Executive Director’s Report

3

Service Officer’s Report

5

Sports & Recreation6

Banquet Photos8

Transportation Survey11

Flu Shots12

9-Month Drawing Winners

13

Washington Update13

InsideWhat’s

continued on page 8

Vol. LXV, #11 The NewsleTTer of The New eNglaNd ChapTer paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCaNovember 2015

a member ChapTer of The paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCa – CharTered by The CoNgress of The uNiTed sTaTes

CORD WORDWORDCORD NEPVA Annual BanquetBy Judy Goldstein

With peak fall foliage outside, approxi-

mately 150 guests assembled at the

Holiday Inn in Mansfield, MA for the NEPVA

Annual Banquet on Friday, October 16, 2015.

Upon their arrival, members, friends and fam-

ily, along with VA staff gathered and mingled

in the cocktail lounge while meatballs, scal-

lops wrapped in bacon and stuffed mushrooms

were being passed around. This year’s banquet

again featured a four course dinner with a

choice of entrée (filet mignon, stuffed chicken

breast, grilled salmon or a vegetarian meal), and

awards. Music was provided for the evening by

DJ Scott Arrington of Murray Hill Talent.

As in the past, the lounge area and banquet hall

were beautifully decorated with balloons, and

colorful centerpieces in an array of fall colors.

Decorations, as always, were provided by Bal-

loons over Boston. Keeping with tradition,

ladies were again presented with a long stem red

rose as they approached the banquet hall.

Upon entering the banquet hall, everyone was

seated and enjoyed their fresh fruit cup followed

by salad. After salads were served, newly elected

NEPVA President Wayne Ross came forward

to the microphone to welcome everyone and

introduce himself and some honored guests. As

in past years, NEPVA was honored to have sev-

eral officials from the VA Healthcare System in

attendance as well as PVA Service Office staff.

These included:

Joe Badzmierowski- Eastern Region Director-

PVA Veterans Benefits Department

Heather Cherniack- PVA Veterans Health &

Benefits Specialist III-East-North Area Manager

Vincent Ng- Director, VA Boston Healthcare

System

Christine Croteau- Director, Edith Nourse

Rogers VA Hospital, Bedford

Dr. Susan MacKenzie- Director, Providence VA

Medical Center

Dr. Sunil Sabharwal- Chief of SCI and SCI

Care Line VISN 1

Cecilia McVey- Chief of Nursing Service

Joan Clifford-Deputy Nurse Executive

Following the welcome remarks and introduc-

tions, everyone was served dinner.

After guests finished their entrees, the awards

portion of the evening began and President

Wayne Ross returned to the microphone. The

NEPVA President Wayne Ross (left) presents a plaque

to Past President Craig Cascella for his many years

of service to NEPVA.

Cord Word November 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: info@nepva.org

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

of our Chapter Members

Eugene Ditto

Stanley A. Sencabaugh

We deeply regret the passing

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

November 2015Cord Word

www.nepva.org 3

Executive Director’s Report

continued on page 5

By Debra FreedExecutive Director

The Coming Holidays and Beyond

A quick note of thanks to all who attended and sup-

ported the Chapter Banquet on 10.16. It was one of

the better turnouts in a long time, 154 attendees.

While we know the service was a little slower, I did not hear

any complaints about the food, the music, or the ambiance of

the event. We hope to see you all again next year!

Now that the Chapter banquet is over, it really does amaze

me how fast time seems to slip by. Veterans Day is right

around the corner. Thanksgiving will sneak up on us before

we know it and of course the stores are ramping up their

holiday sales already. Because it will be an election year in

2016, I think many of us will or are becoming immune to

the numerous election commercials that have been airing and

will continue to increase. On that note, I must reiterate that

it matters not who you choose to support, it only matters that

you not wear any Chapter logo if and when you choose to

campaign or support your candidate via rallies, etc. We as an

organization are a-political and a-religious. The Chapter must

remain so in order to retain its I.R.S. 501(C)3 status.

