weighing in on lake winnie what’s insidearticle and pictures by lori chase and mike peasleet he...
TRANSCRIPT
9-Month Drawing Winners
2
President’sReport
3
Executive Director’s Report
4
Service Officer’s Report
5
Sports & Recreation6
VA News8
PVA News8
Washington Update11
InsideWhat’s
continued on page 3
Vol. LXV, #10 The NewsleTTer of The New eNglaNd ChapTer paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCaOctober 2015
a member ChapTer of The paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCa – CharTered by The CoNgress of The uNiTed sTaTes
CORD WORDWORDCORD Article and pictures by Lori Chase and Mike Peaslee
The leaves are changing, the weather
is cooler, all signs we have just com-
pleted our 15th Annual NEPVA BASS
TRAIL on Lake Winnipesaukee. I must say,
each year this tourney gets “bettah and bettah.”
Mother Nature gave us the best day of the week,
despite rain the day prior and after, we even have
a few tan lines and sunburns to prove it.
Whether you were a new angler, wet behind the
ears, seasoned, drowning your lure, children
and family swimming while anglers fished, or
“fish girl,” Caitlin (daughter of nurse Stephanie
from Quincy, MA) who delivered fish back to
their home after weigh in, everyone enjoyed our
weekend at Lake Winni. We sincerely thank Nat
and Ann Greenfield, owners of scenic and serene
Camp Robindel, Moultonborough, NH, who
have hosted us for years, and operations man-
ager Joel.
Our attendees increased this year with boat
captains from as far away as CT and Southern
MA, and anglers from MA, NH, VT and NY.
We were honored to have eight Veterans spend
the day on land from the NH State Veterans
Home. They enjoyed visiting with all, especially
new junior volunteer Austin Ralls. They also
spent the afternoon, listening to the live broad-
cast from The HAWK 104.9, BBQ lunch and
our lively weigh in. As they headed home, they
were already talking about coming next year and
looking forward to a visit from their new friend
and potential “Coastie” next year, Austin Ralls.
Friday night after an Italian buffet dinner, at-
tendees caught up with their bass trail family,
got settled in, and were treated to impromptu
acoustic music provided by boat captain and
Bass Trail BOD, Mark Fournier. Following this,
it was “early to bed, early to rise, fish all day and
make up lies.”
Saturday morning, all were treated to a buf-
fet breakfast prepared by Dana & Ginny, and
the Portsmouth NH Active Duty Navy. Those
heading out on the water were sent with bag
lunches and greeted at the docks with the skill-
ful expertise, smiles and animated techniques of
the Nam Knights to ensure no barriers to board-
ing a boat and fishing. At this point, anticipa-
tion built, whispering started and it was time to
GO FISH!
Volunteers were busy setting up for the weigh
in, getting raffles ready, families swimming
and sightseeing while we all waited with baited
WEIGHING IN ON LAKE WINNIE
Nam Knight Ray Brunelle (left) and
NEPVA BOD member Jim Wallack (right front)
on the docks at Lake Winnipesaukee at the NEPVA Bass Tourna-
ment on September 12.
