Volunteer Recruitment Training Announcements: New National Council on Aging (NCOA) Webinar Series!

Engaging Older Volunteers as Leaders in Your Organization

Today's older volunteers have a wealth of knowledge, skills, and professional experience.

Is your organization ready to use them to their fullest potential?

Join NCOA for a new Webinar series on how to engage older volunteers in professional-level roles to help your organization accomplish more. Speakers are grantees from the NCOA RespectAbility Models of Significant Service program. Listen as they share lessons learned on how to recruit and manage older volunteers effectively.

All Webinars are free, but space is limited. You must register for each Webinar separately.

November:

Targeted Marketing & Recruitment of Capacity-Building 55+ Volunteers
Thursday, Nov. 5, 1-2 p.m. EST
Speakers: Gajtana Simonovski & Kay Oppenheimer, Community Service Society of New York RSVP
Discover:
•What makes an excellent recruitment ad
•The characteristics of 55+ volunteers
•How to write compelling marketing and recruitment messages
•Where to send your message for maximum impact
Register now. https://cc.readytalk.com/r/vbs7zkc8h3iq

How to Grow Your Programs by Engaging Older Professional Leadership Volunteers
Thursday, Nov. 12, 1-2 p.m. EST
Speakers: Liesl Slabaugh & Bill James, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound
Discover:
•Compelling reasons to engage older professional-level volunteers in leadership roles
•Examples of how older volunteers can significantly increase your nonprofit's capacity
•Keys to successfully implementing a volunteer program at your organization
Register now. https://cc.readytalk.com/r/yf4ju7cwgdkk

RSVP Capacity Corps Replication Guide
Monday, Nov. 9, 1-2 p.m. EST
Thursday, Nov. 19, 1-2 p.m. EST
Speakers: Ken Murray & Paddy Clark, Southern Maine Agency on Aging
Discover:
•How to recruit volunteers with significant management and professional experience to assist
your organization with leadership-level projects
•What these volunteers can bring to your organization—and why it's worthwhile to engage them
•How an RSVP or Volunteer Center can recruit and place these volunteers in its service area
Register now for Nov. 9. https://cc.readytalk.com/r/yf4ju7cwgdkk
Register now for Nov. 19. https://cc.readytalk.com/r/e6aanlaqhe36

Successes & Challenges in Implementing a Civic Engagement Program for Older Adults
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2:30-3:30 p.m. EST
Speakers: Liz Rottger & Linda Davis, Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership of Marin
Discover:
•How one nonprofit created a proactive group of 50+ professionals to collaborate with the
social sector to develop challenging opportunities for older volunteers
•The challenges of establishing a civic engagement program for older adults
•Successful civic engagement strategies for attracting a corps of highly skilled volunteer
professionals
Register now. https://cc.readytalk.com/r/i3hc1dgqkzab

December:

How to Create Effective Partnerships
Thursday, Dec. 3, 1-2 p.m. EST
Speaker: Ann Rich, Chicago Life Opportunities Initiative
Discover:
•Why partnerships are important, particularly now
•Types of partnerships—and what to look for in a potential partner
•The "do's and don'ts" of effective partnerships
Register now. https://cc.readytalk.com/r/uo7ltnqzhn25

Organizational Culture: Getting Your Nonprofit Ready for Leadership Volunteers
Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1-2 p.m. EST
Speaker: Lisa Ferretti, ExcelleShare & Gajtana Simonovski, CSSNY
Discover:
•Strategies for addressing staff resistance to leadership volunteers
•How to choose projects that promote joint volunteer and staff planning and implementation
•How to recognize and celebrate organizational change as a sign of growth and increased
capacity
Register now. https://cc.readytalk.com/r/imcs4q6gssd1

Tips for Recruiting & Engaging Leadership-Level Volunteers
Monday, Dec. 7, 1-2 p.m. EST
Friday, Dec. 11, 1-2 p.m. EST
Speakers: Ken Murray & Paddy Clark, Southern Maine Agency on Aging
Discover:
•Messages that attract volunteers with significant professional and management experience
•Venues and methods of delivering those messages
•Ways to work with professional-level older volunteers to build success
Register now for Dec. 7. https://cc.readytalk.com/r/osec37587mzk
Register now for Dec. 11. https://cc.readytalk.com/r/b76m2k0j5xrk

January:

How to Put Together a Successful Volunteer Training Curriculum for 50+ Leadership Volunteers
Friday, Jan. 8, 1-2 p.m. EST
Speaker: Ann Rich, Chicago Life Opportunities Initiative
Discover:
•Topics for a volunteer leadership development training program for 50+ adults
•How these topics differ from a traditional volunteer curriculum
•Effective ways to encourage learning, participation, and empowerment among 50+ volunteers
Register now. https://cc.readytalk.com/r/5ck8c08s5lw3

How to Grow Your Programs by Engaging Older Professional Leadership Volunteers
Thursday, Jan. 21, 1-2 p.m. EST
Speakers: Liesl Slabaugh & Bill James, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound
Discover:
•Compelling reasons to engage older professional-level volunteers in leadership roles
•Examples of how older volunteers can significantly increase your nonprofit's capacity
•Keys to successfully implementing a volunteer program at your organization
Register now. https://cc.readytalk.com/r/hg4b4d82g5pm

Making Your Organization "Boomer-Friendly"
Friday, Jan. 22, 1-2 p.m. EST
Speakers: Liz Rottger & Linda Davis, Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership of Marin
Discover:
•How to use your rolodex, social network, and the Internet to recruit highly skilled
potential volunteers
•How to use interviews to explore the skills and background of potential volunteers
•How to develop explicit job descriptions and work plans that measure outcomes and impact
•How to develop trust by involving volunteers in planning their own work
Register now. https://cc.readytalk.com/r/ihske4rjdrtv

Dibble Senior Citizens News October 28

Dibble Senior Citizens News

Greetings to the Seniors of the Dibble Community!!!

