Seeking seniors
January 10, 2013 at 6:00 pm in Alexandria Echo Press
The Alexandria Senior Center is at a pivotal point.
Ann Esterberg, the center’s executive director, said they need new members to join in order for the site to thrive. Continue Reading
This article is a joke. Key word is they have “space” for classes and stuff, but the current director doesn’t plan anything and shows no interest in the seniors. She just sits there in her office all day. The previous director used to walk around and talk to the people. Not this one. The apartments upstairs are losing tenants because there’s just nothing to do in the so-called “Senior Center” and they’re moving to places where there are activities. I feel guilty that I moved my mother to an apartment there because I was under the impression that there were activities for her. Surprise! The only activities are what the tenants themselves come up with. I’m sure there are grants that can be applied for to fund some fun activities for these seniors. Time for Ms.Lazybones Ann to go and someone who really cares about these seniors to come in.
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I am surprised that the echopress purports to be a community newspaper, yet they allow comments that include bullying and name calling. They allow it because it means money. Everytime someone clicks on a comment, or goes back to make a retort, the newspaper gets ad revenue. So here’s my nickel.
There are several reasons that the Senior center and several other non-profits in Alexandria are struggling. The first reason was the slump in the economy. Another is that there are so many more options for seniors to connect socially with others in Douglas County, compared to even 10 years ago, including the building of the YMCA, Grand Arbor and their facilities, churches stepping up their senior activities, internet, facebook and social networking, volunteer organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Maritime Museum, and the building of assisted living facilities and senior living communities. Community education and the Alexandria Technical College are also offering classes geared to Senior interests. The financial resources of these new entities are incredible, with active fundraising and charitable giving.
The first commenter had other options than a personal attack. Talk directly to the person involved, talk to their supervisor/board, be an agent for change and volunteer, help organize activities, or if still unsatisfied, take your money and move to a different facitlity that would better meet your needs and expectations.
Hot debate. What do you think?
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