The President’s Message…
December 2009
Congratulations to CEPSA members and the executive council on another successful year for our organization! Your interest and support have helped us to grow. Among our accomplishments, we have gained new information on post-polio syndrome; provided peer support to each other; shared ideas about dealing with our late effects each day; celebrated our 12th anniversary; had an article about our map project published by Polio Health International; raised funds to operate our organization; and let the greater community know that we’re still here through media coverage. We have had some excellent speakers. Several new members have joined. The high point of our year to date was our participation in the Heel-to-Toe event on Hilton Head Island to raise funds for polio eradication across the planet.
Sadly, we lost some members this year. We will be paying tribute to them on our web site in our “In Memoriam” section.
Congratulations to our new slate of officers for 2010. We look forward to working with them and continuing CEPSA’s success.
I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your president this year. As always I wish I had done more. Please know that this organization and all the members are a very important part of my life. I’ve never regretted telling Shirley Carnell, our founder, that I would assist her in starting this support group. I have gained more than I ever have given.
Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!!
Cheryl Brackin, President
CITY COMPLETES CURB CUTS IN HISTORIC DISTRICT
At a recent meeting of the Savannah-Chatham Council on Disability Issues, Bob Scanlon, Chief of Savannah’s Facilities Maintenance Bureau, reported that all the curb cuts in the City’s Historic District are now complete. Over the past three years crews completed 1459 new cuts. This is in addition to the 1247 cuts that existed before 2007. Chief Scanlon said that some of these older ones are going to be redone to make them compliant with ADA standards. This is great news. Scooter and wheelchair users will no longer need a sidewalk map to enjoy Savannah’s beautiful Historic District. Many thanks to City officials and CEPSA’s map project for bringing about greater accessibility in the Historic District.
CEPSA Monthly Minutes, October 24, 2009
The CEPSA monthly meeting was called to order by Cheryl Brackin, President. She welcomed the members and visitors to the meeting.
Adrienne Stallworth introduced our speaker, Dr. Joseph Hegarty, Pain Management Specialist. He shared many aspects of “Pain Management in Polio Survivors.” There was an excellent question and answer session following his talk.
Adrienne Stallworth moved that the minutes of the previous meeting be approved with the correction that the Davenport House is not accessible to scooters and wheelchairs and those with mobility issues, but that a virtual tour is being developed for a DVD. Sec. Sandra Bath. Approved.
Marty Foxx presented the Treasurer’s report, and moved that it be accepted. Sec. Betty Goff, Approved. Marty mentioned that we had applied for the Knox Foundation Grant, and had not heard anything. Betty Goff had some mail from Beverly Jarvis, and in the mail was the check for the $2500 Knox grant.
Care Team Reports: The following have a variety of concerns: Lorraine Frew, recovering from surgery: Beverly and Gene Jarvis; Eileen Boyle, Ann Finley facing surgery, Gloria Sullivan; Shirley Johns; Deloris McIntyre, Eunice Newcomer, Janet DiClaudio, Archie Ivey; Dale Merritt and Bob and Dot Parkhurst.
Nominating Committee: Diane Davis presented the following slate of officers to serve for the 2010 year. President: Jim Veccia; Vice-President Diane Davis, Secretary/Treasurer: Marty Foxx. Adrienne Stallworth moved that we accept this slate by acclamation. Sec Betty Goff. Approved.
Diane also presented the following committee chairmen:
Member at Large: Janet DiClaudio; Website and By-Laws: Jim Veccia; Newsletter: Charlotte Richter; New Member: Harvey Varnedoe; Fund Raising: Richard Graham; Hospitality Co-Chairs:Terri Dunnermann and Adrienne Stallworth; Care Team Leaders: Lavonne Calandra and Betty Goff, Directory: Adrienne Stallworth.; Publicity: Cheryl Brackin; and Accessibility Awareness Chair: Harvey Varnadoe.
The December banquet will be at the Hilton Garden Inn, Saturday, December 5, 2009, at 12 noon. The November newsletter will have all the details. Care group leaders will be calling to get a head count and your menu selection. The cost is $10.00.
Old Business: Mailing of the newsletter: Jim reported that about 50 newsletters had been returned because the Post Office did not recognize the “Free Matter for the Blind and Handicapped” notation on the mailing label.
Heel to Toe: Jim reported that the Walk was a tremendous success. We had about 40 people there. It was a wonderful, cooperative effort. We commended Jim for raising the most money.
Harvey Varnadoe reported that nicer polo shirts are available for our members with the CEPSA emblem on them. We agreed to wait until next year to see what we want to do about ordering shirts. We thanked Harvey for his efforts in getting the CEPSA T-shirts for the walk.
Marty Foxx moved to adjourn at 12:42. Sec. Sally Luck. Approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
Adrienne Stallworth, Secretary
Happy Birthday …
November
Ann Chance – 11
Pixi Winters – 12
Delorise Manor – 21
Judy Frick – 23
Hilda Fields – 25
Beverly Polin – 25
Velma Underwood – 26
December
Dianne Falgiani – 2
Sally Luck – 15
Betty Goff – 22
Diane Davis – 27
Our Condolences go out to the family of Dr. Peter Beeton on his death. Dr. Beeton was a CEPSA member and polio survivor. Please remember his family in your prayers.
