ORDORD WORD - nepva.org · Brad Carlson Walter Farrington Wayne Ross Dustin Soroka Jim Wallack Neal...
Transcript of ORDORD WORD - nepva.org · Brad Carlson Walter Farrington Wayne Ross Dustin Soroka Jim Wallack Neal...
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHAPTER PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICAApril 2012 Vol. LXII, #4
A MEMBER CHAPTER OF THE PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA – CHARTERED BY THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES
CORD WORDWORDWORDWWORDCORD CORD CCORD
President’sReport
3
GovernmentRelations Report
4
Service Officer’sReport
5
Sports & Recreation
6
NEPVANomination Form
for FY 20139
Washington Update
12
InsideWhat’s
continued on page 8
By Mike Guilbault
On February 3rd, we visited the Charles River
Elementary School in Dover and presented
the NEPVA “What’s It Like” program to 3rd
and 4th grade students. This program is to
promote disability awareness and informs the
students about how we go about living a normal
life in a wheelchair. We not only explain the
central nervous system and what it is like to be
paralyzed, but also we explain other disabilities
such as MS, CP, MD and birth defects among
others. I hope this helps the students understand
they can run into disabled people of all ages.
We do a small presentation and then we get the
students into wheelchairs to run an obstacle
course and try shooting baskets. Our main point
to get across is that even though we may be
mobility impaired, we are still very much like
them. We are sports fans who love our Boston
teams, like to go to games, we like to play and
do many things they and their families do.
After playing in the chairs
the children are much more
comfortable talking with us all.
We had a small group at this
school and had more time to play
so even had the students doing
relay races through the obstacle
course before ending play time.
We then hold a question and
answer session where they do
come up with great questions.
Many of them are about what
kind of things we can do. I’m
never surprised by the great
questions and am happy to inform them that we
do just about anything they can if we choose to.
We may have to adapt and do it a bit differently
but still can do it! I have to say after doing this
over 10 years, this class asked some questions
I’ve never heard before. Never underestimate
how smart and observant a 4th grader can be.
They are the ones surprised when they find out
we shoot, bowl, swim, kayak, fish, water ski,
hand-cycle, play basketball, softball, sled hockey
and even power soccer. When winter comes we
can snowmobile, snow ski, play quad rugby and
again many of the same things they do with
their families. Many have seen wheelchairs in
the marathon and we mention that many do
triathlons also along with track and field meets.
Some go on to be Paralympic athletes. Our
thanks go to Jordy Hertzberg for the invite,
pictures and the donation from the school.
NEPVA “What’s It Like” Program
Cord Word April 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
OUR
POPULAR
NINE MONTH
DRAWING
WILL BE HELD FROM
APRIL
TO
DECEMBER 2012
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.
Douglas A. Nealous
Margaret E. Patunoff
April 2012Cord Word
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by Craig C. Cascella
NEPVA PresidentPresident’s Report
continued on page 10
A new Fisher House is coming
to West Haven, CT. Not long
ago, many NEPVA members
and I attended a ribbon cutting
ceremony on the West Roxbury VA
campus for the new Fisher House on
the grounds. Having visited the Fisher
House in person, I can assure you
the accommodations and the facility
are first rate. The Friends of Fisher
House Connecticut are working hard
to raise money to build a new Fisher
House on the grounds of the West
Haven campus. Fisher Houses are the
military/veteran equivalent of Ronald
McDonald Houses. These houses
provide the loved ones of VA inpatients
a “home away from home” near the
facility while the veteran receives
treatment. Accommodations are
provided to family members at no cost.
Currently, there are 54 Fisher Houses
nationwide, all near military hospitals
or VA facilities. Since 1990, Fisher
Houses across the nation have provided
services to over 142,000 families who
have stayed more than 3.6 million days,
saving them a combined $167 million
in hotel and transportation costs.
Kevin Creed, Chairman of Friends
of Fisher House Connecticut, first
became involved in the national Fisher
House organization in 2004 when he
retired from the Army. About a year
ago, Creed was propositioned to lead a
local effort to build a house at the West
Haven campus and Friends of Fisher
House Connecticut was launched.
