Scuttlebutt

Did you hear...

2/5/25- If you're a NY Veteran or service member who is expecting or has kids at home we've got a really neat opportunity for you! The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services is partnering with Carnegie Hall to offer a chance to work side-by-side with professional songwriters to create a one-of-a-kind song for your child!

This unique chance will be brought to you completely free of charge through Carnegie Hall’s Lullaby Project. No prior musical experience is necessary to participate. Each participant will be matched with a professional song writing artist. Together you will come up with the themes that you want expressed in that lullaby, what style(s) of music you want to exemplify in the song, what language you would like the lullaby to be written in, and other key details.

Once finished, you will be able to receive a digital recording of this lullaby, a one-of-a-kind gift to bestow upon your child that comes directly from your heart.

The meetings can take place entirely online. Even individuals who are living overseas can partake in this unique opportunity. Spots are limited so email today if you are interested: Benjamin.pomerance@veterans.ny.gov

2/1/25- Today is Blue Star Mother's Day and we send our appreciation to all you Blue Star Moms out there. You raised heroes, you spend sleepless nights worrying, you keep things together on the home front while your service member focuses on their mission, and so much more. We are thankful for all you do!

 1/31/25- The Warrior Benefit Concert planning committee is looking for a female Veteran who served in WWII, Korea, or Vietnam to honor at their event. If you are a female Veteran who served during these times or know of someone please contact Amy at monroecountywotmemorial@gmail.com. Your service is valued, please give us the opportunity to show our appreciation!

 1/29/25- Registration is now open for PGA HOPE Western New York events in Webster, Rush, and Rochester. The PGA HOPE WNY program introduces the game of golf through a developmental 6-8 week curriculum taught by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. This program is FREE for all Veterans! Learn more (or get registered) here: https://westernnewyork.pga.com/military

 1/17/25- Combat Tested Gaming is the VFW's free gaming league. Registration for the next season ends January 25th and weekly matches begin Feb. 4-5. Each season culminates in a playoff-style tournament bracket. Not a member of the VFW? No problem! Any active duty military or Veteran can join in. For more information or to register visit: https://thecrewsocialclub.com/vfw-gaming-leagues

 1/17/25- Did you know EquiCenter, Inc.  makes maple syrup in the late winter?  You can learn about the entire process of small-scale maple sugaring including tree identification, tapping and sap collection, syrup boiling and sugaring, and maple history through the ages. The class meets on Tuesdays for 6 weeks and is FREE for Veterans. Register here: https://www.equicenterny.org/horticulture

 1/14/25- Filing claims just got a little easier in Monroe County! Monroe County Veterans Services Agency has opened two new satellite offices. One is inside the Greece Ridge Mall (near the movie theatre) and the other is Bay Town Plaza in Webster. Read more here: 2 new veteran service centers open in Monroe County 

 1/9/25- Flower City Warriors president, Chas Belfield, is going to be interviewed on WXXI today at 12:10. He will be joined by Joseph Chenelly, executive director at AMVETS national headquarters. The topic is: "How can we better support U.S. Veterans?" Listen at 105.9 FM or on WXXI's website: How can we better support U.S. veterans? | WXXI News 

1/9/25- There are numerous virtual hiring events for Veterans in the month of January. Take a look: Upcoming Virtual Hiring Events | January 2025 

1/8/25- Recently, VA announced that it has updated its process for awarding G.I. Bill benefits. This means that many Veterans who served multiple periods of military service (for example, Veterans who reenlisted) may be eligible for additional benefits for themselves or their beneficiaries. Learn more here: Veterans may be eligible for one more year of G.I. Bill benefits  - VA News 

1/8/25- More conditions have been added to the list of those presumed related to burn pit exposure. This includes bladder cancer, ureter cancer, other genitourinary cancers, acute and chronic leukemias, and multiple myeloma. Veterans with these conditions, as well as survivors of Veterans who passed away due to these conditions should consider speaking with a Veteran Service Officer. VSOs offer assistance free of charge. Find a list of local VSO's on our 'Benefits' tab and read more about these recent changes here: Statement from President Biden on New Action to Expand Benefits for Veterans | The White House 

1/8/25- Does this cold weather have you dreaming of vacation? Us too. 

