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NYSTRA
GUESTBOOK
2008
Guestbook Archive: 1999 - 2000 - 2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 -
2006 - 2007
Welcome!
Share a comment, post a question, tell us
who you are, etc. to the NYSTRA Guestbook.
Note: the @ has been replaced by * in
the email addresses
to prevent email harvesters from adding your email to their spam lists.
William Grundy
Hope you are continuing to improve and will be home soon. Ours prayers are with you, Barb & Matt. We want to see you soon at another crazy Marmo gathering.
Jean sister(the younger one)
Shirley, Ray and the whole gang
Shirley Karaty shiray924*comcast.net
Tinton Falls, NJ USA - Tuesday, May 06, 2008 at 13:23:06 (EDT), IP Address: 69141244174
Please help!The ATRA RT Medicare Project needs the assistance of any Recreational Therapist living in the 15th Congressional District of Congressman Charles Rangel. This district encompasses upper Manhattan, Harlem and a small portion of the Bronx. Congressman Rangel is very important to the success of the Medicare Project and in order to meet with him, we need a therapist in his district. If you live in this district, please contact me by email at ikellerman@mtnrc.org.
Thanks so much for your assistance!
Isabel Kellerman ikellerman*mtnrc.org
Jamaica, NY USA - Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 11:54:02 (EDT), IP Address: 655122212
HELLO everyone.. The CEU's have arrived in Mississippi and ATRA has started the review process. So 6-8 weeks from now you should receive the official copy then. Thanks again for another great year. Vanessa Von Seggern CTRS
Vanessa Von Seggern CTRS tess7*optonline.net
Great River , NY USA - Monday, April 21, 2008 at 21:21:53 (EDT), IP Address: 69117212144
www.theleisurelinkconsulting.com Check out my new leisure education website to help individuals and organizations make positive and fulfilling use of leisure time, for the good of the individuals and society. How's your leisure life?
Alison Link alison*theleisurelinkconsulting.com
Brooklyn, NY USA - Monday, April 21, 2008 at 21:15:06 (EDT), IP Address: 74732202
Hello everyone. I am currently a TR student in upstate. I was curious if anyone knew more information about TR jobs in public schools and if so, could you email me with information? Thank you!
Laura Leber1*brockport.edu
Rochester, NY USA - Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 11:09:23 (EDT), IP Address: 7594109141
Looking to know what colleges offer Rec Therapy Majors in Albany area might be transferring to area currently going to Dutchess Comm College and almost done
Jennifer Lajara recguru*optonline .net
Fishkill, ny USA - Friday, April 11, 2008 at 09:51:28 (EDT), IP Address: 21617911545
Hi All,
Just want to let everyone know that I'm sorry for not having the Photos from previous conference there this year. I was hurt at work before going to the conference. Anyway they will be there next year. It was another successful conference.
Sue Drumgould Sueddcf1*aol.com
Poughkeepsie, ny USA - Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 16:56:46 (EDT), IP Address: 20518811774
Hi everyone in TR. I am actually working with the elderly population doing TR in their own homes on an individual basis. I have found that not many relatives and family members consider this to be worthwhile. Yet, I enjoy it immensely and have seen results from my efforts. I have been doing this since graduating from Lehman College in 2002. I would like comments on ways that we that can increase awareness, understanding and acceptance of TR in the homes as being beneficial to all - especially the elderly. Thanks.
Cecelia Barton doolia*yahoo.com
Port Washington, NY USA - Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 16:25:21 (EDT), IP Address: 7124114537
Hello NYSTRA!
