Volume XVI, Issue 5 September-October 2018 Keystone ...kpva.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Parascope... · The bi-monthly newsletter of the Keystone Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans

The bi-monthly newsletter of the Keystone Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of AmericaVolume XVI, Issue 5 September-October 2018

The next Membership Meeting will be held 13 October 2018 See the back page for details.

Keystone athletes garner 58 medals, try new eventsThe 38th edition of theNational Veterans WheelchairGames was held in Orlando,Florida from 30 July through04 August, and as usual, thewheelchair athletes of theKeystone chapter broughthome a long list of medals.That list, with results, startson page 4.

Of note was a new event, ateam relay race consisting offour events: a handcycle race,weightlifting, swimming, anda track race using a manualupright wheelchair. Andindoor rowing was added asan exhibition event.

Keystone PVA’s relay team,pictured at right, won a bronzemedal in its first outing.

Our chapter’s 13 athletescompeted in 89 events andmedaled in 58 of them: 34gold, 13 silver, and 11bronze.

This is the chapter’s mostexpensive program, and issupported as part of the PVAgoal to get paralyzed veteransmoving and keep themhealthy.

Food, prizes, ceremony, and good company arejust some of what you will enjoy when you cometo the chapter’s Annual Awards Banquet at theHampton Banquet Hall on Thursday, 04 October2018. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and we alwayswrap up by 9 p.m.

Best of all, there’s no charge for a member (life orassociate) and one guest. If you haven’t respondedyet, call the office right now, 412-781-2474!There’s a registration form on page 9, but we’ll bepleased to get your information by phone.

The Keystone Paralyzed Veterans relay team and coaches at the 2018 NationalVeterans Wheelchair Games (left to right): David Gifford, handcycle; BrookeSchmolly, coach; Dane Smith, weightlifting; Rory Cooper, swimming; John

Hofmeister, coach; and Jerry “Bull” Baylor, push chair.

Annual awards banquet set for Thursday, 04 October

Page 2 O The Parascope, September-October 2018

Paralyzed Veteransof America,

Keystone ChapterPresident

James E. RiemerVice President

George M. “Murph” NeelanSecretary

William D. LightnerTreasurer

William D. Jakovac

DirectorsJerry BaylorChris Fidler

Mark RosensteelTom Strang

Benjamin M. Williams

Executive DirectorJoseph W. Dornbrock

Advocacy DirectorWilliam D. Jakovac

Fundraising CoordinatorWilliam D. Jakovac

Hospital Liaison CoordinatorJim Riemer

Legislative DirectorChris Fidler

Membership OfficerTom Strang

Service OfficerGeorge NeelanSports Director

Jerry BaylorVolunteer Coordinator

Agnes Strang

National DirectorWilliam D. Jakovac

National Service OfficersKurtt Robinson, NSO

Darlene Mead, Secretary1000 Liberty Ave., Rm. 1602

Pittsburgh PA 15222Phone 412-395-6255

Toll free 800-795-3629Fax 412-395-6266

Philadelphia NSO positioncurrently vacant

Violet A. Graham, AccreditedAdministrator

5000 Wissahickon AvenuePhiladelphia PA 19144

Phone 215-381-3057Toll free 800-795-3628

Improvements to the outside of the chapter’s offices

An installer finishes up putting a new sign on the front of the chapter’s officebuilding at 1113 Main Street in Sharpsburg, Pa.

Workers from Ireland Contracting installed a new roof on the back of thechapter’s office building. This is the storage area known as the Shed.

Company owner Gary Ireland donated the installation to the chapter. A verybig THANKS to Gary and his crew! Below: the finished product.

The Parascope, September-October 2018 O Page 3

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Mother Nature had some plans of her own recently, and literally rained havoc on the chapter’s Sharpsburg property. Inmid July, severe storms broke off large branches of trees on our west-side neighbor’s property (shown below, after limbremoval began) and dropped them onto the dumpster, making access impossible for awhile. We usually park the chap-ter’s vans back there, but not on the day the limbs dropped. Our neighbors on that side of our building, Ed and Denny

Casper, not only removed the offendinglimbs but cut down another tree that hadbeen a source of debris on the chapterbuilding’s roofs and gutters and our vehi-cles. Another big thanks!

