Aging Well in the Gorge May 22nd 2018

When I hear about age-friendly communities it is usually concerning the inclusion of older adults, including those at the oldest ages, so they can stay connected and actively participate in community activities; and for older adults who can no longer care for themselves providing appropriate supports.

But that is just the quick and dirty explanation. This Wednesday, May 23^rd, you can learn more about age-friendly communities and share how age-friendly you feel The Dalles is in areas such as housing, transportation, public spaces and civic participation. Oregon AARP is facilitating this community conversation which will be held at the Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI) office at 401 E. 3rd Street, The Dalles, from 3:30 to 5:30 pm on the 23^rd.

Staff from Oregon AARP will collect your ideas and priorities and will use them to help guide their work in helping communities become more livable and Oregon an age-friendly state – as well as sharing the information with the Governor’s Commission on Senior Services and decision makers across the state.

But even though in the field of aging, the emphasis is on older people, the idea of age friendly communities is about supporting ALL ages. And although we often think our communities don’t have adequate supports and infrastructure for older people, the same can be said for our youth - whether it is a lack of sidewalks for children to walk to school, transportation options, healthy social activities – or a lack of respect.

One coalition trying to address the needs of our youth by building upon their strengths is the Gorge Youth Center. On May 12^th I attended the dedication of the site for the future Gorge Youth Center and it was inspiring hearing the passion and vision for how the Youth Center will make a positive difference for our youth and the whole community.

As with the Center whose focus is older adults but serves and supports all ages, the Gorge Youth Center will be similar but focusing on our youth while open to all ages. For example, in the initial design there is an indoor track which will provide a place for older adults to walk during the winter cold and the summer heat.

But the Gorge Youth Center will not be possible without the support of the whole community and particularly, older adults. Older adults are often portrayed as a liability to society. But according to the report “Longevity Economics” developed by the Gerontological Society of America, people aged 50 years or older make nearly 70% of the contributions to charities, churches, and other philanthropic organizations - averaging $100 billion per year.

We as the older generations will have to step up to make this dream a reality - just as we have with the Center’s UpLifting Elevator project, The Library’s Children’s Wing and the restoration of the Civic Auditorium. I hope you take time to learn more about the Gorge Youth Center and how you can financially support this important effort.

And a special challenge to my fellow Boomers. We were the children of what has been appropriately call the “Greatest Generation”. But aren’t we the “Can Do” generation? Maybe we haven’t changed the world – or maybe we have, but we can continue use our “Can Do” attitude to make the Youth Center a reality and The Dalles a healthier community for ALL ages.

The religious leader who hosted the night-time radio program The Catholic Hour before hosting two television programs and was Bishop Fulton Sheen. (I received only one correct answer and that was from Lana Tepfer who is this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.)

Once in a while I get whiff of this oil’s aroma that immediately takes me back to the 60’s – and I don’t mean a whiff of what is now legal up and down the west coast. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what is the name of the oil derived from a plant native to tropical Southeast Asian countries; been described as having a dark, musky-earthy aroma; and was associated with the “counterculture” movement of the 60’s? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or drop it off with a muddy ticket from the Woodstock Music Festival.

Well, it’s been another week, sticking notes in odd places. Until we meet again, don’t take life so seriously you don’t leave room for life’s silliness.

“Grandchildren are the dots that connect the lines from generation to generation.” Lois Wyse

Aging Well in the Gorge May 15th 2018

Okay, time for a pop quiz. What annoying situations would you like to stop? Drivers following too closely on the freeway? People leaving the lights on? Your spouse telling you “Stop mumbling!”

For me, robocalls - those unsolicited automated phone calls, would be at the top of my list. At the Center I’ve heard many folks complain about robocalls and that it seems to be getting worse!

Unfortunately, it is. The volume of automated calls has skyrocketed in recent years reaching an estimated 3.4 billion in April which is more than a 25% increase since last year. And it’s not surprising. They are cheap and robocallers can easily dial millions of consumers daily, and once the number is ignored or blocked, they can find new numbers to hide behind.

But there are efforts underway to fight this nuisance. At the federal level, both the House and Senate have either passed or introduced legislation aimed at curbing abuses. And regulators are working with the telecommunications industry to identify ways to authenticate the calls to help us identify the callers.

But it will take time. So, what can you do now to reduce this almost daily nuisance?