We have arranged for May’s Home Health to come on Friday, 10/23, to give flu shots again. Last time, we ran out of vaccine. Be at the center at 10:30 and bring your Medicare card or you will pay $20.00.

Our sick list is improved, with folks on the mend. This is especially a hard time of the year for seniors on Medicare Part D, as some will fall into the doughnut hole on their prescription drugs. For those of you who don’t know, that means seniors have to pay 100% of their medication until January 1, 2010!!! Sometimes, that is more than their entire retirement check!!

Oh, well, everyone has their own sad story to tell. Those Wall Street CEO’s are getting flack over their big bonuses at tax payer’s expense and that Limbaugh fellow can’t buy the Rams football team, so what’s such a big deal about floating seniors down the river on a fast log at the end of the year?

Remember Tuesday, Nov. 10th, is Payback Time at Regional Food Bank. We will leave at 12:00 noon from the center. Be there or be square!! Remember, we will be voting on Friday as to where we will go on our next field trip!! If you want a voice in this decision, get your hand in the air!!!

Our report for September is as follows: 714 Senior meals, including Meals on Wheels; 416 food baskets given out to subsidize food budgets, averaging 104 per week.

All for now…………………….

Menu
Monday Hamburger and French Fries
Tuesday Country Breakfast
Wednesday Beef Pot Pie
Thursday Cook’s Choice
Friday Steak and Baked Potato

Nutrition sites get cut

Meals reduced from five days a week to four

BY STEVE METZER
STAFF WRITER
SMETZER@LAWTON-CONSTITUTION.COM

Concerns are rising in small towns across Oklahoma and at the state Capitol about funding cuts for local senior nutrition sites.
The sites provide meals for tens of thousands of Oklahomans each day and are considered vital pieces of the social fabric of many communities. They’re administered by Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) with state and federal funds channeled through the Oklahoma Department of HumanServices. A precipitous decline in state revenues over the past year resulted in a recent cut in funding for senior nutrition programs of $7.4 million. The budget hit, due to take effect Nov. 1, for the AAA that administers 32 nutrition sites in Comanche, Caddo, Cotton, Grady, Jefferson, McClain, Stephens and Tillman counties amounted to $502,309, according to its director, Ken Jones.
Jones said more than $53,000 of the cut was absorbed by the staff at the Association of South Central Oklahoma Governments, which oversees the local AAA. The remainder of the cut had to be passed on to 10 projects administered by the AAA, including:
n Comanche County Nutrition, cut by $99,584 from $427,555 down to $327,971;
n Tri-County Nutrition, cut by $210,000 from $886,690 down to $677,990; and
n Delta Nutrition, cut by $126,701 from $540,913 down to $414,212.
Smaller cuts affected Lawton’s Center for Creative Living, senior centers in Grandfield, Tuttle, Minco and Tipton, the Great Plains Caregiver program and a Legal Aid program for seniors.
None of the local-area nutrition sites have been closed, but Jones said all 16 of the sites in the Tri-County Nutrition Program area have already reduced meal service from five days a week to four days a week. The Delta Program has reduced staff by one at each of its nine sites.
The decline in state finances, brought on by a severe downturn in oil and gas production taxes and other taxes and revenues affected by the bad economy gripping the nation, has resulted in cuts at every level of state government, impacting everything from spending on education to substance abuse treatment. But perceptions that cuts at nutrition sites may leave some senior citizens going hungry have been especially hard for some to take. State Sen. Patrick Anderson, REnid, called Wednesday for Gov. Brad Henry to use “discretionary funds” that he controls related to the federal stimulus to shore up nutrition program funding.
“I can’t think of a better use for the governor’s discretionary money than to help ensure that our seniors don’t have to go without a meal,” Anderson said in a press release.
Three Lawton-area lawmakers said Friday that they wouldn’t be opposed to exploring such an option to benefit nutrition sites, though some pointed out that applying money tied to the federal stimulus could result in an offset of other federal dollars coming into the programs.
Rep. Don Armes, R-Faxon, and Sen. Don Barrington, R-Lawton, said another option might be to tap the state’s Rainy Day Fund, though both said they would favor only very targeted use of the fund. Such an action would require the governor to call a special session of the Legislature, supported by leaders in both the House and Senate.
“If they call a special session, I certainly would be one to advocate for nutrition sites,” Barrington said. He pointed out, though, that with the state’s finances declining by hundreds of millions of dollars the Rainy Day Fund would not be large enough to offset all of the across-the-board cuts at state agencies.
Armes agreed. While he would favor tapping the fund to shore up senior nutrition sites, he would discourage using it in many other areas.
“This economy and this budget situation are very real,” Armes said, “and we don’t know if next year might be worse.”
Added Rep. Corey Holland, R-Marlow: “Every Oklahoman should face the reality that there are some tough days ahead. To be perfectly honest, I fear agencies have more and bigger cuts to make in the future. The Oklahoma Constitution requires a balanced budget. We cannot go into debt like the federal government continues to do. We have to spend only what we have. Revenues are down around 30 percent compared to last year. If that continues, agencies will have to balance the budget by making more cuts or the Legislature would have to dramatically increase taxes. Those are our options.”
Holland said he has received a handful of letters and e-mails and met with “probably a dozen” constituents who don’t want to see nutrition sites cut, and he said spreading cuts out a little more across the DHS may be yet another way of lessening the negative impact on seniors.
“(But) at this point it looks as if the cuts will go into effect,” he said. “The senior nutrition sites should certainly plan for that reality. I am hopeful that a resolution might be developed in the near future, but there is the real possibility that it will not happen as long as our state revenues continue to decline.”

