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News for Howard County Veterans and Military Families

5 October 2023
Important October dates to recognize
  • October 2-8: Mental Illness Awareness Week: October 2-8
  • Oct. 13 – Navy Birthday
  • Oct. 8 - Indigenous Peoples Day
  • Oct. 26 – National Day of the Deployed
  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Veteran and Military Spouse Owned Small Biz Expo
Vendors Wanted
Howard County’s first Veteran and Military Spouse Owned Small Biz Expo will be held on Oct. 28 from 10am-2pm at the Howard County EDA/MD Innovation Center on Columbia Gateway Dr. in Columbia, MD. We are still seeking veteran, active duty and military spouse owned small businesses to participate. While we understand that there are nearly 4,000 veteran owned businesses in Maryland, we are focusing on tangible products that can be purchased to include books and art, as well as direct to consumer services.
 
The event is family friendly, with two veteran owned food businesses, veteran and military musicians, Escape Velocity Academy soccer drone demo, HERO dogs, Blue Star Families, resource tables, the Orioles bird, giveaways and more. Howard Community College and the Howard County Economic Authority/Maryland Innovation Center will offer tours of their space and share information about their programs and services.
 
Please join us to shop, eat and support our military community, by signing up with our Eventbrite link. The first 25 that register and attend will be guaranteed a swag bag. There will be door prizes as well.
 
If you are a business interested in participating, the completion of an Interest Form is required of potential vendors. Space is very limited! Once approved by OVMF, the registration fee is $25 per table space which covers a table, 2 chairs and an online directory with your business listed. Custom sponsorship levels are also available.
 
Howard County Office of Veterans and Military Families is hosting this event in partnership with Howard County Economic Development Authority/Maryland Innovation Center, Project Opportunity, U.S. Small Business Administration, Mid-Atlantic Veterans Business Outreach Center and the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs/Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE).

Please contact Lisa Terry at lbterry@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-0821.

Next Virtual Veteran Support Group is November 6

Other NAMI Support Groups

NAMI Connection Support Group, 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, 6:30 - 8 PM

Parent Support Group, 2nd Monday of each month,
7:30 - 9 PM

Transition Age Youth Support Group, 3rd Thursday of each month, 7:30 - 9 PM

Family Support Group, 2nd Tuesday of each month,
7:30 - 9 PM and


Connect to Behavior Health Crisis Services: Calling 988 will connect callers directly to the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline which encompasses all behavioral crisis services, to include all mental health and substance use (problems with drug and alcohol use).

Bailey's Bundles: Care Packages to Deployed Service Members

During the Vietnam War, a Howard County legacy started sending care packages to deployed service members. Until she died at 104 years old, she still continued to send Bailey's Bundles. So in honor of Vivian "Millie" Bailey, we are continuing the tradition. Current drop off locations include Dept.of Community Resources at 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia and VFW Post 7472 in Ellicott City through November 10 as well as the Columbia Lakefront the day of the Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 12 where we will pack boxes. Suggested donations include:
·     Kind Bars
·     LaraBars
·     Protein Bars of all kinds
·     Granola or Nut Bars
·     Beef Jerky or Slim Jims (individually wrapped small bags)
·     Pringles in small snack size containers
·     Trail Mix, Peanuts, Nut Mixes or Nuts of any kind. 
·     Cheez-its
·     Cheese or Peanut Butter Crackers
·     Tuna Lunches to Go
·     Any Cookies (small school lunch-type sizes: Oreos, Chips Ahoy)
·     Individual Drink mix packets (Crystal Light, Mio, Gatorade, Propel)
·     Word puzzles, crossword puzzles, Sudoku

Photo: Students Partnering with Veterans Club after packing care packages

Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony
November 12 in Downtown Columbia

Join us in November for the 9th annual Howard County Veterans Day Parade & Celebration. Each year, this event is an opportunity to celebrate our county’s Veterans and honor their profound dedication and service to our country. Accepting applications for your group to participate in the parade, More information found here.

