Read the November 2022 Newsletter from the Delaware Valley Veterans Consortium to stay informed about events and issues happening in the area.

Do you have news to share or upcoming events for the December 2022 newsletter and beyond? Please share!

This newsletter is published monthly as part of DVVC’s efforts to connect, collaborate, and communicate in service to Veterans throughout our region. Send your updates and questions to dvvcinfo@gmail.com.

Member Organizations: To submit articles to the newsletter, please email Fern.Billet@va.gov by the 25th of the month with your news. To submit news to DVVC social media sites, please email Lynne Williams at Director@greatcareersphl.org with “For DVVC Social Media” in the subject line.

News from the Executive Committee

November….

Changing seasons – Beautifully colored trees, cooler weather, and Thanksgiving – remind us to be grateful for all that we have.

The one thing I am most grateful for is our military and their families. Many make sacrifices to serve our country by putting off their career, going to college, and even delaying starting a family. The United States honors our Veterans on November 11.

In Philadelphia, we will be honoring our Veterans on November 6 with a parade and festival after.

The 8^th Annual Philadelphia Veterans Parade will be held on Sunday, November 6th, at 12 pm, with more than 150 organizations involving over 7,000 participants and 30 Veteran Service Organizations. The parade begins at Juniper & Market Streets with a brigade of over 250 motorcyclists and continues heading east on Market Street and concluding at North 5th Street where the Veterans Festival will take place.

The Veterans Festival starts when the 1^st marchers arrive at Market Street between 3rd and 5th Streets and continues until 3:30 PM. The Veterans Festival is a fun and family-friendly atmosphere where Veterans and family members can gain access to resources ranging from job recruitment to health care benefits and service providers, to educational opportunities, financial assistance, and workshops. The Festival also includes numerous Food Trucks, activities, and bands featuring the Sensational Soul Cruisers, the 78^th Army Band, and the Valley Forge Band.

As a member of the Board of the Parade committee, and as a DVVC Executive Committee member-at-large, I am excited to be part of this celebration and hope that everyone comes out to support our Veterans!

Tammy Cartagena

Health Benefits Consultant, US Family Health Plan

DVVC Member-at-Large

JOIN US!!

DVVC Social Hour following the Philadelphia Veterans Parade

3 pm on Sunday, November 6, at Independence Beer Garden

100 South Independence Mall West

(near the corner of 6^th & Chestnut Streets)

Upcoming Veterans Day/Month Programming

2022 Veterans Day Free Meals, Discounts, and Deals

Many restaurants across the nation show their thanks by providing a significant discount or a free meal to Veterans and active duty service members on Veterans Day. See a compiled list here.

Annual Philadelphia Veterans Parade & Festival, Sun, Nov. 6, Noon-3:30 pm

Market St. and Juniper St., continuing on Market St., concluding at North 5th St., Philadelphia
The 8th Annual Philadelphia Veterans Parade and Festival is a family-friendly event with more than 150 organizations involving over 7,000 participants and 30 veterans service organizations. The parade begins at Juniper & Market Streets with a brigade of over 250 motorcyclists and continues heading east on Market Street and concluding at North 5th Street where the Veterans Festival will take place.

The Veterans Festival takes place during the parade on Market Street between 3rd and 5th Streets and continues until 3:30 pm. The Veterans Festival is a fun and family-friendly atmosphere where Veterans and family members can gain access to resources ranging from job recruitment to health care benefits and service providers, to educational opportunities, financial assistance and workshops. The Festival also includes numerous Food Trucks and activities for all to enjoy! Website.

The University of Pennsylvania’s Division of Human Resources and The Penn Health System are holding a Job & Career fair Mon, Nov 7, from 10 am-2 pm at Houston Hall on the Penn Campus.

This is a job fair for entry and mid-level positions and is free and open to the public. Penn is an equal-opportunity employer, and we encourage individuals with disabilities and Veterans to participate. To find out more, click on this job fair link.

Job Fair Flyer University of Pennsylvania Nov 2022

Join Bryn Mawr Film Institute on Thur, Nov 10, at 7 pm for a special screening of HELL OR HIGH SEAS.

This documentary follows U.S. Navy vet Taylor Grieger as he embarks on a 10,000-mile sailing journey around Cape Horn to raise awareness about mental health issues among veterans—and face his own demons.

Director Glenn Holsten will appear for a post-film conversation.

U.S. Military Veterans can receive a discounted price of $8.00 by using the promo-code VetHHS during online ticket purchasing or at the box office. Learn more here: https://brynmawrfilm.org/event/hell-or-high-seas/

Drexel University Military Appreciation Month
Note – some events have required RSVPS!

American Flag Installation Honoring Student Veterans at Drexel

From Fri, Nov 4th – Fri Nov 18th, as part of our 2022 Veterans and Military Family Appreciation events at Drexel University, American flags will be placed on the lawn beside Perelman Plaza and Gerri LeBow Hall to recognize Veterans who are currently enrolled at Drexel University.