The law firm of Newman, Creed and
Associates is serving as underwriters
for the project so that 100% of all
proceeds will go toward construction
of the house. The goal is to raise $3
million which will then be matched
by the Fisher House Foundation,
Inc. Construction begins only after
fundraising and matching combine for
$6 million. Creed says he is hoping to
break ground in April of 2013.
The Friends of Fisher House
Connecticut has had an overwhelming
amount of support from the
community since the project began.
Many local businesses and groups have
helped to raise money for the house,
including Shoprite, which hosted a
fundraiser and school children who
have sold commemorative wristbands.
On November 5, the organization will
host a black-tie dinner at Foxwoods
Casino that will include a silent
auction. The goal for that night
is to reach $500,000. During the
upcoming holiday season, the Friends
will sell Fisher House ornaments and
bricks at Westfield Shopping Center
in Meriden, CT. The memorialized
bricks will be used in the construction
of the house. For more information or
to donate to Friends of Fisher House
Connecticut, visit www.fisherhousect.
org.
In other news related to the West
Haven VA, there is now a Valet
Parking Service. This will hopefully
improve parking congestion at the
West Haven campus. The free valet
service for patients will be available
6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays
(excluding Federal holidays). The
valet station will be located
in the circle area
in front of the
Building
2 main
entrance
(revolving
door).
Patients who
wish to use
the service should
indicate this to the valet
attendant, present your vehicle keys,
receive a claim ticket and proceed inside
for your medical appointment. The
attendant will need to verify that you
are a VA Connecticut patient. Please
be prepared to provide the attendant
with either your appointment letter or
patient identification card. To retrieve
your vehicle, turn in your claim ticket
to the valet station. Your vehicle will be
returned to you in the area where it was
dropped off. Vehicle keys not picked
up during normal valet hours can be
claimed at the Triage Desk located on
the first floor of Building 2 (through
the sliding glass doors adjacent to the
main lobby). Additional off-site parking
for employees is available at the Polish
American Club located on West Spring
Street. The campus parking shuttle will
pick-up and drop-off at this location as
part of the shuttle route.
Frequently asked questions: • Whocanusethevaletservice?
This service is designed for patients
reporting to the West Haven campus
for treatment to include scheduled
appointments, blood draw, emergen-
cies, and pharmacy pick-up.
Cord Word April 2012
www.nepva.org4
by Debra Freed
Government Relations DirectorGovernment Relations
The NEPVA sent five
individuals to Washington
DC for the 2012 Advocacy
& Legislative Seminar. As a quick
refresher, there are 22 Representatives
and 12 Senators throughout the New
England region. Congressmen Olver
and Frank are retiring at the end
of their term this year as is Senator
Snowe. All Representatives are up
for re-election as are the following
Senators: Brown from MA, Lieberman
from CT, Sanders from Vermont, and
Whitehouse from RI.
Some of the issues remain the same
from year to year: The Healthcare
budget, Protecting VA services, the
CLASS Act. There are a couple of new
ones this year: Increasing CHAMPVA
Beneficiary Entitlements and Providing
Transportation to seriously injured
veterans. There are a couple on the
civilian side as well: Transportation
Reauthorization and the Inclusive
Home Design Act.
This leads me to the new legislation
drafted by Congresswoman Jan
Schakowski of Illinois - The Inclusive
Home Design Act (IHDA). The Fair
Housing Amendments Act of 1988
requires basic accessibility features in
privately funded multifamily housing.
Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act, when federal financial assistance
is used to create housing, only 5%
of any units built are required to
meet very stringent accessibility
standards that allow individuals with
physical disabilities to visit or live in
these residences. Why do we need
anotheraccessibilityact?Becausethe
IHDA would require a basic level of
architectural access – often referred to
as “visitability” – in all federally-assisted
newly constructed housing. IHDA
will provide for fewer but important
accessible features in the remaining
95%.
