We live in different times. But I imagine every generation felt the same – during the Roaring Twenties, after the victory of World War II, or during the social upheaval of the 60’s. But with technological advances moving faster than a speeding bullet, you don’t know whether to get on or jump for your lives.
As one example how times are different during this information age, my daughter and her college roommate were preparing to fix dinner but couldn’t open a jar of spaghetti. As often happens, the lid was stuck. So what is the first response of this educated younger generation – who should know these things? They don’t call grandmother. They Google it! And sure enough as explained on the website eHow.com, they ran the jar under hot water – and presto – the lid came off.
But if you want to get on the information highway and find information you can’t live without, the Center offers several opportunities. There are two one-on-one instructional sessions explaining computer basics or just answering any questions if you get stuck, on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 and 10:00 AM. And if you want to learn more about your new iPhone or iPad, a small user’s group meets at 1:00 on the first Wednesday of the month. But be aware. You may end up playing “Words with Friends” all day with Bob and Sandy.
Marilyn Erickson is writing a piece about Ernie Kuck and would like to visit with anyone who use to know him. You don’t have to be one of Ernie’s “bosom buddies” to have something of interest. And she is particularly looking for stories of when he was a kid. Marilyn will be at the Center this Wednesday, February 8th, for lunch and then afterwards she’ll stay to talk with anyone who knew Ernie. And if you can’t see her at the Center, you can call her at 541-386-1712.
Thanks to the efforts of several dedicated volunteers, the local United Way survived several difficult years and eventually merged into the United Way of the Columbia Gorge. Under this umbrella, a Wasco County Council was established to raise and allocate funds in Wasco County. Now just recently the Wasco County Council has been reinvigorated with new energy to take the United Way to the next level – supporting the many non-profits that work to meet basic human needs, support youth and families, and improve the quality of life of citizens in the Gorge.
Their first event for United Way is a Valentine’s Concert on Friday February 10th – a chance to treat your sweetheart to an early Valentine’s gift by taking her to hear Aaron Meyer, rock violinist extraordinaire, at the Sunshine Mill. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Klindt’s Booksellers, The Dalles Fitness and Court Club and The Sunshine Mill. Doors open at 5:30 and the performance starts at 7:30.
The playwright Samuel Beckett once wrote “Dance first. Think later. It’s the natural order.” So before you think of some lame excuse, hop in your ‘56 Chevy and cruise down to the Center tonight and listen to the Strawberry Mountain Band. And next Tuesday on the 14th, you can hoot and holler to Martin and Friends. The music starts at 7:00 and you don’t need any “long green” to enjoy the evening, but donations are always appreciated.
Several folks remembered “Spin and Marty” featured every week on the Mickey Mouse Club and starring Tim Considine as Spin, David Stollery as Marty and Kevin Corcoran as Moochie. But let’s take a break from Disney for at least one week and take a trip down the memory highway before America was crisscrossed by the Interstate Highway System. Email your answer to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of a postcard from the Little America truck stop.
When my family drove cross country in their 1954 Mercury station wagon, my mom would have in her lap a thin bound booklet of mini-maps picked up at the local American Automobile Association office in Indianapolis. These booklets, first produced in 1911, featured each section of the route highlighted with construction sites, rest stops and turn by turn directions – all before Google maps and Mapquest! This week’s “Remember When” question is “What was the copyright name for this travel essential?
Well it has been another week trying not to repeat myself. Until we meet again, look back with gratitude and ahead with anticipation.
“No matter how big or soft or warm you bed is, you still have to get out of it.” Grace Slick
