At the selectmen’s meeting last week, selectmen decided to place our original budget number on the warrant, rather than our revised number, to be voted up or down by the voters of Wiscasset.

This is an encouraging event, but we still need to address our original concerns that attendance and interest in the Senior Center is dropping. We will continue to develop a multi-part plan to revive and grow the Senior Center.

The initial intent was to slowly address the meal program but we dropped the Tuesday lunch as of last week as a sign that we are willing to take immediate action. A Tuesday lunch could be re-instituted sometime in the future but not just as the same old thing.

To do a meal like we have been doing and only serve 10 to 15 people makes the meal very expensive. Now that we have bitten the bullet and stopped the Tuesday lunch and stopped taking government subsidies, we need to come up with simpler and cheaper meals. This is not an easy task to complete and still attract more diners.

Selectman Ed Polewarczky, a Senior Center member, commented at the Senior Center dinner last Wednesday, that it was helpful to have several Senior Center members at the selectmen’s meeting. Senior Center Trustee Chair, Ellie Tracy made an excellent presentation detailing what the Trustees had decided to do in order to reduce the budget. The attendance by members showed that there is support for the Senior Center and the meal program.

Another positive sign was the number of people who stayed after the dinner last Wednesday to discuss the future of the Senior Center. There were no extraordinarily brilliant suggestions nor were there any extraordinarily dumb suggestions. There were, however, many suggestions and opinions expressed and this was very encouraging.

Next Wednesday, April 24, there will be a potluck dinner. Our chef will supply soup and salad but members will be asked to bring an entrée and/or a dessert. There is a sign-up list on the bulletin board with details and a place to sign up to attend and bring an item. After dinner everyone is invited to stay and discuss what the Senior Center should become and how we will get there.

The potluck dinner will generate only minimal savings, if any, but the idea of this type of meal is not to save money. The idea is to provide an opportunity for others in the community to bring and display a favorite recipe and then engage in a discussion of what people over the age of 50 would like for social/entertainment opportunities, learning opportunities and community involvement opportunities. Please plan on attending. Bring your favorite casserole or dessert along with ideas for the future.

The cribbage tournament winners on Tuesday, April 9 were Jane LaBreck first, Linden Simmons second, Robbie Greenleaf low score and Jane LaBreck had the high hand. The cribbage tournament winners on Thursday, April 11 were Doc Schilke first, Linden Simmons second, Nancy Schilke low score and Luis Serrano had the high hand.

Meals for next week

Reservations, please! Call 207-882-8230 at least two days in advance for meal reservations.

Wednesday, April 24 – Dinner, Potluck

Thursday, April 25 – Lunch, Open turkey sandwich