28 September MDVA News and Announcements

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maryland department of veterans affairs

News and Announcements  -  September 28, 2018

MDVA News

MDVA Cemetery & Memorials Program Receives Volunteer Assistance

MDVA Logo

Maintaining the five state Veterans Cemeteries and the Memorials is a big job, even with the dedicated MDVA staff.  That is why we love it when veteran and community groups volunteer to complete specific projects or help with general maintenance.


In the first photo below, you will see Life Scout Issac Vance, who worked on his Eagle Scout project at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery.


The following photo shows volunteers with Saluting Branches, who did an awesome clean-up project at Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery.

To volunteer with the MDVA Cemeteries & Memorial Program contact:

Memorials: 410-354-3550

Cheltenham Cemetery: 301-372-6398

Crownsville Cemetery: 410-987-6320

Eastern Shore Cemetery: 410-943-3420

Garrison Forest Cemetery: 410-363-6090

Rocky Gap Cemetery: 301-777-2185

MDVA Cemetery & Memorial Program


DND-Cheltenham

Life Scout Issac Vance completed his Eagle Project at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery.  Shown from left to right: MDVA Cemetery Foreman Roger Barnes, Issac Vance, MDVA Cemetary Superintendent Dimitra Johnson and MDVA Weekend Caretaker Henry Waller.  MDVA Cemetery and Memorial Program

Thank you to Issac and the other Scouts who assisted with this project!


Saluting Branches

Thank you to efforts of the Volunteers from the organization Saluting Branches for their help pruning trees at Rocky Gap State Veterans Cemetery.


MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PARTNERS WITH ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY TO HOST BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION

Discuss Ways to Improve Wellness During Suicide Prevention Month

                                                                                                                              

Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Secretary George Owings announced the facilitation of a behavioral health round table event which brought together federal, state, county, and community organizations to raise awareness during September’s Suicide Prevention Month.  Suicide is a public health issue which affects all Marylanders. 

To combat this reality, the MDVA, the Veterans Affairs Commission of Anne Arundel County, and Mt. Olive Community Life Center in Annapolis hosted the first in a series of round table discussions on prevention and improving wellness in the military community. 

“Our administration is committed to raising awareness of behavioral health issues and ensuring that our veterans and all Marylanders can get the help they need,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “For Maryland veterans and their families, as well as for current military members, providing the necessary resources and access to care is critical to suicide prevention efforts.”

The discussion took place at Mt. Olive Community Life Center on Hicks Avenue in Annapolis.  Participants included the Anne Arundel County Police and Fire Departments as well as members of the Veterans Affairs Commission and Constituent Services.  The Maryland Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs were in attendance as well.

 “Recent reports indicate a reduction in the number of deaths by suicide in the veteran community, but one is still too many,” said Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Sec. Owings.  “Thank you to Anne Arundel County, Mt. Olive Community Life Center, and our Federal Partners for your collaboration with our Department and to increasing awareness during this important month.”

"The Veterans Affairs Commission of Anne Arundel County is pleased to partner with the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs in raising awareness of the help that is available for preventing suicide and achieving life recovery,” said David Hogen, Veterans Affairs Commission of Anne Arundel County Chair.  “The Veterans Affairs Commission provides advocacy and leadership that create opportunities for veterans and their families, and serves as a forum for all Anne Arundel County veterans of military service.”

The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs is a State Government Executive Department with a service mission to assist veterans, active duty service members, their families and dependents, in securing benefits earned through military service.  Under the Department of Veterans Affairs are five major programs: the Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Program; Charlotte Hall Veterans Home; the Veterans Service and Benefits Program, Outreach and Advocacy Program, and the Maryland Veterans Trust.  For more information, visit veterans.maryland.gov


Bill Buffington

Last week, individuals supporting VConnections, Inc. in southern Maryland met with MDVA staff regarding their program.  Pictured from left to right are: Norman Day, Dyotha Sweat, MDVA Deputy Secretary Bob Finn, Pete Williams, Denise Nooe (MDVA), Subrinna Mason and Bill Buffington.


DND Robert Crisino

MDVA Deputy Secretary Bob Finn, presents Mr. Robert "Cris" Crispino with the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin and Commemoration certificate


MDVA Veterans Day Ceremony Changes - For Your Planning Purposes

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home Veterans Day Program will be held on Monday, November 12, 2018 at 11:00 am.  This change will allow Charlotte Hall residents to attend the Leonardtown parade on Sunday, November 11th.

