CCORDORD WWORDORD December 2011 The Newsletter of the New England Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America Vol. LXI, #12 a member chapter of the paralyzed veterans of america – chartered by the congress of the united states 2011 NEPVA Annual Banquet n a chilly fall evening, approximately to have several officials from the VA Boston What’s 120 guests assembled at the Holiday Healthcare System and VISN I in attendance. Inside OInn in Mansfield, MA for the These included: VABHS Associate Director Dr. NEPVA Annual Banquet on October 21st, 2011. Susan MacKenzie; VABHS Chief of Staff Dr. Upon their arrival, members, friends and family, Michael Charness; Acting Director of the Edith President’s along with VA staff gathered and mingled in Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital Report the cocktail lounge while meatballs, scallops Christine Croteau; VABHS Associate Director 3 wrapped in bacon and stuffed mushrooms were of Nursing/Patient Services Cecilia McVey; being passed around. This year’s banquet again Associate Chief of Nursing-Brockton Annmarie Government featured a four course dinner with a choice of Fredericks; and Deputy Nurse Executive Relations Report entrée (filet mignon, stuffed chicken breast, Joan Clifford. Craig went on to introduce 4 grilled salmon or a vegetarian meal), awards, and the NEPVA officers and Board members dancing to the music of DJ Corin Ashley. present, PVA Service Office staff, and NEPVA Service Officer’s staff. Following the welcome remarks and Report As in the past, the lounge area and banquet introductions, everyone was served dinner. 5 hall were beautifully decorated with balloons, and colorful centerpieces in an array of fall After guests completed their entrees, the awards Sports & colors. Decorations, as always, were provided by portion of the evening began and President Recreation Balloons over Boston. 6 Keeping with tradition, ladies were again Banquet Photos presented with a long 8 & 9 stem red rose as they approached the banquet PVA News hall. 10 Upon entering the banquet hall, everyone was seated and enjoyed their fresh fruit cup followed by salad. After Right: Medical staff Craig Cascella returned to the podium. He salads were served, NEPVA President Craig from the VA Boston spoke briefly about New England PVA, its Healthcare System Cascella came forward to the microphone to pose for a group history, and accomplishments. Carrying on welcome everyone and introduce some honored photo at the NEPVA an annual tradition, Craig then presented the Annual Banquet. guests. As in past years, NEPVA was honored continued on page  Cord Word December 2011

PARALYZED VETERANS of AMERICA NEW ENGLAND CHAPTER NEPVA ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE 1600 PROVIDENCE HIGHWAY-SUITE 143 WALPOLE, MA 02081 TEL: (508) 660-1181, 1-(800) 660-1181 FAX: (508) 668-9412; e-mail: [email protected] web: www.nepva.org Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm NEPVA OFFICERS EXECUTIVE BOARD President, Craig Cascella John Brako Vice President, Debra Freed Brad Carlson 9 MONTH DRAWING Secretary, Debra Freed Walter Farrington Treasurer, Charles Schena Wayne Ross NOVEMBER Winners National Director, Craig Cascella Dustin Soroka Jim Wallack $50 PROGRAM DIRECTORS Neal Williams Development Director, Craig Cascella Paul R. McPhee Membership Officer, Craig Cascella Hanover, MA MS Liaison, John Brako Community Outreach, Mike Guilbault $25 NEPVA Peer Mentor Rep., Mike Guilbault Scholarship Chairman, Craig Cascella Sally E. Quinn Sports Director, Brad Carlson Concord, NH Assistant Sports Director, Mike Guilbault Bass Trail Liaison, Jim Wallack $25 Web Master, Harley Freedman Women Veterans’ Liaison, Debra Freed Ronald Ayre Volunteer Chairman, Judy Goldstein Marshfield, MA

Hospital Liaisons Brockton, MA VAMC, Craig Cascella West Roxbury, MA VAMC, Craig Cascella Northampton, MA VAMC, Craig Cascella Providence, RI VAMC, Craig Cascella Manchester, NH VAMC, Walter Farrington West Haven, CT VAMC, Richard Frano White River Jct, VT VAMC, Craig Cascella Togus, ME VAMC, Neal Williams

