Due October 02, 2009

It is with great pleasure that we announce Paralyzed Veterans of America's sixth annual National Veterans Day Poster and Essay Contest. The theme for this year's contest is: Veterans Day: Why I'm Grateful for Our Nation's Veterans. The contest is open and all entries must be received by October 02, 2009. This deadline will allow time for the entries to be judged and winners to be chosen to attend Paralyzed Veterans of America's Veterans Day celebrations in Washington, DC.

This year the contest will consist of a poster contest for 1st - 4th graders and an essay contest for 5th - 8th graders. The final winner of the poster contest and the essay contest will receive an all-expense paid trip for him/her and one family member to Washington, DC, to participate in Paralyzed Veterans of America's Veterans Day 2009 ceremonies. The winning results will also be featured in PN.

This contest is a great way for kids to learn about veterans and the sacrifices they have made by giving them a creative outlet to express their gratitude for the service of others. Please spread the word about our contest to your local schools, scouts, boys and girls clubs, church groups, families, friends and others whom you think would be interested in participating.

Please visit www.thankyouveterans.org for contest rules or more information. If you have any questions, please send an e-mail to evelynr@pva.org.

Due June, 2009

CAL-DIEGO PVA established an Educational Scholarship Program to assist CAL-DIEGO PVA members, their family members and sponsorees in gaining a post-secondary education from accredited colleges and universities across the United States. For the upcoming 2009-2010 academic year, CAL-DIEGO PVA will be offering up to $3,000 in scholarship funds.

This program is open to CAL-DIEGO PVA members, their spouses and unmarried children (under 24 years of age), and/or member sponsorees. Applicants must be United States citizens and accepted or enrolled in an accredited college or university.

Applications must be received at the CAL-DIEGO PVA Office no later than 30 June 2009. Follow the link to obtain the instructions and application forms, or contact Kelly Price Noble at 800-423-2778 or via email at kprice@caldiegopva.org.

March, 2009

Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen, As you know, President Pleva testified before Congress last week and I just wanted to share our web coverage with you, especially for those who could not attend. As you'll see, it contains the story, his written testimony and actual video footage of his testimony. Please click on this link to view. All the best for now, Mark

The state of Califorina has a property tax rebate for disabled seniors (62), both home owners and renters

September, 2008

At approximately 3:00 PM, ET today, Senate bill S.3406, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, was brought to the Senate floor for a voice vote. Shortly before 5:00 PM, it passed by unanimous consent!

At approximately 5:30 PM, ET, Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) will hold a press event at the Senate Swamp (the grassy area across the drive from the east Senate steps) to mark the momentous event. Anyone interested from the D.C. area is encouraged to attend.

In June, the House approved the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (H.R. 3195) by an impressive vote of 402:17.

But before the bill can head to the White House, the Senate bill must first be sent back to the House. If the House accepts the Senate version of the bill, it could arrive on the President's desk with a veto-proof majority! Stay tuned.

Congratulations, advocates! Your persistent push got us here today!

September, 2008

Oscar "Oz" Sanchez wins the Gold medal in Cycling Road - Men's Ind Time Trial HC C, and a Bronze medal in Cycling Road - Men's Road Race (HC C). Read the full story about the 2008 Paralympics at www.pva.org.

This packet contains information about the disabled access credit that is available for small businesses and the tax deduction that is available for businesses of any size to help offset some of the costs of improving accessibility for customers or employees with disabilities. It also includes the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) form and instructions for claiming the disabled access credit, a list of ADA publications available free from the Department of Justice, and a list of telephone numbers and Internet sites to which you can turn for answers to your ADA questions.

Filner receives the Distinguished Service Award

National Convention in the "Show Me State"

I arrived early to attend the Association of Chapters Executive Directors’ (ACED) Board Meeting. At last February’s PVA Mid-Winter Board meeting, which was held here in San Diego, I was elected Chair. The mission of the ACED is to foster communication amongst Chapter Executive Directors in order to enhance and strengthen the administration and operation of the Chapters of the Paralyzed Veterans Association.
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Cal-Diego PVA recieves the Bob Webb Excellence in a Newsletter Award for 2007

Cal-Diego Chapter PVA is the winner of the Bob Webb Excellence in a Newsletter Award for 2007. Newsletter editor is Lindsey Gallaway.“The format has evolved to an easy-reading piece”, wrote Editor Gallaway. “Members are now inquiring about programs and events that have been in previous issues, but on a larger scale. Our ‘Good Stuff to Know’ page is one way in which we keep members informed of our services.”
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Cal-Diego First Annual One Day Salt Water Fishing Trip

The trip was aboard the good ship Reel Fun operated by Dana Wharf Sport Fishing out of Dana Point Harbor. Sixteen PVA´ers (9 in wheelchairs) and a crew of four sailed forth at 10:00 AM to a great day of fun, food, camaraderie and fishing. It was a nice cool morning with a slight breeze plus overcast. The overcast remained with us for the entire trip, keeping the temperature to a nice 78 degrees. The galley was busy preparing breakfast burritos on the short trip out of the harbor and south to just off the coast of San Clemente. During the trip out those that were interested contributed $5.00 for a big fish jackpot and Ed Paz was kept busy recording this great event in pictorial form for posterity. Thanks Ed, we appreciate your good work.
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San Diego VA Main Entrance Reopening

The Seismic Construction process is moving along. Here are the following updates that will affect the SCI Center

On or around 11 June 07, the front entrance to the Main Hospital will reopen to pedestrians. From 18 June thru 30 August, the atrium, connecting the SCI Center to the Main Hospital, will be closed. Access to the main building will be detoured via the SCI basement to the main bay of elevators in the Main Hospital. There is also a bridge linking the hospital from SCI just around the corner from Cal-Diego PVA's office that will remain unlocked during the day. The third egress is to go outside the SCI Center on the sidewalk to the main entrance. May I suggest the former two.

Parking

Five SCI parking spaces, closest to the SCI Center will be blocked during this next phase of construction. I have requested that we re-aquire the parking along the circular drive, which is currently painted red. So, the long and short of it wil be that we will once aqain have our 13 spaces! Please use caution as people will still attempt to drop off patients at the SCI entrance until everyone is familiar with the change.

Should you have any questions, please contact Kelly at (858) 450-1443.

VA Reports Records of 26.5 Million Veterans Stolen

Washington, DC – On Monday, May 22, 2006, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reported that records of more than 26.5 million veterans were stolen from an employee´s home. A VA employee had taken home an electronic data file that contained veterans names, birth dates, and social security numbers as well as some spousal information and some disability ratings. The burglary reportedly occurred on May 3, 2006. The VA employee has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of investigations by the FBI and local law enforcement officials.
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