Cord Word October 2015
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, Wayne RossVice President, Mike GuilbaultSecretary, Peter MooreTreasurer, Charles SchenaNational Director, Neal Williams ADA Coordinator, Neal Williams
EXECUTIVE BOARD John BrakoBrad CarlsonWalter FarringtonMark Sanders Jim Wallack
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, Wayne RossMembership Officer, Judy GoldsteinMS Liaison, John BrakoCommunity Outreach, Mike GuilbaultNEPVA Peer Mentor Rep., Mike GuilbaultScholarship Chairman, Wayne RossSports Director, Brad CarlsonAssistant Sports Director, Mike GuilbaultBass Trail Liaison, Jim WallackWomen Veterans’ Liaison, Debra FreedVolunteer Chairman, Judy Goldstein
Hospital Liaisons Brockton, MA VAMC, Mike GuilbaultWest Roxbury, MA VAMC, Wayne RossNorthampton, MA VAMC, Tim KellyProvidence, RI VAMC, VacantManchester, NH VAMC, Walter Farrington West Haven, CT VAMC, VacantWhite River Jct, VT VAMC, Jim WallackTogus, ME VAMC, Neal Williams
STAFFExecutive Director, Debra FreedCord Word Editor, Judy GoldsteinGovernment Relations Director, Debra FreedAdministrative Assistant, Judy GoldsteinBookkeeper, Jeri FarinellaCord Word Design & Web Master, Harley Freedman
2
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) 723-7467Eastern Region Director, Joseph E. Badzmierowski
Senior Secretary, Ann Marie Wallace
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
Senior National Service Officer, John StansburySecretary, Violet Bates
PVA NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICEBROCKTON VAMC
940 BELMONT ST., BLDG. 3 ROOM 207BROCKTON, MA 02301
TEL: (774) 826-2219FAX: (774) 826-3167
Veteran Health & Benefits Specialist III, Heather CherniackEast-North Area Manager
OurNine Month Drawing
SEPTEMBER winners
$50Mark FournierAmesbury, MA
$25Seth Mason
Harmony, ME
$25David Moss
Mount Dora, FL
October 2015Cord Word
www.nepva.org 3
By Wayne RossNEPVA President
President’s Report
continued on page 6
This is my first president’s
report and first and foremost
I would like to thank all of
the members of our chapter that voted.
I am especially thankful to everyone
that voted for me and gave me this op-
portunity to serve as your president. I
have been on the executive board since
1999 and served as vice president for
the last two years. I’ve seen first-hand
what an outstanding chapter to which
we all belong and know we will con-
tinue with the level of excellence. I am
looking forward to working with a new
Vice President, Michael Guilbault, and
re-elected officers Charlie Schena as
Treasurer and Peter Moore as Secretary.
Also serving on the executive board will
be John Brako, Brad Carlson, Walter
Farrington, Mark Sanders and Jim
Wallack.
We have so many great events and
activities in New England and I would
like to have more participation from
our membership and one of my goals
will be to help facilitate such action.
We are quite fortunate to have quality
medical care at all of our VA medical
centers in New England and I intend to
see this continue. I will keep an open
door policy and I invite anyone with
a question, concern or compliment to
feel free and contact me at anytime. My
first order of business will be to invite
everyone to our annual banquet on Oc-
tober 16th where I will make an official
introduction.
September was
Spinal Cord Injury
Awareness month
and on September
15th representatives
from numerous or-
ganizations rallied
at the state house
for Spinal Cord
Injury Awareness Day.
Dr. Eric Ruby,
of Taunton,
MA, is
the driv-
ing force
behind an
effort to sup-
port spinal cord
injury research in Mas-
sachusetts, his organization Mass Walks
Again organized the annual event.
NEPVA President Wayne Ross (far left) representing NEPVA in the Hall of Flags at the State House in Boston on September 15, 2015.
breath for the weigh in and winning catch. The Hawk 104.9
began their live broadcast and members from American
Legion Post 33 of Meredith, our new sponsor arrived. Repre-
sentation from the SAL, AL, and Auxiliary as well as lifetime
member Elliott presented us with a donation of $500.00, as
well as several individual checks of $100.00, including one
from Elliott, 89 years young. What a wonderful local addi-
tion to the trail; they stayed through the weigh in, mingled
and stated they were “amazed at how great this event is.”
We were also joined this year by Sharon Gravlin, widow of
longtime and loyal boat captain Doug Gravlin who lost his
courageous battle to cancer this past year. Sharon stated that
“Doug loved this tournament, and I am here in his honor,
this is more than a tournament, it’s family.”
As you all know, the BASS TRAIL is supported through
donations, sponsors, and fundraising at sportsman’s shows.
In addition to the American Legion, we were provided with
donations of $700.00 from the Merrimack Valley Nam
Knights Chapter and $300.00 in memory of Trish Gordon,
who passed this year, and was a longtime assistant and friend
of angler Karen Butler.
