When my children grew up and got married and had homes of their own, I fast became a senior citizen. I turned around one day and didn’t recognize the person in the mirror. I am sure there are many of us that have had the same experience.

I looked for the things I used to enjoy before I became a busy wife and mother. I didn’t know where to begin because the world, my life and myself had changed so much. I volunteered and met some people and became interested in what the people had to say about seniors. These were my personal concerns too.

Most of my tax money had gone to the schools most of my life and it was still going there. We as a town didn’t seem to support the senior population. When people started to talk about a senior center I got excited and wanted to be involved.

I could imagine community suppers that would fund various charities in town, craft fairs, seminars, computer classes for the computer challenged, mentoring teens, quilting classes. So many possibilities it is endless.

This building will be such an asset to the town because the senior population is so varied in their expertise that there will be someone who knows how to do most anything. It will make a wonderful meeting place for us to drop in for coffee and meet old friends. Right now I am sure there are seniors that are isolated and could use a friendly smile and a game of cards over that cup of coffee.

As far as the tax question, that will bring a bill of about $3.00 for a house worth $100,000 or $6.00 for a $200,000 house per year. We have been asked, “Why don’t you just go to the library and meet?” The library really would rather have us in our own building. Then people have asked why we didn’t just go to the YMCA when it is built. Well, that will be 5 years from now.

One of the biggest reasons we want a home of our own is we want to do our own scheduling instead of fitting into someone else’s scheduling. Right now we have to carry what we are doing in with us and out when we leave. With our own building we would have a place to leave it there. We are supportive of the schools and the children’s needs. I don’t see that it has to be either the schools or the seniors. I think it will become a partnership that will be wonderful to see.

The location will be great. Out of the back door will be walking paths to the park for those that can walk and beautiful scenery for those that would like to sit outside and enjoy it with a friend. Please look at the possibilities with us and vote yes for the senior center.

Carole Wakem

Member of Community Senior Center Steering Committee

Scarborough