Fifty Forward

Last week I attended 2 painting classes at Martin Center as a guest of a member so I could decide which I wanted to pursue, watercolor or oil. I decided upon oil. This morning, (2/1) I returned to Martin Center and spoke to a lady at the front desk about membership and price for the class. She didn't know if one had to be a member to attend the class or not, but quoted me the price of $45 for the once a week oil class on Thursday. I proceeded to pay the $45. About 15 minutes later, another lady comes into the class to inform me the non-member price is $60, so I owe an additional $15. I told her I spoke with the young lady at the desk who told me $45. She dismissed it by saying, "She's a volunteer, so she doesn't know all the prices". I argued that is no way I can know a volunteer from a staff member when making an inquiry at the front desk. She agreed I could pay the difference after class. Well, I go to the front desk to pay the balance where the same woman who spoke to me in the class room said, "Oh, no, it $90 for non-members." To which I became annoyed, and promptly reminded her of the sequence of events within the past 90 min of being quoted 3 different prices. She agreed to let me pay the $60, but not the initial $45 I ALREADY paid! She then told me membership was $120 a year on top of the $90 for the single monthly class. I asked if Barbara, the painting instructor, knew about the price increase, because she also told me $60 before I left class. No, Barbara hadn't been informed of the increase to $90 for non-members. I paid the additional $15 for a total of $60 then went to speak with Barbara. She and others in the class were surprised by the dramatic increase. Barbara accompanied me back to the front to speak with the director. She discovered the increase just went into effect. Being quoted 3 different prices in less than 90 minutes is ridiculous. At $90 a month for a once a week class comes to nearly $1,100 a year. That's OUTRAGEOUS!! I thought this center was for older people, many on fixed incomes! Once I complete this month's class, I will NOT return to Fifty Forward Martin Center, and tell everyone I know to avoid this rip-off!
1 8 years ago (01-02-2018)

Best kept secret in Brentwood.....Anyone who is over 50 can join and use this convenient location as a place to exercise, play cards, take classes and even entertain! I enjoy the fireplace area....feels just like a ski lodge!
4 8 years ago (02-02-2018)

This organization caters to those of a certain age. It provides a slew of activities for the young at heart. And, for only $120.0] per year, a senior looking to connect with other seniors, can't go wrong!
4 8 years ago (31-12-2017)

Five stars! Great venue for community and corporate events. I recently attended a leadership meeting at the Martin Center and was very impressed with the staff and facility. Thank you!
5 8 years ago (08-10-2017)

Wonderful location good parking nice facilities. This is a great place to have a meeting.
5 8 years ago (18-11-2017)