Best years yet

T H E P U B L I C AT I O N O F E XC E PT I O N A L L I V I N G F O R P E O P L E 5 0 A N D B E TT E R • W I L L A M E TT E VA L L E Y FREE!

MAY/JUNE 2015 / VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 1

The Youth of Aging (Living Your Dreams) Page 6

Say Yes More Page 10

Concious Aging Page 9

May/June 2015 • Best Years Yet

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Best Years Yet • May/June 2015

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| FROM THE PUBLISHER |

One Year Old!

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hank you for picking up this issue of Best Years Yet. We’re celebrating this month, because it’s our one year anniversary!

That just seems incredible to me. Word is getting out about the publication and the reception by readers around the mid-Willamette Valley has been very positive.

With this issue, writer Ross Lewis kicks off “The Youth of Aging,” a series that will focus on the positive achievements of men and women in their senior years. Our hope is that it will encourage you to see what you can do with your own life.

Registered Clinical Counselor Brenda Dineen, shares what she has learned about creating a fuller life as you age, and will help you to navigate the many messages about youth and aging that we are inundated with on a regular basis.

Writer and entrepreneur Steve Prager is back, encouraging readers to “say yes more.” You’ll be amazed what can happen in your life when you start saying “yes.”

As we get older, it can become quite a challenge to manage all the information we’re faced with on a daily basis. It can be a chore trying to keep up with schedules and misplaced cell phones, so Lee Coyne offers some of his tips for keeping up with it all.

Finally, Katherine Dunn reports in from Apifera Farm on learning to stretch and grow as we age.

It’s been a fun and encouraging issue to put together. If you’ve been picking up Best Years Yet over the last year, thank you. If you’re new, I hope you enjoy this issue and the many to come.

CONTENTS 4 - Down In The Valley 4 - Flashback 5 - Calendar 6 - The Youth of Aging (Living Your Dreams) 8 - Books/Music 9 - Concious Aging 10 - Start. Do. Now. 11 - Aging Without Raging 12 - Musings From Apifera Farm 14 - Parting Shots On The Cover: Charlie Schlegel, by Ross Lewis.

PUBLISHER Randy Hill SENIOR EDITOR Erin Grace ART DIRECTION Hill Design Studios CONTRIBUTORS Lee Coyne, Brenda Dineen, Katherine Dunn, Ross Lewis, Steve Prager ADVERTISING SALES L. Andrew Brown/Concept Marketing Randy Hill PHONE 503.507.1228 MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 17264 Salem, Oregon 97305 EMAIL bestyearsyetpub@gmail.com WEBSITE TheBestYearsYet.com

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Best Years Yet is published bi-monthly. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Best Years Yet. This publication cannot be reproduced in any form without written consent from Best Years Yet. Although we have made very effort to insure the accuracy of the information in this publication, due to the passage of time and the anomalies inherent in the publishing process, we cannot be responsible for errors or incorrect information. Please contact the individual establishments to confirm information.

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| DOWN IN THE VALLEY |

Lavender Lake Farms Lavender Festival June 27-28, 2015 10:00am - 5:00pm

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avender Lake Farms will once again host its annual Lavender Festival. Local vendors all weekend with art, food, and drinks including our famous Lavender Lemonade.

U-pick lavender; plus watch our lavender distillation process up close.

Come visit June 27th and 28th, 2015 and join in the festivities.

All Lavender Lake Farms products will be available as well as u-cut, lavender lemonade and baked good, live music, crafts and distillation demonstrations. You can stroll along the visiting craft vendors booths while taking in the aroma of the ucut field. Free admission.

2015 Wind Symphony Tour

Lavender Lake Farms 3395 South Pacific Hwy. W Independence, OR 97351 503-838-2620 lavenderlakefarms.com

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he MLC Wind Symphony is looking forward to sharing music and encouragement with members of the MLC family from May 17-24 as they travel to the Pacific Northwest with stops in South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. Featured works on the program include Sheltering Sky by John Mackey, a serene portrait of heavenly colors. Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night by Elliot Del Borgo is loosly based on the Dylan Thomas poem of the same name, but was written to celebrate the lives of two high school band students tragically cut short. To Walk With Wings

by Julie Giroux is a chronicle of man’s pursuit of flight on Earth and in space.

Danzan No. 2 by Arturo Marquez is a Latin American genre of dance music first popularized in Cuba, then Mexico and Puerto Rico.

This program is free and open to the public. Free tickets will be available at the Central Library’s Information Desk starting Friday, May 15. More information on Martin Luther College is available at mlc-wels.edu.

Loucks Auditorium, Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE, Salem, OR 97301.

503-588-6052. salemlibrary.org

Flashback 

“As you get older; you’ve probably noticed that you tend to forget things. You’ll be talking with somebody at a party, and you’ll know that you know this person, but no matter how hard you try, you flickr.com/photos/x-ray_delta_one/

can’t remember his or her name. This can be very embarassing, especially if he or she turns out to be your spouse.”