If you're booking a trip, you may be eligible for military base lodging. A reservation does not guarantee base access, so make sure you meet eligibility requirements prior to booking. Learn more at the sites below:

Marine Corps- https://www.marinegetaways.com/

Army- https://www.ihg.com/armyhotels/content/us/en/installations

Air Force- https://af.dodlodging.net/

Navy- https://ngis.dodlodging.net/info.aspx

Coast Guard- https://www.coastguardmwr.org/coast-guard-lodging

1/7/25- As part of The American Legion Be the One mission to end Veteran suicide, they have joined forces with Columbia University to develop training for those who want to learn more about interacting and responding with Veterans who may be in crisis. Trainings are free and available online. Find a list of upcoming training dates and register here: Be The One Training | The American Legion 

1/7/25- Anyone out there know a Michael Dominick (or his next of kin)? Please contact the Spencerport American Legion at fgpost330@gmail.com. They are trying to get a Purple Heart home. 

12/26/24- The first dates of the 2025 Veteran Women's Coffee House has been released. 

12/24/24- Compeer Rochester’s Vets Driving Vets program is expanding to ensure that those who have served our country can make it to their scheduled medical and therapy appointments, grocery store visits and social outings. Read all about it here: Vets Driving Vets expands in Rochester with $470K COVID recovery grant - WHEC.com 

12/23/24- Did you know VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System has partnered with many of the Town Clerks in Monroe County to offer free gun locks? Securing firearms can reduce the risk of firearm theft, suicide, and accidental injuries. If you have unsecured firearms in your home please consider picking up locks from one of the following town clerks:

12/22/24- A large research study about digital treatment options for U.S. Veterans experiencing both insomnia and depression is getting started. You can learn more about it here: urmc.rochester.edu/psychiatry/research/mood-sleep-study 

12/21/24- Falling behind on mortgage payments is incredibly stressful. VA has options to help you keep your home while navigating financial hardships. Click here to read more VA options to keep your home while navigating financial hardships - VA News 

12/20/24- Still looking for gift ideas? Flower City Warriors has got you covered! For just $23, you can give the gift of a Flower City Warriors game AND an Amerks game. Ticket price includes a $5 donation to the Flower City Warriors Veteran Hockey program. It's a great deal and a worthy cause. Grab your tickets here: Flower City Warriors 

12/19/24- The annual report on Veteran suicide was released this afternoon. You can find it here: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/data.asp

To find information about lethal means safety and local suicide prevention trainings head to the suicide prevention tab on our website https://www.rocveterans.org/suicide-prevention

12/12/24- This Saturday is National Wreaths Across America Day. Join the more than two million volunteers and supporters who will gather to Remember, Honor and Teach at more than 4,600 participating locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad. There are numerous ceremonies occurring throughout the Finger Lakes. You can find one close to home by heading to this website and clicking 'volunteer': https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ Hope to see you out there

12/11/24- Today is National App Day, so it's the perfect time to try a new app! Need to improve your sleep? Want to 'tour' Arlington or the @nationalwarplanemuseum? Trying to better manage chronic pain? There's an app for that! Check out some of the mobile apps that can provide services whenever and wherever you need them on our Tech Connect page: https://www.rocveterans.org/tech-connect

12/10/24- 

12/3/24- Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation (WWIA) devotes all its energy and resources to supporting the men and women wounded in combat who were awarded the Purple Heart medal. WWIA supports these phenomenal Heroes by providing them with the opportunity to participate in world-class outdoor sporting activities at no cost to them. They are hosting events in Naples and Nunda this month! Learn more here: Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation Learn About Our Mission and Values - WWIA 

