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 March 5th 2013

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It is a new month – a month of changes with daylight savings time starting on Sunday; the first day of spring on the 20th and Easter Sunday ending the month on the 31st. But March is also Nutritional Health Month in your Passport to Happiness Calendar. There you will find tips and suggestions about eating well such as when filling your plate, one half should be fruits and vegetables, one fourth lean protein (less than three grams of fat per serving) and the remaining quarter whole grains such as whole wheat, brown rice or quinoa. (I had never heard of Quinoa – pronounced “KEEN-wah – but it is a favorite for many folks because it only takes 10 to 15 minutes to cook; tastes great by itself; has the highest protein content of all the whole grains, and is a gluten and cholesterol free. But if you are still not sure, just for you, I will try it and report back next week.)
You can learn more about the benefits of healthy nutrition at this month’s Passport to Happiness event at the Center on Wednesday March 20th from 3:00 – 4:30. And if you don’t have a Calendar yet, there are still a few left at the Center.
My wife tells me you need to hear something seven times before you remember it. (I wonder why she’s telling me!) But with that in mind, the iPad and Kindle User’s Groups meet tomorrow, the first Wednesday of the month: iPad users at 1:00 and Kindle users at 2:00.
And on the 12th, the first Creative Arts class, an Introduction to Watercolors, will meet at the Center. Last week, I pointed out the value of finding your inner artist and this class will be a great place to start the search. The Creative Art classes will be held every second and fourth Tuesdays in March, April and May from 1:00 – 2:00. Supplies are provided and the cost is only $2.00. It would be helpful if you called the Center to sign up, but if you are a last minute procrastinator, come anyway – we will make room.
If you feel your breathing difficulties are in charge of you, the Pulmonary Rehab Program at Water’s Edge can put you back in charge of your breathing. Susan Benedict, the Pulmonary Rehab Coordinator at Water’s Edge, spoke at last week’s Tuesday lecture about the benefits of Pulmonary Rehabilitation: a 10-week program that consists of physical conditioning, education on all aspects of lung disease and stress management. With a team of health professionals, you can improve your breathing and your peace of mind. If you have a been diagnosed with a chronic lung disorder, or experienced shortness of breath that compromises your lifestyle and want to learn more about lung disease and ways to breathe easier, talk to your health care provider or call Water’s Edge.
It’s been a while since I have tested your mental skills – or as the literary detective Hercule Poirot calls them – your “grey cells”.  So see if you can read the following announcement for Tuesday Night Music at the Center.
Nd bfr th rster crws – plying tnght t th Cntr s “The Strwbrry Mntn Bnd”. Nd nxt Tsdy Mrtn nd Frnds wll pt thr bst ft frwrd. Msc bgns t 7:00, vryn s wlcm nd dntns r lwys pprctd.
Motown was the recording company that charted110 top ten hits from 1961 – 1971 with their roster of stars including The Four Tops, The Supremes and The Miracles. (And the winner of five quilt raffle tickets is Alex Currie.)
But enough of TV and pop music, it is time to remember one of the greats of professional basketball during the 50’s and 60’s. Who played point guard for the Boston Celtics from 1950 to 1963, won the NBA MVP in 1957 and teamed with center Bull Russell to lead the Celtics to five straight NBA titles from 1959 – 1963. E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with the #14 jersey that is currently hanging in the rafters of the Boston Gardens.
Well, it’s been another week, trying not to answer questions when I don’t know the answers. Until we meet again, keep your eyes open and your feet moving.
“I like nonsense; it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living. It’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life’s realities.”—Theodore “Dr. Seuss” Geisel