STAFF NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICE Cord Word Editor, Judy Goldstein PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA Government Relations Director, Debra Freed BOSTON VA REGIONAL OFFICE Administrative Assistant, Judy Goldstein J.F.K. FEDERAL BUILDING - Room - 1575 C Bookkeeper, Jeri Farinella BOSTON, MA 02203 Cord Word Design, Harley Freedman TEL: (617) 303-1395 & 1-800-795-3607 Monthly meetings are held every first Wednesday of the month at the Fax: (617) 723-7467 NEPVA office in Walpole, Ma. The executive board meets at 10:30 a.m. Sr. Benefits Advocate, Joseph E. Badzmierowski Followed by the regular membership meeting at 1:00 p.m. Senior 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. PVA National Service Office Membership in NEPVA entitles you to a free subscription to Cord Togus, VARO, 1 VA Center Word. Articles published in Cord Word do not necessarily reflect Bldg 248, Room 112 the views of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, New England Augusta, ME 04330 Chapter. NEPVA neither endorses nor guarantees any of the erving aine ew ampshire and ermont products or services advertised herein. Postmaster: send changes S M , N H V of address to NEPVA, 1600 Providence Hwy., Suite 143, Walpole, TEL:(207) 621-7394, Fax: (207) 621-4829 MA 02081 Toll Free: 866-795-1911 National Service Officer II, John Stansbury Secretary, Wendy Glidden 2 www.nepva.org Cord Word December 2011 President’s Report by Craig C. Cascella NEPVA President n October 21st, we held our I recently received an email notification Services, Veterans Annual Chapter Banquet, as from the VA Boston Healthcare System Benefits, and Ousual there was a very good Director’s office, announcing that for Architecture to turnout (see associated article in this the second year in a row the VA Boston work hard issue). A great time seemed to be had Healthcare System has been selected and as a by all and we will pass along next year’s as one of The Boston Globe’s Top Places team hold date as soon as we can. to Work. The competition is tough; the VA however, for 2011 they ranked number accountable On the 26th, I visited the Brockton VA 16 in the Large Employers category, a for the issues LTC Unit. I had the opportunity to most impressive showing. On behalf they get off chat with the residents, volunteers, and of NEPVA, a sincere thank you for all track on and also the VA Staff, as well as to listen to or your hard work. Receiving a public support the VA on the things they address any concerns they may have. honor such as this is proof positive are doing well. It is important for our of what we at NEPVA already know, membership to know that all of PVA’s On the 29th, I joined Chapter members that VA BHS is a great place to work, staff works hard to accomplish all the for a fun time horseback riding in with an outstanding staff that cares key goals, mission, and objectives of the Brookfield, MA, at the Elm Hill Center for America’s most deserving patients. organization. Please feel free to contact Stables. It was a chilly day and in fact Once again, congratulations to the me on any issue or concern you may there was a winter storm in the forecast entire VA BHS team. have. that had arrived a little earlier than predicted. I look forward to riding PVA continues to make major progress On November 11th, I was fortunate again in the future, perhaps when the with site visit reports and staffing to be able to attend Veterans Day warmer weather comes back around. guidelines. We continue to hold the VA ceremonies at the Vietnam Wall Thanks to Sports Director Brad accountable when we know we need to Memorial in Washington D.C. As Carlson for organizing the event. and work with them when we believe usual, the ceremonies were fantastic we have the same goals and objectives. and I would recommend visiting The Chapter will be sponsoring PVA is tough but fair in all our dealings Washington D.C. and visiting the Holiday parties at many of the local with the VA. It is important for Medical many monuments or memorials where VAMC’s in the area. The SCI Clinic continued on page 12 staff, Social Workers, and other VA Staff assist the Chapter in arranging the dates and supplies for the parties. On behalf of the Chapter, I hope all of our members, volunteers, and friends had a wonderful Thanksgiving and have a Merry Left: Ret. General Barry R. McCaffery & NEPVA President Craig Cascella at Vietnam Wall Veterans Day Christmas. Ceremonies. Right: Minnesota PVA Chapter President Tom Fjerstad & NEPVA President Craig Cascella at the PVA www.nepva.org Wreath laying at the Vietnam Wall Memorial. 3 Cord Word December 2011

