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HomeMy WebLinkAbout25.03.05 - Minutes, Veteran's Advisory CommitteeWashington County Veterans Advisory Committee Minutes Date: Wednesday, 05 March 2025 @ 18:30 Location: STAR Community Center 13674 Greencastle Pike, Hagerstown Attendance Present -Stephanie Pulver -Breeden (Chair), Jim Sword (Secretary), Derek Harvey (County Commissioner), Darrell Nelson, Aaron Palmer, Robert Summers Not Present- Niki Falzone (Vice Chair)*, Robert Breeding*, Jamaal Brown, Starlene Hamilton* Business Meeting Committee Chair Stephanie Pulver -Breeden called the meeting order at 18:32. A quorum was established and the previous meeting's minutes and the agenda were unanimously approved after a motion by Aaron Palmer and a second by Robert Summers. Presentation Ms. Melissa Langford provided a presentation to the Committee on the Therapeutic Equestrian Services and the Star's Stripes and Heros Program at the STAR Community Center. The Star Community was started in the 1970's for individuals with disabilities. The Star Community is located on 147 acres, 25 of these acres are dedicated for horses and currently there are 13 horses utilized in the Therapeutic Riding Program. Approximately 50% of the programs riders are independent riders and 50% are assisted riders. 10% of the participants in the program are Veterans and/or First Responders. Scott was the original champion of the veterans program at Star and after his passing, the program has continued. People can choice how to participate with the program in a variety of ways by riding horses, grooming the horses, or doing barn work. There are other animals on the property as well. Riding sessions are an hour and twenty minutes in duration. This program, is at NO COST to veterans or first responders. Veteran and first responder's dependents have been added so they can also participate in in the program and ride without cost. There is also a Stars Stripes and Heros Greenhouse on the property where veterans can grow vegetables and flowers and that program is available every 2nd and 4th Saturday at noon. This program is also free of cost to veterans and first responders. The Star Stripes and Heros Program is funded by a $30,000.00 grant from the DM Bowman Group The Star Equestrian Program is always seeking volunteers to help. SSL hour are available for students who are 13 years of age and older. Star Equestrian is currently seeking a grant and funding to refurbish a stone house on the property. The vision is this home could provide a week long therapeutic session for veteran participants at Star. Old Business There were no old business items. Public Forum and Comments There were no public comments. New Business Financial Disclosures Jim Sword sent out an email from the County on February 27th 2025 for financial disclosures. It was requested if the Committee member had not yet completed the disclosure, please have it completed by the next VAC meeting so they can be turned in together. Announcements/Upcoming Events Hagerstown Community College Hagerstown Community College has announced Lee Smith as the new Veterans and Military Services Advisor for the College. Office Hours Thursday -Friday 08:30-16:30 veterans@hagerstowncc.edu Veterans of Foreign Wars/Redmen Darrell Nelson reported will host the VFW meetings at the Redmen in Williamsport. Boots to Suits Recurring every second Tuesday Washington County Chamber of Commerce 1 South Potomac Street, Hagerstown MD Community Care Network Recurring every second Tuesday Washington County Department of Social Services 122 North Potomac Street, Hagerstown MD NEXT VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING WILL BE HELD WEDNESDAY, 02 April 2025 AT 18:30 AT THE WASHINGTON COUNTY TREASURER'S OFFICE CONFRENCE ROOM LOCATED AT 35 WEST WASHINGTON STREET, HAGERSTOWN. Adjournment A motion was made by Robert Summers and seconded by Aaron Palmer to adjourn the meeting at 19:18.