I just wanted to thank you for welcoming me into your world this past week. You are a truly special group of people; who truly are making a difference. Keep up the great work! - Rich DiGirolamo www.richdigirolamo.com
Rich DiGirolamo rich*richdigirolamo.com
Marion, CT USA - Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 08:06:11 (EDT), IP Address: 76282092
I want send out a great big THANK YOU to all who helped out at this year AMAZING AND FANTASTIC conference..Especially Loretta who did such an awsomely amazing job on the conference program..it is one of the hardest jobs in the world to cordinate all of everyone schedules and to fit sessions in just so..think it is easy try it some time not as easy as it looks...all the helpful moderators THANK FOR THE BOTTOM of my HEART!!!!especialy when it is a last minute change you are all the best...Can not wait to see you all at next years...You are all special people and look forward to speaking to some of you through out the year and MATT hi there from 4 fingers...I will be ready next year.
To every one else on and off the board and the new friends I made this year Especially Rich (the Big Kid)thank you for another great year.. Sincerely Vanessa :O)
Vanessa Von Seggern tess7*optonline.net
Great River , NY USA - Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 12:40:26 (EDT), IP Address: 704410192
A nig thanks to the NYSTRA board for putting together another fun and successful conference!
John Clements cdisjjc*omh.state.ny.us
Albany, ny USA - Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 09:35:09 (EDT), IP Address: 19819023062
Excellent conference! I loved having it in Saratoga again this year (and for many more I hope!) I really appreciate having the opportunity to attend so many high quality, top notch Therapeutic Recreation sessions. Thanks again!
Susan Colletti, CTRS susancolletti*yahoo.com
Clifton Park, NY USA - Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 17:46:24 (EDT), IP Address: 7222494113
To all the NYSTRA team who created yet another wonderful conference. Hat's off to all of you! Thank you for all your selfless volunteerism for our association it's membership and our profession.
Daryl
Daryl Willenbrink knirbevets*optonline.net
USA - Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 17:46:09 (EDT), IP Address: 68192132170
I am a student in Therapeutic Recreation in Ottawa Ontario. I am aware that Therapeutic Recreation is far more advanced and structured in the USA and I was wondering if some of the professionals could explain to me what are the fundamental personal, organizational and managerial skills that a Therapist should have.
I thank anyone who would be so kind as to answer
Sincerely
Silvia
Silvia D'Onofrio csbp*sympatico.ca
Ottawa, ON Canada - Friday, April 04, 2008 at 22:54:49 (EDT), IP Address: 7051240137
Just to let everyone know Vinnie will be offering Yoga on Monday at 7:30 a.m. So if you would like to attend bring a yoga mat or towel.
Loretta Murray MissLoretta84*hotmail.com
Whitesboro, ny USA - Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 09:56:36 (EDT), IP Address: 2459936
Just a reminder Monday April 7th is hospitality night and this year it is a Luau!! So remember to bring your bright colored shirts and grass skirts!
Loretta Murray MissLoretta84*hotmail.com
Whitesboro, NY USA - Friday, March 28, 2008 at 22:01:10 (EDT), IP Address: 2459936
Hello
I am working on the intern/job mart board and do not have many to post..if you or your facility need positions to be filled please contact me by the 2nd of April and I will be happy to add you information to the display board
Vanessa Von Seggern CTRS tess7*optonline.net
Great River , NY USA - Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 09:32:46 (EDT), IP Address: 69117212144
this is for jennifer hi jennifer i read your post and unfortunatly mmany people percieve us as the fun and games people. we are actual therapists as far as im concerned qualified and trained. just like ot and pt. these people who are applying dont understand that or the therapeutic aspect of our field!!this is something they need to know before jumping into a job they dont understand,and we lose our credibility more!!good lucki hope we can get this message across!!jane
jane janeleah1987*yahoo.com
yonkers, ny USA - Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 20:43:23 (EDT), IP Address: 69119254197
Hey Guyz, I'm planning a CTRS Study Group for April 2nd (Wednesday)@ 6pm @ St. Joseph College in Patchague LI NY.The fee is $40.00 per person. Refreshments will be served! For registration or more info please call Ray Archer @ 631-444-3605.
If you know anyone needing study Prep... PLEASE PASS THE WORD! Thanx C U @ the Conference!
