BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION (BVA)
FLORIDA REGIONAL GROUP, INC.
3801 Coco Grove Avenue
Miami, Florida 33133
Newsletter - - January 2005
FRG President’s Message: The
Clearwater informational luncheon meeting was not only exciting, but as usual, the food
was excellent. We just happened to have 3 VIST Coordinators, 2 retired VIST Coordinators,
and one BROS (Blind Rehab Outpatient Specialist) in attendance. Jodi Teper, the new VIST
Coordinator at Bay Pines, gave a short talk and stated she was looking forward to her new
position. As in our past luncheons, the attendance has been down. I realize that some of
us are still suffering from the overwhelming hurricanes, and there was an increase in the
BV’s cost from $5 to $7, and we also had 3 VIST Coordinator replacements. We may be
questioning the possible mistake that was made by raising our luncheons to $7, at our 2004
State Convention. Hopefully the year 2005, shall bee more favorable.
For a point of information, for those
of you who have not heard, there is now a reliable talking thermostat available on the
market, for controlling your heat and air conditioning in your home. It is one of the best
talking devices within its category, that I have ever come across. I have brought up the
talking thermostat, primarily to demonstrate a point of clarification. Lately I have been
hearing of veterans being turned down for items that are clearly, either sensory or
modified devices that can assist Blinded Veterans to obtain a nearly normal life style. I
am not saying that all BV’s are eligible for all types of devices, but many of you
are. The determination as to whether the veteran is eligible or not is the sole
responsibility of the VIST Coordinator, and if necessary, with the further assistance of
the BROS. From what I am hearing, denial of such items appears primarily at the decision
of the Prosthetics Service. I would urge all Blinded Veterans, and yes even VIST
Coordinators, to bring any difficulties concerning the obtaining of prosthetics or sensory
aids, to the attention of the Florida Regional Group. I would like to further add, that if
the VIST Coordinator states that you are not eligible, you can usually take that to the
bank, as being correct One more piece of valuable information. The VA is about to release
the new regulations governing all aspects of computers. The new regulations shall cover
the receiving of computers, other hardware, software, repairing of existing equipment,
training, and updating software. Based on what I have read, the new regulations, in my
opinion, appear to be rather liberal. When they are finally approved, we will inform you.
I realize that by the time you have
read this Newsletter, we will all ready have celebrated the New Year. Nevertheless, I hope
that all of you have the Most Merriest of Holiday Seasons and will have a Happy and
Prosperous New Year and also good health.
One last item of importance. I urge all of you that have not yet done so, to please continue to make the FRG a strong and viable organization by joining the ERG, and paying the $8 annual dues. Better yet, from a more practical standpoint, go for life membership, it is more cost effective in the long run. Think positive. Terry King, FRG President.
FRG Auxiliary President’s Message: This, in no uncertain words, has
been a very difficult year for most of us. The changes we all had to make due to the
hurricanes, were bad enough, but losing our memories of the past and to notice the
devastation for others is more than a lot of us can handle. Knowing that many of our
friends and family members are in harms way in Iraq and Afghanistan adds to the distress.
After all that, we still have a lot to be thankful for and be at peace. Without our
neighbors and families, we would be nothing. Instead of feeling sad, stressed out, or
depressed, we should comfort those in need, share with what you can give, and just be
there for Them. I feel that that is the Auxiliary in a nut shell. Are you a member? Do you
take part by coming to affairs of the BVA? Are you thankful for what you have? If given a
chance, our bodies can hold the biggest heart. So, this year, why not make New Year’s
Resolutions, that are very easy to keep, and self rewarding. When you see a person
standing alone greet them with a smile. When you hear of someone in distress, send them a
comforting card. People are not just people. They are you and wouldn’t you appreciate
being noticed? I wish you the best New Year and happiness throughout this year and all the
years to come. Happiness is being a friend. A friend is someone that you can count upon.
Are you a Friend? Joanne King, ERG Auxiliary President.
ERG Meeting Notice: The next meeting of the Florida
Regional Group will be held on Saturday February 5, at the Enlisted Club at the MacDill
Air Force Base in Tampa. The meeting will begin with a period of socializing at 11:30 AM,
followed by lunch at noon. For lunch, you may have either Marinated Breast of Chicken or
Sliced Roast Beef and Salad, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Vegetables, Rolls & Butter, Iced
Tea or Coffee, and Dessert. The price of the lunch will be $7 per person, including tax
and tip. Beer, wine, and mixed drinks will be available for an additional charge. FRG
President Terry King will preside at the meeting following lunch. Representatives from the
Department of Veterans Affairs will be on hand to provide information about services and
benefits of interest to BV’s and their families. ERG activities for the remainder of
the year, including the FRG State Convention, will be discussed. Information about the ERG
Auxiliary will be presented.
Due to tightened security at MacDill
AFB, we must provide the Security Guards at the gate, a list of all who will be attending.
In addition, the Enlisted Club has asked us to notify them as to the number who will be
attending and the type of luncheon desired by February 2. Please make your reservations
prior to that date by calling Central West District Director Clyde Emory in Largo, at:
(727) 812-6470. Also in Largo call Rhesa (Bernie) Bostick at (727) 595-6326, in St.
Petersburg call James Spooner at: (727) 347-8042, in Clearwater, call Ben Wells at (727)
536-1762, and in Tampa call Donald O’Sullivan at: (813) 977-9257. In addition, you
may call Charles Nieberding, Tampa VAMC VIST Coordinator, at: (813) 972-7674 or toll free
(888) 716-7787 cx 7674 or Bay Pines VIST Coordinator Jodi Teper at: (727) 398-6661 ex.