–Dave Barry 4

Best Years Yet • May/June 2015

THINGS TO DO

IN MAY & JUNE

MAY 1/2 – Cinco de Micro Brewfest – Salem. The fourth annual Cinco de Micro Brewfest, featuring your favorite local and northwest brews, local eateries and distilleries, musical entertainment and the unique opportunity to taste hard to find, spring release brews.

CincoDeMicro.com.

2/3 – Peony Paradise – Salem.

Feast your eyes on hundreds of varieties of peonies in the display garden and the indoor display. Walk the garden, bring a lunch and have a picnic. Don’t forget your camera.

503.393.6185. peonyparadise.com.

3 – Volcano Half Marathon & 10K. 6:00am - 1:00pm. Half marathon & 5K in the heart of the beautiful Willamette Valley. Start at Willamette Mission State Park; end at the Volcanoes Stadium.

Run through beautiful farm lands and hop fields. Keizer Volcanoes Stadium, 6700 Field Of Dreams Way, Keizer, OR 97303. To register: www. runwithpaula.com. 503-524-7570.

7 – Polk County Bounty Market.

Features growers, producers and artisans from the Polk County area.

Special events such as cooking demonstrations, youth booth, family activity day, kids days and more.

503.623.2564. dallasoregon.org 14 - 17 – Keizer Iris Festival – Keizer. Soak up warm spring sunshine as you stroll through 10 acres of gardens. Bring a picnic lunch and marvel at over 500 colorful iris varieties.

An Evening with Gershwin, Kern and Berlin: June 7

Various events all month long. irisfestival.com.

15-17 – The Detroit Lake Fishing Derby– Jefferson. Detroit Lake Recreational Area Business Association (DLRABA) is excited to host the popular annual fishing derby. All ages are welcome to participate with many fishing and raffle prizes. Come join the fun!

Participation fees vary.

17 – Stayton Sprint Triathlon. annual Stayton Sprint Triathlon.

Chip timing. 500 m pool swim, 14 mi. bike course, 5 k scenic run. Call: 503-767-7665. santiamymca.org.

25 – Vintage Voices Jazz Concert at Coelho Winery. Free Concert at 2 pm. This Jazz ensemble love to sing! Celebrate Memorial Day at Coelho Winery with Vintage Voices.

Join us for an upbeat vocal jazz concert that fills the room with old-time favorites, guaranteed to get your toes tapping. While enjoying the music, try out our newly released wines. Appetizers and wines by glass also available. $15 Flight, Complimentary to Wine Club Members.

22-25, Rockaway Beach. The 37th Annual Rockaway Beach Kite Festival. Located at the new Ocean’s Edge Wayside featuring professional and amateur kite fliers.

The sponsor, American Kitefliers Association, is the largest organized group of kiters in the world and travels all over to spread the joy of kiting to people of all ages and skills. rockawaybeach.net 26 – Irish/Celtic Social Dance Lessons - Salem. 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Weekly Irish & Celtic dance class.

Lively forms of social dance similar to contra and square dancing.

Great fun; excellent exercise; no partner or experience is necessary. Bring comfortable shoes and water. $5 per class. Tuesdays,

ongoing. FW Hall, 630 Hood St. NE, Salem, OR 97301.

503-383-9297. ceiliofthevalley.org.

JUNE 6 – State Parks Day/Silver Falls Challenge Foot Race. All New Courses! 3.1 mile and 6 miles courses.

Run behind 2 water falls, into the canyon, over 2 bridges, up 50? 60? oh heck a lot of steps! Can’t or don’t want to run, come volunteer in one of Oregon’s most beautiful parks. Open to participants at all levels. This is a great first time trail run and fun for the experienced trail runner. Features the “minimonster” hill. Separate men’s and women’s races. Enjoy State Parks Day at Silver Falls State Park. No park admission is charged this day. racenorthwest.com.

6 – Carousel’s 14th Birthday Celebration – Salem. Free activities! Help us celebrate our 13th anniversary of being open to the public.

Join us in our 14th birthday Rockaway Beach Kite celebration of Festival: May 22-25 being open to the public.

Enjoy $1 rides all day!

Coloring pages and birthday card making crafts from Noon2pm. Salem’s Riverfront Carousel. 503.540.0374.

7 – “An Evening with Gershwin, Kern and Berlin” Festival Chorale Oregon. – Salem. 4:00pm.

Celebrate the creativity of beloved Jewish composers Jerome Kern, George Gershwin and Irving Berlin in a festive setting with wine and hors d’ oeuvres. Chorale adorned in period costume and audience is encouraged to come dressed in vintage clothing of the period as well. General admission $30, includes concert and food. NW Viticulture Center, 215 Doaks Ferry Rd., Salem, OR 97304. 503-551-7509

Salem Riverfront Carousel’s 14th Birthday June 6

festivalchorale.org 13/14 – Berries, Brews & BBQ’s.