Now on to accessible living when
away from home. Many hotels
and motels
maintain the
minimum
requirement of
accessible rooms
but many times
when booking a
room it may be
gone by the time
you arrive. Well
as of March 15,
2012 that is not
supposed to be
the norm but the
exception. When
booking a room
in a hotel or
motel now
you can be
assured of
an accessible
room. Regarding
reservations at places
of lodging;
Section 36.302(e) states:
• Partiii:Ensurethataccesibleguest
rooms are held for use by individuals
with disabilities until all other guest
rooms of that type have been rented
and the accessible room requested
is the only remaining room of that
type.
• Partiv:Reserve,uponrequest,acces-
sible guest rooms or specific types
of guest rooms and ensure that the
guest rooms requested are blocked
and removed from all reservations
systems;
• Partv:Guaranteethatthespecific
accessible guest room reserved
through its reservations services
is held for the reserving customer,
regardless of whether a specific room
is held in response to reservations
made by others.
There is a little more to the regulations
but all information can be found at
either www.newenglandada.org or
www.ada.gov/regs2010/titleiii_2010/.
Accessible Living at Home & Away
Debra Freed was guest speaker at Helene Savicki’s charity luncheon to benefit NEPVA on March 12 in Dennis, MA. Mrs. Savicki (third from left) is the mother of NEPVA member Mike Savicki.
April 2012Cord Word
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As tough as this is it is
just as relieving when it’s
accomplished and there’s
a plan in place or at least
a plan begun.
Service Officer’s Report By John Stansbury National Service Officer
Career Help Is AvailablePVA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Ken
Lipton can assist veterans in getting back
to work, school or training. He can meet
the veteran at their home, apt. or another
VAMC. He also can assist the veteran’s family
including the spouse, dependent or care giver
with their vocational goals.
For further assistance contact:Ken Lipton, M.A.,CRC
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Paralyzed Veterans of America
1400 VFW Parkway, Room AG 60
West Roxbury, MA 02132
Office: 857-203-6091, Fax: 857-203-5797
Survivors’ Benefits
When we need to discuss
this subject it is usually
at the worst time, in
many, many ways. It is a topic which is
extremely important to the one who is
leaving us as they want to be ensured
you’ll have some security. Perhaps it
would be an extra comfort for them to
know you have a plan or have someone
toassistyouinthisplan.Gettingthis
accomplished is one
of the PVA Service
Officers’ most
honored, daunting,
delicate and
rewarding functions.
It is so important. I
know I stress over this
every time; did I do
everythingIcould?
Some people plan from the beginning,
some wait. Each situation is unique
but if it would help and work for you,
contact me early on and put me on the
speaker phone or ask me to come to
your home. Jot down questions before
hand. Have anyone there who may
be involved in caring for the ones left
behind. As tough as this is it is just as
relieving when it’s accomplished and
there’s a plan in place or at least a plan
begun. When the subject is broached by
you it helps me as it is harder for me to
be the initiator during this private and
delicate part of your lives. If not asked I
will bring up the subject as a matter of
course as your Service Officer, perhaps
not at the best time for you.
Generallyspeaking,aVAclaimby
the veteran cannot be opened after
the veteran passes away, but a claim
opened before the veteran passes
away can be continued by an eligible
beneficiary.
This would be the first thing I would
discuss, has every eligible benefit been
claimed?Ifthesebenefitsareawarded
they will be
delivered to
the eligible
beneficiary
as accrued
benefits.
When
survivors’
benefits are
sought, a
death certificate must be submitted.
We need to ensure the certificate
is accurate. In most cases we will
complete the claim package in our
office by submitting required copies
of the last rating decision, marriage
certificates etc. and then forward to
the responsible VA Regional Office.
Many funeral directors are very
familiar with VA procedures and
will assist you in filing for a burial
grant. They have a vested interest in
payment. They may also assist you
in filing for a headstone/marker.
VA cemeteries and State operated
Veterans cemeteries are generally
very good about this. Expect about
3 months turn around for burial
benefits currently.
