Who Will Be Next?

The following letter was written by community volunteer Winona Mullis, and pretty much says it all about the mess over at the Senior Center:

Who Will Be Next?

The question many seniors at the Greenwich Senior Center are asking these days is “Who will be next?” First there was Keenan, a kind and gentle person, a tireless worker, pleasant to be with, always considerate of others, and highly esteemed by the seniors. Keenan left the Center one day and never returned to work. When inquiries were made to the staff, I was told that no one knew why he had left. Next was Barbara, who had worked at the Center for 25 years and was another devoted worker who spent her days with the seniors. Whether it was leading them in exercise, teaching a French class, monitoring a spelling bee or historical quiz, or just talking with a senior, Barbara’s presence was comforting and assuring.

This time, however, Barbara was given a 30 days’ notice.

For weeks, rumors abounded that staff had to be cut because of money issues and Barbara’s position would be terminated; however, she was given an option of applying for an upgraded position that had been reclassified from two part-time employees to one full-time employee, but she was not fully qualified. The position was then given to another part-time employee who had worked at the Center for several years.

For months, rumors circulated that Marva, the center’s chef would be leaving. Last November, a Commission on Aging member was approached about this rumor, but he positively denied that there was any basis for it. Marva was not going to be fired. At the May G.R.E.A.T.S.’ open meeting, the administrator, when questioned about Marva’s employment, stated that Marva was the only certified person in the kitchen; the other two employees were only assistants and not certified to manage the kitchen, and Marva was definitely needed and would not be leaving.

Because the Center had recently brought in the Morrison people to work with the kitchen staff, the question about Marva’s employment was brought before the group again at the June 8 G.R.E.A.T.S.’ open meeting. Again, the administrator assured us that Marva was still in charge of the kitchen and would not be leaving.

It was with great surprise that just ten days later, Marva was fired, we were then told that one of the other kitchen employees was now certified and would be in charge of the kitchen.

Seniors at the Center adapt well to change and they have done this in the past by silently accepting whatever decisions are made; however, this time, we will not go “silently into that good night.” Of what use is the G.R.E.A.T.S.’ Board if the officers and members cannot have some part in major decisions or at least be told the truth when major decisions are made.

I am appalled that we have people in charge who sit and make rules and changes from their desks and rarely are involved with the seniors in their daily activities. Allowing one or two people to make decisions that affect the seniors is undemocratic and hurtful to all, and it is time for changes to be made at the Senior Center. Will they be done openly and truthfully or will they be done stealthily and capriciously?

If I were any employee at the Center, I would definitely be asking. “Will I be next?”

Winona Mullis

Member G.R.E.A.T.S’ Board