May 2008

April Employee-of-the-Month:  Debra Horridge, a MIS specialist in the workforce development division, has been with ASCOG for six months.  Debra is already knowledgeable of the programs and resources available and takes the extra time to listen to problems.  The consumer knows she will guide them in the right direction. 

Please Keep ASCOG Updated:  The staff requests that communities, counties, conservation districts, fire departments, chambers of commerce and tribal offices let us know any time there is a change in elected officials, managers or addresses in their entity. Please call ASCOG with the information.  Your help on an ongoing basis is appreciated. 

Next Census Important! The U.S. Economic Development Administration is already stressing the importance of local governments insuring an accurate 2010 Census.  Immigration, aging and demography are major factors for future economic growth.  As the baby boomers age out, immigrants (particularly those who may not be paying taxes or social security but are using health provider benefits) continue to have an effect on economic balances. Additionally that many are moving to warmer climates such as offered in the Southwest and it is imperative that community leaders ensure the best possible efforts are made for an accurate data base. 

ASCOG Holiday:  ASCOG will close Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.  The offices will open at 8 a.m., Tuesday, May 27.

REAP Application for FY 2009 Available:  The application may be downloaded from the ASCOG web site at www.ascog.org.  If member governments are unable to access the ASCOG web site, call ASCOG and request a copy be mailed.  Application deadline is Friday, August 22^nd.

The Emerging Face of Alzheimer’s:  The Alzheimer’s Association of Oklahoma and Arkansas annual educational conference will be held on June 5^th at the Renaissance Hotel in Tulsa.  Information from experts in the fields of ethics, early detection, research, medical issues and early onset will be presented.  For additional information, call 1-800-272-3900.  Registration is available at www.alz.org/alzokar/in_my_comunity_events.asp.

State Conference on Aging:  The 2008 Oklahoma Conference on Aging will be held on May 20 -22, 2008.  Location will be at the Reed Center in OKC located off of I-40 and Sooner Road.  This year’s conference theme is Aging Out Loud.  This is the premier annual conference in the state.  This year’s conference will help to inform participants on the latest information regarding a number of issues affecting older adults and to encourage stronger advocacy on behalf of older Oklahomans.  For additional information on registration call Sunny Fye, ASCOG information and referral specialist.

ASCOG Staff Participate in Wichita Falls Job Fair:  Staff will be sponsoring a booth at a job fair in Wichita Falls, TX on May 7 and *.  Staff will be providing information on area employment opportunities and the benefits of the area to prospective residents.  For additional information, contact Archer McPhaul, deputy director for operations of ASCOG workforce development division.

Governor Henry Declares May as Flood Awareness Month: Severe flooding episodes occur in Oklahoma virtually every year. Of the 54 Presidentially-declared disasters in Oklahoma since 1955, 36 have involved flooding. The National Flood Insurance Program assists local communities by making flood insurance available at affordable rates and helping them to make wise decisions concerning flood plain use. (Currently, more than 88 percent of homes and businesses in the state that lie in the 100 year floodplain have no flood insurance.) For additional info, contact Stan Rice, ASCOG director of environmental services.

Automatic External Defibrillators: The AED grant applications have been graded and communities and rural fire departments will begin receiving the units by May 5.  Departments that need extra training will receive instruction from the manufacturer at a time to meet the department’s schedule. For additional information contact Perry Brinegar, ASCOG director of public safety.

 

                                                                                                       

 

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