Days of heavy rain through 09 Septembercaused minor flooding in the not-quite-rear part of the chapter office building.But that problem might have been causedby another. A plumbing company hadinspected the drain pipe and thinks that ithas collapsed further out from the build-ing. Until we pin down and rectify thatissue, we’ll be buying sandbags.

The joys of owning property and dealing with the elements


RESULTS for Keystone PVA athletes from the 38th annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games follow,gathered from the NVWG web site. Corrections are welcome and may be directed to the chapter office.The number of Keystone PVA athletes who entered each event is shown in parentheses. Events were

held in Orlando, Florida, and in nearby venues from 30 July through 04 August.

Event Classification and Division Score and PlaceAIR PISTOLS (1)David Gifford Air Pistols SH1 Masters 267

AIR RIFLES (7)Christopher Fidler Air Rifles SH1 Masters 456David Gifford Air Rifles SH1 Masters 527 3William Jakovac Air Rifles SH1 Seniors 411Mark Rosensteel Air Rifles SH2 Masters 404 Thomas Strang Air Rifles SH2 Seniors 541 1Robert Szoszorek Air Rifles SH1 Seniors 399Kenneth Walters Air Rifles SH2 Seniors 524 2

ARCHERY (2)Christopher Fidler Compound Bow II Masters 234 3Robert Szoszorek Compound Bow V Seniors 142

BASKETBALL (2)Dane Smith Basketball III Team 3 — “Discovery”Robert Morris Basketball III Team 8 — “Apollo”

BOCCIA BALL (2)Thomas Strang Boccia Ball (II-III) SeniorsWilliam Jakovac Boccia Ball (IV-V) Seniors

BOWLING (6)Dennis Haines Bowling - Manual (IV, V) IV Seniors 117William Jakovac Bowling - Manual (IV, V) V Seniors 267Robert Morris Bowling - Manual (IV, V) V Masters 308 1Mark Rosensteel Bowling - Ramp (Manual) IA Masters 332 2Kenneth Walters Bowling - Ramp (Hand Controls) II Seniors 459 1Steven Zimmerman Bowling - Ramp (Manual) IC Seniors 207 1

FIELD EVENTS (7)Jerry Baylor Discus (IB, IC) IB Seniors 6.30 1Jerry Baylor Javelin (IB, IC) IB Seniors 4.18 2 Jerry Baylor Shot Put (IB, IC) IB Seniors 3.02 2Brendan Beck Javelin (II-V) V Novice 14.43 3Brendan Beck Shot Put (II-V) V Novice 7.09Christopher Fidler Discus (II, V) II Masters 28.10Christopher Fidler Javelin (II, V) II Masters 29.10 Christopher Fidler Shot Put (II, V) II Masters 15.01 3 Dennis Haines Discus (III, IV) IV Seniors 8.07Dennis Haines Shot Put (III, IV) IV Seniors 3.42Robert Morris Discus (II-V) V Masters 16.35Robert Morris Javelin (II-V) V Masters 10.69Robert Morris Shot Put (II-V) V Masters 5.51Dane Smith Discus (II, V) V Open 20.49 2Dane Smith Javelin (II, V) V Open 22.44 1Dane Smith Shot Put (II, V) V Open 7.76 3Thomas Strang Discus (III-IV) III Seniors 3.30

Keystone PVA results from the 2018 Nat’l Vets Wheelchair Games

Scoring notes: Events with targets are scored on points, which are shown. Field events show distances in meters. Team events(quad rugby, softball) or elimination competition (table tennis) show only what place the athlete or the athlete’s team may haveplaced, but no scores. Racing events (handcycling, track) are measured in units of time. Weightlifting results are in pounds.

