Today’s Locals to Know is sponsored by Familylinks. Serving nearly 9,000 people annually, Familylinks offers a variety of family-centered services in the areas of Behavioral Health, Youth & Family Services, Service Coordination and Senior Services. Learn more at familylinks.org, or follow Familylinks on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Tell us about your work—your job and/or any volunteer work.
I work as the Director of Senior Services for Familylinks, which includes being the Executive Director of Vintage Center for Active Adults in East Liberty. Vintage offers a wide variety of activities for adults aged 60+ that promote a healthy body and mind, including fitness classes, technology coaching, art classes and other recreational opportunities like billiards, cards and discussion groups.
What’s your favorite Pittsburgh memory?
It was 1991 and I was in 7th grade, going to the city for a Pirates game with my dad and best friend (also named Heather!). I grew up in Latrobe, and we only made it to Pittsburgh a couple times each year. It was my first time trying Frank’s Red Hot and… I’ve been a fan ever since!
Pick a favorite local outdoor experience. What is it? What’re we doing? Who’s going with ya?
Over the past couple of summers I have discovered the beauty of Lake Erie. I especially enjoy biking around Presque Isle during the day, then jumping on a boat at dusk to see a spectacular sunset with my boyfriend and our friends and family.
If you could eat only one meal from a local restaurant for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It’s hard to choose only one meal, when there are so many delicious restaurants in Pittsburgh! I’ve recently discovered the outdoor seating at Nancetta’s in Fox Chapel. The whole operation is run by just a few people, with homemade food, great service and a relaxed atmosphere to spend an unhurried evening with friends. I love to enjoy whatever delicious pasta dish they are preparing that night, along with a perfectly paired glass of wine.
What’s a project you’re working on (big or small) and how can our readers help you with it?
The Vintage center was closed for 15 months during the pandemic. When we reopened our doors in June 2021, we were reminded how important having a vibrant place to gather is in the lives of our neighbors who are age 60 and older. We want even more seniors to discover the benefits of attending Vintage. Not only do we have many ways to be active, but we also provide a free hot lunch and we have expert staff who can help connect people to the services available to help meet basic needs, such as getting assistance with preparing tax returns, filling out rent rebate forms, completing pharmaceutical assistance forms, or connecting the many other human service supports that are locally available to help elders thrive in their homes and communities. I hope that readers of this article will tell an older adult in their life about Vintage and encourage them to check it out! We are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are always welcome!
What are you looking forward to this year?
I’m looking forward to getting more settled into my position at Familylinks. While I have years of experience working in the field of aging, nothing can replace the time that is needed to get established in a new role and the accompanying new people, responsibilities and routine. The people and programs are incredible and I am anxious to meaningfully contribute to the agency’s ongoing success!
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Know of a person or organization that we ought to feature? Send us an email to hello@theincline.com with the subject line “Incline Locals to Know,” and you could see their name in an upcoming newsletter!