Aging Well February 26th 2013

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If I asked the question “What kind of artist are you?” you might answer by saying, “Art is just for the gifted and professionally trained and I am neither”. Or “Art is a waste of time and I always had more important things to do”. Or you might even to try to evade the whole question by mumbling something about never being interested in “artsy” stuff, but “How about those Seahawks!”
The Korean author Young-ha Kim in his TED talk “Be an Artist. Right Now!” believes there is an artist in all of us – waiting for opportunities to emerge from the shadows of neglect. And we would all be better off and happier if we listened to our inner artist. .
Remember when we were young children. We would unabashedly show off our pictures even though the colorful scribbles on scrap pieces of paper told a story only we could understand. As children we just created because it was fun. But as we grew up we were told to make something “good” and “artistic”. Our creations were compared and evaluated and most of us (I can at least speak for myself) couldn’t meet those “adult world” standards. We learned to fear the judgment of our parents, teachers and friends.
But Young-ha Kim believes we need to reconnect with our inner artist that has been too quiet for too long. And ignore the fear of judgment while getting lost in the play of creating even if the results aren’t considered “good” and are just temporary – like sand sculptures on the beach. Whether it is drawing, writing or glass painting, he suggests we experience again the joy in the moment and the pleasure in the creation. As Vincent Van Gogh said “If you hear a voice within you say, ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.”
Now are you convinced to release your inner artist? Yes? Maybe? I think I’ll watch the Seahawks! If so, starting in March there is a new Creative Arts program at the Center  – thanks to the efforts of Debra Jones who will be leading each class. The classes will be held on the second and fourth Tuesdays in March, April and May from 1:00 – 2:00 PM. They are open to everyone and each class will offer a different creative experience. The first class on March 12th is an “Introduction to Watercolor”, and on the 26th you will have the opportunity to create easy-to-make Easter Cards and decorations. Each class is only $2.00 and all supplies will be provided. Call the Center for more information.  But wait, there is more!
At The Dalles Art Center there is a “Beginning Watercolor Workshop” with Gayle Weisfield. But you better hurry because it is this coming weekend on March 2nd and 3rd from 10:00 – 4:00 PM. To learn more about Gayle go to her website at www.gayleweisfield.com. Then on March 23rd and 24th from 10:00 – 4:00 PM, Ed Labadie will be teaching a “Polish Your Sketching and Painting Skills Workshop”. For information and costs for either class, you can call the Art Center at 541-296-4759 (the center is open on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 – 5:00 PM) or go to their website at www.thedallesartcenter.org.

And before the toast is burned – playing tonight at the Center is “For the Good Times”. And next Tuesday it is back to the top of the charts with The Strawberry Mountain Band.   Music begins at 7:00, everyone is welcome and donations are always appreciated
The actor who played grandpa Amos McCoy in the television comedy The Real McCoys was
Walter Brennan – who I have heard from several reliable sources owned a ranch in Joseph for a time. (And the randomly selected winner of 5 quilt raffle tickets is Karl Vercouteren.) But this week it is back to popular music – specifically R&B, my favorite kind of music during the sixties. What was the name of the record company founded by Berry Gordy, Jr. that included such artists as the Temptations, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder and charted 110 top ten hits from 1961-1971. E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with a picture of Hitsville USA – the recording company’s first headquarters..
Well, it’s been another week, trying to dodge the monster under the bed. Until we meet again, to paraphrase Salvador Dali, “Have no fear of being perfect. It will never happen!”
“Think left and think right and think low and think high.  Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” Dr. Seuss

Aging Well February 19th 2013

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To be safe, you keep your door locked. But if you are home alone and incapacitated from a health emergency, have you ever thought how the emergency responders will enter to provide you the necessary care?
Recently, a representative from the Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue spoke to the Meals-on-Wheels lunch crowd at the Center describing the advantages for older adults of installing a Lock Box at their home.
He pointed out that if someone is incapacitated at home and the doors are locked, when the emergency responders arrive, there is no way they can enter unless through a forced entry. But with a Lock Box installed, which you can purchase through Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue, the emergency responders can remove the entrance key from the Lock Box, enter the residence and provide the needed help. Afterwards they can return the key to the box. You don’t need to hide a key under the doormat, or hope your neighbor is home. There are no monthly monitoring charges, and Lock Boxes range in price from $165 to $265 – cheaper than replacing the front door. And they are UL listed against physical attack. To learn more about the advantages of installing a Lock Box at your home, call the Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue at 541-296-9445.
Norovirus has recently been in the news. It is commonly referred to as “stomach flu” a gastrointestinal illness which results in some combination of diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. And is often confused with Influenza – a contagious respiratory illness. But if you are like me who thinks that constantly using the alcohol sanitizers will prevent you from catching the Norovirus bug, I recently learned from Teri Thalhofer, director of the North Central Health District, to think otherwise. Alcohol sanitizers are not enough to prevent the spread of Norovirus. Instead you should wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, as well as disinfecting surface areas. (And I have been told a good rule of thumb is to wash your hands for as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice. But I would suggest if you are in a public restroom – not to sing it out loud!)
Unfortunately, there is not a vaccine for Norovirus. And if you have it once, it won’t protect you from having it again – which just doesn’t seem fair. So wash your hands often while singing Happy Birthday and maybe you can avoid spending several days in close proximity to the bathroom.
Every Monday the Center’s Quilters lay bare their fingers and thumbs, stitching together beautiful quilts to raise funds for the Center. But this time they have out done themselves. They have just completed a quilt incorporating fifteen cloth historical pictures of The Dalles. It is a one-of-a-kind quilt that you can now see displayed at the Discovery Center, and later will be moved to “A Whole Ball of Yarn” shop at 421 E 2nd street downtown.  For a chance to win this lovely historical themed quilt, you can purchase raffle tickets at the Center for $1 apiece.
A couple of quick reminders – because I know there is the possibility you have no recollection of what I wrote last week. The Passport to Happiness event for February on the importance of social health will be Wednesday (20th) from 3:00 – 4:30 at the Senior Center with Julie Reynolds leading the discussion. And the Zumba Gold class starts also on Wednesday from 9:00 – 9:45 in the Center’s basement.
And before the weather turns warmer and the ants start to gather on the kitchen counter – playing tonight at the Center is Truman followed next week by “For the Good times”. Music begins at 7:00, everyone is welcome and donations are always appreciated
Jerry Lee Lewis sang the #1 hit “Great Balls of Fire which was recorded at Sun Studio in Memphis Tennessee. (And the randomly selected winner of five quilt raffle tickets is Jenny Garner.) But back to the early days of television – a storehouse of memories from when television was young, innocent and black and white. This actor, born in 1894, won three Academy Awards for best supporting actor but is probably better known for starring in the TV comedy “The Real McCoys” from 1957 – 1963. What was this actor’s name? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with the recording of “Old Rivers” released in 1962.
Well, it’s been another week, looking for the cherry on top.  Until we meet again, explore the impossible – you may be surprised.
“Remember—when you are falling on your face you are actually moving forward.” Anonymous