4516. The restaurant needs the reservation information in order to prepare properly for
our meeting. Please enter the MacDill APB Main Gate at the South Dale Mabray Highway
entrance. Dale N4abray Highway is a North to South main artery which may be accessed from
I 275 at exit 23
The timing of our FRG Newsletters has
not been good in recent months. The Summer ERG Newsletter was printed the day before we
learned of the retirement of the Bay Pines ‘/1ST Coordinator Marilyn Nolan. Marilyn
had worked for the VA for over 30 years and over 12 years as Bay Pines VIST Coordinator.
She served BV’s in that area superbly and was honored by the BVA National with a
Certificate of Appreciation. In the November FRG Newsletter, we announced that Kathy Wales
had been selected for that position. Several days after that Newsletter was printed, it
was learned that Kathy Wales had decided to remain at the Augusta VA Blind Center. Again,
in the December ERG Newsletter, it was announced that a decision had been made for the Bay
Pines ‘/1ST position, but the announcement had not been released. Also in that ERG
Newsletter, we indicated that interviews for the West Palm Beach VAMC VIST position had
been held but no decision had been announced. Just after the December Newsletter was
printed, it was learned that Jodi Teper had been selected for the Bay Pines VIST position
and that Paul Mimms had been selected for the West Palm Beach VIST position. Below you
will find brief biographies on the two new VIST Coordinators. We wish them well and look
forward to many years of cooperation in the future.
Jodi Teper was born and raised in
Pembroke Pines, FL. After high school, she attended Florida State University where she
earned a bachelor’s degree. continuing in graduate school at FSU, she earned a
Master’s Degree in Social Work. Following graduation, she was employed as a Social
Worker in a Primary Care Clinic at the Bay Pines VAMC. After four years in that position,
she transferred to an inpatient Social Work position. Jodi took up her new ‘/1ST
Coordinator duties on Decemberl 7th. Jodi lives in Seminole. Her hobby is kick
boxing,
Paul Mimms was born in Iowa City and
grew up in Washington, Iowa. At the age of 15, the family moved to Kansas City where he
graduated from high school. During the next 3 years, he went to college and worked at
several jobs. In 1966, he entered the Navy where he was assigned duty as a seaman on an
1ST. While serving in that capacity in Vietnam, he lost the vision in one eye due to an
injury. Following discharge in 1969, he returned to Kansas City where he workedll years as
a restaurant manager. The eye injury caused early onset of glaucoma, resulting in the loss
of vision in his other eye in 1980. After taking rehab training through the Missouri
Agency for the Blind, he entered the University of Missouri, where he earned a
bachelor’s degree. Then, he entered graduate school at Kansas University where he
earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work in December 1991. In January 1992, he was
employed as a Counselor at the Vet Center in Kansas City. He continued in that job until
February 2000 when he transferred to the West Palm Beach VAMC Blind Center as a CATS
Instructor. Paul has been active in community activities particularly in rehabilitation
organizations. He served
Scholarships - Scholarships ready to
help. Yes, it is that time of the year again when the ERG Auxiliary is looking for those
who are in need of scholarship money to further their education. Remember, children and
spouses of Florida Blinded Veterans are eligible for the $1000 scholarships. It can be
given for college, trade school, or any training that will allow the individual to advance
their chosen field. If you are interested, you may write for an application to: Joyce
Thornton, 3033 Winlder Avenue, Ft. Myers FL 33916. Letters will be sent out reminding you
of the application date. With higher education costs continuing to rise, I feel that you
might want to take advantage of this offer. Joyce Thornton, VIST Coordinator MSW.
Florida Total Homestead Tax Exemption
Reminder: It’s
that time of year, when we remind Blinded Veterans of two Total Homestead Tax Exemption
Statutes available to qualified individuals in Florida. This may be old information to
some of you. However, we have many Blinded Veterans move into Florida each year and with
Florida’s older population, many veterans lose their vision each year. Consequently,
we are including this information here. The Florida Regional Group worked many years to
obtain and improve these benefits.
FS 196.081 provides a total
Homestead Tax Exemption to 100% service connected disabled veterans. The exemption has no
income limitation. In the event of the veteran s death, the exemption is continued to the
surviving spouse, as long as he or she does not remarry. In the past the spouse would have
to remain in the same home to continue the exemption. Several years ago, the statute was
amended and the surviving spouse may keep the exemption on that home or a different home
as long as the new home is assessed at the same or a lower amount. To qualify for this
exemption, a veteran should obtain a statement from the VA Regional Office certifying that
he or she is a 100% service connected disabled veteran. Take that certificate to the
County Tax Appraiser’s Office before March 1st. This total Homestead Exemption will
be renewed each year. If you have qualified for this Total Exemption in the past and have
not received notification of the renewal by the end of January, contact your County Tax
Appraiser’s Office.
FS 196.101 provides a Total
Homestead Tax Exemption to certain individuals who are restricted to a wheelchair for
mobility or who are legally blind. This total Exemption has a total household
income limitation of $21,539 in 2004. FS 196.101 has a provision which provides an annual
increase in the income limitation equal to the increase in the Consumer Price Index. It is
probable that this amount will be increased by about 2.7% for 2005. To qualify, obtain a
statement from two Florida licensed Ophthalmologists stating that you are legally blind.
Take the statement to your County Tax appraiser’s Office before March 1st. You will
be required to certify your income annually to maintain the Total Homestead Tax Exemption
under ES 196.101.
Please join us at the February 5 FRG
meeting at the MacDill AFB Enlisted Club. Bring a fellow Blinded Veteran with you and have
a wonderful afternoon. Remember to make your reservation by calling one of the individuals
listed above by February 2. We look forward to meeting you there.