When the Times Get Hard, Bray Gets Going

Earl Lavey and about 40 volunteers from the Town of Bray work hard to distribute food to over 200 area families in need.

With donations from the Oklahoma Food Bank and a lot of blood, sweat and tears, the seniors at Bray Senior Center along with dozens of volunteers from the community, including students from Bray-Doyle School and developmentally delayed students from Marlow work together to make the Bray food bank a success. Thousands of man hours and the cooperation from local businesses make this effort possible.

The Bray Senior Center is a shining example of what can be done during a time of financial crisis. Through volunteerism they are able to make every dollar count.

Better Business Bureau (BBB) advice - Census

---

From: Cox, Shirley
Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 9:35 AM
Subject: Better Business Bureau (BBB) advice - Census

 

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

 

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:

** If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice.

• Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions.
• However, you should never invite anyone you don’t know into your home.

 

** Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information.

• Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.
•  While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, it will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations.

 
Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, they will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.
 
For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org

 

Shirley A. Cox MSW, JD

Legal Services Developer

Oklahoma Department of Human Services, ASD

2401 N.W. 23rd St. Ste. 40

Oklahoma City, OK 73107-2422

(405) 522-3069

(405) 522-6738 (fax)

Shirley.Cox@okdhs.org

 

Democratic Caucus Demands Redress in Senior Nutrition Program Funding « Oklahoma House Democrats

Democratic Caucus Demands Redress in Senior Nutrition Program Funding

2009 October 7

tags: House Democratic Caucus, House surplus, Senior Nutrition Program, tax cuts

by okhousedems

While the din and dismay over cuts to the state's nutrition program budget escalates, the House Democratic Caucus calls attention to priorities under Republican leadership.  

"Just a few years ago we enacted the largest tax cuts in Oklahoma history, which provided a windfall for those who needed it least and hampered the state's ability to provide our most basic public services," said Floor Leader Mike Brown, D-Tahlequah. "What we're witnessing with these cuts to our meal-delivery programs and other state functions is the natural evolution of these tax policies." In 2006 the largest tax cuts in state history were enacted, and the state's top marginal income tax rate was greatly reduced.  Since the implementation of these tax cuts, state revenue has decreased by almost $1 billion dollars and counting.

"There was absolutely no trickle-down benefit in providing these tax cuts to the wealthiest households – it provided little to no help for most working families," said Democratic Leader-Elect Scott Inman, D-Del City. "And now our elderly are bearing the brunt of these policies as they look for assistance in the most basic of necessities. Many who rely on and survive by meal-delivery services will now be looking at empty plates as we approach the winter months."

Representative Jerry McPeak, D-Warner succinctly summed up his position with the following statement, "Here's the truth – the Republicans cut taxes for the rich; people should know that is why old folks will not be eating."

As senior nutrition programs across the state face a critical lack of funding, House leadership holds a surplus capable of shoring up the nutrition program's deficit of $7.4 million. As these millions sit unused, the Democratic Caucus calls on House Republican leadership for a more responsible and ultimately more ethical use of taxpayer money by funding meal delivery programs.

"We have almost a $7 million surplus in the House, which could be used at this critical time – why isn't it?" said Floor Leader Brown.

from → Press Releases

AARP Indian Elder Honors

  

AARP Seeks Nominations for Indian Elder Honors;

Deadline October 31^st

 

AARP Oklahoma continues to seek nominations for its 2009 Indian Elder Honors. The association says it will recognize older American Indians for the impact they have had on their respective tribe and/or Oklahoma at an event in Oklahoma City later this year.

 

Deadline for nomination is October 31^st.

 

To make a nomination:

 

In 250 words or less, describe how the person nominated has made a positive difference on his or her respective tribe and/or the state of Oklahoma. Please include the full contact information (telephone number, e-mail address and mailing address) of both the person nominated and the person making the nomination. Nominations without full contact information will not be considered. E-mail nominations to: cedavis@aarp.org . Regular mail nominations can be sent  to: AARP Indian Elder Honors, 126 North Bryant, Edmond, OK 73034.

 

Rules

 

AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honorees must be over the age of 50 and must be a member of one of the 37-federally recognized tribes in Oklahoma. Honorees must not be deceased and need not be a member of AARP. Selection of honorees will be determined solely at the discretion of an anonymous selection committee. There is no cash award for this honor.