Aging Well February 12th 2013

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We are all social beings, connected through shared experiences of loves lost – and found; of breaks and falls and trips to the doctor; and of past memories and dreams for the not so distant future. We all share the human condition – trying to understand and live this unsolicited gift we have been given. But there are times when we can get disconnected from life – stuck in our own sorrow and self-pity; isolated in our own losses and miseries; when we may not even want to get out of bed, let alone get out of the house. And then we need a pair of jumper cables to get reconnected to life.
Fortunately, there are many places where you can find those jumper cables to get reconnected to life. You can find them though a child by becoming a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters or helping a child learn to read through the local SMART program. You can get connected with others through a new or forgotten hobby. Enroll in an art class at The Dalles Art Center, purchase a ukulele at Columbia River Music and practice with the local ukulele players or join the Mid-Columbia Car Club and restore that 56’ Chevy.
Social health and the benefits of staying connected and engaged with others is this month’s focus in your Passport to Happiness Calendar. (And you better have your calendar hanging up next to your icebox or lying on your coffee table, because it provides more than telling you what the date is! Each month the calendar features a healthy food recipe, insights to enhance your personal well-being, a comprehensive listing of agency and service resources, as well as a schedule of events that are of specific interest to older adults. And if you don’t have a calendar, call the Center to find the closest location to pick one up.) This month’s event focusing on the importance of social health will be held on Wednesday, February 20th from 3:00 – 4:30 at the Center. Don’t forget to bring your Passport card (the tear off at the bottom of your Calendar) to get stamped. At the end of this year, there will be a Passport to Happiness celebration where participants with complete (or nearly complete) passports will be awarded various prizes including gift certificates to various local businesses.
The Center was “rockin and rollin” more than usual last week. Brenda Green and Marsha Morrison gave a lively and moving (as in moving your body) demonstration of Zumba Gold – filling the classroom with energy and fun. And for those who can’t wait till the next class, Zumba Gold will start on Wednesday February 20th at 9:00 in the Center’s basement. (And the Center has made special arrangements, so the cost is only $3.00 a class.)
Also last week the iPad and Kindle users groups met (they meet every first Wednesday of the month) and everyone was busy exploring and sharing new ways to use their electronic devices. If you think the Center is just a bunch of “old” people, you are missing all the fun and excitement!
And before the seeds start to sprout – playing tonight at the Center is Martin and Friends followed next week by Truman. Music begins at 7:00, everyone is welcome and donations are always appreciated
The author of over eighty Perry Mason novels and short stories that were the basis for the Perry Mason television series (which I have been told is the longest running syndicated television series) was Erle Stanley Gardner. (And the randomly selected winner of five quilt raffle tickets is Jess Birge.)
To find the question for this week’s “Remember When” I had to go back to my grade school days. Who sang the #1 hit “Great Balls of Fire? – the first 45 RPM record I ever bought (and promptly lost at school the next day). And for those who thought that question was too easy, what was the name of the studio where the song was recorded? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with a copy of the “million dollar quartet” recording session from Tuesday December 4th1956.
Well, it’s been another week, peddling in the sand as fast as I can and not getting anywhere. Until we meet again, when you experience life’s quirks and whims – celebrate the ups and don’t get stuck in the downs. 
“It’s paradoxical that the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone, but the idea of getting old doesn’t appeal to anyone.” ― Andy Rooney

