About a year ago, the Pendleton Senior and Family Services facility was under siege from stormwater racing down the hill and backing up into the building. Janice Lantz, director, and staff formed a bucket brigade to bail out the building before the water could cause serious damage.
With slow-moving storms bringing concentrated and intense rainfall to areas, addressing this problem served as a major priority for Lantz.
“We applied to the Chesapeake Bay Trust,” she shared, adding that “we got the first grant for planning purposes, going through the planning stage like the Town did.”
The Town of Franklin earlier obtained a similar planning grant that assisted in putting forth potential solutions for excessive stormwater that flows downhill from downtown. Pendleton County Commission reacted to the issue by purchasing a new building for state and county offices on higher ground.
Lantz explained that she expected that the grant would provide potential solutions, including deepening the current drainage ditches or looking for ways to divert the water. “It’s not a quick fix,” stated Lantz, “it’s the start to the fix.”
With addressing the stormwater problems underway, Lantz identified another issue for the center and its mission, saying, “We still have people out in the community who don’t even know we have a senior center. We’re trying to get the word out more…let people know we are here.”
That includes getting more information out about services, both fundamental to the center’s mission and those set up for the recreation and enjoyment of visitors.
Lantz identified in-home services as among those “most needed,” adding that they now have a waiting list for those needing help remaining independent in their residences. Because funds are “not unlimited,” but the need remains great, she said the center “maxed out on funding.”
Another service area that might face limitations on delivery is the senior farmers market vouchers from the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. These are used to purchase fresh produce at farmers markets, roadside stands, and other approved sales sites. They will be available June 1 at the Franklin facility from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and also between 1 and 3 p.m. On June 2, they will be available at the former North Fork facility that now houses Country Décor and More.
“We have a waiting list each year.” said Lantz. “We only get so many. We hand them out on a first-come, first-serve basis,” she added. She noted that funding for the program may have had cuts, making them more limited.
Farmers with excess produce or wish to help can deduct from their state taxes the donations of food from their farms to senior centers and other non-profits.
Always seeking ways to bring seniors in, Lantz described different classes offered at the center. “We’re looking to add a new tai chi class,” she said, adding that “we got our instructor certified.” A popular recent addition has been a “drums alive” class that “is really fun for the seniors” and is held usually on Wednesdays.
Meal times have always served as a focus for senior centers. Pendleton Senior and Family Services from time to time offers evening meals complete with live musical performances. “They really have fun with that. They bring family members that normally don’t come out for lunch.”
About once a month, sometimes more, seniors have the chance to go on day trips. Many of these require some payment from those going, but the center works to keep prices down through efforts such as including a packed box lunch so they don’t have to spend at a restaurant.
A recent trip took them greenhouse hopping in Hampshire County, where they got 10 percent off discounts for purchases. Later in the summer, the center offers a trip to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Lantz smiled and said, “They love their ice cream. We always have to stop for ice cream.”
With studies showing that independent living for seniors is not only best for their health, it also eases the need from taxpayers. Senior centers remain a vital part of any community.
“We are here for service to the community. We want to help the community. We want to be a part of the community,” she stated.
