Senior Day Services | A Telespond Company

Thrive and Shine: A Celebration of Style Across Generations

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 14:10:07 GMT

More Than a Runway

Fashion has never had an age limit—and this October, Telespond Senior Services is proving it. On Saturday, October 24, we're inviting the community to Thrive and Shine, an Intergenerational Fashion Show celebrating style, confidence, and the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren.

If you've been looking for a reason to get out, get inspired, and celebrate the people who make Northeastern Pennsylvania feel like home, this is it.

Thrive and Shine is a heartwarming community event built around a simple truth: when generations come together, something powerful happens. This isn't just a fashion show—it's a celebration of stories, strength, wisdom, and joy, with models spanning every season of life walking the runway side by side.

Expect a room full of energy and inspiration as grandparents and grandchildren shine together, proving that style, confidence, and connection only grow richer with time. Whether you come to be inspired, to cheer on the people you love, or simply to spend an afternoon surrounded by good company, you'll leave feeling a little brighter than when you walked in.

Event Details

What: Thrive and Shine
When: Saturday, October 24 • 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Where: The Green Ridge Club, 1645 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509
Format: In person, three hours of energy and inspiration

Tickets

General Admission: $55.20
Children (up to age 16): $28.52

Why It Matters

Every ticket to Thrive and Shine supports the work of Telespond Senior Services, a nonprofit that has cared for Northeastern Pennsylvania's aging population since 1974. From our On-Site Adult Day Center to In-Home Personal Care, the Senior Companion Program, and the Foster Grandparent Program, our mission is simple: help older adults live their best lives—with dignity, connection, and joy—while giving families the support they need.

We believe income should never be a barrier to compassionate care. Events like Thrive and Shine help make that promise possible, funding the programs that bring light and life back to the seniors and families we serve.

Join Us

Bring a friend. Bring your family. Bring the spark that makes any room better. Thrive and Shine is more than an afternoon of fashion—it's a celebration of the community we're proud to be part of, and the generations who continue to shine.

We can't wait to see you there.

Meet Sandy Tyler, Senior Companion Volunteer

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 21:17:00 GMT

Going above and beyond to serve clients—that’s what 77-year-old Sandy Tyler is all about. A Senior Companion volunteer for the past 13 years, Sandy helps clients to navigate in the home, fixes meals, and even checks in on nights and weekends. Her work has also taken her to a local veteran’s center, where she has organized games, engaged with visitors, and run the canteen for a number of years. Amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, Sandy continues to call clients and eagerly awaits the day where she can return to their homes.

Sandy is part of Telespond’s dedicated team of adults ages 55 and older who support the elderly through the Senior Companion program , which is free of charge for those living in Lackawanna County. Below, she shares her fondest memories in the program and how it allows her to build strong relationships with not only clients and families, but also a close relative and fellow volunteer.

When and why did you begin to volunteer with the companion program?

I began volunteering with the program 13 years ago this August. I was talking with a resident in my building, saying I was bored, and she told me that I should look into Telespond . Since then, I’ve been working in clients’ homes, at the Gino Merli Veterans Center in Scranton, and at VNA Hospice and Home Health as well.

What is your favorite part about being a senior companion?

I really enjoy getting to know different people through the in-home visitations, and I can’t wait to get back to it. We don’t do structured “activities” in the home very often; instead, I’m just there to help with anything they need. Sometimes we work on exercises they have to do or prepare a meal—that kind of thing. I was with one client for over a year who has since passed, and in addition to visiting her home every week I also checked in on nights and weekends. I’ve always been willing to do things like that. Through my work for Telespond at the Gino Merli Center, I help with the games, and I also ran the canteen for six years.

What challenges have you encountered as a senior companion?

Every now and then I lose a client, which knocks me off my feet. It’s a normal reaction and I know it’s something I can’t change, but it takes me a little while to get back into the swing of things when it happens.

Share a memorable moment from your time as a senior companion.

