The story of 15 disgruntled bridge players wanting to control space at the Senior Enrichment Center (Dec. 20) is a classic case of the tail trying to wag the dog.

Sheer numbers alone -- 600-plus people use the SEC weekly versus three or four tables of bridge -- indicate that a small minority is attempting to thwart other activities offered at the SEC.

The bridge group uses one of the larger rooms weekly, often twice a week. Demands for additional programming at the SEC are such that blocking off that room means others are unable to use it. There are alternate places in the area where they could play bridge.

I teach a six-week class there twice a year and have found that I need to plan a minimum of six months ahead to block off class space. Last week, a driver-safety instructors' class had to be held in a teaching kitchen.

Juggling the demands for a variety of options at the SEC is not an easy job for the staff. They are constantly striving to provide the best service for the most people. One small group should not be allowed to tie up space that could be put to use for a wider audience.

Terri Prots, director, and Jill Sherman, program coordinator, are to be commended for their efforts in making the Moore County Senior Enrichment Center one of the best in the state. Continued funding depends on maintaining a high standard and serving a broad range of seniors.

Those who would like to play politics with this issue should not be given special consideration, unless all groups get the same opportunity. This matter is an internal SEC one, not worthy of a front page story. It belongs where it was originally sent, to the letters to the editor.

Ann Robson

Whispering Pines