The ombudsman volunteers within the South Western Oklahoma Development Authority area were recently honored at an appreciation banquet, October 30, 2006, at the Western Technology Center in Hobart. State Representative Ryan McMullen spoke on issues in the legislature that affect the elderly in our communities. Christi Christian, RN, and Chris Hamilton, ombudsman supervisors, expressed their appreciation for the many hours the volunteers contribute to their communities. Also attending from SWODA was Staci Mauney, planner.

Each volunteer that had been with the program for at least six months was presented with an appreciation gift. In addition, engraved plaques were presented to Minnie Ruth Ballew, Canute, for 14 years of service; H.F. Timmons, Weatherford, for 11 years of service; Bill Waldrop, Clinton, for 10 years of service; and Barbara Davis, Hobart, for six years of service. Volunteers Chuck Davis, Eldorado, and Charles Martin, Altus, were recognized with certificates for two years service. Jeanne Ellinger and Dom Reinpold, Weatherford; Gaye Horn, Cordell; Mavis Wilks, Clinton; and George Whitehead, Cheyenne, were recognized for having one year of service. H.F. Timmons and George Whitehead volunteer at two nursing facilities. Special recognition was given to Minnie Ruth Ballew for perfect attendance at monthly meetings for three years and Bill Waldrop for contributing 300 hours of volunteer service in the year 2005-2006. Newly certified volunteers include Louis and Gwen Sims, Hobart; Sue Thompson, Elk

City; Maria Rivera, Mangum; Robert Tharp and Mary Robbins, Weatherford; Bettye Pickard, Hobart; and Alvilda Ortiz and Ronnie Kitchen, Hollis.

Sam Cook, Calvin Gibson, Joe Carlton, Ruby Carlton and Charlie Gibson donated their time to provide musical entertainment. The meal was catered by Bettye's DaLicious Deli and Catering in Hobart. Appreciation is expressed to the many area businesses that donated door prizes, as well as the Western Technology Center in Hobart, the Southwest Technology Center in Altus and the Pioneer Center in Weatherford for their assistance with meetings and trainings.

The ombudsman volunteer helps to improve the quality of life and the quality of care of residents in long-term care facilities. The volunteers are, at times, the only visitors the residents receive from outside the nursing facility. Volunteers continue to be needed in the Elk City, Mangum and Altus areas. If you would like to become an ombudsman volunteer, or have questions about the program, please call the ombudsman supervisors, Chris Hamilton or Christi Christian, RN, at the South Western Oklahoma Development Authority at 1-800-627-4882, or write to them at PO Box 569, Burns Flat, OK 73624. Flexible training schedules are available. A free training has been scheduled for November 29 and December 6, from 9:30-3:30 both days at the Southwest Technology Center, 711 W. Tamarack, in Altus. Ombudsman supervisors are available to speak to your group or organization about the ombudsman program or other topics related to the care of the elderly.