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