The following letter was published in last week’s issue of the Gazette.
To the editor:
I am one of the hundred-plus members of the Croton Senior Citizens Club which met June 25 at Senasqua. At that time it was announced that our very capable director, Valerie Nolan, who is member of the recreation staff, was not being re-hired as our director due to budget cuts.
The job is part-time, and the salary is minimal. The job of the director includes planning trips and activities of interest for the members of the club; and also oversee those activities ensuring the well-being of participating persons. Obviously, having a person in this capacity is absolutely necessary for the successful operation of the club.
“Why can the present mayor and board of trustees spend millions of dollars for stop lights and seldom-used bicycle lanes on Croton Point Avenue, and not spend a few dollars on a director for the seniors? . . . Taking out our director would indicate an important step by the Village Board to relegating our senior citizens to second-rate status in our village.”
Our senior club is made up of residents who have given back to the community and the country in so many ways. We have people who are veterans, volunteer firefighters, former police officers, several who have volunteered time at the library, at local hospitals, served on Croton village committees and the Croton Arboretum board, as trustees on the Village board and hard-working members of the Croton Historical Society.
Why can the present mayor and board of trustees spend millions of dollars for stop lights and seldom-used bicycle lanes on Croton Point Avenue, and not spend a few dollars on a director for the seniors? As previously noted, the seniors serve as a backbone of volunteerism in our village. Taking out our director would indicate an important step by the Village Board to relegating our senior citizens to second-rate status in our village.
I strongly urge the Village Board to reconsider this action and provide us with a director of the Croton Senior Citizens Club.
Doris Daubney