11/29/24- Geva Theatre is proud to present a free performance of A Christmas Carol called “Home for the Holidays” on December 26th at 7PM for active-duty service men and women, Veterans, and their families. To reserve your tickets, call the Box Office at  585-232-GEVA (4382)

11/23/24- Rochester Community Inclusive Rowing exists to provide a supportive, inclusive & accessible environment for Vets and anyone with any challenge who wants to come to the water to learn to row. Indoor rowing lessons start the first week of January to get you on the water in May! Head to their website to learn more and sign up: Rochester Community Inclusive Rowing 

11/21/24- Enjoy a day of hockey and support your Flower City Warriors! For just $23, you'll get to watch a Flower City Warriors game AND an Amerks game. Ticket price includes a $5 donation to the Flower City Warriors Veteran Hockey program. It's a great deal and a worthy cause. Grab your tickets here:  Flower City Warriors 

11/20/24- 211 has lists of holiday meals, toy giveaways, and more! Click here to go to their website: https://211lifeline.org/categories.php?cat=SEASONAL

11/13/24- The New York State Office of General Services’ Department of Curatorial and Visitor Services is working on an exhibit for the Vietnam Memorial Gallery in Albany opening in 2025. The exhibit will focus on letters sent to and from home by New York State servicemembers during the Vietnam War. Vietnam Veterans from New York or families of Vietnam Veterans who have such letters are invited to share them with OGS. They would love to see scans or pictures of the letters. Letters can be sent to Sara Hill at sara.hill@ogs.ny.gov and Kathleen Brousseau, Assistant Curator at Kathleen.Brousseau@ogs.ny.gov

11/13/24- Did you notice our new calendar? A couple points of interest: 

-Click the >> button in the top left corner to filter events by county

-Click the magnifying glass in the top right corner to search the calendar for key words

-Click the 3 horizontal lines next to the magnifying glass to open the settings menu and make the calendar text bigger and easier on the eyes

11/12/24- The Roc Veterans team was thrilled to be invited to participate in the National Veterans Day parade in Washington DC. Only a few of us could go, but it was an honor to spend some time with Veterans and Veteran serving groups from across the country! 

11/11/24- Celebrating all Veterans, today and every day. Thank you for your service. We are eternally grateful.

10/28/24- For Veterans Day, Tops will be offering an 11% discount to all Veterans and active military personnel who shop at any Tops location. There are a few exclusions such as alcohol, tobacco, and gas. Take a look at their website for all the details. https://www.topsmarkets.com/veterans/

10/21/24- Drug take back day is a great opportunity to clean out those medication cabinets. Here are a few opportunities we've heard about locally. Medication drop boxes are also available across the region. Find one convenient for you here: Year-Round Drop-Off Locations - Search Utility 

10/17/24- Seneca County Dwyer has arrived! Bring a guest to enjoy chair yoga, grab coffee at a Veterans only event, or bring the whole family to play some board games and eat some pizza. RSVP here: https://www.vocwny.org/seneca-county

Want to learn more about the Dwyer programs? This *new* website has a ton of great information: https://www.josephpdwyerpeerproject.org/

10/16/24- The Seneca County Dwyer program is officially launching! The peer support specialist has already been hired and events will be starting soon. Stay tuned!

10/12/24- Lagana Plumbing & Heating is offering a new & completely FREE furnace install to a Veteran who needs it in Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, or Yates counties. Know a Veteran that could really use this? Nominate them here: Veteran Furnace Giveaway Application (google.com) 

10/7/24- Wonder Windows will be installing windows at no charge to a local Veteran. Do you know a Veteran that could use this incredible service? Nominate them here: https://www.wonderwindows.com/wonder-veterans-giveaway

10/2/24- November is National Family Caregiver Month and the VA Finger Lakes Caregiver Support Program has lots of great activities planned. Check out the flyers on our social media pages or call Melissa for more information at 585-364-9210

9/25/24- If you're a NY Veteran or service member who is expecting or has kids at home we've got a really neat opportunity for you! The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services is partnering with Carnegie Hall to offer a chance to work side-by-side with professional songwriters to create a one-of-a-kind song for your child!