Raymond J. Archer Rjozman*aol.com
Stony Brook, NY USA - Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 17:29:28 (EDT), IP Address: 1294916487
Having difficulty finding staff to replace a leader that just resigned. Why is it people apply for rec jobs with no experience but say " I really love to do bingo and arts and crafts I thought it would be a fun job" Our job may be fun but it is still a job and not everyone is cut out...any suggestions please let toss me a line....
Jennifer Lajara jlajara*skyviewhelathcare .com
Croton On The hudson, ny USA - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 09:04:41 (EDT), IP Address: 21617911545
I am looking for a roomate for the NYSTRA conference. I will be arriving Saturday Night.
Call me at 917-363-6935. or email Leahhers@yahoo.com
Leah Herskovits, CTRS Leahhers*yahoo.com
USA - Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 21:32:50 (EDT), IP Address: 20518811774
Looking for a roomate for the NYSTRA conference. I'm easiy going. Please contact me at H- 914-740-4689 C- 914-498-9801
Valerie Secor,ctrs;ms.ed valspirit*optonline.net
New Rochelle, NY USA - Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 14:15:27 (EDT), IP Address: 691211244
Looking for female roommate for the NYSTRA convention. I don't snore. Please contact me at 917-992-4537. Rina Blech, Recreation Leader, Menorah Home and Hospital
Rina Blech rinabina613*aol.com
New York, N.Y. USA - Monday, March 17, 2008 at 19:51:45 (EDT), IP Address: 20518811774
Just wanted to clear up something in the brochure as it was just asked. Institute #2 the certification is included in the $59. The description is a little miss leading and we apologize for that.
Denise dhorton824*yahoo.com
Massapequa Park, NY USA - Friday, March 14, 2008 at 09:28:41 (EDT), IP Address: 681943868
Hello everyone, this is a note to tell all the Bus ride offered to Long Islanders to the April conference has been canceled due to lack of interest. Sincerely Vanessa
Vanessa Von Seggern CTRS tess7*optonline.net
Great River , NY USA - Wednesday, March 05, 2008 at 18:01:58 (EST), IP Address: 69117212144
I am a CTRS, moving to Albany, NY in september and need a job! I have 3 yrs. experience in adult psychiatric inpatient care, as well as some experience with brain injury/spinal cord injury. Any information would be helpful! Email me at beckygroenewal@gmail.com
Becky beckygroenewal*gmail.com
pasadena, ca USA - Tuesday, March 04, 2008 at 13:51:03 (EST), IP Address: 163401237
With the introduction late last year of House Resolution 4248, Ensuring Access to Recreational Therapy Bill of 2007, the bill has not received enough support to make it to a vote in the House of Representatives.
HR 4248 needs co-sponsors and we need you to encourage your congressmen/women to do so NOW.
This bill is completely budget neutral - Medicare already pays for recreational therapy.
Passage of this bill will ensure that if patients need rec therapy and the doctor prescribes it, then they can receive this treatment.
This bill will not negatively impact other types of therapy - nor should it if we want the best available treatments.To find your congressman/woman, got to www.house.gov and enter your zip code. Either send an email to the attention of the Healthcare Legislative Assistant or call them. Shoot, if they are in town, go see them. We need them to co-sponsor HR 4248.House Resolution 4248, The Ensuring Access to Recreation Therapy Bill of 2007. Please ask your U.S. Congressman/woman to co-sponsor this important piece of legislation. Sample letters can be found on the ATRA website.
The time is NOW!
New York HR Bill 4248
New York, NY USA - Tuesday, March 04, 2008 at 10:17:20 (EST), IP Address: 216165126106
H.R.4248
Title: To ensure access to recreational therapy in inpatient rehabilitation facilities, inpatient psychiatric facilities, and skilled nursing facilities under the Medicare Program.
