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Veterans Affairs Commission
September 2024 Newsletter
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Maryland Officially Designated a "Hidden Heroes" State | |
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On Aug. 6, 2024, Gov. Wes Moore announced Maryland has been officially designated as a "Hidden Heroes" state, joining a nationwide initiative that recognizes and supports military and veteran caregivers.
This designation highlights Maryland's commitment to over 150,000 military caregivers who provide crucial support to wounded, ill and injured service members.
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Left to right: Sec. of Veterans and Military Families Anthony Woods; Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller; Gov. Wes Moore; Sen. Elizabeth Dole; First Lady Dawn Moore; Elizabeth Dole Foundation CEO Steve Schwab. | |
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The Hidden Heroes campaign, launched in 2016 by Senator Elizabeth Dole, aims to uplift the often-overlooked stories of these caregivers and address their challenges. Maryland's participation includes bringing awareness, resources and community connections to these dedicated individuals. Gov. Moore emphasized the state's commitment to ensuring that military caregivers can access the support they need to continue their essential work.
This designation aligns with Maryland's broader initiatives to support military families, reinforcing the state's reputation as a leader in veteran and military support. The campaign is part of a more significant effort by the Moore-Miller administration to make Maryland a state that fully serves and supports its service members, veterans and their families.
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Left to right: Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller and VAC Chair Brandon Temple. | |
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Chairman of the Calvert County Veterans Affairs and Veterans Affairs Commission (VAC) Chair Brandon Temple attended the event and presented Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller with an official VAC challenge medallion.
The VAC, along with the D.C. Veterans Administration (VA), actively champions caregiver support. As they develop their strategic objectives for 2024-2025, the VAC plans to explore the possibility of Calvert becoming a Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community. Learn more about the Hidden Heroes program online at www.hiddenheroes.org.
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NEXT VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMISSION MEETING | |
When: Wednesday, Sept. 11, 5-6:30 p.m.
Where: Community Resources Building
30 Duke Street, Suite 105
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Our September presenter will be Hannah Rodriguez from Maryland's Commitment to Veterans. She will be sharing her knowledge about how to recognize when someone is at risk for suicide and who is most at risk. Dave McDowell, Calvert County Department of Public Safety Director, will be sharing the current suicide prevention programs in Calvert County
Find current and past VAC agendas online.
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VAC Presents Certificate of Appreciation to
The Lobby Coffee Bar & Cafe
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On Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, VAC members presented a Certificate of Appreciation to The Lobby Coffee Bar & Café at 6201 Solomons Island Road in Huntingtown.
The Lobby hosts Free Beverage Thursdays for veterans and first responders. The management and staff operate with the philosophy that, “Coffee was made to be shared among friends in a place where people who care about each other and care about the world gather together.”
In addition to coffee, The Lobby offers acai bowls, sandwiches, burgers, soup and salad.
You can check them out on Free Beverage Thursdays or Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Left to right: Dr. Brandon Temple, VAC Chair; Megan Rollins, End Hunger Executive Director; Carrie Clagg, Lobby Manager; Patricia McCoy, VAC Vice-Chair; Mike Sweeney, VAC Commissioner; Lorraine Joyner, VAC Administrative Support; Ed Sullivan, BOCC Representative to the VAC. | | |
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The VAC would love to hear about local businesses and organizations that honor our county’s veterans, military personnel and their families.
Do you know of one? Nominate them for recognition via email at veterans@calvertcountymd.gov.
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Save the Date - Oct. 1, 2024
VAC 3rd Annual Report
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The Calvert County Veterans Affairs Commission (VAC) will present its third annual report to the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, at 10 a.m. | |
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This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the impactful work being done to support Calvert County's veterans and their families. Join us as VAC leadership provides insight into the BOCC's goals, accomplishments and partnerships.
Join in person or tune in and subscribe at www.youtube.com/@CalvertCountyGov/streams.
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Look for the Veterans Affairs Commission at the Calvert County Fair!
Stop by and say "hello" any time during fair hours from Thursday, Sept. 26 to Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024.
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You can meet with a representative from the Maryland Department of Labor Veterans Program on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, from 1-3 p.m. to learn about available employment services.
Register online at https://calvertlibrary.libnet.info/event/11491158.
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Calvert County Office on Aging Veterans Coffee | |
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Tuesday, Oct. 1 - 10 a.m. at Calvert Pines Senior Center; Donny Williams of ServingTogether will speak about in-person navigation, information and referral services now available at Southern Pines Senior Center.
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Christmas in April
Applications Open
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Christmas in April Calvert County, Inc., is a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to repairing and improving homes for low-income homeowners at no cost. Volunteers typically complete projects in a single day, focusing on safety, accessibility and general home maintenance, including yard work and painting.
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Serving veterans is a top priority. Applications for 2025 home projects are due by Sept. 30, 2024. Veterans and their families are encouraged to apply. Applications are available online at christmasinaprilcalvertcounty.org. Please spread the word within veteran communities to ensure those in need receive assistance. | |
Office on Aging Partnering with ServingTogether to Assist Veterans | | |
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The Calvert County Office on Aging is partnering with ServingTogether to assist veterans and their families in navigating benefits and connecting them to services.
ServingTogether held its first in-person session on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, at Southern Pines Senior Center. The launch was well-attended! Several veterans registered with ServingTogether, and others were provided on-the-spot assistance.
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Reflecting upon the program’s launch, ServingTogether Regional Manager Donny Williams said, “This feels really ripe with potential. I think we just have to keep getting the word out, telling people, 'This exists, we're here twice a month and that people are getting their problems resolved without having to leave Calvert.'”
Come to the Southern Pines Senior Center every second Wednesday and fourth Friday of the month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary, and drop-ins are welcome and highly encouraged.
Mark your calendars for the following ServingTogether events:
- Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024
- Friday, Sept. 27, 2024
Learn more about ServingTogether at 240-240-9259.
Southern Pines Senior Center is located at 20 Appeal Lane in Lusby.
| Follow the Office on Aging on Facebook for more events at the North Beach Senior Center, Southern Pines Senior Center and Calvert Pines Senior Center. | |
September Military Milestones | |
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Follow the Calvert County Community Resources Facebook page to watch for, like and share posts celebrating:
- Sept. 2 - Victory Over Japan (VJ) Day
- Sept. 11 - Patriot Day
- Sept. 18 - U.S. Air Force Birthday
- Sept. 20 - National POW/MIA Recognition Day
- Sept. 29 - Gold Star Mothers and Fathers Day
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Calvert County Chromebook Distribution Program | |
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Eligible residents include disabled veterans those collecting veterans' pensions and survivor benefits. Please bring your proof of residency, ID card and a disabled veteran's card, DD-214 or letter from the Veteran's Administration.
Calvert Pines Senior Center has two Chromebook distribution events scheduled on Sept. 10 and Sept. 13, 1-2 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome.
Calvert Library is also distributing devices on an individual basis.
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Calvert Library Offers Veteran Resources Online | |
Calvert Library proudly supports our veterans. Check out their resource page to discover national and local resources, library events and veteran-themed fiction and non-fiction reads. | |
Now updated as of Sept. 1, 2024! | | | | |
