The Broadway Bulletin A monthly publication of Opportunities for Otsego September 2016 Volume 8, Issue 9 The leader in developing innovative solutions that promote healthy lives, thriving families, & caring communities From the CEO Important Changes to HEAP As we circle around into the fall Beginning this HEAP season, OFO is no longer accepting applications for HEAP home season, I would like to welcome heating benefits. All components of the program are now being administered by the back the Head Start staff who are local Department of Social Services. hopefully rested and rejuvenated Below is the letter that past HEAP recipients, who have applied through OFO, will be after having a wonderful summer receiving in the coming days. All questions should be directed to the Otsego County break. I want to ask all of you to join Department of Social Services at 607.547.6410. me in wishing Gary Herzig a fond farewell as the Chief Operations ----------------------------------------------- Officer here at OFO. His last official day is September 2 but, the good Dear HEAP Recipient, news is, he will stay on with us in a different capacity to provide advice, The purpose of this letter is to inform you that Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. will no longer share his vast institutional memory operate the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Beginning in the 2016-17 HEAP season, and develop policies and procedures the program will now be fully operated by the Otsego County Department of Social Services. for several programs. Since Gary is virtually irreplaceable in his roll as Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. has been operating HEAP for many years so it is important that you carefully read the instructions for applying for HEAP in 2016-17: COO, I will assume his supervisory duties and other things until we see The HEAP REGULAR SEASON 2016-17 opens November 14, 2016. Applicants ages 60 and how we want to structure things in over that are not receiving Temporary Assistance/SNAP benefits should contact Office for the the future. So, this fall will be a period Aging to apply (607) 547-6410 on or after November 14, 2016. of transition as well as opportunity for growth in services in some high Applicants under age 60 that are not receiving Temporary Assistance/SNAP benefits can apply need areas for low income families online or print an application at www.mybenefits.ny.gov and mail the application with the in the City of Oneonta and Otsego required documentation, to Otsego County Department of Social Services, 197 Main Street, County. Cooperstown, NY 13326, or contact the Otsego County HEAP Unit at (607) 547-1622 on or after November 14, 2016 to request an appointment or application by mail. Please enjoy the waning days of summer and have a safe holiday If you are already receiving Temporary Assistance and/or SNAP benefits and are in need of HEAP assistance you should contact your Social Welfare Examiner by calling (607) 547-1700 on weekend. Then it’s down to business! or after November 14, 2016. When the HEAP application acceptance period is open, you may apply for HEAP online by going to www.mybenefits.ny.gov. This application is for a Regular HEAP benefit only. HEAP business rules allow 30 business days to make a determination on the application. NOTE: There is no need to go to the Department of Social Services in person to apply for regular HEAP benefits. If your utilities are scheduled to be shut off, if you have less than a quarter (1/4) tank of fuel, less than a 10-day supply of fuel, have no heating fuel or if you own your home and your primary heating equipment is inoperable or unsafe and is in need of repair or replacement, you must call your local Department of Social Services office for further assistance by calling (607) 547-1622. Questions or concerns should be addressed with the Otsego County Department of Social Services as they will have the most current information and instructions for the upcoming winter months. Any updated information will be advertised throughout Otsego County as it becomes available. September 2016 Veteran Services at OFO Happy Days The Central New York Veteran’s Outreach Center is available every Thursday, from 10:00AM-2:00PM, at OFO’s main office (3 West Broadway) to provide support to Veteran’s and their families. Walk-ins are Please wish the following welcome. Questions should be directed to Jennifer Martin at 315.601.5685. employees Happy Birthday who are celebrating birthdays this month: Suggestion Box Updates Earlier this year Heather Van budget creation, debt and Employee Birthday Cleef suggested OFO provide • There was a suggestion finance management, excel Tammy Bailey 9/04 Spanish for Professionals. We from a community member basics) for staff and/or Nancy Cooper 9/06 previously announced that OFO that we put a “3” on the clients. Lindsay suggested