I was reading an article on the Recorder today about the usage of the new senior center. I would like to relate my experience.

I am 76 years old and a long-time resident of Greenfield. A few years ago I decided to volunteer at the senior center, maybe help people with computer issues or whatever they needed. They told me that they needed someone to video record various events at the center to be aired on GCTV. As a photographer I thought this would be a good fit for me. I learned to run the TV station’s equipment and started recording events such as the St. Patrick’s Day music and other events.

I was also signed up as a user of the senior center. I recorded several events and enjoyed it. I would stop at the center and get schedules for events that the center wanted me to record and I would plan how and where to set up equipment. One day I was informed that I was no longer allowed to “just stop in” and talk to staff. I had to call and make an appointment. I was a volunteer! It quickly became a hostile work environment for me. I hope they have found a new cameraman for I will not work there again. As a matter of fact, I will not even use the facility because of the unwelcoming attitude of management. That may be one of the big problems with the senior center now.

It is my opinion that the decision to close the center between the hours of 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. is a very poor choice. This would seem to be prime time for usage.

I am learning to play the five-string bluegrass banjo. There were several organizations offering lessons and venues for youngsters to learn. Little was available for adults and seniors.

I contacted Samantha Wood of Artspace in Greenfield about this. She did a great job of setting up a monthly one-hour jam session for adults (or youngsters) to just come and make noise with their instruments in a friendly, non-judgmental environment. There are a number of amateur musicians joining these sessions. The new senior center seems like it would be an ideal venue to sponsor a program like this. However, with my previous experience there I do not see this happening at the senior center. It is not a friendly environment.

This is just my opinion and experience. I am sure others find the center very welcoming.

Dave Sherman

Greenfield