Sponsor: Rep Tauscher, Ellen O. [CA-10] (introduced 11/15/2007) Cosponsors (25)
Latest Major Action: 11/15/2007 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COSPONSORS(25), ALPHABETICAL [followed by Cosponsors withdrawn]: (Sort: by date)
Rep Boucher, Rick [VA-9] - 12/12/2007 Rep Brady, Robert A. [PA-1] - 2/28/2008
Rep Butterfield, G. K. [NC-1] - 1/16/2008 Rep Carnahan, Russ [MO-3] - 12/17/2007
Rep Cohen, Steve [TN-9] - 12/17/2007 Rep Dent, Charles W. [PA-15] - 1/16/2008
Rep English, Phil [PA-3] - 11/15/2007 Rep Etheridge, Bob [NC-2] - 12/5/2007
Rep Farr, Sam [CA-17] - 2/12/2008 Rep Gerlach, Jim [PA-6] - 2/28/2008
Rep Gordon, Bart [TN-6] - 12/5/2007 Rep Hill, Baron P. [IN-9] - 2/28/2008
Rep Hooley, Darlene [OR-5] - 2/12/2008 Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [NC-3] - 2/12/2008
Rep McIntyre, Mike [NC-7] - 2/12/2008 Rep Murphy, Patrick J. [PA-8] - 2/12/2008
Rep Peterson, John E. [PA-5] - 12/17/2007 Rep Platts, Todd Russell [PA-19] - 2/28/2008
Rep Rahall, Nick J., II [WV-3] - 12/11/2007 Rep Rehberg, Dennis R. [MT] - 12/12/2007
Rep Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana [FL-18] - 12/11/2007 Rep Sestak, Joe [PA-7] - 2/28/2008
Rep Shea-Porter, Carol [NH-1] - 1/16/2008 Rep Wamp, Zach [TN-3] - 12/12/2007
Rep Welch, Peter [VT] - 1/23/2008
Update 4248 Co sponsors for bill so far. New York
NY, NY USA - Tuesday, March 04, 2008 at 10:00:11 (EST), IP Address: 216165126106
seasoned keyboard player/piano player available to provide one lady band program an upbeat,interactive program tailored for active seniors. also offer strolling on unit servive. experienced with dementia residents also-ba degree in music and gerontology,12 years in the field of tr -call jane 914 471 0573 if interested
jane janeleah1987*yahoo.com
yonkers, ny USA - Tuesday, March 04, 2008 at 07:17:24 (EST), IP Address: 69119254197
Just wanted to pass along a misprint in the Conference Brochure. The price of the Hotel is Single$ 368 and Double$262. Sorry for the inconvenience if you are sending in your Hotel Registration form please send in the 1 or 2 night stay as well as your name. If you are taking it from the Conference Brochure please make a copy of both pages. Thank you and again sorry for the misprint.
Denise Horton dhorton8242yahoo.com
Massapequa Park, NY USA - Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 13:03:53 (EST), IP Address: 1521336133
RECREATIVE RESOURCES INC. PRESENTS:“SPRING BLOOMS: GROWING YOUR HORTICULTURAL THERAPY PROGRAM”. SPEAKER: Patricia Czarnecki, Certified Horticultural Therapist, MBA. OVERVIEW:
This fun and interactive session is designed to inform and educate healthcare professionals about Horticultural Therapy. This session emphasizes HT principals and techniques which may be utilized to implement or enhance an effective HT program that promotes quality of life and functional status of long-term care residents. Focus will be on spring and summer techniques. Participants will engage in a fun, hands-on session and will get to keep their project! CEU’s
Activity Professionals: 3 contact hours NCCAP approved AND CTRS’s: .3 CEU’s approved by PRPS.
DATE, TIME, AND LOCATION: Thursday, March 13, 2008
8:45 am-12:00 noon, Runnel’s Specialized Hospital,
Berkley Heights, NJ. If you have any questions, please contact Kimberly Grandal at kim@recreativeresources.com or call 732-340-1210. You may register online or by mail. Visit www.recreativeresources. Register today!
