Wiscasset Senior Center

Twelve Senior Center members went on a one-day Cyr Motor Coach tour to the Balsams in New Hampshire last Wednesday. It was great weather and the foliage was turning nicely as we got further into the mountains. We made a stop at the Screw Auger Falls in Grafton Notch, Maine. This is always a beautiful spot on a nice fall day.

The Balsams is an old style resort hotel nestled in the mountains of northern New Hampshire at Dixville Notch. The buffet luncheon matched the elegant dining room furnishings in quality and quantity. There was everything from soup to nuts and the dessert table was set up as the first table to make sure you would keep saying "save some room for dessert" as you got your many plates of delicious food. I particularly liked the cold peach soup, corned beef with red cabbage and the sautéed garden vegetables including cherry tomatoes. I also liked all the other "stuff"!

The dessert table was awesome! I started with the blackberry pie and proceeded from there. Even though there were several tour groups, plus a good number of guests, the lines moved quickly and the wait staff kept the food coming. The wait staff was also very attentive at our tables and each diner was encouraged to relax and enjoy the experience.

After dinner there was plenty of time to view the Dixville Notch Voting Room where the ballots are cast and counted as the first town to report in a presidential election. There was also time to relax on the porch and enjoy the view or to stroll around the well landscaped grounds.

When we did leave, the bus took us to the top of the mountain and the golf course that is located there. There is a standard golf course there with stunning views of the surrounding White Mountains and a shorter executive course near the hotel. We then took a different scenic drive down through Berlin, NH on our way home.

Now a scenic tour and good food makes for a good day and what more could you want? Well my allergies were really kicking up and I felt "blah" at best so I was willing to settle for a "nice day." But there are some Senior Center members that make things even better and one of those is Sherry. Between her stories and actions there were a good many laughs, chuckles and smiles during the whole trip and especially at the Balsams. Walter and Alex had some interesting stories about playing the golf course there. And Larry got an "Ohhhhh" award for admitting to having tried every dessert on the dessert table. The outing to the Balsams was indeed much better than just a "nice day."

Remember to sign up for the member dinner on Sunday, October 14 by the deadline of next Monday, October 8. This should be a great day for all members to get together for a harvest dinner and then relax over coffee and dessert. Ted has said that he would like to have an informal discussion on the future of the Senior Center. This will be a good opportunity for everyone to voice their ideas on what programs and events should be planned.

Larry Clark underwent surgery last Friday and initial reports are that all went well. We wish Larry the best and a swift recovery and return to the Senior Center. His work as Senior Center Treasurer, Bingo caller and Cribbage organizer will be missed.

The cribbage tournament winners on Tuesday, 9/25, were Jane LaBreck first, Ken Colby second, Barbara Cromwell got low score and Jean Lannan, Nancy Schilke, Keith Batchler and Larry Clark tied for the high hand. On Thursday, 9/27, Nancy Schilke was first, Ken Colby second, Gail Thayer tied with Charlie Hinckley for low score and Hal Thayer and Sally Sherman tied for the high hand.

(Reservations please! Call 882-8230 at least two days in advance for meal reservations.)

Monday, Oct. 8 - lunch, chicken soup and tuna salad roll

Tuesday, Oct. 9 - 9:30 a.m. to noon Cribbage.

Wednesday, Oct. 10 - 4:30 p.m. social hour, 5:30 p.m. dinner, roast lamb.

Thursday, Oct. 11 - lunch, American Chop Suey, 6 p.m. Cribbage