The Bedford February 5 - 19, 2015Volume 6 :: No. 3

CommunityNews!

StandardMore articles at www.thebedfordstandard.com

Celebrating 5 years in Bedford!

Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Bedford Wrestlers Raise Funds for Cancer Research The Bedford Wrestling team has been

hosting a daytime wrestling match for the past four years in order to raise funds to donate towards some worthy causes. The past two years the team has chosen to donate the funds to cancer research based at the Cleveland Clinic, Taussig Research Center. The name “Krushing Kancer” comes from Coach Adam Hoon’s late sister-in-law, Kelly Kutz, who battled neuroblastoma from August 2012 to Labor Day 2013.

The point of the event is not simply to bring focus to this terrible disease but to make the team remember that there is

more to life than sports. Each year the students have raised over $1000, and the goal is to increase the amount each year. At this year’s match on January 16th, the team raised nearly $1,100. Coach Hoon is trying to raise money on his own to match the funds raised by the students. If you wish to donate, please contact Coach Hoon by emailing ahoon22@hotmail.com or calling 216-832-7553.

Bedford Football Team Honored The Bedford Board of Education

held a special event last night after its regular meeting to honor the football team for their accomplishments this past season. All four mayors, along with city council members from each community, attended the event. BOE President Barbara Patterson and each mayor presented Coach Sean Williams with proclamations, praising the young men, not just for their hard work and accomplishments on the field, but for maintaining good grades, for being respectful men of high character, and for bringing excitement about high school football back to all community members and alumni. More photos will be posted on the district website.

Bedford High School Freshman wins MLK ContestCongratulations to BHS freshman

Marcus Jones, who won this year’s Happy Birthday Dr. King! Birthday Card Contest for his grade level. The 2015 Class of

MLK Holiday Scholars were honored at a Scholarship Breakfast January 19th downtown at the Hilton Doubletree Hotel. One student was chosen for each

grade 1-12, and 852 students entered the contest. Marcus received a trophy, a book, three tickets to the scholarship breakfast, and a $500 scholarship. His scholarship

was presented to him by WKYC Channel 3 Traffic Reporter and BHS alum Danielle Wiggins. The post at right is from Danielle’s Twitter feed that morning.

Bedford Students Honored at Beachwood Arts Council’s Art Show

Congratulations to four of Marjorie Falk’s Art II students, Samaria Redding, Joshua Shelton Bell, Daja Lee, and Kayla Sanford, who were honored at the Beachwood Arts Council ‘s 20th Annual Juried Regional High School Student Art Show. Samaria and Joshua both did pencil portraits, Daja did a watercolor landscape and Kayla did an abstract drawing in colored pencil. Artworks by students from 28 area high schools were judged , and eight top awards will

be announced during the reception. Marjorie was notified that one of the students is one of the winners! Winners will receive cash prizes. In addition, all exhibiting students in attendance at the reception will be acknowledged for their artistic accomplishments and will receive a small monetary gift recognizing their participation. The exhibition of student artwork will be on view February 1-22 at the Beachwood Community Center.

2 :: 17 of Iyyar, 5768 :: May 22, 2008

www.thenewstandard.com The New Standard

The Bedford Standard

St John Funeral Home

Celebrating 101 Years of Continuous Service by the

St. John Family

1913-201416381 Chillicothe Road

Bainbridge Twp., OH 44023

(440) 708-1308

923 Broadway Ave.Bedford, OH 44146

(440) 232-1155

City of Bedford Snow Removal When snow accumulations exceed

two inches, a parking ban is put into effect. No parking on any city streets.

It is the property owner’s responsibility to clear snow from the sidewalk. In

addition, we request residents clear fire hydrants in front of their homes. When having your driveway and sidewalks cleared of snow, all snow is to remain on your property.

Central School’s Kindergartener’s Feed the Birds

Before winter break, Central School’s kindergarten and multi-handicapped (MH) classes hung environmentally-friendly birdseed ornaments they made on the trees at Bedford Square. The local animals surely

enjoyed the holiday treat! The children also toured the Bedford Historical Society museum and the Bedford Train Station. Although it was a cold day, everyone enjoyed learning about community history.

2015

102

February 5 - 19, 2015

Sen. Portman Urged to Stop Putting Politics Before Public Safety

As a February 27 deadline looms for Congress to reauthorize funding for the Department of Homeland Security - the agency tasked with aviation and border security and many counterterrorism and emergency readiness efforts - Americans United for Change called on Sen. Rob Portman and fellow Republicans in Congress to stop playing politics with public safety and pass a clean DHS funding bill. That means no strings attached, unlike in the DHS funding bill House Republicans passed earlier this month that would defund the President’s immigration executive action and resume deportation of millions of undocumented immigrants. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced intentions to take up the legislation soon, but would be wise to remember the poison-pill House legislation has zero chance of becoming law.

How We Got Here: As Huffington Post reports, “In December, Congress approved funding through the end of the fiscal year for every department except DHS, which was funded only until the end of February. That decision was made because Republicans hoped to use the DHS bill to block policies advanced by the president that could allow up to 5 million undocumented immigrants

to remain in the U.S. temporarily and work legally.”

Brad Woodhouse, President, Americans United for Change: “The Republican Party that gave us the government shutdown that sucked billions of dollars out of the economy is back with another manufactured crisis at the American people’s expense. This time, Republicans are needlessly holding up critical homeland security resources in protest of the President’s immigration action. Leader McConnell and Speaker Boehner know the President, like Reagan before him, acted well within his legal authority in giving an opportunity for undocumented immigrants who pass a background check to keep their families together, get right with the law and pay their fair share in taxes. But it’s clear the extreme anti-immigrant elements in the Republican caucus are the ones calling the plays and they’re even willing to compromise public safety to go backwards on immigration reform. It’s why we’re seeing political stunts like this to keep the fringe at bay instead of any effort by Republicans to pass a real comprehensive immigration reform bill. If they did that, there would be no need for the President’s executive actions. DHS funding is

not something to be playing political football with especially in the wake of recent terrorist attacks in France and Canada, but here we are, the Party of Mass Deportation is ready to kick off. And Ohio voters deserve to know: Is Senator Rob Portman going to go along with this troubling and irresponsible political brinkmanship? Will Portman vote to put

politics, or public safety first? If the latter is his priority, Portman can prove it by joining Democratic calls on Mitch McConnell to hold a vote on a clean DHS funding bill. If it’s the former, he should be embarrassed and has some explaining to do back home.”

May 22, 2008 :: 17 of Iyyar, 5768 :: 3

Celebrating 5 Years of Award-Winning Journalism in Central Ohio www.thenewstandard.com

The Bedford Standard February 5 - 19, 2015

BHS Students Earn Top Ratings in Music CompetitionBedford High School music students

brought home 12 number one (I) ratings, 9 number 2 (II) ratings, one number 3 (III) ratings, and three “comments only” (C/O) ratings in the annual Ohio Music

Education Association’s District 7 Solo & Ensemble Contest held on January 24th at Cleveland Hts. High School.

Student performances were rated on a scale that ranged from I (one) to V

(five), with one being the highest rating. Music performed was divided into three categories: A, the most challenging; B, moderately challenging music, and C, less challenging.

Bedford students earned the following scores: Before winter break, Central School’s

kindergarten and multi-handicapped (MH) classes hung environmentally-friendly birdseed ornaments they made on the trees at Bedford Square. The local animals surely

enjoyed the holiday treat! The children also toured the Bedford Historical Society museum and the Bedford Train Station. Although it was a cold day, everyone enjoyed learning about community history.

VOCAL:Rating: IMadrigal Singers, Chamber EnsembleDarrien Benford, The Bedford Men Calvin Britten, (Tenor/Bass)Carlin Colston Maliaq Dean-Phillips DeCarlo Fowler Mansfield Johnson Sammie Johnson Chase JonesKimeisha Buchanan, The Bedford Ladies Alexis Hall (Soprano/Alto) Jenna Howell Aseana McIntyre Kayla Miller Ashonti RiaseKhemi Salahudiin Breana Vinson

INSTRUMENTAL:Solo Rating: IAhmir Robinson, Snare DrumRaelene Jones , TrumpetJustin Satchel, Violin

