Aging Well in the Gorge November 17th 2015

The Dalles is a wonderful community with so many folks working to make it even better - demonstrated by the support the Center has received for the UpLifitng Elevator Campaign. But that is just one of many capital construction projects the community has supported through local giving. The Wonderworks Children’s Museum last year finally owns their building, and The Dalles/Wasco County Library is moving towards construction of the John and Jean Thomas Children’s Wing. Also the Civic Auditorium Historic Preservation Board is still working hard to restore the 900-1000 seat theater. And just recently, Joe Martin announced a donation of land to give new life to his 15 year vision of building a Youth Center.

,

I believe the community has the capacity to complete these remaining capital construction projects - making our community even stronger for our youth, families and older adults. Admittedly, it will take more hard work and hundreds of small $25 - $100 donations, but also larger gifts such as the anonymous $50,000 to the Uplifting Elevator Campaign and the $100,000 matching donation that kicked off the library’s expansion project. With the passion and commitment behind these projects, and the community’s generosity - particularly of older adults, I know they will be completed.

There is good news to report about the UpLifting Elevator Campaign. From this most recent mailing, the Center has received over $8,000 in individual donations which brings the total of local dollars raised from individuals and business to just shy of $130,000.

We have also been fortunate to receive several large foundation grants: a Ford Family Foundation grant of $115,000, a Collins Foundation grant of $20,000 and just last week we heard the Center will receive $15,000 from the Oregon Community Foundation.

In addition we have been designated to receive several local grants: $10,000 from the PUD, $5,000 from the MCMC Health Foundation, and a Rural Community grant $1500 from Northwest Farm Credit Services.

Because of your generous donations, the Center has raised $295,000 towards the estimated $380,000 cost. It has taken many years, but we are getting so close, I can almost hear the elevator coming up the shaft.  

If you haven’t given, I hope you will consider making a donation before the end of the year. There are many worthwhile projects in the community. It is time to complete the Uplifting Elevator Campaign and check it off the list.

With everything so perfectly manufactured by high tech programmable machines, it is refreshing to purchase something handmade – and sometimes with a few mistakes to prove it. You will get a chance to purchase that perfect gift Saturday November 21^st at the Holiday Bazaars at St. Mary’s from 9:00 – 4:00 and at the Center from 9:00 – 3:00.

If you are trying to navigate your way through the landmines of computers and tablets, there is help. Besides the Center’s drop in class every Wednesday at 9:00, The Dalles – Wasco County Library offers drop-in tech help on Mondays and Saturdays at 10:30; plus you can make an appointment with a Tech Tutor by calling 541-296-2815. The library also offers several classes this month: beginning email class on Friday November 20^th and Social Media on Wednesday November 25^th at 1:30 PM.

For the Tuesday Night Music and Dance on November 24^th, Country Roads will be performing. But during the winter months of December and January music will be starting at 6:30 and over by 8:30, so you can be in bed by 9:00 for you early risers. Everyone is welcome and donations are always appreciated.

The leader of the Chinese Nationalists when they were forced by the Chinese Communist to retreat to Taiwan was Chiang Kai-shek. (The winner of a free quilt raffle ticket is the student of history, Joann Scott.)

Last week, along with a bag of clothes, a woman’s hat with the price tag still attached was donated to the Nu-2-U Shop. And if you are thinking what I am thinking, you already know this week’s “Remember When” Question. What female country comedian appeared on the Grand Ole Opry for more than 50 years and whose hat is on display in the National Museum of American History. Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with the directions to Grinder’s Switch, Tennessee.

Well, it’s been another week trying to walk on the bright side. Until we meet again, remember it’s easier to ride the horse in the direction it’s going.

“I'm sick of following my dreams. I'm just going to ask them where they're goin', and hook up with them later.” Mitch Hedberg