The Celebration will take place near the future Howard County Veterans and Military Families Monument. See the beautiful monument design here and donate to the cause!
Important Dates and Events
 
NowSeeking Howard County veteran owned and military spouse small businesses that have products, books or artwork to sell, as well as business to consumer services. Email lbterry@howardcountymd.gov for more info.

 
Now – Veteran Curation Program is now accepting applications for their next session starting November 6th! The VCP is a five month program for veterans who are transitioning out of the military, need help finding a new job, or who are seeking new resume-building skills. The VCP supports veterans with resources, peer-support and a stable paycheck while giving veterans the space to work towards their personal and career goals. We offer positions ranging from 20-40 hours per week based on the needs of the veteran. No experience is necessary to apply, all training will be completed within the first two weeks of the session as a group. Visit www.veteranscurationprogram.org/how-to-apply/  for more information and to send in your application. September 5th, 1 pm EST we will offer a Virtual Showcase with tours of all four labs, alumni interviews, and more. To receive the Zoom link, please email kblanke@newsouthassoc.com.
 

October 6 – 1st Friday Vetworking: Brunch and Business Card Exchange at Jam Eateries, 12-2pm.

October 6 – 1st Friday Vetworking: Happy Hour Social at Busboys and Poets, 4:30-7:30pm.

October 9 – Voices for Vets 5th Annual Voiceraiser at 18th and 21st/Cured in Columbia, 6:30pm

October 14– Financial Resilience Academy on Zoom, 10:30am – 12:00pm.

October 14 - Thriving Together: A survivors' mental health awareness & wellbeing group, 10am-12pm at HopeWorks of Howard County inside the NonProfit Collaborative - Enter Thru Suite 100 Training Rooms A&B 9770 Patuxent Woods Drive Columbia MD 21046 (in person)
About Thriving Together- Trauma, whether physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual, can have long-term effects on mental health. People who have experienced abuse or other trauma have a higher risk of developing a mental health condition, including depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
During Thriving Together survivors of sexual (including adult survivors of child sexual abuse) and intimate partner violence explore ways to live well, be informed self-advocates, address stigma, and the health disparities that challenge wellbeing.
In this open and welcoming space, survivors are able to reflect on the unique intersection of trauma and mental health.
Sessions feature expressive-arts activities, self-care practices, relaxation techniques, education and guest speakers. A free program but registration is required. FUTURE THRIVING TOGETHER SESSIONS:
Saturday, December 9, 2023 (Zoom) - 10am -12pm
Saturday, February 10, 2024 (Zoom) -10am-12pm
Saturday, April 6, 2024 (Zoom) - 10am – 12pm
Sunday, May 4, 2024 (in-person) - 10am- 12pm


October 20- Ft. Meade Resource Fair, 3-6pm. More info to come.

October 21 – Harford County Family Resource Fair, 10am- 1pm at Bel Air Armory. Contact vetcommission@harfordcountymd.gov or 410-638-3213 X1456

October 21 - Ft. Meade Community Resiliency Fair, 10am-3pm at McGlachlin Field .

October 23 thru 27 - Howard County 2023 Business Appreciation Week - Businesses of ALL industries and sizes in Howard County are invited to take part in this year’s Business Appreciation Week from October 23 - 27! During the week, ambassador teams including county department heads, government officials, community organization leaders, and Howard County Economic Development Authority team members will visit local businesses to learn more about their experiences doing business in Howard County. Business Appreciation Week celebrates the important and essential contributions of the businesses that make up Howard County! We hope that you take this opportunity to share your stories and experiences. Registration is now open. Secure your spot today!