One of the ladies I visit in the home is 101 years old, and she’s absolutely phenomenal. She still lives alone while her niece and nephew (and I) check in on her. I’ve been visiting with her for over a year, and even with the pandemic I’ve gone down to sit outside on her porch a couple of times. Overall, I’ve really enjoyed everything I’ve done with the program; sometimes it’s easy, sometimes it’s hard, and always it’s interesting.

How has your past (personally and professionally) influenced the work you do as a senior companion?

I always worked as a bookkeeper or a secretary or something to that effect, so I don’t have any professional experience in senior care. Before volunteering with the Senior Companion program, I got connected to the VNA, and working in hospice really made me interested in serving older adults. I have attended volunteer trainings both in this area and in Philly (where I lived and volunteered before) and every now and then I go down to Philly to help families through the organization I was connected with there. When my mom became sick a few years ago, having all of this experience enabled me to be a caregiver for her as well. I was so grateful to be there for her, and caring for her further prepared me to handle even more different situations as a volunteer.

Where in Northeastern PA did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Taylor, went to school there, and worked in the Globe Store for seven years. Then I went to Philly for a vacation and decided not to come home! For most of the time I lived in Philly, I was right in the city, and I remain connected with the Mummers and other organizations around there. I moved back to Scranton 13 years ago, and I have family in the area.

Tell us about your family.

I was raised in the area and, once I returned, I was glad to be able to reconnect with family. When I lived in Philly and visited Northeastern Pennsylvania during the holidays, everything was so rushed, so I never got to enjoy spending time with my mom or the rest of the relatives. Coming back home when I did gave me the opportunity to get know my mother better—as herself, not just as my mom. For me, that made the biggest difference in the world. As far as my sister is concerned, she has been my rock. She and her husband live in Nuangola and, while we can’t see each other much right now, she brings me meals and we talk all the time. I also have cousins in the area, including Warren Barlow, another Telespond volunteer . The two of us actually connected back in 2007 after attending a wrestling show, and since then we’ve gotten very close through our volunteer work.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I enjoy going to wrestling shows with one of the women who lives in my building. It was something I started to do in Philly, and I just carried it on here. I’m able to go into the gym when the gentlemen are working out and do yoga and different exercises with them. Over the years it’s helped me to stabilize myself, especially when facing difficult circumstances. Wrestling was also how I found Warren and his grandson, and now we go together. We even had our picture posted on their website for a time!

Have you stayed connected with clients during the COVID-19 outbreak?

I’ve been calling them weekly and go to visit my one client on her outdoor porch. I’m looking forward to getting back into volunteering at the Gino Merli Center in August and hopefully will start the in-home program soon as well. Until then, I’ve been staying busy going for rides, going shopping, and doing anything I can to break up the monotony of staying indoors. Being able to see the clients again and knowing I can be there to help is something I’m very much looking forward to.

How would you encourage someone to volunteer with Telespond?

I would recommend it because it gives you the fulfillment of having something to do besides being a senior citizen yourself. It helps you keep your mind in a purposeful mode. I started because I was used to being on the go, and I tell everybody that if you want to stay active, you should get involved with something like Telespond’s Senior Companion Program . I don’t think I ever want to give it up unless I have to.

If you are interested in becoming a Senior Companion, visit www.seniordayservices.org/senior-companion

The post Meet Sandy Tyler, Senior Companion Volunteer appeared first on Senior Day Services | A Telespond Company .

Meet Dorothy Lutz, Senior Companion Volunteer

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 21:12:00 GMT

When 82-year-old Dorothy Lutz moved to Scranton, she didn’t know a soul. A native of Hollisterville, PA, Dorothy spent most of her life in the country before retiring to the city. However, she quickly embraced her new circumstances. “They say if you want to have friends, you have to show friendship,” Dorothy says. “So, I just started speaking to everyone and saying hello.” With her cheerful, welcoming attitude, Dorothy quickly gained a new community of friends, first at Amos Towers and then at her current residence, Lutherwood Apartments.

