HOW TO REACH US

A Publication of Neighborhood House Senior Center and Transportation Services 503-244-5204; nhpdx.org; agingnews@nhpdx.org; facebook.com/nhpdx February 2020

Overcoming depression

My husband and I took turns having depressions. Once, when it was his turn, he

decided to seek therapy because he felt his productivity was compromised. I thought he was

a bit cuckoo. He was nice to be around when he wasn’t working, and to be honest I loved

him dearly and wanted him to be happy, and I knew he loved me despite my many

imperfections.

His therapist recommended couples therapy, a group of couples. I acquiesced. My

husband, a loner, reluctantly agreed. I, on the other hand, had a good time. I know you are

not supposed to enjoy therapy, but the participants were interesting, intriguing, intelligent

people. There were about 12 of us, and at first no one knew which person in each couple

was the one referred by a psychiatrist as we all seemed perfectly normal, and each of us

was a bit peculiar or, at least, unique. We were all smart. That was evident from the

beginning. We were educated, ridiculously so in some cases. We were of good character. As

we got to know, accept and like each other, it became more evident that each of us could

benefit from some improvement, which we all achieved to some degree, and each of us

would hang on to some seemingly useless behavior and thought patterns that we felt

benefited us in some way that the others couldn’t catch on to.

All in all it was a worthwhile experience. It added to my understanding and love of

people and, perhaps, to my acceptance of other people’s peculiarities.

This all happened more than 50 years ago and the faces and thoughts of the

participants are still clear to me.

I probably never solved my problems, whatever they were, and I know my sweet, bull-

headed husband never solved his, but I’m glad I acquiesced, attended and benefited.

Nancy Burke,

Senior Center

Coordinator

nburke@

nhpdx.org

503-246-1663

ext. 6112

Marie

Haviland, Transportation

Coordinator

mhaviland@

nhpdx.org

503-246-1663

ext. 6103

Mohamed S.

Bahamadi, Driver

ssaalim@

nhpdx.org

Darlene

Brunson, Volunteer kitchen

hostess

Senior Center

Hours: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Monday-Friday

7688 S.W. Capitol

Highway,

Portland 97219

Membership: $25 for

seniors 55+ or

$40/couple

NEIGHBORLY NEWS

By Gwen Pierce

The following story comes from the weekly Life Stories class taught by retired teacher

Grace McLaughlin, held every Thursday at 12:30 p.m. inside the Senior Center.

Page 2

Programs and Services

AARP DRIVER SAFETY CLASS

Class cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers.

Register at 503-244-5204. Next class: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday,

March 17, inside the Senior Center. Class is open to all ages to

help increase skills to become a safer, more defensive driver.

Upon completion of the class, those 55+ may be eligible for a

discount on auto insurance.

AARP SMART DRIVERTEK WORKSHOP

Next class: 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, inside the Senior

Center. Understand the newest car technology. Free.

Pre-register by calling 503-244-5204.

ACUPUNCTURE

11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Mondays. Appointments available by calling

503-244-5204. $55 for first visit; $45 subsequent, payable to the

instructor. Performed by Carole Melkonian.

BALANCE AND MOVEMENT *

Noon Wednesday, Feb. 19

With personal trainer Carrie Craven, for those 55+. Examples of

topics include balance, getting up from chairs, getting up off the

ground, stair climbing and fall prevention. Free and open to all

levels and abilities.

BINGO *

10 a.m. Wednesdays. Play for pennies. Senior Center lobby.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25

Join us for special treats to celebrate all the month’s birthdays.

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS

10:30-11:30 a.m. on the third Thursday of the month. This

month’s clinic is Feb. 20 in the Senior Center lobby, provided by

volunteer nurses. No appointment necessary. Free.

BOOK CLUB *

1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24

Book Club meets the last Monday of every

month except holidays. Books are available

to borrow at the Senior Center courtesy of Multnomah County

Library Services. Free. This month’s book: “Varina” by

Charles Frazier.

BUDDHIST MEDITATION AND STUDY *

9 a.m.-10:15 a.m. Mondays. Free. Led by Carole Melkonian.

2:30-3:45 p.m. Tuesdays. Free. Led by Candle Summers.

CRIBBAGE *

9:30 a.m. Wednesdays inside the Senior Center. Open to all.

COLOR DRAWING *

12:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Designed for stress relief and

companionship. Free. Led by George Laramie.

