This is to express support for the proposed senior citizen housing in our village. Seniors are the builders of this community. We volunteer at the Helen Keller Center, the Alzheimer's Foundation, P.W. Public Schools and Library, local hospitals and other community organizations. We shop in Port stores and we use Port's services. We keep our town diversified.

I have lived here 34 years. My children attended the schools. I've helped to craft this town into a warm caring community, with opportunities for many different groups of people to join together at work, school and play. I would like to remain here and think the new housing would be perfect for me.

Many of the arguments against the project are worthy of discussion and have been addressed by the builders. Some are so insulting that I pinch myself to be sure of where I am. Some claim the rooms will be too large for seniors. Where do we belong, in closet-sized rooms?

The builders say they'll provide a jitney. Detractors say the last jitney we had did not work. Many people would welcome the convenience of going up to Main Street without worrying about parking. Let's try the new service.

Concerns have been expressed about straining ambulance and emergency services. Believe it or not, many people on fixed incomes feel neither old nor sick, but vital and contributory. I know that if anyone in Port needs medical, fire or police services, they will, as always, be there when we need them.

In short, I love this community. I've paid taxes and worked hard to see it grow and prosper. I'm proud to live here - Don't Farm Me Out!

Enid Hawthorne