ORDORD WORDCord Word is published twelve times a year by the New England Chapter Paralyzed Veterans...
Transcript of ORDORD WORDCord Word is published twelve times a year by the New England Chapter Paralyzed Veterans...
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The NewsleTTer of The New eNglaNd ChapTer paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCaMay 2012 Vol. LXII, #5
a member ChapTer of The paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCa – CharTered by The CoNgress of The uNiTed sTaTes
CORD WORDWORDCORD
President’sReport
3
GovernmentRelations Report
4
Service Officer’sReport
5
Sports & Recreation
6
NEPVANomination Form
for FY 20139
New NEPVAMember Benefit
13
InsideWhat’s
continued on page 7
By Mike Guilbault
From March 25-29 the New England Vet-
eran skiers, “Team Chowdah,” attended
the National Disabled Veterans Winter
Sports Clinic in Snowmass, CO. The team also
included VA staff that volunteered as medi-
cal support, instructors, team leaders, coaches,
equipment repair and support.
Some of the NEHSA instructors
also joined us along with some
family and friends. NEPVA
members who made the trip
were Brent Cote, Dave Pelkey,
Dustin Soroka, Mark Sanders,
Mike Guilbault, Steve Moffitt, Tim Kelly and
Wayne Ross. Some blind skiers, amputees, TBI
and other injuries made up the rest of the skiers,
many who got their first taste for snow sports at
our local WSC held in January. In all, the team
was about 36 strong with 14 skiers, 12 instruc-
tors and the rest support staff and family.
It was definitely spring skiing weather in Aspen
and sunscreen was a must. The strong sun and
warm weather had us all comfortable and the
snow running off the mountain in tiny brooks!
In addition to the
downhill skiing, the
veterans had many
options for alternate
activities to fill the
time between their
scheduled ski days.
Kayaking was a new
addition this year in
addition to the cross
country skiing, shooting, scuba, rock climbing,
snowmobiling, sled hockey and trips to Aspen
village, gondola ride up Aspen Mountain and
the ever popular Glenwood Hot Springs trip.
There were also classes one could attend that
included self-defense and Tai Chi along with
equipment
clinics for
seating
systems
and review
of some of
the new
ski equipment options available. There sure are
many more models of sit-skis now available as
compared to when I started skiing 15 years ago.
Technology is a wonderful thing; ask any of the
amputees now snowboarding on their prosthetic
legs, which was a common site on the slopes!
The team represented New England very well
and I’m happy to say we all came home without
any injuries we didn’t have before going. I
can’t say the equipment was as lucky. I know I
Team Chowdah attends NVDWSC in Colorado
Photo: Wayne Ross and instructor coming in after a
great day on the slopes.
…the team was about 36 strong
with 14 skiers, 12 instructors and
the rest support staff and family.
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Cord Word May 2012
www.nepva.org
PARALYZED VETERANS of AMERICA
NEW ENGLAND CHAPTERNEPVA ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
1600 PROVIDENCE HIGHWAY-SUITE 143WALPOLE, MA 02081
TEL: (508) 660-1181, 1-(800) 660-1181FAX: (508) 668-9412; e-mail: [email protected]
web: www.nepva.orgOffice Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm
NEPVA OFFICERSPresident, Craig CascellaVice President, Debra FreedSecretary, Debra FreedTreasurer, Charles SchenaNational Director, Craig Cascella
EXECUTIVE BOARD John BrakoBrad CarlsonWalter Farrington Wayne RossDustin SorokaJim WallackNeal Williams
NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICEPARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA
BOSTON VA REGIONAL OFFICEJ.F.K. FEDERAL BUILDING - Room - 1575 C
BOSTON, MA 02203TEL: (617) 303-1395 & 1-800-795-3607
Fax: (617) 723-7467
Acting Eastern Region Director, Joseph E. BadzmierowskiSenior Secretary, Ann Marie Wallace
Cord Word is published twelve times a year by the New England Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America, 1600 Providence Hwy., Suite 143, Walpole, MA 02081 in the interest of Chapter members. Membership in NEPVA entitles you to a free subscription to Cord Word. Articles published in Cord Word do not necessarily reflect the views of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, New England Chapter. NEPVA neither endorses nor guarantees any of the products or services advertised herein. Postmaster: send changes of address to NEPVA, 1600 Providence Hwy., Suite 143, Walpole, MA 02081
Monthly meetings are held every first Wednesday of the month at the NEPVA office in Walpole, Ma. The executive board meets at 10:30 a.m. Followed by the regular membership meeting at 1:00 p.m.