Following the weigh in, it was time to rest from a busy day
and prepare for some more action and swapping fish tales.
A turkey buffet dinner was held, followed by raffles, silent
auction, awards banquet and entertainment. Honorable
mention to Bill Church, boat captain who once again this
year donated a custom, handcrafted rod complete with the
NEPVA logo valued at over $600.00 to a lucky boat captain.
We cannot thank him enough for his generosity.
Winniecontinued from page 1
Cord Word October 2015
www.nepva.org4
Executive Director’s Report
continued on page 12
By Debra FreedExecutive Director
I’d like to welcome both
Wayne Ross as the in-
coming Chapter Presi-
dent and Michael Guil-
bault as the incoming
Chapter Vice-President.
It seems the Fall weather is
creeping in a little faster than
some would like but it is com-
ing. While there may be changes
in activities, I would hope that folks
would still be able to get out and enjoy
the weather before winter begins.
I would also like to take this time to
thank our outgoing President Craig C.
Cascella for his time, support, and long
years of service to the Chapter. I’d like
to welcome both Wayne Ross as the in-
coming Chapter President and Michael
Guilbault as the incoming Chapter
Vice President. These two gentlemen
have been part of the Chapter nearly as
long as Mr. Cascella.
We head into 2016 in the red again this
year. However, while funding of some
programs was changed earlier in 2015,
these changes will remain in effect for
2016. Also, I am pleased to announce
that the Board of Directors has voted
to try and support the current sports
programs, provide assistance through
the individual allotment program and
the Chapter Transportation program as
well as the other programs mandated by
our National PVA.
Please be reminded that we are not
locally, state, or federally funded. Our
funding comes from our members who
donate, members
who participate
in events that
require fees, i.e,
annual 9-month
drawing, Bil-
liards tourna-
ment, annual
bowling league,
fees charged
to veterans for
transportation,
etc. The bulk of our funding comes
from the general public. We will be
working hard throughout the year to
raise the needed
funds to keep all
of our programs
up and running
throughout fiscal
year 2016 and
beyond.
I must admit to
being a little more
than grateful that
most donors do
not inquire about
how many mem-
bers the Chapter
has and/or how
many actually
participate
in Chapter
activities.
Again, I
was truly
dismayed with
the return of ballots
concerning this year’s elections. Out of
the possible 922
ballots that were
mailed out, about
16 (a couple were
marked deceased)
were returned
due to incorrect
addresses. If your
address remains
undeliverable for
more than 12
months, then you
are dropped from our rolls reducing our
numbers. That said, it still left about
906. Of the 906, 137 ballots were
received at the office. Unfortunately, we
learned that four more members were
deceased leaving 133. In other words,
6.6 percent of our membership both-
ers to participate. How do you think
donors would feel if they realized that
is all that bother with the Chapter. It
costs money to first do the nomination
forms, of which we only received 11 –
ELEVEN, or less than 2 PERCENT.
And more money on sending out bal-
lots. We even try to help by putting in
an envelope.
2016 and Beyond
The NEPVA Transportation program staff pose in front of a Chapter vehicle. Shown l. to r.: Judy Goldstein, (office staff) and drivers Paul Plante, Denise Pease, Executive Director Debra Freed, Steve Robinson, Pat Sweeney, and George Pease. (not shown, Jeri Farinella, bookkeeper)
October 2015Cord Word
www.nepva.org 5
Service Officer’s Report
Individual Unemployability (IU)
is a part of VA’s disability com-
pensation program that allows
VA to pay certain Veterans disability
compensation at the 100% rate, even
though VA has not rated the veteran
as total disabled. As stated in the Code
of Federal Regulations, “Age may not
be considered as a factor in evaluat-
ing service-connected disability; and
unemployability, in service-connected
claims, associated with advancing age
or intercurrent disability, may not be
used as a basis for a total disability rat-
ing.” Age can only be considered to be
a factor in evaluations of disabilities not
related to service such as a disability be-
ing evaluated for pension benefits.
