OXFORD – U.S. Representative Michael A. Arcuri (D-Utica), very openly urged his audience to speak their minds, tell him what the problems and needs are, and share their ideas during a recent visit of the NYS Veterans' Home on Wednesday, April 4th.
Arcuri was led by Catherine Ulfik, the Chenango County Democratic
U.S. Representative Michael A. Arcuri (D-Utica), Ellen Palmer, Eileen Olmesdahl, and Cathy Ulfic.
U.S. Congressman Arcuri with the Chenango County Democratic Committee - Ellen L. Palmer, Eileen Olmesdahl, and Catherine Ulfik.Committee (CCDC) Chair from Oxford. They were also accompanied by Eileen Olmesdahl, CCDC 2nd Vice-Chair and representative of Pharsalia; Ellen L. Palmer, CCDC Secretary and representative of Plymouth; and from the American Legion Fort Hill Post 376 in Oxford: Mrs. Patricia Marso, Past Commander and member of the National American Legion Legislative Council, and Paul Estelow.
Vathsala "Sally" Venugopalan, the Home's Administrator, Dr. Philip J. Dzwonczyk, medical director and other important staff members and directors, welcomed Congressman Arcuri and guests, and offered everyone coffee and refreshments. During this time, Congressman Arcuri talked about the effects of war on veterans, how these problems have become a huge priority for Congress, and stated that he came to the NYS Veterans' Home specifically to find out what things could be done to help.
Arcuri said of Congress, "We do what we do best, which is appropriate money, and hope that the people in your realm are able to deal with it." He added, "We [Americans] know how to make war– we don't know how to take care of our problems after."
Dr. Dzwonczyk elaborated on the importance of public awareness of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Nurse Linda Winston also talked about the differences and difficulties they have dealing with veterans who have dementia issues and other medical needs. They still have to meet the same regulatory standards when the veterans react differently than other nursing home patients do.
"We are not every other long term health care facility." Administrator Sally Venugopalan stated and added that, "The people that regulate us need a better understanding of who we serve."
Pat Marso gave the Congressman some interesting background history of the institution and why the current building should remain in use. Started in 1895 under the Dept. of Social Services it went under the Health Dept. in 1965. This building was erected as a health related facility not a nursing care facility which is the reason for the new building. Marso stressed that there is still a need, in this 50 mile area, for extended health related care or domiciliary with medical staff and meals. "This is one of the things you might consider in your overall questions of what to do with our veterans, and people who are not veterans who are older and in need of a place to live." Mrs. Marso also said, "We should look at it now. Don't wait two years when they tear down the building."
Similarly concerned with the fate of the facility, Venugopalan explained that she has been in contact with the Executive Deputy Commissioner of Health. He invited her to come to Albany to share their ideas on assisted living for this building and help formulate a plan.
Congressman Arcuri stood with Mrs. Pat Marso in front of the tribute portrait of the late Joseph Marso, former Director of the NYS Veterans' Home.
Congressman Arcuri stood with Mrs. Pat Marso in front of the tribute portrait of the late Joseph Marso, former Director of the NYS Veterans' Home.The Congressman, assisted by his aids, seemed truly concerned about all the issues. His visit was concluded by a tour of the rest of the building where he stopped to speak with several members of the home. The Activities Director, Allan Hopson, introduced Congressman Arcuri to the oldest member resident, a WWII Navy veteran named Elmer Clark. Clark was celebrating his 100th
birthday the following day (April 5th) sponsored by the Broome County Legion. Arcuri also had a conversation with the younger, 94 year old, Joseph J Benenati, Jr., the former NY State Trooper and Chenango County Sheriff. Benenati and Arcuri had a laugh over a great coincidence. It turns out that the Congressman had a relative who was a sheriff that Benenati knew!
Before leaving, the personable Arcuri stopped to pose with Mrs. Marso by the portrait of her late husband, Joe, the director of the NYS Veterans' Home from 1957 – 1981, which hangs as a tribute in the Veterans' Home.