We
are all social beings, connected through shared experiences of loves lost - and
found; of breaks and falls and trips to the doctor; and of past memories and
dreams for the not so distant future. We all share the human condition - trying
to understand and live this unsolicited gift we have been given. But there are
times when we can get disconnected from life - stuck in our own sorrow and
self-pity; isolated in our own losses and miseries; when we may not even want
to get out of bed, let alone get out of the house. And then we need a pair of
jumper cables to get reconnected to life.
Fortunately,
there are many places where you can find those jumper cables to get reconnected
to life. You can find them though a child by becoming a mentor with Big
Brothers Big Sisters or helping a child learn to read through the local SMART
program. You can get connected with others through a new or forgotten hobby. Enroll
in an art class at The Dalles Art Center, purchase a ukulele at Columbia River
Music and practice with the local ukulele players or join the Mid-Columbia Car
Club and restore that 56’ Chevy.
Social
health and the benefits of staying connected and engaged with others is this
month’s focus in your Passport to Happiness Calendar. (And you better have your
calendar hanging up next to your icebox or lying on your coffee table, because
it provides more than telling you what the date is! Each
month the calendar features a healthy food recipe, insights to enhance
your personal well-being, a comprehensive listing of agency and service
resources, as well as a schedule of events that are of specific interest to older
adults. And if you don’t have a calendar, call the Center to find the closest
location to pick one up.) This month’s event focusing on the importance of social health will be held on Wednesday,
February 20th from 3:00 – 4:30 at the Center. Don’t forget to bring your Passport card (the tear off at the bottom
of your Calendar) to get stamped. At the end of this year, there will be a Passport to Happiness celebration where
participants with complete (or nearly complete) passports will be awarded
various prizes including gift certificates to various local businesses.
The Center was “rockin
and rollin” more than usual last week. Brenda Green and Marsha Morrison gave a
lively and moving (as in moving your body) demonstration of Zumba Gold - filling
the classroom with energy and fun. And for those who can’t wait till the next
class, Zumba Gold will start on Wednesday February 20th at 9:00 in
the Center’s basement. (And the Center has made special arrangements, so the
cost is only $3.00 a class.)
Also last week the iPad and
Kindle users groups met (they meet every first Wednesday of the month) and
everyone was busy exploring and sharing new ways to use their electronic
devices. If you think the Center is just a bunch of “old” people, you are
missing all the fun and excitement!
And before the seeds
start to sprout – playing tonight at the Center is Martin and Friends followed
next week by Truman. Music begins at 7:00, everyone is welcome and donations
are always appreciated
The
author of over eighty Perry Mason novels and short stories that were the basis
for the Perry Mason television series (which I have been told is the longest
running syndicated television series) was Erle Stanley Gardner. (And the randomly
selected winner of five quilt raffle tickets is Jess Birge.)
To
find the question for this week’s “Remember When” I had to go back to my grade
school days. Who sang the #1 hit “Great Balls of Fire? - the first 45 RPM
record I ever bought (and promptly lost at school the next day). And for those
who thought that question was too easy, what was the name of the studio where
the song was recorded? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with a
copy of the “million dollar quartet” recording session from Tuesday December 4th
1956.
Well, it’s been another
week, peddling in the sand as fast as I can and not getting anywhere. Until we
meet again, when you experience life’s quirks and whims - celebrate the ups and
don’t get stuck in the downs.
“It's
paradoxical that the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone, but the
idea of getting old doesn't appeal to anyone.” ― Andy Rooney
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