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 May 26th 2015

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Do you still have memories of summers past? Traveling across country in a ‘54 Mercury station wagon with push button shifting, cooling off in the river on hot summer nights. Or falling in love at first sight with that young woman you would eventually marry, who was wearing one of those new risqué two piece bathing suits? Ah, the days of summer when you needed no excuse to be lazy.
At the Center this summer, while most of the classes will continue as usual, there are a few changes: Tuesday Lectures are suspended until fall, and Strong Women meets only on Thursdays. But there is still music every Tuesday night and Bingo every Thursday and Saturday Nights. (On Saturday, May 30th, the payout for the last game is $1000 if you blackout in sixty numbers. That could pay for a nice summer trip!)
Also the Center has once again scheduled a variety of Wednesday day trips, thanks to the help of Ginny McNary.  And this summer we’ll be going in every direction! On June 10th we’ll be headed east going to Pendleton to tour the Pendleton Underground in the morning and the Woolen Mills in the afternoon with time for lunch in between. (The cost for all the trips includes admissions and transportation, but you will need to purchase your own lunch.) Because the Pendleton Underground Tour starts at 10:00, we will need to leave at 7:30. The cost is $40 and limited to 20.
On July 1st we’ll head north to the Goldendale Observatory and the historical Presby Museum. Cost is $25 and limited to 12. July 8th we’ll be going south to “beat the heat” for lunch at Timberline Lodge. The cost is $20, which does not include the lunch, and again limited to 12. On July 22nd we will head west on I-84 to visit the Pittock Mansion and the Chinese Gardens in Portland. Cost is $40 and limited to 12. And we will end the season with the Portland Spirit Cruise and Lunch on the Willamette, August 19th, and the cost is $60 and limited to 20. Call the Center to reserve your spot and create some new summer memories.
This Wednesday. May 27th, another class of the Walk With Ease Program will start. The Walk With Ease Program is an exercise program that can reduce pain and improve overall health. If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you can have success with this program. It is motivating, safe, can improve you flexibility, strength and stamina and most importantly – is fun. The program meets from 8:00am – 9:00am (before the heat) three times a week for six weeks on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Picnic Shelter at Sorosis Park. The program is open to all ability levels and all you need to do to register is show up. In addition, all participants will receive a pedometer and a water bottle. For more information contact Lauren Kraemer at OSU Extension, 541-386-3343 ext 258.
Like many non-profits, the Center relies on various fundraisers to pay the bills. One of the Center’s annual fundraisers is the summer rummage sale around the end of June. If you have any decent used items that you no longer need: clothing, household goods, furniture, your husband? – drop them off outside the basement of the Center. We’ll be glad to take them – but please include instructions with your husband.
Tuesday Night Music and Dance at the Center on May 26th will feature the Elderly Brothers. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00 and ends by 9:00. All ages are welcome and donations are always appreciated.

The comedy duo who couldn’t figure out “who’s on first” was Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. (And the winner of 3 quilt raffle tickets is Sandy Goforth.) This week’s “Remember When” question was prompted by a conversation about shoes with Jenny Curtis, one of the Center’s Needle Nutzs. What was the name of the unconventional style of shoe invented in Scandinavia and first sold in America in 1970 which had thick soles and thin heels, thus featuring a “negative heal”? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it with a picture of the Danish yoga instructor Anne Kalso.
Well, it’s been another week, looking for gold in the golden years. Until we meet again, you know you are getting old when what you wore as a teenager, is now a new fashion trend.

“Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.” Russell Baker

Aging Well in the Gorge May 19th 2015

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Older adults are a vital part of our society. And if you look around at the volunteers who are involved in our communities, from elected officials to community non-profits such as Community Meal and the Warming Shelter, you will realize our communities would not be as strong and vibrant without older adults unselfishly giving their time and efforts.

Since 1963, communities across the country have shown their gratitude by celebrating Older Americans Month each May. The theme for this year is “Get into the Act,” recognizing how older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others.

 2015 is also the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act when President Johnson signed into law in July 1965. The Older Americans Act funds a network of services that support the dignity and independence of older adults. The Act provides funding for congregate and home delivered meals that support the meal sites here in Wasco and Sherman Counties, caregiver support, community based services, elder abuse prevention and much more. Those funds are distributed through the local Area Agency on Agency (541-298-4101) which is under the umbrella of the Mid-Columbia Council of Governments.

 During Older Americans Month, the 50+ EXPO was held last Saturday at the Readiness Center in The Dalles. I would like to thank all of you who attended and particularly the many exhibitors. The purpose was to provide a one stop place where you could learn about the wide variety of resources available for older adults. As the director of the Center for over eight years, there are times when I think I know everything there is to know about the resources available for Older Adults. But by talking to the many exhibitors, I was reminded once again how wrong I would be.