Solo Rating: II Terrence Sotillio, Clarinet Brandon Bounds, Trombone Kristen Sanford, Violin Lyrik Briggs, Flute Daniel Burrell, Trumpet Naomi Goode, Flute

Ensemble Rating: IKimeisha Buchannan Flute Quartet

Ryanne HarrisJennna HowellCendra Hylton

Kathryn Kennedy Clarinet Trio Jesse LittletonTerrence Sotillio

Malik Flowers Cello/Bass DuetKenny Anderson

Malik Flowers Cello Duet Jhanae Pearl

Brett Biederman, Saxophone Quartet Samantha Dobbins-CobbNadia Hollis HightowerTerrence Sotillio

Kimeisha Buchannan Flute Trio Daijahnae JonesGabrielle White

Jordyn Bell Flute Trio Dominique Harris Cydney Thomas

Ensemble Rating: IITyler Bouldin Brass Sextet Erik BrooksDaniel BurrellDaykwon DanielsDanielle HarrisKristen Sanford

Malik Foreman Percussion Andrea HarrisPaul LawsonAhmir Robinson

Ensemble Rating: IIIMilan Richards Violin Duet Kristen Sanford

Bedford High School’s vocal music instructor is Gary Kaplan, and instrumental music instructors are Shawn Nichols and Jennifer Shauf.

4 :: 17 of Iyyar, 5768 :: May 22, 2008

www.thenewstandard.com The New Standard

Columbus & Ohio4 The Bedford Standard

StandardBudish Announces Enhanced Customized Training Program for Cleveland Clinic Employees

Building on his commitment to job creation, job training, and high-quality, affordable health care for Northeast Ohio

residents, Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish today announced the completion of a new contract with

OhioGuidestone to expand a workforce training program for new Cleveland Clinic employees.

“We need to put people to work, providing training for good jobs that are currently available,” said Budish. “Expanding the Guidestone training program will help 600 Northeast Ohio residents to qualify for jobs as Patient Care Nursing Assistants.”

The Department of Workforce Development and O h i o M e a n s J o b s | C l e v e l a n d -Cuyahoga County will provide

OhioGuidestone $120,000 to expand a Customized Training program for 600 new Patient Care Nursing Assistants (PCNAs) during 2015. PCNAs work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) to monitor patient vital signs and emotional conditions, as well as moving and lifting patients and assisting with their personal care and daily living activities.

Last year, Cuyahoga County implemented a pilot program with OhioGuidestone that trained 213 new PCNAs at the Cleveland Clinic.

Budish Appoints Cliff Pinkney as County Sheriff, Frank Bova to Serve as Chief Community Safety and Protection Officer

During a press conference this morning, Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish announced two major public safety personnel appointments. Subject to the confirmation of County Council, Cliff Pinkney will serve as Cuyahoga County Sheriff and Frank Bova will be appointed Chief Community Safety and Protection Officer.

“There is nothing more important than ensuring the safety of Cuyahoga County families. I applaud Frank Bova’s work to reduce warrant backlogs, enhance monitoring of sex offenders, and develop innovative techniques to keep Cuyahoga County safe during his tenure as County Sheriff,” said Budish. “Frank’s collaborative vision and diverse experience makes him the perfect candidate for this new role which will prioritize the coordination of all county activities to ensure the public’s safety.

“During his 24 years in the Sheriff’s Department, Cliff Pinkney has demonstrated his effectiveness, his integrity, and his commitment to get the job done,” continued Budish. “As the Sheriff’s Department Chief, he played a critical role in implementing cutting-edge techniques and enhancing public

safety throughout Cuyahoga County. This promotion isn’t just historic but indicative of his years of great work in the community.”

The position of Chief Community Safety and Protection Officer will be responsible for the oversight of safety, justice, and consumer-related functions and advise the chief of staff on issues within the system in order to meet the needs of providing a well-ordered Justice Service System for the County. The County Sheriff will oversee more than 1,000 employees in the Sheriff’s Department and implement best practices to promote public safety in the community and rehabilitate inmates in the correctional system.

“I am honored by the opportunity to serve as Cuyahoga County Sheriff,” said Pinkney. “I look forward to taking on the challenges of this role and working with County Executive Budish to strengthen public safety here in Cuyahoga County.”