St. Paul. Join us the weekend before Father’s Day and Father’s Day weekend in June for a festival featuring craft brews, BBQ and upick strawberries. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Free admission.

French Prairie Gardens, 17673 French Prairie Rd., Saint Paul, OR 97137. 503633-8445. FPGardens.com 27-28, Tillamook. The 29th Annual 2015 Tillamook County Rodeo. The Tillamook County Rodeo, sanctioned by the Northwest Professional Rodeo Association, is held each year at the Tillamook County Fairgrounds.

The Rodeo features Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Bull Riding, Team Roping, Junior Bull, Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Barrel Racing, Tie Down Roping, Breakaway Roping and Drill Team. Country Western Live Music and Dance starts at 9:00 p.m. On Sunday, June 28, Rodeo starts at 1:00 p.m.; Gates open at 11:00 a.m. tillamookrodeo.com 28 – Santiam Heritage Foundation Garden Tour – Stayton. A self-guided walking tour of Stayton/Sublimity area gardens.

Proceeds benefit the Charles and Martha Brown house. 503.769.8517. brownhouse.org.

May/June 2015 • Best Years Yet

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| PEOPLE |

The Youth of Aging (Living Your Dreams) STORY AND PHOTOS BY ROSS LEWIS

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Best Years Yet • May/June 2015

Despite being separated by 3,700 miles, Oregon and Maine are the “book ends” of our country, the “sister states that bind America.”

PHOTO BY ROSS LEWIS

any years ago, I heard someone say, “A hero is an ordinary man who, everyday, simply does his job with expertise.” I never forgot that. The statement does not address what many of us consider the “superstars” of the world; instead, it’s an acknowledgment and tribute that defines the humanity in all of us.

“The Youth of Aging” is a series of essays which speak about the ordinary, yet extraordinary, daily achievements of men and women who now live their senior years with a commitment to their never-lost spirit of youth and vitality. They are dedicated to life, health and selfrealization. With that, they nourish themselves and, in the process, inspire all of us. Charlie Schlegel is one of these people.

In Ponce Inlet, Florida, there is a one-lane pool in the back of Charlie Schlegel’s house. It was built for one purpose: to serve Charlie’s lifelong commitment to health, vitality and swimming. Today, at the age of eighty-five, he rarely misses his “milea-day.”

Charlie was born in 1930 in Brooklyn, New York. He was a street-kid who played everything: stickball and punchball—where “the fender of the Pontiac was first base”—stoopball, roller hockey and softball. Every kid was an athlete, and every corner had a bar. “I played every saloon in town. We stayed out in the street until my mother yelled ‘dinner.’”

Charlie was a natural athlete.

In 1944, he became interested in swimming during his freshman year at Grover Cleveland High School in Queens, New York. His coach assigned him to the breaststroke. But following his first competition, the coach told him, “Don’t ever swim that again!” Undaunted, Charlie switched to freestyle. It became his passion!

He wanted to nurture his newfound passion, but there was little time to practice in the high school pool. “You were lucky if you got 40 minutes in the water,” he says. So the highly-motivated Charlie collected bottles for pennies to pay the dime trolley fare to the

St. George Hotel Dragon Club in Brooklyn for special training. The extra training in the late afternoons was crucial. “Freestyle became my favorite at the club. By sophomore year, I was one of the championship freestyle swimmers. I won the New York City Championship in my senior year: the freestyle 50-meter, 100-meter, 200-meter relay.”

Leaving home for the road of independence Between 1945 and 1950, Ohio State University won five national swimming championships under the tutelage of coach Mike Peppe. In 1948, Peppe recruited Charlie and offered him an athletic scholarship to swim on the Buckeye team.

Charlie received similar offers from Columbia and Rutgers, but his clear choice was Ohio. “I liked the coach.

Everybody treated me right.”

Freshman year was the next step in Charlie’s growth and success. His grades were solid; his competitive

In Ponce Inlet, Florida, there is a one-lane pool in the back of Charlie Schlegel’s house. It was built for one purpose: to serve Charlie’s lifelong commitment to health, vitality and swimming. Today, at the age of eighty-five, he rarely misses his “mile-a-day.” edge in swimming remained sharp.

He enrolled in Army ROTC and also participated in the Naval Reserve, where he received $12 a month for his service. But sophomore year was a different story: dating was his new passion. “I was a foolarounder. I wanted to be out in the world. I wanted to do things.” His competitive edge for swimming diminished, and after he completed six quarters of academics, he withdrew from Ohio State in 1950 and enlisted in the U.S. Army. A new life began for Charlie Schlegel.

The passion returns Charlie’s new home as an infantry soldier was in Germany with the

28th Infantry Division.

In addition to his regular duties, the opportunity came for Charlie to join the Army swim team in 1951.