PROGRAM DIRECTORSDevelopment Director, Craig CascellaMembership Officer, Craig CascellaMS Liaison, John BrakoCommunity Outreach, Mike GuilbaultNEPVA Peer Mentor Rep., Mike GuilbaultScholarship Chairman, Craig CascellaSports Director, Brad CarlsonAssistant Sports Director, Mike GuilbaultBass Trail Liaison, Jim WallackWeb Master, Harley FreedmanWomen Veterans’ Liaison, Debra FreedVolunteer Chairman, Judy Goldstein
Hospital Liaisons Brockton, MA VAMC, Craig CascellaWest Roxbury, MA VAMC, Craig CascellaNorthampton, MA VAMC, Tim KellyProvidence, RI VAMC, Craig CascellaManchester, NH VAMC, Walter Farrington West Haven, CT VAMC, VacantWhite River Jct, VT VAMC, Craig CascellaTogus, ME VAMC, Neal Williams
STAFFCord Word Editor, Judy GoldsteinGovernment Relations Director, Debra FreedAdministrative Assistant, Judy GoldsteinBookkeeper, Jeri FarinellaCord Word Design, Harley Freedman
2
NINE MONTH DRAwING
APRIL wINNERS
PVA NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICETOGUS, VARO, 1 VA CENTER
BLDG 248, ROOM 112AUGUSTA, ME 04330
Serving maine, new HampSHire and vermont
TEL:(207) 621-7394, FAX: (207) 621-4829TOLL FREE: 866-795-1911
National Service Officer II, John StansburySecretary, Wendy Glidden
IN REMEMBRANCE
We deeply regret the passing of our Chapter Members:
and extend our heartfelt sympathyto family and friends.
John Ciarlelli
Walter W. Crowley
$50Laura RossRevere, MA
$25Caleb LeBoeufwoodstock, CT
$25Thomas Bird
Oregon City, OR
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May 2012Cord Word
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by Craig C. Cascella
NEPVA PresidentPresident’s Report
continued on page 8
I sincerely hope all of our Chapter
members, family, volunteers,
and friends had a terrific Easter
holiday. Although we were teased
with some spring or even in some cases,
summer-like weather, it has cooled off
a little bit but the good weather will
hopefully be here to stay very soon.
Peruse our newsletter and our web site
for upcoming activities and events that
may interest you, and that hopefully
you may want to participate in.
On March 19th, I visited the West
Roxbury VA and had a scheduled
meeting in the Executive Suite with
Ms. Karen Acera-Williams, Assistant
Medical Center Director, Brockton
Campus. We chatted about different
local items and issues, as well as an
upcoming new construction project.
In May, construction will begin with
an addition to the MRI building. This
is next to the entrance of Building 2
across from the Fisher House, where
many disabled parking spaces are
available and where frequent ambulance
drop-offs and pick-ups are done. The
ambulance services will be moved to
the Building 3 entrance area while
the construction is ongoing. Patients
with disabilities may still park in the
designated parking spaces nearby
and enter via Building 2 through a
temporary entrance where the normal
automatic double-door entrance
currently is. Entering the facility will
still be accessible for anyone with a
disability. The project is estimated to be
completed in roughly 6-8 weeks.
On the 22nd, I traveled down to the
Newark, NJ area for a scheduled PVA
meeting the next
morning at the
East Orange, NJ
VAMC. I met
with PVA Senior
Vice President
Al Kovach, PVA
Vice President and
National Chapter
Liaison Ken Weas,
and Colonial
Chapter President
Ron Hoskins on
the SCI Unit.
The purpose of
the meeting was
to meet with PVA
members from
the New York and
New Jersey area
who would like to
form a PVA Chapter
in New Jersey.
As some of
you may
know,
years ago
the former
Eastern
PVA Chapter
decided to
dissolve from the National
organization, and since then there
has been no PVA Chapter in those
two states. NEPVA does have some
members from the New York and New
Jersey area that decided to transfer
their PVA member at large status and
join a Chapter of their choosing. All in
attendance were able to ask questions,
give feedback, and voice any concerns
or comments related to the possibility
of forming a PVA Chapter in that area.
The meeting notes, discussion, and
commentary involved with the meeting
will be brought before the PVA
Executive Committee, who will make
a decision as to whether or not forming
a new PVA Chapter in that area is a
viable option.
Near the end of March, I traveled
down to Virginia Beach, VA for the
Korchak Doty Memorial wheelchair
bowling tournament. There was a good
turnout and showing by New England
attendees. I missed the roll-off in the
A Division by 6 lousy pins. However,
Chapter members Fred Sislack and
Walter Farrington met in the B
Division Championship, with Fred On April 5, NEPVA President Craig Cascella (left) presented Richard (Rick) Frano with a plaque in appreciation for his many years as NEPVA Hospital Liaison at the West Haven VAMC.
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Cord Word May 2012
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by Debra FreedGovernment Relations Director
Government Relations
continued on page 11
As stated in the April newsletter,
NEPVA sent five individuals
to Washington DC for the
annual PVA Advocacy & Legislative
Seminar. I would like to thank Neal
Williams, Dustin Soroka, Walter and
Pat Farrington for giving up a week of
their lives to advocate on behalf of our
members and the disabled community.
