City of Onslow not welcoming for elderly

To the Editor,

     I’m writing to remind other towns to respect their elderly. To make them feel welcome and not a leach on the community as Onslow makes some of its elderly feel.

     The men and women of the Onslow coffee group consists of long time Onslow residents who have paid taxes to Onslow for years. The group also has people from Wyoming, Center Junction and the rural area. Everyone is welcome to attend, but most of the group is over 80. They enjoyed the convenience of meeting at 9 a.m., Monday through Friday, at the Onslow Community Room for nearly five years.

     The last few months, the Onslow City Council has been demanding $15 a day of the use of the Community Room for the hour and a half the group is there. The coffee group hasn’t been able to come up with the $300 a month. Coffee drinkers pay $1 a day, which buys the coffee, filters, creamer or whatever is needed. Non-coffee drinkers contribute money, too. The rest of the money is deposited in the City of Onslow’s checking account for the Community Room. In 2016, over $2,700 was deposited in the city’s checking account.

     But, the council and Mayor Streeper say that is not good enough; the coffee group is costing the city money. Although, no facts and figures have been shown to the coffee group to back up this claim. Per the minutes of the September council meeting, the council voted to change the key code and deny entrance to the group. It was also stated that the coffee group “siphoned” money to save for an annual Christmas party. The coffee group did NOT siphon city money; it is THEIR money, which they used to buy the $14 turkey.

     As of Oct. 2, the coffee group started meeting at the Onslow Presbyterian Church, where they were made to feel welcome.

Betty J. Jordan

Betty Lubben

Ileta Krieger

Shirley and Dean Holerud

Annabelle McCormick

Betty McDoden

Wanda Pegorick

Lola and Ron Orris

Najette and L.J. McCarthy

Evelyn Mae Luckstedt

Marcia Bahnsen