To the editor:
My parents moved their young family to Lincoln in 1948. Growing up, I was always impressed by how much my parents gave back to the community, and how much the Lincoln community gave to our family. I remember my Dad very clearly saying how important it is to pay it both forward and backwards. Even in late middle age, after their kids had long flown the nest, he and my mother were generous supporters of the schools, the library and other important town initiatives.
As our town looks forward to making funding decisions, I am concerned that some folk are becoming polarized. Young parents perhaps think there is little need for a community center, while some seniors are less interested in funding the schools and young kids. I think it is a mistake to divide ourselves like this. In order to be a thriving robust community, we need to look after all the various members of our town.
At a recent community center meeting, several people stated that we really don’t need a community center, since we already have a great community. While I agree that we have a wonderful town, I strongly feel we need a community center that embraces both the Council on Aging and Parks and Recreation. I am concerned that if we create a separate COA, we will in fact isolate the older folk in town.
Some folks are concerned that children might run over frail seniors, but if children are adequately monitored that would not be a problem. Children and seniors coexist well at Donelan’s, the library and church settings. By thinking creatively, we can meet the needs of all. Why not build a building with separate entrances for young and old, and at the same time have mixed/joint spaces? By sharing space, we can build connections between young and old. In this modern age, so many kids and grandparents are separated by great distances. Many little kids never see grownups older than their parents. There are so many opportunities for multigenerational activities — including some of the opportunities listed below…
- Computer classes
- Cooking
- Dressmaking
- Conversational language classes
- Woodwork – toys and furniture
- Music
- Tutoring/ literacy opportunities
- Drama, plays and improv classes
- Dancing
- Arts and crafts
- Leatherwork and pottery
- Gardening
- Creative writing and poetry classes
- And much more
These joint activities would allow for teaching opportunities for both students and seniors. Are there any seniors out there ready for a hip-hop class?
In conclusion, I encourage everyone to attend the State of the Town Meeting on Saturday, Nov. 15 starting at 9:30 in the Brooks School Auditorium to learn more.
Sincerely,
Sally Kindleberger
14 North Commons
Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters must be about a Lincoln-specific topic, will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Letters containing personal attacks, errors of fact or other inappropriate material will not be published.