New York VAMC Feuer - Deputy Representative
Goals: Assist the VA with the Summer Olympic Games. Improve membership. Try for more members to volunteer at the VAMC.
Voluntary Chief noted: JWV Volunteers serve in various activities throughout the Medical Center. They run several programs all year round which includes Bingo on the VA Nursing Home & the locked wards, Polaroid Program. They collect and distribute books. Collect clothing for distribution to homeless veterans throughout the year. They are active at the VA Chapel and have many other programs.
Ann Arbor Tannis - Representative
Met last year's goals of Supporting all VAVS Special Events. For 2001 - 1. Recruit new volunteers; 2. Support all VAVS Special Events; 3. Continue Christmas Day gift distribution.We hope to continue our service to the patients. It has been difficult to get to the hospital because of construction in the facility. Thanks to the generosity of Bale Post 474, we will give each patient in the hospital and nursing home gifts for Christmas. Our greatest need is to see that Congress does not cut the VA budget. Representative has at each VAVS Meeting asked all representatives to write to Washington to give our patients the best care. We need more members to service our patients.
Cincinnati Gove - Representative
Voluntary Chief noted Roger Gove VAVS Representative and Elaine Cosner, Department President have visited and distributed coupon books to patients on days of VAVS meetings. They are very dedicated and a joy to work with.
New Orleans Fingerman - Representative
Voluntary Chief noted: The Jewish War Veterans continue to participate in all of our patriotic programs. JWV Post 580 sponsors an annual Volunteer of the Year Award in memory of Mr. Harry Blowell, a former VAVS Representative for the JWV. This year's recipient was from the VA Outpatient Clinic in Baton Rouge. Mr. Katz visited the Outpatient Clinic to personally present this award to Ms. Coralee Weimer. Ms. Weimer's local newspaper, the Baton Rouge Advocate, published a story featuring Ms. Weimer's volunteer story and this award sponsored by the JWV Post 580.
Loma Linda Schlocker – Representative
Goals: To solicit for increased monetary and non-monetary donations. Increase voluntary recruitment, items for comfort cart.
Voluntary Chief noted: Advanced age of members keeps them from traveling to our VA. This organization has always been very dedicated to our veterans.
San Antonio Swidler - Representative
Goals: 1. Continue with activities; 2. Recruit new members; 3. Obtain speakers for organizations meeting; 4. Fund raiser to benefit veterans.
New York Joldoff - Representative
Goals: Recruit new members. Publish articles in Newsletter of activities at the Medical Center. Help in Jewish Services. Local Media - Town and Villages. Non members are a great support. They are recruited on a one to one basis by our members.
Voluntary Chief noted: Representative serves as a coordinator at the VA Medical Center. Helps in Jewish Service, does collation after Services. He reports to the NY County Commander who in turn informs the Posts. Participates in Veterans Day, Fundraisers, National Salute, Memorial Day Program, EXPOWS, Bake Sale, Coordinated Gift Program, Raffles, National Salute, Ward Parties, Bingo, All Religious Programs, Birthday Sponsor, Horse Racing once a month, Weekly Kiddish and Weekly Oneg Shabbat.
Omaha Benton - Representative
Goals: Recruit at least one additional volunteer (R.S.) through posting information in newsletter, twice yearly. Participate in the Phone Friends Program.
Hampton Karlin - Representative
Goals: Recreation therapy and bingos for veteran patients. One of this years goals would be to increase the size of Service Support for Voluntary Service. We have now aligned Recreational therapy and Voluntary Service. Therefore the possibility of better communication can be established to increase the quality of service to your Outpatients.
Cleveland Brecksville Robins - Representative
Goals: Continue to increase contributions; Encourage older members to participate in patient programs
Voluntary Chief noted: Organization has worked actively to recruit new members and was successful this past year. Were in the Plain Dealer, Akron Beacon Journal, Post news letters, Canton repository.Donations for Veterans send off party, wheelchair games, Vietnam Wall Memorial, female veterans programs. They continue to sell entertainment books, grocery store certificates and annual Christmas Party.
Palo Alto Miriam White - Volunteer
Goals: Encourage new veterans to use the Health Care Systems; Support Special Events; Recruit two new members
Voluntary Chief noted: Ms White is new to her role, but I am confident she will do n excellent job. She is a dedicated volunteer and very committed to helping veterans.