Continued on page 6

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Event Classification and Division Score and PlaceHANDCYCLING (1)Rory Cooper Handcycling - 10K III Masters 19.37 1

INDOOR ROWING (exhibition) (3)Thomas Strang Indoor Rowing Arms & Shoulders 400.30 16Mark Rosensteel Indoor Rowing Arms & Shoulders 471.20 17Dane Smith Indoor Rowing Physical Disability 120.00 3

MOTORIZED RALLY (2)Mark Rosensteel Motorized Rally IA Masters 5 2Kenneth Walters Motorized Rally II Seniors 4 3

NINE BALL (4)Brendan Beck Nine Ball (II-V) V NoviceWilliam Jakovac Nine Ball (II-V) V SeniorsRobert Morris Nine Ball (II-V) V Masters 3Robert Szoszorek Nine Ball (II-V) V Senior

POWERLIFTING (2)Brendan Beck Powerlifting II/V Novice 150 1Dane Smith Powerlifting II/X Open 380 1

POWER SOCCER (1)Robert Morris Power Soccer Novice

QUAD RUGBY (1)Jerry Baylor Quad Rugby Team 4 — “Apollo” 3

SLALOM (2)Rory Cooper Slalom (III-IV) III Masters 03:23.30 1David Gifford Slalom (III-IV) III Masters 05:03:10 3

SOFTBALL (1)Dane Smith Softball V Team 5 — “X” 1

SWIMMING (1)Rory Cooper Swimming - Backstroke 50 yds (II, III) III, III-K Masters 01:19.60 2 Rory Cooper Swimming - Breaststroke 50 yds (II, III) III, III-K Masters 01:47.00 2 Rory Cooper Swimming - Freestyle 100 yds (II, III) III, III-K Masters 02:47.90 2 Rory Cooper Swimming - Freestyle 50 yds (II, III) III, III-K Masters 01:19.10 2Rory Cooper Swimming - Ind. Medley 75 yds (IA,IB,IC,II,III) III, III-K Masters 02:19.80 1

TABLE TENNIS (2)Rory Cooper Table Tennis (III-IV) III Masters 1William Jakovac Table Tennis (II-V) V Seniors

TRACK (7)Brendan Beck Track - 100 Meters V Novice 00:26.55 1Brendan Beck Track - 200 Meters V Novice 00:49.35 1Brendan Beck Track - 400 Meters V Novice 01:43.30 1Brendan Beck Track - 800 Meters V Novice 03:41.70 1Jerry Baylor Track - 100 Meters IB Seniors 00:38.72 1 Jerry Baylor Track - 200 Meters IB Seniors 00:42.64 1 Jerry Baylor Track - 400 Meters IB Seniors 02:07.40 1Jerry Baylor Track - 800 Meters IB Seniors 07:30.10 1Jerry Baylor Track - 800 Meter Biathlon Quad Seniors 15:21.20 1

Keystone PVA results from the 2018 NVWG in Orlando Cont’d from page 4

Continued on page 8


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Also from the 2018 Games . . .

Above: Rory Cooper swimming in the relay event.Below: Dane Smith weightlifting, also in the relay.


Event Classification and Division Score and PlaceRory Cooper Track - 100 Meters III Masters 00:23.88 2 Rory Cooper Track - 200 Meters III Masters 00:44.09 2Rory Cooper Track - 400 Meters III Masters 01:30.70 1 Rory Cooper Track - 800 Meters III Masters 03:03.10 1Rory Cooper Track - 800 Meter Biathlon Para Masters 06:40.60 1Christopher Fidler Track - 100 Meters II Masters 00:26:58 1Christopher Fidler Track - 200 Meters II Masters 00:57:20 1Christopher Fidler Track - 400 Meters II Masters 02:00:70 1Christopher Fidler Track - 800 Meters II Masters 04:18:80 1Christopher Fidler Track - 800 Meter Biathlon Para Masters 10:46.30David Gifford Track - 100 Meters III Masters 00:27.13David Gifford Track - 200 Meters III Masters 01:07:60David Gifford Track - 400 Meters III Masters 02:24:10 3David Gifford Track - 800 Meter Biathlon Para Masters 06:50.50 2Dennis Haines Track - 100 Meters IV Senior 01:02.00 1Dennis Haines Track - 200 Meters IV Senior 02:12.80 1Thomas Strang Track - 100 Meters III Senior 01:04.30 1Thomas Strang Track - 200 Meters III Senior 02:15.40 1Thomas Strang Track - 800 Meters III Senior 10:25.80 1

Keystone PVA results from the 2018 NVWG in Orlando Cont’d from page 6

Hunting and Fishing Events . . . . . . . Tom Strang, Associate Sports Director

For fishing and hunting in Pennsylvania, a valid Pennsylvania hunting or fishing license is required. Life membersshould keep their hunting or fishing license and/or hunting license receipts so Keystone PVA can reimburse them. Partof our mission is to have the best angling and hunting events for our members and all persons with disabilities to experi-ence improved health, self-esteem, confidence and independence.

