The Wheeled Herald Published by the Great Plains Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America Feb-Mar 2015 Inside This Issue Golden Age Games Habitat for Humanity President’s Report Wine & Roses ED Report Common Grounds NSO: NE Homestead Exemptions PVA Scholarship Fitness Update Chapter Birthdays Disability Services Fair Pressure Ulcers PVA Donation Box 7612 Maple Street Omaha, NE 68134 1.800.454.7782 tel.402.398.1422 fax: 402.398.1424 e-mail: [email protected] www.greatplainspva.org Omaha, Nebraska Habitat for Humanity: Programs for Veterans Habitat For Humanity has been making a difference in the city of Omaha for over 30 years. Earlier this month, Habitat representatives met with our Chapter President and E.D. to ask our help in creating awareness within Omaha’s veteran community for Habitat’s Roof and Repair Program and its Homeownership Program. Habitat has set a goal of increasing veteran participation in both of these programs. Currently, there are not veterans in the Homeownership Program. Veterans who qualify for the Roof and Repair Program are eligible for a 10-year, no interest loan, for up to $15,000 for exterior home repairs including roofing and siding and possible interior repairs to a furnace, A/C or water heater. Habitat’s veteran focus is evident by the fact that once a veteran completes an application and qualifies for the program he or she will move to the top of the wait list. For information on the Habitat For Humanity Roof and Repair Program contact Lula Plater-Smith at 402-884-3746. For information on Habitat’s Homeownership Program contact Vendolyn Johnson at 402-884-7417. When you call, be sure to say you are a veteran and a member of Great Plains PVA. Golden Age Games - Coming to Omaha! Omaha will play host to the 29th Annual National Veterans Golden Age Games from August 8-12. Veterans age 55 and older who receive care through VA are eligible to participate. Events are divided by age groups and include sports for both wheelchair users and visually impaired athletes. There are thirteen events: air rifle, badminton, bowling, cycling, dominoes, field, golf, horseshoes, nine ball, shuffleboard, swimming, table tennis, and track. Exhibition events include 3-on-3 basketball, blind disc golf, boccia, raquetball, and a road race. Online registration is now open at www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov. Great Plains PVA is organizing a team to compete in this year’s Golden Age Games. If you are interested and/or 2 0 1 5 N AT I O N A L would like more information, you can PLAINS call the chapter office at 402-398-1422. GOLDEN AGE GAMES VETERANS August 8-12, 2015 Omaha, Nebraska Open to Veterans 55 and older who are enrolled in VA health care. Sports include air rifle, badminton, bowling, cycling, dominoes, President's Message by Randy Squier Our Chapter continues to encourage our members to participate in our programs and activities, knowing the weather this time of year can be a factor. Our networking with the VA hospital and its SCI/D teams continues, as we send our Chapter Hospital liaison to Dallas, Texas to attend PVA’s Hospital Liaison Seminar in April. Mike Sheets and Laura Neiderhouse, in our NSO office, continue to support and advise our membership with VA benefits and eligibility. We are also sending personnel to Washington DC for PVA's annual Advocacy/Legislative Seminar in March. We've got good representation across the board. Our presence in and around the Omaha community is solid. The Chapter’s building plays a strong hand in that community involvement. Ongoing repairs of this asset are always part of our continuing efforts to serve our members with a quality space they’re proud of. Even a brand new home needs repairs from time to time to remain viable. As we consider improvements, we know that this building is far from new. The number of people that use our facility on a regular basis continues to grow. That creates a lot of everyday traffic and wear and tear of the heating and cooling system, the carpets and even the paint on the walls. As we try to keep these spaces functional, it is our responsibility to maintain the building to its highest level possible. It is part of our commitment to our membership and those that come after us to continue the mission. Chapter Officers So if you’re in and around the Chapter's building, you will see many Randy Squier, President John Scott, Vice President