The Belhaven Seniors’ Center is a valuable asset to the area. It offers a variety of programs, including exercise classes, art classes and healthy living advice.

Unfortunately, the turnout hasn’t been what it needs to be for the past year or more.

At a Belhaven Board of Aldermen meeting at the beginning of August, Bryant Buck of the Mid-East Commission, which manages the center, gave another plea for help. Despite all the effort put into drawing more seniors to the center and the board’s support in the matter, the numbers are still dwindling. Things are looking bad.

In October, the Commission is planning to make a decision about moving to another facility due to the low numbers.

With October fast approaching, it is now the eleventh hour. The Belhaven area needs to come out to support the seniors’ center like never before.

Moving to a new facility would most likely mean downsizing to a smaller place, accommodating the smaller crowd. It could also mean a substantial reduction in funds and thus the services the center offers. Both would be a shame, but the latter would be a detriment to Belhaven.

The Belhaven Seniors’ Center is one of the most beneficial resources for the older population living in and around the town. It provides an opportunity for this demographic to come together — physically, socially and emotionally. These types of opportunities make a community what it is and make it a better place to live.

It is the people who make a town, and sometimes those connections are worth the fight.

Belhaven residents, young and old alike, need to come out in support of the center. It is a vital aspect of the town and deserves to remain right where it is.