Such as did you know Life Flight (503-729-5879), which covers all your your costs for a helicopter flight in case of a medical emergency, costs only $60 a year and could save you thousands of dollars if the service was ever needed; and Hood River Mobile Dental Hygiene (503-936-8422) provides thorough and convenient dental care to home or facility bound seniors who find it difficult to make it to a dental office for routine dental hygiene; and Legacy Stories, which is being promoted by Hearts of Gold Caregivers (541-387-0207), is a free award winning app for your iPhone or Samsung device where you can simply scan a photo and record your voice describing the person or event shown in the photo and what it means to you.

 Those are a just few of the resources I learned about at the 50+ EXPO. We will be evaluating the event to identify what worked and what didn’t, so we can make it even better for next year when we hope to see you then.

 Another reminder that Jim Petrusich will be speaking about hearing loss at the Center’s Tuesday Lecture 11:00 on May 26th. As the Columbia Gorge Hearing Care audiologist and with his own personal experiences, he understands the challenges of hearing loss. This will be your chance to ask questions to help you get back into the conversations around you.

 Tuesday Night Music and Dance at the Center on May 26th will feature the Elderly Brothers. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00 and ends by 9:00. All ages are welcome and donations are always appreciated.

 The fictitious product seen on TV that contained concentrated “vitamins, meat, vegetables, and minerals”, was 23% proof, and promised to help people who are “tired, run-down, and listless” was Vitameatavegamin – the product Lucy was selling in the famous I Love Lucy episode “The TV Commercial”. (And the winner of 3 quilt raffle tickets is Marcia Lacock.)

This week’s “Remember When” question is another easy one but may bring back more memories of classic comedy routines of the past. What comedy duo couldn’t figure out who was on first baseball because of the ballplayer’s unusual nicknames in this famous routine that was ranked as the #1 comedy routine of the 20th century by Time magazine. Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it with a DVD of the 1945 movie The Naughty Nineties.

 Well, it’s been another week, when too often something stares me in the face and I still don’t see it. Until we meet again, the first step to remembering anything is to pay attention!

 “By the time you’re eighty years old you’ve learned everything. You only have to remember it.” George Burns

Aging Well in the Gorge May 12th 2015

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At any age we can become socially isolated; lose contact with friends and family. Some people may even choose to be alone – there is no one telling you what to do, no one leaving the lights on or eating your piece of pie left in the frig. And if you only argue with yourself, you know at least one of you is going to win.

But there is also much that is lost.

During last Tuesday’s Lecture, Litxie Miranda, Lu Pang and Candace Lewis Laietmark, three graduate students at the PSU Institute on Aging, discussed social isolation and the value of social networks. They explained that social isolation is associated with lower general well-being, more depression, higher levels of disability from chronic diseases, and increased rates of premature death.

This is a particular concern for older adults because they are more susceptible to social isolation. Why? There are many reasons.

After retiring it can be hard to replace the social network at work. We lose many of our loved ones and close friends as we live longer. (40 % of adults 65 and older live by themselves.) Because of hearing loss, it may be more difficult to converse with others. Driving becomes more of a chore than a pleasure. And we may feel there is no longer a reason or purpose to meet others.

 But the social connections are important. They can provide help when needed, information about what is going on, and conversations that can stimulate your own thinking. They can keep you engaged in the world around you – because there is still much to discover.

But it is not easy. Most of us are not going to hit the bar or go back to school to find that natural milieu of potential friends. And it can be especially difficult if you never really were the “social” type..

But if you find yourself alone, coax or bribe yourself, whatever it takes, to explore new social situations. Volunteer, try exercise classes, play cards, learn a new skill or pursue a new interest. And the Meals-on-Wheel noon dinner at the Center is a great place to start.

 Eventually you will make new friends, and then you can complain again that someone is telling you what to do.

 There will not be a Tuesday Lecture on the 19th but at 11:00 on the 26th, Jim Petrusich will return to the Center to speak more about hearing loss. As the Columbia Gorge Hearing Care audiologist and with his own personal experiences, he understands the challenges of hearing loss and is an advocate for better education about this invisible chronic condition. Even if you have heard him speak before, I would recommend you take the opportunity to hear him again.

This is the last reminder for the first annual 50+ EXPO at the Readiness Center, adjacent to the CGCC, Saturday, May 16th from 9:00 – 2:00. There will be over 25 vendors including Curves, bringing several pieces of their exercise equipment, and The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation Center, who will be providing balance testing, as well as blood pressure checks and blood sugar testing. Plus they will have a drawing for a wine basket. I would like to thank all the exhibitors and speakers for making this opportunity possible for folks fifty and older.