His passion and thrill for competitive swimming returned. He won the 50-meter and 100-meter freestyle championships in Europe. In July 1951, he qualified for the Olympic trials in Queens. Life was perfect again; the Champion was reborn. He would return home for the Olympic trials and be near Alma, his wife and high school sweetheart who was pregnant with their first child. But Charlie’s fate turned again. He didn’t arrive in time to the Olympic trials: the Army ship from Germany arrived late to the port of Brooklyn. Despite the Olympic disappointment,

PHOTO BY ROSS LEWIS

Photos on this page: (Above) At 85 years old...a mile a day! (Below, top) Alma and Charlie have been together since high school. (Below, bottom) Charlie in the army.

his enthusiasm for competitive swimming was re-energized during his time in the Army. In addition to serving his country through 1952, Charlie’s newfound inspiration was the platform for his future achievements.

Charlie Schlegel is a model for “The Youth of Aging.” He lives with the commitment for the never-lost spirit of youth and vitality. According to Alma, who has been by his side since their days in Ridgewood, “he became the greatest coach in the world.”

Charlie returned to college and received his diploma from Long Island University in 1955. In 1960, the door opened at Plainview High School, where he would create a permanent imprint on the community for the next 25 years.

Charlie was the coach, a principal, an Athletic Director and the District coordinator for all schools in the area. His impact upon hundreds of young boys and their families was enormous. He was their mentor.

He was their friend. He instilled a strong work ethic while crafting a consistent winning culture. Before he was finished, his teams at Plainview achieved 396 wins, (88 consecutive), 15 undefeated seasons, and won 15 New York State Championships.

Seventy-one years after his freshman year at Grover Cleveland,

PHOTO BY ROSS LEWIS

Once a champion, always a champion

Charlie remains an inspiration to himself, his family and his community. Six mornings a week he swims a mile. At nearby Father Lopez High School, Charlie has been the volunteer master swimming coach since 1989, as well as a mentor to the students and families. The drive for excellence never stops! “I’ve gotta give something back! I do a lot of talking to them about their lives. I’m basically an advisor. I write letters for them. They love me! I don’t think anybody could have had it much better than I do.”

Ross Lewis, born in New Jersey, is a 1965 graduate of Rutgers University. He was an Associate Director with WCBS-TV News, New York (1968-1978) following two years as an Army Lieutenant and serving in the 7th Infantry Division in Korea. Following his ten-year career with CBS television, Ross launched an international photography career which included his being the NFL’s special assignment photographer.

Between 1993-2010 Ross developed “SEE” (Special Eyes On The Environment), a leading special-education photography program throughout New Jersey for over 2,000 children and adults with multiple disabilities. In 2009 Ross was awarded as the “Public Citizen of the Year” by the New Jersey’s National Association of Social Workers.

Today Ross’ FineArt photography can be seen and purchased through Ross-Lewis. artistwebsites.com.

May/June 2015 • Best Years Yet

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| BOOKS |

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Serving the entire Willamette Valley!

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alent for Humanity: Stories of Creativity, Compassion, and Courage to Inspire You on Your Journey (Greenleaf Book Group, April 2015) developed by Talent for Humanity, an international non-profit organization conceived by a group of individuals drawn together by a single vision of serving humanity and creating a better world through entertainment and the arts. Introducing seven inspiring individuals — recipients of the NPO’s Human Spirit Award — who have utilized their passion and creativity in the arts to do incredible things to improve the lives of others, Talent for Humanity ignites the spark in all of us to begin our own journey toward change.

These engaging stories take readers on an exploration of compassion and creativity from revolutionary Iran to Skid Row in Los Angeles, from a Native American reservation in Montana to Norway and Great Britain, from Palestine to the slums of Calcutta, and from Israel to the Sochi Olympics. Each of the seven featured individuals shares their life story and tells readers, in their own words, how they individually overcame obstacles and hardships, and sometimes the most grueling and brutal of ordeals, to take a stand against poverty, apathy, closed-mindedness, oppression, and prejudice.

By harnessing their passion, these talented men and women used the arts and their creative abilities to

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Best Years Yet • May/June 2015

Sherry and Bob Jason - Attorneys and founders of City Hearts Aliza Hava - California-based singer, songwriter and peacemaker Deeyah Khan - Emmy-award winning film director/producer Yarrow Kraner – “Creative alchemist,” photographer, mentor, and builder of innovative social media communities Daniele Finzi Pasca - Theater director, Olympic ceremony creator/ director, and clown

| MUSIC |

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improve the destiny and lives of others. Talent for Humanity details the incredible stories of: Reza - Philanthropist, idealist, humanist, architect, and awardwinning National Geographic photojournalist

Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell Old Yellow Moon Old Yellow Moon is the first official collaboration from Emmylou

Harris and Rodney Crowell since Crowell joined Harris’ Hot Band in 1975. The 12-track duets album features songs written by Crowell as well as interpretations of songs by Hank DeVito, Roger Miller, Allen Reynolds, and others. Among the world-renowned musicians on the album are Stuart Duncan, Vince Gill, Bill Payne, and members of the original Hot Band. “It hearkens back to classic recordings like Harris’ Elite Hotel and Crowell’s Diamonds and Dirt,” says NPR Music, “and brings the best out of the two veterans.”