 

-30-

 

 

October 20, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:           Craig E. Davis

                        Associate State Director

                        405-715-4473

                        cedavis@aarp.org

 

 

 

 

Dibble Senior Citizens News October 20

Dibble Senior Citizens News

Greetings to the Seniors of the Dibble Community!!!

We have arranged for May’s Home Health to come on Friday, 10/23, to give flu shots again. Last time, we ran out of vaccine. Be at the center at 10:30 and bring your Medicare card or you will pay $20.00.

Our sick list is improved, with folks on the mend. This is especially a hard time of the year for seniors on Medicare Part D, as some will fall into the doughnut hole on their prescription drugs. For those of you who don’t know, that means seniors have to pay 100% of their medication until January 1, 2010!!! Sometimes, that is more than their entire retirement check!!

Oh, well, everyone has their own sad story to tell. Those Wall Street CEO’s are getting flack over their big bonuses at tax payer’s expense and that Limbaugh fellow can’t buy the Rams football team, so what’s such a big deal about floating seniors down the river on a fast log at the end of the year?

Remember Tuesday, Nov. 10th, is Payback Time at Regional Food Bank. We will leave at 12:00 noon from the center. Be there or be square!! Remember, we will be voting on Friday as to where we will go on our next field trip!! If you want a voice in this decision, get your hand in the air!!!

Our report for September is as follows: 714 Senior meals, including Meals on Wheels; 416 food baskets given out to subsidize food budgets, averaging 104 per week.

All for now…………………….

Menu
Monday Hamburger and French Fries
Tuesday Country Breakfast
Wednesday Beef Pot Pie
Thursday Cook’s Choice
Friday Steak and Baked Potato

##
Written by Eddie Cantrell

Letter to the Governor from James Fullerton

October 8, 2009


Dear Governor Henry
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73150

I was saddened and alarmed after being informed that the Department of Human Services is considering deep and unjustified budget cuts to the Senior Citizen Nutrition Center program.

The Nutrition Program is an essential part of the life style of many of Oklahoma’s Senior Citizens It brings to them healthful and nutritious meals. Many of the clients have no skills in food preparation or have no kitchen equipment to prepare meals let alone money for food stuffs.

The Nutrition Program provides the basic food groups that help senior citizens to maintain healthy bodies and avoid immune deficiencies.

Nutrition Program cutbacks will only lead to additional health and long term care costs for the elderly here in Oklahoma.

Please consider supporting full funding for the Nutrition Center Programs.

Best wishes,


James M. Fullerton
Silver Haired Legislature Senator
Silver Haired Legislature President Pro Tempore (Elect)
Lawton, Oklahoma

Stay Healthy in Retirement With Work

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Stay Healthy in Retirement With Work

People who continue to work after retirement have fewer diseases and fewer functional limitations than people who quit completely, a study shows.

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Legislative Update: The Road Ahead for Health Reform

October 16, 2009

 

The Road Ahead for Health Reform;

President Proposes Another Round of $250 Social Security Payments

 

Health Care Reform

 

A significant step forward for health care reform was made this week by the Senate Finance Committee, which voted 14-9 on Tuesday to approve that committee’s bill. Despite months of negotiations with Republican committee members to enlist their support, Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) ultimately earned just one Republican vote: Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) voted to approve the measure.

 

Democratic leaders and the White House remain determined to advance a health reform bill this fall, despite the continuing political and timing challenges. Here is a quick overview of what happens next.

 

What Happens Next, Procedurally?

 

The just-approved Senate Finance Committee bill is already being merged, painfully but as quickly as possible, with the bill passed by the Senate HELP Committee back in July. The merged bill will then need to be brought to the Senate floor for at least a week or two of debate before coming to a vote.

 

Meanwhile, the House’s merged bill, based on the work of three different committees earlier this year, is undergoing final tweaks to best prepare it for success on the House floor. The House Rules Committee has started its work to determine how many and which amendments can be offered, how much time is reserved for debate, etc. 

 

If the Senate and House pass their respective bills, the next step is a conference committee made up of key leaders from both chambers, who will face the task of working out the differences between the bills. Those lawmakers will not only have to fight for their party’s and chamber’s priorities, but also keep an eye on what will be able to pass both chambers, yet again.

 

If a conference deal is struck, that measure has to be passed by the Senate and House before being sent to the President for final approval with his signature.

 

Democrats also have another procedural tool at their disposal should they be unable to garner the 60 votes needed in the Senate to block a filibuster. Through a budgetary process known as “budget reconciliation,” Senate leaders could advance legislation with a simple majority of 51 votes; however, the scope of the legislation would have to be limited to provisions that have budget implications, which could exclude some facets of health reform such as consumer protections. This week, a House committee approved a measure that could be used as a vehicle for health reform within the budget reconciliation process. As a revenue measure, however, the Constitution prescribes that the full House of Representatives would have to approve the bill before it could be considered by the Senate.

 

Want a visual? See this handy flow chart published in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/graphic/2009/10/08/GR2009100803080.html#

 

When Will It Move?

 

From the start of this 111^th Congress and new Administration in January, the timeline for health care reform legislation has been unusually ambitious. Despite numerous inevitable set-backs along the way, it is still feasible that a bill could reach the President’s desk by the end of December.

