Life is all about adjusting, and adapting. And I am working on adjusting and adapting to this early date for the Cherry Festival. It took me a while to realize that with Easter so late this year – about as late as it can be – the Chamber had to find an alternative date. So this year we have an opportunity to enjoy all the festivities, just a little earlier.

But the great unknown is always the weather. It can be iffy whenever the Cherry Festival is held, so let’s hope for blue skies, comfortable temperature and no wind (it’s tough when the wind is blowing so hard you have to spread yourself across the display table trying to keep the brochures from flying away like kites at the beach). But no matter when – there will be plenty of ways to get into that “Cherry Groove” – from Friday night’s “It’s the Pits” Lip Sync contest to Saturday night’s “Cherry Stomp” at the Civic featuring the Hit Machine. And thanks to Bob Wagenblast, I already have my ticket for the Shriners’ Oyster Feed at St. Mary’s Parish Center on Friday night.

Like most of the town, the Center we will be bustling with activity starting off Saturday morning from 7:30 – 10:00 with the Cherry Festival Breakfast sponsored by the Center’s neighbor – Cherry Heights Retirement Community. The menu includes country-fine fried potatoes, eggs of your choice, biscuits, bacon, and fruit as well as the regular beverages. The cost is $6.50 for the general public, $5.50 for members and $3.50 for children under twelve – and that doesn’t mean maturity level.

And there is more. For all the politicos who have time to break away from the downtown activities, Senator Jeff Merkley will be at the Center at 2:00 for a Town-hall meeting to hear your concerns and answer your questions. And later in the evening if you would rather play bingo instead of dancing to the “Hit Machine”, Saturday Night Bingo starts at 6:00 with the doors opening by 5:00. So come down and have some fun, support the Center and maybe take home a few bucks.

For the 11:00 am Tuesday Lecture Series, the Center has scheduled two enthralling, mesmerizing, galvanizing and just outright interesting lectures – one exploring the past and the other looking towards the future. On April 12^th, Jerry Tanquist will discuss “Train Wrecks and Other Rail Mishaps in Wasco County” with photos and fascinating stories. And then on Tuesday the 19th, Dan Durow, Community Development Director for the City of The Dalles, will be discussing future plans for The Dalles particularly focusing on the downtown area. It is easy to forget the many changes that have occurred in The Dalles over the last decade and it will be exciting to hear the possibilities for the next decade.

Tonight at the Center the Strawberry Mountain Band will be kicking it up – so you can get down – for a evening of dancing. And next Tuesday on the 12^th, Martin and Friends will be playing for your listening and dancing pleasure. The music starts at 7:00 and everyone is invited. And while the music is free, donations are always appreciated.

Many folks remembered Ronald Reagan as the host of Death Valley Days during the ‘64 and ‘65 seasons including Talie Kingsbury whose name was drawn for a free Cherry Festival breakfast. But to generate this week’s “Remember When” question I had to go back to my mom’s advice. In high school, I was the strong, silent type minus the strong – especially when any girl was within shouting distance. And when I needed help thinking of something to say that would impress my date, my mom suggested the acronym HELP: Hobbies, Entertainment, Literature, and Politics. Well, you can tell right there, I wasn’t the most exciting fish in the frying pan. But her advice has finally helped – even if it is some fifty years later. So for the letter “L” as in literature, what was the name for those yellow and black covered student study guides that were not recommended but were commonly used in high school and college? (In several classes that was as close as I got to literature!) E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of that long lost essay explaining the obtuse relationship between Captain Ahab and Moby Dick.

Well, it’s been another week tugging at the house curtain – waiting for the show to begin. Until we meet again – for each and every day take time to put a cherry on top. It’s the groovy thing to do!

“Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, ‘Where have I gone wrong?’ Then a voice says to me, ‘This is going to take more than one night.’” Charlie Brown

Last October Dr. PK Swartz came by the Center and dropped off an article from the New York Times which discussed how to protect yourself from Medicare fraud. It may not seem like a big deal because Medicare recipients are rarely held financially liable for these fraudulent claims, but still Medicare fraud can affect you in several damaging ways.

According to the article, several individuals were denied medical equipment because unknowingly their Medicare had been previously billed for the same kind of equipment. Another potential harm is when Medicare identifies an excessive type of Medicare fraud, they respond by tightening eligibility requirements which makes it more difficult for anyone who really does need the service. And this is in addition to the obvious: billions of dollars of fraudulent payments raises the cost of premiums for everyone.

