Governor Rendell Proclaims Sept. 12-18 'Senior Community Center Week'

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell recently proclaimed Sept. 12-18 as "Senior Community Center Week" in Pennsylvania to salute the varied and valued services that centers provide for older residents.  

"More than 600 senior centers provide a haven where our older citizens can enjoy nutritious meals, learn crafts and healthy life skills, and participate in other social activities to enhance their quality of life," Governor Rendell said. "Nearly 200,000 seniors each year go to centers for conversation and companionship which keep them active and interested in life."  

With 2.5 million people over 60, Pennsylvania is third in the nation in its percentage of seniors, behind Florida and West Virginia. Each year, more than 83,000 people are served 4.3 million healthy meals at senior centers as the commonwealth continues to provide meaningful programs for older Pennsylvanians.  

To find a senior center near you, visit www.paseniorcenters.org or www.aging.state.pa.us  or call 717-783-1549.

Media Contacts:

Jane Crawford, Aging; 717-783-1549

Mia DeVane, Governor's Office; 717-783-1116

EDITOR'S NOTE: The text of Governor Rendell's proclamation follows:

SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER WEEK

SEPTEMBER 12-18, 2010

"SENIOR CENTERS – YOUR PLACE TO CONNECT"

WHEREAS, More than 600 Senior Community Centers provide many activities, programs and services in every county across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Senior Community Centers are a visible symbol of Pennsylvania's ongoing support for the independence and integration of older persons in their communities; and

WHEREAS, Senior Community Centers provide opportunities for seniors to stay active and healthy, continue learning, share experiences, get nutritious meals and stay connected with friends and community members; and

WHEREAS, Senior Community Centers can help older persons enhance their dignity, support their independence, and encourage their involvement in their communities; and

WHEREAS, more than 79,000 eligible persons eat nutritious meals at these Centers and more than 4,000,000 meals are served at these Centers annually, keeping older Pennsylvanians healthy and socially involved; and

WHEREAS, Senior Community Centers continue to meet the challenges of the changing face of aging, particularly with the baby boomer generation; and

WHEREAS, the National Institute for Senior Centers is celebrating a national senior center month in September with the theme "Senior Centers – Your Place to Connect"

THEREFORE, I, Edward G. Rendell, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim September 12-18, 2010 SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER WEEK and encourage all Pennsylvanians to recognize the important role Senior Community Centers play in the lives of older Pennsylvanians.  

GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, on this eleventh day of August in the year of our Lord two thousand and ten, and of the Commonwealth the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

EDWARD G. RENDELL

Governor

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor