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

Last Saturday on a beautiful sunny day (how did they do that?) there was standing room only for The Dalles Wahtonka High School graduation – a time for these high school seniors to celebrate the completion of one chapter in their lives and the beginning of another – as friends, parents and grandparents watched with pride and admiration. But I wonder if these young people see the many opportunities ahead; believing that anything is possible and wanting to make a difference. I hope so.

But as we stand and watch from the other end of the time continuum – weathered and wiser, I wonder if we – as seniors, after our graduation from the workforce, having left behind the friends we knew so well – still look to the future more than the past, still see our opportunities and possibilities ahead and still believe we can make a difference. I hope so.

As she looks ahead, Rymmel Lovell is also looking back by helping establish the School District Archive Museum: a place to collect and display local school history including memorabilia from both The Dalles and Wahtonka High Schools. You can find old trophies, pictures, and scrapbooks; and vintage computers including the TRS -80 and apple computers. And did you ever want to relive the excitement of those high school football games? You can. Included is a collection of 16 mm films of TDHS football games if you or your class wants to convert any to DVD format.

But the museum collection is far from complete and Rymmel is always looking for additional photos – particularly class or student pictures from the Thompson and Court Street schools and pictures from Wilson School before 1970. You can call her or bring the photos to the Center – and she will gladly accept copies if you want to keep the original.

The School District Archive Museum is in the old Wahtonka High School and is now open every Saturday from 10:00 – 3:00. The entrance is near the south east corner but when the museum is open, Rymmel will have signs out for the directionally challenged. And if you would like to volunteer, use the museum for a meeting, schedule a special tour, donate memorabilia, or just would like more information, you can call Rymmel at 541-296-6546.

To get into that graduation spirit, the Center is offering a special $1.00 off on the Center’s June 19th Saturday breakfast, if and only if you have enough guts – no vanity allowed – to bring your high school yearbook to the breakfast (Skip the pictures, I want to know what your friends wrote about you!). And to get the fun rolling, I have left my 1966 high school yearbook at the front desk – and what a handsome guy he was.

A local resource to pacify your creative urge this summer is The Dalles Art Center. Check out the many opportunities in June: Intermediate Watercolors class, an “Introduction to Pastels” workshop, and “Making Jewelry with PMC”. The Art Center is open every Tuesday-Saturday from 11-5 PM so you can enjoy the current monthly exhibit of local artists. For more details, call 541-296-4759 or go to their web site at thedallesart@embarqmail.com.

And there is more. The public is invited to their Annual Volunteer Appreciation Party at the Art Center this Saturday, June 11th at 2:00 PM. For this special event there will be a presentation on R. Crumb’s “Book of Genesis” by the Portland Art Museum Speakers Bureau. (R. Crumb was the controversial founder of the underground comix movement.)

Tuesday night is music night at the Center and on the 15th the Strawberry Mountain Band will be back to raise the roof – lead by the venerable Andre Lamoreaux. And tonight you can savor the sweet sounds of The Notecrackers. And it’s all free (donations are appreciated) and we don’t check ID’s at the door.

Virginia McLain was one of ten entries who remembered that Rod Serling was the creator and narrator of the television series “Twilight Zone”. This week’s “Remember When” question is courtesy of Ron Nelson who remembers after his bedtime, hiding under the covers with the radio and listening to the adventure series “I Love a Mystery”. The radio series was about three friends who ran a detective agency and traveled the world in search of adventure, and from 1950 – 1952 was heard weeknights at 10:15pm. Who were the three friends in “I Love a Mystery”? And I will give you a hint – one was Jack. Call 541-296-4788 or email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com.

Well, that’s enough – time to blow out the candles and shut the doors. Until we meet again, as Milton Berle, Mr. Television himself, once said, “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

There will be a time in your life, when you have that “ah-ha” moment. For Judy it was recalling an occasion, years back, when she looked out her window and saw an older man – much older than herself – shuffling along the sidewalk. He wasn’t dirty but wasn’t really clean either – and his pants and shirt didn’t match in color or pattern. She remembers her immediate reaction – a sense of sadness and pity.

Now, years later, when she again pictures that scene, it is her “ah – ha” moment – for she realizes, it didn’t really matter. How he dressed, how he looked, whether he shuffled or ran – it didn’t really matter. At this time in her life she understands what was once so important is no longer: how you move about, social position, appearance, clothes. And it was liberating – providing a new sense of freedom; creating opportunities to pursue her postponed callings and no longer bound by unnecessary social constraints. (Let me pause here to make clear – it is the type of clothes that aren’t important. I don’t want anyone walking down third street, buck naked, telling folks I said wearing clothes wasn’t important – although there are those summer days when you wish – no, I better not go there.)