Government Relations by Debra Freed Government Relations Director Did You Know . . . ! ell, winter certainly gave The Chapter sent out an email to nearly its best by making us a good scare at the end 305 members asking if they would medicines Wof October. The weather want to get the newsletter via email. We different has been decent since but be prepared. received a number of responses so far in shapes the positive that these members would and sizes. Our webmaster, Thomas Dodd, like to get the email version. November However, resigned towards the end of September was a bit late but hopefully this process it is not but NEPVA. will be up and difficult org remains up With all the talk about running for the to forget and running December issue which one is and even has reducing the deficit, and the January which. So, Dr. MacKenzie inquired a new look. it came as somewhat one at the latest. at the pharmacy. Any time you have a NEPVA would question, any type of question about a like to thank of a surprise when it NEPVA would medication, do not hesitate to request Thomas for his was announced in mid- like to reiterate to speak to a pharmacist. I was told by years of service its commitment the West Roxbury pharmacy it really concerning the October that Social to our members, is as simple as that. As the saying goes, Chapter website. Security (SS) would see a the veteran please don’t shoot the messenger, in this Thomas is still population, and case the pharmacist, because the VA involved with cost of living increase of the disabled was able to get a better price on your NEPVA’s Celtics 3.6%, the first increase community. We once yellow pantoprazol medication. basketball team, maintain a very which holds since 2009. good relationship NEPVA does try to provide a diverse practices at the with the offices of sports program, activities that will get Brockton VA. Please check the website the Associate Directors in the Boston people out and about. The Chapter is for days and times. area, the VA Boston Director, Michael working with two groups that are very Lawson, and to some extent even at the different but have the same objective. With all the talk about reducing VISN level. I had stopped by the 2nd Over the summer some members the deficit, it came as somewhat of a floor at West Roxbury last month to participated in the Sail to Prevail surprise when it was announced in mid- drop off newsletters and have a quick program out of Newport, RI. The October that Social Security (SS) would chat with Dr. MacKenzie about an issue Chapter is sponsoring a sail boat for see a cost of living increase of 3.6%, that I know affects just about all of us their program. On October 29, Brad, the first increase since 2009. Those – medications. The issue is that some Mike G, Craig, and I took a horseback receiving Social Security (SS), Social meds used to come in various colors so riding lesson at the Elm Hill Center Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) they were easily recognizable. Because in Brookfield, MA. I hadn’t been on a and Supplemental Security Income of money, not just from the VA but the horse in nearly 30 years. Unfortunately (SSI) will get the increase. Those pharmaceutical companies, most of the for Honey the horse, I don’t weigh what receiving Veterans’ Compensation will meds now come in white. Many come I did 30 years ago, but she was still very also see the increase. The increase will in various sizes still, but the problem is good to me. NEPVA is considering take effect Jan 1, 2012. remembering which pill is which. The continued on page 12 Pharmaceutical industry has tried to do 4 www.nepva.org Cord Word December 2011

Service Officer’s Report By Thomas Ricks, Senior National Service Officer, Newark, NJ THE HOME RESPIRATORY CARE PROGRAM ome respiratory care is the will be trained on the function and use and mechanical ventilation annually; provision of home oxygen/ of the ventilator and accessories prior to the clinician will notify Prosthetics Hrespiratory care services that discharging the veteran. All ventilators of the continued need or the need assist any eligible veterans with home are furnished in accordance with VA to discontinue intervention. There respiratory care (VHA Handbook policies and procedures. is a Fee-Basis program if authorized 1173.13). The program involves in accordance with VA acquisition members of Medical Service, Pharmacy An Intermediate Positive Pressure regulation 801.670-3. Medical, Dental Service, Prosthetic and Sensory Breathing Machine (IPPB) is furnished and ancillary services are available for Aids Service (PSAS), Acquisition when prescribed by a physician eligible veterans who are unable to and Materiel Management Service specializing in pulmonary disease. report to the VA Medical Center for (A&MMS), Nursing Service, Health The machine is used to deliver air evaluation of continued need or initial Administration Service and contractors under pressure into the patient’s lungs need for home respiratory care. who comply with the Joint Commission for periods of time for veterans with on Accreditation of Healthcare acute pulmonary edema and chronic The Prosthetic Service is responsible Organizations (JCAHO) standards. obstructive pulmonary disease. for administering the program. The primary methods for providing Specially designed rocking beds are Eligibility is determined for a veteran oxygen therapy in the home are used when prescribed by a physician by working with a home oxygen compressed gas, oxygen concentrators specializing in pulmonary medicine to therapy physician to identify oxygen and liquid oxygen. The prescribing control respiration of the patient. therapy requirements. This can include physician determines the amount concentrators, tanks, regulators, based on the flow rate desired by the The Prescribing Clinician is responsible cannulas, masks, tubing, Continuous daily period of usage and the veteran’s for determining the need for home Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) devices, physical condition and daily activities. respiratory care based on the veteran’s ventilators and other respiratory care All veterans on the home oxygen prognosis, medical history, results of equipment. The designated contracting program will be reevaluated and the Arterial Blood Gases (ABG’s) or pulse officer or Contracting Officer’s need for oxygen therapy documented according to the guidelines for home Technical Representative (COTR) every 6 months for the first year. The oxygen in the VHA Clinical Practice arranges for the home respiratory need for continuing oxygen will be Guideline for Asthma, sleep study, or care contract. The (COTR) will also documented at least annually. ventilator settings. The prescription or ensure contractor compliance and consult includes general information Joint Commission on Accreditation of Veterans on ventilators for continuous like home oxygen, method of delivery, Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) mechanical ventilation will be liter flow, airway pressure, mask type standards on a quarterly basis furnished with equipment when and settings. Reevaluating the patient through site visits, receipt and review prescribed only after the veteran has to ensure the continued need for of all required documentation and been evaluated by the VA Respiratory intervention is accomplished from 4 performance improvement activities, Therapy Service. A veteran that is weeks to 3 months depending on the veteran satisfaction surveys and veteran totally dependent on a ventilator for reason for the intervention. interactions. Random home visits continuous mechanical ventilation will provide quality assurance from 10% also be furnished with a spare ventilator A reevaluation is also provided for of home visits to veterans on home with accessories. Family and care takers veterans requiring long term oxygen respiratory care on a yearly basis. Visits continued on page 12 www.nepva.org 5 Cord Word December 2011 Sports & Recreation Fall Sports Report By Brad Carlson, Sports Director & Mike Guilbault, Assistant Sports Director a great day out for all! A special “thank of weapons at you” to Bonnie Keefe-Layden, Liz these shooting Happy Holidays everyone! I hope Flaherty and the staff and volunteers at events, everyone had a great Thanksgiving, Elm Hill Center Stables for a wonderful including and didn’t gain too much weight. day. M1 Garand, There’s a lot to be discussed in this Of course, our Bass Trail finished with M1 Carbine, article, and I will try to make it brief. a bang with the PVA National Bass AR 15 A2 On the 29th of October, at Elm Hill Trail held at Lake Winnipesaukee and A4 models. Center Stables in Brookfield, we held a in September at Camp Robindel in Many thanks to disabled horseback riding clinic. Despite Moultonborough, NH. The weather Dick Hurley who helped organize both the impending snow, we did have four cooperated, and a great time was had shoots along with his team of volunteers people attend. For those who missed it - by all. The Bass Trail will continue and sponsors who made these events - you missed out on a great day! Thanks as usual in the spring. Keep watching possible. On Saturday, September 24th, go out to Mike Guilbault, Debra Freed, for updated information on the dates. we also had our annual shoot with the and Craig Cascella for attending this Thanks again to Tiny and his crew Bellingham Police Department. This clinic. A great buffet was provided by E. for the great job and hard work that event, started by our late, great friend B. Flatts restaurant in Brookfield, which they do to make sure these events go Mickey Emery will continue annually warmed everyone up on a chilly day! off without a hitch. Thanks also to the thanks to Dennis Auger, Liz Emery We will be holding another horseback Nam Knights for volunteering every and the BPD. Our thanks go to the riding clinic (in warmer weather) year during these events. Vietnam Veterans Association and all sometime in the spring of 2012. the volunteers who helped out at the Please keep a lookout for upcoming We concluded our three Shooting BPD range, and the cooks who fed us information on this clinic. Hopefully, Events for the year on October 7th at so well. we can get more attendees. Elm Hill the Bass River Rod and Gun Club in Center Stables also offers feeding and Yarmouthport, MA. Also, on Friday, Earlier in the spring, we had the Mickey brushing the variety of animals on the September 23rd, NEPVA members were Emery Air Rifle Shoot, a competitive farm, along with helping out in their invited to the Shawme Fish & Game shooting event at the Brockton VAMC gardens for those of you who cannot or Club for a day of shooting in Sandwich, which will be held annually. It’s a great are not interested in riding a horse. It’s MA. We were allowed to shoot a variety practice event for those who shoot air

Left: Debra Freed rides at Elm Hill Center Stables. Right: Brad Carlson prepares to mount his horse.

6 www.nepva.org Cord Word December 2011 rifles at the Veterans Games and a fun water skiing, live fishing, air rifle time for anyone who’d just like to try it shooting and a bi-athalon. Northeast Passage with out. Just a note -- every Tuesday at the members of the USA Sled Hockey Team in partnership with VA Boston Brockton VA, there is practice in the The Winter Sports Clinic for Disabled Healthcare System are pleased to Building 23 Gym at 1:00 P.M. for all Veterans will be held at Mount Sunapee announce: interested. Contact Joanie Lynch (774- again January 9-13, 2012. The deadline 826-1976) if you are interested in the air for signing up was December 1st. If 2011-2012 rifle events. you plan to attend, NEPVA members SLED HOCKEY CLINICS A seated version of hockey open to should contact the chapter office anyone with difficulty stand-up skating. Kayaking continues every Wednesday before the clinic for possible financial Come and try it out!! evening at the Brockton VA from 5 to assistance. 7 P.M. This is located in Building 23 WHERE: DATES & TIME: at the pool. Contact Kelly Cossaboom The National Veterans Wheelchair Nobles School Rink 9:30 am-12 pm 10 Campus Drive (774-826-1955) for more information. Games will be held in Richmond, VA, Dedham, MA 02026 When the weather gets warmer we will from June 25 - 30, 2012. If you have (Clinics are free to those who move this to various outside locations. never attended these games, check the register) NEPVA website for information on December 4 We will be contacting all individuals applications for this event. January 22 who participated in the Wheelchair February 5 & 19 Football Clinic in the past to organize Don’t forget, hand cycling will continue a team. Expect a phone call soon, as we sometime in the spring. Watch for To register, please contact: Tom Carr, CTRS/L try to finalize getting together a team upcoming news on our clinics held Northeast Passage that will travel for wheelchair football. weekly on Monday evenings at the University New Hampshire (Growing pains -- as we try to establish Brockton VA. We hope to expand on 603-862-0070 a new sport in New England) our program next year. [email protected] or Kelly Cossaboom, CTRS The Summer Sports Clinic was a great There’s so much to do, please get VA Boston Healthcare System success again this year. This is held out there and participate. As always, 774-826-1955 every year at Mount Sunapee State Park contact the NEPVA Office for more [email protected] -- this includes hand cycling, kayaking, information on any event.

Left: Sharp shooter Rose Cahill takes aim with an AR-15 urban assault rifle at the Shawme Fish and Game Club. Right: Recreation Therapist Joan Lynch and a Shawme Club volunteer look on as Prince Blue takes aim. www.nepva.org 7 Cord Word December 2011 banquet continued from page 1 PIERIK AWARDS Pierik awards to two nurses. The award was founded many years ago by retiring Chief of Nursing Madeline Pierik, who donated a sum of money to be used for recognition of outstanding SCI nurses, from the West Roxbury VA SCI unit and the Brockton VA Long Term Care unit. This year’s winners were: Marybeth Butler, RN from VABHS-West Roxbury Campus and Tamie Reynolds from VABHS-Brockton Campus. The two recipients were awarded silver bowls with the engraving, “For Outstanding Care and Devotion To SCI Patients.” Two additional awards of recognition were presented to Bass Trail Director Tiny LaFontaine and Bob “Soupy” Campbell for being among the top 10 PVA volunteers in the Non Member Category as part of the Dwain Taylor Award for Volunteer Service. Both PVA certificates of award were accepted by Bob Campbell, since Tiny was unable to attend the banquet.

Following the awards presentations, chocolate cake and coffee were served. As the early birds departed, the dance music got going and the serious wheelchair dancers came to the floor. Once again, dedicated VA staff members made sure that the patients enjoyed their night out.