To meet the requirement for eligibility
to the Individual Unemployability ben-
efit, the veteran needs to have at least
one service connected disability rated at
least at 60%. The veteran can also be
eligible by having two or more service
connected disabilities with at least one
disability ratable at 40 percent or more
with a combined rating of 70 percent or
more. Veteran will also have to provide
the VA with evidence showing his in-
ability to maintain substantially gainful
employment as a result of service-con-
nected disabilities. M21-1MR defines
substantially gainful employment as
employment at which non-disabled
individuals earn their livelihood with
earnings comparable to the particular
occupation in the community where
the veteran resides.
To apply, the veteran needs to submit
VA Form 21-8940, Veteran’s Applica-
tion for Increased Compensation Based
on Unemployability. Veterans are also
able to apply online using eBenefits
and have the option on this website to
upload all supporting evidence to file
the claim as a Fully Developed Claim.
If more time is needed to gather more
evidence in support of the claim, the
individual is able to start the applica-
tion process within eBenefits, obtain
evidence and then complete the appli-
cation. VA will recognize the date the
By Amaurus PolancoVeteran Health & Benefits Specialist II
application was started as the date of
claim. To preserve this effective date,
the application needs to be submitted to
the VA within a year from the time the
application process was first started.
Veterans can also work with an ac-
credited representative or agent. Special
consideration will be given for veter-
ans in special circumstances such as a
veteran who is considered to be unem-
ployable due to a service-connected dis-
ability but fails to meet the minimum
percentage standards, or if a veteran
is able to provide evidence of unusual
circumstances causing impairment of
earning capacity due to disabilities.
Veterans may have to complete an
employment questionnaire once a year
in order for VA to determine continued
eligibility to IU. For those on the Total
Disability IU (TDIU) benefit, VA can
also periodically request employment
information from a claimant. VA could
terminate a TDIU rating if it becomes
aware that the claimant is working at a
job that is not marginal.
Individual Unemployability
Holiday Inn, Mansfield, MA
Cocktails: 5:45 p.m.; Dinner: 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20.00 per person
Call the NEPVA office for tickets
Join Us for the NEPVA Annual Banquet
Friday, October 16th
Cord Word October 2015
www.nepva.org6
Sports & Recreation
WINNERS:
1st Place: Rick McElhinney & Dave Lawrence
2nd Place: Roger Winn & Anthony Rinaldi
3rd Place: Paul Gelinas & Joel Robbins
Lunker: Rick McElhinney, 4.25 lb. Largemouth
We would like to thank our volun-
teers, NEPVA lifetime supporter, Ray
Brunelle of the Nam Knights, nu-
merous Nam Knights and our junior
volunteers, Caitlin Kealey, 9; Zack Rob-
bins, 14; Austin Ralls, 17; and Jordan
Ingoldsby, 15; your energy and desire
to help is to be commended. Additional
thanks go to the following NEPVA Bass
Trail BOD who work tirelessly all year
fundraising: Tiny Lafontaine Director,
Bob (Soupy) Campbell, Laurie Camp-
bell Morin, Tom Lee, Colin Richards,
Mark Fournier, Karl Ingoldsbly, Lori
Chase, and Lamar Edwards.
If you have not made it to any of our
tournaments I encourage you to check
one out. They are staffed by friendly
knowledgeable volunteers who make
you feel right at home. There is no cost
to participate. Please Like and follow
us on our NEPVA Bass Trail Facebook
page.
Winniecontinued from page 3
(Center column top to bottom): Showing their catch at the weigh in are: (l. to r.) Kuan Lee and Mark Fournier; (l. to. r) Mike Guilbault and John Peterson; (l. to r.) Paul Gelinas and Joel Robbins. Out on the water are Bill Church and Larry Harris. (Right column top to bottom) Anthony Rinaldi and Roger Winn with their 2nd place awards; Jim Ellis with Russ Toce at the weigh in; Joel Robbins and Paul Gelinas with the 3rd place awards; Rick McElhinney and Dave Lawrence with 1st place awards. (Left photo) Karl Ingoldsby and Jim Wallack.
