Commissioners proclaim 'Senior Community Center Appreciation Week'; local center leaders thank county

Mifflin County commissioners on July 15 issued a proclamation honoring senior community centers and designating a week for appreciation.

Commissioner Fowkes read a proclamation noting senior centers “serve as vital community hubs” that promote health, lifelong learning and social engagement. The proclamation recognized staff and volunteers and encouraged residents to visit and support local senior centers.

Samantha Slaughterback, executive director of Midland Junior Regional Services Corporation, thanked the commissioners on behalf of her organization and said the proclamation “is not just a recognition of our organization, it’s a celebration of our seniors, our staff, our volunteers, and our community partners.” Beth Harlan, the county senior community supervisor, described locations and services: the county operates centers in Lewistown and Millwood; there are two centers in Juniata County (Four Seasons and McAllisterville). Harlan said centers offer monthly program calendars that include exercise classes, evidence-based health programs, entertainment, and weekday lunch service (daily lunch served at 11:30 with a suggested $1 donation).

Harlan said transportation is available; members are typically dropped off about 9 a.m. and leave in the early afternoon after programs and lunch. Center managers named in the discussion included Jen and Deb, and Harlan thanked them for their work.

The proclamation passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: commissioners formally recognized the role of senior community centers in preventing social isolation and providing services to older residents. The presentation gave county residents and stakeholders a brief overview of programs, hours and transportation supports.

What happens next: centers continue regular programming and meal services; no additional county action was recorded in the transcript.