Heidi Bey, director Highland Activity Center.
The Highland Activity Center was founded in the early 1980’s at the Highland Methodist Church. Funds donated in memory of Highland supporter Pat Woods were used to build the existing facility, attached to the Highland Township office complex, 32 years ago.
Heidi Bey became the director in 2013 and leads a team of three. She spoke with The Spinal Column about the center in these uncertain times, staying connected with its members, reopening, and how the center continues to embrace a welcoming philosophy, including the motto, “You walk in the door, you are family.”
The activity center was shutdown by the governor’s order on March 17. What has been happening since that time?
“At this time we are staffed by Activities Director Chari Scicluna, Justin Lado, information technology associate, Patrice Dixon, Meals on Wheels morning site hostess (and much more), and myself. Together we are studying the governor’s orders and trying to find a safe way to reopen.”
THe center is a place to gather, enjoy friends and be entertained. How are you connecting with your clients today?
“We have done an extensive amount of outreach, including an additional run of emergency food care packs provided by Meals on Wheels. Those in need can contact us for pickup or to arrange delivery. We have a fairly diverse population where couples and single folks can find other peers of their age and similar interest.”
“Phone numbers have been exchanged, and our ‘call a friend’ program has been interesting. Members have been given the name and number of someone they were acquainted with but didn’t really know. Now they are friends and are charged with checking on each other. I’ve heard stories of folks figuring that they lived in the same area as children, know the same people and frequented the same haunts. Something good has come as a result of the restrictions. We want the community to know we are here and will do all we can to help.”
Looking forward to reopening the activity center, what plans are underway? What will it look like? Timing?
“Many of our members, volunteers and staff have compromised immune systems, so we must be very careful. We must find a way to keep everyone safe. We are following the Oakland County and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines which requires social distancing and the use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE.) In the meantime, some members have created their own safe gatherings outside the activity center. They are careful to visit from their vehicles, circling in the parking lot. It’s a senior version of a tailgate party, complete with masks and following CDC guidelines.”
You are planning to hold a candidate forum and are now accepting questions for the candidates. How will that work?
“Since 2012 we have been having meet the candidates events so seniors can make good election decision. This year we will offer a virtual event. If anyone has questions, they should send them to ladoj@highlandtwp.org or call the center at 248-887-1707.We want to allow seniors a chance to voice their concerns to the candidates. The date has not been set, so stay tuned.”
What would you like people to know?
“At the present time, we are only open for Meals on Wheels service between 9 a.m. and noon, Monday through Friday. People can sign up for homebound delivery at 810-632-2155. We can accommodate those in need of medical equipment from our loan closet. Crutches, briefs, wound care, walkers and a variety of other items are free to use. We are able to set out puzzles and books for pick up outside the building. Any questions can be directed to our staff via Facebook messenger, our website (tab community, tab senior center.) Call us at 248-887-1707 or email beyh@highlandtwp.org.”
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1 min interview with Highland Activity Director Heidi Bey | The Spinal Column - Spinal Column Online
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