Hunting with Wounded Warriors of Western Pennsylvania – Deer hunting for disabled hunters in WashingtonCounty area 2B is sponsored by the Wounded Warriors of Western Pa. President Jeff Curtis invites disabled veterans tohunt deer, turkey, pheasant, and coyote. This organization also sponsors an early antlerless deer hunt in October. (Thisorganization is not affiliated with the Wounded Warriors Project.) For more information call Jeff at 724-328-4037.

Hunts at the WCJ Ranch – Deer and turkey hunts for disabled hunters are available in Crawford County area 1B,northwest Pennsylvania, at the WCJ Ranch, 20397 North Richmond Road, Cambridge Springs, Pa. 16403-6834. Pleasecall Shawn Schmitz in advance for appointment, 814-724-1930.

Dream Catchers Hunt of a Lifetime – Located at Straight Pine Elk and Deer Hunting Preserve, near Middleburg Pa.,Snyder County. You must fill out an application online at www.dreamcatchershunt.com.

Wyoming Disabled Hunters offers elk and deer hunts near Cody, Wyoming. To apply, call 304-899-0790 or go towww.wyomingdisabledhunters.org.

South Fayette Township Deer Hunt, 19-20 October – This event is for all disabled deer hunters. You must have anantlerless deer permit for Area 2B. This hunt is for muzzleloaders or shotguns or only. South Fayette Township is locat-ed in Allegheny County near Bridgeville, Pa. For more information call Paula Simmons at the Township office, 412-221-8700.

Next Membership Meeting: SATURDAY, 13 OCTOBER 2018Meeting sites: Erie VAMC, Lebanon VAMC, and the Heinz Campus of the

VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. See the back page!

Annual Awards BanquetAnnual Awards BanquetThursday, 04 October 2018Thursday, 04 October 2018

Hampton Banquet Hall5416 William Flinn Highway (Route 8), Gibsonia PA 15044The Hampton Banquet Hall is on Pa. Route 8 just north of the Butler Valley

Interchange of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. It is on the ground floor, level with theparking lot, which surrounds the building.Cost per person: $30.00

NOTE: Attendance at the Annual Banquet at no charge is a benefit for Life Membersand Associate Members, and each Life Member (paralyzed veteran) and

Associate Member may also bring one guest at no charge.Checks for Members and one guest per Member will be returned at registration.

Additional guests are welcome at $30 each. Due to food preparation considerations,no refunds for cancellations can be honored after 12 noon on Tuesday, 25 September.

Checks for no-shows will not be returned under any circumstances.

Reception and registration at 5:30 p.m. Dinner at 6:30 p.m.,followed by installation of directors, awards and door prizes.

00 per person

Please complete the registration form below, Make your check out to“Keystone PVA” and return no later than 25 September by mail toKeystone PVA, 1113 Main Street, Pittsburgh PA 15215-2407.

(You can fax this form to 412-781-2659 and send check by mail.)

ENTREES: Roast Sirloin of Beef au jus or Chicken Cordon BleuDinners include a tossed salad, buttered potatoes, green beans, and dessert.

Special dietary needs will be accommodated on request.More questions? Call 412-781-2474 or 800-775-9323.

Keystone PVA Annual Awards Banquet, THURSDAY, 04 October 2018Please provide the name you want on your nametag.

________________________________ ________________ Check here q if you are a Keystone PVAName Phone Life Member or Associate Member

Entree choice: qbeef qchickenAmount enclosed: $ ________ made out to Keystone PVA

____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________Name of guest Name of guest Name of guestEntree choice: qbeef qchicken Entree choice: qbeef qchicken Entree choice: qbeef qchicken

#_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _


Caregiver Support

One of the best things you can do for the veteran who relies on you is to take care of yourself. There are quite afew services the VA offers to help support Family Caregivers. Some of these services are offered in as well as out-side the home. They are designed to help you care for both you and your loved one.

A Caregiver Support Line is staffed by VA professionals. They can describe and connect you with many services orthey can simply be there if all you need to do is talk with someone. These professionals can also assign a personalCaregiver Support Coordinator located at the VAMC you frequent.