Kimberly Grandal kim*recreativeresources.com
Clark, NJ USA - Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 10:18:55 (EST), IP Address: 20518811774
Subject: ATRA Medicare Project Alert
American Therapeutic Recreation Association
founded in 1984
TO: All Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS)
Date: 15 February 2008
SUBJECT: H.R. 4248 “The Ensuring Medicare Access To Recreational Therapy Act Of 2007” has been introduced in the United States House of Representatives
Immediate Action needed!
YOUR PROFESSION NEEDS YOUR ACTION!
BE PERSISTENT!!
THIS IS YOUR PROFESSION, PLEASE TAKE ACTION.
ACTION ALERT
Introduction of ATRA’s House Bill, H.R. 4248!!
“The Ensuring Medicare Access To Recreational Therapy Act Of 2007”
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUESTED: The American Therapeutic Recreation Association asks you to contact/re-contact your federal Representative to request their support for HR 4248!
We recommend that you do this with a personal phone call or by scheduling a direct meeting with your Representative or their staff person.
Please Act Now!! Contact Your Member Of Congress!!
We need TO BUILD support FoR H.R. 4248 Now !!
We have 20 Co-sponsors for HR 4248 and need your support to increase this number!!!
You can check if your representative has signed on as a co-sponsor by going to WWW.THOMAS.GOV
iF NOT, CALL THEIR OFFICE AND ASK WHY THEY HAVE NOT SIGNED ON!!
THIS IS OUR OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE BUT IT BEGINS WITH YOU!!
H.R. 4248 – BRIEF SUMMARY:
H.R. 4248 is the “The Ensuring Medicare Access To Recreational Therapy Act Of 2007” sponsored by Reps. Tauscher (D-CA) and English (R-PA).
Overview: The purpose of the bill is to help ensure that Medicare patients receive recreational therapy services when such services are prescribed by their doctors and warranted by their health condition. This is done by directing CMS to publicly clarify current Medicare coverage and payment policy.
Specifically:
The bill directs CMS to issue notification in the Medicare Benefits Policy Manual (or by regulation) that recreational therapy is a covered Medicare service in inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs), inpatient psychiatric facilities (IPFs), and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).
In addition, it recognizes that the costs of providing recreational therapy services have already been built into the prospective payment systems for each of these three settings.
Finally, the bill defines recreational therapy services as skilled rehabilitation therapy (not just diversional activities) that must be provided by a qualified recreational therapist when required by a patient’s condition and prescribed by a physician as part of a facility’s plan of care for the patient.
It is important to note that this resolution will not create new Medicare coverage or additional costs to the Medicare program because it would not add services to the Medicare program.
WHO TO CONTACT:
FOR PHONE CALLS & SCHEDULING VISITS:
Reach your Congressman through the Congressional switchboard at 202- 225 -3121.
WHAT TO SAY:
FOR PHONE CALLS & VISITS:
Note: When you talk to staff, you will not have a long time to discuss your request as they usually have very, busy schedules. Please be sure to cover the following proven steps to ensure all relevant details are covered, to optimize your time and to achieve a successful result.
Review this alert so that you know what you want to say before you call.
Call the Congressional office, tell them you are a “constituent” (meaning you live in their state/district) and ask to speak to the “Healthcare Legislative Assistant.” This person will handle requests involving our issue.
Most importantly, ask for the Congressman to “cosponsor” the bill. This is your “ask” and forgetting to make it is the biggest mistake made by advocates!
ACT NOW. We are here to help. Please share with us your responses. We will immediately assist with your needs. If you have ANY questions, please email: Thom Skalko at skalkot@ecu.edu or Lisa Morgan at lmorgan@siskinrehab.org or Diane Baumann at diane.baumann@psysolutions.com
YOU NEED TO ACT TODAY! / PLEASE BE PERSISTENT!!
Action alert New York
New York, NY USA - Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 12:26:28 (EST), IP Address: 216165126106
November 20, 2007
The Honorable [Your Congressman’s Name]
Member of Congress
Washington, D.C. 20515
Re: Request to Cosponsor H.R. 4248
Dear Congressman [Your Congressman’s Name],
I am contacting you regarding H.R. 4248, the Ensuring Medicare Access To Recreational Therapy Act Of 2007, which was recently introduced by Representatives Tauscher (D-CA) and English (R-PA). H.R. 4248 will help ensure that Medicare inpatients receive rehabilitation therapy services when such services are prescribed by their doctors and warranted by their health condition.
[Write a short paragraph describing who you are, where you live, what you do and where you work.]
Recreational therapy (RT) is recognized as a skilled healthcare service that restores, remediates, and rehabilitates functional capacity in persons with injuries, chronic illnesses and disabilities. It is provided by certified recreational therapists and is prescribed and supervised by a physician as part of an inpatient facility’s treatment plan for individual patients.
However, beneficiary access to recreational therapy services in inpatient settings throughout the country is very inconsistent largely due to a lack of clarity in CMS’s regulations and manual provisions. This lack of clarity has created the widespread misconception that recreational therapy services are not covered in inpatient settings of care, despite the fact that CMS has repeatedly stated that they are both covered and included in existing payment systems. This is a budget neutral bill that does not add new services or additional costs to the Medicare program.
Congress has repeatedly requested CMS to clarify its recreational therapy policy to providers, but while CMS has responded to every congressional inquiry stating that recreational therapy is covered and included in existing payment systems, CMS has not communicated this same message to fiscal intermediaries, facility administrators, treating physicians in these settings, and other relevant entities. As a result, many of them are misinterpreting CMS guidance and denying recreational therapy, often out of concern for potential liability for fraud and abuse.
Public, formal clarification by CMS of recreational therapy coverage and payment policy in these inpatient settings, as directed by H.R. 4248, is all that is needed to ensure that Medicare inpatients who need recreational therapy services receive appropriate access to these vital rehabilitative therapies.
Please cosponsor H.R. 4248 to ensure that Medicare patients have consistent access to recreational therapy services. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Sample Letter to Congressman/woaman to Cosponsor H.R. Bill 4248 New York
New York, NY USA - Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 12:22:50 (EST), IP Address: 216165126106
hello all members --
I am writing to ask if anyone else works with children as a recreational therapist in schools or in a home therapy style under a child's IEP. under IDEA TR is a related service that school districts and parents can request. i was just wondering if any one is doing services such like that. please email we can chat for ideas thanks ira. Hello all lehman students - do well in your classes the program is great! just graduated with MA in May 07
Ira alohany08*yahoo.com
selden, ny USA - Monday, February 18, 2008 at 08:35:23 (EST), IP Address: 24190251254
Hellow New York! I am writing regarding HR Bill 4248 “The Ensuring Medicare Access To Recreational Therapy Act Of 2007”. We are desperately needing everyone in New York to write to their House Representatives and ask them to co-sponsor this bill. I will give you all the information you will need. You will just need to personalize the letter and email it. Please email me and I will send everything to you. It is very simple and takes very little time. Email me at diane.baumann@psysolutions.com or you can call me at 812-258-1054. We have very little time left to make sure this bill is introduced and need everyone's help now! This is the most important thing we have done as a profession and it will take everyone to make it successful!
Thanks - Diane
Diane Baumann diane.baumann*psysolutions.com
Jeffersonville, IN USA - Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 17:36:19 (EST), IP Address: 714246104
Greetings NYSTRA Members!
The NYSTRA Professional and Student Scholarships are still available. Scholarships include full registration at the NYSTRA Multi-Day Conference, April 5-8, 2008 and a 2 nights stay at the Holiday Inn, with all meals included.
Please contact me right away by email if you are interested-tifkel@aol.com.
