Wiscasset Senior Center

The Community Center and Senior Center Volunteer Recognition Night was held last Thursday. The Senior Center Volunteer of the Year is Jo Bryer. The Volunteer of the Year award is given to someone who has done something extraordinary during the past year or years. Jo has been an active supporter of the Senior Center and the Community Center for many years. She has written the Senior Center newspaper column, served on the board of Trustees, and was the driving force for the establishment of the Senior Center Scholarship Fund, Inc.

Since the recipient of the award is chosen by the Trustees, there has been an unofficial rule that no Trustee could get the award. However since Jo was forced to resign because of health reasons, the Trustees felt it was now appropriate to give the award to her for all her years of service.

Volunteers don't do their jobs for the awards or the limelight. They do it for the sheer joy of doing the job and seeing the results. A couple of weeks ago Ted Tracy, Todd Souza, Jeff Slack and I went to Jo Bryer's home and presented her with the 2007 Volunteer of the Year award. We knew she would be unable to come to the awards dinner, but we wanted her to enjoy the recognition.

If she was at the dinner I'm sure she would have grabbed the mike and said the same things she said to us that day. The first thing she said was, "Well, it's about time." Then she laughed and went on to say that we should recognize what a wonderful place and what extensive organizations we have. She also emphasized that we need to keep working hard to keep it going and growing. She had several ideas for things and wanted us to promise that we would pursue each one. When we left we could see that she was tired, but she was still thinking of new ideas for the Center and how to utilize the many talents of all the people there.

There are so many that fill volunteer jobs for the Senior Center. Recognition for doing those jobs is an invitation to attend the Recognition Night. This is a party for all those who have contributed to the success of the Senior Center and is a time for all the hard working volunteers to step into the spotlight and revel in what we have created together. Also volunteers are recognized throughout the year with a volunteer of the month award of a free dinner.

The Senior Center of Wiscasset has donated $100 to purchase flags for the Maine State Healing Field to be held on November 11 and again on Memorial Day, 2008. Our flags will be going into the Bath Healing Field on November 11. Everyone is invited to the ceremony on that day starting at 10 a.m.

Because there is no meal on the third Wednesday of November, we will not be having prime rib this month. However on Nov. 14 we will have filet mignon cooked on the grill and wrapped in bacon. We ask that all who would like this entrée to sign up no later than Monday noon Nov. 12. There will also be an alternative at regular prices for those not wanting filet mignon or who sign up late. Please cancel if you cannot make it.

Priscilla Allen has decorated the dining room for several years now. She and her helpers have done one fantastic job after another. But she would like to take on new challenges and has asked to be replaced. If you would like to take on this responsibility let Ted know ASAP.

The cribbage tournament winners on Tuesday, Oct. 30, were Penny Parsons first, Sherry Westfall second, Linden Simmons got low score and Keith Batchler, George Jones and Linda Mitchell tied for the high hand. On Thursday, Nov. 2, Pauline Davis was first, Barbara Farrar second, Lewis Vigneault got low score and Nancy Schilke had the high hand.

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

Monday, Nov. 12 - lunch, Veggie Soup and Tuna Roll.

Tuesday, Nov. 13 - 9:30 a.m. to noon Cribbage.

Wednesday, Nov 14. - 4:30 p.m. social hour, 5:30 p.m. dinner, Filet Mignon.

Thursday, Nov. 15 - lunch, steak sandwich, 6 p.m. Cribbage