Is it
snowing yet? I’m asking because I sent this column in on Saturday and the last
forecast I saw for Wednesday was high 27 and low 22 with a 50% chance of snow,
but you never know how accurate the forecast will be. Whether the cold temperatures and snow arrives
today or next month, one thing we do know is it will eventually happen. And
when it does, don’t forget a couple common sense basics to keep yourself safe.
Dress
warm and stay dry. At our age shivering is not always a reliable warning sign of
hypothermia because older people tend to shiver less or not at all when their
body temperature drops.
Be
careful working outside such as shoveling snow. When it’s cold outside your
heart works double time to keep warm.
Keep
indoor temperature at 65 degrees or warmer. But make sure wood stoves are
properly vented and cleaned; and space heaters are at least three feet away
from anything that might catch fire.
Avoid
driving. If you need to make sure your car is winterized, avoid hills and take
your cell phone for emergencies.
As I
mentioned last week to avoid falls “Walk like a Penguin”. And be particularly careful of the black ice
on sidewalks or parking lots where the snow melted and then froze again.
But
the best advice is to purchase all your necessities ahead of time and then stay
home, relax and enjoy the wonder of the falling snow.
When
the snow falls, the Center always receives calls asking whether the Center is
open or not. The general rule of thumb is if D-21 is closed the Center and
Meals-on-Wheels will be closed. If D-21 has a delayed start, the Center’s
morning classes are usually cancelled, but you may want to call the Center to
make sure.
Martin
Luther King Day is Monday, January 20th - a day off for many folks.
But it is also a holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage
all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.
In
response to this call to action, there will be a Martin Luther King Day
Community Services Clean-Up in cooperation with The Dalles Blue Zones and City
of The Dalles Beautification Project. Participants will be picking up trash
along 6th street from 11:00 – 2:00 on the 20th. If you want to
participate, meet at the Home Depot parking lot near the corner of 6th
and Chenowith Loop Road. Bring gloves and a reflective vest if you have one. This
is an opportunity to have fun by getting outside, meeting some new people, and
giving back to your community.
And on
the evening of the 20th, Blue Zones is hosting a gathering to learn how
to cook simple, tasty and nutritious meals. And your reward? You get to eat
what you prepared! The cooking demo is Monday, January 20th from 5:30-7:00
at One Community Health, 1040 Weber Street. For more information call
202-465-1702 or email brett.ractchford@sharecare.com
“Will
you still love me when I’m 64” is the song written
by Paul McCartney about a young man singing to his lover about his plans for
their growing old together. I received
correct answers from Julie Carter, Lana Tepfer, Jim and Betsy Ayers, Cheri
Brent, and this week’s winner Ruth Radcliffe. And as I often do, my apologies
to Laura Comini and Cheri Brent who answered correctly last week.
Paul
McCartney wrote the song when he was just sixteen when he probably thought 64
was old. But here’s a challenge. Can you rewrite the lyrics as a 64 year old singing
to his/her lover “Will you still love me when I’m 84”? Email me what you come
up with.
Now
that it’s 2020 you have probably heard all the catchphrases playing on the idea
of 20/20 vision: hopes for a clear vision in 2020, how to see with clarity in
2020 and more.
But
the first thing that comes to my mind is the title of a song by Johnny Nash. For
this week’s “Remember When” question what was the name of this number one song with
a reggae beat released in 1972? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com,
leave a message at 541-296-4788 or drop it off with the soundtrack to the
comedy sports film Cool Runnings.
Well,
it’s been another week, keeping an eye on the sky. Until we meet again, keep
yourself safe and warm.
“To
me, old age is always 10 years older than I am.” Bernard Baruch on his 86th
birthday
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