According to the “Stop Medicare Fraud” website, there are several common sense actions you can take to protect yourself and help prevent Medicare Fraud: guard your card, beware of free services, examine your Medicare statements, and make a report. More specifically – if anyone approaches you in a public place to offer free services in exchange for your Medicare number – WALK AWAY. If you are called to answer a health survey and asked to provide your Medicare number over the phone, – HANG UP; if you find unexpected and suspicious charges on your medical bill – REPORT IT; and if a health care provider tells you the equipment or service is free but they only need your Medicare number for their records say – NO THANKS.

Medicare Fraud is a billion dollar national problem. You can report any suspected Medicare fraud by calling 1-800-Medicare. And if your Medicare card is lost or stolen, report it right away by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) for a replacement. There are things you just don’t share with anyone: your Social Security number, Medicare number and what you did when you were twenty one!

As Snoopy – the happy hoofer of the comic pages – once said “To live is to dance, to dance is to live”. So if you want to live it up, down or sideways – there is always music on Tuesday nights at the Center. Tonight the Cherry Park Band will be jammin and next Tuesday it will be Andre and the Strawberry Mountain Band hitting the high notes. It all starts at 7:00 PM and even though we don’t expect to get rich, donations are appreciated. And everyone one – including beagles and their owners – are invited.

At this time I don’t have a speaker lined up for the April 5thTuesday Lecture. But to give you an idea of what’s on the horizon, I do have scheduled Jerry Tanquist for April 12^th discussing Train Wrecks which should appeal to the little boy in all of us guys – I don’t know about the gals; Tara Koch director of Haven – but after their major fundraiser at the Civic on Thursday March 31st starting at 6:00 PM (complete with culinary delights by local chefs, wineries and music) and our monthly speaker from MCMC. If you are the curious type and want to learn more about the world around you, this is the place to be.

There are now eleven hearty singers plus a pianist interested in reigniting the Center’s “Young at Heart Serenaders” but the Center still needs a music director, councilor, shepherd or whatever the position requires. Is there anyone out there who wants to fill this once in a life time opportunity? Maybe Phyllis? I promise I won’t add my voice to the ensemble.

You must be a real Bozo if you didn’t know the answer to last week’s “Remember When” question. Although there were several Clarabell answers (It’s Howdy Doody time!), it was Bozo “The World’s Most Famous Clown” that was franchised to TV stations all across the country first airing in 1949. This week’s question is from Al Wynn who stumped me on the Coffeebreak when he asked “In 1964 and 1965 who hosted Death Valley Days which was sponsored by 20 Mule Team Borax? I had no clue – maybe it’s because I’m a Democrat – but if you know, e-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the inside of a 1932 yearbook from Eureka College.

Well, it’s been another week chasing my tail while looking for the end of the rope. Until we meet again, Ivy Baker Priest reminds us “the world is round – and the place which may seem like the end may also be the beginning”.

“I think I’ve discovered the secret of life – you just hang around until you get used to it.” Sally Brown (Charlie’s Sister)

Now that it is Spring – at least astronomically speaking – it is time to put away the snow shovels and heavy coats and take out the hedge trimmers and hiking boots. And time to start thinking about warmer weather and longer days, and maybe some day trips out of town?

For late spring and summer, the Center has again scheduled trips into Portland for three always popular “Broadway Across America” performances: “Riverdance” on May 29th, “Les Miserables” on August 7th and “Momma Mia” on August 28th. They are all Sunday matinee performances starting at 1:00 for easy travel in and out of Portland and daylight when you return. Twenty-four seats are reserved for each show and the cost is only $70 a piece or $195 for all three performances. And that includes no-hassle, to-the-stage -door transportation in a comfortable 24 passenger van. The tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Center.

The Hood River School District Community Education also offers trips including the popular monthly Mystery Trips. You can call them at 541-386-2055 to place your name on the list for the Mystery Trips. Each month they will call you with the latest details and cost. As their web site states, their “past trips have ranged from train rides, visiting historic places and partaking of local attractions, and of course, great food! Each month expect something new and exciting! “

And I will keep you posted on other opportunities in the Gorge including trips offered by Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation (there summer catalog will be out in April) and Sherman County Transit.

Through the many activities the Center provides for older adults, as well as through partnerships with local organizations, the Center tries to give back to the community as much as it asks. But the Center is now in their spring membership drive and is asking you to join the already one hundred eighty plus 2011 members. You may have been one of last year’s members who can’t believe it is time to renew already. Or maybe you haven’t had the nerve to take that leap and join a “Senior Center”. Although you can be a member at any age (you just have to be over 50 to vote at the annual membership meeting), the only real requirement is a zest for life. Annual membership dues are only $35 per person or $60 per couple and can be purchased at the Center.