Monthly Educational Groups, offered via telephone, are available for discussing self-care tips for you and avail youthe opportunity to ask any questions and voice concerns.

Peer Support Mentoring enables caregivers the chance to help each other by either talking through tough times orby educating one another. A caregiver could be the mentor or the mentee depending on one’s knowledge and ofcourse time constraints. The Caregiver Support Line is 1-855-260-3274.

REACH VA is available to caregivers for veterans afflicted with: PTSD, ALS, MS, Dementia, or Spinal CordInjury/Disorders. Caregiving for these veterans may be a bit more challenging. Access is via the web athttps://www.caregiver.va.gov/REACH_VA_Program.asp

If you have any questions concerning your VA Benefits or issues with your local VA Medical Center, please contactyour local PVA NSO or PVA Veteran Health & Benefits Specialists.

VA benefits information for our membersfrom Kurtt Robinson,National Service Officer

Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Director/Lebanon VAMC Site Leader/Legislative Director . . Chris Fidler

A big welcome to Stacia Comrie as our new SCI/D Coordinatorat the Lebanon SCI/D Clinic! Stacia will be taking over forYasmin Brown. I’ve worked with her during the transition andshe has done an excellent job in her new position.

I’d also like to congratulate my fellow veteran athletes whocompeted in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games inOrlando recently.

Ken Walters won gold in ramp bowling, silver in air rifle andbronze in motorized rally. Steve Zimmerman won gold in rampbowling. Bryan McCrickerd won gold in archery and swimming(100m), and silver in handcycling and wheelchair slalom.Dennis Haines won two gold in track (100m and 200m). And Iwon four gold in track (100m, 200m, 400m and 800m) andbronze in archery and shot put.

Chris Fidler pushes in one of five track races atthe 2018 National Veterans Wheelchair Games inOrlando, Florida in late July and early August.


855-254-6784WheelsHelpingWarriors.org

GIFT YOUR OLDWHEELS FOR GOOD.

Your donated vehicle can go far inhelping severely injured veterans.Donations are sold at auction withproceeds going toward programs andservices for veterans and their families.You may also receive a tax break, too!

Paid for by the Jeffrey Carlton Charitable Foundation

.

Donation honors WWII veteranLeo George Viens (left)served in World War II as atechnician 5th Grade in the3rd Army’s 702nd TankBattalion, and as a staff ser-geant in the 1st Army. Hepassed away in 2001.Recently, his wife alsopassed away, and by priorarrangement with their chil-dren, have donated $18,541from the estate to theKeystone Chapter of theParalyzed Veterans ofAmerica.

Daughter Lorraine DiPersio of Doylestown, Pa., saidthat the family, which has members currently serving inthe military, wanted to do something for veterans inPennsylvania. She will provide some additional infor-mation about her mother and father that we will publishlater on in the Parascope.

Keystone PVA is immensely grateful for the very gener-ous and timely donation.

MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMSA All receipts submitted for reimbursement must be dated within the Chapter’s current fiscal year, 01 October---30 September.

A The Chapter has an annual picnic at Kennywood Amusement Park and an Annual Awards Banquet.

A Keystone PVA will reimburse voting members for their annual resident hunting license, with a limit of one (1) AntlerlessDeer License annually. Member must send a copy of all licenses and a receipt to obtain reimbursement. The cost of aresident fishing license will be reimbursed. Members may also be reimbursed for their membership dues for sports clubmemberships.

A Member Recreation Reimbursement Fund. Keystone PVA will reimburse voting members up to $100 for attendingany recreational event one time during the fiscal year or until the fund is depleted. Member must send receiptswithin 30 days of the event to the chapter office including a short description of the outing; good photos appreciated.

A The Chapter currently has a weekly bowling league available to members as a recreational activity and to practice for theNational Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG). Scores are in the newsletter and awards will be presented at the Chapterannual banquet. The Chapter may also reimburse members for other activities offered at the NVWG such as trapshootingand archery.

A Reimbursement for hunting, trapshooting and fishing programs that Keystone PVA supports or sponsors.

