For three years, Valerie Camillo — Philadelphia Flyers president of operations — and Harvey Ballen — 94-year-old resident of a North Wales senior living facility — forged an unlikely friendship. But it wasn’t until recently that they met in person. Asha Prihar reported the unusual bond for Billy Penn.

Camillo and Ballen connected virtually, through an online pen-pal arrangement established by his residence, the Horsham Center for Jewish Life.

Staff there sought a way to keep residents engaged when the pandemic blocked onsite visitors.

The “Flyers Phone-Linemates” program asked Comcast Spectacor employees to connect regularly with the seniors by ZOOM or phone.

Camillo and Ballen were paired, and a deep friendship resulted.

“Harvey was one of the number one things in my life that I count as a blessing from that time,” Camillo said. She called Ballen an “… unexpected friend at an unexpected time in an unexpected place.”

Ballen was equally as pleased. “I felt that I had really almost a family member — not a family friend, but a family member,” he said.

At last, they were able to meet 1:1; the Montgomery County gathering included plenty of Flyers swag for all.

A more in-depth account of the amity between sports executive Valerie Camillo and senior Harvey Ballen is at Billy Penn.

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CBS Evening News report on COVID-19 pen pals.