It is always interesting when we go
because there is learning on all sides.
One of the issues we learned about
affects both veterans and non-veterans.
This is a very serious matter. It concerns
government sponsored annuities
(compensation). I’m pretty sure that
most people have either seen or heard
those commercials that offer a lump
sum if you are receiving any sort of
annuity.
Well, it sounds great doesn’t it? But for
those receiving any type of government
supplement - VA Compensation, VA
Pension, SSDI, SSI, or Social Security,
it is illegal to sell it for a lump sum.
We are all aware that times are tough
and for some it seems even tougher.
However, it remains illegal to do and
not if, but when discovered, it could
mean the loss of your benefits by the
federal government. No matter the
problem, please, please do not sell your
government issued compensation.
For the record, it may be great to meet
with the Senator or Representative but it
is equally great to meet with their aides.
Why? The aide usually only has to deal
with a few issues: i.e, Transportation,
Veterans Affairs, Banking, where the
Senator or Representative is responsible
for everything that comes through in
order to vote on them. So, what did we
teach our Senators, Representatives,
and their aides? We informed the New
England delegation about an upcoming
proposed bill: The Inclusive Home
Design Act from Illinois Representative
Jan Schankowsky. This would make
it a requirement that even newly
built private homes be accessible for
“visitability” purposes. Basically, if you
get hurt and end up in a wheelchair, I’ll
bet that most would not even be able to
get into their own
homes let alone
anyone else’s. This
legislation would
require the first
level of any home
to be accessible.
We asked the
New England
Senators to
consider a Senate
counterpart.
Another issue we
learned about
was the Senate
had passed the
Transportation
Reauthorization
program, but
it has not yet
come up in the House.
So we all did our best to convince
Representatives that this is a must.
NEPVA can apply for a number of
grants including transportation. Grants
are and have been a catch as catch
can program and sometimes it seems
like a complete waste of time because
what happens if after all that work,
your grant application is not accepted?
Well, if NEPVA doesn’t even try, then
it remains quite obvious, it won’t be
forthcoming.
Another topic we discussed
was to convince Senators and
Representatives that although the VA
is really a great healthcare system, not
everything should become electronic.
Those applying for compensation
can now do it online. The forms are
“standard” and if a physician forgets
to check the box where comments
were made, the computer can’t read it.
Therefore, the claim may be denied
forcing the veteran to re-file and thereby
making the claims process even longer.
Another discussion topic was
Centralized Base of Care or CBOCs.
The VA has done a decent job of
Follow-Up: Learning On All Sides
Shown (l. to r.): Walter Farrington, Neal Williams, Pat Farrington, Senator Scott Brown (MA), Dustin Soroka, and Debra Freed.
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May 2012Cord Word
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Service Officer’s Report by Brenda Vazquez Alvarez, Senior National Service Officer, Bronx, NY
During this tough recession,
we are all aware of the
nightmares regarding home
mortgages and the alarming numbers
of foreclosures and evictions in our
communities. Not to say, how this
has impacted the veteran and service
members’ communities as well. It has
been clearly documented by many
agencies that homeowners have been
taken advantage of by their lenders
with high interest rates that increase
a homeowners’ mortgage to the
point that they can no longer afford
the American Dream. Therefore,
some relief and protection has been
implemented in the way of the
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of
2003 and several amendments.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
of 2003 (SCRA) was signed into law
on December 19, 2003, replacing the
Soldier’s and Sailor’s Civil Relief Act
of 1940. The SCRA was amended on
December 10, 2004 by the Veterans
Benefit Improvement Act of 2004.
President Obama amended The
Housing and Economic Recovery
Act of 2008 (HERA) which was also
amended by the Helping Heroes Keep
their Homes Act of 2010 in order to
prevent foreclosures, to assist veterans
or active duty servicemembers with
selling their homes and reducing their
interests rates through December
31, 2012. In addition, the Veterans
Disability Act of 2010 allows the US
Attorney General to bring civil actions
to include monetary damages against
violators of the Servicemembers Civil
Relief Act (SCRA).
According to the Servicemembers Civil
Relief Act of 2003 the maximum rate of
Interest on loans to include mortgages
and eligibility are as follows:
• Uponreceivingawrittenrequest
for relief and a copy of the service
member’s military orders, creditors
must, for the duration of the service
member’s military service, reduce the
interest rate on debts incurred by the
service member, or a service member
and spouse jointly, prior to entry into
military service to no more than 6
percent per year.
• Creditorsmustmaintaintheinter-
est rate reduction for the period of
military service, except in the case
of a mortgage, trust deed, or other
security in the nature of a mortgage,
where the interest rate reduction
extends for one year after the end of
the service member’s military service.
