Don't take away recreation activity

This is to DuPage County Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom.

I have been a volunteer at the DuPage Convalescent Center for 20 years. I have enjoyed every minute of the time I have spent (and am still spending) with residents, helping with ceramics.

You cut back supporting us, and now again you want to cut back on meeting the needs of these people. These people need recreation. There are many people who enjoy doing ceramics. It helps them to leave their rooms. They enjoy creating and being with other people.

Do not take away this small part of their weekly activity (very much needed). These people are like you and me and need recreation to help with both their physical and mental health. I don't think you would like to be confined in your room, without any activities, just watching TV all day and evening. We have many young people who need stimulation by creating.

We need whatever funding we now have. We do not need any more cuts. We lost too many personnel -- we do not need to lose any more.

Use your heart, not your head. Maybe you and the complete board should take lessons on compassion. I pray, and hope not, but you may need the DuPage Convalescent Center someday. Please keep that in mind.

Thanks for reading.

Lillian Haugland

Glen Ellyn