Zrinski: NorCo Budget Shortchanges Retirees and Gracedale - State Budget Shortchanges Seniors

I told you that NorCo Exec Tara Zrinski was a big hit at the recent retirees' luncheon. She talked about it during her report to County Council at last night's meeting. What's more, she spoke about how recent county budgets have shortchanged both retirees and Gracedale, She added that the state budget is having an increasingly adverse impact on seniors. 

Here's the bad news for retirees: "Retirees are very concerned that a contribution was not budgeted, in part of 2025, falling behind by $4 million in all of 2026, neglecting a payment of $11.6 million. Each year, in October, we receive a recommendation from our actuaries called the actuarily determined contribution. Or ADC. Now, that doesn't mean we're $16 million at a deficit. If we make the ADC this year, we believe we'll be back on track. We are currently at a 90% funded rate. Thank you to the fine investment by PFM that they have made on behalf of our county and our retirees. But we know that the sum that we are going to have to contribute is several million dollars, and that was not in the 2026 budget. Thus, when we say the 2026 budget is working as it was designed, we are saying it was designed to not fund the pension in 2026. That trend cannot and will not continue."

The actuarily determined contribution for the pension fund in 2025 was $12.8 million, but the Lamont McClure administration only kicked in $8.2 million. In 2026, the actuarily determined contribution was $11.6 million, but McClure's budget opted to pay nothing. 

The county also maintains a retiree healthcare fund to cover the medical expenses of retirees entitled to them. In 2025, the actuarily determined contribution for this fund was $2.6 million. McClure shortchanged it by a million. In 2026, the actuarily determined contribution for retiree healthcare was $2.2 million. McClure paid nothing.

Here's the bad news about Gracedale, which already received a $7 million county contribution this year to fill in last year's deficit: "[T]here will be some county contribution to Gradceale. That will most likely be several million dollars that was also not budgeted in the 2026 budget."

Say what? When former Exec Lamont McClure proposed the 2026 budget from Gracedale's chapel, he stated that Gracedale would need no county contribution. The Administrator, Michelle Morton, told County Council her budget was balanced. Both of these statements are apparently untrue. 

Finally, there's bad news for seniors. Zrinski has previously said the Area Agency of Aging was getting shortchanged $400,000 this year, which has resulted in the closure of two senior centers. But last night, she warned of more cuts. "[T]he state has informed us that in our 2027 budget allocation, the area agency on aging should be, the allocation should be estimated at the 2018 2019 levels." She would like to continue offering the same services to seniors as they currently receive. "I would like to offer more services, or at least the ones that we're currently offering to seniors at the level that our seniors need to maintain their health, their quality of life, and well being."

Zrinski went on to say that a 1991 County Council resolution prevents the county from paying more for  for human services beyond the match it receives from the state, and she suggested that be repealed. 

There's no need if it is only a resolution. A County Council binds neither the Executive nor future Councils. That would require an ordinance. 

I will have lots more about County Council and its committees next week. 

NorCo To Close Senior Centers in Lower Nazareth, Northampton Due to State Budget Shortfall

In March, NorCo Exec Tara Zrinski told County Council that the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) was facing a $400,000 state budget cut. This was certainly surprising since Governor Josh Shapiro's office had bragged that the passed budget would provide $10 million more in services to older Pennsylvanians. Instead, NorCo is going to have to close its senior centers in Lower Nazareth and Northampton.

Back in March, Zrinski explained that the state was no longer paying AAA for desk audits that determine whether someone is eligible for long-term care without a face-to-face visit. The revenue received from that service helped fund our senior centers.

In a news release you can read below, the county explains the closures.

In Northampton County, we are facing a nearly $400,000 reduction in our Area Agency on Aging (AAA) budget due to state budget cuts. As a result, the County will be required to consolidate the senior center network, and the Lower Nazareth Senior Center and the Northampton Senior Center will close as of June 30, 2026.

The reason for this funding gap is that the Commonwealth has eliminated a key revenue generating function previously available to county Agencies on Aging: aging well “desk reviews.” Desk reviews are review and comparisons of data from Functional Eligibility Determination assessments that Area Agency on Aging staff still complete to determine eligibility for long-term care services, in home or in a nursing facility. In 2025 alone, Northampton County’s AAA completed 1,440 of these reviews, generating $373,464 in revenue that directly supported services for local seniors. The loss of this function represents a loss of capacity that will force difficult decisions.