This sense of freedom leads to a new awareness of what is important: a trueness to self and accepting who we are; meaningful connections with friends with all their gifts – and faults, and an appreciation of the banquet that lies before us. By learning, discovering these new understandings of life, these “ah-ha” moments, we can look forward with anticipation and hope, as each day we bravely step into the future.

Jan Leininger recently reminded me that the Wasco County Historical Society is at it again providing a wide variety of tasty summer offerings at the Rorick House (300 W 13th Street in The Dalles). You may have missed Eric Gleason last Sunday but this coming Saturday at 2:00 pm Bob Carsner will be discussing “ The History and Art to the Stained Glass Windows in The Dalles’ Churches”. Then on Sunday June 13th at 2:00 pm the Meyer Sisters, Brita, Brenna and little sis Luise will be performing on the Rorick Piano, followed by David Childs on Saturday June 19th at 2:00 discussing his WW II experiences and his recently published book “Wings and Tracks”. The series concludes with John Lundell presenting his recently published research “History of Schools Districts and School Houses, Wasco County, Oregon”.

Newly appointed The Dalles City Mayor, Jim Wilcox, will be the speaker for the Center’s June 8nd Tuesday lecture at 11:00. He will share his thoughts and perspectives on City Government and answer any of your questions – plus provide us with all the inside gossip about city council. (Is it true, the real reason Nikki Lesich resigned in April is because she was asked to impersonate the former mayor, Rob VanCleave, impersonating Elvis Presley at the Cherry Festival Lipsync Contest – and although she could take all the political heat – that was just had too much too handle?)

The four lucky folks who each won a notecard depicting the “Dalles City” Sternwheeler at Rooster Rock (given to the Center by Clarence Mershon) were Glena McCargar, Corliss Marsh, Joann Scott and Loretta Commander. And the answer? Samuel Lancaster, the engineer and landscape architect who was the primary designer of the Historic Columbia River Highway.”

And for this week’s “Remember When” question, its back to television – America’s living room during the 50’s and 60”s. Who was the creator and narrator of the television series “Twilight Zone” which often used science fiction to comment on social and political issues of that time? Email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com or call 541-296-4788.

That’s it again – time to pick back the rug and put away the dishes. Until we meet again, don’t just wait for the phone to ring. Pick it up and call somebody.

“If you can’t fly, run. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl, but by all means keep moving.” Martin Luther King

In this column I try to share my perspectives on the opportunities and possibilities during this next chapter of our lives – thoughts I have gathered from reading, studying and most importantly from my conversations with the many active, engaged and caring folks I see daily. I have learned that getting “old” is not the end but the beginning of many new and exciting adventures, a chance to fulfill postponed dreams and a time of awakening and greater understanding. But I try not to be Pollyannish. As Joan Chittister points out in her book, “The Gift of Years”, life has both its blessings and burdens. And it is hard to ignore the burdens – the tread on these ole tires ain’t getting any thicker. But life is what you make of it, given the circumstances you are dealt. And I hope I can provide some worthwhile information and advice; encouragement and comfort to make these years the best years of your life.

One of the burdens of aging is an increased risk of falling. A fall can dramatically change a person’s life: their sense of independence and vulnerability, their emotional and physical health and even their relationship to their children. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests four actions you can take to reduce your risks of falling – besides the obvious like staying off twenty foot ladders. They are to begin a regular exercise program; have your health care provider review your medicines; have your vision checked; and make your home safer by removing small throw rugs, installing grab bars next to your toilet and in the tub or shower, and installing handrails on all staircases.

But to learn more from someone who really knows, Brandon Strizich, the director of MCMC’s mPower – which provides acute inpatient rehabilitation – will discuss the cost of falls and how to assess your risks at the Center’s Tuesday lecture on June 1st at 11:00. But please don’t trip over yourself as you rush to this informative presentation that will offer some real practical help.