October 2015Cord Word
www.nepva.org 7
More than 800 Veterans ages 55 and older competed in the 29th
National Veterans Golden Age Games, held August 8-12, 2015 in Omaha, Ne-braska. Some NEPVA members received financial support from New England PVA to attend the Golden Age Games. The following news of their achieve-ments was relayed to the Chapter office.
After attending 25 Golden Age Games and winning 72 medals, NEPVA mem-ber Ed Gagnon (below right photo), was honored to receive the 2015 George Gangi Inspiration Award at this year’s event. In an interview published by the Games newsletter, “The Daily Patriot,” Mr. Gagnon, age 83, said he lives by a simple philosophy: “It’s not the critic that counts. It’s the guy in the arena who tries. You might fail 10 to 15 times, but it’s about doing your best and work-ing hard.” Living out his philosophy, Ed brought home a gold medal in table tennis, competing in this event for the first time, and three silver medals.
Another NEPVA member, Peter Fal-cione of Connecticut, (below far left),
was awarded a gold medal in nine ball and a silver medal in table tennis. After placing fifth in shuffleboard, Peter said, “If I can find an area to practice, I know next year I will be more competitive.”
Speaking about his experience with the Golden Age Games, Peter said, “The Golden Age Games help veterans to overcome their disabilities…it makes me feel alive.” The first Golden Age Games Peter attended was in 2002 in Los Angeles. Since then he has only missed the Games three years. While he admits that he didn’t win a medal for the first four years he attended, he says he looks forward to each practice day because “it forces your body to become more active.” As Peter says, “you can’t improve your body by sitting on the couch watching television.”
The 2016 National Veterans Golden Age Games will be held July 10-July 14, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. The Games are open to Veterans, ages 55 and older, who receive health care from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
NEPVA Members Compete and Inspire at the National Veterans Golden Age Games
BASS TRAIL SPONSORSGE Employee’s Good Neighbor Fund
Blue Star Mothers of NH
Boggestowe Fish & Game
Gunstock Mountain Resort
Local 4 Operator’s Union
Fish Bandit
Reading Co-Op Bank
104.9 The Hawk
American Legion Marsh Post 442
Campbell Post 101
Woburn Supervisors &
Patrolman’s Union
Cypress Creek Custom Rods
Winchester Co-Operative Bank
Nam Knights America MC
Mass Bass Federation
NH Bass Federation
HOSTED ByBass Anglers Sportsman Society
New Hampshire Hawg Hunters
American Eagle Bass Anglers
Special thanks to our local sponsors, Jo Jo’s Country Store, Bob House Tavern,
Moulton and Picnic Rock Farms, George’s
Diner, Harts Turkey Farm, NH Motorcycle
Museum, Hobo Railroad, Common Man
Diner, Tamarack, Funspot, Kellerhaus,
Crazy gringo, Patrick’s Pub, Looney Bin,
Granite State Whale Watch, Annalee’s,
NH Fisher Cats, Stonyfield Yogurt, Mir-
rors by Mike Philbrick, Gunstock Resort,
Silver Sands Resort and Fratellos.
by Judy Goldstein
Cord Word October 2015
www.nepva.org8
VA NEWS
PVA NEWS
WASHINGTON (9/15/15)– Secretary of Veterans Af-
fairs Robert A. McDonald today announced the awarding
of up to $8 million in grants to eligible recipients with
experience managing largescale adaptive sports programs
for disabled Veterans and disabled Servicemembers of the
Armed Forces. The grant recipients may use these funds for
planning, developing, managing and implementing adap-
tive sports programs.
The VA is awarding the Grants to national governing bodies,
which prepare high-level athletes for Paralympic competition;
Veterans service organizations; city and regional municipali-
ties; and other community groups to provide a wide range of
adaptive sports opportunities for eligible Veterans and Ser-
vicemembers. The Grants will support sports ranging from
rowing, cycling and skiing to golf, fly fishing and equestrian
sports.