As a Senior Companion , Dorothy visits older adults in Lackawanna County for a few hours per day, providing a watchful eye, assistance with everyday tasks, and—most importantly—long-lasting friendship. She is one member of Telespond’s dedicated team of adults ages 55 and older who bring this free service* to support the elderly throughout her community. Below, Dorothy shares how she became a senior companion and how the program has impacted her life.

When and why did you begin to volunteer with the companion program?

I started volunteering about three years ago this July. I had heard about it at different times and met Nancy and Kathy at the community room here, and thought it would be something good to do—much better than sitting at home.

What is your favorite part about being a Senior Companion?

I don’t know if I have a favorite part! It’s truly a joy. You get to be a part of your clients’ families, and they get to be a part of yours. I play cards with one lady who is 96 years old, and she loves 500 Rummy. Of course, sometimes she tries to cheat, and sometimes I let her get away with it! I have attended the wedding of a granddaughter of another client, and I regularly have lunch and pray with a few of the ladies. I visited a man for a while who I called my “second George,” because George is the name of the fellow I’m dating. I had another lady downtown who I used to bring homemade soup to every Tuesday. The Senior Companion Program has just been an absolute blessing. In fact, it seems like it’s really almost a bigger blessing for me than for the clients!

What challenges have you encountered as a Senior Companion?

The biggest challenge for me is when you go to someone’s home and have to park on the street. I prefer parking in a place like my apartment complex, where there is a big parking lot and you don’t have to worry about the snow. But I’ve never have any problems with the families whatsoever; everyone has been absolutely fantastic.

Share a memorable moment from your time as a Senior Companion.

I used to visit this lady in my building on Wednesdays, and I always ate lunch with her. I took my lunch, and she always had a Banquet dinner. Every time I came, she’d say, “You’d better be careful, or I’m going to steal your sandwich!” So, I asked her if she would like a sandwich, and she said she would love one. I went into my apartment and made one, and from that Wednesday onward I took her something. We had pizza, Texas wieners, all sorts of things. I’d walk in and she’d say, “Let’s see what you’ve got today!” I let someone know in the building and they said they could prepare something, but I said, “No, let me do this.” It was a pleasure. I also went with her to her doctors’ appointments on the blue bus. It was a challenge, but she was a sweetheart. She didn’t mingle with a lot of people, and they said I kind of opened her up a little bit. She has since passed, but it was such a blessing to see her joy.

How has your past (personally and professionally) influenced the work you do as a Senior Companion?

I was raised on a farm in the country. We were really poor—I was one of eight—but I never realized it because we had love. We always had family dinners and reunions and happy times, and we were taught to live that way: to love everyone, to share, and to do things for others. I spent 43 years driving a school bus and loved connecting with people there. I was also very active in the Hollisterville Baptist Church and sang in the choir. I guess I have always enjoyed being around people. And most importantly, God has been great to me; He has given me everything I have and the strength to do everything I have been able to do.

What led you to Northeastern PA?

I grew up out in Hollisterville, PA, which is actually my family town. I lived there for over 50 years. When I retired and needed an affordable place to live, I came to Amos Towers in Scranton and then moved to Lutherwood, which is more in the country. When I moved from the country to the city, I made up my mind that I was going to be happy, and I’ve grown to love it here. A few months ago, I spent time with my daughter in South Canaan and thought that the country actually wasn’t for me anymore!

Tell us about your family.

I have two daughters and a son, five grandkids, seven great grandsons, and another one on the way. We don’t know yet if it’s a boy or girl. I’m very happy with my family and very pleased with what God has given me.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I love to sing! I have always enjoyed singing in the choir at church. I also love to drive. I drove to Connecticut with my brother to see our sister, and I have driven to Harrisburg by myself.

Have you remained in contact with clients during the COVID-19 outbreak?

I’ve stayed in touch with all of them. There are two in my building who I hear from and see almost every day. The others I call as well. It’s nice to hear from them, but it’s nicer when you can see them face-to-face. I’m looking forward to meeting in person again soon.

Would you encourage someone to volunteer with Telespond?