As mentioned above, the holidays will soon be upon us. And

as many of us experienced on 10.18, snow squalls, the colder

weather and snow are also coming. I am not sure what to

believe that it will be better than last year or just as bad if not

worse. Please be sure to get your furnaces and/or fireplaces

checked out to avoid any mishaps such as failures or worse

carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, please be reminded that

when the clocks turn back November 1st, you should be

checking and changing the batteries in your smoke detectors

and carbon monoxide detectors. While natural gas and oil

prices have dropped significantly this year, Social Security

has deemed it not feasible for a cost of living increase. If you

are looking for potentially cheaper options, AMBIT Energy,

Constellation, Cenergistic, Next Step Living may be able to

help. Please know the Chapter does not endorse any of these

programs or services so please conduct your own due dili-

gence.

With the changing of the seasons,

come holidays, colder weather,

and possibly more travel. There

are a number of folks who have

already let me know that they are

considering attending/planning

to attend the New England Winter

Sports Clinic held in January at Mount

Sunapee and possibly the Winter Sports Clinic

in Snowmass Colorado. Applications for these events do not

come to the Chapter. Please, do not make the mistake of as-

suming that because you informed the Chapter you might be

attending, your notification is also for funding. That must be

done separately and prior to any event.

Speaking of financial support, the Chapter posted in its

September 2014 Newsletter an article about a Chapter pro-

gram specific to our members – Individual Allotment. Here

is a fresh reminder: For Chapter members this allotment is

not a given. It must be requested in advance of the event.

The Chapter WILL NOT provide funds retroactively nor

in advance. You only need to submit a simple email to the

office: info@nepva.org stating what you want and how much

– again up to $1,000. Individual Allotment for fiscal year

2016 is $1,000. Funds will only be reimbursed with proof

of receipts. I am sorry but a credit card statement does not

(From left to right): Debra Freed, Wayne Ross, Mary Ellen Ross, Charles Schena, Donna, Jake and Jim Wallack at the Medal of Honor Dinner in Boston on September 19th. (Photo by Martine Kenpf)

Cord Word November 2015

www.nepva.org4

Host VA Medical Center:VA Salt Lake City Health Care System

Curtis Ivins 801.584.2552Curtis.Ivins@va.gov

REGISTERwheelchairgames.org

SALTLAKECITY JUNE 27 – JULY 2, 2016

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November 2015Cord Word

www.nepva.org 5

Service Officer’s Report

continued from page 3Exec. Director

Let Me Introduce Myself

Hello, everyone. I am Bruce Weston. I am the new Na-

tional Service Officer working in the PVA Manhattan,

New York office. I want to introduce myself so that all of you

know who is working on your behalf in this area. I was born

into a military family and moved about the United States un-

til the eighth grade, which is when we settled in Bronx, New

York. I have been in the New York City area ever since. I now

reside in the Long Island, New York area.

I was employed by Paralyzed Veterans of America after a long

career with the Department of Veteran Affairs. I started my

professional career after being honorably discharged from

the Army after one tour in Vietnam. I worked at the VA

New York Regional Office for 39 years. During that time, I

performed every job function imaginable. Some of my profes-

sional duties included developing claims, processing awards,

and authorizing awards, rating cases and dealing with every

aspect of appeals.

My last job with the Veterans Affairs was working as a

“Coach” in the Special Operations Team for several years.

The VA Special Operations teams are assigned the responsi-

bility of rating all Special Monthly Compensation cases. The

team also has responsibility for Parkinson’s disease cases and,

all ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) cases. I know that my exten-

sive history and experience with the Veterans Affairs will aid

me in serving all of you as your National Service Officer.

I have realized that working with Paralyzed Veterans of

America gives me a greater feeling of achievement than ever

before. My interaction with all of you to include PVA Mem-

bers, Clients, and your family members has been an absolute

pleasure and is positive on many different levels.

I want to express my thanks to all of you for taking the time

to read this and get to know me. I look forward to working

with all of you and representing your interests before the

Veterans Affairs.

As your National Service Officer I will be responsible for VA

claims in the Eastern New York and New Jersey areas. I can

be reached at 212-807-3114.