For several years the Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society has been collecting donations to erect a common monument at the Pioneer Cemetery in The Dalles to honor all those buried there. Now that the goal has been reached, The Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society is inviting the community to the dedication of a memorial stone listing all two hundred forty three known burials. The dedication will take place on Memorial Day, May 31st with a Veteran’s Ceremony by The Dalles Veterans of Foreign Wars at 10:15 and the dedication of the Memorial Stone at 11:00. After the ceremony there will be a gathering with refreshments at the Original Courthouse at 410 West 2nd Place. For any questions you can call Renee Briggs at 509-767-2316 or Sandy Bissett at 541-298-1240.

If you enjoy day trips and other adventures, check out the opportunities provided by Sherman County Community Transit. This summer they are offering several trips including Toppenish for a tour of the murals, Kahneeta Casino and Resort and the Pittock Mansion in Portland. But seating is limited. For more information call 541-565-3553. And to the west, Hood River County Community Education offers a variety of trips and tours including their popular monthly Mystery Trips. You can call them for more information at 541-386-2055.

Next Tuesday Night the popular Cherry Park Band will be back playing their good old, home grown country music. And tonight Hank Krum’s four piece band “The Jazz Generations” will be playing the best sounds from the past for your listening and dancing pleasure. The horns start blowing and the guitars start strumming at 7:00 and its all free although donations are appreciated.

Only Peggy Rice and Joann “pick me” Scott turned in the correct answers for last week’s head scratcher. It was “Pogo” the possum from Okefenokee Swamp created by Walt Kelly who said “We have met the enemy and he is us.”? And since there were only two and I just can’t disappoint one or the other, they both win a free Saturday Breakfast at the Center on June 19th.

This week’s prizes are four notecards depicting a 1905 postcard of the “Dalles City” Sternwheeler at Rooster Rock. They were given to the Center by Clarence Mershon after his entertaining and informative presentation on the history of the Historic Columbia River Highway. For a chance to win one of the notecards, answer correctly the following question “What was the name of the engineer and landscape architect who was the primary designer of the Historic Columbia River Highway?” Email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com or call 541-296-4788.

That’s the end of the trail for another week. Until we meet again, as Pogo observed “Don’t take life so serious, son, it ain’t nohow permanent.”

Is there someone in your life you worry about because they just seem to have lost interest in life – no longer doing the things they have always enjoyed? Or maybe over the last several weeks you have felt let down, depressed or hopeless and have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things?

But I can hear you say “Yeah, what do you expect? Getting old isn’t for the faint of heart. I am constantly losing my close friends, I can’t hear worth a bleep – I am constantly asking ‘what did you say?’; my kids have told me to move into assisted living so they don’t have to worry – as if my life is theirs; and this back, knee, hip pain – take your pick – ruins my mornings. And the pills – when do you say enough is enough!”

Granted in our later years we experience frustration, sadness, and grief, but left unattended they can lead to more serious levels of depression.
Sharon Johnson, OSU Associate Professor in Family and Community Health, discusses many aspects of later life depression in the online series Mastery of Aging (http://outreach.oregonstate.edu/programs/agingwell/modules/) designed by Oregon State University in partnership with AARP.

In the series she points out that depression is serious. It can cause rapid health deterioration, increase susceptibility to infections and illnesses and increase time to recover. And at the extreme end, can lead to suicide. But the good news is there are steps you can take.

First, find support: someone to talk to who will listen and validate your feelings. And if that isn’t possible or doesn’t work, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. Depression is treatable and in most cases can be resolved in a short period of time.

Second, participate in some form of aerobic exercise (long and slow) such as walking, swimming or something a little more exciting: dancing into the morning hours. It is suggested 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day will help.

Third, get involved. Structure your time to do something interesting and meaningful every day such as baking cookies, helping a neighbor, keeping a journal, volunteering for Meals-on-Wheels or having lunch with friends.
We naturally experience times of sadness. That’s life. But don’t get stuck in your sadness. Find support and create structure in your life. As long as the sun rises in the morning, there is more to live.

This is the time I start to panic. The Center still has available eight tickets for the 2:00 matinee performance of Cirque Dreams: Illumination on Saturday May 29th. Call the Center to purchase your tickets.

The Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation offers many opportunities to get you up and at ‘em. On the horizon is a Birding Hike on Sunday, May 23rd, 7:00 am (repeated on July 18th) but you need to pre-register. And the Sunup Walking Club is in full swing, meeting every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 am for the next several weeks – this week they meet at Klindt’s Cove but you better call to make sure I have that correct. To register or for information call 541-296-9533.