things are in progress. We will do our best to renew the space for years Vincent “Jim” Toelle, Secretary to come, time and money permitting. Craig Enenbach, Treasurer Our Sports Director continues to refine the fitness challenges and Chapter Directors strengthen us all through our fitness program. Members have been Mike Moore, Director training throughout the year in preparation for the National Veterans Dave Nelson, Director Wheelchair Games in Dallas. Athletes going to Dallas this year: don't Chris Crews, Director forget to submit your application by April 15th. If you need assistance, Immediate Past President stop by or call the Chapter at 402-398-1422. Mark Linquist National Director Craig Enenbach National Service Officer Mike Sheets 1-800-795-3615 Executive Director Mary Bushman [email protected] Government Relations Director Amanda Vazquez [email protected] Director of Grants and Development Angelina Ramos [email protected] Sports Director Patrick Reynolds [email protected] Administrative Assistant Jane Healy Building Attendant David Hansen Wine & Roses On February 15th, the Great Plains PVA Ladies Auxiliary hosted its 9th annual Wine & Roses fundraising event at WineStyles in Omaha. This was a record year both in attendance and funds raised. Thanks to all who supported the event and helped make it so successful! Proceeds from the fundraiser support scholarships for graduating high school seniors who have a disability or have a parent with a disability. Special thanks to Bill & Jackie Siebert for their generous sponsorship. Executive Director’s Report by Mary Bushman Omaha takes pride in its city and we are fortunate to have companies like Home Depot and BEHR paint who share a sense of community and work to build relationships within the communities they serve. A guiding principle of the BEHR Paint Company is to “do the right thing.” The company and its individual team members believe in reaching out into the communities where they conduct business. In 2003, BEHR team members created the BEHRCares program and its charitable outreach has been making a positive impact in communities across the country. Team Depot, Home Depot’s associate-led volunteer program, brings together volunteerism, do-it-yourself expertise, product donations and monetary grants as a way to support the communities where the associates live and work. On behalf of Great Plains PVA, I would like to express our gratitude for a recent opportunity to partner with the Team Depot and BEHRCares programs. Great Plains PVA is working with Home Depot Team Depot Captain Janelle Stearns through Home Depot’s Celebration of Service program. At one of our meetings, Janelle recognized the need for painting in our Chapter building. In January, Janelle contacted BEHR Sr. Sales Representative Ryan Travalik and proposed a joint painting project. Ryan came out to our office, learned about our PVA mission and offered his full support to the project. He worked with PVA staff members on color selection and coordinated volunteers through Home Depot. On February 5th Ryan, Janelle and 8 Home Depot team members from 2 Omaha stores spent the day at the Great Plains PVA office giving fresh coats of paint to its time worn walls. BEHR donated 25 gallons of paint to the project and Home Depot team members from the 72nd and Ames store and the 144th and Maple store donated their time and painting talents. The two stores also donated all the painting supplies needed for the day. Thanks to Ryan, Janelle, BEHR Paint and Home Depot for recognizing our Great Plains PVA mission to improve quality of life of paralyzed veterans and for providing a much-needed service to our PVA chapter. NCCD Hosts Common Grounds at State Capitol The Nebraska Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (NCCD), of which Great Plains PVA is a member, hosted its annual Common Grounds event at the Nebraska state capitol on Wednesday, March 5th. The event welcomed state senators and their staffs to meet and greet NCCD member organizations while enjoying specialty coffees and smoothies, as well as a light breakfast. NCCD wrote six policy briefs to bring attention to issues that affect people with disabilities. These briefs were distributed to the senators during Common Grounds and were mirrored after the national Six by Fifteen Campaign, which aims to achieve six national goals regarding people with disabilities by the end of 2015. Visit