I used to go frequently to the Encinitas Senior Center, but no more. Their up-to-date computer center has turned into a revolt. Before you could make copies of twenty pages, but no more. Now you have to beg for paper at the desk, and fight over the use of the embattled copy machine.
They think it is our pleasure to use the machines. These folks have it all wrong. It is their pleasure to serve the seniors. Many now are afraid to even go into the room. Many eighty year old's would help their memories if they learned some simple tricks.
I begged the officer in charge of the machines to come-on-down and have a look. Hell, they ordered new machines without telling anyone how to operate them. Whenever we wished to get on the internet, there were firestorms to prevent us.
Alcoholics, swearers, or loud mouths are not allowed inside. Of course it is a control issue, or to put it quite bluntly, a feeling of inferiority of those in charge of this room. Let's peek inside today.
"That is my paper! You must use yours to copy. I am going to tell the office!" Besides daily commotion, there is always outside the room. The other day, another dictator posted the room would be closed for tutoring.
The lunches in the Oak Room are fine but too little. I have made good friends, like Abe, Tony, and Barbara.. Barbara is a descendent of King Henry. Would you believe her great, great and so forth Grandmother was Catherine Parr, the Sixth wife of Henry.
At 84, she still plays the piano if somebody hums to her. This tiny thing has a good set of ears and once sang for the Rodger Wagner Corral.
There is good old Abe. Always listening and digesting every tidbit. He retired as a printer and lived in East Los Angeles all of his life. He even attended Hollenbeck Jr High, the same school I taught at. More to come later
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