Curiosity had been described as “… the wick in the candle of learning “… the lust of the mind”, “…one of the great secrets of happiness”. And because it keeps our minds active, creates an excitement and appreciation for all of life’s wonders and opens new windows to fresh ideas that will challenge and engage us, it is a trait we should continue to nourish and strengthen.

Unfortunately, many of us stop questioning the world around us. We have seen it all, what more is there? But at any age we need to keep asking questions, wondering what if, and keeping our minds open – but not so open our brains fall out. And make it fun! Imagine you are like that curious cat Ralph Waldo Emerson described “lying in wait for every secret”. And then you spring, and in your paws you have a savory new discovery.

But you don’t need gourmet food to feed your curiosity. You can read a book, discuss a new idea with friends, explore your own backyard: the Discovery Center, the Library, The Dalles Art Center, and the many historical sites. And you can attend the new opportunities offered by the Center starting this fall including Wii Fun – learning the Wii games such as tennis, boxing, golf and skiing; Tech Talk – a monthly series discussing various topics such as Facebook; Lunch with TED – discussing a thought provoking video from the website TED; Life’s Lessons – stimulating group discussion of lessons learned; StoryCorp – recording of life memories and experiences; iPhone users group – or support group depending if you think your iPhone is an addiction or not; and Mastery of Aging – a video presentation created and distributed by OSU extension. If you are interested in any of these activities and classes, or if you have any ideas for additional activities, call the Center at 541-296-4788.

As the summer starts winding down so do the free local concerts. This coming Sunday August 22 at 4:00 PM the Dufur Boys will be playing the last “4th at the Fort” Sunday Concert; and on the first of September, “Music in the Park” will conclude with the “Stolen Sweets” – including The Dalles own Erin Sutherland – performing vintage swing jazz vocals. And there is always music at the Center every Tuesday night starting at 7:00 PM. On the 24th The Jazz Generations will be performing their big band sounds. And tonight Andre will be leading the Strawberry Mountain Band. The music is free but the evening is priceless. Snacks are provided and everyone but the dog is welcome.

On the menu for the Center’s monthly breakfast this coming Saturday the 21st is the southern favorite of Biscuits and Gravy, Sausage, Scramble Eggs, fruit and your favorite beverage, all for $5.00 (and $4.00 for Center members). Breakfast is served at 8:00 and continues until everyone is satisfied – usually around 9:30. The breakfast is open to all ages, the old–old, young-old, old-young and for the young-young the Center has added a children’s price of $3.00 for those under twelve. As Jack always said, “Breakfast tastes better when someone else cooks it”.

The answer to last week’s “Remember When” question was Peyton Place (of the four entries three were men – and you can take that anyway you want) and the winner was Don McAllister who remembers the book being passed around during freshman science class when one of the girls brought it to school. As a reminder this month’s winners of a free Saturday Breakfast were Terry Emmons, Diana Weston, Sharon Pincock, Sandy Stillings, Donzella Schlager and Jim Ayers; and Sandy Lutgens, but only if she brings her autographed picture of Richard Chamberlain.

This week’s question is back to my favorite category: music. What Doo-Wop group recorded the #1 hit “the Great Pretender” in 1956? Email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write the answer on the side of a Troy-Bilt Storm 24” Two Stage Snow Thrower – hey, it won’t be too long before we will be trading our sandals for warm gloves.

Well, my stomach’s full and it’s time to take a nap. Until we meet again, keep your eyes open for what can’t be seen.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain

In Wasco, Hood River and Sherman counties, over nine-hundred folks are residing in state licensed long term care facilities such as nursing facilities, assisted living facilities and adult foster care homes – and many are without close family or friends. Even in the best facilities stuff happens and in many states these residents would have no one nearby to help. But in most of Oregon that is not the case. Oregon’s Long Term Care Ombudsman program works to “enhance the quality of life and improve the quality of care for residents of Oregon’s long-term care facilities” by responding to a wide variety of resident concerns – from personal preferences (I don’t like green Jello) to financial abuse – my kids are trying to steal my life savings – and in between: billing, medications, lost property, and guardianship issues.

These concerns are investigated and resolved by a small Long Term Care Ombudsman staff and over 150 trained and certified volunteer ombudsmen assigned to facilities throughout the state who become the resident’s advocates and their “eyes and ears”.

