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