1. Keep your phone number to yourself. I made the mistake of going online to investigate refinancing my house mortgage and in the process gave out my phone number. Now I’m receiving phone calls from various lenders all across the country. But it does make me feel wanted.

2. Tell companies to get lost. It not illegal for a business to make marketing calls if you have a business relationship with them. But you can stop those calls by making a specific request to the business - and follow up with the FTC if the business keeps calling you.

5. Get on the Do Not Call Registry. The federal Do Not Call Registry may prevent some legitimate companies from calling. But the scammers don’t follow the rules, so why would they follow the Do No Not Call Registry? But it is worth a try.

3. Don’t answer calls from unfamiliar numbers. I used to answer any call that appeared local, but in the recent year an increasing number of them were scam calls, e.g.. “Would you like to purchase a special vacation package from Marriott?  What has happened is robocallers can now fool your telephone service by what is known as “neighborhood spoofing”: using local numbers in the hope that folks like you and me will more likely pick up the call.

6. File a complaint. In 2017 there were 4.5 million complaints to the FTC about robocalls - more than doubled since 2013.

7. Use software that blocks robocalls. Apple iPhones and most Android phones can block specific numbers. And now there are apps you can use to block robocalls such as Nomorobo, RoboKiller or Truecaller, although there may be a small monthly subscription charge.

But until unwanted robocalls end, don’t be offended if I don’t answer. Just leave a voice message and I’ll call you back - when I remember to check my messages.

It’s time to reserve your space for the Theater Play Table Read of one-act plays and skits on May 23^rd from 1:00 – 2:30 led by Kerry Cobb. Pick a role and play your part as the you read entertaining one-act plays. No experience necessary—just a desire to have fun. Limited to twelve.

The name of the popular and affordable sports coupe with a long hood and short deck was the Ford Mustang. (I received correct answers from Lana Tepfer and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket, Jim Ayers.)

It’s time to take a break from pop music, television shows and hot cars and move to old time religion. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what religious leader was appointed Bishop of Rochester in 1966; hosted the night-time radio program The Catholic Hour before hosting two television programs in the 50’s and 60’s; and was called by Time magazine the first televangelist? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or drop it off with a tape of an episode of Life Is Worth Living.

Well, it’s been another week, enjoying the beautiful days. Until we meet again, when you start digging yourself into a hole - know when to put the shovel down.

“When I walk into a room, I know that everyone in it loves me. I just don’t expect them to realize it yet.” Byron Katie

Aging Well in the Gorge May 15th 2018

Okay, time for a pop quiz. What annoying situations would you like to stop? Drivers following too closely on the freeway? People leaving the lights on? Your spouse telling you “Stop mumbling!”

For me, robocalls - those unsolicited automated phone calls, would be at the top of my list. At the Center I’ve heard many folks complain about robocalls and that it seems to be getting worse!

Unfortunately, it is. The volume of automated calls has skyrocketed in recent years reaching an estimated 3.4 billion in April which is more than a 25% increase since last year. And it’s not surprising. They are cheap and robocallers can easily dial millions of consumers daily, and once the number is ignored or blocked, they can find new numbers to hide behind.

But there are efforts underway to fight this nuisance. At the federal level, both the House and Senate have either passed or introduced legislation aimed at curbing abuses. And regulators are working with the telecommunications industry to identify ways to authenticate the calls to help us identify the callers.

But it will take time. So, what can you do now to reduce this almost daily nuisance?

1. Keep your phone number to yourself. I made the mistake of going online to investigate refinancing my house mortgage and in the process gave out my phone number. Now I’m receiving phone calls from various lenders all across the country. But it does make me feel wanted.

2. Tell companies to get lost. It not illegal for a business to make marketing calls if you have a business relationship with them. But you can stop those calls by making a specific request to the business - and follow up with the FTC if the business keeps calling you.

5. Get on the Do Not Call Registry. The federal Do Not Call Registry may prevent some legitimate companies from calling. But the scammers don’t follow the rules, so why would they follow the Do No Not Call Registry? But it is worth a try.

3. Don’t answer calls from unfamiliar numbers. I used to answer any call that appeared local, but in the recent year an increasing number of them were scam calls, e.g.. “Would you like to purchase a special vacation package from Marriott?  What has happened is robocallers can now fool your telephone service by what is known as “neighborhood spoofing”: using local numbers in the hope that folks like you and me will more likely pick up the call.

6. File a complaint. In 2017 there were 4.5 million complaints to the FTC about robocalls - more than doubled since 2013.

