Duane Goud knows just about everyone who comes into Wiscasset Community Center. For the last six years, he’s opened the swimming pool in the wee hours of the morning and is a familiar face in the gymnasium, fitness room and office.

“No matter what the weather’s like, there’s always a few early risers waiting out front for me to open up at 5 a.m., mostly so they can use the pool,” he told Wiscasset Newspaper.

Selectmen recently appointed Goud interim director after Lisa Thompson resigned. Goud was happy to take on the extra responsibilities. Along with opening the building, the last few years, he’s been the parks and recreation department’s programming director.

“Basically, that means I help facilitate the enrollment and operation of the adult and youth fitness and enrichment programs,” he explained.

The rec department has two more weeks of boys’ and girls’ soccer. “As far as number of participants go, it’s our biggest program of the year. This fall we’ve had 85 kids playing in our Saturday ... program that’s offered to pre-k youngsters up to grade six,” Goud added.

Registration recently got underway for WCC’s youth basketball which begins Saturday, Nov. 23 with a skills clinic. “I’ve reached out to the basketball coaches at Wiscasset Middle High School for their support. This is something we did before the start of the soccer program. I think involving the high school coaches and their athletes benefits our programs.” Goud said WCC continues to expand its adult programs. Among the newest are Tai Chi Qigong classes led by Mary Anne Moisan. The class meets Thursday mornings from 8 to 9 and is free for WWC members and $15 per class for non-members. “Something we want to emphasize is you don’t need to have a membership to take part in many of our programs,” continued Goud.

On Halloween, Thursday, Oct. 31, the department will host Nightmare on Federal Street from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The event includes a costume parade, food and trick-or-treating.

Goud said he told the select board he’s willing to stay on as interim director as long as he’s needed. He told Wiscasset Newspaper he has applied to be full-time director.

“I enjoy working here, it’s a great staff to work with and we’re fortunate to have a terrific group of volunteers. I enjoy coming to work here every day. I see a lot of familiar faces among the membership and a lot of new faces too which is great!”