To the editor:

It is my understanding that there is a proposal under consideration to convert the Walley School into a Senior Center at a great cost to the citizens. Seniors may also be impacted if charges are imposed by the Town to pay for services to fund this facility as well. I am surprised because the Benjamin Church Senior Center Building located at Hope and Chestnut Streets, the current facility used to serve seniors, has been very adequate and certainly has more useful life.

I suggest that our Town Council consider and evaluate current activities and save taxpayers money by continuing to serve this need from its current location and preserve this historic building. The Board of Directors and the staff, Director Maria Ursini and Asst. Director Donna Wilson, all have done a great job is administering services for the Town of Bristol's elderly residents at a very low cost. Maria in particular, had the foresight to apply for, and obtain, a grant with the Board's approval and endorsement and to administer it as funding provided, in order to document demographic information to serve as a basis for future grant applications as well as to establish a profile of Bristol's seniors and the need to serve them.

I hope that our Bristol town officials and local legislators recognize the services currently rendered. Many people, like myself, have benefited from the activities provided. I urge our residents, Town Council, Representatives and Senator continue to support the services delivered from the Benjamin Church Facility and the work done by the staff including the services of the Board of Directors and that they recognize the economic savings that result in utilizing the existing resources.

If you agree, it would be helpful if you express your support directly to our Town officials.

Nancy Ciummo
1014 Hope Street