A Members that accumulate 12 points or more by attending membership meetings, attending Chapter functions,volunteering at VA medical centers, etc., qualify to participate in the Keystone PVA Sports and Recreation Program.

A All program expenses must be approved by the Keystone PVA Board of Directors.

Keystone Chapter Health and Recreation Points SystemTo be eligible for chapter sponsorship to the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and other recreational programs, a

member may earn points by participating in these activities. Sponsorship by the chapter requires 12 points per EACH event.

Attendance at a Keystone PVA membership meeting 3 pointsAttendance at a Keystone PVA membership activity, e.g., Easter Bag 2 points

distribution, Fish for Fun, Kennywood Picnic, Annual Awards BanquetReturn SCI Survey following Annual SCI Appointment 2 pointsVolunteer at a V.A. Hospital (4 hours or more) 2 pointsVolunteer for Keystone PVA (4 hours or more) 2 pointsWork out at V.A. or Rehab center with coach or therapist 1 pointParticipate in a Keystone PVA sponsored sports or 1 point

recreational activity, e.g., bowling, fishing, hunting, trapshoot, etc.Sign up a regular voting member 2 pointsRepresent Keystone PVA at community functions, e.g., Sharing and Caring, 2 points

Soldiers & Sailors,United Cerebral Palsy, Veteran Support GroupsRide, walk or roll in a Veterans Day Parade 3 points

AMembers are required to attend at least one Membership Meeting prior to attending a sponsored event.ATo receive credit for mileage, volunteer time & points, member MUST forward a Time Sheet---Volunteer Program

Report (formerly titled the “Keystone PVA Volunteer Expense Voucher”) and an After Action Report to thechapter office by the close of business on the 7th day of the following month. If the office is closed on the 7th,expense vouchers are due by the close of business the next working day.

AAll volunteers at the VA Medical Centers must complete volunteer training and receive a volunteer ID card. Thevolunteer hours MUST be in the name of PVA. Volunteer is responsible for forwarding the monthly VAVolunteer by Organization Report (VS26) to the chapter office by the end of the following month to receivetravel expenses.

For more comprehensive information on chapter programs, refer to Operations Manual Section 8, which was sent toevery member. You can access “Ops Man Section 8” on the chapter web site, www.kpva.org, or by calling the office.


PHOTO CREDITS.PHOTO CREDITS. Photos taken or supplied by Mark Rosensteel, page 1 (top), page 7; Chris Fidler, page 10;and Lorraine DiPersio, page 11. All other editorial photos by Keystone PVA staff.

ADVERTISING in THE PARASCOPEThe Parascope is published bi-monthly. Deadline for submission of advertising is the 15th day of the month prior to the cover date.Example: Advertising for the issue for November-December will be due no later than 15 October.CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: The charge is $20.00 for 15 words (each additional word is $.35). Your name and address or phonenumber counts as five words. CONTACT THE OFFICE FOR PAYMENT TERMS---412-781-2474.REGULAR MEMBERS of Keystone PVA qualify for up to a quarter-page advertisement free of charge. Members’ ads larger than aquarter-page will be half the price of the regular page. DISPLAY ADVERTISING RATES:

SIZE OF AD1/8 page1/4 page1/2 pageFull page

Six issues$ 90.00$180.00$360.00$720.00

Three issues$ 50.00$100.00$200.00$400.00

One issue$ 20.00$ 40.00$ 80.00$160.00


OctoberOctober01 James Gray01 Ray Mercalde02 George Barton04 Eric M. Kaag05 Kurt W. Eisele05 Jorden C. Jones10 Dwaine Crytzer10 Stanley Gillis10 William J. Shaw11 William Metzger12 Jim Costello15 Russell Achilles15 Jeffrey A. Campbell15 Thomas Fix18 Dale Kunkle18 Louise M. Wall19 Gib Gutshall22 Warren Reinhart23 Robert Eyler23 Ray Ganzy23 Mark Rosensteel24 Victor Ramos24 Patrick Schwabenbauer26 Daniel B. Heffernan27 David M. McBratney27 Bruce Palmisano31 John Kellner31 Donald King

NovemberNovember01 Janine Reese02 Annie Kiren03 Dominic Dorazio06 Charles Freed06 Michelle Shoop08 Gary Kirkendall08 Robert Mike09 Rory Cooper09 Raymond (Joe) Gilkinson

