Remember when Art Linkletter on his daily TV show would interview kids and they would say the “darndest things”. Kids still do, well at least one still does, albeit not as young. While my wife and I were setting around the kitchen table my daughter at the ripe old age of 19 asked if we ever felt we were getting old. After we laughed, I answered, “How about every day!”

She was thinking about the sign she saw at the grocery store identifying the birth date after which one could buy alcohol and realized in a year and a half she would be 21: the age of independence, responsibility and adulthood; no longer poppa’s child and soooo old.

There are always events that remind us we are getting older whether it is the store sign, your children’s first day at school, their first swim lessons (and the first time you realized they can swim faster than you) or when they graduate from high school and then land their first job. (But as it has been said, you aren’t really old until your kids are on Medicare.) So “old” is all a matter of perspective and unavoidable. At every age whether we are 19 or 91 we experience the blessings and accept the burdens; discover the hidden treasures and the fool’s gold. And the encouragement I use to give my kids when sending them off to school is probably good for any age: “give it your best”.

“If youth but knew; If age but could.” French painter Henri Estienne II

The Center will be hosting its monthly breakfast this Saturday before the Fort Dalles Pro Rodeo Parade. The breakfast is starting at 7:30 a half hour earlier so everyone can enjoy a nice delicious breakfast (and meet the rodeo royalty) and still have time to watch the parade. It will be a busy morning so why don’t you let someone else do the cooking. The breakfast is sponsored by Patti Blagg the Center’s Friday afternoon volunteer receptionist and also a promotional products consultant who can find the right item to promote any business.

Tonight Boyd Jacobsen has lined up the Hardshell Harmony to play again because you can never get too much of a good thing. Everyone is welcome whether friend or foe, young or old, blue or green. It doesn’t matter as long you love good music and the high energy sounds of bluegrass. Admission is free but donations are gladly accepted.

A big thanks to all the folks who have responded to the Center’s request for donations to help support the expansion project. Every dollar will help make the dream come true. You can learn the latest news about the expansion and the activities for this fall at the Center’s Annual Membership Meeting on Tuesday, July 21st at 1:30 pm. We have just sent out the meeting notices to current members and reminders to those who may have forgotten to renew their membership. It is never too late to join.

Eight folks correctly identified the Shadow as the answer for last week’s question including Jim Heitkemper who also identified Lamont Cranston as the Shadow’s alter ego. But the first correct answer was from Ron Sutherland. And this week’s question (and the last chance to win a free breakfast) is, “What was the name of the CBS show hosted by Art Linkletter that featured the segment “Kids Say the Darndest Things”? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com.

That’s it and I’m just a little older. Until we meet again, whether we are young or old or hot or cold “to everything there is a season”.

The best thing about getting old is that all those things you couldn’t have when you were young you no longer want. ~L.S. McCandless

And as an added bonus here are some highlights of “Kids Say the Darndest Things”

As we age, we enjoy joking about the challenges and foibles associated with becoming more mature? or is it more experienced? – or as we hate to admit it, just plain older: the nightly bathroom trips, the hearing aids, the stiffness and the all too common “senior moments”. But although there is undoubtedly some truth in all of these common perceptions, many of us accept these conditions or limitations as inevitable and unalterable and become our own worst enemies to enjoying our later years to the fullest.

Did you hear about the 83 year old woman who talked herself out of a speeding ticket by telling the young officer that she had to get there before she forgot where she was going?

As we grow older, there are many things we just no longer want to do or have to do. I no longer want to climb up on the roof. You may no longer have to punch the daily time clock. But that is different from avoiding a new experience because we feel we are not capable. It is not healthy to pass up opportunities to explore and contribute because we have accepted the common perceptions and limitations of our own aging.

A man was telling his neighbor, ‘I just bought a new hearing aid. It cost me four thousand dollars, but it’s state of the art. It’s perfect.’ ‘Really,’ answered the neighbor. ‘What kind is it?’ ‘Twelve thirty.’

Sometimes, when learning a new skill that takes too much time or seems too hard, we think it is because we our too old. But learning anything new is hard and always has been hard whether it was learning to read, ride a bicycle or play the piano. Maybe it is because we have forgotten how long it has taken to us learn all that we know in our 50, 60, or 80+ years, we somehow feel we should be able to learn to use a computer or a new dance step or any new skill in a few short days or weeks or heaven forbid if it takes us several months.

