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FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
WOW!!!! What a summer. Although we all live in the most desirable place
on earth we are subject to weather extremes such as Hurricanes. How lucky
and blessed we were to have been spared from the wrath of HARVEY and
IRMA. Our hearts go out to the folks in Texas, Louisiana, Florida and other
areas that were adversely affected by these devastating storms. Elected
officials, agencies and others in our Region are to be commended for
offering shelter and other needs for evacuees.
With school starting and football season here your SARPC staff has been quite
busy as we provide and administer numerous programs in Escambia, Baldwin
and Mobile Counties. We will continue to represent this agency with
professionalism, dignity and compassion as we deliver these services.
Please drop by the SARPC offices at the GM&O building as we have con
solidated our space to the first and second floors. Thanks!
John F. "Rickey" Rhodes
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Mr. Rhodes speaking at the Lions Club of Mobile. Left to right: Kevin Harrison, Rickey Rhodes and Todd Denison.
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| Samarria Dunson training the SARPC staff on HIPAA. |
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TRANSPORTATION
Regional Planning Organization met last week
The South Alabama Regional Planning Commission (SARPC) hosted a meeting of the Rural Planning Organization (RPO) Committee at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at the Baldwin County Central Annex at 22251 Palmer Street in Robertsdale, Alabama.
Mr. Tim Barnett with ALDOT in Montgomery talked about the Highway Safety Plan and how to go about getting safety issues in your area added to their list of projects.
There was a discussion of current and future transportation projects in the rural areas of our region by the Southwest Regional Office. Project list is available for review online
HERE.
Human Services Coordinated Transportation Plan (HSCTP) Update
The South Alabama Regional Planning Commission (SARPC) is updating the Human Services Coordinated Transportation Plan which details which projects are eligible for Federal Transit Administration dollars for Elderly and Disabled (5310), Job Access and Reverse Commute projects (5316) or those transit projects that go above and beyond the requirements of ADA (5317).
If you are interested in, utilize, or provide transit, or would like to apply for federal transit dollars for special needs transit services your organization needs to be involved in this process.
SARPC staff held two public meetings to explain the plan, solicit input, and review the FTA 5310 application process. One meeting was held at the Baldwin County Central Annex at 22251 Palmer Street in Robertsdale, Alabama. The second public meeting was at the GM&O Building at 110 Beauregard Street in Mobile, Alabama. The first meeting was sparsely attended but we had good turnout for the one in Mobile. We will be finalizing this plan next week and it will be adopted at the MPO meeting. The plan may be viewed
HERE.
If you would like to comment on the plan or have any questions please contact the Transportation Planning Department at SARPC at 251-433-6541.
SARPC funds six new buses for the elderly and disabled
In the past two weeks, SARPC has received 6 small transit buses through FTA 5310 Funds. The buses were purchased using 80% Federal money. The FTA 5310 Program provides financial assistance for transportation services planned, designed, and carried out to meet the special transportation needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities. The recipients of the buses are the City of Saraland, Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast and the Mobile Association of Retarded Citizens.
The South Alabama Regional Planning Commission will have a call for capital projects in October 2017.
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M.A.R.C. picking up one of their two buses.
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Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast picking up a bus.
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Darryl picking up the bus for the City of Saraland.
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Planning & Zoning Commission Training August 29th
August 29th, the Community Development department held a class on Planning and Zoning. There were 133 attendees. If you weren't able to attend, a video of the presentation and other documents will be posted Here in the near future.
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| Mr. Rhodes welcoming and introducing guest speaker Katherine Ennis |
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| Lunch was provided by Tyners Catering for all 133 attendees. |
Funding
Smart Cities Council Readiness Challenge Grants - Applications due Nov 10
The Smart Cities Council - the world's largest smart cities network - has expanded eligibility for its 2018 Readiness Challenge Grants to include government jurisdictions across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Cities, counties, states, provinces and regional authorities (transit, ports, etc.) are invited to apply. Grant applications are available online starting today (September 7)
HERE
.
The deadline for submitting an application is Nov. 10, 2017.
Any community that wants advice on how to win can participate in a free half-day workshop on Oct. 3, where experts will help them improve their applications.
NTIA Webinar Series (Oct 2017 - Sep 2018) on Broadband Connectivity and Digital Inclusion
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) BroadbandUSA program provides expert advice and field-proven tools for assessing broadband adoption, planning new infrastructure and engaging a wide range of partners in broadband projects. NTIA will host monthly webinars to engage the public and stakeholders with information to accelerate broadband connectivity, improve digital inclusion, strengthen policies and support local priorities.
