To the Editor:

Not long ago, theological doctrines came to the conclusion that 'Limbo', does not exist. However, here, in Garden City, many, many seniors believe that indeed, we are living in some kind of "Limbo". I regret that I missed the January 21st meeting concerning the capital budget plan for 2012/13 fiscal year where proposal were mentioned to expand the Senior Center present 'facilities'. I did read however, the letter and article published in The Garden City News on January 27th whereby Mr. Kevin E. Ocker, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Cultural and Recreational Affairs, did acknowledge the lack of space and proper, fitting, suitable, facilities to accommodate the needs of the seniors residing in the Village. He further mentioned possible expansion plans although not yet on the drawing board. As mentioned in said article, Mr. Richard Bankosky, a Garden City resident, pointed out, brilliantly, the actual problems faced by the seniors presently living in the Village who comprise an estimated 33% of the population. He ended his remarks by saying that "many of the seniors are frustrated ......They feel they are being ignored". I completely, fully, agree with that statement. It is obvious that there is not, and never has been, any credible, comprehensive plan nor strategy to reach an acceptable and viable solution nor an agreement for the creation of a 'proper' Senior Center even though the senior population of Garden City, has reached the 6,500 number and the fact that seniors, contribute a very significant amount to the Village capital budget. Of course, there is a large number of seniors wealthy enough to belong to country clubs, have vacation homes, spend time traveling, but is equally true that many, many seniors due to the financial malaise that we are facing, can no longer count in supplementing their retirement through income generation from their savings. There is little extra that they can afford hence the need to 'belong' to a senior facility. This is especially true for the many widows and widowers. The time has come to expedite the creation of a centralized Senior Center where men and woman all can congregate and enjoy. The present, actual, set up of the Senior facilities consist of numerous locations spread, in latitude and longitude, throughout the entire map of Garden City under impressive sounding names such as The Garden City Retired Men's Club, The St. Paul's Senior Center, Cluett Hall, Golf Club Lane, Seniors Movies at the Library, G.C. Casino, Book Club, Singles Over 50, etc. etc. It just does not make any sense. It is an absurdity. This is not an incipient sense of frustration, neglect, but rather, a total failure and we, the seniors, are part of this failure for not fighting, united, the perceived, apparent 'disease' of getting old, accepting the 'do nothing' decisions of our 'governing body' and even forgetting that our time is not limitless by doing nothing. Obviously, we have been perceived as acting like lambs by a number of detractors who prefer that we remain isolated, in the present 'status quo'. We must now make sure that such perception is not welcome by us and make certain that our governing body, truly care and subsequently, they will get our vote. It is that simple. Incidentally, I did attend the January 24th meeting/presentation held at the Senior Center at St. Paul's by the Board of Commissioners of Cultural and Recreational Affairs. Joe L and myself were the only two seniors voluntarily present although not particularly invited. Mr. Ocker, Mr. Moody, Mr. Ryder, Mr. Manley and Mr. Stapleford were present and chaired the meeting. In response to our questions, we were informed that 'there is a plan' featuring a financial request to renovate and expand the Senior Recreation Center on Gulf Club Lane. It was also mentioned that a 'personal, individual' survey will be mailed to all se- niors seeking their input, opinions, suggestions and priority needs. Joe's enthusiasm was such, that he even offered to volunteer to stuff the envelopes, pro bono, of course. I did not although if the Commission is so pressed for such type of assistance in order to save a couple of bucks, I may change my mind and also help to stuff envelopes. After all, I did it when I was 15. Last but certainly not least, I just finished reading Mr. George M. Salem's letter published in The Garden City News edition of January 27th. Although I do not necessarily agree with each and every point made in his letter, I do agree with the overall context and do applaud his eagerness to defend the general cause. What is needed as I mentioned at the beginning of this by now long letter is very simple: A Senior Center where ALL, woman and men of Garden City can congregate and enjoy company, activities, planning events, games, exercise etc.etc. It is that simple !.......or is it........?

Antonio Moreno