Next Homeless Connect Planned for May 17

by Claire McGee

As part of the Lincoln County Ten Year Plan on Homelessness, Lincoln City Project Homeless Connect 2012 met Wednesday, January 25, at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, to organize plans for their upcoming event, “A Day To Connect.” It will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on May 17. A similar event is planned for October in Newport. Lincoln County Commissioner Bill Hall opened the discussion, followed by Americorp Vista Volunteer Elise Jordan, former nurse Pat Bauer, and Barbara Dougherty, Director of Lincoln County Commission on Children & Families.

Under discussion was the formation of committees to facilitate the planning and event logistics for May. Steering committees were formed for publicity, logistics, pet care, food (day of the event), clothing drive, medical and dental and LIEAHP — low income utility Program. Volunteers interested in planning or workong on the day of the event can contact Barbara Dougherty at the Lincoln County office.  She will connect you to the interest group of your choice or volunteer coordinator.

Homeless Connect was started in San Francisco and A Day to Connect was very successful last October in its debut here in Lincoln County. Portland makes these services available daily at the Bud Clark Commons. Here in Lincoln County, at the Lincoln City event, in May, the following services will be offered: haircuts, veterinarian services, bicycle repair, distribution of personal care items, free health screening and help finding housing. There is no ‘means testing’; anyone in need can come and receive services at “A Day To Connect” on May 17.

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Road Closures Continue

Slide-clearing work will keep Harlan Road restricted periodically between Elk City Road and Feagles Creek Road through next week, according to Lincoln County Public Works. Crews will work to repair slides and washouts. Flaggers will not be posted because of the narrow roadway and size of equipment. Thus, “Road Closed” signs will be posted while work is underway.

OR 34 (Alsea Hwy) is experiencing a lane restriction and rough road conditions after last week’s powerful storm. The Oregon Department of Transportation has the highway reduced to two lanes at milepost 49, between Philomath and Alsea, where a portion of the roadway has been claimed by the Alsea River. The restriction may last for several weeks.

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Warming Center Open Tonight

The Lincoln County Warming Shelter is open from 6:00 p.m. Thursday to 7:00 a.m. Friday for anyone who needs a warm place to sleep or dry out from the nasty weather. Supper is served at about 6:00 p.m. and any are welcome for a meal, even if they do not wish to stay.

The shelter is currently fully staffed with volunteers and has plenty of food for both supper and breakfast. However, those wishing to sign up to volunteer should visit this website or email Joanna Williams.

The shelter has other equipment needs and can accept donations at 5:00 p.m. Thursday night:

Garbage can liners (large size,black)

Duct tape (any size or color)

Soup or sauce pots (2 or 3, gently used please)

Hot beverage cups (mugs or disposable, any size)

Large plastic storage tubs (with lid)

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Obituary: Jerry Butler of Toledo

Jerry Allan Butler, 70, longtime Siletz, Ore. resident, died of lung disease on Jan. 20, 2012 at his home.

He was born March 30, 1941 to Allan and Grace (Holder) Butler in DeQueen, Ark. As a young adult, he moved to Sweet Home, where he married Fredda May Rowley on Jan. 3, 1960. They were married 52 years.

Jerry attended Oregon State University and acquired a Master of Science degree in 1967. While attending OSU, he started his career in fisheries at the Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center when it opened in 1965. Jerry worked for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for 30 years, where he was of service to the state in fisheries management until his retirement.

He was a member of several organizations, such as Big Timber Gun Club, National Rifle Association, and his church, Calvary Baptist. Jerry loved hunting, shooting, fishing, and working in Calvary’s soup kitchen. After his retirement, he really got the opportunity to “feed the hungry” with his work in the soup kitchen. He did everything from cooking to cleanup, to managing the finances and especially greeting and visiting with those who came to eat.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Allan and Grace Butler.

He is survived by his wife, Fredda; son, Bruce (Laurie) Allan Butler; daughters, Barbara (Daniel) Arlene Ballas and Bethanie Ann Butler; grandchildren, Patrick and James Butler, and Cheryl, Corey and Iain Ballas; and one great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Bateman Funeral Home Chapel, 915 Yaquina Heights Dr. in Newport. A reception will follow in the community room at the funeral home.

Bateman Funeral Home is handling arrangements. (Courtesy Newport News-Times)

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Oregon Moves Toward Primary Care Home Model

The state of Oregon wants health care providers to adopt a primary care model designed for better health and lower costs, according to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). Across the state, more than 80 clinics already have applied to be officially recognized by the state as “patient-centered primary care homes.” 
Primary care homes offer a team-based approach to care that is focused on keeping people healthy. At its heart, this model of care fosters strong relationships with patients and their families to better treat the whole person. Providers reduce costs and improve care by catching problems earlier, focusing on prevention and wellness, and integrating behavioral health care. The change is central to Oregon’s efforts to improve quality and reduce costs for people served by the Oregon Health Plan, according to OHA spokeswoman Karynn Fish. Under the proposed coordinated care organizations, patient-centered primary care homes will be a required element of any health system’s provider network. “This is a stamp of approval for people looking for clinics and providers that have made a public commitment to patient-centered care,” says Bruce Goldberg, M.D., OHA director.

Any health care practice in Oregon can now apply for recognition to be a patient-centered primary care home. The practice must demonstrate the ability to provide comprehensive services on-site or coordinated through a partnership with other providers in their community. Criteria, application forms and technical assistance are available online.

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