From:
Diana Rich; Stephen Zollman; Neysa Hinton; Sandra Maurer; Jill McLewis Cc: Don Schwartz; Mary Gourley; [email protected] Subject: Letter In Support of Funding the Senior Center Date: Monday, March 11, 2024 12:10:16 PM
Dear Mayor Rich, Vice Mayor Zollman, Ms. Hinton, Ms. Mauer, and Ms. McLewis, I started supporting the Senior Center a few years ago, but resisted participating in activities, thinking myself “too young.” Last February, at 65, I was ready. Scanning the offerings, I found Insurgent Writers, a group that meets every Tuesday.
The elderly are often shunted aside, viewed as having little to offer. The writers I’ve met display wisdom, vitality, and a resolute will to keep living a full life. They are a powerful testament to what’s possible as we get older.
I’m inspired by the creativity and insights of this group. I’m impressed by the determination to show up despite pain and aging difficulties. I appreciate the love and support we give each other, and the amazing willingness to be vulnerable. I’m grateful to know the people in this group; they’re a gift that exists because the Senior Center exists.
I found my voice around a childhood experience of what today would be labeled sexual grooming. After a lifetime of feeling entangled by confusing and mixed messages around what happened, it was in this writing group I found clarity. Your support of the Center is part of my personal renewal.
I appreciate your service to our town and don’t envy the difficult budget position you are in. As you consider how to allocate funds, I encourage you to continue your support of Sebastopol’s Senior Center. Thank you.
Cindy Craig