First, for the past 12 years in the town of Henderson hundreds of people have volunteered their time and given contributions to the Mark Hopkins Performing Arts Center. Our goal has been to provide events like free concerts, art classes and shows, auctions, etc. for the community's enjoyment. We have also had Trash & Treasure sales, wine-tasting parties and the very popular Oktoberfest every year.

The town board has now decided they wish to take the property back from us. By their own admission, they have no plans for the future use of this property. The meeting they held on May 1 was to be a discussion session between them and our board of directors.

No discussion took place, and a typewritten resolution was presented by David Perry, deputy supervisor, to direct the town lawyer to proceed with taking the property. This was passed by Supervisor Clyde Moore; his daughter, Councilwoman Carol Hall, and Deputy Supervisor Perry with Councilwoman Julie West and Councilman Ray Walker, voting no. The first three mentioned above, who voted yes to taking back the property, have never attended any events we have provided and have no history of volunteering in community affairs.

I feel the action is unfair to the taxpayers as now they will have to bear the costs of checking for asbestos and tearing down the unsafe building, a job that our board is already prepared to do. I also feel this sends an appalling message to anyone in our community who has been willing to donate their time and money to assist us.

On a second thought, it is a travesty when a volunteer group in the town of Henderson has had to fight to receive money already appropriated to beautify the town. This is a solid slap in the face to countless volunteers who have supported various organizations which sponsor many of the events which draw people to our community in support of business survival.

Please take the time to attend the town of Henderson board meetings so you can become more aware of how our local government is stepping on our numerous volunteer groups. Voice your opinion regarding the abhorrent mind-set of the controlling members of our town board.

Edna M. Verrilli

Henderson