Aging Well February 5th 2013

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You have probably seen the Capital One credit card commercial asking “What’s in your wallet?” But even if you aren’t interested in collecting extra travel miles, it is still a good question if you care about protecting yourself from identity theft.
Most importantly what you should NOT have in your wallet is your Social Security Card. But what you may not know is you should also avoid carrying your Medicare Card since it also shows your Social Security number. Instead, make a copy of your Medicare Card and then black out at least the last four digits of your Medicare number – the digits that make your number unique. 2) Don’t carry blank personal checks in your wallet. But if you still do because you prefer to pay using personal checks, make sure your checks contain as little information about you as possible. And the next time you order checks, order them with just your first initial and last name – making it more difficult for con artists to forge checks in your name or commit identity theft. 3) Carry only one credit card – it’s much easier to close one credit card account than several. 4) I know it is hard to keep track of bank account numbers or pin numbers, but don’t keep a “cheat sheet” in your wallet. 6) And lastly, don’t keep large amounts of cash in your wallet. But really, who has to worry about that anymore!
There are several types of information you should carry in your wallet. 1.) Emergency contact information of the person(s) to be contacted in case of an emergency. 2) A list of the medications you are taking, so in an emergency, first responders will have access to as much information as possible about your physical health. 3) And if you no longer have a driver’s license, consider obtaining a State Identification Card from the Oregon DMV which serves the same purpose as a driver’s license when you’re asked to verify your identity. And it costs only $44.50.
Knowing what you should have and don’t have in your wallet, could save you time and money – more than the extra travel miles you can earn on your credit card.
The monthly iPad and Kindle Learning Circles will meet again on Wednesday, February 6th(iPad group at 1:00 and the Kindle group at 2:00) to explore, discover and share the many functions of these electronic devices. The Learning Circles are not your typical instructor lead classes. Instead they consist of folks like you, who want to learn more about their iPads or Kindles, and are also willing to share what they already know.  
At the Center’s Tuesday Lecture, Julie Reynolds will be presenting “A Look at Aging in China”. Julie recently returned from a trip to China and since her professional training is in the field of aging, she was particularly interested in observing the cultural norms and characteristics of aging in China. She will share her insights, anecdotes, and photos from her trip on February 12th starting at 11:00.
And before the tide rolls in – playing tonight at the Center is the Strawberry Mountain Band followed next week by John Martin and Friends. Music begins at 7:00, everyone is welcome and donations are always appreciated
The answer to last week’s “Remember When” question is Maxwell Smart, the bumbling secret agent in the 1965-1970 television comedy series “Get Smart”. (And out of the eleven entries the winner of five quilt raffle tickets is Don Hansen.)
This week the question is about the longest running and most successful lawyer series on television. We all know Raymond Burr played the fictional attorney-detective, but who was the author of the over 80 Perry Mason novels and short stories that were the basis for the television series. E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with an original copy of the children’s magazine “Youth’s Companion” from 1899.  
Well, it’s been another week, wondering whether it will and hoping it won’t – snow again. Until we meet again, as it is often said – “it is not the years in your life, but the life in your years”.  
“The older I get, the more I see there are these crevices in life where things fall in and you just can’t reach them to pull them back out. So you can sit next to them and weep or you can get up and move forward. You have to stop worrying about who’s not here and start worrying about who is.”  Alex Witchel, The Spare Wife