 

Rocky Gap Veterans Day Ceremony has been cancelled for 2018 due to construction at the cemetery.  The Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery Committee encourages the public to attend the Centennial Observance of World War I in Cumberland on Veterans Day this year. MDVA Cemeteries and Memorial Program

State Partner News

Maryland Department of Natural Resources: Tree-Mendous Orders Being Accepted

Trees

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources aims to expand tree cover on public lands across the state by offering affordable and attractive trees for planting on public lands and open space through its Tree-Mendous Maryland program. 

Church, civic, community and school groups, homeowners associations, local governments, nonprofits, and others are eligible to purchase shrubs and trees for planting on community and public lands.

“Autumn is a great time to plant native species because shrubbery and trees can survive and thrive over the winter months,” Maryland Forest Service Director Don VanHassent said. “The department offers dozens of species of high quality, native shrubs and trees that meet any planting need.”

To save on delivery fees, communities and nonprofits that order now can also pickup their trees at several sites in October: Green Ridge State Forest Oct. 2; Cedarville State Forest Oct. 4 or Tuckahoe State Park Oct. 11. Recipients can also pick their orders up at Clear Ridge Nursery in Carroll County, which grows and provides the trees, throughout the season. All orders must be delivered or picked up by Dec. 15.

Since starting Tree-Mendous Maryland in 1989, the Maryland Forest Service has assisted more than 3,000 groups and organizations with tree plantings. Tens of thousands of shrubs and trees have been planted in communities, parks, schools, squares and towns across the state. Trees beautify the landscape, clean and filter air and water, and provide essential habitat for wildlife.


Hogan Administration Announces New Maryland Workforce Expressway Website

 Multi-agency Collaboration Offers Education, Training, and Employment Resources to Connect Businesses with Skilled Workers

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan, in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Maryland Department of Commerce, Maryland State Department of Education, Maryland Higher Education Commission, Maryland Department of Human Services, and the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, unveiled the Maryland Workforce Expressway, a new website that connects businesses to the full array of state workforce development resources in Maryland.

“Our administration is committed to using every resource possible to provide excellent customer service to our citizens,” said Governor Hogan. “This innovative website will modernize the way our businesses connect with Maryland’s incredible array of workforce resources, helping our businesses identify and grow their talent.”

The new website, www.maryland.gov/workforce, hosts nearly 50 workforce resources in one, easy-to-navigate location. Previously spread across many state agencies, the Expressway is a single source for links to talent engagement services, workforce education, hiring incentives, workforce training grants, labor and industry standards, and reemployment services. By streamlining access to state workforce resources, Maryland employers can more easily access the tools and services they need to secure and develop their talent pipelines.

Read More Here


Maryland Motorists: Stay Alert for Deer!

Cooling temperatures, colorful foliage and unpredictable wildlife – all signs that the fall season is upon us in the Old Line State. As such, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges motorists to stay alert for deer and other wildlife this time of year as these animals seek food supplies and mates before winter.

“Deer increase their movements significantly during the breeding season from mid-October through November as they search for mates,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Motorists should be especially cautious from dusk to dawn when deer are most active and likely to be encountered on the road.”

Motorists are reminded to:

  • Be particularly attentive in the early morning and evening periods.
  • Gradually brake to avoid hitting a deer; do not swerve as this may cause you to lose control of a vehicle.
  • Slow down if a deer crosses the road ahead. Deer often travel in groups and others may be nearby.
  • Stay alert and slowdown in areas where deer crossing signs are posted. These indicate locations of frequent deer activity.
  • Watch the shoulder. Be alert for deer standing along the shoulder as they may suddenly move into the roadway. Slow down and sound your horn to scare them away.

