Last week marked a giant step toward normalcy for many seniors as the LIFE Geisinger day center in Lewistown, and other facilities across northeastern Pennsylvania, reopened for social and recreational activities.  More than one year ago, the COVID pandemic put a pause on activities, preventing participants from enjoying the social perks offered by the program.   Now that most LIFE Geisinger staff and participants are fully vaccinated, it is once again deemed safe for seniors to take part in the various social activities that enhance their quality of life. 

Perry County may be awarded a $500,000 housing rehabilitation grant later this year.  County residents are encouraged to apply now to get on the waiting list to receive no-cost home repairs. Applicants must reside within Perry County to receive the assistance. Homeowners may be eligible to receive up to $65,000 in home improvements.  Homeowners can join the SEDA-COG wait list by calling 800-326-9310.  For more information, contact Liz Herman at 570-522-7217 or eherman@seda-cog.org.

The state Senate has approved a resolution honoring cancer survivors by designating June 2021 as Cancer Survivors Recognition Month.  Senate Resolution 131, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman (R-Bellefonte), not only recognizes the difficulty of living through cancer, but also life after cancer.  The American Cancer Society estimates that there are more than 16.9 million cancer survivors in the U.S., and one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.  As of 2016, Pennsylvania was estimated to have more than 711,000 (711,240) cancer survivors.  The measure was originally championed by the late Senator Dave Arnold (R-Lebanon), who passed away in January following a battle with brain cancer.