“Adaptive sports help Veterans heal both physically and emo-
VA Awards $8 Million in Adaptive Sport Grants to Aid Disabled VeteransGrants promote rehabilitation, health and wellness and community reintegration
tionally,” said Secretary McDonald. “We are proud to partner
with organizations nationwide to provide these rehabilitative
opportunities for America’s Veterans.”
VA will distribute the grants to 89 national, regional and
community programs serving all 50 states, the District of
Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam.
Approximately 10,000 Veterans and Servicemembers are
expected to benefit.
Information about the awardees and details of the program
may be found at www.va.gov/adaptivesports.
‘ Adaptive sports help Veterans heal
both physically and emotionally. Robert A. McDonald,
Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed
Veterans) has been selected to receive a
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adap-
tive sports grant in the amount of $200,000 to
support the organization’s sports and recreation
program. Paralyzed Veterans was one of 89 pro-
grams across the country to receive a grant.
“These are vital funds that will help us continue
providing top-notch adaptive sports programs for
our veterans,” said Ernie Butler, director of sports
and recreation for Paralyzed Veterans of America.
“We encourage any veteran who has never tried
an adaptive sport to reach out to us and come
to one of our sports events—we guarantee that
you will have a great time, and be hooked on
something you might have once thought was not
possible to do after injury or in a wheelchair.”
The new VA program provides grants to eligible
entities to plan, develop, manage and implement
programs to provide adaptive sports activities for
veterans, as well as members of the armed forces,
who have a disability. Funding may be used for
such things as training, program development,
recreation therapists, coaches, sports equipment,
supplies, program evaluation and other activities
related to program implementation and opera-
tion.
Paralyzed Veterans’ sports and recreation pro-
grams include bass fishing, billiards, bowling,
shooting sports and handcycling. Its programs are
open to all individuals with any disability including
amputation, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic
stress disorder or a neurological disorder, such
as multiple sclerosis (MS) or amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease).
For more information about Paralyzed Veterans’
adaptive sports and recreation programs, please
visit www.pva.org/sports.
Paralyzed Veterans of America Awarded $200,000 Adaptive Sports Grant
October 2015Cord Word
www.nepva.org 9
It’s more than just a car.It’s a difference you can make by donating your ve-hicle to Paralyzed Veterans of America. Scheduling a pickup is FREE. Regardless of the condition, all donat-ed vehicles will be sold at auction and proceeds will benefit Paralyzed Veterans of America. Through your vehicle donation, you’ll make a difference to veterans suffering from spinal cord injury or disease. You may even earn a tax break, too!
One Car One Difference is IAA’s public awarenesscampaign promoting the benefits of vehicle donation.© 2013 Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc. All rights reserved.
Donate today!Call or visit us online to donate your vehicle today:
855-744-0782
wheelshelpingwarriors.org
I am a donated vehicle.I am a new beginningfor america’s veterans.
“
”
Your DME
Choose to Reuse
REquipment is an innovative durable medical equipment (DME) reuse program that gives a second life to un-needed medical equipment.
REquipment accepts donations of good condition DME, repairs and cleans it, and reassigns it to people in need at no cost.
REquipment provides free refurbished equipment to adults, children and seniors without the paperwork and delay.
REquipment can be used short or long term and insuranceis not needed. Pick up and delivery is available in the
Greater Boston and Central MA areas.
www.dmeREquipment.org
IN NEED OF DME?Search our inventory of available items to �nd what you need atwww.dmeREquipment.org :
• Manual wheelchairs • Power wheelchairs & scooters• Shower chairs • Sling lifts• Strollers & standers • Rollator walkers & more!
HAVE DME TO DONATE? REquipment accepts donations of gently used DME that is not older than 5-6 years. Learn more about donating at dmerequipment.org or call toll-free1-866-244-6156. Pick up is free in the Greater Boston/Central MA areas.