Grammy Award Winner for Best Americana Album.

Conscious Aging Create a fullfilling life as you get older | BY BRENDA DINEEN “To live the life one has imagined: that is the sum and purpose of the whole second half of life.”

-James Hollis, Ph.D, author of “Finding Meaning In The Second Half Of Life: How to Finally, Really Grow Up.”

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raceful aging. Healthy aging. Growing younger.

Audacious aging. Antiaging. “Sixty is the new forty.”

Conscious aging. Conscious eldering.

Aging backwards. (I just heard that one recently.)

Are you feeling bombarded or bewildered by all the different messages you are getting about aging? Are you confused or trying to sort out where you are in your own life’s journey? We live in an age where we continually get messages about being youthful, but we aren’t young anymore. We ask ourselves, “Is life all downhill from here?”

We each experience the aging process differently, but perhaps we can all agree on this: we are all changing. Most of us are noticing changes in our bodies and health.

I met with a friend for lunch the other day and she said, “Take a good look at me now. I’ll have a few more wrinkles in three years.”

Speaking personally, I am not as resilient as I was 10 or 20 years ago.

In my 30s I could stay up late at a Saturday night party and get up on Sunday with lots of energy. Not anymore. In addition to decreased resilience, this winter I had continual knee pain, followed by back pain.

I have gotten treatment from my chiropractor but I wasn’t able to exercise for a few months, so now I find myself stiff and sore. (I’ve discovered that yoga classes are very helpful in keeping me flexible both in body and mind. One thing we all need is to keep moving.)

But aging is not just a physical process of changes in your body and your health; you are also likely facing additional challenges: family issues, decisions about retirement, and changing perspectives in life. I talk to many retirees, and they say they have plenty of things to “keep them busy,” as if that’s the ultimate goal.

But there is a big difference between

simply filling time and living one’s precious elderhood with as much purpose and passion as possible.

What is hard for many people to be aware of are the gifts of aging.

Aging is a natural process, a journey into our elder years when we can savor the life experiences we have had and share them with others.

We’ve gained wisdom from life experience. Sadly, our culture lacks an understanding of these gifts.

What is hard for many people to be aware of are the gifts of aging.

Aging is a natural process, a journey into our elder years when we can savor the life experiences we have had and share them with others.

Conscious Aging.” Many Baby Boomers are no longer satisfied with the idea that their contribution in life ends when they retire. Ron Pevny presents a new model for positive aging that focuses on the potential for growth, service, fulfillment and spiritual exploration, which he calls Conscious Eldering. He opens the possibilities for people from a variety of backgrounds to see that they can make a difference in life for others and to see the elder years as a time of growth and deep fulfillment.

Ron leads retreats and workshops in Canada and the U.S., and is in fact leading a one-week retreat at Breitenbush Hot Springs in Oregon at the end of June. Check out his website (centerforconsciouseldering. com) for further information, or read his book; I highly recommend it.

How you age is a choice. If you could see yourself in 15 or 20 years, what would you feel satisfied with?

What dreams do you want to fulfill?

Most importantly, how do you want to feel?

There are so many possibilities for you to consider: —Becoming more reflective —Having creative pursuits —Learning something new —Writing your memoir —Volunteering The most important aspect of aging, however, is your attitude. Do you see new possibilities for growth and contribution on the horizon of your older years? By keeping a positive attitude, you can have a very fulfilling life as you get older.

Brenda Dineen, Registered Clinical Counselor in Vancouver BC, specializing in issues facing people in the second half of life. You can contact her at: brendadineen. com and email: Brenda@brendadineen.com.

If you feel bombarded by mixed messages about aging, trying checking in with yourself. Ask yourself some questions: —What is true for me today?

—What challenges am I working through?

—What am I enjoying at this time?

—What do I dream about for my future? What am I looking forward to?

—Do I have a deeper sense of purpose?

Life expectancy now is much longer than at any time in human history. We have the technology and resources to have a healthier and longer life as we move into our elder years. Our generation has the privilege of not only living longer but having many more opportunities in those years than our parents did.

We are the first generation to age consciously.

There are many people leading the current conscious aging movement and helping others find new purpose and inspiration in the second half of life. One of these people is Ron Pevny, author of “Conscious Living,

the possibilities!

This is how and where

you want to live.

With your choice of garden home or apartment comes an independent, maintenance-free lifestyle: full of conveniences, interesting activities and events, and the peace of mind of knowing you have access to a full continuum of care if ever needed.

Call 503-623-9211 to schedule a tour of Dallas Retirement Village or request our free retirement planning guide.

377 NW Jasper Street Dallas, OR 97338 DallasRetirementVillage.com A Non-Profit Community Founded in Christ Since 1947. All Faiths Are Welcome.

May/June 2015 • Best Years Yet

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| START. DO. NOW. |

Say Yes More Pu�ng your life in mo�on by saying, “yes.” | BY STEVE PRAGER

My story Immediately after devouring Danny’s book, I received an invitation to dinner that I was disinclined to accept. Not my cup of tea, but…say yes more.