“I don’t do alcohol anymore – I get the same effect just standing up fast.” ~Author Unknown

No doubt, there are changes. We don’t rush around as fast, we see more in grays instead of blacks and whites and hopefully we make better decisions based on experience which are all good. But the difficulties in learning we attribute to aging are overstated. At every age and stage in our lives, we are capable of doing more than we think if we allow ourselves to take the risk, take the time and make the effort.

Few quick reminders:
At the Center, The Hardshell Harmony will be performing next Tuesday and tonight Truman Boler will be playing his country classics. The music starts at 7:00 and is over by 9:00, in time to get home before dark. The show is free but generous donations are generously accepted.

The Center will also be holding a rummage sale in the basement on Friday the 10th and Saturday the 11th from 9 – 3 pm.

We had two correct answers last week from Joanne Scott and Tom Sofie identifying Gunsmoke, which ran from 1955 to 1975, as the longest running western TV series. To win a free Ft. Dalles Days Breakfast at the Center on Saturday July 18th, be the first to email me at mcseniorcenter@gmail.com the answer to the following question: What radio drama started with this question: ‘Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men’?

Until we meet again, keep moving, keep laughing and keep dreaming.

Television is a far cry from when there were only three major television networks, late night television test patterns, and if you missed a show you would have to wait for the summer rerun. Not anymore. With the Internet and YouTube, you can watch a program again at your own convenience or even send a news clip to your friends across the globe. And this is a good thing if you happened to miss seeing the Center and Meals-on-Wheels on CGN7 or Carl Kramer on KATU.

CGN7, channel 7 on cable TV, has expanded their local programming and initiated a new series called “Making a Difference” focusing on non-profits in the Gorge. For their first episode, they chose the programs and activities provided at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center and the Adult Center in Hood River. They particularly highlighted the good work provided by Meals-on-Wheels and their dedicated staff and volunteers who serve between 140 and 180 meals five days a week. Meals-on-Wheels and the Center do make a difference and it is nice to be recognized. The series airs at 8:00 PM on Thursday evenings or you can watch it on the Internet at www.columbiagorge.com.

Also the KATU news crew came to The Dalles to report on our own centenarian, Carl Kramer, who exhibited his usual grace and humor. Several weeks ago someone stole Carl’s new scooter which he had recently bought to replace his old “Ferrari” scooter. Many days Carl would ride his scooter to Meals-on-Wheels at the Center for lunch and now he has to rely solely on the bus. If you haven’t seen the news clip and want to see Carl or maybe spot yourself in the lunch crowd, you can go to the Center’s web site at midcolumbiaseniorcenter.com and click on the link.

The Center is hosting a rummage sale to rid itself of many items that have been stored in the basement for some time. We will try to follow the “two year” rule: if it hasn’t been used in the last two years, it goes. But there are several keepers of the history who will make sure I don’t toss anything of significance. The sale will be in the Center’s basement on Friday and Saturday July 10 and 11th from 9 – 3 pm. As the saying goes “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure”.

Truman Boler and his one-man-country-jam will be back next Tuesday Night to perform for your dancing and listening pleasure. And tonight is a special treat with a visit from the Dufur Boys. As I was reminded this Sunday, dancing is good for the body and spirit and helps wash your cares away. Music starts at 7:00 and is free but donations are graciously accepted.

“The Senior Center puts on a great breakfast, but I would rather eat at Alice’s Restaurant” was Joanne Scott’s correct answer. Alice’s Restaurant sung by Arlo Guthrie was released in 1967 but the answer to this week’s question started in the fifties. What is the longest running prime time western television series and was number 1 from 1957 – 1960? Email me the correct answer at mcseniorcenter@gmail.com and you too can win a free breakfast at the Center on July 18th before the Ft. Dalles Parade.

That’s another wrap. The Center and Meals-on-Wheels will both be closed Friday and Saturday for the extended Fourth of July weekend, so you’re on your own. Until we meet again, don’t forget Carl Kramer’s secret to a long life. “You inhale, then you exhale, then you inhale, then you exhale, then you inhale, then you exhale and if you can keep that up long enough you’re going to be a hundred years old.”

“Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake.” Victor Hugo

We have heard the stories: lottery rip-offs, insurance fraud, and “sweetheart scams”. Unfortunately, seniors are a prime target for such financial abuse because of their trusting nature, large net worth and vulnerabilities. Last March, a study by Metlife found the annual loss from the financial abuse of seniors is a whopping $2.6 billion. The study also found that elder financial abuse can be committed by anyone. It can be as close as a “family member, neighbor, or friend”, or as far away as an “invisible voice on the telephone or an e-mail from the other side of the globe”.

It may not be surprising but financial abuse is generally not committed by strangers. More likely it is people who are in positions of trust such as business advisers, caregivers or family members (watch out for the kids). And it will probably get worse. With the number of seniors increasing and technological advances continuing, the number of opportunities for the financial abuse of seniors will rise dramatically.

You can learn more about this serious problem by reading the full study, including the common types and leading signs of financial abuse, by going to the Center’s Blog at midcolumbiaseniorcenter.com and look for the link to “Broken Trust: Elders, Family and Finances”.

If you do need help managing your finances – haven’t balanced your check book in a year – you can get trusted help from the AARP Money Management Program. The program offers money management service to help low-income seniors who have difficulty budgeting, paying routine bills, and keeping track of financial matters. For more information, contact the Area Agency on Aging at 541-298-4101.

In the same vein, there will be a Medicare Fraud Training, July 13 from 2 – 4 PM at the Mid-Columbia Council of Governments office on the corner of 11th and Kelley. The Senior Medicare Patrol, retired professionals who are trained to help Medicare recipients identify Medicare fraud, waste and abuse, will be providing the training and they encourage anyone who has contact with seniors to attend.

The last Next Chapter lecture before we take a two month summer break will be Tuesday the 30th and will feature Sue Samet, Director of the Area Agency on Aging, discussing the legislation affecting seniors that has passed this legislative session. The legislative leadership is hoping to conclude the session by the 30th, but we will see.

Performing at the Center this coming week will be The Jammers for the Sunday Pie and Jam Social on the 28th from 2 – 5 PM followed by the Dufur Boys from Dufur on Tuesday the 30th. And tonight the Jazz Generations will be playing their favorite standards for your listening and dancing pleasure. Music starts at 7:00 and the music is free but donations are appreciated.

Thanks to Joanne Scott for emailing me the baby boomer spoofing video called “Baby Boomers Battle Hymn” which I have posted on the Center’s Blog. It begins with the quote “Barack Obama’s inauguration makes 70 million baby boomers older than their president for the first time. Never has a group been so large….. or so clueless”. Although we may be clueless we know our music. So the first person who emails me the name of the restaurant made famous by Arlo Guthrie will win a free breakfast at the Center’s Ft Dalles Rodeo Breakfast on July 18th.

That’s it. It is hard to imagine that the fourth of July is just around the fireworks stand. So until we meet again, celebrate the unexpected even though it can be a real pain in the you-know-what.

“The past is a source of knowledge, and the future is a source of hope…” Steven Ambrose

As you grow older are you happier? In a study of more than 2 million people from 80 countries, it was found that happiness was related to age. But the relationship might not be what you would expect. The results showed people are most miserable in middle years between 40 and 50 and are happiest towards the beginning and end of their lives. (In the US, men were most likely to be unhappiest at 50, and women at 40.) This U-shaped curve of peoples’ happiness was a consistent pattern regardless of socio-economic status or changes in marital status, employment or income. “Only in their 50s do most people emerge from the low period. But encouragingly, by the time you are 70, if you are still physically fit then on average you are as happy and mentally healthy as a 20-year-old.”

The researchers suggested several possibilities for this pattern: a better sense of who you are, a greater appreciation for life or cheerful people just live longer. But we all know the real reason. Grandkids! No longer do you have to raise your own but now you can spoil and enjoy your kids’ kids. As one observed, “It’s funny that those things your kids did that got on your nerves seem so cute when your grandchildren do them”.

The Center’s monthly breakfast is this Saturday, June 20th, and Bonnie and Edna would like to offer you a delicious breakfast of hotcakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, fruit and your favorite beverage. We generally serve between 40 and 50 folks but we would like to double that number. Bring your friends, pick up someone off the street or just come by yourself. The price is $5.00 for the general public and $4.00 for Center members and the food starts hitting the plates at 8:00 and continues till 10:00.