Tuesday Night Music and Dance at the Center on May 19th will feature the Simcoe Boys. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, all ages are welcome and donations are appreciated.

The product that floated and was 99 44/100 % pure was Ivory Soap. But some of you may have remembered, as Jerry Phillips did, your mother making her own not-so-pure soap using lye and bacon grease (And Jerry is the winner of 3 quilt raffle tickets.)

 This week’s “Remember When” is about another product seen on TV, but this one was never sold. What was the name of the fictitious health tonic that contained concentrated “vitamins, meat, vegetables, and minerals”, was 23% proof, and promised to help people who are “tired, run-down, and listless”. Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it with a copy of the 1951 I Love Lucy episode “Lucy Does a TV Commercial”.

Well, it’s been another week, trying not to repeat myself – wait, I said that last week! Until we meet again, as was heard at the Center, “We’re not getting any older, we’re just living longer.”

 “Too many people, when they get old, think that they have to live by the calendar.” John Glenn

Aging Well in the Gorge May 5th 2015

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There are many benefits to getting older: more time for yourself, a more mature view of life and of course, grandchildren. But as all of us can attest, there are numerous challenges and questions as we navigate these later years.

To help answer many of those questions, the first 50+ EXPO will be held on May 16th at the Readiness Center adjacent to the Columbia Gorge Community College in The Dalles. And it is free.

The EXPO will start at 9:00 and end at 2:00 to allow enough time for the Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue to set up for their 1stAnnual Fireman’s Ball – celebrating their 20 year anniversary. Doors open at 7:30, tickets are $20 and there will be live music featuring “Countryfied”. But back to the 50+ EXPO.

There will be over 30 businesses and organizations represented at the 50+ EXPO (and there is still limited space available for additional vendors. Call me at the Center for more information) that promote healthy living – from Curves and Avalon Bioassage to the Area Agency on Aging and Mid-Columbia Medical Center.

There will also be speakers scheduled each hour to discuss a wide range of topics. The speakers and topics are:

10:00, Antoine Tissot – Timmons Law Firm, “Do-It-Yourself Advanced Directives”; and Lauren Kraemer – Instructor Oregon State University, “Staying Active as We Age”.

11:00. Jason Smith – Hausman Advisors, “Financial Planning Through the Ages”; and Russell Jones – Veteran’s Officer, “Veteran Support Services”.

12:00 Lena Weinman – OD, Obstetrics/Gynecology at MCMC, “Sex in Our Later Years”; Sherry Dufault – Flagstone Senior Living and Thomas Keolker – Hearts of Gold Caregivers, “Growing Old Ain’t for Sissies … Controlling Your Options as You Age”.

1:00 Colleen Ballinger – Providence Hospice of The Gorge, “How To Connect With People Who Have Dementia”; and Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue, “Home Safety”.

The purpose of the 50+ EXPO is to bring together in one place many of the resources available for those of us over 50 to answer our questions in order to enjoy the “Good life in the Gorge”.

Thanks to the small group organizing the event including: Thomas Keolker, Hearts of Gold Caregivers; Sherry Dufault, Flagstone Senior Living; Sharla Webber. MCMC; and Dave Peters, Columbia Cascade Housing. And a special thanks to the sponsors of the 50+ EXPO: Hearts of Gold Caregivers and BiCoastal Media.

Thanks to everyone who attended the Seniors-4-Seniors Dance at the Center on Friday night including Wahtonka staff and students and Candy Armstrong. Kyla Mitchell, a senior at the Wahtonka Community High School, and with the help of her cohort, Carol Roderick, produced quite a show with delicious snacks, games and prizes, and the special five piece band that kept the dance floor full. (I even saw a little “twisting” going on.) Everyone had a great time and all the money raised will help support the Wahtonka Community High School’s first graduation.

Next Tuesday at 11:00 on May 12th, I will lead a discussion on “Ageism –Does it exist?” I will be interested in hearing about your experiences – both negative and positive, where you feel you have been treated differently because of your age.
Tuesday Night Music and Dance at the Center on May 12th will feature the country sounds of Martin and Friends. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, all ages are welcome and donations are appreciated.

When the book Peter Pan was adapted into a musical for Broadway in 1954, the role of Peter Pan was played by Mary Martin – who I was reminded several times was the mother of the ruthless oil baron from Dallas – Larry Hagman. (And the winner of three quilt raffle tickets is Rick Wolf.)