The Center’s Tuesday Lecture will feature Steve Lawrence who is busy with several projects these days, but this time will be discussing the latest dreams and hopes for one of The Dalles most important landmarks: the Civic Auditorium. The long process of renovating the Civic began in 1991, and has restored this jewel of the downtown area into an active community center. But there is still exciting work to be done. On March 29th at 11:00 AM learn more about the past, present and future of The Dalles Civic Auditorium – the place “Where It Happens!”

You have heard it before but let me say it loud and clear – TUESDAY IS MUSIC NIGHT at the Center. Bring a friend or several friends – depending on how much fun you can handle – and enjoy an evening of two stepping, country waltzing, or whatever kind of dancing suits your fancy. Next week the Dufur Boys from Dufur will be playing, while tonight is your chance to enjoy the big band sounds of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s with the Jazz Generations. The music starts at 7:00 and ends at 9:00 so you can still get in bed by 9:30 if you hurry – but why hurry.

The name of the 1930’s cartoon character and famous animated sex symbol (which just doesn’t seem right) was the “oop-opp-a-doop” Betty Boop. Of the many entries, the winner of a free Cherry Festival Breakfast on April 9th was Shirley Christiansen but only if she brings her “Betty Boop” handbag.

This week’s “Remember When” question is about a television character first appearing in 1949. Called the “World’s Most Famous Clown”, this clown was franchised to different TV stations where each station had their own actor playing the part including Bob Bell in Chicago and Willard Scott in Washington DC. What was the name of this clown? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or drop your answer off with a wing-tipped bright orange wig.

Well, it’s been another week -waiting for the ants to appear, the weeds to surface and warm nights to arrive. Until we meet again, take time to play – like the children we once were – spontaneously, with no real purpose and just for the fun of it.

“To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring.” George Santayana

It usually starts off as “Did you hear the one about grandma Bessie – followed by a humorous story about the quirks of aging. I have read and heard many of these jokes and have certainly enjoyed sharing them – at least the clean ones.

But it is said in every joke there is a piece of the truth and as we look at ourselves there is plenty of truth to poke fun at (my forgetfulness is my own source of amusement). But with the condescending caricatures of older adults often portrayed in today’s culture, I can understand why some folks are offended by many of these jokes – fearing that they just reinforce those demeaning stereotypes. Granted many of us may not move as fast (okay let’s face it, none of us move as fast as we use to) or hold a cup as steady or find the wrong answer as quickly (research has shown even though our minds may not be as quick, they are more accurate!) But every day, you and I see folks who pop these bubbles of negative images: folks who are active, caring, and inquisitive – and are in their seventies, eighties and older.

We can still laugh with each other without consciously – or more importantly subconsciously – accepting these mis-perceptions that can limit our dreams and expectations of what is possible. We can have a good laugh and still change the world.

Even though these jokes often remind us of our limitations (I can’t find my banana!), humor can help us transcend the challenges we face by also reminding us that we are all in this aging vessel together – bailing water as fast as we can.

And did you hear the one about grandma Bessie? A police car pulls up in front of grandma Bessie’s house, and grandpa Morris gets out. The polite policeman explained that this elderly gentleman said that he was lost in the park and couldn’t find his way home. “Oh Morris”, said grandma, “You’ve been going to that park for over 30 years! How could you get lost?” Leaning close to grandma, so that the policeman couldn’t hear, Morris whispered, “I wasn’t lost. I was just too tired to walk home.”

On the 19^th, Saturday breakfast at the Center is baaaaaaack! Because our regular cook Bonnie is out for the spring season, Edna will fill in cooking up a mouth-watering, toe-tingling, belly-filling breakfast menu of biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage and fruit plus the regular beverages. And for all of you high school alumni from the 60’s – just pretend it’s spring vacation at Daytona Beach (that’s where all us from the Midwest wanted to go) and bring your beach blanket and sun tan oil. I betcha the “mouse” from the class of ’63 will! The doors open at 8:00 and breakfast is served till 9:30.

The Center’s Tuesday Lecture on the 22^nd will feature Dr. Thomas Hodge discussing the programs and services available to help people with chronic lung disease. If you or someone you know is troubled by shortness of breath or is limited in their daily activities by breathing problems, you will find this presentation helpful. It all starts at 11:00 allowing plenty of time for questions.

Tonight’s Tuesday night music at the Center will give you a chance to step out to the sounds of Truman’s Country Gold. And next Tuesday the Jazz Generations will be playing the big band sounds giving folks an alternative to the Center’s regular menu of country western fare. The music starts at 7:00 and everyone is welcome.