7. Use software that blocks robocalls. Apple iPhones and most Android phones can block specific numbers. And now there are apps you can use to block robocalls such as Nomorobo, RoboKiller or Truecaller, although there may be a small monthly subscription charge.

But until unwanted robocalls end, don’t be offended if I don’t answer. Just leave a voice message and I’ll call you back - when I remember to check my messages.

It’s time to reserve your space for the Theater Play Table Read of one-act plays and skits on May 23^rd from 1:00 – 2:30 led by Kerry Cobb. Pick a role and play your part as the you read entertaining one-act plays. No experience necessary—just a desire to have fun. Limited to twelve.

The name of the popular and affordable sports coupe with a long hood and short deck was the Ford Mustang. (I received correct answers from Lana Tepfer and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket, Jim Ayers.)

It’s time to take a break from pop music, television shows and hot cars and move to old time religion. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what religious leader was appointed Bishop of Rochester in 1966; hosted the night-time radio program The Catholic Hour before hosting two television programs in the 50’s and 60’s; and was called by Time magazine the first televangelist? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or drop it off with a tape of an episode of Life Is Worth Living.

Well, it’s been another week, enjoying the beautiful days. Until we meet again, when you start digging yourself into a hole - know when to put the shovel down.

“When I walk into a room, I know that everyone in it loves me. I just don’t expect them to realize it yet.” Byron Katie

Aging Well in the Gorge May 8th 2018

Americans are living longer and healthier. And to celebrate this good news, the month of May has been designated Older American’s Month. This year’s theme is “Engage at Every Age” because you are never too old (or young) to find a new direction that can enrich your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. But which way do you want to go?

Well, you might go in the direction of a new career - maybe something part-time that allows time for trips and the grandkids. A good starting point is enrolling in a free Purpose Workshop to help you unwrap your unique gifts and talents. The next Blue Zones Project Purpose Workshop is on May 16^th at the Riv Café (401 E. 10th St) from 5:30 – 7:30 PM. You can RSVP at http://go.bluezonesproject.com/tdpurpose5.16.18

Or maybe you want to go in the direction of discovering or rediscovering your creative side: learn how to drum on a barbecue grill; enroll in a watercolor’s class at The Dalles Art Center; or take voice lessons - whatever fits your fancy. Also at the Center on Wednesday, May 23^rd you can participate in a Theatre Play Table Reading of one act plays and skits facilitated by Kerry Cobb. No experience is necessary - just a desire to have fun. Call the Center to register because the class is limited to 12.

Or how about going on a quest to explore new and old ideas by taking free online classes such as those offered by Khan Academy or Coursera. Or take a class at CGCC such as the 11-week class, English 202 Shakespeare: The Later Plays starting on June 27^th.  As with many classes, you can audit the class and discounts are available for Oregon Seniors. Email Mjablonski@cgcc.edu for more information.

Or follow the footsteps of many others and volunteer: using your years of experience to serve others.

“Engaging at Every Age” by exploring new directions can be fun and rewarding. No matter what direction you choose, pursuing a new interest will help keep you happy, healthy, and connected.

Older people have been the backbone for several local capital improvement projects: The John and Jean Thomas Children's Wing for The Dalles/Wasco County Library, the Center’s Elevator Project and the Civic Auditorium. But one community need that remains is a Youth Center that will “provide a positive, affordable and safe place for youth and those organizations which seek to help young people develop into physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually healthy adults”.

Joe Martin and others have been working faithfully to make this dream a reality. And this coming Saturday, May 12^th at 11:00, everyone is invited to celebrate and dedicate the "Future Home of the Gorge Youth Center" - another step towards making The Dalles a friendlier community for all ages.

Last week I didn’t mention the speaker for the May 9^th Wednesday Lecture and there’s a reason. There won’t be one. Instead from 10:00 – 12:30 the Oregon Alzheimer’s Association will present a two-part class: The Basics and Effective Communication Strategies.

Then on May 16^th at 11:00, I will lead a discussion about what you would want to tell your federal, state and local elected officials about issues affecting older people. And on May 23^rd as I mentioned last week, Dr. Reardon will be discussing Total Joint Replacements.

Roger Daltrey, Peter Townshend, John Entwistle and Keith Moon were members of the band Who - known for smashing guitars and recording the 1969 classic rock album Tommy. (I received correct answers from Don McAllister and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket, Dave Lutgens.)