This week I am going to keep it clean with this “Remember When” question suggested by Lyn Dalton. What was the name of the product that used the advertising slogans first introduced in the 1890’s, “It Floats!” and “99 44⁄’00% Pure”?  Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or ship it with a clawfoot, cast iron bathtub.

Well, it’s been another week, trying not to repeat myself – again. Until we meet again, here is more good advice heard at the Center – this time from Bea Dick. ”There are three things to do to live a healthy life. 1.) Don’t fall, 2.) Don’t fall and …… 3.) Don’t fall.”

“Almost all my middle-aged and elderly acquaintances, including me, feel about 25, unless we haven’t had our coffee, in which case we feel 107.” Martha Beck

Aging Well in the Gorge April 8th 2015

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After you have escaped your days of youthful adventure, and before you arrive at old age, there is that in-between phase called middle age. And with rising life expectancies and healthier lifestyles, it is often asked when does middle begin – or more importantly for us mature folks, how long does it last?
From a recent study, it was found that attitudes towards becoming middle-aged are changing. At one time 41 was considered middle-aged but now it’s 53. And almost half of those over-50 felt they had not yet experienced middle age. In fact, eight in ten said it was a state of mind, rather than a numerical or physical milestone.
My body reminds me daily that I’m no longer “young” but does these changing attitudes mean at 65, 70, 75 or even 80, I could still consider myself middle age? Sounds good to me.
But for those of you who are still unsure about middle age, here is a top ten list of how you know when you are middle aged.
1) You avoid noisy bars, preferring a night in to a night out. 2) You begin thinking doctors look really young – which you see all too often. 3) You are obsessed with monitoring your health. 4) TV shows suddenly look extremely racy. 5) You have no idea what “young people” are talking about – even when they aren’t mumbling. 6) You take a keen interest in gardening and “classic” automobiles. 7) You buy shoes and clothes for comfort rather than style – and everyone can tell. 8) You book a cruise – preferably one that doesn’t allow children. 9) You start placing sticky notes around the house as reminders. And last but not least, your idea of adventure is no longer climbing Mt. Hood but riding the Ferris Wheel during Cherry Festival!
The speaker for the next 11:00 Tuesday Lecture on May 5th will be Litxia Miranda, a Portland State University graduate student working at the Institute of Aging. She will speak about the important subject of aging and mental health.
Following the rule that a person needs to see or hear a message at least seven times before they act upon it, here are few reminders of several events at the Center that may interest you. But I will keep them short.
The Seniors-4-Seniors Dance is on Friday, May 1st from 6:00 – 8:30 with simple dance lessons taught by Danette Utley, social director at Flagstone, from 5:00 – 5:45. This is a fundraiser for the Wahtonka Community School graduation and is open to all generations.
On Saturday, May 2nd, there will be two workshops presented by Vicki Schmall, OSU Extension Gerontology Specialist Emeritus: “The Challenging Behaviors of Dementia: Preventing & Responding”, at the Center from 10:00 am-12:00 pm: and “Packing Your “Caregiving Basket” for Self-Care” at the Hood River Adult Center from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. More information at the Center.
There are still a few spots open in Joy Kloman’s popular drawing class. The first of the three Tuesday classes starts on May 5th. The cost is only $55 which includes the supplies. For more information or to register, contact the Center at 541-296-4788 or mcseniorcenter@gmail.com.
At the Center on Tuesday May 5th, Andre, K.C. and Tom will be performing so you can dance the night away. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, all ages are welcome and donations are always appreciated. And the entertaining bluegrass band “Hardshell Harmony” will eventually play at the Center before the Meals-on-Wheels dinner, but not yet. When they are rescheduled, I’ll make sure to mention it.
The answer to last week’s “Remember When” question is the Sawyer’s family who built the Ninth Street Supermarket and Sawyers Variety Store where St. Vinnies is now located. (And the winner of five quilt raffle tickets is Bill VanNice.)
Sticking with an aging theme, this week’s question is about Peter Pan – the boy who never wanted to grow up. When Peter Pan, the children’s book written by J.M. Barrie, was adapted into a musical for Broadway in 1954, who played the role of Peter Pan?  Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it with a crocodile that goes tick tock in the night.
Well, it’s been another week, trying to remember what I promised to do. Until we meet again, some wise advice from Andre Lamoreaux: ”When they stop listening before you stop playing, you know it’s time to go.”

