To the editor:
Manlius, my hometown that I have loved for 78 years, has now dealt me a blow. I have been a resident of this village for 78 years and a taxpayer for 65 years. I want to let the public know how poorly I have been treated by the mayor, trustees and recreation director.
On Jan. 2, I reserved the village recreation building to hold our Whorrall family reunion. I issued a check to the village and they gave me a receipt to reserve the building. On Jan. 8, the village cashed the check, which indicated to me no problem reserving the building at that time for July 21.
On Jan. 20, I received a letter to notify me that the building was no longer available and the reason given was, “It is too cumbersome for playground staff to remove playgrounds projects.” Plus, when I confronted people making this decision and when I said we would move any projects, then they came up with other excuses.
The facility has served us well in the past. It is perfect for our event as it is handicap accessible, since 50 percent of the attendees are 70 and older.
The decision by the village is very upsetting as I feel I have earned and deserve the use of this building, which taxpayer money was used for the village residents’ use. In the past, myself and other veterans started a little league program. I stayed with the program for eight years as purchasing agent, team coach and umpire; I paid to have dugouts repaired and I oversaw the refreshment stand. I also was a leader in the Manlius Community Council. Later, when I had my business, I installed the gym floor in the Village Center, charging them just for materials, and I maintained it at no cost to the village until I retired.
We have held the Whorrall family reunions in Manlius for the last 20 to 25 years now — three of them in the recreation building — and at no time have we ever left this building without cleaning, replacing furniture and removing garbage. I had asked for a favorable ruling from the trustees, but I was told in advance it would not happen. How true; they all voted no.
Manlius, the village I have loved for 78 years, turned its back on me. You would think the mayor would be happy to have a Whorrall reunion in his home town, but it will not happen.
I believe the irony of this decision by the village is the fact my brother paid taxes in this village for over 60 years, was a Manlius policeman for 35 years, 24 as chief. My brother-in-law Arkie Albanese and my sister also paid taxes for over 60 years and Arkie served 24 years as mayor, plus my mother and father lived here for about 20 years along with my 65 of paying taxes. My community service and contributions should warrant a more favorable decision.
I guess at 92 years of age I am too old-fashioned, to think that someone might have to spend an hour to prepare this space for you, especially when they at one time gave you this space and then take it away. Now I must notify over 100 Whorrall family members in five countries that there will be no reunion in Manlius.
Burle J. Whorrall
Manlius