• Creditorswhoreducetheinterest
rate on the obligations of a service
member must forgive interest in
excess of 6 percent and periodic
payments must be reduced by the
amount of interest forgiven.
• Thereducedinterestrateprovision
applies unless a court finds the ability
of the service member to pay interest
on the debt at a higher interest rate is
not materially affected by his or her
military service. In such cases, the
court may grant a creditor relief from
the interest rate limitations of the act.
In addition this settlement will
protect those servicemembers that are
homeowners who have received PCS
(Permanent Change of Station) orders.
The banks involved will offer short sales
agreements and waive some of their fees
in connection with the servicemember
being forced to sell their home at a
loss due to the home being less than
the value paid, and the servicemember
not being eligible for the Homeowners
Assistance Program. This benefit will
be extended to those that purchased
their homes between July 1, 2006 –
December 31, 2008, and who received
PCS orders after October 1, 2010. The
Administration will also be reducing
fees for FHA borrowers seeking to
refinance their homes.
If you are a veteran or service member
and you are not sure if your rights have
been violated you may contact the
Justice Department at 800-996-7743
or you can visit their website for further
information at www.servicemember.
gov. You may also contact your local
PVA National Service Officer for
further assistance.
Protection for Military Homeowners
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Cord Word May 2012
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Sports & Recreation By Brad Carlson Sports Director
So much for the winter that we
never had. By the time you read
this article, the Billiard Tourna-
ment will have been completed. I can’t
plan the future, so I can’t predict who
the winner will be however, the results
will be listed in my June article.
All applications have been submitted for
the Veterans Games. Get out there and
train, so we will exceed the medal count
from last year. Our team is staying at
the Hilton Garden Inn in Richmond
this year.
We will be holding a US National
Mickey Emery Trap Shoot July 5 - 7,
2013. I will keep you posted with news
for this event. This will likely be held
at the Cape. The Mickey Emery Air
Rifle Tournament was held April 22nd
at Brockton VMAC. Results will be
posted in my June article.
Once again, listed below are upcoming
events for the year. Joanie Lynch has
provided me with this information:
May 19, Marlboro Fishing June 2, Hudson Fishing July 23–27, Mount Sunapee Summer Sports Clinic August 18, Lake Hiawatha Bellingham at Dennis’s house. September 15, Shawme Shooting Club in Sandwich, MA Oct 5, Bass River Shooting Club Oct 8 - 12, Creative Arts Festival in Boston
For more information on any of
these trips, contact Joanie Lynch,
Recreational Therapy Service, SCIU VA
Boston at 774-826-1976, or the NEPVA
Office in Walpole.
There is also another Horseback Riding
Clinic being held on May 12, 2012 at
Elm Hill
Center
Stables in
Brookfield.
Contact the
NEPVA
Office
for more
information.
Space is
limited for this event.
Finally, the Third Annual PVA/Sail
to Prevail Sailing Clinic will be held
June 16-17, 2012 in Newport, RI. For
information or to register visit their
website at: www.sailtoprevail.org or call
Alex Egan at 401-849-8898.
Hopefully, I will have great
news about
the Billiard
Tournament in
next month’s article.
There is a lot of planning that goes into
these events -- get out there and enjoy
them.
Far left: Tim Kelly with his instructor Britt head out to start a great day. Left: Nashua, NH member Brent Cote accepts his medal after the races. Right: The perils of race day, on the way back in Mike Guilbault broke his ski after a poor landing off a mogul.
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May 2012Cord Word
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ski tripcontinued from page 1
3rd Annual New England Summer Sports ClinicJuly 23-27, 2012 Mount Sunapee, NH
Presented byVA BOSTON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN PARTNERSHIP with NEW ENGLAND HANDICAPPED SPORTS ASSOCIATION
This clinic offers veterans the opportunity to participate in a variety of adaptive
sports with a friendly team concept in mind. Kayaking, waterskiing, hand cycling,
fly tying & fishing, rock climbing and biathlon will highlight this amazing event.
All interested veterans and volunteers MUST PRE-REGISTER to participate.
Please refer to volunteer and veteran (participant) applications at www.nepva.org.
All veterans who are interested in participating are required to get medically cleared
from their doctor. Deadline to Register: June 1st!!! For any questions in regards to
this event, please contact Kelly Cossaboom (see right column) or Ellen Mitchell at
[email protected]. Thank you to everyone and looking forward to a great 2012
New England Summer Sports Clinic!!
broke one ski and heard of other broken
equipment. I say better the equipment
than one of us. It was an amazing week
and words can’t express the beauty
one experiences getting to the top of
Snowmass Mountain, and the views
of the surrounding majestic Rocky
Mountain peaks as we enjoy the long
trails down. If you’ve tried attending
our local Winter Sports Clinic held
each January and enjoy snow sports as
much as I, then I recommend you give
the National event a try. You will not be
disappointed. Now that the winter sports
have concluded, it’s time for summer fun.
Keep an eye on the Cord Word as we let
you know about all the options for fun in
the sun as it warms up.
Kelly Cossaboom, CTRS
Adaptive Sports Case Manager
VA Boston Healthcare System
940 Belmont Street (BR-135)
Brockton, MA 02301
(774) 826-2036 (**note new phone**)
(774) 826-2048 (fax)
Potential Career Opportunity
Sam Canaan is a retired Police Officer who, after 18 years with the
Baltimore City Police Force, became a “Master Watchmaker” and is
certified to teach this craft. He would like to start a school that caters
to veterans in wheelchairs, other mobility impaired or wounded veterans, or
those disabled or not who would like to start a new career. Currently in the
U.S.A., there is a dearth of Watch Makers. Many times watches have to be
sent to Switzerland or Europe for repair. The skill sets used to fix watches
can be extrapolated to working on clocks or other precision instruments.
He hopes to start his program later in 2012, and would help pay lodging
and transportation costs. He has business people and politicians supporting
him so that this will be a reality and not just an idea that withers away. This
is a vocational training program with solid job placement opportunities.
The average salary for a Watch Maker in their first year is 65K (according
to Mr. Canaan’s experience). Also this type of craft can be done at home.
Sam said that veterans can call or email him directly. His phone number is
302-672-9262; and email is [email protected]
For additional assistance contact:Ken Lipton, PVA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Phone- 857-203-6091; [email protected]
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Cord Word May 2012
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continued on page 10
NEPVA Now Accepts Vehicle Donations
Please Donate
that Auto, Boat,
or RV that’s No
Longer Needed
to New England PVA.
NEPVA is currently
accepting vehicle donations from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New
Hampshire. For further information, call Toll Free: (866) 2-GIVING or (866)
244-8464, or visit the NEPVA website: www.nepva.org
PVA EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
PurposeThe purpose of the PVA Educational Scholarship
Program is to provide assistance to PVA members and
their immediate family members by providing scholarship
funds to help with a post-secondary education.
The 2012-2013 scholarship will be in the amount of
$1,000 for full-time students and $500 for part-time
students for an academic year. The scholarship awardees
will be required to verify their status as a full-time or part-
time student in an accredited college or university.
EligibilityThe scholarship program is open to all PVA members,
their spouses and unmarried children under the age of
twenty-four (24) and who are dependent (as defined by
the IRS) on the member for principal support.
Submission ProcessIndividuals who wish to apply for the scholarship
program can download the application at www.pva.org
or request an application be mailed to them via phone
(800) 424-8200 Ext. 776, or via e-mail christih@pva.
org . Completed applications MUST be returned to
PVA NO LATER THAN June 17, 2012. Accompanying
documents will include an official transcript for EACH
school listed in the application.
A personal statement must be attached to the application
and may not exceed two pages. The statement should
contain intended courses of study and long- and short-
term goals. A copy of the personal statement must be
attached to each of the six copies submitted.
A letter of recommendation from a faculty member or
other school official should accompany the application.
Letters should be forwarded directly to PVA for inclusion
with the application.
continued from page 3President’s Report
defeating Walter to win the B Division title. Congratulations
to Fred, Walter, and the rest of the NEPVA’ers who bowled
well at the tournament. As mentioned before, NEPVA is
hopeful to host an annual bowling tournament locally,
most likely in Massachusetts, in 2012. Many bowlers at the
Virginia Beach tournament asked me if we were going to
host a tournament in 2012. I mentioned that we are certainly
looking into the possibility. Many bowlers from around
the country who attended the 50th AWBA Tournament in
Brockton, MA had a very enjoyable time. Stay tuned for any
updates on a possible bowling tournament in the area.
After having our monthly Chapter Board meeting at our
office on April 4th, I then traveled down to West Haven,
CT. The following day I visited the West Haven VAMC,
specifically the SCI/D related departments and associated
areas, and met with many VA staff members and clinicians.
I had the opportunity to sit-in with the monthly peer
mentoring group and answer questions posed by many
in attendance. While at the meeting, I had the pleasure
of presenting past NEPVA West Haven Hospital Liaison
Richard Frano with a very nice plaque, thanking him for
his many years of service as our Chapter Hospital Liaison
and peer group organizer at the VA facility. Thanks again
Richard! While the group shared some pizza and beverages
(sponsored by NEPVA), I had the opportunity to chat with
Neil Beesley, Acting Director Social Work; Elizabeth Auld,
PA-C, SCI Clinician; Dr. Huned Patwa, Chief, Neurology
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May 2012Cord Word
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NEPVA Official Nomination Form – FY 2013
This is an official Nomination Form as approved by the Executive Board of the Paralyzed Veterans
of America, New England Chapter. Your nominees must be life members of New England PVA.
