In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day, calling on the nation to “solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought bravely, on the seas, in the air, and abroad beaches, to preserve our heritage of freedom.” Let us come together to honor these brave individuals who serve our country in uniform.
More than ever, our veterans and their families need our support. Surely, we can all agree that these men and women who put everything at risk deserve our support and gratitude. That’s why Anne Arundel County joined the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers in launching Operation Green Light for Veterans, an initiative designed to shine a light on the service of our veterans.
As part of OGL, Anne Arundel County is lighting the Arundel Center in green to remind veterans and their families that we are here for them. We encourage individuals and businesses to join us by changing a street light bulb to a green light to let veterans know they are appreciated and supported. While this event is focused on the week of November 7-13, we encourage individuals to continue to shine the green light throughout the year.
Operation Green Light is also intended to raise awareness of the resources for the approximately 60,000 veterans we proudly serve in Anne Arundel County. Throughout the year, Anne Arundel County staff are busy connecting veterans with federal and state benefits, helping them manage employment and medical needs, as well as finding peers to help transition to in civilian life.
Veterans can learn about available services at 410 222-3500 (the Anne Arundel County Veterans Service Center) and through the Anne Arundel County Commission on Veterans Affairs.
This Veterans Day weekend and beyond, please join us in Operation Green Light and turn Anne Arundel County green for our veterans.
Debra Luzietti-Myers, Annapolis
During November, National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, we are joining with other hospice organizations across the country to celebrate the exceptional care our team provides to families and to work toward a better understanding of care options available to everyone in our community including those who live with illness and loss or care for someone who.
Hospice, palliative and bereavement care is and should be personal and local. The patients who need our care are your family members, your neighbors, your friends, and your colleagues, and that makes it personal.
Hospice of Chesapeake, and its affiliates, Calvert Hospice and Hospice of Charles County, are and always have been independent community-based nonprofits. Perhaps you know someone who has received our compassionate, expert care. Also, you may have someone in your life working on our team or serving as a volunteer. Talk to them and they will be eager to share how our specialized care can help lift many of the burdens of caregivers, support, and begin to ease the journey of patients and provide support and guidance for those coping with grief.
One of the most frequent comments we hear from families is, “Why did we wait so long before calling?” Don’t wait. We are ready to meet you where you are and to make sure you have a choice in the type of care you receive, where you receive it, when you receive it and who provides that care.
We are grateful to have been your hometown hospice for over four decades. Caring for your loved ones, your families, your friends, and your neighbors in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles and Prince George’s counties continues to be our greatest honor.
Mike Brady
Brady is the president and CEO of Hospice of Chesapeake
Anytime is a good time to show gratitude, but we always take action this time of year, remember those who make our lives easier and give extra tips to show our gratitude. So consider the crew that works hard for us every week, hauling our recycled cans, our smelly trash, and our leaf bags in all kinds of weather. Our public works crews are dedicated and deserve our gratitude and appreciation. But how? Consider doing what our block did last year.
Our homes are serviced weekly by three different crews of three, for each type of collection. We decided to thank them with a “tip from the block.” Each house contributes $5-10 per worker, as much as they can. We pooled the money, divided it nine ways, and stamped the money on separate Thank You cards. A neighbor is trusted to wake up early on our collection day next week and deliver our thanks. As each truck stopped to collect, he got out and handed an envelope to each worker, thanking them for a wonderful year. Surprise and smiles are contagious!
The public works staff work hard for us all year long. In this season of thanksgiving and giving, connect with your neighbors and find ways to show them your appreciation. They sure got it.
Susan Jacobs, Annapolis
Maryland is proof that a single-use plastic ban can stop plastic pollution in our waterways. According to a recent report, Mr. Trash Wheel — the famous googly-eyed trash interceptor that hauls trash from Jones Falls in Baltimore — has seen an 80% drop in the number of polystyrene foam containers collected since Maryland’s ban on the item went into effect. . effect in 2020.
This data shows how effective policies that limit the use of single-use plastic items are. Before our statewide ban on polystyrene foam takeout containers, Mr. Trash Wheel every year.
Maryland’s polystyrene ban is a big step forward, but state lawmakers can do more — and they have the support of voters. Oceana’s 2022 poll found that 94% of registered voters in Maryland are concerned about single-use plastic products, and 88% support local and state policies that reduce single-use plastic. . It’s clear that Marylanders want a clean, less polluted environment – and, as Mr. Trash Wheel, policy solutions can get us there.
As we approach the upcoming state legislative session, we must promote policies that reduce single-use plastic and urge our elected officials to prioritize these efforts.
Anna Weshner-Dunning
Dunning is a Mid-Atlantic Field Representative for Oceana
A golf tournament to benefit the Orphan Grain Train was held recently at Compass Pointe Golf Courses in Pasadena. We send our thanks to corporate sponsor, Thrivent Liberty Team and major sponsor Koons Ford of Annapolis. Thanks also to our many sponsors and donors. Over $6,000 was raised. Orphan Grain Train is a faith based charity that provides humanitarian aid around the world, most recently in Ukraine, Appalachia, South Sudan and Liberia.
Mike Wasem, Arnold
The unelected Federal Reserve Board has decided that this country must go into a recession to prevent inflation. Anyone who thinks inflation is a new thing, just need to think about what it cost to buy their first car or house!
Ric Campbell, Odenton