So I went.

The food and company were marvelous, but the main takeaway of the evening was a brand new way of

WWW.FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/JEPOIRRIER

D

anny Wallace was miserable.

After a girlfriend jilted him, he walled himself up in his apartment in lockdown mode.

His default response to life—to anything—was NO. No, no, no.

Friends tried everything to pry Danny out his self-imposed cocoon of self-pity and isolation, but to no avail. It might have been all over for Danny, but for a chance encounter with a bearded stranger on an afternoon bus. The stranger turned to Danny and said three little words: “Say yes more.”

Three little words Say yes more.

Danny grabbed the challenge and decided to say yes to everything.

He recorded his amazing journey in a diary that eventually became the hilarious book “Yes Man.” (Yes, the source for the movie starring Jim Carrey. The book is way better.)

Danny’s commitment to say yes more took him around the world, filled and emptied his bank account, reconnected him with his soul and brought him true love. Not bad for three little words.

looking at the world. I learned there are parts of the globe where one can live comfortably (in early retirement, let’s say) for far less than my house payment. Maybe for less than a cheap apartment rent here in the U.S. And the life? I’m talking warm skies, friendly people, sunny beaches, palm trees. It was an epiphany.

An epiphany I could’ve easily missed, if I hadn’t said yes.

Rollin’ on the river Recently, I got an offer to play guitar as part of the musical entertainment on a five-star riverboat that cruises the Columbia. The pay would be good, but the gig involved being gone for extended periods of time, living in a cramped room sans windows or ventilation, wearing uniforms and getting a short haircut.

Worst of all, I would have to quickly

THE GAIL GAGE BAND

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Best Years Yet • May/June 2015

sharpen my rusty musical skills.

I sussed that the rest of the band would be lean, mean professionals, not inclined to suffer musical fools gladly. In short, I was being offered an incredible opportunity, but if I said yes I would be thrust way out of my comfort zone. If I said yes, I would have to kick everything in my slovenly, comfortable, postretirement life up several notches.

(Stay tuned to this column to find out how the story ends. I said yes, and it’s been an exciting and rewarding challenge. So far.)

Why we prefer inertia As we get older, we figure out a couple of things. For example, we learn how to live comfortably. The TV is loud, the recliner is comfy, the clothes loose and baggy and the razor lost. Also, we finally learn how to not look foolish. Looking foolish was a big problem in school and we finally licked it. Mainly, we banished looking foolish by never putting ourselves into new situations. A new situation might lead to failure, and failure always makes one look foolish.

Our routines are down pat. They work. Our lives are about as exciting as a warm cup of cottage cheese.

Inertia is killing us. As the poet said, we have to slip “the surly bonds of earth” in order to dance “the skies on laughter-silvered wings / Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth / Of sun-split clouds, and done a hundred things / You have not dreamed of.”

Try it, you’ll like it.

We break out of our inertia and a ho-hum existence when we say yes.

You and I are the only ones with the ability to open—or close—the flood gates of adventure and purpose for our lives. Saying yes is the key. Saying yes puts everything in motion. “Yes” is the lubricant of your life’s purpose.

You can start small if you like. As Danny says, “…Say yes to something you’d normally say no to. … Say yes to a friend. Yes to a drink after work.

Yes to a stranger. Yes to yourself.

You’d be amazed at where they can lead.”

Remember, our opportunities often come to us disguised as inconveniences, as something that’s easy to say no to. Say yes instead.

Be brave Go for it. Be brave. And: say yes more!

Steve Prager is a retired military musician and Postmaster who lives in an old cottage near downtown Salem. He stays busy collecting one syllable words, writing cheery obituaries, learning how to play jazz and trying new things.

10 Easy Ways to Say Yes More 1.

For one week, say yes to things you normally turn down.

2.

Every Tuesday and Thursday, try a different food.

3.

Let your kids program different music on your iPhone.

4.

One day a week, say yes to every offer you get.

5.

Accept that lunch invita�on you turned down last week.

6.

Look on the bulle�n board at Fred Meyer and say yes to one of the offers. (Perhaps Chinese lessons?)

7.

Prac�ce smiling and saying “yes.”

8.

Look through your junk mail and say yes to one invita�on.

9.

Ask your friends to remind you of offers you turned down.

10. Say yes to your spouse or significant other.

| AGING WITHOUT RAGING |

Fading Mind Fosters Helpful Hints Prac�cal solu�ons to everyday challenges | BY LEE COYNE

A

s we age, inevitably our youthful capabilities diminish by degrees. This should not be eerily interpreted as Alzheimer’s but as part of the process of getting older. The longer we live, the more data there is for our minds to absorb.

I am not one to gripe and grumble.

Instead, I seek solutions. Even if they are partial, they can help fill in the gaps.

Here are some helpful hints that can serve us well.