09 James Harff09 Gregory Heinle12 Richard S. Sarocky14 Alex Dipko15 Janice Rapoza16 Raymond C. Castleberry16 Virginia Mance16 Marjory Regan17 Henry Struble18 Terry Greer18 Thomas Gunderman18 Rebecca Henderson18 Edwin Leeper18 Harry B. Wallis20 Bruce Harris21 Gerald Longstreth21 Dane Smith22 James Jakubowski22 Dan Stark23 Agnes Strang23 Rebecca Strang25 John Fiorina28 Connor Fox, Jr.29 Pamela Stania30 Kenneth Elliott30 Sharon Miller30 Dwight E. Morris

If we missed yourIf we missed yourbirthday, let us know!birthday, let us know!

Give us a ring at theGive us a ring at thechapter office,chapter office,

800-775-9323,800-775-9323,if you spot an error.if you spot an error.

Many happy wishesto all our members,

associates,and volunteers!

HAPPY B IRTHDAYS !HAPPY B IRTHDAYS !


We mourn the passing of our members

Daniel MacKillop, Smock, Pa., on 06 November2016 (12-year member, Army veteran)

Barrett D. Ely, Morgantown, West Virginia, on02 December 2016 (29 year member, Army veteran)

Paul J. Regan, Clarence, New York, on 17 July 2018 (38 year member, Army veteran)

We regret that we frequently do not learn of the passing ofour members until some time after their deaths.

Membership Report . . . . . . . . . Tom Strang, Membership Officer

MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITYLifetime membership is free and there are no dues required for qualified veterans who apply to

the Chapter for membership.

Our newsletter no longer includes a membership application, but you can download one fromwww.kpva.org or just call the office, 412-781-2474 or 800-775-9323.

Life membership in the PVA is available to any U.S. citizen who served on Active Duty in theArmed Forces of the United States and who sustained spinal cord dysfunction because of trau-matic injury or disease. Separation from military service must have been under other than dis-

honorable conditions.

The Life Member receives all benefits according to the Bylaws of the Chapter of record and hasequal voting rights with the other members. The Life Member is also entitled to attend Chaptermeetings, hold office at the Chapter and National levels and receive PN Magazine, chapter publi-cations and bulletins from the National Office. In order to hold office, however, the Life Member

must receive certification from PVA’s National Secretary.

MEMBERSHIP TOTALS AS OF31 AUGUST 2018

Service connected 127Non-service connected 124

TOTAL 251Annual Associate Members 16Lifetime Associate Members 65

TOTAL 81

The primary site for the August Membership Meeting was thechapter’s office in Sharpsburg, Pa. Joining the meeting weremembers at the Erie VA Medical Center and the LebanonVAMC. Total attendance was 32, including 18 life membersand 10 associate members. Reports were given by chapter offi-cers and topics discussed included the ever-popular 2018National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Orlando, Florida. Theattendees adjourned to the parking lot for a group photo withthe PVA corporate/chapter logo emblazoned on the new chaptersign, the minivan, and nearly every shirt and hat.

DETOUR NO LONGER!Main Street in Sharpsburg is now open from Freeport Road inAspinwall and the Highland Park Bridge. Contractors did abeautiful job replacing and improving the connecting bridge onthe busy road that leads to our offices.

NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICERSand accredited administrators

for members in or around Pennsylvania:

Western Pennsylvania:Kurtt Robinson, Pittsburgh, 800-795-3629

Eastern Pennsylvania:Violet Graham, Philadelphia, 800-795-3628

Western New York:Michael Kruse, Buffalo, 800-795-3619

New Jersey:Thomas Ricks, Newark, 800-795-3617

AMERICAN THRIFT CENTERAMERICAN THRIFT CENTERQuality Pre-Owned

MerchandiseVillage Shopping Center1806 Homeville RoadWest Mifflin, PA 15122

412-469-9665 or 412-469-9663

The American Thrift Center hasbeen a professional fundraiser for

Keystone PVA since 1990.Keystone PVA members are cordial-ly invited to visit our store. Lifetimevoting members: Present your PVAmembership card and receive a50% discount on all purchases.

Also, by donating items tothe American Thrift Center

you are supporting Keystone PVA!