INSTRUCTIONS: Fill in the names of your nominees. Return this form to the NEPVA office
(address below). To be valid, this form must be signed by you and filed with the Secretary
before 4:30 pm, May 31, 2012.
Nominees For Officers
PRESIDENT:___________________________________________________________
VICE PRESIDENT:______________________________________________________
SECRETARY:__________________________________________________________
TREASURER:__________________________________________________________
Nominees For Executive Board
1.____________________________ 5.______________________________
2.____________________________ 6.______________________________
3.____________________________ 7.______________________________
4.____________________________
This official Nomination Form must be signed by the member making the nomination(s) in order to be valid. A letter
will be sent to all persons nominated as candidates to sign acknowledging acceptance. This will be done by the Secretary.
____________________________________ _________________________________
Print NEPVA Member’s Name NEPVA Member’s Signature
Mail Form to: NEPVA, 1600 Providence Hwy., Ste 143, walpole, MA 02081
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Cord Word May 2012
www.nepva.org10
continued from page 8President’s Report
If you would like to receive
your Cord Word via email,
please send us your email
address. Email us at: info@
nepva.org or call the NEPVA
office at: 800-660-1181.
Send NEPVA Your Email Address
Service; and Thomas Ricks, PVA Senior
National Service Officer (covering the
New York, New Jersey, and Southern
Connecticut areas) about many
different items related to the West
Haven VAMC and associated services
provided in the community and area.
On April 9th, construction began on a
new parking garage at the Jamaica Plain
campus that will give patients and staff
a much-needed increase in the number
of available parking spaces. During the
construction, estimated to last 12-16
months, all patients are urged to park
in the existing parking garage. VA
staff has off-site parking arrangements,
so parking for your appointments
should be much easier than in the past.
Handicap parking will not be affected
and parking attendants will be on site
to assist patients in parking.
With dozens of fabulous high-quality brands, Frank Webb’s Bath Centers are the showrooms
of the F.W. Webb Company, the largest plumbing supplier in the Northeast. This means more products,
expertise and value in bath and kitchen plumbing fi xtures and lighting.
Home to dozens of quality brands including...
Accessible living & style are not mutually exclusive. A bathroom must be accessible, secure and supportive in order for us or our loved
ones to live comfortably. Our new Methuen showroom includes 2,000 square feet of accessible living and aging-in-place bath design ideas, proving that accessibility doesn’t mean giving up style! Roll-in showers, walk-in tubs, comfort-height toilets, hand-held showers, grab bars and more. Our array of products and expertise create
a bath that supports privacy, comfort and dignity – all without sacrifi cing style.
Stop by today and declare your independence.
Visit our Accessible Living Idea Center in Methuen!
It’sabout
Methuen, MA 98 Lindbergh Avenue • 781-325-7140Exit 47 off Route 93, right onto Mystic Street.
Visit frankwebb.com for all locations & directions.
Frank Webb’s Bath CentersPageStop 4 “Freedom”Showroom: Methuen ShowroomPublication: Paralyzed Veterans of America NewsletterSize: Half Page Horiz (7.5” x 4.125”)Created: 11/7/08 Jim McCoy | 508-478-5322 | [email protected]
freedom.freedom.
On May 1st-3rd, PVA National will be
in the area conducting an annual site
visit to local VAMC’s. PVA Medical
Services team members, Acting Eastern
Region Director Joe Badzmierowski,
and I will be visiting the West Roxbury
and Brockton VA Medical Centers
and meeting with various staff and
management during the visit. I am
happy to say that over the many years,
National site visits have overall gone
very well.
As always, feel free to visit NEPVA’s
web site (www.nepva.org), PVA’s web
site (www.pva.org), and the VA’s web
site (www.va.gov) for up to date and
recent news. If you have any questions,
comments, or concerns please contact
our office or your local NSO.
Bruno Lift
to lift scooter intoVan or mini-van; needs installation
(was $1500 new installed)Pick up in Middleboro, MA
Call NEPVA
Invacare Pronto Surestep M-91Power WheelchairNeeds new battery
Charger included; max weight350 lbs. Pick up in Lakeville, MA.
Call NEPVA
FREE TO MEMBER
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May 2012Cord Word
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continued from page 4
Gov. Relations
building numerous CBOCs in rural areas but has done a poor job of staffing.
They are severely undermanned and many do not provide specialty care
specifically for spinal cord injured veterans.