And a last minute reminder. There is still room in the “AARP Driver Safety” class ably taught by Dennis Davis. This month’s class is from 9:00 – 1:00 on the 21^st and 22^nd. Call the Center to sign up and save a buck or two on your car insurance.

Many of you (including Joanne “pick me, pick me” Scott – the winner of a free breakfast on Saturday) knew that the musician who gave up his seat to the Big Bopper on that fateful flight in 1959 was “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” Waylon Jennings. But this week’s “Remember When” question is for Betty Harlan. What was the name of the 1930’s animated cartoon character and famous sex symbol (if a cartoon character can be considered a sex symbol) created by Max Fleischer and modeled after actress Clara Bow? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or drop your answer off with the original tape of the Talkartoon “Minnie the Moocher”.

Well, it’s been another week – dodging raindrops falling from the sky. Until we meet again keep laughing and don’t take yourself too seriously. As the baseball player Mike LaValliere once said “Whatever is going to happen is going to happen when it happens, regardless of what happens.”

“Whatever the limits are, you can always do a little more than you think you can, and you can get a certain pleasure out of that.” George Leonard from the book Ageless Spirit by Connie Goldman

Are there times when it feels like the world is changing so fast, and going in no particular direction, that you just want to ask the bus driver to drop you off at the next corner? Even those at the head of this technological revolution find it uncomfortable. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn in an interview in the magazine Fast Company stated that he can’t imagine, two years down the road, he will be doing the same thing he is doing today – and will just have to adjust. He believes every generation will have to learn how to relearn in order to adapt to the new technology – and it won’t be easy.

While the younger generations embrace change – often making the mistake of seeing all change as progress – we may find ourselves resistant, overwhelmed by the fast pace of change, forgetting that without change there is no progress.

But for better or worse, it is what it is. Our cell phones are now little computers (do you ever yearn for the simple days of the rotary phone?) and we now use our computers to call and actually see our children and grandchildren half way across the globe. Its mind boggling what has happened in the last twenty or even ten years – as we constantly try to ride this wave of change without capsizing.

If you are interested in learning – or relearning – how to stay upright – specifically how to use a computer to check email, write life stories and access information, the Center offers a computer help lab every Wednesday from 10:00 – 11:00 am. It is individualized help and is open to anyone and everyone.

And for many of you who have succumbed to the iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, the Center is starting a users group this Friday the 11th from 11:00 – 12:00. This users group will meet monthly to share information about your favorite apps and the latest news in the world of Apple – and help feed your addiction to the latest and greatest.

Martin and Friends will be the headliners – and the only liners – for Tuesday night music at the Center. You can enjoy two hours of dancing frenzy with a short break to catch your breath. And next Tuesday, Truman will be performing for your dancing and listening pleasure. It is all free and to keep the music flowing, donations are always appreciated. The bass starts thumping at 7:00 and the doors are open to anyone and everyone.

The Center’s Loan Closet is in need of more medical equipment. The Loan Closet – a partnership with Visiting Health Services – lends to the general public medical equipment – from hospital beds to canes. The Center has already helped forty individuals since the beginning of this year, and the cabinets are now bare. We are in particular need of transfer benches, shower benches and rolling walkers (not the standard gray aluminum walkers of which we have plenty). If you have one of these or any other medical equipment you no longer need, we would be glad to take them off your hands and put them into someone else’s.

The Center needs a leader – a director – a warm body to step forward with baton in hand to lead an eager group of amateur singers to reestablish the Center’s Young-at-Heart Serenader’s. The YAH-YAH’s have been without a leader and an accompanist for a quite some time and there is now interest in reforming the group. If you are interested – or curious – in directing, accompanying or singing, call the Center at 541-296-4788 for more information.

It was Hopalong Cassidy, the name of TV’s first western series and the character played by William Boyd. And the winner of a free breakfast (which returns on March 19^th) is Karl Vercouteren who use to go to the 10 cent Saturday afternoon matinees to see Hopalong. But enough of the Cartwrights, the Mavericks and Matt Dillion. Let’s get back to music. This question was suggested by Ron Sutherland who appreciated fine music during his high school days. On the day the music died, February 3^rd, 1959, a small plane crashed in Iowa killing Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper. Who was Buddy Holly’s bassist who gave up his seat to the Big Bopper on that fateful flight and later became known as one of country music’s “Outlaws”? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of a recording of the “The Dukes of Hazzard” theme song.
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Well, it’s another week of throwing ideas against the kitchen wall. Until we meet again – remember the past, but live for today as you look forward to tomorrow.

