Which reminds us - Joan Grondin is now collecting both cash and non-perishable food donations these next two weeks for the Thanksgiving dinner we always give to a needy family in town. Whatever you can offer for this most worthy cause is gratefully received.

With a super meal under their belts last Wednesday, folks settled back to learn more about the big project underway right in our back yard. Our guest speaker was Wayne Applebee - everybody's friend when he was head honcho at the Community Center, and now the Criminal Administrator at the new Two Bridges Jail now under construction.

After introducing his assistant, Mark Anderson and his family, here from Missouri, he gave an excellent and most interesting presentation regarding all aspects of that operation and the modern programs that will hopefully turn as many inmates as possible back to being useful citizens. As work has progressed, they have made cost effective changes without altering the end results. Nice info for taxpayers to hear.

Wayne also had a good selection of slides showing "before and during" construction of the new jail which they hope to complete by October 2006. There were some questions from the audience, one being whether you could go in to the site to view things. Because of a safety issue where there is heavy equipment working all around and lots of action, that is discouraged right now. However upon completion, there will be an "open house" for public inspection.

He hinted they were considering - as a fun fund-raiser - selling a night in the jail house before inmates arrive! Already there are some ladies excitedly planning to take in that event!! Chef Steve said he'd get breakfast for them if they did it!! Who could resist that offer knowing Steve's cooking abilities!

At announcement time, there was a round of applause for Lin Simmons, (who was not present for his award), one of the winners of the WSC Volunteer of the Year plaque, for his very successful introduction of cribbage as another good WSC activity. Neither Pat Barnes nor Doc Schilke were present at dinner, but their awards for contributions to WSC were also applauded.

Please note: the Senior Center's annual Thanksgiving Dinner will be held Monday noon, Nov. 21, and there will be no community dinner served Wednesday, Nov. 23, the day before Thanksgiving. The price for this special meal is the usual $4 for members and $5 for others; however any further donations to offset the cost will be very much appreciated. Please Note: If you are not a Monday lunch regular, please make your reservations no later than this Friday, Nov. 18 by phoning: 882-8230. Hope to see all our members and friends there.

Ann Merry held the lucky 50-50 ticket last Wednesday, and the rest of the pot was added to the fund for more new tables and chairs for the dining room. Little by little!

The new program of "Walking in the Gym" Mondays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon finds new people enjoying this "free to all seniors" program, courtesy of WCC. In the Senior Center, Stretch 'n Limber is also available at 11 a.m. for those who want this short warm up prior to walking. All welcome here as well.

The Tuesday and Thursday cribbage groups continue to acquire a new player every once in a while, which is great. Last Tuesday, high scorer was Ann Merry with Sherry Westfall second. Yours truly went home with a dollar, so you know what that meant. Oh well, it's all in the cards you are dealt! Someone needs to give me the winners for Thursdays. It is kind of fun to see your name in the column.

Crafty Knitters are hard at work on a lot of projects, using the donations from House 'n Barn. A lot of things will be donated where needed, and some we may sell for the benefit of the Senior Center this latter effort has been approved by Choppie's family as she was a strong supporter of WSC. Remember the final sale at House 'n Barn is this weekend.

We're hoping to see Nancy Schilke back after surgery recovery, as well as Dot Lewis who was hospitalized for a few days. Tiger Chubbuck is also back in circulation after surgery.

The monthly Trustees' Meeting is Monday, Nov. 21, following the Thanksgiving dinner.

Menus for next week: Mon., Nov. 21, Thanksgiving Dinner; Wed., Nov. 23 and Thurs., Nov. 24, CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY. To make reservations for any meals in future, please phone 882-8230 as usual.

That's it for now.