But I said “most of Oregon” because currently there are no trained volunteers in Wasco, Hood River and Sherman Counties. Two volunteers have just stepped forward in Hood River County and Gretchen Jordan, the state coordinator of volunteers for the program, is looking for several more. This is important and serious work requiring five days of training over three weeks (starting August 24th in Hood River) and a commitment of approximately 15 -16 hours a month.

If you have the passion and the commitment to protecting the rights of older adults who live in long term care facilities and would like to become a Long Term Care Ombudsman, call Gretchen at 1-800-522-2602 or email her at LTCO.volunteer@state.or.us. And you can always call the Center.

To celebrate these dog days of summer, Meals-on-Wheels’ is having a special Swim Suit contest – with prizes – at their monthly birthday dinner on Tuesday August 17th. But before you get too excited or too fraught with terror (wearing a Speedo doesn’t quite make the same impression as it did 40 years ago. Ask my wife!) the swim suit contest is only for plastic dolls. Here is a chance to imagine yourself as a Jantzen swim suit designer and create your own one-of-a-kind bathing suit for your favorite doll. But if you want to try something a little tamer, there will also be Hawaiian shirt and best Beach Hat contests. All brought to you by the wild and crazy folks at Meals-in-Wheals (sounds like a Betty Harlan idea to me). Join the fun on Tuesday August 17th starting at noon at the Center.

The Senior Center Quilters are looking for a few extra fingers that are itching to stitch. Because several regular quilters no longer can continue because of family obligations, they are now down to four active members and they need to restock the cupboards. They usually stitch two quilts a year to raffle for the Center (you can see their latest work hanging in the Center’s lobby) and they also do custom repairs and quilting jobs for hire. They meet every Monday from 10:00 – 3:00 in the Center’s basemen. For more information you can call Linda Heath at 541-296-6415. As it has been said, “A bed without a quilt is like a sky without stars.”

I hear country sounds “coming around the mountain when she comes” because next Tuesday August 17th the Strawberry Mountain Band will be cranking it out for your dancing and listening pleasure. And tonight you can enjoy the sweet sounds of that tantalizing trio – the Notecrackers. The carpet is rolled up at 7:00 so you can “show your stuff”. It is all free although donations are appreciated. And everybody’s welcome.

Last week’s answer was “I Spy” starring Robert Culp and Bill Crosby. And the randomly selected winner of a free breakfast was Terry Emmons. (Sorry Ron – maybe next time!) But this week I want to tack in a different direction for this week’s “Remember When” question. Before there was “Desperate Housewives” there was a novel written in 1956 that was on the New York Times best seller list for 59 weeks. It followed the lives of three women in a small New England village and became a popular expression describing a place where the residents hold seamy sordid secrets. Email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or leave the answer on my desk – engraved on the back of a new iPhone4.

Well it is time to lie down and watch the clouds whisper by as they dance the slow dances. Until we meet again, remember to “always ride a horse in the direction it is going.”

These are difficult times. As we gradually pull out of the worst economic meltdown since the great depression, many folks are still struggling. And even though older adults are covered by Social Security and Medicare, for many this publicly supported safety net is not enough as the costly demands of aging increase.

In the past Oregon has been a leader in offering supports for the elderly allowing them to remain independent longer – providing nursing home care (though necessary in many cases) as the last resort instead of the first as was the case in many other states. But the system has over the years unraveled due to budget restrictions. And with the “Great Recession” has come even further reductions and uncertainty. The LIfeSpan Respite program which operated out of the Community Action Program (CAP) and provided relief for families who are caring for someone with special needs such as a disability or a chronic or terminal illness closed on July 1st. But fortunately, although temporarily, Oregon Project Independence (OPI) – a small but valuable program, providing some 2,000 Oregon seniors with housekeeping, shopping and other assistance needed to keep them out of nursing homes and living independently was given a six month reprieve by the Legislature’s Emergency Board.

These are difficult times. And State Representative Bill Garrard from Klamath Falls described the situation the best by comparing it to a shipwreck “We’re throwing survivors a life preserver but leaving them in the water.” Until the economy picks up, or we find different structures for delivering necessary services, or the federal government sends a tugboat to the rescue, this may be the best we can afford.

The challenge is we’re also living in different times. The frail and elderly are living longer in a continuing complex society with less support from the tattered safety net of distant family or neighbors who live next door but we don’t know. As government steps back, we as a community will need to step forward – again: more volunteers to help deliver meals, to help folks manage their money or understand the complexity of Medicare and the Health insurance system, or just to visit and chat. We have done it before, we are doing it now and we will need to do it more in the future to help those who are struggling and in need. As the “Happy Warrior” Hubert Humphrey once said “A society will be judged on how it treats those in the dawn of life, those in the twilight of life, and those in the shadow of life”. I you are interested in volunteering you can call the Area Agency on Aging at 541-298-4101 or the Center at 541-296-4788.