By Bruce Weston National Service Officer III, Manhattan, New York

constitute a legitimate receipt. Requests for reimbursement, if

awarded Individual Allotment, must be submitted within 30

days after the close of the event. If you need more time, you

must notify the office. If you do not make the 30 day dead-

line you will be required to resubmit the request and there

will be no guarantee that the request will be honored.

Individual Allotment can be broken up over several sporting

events the Chapter sponsors or for sporting events the Chap-

ter does not sponsor like bowling, billiards, or softball events

throughout the Chapter fiscal year. Again the fiscal year

begins October 1 and ends September 30th. Again, it must

be requested in advance of the event, there is no rollover, and

there is no getting any difference that may be left over. Each

fiscal year the amount may be changed by the Board of Di-

rectors. Also, the Chapter Board has an additional policy that

it will pay for the entire room at one Chapter sponsored and/

or supported event. The member must provide the Chapter

a request in advance along with a letter from your physician

that you require attendant services. This addition is for the

ROOM ONLY, nothing else. The Chapter will not cover any

other expenses for a caregiver.

Finally, on behalf of the New England Chapter Board of Di-

rectors, staff, and myself I want to wish our members, their

caregivers, families, and VA staff who support our members

and all veterans a great Veterans Day and Thanksgiving.

Cord Word November 2015

www.nepva.org6

Sports & Recreation The Maine Event Articles and pictures by Lori Chase

We couldn’t have asked for a better

ending to the NEPVA BASS TRAIL

season, with our last stop in the great

North woods of Maine. The ride to the camp was

unforgettable, as it was peak foliage season. We

were pleased to return to the renovated Camp

Pine Tree in Rome, Maine, a fully handicapped

accessible camp with waterfront cabins. The

camp was built in 1945 and designed to cater to

children and adults with disabilities, complete with

an accessible tree house with a view to die for.

Camp Director Dawn Willard-Robinson, Facilities

Manager Harvey Chesley, Program Manager Greg

King and various staff could not do enough to

accommodate us with country hospitality. This

year was our first return in over 8 years and quite

a success. These no cost tournaments are available

to any disabled angler and are supported through

a host of volunteers, sponsors and donations.

We cannot thank Steve Wilson, President of the

MAINE B.A.S.S. NATION and Dave Barnes, Presi-

dent of THE BASS FEDERATION of MAINE, enough

for making this event possible through coordinat-

ing volunteer boat captains. The boat captains also

assisted with loading and unloading anglers on the

docks, ensuring no barriers to “GET OUT and GO

FISH.” A few had volunteered with us in the past,

however for many it was their first time, and you

know it, “they are now hooked.” Tim Hoffman, of

VETS ON THE WATER.COM, made a surprise deliv-

ery of their lift, for us to borrow for the weekend.

Tim was pleased to give back, as he shared that

the lift was purchased with funds from a grant

provided by the NEPVA. We were also fortunate

to have longtime trail supporter, Dan Kenney, aka,

GOFISHDAN.COM travel from central NH with his

boat and a first time participant, as well as first

time boat captain and Fish and Game Guide, Mike

Keup of MA. Special thanks to another first time

volunteer, nurse Sonny Fernandez who traveled

with her family from the Fall River area of MA. As

you can see, these tournaments are a team effort

and each and every person there is invaluable.

As we arrived and began to set up and greet

attendees, we were personally greeted by Bonnie

Holding of Maine Fish and Wildlife. Bonnie chose

to hand deliver our permits, welcome us and

get familiar with our tournaments. What a nice

surprise, she is very interested, and an avid fisher-

woman herself and will be publishing an article

in their newsletter on the NEPVA BASS TRAIL.

Keep reading it gets better, lookout Hollywood,

Veteran Garath Mannion, of Sugarfree Productions

LLC, volunteered with us and created another

valuable video to assist us in promoting the trail,

(autographs available upon request.) Garath and

his son travelled all the way from central MA, he

also supported the trail with a great video of the

Charles River tournament, available on our NEPVA-

BASSTRAIL FB page.