If eligible, you will file also for
either Dependency and Indemnity
Compensation or Death Pension.
Expect about 3-4 months turn around
for these benefits currently.
There are some nuances to these
benefits best discussed with your
Service Officer. There are potential
educational benefits and medical
benefits among others. VA pamphlet
21-03-1 “VA Benefits for Survivors” and
VA Pamphlet 80-11-01 are two good
overviews found on va.gov website.
If you have any questions or concerns
about the benefits discussed above,
please contact your National Service
Officer.
Cord Word April 2012
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Sports & Recreation By Brad Carlson Sports Director
2nd Annual Owen “Mickey” Emery Wheelchair Air Rifle TournamentSunday, April 22, 2012
VAMC Brockton Campus, Building 23
Gymnasium, 8:00 am
This air rifle tournament is
opened to Disabled Veterans with
experience in air rifling. Awards
banquet and closing ceremony will
be provided at conclusion of the
tournament. Veterans interested in
participating MUST PRE-REGISTER
by: Friday April 13, 2012. For more
information, please contact Mr.
Richard Leeman, Assistant Chief,
Voluntary Service.
Spring is here, and so is our Fifth
Annual Billiard Tournament to
be held April 28 and 29, 2012.
Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m.
on the 28th at Breakaway Billiards,
104 Sterling St., Clinton, MA. There
will be a military opening ceremony
promptly at 10:00 a.m., with the
tournament starting at 10:30 a.m. A
day full of surprises is planned with
the Budwieser girls, prize drawings,
and 50/50 drawings all weekend.
Saturday evening, at 7:00 p.m., hall
of famer, Roger Boucher will open
up our trick shot show followed by
Bruce Barthelette and closing with the
new world champion, Ewa Laurance
(the Striking Viking). Music will be
provided by Bucky Sheehan.
The VA Boston Health Care System is
pleased to announce the 2nd Annual
Owen “Mickey” Emery Air Rifle
Tournament on Sunday, April 22,
2012 at the VAMC Brockton Campus
Bldg. 23. This tournament is open
to disabled veterans with experience
in air rifling. Awards banquet and
closing ceremony will be provided at
conclusion of tournament. Veterans
interested in participating must pre-
register by Friday, April 13, 2012. For
more information, please contact Kelly
Cossaboom at 774-826-2036.
Joanie Lynch has provided me with
information on upcoming trips.
These trips are as follows:
• May19,Marlborofishing;
• June2,Hudsonfishing;
• July23-27,MountSunapee
SummerClinic;
• August18,LakeHiawathaBell-
inghamatDennis’shouse;
• Sept.15,BellinghamShooting
DaywithBellinghampoliceand
Dennis;
• Sept.21,ShawmeShootingClub
inSandwichMa;
• Oct5,BassRiverShootingClub;
• Oct8-12,CreativeArtsFestival
inBoston.
Formoreinformationonanyof
thesetrips,contactJoanieLynch,
RecreationalTherapyService,SCIU
VABostonat774-826-1976.
For anyone interested in wheelchair
basketball, the NEPVA Celtics will be
presenting their 3rd Annual Adapted
Basketball Clinic on Saturday, April
21 from 2:00-4:30 pm. This free event
will be held at Sargent Activities Center
at Boston University, 1 University Rd,
Boston, MA 02215. For additional
information, contact Thomas Dodd
at [email protected] or email
Adaptive golf is available to anyone who
can hold a golf club. Don’t be afraid
to try. For information, contact the
NEPVA office in Walpole. Wheelchair
football will be starting in August.
Watch for upcoming information.
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.
Inclosing,asalways,thereisplenty
todo--getoutthereanddoit.