Pinkney has 24 years of service with the Sheriff’s Department, starting as a Deputy Sheriff in 1991, working his way up through the ranks. In 1993 he was promoted to Detective, to the Narcotics Bureau in 1998, and then served on the

FBI Task Force, dealing with gangs, drugs and wiretaps. Pinkney was promoted to Sergeant in 2005 and the Sex Offender Unit in 2007.

Pinkney was assigned to the U.S. Marshal Violent Fugitive Task Force in 2009 and attended the U.S. Marshal Academy at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Georgia. In 2012, Pinkney graduated from the F.B.I. National Academy at Quantico, Virginia. Most recently, he was tasked with overseeing the investigation into the shooting of Tamir Rice by a Cleveland Police Department officer. Pinkney will be the first African-American to serve as Cuyahoga County Sheriff. His appointment is subject to the approval of County Council.

“Serving as Sheriff for Cuyahoga County has been an incredible honor, and I am especially grateful to our Sheriff’s Department employees for the relentless work they’ve done these past few years,” said Bova. “I am excited to take on new challenges in promoting citizen safety across Cuyahoga County.”

Bova served as a police officer in the Cleveland Police Department for 16 years, leaving as Officer in Charge of the

6th District Vice and Strike Force units in 2000. In December 2000, Sheriff Bova was appointed Chief of Police for the City of Warrensville Heights. Following an interim appointment as Cuyahoga County Sheriff in 2009, Sheriff Bova returned as Chief of the Warrensville Heights Police Department, serving in that role for a total of ten years.

Frank Bova was appointed Sheriff of Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department on March 19, 2013. Since that time, Bova has focused on department modernization and strengthening partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Noteworthy accomplishments include: becoming one of the first jail institutions in America to utilize electronic medical records; verifying the addresses of all sex offenders, not just mandated Tier II and III offenders; and creating a focus on the importance of prevention and reentry programs to reduce jail recidivism. Earlier this year he was named Cuyahoga County Police Chiefs Association 2014 Person of the Year.

February 5 - 19, 2015

PRESIDENTS DAY

CAMPUS VISITATION DAYMonday, Feb. 16, 2015

&learn tourPresidents Day Campus Visitation Day is a great opportunity to:

Explore your academic options and discuss the steps for enrollment and financial aidVisit any campus and tour our facilities

You can visit us at any of these locations from 10 - 11:30 a.m. or 2 - 3:30 p.m.Eastern | ESS Building, Room 1101 | 4250 Richmond Road, Highland HillsMetropolitan | Student Services Building, Ground Floor

2900 Community College Ave., ClevelandWestern | Student Services Building | 11000 Pleasant Valley Road, ParmaWestshore | WSHCS Building Atrium | 31001 Clemens Road, WestlakeBrunswick University Center | 3605 Center Road, Brunswick

For more information or to register for Presidents Day Campus Visitation Day, go to:www.tri-c.edu/campusvisitation

Can’t make it? Request an individual tour at www.tri-c.edu/campusvisits

14

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42

14-4742 East Campus Visit Bedford Standard Ad 5.25x6.5.indd 1 1/9/15 9:24 AM

How do I dispose of Styrofoam?Styrofoam is a trade name

for expanded polystyrene (EPS). Styrofoam is hard to recycle because it takes up so much space relative to its weight, so shipping it to a recycler does not provide much return on investment.

Food grade Styrofoam “clamshell” containers, cups, and trays cannot be recycled here in Northeast Ohio. Cleveland Heinen’s grocery stores no longer accept Styrofoam food trays for recycling and has discontinued the collection of these items.

Clean Styrofoam #6 EPS (formed packing material) can be recycled at Buckeye Industries. Buckeye Industries has two locations: 33851 Curtis Boulevard, Suite 207 in Eastlake (440/942-1605) and 12131 Bennington Avenue in Cleveland (216/671-8224). Buckeye Industries will take Styrofoam #6 EPS from

individuals as well as businesses. The Styrofoam is processed through a densifier and is sold to a company that uses the product to make molded picture frames.