 

Here are the latest estimates on timing:

End of October/Early November: Merged Finance-HELP bill comes to Senate floor for one to two weeks of debate

Weeks of November 2 and 16: House considers its bill for two weeks; the other two November weeks are planned Veterans Day and Thanksgiving recesses

Early to Mid-December: Finalization of conference bill (which would have informally started in November) and floor votes in both chambers. Leaders have already warned lawmakers to expect to work deep into December.

 

And What is in the Bill, Anyway?

 

As House and Senate leaders work to negotiate merged health care reform bills for floor consideration, there are several critical differences that they will need to resolve. Overall, each of the health reform bills would take major steps to expand access to health insurance coverage and make it more affordable for low-income Americans through expanded Medicaid eligibility. The measures would improve quality, restrain health care costs, expand prevention and wellness services under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and create a new voluntary, government-run insurance program for long-term services and supports (i.e., the CLASS Act).

 

The measures take differing approaches on whether to provide a “public option” along with private plans and, if so, whether to base the public option on Medicare rates or rates negotiated with providers. Meanwhile, another proposal would take a more moderate approach, creating new insurance cooperatives to offer an alternative to private plans as opposed to a government-run insurance plan. Some have also proposed a “trigger” that would create a government-run option in states where at least 5 percent of residents lacked access to affordable care. There are also key differences on whether to require employers to offer health insurance coverage to their employees or instead require employers to pay a portion of any subsidies their workers receive from the government to purchase insurance.

 

What is not in the bill at this point is a “fix” to the payment structure by which doctors and other medical providers are reimbursed by Medicare. The sustainable growth rate (SGR) was a device developed years ago to address increasing costs in Medicare, but the resulting decreases in the reimbursement rates are usually put on ice by lawmakers. Democratic leaders recently announced plans to address the planned 2010 cuts to reimbursement rates outside of health care reform legislation. The Senate will take up one measure early next week.

 

As reported in past Legislative Updates, our next advocacy opportunity to advance Project 2020 will be via floor amendments. Project 2020 champion Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) has said she will offer S. 1257 as an amendment when the bill comes to the Senate floor. n4a will keep you informed as that process unfolds, but if you want to take action now, please see our October 8 Advocacy Alert.

 

 

Economic Recovery Social Security Payments

 

Yesterday, President Barack Obama asked Congress to legislate a second round of $250 economic recovery payments to Social Security recipients in 2010. This year’s stimulus bill (the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, or ARRA) included those payments, which went out to all Social Security beneficiaries in the summer. The President is now urging Congress to authorize a repeat of that program for the coming year, citing continued economic hardship among the Social Security population.

 

The $250 figure is equivalent to approximately 2 percent of the average annual Social Security retirement benefit. It is estimated that the cost of this proposal is $13 billion. This is the White House’s first ARRA extension request. The announcement came on the heels of the news that there will be no cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2010, given the country’s negative inflation rate. 

 

n4a is supportive of the President’s plan. “Older adults struggling to make ends meet in this recession will be directly aided by this relief, and we hope the expenditure of these payments will have a stimulative effect on the economy, as well. Given the lack of a cost-of-living adjustment in 2010 for Social Security recipients, this one-time payment will be especially helpful to those living on a fixed income. As a result of the recession, Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI Native American aging programs have seen a direct and dramatic increase in the demand by older adults in their communities for emergency and supportive services.  We look forward to working with Congress to advance this proposal, and thank the Administration for its leadership,” said Sandy Markwood, n4a CEO.

 

 

 

 

 

à  If you have questions or concerns, please contact n4a’s public policy and legislative affairs staff, Amy Gotwals and K.J. Hertz, at 202.872.0888 or agotwals@n4a.org, khertz@n4a.org.

Budget cuts Q&A

 

Nutrition Project Directors:        

 

I am going to make visits to nutrition sites for the purpose of answering any questions participants may have about the budget reductions to Title III programs.  I am scheduling one Q&A session for each county at the following locations and dates (all times 11AM):

 

·         Chickasha – October 22^nd

·         Ryan – October 23^rd

·         Frederick – October 26th

·         Duncan North – October 29^th (Public forum already scheduled)

·         Washington – October 30^th

·         Temple – November 2^nd

·         Lawton South – November 5^th

·         Anadarko – November 6^th

 

 

I will begin with a brief presentation followed by Q&A at 11AM at each of the sites above.  Please make appropriate announcements for my visits at all nutrition sites.

 

If invited, I will be happy schedule visits to other nutrition sites as well.

 

Please, do not reserve meals for me.  Because of recent policy clarifications, reservations cannot be made for guests who are not eligible to be participants.

 

Thanks,

 

Kj

 

 

Ken Jones, MS

Director, Supportive Services Division

Association of South Central Oklahoma Governments

PO Box 1647, Duncan, OK 73534-1647

telephone:  (580) 252-0595; (800) 658-1466  fax:  (580) 252-6170

email:  jone_ke@ascog.org  website:  www.ascog.org

 

 

 

Commissioners call for action for nutrition programs

Published: October 14, 2009 10:49 pm     

Commissioners call for action for nutrition programs

Toni Hopper
The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — By Toni Hopper

The Duncan Banner

A resolution bearing the three Stephens County commissioner’s signatures will be sent to Oklahoma State Legislatures this week addressing the funding cuts made to the Oklahoma Area Agencies on Aging for its nutrition programs.

