June 21, 2012
Regarding your recent article on College Manor's decision not to host a fireworks display this year, as an assisted-living facility we have been an integral part of the historic Lutherville community for 60 years ("College Manor won't host July 4 fireworks," June 12).
For many years we celebrated our anniversary with our residents, their families and friends on the last weekend of June. In the mid-1990s, we decided to expand our celebration with a concert on our lawn to which the community was invited. A few years later we added a fireworks display. It was College Manor's gift to the community on the occasion of our anniversary.
After the 2011 celebration, however, we determined that the expense of hosting the spectacular fireworks show and concert had become cost prohibitive, and that a more prudent use of our resources would be to direct them toward maintaining our facility and providing quality care for our residents. Thus, we did not sign contracts with the band or for the fireworks provider for 2012.
Like our neighbors who have enjoyed this old-fashioned summer event, we too are disappointed not to be able celebrate our anniversary with the concert and fireworks. But it was a decision that was made bearing in mind our current and future residents.
Bunny Renaud, John Horine, Jane Banks, Lutherville
The writers are members of the College Manor board of directors.
