Molly PavlovichOn Thursday, September 28, several members of the Bipartisan Caucus toured the Messiah Lifeways at Messiah Village campus to learn more about the continuing care retirement community (CCRC), engaged in non-partisan dialogue with residents, and played games of pickleball against the Messiah Village Pickleball (MVP) Team.
Resident Larry Vittone, guided the politicians through a brief demonstration of the game before kicking off the competition. Scores were kept by each court, and while both residents and politicians showcased their best skills and agility, Rep. Patty Kim was happy to admit defeat against the spry seniors.
“It was exciting to meet representatives on the court and spark the pickleball game bug in some who haven’t really played before. It was clear to me that their political views were put aside when they stepped on the court. It was all about the game,” Vittone said. “I’m also thankful for their overall consideration of seniors, our lifestyle, and our health, as pickleball is just one way we enjoy staying active and healthy.”
The visit and pickleball game stemmed from initial outreach from Rep. Patty Kim, which then spread into interest from other representatives, and Messiah Lifeways’ President and CEO Karl Brummer is grateful for opportunities like this that allow elected officials to learn more about our community, CCRCs, and trends within the senior living industry.
“We believe that the more educated our elected officials are about the industry, the more they can help advocate for our community, residents, and the other groups of older adults we serve,” Brummer said.
Representatives in attendance included: Patty Kim, Sheryl Delozier, Justin Fleming, Jill Cooper, Jamie Flick, and John Schlegel. Individuals representing Upper Allen Township included: Kelly Palmer, Chad Krebs, and Eduardo Mera-Aguilar.
View pictures from the on-campus meet and greet and pickleball game, which took place at Winding Hill Park South in Upper Allen Township.
