The following historical outline of the Wiscasset Senior Center Scholarship Fund was written by Pat Barnes. The next scholarship award will be presented next Wednesday, May 7.

In the fall of 2003, Jo Bryer and Phyllis Hart were discussing ways to honor the deceased members of the Wiscasset Senior Center. It was agreed that a scholarship would be an appropriate way. Phyllis’ deceased husband, Wally, a retired manual arts teacher at a high school, had always felt that some scholarships should go to graduates wanting additional education in a “hands-on” field such as auto mechanics, culinary arts, home building trades, etc.

Jo recruited Sharon Nichols, a retired teacher and former guidance counselor at the high school. Sharon began to create the scholarship application form and related material. Ally Munson, a retired teacher, was brought on board as well. Pat Barnes, a retired legal assistant was recruited to create a corporate shell that would be tax exempt. Jo and Ally began to explore fund raising methods together with Patty Bridgham. Jo Bryer was named to a position of liaison with the Senior Center’s board of trustees.

It was agreed that in the spring of 2004, applications would be sent to the Wiscasset High School guidance office. After reviewing all applications received, a final candidate would be selected by the scholarship committee. A $500 check would then be awarded to the recipient at a Wednesday Community Supper in May.

A short ceremony would be held before the dinner was served. It would be noted that this scholarship was being awarded in memory of Wallace Hart. The scholarship recipient would be introduced. The parents of the recipient would be invited to the dinner along with the Wiscasset High School principal and vice principal.

Fundraising continued, and each spring a scholarship was awarded. In 2008 Sharon Nichols and Pat Barnes resigned. Peggy Simmons, Emily Pryer and Carolann Rines ran the program through 2010. Next reorganization brought in Patty Bridgham, Pat Barnes, Arlene Polewarzqyk, Betty Johnson and Carl Hewett. When Carl was elected chairman of the Senior Center trustees, Ted Tracy came aboard.

It was decided to eliminate the ceremony on award night at the community dinner, and simplify the program. In view of the increase in the cost of living, it was agreed to increase the check amount from $500 to $1,000. With the high school joining RSU 12, the eligible students would be drawn from the communities where the members of the Senior Center lived (Wiscasset, Westport, Alna, Dresden and Edgecomb).

The Wiscasset Scholarship Fund is still accepting donations in memory of Senior Center members; most recently in memory of Natalie Demeny, formerly a Community Center receptionist. The Scholarship Fund is grateful for the house share of the Senior Center’s third Wednesday of the month 50/50 raffle. The Scholarship Fund has awarded $8,500 in scholarships to date.

The cribbage tournament winners on Tuesday, April 22 were Stuart Wyman first, Dwight Lewis second, Ken Colby and Nancy Schilke tied for third, Blanche Johnson low score and Dot Kidney had the high hand. The cribbage tournament winners on Thursday, April 24 were Larry Rines and Linden Simmons tied for first, Dot Kidney third, Dawn Sutter low score and Larry Rines and Dawn Sutter tied for the high hand.

Meals for next week:

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

Wednesday, May 7: Dinner, baked stuffed chicken

Thursday, May 8: Lunch, Chef’s special entrée