Tuesday Night Music at the Center offers a variety of music from Country to bluegrass; from a bit of “adult contemporary” to the big band sounds with a touch of jazz. But the common denominator every Tuesday night is good music you can dance to. And to make the point, next Tuesday on the 10th the Notecrackers will be performing their classic sweet sounds while tonight Truman will be playing his Country Gold. It is all good. And it all starts at 7:00 PM. The admittance is just a pair of shoes and a little bit of rhythm, although donations are appreciated.

Of the ten entries this last week, Diana Weston was the winner of a free Saturday breakfast by remembering the TV series “Man from U.N.C.L.E.” But several folks had their eyes wide open – including Herm Neuberger who was the first to catch my error – and saw I had mistakenly identified Robert Wagner as the actor playing Napolean Solo instead of Robert Vaughn.

But last week’s “Remember When” question brought to mind another Robert. Under the category of TV secret agents – for one last week – in what ground breaking TV series did Robert Culp and Bill Cosby star as Pentagon secret agents – chasing villains, spies, and beautiful women? Email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com or call 541-296-4788 or write the answer on the back of a “42” LED flat screen TV and leave it in the dining room at the Center.

Well, it is time to shoot the breeze and see what falls from the sky. Until we meet again, another piece of advice from the Cowboy from Condon, “The quickest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it back into your pocket.”

Senior Living July 27th

“Change is inevitable – except from a vending machine” observed Robert C. Gallagher. But change creates challenges that as we get older we need be prepared for.

During these modern times, more often than not, our children are scattered like seeds in the wind – living who knows where. But by being separated by distance and time, our children may not know our specific needs or desires, our fears and hopes. And with the generations more isolated, they probably also lack a general understanding or empathy for the struggles and joys that we travel with us as we age.

With this lack of awareness are you prepared for the time when there are decisions to be made because of a life-changing situation: the unexpected fall, a debilitating illness or the slow progression of dementia? And the child parent relationship reasserts itself, but surprise! -you are now considered the child. Who is going to decide – for you?

And have you considered the affect of not making your wishes known – the anguish and conflict as your children try to determine what you would want them to do. Will they make the right decision – the decision you would want them to make?

There may not be the right time, but there needs to be a time to initiate these tough discussions: these discussions we all – and particularly our children – try to avoid or deny. Our children may be talented and caring – and we love them – but very few are mind readers. We can’t expect them to know what we want unless we tell them. And we need to be prepared by telling them our wishes and desires now.

Meals-on-Wheels delivers eighty plus meals a day as well as serving a fine dinner every week day at noon at the Center, but like most community based programs, the Meals-on-Wheels program operates on a shoe string – a thin shoe string. Consequently they depend on the many volunteers to deliver the meals; without them the program could not exist. But they need your help. If you are looking for an opportunity to volunteer or can squeeze in one more activity in your busy day, consider driving for Meals-on-Wheels. The commitment is small – as little as one hour a week, but the reward is great.

The Center’s NU-2-U Shop is in the midst of a two week half-price sale continuing through Friday August 6th. There is a nice selection of good quality women’s clothes and a few men’s clothes to boot. But Martha says they gotta move – we don’t have the room. Stop in and check out the selection of clothes at prices that should be illegal. The NU-2-U Shop is open every Monday through Friday from 10:00 – 1:30.

I don’t know yet who is playing next Tuesday night at the Center, but I do know the Jazz Generations will be playing some hot licks and cool sounds tonight for your listening and dancing enjoyment. The “cats” start howling at 7:00 and it won’t cost you any “bread” although donations are appreciated. (Late bulletin: Truman will be back performing next Tuesday August 3rd. Smooth country music for you dancing and listening pleasure.)

The women clearly outnumbered the men – nineteen to five – in answering last week’s “Remember When” question. Richard Chamberlain played the lead character in the hospital drama Dr. Kildare. Those winning a free breakfast are Sharon Pincock and Sandy Stillings (#1 dishwasher for the Saturday Breakfast). But a special free breakfast goes to Sandy Lutgens – if and only if – she brings her autographed picture of Richard Chamberlain to breakfast on August 21st.

