POST-POLIO SUPPORT
on the
Alabama-Florida-Mississippi Gulf Coast

     Sylvia Bern opened the October 22, 2005 meeting by sharing remarks from the Polio Connection of America newsletter. The quarterly newsletter is available from: POLIO CONNECTION OF AMERICA - PO BOX 182 - HOWARD BEACH NY 11414
     For a $15.00 minimum contribution you will also receive a copy of Dr. Halstead's 240 page book, "Managing Post-Polio Syndrome"
     The web site is at http://www.geocities.com/w1066w/ where they have vitamins, dolls as well as Dr. Silver's and Dr. Halstead's other books for sale.
     Sylvia also mentioned the long time and continuing work of Rotary International with both rehabilitation and eradication of polio worldwide.
     Appreciation was expressed for Katrina survivors who demonstrated what could be done in these troubled times when differences of faith and nationality were set aside and efforts were combined in rebuilding communities.
     Shannon Shelley-Tremblay was introduced as the guest speaker of the month. She first told of her work with the Independent Living Center and invited us to the center on December 14th when there would be an Open House gathering with lawmakers. The foremost purpose of the Open House is to promote passage of The Alabama Money Follows the Person Act. Shannon gave details of the advantages of the passage of the Act and responded to numerous questions from the group. The question and answer session expanded to other areas of interest, including Vocational Diplomas, closing the Brewer Center, No Child Left Behind, sign language as a second language and a search for the youngest polio survivor in attendance.
Individuals were encouraged to write a letter to encourage the passage of The Alabama Money Follows the Person Act and Sylvia will write a letter from the Mobile Area Post-Polio Support Group.

     It was a grand Christmas celebration for the Mobile Area Post-Polio Support Group December 10, 2005 when 28 gathered at The American Café. Sylvia Bern welcomed everyone and called on Marion Ball for the blessing of the meal. Barbara Gollott served as photographer and captured everyone enjoying the indulgencies of the season.
     Erica Jones brought greetings from Goodwill Easter Seals but son, Jeffery, convinced her to not stay for the balance of the party. Many Christmas cards past and present were shared around the table as well as a letter to which we all signed our names. Sylvia had written the letter at the request of the group seeking support of our representatives to the “Money follows the person bill.” Charles Gollott closed the gathering with an Irish Blessing.
          May the road rise to meet you,
          May the wind be always at your back.
          May the sun shine warm upon your face.
          And rains fall soft upon your fields
          and until we meet again,
          May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

     The Pensacola Post-Polio Support Group had their regular montly get together with good conversation and fellowship on October 15, 2005 with 8 people in attendance.

     November 19, thirteen of us gathered and counted our blessings and reasons to be Thankful for surviving these many years. We count our support group as one of the blessings of the past five years.

     Our Christmas party December 17, 2005 was great fun with thirteen people attending. From the quantity of the food brought, it looked more like thirty.  Our naughty Santa was very sedate this year.  Almost everyone liked what they drew, so not a lot of competition like we usually have.  We just went over the usual up and coming things real quick so we could get to the food.  We hope everyone had a great holidays and a bright New Year.
     The biggest challenge of the New Year is a decision to be made by many with the changes to Medicare this year.  You might want to start with a meeting with your current health care provider if you have one.  Most of the paperwork was clear as mud that we got from the social security and our provider.  Talking in person can help a great deal and can cut to the heart of your choices. Good luck.

Attendance December:
Jane Clark ~ Pat DeLorme ~ George Dethlefs ~ Leigh Dethlefs ~ Jim Hazuga ~ Kay Hazuga ~ Theresa Inge ~ Pat Kaderly ~ Ron Kaderly ~ Clara Norsworthy ~ Denise Phillips ~ Bill Way ~ Sally Way

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