Barbara Harris

To the editor,

This spring we were all bombarded with bad news of earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods in America and around the world as well as the ongoing war in Iraq. Locally, many of us older citizens were also stunned to learn that the Lakes Region Adult Day Care Center and Wellness Center were both having to close due to lack of funds. Many of us feared that our daily lives and well-being would be severely impacted by these closings.

The time has come to say a big thank-you to the many, many people who worked hard to find a new future for these two important local programs. There are too many names for me to name nor do I know them all, but, encouraged by concerned local people, Easter Seals stepped forward to take over the Adult Day Care Center. The hospital generously donated the equipment already in place and many elderly persons in need of a caring surrounding during the day are continuing to be served in the center behind the Tavern Apartments.

The support which the Wellness Center received from its participants and the general public was amazing! Thanks are due to countless individuals who contributed items and companies which contributed goods and services for the June 13 auction; to all who volunteered to set up the auction, act as bookkeepers and runners; to the auctioneers and to the public which came and bid on items for four hours. The newly air conditioned Fellowship Hall of the St. James Episcopal Church on North Main Street is now functioning five days a week with all the machines, a nurse in attendance, handicap access and the same friendly atmosphere that all had come to appreciate so much in the larger facility.

My husband and I want to express our sincere thanks to the church and all who worked so hard to make that possible.

Barbara Harris

Laconia