FOR SALE2007DodgeCaravan
Handicaptransportvan
Excellentcondition,18Kmiles
Asking$21,000
Call:508-272-1551
April 2012Cord Word
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RICHMOND
2O12
32nd National Veterans
Wheelchair Games
Hosted by Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center and the
Virginia Mid-Atlantic Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of AmericaJune 25-3O, 2O12
Let THE GAMES continue
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN������
����������
Co-presented by:
32nd Games ad_FINAL_Layout 1 11/3/11 1:24 PM Page 1
Cord Word April 2012
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continued from page 1school outreach
phot
o: N
asho
ba B
rook
s Sch
ool
MANCHESTER VA SCI-D VETERANS April 19, 2012 LUNCHEON MEETING
The Manchester VAMC SCI-D clinic will have a
presenter from the Manchester Regional Office,
Mary Christine McPhail who is a Veterans Service
Representative. She will give information on the process of
filing a claim and making appeals. She will update us on the
new systems of the claim process and explain who is eligible
for the Aid and Attendance benefit for veterans and their
spouses. An information package will be provided for all
attendees on these programs as well as burial benefits and
death benefits for surviving spouses. Bring your questions
concerning your service connected situation or programs
that you think you might be eligible for and they will be
answered. Lunch will be served at 12:00 noon.
Thursday, April 19 12n-1:30pm
PLEASECALLTOREGISTERbyTUESDAYApril17th
(early registration and a return call if you need to cancel
appreciated!)
603-624-4366 Ext: 6434
Location: Manchester VAMC, basement level
Directions from Main Entrance: Elevator down to “B” level,
LEFT,nextRIGHT,downhall,nextLEFTatPT/OT
check-in area.
Submitted by Paul Redmond, MSW, SCI Coordinator
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
We were requested to do an adaptive sports
presentation at the Nashoba Brooks School, where
we met February 10 with the 8th graders and did things a
bit different. We showed the videos of both the Summer
VeteransWheelchairGameswheretheygettoseeallthe
activities we can compete in there, 17 total; then also,
we played the Winter Disabled Sports Clinic in Aspen
where they get to see alpine and Nordic skiing, scuba,
snowmobiling, sled hockey, trout fishing and shooting.
These older students have a good grasp on what is now
possible but seeing it live is much more fun than having
it told to them. They see all the different equipment and
notice we’ve brought 8 sports chairs.
Once we’ve had a short talk, it’s time to break them up into
teams and let them try our game. I paired one experienced
player on each team with 4 students and they all had a
blast. It was sad to whistle them off the court for the next
group to play. Many wanted to stay and play but tests were
waiting and they had to go on their way. It was fun for all
and I thank Joanna Smith for the invite and the school for
itsdonation.IdowanttothankGeorgeNorton,whowas
the referee, Damon Isles, Mark Sanders and Charles Schena
for helping me put on these presentations when requested
by the schools. I would love more volunteers so if any
members out there would like to come and volunteer please
contact the office or myself. I feel this is a very valuable
program informing the public that even though we may
have a disability, we still have many abilities!
April 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). Tobevalid,thisformmustbesignedbyyouandfiledwiththeSecretary
before4:30pm,May31,2012.
Nominees For Officers
PRESIDENT:___________________________________________________________
VICE PRESIDENT:______________________________________________________
SECRETARY:__________________________________________________________
TREASURER:__________________________________________________________
Nominees For Executive Board
1.____________________________ 5.______________________________
2.____________________________ 6.______________________________
3.____________________________ 7.______________________________
4.____________________________
This official Nomination Form mustbesignedbythemembermakingthenomination(s)inordertobevalid. 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
Cord Word April 2012
www.nepva.org10
Bruno Stair Lift17 foot, for straight staircase;
Transfer from wheelchair to seat,Seat pivots 90 degrees at top. Trackincluded. Pick up in Hanover, MA.
Call NEPVA
Power WheelchairQuest Everest & Jennings
Controls/Charger Seat dimensions 18 x 17”
Call 508-759-4737
Manual Quickie WheelchairSeat dimensions: 17 ½ x 18 ½”
Call 508-759-4737
Quickie Manual WheelchairWith 18” CushionShower Bench
Wheelchair CushionAvailable in Mansfield, MA
Call NEPVA
Invacare Pronto M-71 Power WheelchairExcellent Condition;
for medium size person Pick up in Woonsocket, RI
Call NEPVA
Scooter fromThe Scooter Store
In or outdoors; right handJoy stick; may need battery;
About 6 years old.Pick up in Middleboro, MA
Call NEPVA
Bruno Liftto lift scooter into
Van or mini-van; needs installation(was $1500 new installed)
Pick up in Middleboro, MACall NEPVA
continued from page 3President’s Report
• Wherewillthevaletserviceparkthecars?VehicleswillbeparkedinLots9-12
and Lot 4 (gated lot).
