Veteran denied health benefits
Are all veterans treated equally?
Being a veteran of the Korean Conflict from 1951 through 1955 with an honorable discharge, I find I have been deprived of my earned medical benefits. Yes, I have paid for my medical care through private insurance. I applied for medical care through our local VA office, as well as the VA Medical Center. Both denied my earned medical benefits that I was promised as a veteran.
In President Obama’s address to Congress on Feb. 24, he stated, “And to keep our sacred trust with those who serve, we will raise their pay and give our veterans the expanded health care and benefits that they have earned.”
For some reason, our local VA disagrees. It has repeatedly told me that I do not qualify for the benefits because my income is too high. Could it be that our present economic recovery actions come first, such as bail outs of banks, real estate buy outs, and even car clunker buy out? You be the judge.
In our Pledge of Alliance to the flag of the United States, the last three words are “justice for all.” Maybe I can be a first class veteran someday!
By the way. United States currency still has “In God we trust” printed on it.
Paul Powers, Huntington
Courts, schools unite on truancy
While attending an International Truancy Prevention Conference, I became acutely aware that we in Boyd County have the best county attorney, Phillip Hedrick, and staff (particularly Lucretia Smithers), Judges Davis, Reams, and Rosen, and Court Designated Workers Karen Gearheart Davis and Natalie Pope when dealing with truancy issues.
The major complaint of conference participants was the time, often nine months, before the truancy cases were before the judges. Phillip Hedrick has been an ally for Boyd County students by quickly getting cases on the docket for adjudication.
Our county attorney and judges know truancy often is a symptom of more serious underlying problems of drug/alcohol abuse, homelessness, or poverty. By getting the cases before the judges, services can be obtained and recovery commenced.
Even before a court referral, Lucretia Smithers sends Mr. Hedrick’s informative letter to parents hoping to avert a court appearance. If the appearance cannot be avoided, Ms. Smithers completes the truancy complaint and Mr. Hedrick has the cases placed on the docket.
Another avenue that could result in a court appearance for juveniles is through the CDW’s office. Ms. Davis and Ms. Pope take the truancy complaints from the school system and work to plan a diversion with the juveniles to correct the problem and avoid being placed on the docket.
This school year Ms. Davis and Ms. Pope will be implementing the Department of Juvenile Services of the Administrative Office of the Courts' Truancy Diversion Program at Boyd County Middle School.
I thank our local officials for supporting education and they do it to make this a better place for our kids. Personally, I have an 11-year partnership with the courts, but realized anew while attending an international conference just how unique our Boyd County system is for partnering with educators.
Judy Nichols, coordinator of Student Services, Boyd County Schools
Avoid alcohol when pregnant
Here’s something many people don’t know: If a woman avoids alcohol during her entire pregnancy, she has prevented the leading known cause of mental retardation in the U.S.: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
Many women stop drinking as soon as they know they’re pregnant, but alcohol can affect an unborn baby even before then. The developing brain is highly vulnerable to the poisonous effects of alcohol at every stage of pregnancy. This is why Kentucky will be recognizing International FASD Awareness Day on Sept. 9.
More than 39,000 Kentuckians are affected by FASD. The effects of prenatal alcohol exposure may result in a disability that’s 100 percent preventable.
There are a few simple things you can do:
-- Make sure that all your friends, family, teenagers and colleagues know that there’s no safe type and no safe amount of alcohol if a woman is pregnant or could become pregnant.
-- Make sure that your local physicians know that you support them in giving a clear no alcohol message to pregnant women.
-- Learn about this issue and be an advocate for women, kids and families.
Pathways’ KIDS NOW Plus Program is having its sixth annual Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Day of Awareness Event from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 11, by the small fountain at the corner of 22nd Street and Lexington Avenue in Central Park.
This event is for all pregnant women and anyone who is interested in learning more about FASD.
All pregnant women and women 60 days past delivery will be eligible to register to win door prizes.
The KIDS NOW Plus staff looks forward to seeing you there. For more information, locally, please contact KIDS NOW Plus at laura.bradley@pathways-ky.org or at (606) 324-1141.
Laura Bradley, Program coordinator, KIDS NOW Plus
Pullin works hard for county
Rep. Tanya Pullin is a hard worker for us in Greenup County and all of its communities. She never stops or gives up and alwayswins in the end. She’s the best all-around state representative that anyone would want. We’re very fortunate to have her on our side.
I am very happy for Rep. Pullin and Dr. Rajkumar Warrier for being honored by Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital. I know Dr. Warrier very well. As my doctor, he has pulled me through in much of my sickness and did a very good job. I recommend Dr. Warrier very highly and will never forget his care and concern for me.
Tanya Pullin and Dr. Warrier are two wonderful leaders in our community. Keep up the good work, and may God bless them.
Charles J. Wellman, Flatwoods
OHHS class plans 50-year reunion
The 1959 graduating class at Olive Hill High School will celebrate the golden anniversary of its graduation at 6 p.m. on Oct. 10. This reunion will take place in the newly renovated gymnasium at the Olive Hill High School building on School House Hill in Olive Hill.
There will be a memorial in honor of our deceased classmates, recognition of those classmates attending as well as acknowledgment of those surviving teachers in attendance. There will be plenty of “finger foods” and soft drinks for all.
The cost will be $15 per person. Checks should be made out to Reunion Planning Committee, not later than Sept. 25, and mailed to one of the following: Ruth Ann Fife, 3575 State Highway 986, Olive Hill, Ky. 41164; Alyce Hammond, 250 S. Cold Spring, Olive Hill, Ky. 41164; Enoch "Nick" Raybourn, 214 Kemper Lane, Grayson, Ky. 41143. It’s important that this date be met so that we can ensure there is enough food for everyone.
There will be plenty of time for visiting and reminiscing about the days of our youth at OHHS. As this is written, we have yet to locate class member Mary Jo Proctor McGowan. Anyone who has current information on Mary Jo’s whereabouts is asked to notify Enoch “Nick” Raybourn at (606) 474-5740.
Enoch “Nick” Raybourn, Chairman, Reunion Planning Committee, 1959 Olive Hill class