COMPUTER LAB

Computers are available for use during open hours of the Senior

Center, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Free. WiFi.

CRAFT-MAKING *

Noon Wednesdays inside the Senior Center. Come make your own

cards, paint rocks or use supplies to create a knitted project. Free.

CURRENT EVENTS

9-11 a.m. Thursdays inside the Senior Center. Organized by the

Senior Studies Institute. Come see what it’s all about. Separate SSI

membership is required.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE *

12:15-3:30 p.m. Fridays. A partner is needed. Call Joyce Dutz in

advance to reserve your place at the table. 818-744-2658. Cost: $3

ESL CLASS

Learn English with speakers of other languages.

10 a.m. Thursdays inside the Senior Center. Led by retired English

teacher Grace McLaughlin. Free.

FOOT CLINIC

2nd Wednesday of every month

This month: Twenty-minute appointments from

8:40 a.m.-3:40 p.m. Feb. 12 with skilled foot-care nurse.

Cost: $35 payable to nurse. By appointment. Call 503-244-5204.

LIFE STORIES *

Write the story of your amazing life, 11:30 a.m. Thursdays in the

Senior Center. Led by Grace McLaughlin. Free.

LINE DANCE, BEGINNING *

“Rhythm Experience” is a line dance class especially designed for

people who have not danced before. But it’s still fun for those who

already enjoy dancing. For ages 55+. This 5-week class is $15 or

$5 to drop in on a class. Noon to 1 p.m. Fridays. Led by Barbara

Hansen.

LINE DANCE, INTERMEDIATE *

Designed for those with more dance experience as they work on

challenging line dances each week. Anyone who wants extra

exercise is welcome at both the beginner and intermediate line

dance classes. For ages 55+. The 10-week class is $35 or $5 to

drop in. 1:45-2:45 p.m. Mondays. Led by Barbara Hansen.

LUNCH SERVICE

11:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Sign up a day in

advance to have lunch delivered to the Senior Center. Sign-up

sheet is at the Senior Center front desk, or call 503-244-5204. On

Tuesdays and Thursdays, lunch is served across the street at the

Meals On Wheels People building.

MENDING AND JEWELRY REPAIR

12:35 p.m. Tuesdays in the Senior Center by Mary

Wawrukiewicz. Free; donations accepted.

PINOCHLE *

12:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays inside Senior Center.

Page 3

PLAY READING

12:30 p.m. Wednesdays inside the Senior Center. Organized by the

Senior Studies Institute. Come see what it’s all about. Separate SSI

membership is required.

QI GONG CLASSES *

10:15 a.m.-11 a.m. Mondays.

QiGong (pronounced “chi gong”) exercises are inside the Senior

Center. Easy movements enhance energy and flexibility, improve

balance, reduce stress and generate a sense of peace. Fee: $3 per

session. Led by Carole Melkonian.

QUILTING GROUP *

11 a.m. Tuesdays in the Hamilton Room. Free.

RHYTHMIC CHAIR EXERCISE *

10:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Led by Peggy

Frieze. Fee: $3 per session.

RIVER WEST VILLAGE WOMEN’S COFFEE

10 a.m. Wednesdays. Do you want to learn more

about River West Village? Come join the women’s

coffee group each Wednesday.

SENIOR HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS COUNSELING

(SHIBA)

Trained volunteer counselors answer Medicare and Senior Health

Insurance questions in private hourlong sessions. Free. Call

Friendly House at 503-224-2640 to schedule an appointment. This

month: Feb. 6 and Feb. 20 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

SENIOR LAW PROJECT

2nd Tuesday, Feb. 11 4th Tuesday, Feb. 25

Appointments begin at 9:30 a.m. This service is available if either

you or your spouse is 60+ years of age and is a Multnomah County

resident. The initial 30-minute consultation is

free, regardless of income. Further assistance may be available for

those meeting income guidelines. Local attorneys donate their time

for this valuable service. Call Friendly House at 503-224-2640 for

an appointment.

SOCIAL BRIDGE *

12:15 p.m. Mondays. Call in advance to reserve your

spot. Karen Blomquist: 503-228-1599. Cost: $3

SOCIAL DISCOURSE *

10 a.m. the second and fourth Fridays of every

month. This month: Feb. 14 and Feb. 28. Come

discuss issues of the day. Free.

