Thirteen minutes destroyed 13 years of dedication

My experience with the management of the Sagle Senior Center, Inc., as others and I remember it.

When the old recent Sagle Senior Thrift Store on the corner of Sagle Road and Highway 95 started falling down around our ears, the board and membership together decided to buy a store building of our own. Our next step: the membership was invited to a dedication of the store and building to the Lord. All this time, we had good responsible workers and the business continued to be a thriving concern. More than enough to pay for the building, support the senior center and donate to several other entities and the needy in the area.

Then, one day along came a happening I like to call a senior aversion. A few new members got themselves on the board. Right away I could see a need for a store manager, so I volunteered. I had been a volunteer there for 10-plus years. For a little while, the thrift store continued to do just fine. But, sure enough, this new select few thought they could do a better job than God, so they started taking it away from Him. I was called on the carpet several times with fake accusations. I could haven’t anyone with me while four people harassed and harangued me. But still we dedicated gals went on working our hearts out the way we knew God wanted us to. Making good money and, I dare say, our customers were pleased with our efforts.

Then, one day I left a note in essence saying, “Please don’t take the donations to the dump before we have time to sort or pass them on to other entities.” All the you-know-what hit the fan. A person shot through the back door announcing that he “doesn’t do notes.” Shortly after that we arrived to work and found five people were there taking sellable items off the shelves to take to the dump. A prearranged locksmith was there changing the locks. Reason: “There are too many keys out” Was I going to get a new key? Answer: “You might as well go home. We have enough workers for today.” None of whom had any thrift store experience. And none of this had been brought before the membership. This cute little lock change cost around $400 of our hard-earned money. Insult to injury: I received a little note inviting me to “enjoy my retirement.” What, no gold watch? In support, all of the other dedicated gals quit also.

I don’t know exactly how it works, but usually when you take something away from God and try to do things “my way,” unfortunately this results in the demise of the good of it all. Roberts Rules of Order, organization by-laws, non-profit rules and mostly God’s guidelines are available for all to follow.

The Sagle Senior Thrift Store is now “officially closed.” At the voting episode, one member wondered “why the hurry.” Another member noted, “there is a lot of new faces here I’ve never seen before.” One member said he know of “a good store manager.” None of this was addressed by the overpowering board. This meeting to 13 minutes to destroy 13-plus years of dedication.

FRANCES L. ROBERSON

Sagle