North Star Bullet - Sep/Oct 2023

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Minnesota Chapter

612-467-2263

office@mnpva.org

Board of Directors

President: Vicky Garrison

Vice President: Tim Valentin

Secretary: Seth Thomas

Treasurer: Karl Olson

National Director: Todd Kemery

Chapter Staff

Ginny Grabowski

Office Assistant

612-467-2263

MS Contact

Karl Olson: 612-638-8418

North Star Bullet

Editor-in-Chief: Vicky Garrison

Mission

Foundedin1946,theParalyzedVeterans ofAmerica(PVA)isanational organizationdedicatedtoservingformer membersoftheU.S.ArmedForceswho havesufferedcatastrophicparalysisasa resultofspinalcordinjuryordisease.By Publiclaw92-93(1971),theU.S. CongresscharteredPVA.

John Novicki

Ron James

Linda Hooker

Bruce Henderson

National Service Officers

Jason Stephenson

Sr Veterans Health & Benefits Specialist

1 Veterans Drive - SCI 141

Minneapolis, MN 55417

612-629-7022

jasonS@pva.org

Tami Anderson

Senior National Service Officer

Federal Building Room G915 St. Paul, MN 55111

612-970-5668 | 1-800-795-3609

tamiA@pva.org

Jim Arndt

Vocational Rehab Program

Federal Building Room G915

St. Paul, MN 55111

202-416-6476 | 1-800-795-3609

jamesA@pva.org

Please help us deliver the correct version of the newsletter to you! We understand that some members enjoy receiving the paper version and we are happy to send one. But if you'd prefer to get an electronic copy, please let us know by emailing us at office@mnpva.org or calling us at (612)-467-2263. Electronic distribution of newsletters, saves money

President's Post

Vicky Garrison Editorial

Greetings to all! As we near the end of September, my mind swirls like the early leaves that are beginning to drop to the ground. These last several days, I've been reflecting on the incredible year our chapter just experienced and gearing up for even more activities and new things! I firmly believe that meeting goals doesn't halt progress but presents opportunities for further growth and improvement. The goals we made and met during FY22-23 year include increasing our communication with chapter members, offering additional opportunities for sports and recreation, supporting our athletes at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, and assisting those needing resources and funding for emergencies. Our numerous newsletters, mailings, phone calls, and member meetings met the first goal of increased communication. Sports, recreation, and community outings became the focus of many of our members, as evidenced by the requests to our office. We sent a team of returning NVWG athletes and novices to Portland, Oregon, and supported multiple chapter participants in other National Competitions and clinics. Many members utilized our chapter's Member Sports/Rec Reimbursement benefit and attended concerts, theater, trips, and sporting events. We assisted members with emergency relief in a variety of areas. The number of members engaging and attending events has increased dramatically over the past three years. I'd like to extend a big shoutout to the MNPVA board of directors, who directly impact the success of our chapter. Every day, I am very thankful for the team working with me, our resilient members, and the selfless volunteers who help us. Job well done to all.

I look forward to the new fiscal year ahead as we focus on the different regions of our state to increase available activities and gatherings in these areas. Once again, we will have our twice monthly popular Adaptive Sports/Rec events at Base Camp in the metro area. After connecting with members in the northern and southern parts of the state, we will move forward with a plan to provide similar programs.

If you reside in these areas, please start thinking about activities you would like to see offered in your area. Some examples include bowling, billiards, small group lunches with other members, airguns, or outdoor winter sports.

In a prior President's post, I mentioned our desire to reach out to those members who reside in assisted living, veterans homes, or other community setting that make it difficult to get out. If this is you and you would like us to visit, please give us a call.

We have a fantastic board ready to continue moving our chapter into exciting places. We look forward to serving you!

Like a child, be happy for no reason!

-William James

Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.

All Veterans with Multiple Sclerosis qualify for PVA membership!

Recent changes to PVA membership criteria have opened up our membership to all veterans with MS. Call us today to find out more information. If you know of a veteran with MS, share this information with them!

If you have MS (or know someone who does) and have any questions about MNPVA, please contact our office!

