Letter: Seniors did their part

I was overwhelmed listening to our seniors and members of Council on Aging and members of Senior Center Building Committee as they spoke out in favor of the new senior center.

For many seniors, an evening meeting is not an easy event to attend. Yet they came in droves and spoke eloquently. I could not attend but am SO grateful to each of you who did.

I fully support a new senior center. Greenfield has the most rapid growing senior population in Franklin County and I believe in all of western Mass. The senior center is unhealthy and unsafe. There is mold. The plumbing backs up. The tiles fall. It was so cold in there while we were playing cards during the winter that blankets needed to be handed out to us. We have no place to gather for meals. For many seniors, it is difficult to shop and prepare a healthy dinner.

Cheers to all of you seniors who pushed yourselves at the end of the day to attend that meeting. We needed that center and we need to meet the needs of this booming aging population. Their needs will not be met by any library or “gym/fitness center.” Seniors have given to the community for years and many will continue to do so as long as they live. How were they cared for that night?

I was heartbroken to see the senior center voted down, perhaps by some who had never set foot in it and who perhaps do not understand the community it serves … the active healthy senior, the lonely, the broken, those in need of social service, fun and companionship and those in need of a nutritious meal they wish to share with others or can no longer prepare themselves. I believe there was a great loss for the senior population of Greenfield when the Town Council voted against the senior center in a VERY close vote.

I am always in favor of money requested for or Fire and Police departments, DPW and of course our beloved schools.

Everyone gets the budget nod … but not the seniors.

I am grateful to all our public servants. I see both sides of this issue. I’m sure the nays voted their conscience. I believe you got it wrong.

Ginny Desorgher

Greenfield