“Life isn’t about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.”

Wednesday (9) Taco Casserole
Thursday (10) Pork Choppy Chops
Friday (11) Mushroom Swiss Burger on a Bun
Monday (14) Beef Stroganoff over Egg Noodles
Tuesday (15) BIRTHDAY DINNER Ham with a Glaze

Senior Living March 1st

In just a split second your world can turn – literally – upside down. With just a slip and a fall, what once was just an embarrassing distraction, can be a serious trip to the hospital. Our bodies –those uncooperative outer shells – aren’t as strong and flexible or as quick to heal as when we were young and spry. And the odds of falling aren’t on our side. One in three older adults falls each year; and falls are the most common cause of non fatal injury and the leading cause of injury death among older adults. Pretty sobering stuff.

But fear not. (We may not be able to run the bases as fast, but we know the short cuts.) There are steps all of us can take to help decrease our risk of falling. First, improve your strength and balance. The Center, MCMC and The Fitness and Court Club all offer classes that can help. (And my constant reminder – you just need to take one small step at a time. New Jersey wasn’t built in a day.) Also check your medications. Ask your doctor if the medications you take or the combination of medicines increases your risk of falling. And finally there are changes you can make around your house to create a safer environment: move coffee tables, magazine racks and plant stands from high-traffic areas; use recommended bath aids, fitted properly; and store clothing, dishes, food and other necessities within easy reach. You can learn more about what you can do to prevent falls and keep yourself safe at home at the Center’s Tuesday lecture featuring Thomas Koelker from Hearts of Gold Caregivers on March 8^th at 11:00

For all of you who receive emails (about the only way you can connect with your kids and grandkids anymore) and are an avid gardener (proud of the dirt showing under your fingernails) or just a gardening wannabe (Master Gardeners are your new idols), you can receive a little gem of a newsletter called Garden Highlights – signed, sealed and delivered to your e-mailbox by Master Gardener, Marty Miller. The latest double issue is full of useful information: reminding us spring will be making its long awaited appearance on March 20^th; describing how to grow your own groceries – “Grow what you can, buy locally what you can’t.” and identifying when to plant, what to plant, and where to plant. (And for those gardeners who have to know – last average frost date in The Dalles is April 15^th.) If you have not subscribed to the newsletter and want to know what all the excitement is about, sign up by emailing gardenhighlights@hrecn.net. And then start digging.

Tuesday night music at the Center will keep you swinging from limb to limb all night long with The Strawberry Mountain Band playing tonight and Martin and Friends doing the honors next Tuesday. The party starts at 7:00 and donations are gladly accepted. And if you are a dancing fool (and as the saying goes “God respects you when you work, but he loves you when you dance.”) or just want to catch Monday night fever, Neva and Bill will be offering their latest class, “Intro to Jive/Swing”, once a week starting March 14 from 7 – 9 at The Civic Auditorium. For more info call 541-296-1570 or email callncue4u@charter.net.

Many folks remembered watching Sky King but only a few remembered (including this week’s winner Kathy Lindell) the name of Penny – Sky King’s teenage niece, who often found her way into the hands of local desperados. But before I ride off into the sunset on my horse Topper, here is one last “Remember When” question from the category “TV westerns”. It is from the very beginning – the first TV western series that aired on NBC starting in 1949. For the first several years, this series were just re-edited and shortened versions of the sixty-six western movies starring William Boyd. (The show became such a marketing hit you could find the image of this cowboy hero on everything from lunch boxes to children’s wristwatches.) What was the name of this TV series and the name of the fair dealing, soft spoken, good guy hero played by William Boyd? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of a movie poster for the 1944 movie “Forty Thieves”.
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Well another week has passed bundled up like a babe in the woods. Until we meet again, stay on your feet and keep moving; preferably more often forward than backwards.

“There are three kinds of men. The one that learns by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves.” Will Rogers

Wednesday (2) Hot Turkey Sandwich with Groovy Gravy
Thursday (3) Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
Friday (4) Pub Battered Fishy Fish
Monday (7) Chicken Pot Pie
Tuesday (8) Lemon Peppered Chicken

Do you ever have an idea, a thought – nothing earth shattering – something you want to share but you just can’t find the words. Well, that often happens to me when a good idea – at least I think it is – just hasn’t had time to jell, to solidify into something worth reading. And in the background I can hear the sound of the second hand getting closer and closer, ticking louder and louder. But that is life. Sometimes it comes easy, and other times it is like pulling weeds – those really tough ones with the long roots. So until the kitchen timer buzzes, here are a few “happenings” at the Center and in the community.