But although Richard Chamberlain was a handsome fellow, Jenny Garner thought he couldn’t compare to Illya Kuyakin. In the TV series that ran from 1946 thought early 1968, Iilya (David McCullum) teamed up with Napoleon Solo (Robert Wagner) as secret agents fighting the evil international organization THRUST. What was the name of this hit TV show? Email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com or call 541-296-4788 or place the answer on the front seat of a mint condition 1963 Buick Skylark convertible parked at the Center.

It is time to jump in the shower and cool off – for the third time. Until we meet again, “If you’re ridin’ ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it’s still there with ya”.

There a reason I’m married. Saturday morning I wanted to open up the Center by 5:30 so the volunteers would be ready to serve the Cowboy breakfast by 7:30 – for those who like their breakfast bright and early. But when I woke up that morning, it was 5:25. (The alarm did go off at 5:30 but I won’t embarrass myself by mentioning who set the alarm.) After rushing out of bed – trying not to wake my wife, with a quick splash through the bathroom – no time for my regular shower, and getting dressed, I managed to get to the Center by 5:37. Not bad, eh?

After opening up, and starting the coffee, I made a quick stop in the bathroom to tuck in my shirt – at least I had my shirt on. And looking in the mirror for the first time, I noticed my hair disheveled with strands sticking straight out – like Alfalfa in The Little Rascals. And this is when I realized the benefits of marriage. Friends are far too kind to comment, but my wife, if she had been awake, would have immediately noticed, and before I had left the house would have corrected my appearance with the gentle reminder “You aren’t going out looking like that are you?”

That is why we men are so beholden to our wives. Without them, what would we look like, how would we dress, and who would remind us of the food stains on our pants or the mismatched socks? As we get older, more distracted and forgetful, this “quality assurance” role wives play becomes even more significant. Thank goodness I’m married – I need all the help I can get and I know it’s not going to get any better.

Before I embark on this week’s “Remember When” question, I need to apologize to the ladies for stating last week’s question was for the guys. As said by the cowboy from Condon, “The easiest way to eat crow is while it’s still warm. The colder it gets, the harder it is to swaller”. In my wisdom I thought a question about baseball and cowboys would naturally appeal more to the male side of the audience – not imagining that eleven of the eighteen respondents would be women. I guess Gene Autry made quite an impression. And since there were so many entries, there are two winners: Donzella Schlager and Jim Ayers, both winning a free Saturday breakfast on August 21st.

So this week I’ll try again with a question for the gals. (I’ll see what trouble I get into this time.) Richard Chamberlain was the leading TV heartthrob of the early 60’s while playing the lead character in what TV series that ran on NBC from 1961 through 1966? Email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com or call 541-296-4788 or write the answer on the back of a c-note and discreetly place it in my back pocket.

I am starting to schedule the Center’s fall classes and activities and I would like to present several new offerings this fall. I still want to provide several specific technology classes such as social networking since the over 60 crowd is the fasting growing population using social media. And an iphone user’s group – there must be more folks out there who are looking for the latest iphone app besides Virgil Choate and myself. I know what appeals to me – and have found many times it is only me. But what are your interests? If you have any ideas for a weekly, monthly or just a onetime only class or activity, or if you know someone who is interested in facilitating a class, email me or call the Center with your suggestions.

As there is always room for home-made ice cream on a hot summer day, there is always a place for good live music with fine company. Next Tuesday the 27th the Jazz Generations will be presenting the big band sounds for your dancing and listening enjoyment. And tonight the Sugar Daddies will be playing your favorites standards and their own original compositions. The beat goes on from 7:00 till 9:00 and it’s all free although donations are appreciated.

Well it’s time to put the top down and follow the open highway. Until we meet again, if you think you are pretty darn smart remember, “It don’t take a genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep”.

I remember the days growing up in Indiana – hot and humid, without air conditioning: sleeping uncovered – spread out like you were ready to be frisked by a city cop; every morning emptying the water from the dehumidifier; and getting out of the car – the back of my shirt drenched with sweat. Ah, the good ole days! But it seemed like I could handle the heat better then, than now.

As we get older, particularly after 65, we are more susceptible to health issues caused by the heat. We do not adjust as easily to sudden changes in temperature, are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that affects our body’s response to the heat; and are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair our body’s ability to regulate its temperature. And as a reminder, here are some common sense actions we can take to help mitigate the effects of the heat.

