Wiscasset Senior Center

Last Sunday at church I was shocked to hear that Jo Johnson had died. I had heard that she was very sick but it was still a shock. It was only a week ago that I heard Jo Bryer had died. I also heard that several other people I knew had also died recently. Regardless of whom it is or under what circumstances, it is disturbing to hear of a death. But a death does cause us to reflect on the person's life, our own life and life in general.

I find that people leave a legacy of memories and challenges. These challenges are created by actions and beliefs of a person during their lifetime. Jo Bryer was greatly interested in the Town of Wiscasset, the Community/Senior Center and high school students who do not want to go to a four-year college. The challenges are the continuing support of what's best for the town, Community/Senior Center and the Senior Center Scholarship Fund. I'm sure her influence will be felt for some time in all these areas.

Jo Johnson was the recipient of the second Senior Center Volunteer of the Year award. She was awarded this honor for the many years of service to the Senior Center and in particular her work to provide table decorations for all lunches and dinners that particular year. Also she was always there to help out and consistently provided transportation to the Center for several members.

Being a person "from away," I find it interesting to read the obituaries of people I only knew during their later lives. It is good to be reminded that we all were young once and did meaningful and adventuresome things as well as very ordinary things. This reminds me of a verse stitched into an antique sampler that my wife has which reads, "This work is mine A. Bailey in the year 1831. When I am dead and in my grave and all my bones are rotten, remember me when this you see lest I be forgotten. Remember me as you pass by as you are now so once was I. As I am now so must you be. Prepare for death and follow me."

That saying may be a bit morbid in our day and age but the point is there I think to take on challenges and do worthwhile things. Not all will agree with what you say and do but that is good too. It also makes the point to just do as Jo Johnson did every Monday and Thursday morning and sit down with your friends and have a friendly game of cards and just enjoy life. Sometimes a worthwhile day is just seeing the blue sky and "smelling the roses".

Next Monday, Nov. 19, will be our annual Thanksgiving Day dinner at noon. Dessert will be pies brought in by members. We decided to have baked ham this time since many will have roast turkey on Thursday. There will be no Community Dinner on Wednesday evening next week.

Please note that next week Cribbage will be played on Tuesday as usual and instead of Thursday night, cribbage will be played on Friday morning starting at 9:30 a.m. The cribbage tournament winners on Tuesday, Nov. 6, were Jim Black first, Dot Kidney second, Larry Clark got low score and Pauline Davis and Linden Simmons tied for the high hand. On Thursday, Nov. 8, Sally Sherman was first, Nancy Schilke second, Jim Black got low score and Sherry Westfall had the high hand.

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

Monday, Nov. 19 - Lunch, Baked Ham - Thanksgiving Day Meal. Trustee meeting after lunch.

Tuesday, Nov. 20 - 9:30 a.m. to noon Cribbage.

Wednesday, Nov. 21 - No dinner.

Thursday, Nov. 22 - Thanksgiving Day.

Friday, Nov. 23 - 9:30 a.m. to noon Cribbage.