Anyone who wishes to help with the placing of flags is welcome to join us at 7 am on Fri, Nov 4^th. It usually takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Drexel University is proud to be a Yellow Ribbon School and strives to be an inclusive campus that welcomes all diverse communities. A special thanks to Drexel University departments of Real Estate & Facilities and Public Safety for their sponsorship and support.

LOCATION: The Lawn beside Perelman Plaza and Gerri LeBow Hall

Military Family Open House at The Masci Family Student Veterans Lounge

Fri, Nov 4, 3:30-5 pm

As part of Drexel University’s Family Weekend festivities, the Masci Family Student Veterans Lounge will be open for military families. Come and meet some of our current student-Veterans and members of the Veterans Task Force. Learn more about the Yellow Ribbon Program at Drexel University and our Military Friendly Campus Community. And, if you would like to support the Marine Toys for Tots Campaign here in Philadelphia (holiday toy drive), please bring your donation to the lounge and we will be sure to deliver it! To learn more, visit www.toysfortots.org.

LOCATION: The Masci Family Student Veterans Lounge, Creese Student Center, 3210 Chestnut Street, Suite 037

Drexel University Veterans Day Tribute

Fri, Nov 11, 8:30-9 am Breakfast (RSVP requested by Nov 4th), 9-10 am Formal Program

This gathering has become a tradition at Drexel, with the help of the members of our Veterans Task Force. Join us for a continental breakfast beginning at 8:30 am, followed by a formal program from 9-10 am. The event will include military traditions and protocol, patriotic music, and reflections in honor of our nation’s Veterans and their families. The formal program, entitled “Beyond the Uniform: The I in Military” focuses on executing the mission without sacrificing personal identity and values. Learn more from our Drexel panelists about their military experiences and transition to the civilian workplace through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. A special thanks to the Office for Institutional Equity and Inclusive Culture (EIC) for their contributions and collaboration. This event will be livestreamed. If you would like to watch the event remotely, here is the link for live stream: https://youtu.be/i4ulBJtbvAE

RSVP for breakfast by Nov 4^th here: https://drexel.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2rbMKM7pvy6WYfk

LOCATION; Gerri C. LeBow Hall, DiPiero Grand Meeting Room (Room 220), 3220 Market Street, Philadelphia

Military & Veteran Appreciation Night with Drexel Athletics

Fri, Nov 11 – Drexel Men’s Basketball vs. Old Dominion at the Daskalakis Athletic Center, 33^rd and Market Street, Philadelphia

This family-friendly event will lift your Dragon spirits as we cheer on the team and formally acknowledge the military service of Veterans and military families present.

Active-Duty Military Care Package Drive

Fri, Dec 2, 9:30-11 am

Join the Members of the Veterans Task Force and show your support for our men and women of the armed forces who are currently deployed! The Donation Drive runs from Nov 11 – Dec 2.

LOCATION: Daskalakis Athletic Center, Recreation Center Lobby, 33^rd and Market Street, Philadelphia

Here are three ways you can help:

1. Bring your items to one of the following locations by Thursday, December 1^st at noon: Drexel Central, Public Safety, Center for Military and Veteran Services, Rec Center Lobby and Health Sciences building lobby.

2. Join us at the Recreation Center Lobby on Friday, December 2nd from 9:30–11 am to sort donated items or write thank you notes and cards to our service members.

3. We would be happy to send a personalized care package to any active-duty family member/friend of our Drexel community. Please provide the name and address by December 1^st to Jane Kelly via email: jbk53@drexel.edu

Peanut Butter
Candy
Nuts
Snack Cakes
Cookies
Chewing Gum
Hard Candy
Handwritten Note
Coloring Books with Colored Pencils
Drawing Pads with Pencils
Moist Travel Wipes
Travel-sized Board Games & Cards
Baby Powder
Stationery & ens to write letters
Paracord bracelets
Books
Plastic model kits

Acceptable Items to Donate:

Dental Floss
Baby Wipes
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Q-tips
Deodorant
Flavor Packets for Water
Hot Sauce
Beef Jerky
Sunflower Seeds
Bagged Tuna
Coffee
Hot Chocolate
Tea
Protein Bars
Granola Bars
Sweat Socks
Body Wash
Scented Soaps
Shampoo
Toothbrush
Toothpaste

Food Giveaway – Vets Feeding Vets, Sat, Nov 12, 10 am-12 pm
Croydon VFW, 901 Bellevue Ave., Croydon, PA

Event is in conjunction with Croydon VFW and Rolling harvest.

Please bring your own bags! Food distribution will include eggs, mile, produce, and more. For questions, or to register, contact Matt Connelly, Action Tank, Operations Director, 610-701-1495

Rutgers Camden Presents “22 A Day” Fri Nov 18^th & Sat, Nov 19, 7 pm

All are invited to see “22 A Day,” a play by Mark Bodrog (USMC) and Hunter Hasken, performed by MTM Players, in the Multipurpose Room on Campus.

