Aging Well in the Gorge April 3rd 2018

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 5^th 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 4^th 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 18^th, 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