Are Bethlehem Township's 3,000 seniors being ignored? That's what Janice Whitesell thinks, and that's what she told Commissioners at their December 6 meeting. She noted that the Township recently spent $750,000 for new soccer fields while the seniors' Autumn club gets two hours per week at the Community Center, and only during the Winter. "It seems a bit unbalanced, wouldn't you say?" she asked. She presented a petition signed by seventy elderly residents, whom she called "low man on the totem pole.""Do you have anything specific you're looking for right now?" asked President Arthur Murphy. He later told her, "You have to come and relay exactly what you're losing out on."
Actually, during their October 18 meeting, Whitesell had specifically asked Commissioners to establish a senior center, possibly at the Housenick estate. Commissioners were also told in a 2006 meeting that they emphasize youth and sports over senior programs, and were asked at that time to establish a senior center. Every current Commissioner, including President Murphy, was on the Board at that time.
Murphy told Whitesell that there are 25,000 residents in Bethlehem Township and "we try to do our best to allocate everything, but we are in a tight budget." He reminded her there will be no tax increase next year. "Everything is staying the same, and that can't be said for a lot of communities."
Commissioner Michael Hudak acknowledged there is a problem for seniors. "Last time I was at the Community Center, it was overflowing," he remembered.
In other news, Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution honoring George Boksan for thirty years of service in the Township police department. Boksan retired n October, and is currently directing campus police at his Alma Mater, Moravian College. In May, Bokson was honored by the Northampton County Police Chiefs Association with their annual Nathan Ogden award.
11 comments:
Very interesting report.
Do not doubt soccer moms foot power surpasses seniors table games. Have you ever been in front of one of those SUVs as one rushes to practice? Hope Commissioners listen. After all, isn't the community center for the entire community?
This issue seems to be caused by the neglect of an executive director.
This happens in many communities and it reflects very poorly on us as a society.
Yes, what the Lehigh Valley really suffers from is a failure to cater to the interests and habits of old people. That's why everything closes down at 8pm on the weekends, right? Because young adults and college students go to bed early?
For real though, the group that's actually ignored is young adults. The townships and cities cater to families, older adults, and seniors. Seems to me the allocation of resources roughly mirrors the composition of the electorate, which is to say the younger and browner you are, the less government allocates resources with you in mind.
Frankly, I think the township has it right. If these old folks or young adults haven't figured out how to entertain themselves by now, I doubt a community center will help. But our children are a precious asset and should be encouraged to engage in sports and other activities. And if that is at the expense of other segments, well, that's the way it is. I was a little surprised to see a senior stand there and demand to be given priority or even the same treatment as children. It struck me as incredibly selfish.
Having said that, I believe Murphy was disingenuous. It is very clear that he has been hearing about this for over 4 years and has done nothing. He should be honest and explain that kids do come first.
Most of us know that.
Crying senior citizens with a me me mentality. Give me a break.
How about a park to walk Alpacas? Why are Alpacas regarded less than dogs in the Lehigh Valley? It's obscene when you think about it.
A Geeting bullseye! A broken clock is still correct twice a day.
Being a senior myself I can tell you the only activities that seniors seem to participate in are Church,bingo and the arts.The missing component to expand that would be the addition of volunteers to organize other activities.On the other hand their are many community facilities and functions for youth that are poorly attended, again due to a lack of volunteers to organize or as coaches etc.
Why do adult seasoned citizens believe that it is Government's job to entertain them??? What am I missing? I will say that it is accepted practice for government to educate and train our youth to become functioning adults in our society. This generation of seasoned citizens is slowly developing a bad reputation of cry babies and whinners believing that government owes them something for simply being old. WTF???
Aleut ice floes come to mind. Do the right thing, seniors.
it seems to me that alot of people who commenting on this article think that the senors are asking for some big donation, or are bitching about the townships spending of funds. All they are asking for is not to be forgoten. All they want is a bigger room for thier activites and more time to spend there. Keep in mind, you will all be seniors one day too. Hopefully YOU will not be forgoten when that day comes.
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