REquipment is managed by The Boston Home and the MassachusettsRehabilitation Commission (MRC) thanks to funding from MRC’s MassMATCHProgram, MA Dept of Developmental Services (DDS) and The Boston Foundation.
www.dmeREquipment.org1-866-244-6156 Toll [email protected]/requipmentMRC, 600 Washington Street, 2nd �oor , Boston MA 02111
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
Cord Word October 2015
www.nepva.org10
FREE TO MEMBER
for contact info on these itemsCALL THE NEPVA OFFICE
Pronto Power WheelchairFor large person
Good condition, good batteryPick up in Nashua, NH
Straight Chair Liftfor 14 steps
Available in early October
for pick-up in Revere, MA
Hoveround Power Wheelchair(Teknique GT)
About 5 years old, used one year; mayneed batteries; for average size person;
headrest, joystick.Available in Ashland.
Portable Shower with electric pump and shower head; for use inside or outside. Brand new.
Pick up in Needham, MA
October 2015Cord Word
www.nepva.org 11
Washington Update Produced by PVAGovernment Relations Department
Another Social Security Bill Dropped
Just before the August recess, Sen. Richard Blumenthal
(D-CT) introduced S. 1904, the Senate companion bill
to Cong. John Larson’s (D-CT) Social Security 2100 Act
(H.R. 1391). Like its House counterpart, S. 1904 would
raise the cap against which payroll taxes are applied to
$400,000 in annual income. It would substitute the CPI-E
for the current formula used to provide inflation increases
for Social Security benefits. The CPI-E better reflects the
costs of health care and prescription drugs which com-
prise a greater portion of expenses for older Americans and
people with disabilities. In addition, the bill would increase
Social Security benefits by 2 percent, phase in an increase in
the payroll tax, increase the minimum benefit and reallo-
cate funds to extend the Social Security Disability Insur-
ance trust fund solvency to 2034.
SSDI Solutions Conference
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB)
hosted a conference in early August to present a number of
policy papers designed to address the solvency of the Social
Security disability trust fund and to improve work incentives
for those on SSDI. In a day long series of panels, attendees
heard proposals for changing the definition of disability
within SSDI to eliminate references to “inability to work”,
encouraging enrollment in private disability insurance,
implementing early intervention programs to keep people
with disabilities attached to the workforce and improving
health care coverage for workers with disabilities. Other
panels discussed the merits of streamlining the disability
determination process, creating a system for partial disability
benefits and establishing a transitional benefits program for
SSDI beneficiaries whose disabilities are likely to medically
improve over time. The issue papers on which the presenta-
tions were based can be found at http://ssdisolutions.org/.
Included in P.L. 114-41, the “Surface Transportation
and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act,”
approved just prior to the August recess, is a provi-
sion that requires the VA to present a plan to Congress by
November 1, 2015, that outlines a plan to consolidate the
various community care programs into a single program
that is based on the current “Choice” program. Currently,
the VA contracts for health care services in the community
when appropriate through a number of different programs
to include: Non-VA Purchased Care, Patient-Centered
Coordinated Care (PC3), Project Access Received Closer
to Home (ARCH), and the Choice program. PVA has
been involved in a number of meetings with VA staff to
develop the principles and mechanisms that will lead to
this single coordinated program.
In hearings during the summer, VA leadership expressed a
desire to eliminate much of the confusion that exists when
seeking community care as a result of the various pro-
grams with different eligibility criteria and administration
protocols. House and Senate VA Committee members
all support the need to consolidate these programs into a
single construct. Many of the members also believe that
the Choice program should be the central concept of this
program.
PVA also supports the effort to consolidate the various
community care programs into a single program. We con-
tinue to emphasize the need for the VA to be responsible
for coordinating the care and to ensure that veterans are
able to access the most appropriate care in the most conve-
nient fashion possible. However, we also believe that VA
and Congress need to remain committed to expanding the
capacity of VA to provide health care services within the
system, particularly with regards to specialized services,
such as spinal cord injury.
VA Working on Plans to Consolidate All Community Care Programs into a Single Program
Cord Word October 2015
www.nepva.org12
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Steve poses here with his Ride-Away Sales Consultant, Dave Qualey, of the Londonderry, NH facility.
