Bainbridge seniors appreciate city’s support | LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Published 11:31 am Sunday, August 9, 2015

To the city:

Our  Senior Center, which resides in the Waterfront Park Community Center, is a vital and vibrant resource for this community. Did you know it boasts the largest membership of any nonprofit organization on the island, with more than 1,100 members?

Participants enjoy a menu of 70-plus programs per week, including fitness/health and wellness, language, games, sports, travel and the arts. There are special workshops, conferences and special events that keep Bainbridge Island on the cutting edge of national trends in aging.

Also of great importance, the center is an important service provider for the seniors of our community. Meals on Wheels provides their meals here and Smile Partners provide their dental care on premises. We provide individualized Medicare counseling through our SHIBA representative, foot care is provided by certified specialists, and we partner with many of our outstanding non-profits and government agencies to bring other specialized programs to our community.

This week, upon the request of the Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center, all of the parking spaces along Brien Drive were changed to two-hour parking. This recommendation came after a year of monitoring the use of the limited parking along the street we occupy, and many meetings and discussions reviewing options with the city and other user-groups.

Now that the parking has been changed, our seniors have safe and convenient parking. They are no longer circling the block, parking in a difficult distant location, or worse, canceling their programming or services because they feel they do not have adequate access.

We congratulate all the powers that be for recognizing the significance of our senior population and for protecting their interests and well-being.

DICK MELTON

President

Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center