• Whowillmonitorvehiclesparkedbythevaletservice?Thevendorwillmonitor
the vehicles it parks. VA Police Service will work with the vendor to ensure com-
pliance with the parking restrictions for the reserved spaces.
• Howlongwillittakethevaletservicetoretrievecars?Thevaletserviceshould
return vehicles to patients within 10 minutes.
• Willtrafficoncampusbeimpactedbythevaletservice?Initially,theremaybe
congestion as staff and patients get accustomed to this new service.
• Willusershavetotipthevaletservice?Tippingisnotpermitted.
• Whoisresponsibleintheeventofdamagestovehiclesparkedbytheservice?
The vendor is required to carry insurance to cover potential damage to vehicles.
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.
FREE TO MEMBER
Many thanks go to the long time BASS trail volunteers who raised nearly $5,000 at sportsmen’s shows in Rockingham and Worcester. NEPVA would not have a BASS Trail if it were not for them. (Shown Front row l to r): Nam Knight Ray “Hunter” Brunelle, Debra Freed, Jim Wallack, Laurie Morin, George Morin. (Back row l to r) Gary Clawson, Tiny LaFontaine. (Photo by Bob Abbott)
April 2012Cord Word
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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,
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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.
New NEPVA Member Benefits Courtesy of Sam’s Club ®
New England Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans (NEPVA) is
excited to announce exclusive new benefits brought to you by
Sam’s Club ®. Members of NEPVA will receive up to a $25
Sam’sClubGiftCardwhensigningupforanewSam’sClub
Plus Membership or renewing an existing Plus Membership
by June 30, 2012.
Or, choose an Advantage or Business Membership and
receivea$10Sam’sClubGiftCardatsign-up.Inadditionto
a year of exceptional value, Advantage Members enjoy time-
saving services in-club and online
Sam’s Club memberships benefits include:• Sam’sClubMembersaveragedsavingsof30%compared
to traditional retailers.
• 200%guaranteeonfreshproducts–allofourfreshmeat,
seafood, produce and bakery products are backed by a
200% money-back guarantee.
• 100%SatisfactionGuarantee–ifatanytimeyou’renot
satisfied with your Membership, we’ll give you a full
refund.
• Sam’sClubPharmacynowacceptsTRICAREand
Express scripts and can fill your prescription in about 20
minutes.
Sam’s Club Plus Members save even more including:
• eValues–Extrasavings,ontopofouralreadyterrific
prices, are loaded on your Membership card and applied
automatically at checkout.
• EnjoymorePharmacysavings-Saveevenmore,ontopof
our already low cash prices, including 8% on name-brand
prescriptions and 40% on generics not part of our $4/$10
generic prescription plan.
• EarlyShoppingHours–PlusandBusinessMemberscan
beat the crowds starting at 7 am Monday-Saturday.
• Earnmorerewards–whenyouuseyourSam’sClub®
Discover®.
If you would like to receive your Cord Word
via email, please send us your email address.
Email us at: [email protected] or call the NEPVA
office at: 800-660-1181.
Send NEPVA Your Email Address
Cord Word April 2012
www.nepva.org12
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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.
Washington Update Produced by PVA
Government Relations Department
See www.nepva.org for more
On February 15, the House
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
conducted a hearing to review the
recommendations of the FY 2013
Budget Request for the Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Senate
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
conducted a similar hearing on February
29. The hearings offered an opportunity
for the VA and veterans service
organization stakeholders to comment
on the Administration’s VA budget
proposal released on February 13. PVA
was invited to offer our views on the
VA budget proposal, specifically with
regards to the VA health-care system.