The next MS Walk is being planned for late April/early May of 2024! Start forming your teams now!

Seeking Chapter MS Coordinator

MNPVA is seeking a member to function as our chapter MS Coordinator. This volunteer position would involve staying connected with the National MS PVA committee, assisting with coordinating the MNPVA involvement with the annual MS Walk, advancing MS resources, and keeping the board of directors informed of all things MS related.

If you are interested, please email vickygarrison@mnpva.org

CHANGES TO THE DELIVERY OF THE CLOTHING ALLOWANCE BENEFIT

By Jason Stephenson, Senior Benefit Advocate

For those in receipt of the annual clothing allowance benefit, you should have your benefit distributed to you as most payments were deposited the middle part of August.

Previously, in order to receive this benefit, an application had to have been made prior to August 1st of each year. Many of you, had to apply every year. As part of the Cleland-Dole Veterans Benefits and Improvement Act from late December 2022, veterans no longer have to apply by August 1st of the benefit year to receive payment for the benefit year.

Veterans who received a clothing allowance payment in 2023 will receive the same number of clothing allowances without having to apply next year or in subsequent years unless the VA determines a veteran is no longer eligible for such payments. This now means the clothing allowance will become an annual recurring payment.

If you are applying for a clothing allowance for the first time in the future, you now have until the end of September (fiscal year) to submit an application for that calendar year. If approved, then the benefit will become recurring.

Clothing allowance is a benefit if a veteran has a service connected condition, and that condition requires a use of a prosthetic or orthopedic device or a skin medication, that can cause damage to clothing.

If you have questions regarding this benefit or the changes, or you have applied for this year and have not received your benefit, please reach out to myself or Tami Anderson.

Have an Unused Vehicle?

Consider supporting PVA by donating your unused vehicle! For wheelchair accessible vehicles, contact us at the MNPVA office at 612-467-2263. Your vehicle will be matched with one of our veterans in need of accessible transportation.

For all other vehicles, go to pva.careasy.org/home. Donations through National PVA also benefit our chapter.

Connect with Us!

We love hearing from our members. If you have a question, a need, or just want to say hi, please reach out. The chapter is you and you are the chapter!

Phone or Voicemail

Office Phone: 612-467-2263

Mobile Phone - Call or Text

Office Assistant (Ginny) 612-467-2263

President (Vicky) 507-273-5261

Email

Office Assistant (Ginny): office@mnpva.org

President (Vicky): vickygarrison@mnpva.org

Social Media

Facebook Messenger: @MinnesotaPVA

Instagram: pva.mn

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/mnpva X (formerly Twitter): @pvamn1993

In Person

Office Hours: Monday - Wednesday 8a-noon, 1p-4p

Thursday and Friday - 8a - 1:00p

Our office is conveniently located in the VA Minneapolis SCI/D center, across from the PT/OT center.

(Due to current staffing issues, please call ahead to make sure office is open)

Virtual Meetings Available Upon Request

FY 23-24 Election Results:

Vicky Garrison, President

Tim Valentin, Vice-President

Seth Thomas, Secretary

Karl Olson, Treasurer

Bruce Henderson, Board Member

Puzzle Lovers!

Congratulations to our August puzzle winner Scotty Poehler!

Could you use a $25 Gift Card? Send in a completed copy or a digital picture of your completed puzzles for a chance to win in our regular drawing! One submission per month. Thanks to all for sending in your entries - participation is growing!

Next drawing date: 9/1/2023

All members are invited to join us at our monthly board meetings. These meetings are hybrid (both in person and virtual) so you can choose what works for you!

Please call the office at 612-467-2263 for details. We'd love to see you!!

FY23-24 Member Meeting Schedule - Save the dates!

Fall Holiday Luncheon: Wednesday 11/15/2023

Spring Meeting: Wednesday 04/10/2023

Summer Picnic: Date to be Determined

2023 PVA Healthcare Summit

therapy in veterans with spinal cord injuries.

with a total of 15 veterans who have received an epidural spinal cord stimulator so far, Elizabeth and Ann shared their results from a veteran participating in a trial 4-week inpatient rehab stay following placement of the epidural spinal stimulator.