Federal Partner News

Honor Flight Maryland

You may have heard about or even volunteered to help with the Honor Flights which land at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.  Did you know there is also an Honor Flight Bus, which takes veterans from Maryland and Delaware to Washington, DC to visit the World War II, Korean and Vietnam Memorials?  honorflightmd.org

 

Veteran Application,  Guardian Application



VA Maryland Health Care System TeleMedicine

Maryland VA Health Care System - Good Food Supports Good Health

Study Examines Impacts of Noise and Chemical Exposure on Hearing Health - Health.mil article

Noise Impact on Hearing Loss, Health.mil article

Army Observes September as Suicide Prevention Month, Health.mil article

Aspirin a Day? - National Institutes of Health

IRS- Combat Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act Claim Information

Protect Against Fraud and Identity Theft - Free Credit Freezes  and Year Long Fraud Alerts - Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Navigating the Military Financial Lifecycle - Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

TRICARE On-Line Tools to Help with New Open Season

Army Criminal Investigation Command: Beware of Storm-Related Scams

Community Partner News

For Your Information

The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs does not endorse the organizations sponsoring these events, and we do not endorse the views they express or the products/services they offer.  The views and opinions expressed in any referenced document do not necessarily state or reflect those of MDVA.  The information provided is intended for your general knowledge only, and serves solely as a MDVA community outreach effort.


Community News

Sans Cyber Workforce Academy

Veterans: Anne Arundel County Public Schools Needs You!

2020 United States Census is recruiting employees

CRAB - Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating - has sailing programs for recovering warriors, and is holding a Sailing Regatta on September 29th

Pro Bono Assistance - Helping Homeless Veterans, Daily Record Article

Baltimore Fleet Week & Air Show: October 3 -9

Women Veterans United October Events - Multiple Events

Who They Were - National History Day - World War I Centennial 

 

 

Volunteer Opportunity:

SS JOHN W BROWN docked in the Baltimore Inner Harbor is open Wednesdays and Saturdays 9:00 am -2:00 pm for visits and tours for both groups and individuals. We request a $10 donation from the public, but don't ask this of veterans. We are also available as an event & conference venue and do a couple of living history cruises each year.

In addition, we are always looking for volunteers and have quite a few vets on our all volunteer crew. It's a very warm and supportive environment with great camaraderie among crew. More Information


Community Calendar

September 29, 2018

Marching Our Veterans Back to Work, Fulton

Recovering Warrior Sailing Regatta, Sandy Point State Park

September 30, 2018

Marines Helping Heroes 5K Challenge, Arundel Mills, Hanover

Catholic War Veterans Blue Mass, Baltimore

Gold Star Luminary Initiative, Westinster

Travis Manion 9/11 Heroes Run, Baltimore

Kayak the Ghost Ships of Mallows Bay, Nanjemoy

October 3, 2018

Power of Age Expo, Timonium

Maryland's 30th Annual Suicide Prevention Conference, Baltimore

Baltimore Fleet Week & Air Show - Liberty Ship S.S. John W. Brown Schedule

October 4, 2018

Southern Maryland Veterans Collaborative, Charlotte Hall

Power of Age Expo, Timonium

Second Chance Job & Resource Fair, Edgewood

October 5, 2018

VA Claims Assistance, Frederick

October 6, 2018

VA Claims Assistance and Veterans ID Card Help, Frederick

Anne Arundel County Police & Fire Military Appreciation Day, Millersville

Stars, Stripes & Brews Festival, West Friendship

October 8, 2018

Warriors to the Workforce for Veterans, Transitioning Service Members  and Military Spouses, Also on October 8th, Washington, DC

October 9, 2018

The Mission Continues: Wood Shop Workshop Social, Brooklyn Park

October 11, 2018

DAV - Recruit Military Job Fair, Baltimore

October 12, 2018

Golfing 4 A Hero Golf Tournament, Queenstown

October 13, 2018

Variety for Veterans Show - The Finest Talent in the Tri-State Area

Eastern Shore Stand Down - American Legion Post 64, 1109 American Legion Drive, Salisbury, MD 21801, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (no flier available for this event)

October 15, 2018

Voices of Vets, Inc., Columbia

October 17, 2018

MOAA Virtual Career Fair, On-line

October 18, 2018

Military Spouse Hiring Reception, Arundel Mills - Service Members & Veterans also welcome

October 21, 2018

Veteran Free Labs Check-up - this will be followed by a Free Health fair on Nov. 3rd, Temple Hills

October 22, 2018

Veterans Boot Camp, LaPlata

October 26, 2018 

Career Fair, Windsor Mill

October 27, 2018

Veterans Housing Summit, Annapolis

The Western Front Association, East Coast Branch - Spirit of 1918 Symposium, Gettysburg