How many of you know what 1176 is or why it is important to you? Believe it or
not, many aides were not familiar with 1176. It is the VA’s own mandate about
staffing for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI/D) units nationwide. During the two days of
training NEPVA learned that the current staffing situation is very dire. A major
point we made was the VA is claiming $3 billion of “leftover funds,” but it doesn’t
have the staffing it requires. The VA is required to provide staff for 1028 SCI beds
nationwide. A spreadsheet disclosed during training showed the VA is not even
meeting its own mandate. SCI/D patients cannot be seen or cared for in an SCI
unit because the staffing levels cannot be met. What’s more, money is a serious
issue among SCI/D staff. It takes a very strong personality to
deal with SCI/D patients and many of us would be in serious ill
health if it were not for the care and compassion of these nurses
and other staff. Although this meeting was after the DC trip,
VISN 1 Director, Dr. Mayo-Smith, met with several long term
care patients in Bldg 8 in Brockton. It was the chief concern of
these patients, the quality of care being reduced because there
aren’t enough nurses or fear nurses would leave due to financial
reasons.
“(Ride-Away) knew what to do. Dave made all the phone calls to the VA... saving me $25,000!”
Steve poses here with his Ride-Away Sales Consultant, Dave Qualey, of the Londonderry, NH facility.
-Steve Hodgkins Malden, MA
It’s no wonder why Ride-Away customers remain so loyal — Superior Support! Ride-Away — America’s #1 provider of modified vehicles for people with disabilities.
• VetsMobileOps Program• VA assistance support• All vehicle trade-ins accepted• 24/7 Roadside assistance• QAP Certified factory trained technicians
888-Ride-Away (888-743-3292)
www.Ride-Away.com
The VA, the Representatives and
Senators of Congress all want to
balance the budget. They have all
promised not to do so on the backs of
veterans. However, the cuts that have
already been made already jeopardize
the health of those who need it most.
If VA wants to save money in the long
run, providing sufficient funding now
will enable veterans to get to their
appointments to maintain and or
possibly improve their health. It is a
win-win in the long run.
Shown (l. to r.): Debra Freed, Senator Bernie Sanders (VT), Pat Farrington, and Walter Farrington.
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Cord Word May 2012
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continued from page 3
15F International Drive, East Granby, CT 06026 (877) WHEELS-3
www.advancedwheels.com
MOBILITY OPTIONS -Full Size Conversions-
-Wheelchair Lifts- -Scooter Lifts-
-Hand Controls- -High Tech Driving Systems-
-Pedal Extensions- -Turning Automotive Seating-
ACCESSIBLE MINIVANS -Chrysler T & C-
-Dodge Gr. Caravan- -Toyota Sienna-
-Honda Odyssey-
“Wheels for Independence, Service for Life”
-Serving Connecticut & Massachusetts since 1988-
-NMEDA Charter Member and QAP certified-
-Winner of the Toyota Ichiban customer service satisfaction award for the- Toyota Sienna Rampvan
-VA Assistance Support-
-24/7 Roadside Assistance-
PROUDLY SERVING VETERANS’ MOBILITY NEEDS SINCE 1988.
Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed
Veterans) National President Bill Lawson urged
Congressional leaders to protect Department of
Veterans Affairs’ health care from politics.
“Our concern for the adequacy of VA funding,
possible gimmicks and statements asserting
excess resources is more than just curiosity or
budgetary gamesmanship. Most notably they
illustrate a disconnect between the health care
needs of our members and available VA services,”
Lawson told lawmakers.
“Sixty-five years ago a Paralyzed Veterans’
President testified and stated: We are
strongly opposed to the tendency of cutting
appropriations to the Veterans Administration as
an economy move of government. I am saying
the same thing today,” added Lawson.
In oral and written testimony before the Senate
and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees, Lawson
drew lawmakers’ attention to the need to
immediately address the following:
• ConcernsaboutstepstheVAhastakenin
recent years in order to generate resources
to meet the ever-growing demand on the
VA health-care system. FY 2013 and FY 2014
advance appropriation budget proposal
released by the Administration this year
includes “management improvements,” a pop-
ular gimmick used by previous Administrations
to generate savings and offset the growing
costs to deliver care.
• Criticalhealth-carestaffshortages,especially
nurses. Paralyzed Veterans estimates that nurs-
ing personnel delivering care at the bedside
in the spinal cord injury system alone was 160
nurses below the minimum requirement.
• Lackoflong-term-careservicesforveterans
with spinal cord injury and dysfunction—with
no SCI specialized long-term-care beds west of
the Mississippi and only 152 beds in the entire
Paralyzed Veterans of America Testifies Before Congress to Urge Protection of VA Health Care Programs from Spending Reductions
system (or an average of only three SCI long-
term-care beds per state).
Lawson will also focus on the recommendations
contained in The Independent Budget (IB) for
Fiscal Year 2013—an annual comprehensive
budget and policy document, by veterans for
veterans. The IB recommended $57.2 billion
for health care, $611 million for medical and
prosthetic research, $2.1 billion for benefits
processing and $3.8 billion for major and minor
construction. Congress now has the opportunity
to implement these recommendations that are
designed to fully meet the needs of our nation’s
veterans.