This unique chance will be brought to you completely free of charge through Carnegie Hall’s Lullaby Project. No prior musical experience is necessary to participate. Each participant will be matched with a professional song writing artist. Together you will come up with the themes that you want expressed in that lullaby, what style(s) of music you want to exemplify in the song, what language you would like the lullaby to be written in, and other key details.

Once finished, you will be able to receive a digital recording of this lullaby, a one-of-a-kind gift to bestow upon your child that comes directly from your heart.

The meetings can take place entirely online. Even individuals who are living overseas can partake in this unique opportunity. Spots are limited so email today if you are interested: Benjamin.pomerance@veterans.ny.gov

9/18/24- The Vietnam Veteran and War on Terror Memorials needs some TLC as winter approaches. Join the clean up crew on October 26th from 8AM-12PM. It would be helpful (but not required) if you could bring some yard tools with you (rakes, gloves, bucket, rags, string trimmer, and/or something to scrape with such as an old screwdriver or putty knives).

9/17/24- Base Camp Brunch at Equicenter is a drop in program for any interested Veteran. They now meet every Wednesday from 10-1. The Nature Based Therapy program is accepting registration for their winter workshops and their outdoor treatment groups starting in 2025. Please contact Liz if you are interested at ElizabethBrooks@monroecounty.gov

9/1/24- Today is the start of suicide prevention month. This is us shouting from the roof tops that you are not alone and people do care about YOU. Support is available 24/7. Please reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 if you could use a bit of support and please do those buddy checks. Head to the suicide prevention tab on our website to learn about lethal means safety, how to get free gun locks, where to dispose of unneeded medications, and upcoming dates for suicide prevention classes. We have to work together to reduce suicide so please consider taking one of the many available classes to learn some life saving skills. https://www.rocveterans.org/suicide-prevention

8/30/24- Start the holiday weekend with some fishing! Saturday 8/31 is a free fishing day. Free fishing days offer the ability to fish without a freshwater fishing license. If you don't have equipment there is a whole network of places across the state you can borrow rods, bobbers, and hooks from. Learn more about free fishing days and the loaner program here:  Learn To Fish - NYSDEC 

8/30/24- Veterans have been able to get free RTS bus passes for a while, but now VOC can provide passes that are good for 5 years! Contact Kristin at kristin.calcagno@vocroc.org if you are interested

8/26/24- This week is overdose awareness week-a time to remember those we have lost to overdose and work to end these tragic deaths. In addition to some great community events, VA will have teams tabling at the Bath, Rochester, and Canandaigua VAs on August 30th. 

Naloxone is a lifesaving medication used for the emergency treatment of an opioid overdose. It's an important part of any first aid kit! VA provides Naloxone to Veterans who may benefit from having it free of charge. Monroe County residents can also take Naloxone training (virtually or in person) and receive a free kit through the County Health Department. Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../monroe-county-opioid...

There are lots of options for treatment and prevention out there. You are not alone #IGY6

8/23/24- Yesterday one of our team members had the best time at EquiCenter, Inc. touring the property and learning more about the Nature Based Therapy program offered through Monroe County VSA. You can feel the stress start to melt away as soon as you get onto the 200 acre property. If you haven't been over there yet you are certainly missing out! Learn more about their Veteran programs here: https://www.equicenterny.org/veteran-programs-1

8/8/24- The Wall that Heals arrived in the Finger Lakes yesterday and is ready for visitors. This is such a special opportunity for our area so don't miss it! 

