If you are new in town - and we hasten to add - or new to one of the towns adjoining, why not drop in at the Wiscasset Community Center at 242 Gardiner Rd. (Rt. 27 north 1.1 miles from Rt. 1) and check out the many good programs available to you. If you're an old timer in town or the area, maybe it's time you took a good look at what you too might come to value.

There are lunches on Mondays and Thursdays for seniors, and the Wednesday community dinners, which are open to everyone, are delicious, nutritious, excellently prepared by our certified chef and offered at modest prices. The first Monday monthly it's "Monday at the Movies" after the birthday party lunch; Tuesday mornings and Thursday evening it's cribbage; also after the first Wednesday birthday party, it's Bingo. Friday morning's handworkers who knit, crochet, quilt, or whatever gather to chit chat and sip coffee. So five days a week there's something going on in the Senior Center, and every day all kinds of activities in the Community Center.

Throughout the year, our program offers entertainment, talks on important or interesting subjects, and day trips to mention a few, all of which are at no cost, or are very affordable.

The Community Center has all kinds of exercise equipment, plus a heated pool and toasty Jacuzzi for those wanting to exercise, swim or get relief from arthritic discomfort; there are qualified people to oversee and give help to those who need or want it, plus other scheduled activities.

Memberships to each group offer discounts on meals and other programs; and day passes are available to people who can come only infrequently, or just want to try things out before committing to a year's membership.

And then we want to remind you of the freebees that are consistently available to all seniors at the Senior Center: there is a free blood pressure clinic offered the first Thursday of every month from 11:30 a.m. to noon, courtesy of the Miles Memorial Hospital Group right here in town.

If you are a "walker" or "should be a walker," there's free "Walking in the Gym" every Monday and Thursday from 11 a.m. until noon. Seventeen laps around the gym equals a mile at your own pace without fear of slipping on the ice or bucking the wind!

And once again, courtesy of AARP during the tax season, Carol Ostermann will give confidential free help on personal income tax returns if you call her at 633-6748 for an appointment right here at the Community Center.

Why not stop in the lobby and pick up a Senior Center newsletter and monthly menu, as well as a brochure of programs scheduled at the Community Center. Between the two units, we serve all ages from tots to old folks in this area. You might just be starting the New Year off right with more interesting things to do and better health, plus automatically making some new good friends. Questions? Phone 882-8230.