"Battery care and maintenance of lift chairs, scooters and wheel chairs"
Scott has been our super hero a few times. Receiving a phone call from our chairperson the night before the conference, Scott stepped in to make a presentation as a fill-in for Professor Mike Kossove, who was unable to attend.
Lift Chairs should always have a battery back up. In caring for the lift chair, you should check and make sure that the plug ins are kept clean, free of fibers, pet hair and other matter that can accumulate near and on the plug in sprockets. Today, motors have advanced warranties, so make sure that you use your warranties for the care and maintenance of your power lift chair.
Scooters and electric wheel chairs should be well maintained due to the fact that they are in constant use. Beginning with the cosmetic approach, look over the upholstery, locks, screws, seats and arm rests as well as the frame. Do they need attention? If you can improve the overall look of your scooter or chair by a simple soapy wash and dry, have it done. Screws that are loose can be tightened and upholstery repaired at home. Your seat should be lubricated regularly so it can go up and down as needed. Check your lock to make sure it works. Your seat should lock in the position it was intended to lock into. If your seat does not lock in position, you are not safely using your vehicle. Tighten your arm rests if you use them. 
Testing your battery can be done at home. Simply charge up your battery, let the charge go down, and then recharge it to test the performance. When your battery no longer holds the maximum charge, it is time to replace it.
If your insurance paid for your scooter or chair, it will pay annually for a new battery especially when you continually use the device. If you paid for your scooter or chair, you will pay for the new battery. Remember it is important to purchase your battery and other needed parts from your supplier. They will be the right part for the right price. And you will not have to mail it back and wait for another.
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This year the Ruth Cornwell Memorial Award was presented to two Michigan Polio Network Board Members-Don G. Pixley and Paula Lemiuex.
Ruth Cornwell showed unending dedication and love for the needs of the polio population in the state of Michigan.
Don G. Pixley received the award posthumously for his service to the network and membership as the treasurer for a number of years. He worked with the Rotary, was well known for his active participation in events and programs in Rochester,Michigan and was head of the Pixley Funeral Home in Rochester, MI for many years. Don is sorely missed by those who knew him as a quiet, active, loving member of the network.
Paula Lemiuex has been a driving force and chairperson for the last two conferences. Nothing is an obstacle for Paula. When confronted with the DNR rules and regulations for the handicapped in a state public p
ark, she addressed the concern with a state committee who changed the ruling and the way handicapped are treated in the parks. She even got the DNR to provide information on accessibility and recreational opportunities in the outdoors for the handicapped for our conference attendees.