by Gina MazzaAt age 75, Linda Wortham of Pittsburgh’s Hill District moves through life with the energy of someone half her age. Every week, her calendar is packed with volunteering and other activities—from ushering at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s art venues, organizing road trips for senior and helping local veterans, to taking line dancing classes … Read more
by Gina MazzaIn an era where children need more support than ever, the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program, a federally funded program locally sponsored by Wesley Family Services, is making a difference by connecting local older adults with young learners. This unique program not only fosters educational growth in children but also enriches the lives … Read more
Hundreds of older adults turned out on May 14 for Take Me Out to the Mall, a baseball-themed Day at the Mall at Beaver Valley Mall. The event featured 90 vendors who provided information regarding services and programs benefitting seniors. Strolling performers—accordion player Henry Edwardo, Vintage Debbie and Davey Wagner— kept the crowd entertained. Premier … Read more
As we recognize Elder Abuse Awareness Month this June and prepare for the long-awaited return of the District Attorney’s Senior Justice and Wellness Expo on June 18, we want to look back and appreciate nearly a quarter century of innovations that have improved the justice system for not only Allegheny County’s older adults, but for … Read more
by Gina MazzaTheir wishes are simple yet meaningful: I want to attend a Pirates baseball game. I’ve always dreamed of riding in a hot air balloon. I need a new set of hearing aids. I’d like to attend my 60th class reunion. Since 2003, the Twilight Wish Foundation has been making these wishes and many … Read more
by Gina MazzaThe crack of the bat and the cheers of teammates fill the air once again around Allegheny County as several senior softball leagues swing into action for another exciting season. Penn Hills Men’s Senior Softball League The Penn Hills Men’s Senior Softball League, open to men ages 55 and older, brings players together … Read more
By Gina Mazza The highly anticipated opening of Circle of Friends in Conway has finally arrived! About a year after the Baden center was closed, Circle of Friends has relocated to 305 11th Street and Third Avenue in Conway. The soft opening occurred on June 1, and the center will host an official grand opening … Read more
Elaine Riberich volunteers as a garden steward with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, tending gardens at the busy intersections of Beechwood, Saline and Hazelwood avenues and at Forbes Avenue in Oakland, next to Dippy the dinosaur. Her dedication to stewarding community flower gardens is so great that she even convinced a city councilwoman to refurbish nearby … Read more
With Elder Abuse Awareness Day being recognized on June 15, we reflect on how the last two years have been particularly devastating to older adults in Allegheny County. Conditions created by the pandemic health crisis have killed more seniors than any other age group. Additionally, it created an environment in which people have often felt … Read more
DHS is happy to welcome Dr. Tharp Gilliam, a behavioral scientist and long-time leader in the county’s non-profit sector, as the new head of the Area Agency on Aging. Prior to joining DHS, Tharp Gilliam served in several non-profit senior leadership roles, including most recently as a director of research and evaluation for the Homewood … Read more