The weekend began with dinner, a brief meeting,

reminiscing, anticipation and plotting the plan for

the next morning. Saturday began as a beauti-

ful fall morning, fog lifting, bright sun shining

and light winds. Once at the docks, launch was

quite swift and the fishing or catching began.

Promptly at 2:00 pm, weigh in started with our

animated and humorous commentator, Director

Tiny Lafontaine who attempted to gather as much

information as participants would reveal, as some

secrets to fishing will never be told. We had a

great turnout with anglers and their families from

Maine, MA and CT, returning participants and

new, all stating they won’t miss the next one. John

Worrall, founder of “WARRIORS at 45 NORTH,” a

nonprofit camp providing rest and outdoor activi-

ties for wounded or deployed Veterans in Pitts-

burgh, NH, participated as an angler again and

brought several participants from his organization.

He brings more participants to each tournament

and shares information on his organization–what

a great partnership.

1st place: Steve Wilson and Gary Clawson 14.54

2nd place: Matt Carter and Ed Tyler 14.2

LUNKER 3.69

3rd place: Charlie Wilson and Terry Manges 12.58

Once weigh in commenced, there was plenty of

time to rest up from the day and get ready for the

evening. The awards ceremony was held, another

great meal and an awesome, surprise dessert

from Air Force Veteran and angler, Edith Davis.

Edie, surprised us by not resting like many, but

shopping in the woods of Maine for all the fixings

of homemade apple pies, made at her bedside in

her cabin. Uh oh, she may have started a tradition

and a very good one! The evening continued with

a celebration for 1st time angler, Leonard Darlin

who celebrated his “surprise 29th” birthday with

us and Gary & Karen Clawson who were also

showered with a surprise celebration for their

recent wedding.

November 2015Cord Word

www.nepva.org

New England Winter Sports Clinic for Disabled VeteransJanuary 11-15, 2016-Mt Sunapee, NH

The VA New England Healthcare System invites you to participate in the 2016

Winter Sports Clinic January 11th through the 15th, 2016. This event promotes re-

habilitation by instructing Veterans with disabilities in adaptive Alpine skiing and

snowboarding along with an introduction to other adaptive activities and sports.

WHO is invited to participate?Participation is open to male and female Veterans with spinal cord injuries, ortho-

pedic amputation, visual impairments, certain neurological problems and other

disabilities. The application includes a general medical information section, an

additional sports application and photo consent form. All disabilities are subject to

review by the Winter Sports Clinic’s program directors and medical doctor. Their

decisions are final.

WHAT is the program about? • January11,2016-registration,equipmentfittingandsafetychecks,Sled

Hockey Clinic opening reception, team meetings

• January12-skilessons,sportsmassage,airrifleshooting,Abilities

Awareness Night

• January13-skilessons,sportsmassage,airrifleshooting

• January14-skiraces,AwardBanquet

• January15-checkout

Schedule is subject to change.

Application is available at www.nepva.org

Only fully complete applications received by

November 16th, 2015 will be accepted.

Mail your complete application to:

Richard Leeman (135)

VA Boston Healthcare System

150 S. Huntington Avenue

Boston, MA 02130

7

Gary Clawson, a longtime member of the board

of directors and die hard supporter of the trail

had moved several years ago to Missouri, however

had missed the trail since the day he left. Gary

made the trip East with his new bride, landing in

Boston on Friday, heading North to NH, picking

up his daughters, arriving at camp, and flying

home Monday. Gary’s daughters assisted with

various tasks, were quite excited to be there as

were we, as we have watched them grow up by

coming to the Bass Trail for over ten years. These

tournaments are much more than a fishing tour-

nament, they are family friendly events in which

lasting friendships begin. If you haven’t attended

one of our tournaments yet, you’re missing out.

Check us out on our NEPVABASSTRAIL Facebook

page.

Would like to thank the NEPVA Board of Direc-

tors for their continued efforts in supporting

this tournament; Director Tiny Lafontaine, Bob

(Soupy) Campbell, Tom Lee (who also participated

as a boat captain), Lamaar Edwards, Lori Chase,

NEPVA BOD Jim Wallack, and NEPVA BOD Mike

Guilbault. We will take a brief rest and begin the

New Year fundraising and networking at the 2016

sportsman shows, dates and info to follow. Best

wishes for a happy and healthy fall.