Commissioners Darrell Sparks, Dee Bowen and Todd Churchman showed much concern for the $7.4 million budget cut that could ultimately shut down senior nutrition centers statewide. They want people to know they support the OAAA and its nutritional programs.

The resolution, which was signed Tuesday, also states that this issue jeopardizes the lives of “thousands of Oklahoma’s oldest citizens.”

Bowen said that the resolution will hopefully get the nutrition centers funding.

“The County Board of Commissioners respectfully request that the Oklahoma State Legislature seek immediate solutions to provide funding at its current level of services to the Oklahoma Area Agencies on Aging,” stated the final paragraph in the resolution.

According to the resolution, the cuts were made in July by Oklahoma’s State Department of Human Services, and another 30 percent was made at the end of September.

Just as important to the senior’s nutrition is the social aspect that the senior sites provide, noted the resolution.

In a Banner article Monday, Project Director Dan Lowrance issued a call for help for area volunteers, since staff would first be reduced at the local sites. To volunteer to help with meals, serving or deliveries, call 580-255-3967.

The resolution also outlines that there are 234 locations across the state that serve about 23,000 meals daily to Oklahoma senior citizens.

For those interested in this issue, contact your local legislators. They include:

— Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, Oklahoma State Capitol, Room 211, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. Phone: 405-521-2161. E-mail jari.askins@ltgov.state.ok.us

— State Sen. Anthony Sykes, District 24, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 425, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. E-mail: sykes@oksenate.gov Phone: 405-521-5569.

— State Sen. Don Barrington, District 31, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 412A, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. E-mail: barrington@oksenate.gov Phone: 405-521-5563.

— State Rep. Dennis Johnson, District 50, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 301, Oklahoma City, OK 73105; dennis.johnson@okhouse.gov Phone: 405-557-7327.

— State Rep. Corey Holland, District 51, Oklahoma State Capitol, Room 537A, Oklahoma City, OK 73105; corey.holland@okhouse.gov Phone: 405-557-7405.

— State Rep. Joe Dorman, District 65, Oklahoma State Capitol, Room 536, Oklahoma City, OK 73105; dormanjo@lsb.state.ok.us Phone: 405-557-7305.

 

President Obama Calls on Congress to Extend $250 Economic Recovery Payment for 2010

 

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 14, 2009

 

President Obama Calls on Congress to Extend Economic Recovery Payment for 2010

 

WASHINGTON, DC-President Obama announced his support for an additional $250 Economic Recovery Payment to the seniors, veterans and people with disabilities who are struggling to make ends meet with retirement savings that have not fully recovered from their losses over the first year of the recession.

 

“Even as we seek to bring about recovery, we must act on behalf of those hardest hit by this recession. That is why I am announcing my support for an additional $250 in emergency recovery assistance to seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities to help them make it through these difficult times. These payments will provide aid to more than 50 million people in the coming year, relief that will not only make a difference for them, but for our economy as a whole, complementing the tax cuts we’ve provided working families and small businesses through the Recovery Act,” said President Obama.   “This additional assistance will be especially important in the coming months, as countless seniors and others have seen their retirement accounts and home values decline as a result of this economic crisis.  I want to compliment all the members of Congress who have been working to address these challenges, especially Senators Reid, Baucus, Sanders, and Lincoln, Speaker Pelosi, and Representatives Rangel, McCarthy, and DeFazio.”

 

Fact Sheet

 

The President’s proposal would provide an additional year of the $250 “Economic Recovery Payments” initially enacted under the American Reinvestment & Recovery Act (ARRA). Under this proposal:

 

·         57 million people would benefit. These include 49 million Social Security beneficiaries, 5 million Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries, 2 million veterans benefit recipients, 0.5 million railroad retirement and disability beneficiaries, and also about 1 million public-employee retirees not entitled to any of the previous benefits.

 

·         The benefit would be $250 – or equivalent to a 2 percent increase in benefits for the average Social Security retiree beneficiary. Under the rules no person could “double dip” and receive a $250 Economic Recovery Payment through more than one program. Nor could they receive both an Economic Recovery Payment and the Making Work Pay tax credit.

 

·         The total cost of the proposal would be $13 billion – and would not hurt the solvency of Social Security. The President is committed to ensuring that the $13 billion cost of the proposal does not reduce the solvency of Social Security or other social insurance programs.

 

·         Would extend an effective relief program. To date Economic Recovery Payments have been made to 55 million people including seniors, veterans and people with disabilities and totaled $13.7 billion. Most of the checks were mailed out in May 2009.

 

In addition to this legislative proposal, the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Treasury will take steps this week to prevent reductions in the amounts that workers can contribute to IRAs, 401(k)s, and other aspects of tax-favored retirement systems in 2010 that some feared could result from negative inflation over the past twelve months.

