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Wayne County declared an Age-Friendly Community; commissioners adopt proclamation
Summary
County leaders and local nonprofits pushed for an AARP designation and a countywide initiative to support older residents; commissioners adopted the proclamation unanimously on April 9, 2026.
Wayne County commissioners voted unanimously April 9 to adopt a proclamation designating the county an Age-Friendly Community and to begin pursuing an official AARP designation.
Representatives from local partners described how the designation would coordinate services for older residents. Mary Ursich of Wayne County’s Area Agency on Aging said she was “glad to be able to bring this designation to Wayne County, where almost one in three residents are over the age of 60.” Mike Castellano of the United Way of Lackawanna, Pike and Wayne Counties said the designation has worked successfully in nearby Lackawanna County and praised cross-organization collaboration.
Commissioner Brian W. Smith and Commissioner Jocelyn Cramer both welcomed the initiative, citing existing senior services including transportation and senior centers. Commissioner James Shook said he looks forward to the official AARP designation and “the improvements and resources this will provide for seniors.” The board approved the proclamation by unanimous motion.
The proclamation starts a county-led effort to pursue AARP recognition and to coordinate participating organizations — Wayne Tomorrow!, the Area Agency on Aging, The Cooperage Project, Growing Older Together, NeighborWorks and the United Way — in planning services and resources for older residents.