STABILITY BALL *

9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Exercises designed

to improve balance and core-body strength. Led by Peggy Frieze.

Fee: $3 per session.

TAI CHI, ADVANCED *

1-2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Led by Catherine Holder (Tuesdays) and Jim Dalton (Thursdays).

Fee: $3 per session.

TAI CHI for Better Balance *

2-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Led by Catherine Holder (Tuesdays) and Jim Dalton (Thursdays).

Free. Open for all levels.

VIEWS — VOLUNTEERS INVOLVED FOR THE

EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING OF SENIORS

1:30-3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19. Sign up at the Front Desk or by

calling 503-244-5204. Support group is limited to 10 people.

YOGA *

10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Fridays. Led by Peggy Frieze. Fee: $3

Programs and Services

Riders’ Club

The Riders’ Club is a free and open opportunity to enjoy what Portland has to offer by using public transportation. Join us

as we continue to explore free and low-cost events around Portland such as concerts, theater and art exhibits. TriMet bus

tickets for all Riders’ Club trips are free, and you will be escorted by our Ride Ambassador, who is trained to assist you. Sign

up at the Neighborhood House Senior Center front desk. For more information, call 503-244-5204.

Monday, Feb. 10, 2020 Noontime Showcase: Sally Harmon and Frank Gruner. 10:50 a.m. Meet at the Senior Center. 11:12 a.m. Board #44 TriMet bus (free tickets) 12 p.m. Noontime Showcase at Antoinette Hatfield Hall, downtown Portland 1:14 p.m. Board #44 at 5th/Main Street 1:35 p.m. Arrive at Senior Center

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020 Portland Art Museum’s Art and Conversation. Artist Isaka Shamsud-Din will speak in conjunction with the exhibition “Rock of Ages.” 8:30 a.m. Enter Senior Center at the back parking lot. 8:45 a.m. Walk to Multnomah Village at Capitol and 35th 8:56 a.m. Board #45 TriMet bus (free tickets) 9:30 a.m. Enter the Mark Building for refreshments

10 a.m. Museum opens. Meet in the auditorium. 10:15 a.m. Lecture: Isaka Shamsud-Din 11:15 a.m. Explore the galleries 12:10 p.m. Meet at the main entrance. Walk to lunch or board #45 at SW Columbia St. back to the Senior Center. 12:30 p.m. For those who don’t go to lunch, arrive at S.W. Troy/35th; walk to Senior Center 1:22 p.m. For those going to lunch, board #44 at Fifth/Taylor 1:35 p.m. Arrive at Senior Center

* Senior Center Membership Required

Page 4

Please enjoy our trips at no cost to you except for the price of admission, if there is one. Call Ride Connection at 503-226-0700 to register. You do not need to come in person to sign up for the trips. The bus also may be able to pick you up at home in the morning with a drop-off at home in the afternoon OR meet at the Senior Center; just specify if you would like to be picked up at home. Come join us!

February Trips

February Shopping Schedule

Call Ride Connection at 503-226-0700 to request rides. Riders living in Zip codes 97219 and 97221 will go shopping in the

a.m., and riders in Zip codes 97239, 97205 and 97201 will shop in the afternoon.

Thursday, Feb. 13 Architectural Heritage Center and

World Forestry Center When: Bus leaves the Senior Center at 9:30

a.m.; returns at 3:45 p.m.

Cost: Architectural Heritage Center

admission is $7, or free with SNAP EBT card.

World Forestry Center admission $8 general

and $7 for seniors age 62+. Group discount

provided at World Forestry Center:

admission may be less depending on

number attending. Bring $18 for lunch at

the Oregon Culinary Institute Restaurant.

Includes meal, non-alcoholic drink and

gratuity. Please bring cash.

The Architectural Heritage Center preserves

Portland’s historically built environment and

diverse cultural heritage. Current exhibits

include “After Promontory: 150 Years of

Transcontinental Railroading,” and “East

Portland: A Changing Landscape, a

Forgotten City.” After visiting the center,

enjoy a three-course feast at the Oregon

Culinary Institute Restaurant. Then it’s off to

the World Forestry Center, where you can

explore hands-on exhibits, meet woodland

creatures, check out a logging locomotive,

or enjoy forest inspired art.

Friday, Feb. 14 Hip Chicks Do Wine: Wine and

Chocolate Pairing When: Bus leaves the Senior Center at

10:30 a.m.; returns at 3 p.m.

