Aging Well in the Gorge November 3rd 2015

Whoa. Someone hold the hands on the clock! Time is moving way too fast. Halloween is over and now it’s November - the month when we scramble to get everything done before all the December Christmas activities. And then before we notice, we’ll be back cutting grass and wearing shorts. No one wonder I always feel tired.

But until then, here are a few of this month’s events starting with the Veteran’s Day activities.

The Mid-Columbia Veterans “Stand Down” will be held on Saturday, November 7^th from 11:00 – 2:30 at the Civic Auditorium to honor our veterans and their families, as well as offering information about available services. Coffee and lunch will be provided. For more information call 541-296-5435 ext. 225.

On Tuesday, November 10^th, The Dalles Middle School invites the community to their 10:00 assembly to pay tribute to local veterans - followed by a free lunch for the veterans. The Middle School is also looking for military items such as medals, old uniforms, or photos anyone would like to share. For more information contact Larry Fairclo at 541-506-3449 ext. 4126.

And Pat Lucas would be after me if I didn’t mention the annual Veteran’s Day Parade starting at 11:00 AM at 6^th and Webber. Following the parade will be a community potluck lunch at Fort Dalles Readiness Center (new Armory at 402 E. Scenic Dr.). Bring either a hot dish, a large salad or dessert. Place servings and drinks will be furnished.

Also on the 11th, Meals-on-Wheels will be open to honor our local veterans during their noon dinner. And to give their dedicated staff a day off, Meals-on-Wheels will be closed on Monday November 9^th.

And before the snow falls, the Center is scheduling two more trips in November– if there is enough interest.

The first trip is November 18^th to visit the Portland Art Museum and their special exhibit Seeing Nature. This exhibit includes thirty nine landscape Masterpieces from the Paul Allen collection including works by Monet, Cézanne, and O’Keefe. The cost is $10 for transportation and $17 for admission.

The second trip is to attend the 11:00 matinee performance of the Singing Christmas Tree in Portland on Saturday December 5th. This seasonal favorite costs $65 which includes transportation. If you are interested in either trip, call the Center at 541-296-4788.

Because of cancellations, there are still four tickets available for the overnight trip to Lincoln City to see the show Vicki Lawrence and Mama at the Chinook Winds on November 21^st. That trip is $70 for the show and transportation, but you will need to reserve your own hotel room. Call the Center for more details.

And the holiday season can’t be complete without the bazaars. The Center will be hosting a Holiday Bazaar on November 21st from 9:00 – 3:00. The date may sound familiar because it is the same day as the 37th Annual Holiday Bazaar at St. Mary’s - the granddaddy of bazaars. Stop by and visit both holiday bazaars as you start your early Christmas shopping.

How would you have liked the chance to spend a year of high school in another country half way around the globe? Through the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, The Dalles High School student Max McClennan had that chance spending a year in Denmark – a country which happens be in the political discussion these days. On Tuesday, November 10^th at 11:00 at the Center, you are invited to hear Max share his stories about living in Denmark.

For the Tuesday Night Music and Dance on November 10^th, Martin and Friends will be playing their special blend of Country Western. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, everyone is welcome and donations are appreciated.

During the Cuban Missile Crisis, the U.S. Secretary of Defense was Robert McNamara - a Ford Motor Company “Whiz Kid” recruited by President Kennedy.

The Baseball World Series may be over, but this week’s “Remember When” question is for the baseball fans who were glued to the TV watching the series. Who was the first relief pitcher elected to the baseball Hall of Fame, pitched professionally until he was 50, and was considered by many the best knuckleball pitcher ever? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with a team picture of the 1954 New York Giants.

Well, it’s been another week trying remember to look before I speak. Until we meet again, there is a reason we have two ears and one mouth.

“I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.” Douglas Adams