Practical Broadband Conversations webinar series
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET
3rd Wednesday of every month, beginning October 18, 2017
Registration is free and open to the public. Information on webinar content and how to register for one or more webinars will available on NTIA's website
HERE
.
Disaster Recovery and Resilience Resources on EDA's Website
In light of the continued hurricanes, flooding, wild fires and other damaging events continue to unfold, EDA repeats the following information on federal resources for disaster support:
EDA
's role in disaster recovery is to facilitate delivery of Federal economic development assistance to local governments for long-term community economic recovery planning, reconstruction, redevelopment and resiliency. EDA's Economic Recovery Support Function, and the roles of other federal agencies are set forth in
The National Disaster Recovery Framework
(
PDF
),which is a guide that enables effective recovery support to disaster-impacted States, Tribes, Territorial and local jurisdictions.
EDA will continue to update their webpage
HERE
to include more information about federal disaster assistance including post-disaster economic recovery resources, fact sheets, data tools and planning guides that can support your community's recovery and rebuilding process.
In addition, information about several different types of disaster recovery assistance is available at
USA.gov
, including:
- How to Apply for Disaster Assistance
- Help Survivors of a Natural Disaster
- How to Replace Lost or Destroyed Vital Documents
- Health and Safety
- Travel and Transportation
- Citizenship and Immigration
- Money and Taxes
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EMPLOYMENT & ECONOMICAL DEVELOPMENT
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
The results are in regarding the Federal Budget and possible Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) cuts. As anticipated there was only an 8% cut to the Senior Community Service Employment Program. This translates to a reduction of two positions for SARPC region. We will continue to serve our senior adults in our region and the host agencies which provide work place assignments.
Mature Staffing Service (MSS)
The Mature Staffing Service (MSS) has been actively involved in signing up After School Care workers for the summer program in Baldwin County. This program is available to children throughout the year. It provides activities to keep the children focused and fit. South Alabama Regional Planning Commission is honored and proud to assist the After School Care Program, through the Mature Staffing Service, with its payroll service to the leaders who work with the children and provide a viable option for their families.
The Baldwin County After School Care Program received six additional grants to expand this service to children and their families in this county.
If you have staffing needs, then Mature Staffing Service (MSS) would like the opportunity to assist you.
MSS provides staffing services to government and non-profit organizations. Whether the organization is searching for part-time temporary workers or full-time permanent workers, Mature Staffing Service is there to make the process seamless.
Is it getting hard for you to squeeze in the time to process your payroll because there are so many other issues requiring your attention? Let us lighten your load by handling all payroll processing such as: worker's compensation, all payroll taxes, and direct deposit.
You owe it to yourself to find out how Mature Staffing Service can help. Call (251) 652-0585 today.
Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)
Several start-up businesses have received funding to kick their products and/or services into high gear. We are excited about the jobs and revenue these businesses add to the Baldwin, Mobile, and Escambia counties.
The Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) is a source of capital available to entrepreneurs for start-up businesses or existing businesses.
The Revolving Loan Fund can be used for the purchase of property and buildings, equipment, and working capital needs. The loan limits are $10,000 to $125,000. The purpose of the RLF funds is to assist small businesses in their capital needs and to create and sustain jobs in the communities it serves.
Let us know about your loan request today by calling (251) 652-0585. We want to stand in the gap for you.
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AREA AGENCY ON AGING
Recent Events
VA Summit held August 19
The Area Agency on Aging has increased its partnership with Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Administration, working towards providing more screening for VA benefits through our Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), and developing a Veteran's Directed Home and Community Based Services program. Christina Boyington, ADRC Coordinator, was a speaker at the August 19th VA Mental Health Summit at the Gulfquest Museum, and presented on aging services available for veterans and their families. Approximately 125 people attended the event.
Financial Fraud workshop held August 23th
A community education program for seniors was held at the PZK Hall in Robertsdale, in partnership with the City of Robertsdale. Special presentation was made by Congressman Bradley Byrne and State Official on issues relating to seniors and how to protect yourself form financial fraud. This informative and well attended event featured Congressman Bradley Byrne, Director Joseph Borg of the Alabama Securities Commission, Emily Marsal, General Counsel of the Alabama Department of Senior Services, and Julie McGee, Area Agency on Aging director.