Boat captains and Anglers show off their catch at the NEPVA Bass Tourna-ment at Pine Tree Camp in Maine on October 3, 2015. Shown (l to r) are: p. 6 Tony Rinaldi and Brian Chadwick; P. 7 left photo: Jill Hoffman and Tom Lee; p. 7 right photo: Dan Kenney and Len Darlin

Cord Word November 2015

www.nepva.org8

Banquetcontinued from page 1

annual Pierik Awards were then pre-

sented to two nurses. The Pierik 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 Eunice

Andrade from the VABHS Brockton

Campus, and Darlene Hanley from the

VABHS West Roxbury Campus. In

presenting the Pierik Awards, Wayne

read statements from each facility as to

why each recipient was deserving of this

award. The two recipients were awarded

silver bowls with the engraving, “For

Outstanding Care and Devotion to SCI

Patients.”

The final award of the evening was

presented to Past President Craig

Cascella for his many years of service

to NEPVA. Taken totally by surprise,

Craig admitted that he wasn’t expecting

an award, and he then gave an impro-

visedacceptancespeech.Craigbriefly

recounted his injury in 1992 and his

first contact with PVA through former

PVA National Service Officer Richard

DeNoyer. In the years to come, he was

befriended by former NEPVA President

Larry Callaghan, whom he met regu-

larly at New England Patriots games.

Larry persuaded Craig to become an

active NEPVA member, and Craig later

served as an NEPVA Board of Directors

member, Secretary, and Vice President

under Ken Medeiros. Upon Ken’s pass-

ing in 2008, Craig became President of

NEPVA and served until 2015. Emo-

tions were high as Craig wished the new

president and board members good luck

as they move forward, and he expressed

his confidence that the new president,

Wayne Ross, will keep up New England

PVA’s standing as one of the best PVA

Chapters.

After all the award presentations,

chocolate cake and coffee were served.

As the dance music picked up, NEPVA

members, VA staff and others came

tothedancefloor.AstheDJplayed

the upbeat song, “We Are Family,” the

song title rang true as the “family” of

NEPVA members, their family care-

givers, and the dedicated VA staff of

caregivers joined together to provide an

evening of fun for everyone.

With a higher than usual turnout, the

banquet was another successful event

and a good time was had by all. 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.

THE PIERIk AWARD

President Wayne Ross presents the Pierik Award to Darlene Hanley of the VA Boston Healthcare System West Roxbury Campus.

President Wayne Ross presents the Pierik Award to Eunice Andrade of the VA Boston Healthcare System Brockton Campus.

Honored guests at the NEPVA Banquet included: (seated l. to r.) NEPVA President Wayne Ross, Mary Ellen Ross, John Ross, Chief of SCI Dr. Sunil Sabharwal, VABHS Director Vincent Ng, Craig Cascella; (standing l. to r.) PVA Health & Benefits Specialist Heather Cherniack, Eastern Region Director - PVA Veterans Benefits Dept Joseph Badzmierowski, Providence VAMC Director Dr. Susan MacKenzie, Bedford VAMC Director Christine Croteau, Chief of Nursing Cecilia McVey, Deputy Nurse Executive Joan Clifford.

November 2015Cord Word

www.nepva.org 9

Cord Word November 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

Power WheelchairFor average size person

Good batteries (need charging),Charger included.

Available in Manchester, NHCall NEPVA office

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

November 2015Cord Word

www.nepva.org 11

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.

“

”

Transportation Survey

You are invited to participate in a national survey titled, Transportation Access and Experiences, which is

designed to improve understanding of accessibility of public transportation for people with disabilities.

Responses to the survey will be used to make improvements at regional and national levels.

If you are a person with a disability, you can take the survey by visiting https://unco.co1.qualtrics.com/

SE/?SID=SV_00wcGeTOzGL2lQ9.

The researchers are looking for as many responses as possible. So, please feel free to forward this survey

along to people in your network who have a disability.