The Solid Waste District accepts white, formed blocks of Styrofoam (no peanuts, foam sheeting, colored foam or food trays) at our facility at 4750 East 131 Street in Garfield Heights. A marked collection bin is located in the lobby; hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Some city service departments also offer a Styrofoam drop-off for residents (Cleveland Heights, Lakewood, Shaker Heights).

May 22, 2008 :: 17 of Iyyar, 5768 :: 5

Celebrating 5 Years of Award-Winning Journalism in Central Ohio www.thenewstandard.com

Columbus & Ohio The Bedford Standard

Healthcare Union: You Can’t Have Choice Without OptionsThe effective elimination of

independent home care providers in the proposed budget by Governor John Kasich has many home care consumers, providers and advocates outraged. Becky Williams, President of the Service Employees International Union District 1199 released the following statement after learning as many as 13,000 independent providers could soon be out of a job or forced to work for home care agencies based on

the Executive Budget. “Governor John Kasich’s decision

to effectively eliminate independent providers as a choice for home care consumers is the wrong direction for long-term care in Ohio. Without access to independent home care providers, Ohioans with disabilities and seniors will lose their ability to choose the in-home provider that is right for them. Home care consumers, providers and advocates agree that choice is the

foundation of quality care.”“Kasich’s changes could mean

lost jobs and lower wages for nearly 13,000 in-home care providers by lowering earning potentials for home care workers from $12-$15 per hour to $8-$10 per hour in an industry that provides no paid time off, benefits or retirement security.”

“The choice and freedom of Ohio’s long-term care consumers requires a balanced approach that includes

nursing homes, home care agencies and most importantly independent home care providers. ”

“In the months ahead, we encourage state lawmakers to sit down with all stakeholders, including home care consumers, providers and advocates, on ways to improve quality care and raise wages for home care providers.”

Local author fights against the stigma of mental illness by sharing her story in new book, “The Girl Inside: Silent No More” (published by WestBow Press)

“I’ve met so many people along the way who just needed to know that they weren’t alone,” Ensor says. “It is ok to seek help. These illnesses are just that – illnesses. Mental illness does not define you or make you weird or strange – you still have worth, value and meaning in your life. And that even though people directly in your life may not understand, there are others out

there that do.” In “The Girl Inside,” Ensor delineates

her suffering and survival of a lifetime of bipolar II disorder, bulimia, anxiety, addiction and multiple suicide attempts. She couples her life experiences with her education in psychology and counseling to present readers with a way to better understand mental illness. She offers

those battling mental illness the hope, education and reassurance of their potential to emerge victorious.

Writing in an accessible and conversational tone, Ensor avoids the use of medical jargon and instead chooses to write to educate the everyman – or their friends and family – who may be suffering from mental illness.

Lindsay Ensor is an active Christian who was raised in the church. She is a mom to two active boys and resides with them and her husband in Ohio. When she isn’t busy with her boys, she also sings, is a public speaker and blogs at www.healingandsurviving.com.

February 5 - 19, 2015

How do I dispose of Styrofoam?Styrofoam is a trade name

for expanded polystyrene (EPS). Styrofoam is hard to recycle because it takes up so much space relative to its weight, so shipping it to a recycler does not provide much return on investment.

Food grade Styrofoam “clamshell” containers, cups, and trays cannot be recycled here in Northeast Ohio. Cleveland Heinen’s grocery stores no longer accept Styrofoam food trays for recycling and has discontinued the collection of these items.

Clean Styrofoam #6 EPS (formed packing material) can be recycled at Buckeye Industries. Buckeye Industries has two locations: 33851 Curtis Boulevard, Suite 207 in Eastlake (440/942-1605) and 12131 Bennington Avenue in Cleveland (216/671-8224). Buckeye Industries will take Styrofoam #6 EPS from

individuals as well as businesses. The Styrofoam is processed through a densifier and is sold to a company that uses the product to make molded picture frames.

The Solid Waste District accepts white, formed blocks of Styrofoam (no peanuts, foam sheeting, colored foam or food trays) at our facility at 4750 East 131 Street in Garfield Heights. A marked collection bin is located in the lobby; hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Some city service departments also offer a Styrofoam drop-off for residents (Cleveland Heights, Lakewood, Shaker Heights).

