By Michael Boriero
The OPALS, a Lennoxville and District Community Aid activity group for elderly women to socialize and exercise, met in person for the third time since the start of the pandemic Thursday at Centennial Park.
Leigh Hortop, responsible for services at Community Aid, said the group needed to make dramatic adjustments due to COVID-19. Before the pandemic, they would all meet in person for afternoon exercises, coffee, board games, and guest presenters.
But for the past year-and-a-half, they have been forced to use online platforms, like Zoom, to see each other. Hortop wears many hats. She facilitates the men’s group and the OPALS. She runs support groups, one-on-one meetings, and coordinates volunteers.