Aging Well January 29th 2013

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Living a long and rewarding live is much about accepting and adapting – knowing your limitations without giving up your dreams. Even though you may no longer be the spring chicken roaming the barnyard, it is even more important to stay active and open to new adventures.
In that spirit, you will want to attend the Tuesday Lecture at 11:00 on February 5th when Marsha Morrison demonstrates Zumba Gold. I know you are probably thinking “Oh, right. You expect me to dance around in tight leotards with a bare midriff like the cheerleaders for the Portland Trailblazers? Who are you kidding?”
But wait! Zumba Gold has been designed to keep all the exciting Latin and other international dance rhythms that has made Zumba so popular, but modified for the active older adult. It provides a safe and effective workout in a party like atmosphere with friends of your own generation. And ask yourself – why should the younger generations have all the fun? And I promise – there will be no mirrors!
But if Zumba Gold is not your type of energy drink, there are a variety of other exercise and movement opportunities for the active older adult – from walking along the riverfront trail to taking water aerobics classes at the Fitness and Court Club or Water’s Edge. And at the Center there are classes including Seniorcise, Chair Yoga, Strong Women and Tap and Clogging. Accepting your limitations is not giving in. Adapt and keep moving on!
While talking to Bill Johnson several weeks ago, I learned that the nine thousand plus photographs of the history of Wasco County collected by the Wasco County Pioneers Association are stored at the Discovery Center where they have been scanned and electronically archived. Described as one of “one of the greatest treasure troves of photographic history archives in the State of Oregon” you can view these photographs on line at http://oregondigital.org/digcol/cgdc/. And for a small fee, anyone can order a high-resolution copy of one of the historic photos by calling the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center at 541-296-8600.
And speaking of history, The Dalles archeologists Eric Gleason and Jacqui Cheung will present the first program of the 2013 Regional History Forum Series Saturday, Feb. 2, 1:30 p.m., at the Original Wasco County Courthouse, 410 W. 2nd Place, The Dalles.  Their topic is “The Modoc War: Archeology and Historic Photos.”
I feel like the rabbit in Alice in Wonderland – late once again. But the Center is finally kicking off its 2013 membership drive with renewal reminders hitting the mailbox this week. I’ve heard the reasons why many of you are not members: the center is just for old people, you’re just too busy or you keep forgetting to mail the check. But enough of the excuses! Make this year the year you join hundreds of others in supporting the Center’s mission of promoting healthy aging but offering generations opportunities to explore, connect and contribute. Membership dues are $35.00 per person or $60 per couple. And if you want to become a Super Duper Member (with membership benefits so super-duper we can’t tell you what they are) it is $50 per person.
And before the sun sits – playing tonight at the Center is Annie Lane. And next week we start back at the top of the charts with The Strawberry Mountain Band jump starting the month of February. Music begins at 7:00, everyone is welcome and donations are always appreciated
In the popular beer commercial from the 50’s, whenever a customer wanted a beer he would yell out to the barmaid, “Mabel, Black Label.” – a beer brewed and distributed by Carling. (And the winner of five quilt raffle tickets is Bob Thouvenel.)
With help from the Needle Nutzs, this week’s “Remember When” question is from the television series (1965 – 1970) created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry and starring Don Adams and Barbara Feldon. It was described as an “insane combination of James Bond and a Mel Brooks comedy” and featured an array of gadgets including the often used “shoe phone”. What was the name of the bungling secret agent in this television series? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with a 1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mark I red convertible that was driven in the opening credits.
Well, it’s been another week, taking one step at a time. Until we meet again, remember the best kind of exercise – is the exercise you will actually do.
“My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was sixty. She’s ninety-seven now, and we don’t know where the heck she is.”  Ellen DeGeneres