www.sixbyfifteen.org for more information. NSO Report-Nebraska Homestead Exemption by Mike Sheets In this month’s newsletter, I am going to provide you with an overview on the recent legislative changes to the Nebraska Homestead Exemption and how they affect eligible disabled veterans and their widow(er)s. Important: All eligible disabled veterans and their widow(er)s must obtain new 2015 disability certifications. The Nebraska Department of Revenue Form 458 must be filed after February 1, 2015 and before June 30, 2015, or you will not be eligible for a homestead exemption for the 2015 assessment year. Listed below is the new criteria determining the eligibility of disabled veterans and their widow(er)s. • A veteran receiving compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) because of a 100% disability (including the Individual Unemployability rate) that was service-connected. This homestead is 100% exempt regardless of homestead value and income level (Category 4). • A wartime veteran totally disabled by a nonservice-connected illness or accident. Having qualifying household income. This homestead is 100% exempt (Category 2). • A paraplegic veteran or multiple amputee whose home is substantially contributed to by the DVA. This homestead is 100% exempt regardless of homestead value and income level(Category 5). A homestead exemption is also available for the unremarried widow(er) of: • Any veteran who died because of a service-connected disability (Category 4). • A service member whose death while on active duty was service-connected (Category 4). • A service member who died while on active duty during wartime who has qualifying household income - this homestead is 100% exempt (Category 6). • A veteran who received compensation from the DVA because of a 100% disability that was service-connected (Category 4). • A paraplegic veteran or multiple amputee whose home is substantially contributed to by DVA (Category 5). All eligible disabled veterans and their widow(er)s must own and occupy the homestead from January 1 through August 15; and must also include a certification from the DVA. If a certification from the DVA is not filed with the county assessor, the veteran or unremarried widow (er) will lose the homestead exemption for that year. If you have questions regarding Category 2 and Category 6 status, qualifying household income, please reference The Nebraska Department of Revenue Homestead Exemption Information Guide, Table III, http://www.revenue.nebraska.gov/info/96-299.pdf. If you need assistance in obtaining a Homestead Exemption letter from the DVA or have further questions about the Homestead Exemption criteria or process please call my office at 402-420-4017. YOUR FUTURE AWAITS Paralyzed Veterans’ scholarship program now accepting applications Paralyzed Veterans of America invests in our members and their families. Our Educational Scholarship Program assists members and their immediate family members by providing scholarship funds to help with a post-secondary education. We will award scholarships in the amount of $1,000 to full-time students and $500 to part-time students for an academic year. APPLICANT MUST BE: • A Paralyzed Veterans of America member, spouse of a member, or an unmarried child (under 24 years of age) who is dependent (as defined by the IRS) on the member for principal support • A United States citizen • Accepted and enrolled as a full- or part-time student in an accredited U.S. college or university Previous award recipients may apply. Download an application at pva.org, or for more information contact Christi Hillman at (800) 424-8200, ext. 776; [email protected]. Applications must be completed in full and postmarked no later than June 17, 2015. Nebraska’s only Factory Authorized Dealer *Quality Assurance Certified* Platform Lifts – Hand Controls – Transfer Seating – Stowage Lifts – Mini Vans – Full Size Vans With over 50 years experience in the Mobility industry, we look forward to assisting you with your adaptive equipment needs. Mobility Solutions From Manufacturers including: BraunAbility*Bruno*EZ Lock*MPS*MPD*Drive Master* Electronic Mobility Controls*Prairie View Industries* And More Phone 402 934-‐7826 Toll Free 855 934-‐7826 24 Hour Emergency Service 4815 S 115th St. Omaha NE 68137 Or visit us at heartlandmobility.com Fitness Patrick Reynolds, Sports Director January Challenge Results The January Challenge