Encore, PEAK making plans for reopening
LOWER SALFORD » As the pandemic approaches the half-year mark, Encore Experiences in Harleysville has grab-and-go meals that can be picked up at lunch five days a week, and Encore and The PEAK Center in Lansdale have virtual programs, classes through Zoom or the center’s website, social services assistance by phone and other services such as legal aid done remotely.
For now, though, the coronavirus-related restrictions on gatherings mean the doors to the two senior centers operated by Greater Harleysville and North Penn Senior Services are closed to the public.
Those doors are expected to reopen soon, Executive Director Paul Nye said.
“We have a couple dates in mind, but until we get the final inspection and approval, we’re not giving out any dates, but, yes, I’m very confident it will be in September,” he said.
When it does reopen, it will be with COVID-19 restrictions in place, including face masks and social distancing, along with limits on the number of people allowed in the building at a time, he said. In order to make sure the limits on attendees are met, people planning to take part in the center’s programs will have to call ahead and make reservations, he said.
Seniors deserve and need socialization and intellectual activity they can enjoy, he said.
“They want to be with other folks and interact with their friends and have an environment in which they feel safe and cared for and can do stimulating and enjoyable things,” Nye said. “They’ve been at home a long time.”
Along with maintaining and adapting existing programs, the centers will be starting new ones to fit the new circumstances, he said during a telephone interview the day after GHNPSS held its annual Pillar of the Community Celebration.
Originally scheduled for May 7, this year’s Pillar of the Community was changed to Aug. 13 and made into a virtual program posted on YouTube.
Gary Volpe was this year’s honoree.
“People who are involved in the community know Gary and know what a contributor he is to the community,” Nye said during the program.
Volpe, owner of Volpe Enterprises in North Wales which is 50 years old this year, was lauded as a family man, a leader in his church, former president of the Harleysville Rotary Club and current membership chair for the 47 Rotary clubs in the district, volunteer in food distribution programs, a coach, a political committeeman, and for holding a charity event at his business each year and having raised more than $260,000 for local charitable organizations. Married to his wife, Janet, for 45 years, Volpe has three sons and eight grandchildren. Video tributes in the virtual program included Volpe playing with his grandchildren and comments from his sons and brother, Rick. Volpe was also shown driving his 1929 Model A Ford.
Volpe read the story of his life, which he titled, “Life is Good.”
“I’m glad through this event that we were able to raise thousands of dollars to benefit senior citizens,” Volpe said at the conclusion. “I will remember this day for many years to come. It certainly will be one that I’ll remember until my last days.”
The Pillar of the Community event is one of GHNPSS’ biggest fundraisers, Sheri Strouse, GHNPSS board president, said at the beginning of the presentation.
“The senior centers serve as a gateway to the nation’s aging network, connecting older adults to vital community services that can help them stay healthy and remain independent,” she said.
“Each year, we serve over 3,000 seniors at our two sites. Our largest single program, our meal program, provides 30,000 meals, wellbalanced, nutritionally monitored meals at noontime for seniors,” Nye said.
The centers also offer about 50 programs a month, he said.
Although there was still some money coming in from the previous night’s event, so far $58,336 had been raised, Nye said the following day. That’s less than had been raised in the past two years, but more than had been expected given the circumstances this year, he said.
It was the first time GHNPSS held this type of virtual event, he said.
Normally, the Pillar presentation is held in a large facility, such as a country club, includes a dinner, live and silent auctions, and tickets are sold to attendees, he said.
This year, there were no ticket sales and no gathering. An online auction replaced the silent and live auctions. A raffle that raised $1,900 was new this year, Nye said.
Meals were also available to be purchased and picked up from Encore; 148 were prepared and distributed, Nye said.
It’s estimated that about 270 people watched the program, with some doing so in small viewing parties, he said.
This was the 16th year for the Pillar of the Community presentation, Strouse said during her comments.
Volpe, she said, “joins a list of very distinguished past Pillar recipients, all individuals who made our community a better place through their commitment to volunteerism and services.”
Previous awardees listed in a GHNPSS release are Joanne Kline, Ron Geib, (the late) Bob Godshall, Syed Afzal, Regina and (the late) Benny Alderfer, Ed Molnar, Sanford A. Alderfer, Bob Henning, Philip A. Clemens, Harold F. Detwiler, William S. Aichele, Mark and Karen Cummins, Ella Roush, Jack Clemens, and K. Leon Moyer.