Pike seniors protest

BY KRISTA GROMALSKI

MILFORD — Robin Lo Dolce, Pike County’s newly appointed executive director of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Office, has some obstacles to surmount when filling the shoes of her recently retired predecessor, Linda Peifer.

It’s not an issue with the agencies’ one-million-dollar budget that Lo Dolce faces, but an irate group of senior citizens, who made their disdain over her “outsider” status known at the February 7 county commissioners meeting.

The seniors were upset that the commissioners overlooked Jeanie Hugenbruch for the position. Hugenbruch is the current site manager at Pike’s AAA and has six years of experience at the agency.

Senior citizen Peggy Billadello, speaking on behalf of the group, said the commissioners “have missed the boat.”

An AAA volunteer and member of its advisory council, Billadello said, “morale is extremely low among the seniors,” because of Lo Dolce’s appointment.

“That’s pre-judging,” Commissioner Gerry Hansen told the group. “Wouldn’t it be fair to meet her?”

Commissioner Harry Forbes agreed that morale plays an important role and asked for a “spirit of cooperation” to be developed.

Chairman Karl Wagner, Jr. said the commissioners reviewed 11 resumes and interviewed three people for the executive director position. “Our Department of Aging felt she [Lo Dolce] was qualified and, based on that and the interview, we think it’s going to work out,” he said.

An AAA staff member, who asked to remain anonymous, said the agency will “try to welcome” Lo Dolce, but the staff is disappointed that the position was not filled from within the office.

Wagner, in defending the commissioners’ choice, referred to Lo Dolce as “young and vivacious.” Biladello said she “resented” that statement.

Lo Dolce holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Pennsylvania State University and a Masters in Food and Nutrition from Marywood University. She has employment experience at a local nursing home.

Lo Dolce, scheduled to begin her tenure at AAA on February 15, will receive a salary of $42,5000 in addition to benefits. The salary, according to the commissioners, is less than Peifer’s.