Date: 10/14/2021
Twelve years ago, I was invited to join the Friends of Wilbraham Seniors group. At my first meeting I was excited to see how many activities this group and the senior center organize for the seniors in our town and immediately knew I wanted to help! I also witnessed how events had to always be limited because of the lack of space and resources at our current center. Organizing activities meant looking at the calendar, and hope that one of the three rooms were available and then limit the sign ups, and putting others on the waiting list.
Seniors need a space, an adequate space to find assistance, support, and camaraderie. Space that provides nutrition and social gatherings, medical and health programs, general recreation, exercise and physical programs, mental support…the list goes on. I have seen firsthand that the three-room center we have does not and can not do all these things well. We can do better, and seniors deserve better.
The senior center feasibility committee report indicated that in 14 towns where a new center opened every single one had a tremendous increase in attendance, and I have no doubt that would be the case in our town. A new senior center would provide the space for seniors to stay engaged and active, to have a place to meet.
I hope as you plan to vote that you consider how important a new senior center is to our town, we have done a wonderful job with services for our youth, now it’s time to provide the same level for our seniors, please…and thank you!
Maria Cacela
Wilbraham
