April 2023

Article 1:    CVSO Office Updates
Article 2:    Veteran Services Office Snapshot  
Article 3:    Karen's Korner
Article 4:    VA Womens Health Reengagement Training   
Article 5:    April 'Month of the Military Child' Event
Article 6:    ID Cards at the Rochester VA Clinic
Article 7:    VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP)
Article 8:    Opportunity for Disabled Veterans
Article 9:    Twin Cities Auto Show
Article 10:  Veteran Appreciation Weekend
Article 11:  Veterans and Emergency Services Museum
Article 12:  9/11 Book Project
Article 13:  Women Over 40 Discussion Group
Article 14:  Guiding Partners to Solutions
Article 15:  Saturday Meal Programs
Article 16:  Veterans Treatment Court
Article 17:  PTSD Support Group
Article 18:  Jobs at the MN Department of Veterans Affairs
Article 19:  Workforce Development Forum 2023
Article 20:  Veteran Conservation Corps
Article 21:  Mayo Clinic Careers Webinar
Article 22:  JOBS
Article 23:  Seasons Hospice & Ongoing Special Programs
Article 24:  Local Service Organization Meeting

CVSO Office Updates

Ashley Laganiere
Senior County Veteran Services Officer

Veteran Services Office Snapshot

February 2022: 

Total claims submitted to VA:  
     Compensation:  80
     VA Healthcare:  11
     Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC):  2
     Burial:  11
     Survivor’s Pension:  1
     Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA):  2
     Records Request:  7
     Special Monthly Pension: 0

    Points of contact with veterans (office visits, incoming mail, phone calls returned,
    emails returned, etc.):   419
    Veterans in office:  77
    Outreach visits: 10
    Total phone calls: 361
    Average number of calls per day:  13
    Average call length:   2 minutes 29 seconds

Karen's Korner

Veterans can now access their disability benefit decisions online!

Veterans can now access their disability benefit claim decision notice letters electronically on VA.gov, empowering them to quickly and easily see their disability decisions.

Before this option was available, Veterans had to wait for a paper copy of their decision notice to be mailed to them. While previous iterations of VA.gov allowed Veterans to access benefits summary letters, they could not access the full copy of these decision notification letters from their electronic claims folders.

This service became available to Veterans on VA.gov on Jan. 17. Since launching, nearly 280,000 decision notice letters have been downloaded.

“Veterans now have access to their benefits decisions anytime, anyplace – right at their fingertips,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “VA disability benefits can also open the door to other federal and state benefits, so quick and easy access to a decision means quicker access to the additional benefits Veterans deserve.”

The new electronic option is also expected to reduce calls to the National Call Centers, freeing up call center respondents to answer other questions and requests from Veterans and their families.

To access their decision letters, Veterans can log in to VA.gov and check the status of their claim. 

VA Women's Health Reengagement Training

April 'Month of the Military Child' Event

ID Cards at the Rochester VA Clinic

VA ID Cards may be obtained at the Rochester VA Clinic by appointment only on the dates below. Please call the VA at 1-866-414-5058 to make an appointment. You may visit the Minneapolis VA Medical Center daily for an ID card without an appointment.

     * May 18, 2023
     * July 20, 2023
     * September 21, 2023
     * November 16, 2023

VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP)

Delta Dental has been renewed as the VADIP dental benefits administrator through August 31, 2027.

Here are some updates to the program for veterans and CHAMPVA enrollees:

• Current enrollees receive continued coverage, there is nothing they need to do!
• All 3 Delta Dental VADIP plans cover in-network cleanings, exams and x-rays at 100% on the very first day that coverage begins! VADIP uses the Delta Dental PPO network https://feds.deltadentalins.com/federal/vadip/find-a-dentist.html. Delta Dental Premier is considered out-of-network.
• The 12-month waiting period for major dental services has been reduced to a 9-month waiting period, all with no change in the premium rates!
• For Veterans and CHAMPVA eligible dependents looking to enroll, online Enrollment Is open 24/7/365!

