To the editor:

Thanks to the Dowagiac Daily News for its coverage of the Bethel College community assessment study.

However, it appears that the director of the Council on Aging missed the point of the recommendation that a senior center is needed in the Dowagiac area.

As an example, twice weekly lunch and bingo in Dowagiac vs. five lunches and five breakfasts in Cassopolis do not take the place of a senior center.

Exercise classes in non-air conditioned makeshift gyms do not take the place of an air conditioned exercise room, available five days a week, eight hours/day, which is in Cass.

Seniors need the stimulation of other people, and sometimes just to have a place to go when they are lonely.

Even if they are still able to drive, most seniors cannot spend the gas money to drive 20+ miles roundtrip to the COA.

Mr. Cochrane does not state if any effort has been made to find a suitable location for a senior center in the Dowagiac area.

Taxpayers who live far from daily activities at the COA are paying full millage to support the COA, but receiving very little in return.

Jean E. Rowe
Dowagiac