News & Briefs

February 2016 News & Briefs

Edition 308

February 2016

Area Agency on Aging Public Forums: ASCOG staff will host public forums to receive comments on the Area Plan on Aging.  For more information, contact Cathy Crockett at 580.736.7978. The public forums for February are scheduled as follows:

  • February 2, Cache nutrition site, 10:45 a.m.
  • February 3, Geronimo nutrition site, 10:15 a.m.
  • February 8, Ryan nutrition site, 10:45 a.m.
  • February 10, Frederick nutrition site, 10:45 a.m.
  • February 11, Anadarko nutrition site, 10:45 a.m.
  • February 16, Wayne nutrition site, 10:45 a.m.

Nutrition Project Proposals Due:  All proposals for SFY17 Title III Nutrition Projects are due February 22.  For more information, contact Ken Jones 580.736.7972.

Senior Day at the Capitol:  Senior Day at the Capitol is scheduled for Monday, February 22, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the House Chamber in the Capitol Building.  For more information, contact Bethany Sullivan at 580.736.7036 or go online to www.okseniorday.com. Due to budget reductions received at the beginning of the fiscal year, we are unable to pay for lunches for those who attend this year.

ASCOG Offices Closed: ASCOG offices will be closed Monday, February 15 for President’s Day.  Offices will open for business Tuesday, February 16.

CDBG Applications Due Dates:

CDBG-REAP – February 29, 2016

Community Revitalization – March 31, 2016

Water and Wastewater Construction and Engineering – May 2, 2016

(No application will be considered unless it includes a copy of the completed FY2015 Audit or Agreed Upon Procedures.)

2016 REAP Contracts Signed: The 2016 REAP contract signings were delayed for two weeks and were signed on January 26, 2016.  This delay was caused because it was determined by the Board of Equalization at its December 22, 2015 meeting that revenue collections were insufficient to fund State Agencies fully through the remainder of the 2016 Fiscal Year.  Due to this ASCOG REAP was cut and this only allowed us to distribute 3 per cent less.  We will still be able to fund 20 projects thanks to interest and previous de-obligation of awarded money.

2015 REAP Contracts:  All 2015 REAP Contracts have less than six months to spend your REAP funds.  The deadline is June 30, 2016.  If you have any questions you need to contact Tom Zigler (580) 736-7971 or e-mail zigl_to@ascog.org.

PUBLIC SAFETY: The Rush Springs fire department has completed their new grass rig\tanker and inspection will follow. Blanchard fire department is very close to completion of their grass rig\tanker also with inspection and title transfer. The Destry Horton Wild land and EMS school on Fort Sill post is fast approaching and  early registration and security pass back ground check must be completed very soon if you are going to attend.

Data Validation for Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is being conducted by Aging Services Division of Department of Human Services (DHS).  The initial validations began on January 25th in Clinton. Altus will receive its’ validation on January 26th and the main office in Duncan will be validated on February 23rd.

Advance Directive for Health Care: The Advance Directive can be used to ensure your wishes are followed if you become incapacitated and incapable of making an informed decision regarding your health care.  If you signed a Directive to Physicians or other Advance Directive for Health Care under Oklahoma law prior to 2006, it is recommended that you complete the dew directive because of additional options under the current law.  Your use of the statutory Advance Directive form should be based on your personal health situation and prior consultation with your physician and attorney.  Free updated Advance Directives are available at http://okpalliative.nursing.ouhsc.edu.  Advance Directives are also available at ASCOG.

The Best Long Term Care Facility – Is it the one with the newest, best-looking building?  Or is it the one that has been around for many years?  Maybe it is the one closest to you; is it?  There are many ways to choose a long-term care facility.  Why not enlist the help of the Ombudsmen to get a better idea?  The Ombudsmen has visited many of the facilities and knows other resources you can use to decide.  – Contact Ruben Sotelo or Darin Terry, ASCOG ombudsmen.