Aging Well January 22nd 2013

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Is anyone else getting tired of the grey, cold skies lying over The Dalles like a wet dirty blanket? It makes you want to visit your snow bird friends in Arizona. But wouldn’t that be cheating – admitting you aren’t tough enough to cope with weeks of inversions and stagnations. And don’t you have to endure the tough times to enjoy the good? But on the other hand – one more week, and you just might see me screaming down Hwy 197 for the Arizona border!
But as we look forward to the warmer days of spring, there are several opportunities coming our way. The fact that heart disease can largely be prevented is the theme for this year’s “Go Red” – which kicks off with a panel of experts discussing “Small Steps for Big Changes” to prevent heart disease at 6:00 pm on Thursday, January 31st at Water’s Edge. There is limited seating, so call 541-296-8444 to register.
The “Go Red” events continue on Friday at the Civic Auditorium with the Health Expo and Noon Heart Walk from 11:00 – 2:00; followed on Saturday by the Heart Truth Walk Run at the Kiwanis Pocket Park on Klindt Drive starting at 10:00 am.
The Center is already receiving calls about the AARP Tax Aide Program which provides free tax assistance to low- and moderate-income taxpayers, with special attention to folks sixty and older. Locally, it is administered by the Mid-Columbia Community Action Program – offering tax assistance at the following locations: Canyon Rim Manor in Maupin – 1st & 3rd Mondays from 10 am to 1:00 pm; Tygh Valley Community Center – Thursdays from 8 am to 12 pm; and the Mid-Columbia Senior Center – Fridays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. You can also make an appointment for tax assistance at the Rufus Community Center by calling 541-993-1054.
A dedicated cadre of volunteers will assist you preparing basic federal and Oregon personal tax returns and can electronically file them for you. They have gone through hours of training but are not professional tax preparers (although several have accounting backgrounds), so they cannot prepare more complicated schedules and forms.
Photo ID is required and you must bring acceptable proof of social security number or ITIN for every person on your tax return. Bring all income report forms such as W-2’s, interest, dividend and miscellaneous income statements, social security and pension statements, and other tax-related information such as documentation for itemized deductions. And if you can, bring your previous year’s tax return.
I have received many positive comments about the “Passport to Happiness” Calendar, but as I had expected, several mistakes have been pointed out. The local phone number for the Wasco County Veteran’s Services Office is correct (541-506-2502) but the toll free 888 number will send you to the Veteran’s Services office in Hood River. And there are two Father’s Days listed: the third Sunday in June and the third Sunday in July- which the fathers in the audience might want to use to their advantage.
I also would like to thank the Calendar sponsors including: OSU/Wasco County Extension, Hearts of Gold Caregivers, PacificSource, Flagstone Senior Living, Rebecca Street Physical Therapy, Casa El Mirador, Columbia State Bank, and the Mid-Columbia Senior Center. And the monthly sponsors including Columbia Basin Care Facility, Kramer’s Market in Dufur, Canyon Rim Manor in Maupin, Edward Jones, Mid-Columbia Community Action, NWC Parks and Recreation, and the Area Agency on Aging.
And before time runs out – playing tonight at the Center is Truman and next week Annie Lane will perform. Music starts at 7:00, everyone is welcome and donations are always appreciated
Last week’s “Remember When” question was a challenge with only Joanne Scott emailing the correct answer – “Twentieth Century”. But I was surprised when everyone else remembered “You Were There” also hosted by Walter Cronkite, but five years earlier between 1952- 1957.  (You can watch twenty episodes of “You Were There” on the Museum of Broadcast Communications website at www.museum.tv.)
But this week you shouldn’t have a problem. TV commercials of the 1950’s featured mostly cars, cigarettes, kitchen appliances and beers. In this popular beer commercial, whenever anyone wanted a beer, they would call out to Mabel holding a tray of what brand of beer? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it with an autographed picture of Jeanne Goodspeed who played Mabel for fifteen years.
Well, it’s been another week waiting for the clouds to lift and the sun to shine. Until we meet again, make the best of the wonders yet to come.