See you in Saratoga!
Isabel Kellerman tifkel*aol.com
Roslyn Heights, NY USA - Saturday, February 09, 2008 at 15:41:10 (EST), IP Address: 20518811774
Hello NYSTRA members!
The anticipated programs for this years conference will be in the mail soon, they are at the printers.
If you have any questions please contact me. Don't forget to save the dates for the conference April 5th- 8th.
Loretta Murray MissLoretta84*hotmail.com
Whitesboro, NY USA - Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 21:22:35 (EST), IP Address: 69202102118
Welcome all: I am putting together a bus ride from LI to the April conference in Saratoga Springs. There will be 2 pick up points on the LIE early in the am of April 5th and return trip on the 8th after the conference is over. the whole trip will ONLY COST YOU $ 55.00 that is a great deal!!!! so please call 1-613-581-7893 or email me at tess7@optonline.net I will need 54 passengers to fill this bus or it won't happen it needs to be a full bus thank you for your time look for the program it will be in the mail soon and then hopefully then you can make you decision.. thanks again Vanessa CTRS
Vanessa Von Seggern CTRS tess7*optonline.net
Great River , NY USA - Friday, January 18, 2008 at 12:35:00 (EST), IP Address: 69117212144
Hi NYSTRA Members!
Hope you have all received your Elections, Awards and Scholarship packet. Please take this wonderful opportunity to nominate your peers and volunteers for their hard work on behalf of our profession. I look forward to hearing from you soon. See you in Saratoga! Isabel
Isabel Kellerman tifkel*aol.com
Roslyn Heights, NY USA - Monday, January 14, 2008 at 21:38:05 (EST), IP Address: 20518811774
Re-Creative Resources Inc. announces their spring 2008 seminar schedule. Continuing education hours are available for Activity Professionals and CTRS’s. Activity Professionals: all sessions have NCCAP pre-approval or have been submitted for pre-approval. CTRSs: all sessions have been submitted for CTRS CEU approval from the Pennsylvania Recreation and Parks Society, a valid credentialing body for CEU's. The schedule is as follows:
Spring Blooms: Growing Your Horticultural Therapy Program
Speaker: Patricia Czarnecki, Certified Horticultural Therapist, MBA
March 13, 2008
Berkley Heights, NJ
3 CEU’s
A Quality Assured Recreation Department: Quality Monitoring Methods for Recreation Directors
Speaker: Kimberly Grandal, BA, CTRS, ACC
May 22, 2008
Clifton, NJ
3 CEU’s
Taking the Write Path: Recreation Documentation for Quality of Life (meets documentation requirement for NCCAP Track 5 for ADC)
June 10, 2008
Speaker: Kimberly Grandal, BA, CTRS, ACC
Basking Ridge, NJ
7 CEU’s
For more information or to register, please email Kimberly Grandal at kim@recreativeresources.com or visit www.recreativeresources.com.
Kimberly Grandal kim*recreativeresources.com
Clark, NJ USA - Monday, January 14, 2008 at 09:38:40 (EST), IP Address: 20518811774
Congratulations Mike, and all the best in your retirement years to come. Background: Back in 1993 Mike was director of Recreation at the James J peters VA Medical Center (simply known back then as the Bronx VA Medical Center). He hired me as a Recreation Assistant, provided me with the best on the job training experience I've ever known and stuck by me for the nest 10 years as I went through life's trails and tribulations. Today I am married, have a 4 year old daughter and owe my professional growth to this man. He has and always will be an icon for the Recreation profession. Thank you Mike, thank you for being my teacher, my mentor and my inspiration in the field of Recreation. I know i gave you many headaches, I know I could have done things a little differently, but I also know that I owe you a great deal of thanks for helping me realize my worth as a man and as a Recreation professional. I've never been able to say these things to you in person, but today I finally realized that an era has passed with your retirement and I truly thank you for all you have done. My best wishes to you and Joan.
