June 2008

AAA8

 A Publication of The Ohio Area Agency on Aging 8
A Program of Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District
Serving Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry and WashingtonCounties
 
1-800-331-2644  -  www.areaagency8.org  P.O. Box 370 Reno, OH  45773

Rick HindmanThoughts from the Director:

Rick Hindman
 

Older Americans Month a Time to Appreciate

 

On May 20, Area Agencies on Aging across the state joined with Senior Centers and other organizations that make up Ohio's Aging Network, to celebrate Senior Citizens Day. This special day offers communities an opportunity to honor Older Americans for the many roles they play as volunteers, caregivers and community leaders.

Senior Citizens Day is the cornerstone of Older Americans Month, a nationwide observation held each May. Ohio's theme for celebrations this year, "Loving Life, Helping Others, Supporting Communities," emphasizes that seniors can and do experience fuller, more satisfying lives when they are involved and engaged in the community.

 

The Area Agency on Aging District 8 salutes the more than 36,000 residents who are 65 or older across our eight-county region. They make a difference each day as our parents, grandparents and friends.

_______________________

Monroe Seniors

Senior Citizens Day was observed May 20 at the Monroe County Senior Center. The celebration featured the Monroe County Council on
Aging sending flowers to countians over 90 years of age.Two individuals over 90, Lillian Smith and Ella Smithberger, were in attendance and were honored with bouquets.
This is just one of the many events hosted throughout the region to honor Older Americans.
Photo: Monroe County Beacon 

Featured AAA8 Provider:
The Joyce M. Davis Senior Center in Noble County is located in Caldwell. It is a place where individuals can gather, socialize and enjoy activities, lunch and events throughout the year. Nutrition services include home delivered and congregate meals. Michele Hollins of GMN Tri-County is the Senior Services Director. Senior Services also offers homemaker services, medical escort and transportation services to all residents 60 and older. The Center's Grandparent Program is a collaborative intergenerational partnership between the Shenandoah Elementary School and the GMN/Noble County Senior Citizens Center. Children and adults interact through planned and informal activities. The Senior Citizens have the opportunity to share both time and special talents.
GMN Tri-County CAC, Inc. is a host agency for Experience Works and provides supervision to enrollees who are employed at job sites within the agency and the community. The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a work experience program designed to aid economically disadvantage persons.

Mark Your Calendar for
Upcoming Events:
  • Respectful Workplace - June 9  Fee: $25
  • Estate Planning - June 16  stay tuned for more details!
  • Own Your Future Regional Forum June 24 from 5-7 p.m. (AAA8 Office in Marietta)
  • Financial Exploitation of the Elderly - July 15  Fee: $30
Choices ExpoSAVE THE DATE, 2008!
 
Choices Expo:
Nov. 12 & 13 
Watch the mail for more details on Sponsorship & Exhibit Opportunities! 

__________________________

AAA 8

  • Buckeye Hills Executive Director: Misty Casto
  • Buckeye Hills Assistant Executive Director & Area Agency on Aging Director: Rick Hindman
  • Home Care Director: Jane Skeen, LSW
  • Communications Director: Gwynn Clifford

" We age by nature; we age well by
foresight, preparation and creativity."  

___________________________________________________________

Buckeye Hills' Area Agency on Aging to Host June 24 Own Your Future Forum

FutureMany might ask themselves, can I really own my future?
 

With the right plan and information, individuals can build a firm foundation for the years ahead.

Anyone 45 or older, should join the Area Agency on Aging for a FREE Community Forum, June 24 from 5-7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn on Pike Street in Marietta to learn first-hand how to Own Your Future! 
-- Know Your Options [Receive a Free Planning Kit]   
--
Plan Early & Wise 
--
Take Action!

The Community Forum is Free; pre-registration
is recommended. Call 1-800-331-2644.
Visit www.areaagency8.org for details.

___________________________________________________________

Ohio is participating in the Own Your Future campaign to encourage those aged 45-65 to start planning now for their future long-term care needs.

 

Governor Ted Strickland mailed 1.7 million letters to households all across Ohio inviting respondents to request a free Ohio planning guide. The letter reminds readers that while it is a normal part of aging, most do not plan for their future long-term care needs. 

 

More details are available at www.longtermcare.gov and a toll-free number of 1-866-PLAN-LTC is also available.

  • ad�vo�ca�cy Pronunciation: \ˈad-və-kə-sē\ : the act or process of advocating or supporting a cause or proposal 
  • ad�vo�cate: to plead in favor of
    ____________________________________________________________
     
    AAA8 Supports Ohio Aging Network Advocate:
    Joan Stroh of Athens Joins Statewide Advocacy Effort



    StrohJoan Stroh, M.Ed., L.P.C.C., L.S.W., has been in private practice for over 25 years and served as a geriatric social worker and counselor since 1988. She served with The Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine and is very active in the field of Geriatrics.
     
    Joan was asked to serve the AAA8 eight-county region using her advocacy experience to work on issues that impact millions of people in Ohio as an Ohio Aging Network Advocate with the AARP and The Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
     
    The Aging Network communicates with state representatives, state senators and US congresspersons about priority issues such as prescription drug benefits, Social Security solvency, consumer protections, long-term care and independent living.
     