You probably have an understanding of how the Federal government works – or doesn’t depending upon your perspective. Or even state government. But what do you know about county government? Did you know that because everyone in Oregon lives in a county, counties are often used as the local means of providing state and federal services? And did you know that Wasco County government in its efforts to be more transparent has posted on their website, the agenda and board packets for each Board of Commissioner’s meeting? And a list of all land use actions being prepared by the county planning department? Well, if you are like most folks, including myself, probably not. You can learn more about Wasco County government and how to access county information, on Tuesday March 1st at 11:00 when Rod Runyon and possibly other members of the Wasco County Board of Commissioners will be speaking at the Center. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the closest and most accessible level of government.

Folks will be swinging and jiving tonight to the sweet sounds of the Jazz Generations. And for next Tuesday night, the Strawberry Mountain Band will get your mojo going. It all starts at 7:00 when couples starts swaying to the music like a gentle earthquake rolling through the hills. And it is all good. Shirts and shoes are required but the cover charge is optional, although donations are always appreciated.

You may have read the cover story in the Sunday Chronicle about the SMART (Start Making A Reader Today) – a fantastic literacy program that provides opportunities for children to read one-on-one with an adult volunteer. It is one of those community driven programs that can have a tremendous effect on children by instilling the love of reading. And you can help support this program while enjoying a fine afternoon by attending “A Taste for Literacy” at the Sunshine Mill from 2:00 – 5:00 PM on Sunday February 27th There will be wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres (those fancy finger foods with too many vowels), wine, and live music. Tickets are $20.00 available at Klindt’s Booksellers or at the door.

The answer to last week’s question was Paladin – the sophisticated gunslinger for hire from San Francisco and lead character in the TV series “Have Gun – Will Travel”. There were fourteen correct answers including Don McAllister the winner of a free breakfast and who mentioned that Paladin means “champion of a cause”. In addition, I had the misfortune of hearing two unnamed Paladin aficionados – on separate occasions, so I had to endure it twice – break out into spontaneous vocal renditions of the title song “The Ballad of Paladin”. It wasn’t pretty.

This week’s “Remember When” question is about another TV western. You may remember the announcer uttering those memorable words on Saturday morning “Out of the blue of the Western sky comes . . . Sky King!” the opening for the popular TV series from the 50’s about the adventures of Arizona rancher and pilot Sky King. But do you remember the name of Sky Kings’ trusted niece? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on a note left on the front seat of a a twin-engine Cessna 310B. You can just leave it in the Centers parking lot – I’ll pick it up in the morning.

Well another week has passed of ducking and dodging – which isn’t getting any easier. Until we meet again, to borrow from the words of Oscar Wilde, even though there may be times when you feel you are lying in the gutter, keep looking up at the stars.

There are many in this old world of ours who hold that things break about even for all of us. I have observed for example that we all get the same amount of ice. The rich get it in the summertime and the poor get it in the winter. ~Bat Masterson

Whether it is talking, conversing, dialoguing or schmoozing, expressing yourself clearly so you are understood can be a real challenge. As George Bernard Shaw once said “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place”.

But effective communication is essential for family, caregivers, and spouses to avoid conflicts and help improve and maintain healthy relationships as we age. The following are some helpful tips – condensed for this column – from Working Caregiver. You can find more details at their website workingcaregiver.com.

1. Breathe. Start with a deep breath to relax and give yourself time to pull your thoughts together.

2. Ask questions. Find out what is really going on. Don’t take anything for granted – you know what happens when you assume.

3. Really listen. Hear and understand their experiences and opinions, and listen for any fears driving their responses that they may not even realize. And don’t argue.

4. Slow down. Take your time and think before you respond. Silence can be golden.

5. Speak directly to the person. Set aside time to have one-on-one conversations. And avoid multi-tasking.

6. Speak distinctly and clearly. Many of us don’t like to admit, we have trouble understanding conversations.

7. Laugh. When appropriate, humor can help ease tense situations.

But sometimes you still can’t get it right as illustrated by this absolutely, positively true story forwarded to me by John Mabrey.

A man was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching his wife, who was looking at herself in the mirror. Since her birthday was not far off he asked what she’d like to have for her birthday. ‘I’d like to be six again’, she replied, still looking in the mirror.

On the morning of her birthday, he arose early, made her a nice big bowl of Lucky Charms, and then took her to Six Flags theme park. What a day! He put her on every ride in the park; the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear, the Screaming Roller Coaster, everything there was.