1. PREVENTING CELLPHONE LOSS: Although these electronic devices are handy to own and link us to the outer world, they’re also rather tiny. I’ve found that attaching a sticky return address label can be a lifesaver if my phone is lost.

Although it relies on the finder’s integrity, it’s worth the effort, just in case.

3. GARBAGE COLLECTION: All of us have assigned days for trash to be collected; mine is Friday. As a reminder to take the trash out, I take a small bedroom wastebasket to block the doorway. The prop blocks my access and it reconnects me with my trash so I can “clean up my act.”

2. NEXT-DAY ERRANDS: Sometimes I can be forgetful about fulfilling my various errands after a night’s rest, so I make a checklist on the back of a used envelope. Where shall it go? Right to the breakfast placemat. Consider that list a side portion.

4. CALENDAR CLUES: Alliterations refer to two words backto-back that start with the same letter. They can be very helpful in creating memory tricks. Hence, I clean my dirty clothes on Wash Day Wednesday, while the dirty auto gets a bath on every other Sudsy Saturday.

To balance the scales, I’ve scheduled Thoughtful Thursday to do reading, and Film Time Friday to take in an entertaining movie. The calendar is a tool only to be ignored by a fool.

Let’s hope we are a bit smarter.

5. REWARD SYSTEM: Following Pavlov’s model, I like to get a real reward for a job well-done. It’s tempting to delay chores and escape by telephone, TV or computer, but it catches up with us. So I play the Imaginary Drawbridge Game and pretend there’s a moat around the house. I’m the “hostage” inside and must complete at least two chores before that bridge lowers into place.

Making a task into a game eases the burden of the chore, and also the burden of guilt.

As Mr. Shakespeare once remarked, “All’s well that ends well.”

Lee Coyne has taught Gerontology for three schools: York College in Jamaica, New York, Howard University in Washington, DC, and Eastern New Mexico University in Roswell, New Mexico. He now lives in West Salem.

Nominee For Best Western Swing Group, Album & Song By The American Academy Of Western Artists

Now Booking for 2015! www.OregonValleyBoys.com 503.507.1228 May/June 2015 • Best Years Yet

11

| MUSINGS FROM APIFERA FARM |

Expanding As We Go

W

hen you reach the middle of life, the people who were ahead of you start leaving the picture. We lose mothers and fathers, extended elder relatives, teachers we admired, rock stars we grew up with in song, and public figures that we saw daily in the media. There is no way around it.

In middle age we even see some of our own peers die, or their children, gone too young from illness or mishap. We are now firmly planted ahead of the young ones, and as we gaze at photos of our faces when we were heading off to college, we hear an internal voice: “Was I ever that young?”Or perhaps: “How did the time go so fast?”

Like many people who have entered their late fifties, I have had my share of loss. I also have a wonderful life and a mate who is my best friend and makes me laugh daily. I have work I love and an audience to share it with; work that helps my soul and also provides an income. I live on the farm I dreamed of having ever since I was a little girl.

But with each loss in life a new little chink in my armor appears. The vast horizon I once saw as never-ending in my youth has a window that closes a bit quicker every year. I am a “glass half full” kind of person, but mild depression has crept into my life from time to time. I see it happen to many of my creative friends. Perhaps our skins are thinner, or perhaps our souls live right beneath. It makes for great poetry, music and art, but can also lead to over-stimulation and damage.

I realized that it’s possible to have a happy life and still face occasional mild depression. There is a real stigma around depression, and although I don’t suffer from severe bouts or need a doctor’s care, it pops up. Losing my mother was a huge loss for me, and since my father is gone and I have only one childless brother and no children of my own, the family has shrunk.

There is a silence before the storm in anticipating anniversaries and special occasions. A song on the radio can send me into a place I want to be, but not leave. My dream life often includes long dinners with my 12

Best Years Yet • May/June 2015

Like many people who have entered their late fifties, I have had my share of loss. I also have a wonderful life and a mate who is my best friend and makes me laugh daily. I have work I love and an audience to share it with; work that helps my soul and also provides an income. I live on the farm I dreamed of having ever since I was a little girl. But with each loss in life a new little chink in my armor appears. parents, or metaphorical wanderings with them where we are all looking for the right apartment to live in.

I think one needs a long time to get used to being parentless. Even though my belief system allows me to take comfort in the idea that this is just one realm, that death is an opening of another window, we miss the ones we loved here on earth. Memories help, memories get us through, but happiness and sadness go hand-in-hand in one’s life as we travel on, the earth survivors, carrying our silent little sacks of sadness around as we go about our routine days.

What I have come to understand, and seek, is expansion. I have some words I scribbled on the wall in front of the computer I write at. It says, “What do you need right now?”

It’s a question I ask myself in any moments of sadness, anxiety or fear.

It’s often a simple answer. And what I realized over months of asking that question is that I seek experiences to help me expand as a person and soul. Although art and writing are internal occupations, on the inside I am expanding. Working in nature with my farm and many animals allows me to learn new skills and interact with other creatures to learn

more about them—this is expanding.