Member Concerns
Lorraine Frew
Ann Finley
Betty Goff
Gene Jarvis
Shirley Johns
Eunice Newcomer
Gloria Sullivan
Janet DiClaudio
Harriet and Dale Merritt
QUOTE of the MONTH
“When your mind and body says, ‘Give up,’ Hope whispers, ‘Try it one more time.’” Author Unknown
I Give Thanks
For sun, moon and stars
That light the sky
For billowy clouds
Floating by
I give thanks
For flowers, shrubs and grass
And softening sod
For shadowy trees
Designed by God
I give thanks
For father, mother and brother
Who loved me
For aunts, uncles and cousins
Who shared with me
I give thanks
For nephews and nieces
I love to pieces
And for my in-laws
Who accepted me
I give thanks
For all of my friends
Who offered support
And helped to make me
A better sport
I give thanks
Janet DiClaudio
October 2007
Welcome New Members
Karen Bostian …………………Hilton Head, SC
Sharon Mohr …………………..Bluffton, SC
Stuart Robinson ………………..Bluffton, SC
CEPSA ANNUAL BANQUET
DECEMBER 5, 2009
12:00-3:00
Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Midtown
5711 Abercorn Street
Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 652-0300
MENU SELECTIONS:
| Plated Fried ChickenFried Chicken served with Rice Pilaf and Green Beans. |
| Plated Alaskan PollockAlaskan Pollock served with Rice Pilaf and Peas and Snaps. |
| Plated Vegetable LasagnaVegetable Lasagna served with sautéed seasonal vegetables. |
| Starter: Garden Salad, Iceberg Lettuce with Cucumbers, Tomatoes and Carrots.Dessert: Chef’s Choice of Assorted Pies. |
PRICE: $ 10.00 per person
Reservations are required by November 20, 2009.
Directions to the Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Midtown:
From the South
- Take I-95 North to I-16 East (Exit 99)
- Take I-16 to 516 East
- 516 Turns into Derenne. Follow Derenne for approximately 1 mile and turn right onto Abercorn.
- Go approximately ½ mile and turn right onto Johnson and the hotel is on your right.
From the North
- Take I-95 South to I-16 East (Exit 99)
- Take I-16 to 516 East
- 516 Turns into Derenne. Follow Derenne for approximately 1 mile and turn right onto Abercorn.
- Go approximately ½ mile and turn right onto Johnson and the hotel is on your right.
From the West
- Take I-16 East
- Take I-16 to 516 East
- 516 Turns into Derenne. Follow Derenne for approximately 1 mile and turn right onto Abercorn.
- Go approximately ½ mile and turn right onto Johnson and the hotel is on your right.
IMPORTANT
Please contact your care team leader if you have not heard from him/her by November 20th. If you don’t know your leader, call either Betty Goff 912-355-8497 or Lavonne Calandra 912-354-2020. All care team leaders call Betty or Lavonne by November 20th to give them the results of your calls.
CEPSA wishes to thank the following members and friends who have given more than dues to our organization. Thank you to our generous 2009 sponsors and supporters:
- Boone and Jefferson Knox of Knox Foundation
- Buddy Sapp at Sapp’s Wrecker Service
- Alan Williams
- Kenneth Tornvall
- Danny Zeigler
- Ronald Stewart
- Ayesha Brown
- Becky Cheatham
- Auto Shine Car Wash
- Arnold Skinner
- Minuteman Press of Habersham Village
- Linda and Daniel Prosser
- Dennis Price
- Merry Wood Baptist Church in Statesboro
- Jane Sandefur
- Dr. Madeline Chatlain
- James Richardson
- Will and Betty Hodges
- Katherine Hunter
- Sue Mingledorff
- Shannon Foxx Willhite
- Doyle Foxx
- Cheryl Brackin
- Adrienne Stallworth
- Janet DiClaudio
- Hattie Evensen
- Charlotte Richter
- Jim Veccia
- Richard Graham
- Tom Schendorff
- Marty Foxx
- Sandra Bath
- Idella Stevens-White
- Bob and Dot Parkhurst
- Kenneth Salter
- Wayne Ellis
- Beverly and Gene Jarvis
- Ruth Parham
- Betty and Gene Goff
- Harvey Varnadoe
- Barry Turner
- Pixie Winters
- Tony Tedona
- Archie Ivey
- Delores McIntyre
- Velma Underwood
- Harriet Merritt
- Richard Warden
- Diane and Fred Davis
FYI ………
I have been speaking with Margaret Hubbard (Judge Cheatham’s daughter) regarding the possible changes to the Medicare health plan that we are currently under. She understands that many changes to the power chair and scooter programs will be definitely effected by any new health plan. With this in mind, I would urge everyone to look into obtaining a mobility product NOW, and not wait until you absolutely need one. If you wait, you might then be paying full price ($5,500) or a good portion of it. This may not be something that is on your priority list now, but if you were able to obtain a chair and just put it away for a time when you need it, would be prudent on your part. Also, having it might encourage you to start using it much sooner. Remember – conserve to preserve – is what our lives are all about. Why not call Margaret now! She is waiting to help you in any way she can. She will accompany you to the doctor and explain all your options. Don’t wait! Call her at (912) 656-4078.
CONTRIBUTIONS The Coastal Empire Polio Survivors Association is a non-profit corporation which is tax exempt under IRS code 501c(3). We have no paid employees, only volunteers dedicated to helping all polio survivors.
Your financial support is appreciated at any level suggested below:
* CEPSA Member – $15.00 annual voluntary donation
* CEPSA Supporter – $25.00 $50.00 $100.00 $300.00
* CEPSA Memorial or Honor Gift – any amount
* CEPSA Sponsor – any amount
Your contributions are tax deductible and will be acknowledged appropriately.
Please complete this form and mail it along with your check to: CEPSA, Marty Foxx, 23 East 61st Street, Savannah, GA31405.
Name __________________________________________________
Address ________________________________________________
City ___________________ State_____________ Zip ___________
Phone _______________________ E-mail _________________________________
Are you a relative or friend of a CEPSA member, if so _________________________________
Name of member
Thank you for your support and encouragement.