MNPVA is so proud of our Ann and Elizabeth. We appreciate their dedication, compassion, and experience as well as that of the entire Minneapolis VAMC SCI/d!

Ann Goding Miller (right) and Elizabeth Koch (left), from the Minneapolis VAMC SCI/d team, presented a poster at the PVA Summit Conference with the support and collaboration of Dr. Samadani, Dr. Chung, Brandon Hicks, and the SCI/D Rehab team. They shared their clinical work with epidural spinal cord stimulators and physical

Working

FOR YOU!

Thank you to all our donors, sponsors, and volunteers!

We need every one of your unique contributions to make MNPVA work. Thank you for your tireless efforts to support SCI/D Veterans!

Volunteer Opportunities

MNPVA can always use volunteers in many different areas such as fundraising committee, event committee, website committee, mailing help, IT assistance or to provide support at events. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer team leader, please contact our office.

Volunteers are love in motion!

-Author Unknown

2023 Midwest Fishing Event - Highlights

Oct 5

Calendar at a Glance

Adaptive Sports/Recreation

@ Northern Star Basecamp

Oct 17

Adaptive Sports/Recreation

@ Northern Star Basecamp

Nov 2

Adaptive Sports/Recreation

@ Northern Star Basecamp

Nov 11 Veterans Day

Nov 14

Adaptive Sports/Recreation

@ Northern Star Basecamp

Nov 16

Member Holiday Luncheon Meeting

MNPVA Members Sports Tickets

Upcoming Viking Games

Includes two accessible great seats. Save your parking, snack, and non-alcoholic beverage receipts to request reimbursement from us. Bring a family member, friend or caregiver for the second seat! For ticket recipients who want to say thanks, share a photo with us! Tickets are drawn and awarded about ten days before each game.

Interested members should contact our Sports/Rec Director, Ron James or call the office at 612-467-2263

Member, Dave Larson and his grandson enjoy a September Vikings game

A Special Thanks!

MNPVA would like to express our appreciate to the Twins for the support shown to our chapter. Thanks for the extra touches, specialized service, and great customer service allowing us to our SCI/D veterans to enjoy baseball games!

Looking foward to next year!

MNPVA BOWLING

Our chapter continues to support active bowling groups that meet weekly. All skill levels are welcome, and no commitment is required. Bowling once a week has many benefits for both the body and mind. Current locations include:

Thursdays at 11am

McPete's Sports Bar & Lanes

590 Humboldt Dr Big Lake, MN

Fridays at 11:30am

Split Rocks Bowling

5063 273rd St

Wyoming, MN 55092

St. Croix Lanes

1153 St Croix St, River Falls, WI

If you're near - let us know

As we grow our bowling groups, we have many ideas for events, competitions, and gatherings. Our chapter's own famous "Minnesota" Bowling ramps are available for those desiring to bowl regularly.

If you live in the Twin Cities metro area and would like to join a more local bowling group, let us know! We're looking into starting a group in the Bloomington area.

Please contact the office at 612-467-2263 if you’re interested in joining and if there isn’t a local group, we can help get the word out to form one.

Stay Active!

MNPVA wants to make it easier for members to MNPVA wants to make it easier for members to attend activities in their communities and just for fun! attend activities in their communities and just for fun!

Reimbursement is available for activities like concerts, Reimbursement is available for activities like concerts, sporting events, and theater! sporting events, and theater!

Reimbursement may include the cost of admission, Reimbursement may include the cost of admission, lodging, transportation, meals/food, non-alcoholic lodging, transportation, meals/food, non-alcoholic beverages, and parking for MNPVA members. beverages, and parking for MNPVA members.

Reimbursements cannot be made until event date has Reimbursements cannot be made until event date has passed and attendance confirmed by signature on passed and attendance confirmed by signature on form. form. Itemized receipts required and must be Itemized receipts required and must be accompanied by a signed reimbursement request accompanied by a signed reimbursement request form. Some restrictions apply. form. Some restrictions apply.