At times when I am not the sharpest stone in the gravel pit, I have been called dense, but being dense is not always a bad thing if you are talking about bones. Dr. Fran Yuhas will be discussing Bone Density at the center on Tuesday June 23rd at 11:00. You can learn more about the loss of bone density called osteoporosis: when bones become porous because of the loss of calcium and over time weaken to where they are more likely to break. Osteoporosis is much more common in women than in men because “women have less bone mass than men, tend to live longer, take in less calcium, and need the female hormone estrogen to keep their bones strong”.

There was a last minute change for tonight’s Tuesday Night Music at the Center. The Hardshell Harmony will be jumping in – playing their “toe tapping, thigh slapping” brand of bluegrass music which I know you will enjoy. Next week you will have a chance to dance to the Jazz Generations playing the big band sounds of the golden age. Music always starts at 7:00 and is free although we do appreciate donations to keep the music flowing. Everybody is welcome whether you have two toes or four, as long as they can tap to the music.

And if you happen to forget something you read in this column after you have already recycled the paper, you can always go to the Center’s Blog at midcolumbiaseniorcenter.com to find the column and other information about the Center.

Until we meet again, as Bobby McFerrin sang in his #1 hit of 1988, “In every life we have some trouble, When you worry you make it double. Don’t worry, Be happy”.

How old is old? Is it fifteen years older than you are as Bernard Baruch once famously said? Or as the basketball Coach Phog Allen lamented “when it takes longer to rest up than it takes to get tired”? MetLife did a marketing survey of sixty-two year olds asking them how old is old and the answer they found was seventy seven. I know several folks in their seventy’s who wouldn’t consider themselves old – maybe a little slower, a little stiffer and not as strong – but certainly not old. But whatever you think old is today, in the next 25 years the definition of old will change dramatically. By that time science fiction will become reality and Shangri-La may no longer be found only in an imaginary valley in the Himalayas.

On the new horizon, technological advances are just being discovered and engineered that may drastically change the way we age and consequently how we perceive old age. With the possibility of growing new organs and the advancements in brain research we may have to answer the question, “What do we do when we possess our own soul but the insurance company owns our body?”

Aubrey de Grey, a British biomedical gerontologist, has promoted a radical and controversial theoretical framework suggesting that aging is a disease and within 25 years through regenerative medicine it may be possible to live for a hundred and fifty, two hundred or even three hundred years. But is this just another misguided dream like changing lead into gold or creating the perpetual motion machine? We may soon find out.

In the next 25 years what will old look like? It is already said that today’s sixty’s are the new fifty’s. In the not too distant future will the hundred and fifty year olds be the new sixty’s?

There are many challenges when caring for a person with Alzheimers. One area that creates many questions is how to manage the many possible medications. On Tuesday June 23rd from 2 – 4 PM at the Center, the Area Agency on Aging will be hosting a workshop on “Medication Management in Alzheimer’s Disease: the Role of the Family Caregiver”. If you care for someone with this tragic disease or know of someone with Alzheimers, you will find this workshop helpful and informative.

You will have a chance to learn more about the challenges and opportunity facing the city when Nolan Young The Dalles City Manager, speaks at the Center’s Next Chapter Lecture on Tuesday June 16th. It is not easy weighing the interests of a diverse public with the interests of the individual when deciding complex and contentious issues such as urban renewal, annexation, docks and roundabouts. Nolan will share with you the city’s perspective and answer your questions.

Tonight, it’s Truman Boler’s one-man Country Gold and next Tuesday the Sugar Daddies playing at the Center for your dancing and listening enjoyment. Music starts at 7:00 and everybody is welcome. And it’s all free but donations are always appreciated.

If you want to watch a short humorous video of Tom Rush singing the “Remember Song” go to the Center’s Blog at midcolumbiaseniorcenter.com. The song is a humorous take on our memory lapses that Pat Davenport found on the Internet and sent to me. If you have enjoyed any other Internet videos and think they would appeal to the 50+ crowd, send me a link and I will see if I can post it on the Center’s blog.