Aging Well January 15th 2013

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How would you like to have in one handy place – dates of local events such as Go Red, Mid-Columbia Community Concerts and monthly educational programs; a listing of important phone numbers including transportation resources, support groups and assisted living facilities; short insights about different aspects of healthy living; and nutritious recipes for good measure – all in an attractive packet you can hang on the wall.  
You can have it all with the “Passport to Happiness” Calendar – created and printed right here in the Gorge for older adults in Wasco County including their families and caregivers. The Calendars are now available at several locations in The Dalles including the Area Agency on Aging, the Mid-Columbia Community Action Program, The Mid-Columbia Housing Authority, the Aging and People with Disabilities office, the Mid-Columbia Senior Center, the OSU Extension Office, and Water’s Edge. And soon at the meal sites in Mosier, Dufur and Tygh Valley.
One of the many benefits of the “Passport to Happiness” Calendar is each month the Calendar focuses on a different factor that can lead to improved health and greater happiness. And then on every third Wednesday of the month, from 3:00 – 4:30 at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center, there will be speakers and information that will address that month’s focus.
Wednesday, January 16thwill be the kickoff for the monthly events and the January focus is “What is Happiness?” Lauren Kraemer, OSU/Wasco County Extension Agent, will lead a discussion about happiness and what it means to each of us as we grow older; and how improving our health and well-being can lead to greater happiness. And if you are interested in reading more about the topic of Happiness, Klindt’s Booksellers will have books on hand to purchase.  
Since this is a journey towards achieving greater health and happiness with a different destination or focus each month, bring your passport with you – the tear off section at the bottom of the Calendar. At each of these monthly events, your “Passport to Happiness” will be stamped, and at the end of the year there will be a celebration offering prizes depending on the number of months stamped.
The “Passport to Happiness” Calendar was a year-long project of the Wasco County Network on Aging (I thought the Aging Network sounded good, but it was vetoed since it sound like we were just getting old.) The Network includes representatives from OSU/Wasco County Extension, the Mid-Columbia Community Action Council, Mid-Columbia Medical Center, Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation, the local Aging and People with Disabilities Office, Flagstone Senior Living, North Central Public Health District, Mid-Columbia Housing Authority, Canyon Rim Manor, as well as Julie Reynolds.
It was a packed house at the TDWHS auditorium for “Dancing with the Gorge Stars”. And although all the dancers were entertaining and the dance routines “extraordinaire”, my man, Rick Eisland, was number one. (Although some felt he only won because of his silly smile and – like a true elected official – he knew how to work the crowd for votes.) Thanks to all the dancers: Rick, Gene, Gavin, Kristi, Tina and Celeste for making it such an entertaining night and to Platti Blagg and the Community Concert crew for bringing “Dancing with the Gorge Stars” to The Dalles.  
I am running out of room so I will keep it short – real short. “Martin and Friends” tonight at the Center, “Truman” on the 22nd, starts at 7:00, everyone welcome and donations are always appreciated. How was that?
Many folks remembered the quips and adlibs of Groucho Marx, the host of the game show “You Bet Your Life” and the answer to last week’s “Remember When” question. (And the winner of ten quilt raffle tickets for the new quilt hanging in the Center’s lobby is John Lampe.)
This week’s question may be one of those tough ones – when you can’t remember the answer until someone tells you and your response is, “Oh yeah, I knew that!”
We are remember Walter Cronkite who was described as “the most trusted man in America” and anchorman for the CBS Evening News in its heyday from 1962 to 1981. But do you remember the name of the TV documentary series about important historical events he hosted from 1957 through 1967? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it with a “Piece of the Rock”.
Well, it’s been another week waiting to see which way the winter winds blow. Until we meet again, it is easier to enjoy the winter knowing spring is around the corner.    



Aging Well January 8th 2013

Aging Well in the Gorge No Comments

It’s like visiting your kids or grandkids – you wouldn’t miss the chance, but it is always nice to be back home. The two week break from writing this column gave me a chance to spend more time with my son (and yes, he still wants my wife and me to move to the bay area!), watch a few movies including “White Christmas” on Christmas Day and just lollygag around the house. But it is nice to be working these old grey cells once again – writing about the many opportunities in the community and the joys and challenges of aging. 
For New Year’s Eve my wife and I just stayed home – like many of you may have done. But I found instead of struggling to stay awake till midnight to watch the ball drop in Times Square (tape delayed by three hours), I can watch it live by streaming it over the Internet.  So how about this for next year? We celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Center with music, noise makers, some bingo – and then join millions of revelers in Times Square streamed live on the big screen TV. And we can still be home in bed by 10:00. What do you think?  
It is only January and already you have the chance to see what may be the “talked about” event of the year. On Thursday January 10th, Mid-Columbia Concert Association is presenting “Dancing with the Gorge Stars” starting at 7:00 PM at The Dalles Wahtonka High School. This show is similar to ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” except instead of watching Apolo Ohno, Jennifer Grey, Donnie Osmond or Melissa Rycroft, you will have a chance to see our own Rick, Gene, Gavin, Celeste, Kristi and Tina (is there a reason they don’t give their last names?) paired with professional dancers from the Utah Ballroom Dance Company.
I have to admit they have more nerve than I have – to put themselves out there on stage in front of thousands of friends (and did I hear there will be representatives from ABC looking over the local talent?) But my money is on Wasco County Sheriff Rick Eisland. Early last spring during Steve Hudson’s Swing Classes, I had a chance to dance with Rick and I can personally testify to his natural gracefulness – except he wouldn’t let me lead! Tickets are only $25 at the door or $20 if you purchase them early at Klindts Booksellers or Columbia Music.
The 11:00 Tuesday Lecture Series is back – and although I don’t yet have a speaker lined up for next Tuesday, I guarantee you will learn something new and worthwhile. An example was today’s presentation by Courtney Kendrick who described the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. This valuable program is looking for volunteers to mentor local children – helping them gain greater confidence, improve their school performance and lead positive lives. It only takes about eight hours a month and no special skills are needed. If you are interested in making a difference in a child’s life, give Courtney a call at 541-296-8118 extension 216.
And Tuesday Night Music is also back. Because New Year’s Day was on a Tuesday, the music is starting a week late. But fortunately there are five Tuesdays in January so the Center can follow the usual schedule starting off with the Strawberry Mountain Band performing tonight. And next Tuesday on the 15th, Martin and Friends will barnstorm their way through a set of country and western favorites. Music starts at 7:00, everyone is invited and donations are always appreciated.
The answer to the last “Remember When” question of 2012 (if you can still remember it) was Rosemary Clooney, the jazz vocalist and actress who sang the 1951 hit “Come on-a My House” and starred in the 1954 Christmas movie classic “White Christmas”.
But I’m going to start off the new year with one of my favorite comedians of vaudeville, film and television fame. Who was the host of the game show that ran from 1947 through 1960 where a couple would try to answer a series of questions and if during the questioning the contestant would say the “secret word” a toy duck with a moustache, glasses and a cigar in its bill would drop down. E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it with the lyrics for “Hooray for Captain Spaulding”.  
Well it has been another week, thankful to see a new year. Until we meet again, don’t let age get in your way of living a full and generous life. 