Drink liquids, even if you are not thirsty, but avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Dress for the heat: natural fabrics are usually better than synthetic: light colors are better than dark; and wear loose fitting clothes – let the younger generations were the outfits that look like they are painted on. Keep cool. If you don’t have air conditioning, find a place that does. And cool baths or showers can provide relief while ice bags and wet towels are also helpful. Slow down. Additional activity can put extra strain on the heart. Limit salt use. Salt is a problem for many reasons and heat is one of them.

Take the heat seriously. Dizziness, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, nausea, headache, chest pain, mental changes or breathing problems are warning signs that you should seek immediate medical attention.
Be smart. Although the weather is cooling, we know it will be back up in the 100’s again sometime this summer.

For all of you “pioneers, adventurers, rogues & scallywags”, the Rough and Wild Fort Dalles Days and Rodeo has arrived and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. On Saturday starting at 8:00 AM the Center will be serving a Cowboy Breakfast fit for your finest bull rider or rodeo queen. It will include hotcakes, bacon, scrambled eggs, fruit and the regular beverages all for $5.00. The sponsors for the Cowboy breakfast are the crew at Barb Pashek’s Oregon Dogwoods who would like to thank everyone for all their support over the years and especially this season. And Hazel Philips Travel – offering several trips this year including the Whale Watching Trip in September and a Leavenworth Christmas Lights Tour in December. Stop by the Center or Hazel Phillips Travel for more information. There is no better way of enjoying a trip than letting someone else take care of all the details.

And how many of last week’s “lateral thinking” questions do you think you got right? Are you an “out of the box” thinker? Here are the answers – with the abbreviated questions for those like me who can’t remember what you read yesterday, let alone a week ago.
1. What he would do if you met the airline pilot wearing a dress in a bar? Offer to buy her a drink! The captain was a woman. 2. What are the two coins totaling 11cents, if one of the coins is not a penny? A dime and a penny – the other coin can be a penny. 3. There was an oil lamp, a candle and firewood and you only have one match, which would you light first? The match. 4. What can you put into a wooden box that would make it lighter? Holes. 5. How much soil is there in a 3 inch x 2 inch x 2 inch hole? None – it’s a hole! 6. If you drove a bus leaving The Dalles with 35 passengers … and then drove on to arrive in Portland, what would the name of the driver be? You are the driver! 7. A window cleaner on the 25th floor slips and falls and suffers no injuries. Explain. He was cleaning the inside of the windows. 8. A farmer has 15 cows, all but 8 die. How many were left? Eight. 9. John’s mother has 3 children, one is named April, one is named May. What is the third one named? John. 10. How can a cowboys ride into town on Friday, stay overnight and leave the next day on Friday? His horse was named Friday

And this week’s “Remember When” question is one for the guys. What singing cowboy founded and owned a baseball team but died before he could see them win the World Series in 2002? Call the Center at 541-296-4788 or email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com.

A couple of quickies before I run out of space. Next Tuesday night the Sugar Daddies will be playing for your dancing and listening pleasure, and tonight it’s the Notecrackers. Music starts at 7:00. It is free, although donations are always appreciated. And Joann Scott knew what you call a penguin in the Sahara Desert? Lost!

Well, the steer is about to leave the chute. Until we meet again, as the cowboy from Condon once said, “Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear, or a fool from any direction.”

How do you feel about family reunions? My wife and I recently spent five days in Bend with my brother and sister who flew out from back east. We had a good time: playing games, sightseeing, eating, and catching up on the present while sharing stories from the past. (I am always impressed how my younger sister can remember so many embarrassing stories about me which I have no recollection of. I guess you remember what is important.) But with being out of town for five days and having an early deadline for this column because of the holiday, I am a little rushed. And what do you do when you have so far to go and so little time? You punt!

So here is a short list of ten questions that was used during the Center’s Brain Fitness class to start your brain synapses firing. But they may be a challenge. Some of us are more literal or concrete thinkers (Does that make us blockheads? And does anyone know what that means anymore?), while others are better at lateral thinking – the ability to think creatively, solving problems by looking at them from unexpected perspectives. (You know – people who can’t see the obvious, spending their time coming up with great ideas, but never getting anything done.) But you will have to wait until next week for the answers. You see, this is also a test on how well you can deal with deferred gratification.

