Summit couple named SAGE 2019 ‘Sweethearts of the Year’ – NJ.com

SAGE Eldercare has named Pam and Richard Hefter of Summit “Sweethearts of the Year” for 2019.

Richard, originally from Queens, New York, and Pam a native grew up in Great Notch, met in 1974 when they worked as computer programmers at Met Life in Manhattan. The couple married in 1980 and moved to Summit the following year. They have two children; a son, who is currently living in Poland and a daughter, who resides in Manhattan.

When Richard retired five years ago he wanted to do something meaningful with his newfound free time. A friend in Washington, D.C., had been delivering Meals on Wheels for years and told Richard how rewarding it was. So, Richard contacted SAGE and has been a volunteer with Meals on Wheels and the SAGE Grocery and Errand Service ever since.

Pam volunteers at SAGE’s front desk and occasionally accompanies Richard when he delivers meals. Assisting her late parents, who lived on Cape Cod, Masssachusetts, negotiate medical care was one of the reasons the two sought out SAGE. “The experience of helping my parents taught us a lot about what happens when you get older and don’t want to leave your home,” Pam said.

“A lot of people are quick to write off the elderly,” said Richard, adding that he and Pam have met such wonderful, interesting people since they began volunteering, including a former top chemist for Polaroid and an intervention radiologist who helped Pam find a specialist when she was in need of one. They’ve also cooked dinners for clients, repaired electronics and run errands when needed, among other things.

“People like Rich and Pam exemplify why Meals on Wheels is so much more than a meal delivery service,” said Marianne Kranz, SAGE’s director of volunteers. “Our volunteers take clients nutritious meals, but they also make sure they are safe each day and visit for that much-needed human connection.”

Richard said he is always the last to return to SAGE on the days he volunteers because he spends extra time visiting with clients. For many this is their only contact all day. “These people have lived full lives and have amazing stories to tell,” he said. “This has been a learning experience.”

Founded in 1954, SAGE Eldercare provides programs and services to meet the changing needs of older adults, their families, and caregivers throughout Union, Essex, Morris, and Somerset counties. For more information, call 908-273-5550 or visit www.sageeldercare.org.