Wayne County highlights contributions, value of seniors during May

Peter Becker, Tri-County Independent
·4 min read

Senior citizens have built our quality of life, Brian Smith, who chairs the Wayne County board of commissioners said, when proclaiming May 2023 as Older Americans Month.

Mary Ursich, Director of the Wayne County Area Agency on Aging (AAA), came with AAA staff, Advisory Board volunteers and community members― including Frances Lloyd, age 103.

Lloyd has served many years at the Hawley Senior Center.

The 2023 theme for Older Americans, a national observance led by the Administration for Community Living, is "Aging Unbound."

Ulrich said that means, "We're all trying to change the ways that we think about the aging population.” She said AAA's staff, Advisory Council, and seniors work as a team.

Leigh Washington of the AAA said the theme is meant to discuss diverse aging experiences and combating stereotypes.

May 2023 has been proclaimed as Older Americans Month in Wayne County. Marking the occasion May 4 with the county commissioners were Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Advisory Council members (marked with an asterisk-*) and community members. From left, seated are: AAA staff Leigh Washington, (Director) Mary Ursich, and Joanne Hooey; and community member Frances Lloyd a long-time volunteer at the Hawley Senior Center, who is 103 years old. Standing: Commissioner Brian Smith, AAA staffer Cassie Brink, Victoria Bickel, Carol Barrett*, Nancy Sasso*, Sally Burgin*, AAA staffer Russell Schemitz (in back), Jean Theobald, Virginia Toy, Anita Robertson, Kim Ericson, Ron Lewis, Commissioner James Shook (in back), Kim Stinnard and Commissioner Jocelyn Cramer.

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'Late bloomers'

Joanne Hooey, of AAA, said in keeping with the theme they wish to focus on the "late bloomers" in the country. She said the Aging Office will be highlighting the lives of four prominent Americans:

  • Anna Mary Robertson, best known as Grandma Moses, began painting when she was 78. At the end of her painting career, she had completed approximately 1,500 paintings.

  • John Glenn, the astronaut, and senator from Ohio, completed his second space journey of nine days at the age of 77.

  • Harland Colonel Sanders, at 77, turned his fried chicken recipe into a franchise success as Kentucky Fried Chicken.

  • Laura Ingalls Wilder published her first novel at the age of 65 which later inspired the beloved TV series "Little House on the Prairie."

Ulrich commented: "Life is only just getting better and better. We're all living healthier, longer lives.

Value of seniors

"Older Americans are something we will always look up to and cherish," Commissioner Smith said, "and I feel it is our responsibility to help watch after them because of the life we have experienced. The quality of life that we have has been built by our seniors."

The Pennsylvania Lottery, PennDOT as well as some federal money covers many of the services provided for seniors, Smith said. He added they are always glad to see participation at the senior centers, which has been increasing since the COVID-19. Pandemic.

Commissioner Jocelyn Cramer commended the work of Wayne County AAA, noting how essential it is providing connections for seniors and keeping them engaged.

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), chaired by county solicitor Wendell Kay, serves Wayne, Pike and Berks County, Kay noted. An AmeriCorps/Seniors RSVP program is also available in Monroe County.

"The impact of volunteers on our community really is immeasurable," Kay stated. The commissioners take note of the "dollar value" senior volunteers give to the community, but there is so much more, he said.

"You have in fact been an example to following generations… I have seen where people grow into aging and can see how fulfilling their lives can be especially if they find a way to help others," Kay observed. Speaking to the seniors, Kay added, "You may not realize it, but we have been watching you and learning from you."

RSVP seeks to create enriching volunteer opportunities for people ages 55 and older, while meeting community needs.

Commissioner James Shook said as much they speak of the children as our future, our past must not be forgotten. He said after all these years he still goes to his father for advice, adding humorously, "his answers have changed to the point where, whenever I ask him a question, it's like, 'No matter what you do now, it's not going to affect me anymore.'"

Wayne County, with an estimated population of 51,173, is home to over 18,400 citizens who are age 60 and older (about 36% of the county).

The proclamation notes that Wayne County AAA offers programs that support older adults, caregivers, and victims of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment.

Wayne County's senior centers

Head to Honesdale, Hawley and Hamlin Senior Centers on Wednesday, May 17 for "Free Day." While meals are always available for a voluntary donation, AAA is inviting anyone new to the center, age 60 and over to come and have lunch for free. Lunch reservations are requested.

The centers will be hosting a talent show for any talent one may have, such as baking, sewing, poetry, singing or visual arts, etc.

"Just come showcase your talents," Washington said.

  • Earl J. Simons Senior Center, 323-10th St., Honesdale (call 570-253-4262)

  • Robert J. Drake Senior Community Center 337A Park Place, Hawley (570-226-4209)

  • Hamlin Senior Center, 15 Township Building Road, Route 590, Hamlin (570-689-3766)

  • Northern Wayne/Lakewood Satellite Center, Northern Wayne Fire Co., 1663 Crosstown Highway, Lakewood (phone 570-253-5540).

AAA in the Poconos

  • For more about Wayne County AAA and the services it provides, visit waynecountypa.gov or call 570-253-4262. To learn about RSVP, visit: waynecountypa.gov/173/Volunteer-Program

  • For more about Pike County AAA and the services it provides, visit bit.ly/3LINwd4 or call 570-775-5550.

  • For more about Monroe County AAA and the services it provides, visit bit.ly/42ekpp1 or call 570-420-3735.

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Wayne County highlights value of seniors during Older Americans Month