That’s another week. Until we meet again, I want to leave you with this observation from Sam Ciranny. When I asked him how he was doing; he paused and replied “My friends say I’m doing fine”.

The financial plight of seniors has improved dramatically since 1967 when 30 % of seniors were living in poverty. With the passage of Medicare and Older American’s Act in 1965, the percentage has decreased to 11% by 2007. Even though that is a significant improvement we can all appreciate, many seniors are still not economically secure. Today the elderly represents the largest group that could be described as near-poor (between 100% and 150% of the poverty level) and they contribute the largest percentage of their income to health care costs. With the support of Visiting Health Services and Hospice of the Gorge, the Center is helping to address both of these challenges by offering common used home medical equipment for a short period or indefinitely all for free although we gladly accept donations. The available equipment includes bath seats, transfer benches, bedside commodes, toilet seat risers as well as wheelchairs, walkers and canes. The Loan Closet is open during the Center’s normal working hours between 9 and 4, Monday through Friday.

For the next two Tuesdays at 11:00 you will get a chance to ask those in the know of two of our local governments that common question, “What in the heck were you thinking?” On Tuesday June 9th, Dan Ericksen the Wasco County Judge will be discussing the challenges and opportunities facing county government from taxes to home rule and everything in between. And on the 16th, the city will be on the griddle with Nolan Young City Manger answering your questions concerning city priorities, annexations and whether The Dalles residents can learn to drive in a circle. Share your thoughts while learning more about how your county and city governments work.

Tonight the Center is welcoming John and Debbie Martin and Friends playing Country Western music. Then we will return to the “tried and true” with Truman Boler on the 9th followed by the Sugar Daddies on the 16th. Check out why both Truman and the Sugar Daddies have such loyal followings. On the 23rd the Jazz Generations will offer a change of pace, playing the Big Band sounds. And on the special fifth Tuesday of the month the Center will be welcoming back the always popular Dufur Boys from Dufur. And to add the cherry on top of June, the Jammers will be playing on the fourth Sunday from 2:00 – 5:00. Make sure you get this all down so you won’t miss any of the fine entertainment. Music and dancing starts at 7:00 and don’t forget: AFBDGA (Admission’s Free But Donations Gladly Accepted).

Sometimes when your kids come back home there are situations when you ask, “Did I do something wrong? Was I a poor father?” Those questions came to me last week when my 25 year old son, stuck in Hood River, called to ask, “How do you jump the car battery?” I have to admit he has been very frugal (being Scottish we prefer frugal instead of cheap) and for the last six years has survived without a car using public transportation, Zipcars and friends. But still, how did I fail in instructing him in this rudimentary aspect of every young man’s life? After I gave him instructions over the phone, he successfully started the car. And later that night he shared his appreciation by telling me, “That’s why we keep the older generation around, because they know things.” You’re darn right. And more than you think.

Quick reminder: The Foster Grandparent Informational Meeting will be held at the Center, this Wednesday the 3rd at 11:00. Learn more about how you can make a difference. And for more information you can check my blog at www.midcolumbiaseniorcenter.com.

That’s it. How time flies. Until we meet again, as my father always said, “Tomorrow is another day!”

In her book “Secrets of Becoming a Late Bloomer”, Connie Goldman discusses many secrets for living life to the fullest: attitude, risk taking, humor, and creativity and forgiveness. But she also included one secret, you might not normally consider but appropriate at this time of the year: gardening. There are the external mechanics, but the value for late bloomers are the internal rewards of gardening: the opportunity for self-expression, a chance to see the beauty of the natural world and experience the rhythms of birth, change, death and birth again. Gardening can provide a source of healing and renewal; a haven from the noise and clutter of the mechanical world and a place to contemplate our inner world; and for many a chance to get closer to God. Connie describes gardening as nourishment for the heart and soul.

Many have experienced those inner rewards. I have been tempted. I have looked inside that window and felt the attraction of gardening, but for many reasons I haven’t walked around and gone in the front door or even the back door. Some have a green thumb. I have a brown thumb. I can hear the plants screaming when I come near. I have forgotten to water and have over watered. I have allowed zucchini to grow three feet long and tomatoes, well, I never had much luck with tomatoes. But weeds I know well. They don’t need special efforts or even much rain to survive (during the dry summer if it weren’t for the green weeds my yard would look like a brown shag carpet). It may seem odd but maybe there is a reason for weeds: to remind us of nature’s abiltiy to keep coming back; of nature’s resiliency – even though they are such a pain in the backside. And maybe that is what life is about. .