only had one person, one, complete it under the time cap. Travis Hasenkamp finished in first place with a time of 16:26. Chris Parnell came up 16 strokes on the VitaGlide short of finishing and ended up in second place. Ethan Eckelbarger ended 42 VitaGlide strokes short of finishing but did get third place in the challenge. Congratulations to these three men and to everyone that competed! Below is the format of the January Challenge: • 7 Rounds for Time; 20 Minute Time Cap: * Handbike 240 Meters @ 3.0 * 30 Chest Presses @ 108lbs * 45 strokes on the VitaGlide @ 5 February Challenge Announcement The February Challenge is a dual ascending ladder of overhead presses and pulldowns. This one will start out fairly easy but as those reps get bigger and bigger, it’s going to hurt! Below is the format: • As Many Rounds As Possible in 12 Minutes of: * 10 Overhead Press @ 25lbs * 10 Pulldowns @ 125lbs * 12 Overhead Press @ 25lbs * 12 Pulldowns @ 125lbs *Continue pattern of adding 2 reps with each round completed until 12 minutes is reached* 2015 Spring Open Announcement The 2014 Spring Open started a tradition of the final event and crowning of top three culminating during the Great Plains PVA Disabilities Fair. Many from the community came out to experience the Fair and the zenith of a year’s worth of training for our PVAFit athletes. It was a perfect marriage and we will hold the 2015 Spring Open finale during the 2015 Disabilities Fair. You do not have to be a member of the PVA Fitness program to compete but you must have a disability. Each participant must complete each event within the time frame it’s allotted. Considerations to event schedule adjustment will be made depending on need. Below is the 2015 Spring Open schedule: • Event One – March 9th to March 13th • Event Two – March 16th to March 20th • Event Three – March 23rd to March 27th • Event Four – March 30th to April 3rd • Event Five – April 6th to April 10th • Event Six – April 13th to April 17th • Final Event & Great Plains PVA Disabilities Fair – April 18th Every Open has had more and more participants and we hope that will be the case this Spring. Game on, March 9th! CHAPTER BIRTHDAYS March Lindsay M. Stearns * Thomas A. Pollock * Terry E. Voorhies * Jerry W. Sandage * Randolph J. Squier * Charles February F. Dus * Michael S. Janik * Robert Glavser * Russell E. Jerry S. Tharp * Elizabeth A. Cockett * Rimovsky * Sara J. Campbell * Joseph M. May * David D. Clayborn C. Barnett * Darwin M. Larson * Hebert * Barbara R. Bailey * Roger W. Leonhardt * Ronald Andrew C. Nelsen * Sidney S. Rightmyer * T. Bacon * John C. Thompson * Darrell E. Albery * Marvin Michael E. Moore * James M. Harrin B. McClaughry * Charles (Chas) E. Magdanz Metro-Omaha Disability Services Fair Presented by Saturday, April 18th 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Great Plains PVA 7612 Maple Street Free Admission * Large network of area disability service providers covering: Transportation, Drivers Education and Adaptive Equipment, Medical Equipment & Supplies, In-Home Care, Respite Care, Home Accessibility & Modifications, Sports & Recreation, Veterans Benefits, Therapeutic Horseback Riding and more.... * Free gift bags to the first 50 people in the door! * Free hourly drawings for area gift certificates! *Free Grand Prize drawing for a FLAT SCREEN TV! * PVA Adapted Health & Fitness Center Open House * Special demonstrations * Refreshments provided For more information call: Great Plains PVA Heartland Mobility Amanda Vazquez Michael Patterson or Bill Siebert 402-398-1422 402-934-7826 Toll Free 855-934-7826 Groundbreaking Device Being Tested by VA May Put End to Pressure Ulcers Information from VA.gov Pressure ulcers (commonly known as bed sores) are one of the most troublesome and painful complications for patients during a long hospital stay, but a joint project between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Center for Innovation and General Electric (GE) Global Research may one day make pressure ulcers a thing of the past. A multi-disciplinary team of scientists have combined an array of sensing and analytical tools, including motion analysis, thermal profiling, image classification/segmentation, 3-D object reconstruction and vapor detection into a single medical sensing handheld probe to assess and monitor the progression of bed sores or pressure ulcers. The device is currently in pilot testing at the