Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor:

In the September 24 issue of the Courier, Eric Gross wrote an outstanding article, “Legislators Refuse to Cut Senior Funding.” His last sentence probably “sealed the deal” for most of us: “The legislature still must vote on Bondi’s budget, and Bondi could still exercise his veto power, though any veto would likely be overturned by the legislature.”

My first impression—relief. My careful re-read of “would likely,” sent up a red flag. A conclusion well-supported as Eric describes:

“…150 senior citizens… had crowded into the historic Putnam Courthouse…were promised that senior programs would not be impacted by the county’s 2010 budget…A petition drive was begun, as 300 seniors from Cold Spring alone demanded that senior services not be reduced….”

A cynic, maybe, but I’m a believer in the trite words “It’s not over ‘til its over” and “many a slip between the cup and lip.”

So, I say, “Sign the Petition” and spread the word as I attempted with an ad in last week’s issue, where I characterized the situation as “Bondi’s Blunder”.

I don’t think Mr. Bondi performed adequate due diligence before making his budget cuts. I was despaired when I followed Mayor Gallagher’s “Call for Action” and went to the American Legion Hall (home of our Senior Center) to sign the petition to “Save the Philipstown Friendship/Nutrition Center”.

My visit to the Senior Center was both enlightening and shocking. I met with the site manager, who I had known from my two years volunteering at the Putnam Valley Senior Center. I stated in the September 16 issue, “Perspectives”, that I had observed very few seniors (approximately 35) taking advantage of the Nutritional Program at Putnam Valley and gave my reasons.

The shocker was the fact that the Putnam Valley Senior Center is making 50 additional meals per day and delivering them to Cold Spring. One facility with a capacity of 100+ (Putnam Valley) and another with a highly cramped facility (Cold Spring) benefitting more from the Office of Aging Nutritional Program. If Bondi prevailed, how can he rationalize the continued support of the Putnam Valley Senior Center?

Come on now Mr. Bondi, we all know a state sponsored building costing $8 million in Kent, will surely end up costing $12 million--the $175,000 to support the existing Cold Spring Senior Center is pocket change. And what are you going to do if a fully-staffed kitchen (equal to that in Mahopac feeding 100+) in Putnam Valley isn’t making 50 meals?

My dream is that our Senior Center receive the same services, facilities and environment to that now enjoyed on the East-Side of Putnam County at the Mahopac, Putnam Valley, and underconstruction Senior Center in Kent. Something is very wrong with the current picture.
Sid Gibson
Garrison