Bedford VAMC - Katz - Representative
Goals: Provide support for special Jewish Holiday programs on Sukkot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Chanukah, Purim and Passover. Continue Adopt-a-Ward program in NHCU. Support VAVS Fundraising initiatives for patient Kiosk and Bedside Radios. VAVS Vet Beds dedicated Feb. 14, 2000. Support provided for transportation for homeless veterans.
Voluntary Chief noted: VAVS Rep. George Katz elected State Commander. Dep. Rep. Arthur Hurwitz very conscientious on Information Desk. JWV Reps. will attend VISN 1 training in Saco, ME. JWV volunteers supported National Salute, Veterans Festival, Holiday parties, annual cookout and have 100% attendance record at VAVS meetings. They were nominated for Volunteer Group of the Year Award. Patient at this VA Medical Center receive excellent volunteer support from JWV volunteers.
Minneapolis VAMC Catcher - Representative
There is an increase of R.S. Volunteers West Palm Beach VAMC Anton – Representative
Goals: Attend all VAVS meetings; Improve communications between VAMC and local units. Visit local unit, recruit volunteers and ask for donations. Maintain & improve current programs. Encourage & improve current programs. Brief JWV Dept. of Florida and surrounding councils on any new DVA information.
Voluntary Chief noted: The 231 JWV volunteers have provided coverage all over the Medical Center. Some of the assignments include the extended Care Facility, Social Work, Escort, Transportation, Chaplain Dental, Medical, Safety, Pharmacy, Psychiatry, Veterans Benefits, Directors Office and others. There were ten monetary donations and 16 non-monetary donations this year. They know how to support and how to lead. JWV is the only service organization to have four JWV Posts set up blood donations for our VA Blood Bank for a total of 16 blood drives. JWV also persuaded the Marine Corp League and Auxiliaries to provide six blood drives for our Medical Center. In conclusion, the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America have set an example for others to follow. Their programs enable Voluntary Service and the Medical Center to improve and provide the best medical care to our veterans.
Phoenix VAVS - Representative Henry, Wedell
Goals: 1. JWV is very supportive of special VAMC projects. The combined JWV
Posts support has resulted in the purchase of a new handicap wheelchair van
for off station activities for nursing care unit residents.
2. Committed support with the Auxiliary for new parking lot shuttle and
new minibus.
3. Continue to encourage all JWV Post to be active participants in the VAVS RS Volunteer program as well as monetary and material support to meet the unfunded needs of the veterans in the VAMC.
4. Invite the VAVS staff to as many activities as possible for the purpose of volunteer recruitment and VAMC fund raising projects.
5. Continue ongoing support of ward and hospice programs.
6. Provide VAVS information to all JWV Posts.
Volunteer Chief noted: Henry has been a faithful and active member of the VAVS Committee and Executive Committee. He goes to great lengths to represent JWV in a manner which reflects the organizations 100+ year history of continuous service to our veterans. He participated in the September Reps and Deps training held in Prescott and always attends the National VAVS Meetings. I highly recommend that JWV Officials at the highest levels take appropriate steps to reward his tireless efforts and to provide him with the recognition commensurate with his many contributions made to our nation's veterans of behalf of JWV.
Brooklyn VAVS Richard Robbins - Representative
The goals of the JWV is to increase the number of volunteers, improve cash donations and additional post and member participation. The organization would like to petition Congress - re: VA Healthcare, budget, etc. The group objective is to improve quality of life of veterans, increase focus of outpatient support, contribute more to Customer Service initiatives, Guest Services, Ambassador Program, Information Desk and all NY Harbor and VAVS Activities. The Representative would like to continue fund raisers for the Welcome Kit Program and other service programs. Other goals are to educate staff and potential volunteers as to opportunities available through VAVS.
Tampa VAMC Marilyn McKay - Representative
Goals: 1. Try to recruit more volunteers to support the hospital and clinics.