6 :: 17 of Iyyar, 5768 :: May 22, 2008

www.thenewstandard.com The New Standard

Columbus & Ohio6 The Bedford Standard

Kindly send all announcements to

P.O. Box 31244Independence, Ohio 44131

OR

matt@thebedfordstandard.com

You Know You’re from Cleveland if...

EMPLOYERS, JOB SEEKERS & YOUTH

Though our name is changing, our “commitment to service” to Cuyahoga County residents seeking

employment and training opportunities remainsa “high priority”!

To better assist you, shortly we will roll out a new, easier-to-navigate, more informative website.

The new website address will be: ohiomeansjobs.com/cuyahoga

For assistance, visit one of our locations:Downtown:1020 Bolivar Rd, Cleveland, OH 44115 (216) 664-4673

Parma: 11699 Brookpark Rd, Parma, OH 44130 (216) 898-1366Southgate: 5398-1/2 Northfield Rd, Maple Heights, OH 44137 (216) 518-4954

Westshore: 9830 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102 (216) 939-2599

You know who Mary Hartski is

You watched Super Host

You partied at – Dixie Electric / Hang 10 / Mining Company

You know Super Man was born here

Ghoulardi !

You went to the Memphis Drive In

You know the Big Chuck and Little John laugh

You refuse to call the state up north by its name

You know what a woolly bear is

You know someone that worked at LTV or Cleveland

Pneumatic

Some major tax credits going to Ohio employers who hire those with significant barriers to employment.

The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services says more than $200 million in tax credits will go to different business across the state. It all comes after Congress reauthorized the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program, also known at WOTC. More than 170,000 WOTC applications were filed for 2014.

The WOTC offers tax credits ranging from $2,400 to $9,000 depending on the barrier of the employee and how long they work there. Employers can qualify if they hire veterans, food assistance recipients, cash assistance recipients, ex-offenders, individuals with disabilities and others.

The ODJFS says it is great to see so many businesses growing and helping to get Ohioians back to work.

The program has not yet been approved for 2015 but the ODJFS still asks employers to send in the applications.

Any employers who want to apply can go to www.jfs.ohio.gov/wotc.

Tax Credit to Ohio Employers for Work Opportunity

February 5 - 19, 2015

May 22, 2008 :: 17 of Iyyar, 5768 :: 7

Celebrating 5 Years of Award-Winning Journalism in Central Ohio www.thenewstandard.com

Columbus & Ohio The Bedford Standard

INTRODUCTION: On Friday, January 23, 2015, the Veterans Administration proposed new regulations that would change the rules for getting a VA pension. This is HUGE news! Today’s column will help you to understand these proposed changes, what it means for wartime veterans, and how to tell the government what you think about it.

BASIC TRAINING Before we talk about the changes,

though, you need to understand that the VA makes two different kinds of financial payments (money) to wartime veterans, depending on whether they were injured or not.

SNIPER SAM served in the Korean War, and he bravely suffered crippling injuries. So he gets financial payments from the VA known as “compensation.” That’s real money, and it doesn’t matter how rich or poor Sniper Sam is. (Wartime veterans who receive “compensation” are NOT affected by the proposed changes I’m talking about.)

BOMBER BILL served during the Vietnam War. By some miracle he wasn’t injured. But he has faced hard times in later civilian life, living in poverty and sometimes even being homeless. So, Bomber Bill may get a financial payment from the VA called a “basic pension.” As Bomber Bill gets older and declines in health, he needs hands-on help with bathing, dressing, and toileting. Hired help costs money, so he may get his “basic pension” increased by applying for a VA benefit known as “aid and attendance.” Bomber Bill is comforted by the thought that, after he dies, his widow and children may get “survivor’s pensions” from the VA. (So, then, these are the people who will be affected by the proposed changes!)

CHANGE #1: “NET WORTH” Strange as it may seem, up to now

the VA has NOT had any guidelines for how poor Bomber Bill needs to become to get a basic VA pension.

The proposed new regulations will create a bright line net-worth standard of $119,220. (Why this amount? It’s simply borrowed from the Medicaid rules – an entirely different government program!) The $119,220 includes both assets and annual income. So, high-income veterans will be allowed to have little or no savings, whereas low-income veterans will be allowed to keep much more in savings.