October 25 – Children Youth Services Community Hiring Event, 10:30am-2:30pm at Miller Branch Library 9421 Frederick Rd Ellicott City, MD 21042.
Contact 301-677-1227
Hiring Event begins at 10:30 a.m. with an organization overview and then interviews, so it is crucial that attendees are on time. If selected, you will begin on-boarding with human resources, occupational health, and fingerprinting. Please make sure that you have already applied on usajobs.gov to ensure a seamless process.
All attendees must bring a resume, high school diploma or transcripts, photo ID and
social security card to enable processing. $18.86/hr at $300 Bonus if selected and onboarded, $300 after the first 6 months, $400 after 12 months (this Fair only)*
 
Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance Benefits, Retirement & 401K, Flexible Work Hours, Paid Time Off (Vacation & Sick), Career Progression & Paid Training. Priority child care placement with employee child care discounts (50% off 1st child/15% off each additional!)
Tax-free Shopping Privileges at AAFES & Commissary. Job transfer program worldwide through Civilian Employment Assignment Tool

November 2 – Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families hybrid monthly meeting, 7-8pm in person. Email veterans@howardcountydmd.gov for Webex link.

Upcoming Workshops from Office of Children and Families
* For assistance with registering, call
410-313-5992 (voice/ relay) or email children@howardcountymd.gov 
* To request sign language, interpreter
or other accommodations to attend, call at least one week in advance.  
 
Healthy Children Through Nutrition and Physical Activity
Learn how to choose healthy snacks, meals and beverages for children. Discuss common eating concerns such as picky eaters or refusal to eat. Explore nutrition labels and healthy eating on a budget. Learn more about the importance of exercise and how you can keep children active in a variety of fun and easy ways. Thursday, October 12, 7:30 p.m. Free, Register here

Positive Solutions for Families 
Join the Howard County Office of Children and Families for this evidenced-based, virtual parent series to help increase knowledge and understanding of how to promote children’s social and emotional skills, address challenging behaviors and use positive approaches to help children manage big emotions.
In this four session series, you will receive a weekly workshop video to watch to learn on your own schedule and then virtually meet with a group of parents to extend the learning and share successes and struggles. Receive FREE handouts and resources to individualize in your own home. For families with children up to the age of 9.
Wednesdays: October 18: Open House 5 to 7 to meet and pick up resources.
Virtual sessions: October 25 | November 1, 8, 29 / 7:00 p.m.to 8:30 p.m. / Free, Register here

The Importance of Fathers in Child Development
Father’s play a critical part of early childhood development. Learn benefits of being actively involved with children at different stages of development and gain resources and tips for ways to interact in positive ways. Wednesday, October 18, 1:30 p.m. Free Online Workshop, Register here

Wednesday, October 18, 7:00 p.m. Free Online Workshop, Register here
Hatchlings: New Baby and Me
Welcome home, baby! This interactive two-week early literacy class for parents/caregivers with newborns from birth to 6 months. Learn more about supporting your baby's development through fun songs and activities together. Participants will receive a FREE take-home gift each session.

Thursdays, October 19 and 26 : 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. / 9830 Patuxent Woods Dr, Columbia 21046/
Free Workshop, Register Click Here
 
DIY Toy Workshop
Did you know that you could use what you have at home to promote early learning skills with young children? Parents and children infant to five are invited to attend this in-person workshop to make fun DIY toys
using common household items that will keep them engaged and learning.
Tuesday, October 24, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. /9830 Patuxent Woods Dr., Columbia 21046/ Free  Register here
 
Los conceptos básicos para los niños
Los nuevos padres quieren proporcionar una base sólida a sus hijos desde el principio. Hay muchas oportunidades para centrarse en interacciones que pueden crear experiencias infantiles positivas. El Programa Lo Básico del condado de Howard proporciona información para ayudar a los padres a aprender a aprovechar al máximo estos primeros cinco años. Sintonice para obtener más información sobre los cinco pilares de las interacciones exitosas y cómo registrarse y compartir el programa gratuito de mensajería de texto Los Principios Basicos/Basics Insights.