We hope to see everyone, and some new faces as well, at next year’s banquet. Check future issues of Cord Word for the date.

Tamie Reynolds from VABHS-Brockton Campus and Marybeth Butler, RN from VABHS-West Roxbury Campus received the Madeline Pierik award for outstanding nursing care of SCI patients.

Bob “Soupy” Campbell received an award for being among the top 10 PVA volunteers in the Non Member Category. 8 www.nepva.org Cord Word December 2011

see more photos at www.nepva.org/banquet.html and click on the banquet photos link Banquet photos: Harley Freedman

www.nepva.org 9 Cord Word December 2011 PVA News Paralyzed Veterans of America and Vantage Mobility International Launch Operation Independence Campaign Program to help veterans learn how to purchase mobility minivans

aralyzed Veterans of America supported by Paralyzed Veterans. A Operation Independence. Through (Paralyzed Veterans) and portion of the program will educate this national program, we’ll help raise PVantage Mobility International veterans about Federal Grant 21-4502, awareness of the federal grant money (VMI), a leader in the manufacturing which is available to U.S. veterans with that is available to our vets to help them and distribution of wheelchair accessible disabilities and purchase a full-size and minivan conversions, was recently Together, we can leverage new mobility have joined with VMI’s Select Dealer increased from vehicle. We’ll Network to develop the Operation $11,500 to “ our efforts to improve also explain Independence campaign. This national $18,900. In how the program in support of Paralyzed addition to the mobility for disabled national VMI Veterans’ Mission: ABLE campaign is grant, VMI veterans by connecting Select Dealer designed to help U.S. veterans learn is offering an Network can how to fast-track the purchase of a additional them with the vehicles fast-track mobility minivan with the support of $1,000 that fit their needs and their purchase Federal Grant 21-4502. coupon that of a quality can be used ultimately help them mobility van “We’ve found that a number of as cashback and provide important government benefits, like from the achieve the independence important the 21-4502 program, which provides manufacturer and dignity they deserve. vehicle a grant toward the purchase of a or applied Al Kovach, national senior maintenance mobility vehicle of their choice, are toward a down vice president of Paralyzed Veterans ” after the sale.” underutilized by eligible veterans,” payment for said Al Kovach, national senior vice veterans that qualify for the 21-4502 The VMI Select Dealer Network, president of Paralyzed Veterans and a grant and who have not previously which is a national group of retail former Navy SEAL. “This partnership taken advantage of the 21-4502 Auto mobility vehicle stores, will support with VMI’s Operation Independence Allowance Grant. The VMI $1,000 Operation Independence by working is so important, too, as it supports offer ends Nov. 11, 2012. with disabled veterans and local Paralyzed Veterans’ Mission: ABLE Department of Veteran Affairs campaign, which enables veterans with VMI will also be donating $1 to offices and other federal government catastrophic disabilities to secure care, Paralyzed Veterans for every Facebook institutions to help expedite the benefits and jobs and rebuild their lives. “Like” on the VMI (Vantage Mobility purchase, build and delivery of a Together, we can leverage our efforts to International) fan page (up to $10,000). mobility-based vehicle. improve mobility for disabled veterans by connecting them with the vehicles “U.S. veterans make so many sacrifices For more information about Operation that fit their needs and ultimately help for our freedoms,” said Doug Eaton, Independence and how U.S. veterans them achieve the independence and president of VMI. “We’re indebted for will be supported through the VMI dignity they deserve.” their service and believe our disabled Select Dealer Network, visit the vets should have easier access to Operation Independence website (www. Operation Independence is a national mobility vehicles. That’s why we teamed vantagemobility.com/promotions/ program developed by VMI and the up with Paralyzed Veterans and the operation-independence-for-veterans. VMI Select Dealer Network and is VMI Select Dealer Network to establish aspx). 10 www.nepva.org Frank Webb’s Bath Centers PageStop 4 “Freedom” Showroom: Methuen Showroom Publication: Paralyzed Veterans of America Newsletter Size: Half Page Horiz (7.5” x 4.125”) Created: 11/7/08 Cord Word Jim McCoy | 508-478-5322 | [email protected] December 2011

