We all
know walking is one of the best exercises, but why is walking with a group such
a good idea when you can walk by yourself at any time you want?
On
reason is that “any time” you want often becomes “no time” at all. I’ve been
telling myself for the last two years I need to start lifting weights at home.
But have I started. Nope! Having others to walk with gets you going when your “going”
doesn’t want to go.
Another
advantage is you develop closer relationships. When I use to run with my
running buddies (before my knees stopped cooperating), there wasn’t anything to
do when we ran but talk (and avoid the occasional skunk), so we filled the time
sharing stories we wouldn’t think of sharing with anyone else.
So why
don’t you join a walking group that fits your speed and schedule? You can call Taylor
Smith at 541-705-5346 to join one of the local Blue Zones Project’s Walking
Moais’. Or call North Central Public Health District at 541-506-2600 to learn
about their “Step It Up” walking groups.
But if
you are a cancer survivor or a friend or family member, consider attending the Kick-Off
for “Step It Up! Survivors” walking groups which will meet at the Celilo Cancer
Center’s Atrium (1800 E. 19th St) on Thursday, April 5th from 12:00-12:30. Sign
up to walk, receive a welcome kit and learn how regular physical exercise can
reduce cancer-related fatigue. Then on the following Wednesdays, you can join
one of the 30-minute Wednesday Walks leaving the Celilo Cancer Center at 11:00
a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 4:45 p.m. Or you can join the Second Saturday Hikes which
will be longer and locations will vary. You can call 541-296-7585 for more
information.
The
Dalles Art Center will be hosting the opening reception for their April Art
Exhibition “People, Places and Critters” featuring the work of Judy White, Adah
Iverson, Diana McElheran and Dawn Elle on April 5th from 5:00 –
7:00. Come and be inspired by our local artists.
Several
weeks ago, I wrote about the national effort to create Dementia Friendly
communities. As part of that effort, the Dementia Friendly Gorge Initiative, GOBHI
and Aging in the Gorge Alliance are bringing to the Gorge the educational
program “The Challenges of Alzheimer’s Disease” on April 11 @ 1:30 PM in the GOBHI
Training Room at 401 E 3rd Street, The Dalles. The event is open to anyone
interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s and Dementia. To register contact
Kris Boler 541.397.0548 or kboler@gobhi.net.
Last
week I mentioned the Center is starting its Wednesday Lecture Series on April 4th
when the Mid-Columbia Community Action Program (CAP) will show you how to save
energy and money in your home. And you can take home a free energy savings kit!
But I
have also scheduled two more lectures – or what may be more aptly described as
travelogues of places far, far away. On Wednesday, April 11 at 11:00, Sandy and
Bob Haechrel will show slides of their fascinating trip to Vietnam and what has
and hasn’t changed since the Vietnam War. And then at 11:00 on April 18th,
Ron Carpenter will show his slides and explain what it was like to travel through
South America by motorbike.
The
name of the 1960’s television series that followed the adventures of four young
men trying to make a name for themselves as a rock 'n roll band was the Monkees. (Lucile Stephens’ (which she
reminded me her name has only one “l”) was close with her answer, the Beatles -
whose movie A Hard Day’s Night was
the inspiration for the television series. But I received correct answers from Sandy
Haechrel, Walter and Rosemarie Lutz, and the winner of a quilt raffle ticket: Lana
Tepfer. And another quilt raffle ticket goes to Alice Mattox who I missed last
week.)
For
this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the television
comedy, first aired in 1952 and featured the real-life Nelson family at home
dealing with everyday problems. Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com,
leave a message at 541-296-4788 or drop it off with a recording of the 1958
number one hit, “Poor Little Fool”.
Well,
it’s been another week, watching the temperatures rise. Until we meet again, don’t
let your first step be your last.
“Finally
I am coming to the conclusion that my highest ambition is to be what I already
am.” Thomas Merton
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