“I’m officially middle-aged. I don’t need drugs anymore, thank God. I can get the same effect just by standing up real fast.” Jonathan Katz

Aging Well in the Gorge April 21st 2015

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The Dalles will be a happening place this week starting off with the always popular Lip-Sync tonight and the BYU-Idaho Symphony Band on Thursday, both at TDHS; followed by three days of fun activities downtown. There will be plenty of entertainment including the Twangshifters at the Swingin’ Sock Shop on Saturday night playing rockabilly from the 50’s that is still cool today. And you won’t want to miss the parade along its familiar route starting at 10:00. The Dalles Chamber and all the volunteers should be congratulated for organizing quite a show. Let’s hope the weather cooperates
The Center will be part of the action hosting the annual Cherry Festival Pancake Breakfast, once again sponsored by our neighbors to the north – Cherry Heights Living. From 7:30 to 9:30, the Center will be serving pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage plus fruit and beverage – all for $5.00 per person and $3.00 per child. Let the Center cook your breakfast on a busy Cherry Festival parade day.
The Center will also have a table downtown on Federal Street near the Veteran’s office. There will be information about the activities at the Center plus one last chance to buy raffle tickets for the Necktie Quilt made by Francie Yuhas. Stop by and say hi.
There hasn’t been a Tuesday Lecture at the Center for several weeks. (I was either out of town or I couldn’t remember which Tuesday of the month it was. Ever have that problem?) But the Tuesday Lecture is back on April 28th with Alida Raynor, MCMC’s Breast Health Nurse Navigator, speaking about breast health and MCMC’s new program to support women that need a diagnostic mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram is used when the initial mammogram identifies any abnormalities – which, speaking for myself, would freak me out. But those abnormalities may not be breast cancer. The diagnostic mammogram helps identify whether the abnormality is cancer or nothing to be concerned about. The Breast Health Navigator supports the patient through the process and helps ease any anxiety that may occur.
I have often mentioned the value of participating in creative activities whether it is building back scratchers or writing ten minute plays; designing a garden or writing a country ballad. And if your creative interests are in drawing, Debra Jones has arranged for Joy Kloman to return to the Center to teach a drawing class for those who want to have fun learning how to draw or want to broaden their knowledge of drawing. Joy is a former university art professor who has taught classes to all ages.
There will be a series of three Tuesday classes from 1:30 – 4:00 on May 5th, May 19th and June 9th. . Because of the Wasco County Cultural Trust grant, the three classes cost only $40 plus $15 for supplies. To register or for more information contact the Mid-Columbia Senior Center at 541-296-4788 or mcseniorcenter@gmail.com.
Because Tom Graff told me he can’t seem to read backwards, I’m not going to mix up this week’s Tuesday Night Music announcement – except for my normal typos. But Tom can sing! You can hear him perform at the Center on the first, third, and fifth Thursdays of the month starting at 11:00 am before the Meals-on-Wheels dinner.
On Tuesday April 28th, Andre and Friends will be performing at the Center for your dancing and listening pleasure. Music starts at 7:00, all ages are invited and donations are appreciated.
And the popular bluegrass band “Hardshell Harmony” is still going to play before the Meals-on-Wheels diner at the Center, but the date has been postponed to Wednesday April 29th starting at 11:00.
I guess I stumped everyone last week, since no one knew the satirical radio quiz show that aired from 1942 – 1951 and featured “a board of experts who are dumber than you are and can prove it” was It Pays To Be Ignorant – which you can still hear on several old time radio websites.
This week I am going to make it up by asking a local question I think most everyone will know. What successful business, that is celebrating 75 years in The Dalles, built the super market on 9th Street that St. Vinnies now occupies? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with an eight foot Stihl chain saw.  

Aging Well in the Gorge April 14th 2015

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You usually hear dementia associated with memory loss, but it is also often expressed through ceaseless repetitive questions and irrational behavior that can be challenging for any caregiver. To help better understand how dementia affects the person living with dementia and the caregiver, there will be two workshops on May 2nd presented by Vicki Schmall, OSU Extension Gerontology Specialist Emeritus; and sponsored by OSU Extension Service and the Oregon Geriatric Education Center and supported by Providence Home Services.

The first workshop, “The Challenging Behaviors of Dementia: Preventing & Responding”, will be offered at the Center from 10:00am-12:00pm. It will provide an understanding of how brain changes resulting from dementia affects a person’s perceptions and behavior; why challenging behaviors occur; what to do to minimize such behaviors and intervene when the behaviors do occur; and the adaptions the caregiver must make as dementia progresses.

The second workshop, “Packing Your “Caregiving Basket” for Self-Care” will be offered at the Hood River Adult Center from 2:00pm – 4:00pm.  It will provide you the tools to reduce stress, increase self-care and maintain your personal well-being while taking care of your family member.

