To the Editor:

It was with great shock and sadness when I heard that Marilyn Place would no longer be the director at the Newtown Senior Center. Marilyn is one of the most dedicated, community-building, supportive, kind, and knowledgeable people about senior needs that I have ever met.

As someone who both takes two classes at the Center as well as having provided a class for the past three years, I experienced Marilyn both as an attendee at the Center as well as a class provider. In all my interactions, Marilyn was enthusiastic, supportive, and professional. I noticed that she always welcomed new people by giving them a tour of the classes that were in session, and she encouraged people in so many ways.

It is impossible to replace her; her expertise over these almost 30 years is a gold mine of experience, relationship, caring, creativity, knowledge, dedication, and love for how she could serve others. She is extremely missed.

Patricia Campbell

18 Dinglebrook Lane, Newtown         January 9, 2019