The Bulletin -- November 11, 2009 (#1016)

JIM JUDKINS MEETS WITH SPEAKER STEVE BOWMAN, DIRECTOR OF CLINTON COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE AGENCY. THE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTED MANY OF THE BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN CLINTON COUNTY.

Program: Steve Bowman, Clinton County Veterans Service Agency

“Our mission is to help veterans access the benefits that Federal law allows them,” began Steve Bowman, director of the Clinton County Veterans Service Agency. The agency assists all veterans from World War II to those just coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan. Bowman explained, “There is a large array of entitlements available to the men and women who serve in the military.” Some programs help those who were injured in active duty, and others are available to the spouses and children of veterans.

Providing services for VA health care is one of the biggest and busiest programs offered. The Veterans Service Agency (VSA) does everything from handling the paperwork that facilitates insurance coverage and treatment to scheduling transportation to VA hospitals.

Education benefits are available to all veterans. In 2008, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced a post 9/11 GI Bill. The changed GI Bill is geared for today’s veterans to help them access viable education programs.
In the past, not all veterans were treated equally in terms of education benefits. “We have always known that the Guard and Reserve always received something that was not quite the same as those who were active duty,” said Bowman. “With this new GI Bill program, it doesn’t matter if you are reserve. You get the same full benefit as everyone else, which brings everyone up to an equal playing field. This is great.” Bowman pointed out that since Guard and Reserve soldiers are making up the bulk of those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is only appropriate and fair that they receive equal benefits.

Other programs for veterans include property tax exemptions, assistance with getting passes to state and federal parks, hunting and fishing licenses and a host of other benefits.

The agency works with over 900 veterans every year. Bowman closed with a sober reminder. “When you look at Clinton County, you don’t think there are that many veterans. But when you start thinking about the veterans, the widows, the dependent children that are accessing benefits… we have a lot of people coming in and out of our offices.”

The VSA sees nearly 60 people every day. To Bowman and his staff, helping the veterans access the benefits isn’t just a job. “In many cases the help they receive is a life changing event,” Bowman said. “When you take someone who has served in combat in Vietnam and still suffers from the experience, and you give them the access to the medical care they need, their life is changed.”

The Veterans Service Agency, located at 137 Margaret St. in Plattsburgh, is run by three people and houses a N.Y.S. veterans counselor. Call 565-4120 or email veterans@co.clinton.ny.us for more information on programs and entitlements available to veterans.

Linda Brienza was born and raised on Staten Island and moved to the North Country 18 years ago. She went to college at a “very small ag and tech school” called SUNY Morrisville then to Oneonta where she received a BA in Business Administration. After college, she met Greg Brienza who lived in the Plattsburgh area, and they married in 1991. New to the North Country, Linda had a difficult time at first finding work. At that time, her husband was buying out his partner at Triangle Electric and needed someone to help run the business. Linda jumped on board and ended up a permanent fixture. She has been at Triangle Electric for about 17 years. The company is doing well and has expanded to include SolarNovar. She and Greg built a house together (which she does not recommend to anyone). They have two boys, ages 7 and 10, attending Beekmantown schools, and they keep her very busy with hockey. Linda thanked Bob Parks and Jon Cooper for their sponsorship, and she looks forward to being involved with the club.

This Week:

• Colin Read, among others, was at the memorial for Dr. LaMariana on this Veterans Day. It was a wonderful service that included a military honor guard from Glens Falls. A thought came to mind that Angie would want Colin to say: “He is standing up” in all of our hearts.
• Thank you Leigh Mundy, Kerry Haley and Elle Berger for volunteering on the spot to ring the Salvation Army bell on Saturday, Nov. 28. Thanks also to those who have already signed up for a spot.
• As co-chair of the Honor Guard, C.J. Soper asked for a show of hands for those planning to attend the service for Dr. LaMariana. At the Newman Center, on Saturday, (Nov. 14), 11 a.m.
• Today’s handouts include one about the Rotary International Convention. Please see Alice Church if you would like to participate.
• There will be a meeting next Wed (Nov. 18) at 11:30a.m. prior to the regular club meeting.
• The Sunrise Club has invited our club to join them at their annual Christmas party. It will be held at the Barracks Golf Course on Monday, Dec. 7 for $35. If you are interested, see Bonnie to RSVP.
• New Member Orientation at West Bay Financial, Friday, Nov. 20, 8-9 a.m.
• Monday, Nov. 16, Board Meeting at the CCC Dining Hall (PARC) at noon.
• Kiwanians will be visiting our club, Wednesday, Nov. 25.
• First Thursday at Irises on Dec. 3 at 5 p.m.

Guests: Betsy Vicencio (Bob Parks), Christiana Rodriguez (Joshua Kretser), and Courtney Chandler (Brian Hammond).

Bonnie’s Bucks:

• Stan Ransom announced an event tonight, 7 p.m. (Nov. 11) at the Battle of Plattsburgh Association highlighting music from the War of 1812. The event is free.

Committee Moments:
Membership Committee: Marsha Cook reported that the club’s average attendance is 75.86%. We are doing well and moving in the direction of 100%. 79 people have better than 75% attendance and of those, 29 have 100%.

Christmas Bureau Committee: Vicki Marking announced the annual toy drive for the Christmas Bureau. Members are asked to take a card with a child’s name, age and holiday wish on it. Bring the unwrapped gift with the card attached to a club meeting on or before Wednesday, Dec. 2 meeting.

Foundation Committee: Sonia Long asked that members turn in their Foundation change boxes as they get filled. She highlighted some Foundation milestones and urged members to consider to funding the many projects.

Announcements:

• Stan Ransom asked volunteers who wish to work on the Lake Forest holiday program to meet with him after today’s meeting.
• Ita Bullard announced an addition to her family. Alexis Jacqueline was born 7.lbs and 17 inches long. Congrats!
• Elle Berger announced a concert this Saturday (Nov. 14)at United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. to raise money for the Food Shelf.

50/50: The pot is $996, and Stan Ransom drew the 7 of Clubs.

Another Candle Burning For: Paul Grasso (11/13), Lori Mathieu (11/17), Kyle Brister (11/18), Ed Marin (11/19), Sandy Walker (11/20).
Program: Steve Bowman, Clinton County Veterans Service Agency

TRIVIA
Did you know…?
When the Berlin wall came down members of the Rotary Club of Berlin-Tiergarten welcomed visitors coming through the wall from East Berlin with tea and coffee. The Rotarians also donated street maps of West Berlin, which the visitors needed because their East German maps didn’t indicate any West Berlin streets.

New Member Kathleen Garenani is greeted by Past President Tony Searing. Kathleen was inducted into the club as a red badge member on 11/11/09.