Besides serving tasty and healthy meals at the Center, Meals-on-Wheels has scheduled music before their dinners on several days of the month. Starting at 11:00, Tom Graff performs on the first and third Thursdays of each month and on the second and fourth Tuesdays, Andre Lamoreaux and KC Kortge perform. In addition on Thursday, April 23rd at 11:00, the excellent local bluegrass band “Hard Shell Harmony” will be making a special appearance. They perform throughout the Gorge and will once again be playing at the Baby Back Rib Dinner at the Center on Friday October 2nd.

There will be a $2 a Bag Sale for used clothing and fabric at the Center on Saturday April 18th from 8:00 to 1:00. The Center’s Nu-2-U Shop is overflowing with clothes from the generous donations and they need to make room. If you can’t make the Bag Sale, the Nu-2-U Shop, which offers the best of the best used clothing at very reasonable prices, is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 – 3:00.  

It was nice to visit with U.S. Representative Greg Walden lst Friday night when he stopped by the Center to attend Opportunity Connection’s 48thAnniversary Dinner and show his support for the good work they do providing services and supports for people with disabilities. Besides discussing the challenges of life within the D.C. beltway, several of us were also able to share with him examples of how Meals-on-Wheels and the Center are working to support older adults

Last week I shook up the Tuesday Night Music announcement by reversing the text. See how fast you can read this week’s mixed up announcement – which you should find a little easier than last week’s.  
.appreciated always are donations and welcome is Everyone .00:9 by home be can you and 00:7 at starts music the  ,00:6 at open doors The .pleasure listening and dancing your for music country of brand special their playing be will Boys Simcoe popular the 21st April on Center the at Dance and Music Night Tuesday the For
The name of the dance where you would ‘dance’ under a stick that was lowered as low as you could go, and was popularized by Chubby Checker’s hit song “Limbo Rock”, was, you guessed it, the Limbo. (Winner of five Necktie Quilt raffle tickets is Corliss Marsh – and you may want to ask her what it was like being a limbo champion.)
I haven’t asked a question about old time radio in quite a while, so let’s see if anyone recalls this week’s “Remember When” question. What was the name of the satirical radio quiz show that aired from 1942 – 1951 and featured “a board of experts who are dumber than you are and can prove it” answering questions such as “What town in Massachusetts had the Boston Tea Party?” Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with a CD of Dr. IQ episodes.
Well, it’s been another week, still trying to keep time to the music without falling over. Until we meet again, you know life is unfair when the November freeze killed many of the rose bushes, but the blackberry bushes are still thriving.

“If we are strong, and have faith in life and its richness of surprises, and hold the rudder steadily in our hands. I am sure we will sail into quiet and pleasant waters for our old age.” Freya Stark

