SOUNDING OFF: Senior Center is not ‘under-utilized’

It was with great interest that I read the article from Phillip Good (“Use the senior center we have,” Oct. 16). Unfortunately, I think his statistics regarding our aging population need some work. While advances in medicine, etc., have improved, the aging population here in Huntington Beach needing special assistance is not declining.

Clearly Good has not attended the Michael E. Rodgers Seniors’ Center. Current exercise classes that are available are aerobics, stick exercise, basic physical education, Wednesday walkers, Tai Chi Chuan, Tai Chi Chair, total body stretch, and Western line dancing. All of these classes are very popular and most are full. There is also a mental gymnastics course that is well attended. Then there are a multitude of classes and activities such as the always popular computer class, oil painting, bridge, Italian language class, bingo, singing goodtimers, etc.

For Good to state that the current Senior Center is “grossly under-utilized” is false. With all the activities and classes that are offered, the parking lot is almost always full. Looking at the statistics for services in the month of August, case management served 185 clients, made 70 home visits and gave 878 phone requests for information or referrals and served 20 walk-ins. The transportation department provided 2,999 rides for nutrition, medical, and shopping. The Meals-to-the-Home program delivered 5,693 meals. The Senior Center is currently expanding their hours Monday through Friday until 5 p.m. and they are now opening the Center on Saturdays, in order to satisfy the needs that are present for today’s seniors. The current Senior Center is too small to serve the needs of our current population, not to mention the up-coming number of seniors that our city is preparing for. The current center is a 1940’s structure and believe me, it is not a bargain to maintain.

Good is also incorrect in stating that the city can “sell off the prime lots where the Senior Center now stands.” The land where the current center exists was given to the city by the Chevron Corporation with the stipulation that the land remain recreational use. The current center could become a community center, it could be torn down and become a park, or baseball/soccer fields. It cannot be sold and it cannot become residential houses. If Good would like to attend the center when the stores and library are closed, he is more than welcome to attend the monthly dances. They are the second Friday of each month and begin at 7:30 p.m.

I suggest you join me in placing your vote for Don Hansen, Keith Bohr and Devin Dwyer. They actually are the ones telling you the truth!

CATHY MESCHUK is a resident of Huntington Beach.