This survey is being conducted by the ADA Participation Action Research Consortium (ADA-PARC),

a collaborative research project of seven ADA Regional Centers. Learn more at www.adaparc.org.

If you have any questions or comments regarding this survey, please contact Jill Bezyak from the Rocky

Mountain ADA Center at jill.bezyak@unco.edu

Thank you in advance for your participation in this important research and for helping to spread the word.

Cord Word November 2015

www.nepva.org12

“(Ride-Away) knew what to do. Dave made all the phone calls to the VA... saving me $25,000!”

Steve poses here with his Ride-Away Sales Consultant, Dave Qualey, of the Londonderry, NH facility.

-Steve Hodgkins Malden, MA

It’s no wonder why Ride-Away customers remain so loyal — Superior Support! Ride-Away — America’s #1 provider of modified vehicles for people with disabilities.

• VetsMobileOps Program• VA assistance support• All vehicle trade-ins accepted• 24/7 Roadside assistance• QAP Certified factory trained technicians

888-Ride-Away (888-743-3292)

www.Ride-Away.com

To get the shot or not, that is the ques-

tion! The correct answer is YES! The Flu

shot is an ounce of prevention strongly

recommended by the Spinal Cord Clinic Staff.

It may sting for a minute, but really, that is just

about the only drawback for most patients.

If you want a fighting chance against the flu,

it is recommended that you get an annual flu

shot. The good news is that the flu shot side

effects are minor and shouldn’t be a concern.

If you have no specific conditions or aller-

gies to the flu shot, anyone over the age of

6 months can receive the flu vaccine. It takes

about 2 weeks for the flu vaccine to take

effect, so it’s best to get your flu shot early

in the season. While many people are scared

that a flu shot vaccine side effects will cause

a bout of the flu, the truth is that the flu shot

will NOT give you the flu. The flu virus in the

needle going into your arm is dead, making it

impossible for you to catch the flu by getting

a flu shot. We are offering the Flu vaccine in

clinic now so you can get vaccinated early and

be protected all season.

The flu season typically starts in October, with

the peak months being January and February.

You can get the flu vaccine anytime during

the flu season. For most people the benefits

of getting a flu shot far outweigh the concerns.

Flu vaccine helps your body to provide im-

munity against the common strains of the

flu expected to cause illness this year. Several

clinical studies have shown that the annual flu

vaccine is 70 to 90 percent effective against

influenza!

If you do get the flu vaccine, the most common

side effect is some mild swelling, redness,

and soreness around the area of the injec-

tion, which can last 1 to 2 days. You may also

feel a little achy, with general malaise, fever,

and muscle pain lasting 1 to 2 days. The mild

possible side-effects from a flu shot are much

less nasty than getting a full-fledged case of

the flu.

The VA recommends that every veteran with

a Spinal Cord Injury, regardless of age, get a

seasonal flu shot every year.

The Spinal Cord Clinic at the West Roxbury VA

is open Monday through Friday from 8a-4p.

Please make every effort to protect yourself

and others this season.

Please contact the SCI clinic at (857) 203-

6455 to arrange for your flu shot. If you

live a great distance from the clinic, please

contact your local VA or check your local

paper for flu shots available in your commu-

nity. Please let us know if you have received

the vaccine in the community so that we can

update your medical record.

Should I Get a Flu Shot? – YES!!!

November 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)

In August, the Commission on Care

began meeting to examine access

to VA health care and to develop

a plan to organize the Veterans Health

Administration (VHA) and determine

how best to allocate resources to ensure

access to care over the next 20 years.

The Commission was established by

P.L. 113-146, the “Veterans Access,

Choice, and Accountability Act (VA-

CAA).” The Commission is comprised

of health care professionals and busi-

ness leaders appointed by the White

House and the majority and minority

leadership in the Senate and House of

Representatives.

The Commission held its first pub-

lic meeting in September. During

the meeting, they received the full

Independent Assessment conducted

by the CMS Alliance to Modern-

ize Healthcare as mandated by the

VACAA. The Independent Assessment

analyzes 12 specifically identified areas

that Congress mandated for review.