Aging Well April 7th 2015

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If you haven’t heard, Brain Goodwin and his small staff of dedicated teachers are running an amazing educational program at the Wahtonka Community High School. There the fifty-five students focus on hands-on, project based learning by working with community members to create and participate in service projects that help others. 
Since February, I have been working with Kyla Mitchell, a senior at the Wahtonka Community HS, on one of her service projects: a “Seniors-4-Seniors Dance” on May 1st from 6:00 – 8:30 at the Center. Tickets are $4.00 a piece or $6.00 for a couple and can be purchased at the Center or at the door. Andre Lamoreaux is putting together a one-of-a-kind band for this special event. 
What is unique about this dance is that it is an opportunity for the Wahtonka Community HS seniors to support the “seniors” in the area by organizing and promoting a dance for them. At the same time, the “seniors” are helping the Senior Class of Wahtonka Community HS since all the money raised from the dance will be used for their first ever high school graduation. It is a two-way street of mutual support. Pretty cool idea of Kyla’s. 
Although this is a dance for “seniors”, it is open to all ages. I hope you will come and support the Wahtonka Community High School’s first ever graduation while enjoying an evening of entertaining music. Kyla also wants to invite everyone to the Grand Opening of GISMO – General Integrated Science Museum Operations at the Wahtonka Community HS Campus on May 4th. Afterwards it will be open to the public on Mondays and Thursdays from 12:45 – 2:15. GISMO is organized and run by the students of Wahtonka Community HS as one of their learning-by-doing projects. 
Every spring, I take advantage of my annual Medicare Wellness exam so I can find out if my body is still operating properly and what maintenance is required. At my most recent visit I was pleasantly informed that in 2016 I would be eligible for my next colonoscopy! Eligible? What is this, the Publishers Clearinghouse of medical procedures? As if I’m now eligible to win a cruise through the inner workings of my colon as if it were a Viking Cruise on the Rhine River. Oh look over there! Isn’t that a polyp? It’s so spectacular! 
And since I’m on a roll, when did I become of age to start receiving mailings for cremation services? In one mailing, I even had a chance to win a free pre-paid cremation – like that is something I am really looking forward to enjoying! Oh, well. As the English have often said, “Keep calm and carry on”. 
I haven’t shaken up the weekly Tuesday Night Music announcement for quite a while. So once again a quick test of your synapses and neurons. .detaicerppa syawla era snoitanod dna – srelddot gnuoy ot srezeeg dlo morf – emoclew si enoyrevE .00:7 ta strats cisum eht dna 00:6 ta nepo srood ehT .erusaelp gninetsil dna gnicnad ruoy rof senut nretsew yrtnuoc dlo doog emos gniyalp eb lliw Friends and Martin,14th April no retneC eht ta ecnaD dna cisuM thgiN yadseuT eht roF 
The actor who starred as Lucas McCain, a widowed Union Civil War veteran and a homesteader, in the ABC television series Rifleman was Chuck Connors. (The winner of five raffle tickets for the Necktie Quilt is Janet Williams who told me you can still watch the Rifleman on MeTV.) 
This week’s “Remember When” question came from an email for “older” kids. I tried this dance when I was much younger and could actually touch my toes, (And yes Debra, I know your chair Yoga class at the Center would really help my flexibility.), but today I wouldn’t even think about it. What was the name of the dance, popularized by Chubby Checker in his 1962 hit song, where you would ‘dance’ under a stick that was lowered as low as you could go? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with a picture of yourself doing this dance in the 60’s – and I promise I won’t make fun of your hairdo. 
Well, it’s been another week, still trying to decide what to be when I grow up. Until we meet again, remember if plan A doesn’t work there are 25 more letters in the alphabet. 
“It is utterly false and cruelly arbitrary to put all the play and learning into childhood, all the work into middle age, and all the regrets into old age.” Margaret Mead

Aging Well March 31st 2015

Aging Well in the Gorge No Comments
Over the last seven years, how many times has the Center asked for your financial support to expand and remodel the Center – most recently to install an elevator? And how many times have you stepped up by giving to the Center? For some of you, many, many times. Because of your generous financial support, and with the help of Chris Zukin and the Uplifting Elevator Committee, The Dalles Chamber, Northern Wasco County PUD, The City of The Dalles, NW Farm Credit Services, and an anonymous donation of $50,000, the Center has raised over $120,000.

That is good news. But there is more good news to report. The Center has recently been awarded a $115,000 grant from The Ford Family Foundation. With that grant, the Center is now two-thirds of the way towards raising the necessary $350,000 to install the elevator and complete the necessary remodel to accommodate it.

The Center is continuing to apply for several smaller grants, and will initiate one last local fundraiser. But just imagine. With your continued support, it is quite possible the Uplifting Elevator campaign could be completed by the end of this year. And that would be really good news.

The Center still has a few tickets left for the 2:00 matinee performance of I Love Lucy On Stage on Saturday, April 11th at the Keller Auditorium in Portland for only $75 including transportation – much less than the $91 it would cost if you purchased a ticket on your own.
But for those of you who may not have considered attending a play at the Keller Auditorium because of poor hearing – which many of us have, Lyn Dalton discovered when she saw Guys and Dolls, that the Keller Auditorium provides assistive listening devices. These devices amplify and clarify sound by cutting down or eliminating ambient noise. (Lyn said it was as if you were right on stage.) Individual headsets with a receiver or a neck loops for use with hearing aids with a “T” switch (Telecoil) are available free of charge. Ask your audiologist whether your hearing aid has a “T” switch and how to use it with an assistive listening headset or neck loop.

The Center’s mission is to promote healthy aging for ALL generations – we don’t discriminate if you happen to be young and inexperienced. So if you know of anyone looking for space to rent whether they are ninety-nine or nine, freckled or bald, have them call the Center.  The hourly rates are quite reasonable; and if you are a non-profit with a similar mission as the Center’s, we can make you a deal. For example, the Center is pleased to provide space at no cost for the annual Relay for Life’s Parking Lot Sale on Saturday May 2nd from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
For the Tuesday Night Music and Dance at the Center on April 7th, Andre, K.C and Tom will be playing their own brand of country western – and whatever else they feel the audience will enjoy. The doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, all ages are welcome and donations are appreciated.
Although Juanita Ignowski received several calls from friends after I wrote about the café across the street from The Dalles High School that she remembered, I didn’t receive any calls with the correct name of the cafe – Peter Pan. But I did hear from Marcia Lacock (and winner of five Necktie Quilt raffle tickets) who remembered The Teepee Café, owned by a neat lady who was the mother of John Byers and his sister Muriel, and which was the go-to place for TDHS kids, as was the Handout. When the Teepee closed, it was replaced by a dry cleaning business called Phillips’ One Hour Martinizing. Bring back any memories?
I’ll ask more local questions in future weeks, email me if you have any good ones, but I was reminded of this week’s “Remember When” question last week when I was on the KODL Coffeebreak with Al Wynn.
Who was the actor, and professional baseball and basketball player, who starred as Lucas McCain, a widowed Union Civil War veteran and a homesteader, in a western aired on ABC from 1958 – 1963? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with a modified Winchester 92.
Well, it’s been another week, with places to go, but nobody to see. Until we meet again, don’t let anyone tell you what you should do at your age – but try to avoid climbing tall ladders.

