News for Howard County Veterans and Military Families


September 2024

September dates to recognize:





  • September 2 - VJ (Victory over Japan) Day


  • September 2 - Labor Day


  • September 11 - Patriot Day - Patriot Day is an annual observance to remember those who were injured or died during the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001.

Organizers of September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance 


  • September 18 - Air Force Birthday


  • September 20 - POW/MIA Recognition Day

A time set aside to remember those who were prisoners of war (POW), those who are missing in action (MIA), as well as their families. Learn more...


  • September 29 - Gold Star Mothers' and Families' Day

A day set aside to honor the mothers and families of our nation's fallen service members. Organizations that support Gold Star Families

An updated Veterans and Military Families Resource Directory is now available, with new listings for Veteran and military spouse-owned small businesses! To add your business to the directory, send information to veterans@howardcountymd.gov

Veteran and Military Spouse-Owned Small Biz Expo Takes Home a 2024 NaCo Award


The National Association of Counties (NACo) recognized our Howard County Veteran & Military Spouse-Owned Small Biz Expo with a 2024 award, one of 63 won by Howard County. The Expo provided a platform for veteran and military spouse-owned businesses to showcase their products and services. The event also offered valuable resources, including financial advice, entrepreneurial programs, and wellness services to support veterans and military families on their entrepreneurial journey.


Made With Love Last Year's Line- up

Free Chromebooks for Low-Income Veterans


The Howard County Office of Veterans and Military Families is distributing 50 Chromebooks secured from the Office of Statewide Broadband’s Connected Devices Program in an effort to ensure Marylanders have the technology required to access reliable, high-speed internet. If you qualify, email lbterry@howardcountymd.gov with name, address and proof of eligibility.


University of MD Extension Marylander's Online provides phone support set-up, low cost Internet options and more.


Eligibility

Howard County residents 18 years or older may participate. One device is allowed per household. In order to pick up your Chromebook, you must provide:

  • Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, work or government ID, passport, etc.)
  • Proof of Howard County residence
  • Proof of one of the following qualifications listed below


Qualifications

  • Households with an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines:
  • $30,120 for a household of 1
  • $40,880 for a household of 2
  • $51,640 for a household of 3
  • $62,400 for a household of 4
  • Or $10,760 more for each additional household member
  • Households enrolled in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
  • Households that participate in government assistance programs such as:
  • Child receives free or reduced-price school lunch
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
  • Medicaid
  • Pell Grant (current award year)
  • SNAP, formerly Food Stamps
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
  • WIC

Examples of proof include (but are not limited to) a proof of benefit like your SNAP or Medicaid card, your internet bill showing the ACP discount, or the first page of your most recent tax return.

Ed Hall, 2023 Parade Grand Marshall and his family


To learn more about the Howard County Veterans Parade and grand marshal application, visit Howard County Veterans Foundation

Seeking Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshall Nominations


The Grand Marshal is an honorary title bestowed upon an individual who represents the values and moral fiber of what it means to be a member of the Howard County community of Veterans and military families.


The Grand Marshal is recognized at the parade and lakefront ceremony and participates in the parade. This year's parade takes place on Sunday, November 10th at 9:30 a.m. in downtown Columbia.

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

 

August 31 - VA Ways' Dub Grass : An International Overdose Awareness Event to feature a fusion of reggae and bluegrass music by The Dirty Grass Players with Yellow Dubmarine, Caleb Stine & Jim Kelly. 5 - 11 p.m. at Reckless Sheperd Brewing 8895 McGaw Rd, Columbia, MD 21045 $15 (This event is 21+ after 8 p.m.)


September 4 – Job Fair and Benefits Day, Arundel Lodge, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at 2600 Solomons Island Rd in Edgewater, MD. For more info, contact David Kamioner at (443) 433-5900 x 5915


Project Opportunity - Free Entrepreneur Training for Veterans, Active Duty and Guard/Reserve Personnel

September 4 - Harford County Fall 2024 Orientation Session

September 9 - Southern Maryland Fall 2024 Orientation Session


September 4 - Gottman Couples Virtual Workshop This virtual workshop is designed to help couples improve their friendship and connection, conflict management skills, communication, and other skills to sustain a healthy relationship. Open to military/veteran-affiliated couples regardless of age, orientation, and relationship status. Contact Steven Cohen Military Clinic to get started. (270) 847-7500 or info.mfc@eseal.org


September 6 - 1st Friday Vetworking Brunch + Business Card Exchange, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. at Another Broken Egg Cafe in Elkridge.


