Letters

I was shocked to read “Moore Pumps Brakes on New Center” [Western Edition, February 1]. The long-awaited and already approved beautiful Westhampton Community Center for seniors and the local American Legion and others was being put on hold.

I took this news personally, and this is my reason: My mother, Dorothy DeCicco, drove to the fabulous Hampton Bays Community Center almost every day from ages 80 to 97. She then took the shuttle bus until age 100, followed by a nutritious lunch delivery to her East Quogue home.

Thanks to John Bouvier, our former councilman, my mom’s senior center experience would now be open and easily accessible to thousands of seniors in up to eight hamlets in the western part of Southampton Town. While other areas in Southampton also have centers, such as Bridgehampton and Flanders, we do not and have been waiting decades to reap the numerous benefits that others have rightfully enjoyed.

I appreciate all that Supervisor Maria Moore has done as mayor of Westhampton Beach Village; she, along with the new Southampton Town Board, is now making important decisions. A community center is also important. A nearby, carefree, safe and convenient place to eat a healthy meal, meet with peers, share in conversation, play games and learn new things is missing in our community. Time is of the essence for our seniors and veterans.

My mother is now almost 106. After returning from my nightly visits to the Westhampton Care Center, I was thumbing through a small album of photos of my mom and other seniors at the Hampton Bays Community Center. Many have since passed. They were in a happy place, dressed in holiday attire, dancing and just having fun.

It is my wish that the present Southampton Town supervisor and board have the same vision as past leaders in following through with another state-of-the-art center for Southampton Town in Westhampton.

We have been waiting for news about the opening and instead have been given unexpected, concerning and conflicting information. It may be good to “Pump the Brakes” — but we need to get to our destination.

Dorothy Labowski

Remsenburg