Maximum Utilization

                             Maximum Utilization

       It is a simple economic maxim that means an owner tries to “get the most use” out of a place he/she owns or operates. It seems logical on its face. But, is it really?

         I first read about the term when it was applied to my Gaelic ancestors, during the Great Potato famine of the 1840’s. Cynical Irish ship owners ( later called coffin ships) crammed as many starving and fleeing Irish into the filthy holds of their ships as possible. The mortality rate, while crossing the Atlantic Ocean, often ran to 30 per cent. The ship’s wake was trailed by sharks, waiting for the daily deaths from typhus diphtheria, cholera and other diseases.

         When many of all our early immigrant peoples first landed on U.S. shores, they got the same “maximum utilization” treatment. They were crowded into huge housing tenaments. Many hundreds of families would be housed in spaces meant for dozens. They too died of cholera, diphtheria and a dozen other ailments, that arose from poor sanitation and unsafe conditions. Still, the owners got “maximum utilization” of their properties.

         You would think we have overcome some of the worst of this “maximum utilization” bias today, but we all know better. In immigrant, agricultural labor camps across our country, things haven’t really changed all that much. But, what has this to do with the lovely and comfortable surroundings that we share here at Spring Run? Well, a lot, it seems.

        For the last few years, every Sunday, a small group of elderly members gathers together to play nine holes of golf. Then, they share the comradery and fun of each other’s company, at breakfast in the club house. Sometimes they gather for dinner there as well. All of these fine people are elderly and all are single. The vagaries of life have claimed their life mate partners. And here, as if magically, they are able to socialize again and enjoy themselves.

       And then the “bean counters” came. “Maximum utilization” they cried. Let these gentle people play at odd hours. Take away their companionship. Ruin the fun and the decency of their gathering. And on top of that, add a few dollars onto their golf fees, something not done to the degree for the rest of the Club’s players.

      It all made sense to the 1840’s coffin ship operators, the early 1900’s slum lords and the agricultural camp owners of the late 20^thcentury. Who cares how it impacted the lives of real people? Let them do what we tell them! We need “Maximum utilization.”

     When Mary and I  play nine holes of golf, on a Sunday morning here, I see this group.  A smile breaks out on my face. These are some of the sweetest, dearest people that we have met here at Spring Run. To see them laugh and socialize again makes my heart sing. I hope when I get to that stage of life, I can be as happy.

       I would hope that the rest of our community here in Spring Run gives some thought to protecting the oldest and the socially frailest among us. These fine people are our much-treasured friends and neighbors. We owe them our allegiance.

                                                  -30-

                                         (538 words)

                                  Joseph Xavier Martin