CHANGE #2: “ASSET TRANSFERS” Up to now, wartime veterans have

been able to make gifts and still qualify for a VA pension. But under the

proposed new regulations, making gifts would trigger harsh penalties.

How would this work? Suppose Bomber Bill applies for a VA pension plus “aid and attendance.” The VA will ask whether any gifts were made during the prior three years (known as a “look-back period”). If so, the VA will refuse to pay any pension for a certain period of time, known as a “penalty period.” The penalty period is calculated by dividing the amount of the gifts by the amount of the applicant’s pension. So, if Bomber Bill gave away $15,000 and his pension amount is $2,120, he has a 7-month penalty period.

But suppose Bomber Bill has already died and his widow applies for a VA survivor’s pension. Suppose the same amount, $15,000, was given away. As a widow, Mrs. Bomber’s pension amount is only $1,149. So, Mrs. Bomber’s penalty period is 13 months – almost double. The point is, the penalty period is different depending on who is the applicant!

And what kind of “gifts” would trigger a penalty? Victoria Collier, a nationally recognized VA lawyer, commented on the proposed new regulations, stating: “Penalized gifts include gifts of money or assets to children or others; establishing estate plans with the use of trusts; and establishing retirement plans through the use of annuities which can provide a life time income stream.”

Look-back periods, calculating penalty periods – all of that adds complexity to the process of getting a VA pension. And complexity takes time. The VA is already overwhelmed by pension applications, and the process is so slow that it has become a national scandal. The new regulations can only slow things down more.

CHANGE #3: “INCOME EXCLUSIONS”

Up to now, the VA has allowed undefined “medical expenses” to be deducted from income. The proposed new regulations will define “medical expenses” – and in a harsh way. Under the new regulations, the cost of nursing-home care and of being in an assisted-living facility can be deducted from income, but paying to live in an independent-living facility cannot. (Notice that “assisted living” is NOT the same as “independent living.”)

BOMBER BILL now suffers from Alzheimer’s dementia and needs to live in an Independent-Living Facility because it’s safe and he can’t drive anymore. It costs $42,000 a year! But the VA won’t allow Bomber Bill to deduct any of what he pays to live in the Independent-Living Facility. As a result, Bomber Bill discovers he is not poor enough to get a VA pension!

HOW TO MAKE YOUR COMMENT First, you can make a comment by

letter or by computer. Either way, be sure to say you are commenting about “RIN 2900-AO73 – Net Worth, Asset Transfers, and Income Exclusions

for Needs-Based Benefits.” To send a letter, mail it to: Director, Regulation Policy and Management (O2REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Room 1068, Washington, D.C. 20420; or fax your letter to (202) 273-9026. To comment online, go to the website www.regulations.gov.

Second, the deadline for sending comments is Monday, March 24, 2015.

CONCLUSION: Keep your eyes and ears open to see if AARP or other advocates of the elderly comment on the new regulations proposed for getting VA pensions.

THE AUTHOR: Linda J. How is an elder-law lawyer in Bedford, Ohio. She provides Medicaid counseling and estate planning. She has legal training from the national organization, Medicaid Practice Systems (now known as Lawyers With Purpose). She is also an accredited VA lawyer. To help people understand the value of planning, Mrs. How presents FREE educational workshops called, “Seven Threats to Your Family Security.” UPCOMING EVENING WORKSHOPS: Mondays, from 6 to 8 p.m., on February 10 and March 10, 2014. UPCOMING AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS: Wednesdays, from 2 to 4 p.m., on February 12 and March 12, 2014. For an office appointment or to reserve seats at a Workshop, Mrs. How may be reached at law@lindahow.com or 440-786-9449.

Changes to Veterans’ Pensions: What do you think?Making Sense

of the LawLinda J. How, J.D.

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8 :: 17 of Iyyar, 5768 :: May 22, 2008

www.thenewstandard.com The New Standard

Columbus & Ohio8 The Bedford Standard

“5,000 years of Chinese music and dance in one night.”– New York Times

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February 5 - 19, 2015