Don’t believe all WASI gloom-and-doom

To the editor:

This is in reply to the letters in Friday’s Frontiersman. I think it is time that someone stood up and gave you another point of view about the troubles at WASI. I’m sorry I didn’t do so before.

I live in Knik Manor and am up in the main center every day — sometimes more than once. I am a people watcher by nature and lots of days sit up there reading and watching people. You need to know that not everyone is on the side of the very angry Elder Watch. I was asked to join them, as were most people. I said no. I do not want to be part of something so angry and, in my opinion, ungrateful for the good things we have here.

I believe there are many more good things than bad around here. Not everyone feels about WASI as the letters in your paper have implied. No one seems to mention that we have a lovely refurbished center, which is largely (the result of) our director’s hard work. I think Sondra Kaplan is a hard-working, well-meaning lady who has shown real class and grace under fire. The letter that stated that seniors cry and are afraid to come to the center because of Ms. Kaplan’s “tirades” is simply not true, in my opinion.

I’ve been upstairs a lot and have never seen anything close to a tirade. Well, except perhaps from some of the Elder Watch people. As for calling us “frail,” well, I think that is not demeaning at all. We are frail. Everything on us seniors either hurts, doesn’t work or leaks, as the old joke goes. And we are, all of us, only one bad fall away from disaster.

When all the trouble first surfaced I very much admired the director because she came out each noon and circulated around, answering people’s questions. I probably couldn’t have done that in the face of such criticism. Sure, there are probably things that can be improved around here, but there have been lots of good things happening over the past few months. Our center is beautiful, the food is great, the activities are fun, the maintenance staff is prompt and first class, and the office staff friendly and helpful.

If I had my druthers, of course I’d rather live in my own little house with a dog and a few chickens, but at this time of my life I can’t, so WASI is a fine place to live.

Bonnie Jennings

Wasilla