Contact the office for a more information or Contact the office for a more information or reimbursment form. reimbursment form.

Please note: Please note: Reimbursement amount is set each year in Reimbursement amount is set each year in October by the Board of Directors based on budget. October by the Board of Directors based on budget.

PVA Virtual Events

Adaptive Yoga

Nutrition Classes

Fitness Training

Adaptive Boxing

PVA.org/adaptive-sports/online-events

Member Action Item

Home Health Care Shortage

Thank you for all who have responded to our call for action! If you haven't yet shared, please help us gather the ammunition we need to enact change! Home caregivers are ESSENTIAL to us!

Direct stories from our veterans function as a driving force to help inform and advocate for change and improvement in the vital area. If you have authorized home health care and are experiencing difficulty filling the hours due to staffing shortages or have recently experienced staffing difficulties, please get in touch with a member of the MNPVA Advocacy Legislative team or call the office.

Share your story today!

Vicky: vickygarrison@mnpva.org

Tim: timvalentin@mnpva.org

Todd: toddkemery@mnpva.org Office: 612-467-2263

Research Corner

Opportunities for Participation in Research

This the place to learn about ongoing research in our community. These important studies focus on improving your quality of life as a person living with a spinal cord injury or disease. Details are included for each study pertaining to contact information, inclusion criteria and status. MNPVA encourages you to read through these opportunities, reach out the researchers for questions, and consult with your own physician to see if they are a good fit for you. We truly appreciate the critical work these awesome local researchers are doing in the field of SCI/D!

Title: A Clinical Trial of Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation for Sensory and Motor Recovery in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury

ACTIVELY RECRUITING

The aim of this study is to evaluate two different interventions to improve sensation and movement in adults with spinal cord injury. Any Veteran with a SCI/D who is at least 3 months out (no end date limit) from a spinal cord injury, can self-transfer and some reduction of sensation and/or movement after their spinal cord injury.

Interventions: Either you will receive physical therapy, called "cognitive multisensory rehabilitation" (focusing on restoring body awareness during movements) or you will receive a membership for the adaptive fitness at Courage Kenny (Golden Valley) to train there with the adapted fitness equipment.

Testing: MRI of the brain (before and after the interventions); test of sensation and movements + questionnaires (before and after the interventions + 3 months after the intervention.

Contact information:

Dr. Ann Van de Winckel: avandewi@umn.edu or 612-406-2500

RESEARCH STUDY on how to improve sensation and movement after a spinal cord injury...

Do you want to find out?

The Brain Body Mind Lab is recruiting participants with complete or incomplete spinal cord injury to compare the effect of Remotely-delivered Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation versus Remotely-delivered Exercise to improve sensation and movement after a spinal cord injury.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

•Be18-75yearsofage

•Beabletohearandcomprehend theEnglishinstructionsgiveninthestudy

•Haveacompleteorincompletespinal cord injury(>1year)

•Beabletoself-transferwithsome assistanceandpushacall button

•Haveanavailablecare-partnertoassist withtheinterventions

•Notbepregnant

•BemedicallystableandnoMRI contraindicationsParticipantswill:

•Eitherreceive12weeksofphysical therapywithRemotely-delivered Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation OR Remotely-delivered exercise, 3x/week, 45min/sessionfor12weeks

•Have2MRI scansofthebrain+3clinical assessments

•Fill inquestionnairesrelatedtofunction, qualityoflife, andbodyawareness

FIND OUT MORE

Dr. Ann Van de Winckel, PhD, MSPT, PT avandewi@umn.edu (preferred) 612-406-2500 or 612-625-1191

"This is not VA research. It will not be conducted by VA, has not been reviewed by VA's Institutional Review Board, and is not endorsed by VA. VA is not responsible for any costs incurred by a Veteran if the Veteran enters the study as a research subject. The announcement is being provided for information only." - expiration date 10/16/2024

Researchers at the University of Minnesota (UMN) are conducting an anonymous online survey to gather information about individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI) who have used psychedelic drugs after their SCI. Participation involves completing an online survey. This survey will take about 20-40 minutes to complete, depending on how you respond.

https://tinyurl.com/SCI-Injury-survey

Bone as Regulator of Energy Balance and Male Fertility after SCI: A Pilot Study

University of Minnesota researchers are seeking participants with or without a spinal cord injury for a clinical trial. We are interested in how bone health affects insulin sensitivity and sperm health in adult males with spinal cord injuries. Participation in the research will take approximately 5 hours over 3-4 visits. Compensation of $200 will be provided for participation.

