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HomeMy WebLinkAbout24.02.07 - Minutes, Veterans Advisory CommitteeWashington County Veterans Advisory Committee Minutes Date: Wednesday 06 February 2024 @ 18:30 Location: American Legion Post 202, 400 American Legion Drive, Williamsport MD Attendance Present- Teresa Spruill (Chair), Jim Sword (Secretary), Derek Harvey (County Commissioner), Robert Breeding, Jamaal Brown, Niki Falzone, Laura Lane-Unsworth, Darrell Nelson, Aaron Palmer, Stephanie Pulver-Breeden, Robert Summers Not-Present- Starlene Hamilton* Approval of Minutes and Agenda Committee Chair Teresa Spruill called the meeting to order at 18:32. Prior to the Approval of the previous meetings minutes of 03 January 2024, Stephanie Pulver- Breeden addressed the motion concerning moving the Veterans Advisory Committee meeting locations from 35 West Washington Street to alternative locations across the County was voted and approved by the members of the Committee. However, the schedule presented by the Executive Board members still included three (3) meetings at 35 West Washington Street. The intent of the motion was to increase public access and participation across the County. Teresa Spruill asked the members of the Committee if they wanted to keep the schedule as presented with the three meetings at 35 West Washington Street or change the meeting locations for 03 April 2024, 07 August 2024 and 06 November 2024. Robert Breeding expressed that Hancock is an underserved location within the County and requested that Hancock be included on the schedule. Teresa Spruill indicated that Hancock would be included on the 2025 schedule. Stephanie Pulver-Breeden also expressed concern that American Legions were the only locations indicated except for the County government location. After discussion, Stepanie Pulver-Breeden made a motion to keep ONLY the 03 April 2024 meeting at 35 West Washington Street and to change the location for the 07 August 2024 and 06 November 2024 meetings. The motion was seconded by Robert Breeding and passed unanimously. With that amendment, Laura Lane-Unsworth made a motion to approve the 03 January 2024 Minutes. The motion was seconded by Robert Summers and unanimously passed. Introductions Teresa Spruill introduced and thanked American Legion 202 Post Commander Tom Vance. Business Meeting Old Business Adams County Pennsylvania Funeral Funds Aaron Palmer and Stephanie Pulver-Breeden had no further information for the Committee on the Adams County Pennsylvania Funeral Funds. There may be sufficient information to begin a draft for the Committee in the near future. Jim Sword suggested to include an estimated cost of the program along with the proposal so the County Commissioners would have an estimate to allocate in the budget if approved. Regional Veterans Treatment Court for Frederick and Washington County Jim Sword and Niki Falzone provided an update on the Regional Veterans Treatment Court for Frederick and Washington Counties. Jim Sword provided the Committee with the official Maryland Judiciary press release dated 23 January 2024. Washington County Circuit Judge Brett Wilson stated the program is scheduled to begin midyear. At this time, the program is designated at the District Court level and District Court Judge Eric Schaffer will be overseeing the program. Judge Wilson stated the Maryland legislature may expand the program for more serious crimes and offenders at the Circuit Court level in the future. Niki Falzone stated at this time the program is screening non profits to provide services and she was meeting with Judge Schaffer to further discuss the program. Proposal for Washignton County Municipality Tax Credit for Disabled Veterans Robert Breeding presented the formal proposal to be presented to the Washington County Commissioners that was previously voted on and approved. This proposal will be given to the Washington County Commissioners for action. Public Forum and Presentations America’s Hauling for Hope The Assistant Director and the Veterans Advocate provided a presentation of America’s Hauling for Hope. The program is currently serving 210 families per week and is adding 4 more per week. The program helps their participants with a variety of needs including filling out forms and picking up and delivering food, groceries and clothing. The program assists and partners with other non profits for mental health and transition services as well as connecting participants with other organizations if the situation arises. America’ Hauling for Hope tries to make the process of enrolling for their services as least cumbersome as possible (complete a form with the name and number of children) to begin service. Currently there are eleven (11) veterans receiving services through America’s Hauling for Hope. The program is not designed to be a long-term assistance program but the goal is for the participant(s) to become financially stable and self-sufficient. America’s Hauling for Hope asks the VAC to get the word out about their program in the community. Maryland Veterans Commission Mr. Mike Bowers, Representative 6th District, gave an overview of the Maryland Veterans Commission to the attendees and Washington County Veterans Commission. On April 16th 2024 at 10:30, the Maryland Veterans Commission will meet at the University of Maryland, Hagerstown site. The new Deputy Secretary wants to meet with the non-profits and encourages everyone to attend. New Business Community Care Network Teresa Spruill provided information about Washington County Department of Social Services Community Care Network. The program will begin Tuesday, February 13th 2024 from 16:00 to 19:00 at the Washington County Department of Social Services and continue each month on the second Tuesday of the month. Along with the Department of Social Services, the Western Maryland Consortium, the Commission on Aging, Department of Health, Meritus Health and the Community Action Council will participate. The vision is for this to be a “one stop shop” to connect participants with organizations that can assist with their needs. Facebook Washington County, MD VAC Niki Falzone created a Facebook page for announcements and to connect with the community. The Washington County Veterans Commission Facebook page can be located by searching “Washington County, MD VAC”. Teresa Spruill asked if flyers and announcements could be uploaded and thanked Niki Falzone for her efforts. Niki Falzone stated already 80 people have visited the page. Webpage Darrell Nelson and Jamaal Brown are still working to find someone to assist in creating a Web Page for the Veterans Commission and may have more information by the next meeting. Robert Summers created and printed flyers for the upcoming Veterans Advisory Committee meetings. High School Senior Enlistment Recognition Cords Niki Falzone brought to the Committees attention about “cords” to recognize High School Seniors who have enlisted in the Armed Services for their graduation gowns. Stephanie Pulver-Breeden advised the cords cost approximately $4.00 on Amazon. Teresa Spruill did not want a High School Senior or their family to have to purchase these. Niki Falzone and Stephanie Pulver- Breeden will contact the Washington County Board of Education and explore this further. Proposal to Encourage Displaying of the National Flag Aaron Palmer wants to draft a proposal for the Committee to consider. The proposal will encourage businesses and persons to display of the American Flag in Washington County. Announcements: Community Care Network will be held on Tuesday, February 13th 2024 from 16:00 to 19:00 The next Veterans Advisory Committee meeting will be held at 18:30 on Wednesday, March 6th 2024 at the American Legion Dixon-Troxell Post 211 located at 211 N. Westside Avenue, Funkstown MD Adjournment Laura Lane-Unsworth made a motion to adjourn the meeting and was seconded by Robert Breeding. The meeting adjourned at 19:31.