2. Try to support the Homeless Veterans Programs as much as possible.
Volunteer Chief noted: Age, Health, and Transportation concerns of the JWV members are factors limiting participation in the volunteer program. JWV does support the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week, POW-Mia Day Program, VAVS Country Store fundraiser, Veterans Day, Patient Christmas Gift Project, etc. JWV has plans to continue support of these programs, and plans to try to get more members to come out in support of these functions.
Miami VAMC - Louis Silver - Representative
Goals: Provide more support to other areas of Medical Center and Voluntary & Community Resources Service Projects. Would like to get more volunteers to come to the VAMC and volunteer here.
Voluntary Chief noted: Mr. Silver has worked hard as our new VAVS Representative for the JWV. He has continued the projects that were ongoing and added to the areas they serve. This organization has provided a much needed computer for the Brain Injury Patients. Has accepted the project of providing special nourishment for Chemo patients. Mr. Silver is always available to assist where needed.
Brooklyn Representative - Robbins Representative
Goals: The goals of the JWV are to increase the number of volunteers, improve cash donations and additional post and member participation. The Organization would like to petition Congress - re: VA Healthcare, Budget , etc. The group objective is to improve quality of life of veterans, increase focus of outpatient support, contribute more to Customer Service initiatives, Guest Services, Ambassador Program, Information Desk, and all NY Harbor and VAVS Activities. The Representative would like to continue fund raisers for the Welcome Kit Programs and other service programs. Other goals are to educate staff and potential volunteers as to opportunities available through the VAVS.
Tampa McKay - Representative
Goals: 1. Try to recruit more volunteers to support the hospital and clinics.
2. Try to support the Homeless Veterans Program as much as possible.
Voluntary Chief noted: Age, Health and transportation concerns of the JWV members are factors limiting participation in the volunteer program. JWV does support the national Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week, POW-MIA Day Program, VAVS Country Store fundraiser, Veterans Day, Patient Christmas Gift Project, etc. JWV has plans to continue support of these programs, and plans to try to get more members to come out in support of these functions.
Northport Graber - Representative
JWV VAVS Rep and Deps working to continue to ensure all volunteers are regularly scheduled. Emphasis continues to be placed on youth Volunteer recruitment for the Friendly Visitor companion program in all the nursing home care units. JWV will continue to be the lead working with homeless veteran's residence, run by the Salvation Army on Station, financially and meet supply needs. They will also remain committed to homeless veteran/hempstead L. I. The Rep will serve on top Management Committee.VAVS Rep and Deps will work with Voluntary Service, Chaplain Service, Recreation Therapy and Nursing Service to provide support for patient programs. The JWV will ensure all Jewish Veterans at this facility have the opportunity to attend Services, on weekends and all Holidays. JWV will support all yearly programs of Vol. Service, i.e., National Salute Week, Memorial Day, Veterans Day. This fiscal Year the VAVS Rep will coordinate Outreach Effort all JWV Posts on L. I. Rep will work with Outreach Coordinator to ensure all Posts are contacted and veterans have the opportunity to register at the VA.
Denver Steinberg - Representative
There are no goals listed. There are Regularly Scheduled Volunteers putting in their time and funds are given.
Little rock Jerome Sherman - Representative
Organization continues to pursue goals, exemplified especially by its monthly visitations (LRVA) in the Birthday Buddy Program. They average 27 visits and 5 birthdays, Craft Cart and Hobby Shop Program (NLRVA) and Musical Research Program. Only concern is age related diminishing membership of our post. Essentially 6 members conduct programs on a regular basis along with occasional volunteer assistance. Although this is a small number, the realistic percentage is about 20% of the {Post's entire Arkansas membership.
Buffalo Pritikin - Representative
Goals: To continue recruiting additional volunteers, become more active at the Medical Center, as well as keeping up with weekly bedside visitations and canteen book distributions.
Voluntary Chief noted: As always, JWV Representative and Volunteers will continue to assist each December with the decorating of Christmas trees and patient wards.
Prescott Roth - Representative
Goals: Recruit new volunteers, continue with present activities, Support the Student Volunteer Program, Support the Student Volunteer Program, Provide Service to Veterans, Support all special events.
Voluntary Chief noted: Mr. Roth has been a very productive VAVS Representative for our VAVS Committee. He attends meeting on a regular schedule and gets the information back to his unit. The JWV support all special events and assist with these events.
