Last week
the Center with the support of the Jessie F. Richardson Foundation celebrated the
“Wasco County Ageless Awards” recognizing the contributions of older adults over
seventy five and their importance in our communities. The four deserving honorees
were: Lucille Petersen, Bill Hamilton, Prudence Amick and Terry Stoddard. But
I’m sure you know of others who are respected and admired for their
contributions whether large or small. They don’t give their time for the
recognition, but why not tell them thank-you when you see them next.
It is
important to honor individuals over seventy-five because it highlights the
value of older adults in our youth oriented society. From conversations I’ve
had at the Center, I’ve learned many folks feel they are treated as if they are
invisible: ideas ignored, opinions dismissed and skills unappreciated. The
attention they do receive may be well intentioned and often appreciated, but can
be patronizing, “Let me take those groceries out for you.” By many, older
adults are viewed as a burden and not the asset they are or can be.
Sometimes
we buy into that belief ourselves becoming less confident and engaged and
feeling there isn’t anything we can do. But as Lucille Petersen told me, even
with her diminished eyesight she will continue to help in any way she can
because “I’m old but I’m not dead!”.
Thank
goodness because today it is harder to find individuals to volunteer. People are
working longer, traveling more and enjoying their own personal pursuits. And at
the same time, many services once funded by the government have been
transferred to non-profits - knowing they will need to raise more money and
attract more volunteers to operate.
The
need is greater than ever, and it is critical for individuals to step forward -
no matter their age – for the health of our communities. It was an honor to
recognize Lucille, Bill, Prudence and Terry who have stepped forward, and shown
they are not invisible by making a difference in people’s lives.
The
Dalles Community Thanksgiving Dinner at St. Mary’s Academy has become an annual
tradition but as you can imagine it takes a lot of work and can’t happen
without volunteers. Salvation Army is once again organizing the dinner and is
looking for volunteers. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved: set
up and prep from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm; serving and delivery from 11:00 am to
3:00 pm; and clean up from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. It is preferred that you sign up
by going to the Salvation Army’s website http://thedalles.salvationarmy.org/. Or
if you would rather, you can call 541-296-6417.
Holiday
season is upon us. How can you tell? The holiday bazaars have already started -
and there are many more to come. The Center will be hosting its Holiday Bazaar
on November 23rd from 9:00 – 3:00. The date may sound familiar
because it’s the same day as the St. Peter's 41st Annual Holiday Bazaar at St.
Mary’s. Then a week later is the Mosier Holiday Fair on November 30th
and December 1st from 10:00 – 4:00 each day. It is a benefit for the
Mosier Community School with over 50 artisan vendors in the event's 40th year. Admission
is $2 per person plus 1 non-perishable food item, and children under 12 are free.
The
name of the musical group that recorded the #1 song “Flowers on the Wall” and named
themselves after a brand of facial tissue they noticed in a hotel room was the
Statler Brothers. I received correct answers from Cheri Brent, Barbara Cadwell,
Jess Birge, Delores Schrader, Rhonda Spies and this week’s winner of a quilt
raffle ticket Bobetta Stewart.
There are
many expressions we seldom hear any more: “Heavens to mergatroyd”, “Well, I’ll
be a monkey’s uncle” and “Sounds like a broken record”; as well as words: “moxie”,
“swell” and my favorite “fiddlesticks”.
For
this week’s “Remember When” question complete the following expression used to describe
someone very young. “I have known him since he was knee high to a _____”. Email
your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 mail
it with a picture of David Carradine's character in the 1970s TV drama
"Kung Fu.".
Well,
it’s been another week, keeping one foot in the past and two in the future.
Until we meet again, be kind – you don’t know what burden the person is
carrying.
Commandment
#5 for growing older, “The biggest lie you tell yourself is, "I don't need
to write that down. I'll remember it."
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