Carbon County's Area Agency on Aging will get $1.3 million annually over the next five years to help provide services to area senior citizens.

On Thursday, the county commissioners voted to approve the Cooperative Block Grant Agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging for provisions of aging services between July 1 and June 30, 2021.The figures that Carbon will receive total $1,318,000 for each fiscal year to help support the various programs that the Area Agency on Aging provides.The county department serves a number of senior citizens in various capacities, from senior centers, the annual Carbon County Senior Games, in-home meal programs, nutrition services, tax preparation services, in-home assistance programs, family caregiver support programs, Medicare information services, transportation and legal services.For more information on what the agency has to offer, seniors and their families can call the office at 610-824-7830 or 1-800-441-1315 or visit the office, located at 401 Delaware Ave., third floor, Palmerton.In other matters, the commissioners acted on or discussed the following items:• Commissioner Thomas J. Gerhard reported that the Carbon County Animal Shelter received a $1,000 donation from the Orioles Association in Lehighton. The shelter also collected $650 through last month's clothing drive, and $500 through this month's drive.• Approved the reappointment of John Strockoz of Lehighton to the Agricultural Land Preservation Board. It is a three-year term to expire April 10, 2019.• Approved the execution of a promulgation statement for the updated Carbon County Emergency Operations Plan.• Approved a proposal from Brand Environmental Consulting Services of Whitehall for stormwater infiltration testing associated with the construction of the proposed fire and emergency services training facility in Nesquehoning. The cost of the testing is $3,297.80 and is a requirement in the permitting process.• Approved the employment separation of Alex F. Dobay of Lehighton, part-time corrections officer, effective April 20.• Approved the clerk of courts appointment of Jennifer S. Fritz of Lehighton as a clerical specialist, effective April 25.• Approved the hiring of Francis L. DeMatto of Summit Hill as a seasonal park ranger I, effective April 25; and Samantha M. Jones of Summit Hill as a park attendant, effective May 1.• Approved the change of status of Ray H. Bossard Jr. of Palmerton from senior dispatcher and deputy coroner to senior dispatcher at the 911 Communications Center, effective April 7.