NOVEMBER 2020
Early Bird Veterans Coffeehouse, 7:30a Nov. 5
For the early risers with reveille, join Team Red, White, Blue (RWB), the County's Department of Veterans Services and other Vets for the next virtual Veterans Coffeehouse. See flyer for Zoom info and BYOC (Bring Your Own Coffee -- or your drink of choice for 730a).
Southern Tier Sitrep - Latest Edition
Catch up on and events from the Ithaca Chapter of Team RWB in their latest newsletter.
Clear Path Offers Delivery for Thanksgiving
Rather than let COVID cause the cancellation of their annual Thanksgiving meal, Clear Path for Veterans will offer Thanksgiving Meal Kits to eligible Veteran families in need. The organization also is seeking support from the greater public to help eligible Veterans and their families receive meal kits delivered to their doorsteps at no cost.
The Nam Expess
The official newsletter of Ch. 377 of the Vietnam Veterans of America reflects back on September, POW/MIA Watchfire events, the dedication of the Cayuga County Memorial, and more.
OCTOBER 2020
Veterans Coffeehouse Goes Live Again on Oct. 15 at Groton American Legion
Join Veterans from across Tompkins County 12-2pm Thursday at the twice-monthly Veterans Coffeehouse, co-sponsored by Team Red, White, Blue (RWB)-Ithaca and the Tompkins County Department of Veterans Services. This October session will be hosted by the American Legion's Carrington-Fuller Post 800 in Groton. COVID-19 precautions will be in place including social distancing and masks required. Lunch items will be available for purchase at the event.
Share Comments Oct. 15 on Local Police Reform during County Administrator's Public Forum
Join Tompkins County Administrator Jason Molino at 5pm on Thursday as he provides updates and solicits public comments regarding local policing reform. Mandated by New York State, this effort initiates a series of forums to request the public's assistance in creating next steps in the police-reform process.
Cornell Veterans join Ivy League Challenge for Veterans Day/USMC Birthday Fundraiser
Support Cornell sophomore and USMC Veteran Michael Sanchez and other local college Veterans during the Ivy League Veterans Council Veterans Day Run/Walk 2020. Funds raised support Semper Fi & America's Fund, which provides urgently needed resources and support for combat wounded, critically ill, and catastrophically injured members of the armed forces and their families.
Social Security Announces COLA Increase for 2021
Recipients of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will see an increase in benefits of 1.3 percent, the Social Security Administration announced Wednesday, Oct. 14.
Assemblywoman Lifton Shares Updates to Voting News for November General Election
In her monthly newsletter, Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton (125th District) provides information to readers regarding voter registration, voting absentee, and other related news in advance of Super Tuesday.
SEPTEMBER 2020
Video honors Local Vietnam War Veterans during POW/MIA Recognition Day
Members from Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 377, shared their stories through the voices of local Veterans and military community members in a video created as a great alternative to the annual watchfire honoring POW/MIA Recognition Day. Team Red, White, Blue (RWB)-Ithaca premiered the video during the Sept. 24 session of the Veterans Coffeehouse, held that day in the Dryden Veterans Hall.
Join fellow Veterans for Early-Morning Muster with BYOC (Coffee), Sept. 3
The next Veterans Coffeehouse will be 0730-0900 on Thursday, Sept. 3. Join fellow Veterans, virtually, from across the county in the comfort of your own.
Call-to-Action: Honor POW/MIA Recognition Day with own Watchfire Observance
Tompkins County's Department of Veterans Services and Team RWB-Ithaca join Vietnam Veterans of America Ch. 377 in calling for County Veterans and residents to have small gatherings as they honor POW/MIA Recognition Day on Sept. 18. They're also requesting pictures or short videos of those private observances be sent in for inclusion in an image album showing how Tompkins honors the memories of its Prisoner-of-War/Missing In Action Veterans.
Public Health Director: Community Vigilance Needed to Combat COVID-19
Frank Kruppa, Tompkins County Public Health Director, releases public statement appealing to all county residents in fight to turn back the coronavirus.
Veterans Advocate Support for Harder-Tester Amendment for Additional Exposure Presumptives
National Veterans organizations want more people to call their Congressional representative to support the passage of an amendment that would add bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and Parkinson's-like symptoms to the list of presumptives for Agent Orange exposure.
Warrior Writers Resume Sept. 10
Warrior Writers-Tompkins come together again 1900-2100 on Thursday, Sept. 10. Veterans from any time of military conflict are welcome to participate in the virtual sessions via Zoom.
5K Ruck March on Sept. 26 Brings Awareness to Veteran Suicide
Calling attention to the 22 suicides committed daily by Veterans across our nation, the Tioga County Veterans' Service Agency will sponsor "For Them -- Stop 22 Ruck March." A backpack/ruck with 22 lbs of gear inside is requested.