Investigator: Dr. Leslie Morse, morsel@umn.edu, 612-301-3072

Coordinator: Liza Nowlin, rehablab@umn.edu, 612-301-3072

How to save the Veterans Crisis Line number in your phone

You never know when a crisis may happen. There are simple steps you can take to be prepared. Find instructions below to save the new Veterans Crisis Line number—Dial 988 then Press 1— as a contact in your iOS or Android phone.

NavigatetothePhoneapp.

Tap the “Contacts” button at the bottom, and then tap the “+” button in the top-right corner to add a new contact.NamethecontactVeteransCrisisLine.

Tapthe“addphone”button.

Type988onthekeypad,thentap“+*#”inthelowerleftcornerofthekeypad.

Tapthe“pause”buttononthekeypadandthentype1.

Tapthe“Done”buttoninthetop-rightcornertosavethecontact.

Whenyouusethiscontact,yourphonewillautomaticallyrouteyoutotheVeteransCrisisLine.

NavigatetotheContactsapp.

Usethe“+”toaddacontact.

Name the contact Veterans Crisis Line.

Type988inthephonenumberinput.

Addapauseandthentype1.Addingapausemayappeardifferentlyondifferentphones.Optionsinclude:

•Typinginacomma

•Clickingonapausebuttondirectlyonthephonenumberinput(thismaybedisplayedas“two-secondpause”)

•Openingamenubyclickingthreeverticaldotstofindthepausebutton

Click“Save”tosaveyourcontact.

Whenyouusethiscontact,yourphonewillautomaticallyrouteyoutotheVeteransCrisisLine.

Note: Manufacturer settings can cause slight variations in your phone’s contacts app. The above instructions should work for most cell phones. If further assistance is needed, contact your phone manufacturer’s customer support.

September September

John Christensen

Richard Ybarra

Matthew Bachman

Barry Pockrandt

Richard Stang

Walter Dochow

Richard Scott

John Hutterer

Ellen Austin

Edward Palmer

Bruce Scott

Nicky Hofland

Members

Daniel Latham

Terrence Sisk

Dennis Engel

Sean Nichols

Richard Banton

Michael Diedelich

Cynthia Sjoberg

Suzanne Byrne

Robert Hanson

Dale Tyson

Gregory Schleifer

Cecil Noggle

Shannon Matthews

Mark McGarvey

Steve Despiegelaere

Daniel Anderson

Rickie Dahn

Lawrence Becker

Ken Bucher

Tim Barton

Zachary Frizzell

David Vetter

Scott Little

October October

Jeffrey Larson

Lynn Fulton

Michael Malm

Steven Kotten

Daniel Couture

Monique Skewes

Richard Smith

Harry Carlson

Kevin Miller

Kenneth Janusz

Clark Forte

Robert Krone

Members

Lloyd Jones

Kris Kluge

Eric Poehler

John Novicki

Gary Lehmeyer

Codii Young

Duane Broten

Paul O'Brien

Ernest Jones

Dale Walters

Chris Johnson

David Sullivan-Nightengale

Ricky Hartman

Online Version - send us a screenshot of your finished puzzle to enter the contest!

https://mnpva.tiny.us/Puzzle

AUTUMN

ACORN APPLE

AUTUMN

CHESTNUTS CHILLY

Word List

CIDER COBWEB

FALL

FOOTBALL GOURD

HALLOWEEN

HARVEST

HAYBALE

HAYRIDE

LEAVES

MAIZE

NOVEMBER

NUTS

OCTOBER

PUMPKIN

QUILT RAKE

SCARECROW

SEPTEMBER SLEET