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.
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REMEMBER WHEN
The Weekly Newsletter from the CENTER
WEEK OF MARCH 10th
THE CENTER
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF THE MID-COLUMBIA SENIOR CENTER
explore – Connect - contribute
Phone: 541-296-4788 e-mail: mcseniorcenter@gmail.com blog: www.midcolumbiaseniorcenter.com
PRESCRIPTION DRUG COLLECTION
A quick reminder: The Prescription Drug Collection will be held this coming Saturday from 10:00 - 3:00 pm at the Center. Help your community, your environment and yourself by bringing your out-of-date, unused or unwanted prescription drugs to the Center so they can be safely disposed.
BREAKFAST RETURNING ON THE 20TH – need kitchen help and business sponsor
After a two months break to get through the tough winter months, Bonnie and Edna and the rest of the fine volunteers are ready to bring you a delicious breakfast again. But we need some help. Edna just completed eye surgery and is doing well (good enough to bowl a 208 – see below) but can’t lift anything heavy for another couple of weeks and won’t be able to help Bonnie in the kitchen. If there is anyone out there who would have the time – and likes to get up early on a Saturday morning – to help our head cook Bonnie prepare a delicious Biscuits and Gravy with scrambled eggs breakfast, call the Center. Also if you know of any business that would like to sponsor the breakfast, have them give us a call. The only obligation is the $100 donation to the Center and to provide a few folks to meet and greet.
ATOMIC PIONEERS TRIP – April 28th – May 1st
The South Salem Senior Center is sponsoring a special tour of the B Reactor at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation (which was recently placed on the National Historic Registry) and have invited anyone who would be interested in learning more about this facility. This tour is offered for the first time and you will be able to go inside the reactor building to view the control room and learn firsthand about its operation. You will board Amtrak at Wishram to travel to Kennewick for Wednesday and Thursday night accommodations at the Clover Island Inn. On Thursday morning there will be a private tour of the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, and in the afternoon you will explore the Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science and Technology plus enjoy a 2-hour jet boat tour of the Columbia River. On Friday you will visit historic Ft. Walla Walla, visit to the Tamastslikt Museum and stay overnight at the Wildhorse Casino hotel. On Saturday you will return to The Dalles by motorcoach with a stop at Maryhill. All meals are included. The cost is $539 per person double occupancy and $697 single occupancy. If you are interested talk to the folks at the front desk for more information.
BRAIN GAMES - by door going into dining area
In the Monday Brain Fitness class, we do several brain games that test your mental prowess. I have placed several of the games in a rack next to the double doors to the dining room. You can pick some up and take them in with you when you eat or take them home. But we are not responsible if they drive you nuts!
MARCH 16TH TUESDAY LECTURE 11:00 – “TBA”
I am scurrying to find a speaker for next Tuesday’s lecture. Once I find out I will post it at the Center and send out a Public Service Announcement to all the media. Stay tuned.
MONDAY NIGHT Wii BOWLING
The Jolly Wii Bowlers are getting back to full strength (15 last night) with a new bowlers every week – and that is without the regulars Pat and Earl. Jack decided he had enough of Charley flying high every week and he was going to do some soaring of his own. He may not have reached the moon but he did into the stratasphere with a 239. Charlie wasn’t far behind with a 225 and Millie was next door at a 223 which makes another week over 200. Zelta who just missed 200 last week made sure there wasn’t going to be a repeat with a 220. Edna finally got her groove back even after a little eye surgery and rolled a 208. But Louise was as close as could be without being the same, again broke 200 with 207 but had to settle for a tie with Betty who may have been cold for a couple of games but was hot for at least one (and I told you last week she would break 200!). For those who couldn’t quite make it to the dizzying heights of 200 were lead by Dick who rolled a 188. Dee was next with a 181 and I will go out on a wing and a prayer and predict she will reach 200 next week. Herb was back from his vacation in Portland rolled a 172, Albeana was at 171, Alveana 171 and then the threesome of Carol, Susan and Betty R followed with scores of 166, 150 and 149 respectively. When folks get back from their winter hiatus and several folks get back to full strength we may need to get one more Wii. You just can’t have too much fun!
TUESDAY NIGHT MUSIC AND DANCE Tuesdays 7:00 pm
Fine listening and dancing music!
March 16 - Sugar Daddies March 23 - Jazz Generations March 30 - Dufur Boys
(Sunday March 28 2-5PM. Jammers)
GENTLE REMINDERS
AARP tax aide– basement of center
Fridays from 4 - 6:30 and Saturdays from 9:00 – 1:00 until April 10th
MASSAGES - Friday March 26th from 2 – 5 pm ($20 for 20 minutes)
Provided by Debra Lutje - Center’s Seniorcise and Yoga instructor and a licensed Massage Therapist.
QUILT TICKETS - $5 per ticket and only 200 tickets will be sold
CENTER BOARD MEETING EVERY 2ND TUESDAY 1:00 – Next Meeting April 13th
TUESDAY LECTURE SERIES 11:00 am
Explore and learn about the world around you!
16th TBA March 23 MCMC
March 30 Jerry Tanquist Restoration of the Harris Canyon Water Tower and the Harry Carleton Story
April 6 Jeff Eagan - Exploring and Connecting using the social networking site MyOver50.com
April 13 Keith Mobley The Wasco County Charter
OPPORTUNITIES TO CONTRIBUTE
SMART PROGRAM (541) 993-1025 CASA VOLUNTEERS (541) 386-3468
VA VOLUNTEER DRIVERS 541-506-2502 MEALS-ON-WHEELS DRIVERS 541-298-8333
THE DALLES ART CENTER 541-296-4759 RED CROSS-The Dalles 541- 296-3210
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 541-296-8817
OUR BUSINESS SPONSORS!
SAM SILVER: CONSTRUCTION/HOME REPAIR 541-980-4019 HATTENHAUR DISTRIBUTORS
HEARTS OF GOLD CAREGIVERS HEARS THE ANSWER 298-5558
QWIK-CHANGE LUBE CENTER 296-2460 OREGON TRAIL INSURANCE - 298-2395
STATE FARM INSURANCE DOUG SAWYER MEADOW OUTDOOR ADVERTISING
BARRY RENTS 298-7368 A-OK PACK AND SHIP 296-3345
TODAY’S RAYS 298-8938 CASCADE HEARING AID CENTER 296-3300
THE DALLES DISPOSAL SERVICE 298-5149 PATTY KASEBERG, CPA 296-3369
CHERRY HEIGHTS RETIREMENT 296-6880 KLINDTS BOOKSELLERS
TURNER’S HOME FURNISHING 296-6659 AND STATIONERS 541-296-3355
INFORMATION AND SERVICES
Area Agency on Aging 298-4101 Seniors & People w/ Disabilities 298-4114
Veterans’ Service Office 506-2502 CAP (Energy Assistance) 298-5131
Life-Span Respite 298-5131 Pioneer Potlatch 298-4354
AARP Money Management 298-4101 Legal Aid of Oregon 1-800-228-6958
Housing Resource Center 296-5462 Transportation Network (Link) 296-7595
Center for Living 296-5452 Wasco County Public Health 506-2600
Ombudsman 1-800-522-2602 La Clinica Family Health Center 386-6380
Mid-Columbia Medical Center 296-1111 Planetree Health Resource Center 296-8444
Visiting Health Services 296-7280 Hospice of The Gorge 296-3228
Senior Center Activity Schedule
Wednesday (3) Seniorcise 9:15; Computer Basics 10:00; Billards1:00; Strong Women 2:00; Steps to Wellness 6:00
Thursday (4) Yoga; Tap and Clogging 10:00; Wii Bowling Practice 11:00; Computer Basics; Pinochle 1:00 – 3:30; Meals-on-Wheels BINGO 6:00
Friday (5): Seniorcise 9:15; Learn the Wii 10:00; Wii Bowling Practice 11:00; Bridge 1:00; Pinochle 6:00; AARP Tax Aide 3:00 – 6:30
Saturday (6) AARP Tax Aide 9:00 – 1:00;Cards and Cribbage 9:00; MCSC BINGO 6:00
Monday (8) Seniorcise 9:15; Quilters 10:00; Brain Fitness 1:00; Strong Women 2:00; Wii Bowling Night 6:30
Tuesday (9): Yoga 9:30; Tuesday Lecture “TBA” 11:00; Tai Chi 1:00; Computer Help Lab 1:45; Tuesday Night Music “Sugar Daddies” 7:00
Wednesday (10) Seniorcise 9:15; Computer Basics 10:00; Billiards 1:00; Strong Women 2:00; Steps to Wellness 6:00
SATURDAY BREAKFAST SPONSORS - 2010
MARCH – No Sponsor yet
APRIL - CHERRY HEIGHTS RETIREMENT COMMUNITY 541-296-6880
US COAST GUARD AUXILIARY OPEN HOUSE – THURSDAY MARCH 11 7 PM
The US Coast Guard Auxiliary is sponsoring an open house at 7 P.M. on March 11 at The Dalles Yacht Club (at the marina) to celebrate the opening of a Detachment here in The Dalles. Refreshments will be served; there will be door prizes; and information about the new Detachment will be available. All are welcome and there is no cost or obligation. For further information--(541) 298-5334
“To further entice you, here are a couple of Navy stories from little Jimmy Gordon.
This new Navy recruit had just been issued his snazzy uniform and was feeling handsome and foxy. He was walking down the wooden dock counting the spaces between the pier boards. His head was down and he was oblivious to everything. Splash!! He came to the end of the pier and found himself among the ocean waves. The moral of this story: When you're out of slits, you're out of pier.”
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