- We are in the middle of November and as all of you know, there has been a lot of activity the last several weeks. I apologize for not getting information out sooner, but time is passing so quickly, my schedule does not always allow enough time to accomplish everything I want or need to. 10/20 & 11/17/03: The CARES hearing held here at the Medical Center was a HUGE SUCCESS!! We had great weather and an even greater turnout of community support. The number is estimated at 2000 + in attendance. The hearing ran from 10a.m., and wrapped up with the Union Representatives testimony around 4:30p.m. I believe the Unions made significant points to the Commissioners for consideration. It was a tremendous show of solidarity with the presence of SEIU from Syracuse, Albany and Buffalo, in addition to NYSNA from Buffalo and Albany, with AFGE from Bath and Batavia. Our elected officials continue to be 100% supportive of this facility to remain open. I can not even begin to give enough accolades to the Ontario County Veteran Advisory Committee, Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce and most of all to the people in Canandaigua and the many surrounding communities, VSO’s and all other organizations for their AWESOME SUPPORT. How can we ever give back to all those who have rallied around the Medical Center. People of these communities turn out for every event. Even on Monday, 11/17, through the fog and rain, a crowd of 200-300 packed into the pavilion to show their continuing support for this much needed facility. It was most unfortunate that Secretary Principi did not take even 2 minutes to acknowledge the community support in person. The visit was disappointing to say the least. It is also very unfortunate the Secretary did not take a few minutes to visit the NHCU and a BVAC unit to really see the first class care this facility provides to those who sacrificed to make this the greatest nation in the world. As has been reported in the media, NO decision has been made yet, and the CARES Commission has until 12/18 to submit the draft national plan to the Secretary. There probably won’t be a decision till January-February time frame. Until that time, we need to continue to do what we do best and that is to give the best possible care to every veteran we serve.

- AFGE’s 2nd District National Vice President Derrick Thomas was in attendance for our CARES hearing. He was more than very impressed with the turnout and praised the all out effort of those involved to make the hearing a success. This week he is attending the National Executive Committee of AFGE meeting in Washington, DC and planned to share his Canandaigua experience. We have forwarded Derrick pictures taken and hopefully our efforts will be recognized nationally through AFGE’s newspaper “The Government Standard”.

- There has also been a change in the MVAC leadership locally. Pam Chester, RN MVAC CLM has been reassigned to Education Office located in Building 4B. Through her leadership, MVAC staff is to commended for the quality care they provide to our veterans. We extend to Pam all the best in her new role in education.

- The National VA Council is in the process of drafting a new Master Agreement proposal to forward to VACO management. Until such time, as the bargaining obligation has been completed, the current Master Agreement, all other supplemental agreements and all Memorandums of Understanding remain in effect. According to national ground rules, NOTHING is to be renegotiated for the duration of Master Agreement negotiations.

- It is difficult to believe we are once again into the holiday season, and soon we will be into another new year. Together we have endured the most difficult times, but have emerged better people focusing on our strengths and not so much on our weaknesses. More of what together we can do and not what we would have considered impossible to achieve. Now, more than ever, we need to hold tight together, support and comfort one another for the days ahead are filled with unknowns that we may have no control over. You are ALL to be commended for the excellent job you do everyday, always in the best interest of the veterans. We all need to continue to hold our heads high and be proud that we are employees of the Canandaigua VA Medical Center.