Agig Well in the Gorge March 29th 2016

I have an idea. If you are retired, you can receive a license that gives you the right, without any questions asked and with no guilt attached, to pursue any “trivial pursuit” you had put off throughout your working career because of all those “adult” reasons. This license would allow you to explore your creative side by taking a mosaics class at The Dalles Art Center, picking up a guitar and writing songs, making walking sticks in the shop, or just drawing with paper and pencil at the kitchen table every morning. Because we are now finding out how important these “trivial” creative activities are for your mind, body and soul.

To provide more opportunities to use your new “trivial pursuit” license, the Center will be offering four creative arts classes: Watercolor Pencils on April 5^th, Felting on April 26^th; Jewelry on May 10^th, and Spring Baskets on May 31^st. They are all on Tuesdays from 1:00 – 2:30 and cost $3.00 a class. Class size is limited, so call early to reserve your spot.

In addition, for the Center’s next 11:00 Tuesday’s Lecture, I will discuss the benefits of exploring the creative arts and show several video clips of inspiring older adults who have aged “artfully”.

Imagine trying to purchase private health insurance without the help of an insurance agent - or your employer. It would be confusing, stupefying and downright overwhelming. So what are you to do when you become eligible for Medicare?

Medicare does provide a website www.medicare.gov that can help you though the enrollment process and answer many of your questions. But often I need to talk to someone who can understand my situation and answer the questions I don’t even know I need to ask. SHIBA (State Health Insurance and Benefits Assistance) counselors are trained volunteers who can help answer your questions about Medicare. You can schedule an appointment with a SHIBA volunteer by calling the Center at 541-296-4788.

If you are looking for an introduction to Medicare, you can attend Medicare 101. The class will introduce you to Medicare and explain the differences between Medicare Part A, B, C and D; as well as how and when to enroll in Medicare. It will be held at the Columbia Gorge Community College in The Dalles on Wednesday, April 6^th from 1:00 – 3:00 in room 3.301. Register online or call 541-506-6011. Pre-registration is preferred but not required.

Last reminder to hear Nehemiah Brown when he returns to sing at the Center on Friday, April 1^st for his spring concert. Nehemiah’s performance includes pop, country and gospel standards of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. The concert is from 7:00 and 9:00 and costs $4.00 or $3.00 if you are a Center member.

There is no better way to spend an evening than dancing. It’s fun, it’s social and it gets you moving. And every Tuesday night at the Center you can step out, kick up your heels and enjoy an evening of dancing. For the Tuesday Night Music on April 5th, Andre, KC and Tom will be playing their crowd pleasing country music. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00. Everyone is welcome and donations are appreciated.

Pat Wilson (the winner of this week’s quilt raffle ticket) thought last week’s question was too easy – which it probably was. But I hope it brought a smile to your face when you thought back to the times when you either tried the gag on a friend or were the “butt” of a Whoopie Cushion joke – no bad pun intended.

(And you don’t have to enter the “Remember When” contest to get a chance to win one of the two beautiful quilts displayed in the Center’s lobby. You can purchase tickets at the Center before the drawing which will be held at noon on Monday, April 25^th.)

This week’s “Remember When” question may be a little obscure but if you watched many cowboy westerns from the 40’s and 50’s you would recognize this actor. Who played the colorful sidekick and grizzled codger in many westerns including forty-four starring Roy Rogers; and whose vocabulary included phrases such as "yer durn tootin'", "dadgummit", "durn persnickety female", and "young whippersnapper”? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with a video of his fifteen minute television show that aired before Howdy Doody.

Well, it’s been another week trying to read the hieroglyphics on the wall. Until we meet again, keep walking on the sunny side of the street.

“An essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail.” Edward Land