Martes 17 de Octubre a la 1pm / Tuesday, October 17, 1:00 p.m. Taller Virtual Gratis/ Free Virtual Workshop, Inscribirse aqui/ Join from the meeting link : https://howardcountymd.webex.com/meet/lrhodes

Martes 17 de Octubre a la 1pm / Tuesday, October 17, 7:00 p.m. Taller Virtual Gratis / Free Virtual
Join from the meeting link : https://howardcountymd.webex.com/meet/lrhodes


October 28 – First-ever Veteran-Owned Small Business Expo, 10am-2pm at the MD Innovation Center 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive Columbia, MD. If you are a veteran, active duty or military spouse owned small business that would like to sell your products and showcase your services at this family friendly event, please email veterans@howardcountymd.gov. There will be veteran owned food truck, music, activities and giveaways. See above

November 2 - CI or FS Poly Cleared Job Fair, from 2pm – 5.30pm at the Westin Tysons Corner. Whether you’re between contracts, transitioning out of the military / government, or just casually looking around, please join us for this in-person event. Our hiring employers include Accenture Federal Services, Amazon Web Services, Arcfield, BDO, BlueHalo, CACI, Core4ce, Integrity Technology Consultants, IT Availability, Jacobs, KBR, L3Harris Technologies | Space & Airborne Systems, Leidos, Lockheed Martin, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Marine Corps Cyberspace Warfare Group, Markon, Peraton, QinetiQ, SAIC, Strategic Systems Programs - Dept of the Navy, System High and more! Opportunities for Intel, Program and Project Managers, Data Scientists, Cyber, Geospatial, Malware Analysts, Malware Programmers, Software Engineers and Developers, CNO Engineers and Analysts, Database Administrators, System Administrators, Software and Application Developers, Network Designers and Engineers, Help Desk, Trainers and more.

November 6 - Virtual Veteran Support Group, 5-7pm

November 6 thru Nov 10 – Operation Greenlight in Support of Veterans and Military Families.

November 7 – Breakfast with the Superintendent and HCPSS Showcase, 7:30-10am at The Meeting House in Columbia.

November 10Columbia Orchestra Veterans Day Concert: Les Brown & His Band of Renown, 7:30 p.m. at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center. $20 ticket


November 12 – Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony, 9:30am kickoff in downtown Columbia.

November 12 – Baltimore County Veterans Celebration and Resource Event, 10am-5pm at Towson University Union 21 University Drive Towson, MD. For more info: veteransaffairs@baltimorecountymd.gov

November 16-20 - National Buddy Check Week

Recurring Programs:
Poetic Record: Resilience Workshop for Healthcare Workers with Laura Van Prooyen, Writing workshop for healthcare workers that blends poetry, community, and the science of resilience. Every Tuesday, 7 PM EDT

Comedy Workshop with Amelia Bane in Partnership with Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals  Writing workshop for all interested to learn and practice comedy writing skills. 2nd Tuesday, 12 PM EDT

Visual Art Workshop with Veteran Artists Val Acosta, Shaun Smith, and Joe Merritt Hang out in a collaborative group setting, learn new art techniques, and create a masterpiece. No experience necessary. Every Wednesday, 7 PM EDT

Writing Workshop for Military, Veterans, Caregivers and Spouseswith Laura Van Prooyen in Partnership w/ Blue Star Families Creative writing workshop where we'll consider writing as a tool for communication, expression, and relief from holding it all together. 1st & 3rd Thursday, 3:30 PM EDT

Writing Workshop with Seema Reza No experience required! If you can think, you can write. Bring some paper and a pen! Every Friday, 12 PM EDT

Writing Workshop in Partnership with Strathmore featuring a Special Guest each month Creative writing workshop where you can put your personal stories on paper in a supportive environment. 3rd Thursday, 7 PM EDT
 
Virtual Tai Chi for Veterans, 1st Tuesday of every month - 12-1pm.  
Virtual Toastmasters for Veterans and Military Communities 2nd Tuesdays at 7pm & 4th Saturdays of every month at 11:30 am. Please register with Bernadette Garrett at tmspeakerleaderdtm20@gmail.com

Virtual Mindfulness and Gentle Yoga, 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month 5-6pm.
 