Reading expands the knowledge and therefore the soul. But reading too much online, I’ve come to see, can have the opposite effect: too much information becomes overwhelming, and too much chatter at the online cocktail party begins to feel isolating.

When I am expand myself and learn new things, or hone my skills at things I love to do, when I try new things I’ve always wanted to do but couldn’t, or was afraid to: that is expanding. It feels good. It feels like taking a good stretch in the morning and letting that yawn out. The joy of riding in a horse show at 55, the excitement of helping new animals when they come to the farm—these are soul-building, not soul-blocking.

Farming itself is new every day; something is always changing and needs attention. My goal as I grow older is to choose activities that make me stretch and grow, not shrink and recoil. It can get complicated to keep expanding as we age, due to our health or living arrangements.

But somehow I must do it. When the roots of the potted plant get too bound, they must seek a new place to grow or the flower will never bloom.

The earth itself is breathing, and our own breath expands our lungs so our bodies stay alive. When I look at the old barn, I see a place that sat devoid of purpose for years. It had ceased to grow and accommodate the evolving farm. Now I look at her and think she is a lot like me, growing older by the day, but also allowing new life and new experiences to give her purpose so her soul can keep expanding, until she can’t stand anymore.

Katherine Dunn is an artist, writer, and shepherdess living on Apifera Farm with her landscaper husband, lovingly known as The Dirt Farmer. Apifera is also home to many adopted elderly barn animals called The Misfits, which she writes about in short stories. Her art is showcased on Sundance, collected internationally and featured in her books. You can see her art, photography and books at katherinedunn.us and meet the many Misfits on her blog, apiferafarm.

Mature Living Choices

Marian Estates Campus

390 SE Church Street Sublimity, OR 97385 503.769.3499 1.800.440.2669 Call for a tour.

MarianEstates.com

Dallas Retirement Village

377 NW Jasper St. Dallas, Oregon 97338 Phone: 503-623-5581 Fax: 503-623-2901 dallasretirementvillage.com

“No Buy-In” •Independent Living: Cottages, Garden Homes •Assisted Living •Nursing Care •Alzheimer’s & related disorders special care & rehabilitation available. Call for detailed information.

“No Buy-In” •Independent Living: Apartment, Townhome •Assisted Living •Nursing Care •Alzheimer’s & related disorders special care & rehabilitation available. Call for detailed information.

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Best Years Yet guide to Complete Retirement Communities

Marian Estates is located on 38 beautiful acres in Sublimity, just minutes from Salem and offers Complete Retirement with No Buy In. Home cooked meals and choices are offered campus wide. There are no scheduled meal times in Independent living, dine at your leisure from a full menu or allow us to delivery to your home. Assisted Living and Nursing residents enjoy up to six different meals options for lunch and dinner.

Other amenities include, full gym, walking paths, bank, beauty/barber shop, gift shop, party hall, pharmacy services and life enriching activities.

An immaculately kept 30 acre campus situated among rolling farmland, vineyards, and yet close to all the necessary amenities; all levels of care in a single beautiful setting: different styles of independent living, assisted living, memory care, and a renowned skilled nursing center with rehab & therapy; a full host of activities, wellness programs, and travel opportunities; soon launching our new “Lodge” community center and new Lodge residences.

A dream is created every day.

It’s time to make your own come true.

Best Years Yet is looking for outgoing and motivated advertising sales reps. The opportunity is commission based, and includes making calls, setting appointments and servicing the ongoing needs of clients. Full or part-time. This position is perfect for a retired or semi-retired person. Call 503.507.1228 or email, bestyearsyetpub@gmail.com.

May/June 2015 • Best Years Yet

13

Oregon and Washington Bureau of Land Management

| PARTING SHOTS |

Table Rock Wilderness, Oregon

14

Best Years Yet • May/June 2015

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WILLAMETTE VALLEY

Advertise in Best Years Yet Call 503.507.1228 for more information

the Western Swing Time Radio Show

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20th Annual Garden Tour

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Fri & Sat, May 29 – 30 10am – 4pm

A self-guided tour throughout acres of exquisite gardens in Salem!

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Tickets on sale starting May 1 at Roth’s Fresh Markets and the Gilbert House.

20%

Summer Camps 2015 Looking for fun summer activities for the kids? Our summer camps start July 6, with seven weeks of new, exciting camp options!

Learn more and sign up today at acgilbert.org/summer-camps/ Register early, they fill up fast!

*Sale ends 6/30/15 Not to be combined with other offers or coupons.

Not valid on previous purchases.

Inspiring children to learn through creative play!

(503) 363-9744 • 1210 Commercial Street SE • Salem, OR 97302

116 Marion Street NE Salem, Oregon 97301 | 503-371-3631 | acgilbert.org

Sale ends 6/30/15 - Not to be combined with any other offers or coupons. Not valid on previous purchases.

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Best Years Yet • May/June 2015