Minutes of VAVS Quarterly Committee Meeting on 9/2/09

1. Dr. Levenson reported the Lobby (Main Enterence) will be undergoing a facelift. They will be overhauling the old wheelchair elevator/lift, the main doors will be automatic, and a new wheelchair elevator will be put in on the left side of the lobby.  To access the VAMC will patients will need to enter the doors in Primary care for those who parked in the upper lot. Those parking in the lower lot will access the medical center through the doors outside of Physical Therapy. The project will start in 3 to 4 weeks and will take 4 months to complete. Deb Krinsky is looking for volunteers to be greeters and escorts for 4 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the afternoon. Lunch and training will be provided. If interested, contact Deb at 624-4366 ext 6419.

2. In building 18 (old file room) will become more exam rooms. This is a FY10 project and will open early next spring.

3. CBOC Tilton is moving to a new location in downtown Tilton (TBA), the Director said it will be a 3000 sqft expansion which will house a primary care provider, a mental health provider, conduct blood draws. They will be putting another primary care provider at the new location. Currently, the one primary care provider sees 1500 veterans. The new location will be up and running by January 2010.

4. The VA's case manager at the Concord hospital reported they currently have 6 to 10 inpatients. She meets with them daily to see what there concerns are and she follows up with the doctors regarding their care. Dr. Levenson is looking to add additional staff based on the demand.

5. Dr. Levenson indicated it will cost the taxpayer $150,000,000.00 over the next 10 years to keep the medical center running. He's been thinking of building a new facility but nothing has been etched into stone.

6. FLU Shots to begin next month. Watch for the dates in the union leaders veterans page.

7. There will be a Volunteer Recognitin Banquet luncheon on September 27, 2009 at the Chateau restaurant in Manchester. Invitations will be mailed today (9/3) and the medical center needs a response by next Friday (9/11/09) if your planning on attending.

8. Deb Krinsky is looking for more volunteers to be Greeters, Escorts, and Drivers. If interested, contact Deb at 624-4366 ext 6419.

9. The Honor Flight program is growing, the medical center said they have 4 flights coming up on September 20th and 26th, and October 17th and 24th. This will be the end of the honor flight for the year. They will be starting up after the New Year. Please go to the Honor Flight website "http://www.honorflightnewengland.org", if you know of a WWII veteran who hasn't attended but wants to go on future flights, or if someone wanted to volunteer to be a "guardian", or if you wish to donate.

10. There will be an World War II Honor Ride / Poker Run on October 4th, 2009. Registration is from 0900 to 1000 at the Nashua Harley Davidson on Route 101A in Merrimack, NH. Riders are encouraged to pre-register by sending a check for $20.00 to Honor Flight New England, P.O. Box 16287 Hooksett, NH 03106. Additional riders are $10.00 each. Riders may also register on the day of the event for $25.00. Riders will register between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. and begin the 70 mile ride at their own leisure. Riders will stop at three separate locations where they will draw a playing card. These cards, when combined with the cards that they will receive at registration and the end of ride, will form a poker hand. The best and worst hands win prizes. For more information contact Tracy Culbeson at "culberson.honorflight@gmail.com."

11. A Homeless Veterans Standdown is schedule for October 21 at Harbor Homes in Nashua from 10-3pm.

12. VISN 1 VAVS Annual Workshop is November 19th and 20th in Freeport, Maine for ALL VAVS Reps and Deps. Contact Deb Krinsky for more information at 624-4366 ext 6419.

13. There's a need for $20.00 - $25.00 Grocery Store Gift Cards (Shaws or Hannaford) and $20.00 Gas Cards (Hess). They are also in need of Decaffinated Coffee and "no sugar" Hot Chocolate.  If you are willing to donate these gift cards, contact Deb Krinsky at 624-4366 ext 6419.

14. VAMC Manchester had there Grand Opening of the new Specialty Care Clinics on August 6th. To access the new clinics use the main elevator and get off on the 2nd floor.

15. Ms. Laura Shannon, CTRS/L from the Recreation Therapy Department reported the nursing home veterans have been busy with ceramics. She invited everyone to attend the nursing home residence Art Show on September 30th from 2-4pm in the Granite State Room. If you're in the area stop by and see some of the work of these patients.

16. In terms of resident enjoyment and attendance, Bingo continues to be one of the medical centers most successful programs. For as little as $35.00 per evening you can sponsor a bingo night. If interested and available please contact Andy or Laura at 603-624-4366 ext 6267 or ext 6269.

17. Pinic season is coming to a close and the Recreation Therapy Department are thankful for another successful summer. There are two resident cookouts left which will be Wednesday, Sept 9, 2009 (sponsored by AL District 4) and on Wednesday, Sept 16, 2009 (sponsored by AmLeg Jutras Post 43). Any questions call Andy or Laura at 624-4366 ext 6267 or ext 6269.

18. Chaplain Service, Anne Rodman, Bereavement Coordinator, reported a new program at the medical center for Palliative Care (end of life) program and are looking for veteran volunteers to befriend a dying veteran and his or her caregiver by offering a compassionate presence, emotional support and comfort as they live their remaining days, weeks, or months together. Bereavement support to Veteran and family members. They are looking for those veterans who have good listening skills, able to be present with a person who is ill and may be in physical, spiritual, and emotional pain; compassion; empathy. Training dates to be established post recruitment. If interested contact Anne Rodman, Bereavement Coordinator at 624-4366 ext 2159 or send her an email at Anne.Rodman@va.gov.