For more information and updated resources, visit https://feds.deltadentalins.com/federal/vadip.html.

Opportunity for Disabled Veterans

125 Live veteran opportunity

125 Live Center for Active Adults is honored to announce an opportunity for disabled veterans!

What: 3 free day passes for full use of the facility as well as 2 free sessions with a personal trainer to go over goal objectives and set up a plan

Call 125 Live or stop in, get your membership, and set up an appointment for consultation!

For more information on the 125 Live facility, please visit https://125livemn.org/.

125 Live Center for Active Adults
125 Elton Hills Drive NW
Rochester MN 55901
(507) 287-1404

Info@125LiveMN.org

Twin Cities Auto Show

Military Appreciation Night

Military Appreciation Night is back for its 8th consecutive year at the Twin Cities Auto Show, sponsored by Toyota.

On Tuesday, April 4th, all active military and veterans will receive FREE entrance to the Twin Cities Auto Show!

Guests and family members accompanying military/veterans will receive $7 off gate admission.

The Twin Cities Auto Show is open 4:00 to 9:00 pm on Military Appreciation Night!

Join your fellow veterans for a day of community and support at the “Heroes Hub” during the Twin Cities Auto Show. Meet and connect with non-profits and local service providers dedicated to serving current and former military members and their families.

Discover resources and learn about the programs and services available to help you navigate the unique challenges of military life.

There will be military-themed exhibits, and a ceremony at 7:00 pm with donations given to both the DAV and MAC-V.

7:00 pm ceremony includes:
**Color Guard and speaker (TBA)
**Donation presentation to DAV (Disabled American Veterans)
   and MAC-V (MN Assistance Council for Veterans)
**Contest winners from the VFW and the American Legion posts will be
   presented with a $1,000 check each

For more information regarding Twin Cities Auto Show, please visit: https://twincitiesautoshow.com/index

All heroes and their families are welcome!

Veteran Appreciation Weekend

Two events, two locations!

Saturday, April 22, 2023

What:    Woman Veteran Appreciation Event

Where:  LC’s Venue
             316 Broadway Ave S, Rochester, MN

An evening of camaraderie, socializing, and fun with fellow women veterans

Schedule:

4:30 pm             Registration
5:00 - 6:00 pm   Happy hour, appetizers, mingling
6:00 - 7:00 pm   Pampering with chair massages and essential oils
7:00 - 8:00 pm   Guest speaker

Register on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-veteran-appreciation-event-tickets-513295309087

Sunday, April 23, 2023

What:    Veteran Appreciation and Benefit
             Open to ALL veterans

Where:  Eagles Club
              917 15^th Ave SE, Rochester MN

*  Military related service providers
*  Prizes and gifts
*  State and nationally recognized speakers

12:00 pm - Doors open, vendor and service providers available, complimentary
                  appetizers served all day

1:00 pm - National DAV Service Officer presentation on veteran benefits
3:30 pm - Encore presentation by DAV Service Officer

No registration necessary

Both events are hosted by Mayo Southeast DAV Chapter 28
and Auxiliary Unit 28

Veterans and Emergency Services Museum

Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

You are invited to a celebration of the inaugural open house of the museum/exhibits located in the lobby of The Hilton Hotel in downtown Rochester.

April 20, 2023 – 5:00 to 8:00 pm
Brief program at 6:30 pm
Hilton Hotel
10 East Center Street
Rochester, MN

Bring a friend, and for sure, bring a student. Take the time to meet and thank those that have served and are currently serving in the military, and as first responders in Southeast Minnesota.

Hors d’oeuvres and beverages served compliments of the Hilton Hotel’s 4^th Anniversary.

Just like the Military, the VESM Board is seeking “a few good people”. Anyone who is interested in serving on the VESM Board is asked to talk to any VESM board member.

Just like all museums, VESM is always seeking more funds to add now and perhaps in the future. The VESM is a 503C Not for Profit. Your contributions will be gladly accepted and are tax deductible.