Tickets are available at IMPACT Booth: 856-225-6161. All Rutgers students, staff, faculty, and Veterans & Military-free. All others $22.

VA News

PACT Act Expands Healthcare Eligibility

Beginning Oct. 1, 2022, the PACT Act opens VA health care eligibility for hundreds of thousands of toxic-exposed Vietnam, Gulf War & post-9/11 Veterans. Read more here.

Seeking Veterans for the Midterm Elections: Earn up to $150 per day

Election Day is November 8

Veterans can receive around $150 per day serving as a county poll worker.
60% of counties report a shortage of poll workers for the 2022 election cycle.
It’s easy for Veterans to apply to be poll workers.

LEARN MORE

VA VISN 4 Clinical Contact Center

If you have an urgent medical or mental health question, call a VISN 4 Triage Nurse. Available 244/7/365.

Call 1-833-TELE-URGENT

1-833-835-3874

Have an Appointment at VA? Check-in with Your Phone

Smartphone check-in is now available at most VA health facilities. Here are easy instructions on how smartphone check-in works.

READ MORE

Annual Sock Drive and Ditty Bags 2022 at the Chapel of Four Chaplains

For info, the sock and ditty bag drive for Veterans and Merchant Seaman commences now until Thanksgiving. Here is a ditty bag list of suggested items:

WISH LIST FOR DITTY BAGS

Hats and scarves in dark colors
Work gloves
ChapStick
Nail clippers
Razors
Shaving cream
Playing cards
Hand lotion
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Deodorant
Shampoo
Comb
Pen & writing paper
Mini sewing kit
Hard or boxed candy, gum, cough drops

And any kind of new and durable pairs of socks.

Please drop off your items with Michelle in the Chapel Office.
The Navy Yard, Bldg. 649 |1201 Constitution Avenue | Philadelphia, PA 19112
P: 215-218-1943 | F: 215-218-1949
http://www.fourchaplains.org/

Career Support Available from Great Careers Groups

Join in on the adult career online education topics and networking in October 2022 at the Great Careers Groups. Visit the EVENTS page to register for our Zoom and Clubhouse events. Connect on social media and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Tues Nov 1 – My Jobscore Helps You Get the Interview & Get the Job
Wed Nov 2 – PowerThinking: Rejuvenating Your Amazing Mind Weekly Resilience Building Call-In
Wed Nov 2 – Interview Basics & Tougher Interview Questions
Thurs Nov 3 – LGBTQ+ OUTstanding Careers Group
Fri Nov 4 – Interview Techniques
Mon Nov 7 – Career Success Group Job Seeker Accountability & Networking
Mon Nov 7 – Virtual Job Seeker Support Group
Mon Nov 7 – University of Pennsylvania | Penn Medicine Job Fair
Tues Nov 8 – Pivoting with Purpose: Transition to Transforming Lives
Tues Nov 8 – TX Conference for Women Virtual Career Fair
Wed Nov 9 – PowerThinking: Rejuvenating Your Amazing Mind Weekly Resilience Building Call-In
Wed Nov 9 – Surrender Your Way to Financial Freedom
Thurs Nov 10 – TX Conference for Women Virtual Event
Thurs Nov 10 – Career Success Group Job Seeker Accountability & Networking
Thurs Nov 10 – 19 Nuggets of Wisdom You Need to Know for Online Applications
Fri Nov 11 – PowerThinking: Rejuvenating Your Amazing Mind
Sat Nov 12 – Taking Small Actions that Led to Big Results
Sat Nov 12 – Chester County Library Job Resource & Career Fair
Tues Nov 15 – How to Develop & Deliver a Powerful Elevator Pitch
Tues Nov 15 – Tips to Optimize Your Resume
Tues Nov 15 – Business Executives Networking Group (BENG) Lehigh Valley
Wed Nov 16 – PowerThinking: Rejuvenating Your Amazing Mind Weekly Resilience Building Call-In
Wed Nov 16 – Business Executives Networking Group (BENG) Charlotte, NC
Thurs Nov 17 – Recruiter on Call with Jobs
Thurs Nov 17 – LGBTQ+ OUTstanding Careers Group
Fri Nov 18 – Interview Techniques
Sat Nov 19 – LinkedIn Part 3 of 3
Mon Nov 21 – Career Success Group Job Seeker Accountability & Networking
Mon Nov 21 – Tips to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
Tues Nov 22- Annual Reviews as Career Catapults
Tues Nov 22 – Business Executives Networking Group (BENG) Plymouth Meeting
Wed Nov 23 – PowerThinking: Rejuvenating Your Amazing Mind Weekly Resilience Building Call-In
Tues Nov 29 – What to Do BEFORE You Quit Your Job
Tues Nov 29 – MA Conference for Women Virtual Career Fair
Wed Nov 30 – PowerThinking: Rejuvenating Your Amazing Mind Weekly Resilience Building Call-In
And more!

Any GCG meeting with a $5 fee is free for unemployed veterans by arranging in advance that you want to attend – director@greatcareersphl.org.