8/6/24- Rochester Community Inclusive Rowing works to create a supportive and fully accessible environment for Veterans and people with any challenge who want to come to the water and learn to row, at no cost to them. They offer rowing and yoga every week. No experience required! They even have equipment for you to borrow. Learn more on their website: https://www.rochestercommunityinclusiverowing.org/

8/2/24- The Rochester Veterans Writing Group has a new meeting space! They are now utilizing the DAV office on University Ave. This means more space for more members! The group is open to all Veterans and their families. They meet the first Saturday of the month at 10 AM. Connect with them here: Facebook 

7/11/24- Have you heard about the new (to us) Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) program? This is a Department of Labor program for Veterans and their spouses that offers employment workshops on a variety of topics. This program is currently only offered in 10 states (NY is the newest!). Click here to learn more about the program and sign up for workshops: Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov) 

PLEASE NOTE- the OBTT website has a small typo. VOC's correct address is 447 South Ave

7/8/24- September is Suicide Prevention Month and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to learn some life saving skills. Hop over to our new page at www.rocveterans.org/suicide-prevention to discover some of the trainings available in the Finger Lakes and to learn more about suicide prevention. Do those buddy checks and remember 988 offers 24/7 confidential support to anyone who needs it.

7/3/24- This time of year can be difficult for some combat Veterans. Keep the Veterans Crisis Line information handy. You never know who you might encounter that can benefit from the information! Veterans Crisis Line provides 24/7 confidential support for Veterans. Call 988 then press 1, Text 838255 or click here to chat->  https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/

6/28/24- The NYS Elks Association West Central District is seeking your assistance in identifying eligible Veterans for recognition. To refer a Veteran that served in World War II, Korea, or Vietnam please click here: https://www.emailmeform.com/.../vLZ3fTEjW2q8iB6SR9M36bHA The veteran does not need to be an Elk to be referred. Referrals must be submitted by August 15th so there is time to have the medallions made.

Please contact Mike Morrisey at mrmorrisey730@gmail.com or (585) 749-0456 if you have any questions.

6/22/24- Blue Star Museums offer free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families (including National Guard and Reserve). This program operates all summer and is national so if you plan on traveling you can enjoy free admission across the US. Click here for a list of participating museums: https://www.arts.gov/blue-star-museums-map

6/13/24- Veterans Benefits Advisors with the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services are offering FreshConnect vouchers to Active Duty members, Veterans and their immediate family members, as well as un-remarried surviving spouses of Veterans.  Learn more information here: FreshConnect Checks For Veterans And Families | New York State Department of Veterans' Services (ny.gov) 

We unfortunately don't have a full list of everywhere they are available but we have confirmed the following locations:

Livingston County VSA (Contact Sara at 585-243-7960)

Veterans Outreach Center (Contact Nick at 585-295-7856)

Canandaigua VA (Contact David at 585-393-7817)

Wayne County Veterans Service Agency 315-946-7497

6/12/24- Today is Women Veterans Recognition Day. Although this article is a couple years old, we thought it gives a nice overview of the history of service and how this day of recognition came to be. It's an interesting read. Dispelling the myths of Women Veterans Recognition Day - VA News 

A heartfelt thank you to all the women Veterans out there. Forever grateful for your service.

6/8/24-Do you know a Veteran, Service Member, or First Responder who really needs a new ride? Nominate them for the 8th Annual Vehicles for Vets: https://basilvehiclesforvets.com/ 

6/6/24- The YMCA offers discounts and programing for Veteran and Military families (including Gold Star families). See the flyer for the discounts offered at the Greater Rochester Area YMCAs (this includes some Y's outside of Monroe County! See the locations here: Locations ). Click the link for more details and to learn about Camp Corral-a free camp for the kids of fallen, ill, or injured Veterans and Service members. https://rochesterymca.org/military-outreach

6/4/24- It's baseball season! The American Legions are playing just about daily. Go catch a game and support your local Legions. The full schedule is available here: Game Schedule - 6/6/2024 - D7 2024 Regular Season (nylegionbaseball.com) 

6/4/24- Veterans can get a free FEDERAL PARKS PASS to National Parks. Wayne County VSA is trying to set up an event to have a representative come out to help people get the pass, but we need enough interested people to sign up. Please email John @ jnadig@co.wayne.ny.us if you are interested.

