A Medieval Tale for Today

nce upon a time, the people of Little River City wanted to build a Senior Center where the city's old folk could recreate--amusing themselves with yoga and Bingo. The people had amassed $780,000 to build to the new building--$400,000 from Good King CDBG, $150,000 from wealthy Lord HRB&T, $100,000 from the Dowager Duchess of HCDPA, and $130,000 from the people's own meager coffers--but, alas, they needed $300,000 more. What to do, what to do?

One night, when the people of Little River City were gathered to speak of their predicament, the Loyal Squire appeared with a message from his benevolent master, Sir Buysalot. The greathearted knight would save the day! He would give the people of Little River City the $300,000 they still needed to build a Senior Center. There was great thanksgiving and rejoicing! The city had been rescued from its terrible plight. The old folk would have their gathering place, and felicity and contentment would reign once again.

A week later, the Loyal Squire returned with a new message from Sir Buysalot. Instead of giving Little River City $300,000 to help them build a senior center of their own, Sir Buysalot would make a place for the old folk in his castle! It would be free! All the people of Little River City had to do was give the $780,000 they had amassed to Sir Buysalot so he could prepare a place in his castle for the old folk. This proposal met with even greater jubilation and rejoicing and thanksgiving for Sir Buysalot's remarkable largesse!

Only one question remained. Would Good King CDBG let the people of Little River City have the $400,000 even if they were not investing it in a building they would own? The people humbly petitioned the Good King and waited many months to learn their liege lord's decision. Finally, word came forth from on high. Good King CDBG would grant the people's request! The good citizens of Little River City would have the money they needed to prepare the space that Sir Buysalot was so magnanimously giving them in his castle (for thirty years, with a triple net lease and a token annual rent of $12). 

The people of Little River City praised and venerated Sir Buysalot for his merciful beneficence, and they all lived happily ever after.
COPYRIGHT 2014 CAROLE OSTERINK

John Mason reports on the most recent development in the saga of the senior center in today's Register-Star: "State approves renewal $400K grant for city's senior center."

Apologies and thanks to Dan Region, whose photograph of the Armory I tried clumsily to make look like a drawing that might appear in a 14th-century manuscript.