Joseph Borg, Director of ASC, spoke about the role that the Alabama Securities Commission plays in helping protect the long-term financial well-being of Alabama's seniors. Speaking about "How to Protect Yourself from Financial Fraud," Borg described the many dangers that seniors face from a multitude of illicit schemes and fraudulent sales pitches targeting their retirement savings and investments. As an example of the dangers senior investors face from unsuitable or illegal financial offers, Borg showed attendees clips from national news programs, featuring ASC's investigation and prosecution of an actual fraudulent scam perpetrated in a large Alabama church. Borg also highlighted recently passed state laws designed to protect vulnerable adults from financial exploitation. "We are grateful to be able to participate with our local, regional, state and federal partners to inform and educate our state's seniors about the many opportunities available to them for support and protection as they enjoy their retirement years," Borg said. "Our special thanks goes to Representative Byrne for his participation in this informative event, and for his continued legislative efforts in support of our state and nation's senior investors."
For further information contact Dan Lord, ASC Education and Public Affairs Manager, 334-353-4858. Elder Protection Toolkits can be obtained by going
Memory Café held September 18
As part of the Area Agency on Aging's Dementia Friendly Churches initiative, a Memory Café was held at Mobile Museum of Art on September 18. It provided a safe place for persons with Alzheimer's or other dementias and their family and friends to enjoy a social event in a safe, accepting atmosphere. The event including music and singalongs as well as a small craft project, tours of the museum and refreshments. It was a great hit and more of these therapeutic outings will be planned in the future. Contact Della Sanchez at the Area Agency on Aging for more information.
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Communities across the country are stepping up to support a growing number of individuals with dementia and their family and friend care partners. The Area Agency on Aging held the first Memory Café at Mobile Museum of Art. The caregivers and love one participated in the sing- along and painted still life subjects .The mission of Dementia Friendly Community (DFC) is to provide a safe, comfortable, engaging environment where people with memory loss and their care partners can laugh, learn, and remain socially engaged with others traveling the same journey.
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Grandparents Raising Grandchildren caregiver workshop September 21
As part of our Alabama Cares caregiver support program, the Area Agency on Aging hosted our first caregiver college for grandparents on September 21 at Catholic Social Services in Mobile. Featured topics were Legal Rights and Responsibilities, Stress Management, Social Media 101, and Understanding New Roles for Grandparents. The workshop was well attended, and future grandparent workshops are planned. For information contact Della Sanchez at the Area Agency on Aging.
Fall Prevention Awareness Day is September 22
The 10th annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day was observed on Sept. 22, 2017-the first day of fall. In honor of this notable milestone, the theme of the event was 10 Years Standing Together to Prevent Falls. This event raises awareness about how to prevent fall-related injuries among older adults. Fall Prevention Awareness Day is observed in 48 states and was observed by the Area Agency on Aging by making a Fall Prevention video which will be submitted to the National Council on Aging for inclusion in national events.
Upcoming Events
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) Volunteer Training
Living Well Alabama-CDSMP volunteer training will be held October 24 to November 1st at SARPC's office. Volunteers to teach these classes to older adults are especially needed in Baldwin and Escambia Counties. Contact Carol Massey at the Area Agency on Aging for more information.
Wayman Grant to be honored at the Alabama Masters Games
Local Gulf Coast Masters Games campions from Baldwin and Mobile Counties ages 55 to 95 will be traveling by chartered bus, sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging, to Trussville, Alabama on October 2nd to compete in the state games. Every year at the games there are special awards made and this year Mr. Wayman Grant of our local District 7 is being awarded the All Star Award. Mr. Grant, who recently retired from the Mobile Housing Board, brought local seniors residing in MHB apartments to the games, and competed in some games himself. He has been a great asset to the state and local games. Mr. Grant will be joined by 88 of our local athletes in Trussville this year and we expect them to bring back many 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons.
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Wayman Grant competes in horseshoe competition at the Gulf Coast Masters Games held at the Via! Center. Mr. Grant is being honored as the All Star Award winner at the Alabama Masters Games in Trussville Oct 2-5.
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New Aging Website Launched
The Area Agency on Aging is proud to unveil its updated website, designed to provide a large volume of information to seniors, caregivers, and community organizations in an easy to use format. A special feature is our google map to help locate home delivered meal programs. Visit us today at
www.agingsouthalabama.org
or visit us through sarpc.org.
2017 Senior Lifestyle Expos (October 4th and 12th):
Train the Trainer (October 11, 2017):
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