Yesterday’s resignation by long-time Park Ridge Senior Center Manager, Teresa Grodsky marks the beginning of the end for Park Ridge’s Senior Center. Ms. Grodgky was both the glue that held the membership together and the engine that made the center run.
I first met Teresa Grodsky the day I tendered my membership dues. She welcomed me to the center, thanked me for the cash and gave me a cooks-tour of the facility. Whenever I walked in to the building, I always received a smile and a wave. Over time, I learned from long-time members that Teresa was the reason the Center functioned so well. I also learned that she was their shepherd (with all that that implies) leading her flock from activity to activity.
Over the last few months, I found myself wondering how long she would last. It was clear to me over a year ago that Teresa Grodsky would have to go, and that the Board would have to push her out if they were to achieve what I believed to be their end; the complete elimination and replacement of the old Senior Center regime.
Well, now they’ve gone and done it!
Of course, the Board can deny their roll in the matter as I’m sure they will, and say that Teresa left the job and friends she loved for over 30 years, because she wanted to.
Unfortunately for this Board, those of us on the ground, those of us who spoke and worked with Teresa Grodsky, those of us who only the other day were discussing next years schedule, know differently!
So, what’s next for this Senior Center?
Who knows?
All I know is that the glue and motor and the heart are gone.
And I for one, will never renew my membership!
The real tragedy, of course, rests on the shoulders of the other Senior Center Members. Many of them have truly lost their leader and friend. As individuals, each will have to determine their future relationship with the Park District.
To The Park Ridge Park District Board!
It’s one thing to have “Park Ridge Senior Center” plastered on the front of the building.
It’s something else all together to have a Senior Center.
Of course, it’s only my opinion.
