overcoming depression - neighborhood house portland · overcoming depression my husband and i took...
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A Publication of Neighborhood House Senior Center and Transportation Services 503-244-5204; nhpdx.org; [email protected]; 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)