Five hours later they staggered out of the theme park. Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down. He then took her to a McDonald’s where he ordered her a Happy Meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake. Then it was off to a movie, popcorn, a soda pop, and her favorite candy, M&M’s. What a fabulous adventure!

Finally she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed exhausted.

He leaned over his wife with a big smile and lovingly asked, ‘Well dear, what was it like being six again?’ Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed. ‘I meant my dress size, you stupid idiot!!!!’

The moral of the story: Even when a man is listening, he’s gonna get it wrong.

It has been mentioned several times in this newspaper – and for me, another reminder never hurts – on Saturday, February 19th at 10:00 AM Home-at-Last will be offering rabies shots for only $10.00 and Tags and Microships for $20. That’s quite a bargain. And you may want to ask if they also tag young children and wondering parents.

The musical duo, The Schwartz Brothers, will be performing next Tuesday – Wait a minute! Hold the presses! I got that wrong. They won’t be performing – even though they do play a few musical instruments right fine – but will be at the Center to present the Tuesday Lecture on the 22nd at 11:00. The title of the presentation is “Boning up on the Latest in Orthopedics”. Pretty clever title, eh? So come down and welcome Bruce and John back to The Dalles and also learn a thing or two. And who knows, they may share a few tunes or Alaska fishing stories after the presentation.

The Jazz Generations are back again this month on February 22^nd. And tonight the Sugar Daddies will be playing for your dancing and listening pleasure. The stomping and shouting starts at 7:00 and donations are always appreciated.

The stage name for Richard Penniman, who recorded seven original #1 hits before quitting to enter the ministry, is Little Richard. And the winner of a Saturday Breakfast in March is the lovely Sandy Haechral. This week’s “Remember When” question goes back to vintage TV. The hit western series “Have Gun – Will Travel” on CBS from 1957 through 1963 followed the adventures of a gentleman gunfighter played by Richard Boone. What was the name of this fancy dressed, opera loving, gun toting, peace-making, gourmet? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of a calling card engraved with a picture of a chess knight.

Well that’s another week traveling the seven seas of life. Until we meet again, listen before you speak, look before you leap and think before you act.

“If people were meant to pop out of bed, we’d all sleep in toasters”.

133 million Americans – almost 1 out of every 2 adults – have at least one chronic condition such as lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, hearing loss or arthritis, according to the national Center on Disease Control and Prevention. (I know someone out there is reading this column and thinking in the nefarious recesses of their mind, we all have a chronic condition. It’s called A.G.E – a persistent condition with no cure. But I digress.)

Okay, we are all getting older but chronic conditions become a national health concern when you learn 34% of Individuals in the 65-74 age group are limited in one of more daily activities because of the chronic condition. And, as we get older it becomes worse, increasing to 46% for the 75+ age group. Because the limiting effects of chronic conditions are so prevalent, Stanford University developed a six session class called “Living Well with Chronic Conditions” which is researched based and proven to help folks manage their condition while living a healthy and productive life.

This class is again being offered by the Area Agency on Aging at the Mid-Columbia Council of Governments offices at 1113 Kelly Avenue starting February 17th from 1:30 – 4:00. You can register by calling 541-298-4101 and asking for Jean Hockman.

The classes are 2 ½ hours long, once a week for six weeks and full of useful information about how to self-manage your condition. You will learn how to exercise and stretch – while enjoying it, how to communicate with your doctors, how to eat healthy, plus over two hundred helpful hints on how to adapt your lifestyle regarding grooming, bathing, waking up, doing household chores and getting around.

And all taught by trained leaders who have been there. It is free, fun and interactive. Healthy snacks and drinks will be provided (although I doubt they will be offering a healthy glass of wine). But if it sounds good but you just aren’t sure, here is the clincher. If you complete the class, you will receive a $25 grocery gift certificate – and now you can buy that glass of wine.

The topic for the Center’s next Tuesday lecture will be StRUT or Students Recycling Used Technology. Several weeks ago I dropped off some old computers at the StRUT facility to be recycled and the program manager, Marty Willie, was kind enough to give me a tour of his operation. I was impressed with his passion and vision for the recycling program and learned that StRUT was more than recycling but also included environmental awareness and computer repair instruction. On Tuesday the 15^th starting at 11:00, Marty will explain more about this award winning, state wide program located right here in The Dalles area.

On Tuesday the 16th, The Sugar Daddies featuring Mark Womble on keyboards and vocals will be playing your favorites plus original compositions of modern western swing from their CD “Boys will be Boys” .And tonight to get your feet moving, The Cherry Park Band will be playing for your dancing and listening pleasure. There is no charge – we want everyone to enjoy the music no matter their financial situation. But we appreciate the many generous donations received every Tuesday night. The music sings from 7:00 – 9:00 and everyone and their little sister is invited.

