Aging Well August 6th 2013

Because we live in a society that reflects the cultural values of independence, youthfulness, and productivity, often the elderly are either negatively portrayed as frail, descript and burdensome “old” folks - ignored, stored away and forgotten. Or on the opposite extreme “super seniors” accomplishing age defying feats of strength and daring.

In response, Orrin R. Onken, an Elder Law attorney practicing in Oregon, wrote “An Older American’s Pledge” which has recently been adapted into “An Elder’s Pledge”. A framed copy of the pledge, donated by Debra Lutje, the Center’s Yoga and Seniorcise instructor, can be found at the Center’s front desk.

This is pretty heady stuff. But it encourages us to stay strong and confident while we continue to write our own unfinished story as we face the many challenges ahead.

“An Elder’s Pledge”

• We will not be judged by the values of youth.
• We will not be expelled from work or play.
• We will not equate aging with illness.
• We will not be subject matter for experts.
• We will not be the objects of condescension.
• We will not be defined as a social or economic problem.
• We will not be trivialized.
• We will not be docile.
• We will not be interned.

• We will grow and learn.
• We will maintain a sense of humor.
• We will support one another.
• We will cooperate across generations to create a better world.
• We will nurture and guide the young.
• We will contribute according to our abilities.
• We will be proud.

Soon it will be Wasco County Fair time and once again at the fair there will be a free Senior Picnic sponsored by Flagstone Senior Living and the Area Agency on Aging. It will start at 11:30 during Thursday’s (August 15^th) Free Admission Day made possible by Mel’s Sanitation.

And if you don’t have a ride to the Fair or would rather let someone else do the driving, LINK is willing to provide transportation. But there is a catch. They would like to have at least five riders. If you are interested in taking the LINK, reserve your place by calling LINK at 541-296-7595 or the Center at 541-296-4788.

And since I am talking transportation, you can now take the LINK to Portland on Tuesday as well as Thursday. The fixed route bus service leaves The Dalles at 7:30 AM and arrives at Clackamas Town Center at 10:30 AM with several stops in between. It then reverses course and returns back in The Dalles by 5:10. It costs only $8.00 one way, but there are no reservations, so it is first come, first served.

Playing at the Center tonight is the Strawberry Mountain Band.  And next Tuesday on August 14^th Martin and Friends will keep the dance floor shaking. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00 and a suggested donation of $2.00 per person or $3.00 a couple is always appreciated.

The duplicating machine often found in schools, libraries and churches in the 50’, 60’s and 70’s was the mimeograph machine - although Francis Beers remembers an even earlier duplicating machine: the Hectograph - where you transfer the image to an inked gelatin surface. Anyone else remember that?  (And the randomly selected winner of a free August 17^th Saturday Breakfast is Laura Comini.)

With Friday night’s “Neon Cruise” car show strutting their stuff through the “gut” of The Dalles; Saturday’s Cruise the Gorge “Show in the Shade” at Sorosis Park; and Sunday’s relaxing “Threshing Bee Car Show” in Dufur Park, for classic car enthusiasts this weekend is as big as the tailfins on a 1959 Cadillac.

So I thought a classic car question would be appropriate for this week’s “Remember When” question. What wagon and carriage company entered the automotive business in 1902 with electric vehicles and then in 1904 with gasoline vehicles, but after establishing a reputation for quality and reliability, closed its American plant in South Bend, Indiana on December 20, 1963? Mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or drive your answer to the Center in the first privately owned Avanti which was presented to Roger Ward after winning the 1962 Indianapolis 500. 

Well, it has been another week trying to stay focused without losing my sight. Until we meet again, if you decide to put on a blindfold, don’t complain because you can’t see.

Calvin -“I wonder where we go when we die?” 

Hobbes: “…Pittsburgh?”

Calvin “You mean if we’re good or if we’re bad?” 

From Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson