Wednesday, March 20, 2002
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Wednesday, March 20, 2002 |
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Budget hearing had no budget; services missing Thank you for freedom of speech. The public notice of public hearing on Feb. 28 at 1 p.m. in the Fayette County Commission Chambers [was] for the Title III of the Older Americans Act FY2003 budget development process. No budget was presented. "Input may cover transportation, nutrition, in-home services and informational areas, but is not limited." I think there is confusion or dichotomy of thought on what the target group really is. One thought would be the services for the "home bound" senior citizens who might need services in the home setting. The other venue would be those senior citizens who attend the Senior Center at 390 Lee Street, Fayetteville, not in-home. Where the intent may have been to hear those needing homebound services, as usual none of these showed up. Only those attending the Senior Center, eight to nine individuals from the Fayette County Recreation program, five former employees of the Senior Center and four persons from the news were in attendance. Also in attendance were Mr. Pearson, Mr. Steinback, Mr. Andy Carden and Ms. Reeves. Speaking for the senior citizens were Bill Haithco and Joe Haggerty. Laurie Brookes, Ann Hudson, Fran Plunkett spoke for those former center employees who for some reasons left the center but were very qualified to address the needs of the center's services for seniors. Later in January, I went on a field trip to Covington, Ga. I saw Worthington Manor, Old Church, Kitty's Cottage, the First Methodist Church, the old homes, old hospital, Emory University and many other interesting sites. Very cultural, but the tickets were bought from the Fayette Recreation Center, not the Fayette Senior Center. The newspaper notes the senior services as: information and referral, case management, in-home services, meals on wheels, emergency response, the friendly visitor program, wellness program. I have been attending the senior center for about four years but have not seen any of these services at 390 Lee St. When the next election comes, will we find the "good ol' boys" waning? William H. Haithco, Sr., RPh Fayetteville
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