John and Pat Ferri: Food and friendship for Pike County seniors

By SANDY LONG

PIKE COUNTY, PA — After 37 years of marriage, some couples might seek every opportunity to engage in separate activities. Not John and Pat Ferri, who have found much shared satisfaction as volunteers for the Pike County Area Agency on Aging. For the past two years, the couple has devoted countless hours to the agency and the 800 Pike County seniors it serves.

John shows up five days a week, beginning at 6:30 a.m., to run the kitchen at the Blooming Grove Senior Center in Lords Valley, PA. The meals program also includes the agency’s two additional locations in Lackawaxen/Shohola Township and Bushkill, as well as home-delivered meals.

Once those meals are on their way to seniors throughout Pike County, the couple turns their attention to serving approximately 75 meals in the facility’s sunny dining room.

Why do they do it? “We like to know we’re helping people,” said John, as Pat nodded in agreement. “There’s a big need; there are many homebound seniors throughout the county and we don’t want to see anybody go hungry.”

Thirteen years ago, the couple purchased a home in Dingmans Ferry, and have never regretted the move. “We love it here,” said Pat. “Everybody’s so friendly and welcoming.” The Ferri’s have three sons and “three-and-a-half grandchildren.” They plan to keep volunteering as long as they are physically able to do so.

“The people are our favorite part. We try to keep their spirits up,” said John. “Some of our seniors have no one. Our volunteer driver might be the only person they see sometimes. It can be a lifeline.”

Executive director Robin LoDolce said that volunteers are crucial to the agency’s ability to assist the swiftly growing county’s senior members with food, transportation and information.

According to LoDolce, there is always a need for additional volunteers to deliver meals, take someone shopping or drive them to medical appointments. Help is also sought for various office tasks. Volunteers are welcome to play the center’s piano or organ, to lead singing or provide workshops, to call bingo or simply provide companionship.

Volunteers choose the number of hours they can devote. “It gets you out of the house and gives you somewhere to go,” said Pat.

Activities director Lana Romeo coordinates many different events and activities for the enjoyment and wellbeing of the seniors. “I owe my life to this woman,” said volunteer Aileen Earl, in reference to Romeo, who also leads the agency’s exercise program and urges the seniors to maintain their fitness.

Recently, senior Emilie Bruyning celebrated her 99th birthday at the center. It was her first visit, and she gained many new friends who will join her for her centennial celebration.

Approximately 127 volunteers assist agency employees in providing services to seniors. Recipients must be at least 60 years old and reside within Pike County. For more information, call LoDolce at 570/775-5550 or visit Pikeaaa.org.