It is truly upsetting that the Technology Learning Center (TLC) will no longer be able to offer regularly-scheduled tech workshops. As a long-time student, supporter and volunteer instructor/registration coordinator of TLC, the suspension of classes is a black mark for the Town, its Council Members and the Community/Senior Activity Center.

To lose this community asset should be a warning sign to residents as to what the powers that be identify as expendable educational programs.

A Community Center should offer a variety of activities for all its residents. So bingo, dominoes and ping pong would be considered (by some) just as important as keeping the seniors up-to-date with their computer, tablet and smartphone skills. It’s been almost two years since TLC was notified that their lease agreement with the Town, for the dedicated computer lab space they had been using, would not be renewed.

TLC (a non-profit, all volunteer organization) was informed they would have to pay the hourly rate, which is the same rate charged to revenue-producing home owner associations and other outside companies and clubs.

This new rate, along with the stipulation of TLC having their workshop schedule finalized at least three months in advance, was implemented. Furthermore, a seven-day cancellation clause required TLC to pay for the unused space if a workshop cancellation notice was not given prior to that seven-day period.

I’ve read many articles in this newspaper that our Town values and depends on its dedicated volunteers. If that is true, why does that same town make it so cumbersome and difficult for the TLC volunteers to reach their selfless mission: Keeping the seniors of Fountain Hills technically and mentally sharp?

Food for thought – when an educational program is allowed to die, so does the learning experience of those affected students.