1. A graduate applying for pilot training with a major airline was asked what he would do if, after a long-haul flight to Sidney, he met the captain wearing a dress in the hotel bar. What would you do?
2. If you have two coins totaling 11cents, and one of the coins is not a penny, what are the two coins?
3. If you were alone in a deserted house at night, and there was an oil lamp, a candle and firewood and you only have one match, which would you light first?
4. What can you put into a wooden box that would make it lighter? The more of them you put in the lighter it becomes, yet the box stays empty.
5. To the nearest cubic inch, how much soil is there in a 3 inch x 2 inch x 2 inch hole?
6. If you drove a bus leaving The Dalles with 35 passengers, dropped off 6 and picked up 2 at Hood River, picked up 9 more at Cascade Locks, dropped off 3 at Troutdale, and then drove on to arrive in Portland 90 minutes later, what would the name of the driver be?
7. A window cleaner is cleaning the windows on the 25th floor of a skyscraper, when he slips and falls. He is not wearing a safety harness and nothing slows his fall, yet he suffered no injuries. Explain.
8. A farmer has 15 cows, all but 8 die. How many does he have left?
9. John’s mother has 3 children, one is named April, one is named May. What is the third one named?
10. A cowboy rode into town on Friday, spent one night there, and left on Friday. How do you account for this?

Don’t forget the basement rummage sale at the Center – Thursday through Saturday with the doors opening at 9:00. And on Saturday there is more: Meals-on-Wheels’ parking lot sale with hot dogs and cotton candy; and several folks selling their own items. Stop by and see if there is a bargain you can’t live without.

It’s still not snowing, and there are no hurricanes – at least in these parts – so Tuesday Night music is a go. On the 13th the sounds of the Notecrackers will be sashaying through the air for your dancing and listening pleasure. And tonight the Strawberry Mountain Band will be playing. The music starts at 7:00 and there is no charge although donations are appreciated.

The winner of last week’s “Remember When” question was Marcia Lacock who remembered Topo Gigio, the Italian puppet that often appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. This week’s question takes a different tack to lighten things up a bit. What do you call a penguin in the Sahara desert? If you know the punch line – or can use your lateral thinking skills and come up with a better one, call the Center at 541-296-4788 or email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com. It’s your chance to win a free Saturday breakfast at the Center on July 17th.

Well the light has turned green- time to get this body moving. Until we meet again, one man’s piece of junk is another man’s treasure.

“Family life is a bit like a runny peach pie – not perfect but who’s complaining?” Robert Brault

I can never remember where I parked the car; can’t even remember eating my banana; and what I do remember – I find out never happened. Sound familiar? And because of these memory lapses, you may have considered taking a “memory screening” test – offered at pharmacies or health fares – to see if this “forgetfulness” is something you should worry about – such as the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease.

But according to Nicole Wood in her article on the Healthy Aging Magazine’s Web site there is a debate among Alzheimer disease experts regarding the value of “memory screenings”.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) believe these memory screenings – which can take as little as ten minutes – can detect cognitive issues before memory loss becomes a problem. In addition, a positive screening result would commence a conversation between the individual and their doctor and encourage the doctor to recommend additional evaluation. But AFA makes it clear – a screening is not a diagnosis.

But the critics, including the Alzheimer’s Association, are concerned that these memory screenings are inaccurate and produce a high level of false positives. Even though physicians have successfully diagnosed Alzheimer Disease patients, it requires a battery of tests including extensive physical, neurological, psychological and mental exams. And even then, one out of ten diagnoses is incorrect.

In addition many patients who receive poor scores at mass screenings do not follow up with their physicians for a complete diagnosis. John Trojanowski, MD, PhD, director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Center at the University of Pennsylvania, has called the 10-minute memory screening exams useless. And rather than memory screenings, the Alzheimer’s Association promotes “cognitive surveillance” between patients and their physicians.

However both sides of this debate agree that a healthy lifestyle including exercising, both physical and cognitive, staying socially active and engaged, and reducing stress and anxiety can help prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease no matter how well you score on a memory test.

There can be many causes for forgetfulness and memory loss including urinary track infections, side effects of medications, and depression. If you have concerns talk to your physician to better understand and diagnosis the reasons for your memory lapses. But a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease can have serious consequences and should be offered after a careful and thorough evaluation. .

Tuesday Night music is seldom canceled – only if it snows – and since there’s no snow on the Klickitats, the Strawberry Mountain Band will be back playing on the 6th for your dancing and listening pleasure. And tonight it’s “Martin and Friends”. The house starts shaking at 7:00 and everyone but their dog is invited. The price is non-existent but the fun isn’t.

The Center is still accepting donated items for its rummage sale on July 8th, 9th and 10th opening up at 9:00 am each of those three days. And the main event is Saturday when Meals-on-Wheels will add their yard sale plus hot dogs and cotton candy. We will have spaces available ($15 a space) if you want to sell your own items or have your own “table” sale. Contact the Center for more information.