                          **********************

Book on 9/11

The Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum has embarked on a journey to write a retrospective book on Minnesota’s involvement in 9/11 and the War on Terror. Please share any stories of how you, your loved loves, or your friends were either involved or affected by 9/11 and/or the War on Terror.

We feel strongly that these stories should be heard, acknowledged, and preserved so that future generations will never forget about the immense sacrifice that Minnesotans made in the War on Terror.

Please reach out to Sophia Kulschar at sophia.kulschar@mnsu.edu to share any stories you may have.

For more information on this project click the link below: https://www.mnvetmuseum.org//11-book-project

Women Over 40 Discussion Group

This group will provide an opportunity for women veterans 40 years old and over to come together for support and community while learning creative ways to choose joy, spread joy and receive joy using evidence-based approaches to support stress relief, resilience, productivity and health living.

Sessions include:

     * Discussion on relevant physical, emotional, spiritual health and wellness topics
     * SMART goal development and accountability
     * Aromatherapy education for overall wellness and application for targeted support
     * Education and preparation of aroma stick, rollerball or spray for application at
       home.

Hosted by:  Dr. Letticia N. Callies, DMin, MA, CCA
Where:         VFW Post 1215, back conference room, 2775 - 43rd Street NW
                     Rochester, MN  55901
When:          Tuesdays -  Apr 4, May 2, Jun 6, Jul 11 (due to July 4th holiday),
                     Aug 1, Sep 5, Oct 3, Nov 7 & Dec 5
Time:           6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Guiding Partners to Solutions

New outreach program connects social workers with residents in need in various community locations

Olmsted County, in partnership with Family Service Rochester, is pleased to bring its Guiding Partners to Solutions (GPS) program to residents in need at various community locations beginning March 21, 2023.

GPS is a team of social workers that serves county residents struggling to connect with resources or services they may need. GPS works to reduce barriers and connect individuals and families with housing, cash, food, and insurance assistance and provides help in applying for these benefits.  

Previously, GPS services were only accessible by phone (507-328-6325) and at Olmsted County’s 2117 building on Campus Drive SE in Rochester. Now the county and Family Service Rochester are excited to begin an outreach initiative to bring Guiding Partners to Solutions (GPS) social workers to the following locations in the community beginning March 21.

• Tuesdays, 8:00 – 10:00 am
  • Location: Riverside Central Elementary School
    506 - 5th Avenue SE, Rochester
    NOTE: This is only open to families with children
    at Riverside Central. This is NOT open to the public.
• Tuesdays, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
  • Location: The Hylands apartment community
    2800 Charles Ct. NW, Rochester
• Thursdays, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
  • Location: The Salvation Army Social Services Center
    115 - 1st  Avenue NE, Rochester
• Thursdays, 1:30 – 5:00 pm
  • Location: Rochester Public Library
    101 -  2nd Street SE, Rochester

Saturday Meal Programs

Christ United Methodist Church
400 – 5^th Avenue SW, Rochester, MN

Saturdays:  11:00 am for coffee, hot chocolate and light snacks with
                   a hot meal served at noon

Please enter the church via the west door on 5^th Avenue and join us in
the lower level of the church in Wesley Hall

                             **********************************

Ruby's Pop-Up Pantry
2703 - 9th Avenue NW, Rochester, MN

Ruby’s Pantry is for ANYONE that eats!  There is no income or residency requirement and Ruby’s Pantry is for anyone looking to extend their monthly grocery budget.  Each guest donates a $25 donation and receives an abundance of grocery items. Please bring two totes or baskets.  Drive thru distribution.  Ruby’s Pantry is not government funded and is a 501 C3.  Each donation is used to cover operational costs like trucking, gas, and warehouse staff. All of the food is donated by corporate food donors making it possible to reach more families each month at locations across Minnesota and Wisconsin. 

