Wiscasset Senior Center

Once again the snow and bad weather came and canceled last Wednesday's Community Dinner. Even though most of us are used to Maine winters, I think we are all ready to see spring or at least no more snow and ice. It's hard to imagine August days with temps in the 80's or better and trying to stay cool. But those days will come again.

It is good to see that many are taking advantage of the time to walk in the gym. Remember that the gym is open to all seniors on Mondays and Thursdays from 11 a.m., until noon. Just 17 times around is a mile and there is no snow or ice on the floor and the temperature is just right for a brisk walk.

Steve dug the charcoal grill out from under the snow bank and said that regardless of the weather we will have a "cookout" sometime in March. That will make it seem better.

The third Wednesday of the month, this Wednesday, is Prime Rib Night so the last Wednesday of the month, Feb. 27, we will have the seafood Newburg that was scheduled for way back on the Feb. 6. Steve said he will also have lasagna as scheduled, but he will only have one kind. He'll flip a coin to see if he makes veggie or meat lasagna.

The trustees are trying to put together the budget for the next fiscal year that starts July 1. We don't want to cut back on anything, and we hope to keep prices the same or at least within reason. However costs are rising for food and just about everything else we use while the amount of subsidy we get from federal and state government is being cut.

We don't want to ask for more from the Wiscasset taxpayers either. The amount of the appropriation from the taxpayers is small in comparison to other town departments and has not run much above $10,000 a year during the last 10 years or so. Several times we have been under that amount, and I would like to see us ask the voters for an amount under $10,000 every year with a goal of being as self-sufficient as possible. But then how do we meet rising costs? What do you think? Now is the time to step up and voice your opinion on how we should handle increasing costs. What value is the Senior Center to you and this community?

I hear that Grace Wetherill is making good progress after open-heart surgery and is looking forward to getting back to an active daily schedule. We all hope those active days will arrive real soon for her. Federal Street shines best when Grace is out there tending her roses.

Best wishes for all Senior Center members who are under the weather.

The cribbage tournament winners on Tuesday, Feb. 12, were Pauline Davis first, Ken Colby second, Larry Roy got low score and Barbara Farrar and Nancy Schilke tied for the high hand. On Thursday, Feb. 14, the winners were Ken Colby first, Ron Bodge second, Charlie Preyer 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, Feb. 25 - lunch, Pork Chops.

Tuesday, Feb. 26 - 9:30 a.m. to noon Cribbage.

Wednesday, Feb. 27 - 4:30 p.m. Social Hour, 5:30 p.m. dinner, Lasagna or Seafood Newburg.

Thursday, Feb. 28 - lunch, Steak Sandwich. 6 p.m. Cribbage