September 6 - Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshal Nominations. All nominations are due by September 6. For more information, visit Howard County Veterans Foundation.

 

September 6 – Golf Tournament to benefit MCVET (MD Center for Veteran Education and Training)


September 7 - Seeking Veterans/Service members to share their recovery (mental health/substance use) journey for a fireside to help other Veterans/service members about their Recovery (mental health/substance use) journey. Jessica LaFave, VA MD Healthcare System Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator, will be the facilitator. 11:00 a.m. at the American Legion Post 226 (830 Mayo Rd, Edgewater, MD 21037). Possible questions include:

  • When did you know you need help?
  • What does help look like to you?
  • What barriers did you encounter? How did you overcome them?

If you are interested, please email jessica.lafave@va.gov


September 7 - Expungement & Resource Clinic, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at The Other Barn, 5853 Robert Oliver Place Columbia 20145. Hosted by the Pearl Foundation, this event aims to provide vital support to individuals seeking to clear their records and access essential resources. Whether you're navigating the complexities of expungement, exploring pathways to employment, or seeking guidance on educational opportunities, our clinic offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to support your journey towards a brighter future.


September 9 - 13 - Powerful Tools for Caregivers Train the Trainer

offered Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon. Don’t miss this opportunity to bring your organization and your caregivers the tools they need to take care of themselves while caring for their loved ones. 


PTC is a curriculum designed to equip facilitators with the necessary skills to support caregivers effectively. You must become a licensed PTC Class Leader to co-facilitate PTC classes for groups of six to 15 family caregivers. The PTC curriculum is available in multiple languages, including English, French, Korean, and Spanish, and can be delivered in-person or virtually. Class lessons cover: • Taking Care of You • Identifying and Reducing Personal Stress • Communicating Feelings, Needs and Concerns • Communicating in Challenging Situations • Learning from our Emotions • . Mastering Caregiving Discussions. Fee: $30 for course materials. To register, contact Kathy Wehr , Caregiver Support Program Manager, at 410-313-5955.


September 9 - Veteran Virtual Support Group, 5:30 - 7 p.m.


September 9 - Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. If you would like to attend virtually, email lbterry@howardcoutymd.gov


September 10 - Women Veterans Virtual Forum, 6-7 p.m. Microsoft Teams

Meeting ID: 279 039 022 347 Passcode: 9DiQY9

Dial in by phone : +1 872-701-0185,,200035780#

Phone conference ID: 200 035 780#

If you have any questions, please contact us at VAMHCSPublicRelations@va.gov.

 

September 11 - Ft. Meade Community Job Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m


September 13 - Honor Flight Welcome Party, 5:30pm. Join us at VFW Post 7472 in Ellicott City to greet WWII, Korean and Vietnam War veterans who flew into DC to visit the memorials and monuments. Let's line the street with people waiving flags to show these veterans our respect. For more info, email vfwpost7472yinglingridgley@gmail.com


Volunteers Needed! Twenty-eight Honor Flights Arriving at BWI Airport in September 2024 - Need Ground Crew*** Greet Three Flights Earns You a Bright Honor Flight Ground Crew Shirt Contact Ernest Puls, eepuls@verizon.net, 410-979-7754


September 14 - Veterans Golf Tournament at Fairway Hills in Columbia. We have 36 spots available for VGA members with starting tee times at 9:00 a.m. 

Players will compete in any of our 20+ flights with other members of their playing ability. For questions, contact Andrew Tschumper, Maryland State Director PGA Associate at 844-VGA-VETS or 304-350-0085.


September 16 - Gold Star Teen Adventures Fundraiser, 5 to 8 p.m. at Cured 18th and 21st,10980 Grantchester Way, #110, Columbia. View sponsorship/ticket information.


September 17 - Military Family Cooking Nite on Ft. Meade, 5:30 p.m. Free


September 19 - Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Teens, 6 - 7:30 p.m. Duration: 12 weeks. DBT is an evidenced-based treatment modality in which participants will learn to tolerate distress; enhance emotional regulation; decrease reactions when triggered; and improve interpersonal skills. Contact Steven Cohen Military Clinic to get started at 270-847-7500 or email

info.mfc@eseal.org.


September 19 - Veteran and Military Virtual Job Fair, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.


