This week I’ll write about a bunch of interesting things relative to the Senior Center and its members. First, let's hit the good stuff: desserts.

Last week our chef made a banana split cake. She has made this before, and past Senior Center chefs have made it, too. It is a popular dessert and is readily enjoyed. Julie, our chef, also mentioned that her mother use to make a meal of strawberry shortcake. When the first strawberries were available, her mother would serve just that for the evening dinner. Now that is a great idea!

Several of us were discussing tomato soup. I said that my mother always made tomato soup cake. She made it as a one layer pan cake and added raisins and walnuts. For a while I use to think that dessert and tomato soup cake were synonymous. Several others said that they had had tomato soup cake before. Julie said she would try to make it sometime.

Last Thursday several cribbage players brought in “goodies” for snacks during the tournament. This is a common thing and we all enjoy the cakes and cookies. Della brought in some cookies that looked familiar to everyone, but there was a surprise. Instead of the expected taste, there was a tart lemon taste with each bite. I liked it. When your taste buds sense something different or unexpected, it can make for a memorable time. Thanks Della for making something different to shake up our taste buds.

I recently saw a video with the message that when we “thank a soldier” we need to remember all soldiers, including Vietnam vets. Most of us seniors remember the days of the Vietnam conflict. The “draft” was the way into the Army for many. Respect at home was almost nonexistent, and even some prominent Hollywood stars sided with the enemy. Agent Orange, a defoliant, ruined the health of many soldiers. I was never in Vietnam, but I feel for all those who were. War is hell, but you should not go through hell when you return.

May is Older Americans Month. It was started in 1963 as Senior Citizens Month by President John F. Kennedy. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter changed it to its present name and proclaimed that it was a time to celebrate those 65 and older through ceremonies, events and public recognition.

The Administration for Community Living announced the following: “This year, we are focusing on injury prevention with the theme Safe Today, Healthy Tomorrow. Older adults are at a much higher risk of unintentional injury and even death than the rest of the population. Unintentional injuries to this population result in millions of medically treated injuries and more than 30,000 deaths every year. With a focus on safety during Older Americans Month, the Administration for Community Living plans to use this opportunity to raise awareness about this critical issue. By taking control of their safety, older Americans can live longer, healthier lives.” The big thing here is that all older Americans can be proactive in controlling their own safety. What specific things can we do? How can the Senior Center help to keep us all safe and healthy? What do you think?

The cribbage tournament winners on Tuesday, April 29 were Nancy Schilke first, Della Hilton second, Larry Clark third, Joan Grondin low score and Leol Corson and Reid Hodgdon tied for the high hand. The cribbage tournament winners on Thursday, May 1 were David Greenleaf first, Stuart Wyman second, Patty Bridgham third, Dwight Lewis low score and Pam Frenier had the high hand.

Meals for next week:

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

Wednesday, May 14: Dinner, BBQ pork

Thursday, May 15: Lunch, Chef’s Special Entrée