Battle Creek Smith - Representative
Goals: Continue Picnic and Christmas Event
Chicago, Lakeside Division - Harriet Lipson, Representative
She is striving to increase both monetary donations and volunteer
participation.
Milwaukee VAMC - Ron Laux
There is a continuing goal to recruit new volunteers. Ron and his Deputies
are involved in Memorial Day, Veterans Day, National Salute, Mardi Gras, and
VAVS Meetings.
Brockton VAMC - Louis Friedman, Representative
Louis notes that they will work with the new administration in the Voluntary
Service as they have in the past.
Because of age of JWV 'members, what we cannot do in person in Wards we will
do in monetary donations for ward socials and supplying needs for the
patients at the Brockton VA
Las Vegas Out Patient Clinic - Joe Schwartz , Representative
Mr. Schwarz is still attempting to establish a food bank for the homeless and
needy veterans. He is working with our Social Worker at the Homeless
Community Bases Outreach Center. JWV will continue to provide and support the
Patient Fund by providing bus tokens and food coupons for the needy and
homeless veterans.
The JWV has their own fundraiser selling poppies in order to support the many
patient activities for the veterans. They are very active in providing
volunteers for the Ambulatory Care Center and the Mike O'Callaghan Federal
Hospital. They also support the Henderson Community Based Outpatient Center
by providing coffee and supplies for the veterans at that facility.
The Chief, Voluntary especially noted in addition that JWV is very supportive
in their VAVS Program.
Indianapolis VAMC - Harry Bunn, Representative
Harry Bunn makes sure Jewish War Veterans are at the VAVS Quarterly Committee
Meetings.
Pittsburgh, Heinz Division - Sanford Danovitz, Representative
JWV continues sponsored activities. The group has been doing an outstanding
job with Escort in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy and activities
in Adult Day Health Care. They support The Boat Ride and Holiday Activities
as well as sponsoring the commanders reception and VAVS meetiings.
North Chicago VAMC - Elaine Bagetz, Representative
The goals are Increase number of volunteers, consider afternoon volunteering
and encourages more donations.
Elaine Bogetz continues to publicize and speak to organizational units as
well as being an active VAVS member. JWV distributes holiday gift packs
filled with comfort items and treats to all wards (500+) patients annually.
Our Medical Center is grateful for the support provided to our hospitalized
veterans. Thanks JWV!
Newington VAMC - Paul Fine, Representative
There is support for hospital programs and special events as needy veterans
and the standdown.
Albany VAMC - Miriam Jaffee, Representative
FY '00 goals were met to continue monthly ward bingo parties, sponsor
operation Jingle Bells telephone calls on Christmas Eve, take Polaroid photos
of patients & families at the 4th of July Patient Picnic. Post 104 planned
and conducted the annual 4 Chaplains Award Ceremony and Reception. A core
number of members served the majority of the organization's total hours
through their Adult Day Health Care and Chapel assignments. FY '01 goals are
to continue present involvement plus encourage student awareness of VAMC
volunteer opportunities. Will recruit volunteers for new volunteer position
at our Medical Center to assist hospitalized veterans in accessing the
Internet.
Both Miriam Jaffee and Sol Koven, Deputy representative participated in this
review. Miriam Jaffee serves on the National Advisory Committee, the VA
Saratoga National Cemetery Support Committee and the Cancer Survivors Day
Planning Committee, Chairperson of the Friends of Hospice Committee, and
coordinates patients attendance at the Passover services at a local Temple.
Richmond VAMC - Ida Schreiber
Notes from the Chief, Voluntary Service: 1. With the small number of people
in this organization, it flourished because of their willingness to work and
get things done. Ms. Schreiber shows great leadership and participates in a
variety of special events and activities. 2. Ms. Schreiber assists with
Community groups at this facility. She faithfully goes to pick up doughnuts
weekly for the Nursing Home Care Unit coffee hour.
3. Marvin Plotkin also is a great volunteer who volunteers his service
mainly in the Pharmacy. 4. Mr. Luterman provides his assistance with
various activities 5. It is a pleasure to have each of these volunteers
work at our facility. 6. Mr. Sterner was asked to return to the Executive
Committee. after serving her term there.