A quick plug for The Dalles Farmers’ Market at the City Park from 8am – 1 pm every Saturday through October. They have fresh produce, meat, eggs, local honey, fresh cut flowers, hand spun and dyed yarn, as well as skin care products. Good natural healthy stuff. And you can even find them on Facebook. .

Of all the responses identifying Ted Mack as the host for the Original Amateur Hour TV show, John Layson was the winner of a free Saturday breakfast during Ft. Dalles weekend. This next “Remember When” question may be a challenge. The Sunday night Ed Sullivan show was always a must see when I was growing up – I didn’t want to miss the big stars of the day. But there was one character that was on the show over 50 times and even closed the final Ed Sullivan Show in 1971. What was the name of the Italian puppet that would end the Ed Sullivan show by saying “Eddie, Keesa me goo’night!”? Call 541-296-4788 or email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com with the correct answer for a chance to win a free Saturday breakfast.

Well the alarm has rung again – time to rollover and go back to sleep. Until we meet again, don’t let the past be your future.

“Adventure is just bad planning.” – Roald Amundsen Norwegian Arctic & Antarctic explorer (1872 – 1928)

We all pass through different stages in our lives – for young children, psychologists have identified “ages and stages” – from first steps, through the “terrible twos” to becoming mommies little helper. But as we age we don’t need experts to explain our life stages – through life experience we discover them ourselves. For Jeri she saw her adult life in three stages – three stages many of us will recognize. And she was excited knowing it was time to begin the third stage.

She realized her first stage were the years she did what she had to do; during the second, she focused on what she thought she should do; and the third stage, which she was about to begin – doing what she wanted to do – a time when you give yourself permission to follow your soul and your passion without guilt or regret. (Unfortunately there is the seldom discussed fourth stage: doing what you are told to do – by your kids, by your care giver (who you are paying!), or the police, “Sir you just can’t drive your scooter down the middle of the street!”.) There are different times in all of our lives when we should follow our head, our heart and our passions – just don’t ignore that third stage.

There’s not an announcement for the Center’s Tuesday Lecture this week because it will be taking a break for the summer. This popular series – concluding its third year – was born from John Hutchinson’s idea of a monthly presentation called Community Matters (and I still like that title) bred with Hal Sessions’ desire to provide relevant health and civic information for older adults. The Center appreciates all the presenters who have made the lecture series such a success – particularly Joyce Powell Morin who schedules every month a speaker from MCMC. And if you have any lecture ideas, call the Center. Some of our best lectures have been suggested by folks like you.

Next Tuesday night the Center has scheduled a new act, “Martin and Friends”, who will be performing for your listening and dancing enjoyment. I don’t know any details, but Doc always comes up with musical groups that will satisfy your Tuesday night dancing fever. And tonight Hank & Ann Krum, Bob Fiske & David Fretz of the Jazz Generations will be playing your favorite Big Band sounds. Bring your dancing partner and enjoy an evening of heavenly pleasure. The horns start blowing at 7:00 and it is all free, although donations are appreciated.

Summer is yard sale season and it is time for the Center to jump on that stage coach before it leaves town. I have set the date twice, but like a child at the candy store, I kept changing my mind. But the final date has been set for the Center’s “rummage, basement and parking lot” sale now scheduled for Thursday July 8th from 9:00 to 6:00 pm (for those who have the “yard sale” urge after work), Friday from 9:00 – 2:00 and Saturday from 9:00 – 4:00. And on Saturday Meals-on-Wheels will add their own rummage sale including selling hot dogs and cotton candy. There will also be spaces available for other venders for only $15 a space. And we are accepting donations of your unwanted items if you are in the mood to de-clutter your life. For more information call 541-296-4788.

One of the fine folks at the Area Agency on Aging is retiring: my friend, Medicare maven and Coffebreak companion, Jean Hockman. Although she is retiring she will not be leaving and wants everyone to know this fall she will be volunteering at the Center to help with Medicare’s Open Enrollment. In the meantime she is taking a break and finding out if “the rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain”.

And speaking of Coffee, this Thursday the 24th Al Wynn will be celebrating Coffeebreak’s 8000th show. Every morning at 10:00 – direct from Cousin’s restaurant – Al hosts a community forum of live unrehearsed discussions with civic leaders, elected officials and practically every organization in town. I have always enjoyed the friendly give and take with Al – sharing information about the Center and the opportunities for older adults in the community. I wish him the best and another 8000 shows?

