Potter County offices are closed today in observance of Veterans Day, a national holiday honoring veterans of the armed forces as well as those killed in the country’s wars. The observance originated in 1919 on the first anniversary of the 1918 armistice that ended World War I and was known as Armistice Day. It was commemorated in 1921 with the burial of an unknown soldier from World War I at Arlington (Va.) National Cemetery.
November 11 became an official national holiday in 1938. In 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor those who had served in all U.S. wars. Ceremonies are held each year at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and floral tributes are placed on the graves of service men and women and at memorials throughout the country. Naturalization ceremonies have come to be an important part of the day’s activities. Poppies have long been associated with World War I memorials through the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae, and in several countries paper poppies are sold to raise money for the support of veterans and are worn as a sign of remembrance.
Those who are eligible for financial assistance as a result of property damage from remnants of Tropical Storm Debby have only until Tuesday, Nov. 12, to file their claims. Given the looming deadline, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has decided to keep the center open on the Veterans Day federal holiday (Monday, Nov. 11) from 10 am to 5 pm. The center at the Valley Christian Church, 146 Maple Street, will also be open from 8 am to 6 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Victims who have not yet applied for FEMA assistance are also able to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App on a phone, or call 800-621-3362.
FEMA can help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other needs caused by the disaster, including:
- essential items such as water, food, medical supplies, prescriptions, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items and fuel.
- rental assistance for hotel stays, stays with family and friends, or other options.
- repair or replacement of vehicles, appliances, room furnishings, computers, books, uniforms, tools, and other items required for school or work.
- moving and storage fees, medical expenses and child care.
At the Recovery Center in Westfield, flood victims can get in-person help to apply for federal assistance, update their applications and learn about other available resources. U.S. Small Business Administration is also offering services at the center. Businesses and other property owners in Potter, Tioga, Lycoming and Union counties are eligible for both physical and economic injury disaster loans. More information is available at 1-800-659-2955.
A window of opportunity has opened in Potter County to get help from a national program to address needs such as affordable housing, public health and safety, infrastructure improvements and others. Aidan Bobik, representing AmeriCorps, spoke at the Oct. 31 Potter County Commissioners’ meeting about services that are available from now through September 2025.
Bobik, who is headquartered in Ridgway, noted that community and economic development and housing are his top priorities as the AmeriCorps regional coordinator. AmeriCorps can provide organizations with funding, resources, and people power to help address community needs. These can take the form of:
- grants to support the placement of AmeriCorps members and volunteers to deliver services.
- assistance to identify and address community needs in areas such as education, health, housing, public safety, infrastructure improvements, expanded access to broadband and community/economic development.
- support to implement strategies to address those needs.
- assistance to strengthen volunteer management and recruitment.
AmeriCorps has recently expanded its support of economic development and employment. Members often work with local organizations on job training programs to help people acquire the skills needed to secure stable employment. They also support local government economic revitalization efforts. AmeriCorps VISTA members specifically focus on alleviating poverty by working to strengthen organizations that serve low-income individuals.
More details are available from Bobik at 814-773-3162, ext. 3016.
Potter County buildings will be illuminated in green from Monday, Nov. 4, through Monday, Nov. 11. It’s part of the National Operation Green Light for Veterans campaign, which is designed to let veterans know they are seen, appreciated and supported; and to raise awareness of resources available to assist veterans and their families. Operation Green Light is a project of National Assn. of Counties’ Veterans and Military Services Committee. Potter County Commissioner Paul Heimel, vice chair of the NACo committee. said businesses and citizens are encouraged to participate by changing one light bulb inside or outside their home to a green bulb.