Cost: Basic pairing is $18 in advance, $20 at

the door. VIP pairing is $28 advance, $35 at

the door. Advance tickets available at:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine-and-

chocolate-pairing-2020-tickets-

82544850871. Bring $$ for lunch at Phở

Nguyên Restaurant.

Treat yourself this

Valentine’s Day! We’ll

sample four locally made

hand-crafted chocolate

truffles and one caramel

from Jonboy Caramels in

Seattle, paired with five

wines. Or try the VIP

pairing, which includes the

above plus one glass of

sparkling wine and a two-

pack of chocolates to take

home. Afterward, enjoy traditional

Vietnamese fare at Phở Nguyên Restaurant.

Monday, Feb. 24 Portland’5 Centers for the Arts

Tour When: Bus leaves the Senior Center at 9:30

a.m.; returns at 1 p.m.

Cost: Admission is free; bring $$ for lunch

at Vertical Diner.

Step behind the footlights for an exciting

tour of the Portland’5 Centers for the Arts.

These award-winning facilities come to life

as your tour guide weaves a tale of theater

magic. Find out how the 1920's Arlene

Schnitzer Concert Hall and the Dolores

Winningstad and Newmark theatres have

become part of one of the busiest

performing arts center complexes in the

nation. Learn fascinating details about the

historic architecture and design elements of

these state-of-the-art venues. Hear

anecdotes about the theaters' colorful past.

Afterward, enjoy vegetarian comfort food

made with wholesome ingredients at

Vertical Diner. All meals are 10% off on

Mondays.

Wednesday, Feb. 26 Lunch of the Month: Canard

When: Bus leaves the Senior Center at

10:30 a.m.; returns at 1 p.m.

Cost: Bring $$ for lunch.

Join us as we dine at The Oregonian’s best

restaurant of 2019, renowned for its original

and fun takes on dishes. Specialties include

the oeufs en mayonnaise, chips and caviar,

calamari tartine, fried chicken wings and

steam burger.

Thursday, Feb. 27 Oregon Rail Heritage Center Tour,

All Classical Portland Tour and

Concert When: Bus leaves the Senior Center at 10

a.m.; returns at 4:45 p.m.

Cost: Admission is free; $5 donation

suggested for Oregon Rail Heritage Center.

Bring $$ for lunch at Pastini.

Take a guided tour of Portland’s historic

locomotives, railroad equipment and

vintage passenger cars at the Oregon Rail

Heritage Center. Afterward, warm up with

hearty, full-flavored Italian fare at Pastini.

Then we’ll visit the All Classical Portland

studios for a guided tour and live classical

music performances by Invoke and the

Portland State Chamber Choir.

2/4 Raleigh Hills Fred Meyer* or New Seasons

2/11 Beaverton Fred Meyer or Trader Joe’s

2/19 Burlingame Fred Meyer or Safeway

2/25 Walmart, Costco or WinCo

*Senior discount days

Page 5

February 2020 Senior Center Calendar

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

3

9:00 Meditation

10:00 Spanish #

10:15 Qi Gong

11:00 Acupuncture

12:15 Bridge

12:30 Pinochle

1:45 Intermediate Line

Dancing

4

9:15 Stability Ball

10:15 Rhythmic Ex.

11:00 Quilting Group

12:30 Mending

12:30 Adult Coloring

1:00 Adv. Tai Chi

2:00 Tai Chi/Balance

2:30 Buddhist Study

5

9:30 Cribbage

10:00 SSI Lecture

10:00 RWV Women’s

Coffee

10:00 Bingo

12:30 Play Reading

12:30 Pinochle

6

9:00 Current Events

9:15 Stability Ball

10:00 ESL class

10:15 Rhythmic Ex.

11:30 Life Stories

12:30 SHIBA

1:00 Adv. Tai Chi

1:00 Movie

2:00 Tai Chi/Balance

7

9:15 SSI Board

Meeting

10:00 Yoga

12:00 Line Dancing

12:15 Duplicate

Bridge

10

9:00 Meditation

10:00 Spanish #

10:15 Qi Gong

11:00 Acupuncture

12:15 Bridge

12:30 Pinochle

1:45 Intermediate Line

Dancing

11

9:00 Sr Law Project

9:15 Stability Ball

10:15 Rhythmic Ex.

