The Bureau of Aging and Disabilities personnel came in to the Mount Airy Senior center and told our assistant manager she had 45 minutes to get her personal things and leave because she was being transferred to another center. This was the second time this happened.
It was really bad timing. There were many holiday and other programs planned that the assistant had worked hard on to make happen. The seniors loved this gal. She was great. The move was not done for a promotion; only a lateral move.
The center was built in 1992. If we ask for something to improve the center we are told there is no money. The site council has to raise money for items needed through bake sales, silent auctions, making a quilt for a raffle and other means.
Mount Airy center offers many classes, including Better health and Wellness, Spanish language, Computer, Tai Chi, Belly Dancing, Drawing and Painting, Yoga, Tap Dance, Arthritis Exercise, Decorative painting and more. There are also volunteer instructors for several additional classes.
There is not enough room for all the classes and events. Sometimes we have three activities going on at the same time in the dining room. If it sounds like confusion, it is. There is no room.
The oven doesn't heat properly. It possibly could be the one placed in the building when it was new in 1992, but there is no money to replace it.
The outside of the center is covered with vines. There is no grass in that area. The snakes and mice love it. I have been told that if a group would volunteer to do a donation of time to improve this area they would have to continue to take care of it forever. There's no money.
We always hear there is no money. However, the Village of Wildwood Park homes pay approximately $525,000 in taxes to the town and county every year.
Why isn't there money for anything for the Mount Airy Senior Center? There are approximately 1,500 members of the center.
Residents who are entering the 50-plus age range should take notice because they will be there sooner than they realize. Then it will be their fight.
Jean Merson
Mount Airy