Anytime I meet someone who doesn’t know what to do with themselves, I tell them what I do with Telespond. To me, this is a fantastic program for anyone who is retired and has time on their hands. It gets you out of the apartment; even if you don’t drive, you can take the bus to visit people. I also think everyone needs that companionship, that time to sit and talk with other people and share your views—even if you’re just talking about the weather. Nancy and the other staff at Telespond are great; I always enjoy the monthly get-togethers with the other senior companions and look forward to resuming them in-person.

* Telespond’s Senior Companion program is free for residents of Lackawanna County.

The post Meet Dorothy Lutz, Senior Companion Volunteer appeared first on Senior Day Services | A Telespond Company .

Meet Warren Barlow, Senior Companion Volunteer

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 21:01:00 GMT

For over 15 years, Warren Barlow has been connecting with fellow seniors in the Lackawanna County area through Telespond’s Senior Companion Program . A northeastern Pennsylvania native, 79-year-old Warren says he enjoys meeting new people and hearing stories from those who have lived both near and far from home. Below, he shares how he first became involved with the Senior Companion Program and some of his most memorable moments as a volunteer.

When and why did you begin to volunteer with the companion program?

It was about 15 years ago or more. My wife suggested it because she thought I would do a good job with talking with older people. I saw something about it in the paper and decided to give it a try.

What is your favorite part about being a senior companion?

You meet a lot of good friends who have held a lot of different occupations, and you hear a lot of interesting stories. We talk, we play checkers, stuff like that. I have two clients currently, but once things get running again, I will probably be back up to visiting four or five. It keeps you busy!

What challenges have you encountered as a senior companion?

I haven’t encountered too many challenges. You go through training before you volunteer, and they walk you through pretty much everything you can expect. For many years, I also volunteered at the Gino Merli Veterans Center in Scranton, and one of the clients I worked with there was blind. Helping him, especially with things like describing where everything was on his plate, was really good training for helping people with all types of challenges through the Companion program.

Share a memorable moment from your time as a senior companion.

I often do jigsaw puzzles with clients since that’s something they really enjoy. And we talk a lot. I had one client who was a surgeon in the war, and my very first client used to drive a general around during World War II. I had one client with this little rat terrier who used to know whenever the mailman was coming. My client used to race him to get the mail, because otherwise the dog would tear everything to pieces! Like I said, you meet a lot of really interesting people.

How has your past (personally and professionally) influenced the work you do as a Senior Companion?

I was in the Reserves for six years, and that led me to volunteer at the Gino Merli Center for years along with volunteering for the Senior Companion program. I used to be the only volunteer in the veterans’ center after 4 o’clock, since I would volunteer with the Companion program in the morning and then head over to the Center in the afternoon. I’ve also always just enjoyed talking with older people and hearing interesting stories.

What led you to Northeastern PA?

I grew up in Avoca and I now live in Taylor. I’m retired after working for many years at Thompson Electronics in Dunmore.

Tell us about your family.

My parents lived in Avoca forever. My parents, my brother and I used to go out all the time and spend time together as a family. My wife passed away three years ago, and I have two sons, one grandson, two granddaughters, and one great granddaughter. Most of them live around here, but one granddaughter lives in North Dakota.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

My grandson got me into professional wrestling. There’s an organization in Archbald which has training and matches, and I like going with him to watch the matches. He used to know all of the wrestlers and got to go behind the scenes. Of course, he knows much more about it all than I do—you ask him anything about wrestling and he’ll have the answer! I enjoy going with him.

Have you stayed connected with clients during the COVID-19 outbreak?

Oh, yes, I have been calling them. One person often calls me and asks when I’m coming back. I’ve been staying occupied around the house, going outside when it’s nice out and cleaning inside when it’s not, but I’m looking forward to getting back into the program.

Why would you encourage someone to volunteer with Telespond?

You meet very interesting people, and most of them are very nice. A lot of people are also short on cash right now, and you get a small stipend through the Companion program. I use the program to keep busy, and it also helps pay the bills.

The post Meet Warren Barlow, Senior Companion Volunteer appeared first on Senior Day Services | A Telespond Company .