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 16th at the Riv
CafĂ© (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 23rd 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 27th. 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 12th 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 9th 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 16th 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 23rd 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
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