    "It is imperative that people are informed about what's happening in the legislature. On the other hand, it is also imperative that our legislators be informed about what's going on with the elderly and their caregivers," said Stroh. "Because, if we don't tell them, they won't know." 
    If you are interested in being part of the AAA8 Grassroots Advocacy Effort to use your talents to
    help AARP and OAAAA influence policy at the state and national level contact:
  • Gwynn Clifford at the AAA8 office at 1-800-331-2644 or [email protected] OR
  • Joan Stroh at (740) 593-2482 or [email protected]
STATE NEWS:  

Molly Varner appointed by Governor Ted Strickland to the Ohio Advisory Council on Aging

Molly VarnerA Washington County resident, Molly Varner, was appointed by Governor Ted Strickland to serve on the Ohio Advisory Council on Aging.

Varner spent over 20 years at the Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging, where, as director, she administered more than $8 million per year, supervised a staff of 35, and worked with more than 30 different service contractors. She is also active in Zonta and Marietta Noon Rotary and volunteers with various fundraising efforts for numerous organizations.

The Ohio Advisory Council on Aging is made up of 12 people from around the state who are appointed by the governor to serve in an advisory and advocacy capacity. The council advocates on behalf of the various agencies throughout the state. The council meets every other month, usually in Columbus.

Ohio Senior Civic Engagement Council Established 

Governor Ted Strickland recently established the Ohio Senior Civic Engagement Council, which will work to enhance volunteer, educational and employment opportunities for older Ohioans.

"As Ohio's population of older adults grows, we must give them the resources and opportunities they need to continue leading productive, fulfilling lives," Strickland said.

The U.S. Census Bureau projects that from 2005 to 2015, the entire working-age population of Ohio will grow by 224,000. At the same time, the population of Ohioans who are age 55 and older will increase by more than 552,000. The statistics show that a large portion of the growth in the working-age population will be generated by these older Ohioans.

"Older adults will play a major role in Ohio's economic success for the next several years," Strickland said. "The Council will work to keep them active and engaged in their communities and careers, as well as help employers prepare for changing workforce needs."

The Senior Civic Engagement Council will coordinate with the Ohio Workforce Policy Board regarding senior employment policies and activities, collect data about the engagement of older adults in employment, volunteer and educational activities and its impact on their health and well-being, and promote policies that enhance job opportunities, increase volunteerism and make educational opportunities available to older Ohioans.

Additionally, the Council will help business leaders and the workforce development system prepare for and offer services to Ohio's growing number of older workers.

The Council will be led by the Director of the Ohio Department of Aging and include representatives from Ohio's Area Agencies on Aging, the Ohio Board of Regents, the Ohio Workforce Development Office and the Ohio Community Service Council, as well as representatives from the business sector, advocates for aging issues and older Ohioans
.

Monroe/Noble Housing Continuum of Care Group Hosts Education Retreat
 

In rural areas, such as Noble and Monroe Counties, people experiencing homelessness are less likely to live on the street or in a shelter, and more likely to live in over-crowded situations or in substandard housing. The Noble-Monroe Housing Coalition has been established and continues to meet regularly. The group would like to continue to include representatives from organizations across Monroe and Noble Counties that play an integral role in issues related to housing.


The Coalition will: "Build partnerships that will ensure safe, decent and affordable housing for all and will identify the needs and resources related to housing and homelessness in Noble and Monroe Counties and work to develop programs to close the gaps."
 
In the future, the Coalition will be an integral organization of support as groups seek to secure state and federal grant funds.
Monroe Chairperson - Mary Jo Westfall, OSU Extension
Noble Chairperson - Carol Burris, GMN

 
Housing COCA variety of speakers gathered at the Summerfield American Legion
Hall to educate the nearly 30 attendees at a recent Monroe/Noble Housing COC Meeting coordinated by the AAA8 Housing Coordinator Joe Gage.
 
From the Ohio Treasurer of State's Save Our Homes Initiative Scott Brown, Community Education Division spoke (shown above). The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Specialist on Multi-Family Housing, Brent Warren updated the group. From The Ohio Benefit Bank Program, Vista Coordinator Jessica May, shared what is happening with volunteers in this program statewide. Representing the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) was Jonda Clemmings, MSEd, LSW, the Rural Housing Coordinator.
 
Benefits Bank
 
Benefit Bank Volunteers Needed in Monroe, Morgan  and Washington Counties!

 
 We are looking for individuals who would like to train as Benefit Bank Counselors to serve in Monroe, Morgan and Washington County. Call 1-800-331-2644 or visit www.areaagency8.org for more details!
The AAA8 and the Washington County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) partnered and hosted an Ohio Benefit Bank training on June 4 from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. at the Washington County Career Center computer lab. 
 
The Monroe County training is also set for June 25 from 10 a.m.- 2p.m. at The Black Walnut Center in Woodsfield.
 
In Morgan County, volunteers may attend a training on July 24 from 10 a.m.- 2p.m. at The Learning Center in McConnelsville.
In less than 18 months of operations, the Benefit Bank has helped more than 17,000 Ohioans claim more than $18 million in tax credits and other work supports.