Assemblywoman Lifton's Updates from Albany
NYS Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton, who's district includes Tompkins and Cortland counties, offers updates on numerous items including federal aid, unemployment insurance, the US Post Office, COVID-19 resources and more.
VVA September's Nam Express
Chapter 377 of the Vietnam Veterans of America provide info to members and readers in highlighting events from August 2020.
Scholarship for Veterans: From Military to Math Teacher
Mercy College, located downstate New York, is offering an opportunity for military Veterans an Reservists to earn a Master's degree -- tuition-free -- and become a math teacher. The "Veterans to Math Teachers" Scholarship Program is offered through the National Science Foundation. More information can also be found on YouTube.
Team RWB-Ithaca's August Newsletter
Updates on activities of Team Red, White, & Blue (RWB) in and around Tompkins including the Virtual Wineglass 8K, their calendar of events for September, and updates for the office of the Tompkins County Department of Veterans Services.
AUGUST 2020
Veterans Join Veterans Thursday for online Coffeehouse
Join members of Team RWB and the County’s Department of Veterans Services during this next virtual session of the Veterans Coffeehouse. Log on via Zoom between 12p and 1:30p this Thursday, Aug. 20, to talk about upcoming events, concerns, and services offered for Tompkins’ military Veterans.
FreshConnect Checks Offered for Veterans and Their Families
The New York State Division of Veterans’ Services is offering FreshConnect checks to veterans, active duty service members, and their immediate family members, as well as un-remarried surviving spouses of veterans. The voucher program gives each recipient a booklet of FreshConnect checks worth a total of $20 for fresh produce and other food items at participating farmers’ markets and farm stands across Tompkins County.
Women's Opportunity Center Virtual Panel: Your Voice, Your Vote, Your Power
As the nation celebrates the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, the “Your Voice, Your Vote, Your Power” panel will discuss the women who made it possible and how it translates to the upcoming 2020 election. At 6p on Wednesday, August 26, panelists include influential female leaders from the region: NYS Senator Rachel May, Deputy Mayor of Syracuse Sharon Owens, Historian Sue Boland and a representative from the Tompkins County League of Women Voters.
Register for the event: https://mailchi.mp/womensopportunity.org/your-voice-your-vote-your-power
Cornell Seeking Veterans for Entry-level Positions
Cornell University Dining is looking to hire military Veterans and other individuals for part-time, casual-employee positions on its Ithaca campus. With the current hiring freeze on the university’s campus, this non-benefits opportunity presents a solid way to get started with a Cornell career. Cornell Dining regularly looks to hire individuals for regular full-time positions from this group of employees.
Find more information and link to apply online: https://cornell.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/CornellCareerPage/job/Ithaca-Main-Campus/Part-Time-Casual-Dining-Workers--Anticipated-Need----Cornell-Dining---Fall-2020_WDR-00023438-1
MAY 2020
Gov. Cuomo Announces Guidelines for Memorial Day Gatherings
As New York State enters Phase I of re-emerging from the COVID-19 shutdown, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced guidelines and suggestions for gathering this Memorial Day weekend.
Remember to be Counted this Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this nation. This Monday, May 25, is also a chance for all Veterans to make sure they and their families are counted in the 2020 Census. An accurate headcount of everyone in Tompkins County can help determine how much gets received of $675 billion in federal funds.
Two Chances for Veterans to Connect with Veterans
This Thursday and next -- May 21 and May 28 -- the County's Department of Veterans Services invites Veterans across Tompkins County to hop on Zoom and meet other Veterans via the following upcoming events:
-- The next session of the Veterans Coffeehouse, co-sponsored with Team RWB, will be 12p-2p this Thursday, May, 21. Meet other Veterans, learn about tips to deal the COVID-19 quarantine, and even pick up a new recipe or two. Find log-in information with Zoom included on the coffeehouse's flyer.
-- Warrior Writers meets 7-9p on Thursday, May 28. Come join Vets from various eras of conflict and hone your writing or journaling skills to help tell your personal story. Send an e-mail to Veteran@tompkins-co.org for log-in information.
Assemblywoman Lifton Shares Updates on NYS Phased Re-Opening
Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton provides information about the state "PAUSE" and the start of re-opening the state while we all continue to deal with the presence of COVID-19.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Celebrates Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage
Celebrate and follow this month's activities and the VA and more celebrate the heritage and contributions of the Asian and Pacific Islander community.