 

 

 

Ann Widger

Office of Public Engagement

The White House

 

Free Training: ASCOG Ombudsman Volunteer Training

 

Free Ombudsman Training by ASCOG

 

The Association of South Central Oklahoma Governments (ASCOG) will provide free training to become an Ombudsman Volunteer. After completion of the training, the Ombudsman Volunteer is certified to assist residents of long-term care facilities with their concerns. The training is on October 28-29, 2009, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Red River Technology Center, Room B114, 3300 West Bois D’Arc, Duncan, OK. ASCOG serves the Caddo, Comanche, Cotton, Grady, Jefferson, McClain, Stephens, and Tillman counties. Mark your calendar and bring a friend! Please contact Ruben Sotelo (sote_ru@asscog.org) or Vonn Saltzman (salt_vo@ascog.org) Ombudsman Supervisors at 1-800-658-1466 for further information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

802 Main Street   •   P.O. Box 1647   •   Duncan, OK  73534-1647

Phone:  (580) 252-0595 or 1-800-658-1466   •   Fax:  (580) 252-6170   •   www.ascog.org

 

House Speaker, Senate President Warn Tougher Budget Times are Ahead

CONTACT:

Jennifer Monies, Press Secretary

Oklahoma House of Representatives

Office of House Speaker Chris Benge

Randy Swanson, Communications Director

Oklahoma State Senate

Office of Senate President Pro Tem

House Speaker, Senate President Warn

Tougher Budget Times are Ahead

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 13, 2009) – House Speaker Chris Benge and Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee respond to today’s release of the September state revenue numbers:

“These figures are alarming, and we have no reason to believe the revenue trend is going to drastically change anytime soon. Because of this, I urge state agencies to not only restrain spending, but also proactively prepare for the possibility of deeper cuts in the future to bring expenditures better in line with current collections,” said Benge, R-Tulsa.

“There are tough decisions ahead, and we are working closely with Senate leadership and the governor’s office to make fiscally prudent decisions in this time of global recession and depressed natural gas prices. Our state has made it through trying budget times in the past, and we will again,” Benge concluded.

“As challenging as the fiscal situation is for the State of Oklahoma at this time, I’m thankful for the conservative budgeting priorities we’ve instituted in the past that keep us from being in a worse situation than we currently are,” said Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.

“As in previous months, the fiscal outlook isn’t optimistic, and the time for real and tough decisions may be imminent. The Speaker and I will meet with the governor as soon as we possibly can, and begin those discussions.

“But in light of natural gas prices that remain low and the vast amounts in storage, we have no reason for optimism in the coming months.

“It’s premature to say with certainty, but many options will be on the table, including possible deeper cuts in targeted programs as we carry out the appropriate and constitutionally mandated balanced budget.”

-30-

KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE FLU WEBCAST REGARDING H1N1 FLU

Headline: KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE FLU WEBCAST REGARDING H1N1 FLU
VACCINE TESTING AND SAFETY MONITORING LIVE ON FLU.GOV

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will host a Know
What to Do about the Flu Webcast on Wednesday, October 14. Experts from
HHS' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug
Administration, National Vaccine Program Office as well as officials
from the Institute of Medicine will discuss how federal agencies, state
and local health departments, health care professionals and others are
testing and monitoring the safety of the H1N1 flu vaccine.

WHO: Dr. Anne Schuchat, Director, Influenza Division, Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, HHS
Dr. Jesse Goodman, Acting Chief Scientist, Food and Drug
Administration, HHS
Dr. Bruce Gellin, Director, National Vaccine Program
Office, HHS
Dr. Harvey V. Fineberg, President, Institute of Medicine

WHAT: Know What to Do about the Flu Vaccine Safety Webcast

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009
1:00 p.m. EDT

WHERE: Live on www.flu.gov/live

CONTACT: HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343

For more information on how to take steps to prevent the flu, visit
www.flu.gov.

Get Great Fall Prevention Info at this Friday's Grand Rounds!

Click here to download this week's Grand Rounds Flyer now.

When a 20 year-old falls, we don't panic. We're confident they'll be be just fine.

When a 50 year-old falls, we tend to be a bit concerned for a moment, or two... Still, they usually get up, brush themselves off, and slide right back into the business of living.

But when an 80-year old falls, we know something serious has happened. We know they probably won't be "just fine." We know they may be badly hurt - and that helping them get back to "the business of living" is likely to be a painful, arduous process... if it's possible at all.

The good news? There's a lot we can do to help prevent elder falls.

That's why we hope you'll be able to join us this Friday, October 16th, for an information-rich Grand Rounds with Dr. Denise Bender: "Interventions Related to Falls" (12:15 - 1:00).


Save this email and click here Friday just before 12:15 to go directly to the presentation page.
It's true: "knowledge is power." If less than an hour of outstanding education on this critical topic can prevent just one elder fall, isn't it more than worth the time?

Well, the more educated we all become on this topic, the more we'll be able to share what we know with others. End result?

Significantly fewer falls for our elders.

We hope you can make it... have a good week.Michelle StewartSenior Project Asst. / OkGEC405-271-8130michelle-stewart@ouhsc.edu

Wanted: Senior Centers to Pilot New Vision Program

Wanted: Senior Centers to Pilot New Vision Program
The National Eye Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, is seeking senior centers to test a new eye health education program for older adults. Participating centers will receive a toolkit with three educational modules on common vision changes associated with aging, the importance of comprehensive dilated eye exams, age-related eye diseases and conditions, and living with low vision.
For details, contact Catherine Gonzalez at Catherine.Anthony-Gonzalez@macrointernational.com or (240) 747-4797 by Oct. 23.

