At last Wednesday’s public supper, Trustee Chairman Carl Hewitt and Trustee Ellie Tracy announced that there would be a membership meeting during the dinner on the following Wednesday. Ellie mentioned that there are three openings on the board for next year, and also that the treasurer’s position would be open. They both mentioned that we need to generate ideas on how to keep going and what to do about the next fiscal budget. Carl said it would be a fun time and encouraged everyone to attend.

Next week I will report on what takes place, but until then let me give my opinions as to the future of the Senior Center. All organizations and businesses go through a life cycle. The cycle is a bell curve with enthusiasm and growth occurring at the start. Then things level off. After that a decline sets in. At that point many organizations regenerate themselves and start the process all over again with new enthusiasm and growth. Some turn the lights off and end.

I think we are in the declining phase. Membership is down, meal attendance is down and activities are not as frequent or attended as much as in the past. Do we continue to decline until the final member turns off the lights, or do we rebuild the Senior Center?

I believe that we can reinvent/revitalize the Senior Center. There is so much seniors can do for themselves and other seniors. Those people 50 years old and older have the energy and time to make a difference in the community. It doesn’t take a lot of tax dollars if the volunteer base is wide. A good volunteer base can actually give back to the community more than they take in tax dollars. The Senior Center/Community Center can be a bright light in Wiscasset and the surrounding area. We can promote Wiscasset and Lincoln County. We can have fun doing it and we can also enjoy dinners, entertainment, trips and fellowship.

Recently I saw a one-man musical show. At the end, the entertainer said, “I could have done this whole show without you, but it would not have been much fun!” That is so true. We can continue doing what we are doing or we can go back to the start of the cycle and generate enthusiasm and growth. What do you want to do? It is not others who must decide and take action, it is you!

The cribbage tournament winners on Tuesday, April 1 were Linden Simmons first, Ken Colby second, Leonard Foss third, Della Hilton low score and Arlene Steen had the high hand. The cribbage tournament winners on Thursday, April 3 were Larry Clark first, Doc Schilke second, Phoebe Cromwell third, Robbie Greenleaf low score and Larry Clark 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 16: Dinner, baked ham

Thursday, April 17: Lunch, Chef’s Special Entrée