“Life is so much brighter when you focus on what truly matters.” Unknown author

Aging Well March 24th 2015

Aging Well in the Gorge No Comments
There are many folks who want to stay in their own homes but find it difficult to do so. It is harder to finish all the chores around the house, keep the yard up and even fix healthy meals. But maybe a few hours a week of in-home help could allow them to continue to live in their own homes. If you know of someone in that situation, there is a program funded by the state of Oregon that may help.
Oregon Project Independence (OPI) provides services to Oregonians age 60 and older. These services are intended to support older adults so they can remain in their home as long as they wish. Here in the Mid-Columbia region (Wasco, Sherman, Hood River, Gilliam and Wheeler counties), OPI is administered by the Area Agency on Aging (AAA).
Because of its value, Melissa Howtopat was hired two and a half years ago by the AAA to expand the OPI program. As a result of additional funding from the Oregon legislature and her diligent efforts, OPI is now assisting more than fifty older adults. And the good news is they currently have the resources to assist even more older adults.  
To qualify for OPI, a person must be age 60 or older and need some type of in-home assistance based on an assessment completed by Melissa. Persons younger than age 60 who have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia may be eligible for OPI services.
If a person qualifies, the fees are often affordable – utilizing a sliding fee schedule based on the individual’s monthly income minus their medical expenses. Other financial resources such as savings are not included.
From the individual assessment, services are tailored to the individual’s needs. The available services can include homemaker assistance such as preparing meals, shopping for personal items, or doing light housework; chore assistance such as heavy housework and yard work; respite services which provide a temporary break for the caregiver; assistance identifying other resources and health care options; and personal care services.
Oregon Project Independence has helped thousands of older Oregonians to remain as independent as possible in their own homes. To enroll in OPI or for more information, contact Melissa at the Area Agency on Aging by calling her at 541-298-4101.
For the Center’s 11:00 Tuesday Lecture on March 31st, a Bill Moyers’ interview with Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot will be shown and discussed. Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot is one of America’s leading educators and author of The Third Chapter: Passion, Risk, and Adventure in the 25 Years After 50 and more recently Exit: The Endings That Set Us Free.
As a reminder, if you can’t attend “Are You Ready for Medicare?” on Wednesday April 8th from 9:00 – 11:00 at The Dalles campus of CGCC, you can always call the Center and make an appointment with a trained SHIBA counselor to help answer your Medicare questions.
Every fifth Tuesday, the always popular Dufur Boys perform at the Center for your listening and dancing pleasure. And fortunately, the next fifth Tuesday is this coming Tuesday, March 31st, Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, all ages are welcome and donations are appreciated.
Last reminder. Nehemiah Brown will be performing at the Center this Friday March 27thfrom 7:00 – 9:00 sponsored by The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation Center. The cost is still only $3.00 per person.
Many folks remembered the Spudnut (and if you want to make the trip, there is still one open in Richland, Washington). But Dennis Morgan, who worked at the Spudnut, also known as Otto’s Ice Cream Center when it was owned by “Ma Durfee”, also remembered Egbert’s Tasty Bakery. And Jerry Philips remembers the Super Cream – where you could watch the donut machine in the window. (The winner of five raffle tickets for the Necktie Quilt is Susan Ortega.)
For this week’s “Remember When” question, let’s try one more local question which came from a conversation with Juanita Ignowski. What was the name of the cafe in a house across the street from The Dalles High School where Juanita and Zelta Wasson would often eat when they were in high school? (Juanita, I hope I got that right.) E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or have a girl named Wendy drop it off at the Center.
Well, it’s been another week, enjoying the unexpected surprises- the good and the ugly. Until we meet again, remember, if the world was perfect, we wouldn’t be here.

“In youth we run into difficulties. In old age difficulties run into us.” Beverly Sills