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VA » Health Care » New York/New Jersey VA Health Care Network » VISN 2: Volunteer News Summer 2014

New York/New Jersey VA Health Care Network

VISN 2: Volunteer News Summer 2014

Western New York Highlights

Volunteer Recognition

VA volunteers Geraldine Kohlbrenner (second from left) and Robert McTighe (second from right) were recognized on April 2, 2014 for their outstanding volunteer support by Linda Cohen, Executive Director for New York State Commission on National and Community Service (left) and Byron W. Brown, Buffalo Mayor (right). Kohlbrenner has served 36 years at the VA Medical Center and currently serves as a Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Dispatch volunteer. McTighe was a DAV driver for 6 years and now coordinates the DAV program at Buffalo VA.

Girl Scouts Donate Magazines

To show their appreciation to our nation’s heroes, Girl Scouts donated magazines for Buffalo and Batavia Veterans to read and enjoy. Pictured left to right: Robert McTighe, Air Force Veteran and Disabled American Veterans Transportation Network Hospital Service Coordinator; Diane Ruszala, VA Ambassador volunteer; Jake Hipps, Marine Corps Veteran and VA volunteer; and Mark Francis, Volunteer Program Manager.

National Salute to Veteran Patients Week

James Yoder, a Batavia volunteer, visited Michael Manz, an Air Force Veteran. Manz wore the “American Heroes” baseball cap that was distributed to Veterans during National Salute to Veteran Patients week in Western New York.

volunteers

“Buster Bison” from the Buffalo Bisons AAA Baseball affiliate poses with Healthcare Career Connection Students of Erie 1 Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES).

	Volunteers Are needed!
	If you are interested in volunteering in Western New York (Buffalo and Batavia) call us today at (716) 862-8667. There are many opportunities including providing clerical, computer, and recreational support, as well as helping out in programs such as the Adult Day Health Care program, Community Living Center, Disabled American Veterans program, and much more.
	Call us about our Wish List to discover what donations make life a little better for Veterans. Our list includes art therapy supplies, birthday cards, bus passes, bread mixes, gift cards, clothing items, snack packs, treadmills and much more. Phone numbers for donations: Batavia (585) 297-1196 Buffalo (716) 862-8672
	Buffalo Bills
	Reuben Brown, Buffalo Bills alumni visited with Veterans during the Thurman Thomas restaurant “34”s grand opening at the Batavia Downs Casino. Pictured front row, left to right: Veterans Russell Ritter, John Przybylak and Chester Dompkowski. Second row standing: Sarah Whiteside, VA Nursing Assistant and Reuben Brown.
	Hand Made Quilts
	Students from the Housing Environment classes taught by Kristen Rich (far right) at the LeRoy Junior and Senior High School pose with 16 quilts that were made as part of a community service project. Accepting the quilts is Mark Francis, Volunteer Program Manager for VA Western New York Healthcare System. The quilts are being donated to the Veteran’s Home in Batavia for residents to use as lap blankets. Generous donations of fabric by the local community helped make this project a success. Fabric donations for future quilts will be welcomed at the LeRoy High School office.
Calendar Wednesday, May 21 VA Voluntary Service Meeting 1:30 p.m., Batavia Campus Building 4 Auditorium Monday, May 26 Memorial Day Observed – Holiday Memorial Day Observance 8:30 a.m., Batavia Campus Building 3, Flag Pole Area Wednesday, June 18 Batavia Volunteer Awards Ceremony 12:00 p.m., Batavia, Clarion Hotel Friday, July 4 July 4 Observed – Holiday Wednesday, July 16 VA Voluntary Service Meeting 1:30 p.m., Buffalo Campus Freedom Hall

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