Regarding the issue involving nickel, dime and quarter betting on card games at the Snohomish Senior Center, I agree it is a stupid law and a waste of taxpayer money because the state Gambling Commission has to spend its time and resources to enforce it.
But I would also like to point out the absurdity of the statements in the article that imply public gambling on card games is necessary for seniors because “It’s important for the old people to have something to do” (from a 75-year-old Senior Center member), and “We don’t want them sitting at home” (from the Senior Center program coordinator).
To assume that seniors will have to sit at home with nothing to do if gambling is not allowed at the Senior Center is totally illogical. Instead of gambling at card games, Senior Center members could be doing volunteer work. There are lots of volunteer opportunities in the community for anyone who is physically capable to get to the Senior Center and mentally alert enough to play cards.
For example, the Snohomish Food Bank needs volunteers for sorting labels and local elementary schools need volunteers to help children learn to read (both are sit-down jobs). It doesn’t take a lot of time or trouble to track down a multitude of other volunteer opportunities, but if people need help figuring out what to do with their time, the volunteer list maintained by United Way of Snohomish County (425-374-5500) also offers many good choices. Or seniors can read the free community service notices in the Everett Herald for volunteer advertisements.
But don’t complain about having nothing to do if you can’t gamble at the Senior Center.
Karen Richards (senior citizen)
Snohomish
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