 

Executive Zrinski expressed her dismay at this immediate and significant funding gap—which she says arrives at the exact moment when state leaders are expressing concern about oversight, performance, and outcomes in elder protection.

 

“Across Northampton County, these centers are a lifeline for older adults, providing not only meals, but connection, wellness support, and a place to engage with their community and live vibrant, healthy lives,” said County Executive Tara Zrinski.

 

Northampton County’s AAA serves thousands of older adults each year. The professionals doing this work are navigating complex cases involving medical fragility, cognitive decline, isolation, and, at times, individuals who are unable or unwilling to accept help. These are not simple interventions, and outcomes are not always within an agency’s control.

 

“We must be honest about the broader system in which these agencies operate” said Zrinski. “When funding is reduced at the scale we are experiencing, the impact is not theoretical. It means fewer home visits, slower response times, reduced oversight, and fewer opportunities to intervene before situations escalate. It means a system that is being asked to do more with less—something that is true not only in Northampton County, but across many aging agencies in Pennsylvania.”

For seniors now attending the Lower Nazareth Senior Center and the Northampton Senior Center, the County will make accommodations to help them attend a neighboring Senior Center.

NorCo Honors Its Outstanding Seniors

Twelve seniors and one community group were honored yesterday by NorCo's Area Agency on Aging. I nominated myself several times, as I did last year, but was snubbed again. Now nothing less than the Presidential Medal of Freedom will do. Anyway, here are this year's outstanding seniors: 

• Barbara Abel (Nazareth) – Intergenerational Outstanding Senior Award recipient, for sharing her musical talents with Morningstar Living residents and inspiring youth through music.
• Marvin Boyer (Palmer Township) – For his enduring leadership in civil rights, criminal justice reform, and community advocacy.
• Mary Detrick (Pen Argyl) – For her exceptional volunteer work addressing food insecurity, elder support, and shelter needs.
• Curt Ehly (Easton) – For his tireless contributions to community revitalization, especially as emcee of the Easton Farmers Market.
• James & Eileen Glancy (Upper Nazareth Township) – For their compassionate and consistent service with Meals on Wheels and personal outreach to those in need.
• Happy Hookers, Knit Wits, and Sew ‘n’ Sews Group (Forks Township) – Outstanding Community Group recipient, for crafting essential items that support local seniors, children with special needs, the homeless, and animal shelters.
• Charles Mallon (Nazareth Borough) – For his 21 years of service at the Nazareth Senior Center and dedication to Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity.
• James Marsh (Palmer Township) – For decades of leadership at Bethel Memorial Baptist Church and involvement with the VA and community nonprofits.
• Gerald E. Seyfried (Lower Nazareth) – For a lifetime of public service, from County Executive to founder of the Parks 2000 initiative.
• Maryann Umble (Bethlehem) – For her steadfast support of faith-based outreach, emergency shelter services, and community coordination.
• Charles Wacik (Easton) – For his extensive record of volunteerism in local government, youth sports, church activities, and public safety.
• Linda Weiss (Bethlehem) – For her lifelong dedication to children’s education and her ongoing volunteer work with Cops ‘n Kids, Meals on Wheels, and more.

I think all they got was a plaque and a free lunch that most of them are unable to eat. I'd want $1 million dollars.

Emergency Fuel Assistance For Low-Income Seniors

From Northampton County: The Northampton County Area Agency on Aging will begin its Emergency Fuel Assistance Program on November 1, 2023. This program is for once-a-season fuel assistance of $780.

 

In order to be eligible, an individual needs to be 60 years of age or older, reside in Northampton County, and have already applied for and received or been denied Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits. Their fuel tank needs to be at 1/4 full or less. For assistance with gas or electric heat, a shut-off notice is required.

 

To apply, contact the Northampton County Information & Referral Emergency Services 610-559-3270 or 610-829-4800.

 

When a referral is received, a Northampton County Area Agency on Aging staff member will schedule a home visit to determine eligibility.

Fuel Assistance Available to NorCo Seniors

Exec Lamont McClure and the Northampton County Area Agency on Aging will begin the Emergency Fuel Assistance Program on Nov 1. This program is for once-a-season fuel assistance of $380.

“Last winter was brutal, especially for people who had to struggle to pay the costs of heating their homes,” says Lamont McClure. “I would encourage any eligible senior to sign up for the Emergency Fuel Assistance Program. No one should be without heat when the weather turns
bad.”

