Aging Well February 2nd

It is going to be one of those hurry-up-and-keep moving kind of days. The calendar is full; I have once again over committed - I think it runs in the family. But it seems when I need more time, those precious minutes I do have pass so quickly. Maybe that is why, at least at my age, time seems to go so much faster. I know I don't have forever anymore and I have noticed the sun beginning to set. But aren’t the most beautiful times of the day, the sunrise and sunset? As I try to accomplish all that I want before I punch the time clock for the last time, I should lean back, take a deep breath and enjoy the expansive and glowing sunsets in life. And like the early explorers, not fear what is beyond the sunset but accept, when the time comes, the ultimate adventure, discovering what lies beyond this world we know.

But while you contemplate life's mysteries, you might want to waltz down to the Center on Tuesday nights. On the 9th, you can listen and dance to the Notecrackers who are back playing a gentle breeze of fine tunes. And although you may not have been dancing since you were a babe on your daddy’s knee, you can always learn - there is nothing better than taking someone in your arms and dancing your cares away. And playing tonight are The Rhythm Ramblers who are beginning to build quite a following. Bring your friend, your companion, your lover and discover what all the talk is about. The music starts at 7:00 and it's absolutely, unequivocally and unbelievably free. But don’t miss the fine print "donations are warmly accepted".

You may not be aware but the Wasco County Court is no longer. Not surprisingly, many people thought that the Wasco County Court was actually a judicial court instead of the legislative and administrative body for the county. But with the new reorganization creating a Wasco County Board of Commissioners, the confusion has been removed and the people of Wasco County are better served. You can learn more about the changes in county government and the challenges ahead at the Center's Tuesday Lecture at 11:00 on the 9th. Dan Ericksen will make his annual pilgrimage to the Center to share with us his thoughts on county government and also give you a chance to ask him any questions you may have.

And Dan's mother, Marilyn Ericksen, former Senior Center board president, Senior Living columnist extraordinaire and long time Original Courthouse board member is doing fine and feeling as good as when she was twenty - well maybe not that good. She will be the first speaker for this year's Original Courthouse Regional History Forum series that begins Saturday the 6th at the Original Wasco County Courthouse behind the Chamber of Commerce. The topic will be "Nine Lives: the Little Courthouse that Refused to Die" about the history of this local historical treasure built in 1859.

Virginia at the Mid-Columbia Council of Governments wants me to mention that the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) still has a few positions available. This program builds on the idea that older Americans are dependable, reliable and energetic employees and a valuable resource for businesses, non-profits and public agencies. SCSEP is a work based training program for older workers; providing subsidized, part-time (up to twenty hours a week at minimum wage), community service work based training for low-income persons age 55 or older and have a family income of no more than 25% over the Federal poverty level. If you are interested and think you qualify for this program or just have questions, contact Virginia at 541-298-4101.

There were several responses to last week's "Remember When" question including Jim Ayres who said he would be embarrassed if he didn't know that Bart Starr was the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers when they won the first two Super Bowls in '67 and '68.

Today advertisers buy 30-second commercial spots during the Super Bowl to show their latest and greatest commercials, but in the early days of television, the whole time slots for the television shows were owned by the sponsors such as Grape Nuts, Maxwell House Coffee, and Lucky Strikes. Which leads to this week’s question "What company/product sponsored The Burns and Allen Show"?

Well, another week, another step in the stairway of life. Until we meet again, I’ll leave you with this Red Skelton quote I heard at the Center, "If I wake up and not surrounded by roses, I'm doing fine".

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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.”