Eye on Oshkosh - Journey Together Service Dog - taped 5-18-23

On the latest edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz chats with folks from Journey Together Service Dog about their prison program, in which dogs are trained at the prison by inmate handlers to become service dogs for people who suffer with PTSD. They're also doing a trial test program in which they're training dogs to detect low or high blood sugar levels in people with Type 1 diabetes. 

Some of Journey's dogs have also been placed as facility dogs in places like the Christine Ann Center, the Oshkosh Police Department, and the Day by Day Warming Shelter. Day by Day's program director also appears on the show with their facility dog, Phoenix. 

The discussion also focused on the differences between a service dog, therapy dog, and emotional support animal, including where the different kinds of dogs are allowed, what a store owner may ask and not ask of someone with a service dog, and why it's important for people to understand that most disabilities can't be seen. So if you see someone in a store or restaurant with a service dog, just because they may not look like they have a handicap, there are lots of disabilities you can't see. 

We thank the folks at Journey Together and Day by Day for the important work they do and for coming on the show to discuss these issues. This is one show you don't want to miss. Watch it here or by following this link: https://youtu.be/GyeN6LNkB18.

Winnebago County Health Department offers life-changing programs

 According to the CDC, each year in the United States about one in four adults age 65 and older reports falling each year. that's about 36 million falls annually, and that's just the falls that are reported.

The Winnebago County Health Department and other local partners here in Wisconsin take falls very seriously. They teach a number of classes that can help build strength and good balance, so that not as many people fall.

During this show, three folks from the county health department talk about the programs the county offers, as well as some of the other very valuable services they offer for free. Basically, the county health department staff want each person to be able to age in place longer and safely, and for each person to live their best life. Check out the classes they offer and other services available at the county's website: at www.co.winnebago.wi.us, then click on “health,” and “divisions-program.”

You don't want to miss this show. It could be life-changing, maybe even life-saving for you or someone you love. And please feel free to share it with others, especially older loved ones in your life. Watch it here or follow this link: https://youtu.be/xCt3Sly17LM

New 2023 Community Survey Open for Oshkosh Residents; All residents encouraged to participate - poll only available until May 19

New 2023 Community Survey open for Oshkosh residents

All residents are encouraged to participate

 OSHKOSH, Wis., May 5, 2023 – The city of Oshkosh is conducting a comprehensive quality of life survey for all residents beginning today. The survey was designed to provide a baseline of how the city government is serving residents, to gauge perceptions of the city of Oshkosh, and to make comparisons with peer cities. Residents are invited to complete the survey online by visiting https://polco.us/oshkosh23op. Some residents have already received the survey by mail as part of a sample group. The survey is open to all residents beginning today, May 5th, through Friday, May 19th.

City staff have been working with independent consultant, the National Research Center at Polco, to develop the survey. The survey, known as the National Community Survey (NCS), allows the city of Oshkosh to benchmark residents’ opinions against other similar communities. The survey includes questions about quality of life in the community, local policies, demographics, ratings of local government services and resident use of services. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete. Survey responses are confidential and no identifying information will be shared.

The NCS is a scientific survey format used in more than 350 jurisdictions across 46 states. Oshkosh has been conducting citizen surveys annually since 2009, and 2023 marks the second year that Oshkosh has utilized the NCS format. Survey results are expected in mid-June and will be used to inform and identify priorities for future planning and how best to allocate resources. Survey results will be made available via the city of Oshkosh website. Residents with questions about the survey may contact the City Manager’s office by phone at (920) 236-5002 or by email at citymgr@ci.oshkosh.wi.us.