September 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
 
Your Advocacy Needed for Older Americans Act Funding
 
Members of the U.S. House and Senate will return from the August recess on September 7. 
A full agenda, including aging policy issues such as funding the Older Americans Act, awaits them upon return. 
 
The Senate Appropriations Committee prepared a second economic stimulus bill to introduce in September. The bill will contain emergency funding for Senior Nutrition Programs.
 
Democratic Leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives are also considering a second economic stimulus package to introduce in September that could include at least $50 billion in funds.
 
Since the 1980s, funding for Older Americans Act Title III B and C (Supportive Services and Nutrition) programs has dropped dramatically while the number of older adults continues to increase.
 
Ask Ohio Senators and Representatives to support increased funding in Fiscal Year 2009 for the Older Americans Act. OAA is the cornerstone of the nation's long-term care system.
 
Ask legislators to "hold harmless" OAA programs by increasing total funding by at least five percent to allow them to keep pace with projected population growth and price increases in Fiscal Year 2009.
 
In the past three years, the AAA8 region has received $3,715,160 in Older Americans Act funding for services across the 8-county district.
AAA8 Grassroots Advocacy Training Oct. 10  

ohio statehouse

AAA8 Providers and partners are invited to join us for a grassroots advocacy training session in conjunction with the Regional Advisory Committee meeting Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. at the Buckeye Hills office in Marietta.
Tom Pappas, a Public Policy Consultant from Pappas & Associates in Columbus will share recommendations on grassroots advocacy in Ohio. He will review the Unified Long-Term Care Budget effort and other critical legislative issues related to Aging.

Space is limited, please RSVP by Sept. 23 to 1-800-331-2644 if you plan to attend the free training.  

Foster Grandparents Needed
 
grandparentsThe COAD Foster Grandparent program is looking for low-income seniors who would like to spend quality time with area children in schools and daycare centers in Washington County. Grandparents work for 15 hours per week and up in a local school, according to their choice. They receive a small, tax-free hourly benefit, free lunch, help with transportation, training and other benefits. Most of all, grandparents feel the affection of the children, and know they are making a real difference in a child's life. For information on the Foster Grandparent Program, call  Linda Gilden at COAD at 740-594-8499.
Choices Expo2008 Choices Expo Plans Underway
Choices Expo: Living Healthy, Wealthy & Wise
 
The Area Agency on Aging will host the second annual Choices Expo at the Marietta Comfort Inn on Weds., Nov. 12 from 1-8 p.m. and Thurs., Nov.13 from 8a.m. to 1p.m. 

 
Young and old, baby boomers and members of the greatest generation from across the region are encouraged to attend - it is never too early to begin creating a life-long plan. 
 
Participants will enjoy a wealth of information about healthy lifestyles, long-term care options, caregiver services, basic health screenings, workshops about retirement planning and much more. Entertainment for the event promises to showcase the best of local talent. 
 
The Choices Expo: Living Healthy, Wealthy & Wise offers education through a variety of resources to help individuals make informed choices for their future. Professionals representing an assortment of areas that impact Ohio's aging population will be on hand to discuss hot topics including retirement planning, Medicare, Social Security, money issues, nutrition, exercise and how to make choices regarding long-term care will be on hand for demonstrations, workshops and exhibits.

Choices Expo sponsors, exhibitors, presenters and activities coordinators should pre-register by contacting Mindy Cayton at the Ohio Area Agency on Aging 8 at 1-800-331-2644 or visit www.areaagency8.org. Continued thanks to Expo Title Sponsor, Senior News.
 
2008 Confirmed Expo Sponsors Include:
GOLD: Life Ambulance, Marietta Memorial Hospital, Ohio Valley Home Health, Inc.
Silver: Home Helpers, McCarter Health, Pro Seniors, and Settlers Bank
Activity: Mid-Ohio Valley Alzheimer's Association, The O'Neill Senior Center, The Pines at Glenwood and Scenic Hills Senior Center
Nominations Needed for Elder Caregiving Award: Applications accepted through September 15.

handsSince 1995, the Elder Caregiving Award has symbolically honored all Ohioans who lovingly care for family and friends by recognizing outstanding individuals who selfl essly dedicate their lives to the care of others.

The Caregiver or care recipient must be age 60 or older and caregiving must not be job-related. The Caregiver or care recipient must be a current resident of Ohio.

Nominations may also be submitted online at:
www.GoldenBuckeye.com/infocenter/nominations.html
AAA8 Gears Up for Public Outreach of Ohio's HEAP Programs
heapDid you know that with one Energy Assistance Application, clients may apply for several federally or state-funded energy assistance programs administered by the Ohio Dept. of Development? The Home Energy Assistance Program ( HEAP), the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program ( E-HEAP), and the Percentage of Income Payment Plan for ( PIPP) are on one form and The Energy Assistance Application can also be used to apply for the Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP).
 
And, the HEAP process is now available through The Ohio Benefits Bank - so any Benefits Bank location may serve clients seeking support for home heating bills.
 
To learn more, visit the AAA8 web site. For an application location near you, call 1-800-331-2644. 

Buckeye Hills Invites Providers & Residents to Regional Town Hall Forums
 
let's talk!    A town hall meeting is an informal public meeting where everybody in a county is invited to attend, voice their opinions and share ideas on how to work toward a better community, county and region. Join us for the town hall meeting in your area and let's talk!  

MistyShown at left is Buckeye Hills Executive Director Misty Casto at the Monroe County Town Hall Forum.
Shown below: Noble County resident Cathy Bond casts her votes. 
 
 
 
noble county forumUpcoming Forum Dates: 
Perry County: Sept. 16 � 6-8 p.m.
Hocking college perry campus - room 210
5454 SR 37 � New Lexington  

Athens County: Sept. 30 � 6-8 p.m.
Athens Community Center
East State Street - Athens  

Morgan County: Oct. 7 � 6-8 p.m.
Reicker bldg. 155 East Main - Mcconnelsville  

Hocking County: Oct.14 � 6-8 p.m.
Lee's banquet haus � 580 Radio lane - Logan

Meigs County: Nov. 17 � 6-8 p.m.
Rio grande meigs campus
42377 Charles Chancey Dr. � Pomeroy

Washington County: Dec. 9 � 6-8 p.m.
Buckeye Hills office � 1400 Pike St. � Marietta

The Monroe and Noble forums were hosted in August.
"RHIOhio: Building Partnerships for Change
 
RHIO
 
The Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine will host the 2nd annual RHIOhio conference, "RHIOhio: Building Partnerships for Change" October 13-14 in Athens.
 
This year's conference will convene health care providers and professionals, biotechnology researchers and administrators, governmental officials, policy makers and industry representatives to discuss the integration of health information technology (HIT) into the clinical and community environments.
 
Based on interest, a continuing medical education track is being planned for Monday, October 13 in conjunction with RHIOhio on the topic of diabetes mellitus in rural Appalachia. Please contact Elissa Welch, (740) 597-3367, or [email protected] for additional information. Click here to register.
 

Visit AAA8 Web Site for Events

  • 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