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Cord Word December 2011 President’s Report continued from page 3

Veterans Day ceremonies are held. After the ceremony, I then visited the PVA FREE TO MEMBER National office where a small gala with staff and the many friends of PVA was held. Quickie Power Wheelchair For average size person Available in Dracut, MA President Woodrow Wilson first established Veterans Day on November 11th, Call NEPVA 1919. Originally “Armistice Day,” it honored members of the Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in the service and protection of the United States. On May Shower/commode Chair 13th, 1938, President Calvin Coolidge made November 11th a legal holiday that Wheelchair Cushions would honor these sacrifices perennially. Nearly twenty years later, in recognition All available in Mansfield, MA of both living and fallen service-members, this holiday was dedicated as Veterans Call NEPVA Day. Since then, Veterans Day has become an event by which all Americans express their gratitude to the men and women who have relinquished their hopes, Lift Chair dreams, and futures. Recliner that lifts you up Available in New Britain, CT As always, feel free to visit NEPVA’s web site (www.nepva.org), PVA’s web site Call NEPVA (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 Hospital Bed local NSO. Manual Wheelchair 2 years old Gov. Relations Report Service Officer’s Report Available in Dedham, MA continued from page 4 continued from page 5 Call NEPVA doing it again when the weather is may also be conducted by clinicians and warmer. Would you be game? prosthetic representatives. Wanted Now that the holiday season is Please contact the nearest PVA National Track Only really upon us, NEPVA’s pizza Service Officer in your area or the PVA for Sterling Chair Lift parties, like the one held at West Veterans Benefits Department at (800) Minivator 2000 Roxbury on October 19th, will stop 424-8200 if you have any questions Call NEPVA and start up again in January. As regarding the Home Respiratory Care Brockton was next in line, NEPVA Program. Ramp Needed hosted a Thanksgiving lunch at the for electric wheelchair Brockton VA on November 16th. to load on pick-up truck The Christmas holiday parties will be Call NEPVA Dec 13th at West Roxbury and Dec 15th at Brockton. The Northampton Wanted to Buy SCI Clinic is hosting their holiday Quadriplegic wants to buy luncheon on December 8th. Please let Handicapped Van Richard McNeil know if you are going 2000 or newer to be around. Manchester and West Call: 781-749-0606 Haven usually have a great Christmas Patients and staff enjoyed the NEPVA Pizza party as well, so be sure and check Lunch held on October 19th at the West with the clinic for dates and times. Roxbury VAMC. 12 www.nepva.org Cord Word December 2011

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NEPVA Now Accepts Vehicle Donations lease Donate that Auto, Boat, or RV that’s No Longer Needed to New Eng- Pland PVA. NEPVA is currently accepting vehicle donations from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Call Toll Free: (866) 2-GIVING to Donate New Hampshire. For further information, call Toll Free: (866) 2-GIVING or (866) 244- 8464, or visit the NEPVA website: www.nepva.org

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wheel. Free at-home pick-up and Just press the ring to accelerate. delivery nationwide Brake with the left- or right-hand brake integrated in the dash- board. Your knee area remains free of metal parts. The steering wheel can still be tilted and all airbags including the knee-airbag remain functional.

DARIOS adapts its sensitivity to the speed of your car: - At low speed the acceleration is smooth and progressive - At high speed the acceleration is responsive and dynamic. DARIOS is VA accepted.

KEMPF features nationwide free at-home pick-up and delivery and at-home service. Users’ comments: “It’s amazing how precise it is!” “It’s 100 times better than any accelerator I’ve used in 30 years!” KEMPF is a NMEDA member. “. . . the system appears a part of the original equipment of the vehicle.”

www.kempf-usa.com Call for a free demo-DVD and brochure 1-888-4-KEMPF-US (453-6738) www.nepva.org 15 New England PVA Non-Profit Org. 1600 Providence Highway, Suite 143 U.S. Postage Walpole, MA 02081 PAID tel: 508 660-1181 Leominster, MA 800 660-1181 Permit No. 17 fax: 508 668-9412

Email: [email protected]

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm

New England PVA Officers and Board Members would like to wish our

members, their families and friends a very Merry

Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

To all SCI/D staff and support staff throughout VISN-I, wishing you a Very Happy Holiday Season.