Augusta, Georgia, VA Medical Center Spinal Cord Injury Unit. The probe integrates multiple sensing capabilities with analytics and user support features to more acutely measure pressure ulcer formation and/or to determine if an ulcer is healing. “The collaboration with GE is another example of the innovative work VA is doing with our private sector colleagues to advance the science of health care for our Veterans,” said Dr. Carolyn Clancy, VA’s Interim Under Secretary for Health. “We are pleased to work with GE to pilot a technology that holds the promise of revolutionizing the protocol for preventing and treating painful bed sores. We know that if patients are not turned on a regular basis, they can develop bed sores during their hospital stay as pressure builds up on their skin. By combining physical inspection with the technology capable of allowing realtime monitoring, we may be able to prevent ulcers from forming or advancing. This innovation is about providing the best care to our Veterans and collaborations like this one with GE helps us do just that.” Individuals with spinal cord injuries with loss of sensation and mobility are particularly at risk for developing pressure ulcers. In U.S. hospitals alone, an estimated 2.5 million patients per year develop pressure ulcers, which require treatment. “Pressure ulcers are a very pervasive, but also very preventable condition for hospital patients,” said Ting Yu, GE’s Principal Investigator on the pressure ulcer prevention and care program. “The device can help detect the earliest signs of ulcer formation. It also provides a more objective and comprehensive assessment of the wound to understand its progression. We’re now testing this device with VA in a clinical setting to see if it provides the kind of information that will help hospitals reduce and one day eliminate pressure ulcers from developing with patients.” For other notable innovative VA research initiatives visit http://www.research.va.gov/ Local PVA Donation Dropbox Locations 24th Street Tires 3229 S 24th St, Omaha, Ne 68108 A&W/Long Johns 8220 Giles Rd, La Vista, Ne 68128 ABC & Me 7305 S 85th St, La Vista, Ne 68128 Abelardo’s Mexican Food 8417 Park Dr, Omaha, Ne 68127 American Legion 230 West Lincoln St, Papillion, Ne 68046 American Legion Post 1 7811 Davenport St, Omaha, Ne 68114 Auto Value 7344 Maple St, Omaha, Ne 68134 B.I.G. Meats 4867 S 137th St, Omaha, Ne 68137 Bellevue Sinclair 1009 W Mission Ave, Bellevue, Ne 68005 Best Western White House Inn 305 Fort Crook Rd North, Bellevue, Ne 68005 Bj’s 4122 Ames Ave, Omaha, Ne 68111 Bulls Eye Paintless 1501 S Fort Crook Rd, Bellevue, Ne 68005 Carpet Land 11010 Emmet St, Omaha, Ne 68164 Darbys Tavern 6503 Sunshine Dr, Omaha, Ne 68107 Disabled American Vets 4515 F St, Omaha, Ne 68117 DJ’s 6818 S 13th St, Omaha, Ne 68107 Econolodge 7833 West Dodge St, Omaha, Ne 68114 Fraternal Order of Eagles 6607 Sunshine Dr, Omaha, Ne 68107 Fusion BBQ 7024 Maple St, Omaha, Ne 68104 Golden Corral 6006 N 72nd Street, Omaha, Ne 68134 Grandma’s Attic 2001 Vinton St, Omaha, Ne 68108 Hi Performance Car Wash 8904 Fort St, Omaha, Ne 68134 Holeyfield Health Systems 10135 S 25th st, Bellevue, Ne 68123 HyVee 10808 Fort St, Omaha, Ne 68164 Jim’s Rib Haven 3801 Ames Ave, Omaha, Ne 68111 Kids Stuff Super Store 630 S 72nd St, Omaha, Ne 68114 Kmart 5000 L St, Omaha, Ne 68117 Learning Key Childcare 4711 Giles Rd, Bellevue, Ne 68157 Lina’s Restaurant II LLC 8420 Brentwood Dr, LaVista, Ne 68128 Los Portables Restaurant 2614 S 13th St, Omaha, Ne 68108 Marcus Town Creek Cinema 3909 Ranor Parkway, Bellevue, Ne, 68123 Nava’s Supermarket 4801 Q St, Omaha, Ne 68117 Omaha Mega Market 5222 S 136th Street, Omaha, Ne 68137 Omaha Vet Center 3047 S 72nd St, Omaha 68124 continued... PVA Dropbox Locations continued... Petco Phil’s Foodway Phillips Gas Station Pump and Pantry PVA River City Glass Rod Kush Royal-Te-Childcare Star Plaza Superior Spa and Pool Tailgaters Sportsbar Timberland Nebraska US World Day Care Center VFW #2503 Vicki’s Boho Bazaar 7110 Dodge Street, Omaha, Ne, 68132 3030 Ames St, Omaha, Ne 68111 12005 Pacific St, Omaha, Ne 68154 6912 S 110th St, LaVista, Ne 68128 7612 Maple St, Omaha, Ne 68137 13305 Millard Ave, Omaha, Ne 68137 4801 S 72nd Street, Omaha, Ne 68127 3209 N 90th St, Omaha, Ne 68134 7511 S 36th st, Bellevue, Ne 68147 14005 S Plaza, Omaha, Ne 68137 2603 S 120th St, Omaha, Ne 68144 10736 Ellison Plaza, Omaha, Ne 68134 3427 