Wiscasset Senior Center

Last Wednesday was a stormy day again but at least the ice did not last long in Wiscasset. By early afternoon the freezing rain had turned to just plain rain and the ice covering everything quickly melted. Even though the schools had canceled classes, the Community Center was open and by early afternoon it was obvious that there was no need to close and the evening Community Dinner would be held.

Thirty-eight people showed up and enjoyed a great meal freshly prepared by our chef Steve White. This being the first Wednesday in March, all March Birthdays were celebrated. Anyone with a February birthday was also invited to come up and get a piece of cake with a candle in it and get their picture taken. February had been such a stormy month that we wanted to be sure everyone that had a birthday in either month had an opportunity to celebrate and party. Three people did come up, Buster Grover, Earl Dighton and Peggy Simmons.

Larry Clark always gets a photo of the birthday people and puts the picture out on the Web site

www.wis

casset-me.gov Click on Senior Center then Photos then Birthdays. You'll also find the latest Menu and Newsletter out there too.

After dinner, Barbara Bloomgren, Health Services Coordinator for Life Line Screening gave a short presentation on the four tests that they will be offering at the Wiscasset Community Center on Mon., March 24.

The four tests are: 1. Stroke screening/carotid artery; 2. Abdominal aortic aneurysm; 3. Peripheral arterial disease; and 4. Osteoporosis. The tests are non-invasive, completely painless and use Doppler ultrasound technology. The cost of the four tests is $129. This is not covered by Medicare. Pre-registration is required. Call 1-800-324-1851.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and is the number one cause for nursing home admissions. Half of all stroke victims have no warning signs before a stroke occurs.

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions: 1. Ask the individual to SMILE. 2. Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (coherently - i.e., Is sunny out today?). 3. Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS. If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. Generally these symptoms including a fierce headache will come on suddenly. Getting quick medical attention can save a life and can reduce the long term effects of a stroke. Do not drive to the Emergency Room; call 911 instead. The ambulance EMTs will be able to assess conditions and have the ER ready to start work as soon as they arrive.

The cribbage tournament winners on Tuesday, March 4, were Keith Bridgham first, Doc Schilke second, Ginny Cooper got low score and Nancy Schilke had the high hand. On Thursday, March 6, the winners were Ken Colby first, Larry Roy and Doc Schilke tied for second, Patty Bridgham got low score and Martha Murray had the high hand.

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

Monday, March 17 - lunch, Reuben Sandwich. Trustee meeting after lunch.

Tuesday, March 18 - 9:30 a.m. to noon Cribbage.

Wednesday, March 19 - 4:30 p.m. Social Hour, 5:30 p.m. dinner, Prime Rib.

Thursday, March 20 - lunch, Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. 6 p.m. Cribbage