A recent article in the OBSERVER (June 22-23) relating to the Office for the Aging relocation has caused much confusion and has tarnished the reputation of our organization.

The Dunkirk Senior Center is located at 45 Cliffstar Drive in Dunkirk, and the Office for the Aging operates an Office in the same location. Our two organizations have had a wonderful working relationship for many years.

The first statement I would like to correct is that Dr. Mary Ann Spanos, director for the county Office for the Aging, states the Dunkirk Senior Center received a grant for $750,000 that was refused. The city of Dunkirk received this grant, the members of our organization did not have a vote on this grant. Part of this grant was to move Adult Day Care to our facility, and it is my understanding that they did not want to move from their present location.

She further stated that “They’re not very welcoming to people of other cultures and other social-economic situations, and so it can be very challenging for the Office of the Aging to serve people in that location.”

This statement is not only untrue, but also demeaning to all of the Officers, Board Members, and Members of the Dunkirk Senior Center. We do not, have not, and will not discriminate to any resident of our very diverse community. The working relationship between the Office for the Aging staff and our members has always been complimentary. Many of our members take advantage of the services of the Office for the Aging, and many times clients of the Office for the Aging become involved in our organization.

The decision for the Office for the Aging to move is not within our control. While we admit that our building itself has some needs, the ability to serve the needs of the seniors of our community have been met there for 30 years and could continue to be met there. The decision by Dr. Spanos to move from a rent-free environment to paying more than $20,000 for rent is up to the county. The justification of stating that the present environment is caused by our members not welcoming the diverse members of our community is not only false, it is offensive to not only our members, but to all seniors. That it came from Dr. Spanos, the county director for the Office for the Aging, is reprehensible.

The Dunkirk Senior Center offers a wide variety of activities, including pinochle, Mahjongg, dominoes, big bingo, social time, exercise classes, tai chi, day trips and overnight trips. We have dinners, birthday luncheons, pancake breakfasts, and parties for many occasions. We offer a library for our members to utilize. We welcome anyone from the community to join the Dunkirk Senior Center.

Carol Ahlstrom is president of the Board of Directors for the Dunkirk Senior Center.