The prime rib dinner last Wednesday evening was excellent. Bob MacDonald helped out our chef Nita Greenleaf in the preparation and slicing of the prime rib. There was a good crowd of around 50 people to enjoy the meal. We don’t have prime rib too often so it was a special evening.

Next Wednesday, Aug. 26, there will be no dinner. The Wiscasset Community Center will be having its annual shutdown for cleaning and maintenance. The shutdown will run from Saturday, August 22nd through Sunday, Aug. 30. The center will reopen on Monday, Aug. 31, at 5 a.m. The Community Center will be shifting to the winter hours effective Sept. 8, providing extended hours on Saturday and will be open on Sundays.

There were several reports that the trip to Cabbage Island was a success. Those who went enjoyed the boat trip to the island and a dinner of two lobsters with all the trimmings. More trips and activities are being planned and particulars will be posted in this column and on the bulletin board as soon as they are available.

Last Wednesday afternoon I attend a talk presented by David Leach from the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection. He spent the first part of the session talking about a new booklet the Bureau has just published titled Automobile Buying and Financing. This is an excellent booklet and is a must read for anyone thinking about buying or leasing a car. Copies of the booklet can be downloaded by going to www.credit.maine.gov. They are also available free of charge to Maine residents by contacting the Bureau of Credit Protection at 207-624-8527.

The booklet is 32 pages of well written info about buying or leasing a vehicle and financing the purchase. Even if you have purchased many cars before, this booklet has info you can use including how to determine what you can afford, how to research various vehicles, what to watch out for at a dealership, and what will be the sales tax, registration fee and excise tax.

Leasing can also be an attractive way to have a newer car all the time with lower monthly payments. But what goes into determining the lease rate or rent charge? This booklet gives you a lot of info on how to shop for an auto lease.

Whether you view autos like a fine bottle of wine that should be savored and enjoyed or just a place to talk on your phone while you go from point A to point B this booklet can be a big help. If you are thinking of a new or newer car, read this booklet.

David Leach spent the second half of the session talking about scams. The bottom line was that “Knowledge is Power.” You can download several different booklets and get current info on scams and what to do if you have been scammed by going to the website www.credit.maine.gov. There are many good people in the world but there are also many people who want to take your money and identity. They all have friendly smiles. Know how to determine who is who.

The cribbage tournament winners on Tuesday, Aug. 11 were Reid Hodgdon first, Jane LeBreck second, Della Hilton third, Debbie Mullen low score and Linden Simmons had the high hand. The cribbage tournament winners on Thursday, Aug. 13 were Keith Bridgham first, Ann Merry second, Linden Simmons third, Doc Schilke low score and Doc Schilke had the high hand.

There will be no Public Supper on Wednesday, Aug. 19. The Wiscasset Community Center will be on its annual shutdown next week.