At 11:00 am next Tuesday May 25th, the Tuesday before Memorial Day, the Center has scheduled Michal Kawka to speak about WW II. Michal is a native Pole who has recently moved to The Dalles and has an extensive knowledge of the Holocaust in Poland as well as other WW II history. It should be a fascinating presentation.
And I mustn’t forget Tuesday night music. On the 25th, the Jazz Generations – the small band playing big band sounds – will be performing. And tonight all I need say is “Truman”. The music starts at 7:00 and admission is free although donations are always appreciated.

Of the twelve responses to last week’s question, Mary “the mouse” Davis won a free Saturday breakfast for remembering the comedian “lonesome” George Gobel who starred in his own weekly show from 1954 – 1960. This week’s “Remember When” question comes from the comic pages. What was the name of the central character of the long running (1948 – 1975) daily comic strip who described the human condition by saying “We have met the enemy and he is us.”? Call 541-296-4788 or email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com.

Well it’s time to take five. Until we meet again, in every life there are ups – and then there are days you feel like lonesome George when he asked, “Did you ever get the feeling that the world was a tuxedo and you were a pair of brown shoes?”

Do you ever fear you will become that friend or neighbor who can’t remember when – he told what – to who? I do. Many times when writing this column I can’t recall if I have previously shared the same story, repeated the same quote – or even if I am repeating this fear of repeating myself. Is it déjà vu all over again? (I wonder if Marilyn Ericksen, my able predecessor, or even Al Nelson, who was the originator of this column, had the same experience.) But my sanity returns when I remember who my audience is! How many times have you had to go through a stack of newspapers looking for an article with the date or time that you can’t seem to remember? But if I ever do repeat myself, which I am sure I will, and you have the steel trap memory to catch me, I will honor your achievement in this column – even though you will probably be shunned by your peers for not acting your age.

It is that time again, when once a month you can let someone else do the cooking and enjoy a tasty, lip smacking, jaw dropping mind-blowing breakfast. Every month the Center rotates the menu and this Saturday, May 15th, you can feast on Texas French Toast, scrambled eggs, sausage, fruit and the regular beverages. Breakfast is served from 8:00 – 9:30 and is only $5 for the general public and 4$ for Center members. And even though shirts and shoes are required, tips are not.

Now is a good time to get on board the “AARP Driver Safety” train with your conductor Dennis Davis. So far, there are only a few folks signed up for this month’s class on Monday and Tuesday (17th and 18th), making this your chance to get the special individual attention you deserve – unless you are the type that likes sit in the back of the class throwing spit wads and passing notes. The class is from 9 – 1 each day and the cost is only $14 ($12 for AARP members) for the materials.

Friday I attended the last performance for this year’s community concert series and enjoyed the amazing voices and talent of Gaileca – and example of the excellent artists that Patti Blagg and the Community Concerts folks bring to town. By purchasing a ticket for the next season, you can enjoy a wide variety of talented performers – missing only the big names and the high ticket prices. Individual tickets are $60, but if you are of that Medicare age – 65 and over – the tickets are only $55 for the four shows. And if you purchase your tickets by May 15 you save another $5 – that is like getting a free Saturday breakfast. For more information you can call 541-298-4352 or 541-386-3055.

You just can’t beat live music. And while there are many opportunities to listen to live music like Community Concerts, there aren’t as many opportunities to dance. But every Tuesday night at the Center you can kick up your heals, take your partner in hand and dance till the morning sun or 9:00 PM whichever comes first. Next week the always popular Truman will be back playing his “Country Gold” and tonight it is the sweet sounds of the Notecrackers. This is one gig that everyone can afford – it’s free – but you can’t afford to miss. Music starts at 7:00 and everybody is welcome.

Thanks to Del Hendrickson, the speaker for the Center’s Tuesday lecture on May 18th at 11:00 am will be Clarence Mershon, sharing stories and facts of the Historic Columbia River Highway about which he has written several books. Del met Clarence at the Wasco Pioneer’s dinner in The Dalles three years ago and recently asked Clarence to speak here at the Center. He agreed and now you have a chance to learn more about the fascinating history of this treasure in our own backyard.

You may have already seen the ads for Cirque Dreams: Illumination at the Keller Auditorium. The Center still has twelve tickets left for the matinee performance at 2:00 on Saturday May 27th for only $60 including transportation. The show is described as a stage performance where “an international cast of world-class acrobats, athletes, musicians and one of a kind artists populate this imaginative, colorful metropolis and breathe life into over 100 inventive costumes, an original musical score, and magical sights that transform the landscape of a city into thrills and disbelief.” Call the Center at 541-296-4788 to purchase your tickets.