-Steve Hodgkins Malden, MA
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www.Ride-Away.com
continued from page 4
Executive Director’s Report
I am not overstating the number of
non-profits we are competing with just
in Massachusetts alone. The number
comes from the Massachusetts Non-
profit Network – 33,000. THIRTY
THREE THOUSAND other non-
profits scrambling to get a piece of the
same dollar or even the whole dollar
that we are. And this being an election
cycle year, money from donors will be
hard to come by.
What is to be done? On behalf of the
Chapter I have submitted a number of
fundraising requests to our National
PVA office which has final say over
what we can do for fundraising. I know
that many have suggested various grants
and why don’t we have social service
contracts with the State or VA. Those
types of funding come with a myriad of
restrictions and requirements. Yes, our
National office helps as well, but they
too are competing with just as many
other non-profits as we are and divide
the funds between 33 other chapters
and National itself.
So, here it is. There is still time to buy
a drawing ticket. If you purchased now
before the October 7th Board of Direc-
tor’s meeting, you would still have three
months of opportunities to win and
December’s drawings are pretty good –
Grand Prize of $1,000 (yes, you must
report it to IRS). You can make dona-
tions to specific programs if you wish
– Billiards, Bass, Bowling, Softball,
Advocacy and Legislation, Transporta-
tion, Peer Mentoring, What’s It Like
Program, or make a general donation.
Direct donations to the Chapter go into
the programs or general fund. I can
honestly say 95% of every direct dollar
will go to what you want it to.
The Chapter has been around for 68
years this past September. We have
done great work in many, many ways
and want to continue but we can’t do it
alone. The Chapter banquet is October
16th. Please come out and support the
Chapter as well as those who work hard
on your behalf, the VA Staff!
FREE TO MEMBER
Acorn Chair LiftFor straight flight of 9 stairs
with landings. Used one year; Battery back-up; control on chair
arm, and 2 remote controls.Pick up in East Bridgewater, MA
Call NEPVA
October 2015Cord Word
www.nepva.org 13
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)
Make a Donation Today!
100% of your tax deductible donation goes to Chapter programs.
Mail your check payable to:
NEPVA
1600 Providence Hwy., Ste 143
Walpole, MA 02081
(Top left) Roger Winn of AEBA standing on his boat; (Bottom left) Terri Perry and Greg Mazur show off their catch; (Above) Boat captain Todd Sutton and disabled angler Steve Carpenter- Gone fishin’
Cord Word October 2015
www.nepva.org14
28th Annual Women Veterans’ Luncheon Hosted by: The Massachusetts Governor’s Advisory Committee on Women
Veterans & The Massachusetts Women Veterans’ Network
Please complete the registration below and return with your check or money order to:
Make checks payable to “Women Veterans Committee”. Your cancelled check will be your receipt.
NAME ___________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS ________________________________________________________________
CITY/TOWN______________________________ STATE________ZIP CODE_________
HOME PHONE________________________ CELL PHONE________________________
E-MAIL ___________________________________________________________________
Number of tickets_______ x $25.00 each =$______ (Please indicate choices by number, not a check mark if ordering more than one ticket)
***********NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR********** RESERVATION DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 12th
Stephanie Landry 290 Newport Road Hull, MA 02045
781-925-4486 [email protected]
or Viviana Marcotte Women Veterans’ Network Coordinator
600 Washington Street, 7th Floor Boston, MA 02111
617-210-5958 [email protected]
Saturday, October 17, 2015 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Luncheon Served at 12 Noon
Lombardo’s 6 Billings Street Randolph, MA Tickets - $25.00 per person
New England Roasted Turkey Dinner
Jewelry Sale and Drawing
October 2015Cord Word
www.nepva.org 15
Enjoyboth hands on the wheel !
KEMPF is a NMEDA member.
Visit: www.kempf-usa.com to find videos and com-ments from users and to request a quotation.
Call Toll-free: 1-888-4-KEMPF-US (453-6738) for a free DVD and free brochure.
DARIOS is VA accepted.KEMPF features nationwide free at-home pick-up and delivery and at-home service.
Digital Accelerator Ringoptimized for speed
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
Many Thanks to the Nam Knights for All They Do