11:00 Quilting Group

12:30 Mending

12:30 Adult Coloring

1:00 Adv. Tai Chi

2:00 Tai Chi/Balance

2:30 Buddhist Study

12

9:00 Foot Clinic

9:30 Cribbage

10:00 SSI Lecture

10:00 RWV Women’s

Coffee

10:00 Bingo

12:30 Play Reading

12:30 Pinochle

13

9:00 Current Events

9:15 Stability Ball

9:30 Architectural

Heritage Center trip

10:00 ESL class

10:00 SSI Lecture

10:15 Rhythmic Ex.

11:30 Life Stories

1:00 Adv. Tai Chi

1:00 Movie

2:00 Tai Chi/Balance

14

HAPPY

VALENTINE’S DAY!

10:00 Social Discourse

10:00 Yoga

10:30 Wine and

Chocolate trip

12:00 Line Dancing

12:15 Duplicate

Bridge

17

CLOSED FOR

PRESIDENT’S DAY

18

9:00 AARP Driver TEK

9:15 Stability Ball

10:15 Rhythmic Ex.

11:00 Quilting Group

12:30 Mending

12:30 Adult Coloring

1:00 Adv. Tai Chi

2:00 Tai Chi/Balance

2:30 Buddhist Study

19

9:30 Cribbage

10:00 Bingo

10:00 SSI Lecture

10:00 RWV Women’s

Coffee

12:00 Balance &

Movement

12:30 Play Reading

12:30 Pinochle

1:30 VIEWS

20

9:00 Current Events

9:15 Stability Ball

10:00 ESL class

10:00 SSI Lecture

10:15 Rhythmic Ex

10:30 Blood Pressure

11:30 Life Stories

12:30 SHIBA

1:00 Movie

1:00 Adv. Tai Chi

2:00 Tai Chi/Balance

21

10:00 Yoga

12:00 Line Dancing

12:15 Duplicate

Bridge

24

9:00 Meditation

9:30 Portland’5 Centers

for the Arts tour

10:00 Spanish #

10:15 Qi Gong

11:00 Acupuncture

12:15 Bridge

12:30 Pinochle

1:00 Book Club

1:45 Intermediate Line

Dancing

25

9:00 Sr Law Project

9:15 Stability Ball

10:15 Rhythmic Ex.

10:30 Birthday

Celebration

11:00 Quilting

Group

12:30 Mending

12:30 Adult Coloring

1:00 Adv. Tai Chi

2:00 Tai Chi/Balance

26

9:30 Cribbage

10:00 Bingo

10:00 SSI Lecture

10:00 RWV Women’s

Coffee

10:30 Lunch: Canard

12:30 Play Reading

12:30 Pinochle

27

9:00 Current Events

9:15 Stability Ball

10:00 SSI Lecture

10:00 ESL class

10:00 Oregon Rail

Heritage Center tour

10:15 Rhythmic Ex

11:30 Life Stories

1:00 Adv. Tai Chi

1:00 Movie

2:00 Tai Chi/Balance

28

10:00 Social Discourse

10:00 Yoga

12:15 Duplicate

Bridge

LEGEND

SSI membership required

# PCC registration

Senior Center membership required

Preregistration required

Neighborhood House, Inc.

Senior Center & Aging Services

7780 SW Capitol Hwy.

Portland, Oregon 97219

Return Service Requested

NONPROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

BEAVERTON, OREGON

PERMIT NO. 1811

Join our Conversations on Aging A monthly support group discusses issues important to aging seniors. Sign up at

the Senior Center Front Desk or call 503-244-5204. Topics include:

Need a

handyman?

We now have vetted

volunteers who are available

to do some handywork around

your home. Call Nancy at

503-246-1663 ext. 6112 if you

need help. Light electrical,

plumbing or carpentry work,

on a case-by-case basis.

Bridging Life Transitions (1:30-3 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 19)

Forgetfulness: Where Did I Put My

Keys? (1:30-3 p.m. Wednesday, March

25)

Let’s Talk About End-of-Life (1:30-3

p.m. Wednesday, April 22)

New Wisdom/Life Lessons (1:30-3

p.m. Wednesday, May 20)

Creating a Home as You Age (1:30-3

p.m. Wednesday, June 17)

Engaging With Adult Children (1:30-

3 p.m. Wednesday, July 15)