Elks Host BVA
in Connecticut
Inclement weather on October 22 forced the cancellation of the Connecticut Regional Group’s annual turkey shoot sponsored by the Glastonbury Elks Club. Not to be defeated by a little bad weather, the Elks hosted a lunch and social hour for the group at its Glastonbury lodge.
The highlight of the event was the participation of 40-45 trainees from the Eastern Blind Rehabilitation Center in West Haven, accompanied by instructor Mike Rose and VIST Coordinator Judy Tencza. The regional group used the opportunity to hold its fall business meeting.
“We had a great time despite the weather and having to implement Plan B,” said Regional Group Secretary David VanLoan.
PR Labors Hard
to Get ScripTalk
The Puerto Rico Regional Group worked especially hard to secure ScripTalk at the San Juan VA Medical Center, according to Regional Group President Juan Olmeda. A pilot program is now in place in preparation for full implementation of the technology.
“The security and independence that this extraordinary technology offers is invaluable,” said Juan. “I am already using my device to read all my prescriptions.”
Tom Miller congratulated the group on its efforts and thanked Pharmacy Service at the medical center for responding to their requests for ScripTalk.
“We applaud Pharmacy Services for purchasing the necessary equipment to implement this new technology,” said Tom. “Without a doubt, this certainly will enhance safety for these veterans and hopefully eliminate medication errors and all of the medical complications that can come with them.”
In recognition of the action, the regional group presented a plaque of appreciation to Jose O. Rosa, Pharmacy Services Director, on October 14 in the medical center’s auditorium.
Computers: “Blinded Vets
Helping Blinded Vets”
Noting that keyboard proficiency was often a hindrance to successful learning of computer skills, Florida Regional Group members Gene Hayford and Paul Kaminsky have set up a two-station computer keyboard teaching lab.
The two assembled donated equipment and furniture, having obtained a small grant for the initiative. They also bring a wealth of volunteer experience to the project. Although Gene is a recent graduate of the Southeastern (Birmingham) VA Blind Rehabilitation Center, he has been a volunteer for almost two years. Paul has voluntarily offered his electronics and computer-related expertise to area blinded veterans for almost seven years. Both regularly utilize their remaining vision to help other blinded veterans utilize their remaining sight.
Both Gene and Paul are encouraged by the energy and volunteer spirit of their respective spouses. Carol Hayford helps the VIST Coordinator organize a monthly blinded veterans fellowship meeting while Maureen Kaminsky coordinates activities throughout the state as the BVA Auxiliary Secretary for the Florida Regional Group.
BVA National Looks to CFC
BVA Production Coordinator Laureen Bowles shows off Association's promotional materials used at CFC Fair at the National Reconaissance Office in Chantilly, Virginia.
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BVA’s Development and Communications Departments have recently teamed up in efforts to increase donations to BVA through the national Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Representatives of the two departments have appeared at charity fairs sponsored by federal agencies in the Washington area.
Development Department Production Coordinator Laureen Bowles and Coordinator of Communications Stuart Nelson have set up exhibit tables and booths at the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir, the National Naval Medical Center, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the National Reconnaissance Office. Contributions to BVA through CFC have recently experienced a sizeable increase.
Nearly four million federal employees and military personnel are able to contribute to the charities of their choice during the annual drive, which runs from September 1 through December 15. Established in 1961, it is the largest workplace charity campaign in the country and the only campaign authorized to solicit and collect contributions from federal employees in the workplace. More than $249 million was donated to the CFC in 2003.
BVA has met the criteria for many years to be listed as a CFC charity.
The Communications Department has designed an ad specifically targeted to federal employees in the National Capital area. The ad appeared five times in the Washington Post Express newspaper throughout the fall campaign.
Minnesota Vet Featured
in Health and Med Guide
Wally Jagow, Minnesota Regional Group, was featured in an article about retinitis pigmentosa in a special section of the Herald-Journal, a local newspaper published in Winsted, Minnesota.
The Herald-Journal’s Health and Medical Guide 2005 ran in July. The article, written by staff writer Ryan Gueningsman, detailed the facts and myths about retinitis pigmentosa and how Wally has progressively adapted to being legally blind since he was first declared such in 1968. The piece highlighted Wally’s use of technology and his positive experiences at the Southwestern Blind Rehabilitation Center in Tucson.
Wally, now 71, first discovered he had retinitis pigmentosa while stationed in Germany with the Air Force. He has been an active spokesman and member of the Board of Directors for the Minneapolis Society of the Blind. He is also a member of the American Council of the Blind and the American Legion. |