More people who helpmake Keystone PVA work!

Office Manager:Diane V. Byrnes

Administrative Assistant:Beth Carmona

Auditor:K. E. Randall &Associates

PHOTO SUBMISSIONS WELCOMEPHOTO SUBMISSIONS WELCOME.Must be sent or delivered in

electronic format. Must includecaption information. Delivery to

Keystone PVA gives it the right to useas it deems fit. Due to issues of

quality and quantity, we cannot guar-antee all submissions can be used.

. . . that the American Thrift Center has placed in the Pittsburgh region,this one at—1459 Crane Avenue! That’s Pittsburgh, by the way,between Carnahan Road and Banksville Road in the Banksville

neighborhood. Thanks to Crane Avenue Apartments! Donate at this orthe other red boxes, or call 412-469-9663 for pickup, especially if you

have a lot to donate.

BE ALERT! Look for “Paralyzed Veterans” on the box when that box isred. Also, some other organizations do not keep the proceeds of your

donations in Pennsylvania. This second-hand goods donationprogram is based, organized and operated only in Pennsylvania, andbenefits only the programs of the Keystone Chapter of the Paralyzed

Veterans of America.

Here’s another donation box . . .

The October Membership Meeting will be held inThe October Membership Meeting will be held inTHREE locations:THREE locations:

Erie, Lebanon, and the Heinz Campus of the VA PittsburghHealthcare System. Call the office to let us know you which

site you will attend, 800-775-9323 or 412-781-2474.

The next Keystone PVAMEMBERSHIP MEETINGwill be on Saturday, 13 OCTOBER 2018(Lunch 12 noon; meeting 12:45 p.m.)Primary site: Heinz Campus of the VAPittsburgh Healthcare System, 1010Delafield Road, Pittsburgh PA 15215,Building 51, Room 1A109.

Other sites where you can attend:

Erie VA Medical Center135 E. 38th Street, Erie PA 16504-1559in the second floor conference room

Lebanon VA Medical Center1700 S. Lincoln Avenue, Lebanon PA 17042-7529

RSVP by 05 October to 412-781-2474 or 800-775-9323

The mission of Keystone Paralyzed Veterans of America isto improve the quality of life of paralyzed veterans byl Encouraging and supporting spinal cord injury and disease research;l Improving access to health care and other veterans’ benefits;l Assisting in the expansion of opportunities in wheelchair sports and

recreation; andl Advocating for the rights of disabled people, including the reduction and

elimination of barriers to accessibility and mobility.

VA MEDICAL CENTERSAll VAVS representatives are also HospitalLiaison Officers and Site Leaders for theKeystone Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans.

James E. Van Zandt VAMC2907 Pleasant Valley BoulevardAltoona, PA 16602-4377877-626-2500William D. Lightner—VAVS

RepresentativeKurt Feathers—Deputy Rep.

Abie Abraham (Butler) VAHealthcare System353 N. Duffy RoadButler, PA 16001800-362-8262Jim Riemer—VAVS Representative

Erie VAMC135 E. 38th StreetErie, PA 16504-1559800-274-8387John Larese—VAVS

RepresentativeRex Nichols—Deputy Rep.

Lebanon VAMC1700 S. Lincoln AvenueLebanon, PA 17042-7529800-409-8771Chris Fidler—VAVS RepresentativeKen Walters—Deputy Rep.

VA Pgh. Healthcare SystemUniversity Drive campusUniversity Drive CPittsburgh, PA 15240800-309-8398

H. John Heinz III campus1010 Delafield RoadPittsburgh, PA 15215-1802800-309-8398For both campuses:Tom Strang—VAVS RepresentativeJerry Baylor—Deputy Rep.David Gifford, Deputy Rep.Ben Williams—Deputy Rep.

Articles published in The Parascope, even by officers and directors, do not necessarily reflect theviews of the Keystone Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America. Keystone PVA neither

endorses nor guarantees any of the products or services described or mentioned in The Parascope.

1113 Main Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15215-2407Phone 412-781-2474 or 800-775-9323

Fax 412-781-2659www.kpva.org

[email protected]

Documents

Volume XVI, Issue 5 September-October 2018 Keystone ...kpva.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Parascope... · The bi-monthly newsletter of the Keystone Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans