Ohio August
Unemployment Rates
Ohio's unemployment rate was 10.1 percent in September, down from 10.8 percent in August. The U.S. unemployment rate for September was 9.8 percent, up from 9.7 percent in August.
Rates in the region:
Athens: 8.6%
Hocking: 10.4%
Meigs: 15.2%
Monroe: 11.5%
Morgan: 14.6%
Noble: 14%
Perry: 12.8%
Washington: 9.4%
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Help Available for Home Heating Costs
The Ohio Department of Development, announced that $50 million in funding is available to assist qualified, low-income, and elderly Ohioans with winter heating costs through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Winter Crisis Program, which begins November 2, 2009, and runs through March 31, 2010.
Ohio will receive an estimated $220 million in total federal HEAP funding for the 2010 federal fiscal year, approximately the same amount as compared to last year.
The HEAP Winter Crisis Program, administered by ODOD's Community Development Division, provides assistance once per heating season to eligible households that have been disconnected, are being threatened with disconnection, or have less than a 10-day supply of bulk fuel. Approximately 180,000 households were served during the 2008-2009 Winter Crisis Program.
Qualifying for HEAP is dependent on the size of the household and the total gross household income over the past three months, which must be at or below 200 percent of the 2009 federal poverty guidelines. Contact the Buckeye Hills AAA8 at 1-800-331-2644 for income guidelines and application locations across the region.
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Ohio Energy Office Seeks Grant Applications
The Ohio Department of Development's Ohio Energy Office is accepting applications for $15 million in funding available through Ohio's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program for eligible county and city governments. Eligible projects are those that will lower fossil fuel emissions, reduce energy usage and create jobs.
The request for proposal for Ohio Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program: Local Governments, a $15 million program, seeks eligible local county and city governments that did not receive direct allocation from the federal government for projects that lower fossil fuel emissions, reduce energy usage and create jobs.
Eligible activities include energy efficiency retrofits and installation of distributed energy technologies in the residential, commercial, industrial, government or academic sectors, higher efficient lighting for traffic signals and street lights, reduction and capture of methane or greenhouse gases, and installation of renewable energy technologies on government buildings. Awards will be selected through a competitive process.
The $15 million is available to eligible local governments based on population: $3 million for eligible county and city governments with populations below 39,000; $4 million to those with populations between 39,000 and 65,000, and $8 million to those with populations of 65,000 and above. All eligible projects must be completed by July 20, 2012 and provide direct economic impact in Ohio.
Interested applicants must submit a one-page project summary no later than 2 p.m. on November 25, 2009, at the Recovery web site. If you have already submitted a summary, you will not be required to submit again.
In addition, applicants must submit complete proposals, which are due to the Ohio Energy Office by 2 p.m. on Monday, November 30, 2009. Applications are to be mailed to the Ohio Energy Office, 77 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43215.
For more information about the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program: Local Governments and requirements please visit the ODOD web site.
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Ohio Community Facility Improvement Program Grant Applications Due
Nov. 13
The Ohio Department of Development, announced the Community Facility Improvement Program, a $300,000 investment fund to support improvements to public buildings in Ohio's 32 Appalachian counties.
Community Facility Improvement funding levels range between $15,000 and $30,000, and are to be awarded on a reimbursement basis. The funds support improvements to existing buildings, including exterior, interior, handicap accessibility, heating and cooling, electric, and educational space upgrades and repairs.
Grants are awarded through the Governor's Office of Appalachia, and priority will be given to projects located in Appalachian Regional Commission-designated distressed counties and communities with fewer than 5,000 residents.
Letters of intent are due to the Governor's Office of Appalachia by November 13, 2009. Applications will be reviewed and responses mailed by mid-December, 2009.
Contact the Governor's Office of Appalachia at (614) 644-9228 for program information.
DOE Launches Online Resource to Help Local Governments Expand Use of Solar Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy announced the availability of a new online resource for local governments that assists community leaders and local stakeholders in building sustainable local solar markets. The online publication, Solar Powering Your Community: A Guide for Local Governments, provides local governments with proven best practices enabling them to drive economic development, support clean energy jobs and reduce carbon emissions by building a robust local solar market.
"The Guide is based on successful projects in cities across the United States, bringing together information, best practices and step-by-step instructions into a single resource that can help local governments accelerate the adoption of solar technologies," says Solar Energy Technologies Program Manager John Lushetsky. "The recommendations in the Guide have been successfully field tested in cities around the country, making it a valuable resource for any community that wants to reap the environmental and economic benefits of solar energy."
Click here to download a copy of the report. | |
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Semi-Annual General Policy Council Meeting Provides Updates
 Buckeye Hills hosted its Semi-Annual Meeting Oct. 20 at the Marietta Country Club. Fred Deel, Director of The Governor's Office of Appalachia was the keynote speaker. He provided updates on the Nelsonville Bypass project, details from The Ohio Department of Development and shared information about the October Appalachian Regional Commission Event to be hosted in Athens, Ohio.
"We are excited that the ARC Conference is being hosted in Ohio this year," said Deel. "Our governor is serving as the ARC States Co-Chair and we are finding ways to partner across the 13-state region."
The Department of Development's new plan is OHIO - Ohio: Home of Innovation and Opportunity. The Enterprise Appalachia portion includes an emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurs and growth through edcuation, infrastructure and job creation as well as enhanced quality of life.
"The region should be proud of the work Buckeye Hills does for you. They are out there fighting to ensure your region gets its fair share of funding and that you work and come together as a region," added Deel.
The Area Agency on Aging announced the winners of two new awards: AAA8 Partnership Award and the Legislative Partnership Award.
 Senator Jimmy Stewart Wins AAA8 Legislative Partnership Award
The AAA8 Partnership Award recognizes a current or past AAA8 Region local, state or federal legislator who supports the principles and an ongoing commitment to the mission of AAA8 in serving the region's caregivers and aging population.
OH Rep. (now Senator) Jimmy Stewart received the award for his Efforts on the Unified Long-Term Care Budget (as a member of The Joint Committee on Medicaid Technology and Reform).
Ohio Senator Jimmy Stewart served in the Ohio House of Rep. from 2003-2008. As a member of the House Joint Committee on Medicaid Technology and Reform, he was an advocate for the state's Long-Term Care Budget Reform process. The committee requested suggestions from experts around the state to restructure the processes and control costs of long-term care.
Stewart has been involved with the Buckeye Hills AAA8 advocating for the PASSPORT program budget and working to understand the program by participating in a PASSPORT home visit.
He is currently serving as a member of The Ohio Senate. He earned his bachelors degree from Marshall University and an M.B.A. from Xavier University. He also attended Ohio University for additional study in accounting.
 Athens Resident Wins AAA8 Partnership Award
The AAA8 Partnership Award recognizes a current or past Buckeye Hills AAA8 Regional Advisory Council member, provider, community or county leader who exemplifies the principles of vision and leadership and an ongoing commitment to the mission of AAA8 in the 8-county region.
The 2009 recipient was Joan Stroh, M.Ed., L.P.C.C., L.S.W. Stoh 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 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 and federal representatives 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. "If we don't tell them, they won't know." |
 Around the District:
Athens County: ODOT Breaks Ground on Gateway to Appalachia - Nelsonville Bypass
 Athens County Commissioner Lenny Eliason welcomed Gov. Ted Strickland, U.S. congressmen and other officials who celebrated the groundbreaking of the second and third phases of the Nelsonville bypass. Being called the Gateway to Appalachia, the bypass is the largest transportation project in Ohio funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and is slated for completion in 2013. The bypass will be the main corridor from Columbus to Charleston, W.Va. "We didn't have the money without the stimulus to actually build it," said Jolene Molitoris, Director of ODOT. "This stimulus money, combined with the money we did have available, made it possible to go on."  Shown with Misty Casto, Buckeye Hills Exec. Director at the event was Victor Mendez, administrator for the Federal Highway administration. He said the groundbreaking was a celebration of 305 construction jobs that will be either saved or created. "It's a terrific boost for the area and more jobs will follow," he said. Mendez said the project will create a ripple effect with suppliers and local companies.  Congressman Zack Space, (OH -18th District) said the project will help address the effects of poverty in the region. "This area in particular has taken a very hard hit," Space said. "The unemployment rates in these Southern Ohio counties are the highest in the state, ranging anywhere from 10 percent up to around 16 percent." He said there are also thousands that work full time, yet remain in poverty. Congressman Charlie Wilson (OH - 6th District) said he truly believes that this type of infrastructure is important to our state and to the region. It's been a lifetime dream that this corridor could be opened up on Route 33 from Athens to Columbus. Monroe County: Education Group Receives GrantMembers of the Team Monroe Education committee with leadership support from the Monroe County Commissioners and Belmont Technical College have been working to establish a Monroe County P-16 Council. The Council was a strategy from the county's Strategic Higher Education Plan. The group has worked to secure a $5,000 grant from The Ohio Appalachian Center for
Higher Education (OACHE) to assist with its work. The P-16 will work to identify and remedy gaps in the educational "pipeline" and to integrate the separate systems of education across all learning levels ensuring students can advance smoothly from pre-Kindergarten to a post secondary education.
Noble County: Buckeye Hills Hosts Town Hall Forum
Representatives from across Noble County joined staff from Buckeye Hills Nov. 13 for the Noble County Town Hall Forum - the final 2009 forum in the region.