Juan Rodriguez Jr. Recreation Therapist Assistant RTA (And proud of it) :-)
Juanrjr06@aol.com
Juan Rodriguez juanrjr06*aol.com
Bronx, NY USA - Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 20:36:57 (EST), IP Address: 244414938
ACTION ALERT!!- updated info!!!!
TO: All Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS)
FROM: G.T. Thompson, Co-Chair - Recreational Therapy Medicare Project (RTMP)
DATE: December 21, 2007
SUBJECT: H.R. 4248 Update
ACTION ALERT UPDATE
As you know ATRA’s House Bill, H.R. 4248 “The Ensuring Medicare Access To Recreational Therapy Act Of 2007” has been introduced in the United States House of Representatives.
Recreational Therapy professionals, consumers, students and other supportive individuals have been doing a great job of contacting Congress throughout the nation to request members of Congress to sign on as H.R. 4248 Bill Sponsors.
CURRENT STATUS: We have the Sponsor and 11 Cosponsors
officially listed as of December 21, 2007.
These Members of Congress that have signed-on include:
Rep Tauscher, Ellen O. [CA-10] (introduced 11/15/2007)
Rep Boucher, Rick [VA-9] - 12/12/2007
Rep Carnahan, Russ [MO-3] - 12/17/2007
Rep Cohen, Steve [TN-9] - 12/17/2007
Rep English, Phil [PA-3] - 11/15/2007
Rep Etheridge, Bob [NC-2] - 12/5/2007
Rep Gordon, Bart [TN-6] - 12/5/2007
Rep Peterson, John E. [PA-5] - 12/17/2007
Rep Rahall, Nick J., II [WV-3] - 12/11/2007
Rep Rehberg, Dennis R. [MT] - 12/12/2007
Rep Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana [FL-18] - 12/11/2007
Rep Wamp, Zach [TN-3] - 12/12/2007
Accessing the Library of Congress web site at THOMAS.gov and entering 4248 under the Legislation in Current Congress search function can obtain the current status of H.R. 4248.
RECENT EFFORTS:
H.R. 4248 Dear Colleague Letter Circulated
A “Dear Colleague” Letter circulated last week to all 435 Congressional Offices by Representative Tauscher and Representative English.
Medicare Bill passes that includes many temporary Medicare fixes / extensions, but not Recreational Therapy clarification
A slimmed-down Medicare package was passed that essentially pushes everything off until next year to address all over again. On Tuesday December 18th, the Senate passed this bill by unanimous consent and the House also passed the bill.
The final Medicare package leaves all NEW policies on the cutting room floor for now including the provisions of the “The Ensuring Medicare Access To Recreational Therapy Act Of 2007”.
The passed Bill includes a temporary update to the Medicare physician fee schedule and a number of simple extensions of existing policies that would expire if Congress did not pass this bill, particularly in the area of rural health provisions.
A whole host of policy provisions, including our Recreational Therapy coverage clarification, needs your advocacy over the course of the first six months of the new year. Because most of the provisions of this most recent Medicare Bill are only temporary, Congress will be required to take additional Medicare related action within the next six months. This provides us an excellent opportunity to build more support for H.R. 4248!
ACTION REQUESTED:
Continue to request that your United States Member of Congress (U.S. House of Representatives) sign-on as a co-sponsors. There is no time limit at this point.
Please be sure to emphasize:
CMS (Medicare) has verbally commented that this is zero budget and they would not oppose the language that we have had introduced.
This is about consumers getting access to services that are already being paid for by Medicare under the inpatient prospective payment systems..
Please keep Lisa Morgan updated at lmorgan@siskinrehab.org when your House member agrees to co-sponsor.
Please Act Now!! Contact Your Members Of Congress!!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!!
Action alert update
New York, NY USA - Thursday, January 03, 2008 at 16:25:22 (EST), IP Address: 216165126106
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