We had a toe tapping, thigh slapping good time at the Ice Cream Social celebrating Older American’s Month. The Area Agency on Aging, with an assist from Meals-on-Wheels, organized the fun and the Hardshell Harmony provided the sounds. As part of the celebration, Martha Hoffman won the contest for having the largest family including 12 children, 38 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. That is quite a brood!

Most of the Center’s activities are peer taught by volunteers and the summer is a natural time to take a break for several of the activities including the lecture series, basic computer classes, Tai Chi and the Serenaders. But they will all be back next fall along with the “Yes, You can Draw! class and some special offerings. Anyone interested in finding your inner beat or doing an Authur Godfrey impression on a ukulele?

The Next Chapter Lecture series will continue through June and the speaker for Tuesday June 2nd at 11:00 am will be Antoine Tissot discussing Wills and Estates. Antoine is a local Attorney practicing with Brad Timmons with special training in the area of Elder Law.

Tonight at the Center the Jazz Generations are playing the big band sound for you dancing and listening pleasure. And next week will be a surprise, but the music is always good. Music starts at 7:00 and admission is free. Everybody is welcome.

This coming Thursday, Betty and Martha have decided it is time for the Nu-2-U Shop to have another once in a while $1 a bag sale. They are again over stocked and this is your chance to buy some nice clothes at practically give away prices. Nu-2-U is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 to 1:30. And don’t forget to ask for a kiss.

It is time to wrap this one up and head to the river for a family picnic and maybe spend some time in the backyard. It needs the work. Until we meet again, for the gardeners in the audience a few words from William Blake.

“To see a world in a grain of sand/And a heaven in a wildflower/Hold infinity in the palm of your hand/And eternity in an hour.”

May 19 2009.

There are many efforts underway to reduce our impact on the earth and to become more sustainable. It has affected our approach to food where old practices have become the new thing. Some examples in The Dalles include The Farmer’s Market at the City Park beginning its fifth season on May 30, and the Utopia Community Garden at East 13th and Short streets (on Friday, March 20 from 4 to 6 pm there will be a Garden Party) and The Dalles Imagination Garden, or DIG, along riverfront trail near Google. There has also been renewed interest in how to clean without using toxic chemicals that harm the earth. You can learn more about “Green Cleaning” from Kara Buchikos of Lifestyles Independent Care and how we can keep our homes clean while also protecting the environment. This informative and timely presentation starts at 11:00 on Tuesday May 26th.

At the Center on Wednesday June 3rd at 11:00 there will be an informational meeting about the Foster Grandparent Program. The program is firmly established in Pendleton with over 25 volunteers and they want to bring the benefits to the Columbia Gorge. The program offers you a chance to become a mentor/tutor, helping kids with their reading while setting them on the path toward a successful future. To be eligible you have to be at least 60 years of age, in good health and meet certain income guidelines. The benefits include a non-taxable hourly stipend of $2.65 an hour, mileage reimbursement and orientation and training, as well as helping children learn the most valuable life skill: reading. Whether you volunteer for Foster Grandparents or any of the other fine organizations in The Dalles, volunteering gives you the opportunity to make new friends, discover more about yourself, and make a difference.

Last week I described the Tuesday Night Music entertainment using the only foreign language I could remember: Pig Latin. This week continuing to provide a little variety (food for the brain), I will use the Japanese form of poetry, Haiku, to describe who will be playing on Tuesday the 26th.

Dance the night away/ Jazz Generations will play/ Fine music for you

My poetry may be bad, but the music is always good. And tonight don’t forget the Sugar Daddies. Dancing starts at 7:00 and admission is free but donations are appreciated.

And this week there is even more music and fun. In honor of Older Americans Month, the Area Agency on Aging is sponsoring a free Ice Cream Social this Wednesday, the 20th, from 6 – 8 pm at the Center. There will be plenty of ice cream with all the necessary toppings plus great music by the crowd pleasing “Hardshell Harmony”. And there will be special certificates for those with the most grandkids.