5/7/24- Although there aren't any locations in NY, the Armed Services Arts Partnership offers a lot of virtual services. Their programs include acting, comedy, storytelling, writing, improv, and visual arts. Interested in flexing your creative muscles? Head over to their website to learn more: https://asapasap.org/online/

5/1/24- Yates County has launched a Veterans Discount Program.  They join Livingston and Monroe Counties in offering an easy way for Veterans to find discounts at local businesses

4/25/24 Drug Take Back events are happening across the region this weekend! It's a great time to clean out your medicine cabinet. Find a location near you!


3/26/24- Big changes on the horizon for the Lifetime Liberty Pass! Effective April 1st, the disability requirement is being removed so ALL Veterans will be eligible for a Lifetime Liberty Pass. Eligibility has also been expanded to include Gold Star parents, spouses, and children. Click here for all the details: https://parks.ny.gov/admission/lifetime-liberty-pass.aspx

12/7/23- There are lots of opportunities for help during the holidays!

-Registration has opened for the Veterans Outreach Center's holiday food baskets. Call VOC at 585-546-1081 ext 9 to sign up!

-Penn Yan American Legion is hosting a Christmas Day dinner for any interested Yates County veterans. They have partnered with Keuka To Go to offer free meal delivery in Yates County for those who can't make it to the legion. RSVP is required, see the flyer posted on the Roc Veterans calander for all the details.

-The Macedon American Legion will be providing gifts to parents who need a little assistance making the magic happen for their kids on 12/16 at the Intermediate School on West Street. This event is open to all Wayne County residents, proof of residency is required. See the flyer posted on the Roc Veterans calander for further details.

-211 has developed lists of various programs in the area. Please be mindful some of the deadlines to apply are  quickly approaching so reach out soon!

Toys- https://211lifeline.org/categories.php?cat=HolidayToys&

 

Food- https://211lifeline.org/categories.php?cat=HolidayFood&

 

Meals- https://211lifeline.org/categories.php?cat=SeasonMeal2& 

11/16/23- The 2023 VA annual report about veteran suicide was released today. You can read it here -> www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/data.asp 

The Veterans Crisis Line offers 24/7 confidential support to all veterans and their loved ones. Reach them by dialing 988, texting 838255, or chatting at this site: Chat (veteranscrisisline.net) 

10/25/23- Need help with holiday meals or getting gifts under the tree? 211 has developed lists of various programs in the area. Please be mindful some of the deadlines to apply are in November so reach out soon if you need anything.

Toys- https://211lifeline.org/categories.php?cat=HolidayToys&

 

Food- https://211lifeline.org/categories.php?cat=HolidayFood&

 

Meals- https://211lifeline.org/categories.php?cat=SeasonMeal2&

10/16/23- Today is the first day of National Buddy Check Week. Take the pledge to reach out to 10 veterans. Find more information (including examples of how to kick off a conversation, why buddy checks are important, and signs someone might be in crisis) here and here 

10/5/23- This year's flu shots are now available at VA!

9/29/23- Onward Ops (formerly ETS Sponsorship) is a program that connects transitioning service members to a friendly neighbor in the community they are headed to. You can be the person that provides local information that helps a service member land on their feet! Learn more about the program or sign up to be a sponsor here 

7/28/23- VA Finger Lakes has a virtual service available to all veterans enrolled for care at any VA Medical Centers or VA Clinics. Get your healthcare questions answered 24/7 by simply calling 1-800-877-6976. Learn more here 

7/21/23- Livingston County has a program called 'Thank a Vet'. Various businesses participate by offering discounts to eligible veterans who reside in Livingston County. Learn more here 

7/12/23- September is Suicide Prevention month. VA is able to do suicide prevention trainings in the community free of charge! Want one at your VFW/Legion/work/place of worship? Contact Ashley at 585-364-9783