plans to offer a Spanish self-study outside of our building at that we may want to look Marsha Thompson-Kane 9/10 course implemented as a group 3WB. The number has into budget and credit Lisa Jackson 9/11 training course, and initially since been added to the counseling classes that OFO Antoinette “Toni” Tauzel 9/12 received a few responses. We front of the building. has offered in the past. We are providing one more chance are currently gathering Lisa VanTassel 9/13 for staff to sign up. We will start • Pat Levis suggested that more information from this Patricia Levis 9/14 the course this fall at 3 West we add motion-activated possible training provider Andrea Barrows 9/14 Broadway with remote access supplemental lighting near and will provide and update potentially available through the center of the hallway on this suggestion when we Kerry Fallot 9/15 GoToMeeting. at 3 WB to provide lighting have more information. Bethia Feldman 9/20 after dark when lights have If you are interested in been already shut off by Keep them coming… Amber Poliseno 9/24 learning to speak Spanish other staff members, since Thanks everyone for some great Kathryn Chambers 9/26 to help your work with light switches are only at suggestions!! We would love to Danica Sessions 9/28 OFO’s clients, please contact the ends of the hallway. have your suggestion on how we Human Resources by Friday, OFO’s Facilities Supervisor can make OFO a better place for Megan Martin 9/30 September 16, 2016. is looking into this to our staff and our clients! You can Sally Sawyer 9/30 see if it is feasible. We’ll submit your ideas electronically Suggestion Feedback: provide an update on this to: [email protected]. You • Sue West suggested suggestion when we have can also place suggestions in the replacing the outdated more information. physical suggestion box in the computer in the 3WB mail room at 3WB. However, Conference Room with • Lindsay France advised if you don’t put your name on a newer computer to that one of the lecturers your suggestion, we can’t give be utilized for meetings from SUNY Oneonta you credit! and trainings held in the business and economics Conference Room. The old department would like computer has since been to volunteer his services Submitted by Lydia Bell, Human replaced. to teach classes (possibly Resources Director Family Fun in the Sun Building Healthy Families and of course books for held its annual summer building communication skills. celebration picnic on Thursday, Breastfeeding moms made August 18th. Seventy-one BHF use of the comfortable lounge participants and family members chairs, and the 11 fathers who enjoyed Brook’s BBQ chicken attended stayed busy chasing and meeting other families after siblings and little ones who at Wilber Park in Oneonta. wanted to try everything! BHF staff offered open-ended activities for promoting parent- BHF invites participants and child play and learning in each their families to a yearly event developmental area. In addition to recognize their participation to the awesome playground and partnership in the Healthy equipment, there were tunnels Families program that supports for large motor play, blocks positive birth outcomes, healthy and puzzles for developing child development and family fine motor skills, mirrors and well-being. dolly dress for personal-social mastery, puzzles and rattles Submitted by Treena Halstead, BHF to promote problem-solving, Program Manager Page 3 Save The Date Oceanic Wonders 09/05 - Labor Day: OFO will would like to schedule a FREE, Kristin Hughes, TCC Center Associate recently created a variety be closed in recognition of the individual meeting with Wells of sensory bottles for visitors to The Children’s Center to holiday. The EHAP & VIP 24-hour Fargo Advisors. explore. Colorful and fascinating, each bottle is designed to hotlines will still be available to engage children of ages in visually stimulating hand-held adventure! those in need. NYSCAA IT Webinars: Perhaps most importantly, these creations dubbed Galaxy, Treasure Chest, Oceanic Wonder and others are soothing to youngsters NYSCAA offers free technology who may be feeling anxious during their stay at the Center. 10/10 - Columbus Day: OFO webinars to Community Action will be closed in recognition of staff. Upcoming trainings include: The Cooperstown TCC Team is planning to share this sense- the holiday. The EHAP & VIP 24- • 09.07 - Microsoft Word - sational idea with other TCC staff from around the state at the hour hotlines will still be available Table of Contents/Quick upcoming Regional Training in September. to those in need. Parts: (1:00-2:00PM) • 09.09 - Excel Charts, 10/24 - New Staff Graphs and Pivot Tables Orientation: New Staff (1:00-2:00PM) Orientation is scheduled from • 09.19 - Microsoft Word - 1:00PM - 4:30PM and will Table of Contents/Quick begin in the conference room Parts (1:00-2:00PM) at 3 West Broadway.