September 20 - American Legion Post 300 Member Fellowship Meeting and Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. Contact George Delaney for details.


September 20 - Annual POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony, 4:00 p.m. at VFW Post 7472 Pavilion in Ellicott City.


September 21 - VA Claims Clinic, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at EveryMind, 1000 Twinbrook Pkwy, Rockville. Contact Jason Marshall for more information.


September 21 - Out of the Darkness Walk, Merriweather District in Columbia, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.


September 26 - American Legion Post 300 General Meeting, 7 p.m. at Cornerstone Church, 7277 Eden Brook Drive. For more info, George Delaney


September 29 - Sunrise Assisted Living Veterans Picnic, 11 a.m. at VFW 7472, 4225 VFW Lane, Ellicott City. Contact Tim Ruland for more info.


October 1 - Military Spouse Appreciation Job & Resource Expo, Ft. Meade


October 7 - NAMI Veterans Connection Support Group 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.


October 10 - Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. To attend virtually, email lbterry@howardcountymd.gov.


October 11 & 12, 2024: Third Annual Veteran-Owned Small Business Conference sponsored by the Maryland Department of Labor, Linthicum.


October 19 - Flag Retirement Ceremony. Flag preparation starting at 8:30 a.m. Ceremony at 11:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. at VFW Post 7472 in Ellicott City. Great opportunity for students to volunteer.


October 26 - Save the Date: A Day at Ease from 11:00 a.m. - 3 p.m. at The Foxie G Foundation, The Foxie G Foundation, 14024 New Windsor Road Union Bridge, MD 21791.Food ,music, fun and more.


October 29 - Military Family Cooking Party on Ft. Meade, 5:30 p.m. Free


November 10 - Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony, 9:30 a.m.


November 13 - Community & Veterans Job Fair, Ft. George G. Meade


Tuesdays - Women Veterans at Top Golf in Germantown. For more information, contact ksanders@operationsecondchange.orgg


Every other Thursday at 5:30 p.m. - Warriors Anonymous Veteran Support Group, 1420 Spring Street, Suite 300, Silver Spring, 20910. No registration required. Open to military and veterans to help connect with others and share experiences.

Other Resources:


15 Military Benefits That Can Change Your Life


Maryland Women's Business Center Opens in Savage Mill


Building Classrooms and Relationships - Tools for Educators and Parents from Mental Health America

Newsletters and More


23 August 2024 DVMF News and Announcements


Parents Guide - Community Resources Update



National Family Resiliency Center Aug Newsletter - Understanding Grief After Your Significant Relationship Ends



NAMI Howard County Mid August Newsletter - support groups, education and more!


VA New - Aug 28

Howard County receives $1.1M grant for older adult home improvement



Department of Community Resources and Services Podcast Series




Howard’s new age-friendly fitness lot creates accessible exercise space for seniors



Fort Meade Declassified Podcast - HoCo Office of Veterans and Military Families


Howard County Veterans Foundation

Employment Opportunities


Election Judges - The Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) encourages Marylanders to serve as Election Judges in the 2024 Presidential General Election this fall.

 

Eligible Marylanders can earn money and help other residents cast their votes by serving as Election Judges. Election Judges check in voters, provide instructions and answer questions, and generally contribute to a smooth and secure voting experience in the polling place. To apply to be an Election Judge, use SBE’s online form or contact your local Board of Elections.

 

Additionally, eligible 14–15-year-olds can serve as Election Day Pages. Pages are student volunteers who, under the direction of Chief Election Judges, assist Election Judges and voters on Election Day. To become an Election Day Page, apply using our online form or contact your local Board of Elections.

 

This year, Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Early Voting will run from Thursday, October 24, 2024 to Thursday, October 31, 2024

  

The Office of Workforce Development focuses on meeting the employment needs of local businesses and job seekers.


HR Business Partner in Columbia, MD (Hybrid Remote) (leidos.com)


Community Outreach & Engagement Manager (Administrative Analyst II) - County Administration, Full-Time / Howard County Office of Consumer Protection / 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD


Operations & Finance Manager

Full-Time / Autism Society of Maryland / 9770 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD


Director - Local Health Improvement Coalition

Full-Time / Howard County Health Department / 8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD 21045


Family Support Center Child Dev. Teacher (Human Services Worker II)


Howard County Government Job Listings

Jobs for Veterans in Maryland

Lisa Terry, Manager

veterans@howardcountymd.gov

410-313-0821 (voice/relay)

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