Aging Well December 18 2012

Aging Well in the Gorge No Comments

Tis the Christmas Season: a time for memories that stir our senses: cookies baking in the oven, houses sparkling with Christmas lights, and bells jingling at local grocery stores.

It is also a time to remember how we have been blessed at our chronologically advantaged age. But sometimes it is hard with all the bad news: shootings near and far, physical challenges we endure; and the personal losses that touch us – particularly at this time of the year when we would give everything to again share memories of Christmas’s pasts with friends and loved ones who are no longer with us.

It is not always easy to stay upbeat and positive, but Shawn Achor, who researches and teaches positive psychology, describes three steps that can help us see and look for the positive instead of passively absorbing the negative. First, for twenty one days in a row, take two minutes a day and write down three things you are grateful for. Second, start a journal and each day write about one positive experience you encountered. Third, do one positive random act of kindness each day – whether it’s complimenting the salesperson during a hectic Christmas shopping day or buying a bottle of Martinelli’s sparkling juice for your local senior center director (and he prefers a red grape to a white apple cider!)

But I would also suggest two more steps. Fourth, each day give at least one person a big hug – the human touch is an essential nutritional requirement for the spirit. And last, if there has been something you have been meaning to tell someone, tell them. Don’t wait. There are reasons as we get older why we don’t buy green bananas.
Whether your glasses are rose colored, broken or you can’t find them, during this season of hope, love and possibility, consider these five steps to better see all that is good and right – and the bountiful banquet that is spread before us.

This is usually the place where I announce the performers for Tuesday Night music, but because of the holidays, we have pushed the pause button until January 8th. But the sounds of guitars strumming and cowgirls singing won’t totally vanish. Every Wednesday before and after the Meals-on-Wheels noon dinner, there is music for your listening pleasure – and there are often several couples who take the opportunity to stretch their legs and dance a few steps. Annie Lane and “For the Good Times” alternate Wednesdays. And on the third Thursday, Tom Graff stops in and warms up the diner crowd. Particularly if you don’t like to get out after dark, this is your chance to enjoy listening and dancing to some good country tunes.
I stumped most everyone with last week’s “Remember When” question. The answer wasn’t Burns and Allen or Fibber Magee and Molly (but look for them in the future), it was Bob and Ray who both started as radio announcers, until their informal banter became so popular they were asked to fill in when the Boston Red Sox baseball games were rained out. On YouTube, you can find them performing two of their classic interviews on the Johnny Carson Tonight Show: “Most Beautiful Face Contest Winner” and “Four Leaf Clover Farmer.” (And the winner is the Bob and Ray aficionado Joann Scott.)

This week’s ”Remember When” question is about the successful jazz vocalist and actress who became nationally known with the 1951 hit “Come on-a My House” written by the unusual duo of author William Saroyan and David Seville (who would later create the famous Alvin and the Chipmunks) and recorded with Mitch Miller and his orchestra. But during the Christmas season she is remembered for starring in the 1954 Christmas movie classic with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen. What was this singer/actress’s name? E-mail your answer to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it with a package of “Extra value is what you get, when you buy Coro-net” paper towels.

The Center and Meals-on-Wheels will be closed for Christmas Eve, Christmas as well as New Year’s Day. And since Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on Tuesdays – the day this column is printed, I won’t be back visiting with you until next year on the 8th.
So until we meet again, I wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and the best in the New Year. And as the famous anonymous once said, “As you slide down the banisters of life, may the splinters never point the wrong way”.