Next Pop-Up Pantry is Saturday, April 8, 2023

DAYS AND HOURS:  2nd Saturday of the Month Registration begins at 9:00 AM Food bundles available 9:00-10:30 AM Hosted by: Holy Cross Lutheran Church

Veterans Treatment Court

PTSD Support Group

Jobs at the MN Department of Veterans Affairs

Interested in serving Veterans? Looking to make a difference in your community? Consider a career with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)! Roles in healthcare, nursing, facilities management and program management are featured below.   MDVA proudly offers competitive pay, generous benefits as a State of MN employee, welcoming and supportive teams, and most importantly, meaningful careers.

To see full job posting and apply:  
1. Go to https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/ and select your applicant type:
    External Applicants or Current Employees or Accessible Applicant Portal.  
2. On the Careers landing page, enter the Job ID in the Search Jobs field.
    Click on the posting.  
3. Select “Apply for Job” button. New users will need to create an applicant
    account to apply.

Workforce Development Forum 2023

Workforce Development, Inc., the Southeast Minnesota Workforce Development Board, the Winona Workforce Development Board, CareerForce, and the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 2023 Workforce Development Forum. Free and open to all employers and public!

This event will include two national keynote speakers, an employer panel, and the Best Places to Work awards ceremony to honor businesses in southeast Minnesota who are providing some of the best employment opportunities around.

Registration required by April 15^th.

Date:        Thursday, April 27, 2023
Time:        11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location:  Rochester International Event Center

Agenda: 

• Arrival & Networking
• Welcome, Lunch & Keynote Speakers
• Employer Panel Discussion
• Best Places to Work Celebration & Awards
• Social Hour & Networking

Register Here:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-workforce-development-forum-tickets-519989551747

Questions?  Contact Emily Wessing ewessing@wdimn.org  or Jinny Rietmann jrietmann@wdimn.org. 

Veteran Conservation Corps

Join now! Veteran Corps members receive training, experience, and support in transitioning to civilian life and a career in natural resources.

Training: Earn industry-recognized certifications and credentials that employers look for.

Experience: Serve outdoors restoring habitat, managing natural resources, and occasionally responding to natural disasters or community needs.

Support: Attend sessions on transitioning to civilian life and connect to veteran services and resources.

Questions? Contact Scott at scott.schue@conservationcorps.org or (763)276-3493.

https://conservationcorps.org/

Funding provided by Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund and Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.

This program is open to military service members and veterans, without regard to disability, race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. Reasonable accommodations available upon request.

Mayo Clinic Careers Webinar

Whether you are starting your career or planning for the future, you may wonder if you are aligned with the work you are meant to do. During this webinar, you will have the opportunity to speak with recruiters and hiring managers to learn about the types of roles Mayo Clinic offers in Finance and Supply Chain Management and other departments and how to start preparing for them.

April 20, 2023 at noon

Webinar Agenda • About Mayo Clinic & Our Rich History • Application Process • Resume Writing & Cover Letter • Behavioral Interviewing • Featured Department – Finance / Supply Chain Management • Q&A

Register here!

JOBS

Singing Hills Stables has part time work available at a small stable.  Located 10 miles north of Rochester, SHS retrains racehorses to become riding horses.  Duties include:  cleaning eight stalls, watering & feeding the horses & bringing the horses in from pasture.  The horses are beautiful and well mannered; they don’t kick, bite or rear up.  Help is needed about 3-4 hours a day for as many days a week as you want.  Some tractor use is a plus! 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:  Jill Gill @ (507) 358-1234  jillgill@earthlink.net

Seasons Hospice Ongoing & Special Programs

All grief group participants of Seasons Hospice must be registered 24 hours in advance.  To register or for more information, click on the blue button and you will be directed to their website.

Local Service Organization Meetings

For a full list of local organizations and meetings, please click on the blue button.

"To promote the interests and welfare of veterans, their dependents and survivors and to enhance their quality of life through counseling, claims assistance, education, advocacy and special projects."

Olmsted County Veteran Services

2100 Campus Dr. SE, Suite 200
Rochester, MN 55904
507-328-6355