Fall Prevention Programs could reverse Fall-Related Injuries

From Medscape Medical News

More Than 2 Million ED Visits for Elderly Fall-Related Injuries in 2006

Brande Nicole Martin

Information from Industry

Treatment and prophylaxis of thrombosis in patients with HIT
Delaying direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI) treatment can have devastating consequences.
Learn more

October 9, 2009 — More than 2 million Americans aged 65 years or older visited a hospital emergency department (ED) to receive treatment for fractures, head wounds, cuts, and other injuries in 2006, according to new data released October 7 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

These visits to the ED cost hospitals approximately $7 billion for emergency care and hospital stays.

"Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among Americans aged 65 and older," according to an AHRQ news release. "The cost for medical treatment, which is paid mainly by Medicare, is expected to increase as the number of older Americans grows."

The AHRQ analysis found that 1 in 10 ED visits by seniors were related to injuries from falls, with a rise in visits as the age of patients increases.

The most common injuries associated with falls were fractures in 41% of patients (mainly of upper extremity or hip), open wounds in 21%, sprains and strains in 10%, injuries to internal organs in 5%, and dislocated joints in 1.5%.

Of those patients who had internal organ injuries or fractures from the falls, 63% and 51%, respectively, were admitted to the hospital.

However, 33% of those with internal injuries and 41% with fractures were sent to a long-term care facility.

These data are based on statistics from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Emergency Department Sample, a new AHRQ database.

Emergency Department Visits for Injurious Falls Among the Elderly, 2006. Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Statistical Brief 80. October 2009. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, Maryland.

October 12-18 is National Aging in Place Week

Message from Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee



October 12-18 is National Aging in Place Week



Helping older individuals age in place – at home - is one of my highest priorities. AoA's mission is to help older individuals maintain their dignity and independence in their homes and communities. I believe that all older individuals should be able to fully participate in all aspects of community life as they desire, be able to maintain their health and independence, and remain in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.



Recently I announced first-time funding for AoA's new Community Innovations for Aging in Place Initiative. Through this program, AoA is funding community-based non-profit organizations to assess the needs of their community and design innovative interventions that will make it easier for older adults to age in place. From the many creative applications received, fourteen diverse and collaborative programs were funded to develop programs in inner cities as well frontier and rural areas – each designed to target those in greatest need. For more information, please visit http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/AoA_Programs/HCLTC/CIAIP_web_page.pdf



I encourage you to celebrate National Aging in Place Week by teaming up with others in your community to find ways to help seniors remain where they most want to be - in their homes among their families and friends.

Dibble Senior Citizens News October 13 2009

Dibble Senior Citizens News

 

Greetings to the Seniors of the Dibble Community!!!

 

Lots of good moisture and we need it!  Lots of folks concerned about flu shots.  Sorry for the confusion on Friday as Mays Home Health ran out of vaccine, due to circumstances beyond their control.  We will reschedule as soon as more is available.

 

Friday was a big day, culminating with silent auction stuff.  The windmill brought the most money and will help toward our field trips.  Big thanks for all who donated auction stuff.  Big thanks also to the Bag Ladies, who repacked food on Thursday.  They got a real workout last week!  If you want to help, come on down on Thursday at 9:00 a.m.

 

Remember Payback Day at Regional Food Bank is Tuesday, Nov. 10^th.  We will leave from the Center at 12:30.  Be there or be square!!!

 

Our sick list is of continuing concern as Betty Vaughn is having issues.  Also, Bill Harmon has eye problems.  Judy James has issues with her hand.  Get well soon!!

 

Lately, I have been concerned with my sometimes seemingly harsh treatment of our Vice President, Dale McAskill.  I have thought about apologizing to him for making him the brunt of my jokes.  I have thought about being sorry for making fun of him so much.  I have thought abut going to him personally and asking forgiveness for my harsh treatment.  I have thought about this a lot.  After considerable deliberation, soul searching, thought and meditation, I have arrived to this humble conclusion…Nah!!!

 

All for now……………

 

Menu

Monday                Enchiladas

Tuesday               Country Breakfast

Wednesday           Hamburger Steak

Thursday              Cook’s Choice

Friday                  Shepherd’s Pie

 

 

##

 

Written by Eddie Cantrell

FW: OK Senate Cmte to review Insurance companies rescinding and canceling citizens health insurance policies for arbitrary reasons

 

Interim Study set for Tuesday, Oct 20th 1:30pm at the Oklahoma State Capitol. 

State Senator Sean Burrage to look at health insurance practices of cancellations and rescissions.

Oklahomans for Health Care Reform is looking for individuals that have been victims of these practices.  If you want to share your story with us and perhaps share with the committee, please let us know.

 

 

Oklahoma State Senate

Error! Filename not specified.

State Capitol •  2300 N. Lincoln    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105  •  (405) 524-0126

(http://www.oksenate.gov)

 

MEETING NOTICE

 

 

October 9, 2009

 

 

COMMITTEE ON RETIREMENT AND INSURANCE

IS 09-09

 

 

 

SUBJECT:                     First Meeting

MEETING DATE:          Tuesday, October 20, 2009

MEETING TIME:           1:30 p.m.

LOCATION:                   Room 511-A, State Capitol Bldg.

 

 

Agenda:

 

1.       Welcome and Introductions

 

2.       Interim Study 09-09 Insurance companies rescinding and canceling citizens health insurance policies for arbitrary reasons – Senator Sean Burrage

 

3.       Other business.

 

 

 

 

                                                                       

Senator Bill Brown, Chairman

Committee on Retirement and Insurance