These assessments range from veteran

demographics to staffing levels in the

VA to business processes and construc-

tion management. PVA participated in

the interview process for the assessment

to offer insight on the demographics of

our membership.

The Commission is required to report

to Congress within six months on its

proposed plan to address the issues that

have been identified in the VA health

care system. We will continue to keep

PVA members updated on the work of

the Commission as it proceeds with its

meetings.

Washington Update Produced by PVAGovernment Relations Department

Commission on Care Begins Work

OurNine Month Drawing

OCTOBER winners

$50 Lena Cianca

Westwood, MA

$25Paul E. Morrison

Quincy, MA

$25Bill Townsend

Naples, FL

Cord Word November 2015

www.nepva.org14

PARALYZED VETERANS NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS CIRCUIT

ANNUAL AIR RIFLE & PISTOL PROGRAM

PARALYZED VETERANS BASS TOUR

ANNUAL PVA/NWPVA BILLIARDS TOURNAMENT SERIES

* A non-NWPA sanctioned event

PARALYZED VETERANS HANDCYCLING SCHEDULE

ANNUAL PVA/AWBA BOWLING TOURNAMENT SERIES

BOCCIA CLINICS

SPORTS & RECREATION

SCHEDULE OF EVENTSFor more information, contact Paralyzed Veterans Sports at 800.424.8200 or pva.org/sports

ARIZONAOct. 30–Nov. 1, 2015Pistol ShootOct. 30, 2015Tucson, AZ

CAL-DIEGOJan. 22–24, 2016Rifle & Pistol ShootJan. 22, 2016Redlands, CA

FLORIDA GULF COASTMarch 3–5, 2016Odessa, FL

NEVADAMarch 18–20, 2016Pistol ShootMarch 18, 2016Las Vegas, NV

VAUGHANApril 22–24, 2016Edwardsville, IL

COLONIALJune 3–5, 2016Baltimore, MD

IOWAJune 17–19, 2016Pistol ShootJune 17, 2016Cedar Rapids, IA

FLORIDA GULF COASTApril 1–3, 2016Lake TohoKissimmee, FL

VAUGHANMay 13–15, 2016Rend LakeMt. Vernon, IL

KENTUCKY-INDIANAMay 20–22, 2016Kentucky LakeGilbertsville, KY

NATIONALJune 10–12, 2016Potomac RiverWaldorf, MD

MID-ATLANTICJune 16–18, 2016James RiverRichmond, VA

MARINE CORPS MARATHONOct. 25, 2015Washington, DC

BLUE GREY RACESOct. 31–Nov. 1, 2015Gettysburg, PA

CAL-DIEGOOct. 28–29, 2015San Diego, CA

KENTUCKY-INDIANAMarch 18–20, 2016Louisville, KY

CAL-DIEGOJan. 18–19, 2016San Diego, CA

MID-ATLANTICMarch 10, 2016Richmond, VA

BUCKEYEApril 29–30, 2016Geneva, OH

NATIONALTBD

NEVADADec. 3–6, 2015Las Vegas, NV

FLORIDAGULF COASTFeb. 26–28, 2016Tampa, FL

CAL-DIEGOTBD

MID-ATLANTICMarch 18–20, 2016Midlothian, VA

MID-AMERICAApril 1–3, 2016Oklahoma City, OK

MOUNTAIN STATESMay 6–8, 2016Fountain, CO

BUCKEYE*July 22–24, 2016Independence, OH

36th

Nat

iona

l Vet

eran

s Wheelchair Games

June 27-July 2, 2016 �

Sal

t Lak

e C

ity, U

tah

Updated 10/19/2015

November 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: info@nepva.org

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

NEPVA BANquEt Photos--morE iNsidE

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

Shown at the NEPVA Annual Banquet on October 16 are: (clockwise from top left) Amanda Smith and Dan Shaul; Joyce Goode and Kelly Skinner; Dr. Ellen Zahn and Joanie Lynch; (front) Darlene Hanley and Dr. Sigmund Hough with friends and family.