In order to be eligible, an individual needs to be 60 years of age or older, reside in Northampton County, and have already applied for and received or been denied Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits. Their fuel tank needs to be at 1/8 full or
less and, for non-oil heat, the individual must have received a shut-off notice.

Referrals can be called in to Northampton County Information & Referral 610-559-3270.

When a referral is received, a Northampton County Area Agency on Aging Caremanager will contact the individual to determine eligibility.

Tales of a Meals on Wheels Driver

Dale Sourbeck

When he was sworn in on Tuesday as Northampton County Executive, Lamont McClure made clear in a very brief address what bothers him most- children and elderly people who are at risk. He has good reason. Just two weeks before he assumed office, Pennsylvania's Department of Aging gave Northampton County a failing grade for its response to elder abuse complaints. One investigator was saddled with a caseload three times the state mandated limit.

Unfortunately, our elderly really are at risk,and that  point was brought home at last night's County Council meeting by Dale Sourbeck. He is a volunteer with Meals on Wheels, and delivers every day. In fact, he heps train new volunteer drivers.

In addition to providing 500,000 meals a year, Sourbeck said he can check in on people and make sure everything is OK. On four occasions over the past six years, he found his clients lying on the floor, unable to get up. On two occasions, these people had fallen and and just laid there the entire weekend, unattended. in one instance, a person was unconscious. In another, a woman had passed away.

In addition to finding people in physical distress, there have been instances in which clients have complained that relatives are stealing money. He has made referrals in those instances. 

As baby boomers reach retirement age, you might think meals and wheels is well-funded. But in 2017, there were 23 million fewer meals served than in 2005.

Dep't of Aging Listens to LV Seniors

Teresa Osborne

On April 5, at the Steelworkers' Hall in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Teresa Osborne conducted the third of seven "listening" forums planned across the state to gather ideas for the 2016-20 State Plan on Aging. About 30 people attended this discussion, and the big surprise was about just how little older Pennsylvanians know about what services are available to them.

Established in 1979, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging advocates for the needs of 2.9 million state residents over the age of 60. through 52 Area Agencies on Aging. By the year 2020, that population is expected to reach nearly 3.5 million. Most of the Department of Aging's funding - 78% - comes from the state lottery. Its annual budget is $800 million, and includes a wide variety of programs, far more than the home-delivered meals.

The APPRISE program received high marks from local seniors. APPRISE uses trained volunteers and staff to help answer questions about Medicare, Medicaid and other health insurance benefits.

Aside from a high tax bill, the problem that bothers Lehigh Valley seniors the most is transportation to and from doctor's offices. Though transit and para transit is free, those who use public transportation are often late for doctors' visits. They are forced to reschedule, and then have to wait for an hour or more for a ride home. "Receptionists are well-trained to say No," complained one senior. A Bangor woman told about four-hour trips from Bangor to Allentown, and a para transit driver who left her stranded.

Senior Hotlines

Lehigh County Office of Aging - (610)-782-3034
Northampton County Area Agency on Aging - (800)-322-9269
Senior Abuse - (800)-490-8505
SeniorLaw Helpline - (877)-727-7529
Nursing Home Complaints - (800)-254-5164
Alzheimer's Helpline - (800)-272-3900
APPRISE - (800)-783-7067

NorCo DA Announces Task Force to Prevent Elder Abuse

Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli is taking aim at those who prey on our senior citizens. Former bank President Richard Freer, a financial predator, recently pleaded guilty to squandering the life savings of many elderly clients who trusted him. But this extends to family members, too, who often steal from and physically abuse older relatives. In addition, our elderly are often targeted by scam artists. After meeting with the Department of Aging Director John Mehler, the DA has decided to establish an Elder Abuse Task Force.

Explaining his motives, Morganelli repeated Hubert Humphrey's often quoted moral test of government, stating government is judged not just by how it treats those in the dawn of life, but those who are in their twilight as well as those who are in the shadows.

Morganelli has established a child sexual assault division and court school to help those in the dawn of life. His recently announced Mental Health Court should provide relief for some of those in the shadows. Now he proposes that we pay closer attention to elderly crime victims. His hope is that an Elder Abuse Task Force will prevent those crimes from happening.

Morganelli is no fan of establishing a task force just for the sake of having one, he stated, but believes an elder abuse task force would educate the public, seniors and law enforcement. He said it will be a small group wuth the following goals:

• Education. - Bankers and health care providers should be trained to recognize signs of exploitation, like a dwindling bank account. He believes local television, radio and social media should be used to disseminate information to the public. 
• Link Elderly Service Providers With Law Enforcement. - "More communication will result in less victimization," Morganelli explains. 