As Joanne Scott pointed out, there are actually three NFL teams that have lost four Super Bowl games but the Denver Broncos did manage to redeem themselves by winning Super Bowls in ‘97 and ‘98. But it is the Minnesota Vikings from Bob Haechral’s home state that has the dubious honor of losing four Super Bowl games without winning one. And Bob, there is always next year.

But back to pop music for this week’s “Remember When” question. Between 1955 and 1957 the singer, song writer Richard Penniman with his outrageous performances and his frantic keyboard style recorded seven original #1 hits on the R&B charts before he quit performing to enter the ministry. What was this performer’s stage name? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of a 45 of one of those hits which started with “A wop-bop-a-loo-bop-a-lop-bop-bop!

Well that’s another week without burning the toast. Until we meet again, don’t see what isn’t there, don’t speak what isn’t true and don’t believe what isn’t good.

“May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, enough hope to make you happy.” Author Unknown

After having been around the block for a few decades, I can’t help seeing different trends and styles disappear, then circle back and become popular again. Look at clothing. In recent years, several styles have found a second life: madras pants, bell bottoms, peddle-pushers and mini-skirts (with all the styles you see today covering just the bare necessities, mini-skirts just don’t illicit the same response as they did in the 60’s). Of course not everything is recycled. I never thought of wearing pajamas outside the house or wearing flip-flops during winter. But I guess each generation has to stretch the boundaries in their own way.

But what about the language of our youth – those words that identified us as being “cool” or ‘hip” in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Do they have a second life? Could we start a national tidal wave resurrecting a few linguistic antiques from the past? Just imagine hearing comments like “Hey, big daddy that cane is “far out”. Or “Man there’s nothing cookin’ around here. Let’s split this nursing home and find some pad where we can crash.” Or, “Hey, baby, if I can find the car keys do you want to go with me to see the submarine races?

So what do you want to bring back to the world stage of slang? Grody? Fuddy –duddy? Or how about ginned-up (which means dressed –up for those who might have had a different idea.) We could bring coolness back to today’s generation and it could all start here. And wouldn’t that be groovy!

The Next Chapter lecture for Tuesday February 8th will be Stephen Jupe – principal of The Dalles Wahtonka High School. He will explain two new initiatives they have started at the High School: Credit Proficiency and S.P.I.R.I.T. And if you have been afraid to enter the halls of “teen spirit”, but still want to know what is happening at the high school, this is your chance.

At the Center, on Tuesday the 8^th, The Cherry Park band will be plucking and grinning – just like Buck Owens and Roy Clark – till the lights go out. And if you like to dance (and want to skip a night of Bingo) high step it over to the Cherry Park Grange on the first and third Saturday nights starting a 7:00 PM. Tonight the Strawberry Band will offer up their country sounds for your dancing and listening pleasure. So come on in from the cold – everybody is welcome. And Betty and Janice want me to remind you that donations are appreciated – to keep the floors clean, the lights on and the music humming.

Two weeks ago I crowed that I had the times correct for the AARP Tax Aide program – which is unusual for me. But it appears that Ronelle Currie, the program’s volunteer coordinator, must have heard and just had to prove me wrong and changed the Friday sessions to start at 2:00 – an hour earlier than usual. But I am a big boy and I can handle it. And it does give the volunteers another hour to help more folks. So I am almost, absolutely, positively sure that the hours for the AARP Tax Aide, in the basement of the Center, are from 2:00 – 6:00 on Fridays and 9:00 – 1:00 on Saturdays starting this Friday the 4th..

Several folks remembered Gene Krupa as the drummer for the Benny Goodman Band and if you go to the Center’s website at midcolumbiaseniorcenter.com you will find a short video of the Benny Goodman Band with Harry James and Gene Krupa performing “Sing, Sing, Sing”. And the winner was Betty Serna who had seen Gene Krupa perform in Denver with the Benny Goodman band.

This week’s “Remember When” question (thanks to Bob Haechral) has to be the Super Bowl – the biggest event on America’s sports calendar. There are only two teams that have lost four – count them – four Super Bowl games without winning one. One of the teams is the Buffalo Bills but the other is the only NFL football team in the state and has brought pain and despair to its 5.2 million residents. What is the name of this NFL football team? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of an 8×10 glossy of “The Purple People Eaters”.

Well, it’s another day pitching pennies. Until we meet again, be cool, hang loose and don’t be a drag.

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”Andre Gide quotes – French writer,