At last Wednesday’s dinner it was mentioned that Phil Gesner had died. Phil had been a supporter of the Wiscasset Senior Center for many years. Ellie Tracy mentioned some of the difficulties that Phil had encountered during the past few years. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Phil.

I always find it hard to say something about a person who recently died. Death is an event that we will all go through; it is a part of life. However, it is easier and more fitting to say something about the events during a person’s life. Whether a person has passed on or is still kicking the can down the highway, what you do and how you do it is the essence of life. I remember Phil’s dry sense of humor. That came out in just about everything he did whether it was at the Senior Center, church or bowling alley.

Here is a fun idea that I’m sure Phil would have enjoyed. Last Wednesday, Newt Blakesley, a member with a rather flamboyant sense of humor, was talking about bagpipes. He then demonstrated the bagpipe by playing an “air bagpipe” (same idea as the air guitar).

Bill Maloney was listening and started acting as the director of the “band.” This gave me an idea. Do you remember the old radio morning show with Don McNeil and his “March around the Breakfast Table?” Well why not have a “March around the Dinner Table?”

We could have Bill Maloney as the band major with Newt following close behind. I could get out my air trumpet and perhaps we could get Ellie Tracy to play the real piano in the back of the room. Everyone else could get out their own special air instruments or just march along. I can imagine that Phil would have joined right in and have had a great time doing it. I’m sure his spirit would be there and perhaps the spirits of Walter Sherman and Barbara Haggett would be there too. Those two also had a great sense of humor just like Phil.

This March around the Dinner Table will probably never happen, but doing nonsensical things is good for us all. We are heading into the Labor Day weekend and the end of the summer season. There is so much going on in the world that is heartbreaking and stressful, and it seems a good idea to enjoy the last days of summer before “school” starts for each of us again. Enjoy the Labor Day holiday!

The cribbage tournament winners on Aug. 19 were Marlene Rines first, Ed Dunham second, Leol Corson third, Joan Grondin low score and Jane LaBreck had the high hand. The cribbage tournament winners on Aug. 21 were Dick Barnardfirst, Marge Pooler second, Jane LaBreck and Nancy Schilke tied for third, Ann Merry low score and Dick Barnard and Luis Serrano tied for the high hand.

Public supper next week:

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

Wednesday, Sept. 3: One-Dish-Chicken-Bake.