There are currently about 20 different task forces in the state. Some operate as nonprofits, while others are under the direct control of the District Attorney.

Originally published at 2:48 pm in outline form.  

The Lehigh Valley Gatekeepers

From the Bethlehem Area Public Library (edited): The Lehigh Valley Gatekeepers Program is a collective community approach to connecting at-risk older adults to appropriate services to keep them living safely and independently. Many vulnerable seniors live alone or have little or no contact with others, particularly people in social services. Often their increasing need for assistance with daily activities can go unnoticed. Gatekeepers are non-traditional referral sources who come into contact with seniors through their work and are trained:
•to recognize warning signs and red flags that indicate a senior may need some help or support
•to understand the protocol for obtaining information for reporting
•to report their concerns to the Gatekeeper Program

A United Way-sponsored training for library staff about the Gatekeepers Program (identifying at-risk seniors) is being held at the Bethlehem Area Public Library on September 25. There are two sessions -- one at 2pm and one 3pm. Please contact Josh Berk (610-867-3761 x215) or Amy Angelo (email), Trainer Coordinator for the Gatekeepers Program, to reserve a spot. Be sure to let me know which time you plan to attend.

This free training is open to all libraries in Northampton and Lehigh Counties, and to concerned business owners and community members. Once completed, you will be given a Gatekeeper ID# and be qualified to make referrals to the Agency on Aging. Any and all library staff are welcome to attend.

They'll never take me alive!!

NorCo Democrats Unite Behind Senior Job Fairs

John Callahan proposes return to Senior Fairs

Yesterday, one of my readers contacted me about a long-time friend of his, a veteran who needs help with mental health issues. I told him to call the County's Human Services, but don't really know what Department is best. Today, another friend told me about an 86 year old organist at his church. She has no family and no income aside from the $5,500 she gets from her church every year. She never even applied for social security. Once again, I know she needs help, but don't know exactly where.

These are the people who can be helped by a return to something Northampton County used to do in years past - Senior Fair Expos. Today, that's exactly what Northampton County Executive candidate John Callahan proposed. He did so standing outside Gracedale Nursing Home, the very place from which he launched his campaign on a cold Winter day. This time, he was joined by the entire slate of Democratic County Council candidates.He was introduced by a Dean of Northampton County Democrats, former State Rep. and NorCo Council member Rich Grucela. Incumbent Council member Bob Werner, who was at Gracedale on County business, joined Callahan. Even AFSCME union boss Justus James, who supported a Callahan opponent in the primary, was there.

Council candidates Ron Heckman and Jerry Seyfried

The second-term Bethlehem Mayor believes in a government that delivers "essential services at higher quality and greater efficiency." Noting that seniors rely on county government for protection from elder abuse, prescription drugs and the increasing confusion about health care. And he reasoned that since many seniors are reluctant to use the Internet, these senior fairs are a good way to make people aware of the resources available to help them.

"It's also a chance for us to learn from them," observed Callahan, noting that the information exchange is a two-way street.

Council candidates Christen Borso, Tom O'Donnell and Deb Hunter

He plans to have these fairs at least once every year, and in different areas of the County. He will plan to have all levels of government - local, state and federal - available to help seniors. He will invite local hospitals, assisted living centers and nursing homes to be sponsors in order to defray cost. He even discussed the possibility of using campaign funds if that is considered a legal use.

When they opened the floor up for questions, I had one.

"Do you have any credentials? asked Callahan.

"None at all," I answered.

Then Council candidate Jerry Seyfried had a question for me.

"As an outsider, what do you think of the human race, Bernie?"

These are the people I support.

Bob Werner, Ron Heckman, Jerry Seyfried, John Callahan, Rich Grucela, Christen Borso, Tom O'Donnell, Deb Hunter

NorCo Dems Propose Senior Citizen Expos

On Thursday, NorCo County Exec candidate John Callahan and the entire Democratic slate for County Council – Cheryl Borso, Ron Heckman, Deb Hunter, Tom O'Donnell, and Jerry Seyfried – will appear alongside former State Representative Rich Grucela at Gracedale Nursing Home to announce their "Renewing Our Commitment to Northampton County Seniors" initiative.

They will announce their intention to introduce Senior Citizen Expos, informative sessions to educate Northampton County seniors on the various services available to them through the Human Services Department. These expos will take place at least once a year at different venues around the County.

