Village of Cross Plains Board Meeting 9-27-2010

Last evening I attended the Village of Cross Plains Board meeting at 7pm and spoke about NWDSS in the public comment portion of their meeting. I presented all with our new marketing postcard which encourages people to visit our website www.nwdss.org for up to date information about our services and programs. It also breifly describes the programs and services along with the mission of the agency.
I also handed out the year to date numbers for participants and services specific to the Village of Cross Plains, as of August 31, 2010. This data also included year end numbers for 2009. If the trend of the first 8 months continues NWDSS has the potential of providing more services~ like the on site dining, bus transportation to the meal site and shopping both locally and out of town. Folks participating in the activity portion of the center and case management is also up. This shows the effects locally on our seniors because of the economy.
I requested that the Village of Cross Plains please consider contributing $1.75 per capita as 4 of the communties have done for this year and next year. This is an anticipated increase of approximately $1700.00 for the 2011 budget for NWDSS funding from the Village. We understand that all budgets are very tight this year again. But our services continue to grow and the demand is higher. Funding for NWDSS from other sources is yet to be determined from Dane County and United Way of Dane County.
I encourage you to contact me directly if you have more specific questions. Thank you to the Cross Plains Village Board for their continued support and the chance to provide services to seniors 60 and over and their families in the Village.

Holidays Fast Approaching

As the holidays fast approach, volunteers are needed (groups and individuals) to assist in the set-up, serving and clean up of our seniors holiday celebration and meal at the State Bank of Cross Plains-Black Earth. Volunteers and groups are needed on November 18 for the Thanksgiving celebration and December 16 for the Christmas celebration, during the hours of 10:00a-11:00a for set up, 11:15a-12:15p for hosting and serving meal and refreshments and 12:30p-1:30p clean up. If you are interested in volunteering or have a group, please let me know. Thank you!

Town of Vermont Meeting September 13, 2010

I attended the Town of Vermont Board meeting last Monday evening. We discussed the outlook for the 2011 NWDSS Budget. At this time it is unknown what the Dane County Budget could look like once it is passed. Nor is it clear what the funding allocation will be for 2011 Budget from United Way of Dane County.

I also talked about the future of Aging in WI and the probability of Family Care coming to Dane County by the year 2013. Part of the Family Care Model includes the development of an Aging and Disability Resource Center in Dane County.

I thanked and praised the Town Board for their commitment and the leadership in their investment to local seniors through NWDSS contribution. Town of Vermont is 4 of the 8 municipalities that have contributed $1.75 or more per ca-pita to support seniors through NWDSS. Thank you!

Nutrition

We are dining at the Mazo-Deli, tuesday 9-21-10, call NWDSS 608-767-3757, join us.

Support United Way

Please consider supporting United Way of Dane County's annual campaign. NWDSS is a partner with United Way in our efforts of keeping seniors living independently in their own homes. Money donated through United Way of Dane County's annual campaign specifically supports NWDSS case management, home chore, caregiver and senior activities programs. Your investment is greatly appreciated by NWDSS and the seniors in your community.

Local Scam in the NWDSS service area...Village of Black Earth

NWDSS received a call from a very savvy older adult who is involved with our programs today. She received a phone call from someone who claimed to be from Social Security Office. In the phone conversation the caller said she was to be receiving a new Social Security Card and they needed the routing numbers off her checks to confirm her new card. Since she didn't trust them and never heard of this before... she responded with "Is this legal?" and they wouldn't answer her question. She asked the same question again and they then hung up. Please beware that by no means would you receive a call like this from the Social Security Office. Never give out your checking account information over the phone. Don't be afraid to ask questions. We will be reporting this to our local Dane County Deputy. If you ever have any questions please contact us at 767-3757.

Village of Black Earth

Last Evening I attended the Village of Black Earth Board Meeting to request funding for the 2011 NWDSS Budget. I shared with their members about the actual numbers served in the Village from January 1, 2010 - July 31, 2010. If our first numbers continue we will service double the amount from 2009 for programs like Home Delivered Meals and Case Management. NWDSS is asking all Municipalities for at least $1.75 per capita for the 2011 Budget. Thank you to the Village Board members for moving my presentation up in the agenda to accommodate myself and my youngest son who attended the meeting with me. NWDSS looks forward to the continued partnership with the Village of Black Earth in the future.

The Bloggers World

We have now created a link from our website, www.nwdss.org Check out the latest news and events from the NWDSS bloggers.

Dane County Budget Hearing on Human Services 8-31-10

Last evening I attended the Dane County Hearing on the proposed 2011 Budget for Human Services. NWDSS receives county funding for our case management program, our on site dining and home delivered meals program and the Supportive Home Chore program. I also am the chair of the Elderly Services Network of Dane County. There were 20+ seniors and 10+ purchase of service agency/ focal point staff. Approximately 10 people spoke in support and opposition to the budget. At this time case management and nutrition are not slated for a cut. The cut is suggested to the Adult Day Programs and Supportive Home Chore programs. The dollar amount is $86,300. I am very glad to see the turn out from the population we serve. My hope is that the County Board members will remember the testimony when they are approving the 2011 budget.