For the past 26 years, The Independent
Budget has been a blueprint for the resource
requirements for VA. It has served as a voice of
advocacy for America’s veterans by providing the
White House and Congress with a roadmap for
funding the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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May 2012Cord Word
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New NEPVA Member BenefitsNew England Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans (NEPVA) is excited to announce exclusive new benefits. Members of NEPVA will receive up to a $25 Sam’s Club Gift Card when signing up for a new Sam’s Club Plus Membership or renewing an existing Plus Membership by June 30, 2012. We have included information how to become eligible with the phone number for the office to get your certificate. Also please note the example of the certificate you will receive as a member of NEPVA simply by calling the office at our toll free number and requesting it. (800) 660-1181 Or, choose an Advantage or Business Membership and receive a $10 Sam’s Club Gift Card at sign-up. In addition to a year of exceptional value, Advantage Members enjoy time-saving services in-club and online
Sam’s Club memberships benefits include:• Sam’s Club Members averaged savings of 30% compared to traditional retailers.
• 200% guarantee on fresh products – all of our fresh meat, seafood, produce and bakery products are backed by a 200% money-back guarantee.
• 100% Satisfaction Guarantee – if at any time you’re not satisfied with your Membership, we’ll give you a full refund.
• Sam’s Club Pharmacy now accepts TRICARE and Express scripts and can fill your prescription in about 20 minutes.
Sam’s Club Plus Members save even more including:
• eValues – Extra savings, on top of our already terrific prices, are loaded on your Membership card and applied automatically at checkout.
• Enjoy more Pharmacy savings - Save even more, on top of our already low cash prices, including 8% on name-brand prescriptions and 40% on generics not part of our $4/$10 generic prescription plan.
• Early Shopping Hours – Plus and Business Members can beat the crowds starting at 7 am Monday-Saturday.
• Earn more rewards – when you use your Sam’s Club® Discover®.
NEPVA Members should call the NEPVA office (800-660-1181) for a Sam’s Club Membership Certificate
If there is interest we will work with SAM’S Club to extend the benefit eligibility beyond the 30 June 2012 expiration of the special membership offer.
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Cord Word May 2012
www.nepva.org14
MobilityAdaptive
Equipment
VOTED #1IN CUSTOMER
SERVICE
LARGEST RAMPVANINVENTORY AT ONE
LOCATION IN SOUTHERNNEW ENGLAND!
Welcome To
Free Veterans Maintenance Program*
We work with the VA for you. New van upgrades every 2 years saving
you $25,000 on average and sometimes very little out of pocket.
-VETERAN SPECIALS--VETERAN SPECIALS--VETERAN SPECIALS-
www.amemobility.com1551 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA 02771
*Please call for details and qualifi cations
1-800-311-2849
If you can’t come to uswe’ll come to you
LIFETIMEWARRANTY(Call or visit us for
more information)
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May 2012Cord Word
www.nepva.org 15
Update your hand controls!
...drive with both hands on the wheel
It’s so comfortable!
Just press the ring to accelerate. Brake with the left- or right-hand brake integrated in the dash-board.
Your knee area remains free of metal parts. You maintain all adjustments of your steering column and all airbags including the knee-airbag remain functional.
DARIOS adapts its sensitivity to the speed of your car.
DARIOS uses 2 sensors inside the steering wheel to be compliant with car manufacturers’ safety standards. It sends the information from the ring to its main controller under the dashboard using digital signals to be immune to electro-magnetic noise.
Digital Accelerator Ring optimized for speed
KEMPF is a NMEDA member.
Visit: www.kempf-usa.com to find comments from users accross the country or to request a quotation.
Call Toll-free: 1-888-4-KEMPF-US (453-6738) for a free DVD and free brochure.
DARIOS let’s you drive with both hands on the wheel
DARIOS is VA accepted.
KEMPF features nationwide free at-home pick-up and delivery and at-home service.
Users’ comments: “I feel like I’m in control of my vehicle again!”“The system appears a part of the original equipment of the vehicle.”
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Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Leominster, MA
Permit No. 17
New England PVA1600 Providence Highway, Suite 143Walpole, MA 02081
tel: 508 660-1181 800 660-1181fax: 508 668-9412
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm
21st Annual Sebastian DeFrancesco NEPVA Golf Tournament
May 29, 2012(the day after Memorial Day)
Blue Hill Country Club Canton, MA
Call the NEPVA office for further information.
2012 NEPVA Bass Trail Schedule
TBA Maine, Location TBA
June 9 Charles River, Boston
July 21 Lake Champlain-Fort Ticondaroga Ramp, Vermont
Sept. 8-9 PVA National Bass Tournament, Lake winnipesaukee, NH
Sept. 15-16 NEPVA Bass Tournament, Lake winnipesaukee, NH and TOC