"One of the reasons I'm running for Northampton County Executive is because I know we can do a better job providing essential services to our Senior Citizens," said Callahan, who is also Bethlehem's Mayor. "With the guidance of my friends running for County Council, I am proud to announce that under my administration, we will renew Northampton County's commitment to our Senior Citizens."

Candidates are supposed to be available for questions after the announcement. If you have any, post them below, and i will ask as many of them as they allow.

Are Bethlehem Township's 3,000 Seniors Being Ignored?

Are Bethlehem Township's 3,000 seniors being ignored? That's what Janice Whitesell thinks, and that's what she told Commissioners at their December 6 meeting. She noted that the Township recently spent $750,000 for new soccer fields while the seniors' Autumn club gets two hours per week at the Community Center, and only during the Winter. "It seems a bit unbalanced, wouldn't you say?" she asked. She presented a petition signed by seventy elderly residents, whom she called "low man on the totem pole."

"Do you have anything specific you're looking for right now?" asked President Arthur Murphy. He later told her, "You have to come and relay exactly what you're losing out on."

Actually, during their October 18 meeting, Whitesell had specifically asked Commissioners to establish a senior center, possibly at the Housenick estate. Commissioners were also told in a 2006 meeting that they emphasize youth and sports over senior programs, and were asked at that time to establish a senior center. Every current Commissioner, including President Murphy, was on the Board at that time.

Murphy told Whitesell that there are 25,000 residents in Bethlehem Township and "we try to do our best to allocate everything, but we are in a tight budget." He reminded her there will be no tax increase next year. "Everything is staying the same, and that can't be said for a lot of communities."

Commissioner Michael Hudak acknowledged there is a problem for seniors. "Last time I was at the Community Center, it was overflowing," he remembered.

In other news, Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution honoring George Boksan for thirty years of service in the Township police department. Boksan retired n October, and is currently directing campus police at his Alma Mater, Moravian College. In May, Bokson was honored by the Northampton County Police Chiefs Association with their annual Nathan Ogden award.

Lehigh County to Honor 13 Old Farts

Dean Browning, who chairs Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners, really hates Pip the Mouse. "It's those beady little eyes," he tells me. Every year, he tries to cut off Pip's funding at the Liberty Bell shrine, but like Mighty Mouse, Pip has always found a way to come out on top. Pip gets downright nasty about it, too. Dean's been plagued by little mouse droppings on his commissioner's throne as well as anonymous prank calls from someone in a high, squeaky voice, asking him, "Is your refrigerator running?" Dean has responded with mouse traps all over his house, but is still occasionally victimized by little car bombs that go off whenever he starts his engine. They usually just go Pfffft from their little matchbox, but he's tired of it.

Well, guess who Lehigh County is honoring this month? Seventy-six year-old Elaine Charron, who acts as Pip the Mouse at Allentown’s Liberty Bell Shrine Museum, will be awarded a wheel of aged, Gouda cheese.

She's just one of 13 old farts and two groups to be honored by Lehigh County's Office of Aging and Adult Services on on Wednesday, May 19 at 1 p.m. in the Public Hearing Room of the Lehigh County Government Center at 17 S. 7th St., Allentown. It's called the 10th annual “Tribute to the Unsung Heroes”

Another honoree is 105-year-old Eva Reidelbach. She established “Krazy Kids,” a group of seniors that sing, dance and play instruments in nursing homes throughout the Lehigh Valley. She'll be getting tickets to the next Busta Ryhmes concert. Anyone who lives 105 years should see Busta Rhymes.

Since 1963, May has been designated as a special month to honor older Americans. But this tribute should have been the day before the election.

The Office of Aging and Adult Services advocates for Lehigh County residents and provides a wide range of services and information to help older adults remain healthy, active, independent and productive members of their community.

Brennan, Samuelson to Host Senior Fair This Friday

Ironically, it's at a youth center. State Reps. Steve Samuelson and Joe Brennan, both D-Lehigh/Northampton, will host their annual Senior Fair this Friday from 9 AM to noon at Allentown's East Side Youth Center (1140 E. Clair St., Allentown, PA).

It's a free event and will feature more than 40 vendors, as well as free health screenings, representatives from local and state health agencies, complimentary refreshments and door prizes.

Last year, I got a case of Depends.

Want more information? Samuelson’s constituent service office is at 610-867-3890, and Brennan’s constituent service offices are at 610-882-1510 (Bethlehem) and 610-266-1470 (Catasauqua).