The winning name chosen from last week’s nine entries was Joe Usatine who remembered that the Ford Mustang was first introduced at the New York World’s Fair in 1964. This week’s “Remember When” question goes back to an early star of American television which many of you may have forgotten. Who was the “lonesome” crew cut comedian married to “Spooky Old Alice” and starred in his own weekly show from 1954 – 1960? Call 541-296-4788 or email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com.

That’s another wrap. Until we meet again, savor the past, enjoy the moment and believe in tomorrow.

“The advantage of a bad memory is that one enjoys several times the same good things for the first time.” Friedrich Nietzsche

Unfortunately, snake oil salesmen still exist. And according to the FBI, seniors are ideal targets for these scammers and aggressive marketers. Many in this age group were raised to be trusting and polite and feel it’s rude to be assertive (although I could name several folks that I wouldn’t want to mess with). And they learned to be frugal and have saved up a “nest egg” that these hucksters can tap. Many times these elderly victims don’t report the incident because they don’t know how or are too ashamed. And even if the scam is reported, they may be poor witnesses – unable to supply enough details to prosecute.

But the best defense is a good offense. Know the warning signs: the offer of free gifts – if it seems to be too good to be true it probably is – and the pressure to act “now”. As a rule of thumb never make same day decisions. Give yourself enough time to consult with a trusted friend, your doctor or time to do your own research. But the most direct action is to just say “no”. And if they can’t take “no” for an answer, hang up or shut the door. You don’t owe them a thing.

It can happen in The Dalles. I am working with an individual who on March 10th was pressured into signing a contract for a home security system from Nationwide Security Solutions – which he didn’t need – and without knowing the total cost or monthly payments. With the help of Jay Waterbury, The Dalles Police Chief, we have referred the case to the Oregon Attorney General’s office and are investigating what else we can do. (If you have had any experience with this outfit, I would be interested in hearing from you.) You can learn more about how to protect yourself at the Center’s Tuesday lecture on May 11th at 11:00 am when Ed Goodman from The Dalles City police will be the guest speaker.

Dan Durow spoke to the Meals-on-Wheels lunch crowd at the Center explaining how the construction of roundabouts in America has increased dramatically because they reduce accidents, increase traffic flow and are cost effective. Since the new roundabout in The Dalles is a single lane roundabout, you should find it easy to navigate if you remember a few simple rules. Slow down when approaching the roundabout – they are designed for 15-20 mph; yield to anyone in the roundabout – they have the right away; and use your turn signal when exiting the roundabout.

There is a small group of dedicated workers who for over twenty years spent every Monday raising funds for the Center by doing something they truly enjoy: quilting. And since they have just finished their latest quilt, the beautiful one that is currently hanging in the lobby needs to find a loving owner. You can possibly be that owner by buying a $5 raffle ticket – but you only have a few days left. The drawing will be held this Friday May 7th. And besides making quilts to raffle, the Quilters also do quilting for hire if you have a quilt you would like restored. I you enjoy quilting and friendly conversation, the Quilters meet every Monday from 10:00 – 3:00 in the basement. They are always looking for a few new needles to help.

The stage production of Cirque Dreams: Illumination is coming to Portland at the Keller Auditorium and the Center has reserved 22 seats for the 2:00 matinee performance on Saturday May 29th for only $60 including transportation. It is a stage performance where “an international cast of world-class acrobats, athletes, musicians and one of a kind artists populate this imaginative, colorful metropolis and breathe life into over 100 inventive costumes, an original musical score, and magical sights that transform the landscape of a city into thrills and disbelief.” Call the Center at 541-296-4788 to purchase your tickets.

There is music and shaking every Tuesday night at the Center. Next Tuesday the Notecrackers will be back playing for your listening and dancing pleasure. And tonight the Strawberry Mountain Band will be playing for their first time at the Center. Though the notes start flowing at 7:00, the cost is nothing – but donations are welcome.

It’s been fun this last month hearing the many memories of favorite songs, TV shows, movies and cars, but this month its back to the regular format. What car was introduced to the public on April 17, 1964 at the New York World’s Fair and created a whole new class of automobiles? (and the envy of every young man!) Call 541-296-4788 or email the answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com.

Well that is another 24×7 and I am still waiting for spring. Until we meet again, remember – bad decisions may be hard to take but they make great stories.