Elderly woman banned from senior center in McAlester

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) -- An 87-year-old McAlester woman says she's been banned from a publicly funded senior recreation center, reportedly for complaining about the food.<br/><br/>Mary Bernardi says

Sunday, February 12th 2006, 12:24 pm

By: News On 6

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) -- An 87-year-old McAlester woman says she's been banned from a publicly funded senior recreation center, reportedly for complaining about the food.

Mary Bernardi says a 10-member advisory committee at the JI Stipe Recreation Center told her she was banned for 30 days.

Senior citizens gather at the center to eat hot meals, play games and interact with other people, with the meals and programs paid for by government funds.

Bernardi says no one told her why she had been suspended and she was never given anything in writing.

McAlester Community Services Director Mel Priddy says Bernardi was suspended because she complained about the food and was -- quote -- "sometimes loud and boisterous."

Bernardi has been unable to eat meals at the center since her suspension.