[Occupymendocino] FW: Senior Center Director

[Ann Rennacker]

Dear Board Members of the Senior Center,     I was shocked and saddened to hear that the Board called a sudden meeting, without notice to the public, during which Charles Bush was fired.
     Since Charles Bush has taken over as Director of the Senior Center, the food has improved, the amount of time he puts into directing programs and overseeing lunches is remarkable, and the fact that he has brought in donations and given back over half of his salary due to sequester cutbacks make him the best Director possible.  Charles is friendly and welcoming, forming good personal relationships with the staff and the public.  He has interviewed many seniors and has a huge library of tapes called 'Senior Perspectives' that people can rent or watch in the computer room.  His interviews are interesting and he has a compassionate manner when he draws each senior's story into the interviews.  I have learned a lot about folks from these insightful interactions, and feel like they help us know one another better.
     There was a $50,000 donation to paint the building which will now be rescinded, since Charles was fired.  He also brought in thousands of dollars at the recent art silent auction, wine and food tasting, and rock concert at the Caspar Community Center which featured famous musicians such as Christy Wells and Fritz, David Hayes, Gene Parsons, Stephen Bates and our own blind senior accordionist, Jan.  It was a wonderful event and was played to a packed house - and they would be willing to do another such event for Charles if you had not summarily fired him suddenly.         Charles may have some criticism from office workers who want his job, but who are not nearly as good with personal relationships or as caring about the clients served in the dining room, thrift store, computer room, and at fundraising events.  He has come to the Center on weekends to check on meeting groups using the facility and has been very helpful and encouraging to all he encounters.  About two weeks ago Charles had a endorsement from the public by letters and petitions to the Board when rumors of firing circulated.  We were assured then by some Board members that there was no threat of firing; they just asked him to do more paperwork.
     When is the next Board Meeting taking place?  Many of Charles' supporters are concerned about the reasons for his dismissal and wish to address the Board regarding this.   We know of no violations in the bylaws committed by Charles to precipitate this action, and would like some explanations.  It feels like the Senior Center will be devastated by his loss!  We would like to see the Center continue to thrive, but what plan is in place to improve things?  I will eagerly await your response.  Thank you, Ann Rennacker
 		 	   		  31200 Sherwood RoadFt Bragg, Ca.   95437-4124707-964-1420 		 	   		  
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