Now – Honor Flights Maryland seeking WWII, Korean and Vietnam Veterans who may be interested in visiting DC Memorials next year, volunteers and guardians to help!

Now - Howard County Fallen Heroes Tribute. To honor Howard County residents who died while in service to our country, the Office of Veteran and Military Families is proud to announce the creation of the Fallen Heroes Tribute page
 
Resources

As a nod to National Financial Planning Month this October, King Tide Advisors sharede four money moves that align nicely with this time of year. 
 
Some of the soundest financial advice is the advice that has stood the test of time. Consider these:
  1. Review and revise your budget. With just three months to go in 2023, now is a great time to review your budget, highlight areas of lifestyle creep, and make sure you and your finances are ready for the holiday rush. If the 2023 holiday shopping season is anything like last year, Americans will spend close to $1,500 on average
  2. Assess and add to your emergency fund. As you know, a critical pillar of financial security is a robust emergency fund of three to six months of expenses. But remember, an emergency fund isn’t simply your monthly needs times three. In a true emergency, you’d pare down discretionary spending, so when calculating your fund goal, keep this in mind. 
  3. Evaluate your retirement savings. Regardless of your age, planning for retirement should be a priority. The power of compound interest means the earlier you start saving, the more your money grows. Aiming to contribute a minimum of 10-15% of your income towards your retirement savings account can build a substantial nest egg for your future–but you don’t have to hit 15% overnight. Even increasing your contributions by 1% before the end of the year is a worthwhile goal. Remember, retirement isn't about reaching an age but achieving financial freedom.
  4. Consider low–risk investment tools. Low-risk investment vehicles like certificates of deposits (CDs) and share certificates might be a good option if you don't need access to your cash or savings for six months to a year (or longer).


Employment Opportunities
 
The new state Department of Service & Civic Innovation is launching unprecedented opportunities to serve throughout Maryland starting in October. These exciting paid year of service programs provide pathways to education and career opportunities for those who have recently completed high school - or people of any age looking to make a pivot in their lives. If you or someone you know is interested in giving back to the community as they explore next steps in their professional development, please apply ASAP by visiting https://dsci.maryland.gov or text the word “Maryland” to 21000. Send questions to dsci.gov@maryland.gov
Are you looking for a paid, full-time job opportunity to make a difference? Please visit https://dsci.maryland.gov for more information and apply quickly to be considered for the program starting in October.

 
 
Military Community Connections - Military Career Connections assists eligible transitioning service members, military spouses, and veterans with enhanced one-on-one career services. These career services include a combination of resume assistance, employment assistance, no cost industry training, licensing, certifications, work and learn opportunities, and barrier remediation with the goal of employment.
 
Women Veterans Inclusion Program - Women Veterans/Inclusion Program - The MDVA Women Veterans/Inclusion Program was established in August 2021 to collaborate with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, state and local governments, and community organizations to coordinate events to raise awareness of the needs of Maryland’s women, minority, and underserved veteran populations. A statewide advisory group has convened to identify resources to support and advocate on behalf of this group of veterans
 
 
TALMAR offers a Veterans Affairs Farming and Recovery Mental Health Services (VA FARMS) program to veterans enrolled in services at the VA Maryland Health Care System. TALMAR’s VA FARMS program is a hands-on work therapy program where participants learn on a vegetable & cut flower farm in central Maryland. Baltimore, MD
 
Research Participation Opportunity - VA’s National Center for PTSD and the Coaching Into Care program have partnered to study telephone coaching methods to help spouses and intimate partners of Veterans with untreated PTSD get their Veteran into mental health care. The study will provide free telephone coaching and, if assigned, access to online educational materials. Participants will be compensated up to $170 for participating.
Visit: https://www.familycoachingstudy.org to learn more about the study and complete a brief screening quiz to see if you are eligible to participate. For participant’s rights questions, contact 1-866-680-2906.