Bridgeport needs senior center 

By Mable Pirtle 

In a recent Gazette article there was a question raised as to what to do with the lovely former bank building located on Root and Halsted Streets. It is a replica of one of our nation's famous buildings, the church from which the warning lanterns burned in the steeple window during the Revolutionary War.

            My suggestion, and I have asked quite a number of my fellow senior citizens in Bridgeport and Canaryville and received enormous approval, is that the building be made into a combination stockyards museum and senior citizens center. It would be a place for our communities that is centrally located, easily accessible by public transportation, and large enough to contain all necessary office space needed for the City Department on Aging to have constant information on what is happening in our community, city, state, and nation as to laws, benefits, jobs, or other information that could affect the lives of senior citizens.

            There are more senior citizens now than ever before. We are taking better care of our health and living longer, productive lives. Sadly, however, most of the older generation are not aware of the benefits, opportunities, jobs, discounts, and other available programs that exist now as well as what new benefits are being brought up to make our lives more fulfilling. We have to rely on public libraries, private clubs, or churches to post information. As well intentioned as these places are, they really should be used for their own purpose—not as senior community centers.

            The building in question is large enough to house an indoor pool and whirlpool; craft and sewing space; a small library; a place to play table games, pool, and ping-pong; an exercise area and video area; and even computers for learning basic skills. A lot of the equipment could be donated.

            Because our bodies are a little slower it is imperative that we keep our minds active. We are still very sociable and do not wish to be patronized or "babysat" by our grown children. We would enjoy dances, outings, luncheons, plays, and meetings with politicians to inform them firsthand of our needs. Seniors also have a lot to contribute to the young people of our communities—our life experiences. We are living history that cannot be read in a schoolbook.

            Seniors have paid taxes to this country longer than anyone else. We deserve a place to come to that is near our homes in Bridgeport, Canaryville, Brighton Park, and other close-by areas. I go to a center far from my home and have seen first had how much good it does for the people who work there and all the many friends I have made there.

            Such a center would absolutely be taken advantage of by the seniors. The building itself is beautiful, a landmark that should be preserved and used.

            The key word in "senior citizen" is "citizen." We are all still citizens of this country and have earned all the benefits such a center would bring.