sun. Until we meet again, no matter your age, there are those days when you just have to push yourself.

“Romance is the glamour which turns the dust of everyday life into a golden haze.” Carolyn Gold Heilbrun

Aging Well in the Gorge June 13th 2017

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During the 50’s with the introduction of television, many of us young boys could be found on Saturday mornings in front of the black-and-white television set watching our favorite cowboy heroes such as Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, the Lone Ranger, and Hopalong Cassidy.
We all wanted to be like our television heroes, and many of those cowboy stars, for the benefit of their young audiences, created a cowboy code that reflected the characters they portrayed: men of high moral character that stood for everything that was good, decent, and fair.
Probably the best-known Cowboy Code was written by Gene Autry and it is still shared today. Do you think it is still relevant?
1.) The Cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man, or take unfair advantage. 2.) He must never go back on his word, or a trust confided in him. 3.) He must always tell the truth. 4.) He must be gentle with children, the elderly, and animals. 5.) He must not advocate or possess racially or religiously intolerant ideas. 6.) He must help people in distress. 7.) He must be a good worker. 8.) He must keep himself clean in thought, speech, action, and personal habits. 9.) He must respect women, parents, and his nation’s laws. 10.) The Cowboy is a patriot.
In our contemporary world, Gene Autry’s cowboy code may seem naïve, out-of-date, and from an idealized past that wasn’t ideal for many Americans. But the cowboy code is a reminder of a simpler time when as young boys we aspired to the ideals embodied in our heroes – although often unfulfilled in the real world.
When I was younger, I remember seeing the magazine Reminisce. It wasn’t something I wanted to read. It was for “old” people who enjoy stories from way-back-when. But I found it really discouraging, well, maybe not discouraging, but depressing. No, that is still not the right word. No, I found it absolutely shocking that in one of the recent issues, they highlighted the year 1974! I mean 1974 – not 1954 or even 1964. Has it really been forty-three years since Barbara Streisand recorded “The Way We Were”, or Towering Inferno was the highest grossing film, or the Nixon impeachment hearings began? How time tries to play tricks on us.
It’s time to enjoy all the activities that return during the summer months. A few of the activities you might want to consider are The Dalles Farmers’ Market at City Park on Saturdays from 9:00 – 1:00; the Wasco County Historical Society’s summer programs at the Moody/Rorick House, 300 W. 13th Street at 1 pm beginning on Saturday, June 17  (Karl Vercouteren will present “The Vogt Opera House: The Sequel”); and the popular and free (but donations are appreciated) concert series, 4th Sunday at the Fort, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at the Fort Dalles Museum – and it is recommended you bring a lawn chair or a blanket to sit on. 
A bruise left by a kiss from your “steady”, or a drunk Italian policeman, was a “hickey”. (Many folks had fun answering the question including Sandy Haechrel, Alice Mattox, Tina Castanares, Jerry Phillips, Ed Anghilante, Barbara White, Jeanne Pesicka, and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket, Virginia McClain – who said if some guy had tried that with her she would have slugged him.)
Continuing the theme of “love and romance”, this week it’s all about music. The highest ranked Billboard song with “love” in the title that was recorded more than fifty years ago was “I Can’t Stop Loving You”. It was written in 1957 by country musician Don Gibson, who also wrote “Oh, Lonesome Me” at the same time.
For this week’s “Remember When” question, who sang “I Can’t Stop Loving You” which was number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks in 1962? And if that was too easy, what group sang “To Know Him Is to Love Him” which was number one for three weeks in 1958? Email your answers to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or drop it off with a copy of Georgia’s official state song.
Well, it’s been another week, waiting for my batteries to charge. Until we meet again, it’s not the end of the road until you see the dead-end sign.
“Don’t worry about bitin’ off more’n you can chew; your mouth is probably a whole lot bigger’n you think.” Cowboy Wisdom

Menu for The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels dinners served at noon at Betty’s Diner at the Center.

Aging Well in the Gorge June 5th 2017

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How many times do we tell ourselves “That’s too much effort” “I’m too tired tonight.” “Oh, I’ve never done that before, and I’m not going to start now.” I certainly have.
Joan Chittister in her book, The Gift of Years, points out that one of the challenges we face in old age is that we start acting old – limiting ourselves by creating justifications for our complacency so we stop living to the fullest and stop having fun.  As Lowell Thomas once said, “The secret of my vigor and activity is that I have managed to have a lot of fun.”
But aren’t we suppose to act our age? When we were young, we were expected to study and get an education; and when we finished school, we were expected to start a career and a raise a family.
But after sixty-five what is expected now – napping every day, staying home watching TV, and complaining about everything? Or how about hiking trails in the Gorge, dyeing your hair crimson red, and even continuing to work? (And is it okay at my age to pierce my right ear – so I can attach a note for my friends that reads, “ONLY THIS EAR WORKS!”.)  
Joan Chittister believes that living fully depends more on your attitude than your physical condition. And even though we may not have as much energy, and many of our longtime friends are no longer with us, if we have an attitude that keeps us from taking the next step to begin something new, “We fail to go on becoming. We stop in our tracks with years ahead of us. And wait. We take the gift of life and return it unopened.”
As a friend once suggested, when talking about old age, the opposite of old is not young, but new. And if we can still discover new adventures, no matter how small, or hone new skills, no matter how ordinary, we can still experience life to the fullest so we don’t allow ourselves “to become less than what we are able to be, more quickly than we ever should”.
Even though Tuesday Night Music and Dance at the Center is taking a break until July 11th, you can still find good music at the Center this coming Friday, June 9th. Bruce and Sher Schwartz will be playing before the noon meal starting at 11:00. Then in the evening, Nehemiah Brown will be singing from 7:00 – 9:00. The Nehemiah Concert is only $3.00 per person and is sponsored by The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation Center.
NWC Parks and Recreation and Flagstone Senior Living is hosting a “55 and Older Senior Prom” on Friday, June 30th at the Dalles Middle School – which I will write more about in a future column.
But to raise funds for the Senior Prom, you are invited to two fundraisers at Burgerville on Monday, June 12th from 11am to 2pm; and June 19th from 3pm to 6pm.
The name of the 1950 Hollywood movie starring William Holden and Gloria Swanson in which a screenwriter is hired to rework a faded silent film star’s script only to find himself in a dangerous relationship was Sunset Boulevard. (I received correct answers from Jim Ayres, Sandy Haechrel, Tina Castanares and Marcia Lacock – this week’s randomly selected winner of a quilt raffle ticket.)
Since the “55 and older Senior Prom” is later this month, I thought the theme for this month’s “Remember When” questions should be love and romance.
Remember when you were a young romantic and believed in love at first sight – at least until your vision cleared up. We did things we never would want our children to know – things you do when you are young, clueless and in love. For example, did you know anyone who came to school with a bruise, often found on the neck, caused by an aggressive kiss from their “steady”?
For this week’s “Remember When” question, what were those embarrassing bruises called? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or drop it off at the Center with a turtleneck sweater.
Well, it’s been another week, waiting for the light to change. Until we meet again, take your life by its love handles and give it a whirl!

“Aging is an inevitable process. I surely wouldn’t want to grow younger. The older you become, the more you know; your bank account of knowledge is much richer.” William Holden