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Winter 2007-2008 |
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Page 5 |
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Director Changes – We say good-bye to Directors Dorothy Woods Smith and Barbara Bright and welcome Elaine Thayer and Barbara Clark. Dr. Dorothy Woods Smith has been a director since our inception in 1986, leading in the establishment of our group, collecting a large number of names for our mailing list, and providing her expertise in the medical field. In making her decision to step down, she stated her absence during the winter months didn’t enable her to be around as often as she felt was needed. We’ll miss her, but hope to keep in touch. Barbara Bright came on the Board a few years ago, just after becoming a member. She brought fresh, new ideas, especially in the area of publicity. Her weaving business is growing, and she needs more time to devote to her work. Welcome to our new directors! Elaine Thayer, a retired health care worker, is from Industry, Maine. Barbara Clark from Lisbon Falls, Maine is a retired municipal tax collector. Update on Post-Polio Health International Research Fund Recipient – According to an article in the Summer 2007 issue of “Post-Polio Health”, the investigation on studying regulatory T calls as a biomarker of post-polio syndrome is underway. There is some difficulty in obtaining stable polio survivors to use in comparing with those with post-polio syndrome. If you live in Arkansas or in the Chicago area, or know someone who does, and who does not have post-polio syndrome, consider calling Dr. Wahid at 501-686-5317. In order to have a good research study, more individuals should be recruited. Empty wheelchair a lakeside worry –That was the headline in a Republican-American Newsblog in September. “A competitive swimmer who placed first in the 60 to 64 year-old men’s division at this year’s Madison Mile Open Water Swim with a time two seconds shy of 29 minutes, Bollenbach unwittingly triggered an alarm which went out to local rescuers and Goshen’s dive team after his empty wheelchair was spotted at the access ramp.” That’s right, Eddie Bollenbach, uses a wheelchair, is a polio survivor, and is also a great swimmer! (Editor’s Note: Thanks to Dottie Woods Smith for forwarding this news item to us. Dr. Bollenbach is a retired biologist and professor from Connecticut and is part of a website on polio issues. You may wish to check the info at www.listserv.icors.org and select Post-Polio-Med.) Maine Handicapped Skiing – While this group offers a great opportunity to those needing special assistance to ski, there are many other activities throughout the year. They offer winter recreations at four locations, including Sunday River and Sugarloaf, and summer/fall activities include rail cycling, golf, and paddling. So, if you wish you could try skiing or some other outdoor activity, don’t assume you can’t. Find out more about this organization and how they can help you by giving them a call at 207-824-2440 or e-mail info@skinhs.org. |
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In the News….. |