This week’s “Remember When” question is an easy one, but I hope it brings back memories of that special car from back in the day. What was the name of the affordable sports coupe (advertised list price of $2,368) with a long hood and short deck; and was Ford’s fasting selling car since the Model A? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or drop if off with a photo of the car when it was introduced at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.

Well, it’s been another week, trying to keep my hat from being blown off. Until we meet again, no matter how far down the road you are, sometimes it’s best to turn around.

“Your power to choose your direction of your life allows you to reinvent yourself, to change your future, and to powerfully influence the rest of creation.” —Stephen Covey

Aging Well in the Gorge May 1st 2018

I can’t imagine anyone who hasn’t been affected by Cancer – whether themselves or through a friend of relative. But the American Cancer Society is working to change that. You can help by supporting Relay for Life which raises money for the American Cancer Society and brings communities together to remember lost loved ones, and honor survivors of all cancers.

This year the Relay for Life event will be held on Saturday, June 30^th at the Hood River County Fairgrounds - and the Mid-Columbia goal is to raise $60,000 before then. (You can find more information online by googling Mid-Columbia Relay for Life.) In the meantime, there will be other fundraisers including an All Relay for Life Parking Lot Sale at the Center on Saturday, May 5^th from 8:00 – 3:00.

At the Cherry Festival Breakfast, one of the Center’s beautiful quilts was raffled off. (And thanks again to everyone who made the breakfast possible: the volunteers, Boy Scout Troop #395, The Dalles Chamber of Commerce, and our sponsor Cherry Heights Living). But another quilt is willing and waiting, and you can see it on display at the A’s Sewing Shoppe at 422 E. 2^nd, The Dalles. It was quilted by one of the Center’s Quilters, Diana Thomas, during the Cake Mix Quilting class (don’t ask me what that means.) So when you’re downtown, check out the quilt and A’s Sewing Shoppe which has provided dependable sewing machine services and vacuum repair for over 37 years.

And what always occurs on the first Saturday in May? The biggest Wasco County Family Reunion - which we know as The Wasco County Pioneers Annual Meeting. The 96^th annual meeting will be held at the Readiness Center with registration beginning at 9:30 and lunch at 11:30. During the annual meeting which starts at 1:00, the 2018 Pioneer Man and Woman will be honored; and Cal McDermid, Fort Dalles Museum director, will be giving an update on the Surgeon’s Quarters and the Anderson House.

How can you increase public support for policies and practices that promote a robust, healthy, age-integrated society? One way identified through extensive research is to change the conversation about aging. For the 11:00 Wednesday Lecture on May 2nd, I will be discussing new ways to talk about aging that reduces stereotypes and increases the inclusion of older people in our communities.

You may have noticed, I haven’t mentioned the speaker for May 9th – because, well, I’m still trying to figure that one out. But a little further down the highway on May 23^rd at 11:00, Dr. Reardon, one of MCMC’s Orthopedic Surgeons, will discuss total joint replacements: when to consider and what to expect.

As we live longer, total joint replacements are becoming more common. We see that at the Center where three to four times a week someone borrows a piece of medical equipment to help recover from hip or knee surgery. And for those who may not know, the Center’s loan closet includes walkers, wheelchairs, shower benches, toilet seat risers, canes and more. But the availability varies, so I would suggest calling to see if we have what you need. There is no cost for borrowing the equipment because we understand many folks are on limited incomes. But if you can afford to donate, the suggested donation is $10.00.

The name of the Rod Serling created series where “You're traveling through another dimension” was The Twilight Zone. (I received correct answers from Dave Lutgens, Jesse Birge, Darlene Marick, Susan Ortega, Kathy Schwartz, Lana Tepfer, Ed Anghilante, Don McAllister, Virginia McClain and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket, Carol Earl.)

Since my mom grew up with the Mills Brothers, Harry James and Frank Sinatra, she couldn’t understand why the musical groups I listened to had such foolish names: The Beatles, Jefferson Airplane, the Animals, Mamas and Papas and the band called just - The Band. So for this week’s “Remember When” question, what band, whose name is more appropriate for a basic journalism class, was known for smashing guitars on stage and writing the 1969 classic rock album Tommy?  Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or drop if off at the Center while singing with youthful rebellion “My Generation”.

Well, it’s been another week, trying to lower the bar to help others over. Until we meet again, don’t let the gravy drown the mashed potatoes. 

“He has achieved success who has worked well, laughed often, and loved much.” Elbert Hubbard