Tompkins County Officials to Visit Veterans in Virtual Coffeehouse, May 7
Tompkins County Administrator Jason Molino and County Public Health Director Frank Kruppa will visit this Thursday's virtual Veterans Coffeehouse and field questions from Tompkins' Veterans community about the continued response to COVID-19. Directives of change come down almost daily from the state and federal governments that the County must react to. These gentlemen accepted the invitation to share some of this latest news this Thursday, May 7. The Veterans Coffeehouse is co-sponsored by Team Red, White, and Blue (Team RWB) and the Tompkins County Department of Veterans Services. This session takes place between 7:30a and 9a via Zoom. The Coffeehouse offers the chance to meet or reconnect with other Vets and exchange info about relevant resources. Login information for this session is listed on the coffeehouse flyer.
Access Veterans Numbers Through the Census
At 11a on Wednesday, May 6, the U.S. Census Bureau will share information about Veterans numbers in the communities. Access through this headline.
Checklist for Self Care During COVID-19 Quarantine
Find great tips for taking care of yourself and family at this link. U.S. Navy Veteran Beth Golden, licensed therapist and Team RWB member, shared this list for area Veterans and their communities during this time of social distancing and staying home.
APRIL 2020
Veterans Invited to Connect at April 30 Virtual Coffeehouse
Team Red, White, and Blue (Team RWB) and the Tompkins County Department of Veterans Services invite Veterans across Tompkins County to drop in anytime between 7:30 and 9a on Thursday, April 30. The Coffeehouse is via Zoom and offers Veterans the chance to reconnect with other Vets, meet new ones, and exchange info about relevant resources. Login information listed on the coffeehouse's flyer.
New Filing Deadline of May 5 for Veterans with Dependents Who Missed Stimulus
The Military Times reports that the IRS reset May 5 as the new deadline for Veterans with Dependents to file for the COVID-19 Stimulus checks. The IRS also added a warning for inaction.
Assemblywoman Lifton's Earth Day and COVID-19 Updates
News from Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton on happenings from Albany for the 125th District and updates on local impacts and resources. This update includes information on pending legislation, unemployment insurance and federal aid, use-of-masks mandate, voting by mail, and other information regarding the fight against the Coronavirus.
Connecting Veterans across Tompkins
Two upcoming events offer area Veterans the chance to connect with other Vets, share stories and situations, and learn about other Vet-specific news. Due to "social distancing" practices amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, both events will be held via online platforms or simply by calling in.
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The Veterans Coffeehouse, 12-2p Thursday, April 16, 2020
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Finger Lakes Warrior Writers. 7-9p Thursday, April 23, 2020
Veteran Coffeehouse goes "Virtual"
COVID-19 is keeping everyone inside to stay safe but Team RWB and Tompkins County Department of Veterans Services still want our community of Veterans to find a way to gather. Thanks to Zoom technology, all in our community of Veterans are invited to gather online 7:30-9:30a this Thursday, April 2, for the next Veterans Coffeehouse. To join us go to Zoom.us, then enter the Meeting ID on the flyer linked to this headline, or just dial the phone number also on the flyer.
FEBRUARY 2020
Census Staff to Talk Jobs for Veterans at Feb. 20 Veterans' Coffeehouse
Staff members with U.S. Census 2020 will talk about job options for Veterans at the next Veterans' Coffeehouse, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020. Members of the Kiwanis Club of Ithaca also will be onhand in support of area Veterans. This event is co-sponsored by Team RWB and Tompkins County Department of Veterans Services. It takes place monthly on the third Thursday.
Resource Fair for Cortland-area Veterans on Feb. 20
Congressman Anthony Brindisi and staff will host a resource fair for the Cortland area.
Sign up for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway of Valor Tribute Ride
Join members of area chapters of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and Blue Knights for their annual memorial 100-mile ride on July 11, 2020. The ride honors Medal of Honor Recipients Terrence Graves, USMC 2nd LT, and Robert F. Stryker, USA SP4.
VA $243 billion budget request strengthens care and benefits for Veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposed a 10.2% increase for Fiscal Year 2021 to provide Veterans with high-quality health care and timely access to benefits and services.
JANUARY 2020
Tompkins COFA Seeks Nominations for Annual Recognition
The Tompkins County Office for the Aging is now accepting nominations for volunteers who have made significant contributions to the community through civic engagement.
Gov. Cuomo Announces Aid for Veterans Issues
NYS Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposed funding to help address Veteran homelessness, education, and suicide prevention efforts in his 2020 State of the State Address.
Honoring Dr. King at GIAC Annual Community Breakfast Jan. 18
The Greater Ithaca Activities Center host its annual community breakfast 9-11a with ICSD Superintendent Dr. Luvelle Brown as guest speaker.
Tompkins' Warrior Writers meets Jan. 16
The Warrior Writers group will meet Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, to review prior and new writing projects.
Veterans Coffeehouse to be Jan. 16
Team RWB invites all Veterans in Tompkins County to its next Veterans Coffeehouse on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020.