While we recognize that the
Administration included increases
for most of the accounts of the VA,
PVA expressed serious concerns about
proposals contained in the VA Budget
Request including potential future
reductions in VA spending. PVA is
especially troubled by steps VA has
taken in recent years in order to generate
resources to meet ever-growing demand
on the VA health-care system. In fact,
the FY 2013 Budget Request and FY
2014 advance appropriation budget
proposal released by the Administration
includes “management improvements,”
a popular gimmick used by previous
Administrations to generate savings
and offset the growing costs to deliver
care. Unfortunately, these savings are
often never realized leaving VA short
of necessary funding to address ever-
growing demand.
Of greatest concern to PVA is the VA’s
claim in the FY 2013 Budget Request
that it was provided nearly $3.0
billion in excess resources in FY 2012
and more than $2.0 billion in excess
resources in FY 2013. We question
how the VA can make such a claim,
particularly about FY 2012, when more
than six months remains in this current
fiscal year (FY 2012). The claim of
excess resources does not seem to match
the all-too-common reports that we
receive of understaffed facilities and
unavailability of services. Additionally,
we cannot understand how the VA can
claim excess resources for a fiscal year
(FY 2013) in which it has yet to expend
any resources.
PVA also expressed serious doubts
about the continued downward
HOUSE AND SENATE VA COMMITTEES REVIEW FY 2013 VA BUDGET REQUEST, REAL PROBLEMS OUTLINED BY PVA
April 2012Cord Word
www.nepva.org 13
“(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
Steve poses here with his Ride-Away Sales Consultant, Dave Qualey, of the
888-Ride-Away (888-743-3292)
www.Ride-Away.com
revision of estimates in Medical Care
Collections. In fact, in its original
advance appropriation estimate for
FY 2012, the VA projected collections
of approximately $3.7 billion. Last
year, the Administration revised that
estimate to approximately $3.1 billion.
This year, the Administration once
again revised the collections estimate
for FY 2012 down to approximately
$2.7 billion. At the same time, the
collections estimate for FY 2013 was
revised down from an estimate of $3.3
billion last year to a current estimate
ofapproximately$3.0billion.Given
these revisions, we believed then, and
continue to believe, that the VA budget
request and ultimately the funding
provided through the appropriations
process, was insufficient for VA to meet
the demand on the health-care system,
and may be insufficient going forward.
Regarding the specific
recommendations for advance
appropriations for FY 2014 offered
by the Administration, considering
our concerns about the funding levels
provided for FY 2012 and FY 2013,
PVA believes that those estimates may
be insufficient to meet the continuing
increase in demand for health-care
services. We are also skeptical of the
substantial increase in funding that the
Administration calls for in the Medical
Support and Compliance account for
FY2014.Giventhescrutinyonfunding
for administrative functions within
the VA health-care system, we are not
certain that this projected increase truly
reflects a wise investment in resources.
For FY 2013, the Administration
recommends $55.7 billion for
total Medical Care spending. The
Independent Budget recommends
approximately $57.2 billion for total
medical care. In light of the VA’s claims
of excess resources, PVA urged the
Committees to remain vigilant to ensure
that the proposed funding levels for FY
2013 and the advance appropriations for
FY 2014 are in fact sufficient to meet
the continued growth in demand on the
health-care system.
To review the full statements of
PVA submitted to the House and
Senate Committees on Veterans’
Affairs, please visit the PVA website
at www.pva.org. For information
on the recommendations of The
Independent Budget, please visit www.
independentbudget.org.
Cord Word April 2012
www.nepva.org14
MobilityAdaptive
Equipment
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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.
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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)
April 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.”
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.
21st Annual Sebastian DeFrancesco NEPVA Golf Tournament
May 29, 2012(the day after Memorial Day)
Blue Hill Country Club Blue Hill Country Club Canton, MACanton, MA
Call the NEPVA office for further information.
2012 NEPVA Bass Trail Schedule
May 26 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