Perry County: Roseville Receives Grant
The Village of Roseville (Perry County) will receive a $700,954 Clean Ohio Assistance Fund grant for costs associated with remediation activities on the former Brush Pottery property. The project property is located at 87 Perry Street. The grant will be used for asbestos abatement, waste removal, and soil remediation. After rehabilitation of the property, Jeff Nelson Custom Homes plans to acquire the property and invest $15,000 to redevelop the site with 4,200 square feet of commercial space for the offices and storage space of Jeff Nelson Custom Homes. Future plans include an additional investment of $60,000 by Jeff Nelson Custom Homes to build condominiums and smalls homes, which could result in job creation. |
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Revolving Loan Fund Helps Restaurant Saalam Expand in Athens
 
Restaurant Saalam was an existing 42 seat capacity restaurant in the City of Athens. With assistance from Buckeye Hills and Ohio Valley Credit Union, they have been able to move to a different location, closer to their clientele, and can now seat 100 people.
The loan from BH of $53,402 combined with Ohio Valley Credit Union loan and owner equity made for a total investment of $94,265. Before the investment, the business had 11 part time employees. Now, they have 14 full time and 19 part time employees.
Owners Hilarie and Mark say it is "Quite the dramatic change!We couldn't have done it without the Buckeye Hills loan help. Thanks a zillion."
The restaurant specializes in Silk Road/Pan-Arabian cuisine served in an atmosphere that is based on that part of the world. They prepare their own salad dressings, grind their own spices and use prepared foods only when necessary. They use, when possible, local meats, vegetables and locally made desserts and serve food free of trans-fats and high-fructose corn syrup.
The restaurant does not sell alcohol, but does offer the customer to bring their own to enjoy with their meal. You can see their menu and additional information at their website www.restaurantsalaam.googlepages.com.
To learn more about the Revolving Loan Fund, contact Tina Meunier at 740-376-0360. |
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 Join Us for the 2009 Choices Expo - Nov. 12
Living Healthy, Wealthy & Wise
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Marietta Comfort Inn - Free Admission!
Call 1-800-331-2644 for details or download a flier from www.areaagency8.org. Exhibits, Activities, Free & Reduced-Rate Testing, Food and more!
 Special Thanks to Event Sponsors!
Title Sponsor: Results Radio
Gold Sponsors: Interim Healthcare of Cambridge, Life Ambulance Marietta Memorial Hospital; The Marietta Times; and Ohio Valley Home Health
Silver Sponsors: The O'Neill Senior Center; United Seniors of Athens County, Inc.;
Settlers Bank
Broze Sponsor: Interim Healthcare of Lancaster ACTIVITY Sponsors: Scenic Hills Senior Center
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Perry County Family Benefits from Choices Program
 Programs that allow elderly Ohioans to receive less-expensive care in the comfort of their own homes are making a difference to families in Appalachia. Bertha Paynter, celebrated her 101st birthday this summer and enjoys remaining at home with her daughter, Shirley near Mt. Perry.
Shirley Paynter is her mother's primary caregiver. With support from a program called Choices, she is paid two and a half hours a day to care for her mother. Through the coordination of the Area Agency on Aging Case Manager Chris Platt, RN, Bertha receives other important services such as home-delivered meals and oxygen supplies.
"The Choices program gives families additional support and flexibility," said Platt. "Shirley is able to transport her mother to medical appointments, tend to her personal care and help with the homemaker chores."
Also involved are members of the extended family. Bertha has six children, 27 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and now even has some great, great grands.
When asked about her recommendations to live past 100 years, Bertha said she doesn't drink, smoke and she believes in The Lord. While her eyes do not see as well as they used to, she enjoys listening to books on tape that arrive by mail weekly from a library program from Cleveland.
"Choices has been a great program for this family as they provide Bertha with care 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Platt. "Her doctor says she is a 'tough old bird' and we believe her strength of mind and family network are important to her care."
This year Bertha's annual Choices service plan is $13,145, a savings of more than $43,000 when compared to the estimated average annual cost for nursing facility care in Ohio.
Choices is a consumer-directed Medicaid waiver program that provides home and community-based services and supports to older Ohioans. Providers can be agency or non-agency professional caregivers or individual providers such as friends, neighbors or some relatives (spouses, parents, step-parents and legal guardians are ineligible). The consumer is the "employer of record" for individual providers and is responsible for hiring, firing, training, and completing all necessary tax forms and payroll duties for these workers. The Choices program uses a Fiscal Employer Agent to assist the consumer with the financial aspects of the program
Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging is the area's administrator of Choices and PASSPORT, cost-effective, in-home alternatives to nursing home care for Medicaid-eligible residents age 60 and older. For more information these and other Caregiver services, call 1-800-331-2644 and if eligible, an in-home assessment will be scheduled. | |
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