Yes, it was Abbott and Costello who performed the wild and crazy “Who’s on First”. And of the ten entries, Don McAllister is the winner of a free Saturday breakfast on July 17th during Ft. Dalles Rodeo weekend. The “Remember When” question for this week goes back before Star Search and American Idol – when there was a TV show which featured amateur talent and the audience was asked to vote by sending in postcards or calling JUdson 6-7000. Who was the TV host of this television talent show that ran from 1948 – 1970?

Well that’s it time to pull another weed. Until we meet again don’t let the sun catch you frowning.

“Things ain’t what they used to be and never were.” Will Rogers

It makes you think – reading different perspectives on aging. I just started re-reading John McKnight’s book “The Careless Society” which describes how we have replaced true “caring” with a professional class of service providers who depend on creating needs and deficits in order to take care of us. In this eye-opening critique, he specifically addresses the differences between the professional’s view of “oldhood” as a set of problems that need to be solved and the perspective of his 81 year old mother-in-law who sees “oldhood” as just a condition – like being male or female, tall or short; neither good nor bad.

For McKnight’s “Old Grandma” (she liked to be called “Old Grandma” because she believed it gave her authority) old was many things: “finally knowing what is important; when you are, rather than when you are becoming; knowing about pain rather than fearing it; being able to gain more pleasure from memory than from prospect; when doctors become impotent and powerless; when satisfaction depends less and less on consumption; using the strength that a good life has stored for you; enjoying deference; and worrying about irrelevance.”

Does this understanding of “oldhood” speak to you? At my relatively inexperienced 62 year, I know I don’t have a clear understanding of the meaning of “old”. I don’t feel old, but then I don’t feel young either. It’s like I’m in junior high again – at that in-between stage. But if society portrays “oldhood” as a problem as John McKnight suggests, instead of just a condition that “is”, as Old Grandma believes, maybe that is why my generation is so fearful of growing old – while consuming the products and services that we are told will help us avoid “oldhood”. But fortunately there are many who are actively challenging the deficit creating messages describing old is a problem, and instead portraying “oldhood” as a time of self awareness, creation and relevance.

They say you should “eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper.” This coming Saturday morning you can be “Queen (or King) for the Day” – enjoying a delicious breakfast prepared by Bonnie and Edna. This month’s menu includes biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage, fruit and coffee. Not bad for $5.00 – or $4.00 if you are a Center member. And the Center would like to thank our friends, Heather and Tara, at Edward Jones for sponsoring this month’s breakfast.

And to add a little spice to the scrambled eggs, this month’s breakfast theme is “high school graduation” – if you still remember those days. And if you can find your high school yearbook, stored among all those other lost memories, bring it to the Center this week or during breakfast and receive $1 off. So far only Jim Gordon has taken up the offer. And after reading the scribbled notes in his yearbook, I see he hasn’t really changed – still following the humorist Dave Barry’s philosophy of “I’ll mature when I’m dead.”

And continuing this theme, for the Tuesday lecture on the 22nd (the last one until September), we will meet at the school previously known as Wahtonka High School at 11:00 for a tour of the School District Archive Museum with Rymmel Lovell. Park in the paved parking lot parallel to 10th street and the entrance to the museum is through the gate on the south east corner of the building.

Thanks to the help of many volunteers and the generosity and support of all the folks who attend, the Center’s Tuesday Night Music has been a real success. And it also helps when you have crowd-pleasing, talented musicians playing each Tuesday night such as the “Jazz Generations” next Tuesday the 22nd and the “Strawberry Mountain Band” tonight. I keep sliding the tables closer together and further back so more couples can get out there and do their thing – we may not move as fast, but we still enjoy moving. The beats start at 7:00 and although the electricity is flowing there is no charge – but donations are graciously accepted.

Several folks remembered the radio series “I Love a Mystery” but only Joanne Scott remembered the three friends: Jack, Doc and Reggie. (If you want to hear the old time radio broadcasts from “The Adventures of Sam Spade” to “Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar” you can find many of them on the Internet at www. otr.net.) For this week’s “Remember When” question we’ll stick to the category “Old Time Radio”. What comedy duo first performed on national radio in 1938 the hilarious comedy routine “Who’s on First?” For a chance to will a free Saturday breakfast, call 541-296-4788 or email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com.

Well that’s another day in the sun. Until we meet again, don’t open up your umbrella when the sun is still shining.

“The only real way to look younger is not to be born so soon.” Charles Schulz