HONESDALE, PA — The Wayne County Commissioners meeting on October 10 started with a recognition for Clarissa Wimmers for her five years of dedicated work in the human services department. There to introduce Wimmers was integrated services specialist Dave Hartung.

“Whatever I’m able to say here will not do Clarissa justice,” Hartung began. “She has been an extraordinary staff member, partner and just has meant so much to Wayne County Human Services.”

Wimmers is the food pantry coordinator, who oversees a food bank and five different pantry sites throughout the county. She has also created pop-up programs that serve community offices, such as churches, hospitals and YMCAs, along with integrating fresh milk, eggs and produce from local farmers into the pantries.  

“She strongly emphasizes culture and building a positive culture and lifting people up,” Hartung said. “We are truly fortunate to have Clarissa as part of our team.”

The commissioners congratulated Wimmers, while also praising her efforts in getting local farmers involved with the food pantry.

“The relationship that you have developed with our local farmers is extremely valuable because we are an agricultural community. We weren’t using our local farmers in our food pantry efforts before you started… but you have gone so far forward with that as a personal mission,” commissioner Jocelyn Cramer said. “Congratulations on the five years [of service] and we hope you are here for many more.”

When asked if she would like to add anything, Wimmers simply thanked the commissioners and said, “I think we all can change our world by caring just a little bit more and raising people up.”

Recognizing physical therapists

The commissioners welcomed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants from Wayne Memorial Hospital to receive a proclamation for Physical Therapy Month. 

The proclamation states that physical therapists are able to improve the quality of life and physical well-being of community members of all ages through a variety of ways. Along with reducing pain and promoting health, physical therapists also can help clients with movement disorders. 

“Physical therapy to us is something we think is a critical part of our healthcare system,” commissioner Brian Smith added, “and I’m very proud that you are all here… what you do changes people’s lives.”

In other county news

The commissioners paused for a moment of silence for Bob Carmody, a former county commissioner, who died on Wednesday, October 9, at the age of 82. Carmody opened B&B Dodge Inc. in Honesdale with his two brothers in April 1970, later selling his share of the business to purchase a local real estate agency. Carmody served on the board of commissioners throughout the 1980s. Arrangements for his services have yet to be announced. 

Other motions that were approved included a college financial planning piece of the People Joy agreement for one year at a rate of $300 per hour for assistance for Wayne County employees. Additionally, a letter of support was approved for the Victims’ Intervention Program for an AllOne Charities grant to help cover the cost of managing their 24-hour crisis hotline.

The last day to register to vote in Wayne County is October 21. The last day to request a mail-in ballot is October 29. Mail-in ballots need to be dropped off or received by mail at the Wayne County Courthouse by 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 5.