The Center will be closed next Monday for Memorial Day the traditional beginning of summer. It is early because in order to create the popular three day weekends, Memorial Day observed has been designated as the last Monday in May. (I am waiting for someone to suggest moving July 4th to the first Monday in July.) Because of the holiday, there will not be Bingo at the Center this coming Thursday or Saturday but the Jammers will be playing on Sunday – their regular fourth Sunday – from 2:00 – 5:00.

I learn a lot from all the fine folks at the Center, and here is one piece of wisdom I overheard that I want to share with you: “When talking to a fool, make sure he isn’t talking to one too”.

Until me meet again, as the sun starts to shine and it begins to heat up, don’t forget the sunscreen.

At the Center’s second Tough Talk Workshop, Lee Paton shared with us her thoughts on how to engage in those tough conversations between parent and adult child. Although there is not a specific recipe, she did offer several ingredients necessary for creating nourishing conversations. To start, develop a sense of empathy: try to see and feel the other person’s perspective whether it is a parent’s desire to maintain their independence or the child’s desire to protect the one who has protected them. Then listen, really listen and no “yes, buts”. Help the other to go deeper in understanding the situation you both are sharing. And finally as we age, be flexible. After years of developing our own habits and mental routines, we have to adjust as we no longer are as active, no longer can do as much, and no longer have the control that we once had. Our bodies, our outer shells, are changing and creating limitations. Yet there is the freedom that comes from discovering our core, who we are: a person of spirit that has value and can still love and create.

On the same theme of communication, Thursday at 2:00 at the Center, Fern Wilcox will be presenting “Talking Effectively with Aging Adults” as part of the monthly Healthy Aging Series. Every time Fern discusses a topic you will learn something new. Guaranteed.

Marc Berry and I completed our first successful Thursday morning bike ride with a leisurely ride up 10th street to Foley Lakes and back with only one side effect: a sore butt. (I am not use to those fancy skinny seats.) Join us at the Center every Thursday in May at 10:00. Our goals are to have fun and keep it simple.

On Monday May 18th at 1:00 Planetree Health Resource Center will again be offering a one hour presentation at the Center on how to find accurate health information on the Internet. The site, www.medlineplus.gov from the National Library of Medicine, is so comprehensive it helps to have PHRC show you all the different ways it can answer your heath related questions.

The Center’s Saturday Breakfast on the 16th from 8:00 – 10:00 AM is your chance to enjoy good food and great company for only $5 and $4 for Center members. The breakfast is sponsored by Habitat for Humanity and their Restore Store now on Sixth Street in the old Liquor store. They have increased their space and have more room for all the items you need to finish your spring projects. Come and enjoy a nice breakfast, a cup of coffee and learn more about Habitat for Humanity. And as Jack always said “Breakfast tastes better when someone else cooks it”.

Each week is the “same old, same old”, so I have decided to think outside the sack and announce the performers for the Center’s Tuesday Night Music program in a different language. But since I don’t know French or Spanish and my high school German I have tried to forget, I can only revert back to the foreign language of my childhood: Pig Latin. So here goes (with a Midwest accent). Extnay Uesdaytay, theway Ugarsay Addiesday areway ayingplay orfay ouryay ancingday easureplay. Andway onighttay Umantray Olerbay is ayingplay. Missionaday isway eefray utbay onationsday areway adlyglay ceptedacay.

And there is more.
Wednesday starting at 7:00 will be a Great Decisions discussion on “Cuba after Castro”,
Friday starting at 6:00 will be a Hoedown sponsored by ARC,
Monday there will be a Blood Pressure Checks at 10:00,
the AARP Driver Safety Class will be 9 – 1 on Monday and Tuesday and
The Dalles City Police will be discussing Fraud and Local Scams at the Next Chapter Lecture on Tuesday at 11:00.

If you have questions you can always call the Center at 296-4788 or check the Center’s Blog at www.midcolumbiaseniorcenter.com.

And for those who never learned Pig Latin in school, Truman Boler is playing tonight and the Sugar Daddies next week, always starting at 7:00 PM.

Well the sun is shining, and the rain is falling but the weeds are always growing. Until we meet again, “stop, look and listen” isn’t just good advice for crossing streets.