S 42nd St, Omaha, Ne 68105 8904 Military Ave, Omaha, Ne 68134 3333 S 61st Ave, #100, Omaha, Ne 68106 If you know of any business that would be interested in allowing a dropbox on their lot, please contact Mary at the Great Plains PVA office at 402-398-1422. Nebraska’s only Factory Authorized Dealer *Quality Assurance Certified* Platform Lifts – Hand Controls – Transfer Seating – Stowage Lifts – Mini Vans – Full Size Vans With over 50 years experience in the Mobility industry, we look forward to assisting you with your adaptive equipment needs. Mobility Solutions From Manufacturers including: BraunAbility*Bruno*EZ Lock*MPS*MPD*Drive Master* Electronic Mobility Controls*Prairie View Industries* And More Phone 402 934-‐7826 Toll Free 855 934-‐7826 24 Hour Emergency Service 4815 S 115th St. Omaha NE 68137 Or visit us at heartlandmobility.com Prosthetics Delay Report Form Responsible PVA Service Office: _________________________ Date: ________ Last Name: __________________ First Name: __________________ MI: ______ SSN: _______________________ Age: ____ PVA Member: Yes ☐ No ☐ Description of disabling condition that necessitates reliance on prosthetics, including the date of injury: ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Are you service-connected: Yes ☐ No ☐ Item/Device/Equipment ordered: ___________________________________________________________________ Date Ordered: ____________ Prescribing Clinician/Therapist: ________________________________________ VA Medical Center: __________________________________________________ Veteran Integrated Service Network (1-23): _________ Order delayed more than 30 days: ☐ Denied: ☐ Reasons given for decision: ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Impact of delay/denial: ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Send the completed to the National Officerorinemail Lincoln: Faxform the completed form to Service (202) 416-7754 to [email protected] Mike Sheets, 3800 Village Drive, PO Box 85816, Lincoln, NE 68501 or by fax: 402-421-2973. ADA & Accessibility Concerns If you have experienced a situation in which you believe an individual or business is not in compliance with ADA laws, and you would like assistance from Great Plains PVA, fill out this form as completely as possible. Your Name: _________________________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________ City/State/Zip: _________________________ Telephone: ________________________ Email: _________________________________________ Name of the Individual/Business that is not in compliance: __________________________________________________________________________________ Description of the situation (including any steps you have taken to address the situation): __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Date that non-compliance was realized: ____________________________________________ If you have pictures or documents that could assist us with your case, please provide copies along with this form when it is returned. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Amanda Vazquez at 402-398-1422 or by email at [email protected]. Return form: by mail: Great Plains PVA, Attn: Amanda Vazquez, 7612 Maple St., Omaha, NE 68134; by fax: 402-398-1424; or by email: [email protected] Upcoming Events March 1st-6th: National PVA Advocacy Seminar, Washington DC 12th:BOD Meeting/Auxiliary Meeting1:00pm General Membership Meeting2:30pm 17th: Happy St. Patrick’s Day! April PVA Awareness Month 1st:Easter Eggstravaganza6:30-8pm 5th: Happy Easter! 9th:BOD Meeting1:00pm 18th: Disability Services Fair at GPPVA 1-4pm May 14th:BOD Meeting/Auxiliary Meeting1:00pm 20th: OmahaGives! Fundraising Event 25th: Memorial Day - Office Closed June 6th: 13th annual Tee Off & Support Wheelchair Sports Golf Tournament Great Plains Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) is a non-profit organization that has dedicated over 40 years to helping veterans with spinal cord injuries, as well as other individuals living with disabilities, across Nebraska, Western-Iowa, and Kansas. Great Plains PVA is dedicated to improving quality of life by providing education, promoting equal opportunities, encouraging independence, and enhancing lifetime health and fitness. PVA is at the forefront helping and advocating for the rights and benefits of veterans and all people living with disabilities.
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