Veterans Credit Klein Hall for a New Life as Closure Looms

Veterans Credit Klein Hall for a New Life as Closure Looms

M Hasan    6:00 PM   

The Closure of Klein Hall: A Crisis for Veterans

Klein Hall, a sanctuary for over 1,000 veterans since its opening in 2007, is set to close on September 12. This closure will displace more than two dozen residents, leaving them without a critical support system. The facility has been instrumental in helping veterans rebuild their lives through housing, job training, and recovery services. However, the decision to shut down the program has sparked a political battle and raised concerns about the future of veteran care.

Governor Tony Evers proposed $1.9 million in new funding to support Klein Hall and another veterans home in Green Bay. Unfortunately, this proposal was rejected by the Republican-controlled budget writing committee. As a result, the facilities face financial challenges that threaten their survival. Evers criticized the Legislature for failing to approve the necessary investments, while some Republicans have blamed the governor for not prioritizing these funds earlier in the budget process.

Amid the blame game, several lawmakers have called for a bipartisan approach to prevent the closures. Two bills have been introduced to address the issue, but opinions differ on the best path forward. Meanwhile, most veterans have already moved out of the Chippewa Falls and Green Bay homes, and the closure date is fast approaching.

A Second Chance for Veterans

For many veterans, Klein Hall has been a lifeline. Air Force veteran Blake Haynes faced an impossible choice during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic: pay rent or buy insulin. He chose rent, which led to a cardiac arrest and a coma. After waking up, he was left with no job, no home, and no support. It was only through the help of a nurse that he found his way to Veterans Outreach and Recovery, and eventually to Klein Hall.

During his year and a half at the facility, Haynes received the medical care and support he needed to regain control of his life. Two years later, he is renting a home, leasing a car, and pursuing a nursing degree. Most importantly, he is back with his children. “I have a life,” he said, highlighting the transformative impact of the program.

Similarly, Army veteran Randy Nelson found stability at Klein Hall after battling methamphetamine addiction. The facility provided him with the resources to manage his bipolar disorder and substance use. Through various programs, including anger management and housing retention, Nelson was able to rebuild his life and move into a new home in Eau Claire.

The Programs That Support Veterans

Klein Hall offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to the needs of each resident. Upon arrival, veterans are evaluated for mental health and substance abuse issues, which affect approximately 60% to 70% of residents. The facility provides individualized service plans, with case managers assisting veterans in securing housing, managing finances, and accessing healthcare.

In addition to these core services, the program includes activities such as puzzles, games, and coloring, which can help veterans with anxiety. One veteran, James Heber, used painting to create a mural that symbolizes the journey from military service to homelessness to stability. The artwork serves as a reminder of the progress made by those who have benefited from the program.

Challenges in Finding New Homes

As the closure date approaches, staff at Klein Hall and the Green Bay facility are working tirelessly to find alternative housing and support for veterans. Katrina Currier, site director at the Green Bay facility, emphasized the importance of ensuring that no veterans are left without a place to live. Many have already relocated to other facilities, such as Union Grove, which remains open.

However, the transition has not been easy for all. Marine veteran Derek Aune described the sudden closure as a disruption to his plans, forcing him to move to a facility far from his hometown. Navy veteran Rob Lewandowski also struggled with the change, losing a job opportunity in Chippewa Falls that he had just secured.

The Fight to Save Klein Hall

Despite the impending closure, some advocates remain determined to save the program. Jerry Green, a veteran with real estate experience, argued that repairing the aging facility would be costly, and leasing a new space would be more practical. He pointed to the need to save the program, noting that veterans face significant challenges, including higher rates of suicide.

Sen. Eric Wimberger, R-Oconto, blamed Governor Evers for the planned closures, while WDVA Assistant Deputy Secretary Joey Hoey countered that the department cannot freely spend its funds due to rising costs. The VHRP facilities operate under federal grants, and without additional state funding, they may not be able to continue.

In response to the lack of funding, Sen. Jeff Smith, D-Brunswick, introduced an amendment to fund the programs, but it was voted down by most Republicans. Another bill, introduced by Sen. André Jacque, R-New Franken, includes over $1.9 million to keep the VHRP sites open, along with other veteran-focused initiatives.

A Lasting Impact

Withrow, the site director at Klein Hall, reflected on the impact the program has had on numerous veterans. He shared stories of individuals who arrived with nothing and left with a sense of purpose and stability. One veteran, who lost his leg and struggled with addiction, now has a prosthetic leg and is jogging. Another, who had a poor rental history and anger issues, now owns a home.

Randy Nelson, one of the last remaining residents, expressed gratitude for the support he received at the facility. “It’s a shame that this is shutting down,” he said. “I don’t know where I’d be right now had it not been for here.”

Veterans like Haynes and Nelson credit Klein Hall with giving them a second chance. Now, as the facility prepares to close, the question remains: will there be another opportunity for veterans to rebuild their lives?

Time Blindness in Relationships: Beyond the Late Arrivals

Time Blindness in Relationships: Beyond the Late Arrivals

M Hasan    8:32 PM   

Understanding Time Blindness

Time blindness is more than just being late—it's a complex challenge that affects how individuals perceive and manage time. It involves difficulty in recognizing the passage of time, which can lead to challenges in planning and following through on tasks. This condition isn't about laziness or lack of care; rather, it's a struggle that some people face naturally due to differences in brain function.

For many, managing time doesn’t come easily, and this can have significant impacts on personal and professional relationships. Misunderstandings may arise, trust can be shaken, and feelings of hurt can accumulate over time. Recognizing time blindness as a genuine challenge can pave the way for open conversations, the development of new routines, and mutual support instead of blame.

The Science Behind Time Blindness

The ability to perceive and track time is influenced by a combination of brain chemistry and structure. The prefrontal cortex, located behind the forehead, plays a crucial role in scheduling, prioritizing, and monitoring task durations. For individuals with time blindness, this area may not function as effectively, leading to difficulties in gauging time accurately.

Changes in brain chemicals, particularly dopamine, can further disrupt the internal clock, making it challenging to estimate how much time has passed. Conditions like ADHD are often associated with reduced activation in the prefrontal cortex and altered dopamine levels, contributing to struggles with time management.

Additionally, other regions of the brain contribute to time perception, forming a collaborative network. If any part of this system is off, it can lead to misjudgments about time spent or remaining. Research indicates that time perception can vary based on brain chemistry and external stress, suggesting that anyone might experience time-related challenges at times.

This isn’t about being careless or lazy; it’s about how the brain processes time, tasks, and awareness.

Recognizing Time Blindness in Yourself or Your Partner

Time blindness often reveals itself in everyday situations. People with this condition may exhibit patterns that others overlook or misinterpret. Common signs include:

• Losing Hours: Starting a quick task and realizing hours have passed without progress.
• Missing Milestones: Anniversaries, birthdays, or deadlines slipping by unexpectedly.
• Difficulty Estimating Duration: Saying something will take ten minutes but ending up spending forty.
• Always Playing Catch-Up: Constantly rescheduling or apologizing due to time feeling unpredictable.
• Ignoring Clocks: Setting alarms or timers but forgetting to notice them.

These patterns can significantly impact daily life, especially if they date back years. Individuals with ADHD, autism, or mood changes may be more prone to experiencing time blindness. Recognizing these signs can be a relief and a turning point in understanding and managing the condition.

How Time Blindness Affects Relationships Beyond Lateness

While lateness is often the focus when discussing time blindness, its impact extends far beyond that. It can affect communication, shared responsibilities, and trust within relationships. Small oversights, such as forgetting to start dinner or losing track of a phone call, can accumulate and lead to frustration and emotional distance.

In relationships, time blindness can cause misunderstandings and emotional fallout. Partners may feel unseen or undervalued, leading to resentment and tension. Even minor slip-ups can spark arguments or cause someone to pull back emotionally. Over time, these issues can erode the connection between partners, making it harder to rebuild trust and maintain a strong relationship.

Impact on Shared Responsibilities and Routines

Time blindness can complicate daily routines and shared responsibilities. Managing chores, appointments, and family obligations becomes a juggling act, with routines that refuse to stick. This can create a sense of isolation and frustration for everyone involved.

Some common challenges include:

• One person taking on more chores because the other "lost track of time."
• Missed or double-booked appointments due to unupdated calendars.
• Shifting bedtime routines that make it difficult for everyone to wind down together.

The disconnect between intention and follow-through can lead to guilt or self-criticism, making it essential to find ways to support each other and adjust routines.

Trust and Reliability Concerns

Repeated time-related struggles can raise concerns about reliability and trust. From an outside perspective, these issues may seem like broken promises, even if there's no bad intent behind them. It's important to understand that time blindness is not the same as being careless or unreliable.

Open communication is key to addressing these concerns. Discussing time blindness honestly can help both partners find tools and strategies to manage it together. Using reminders, alarms, and shared calendars can provide structure and support.

Strategies for Navigating Time Blindness in Relationships

Managing time blindness in relationships requires open communication, empathy, and practical tools. Honest conversations focused on solutions rather than blame can strengthen the bond between partners. Using "I" statements, staying curious, and avoiding assumptions can foster understanding and support.

Tools such as timers, alarms, reminders, and shared digital calendars can help manage daily routines more effectively. Incorporating analog clocks and planners can also make time more tangible. Breaking tasks into smaller chunks and setting timers for each can make it easier to stay on track.

Building empathy and patience is essential. Putting oneself in the other person's shoes, practicing active listening, and celebrating small wins can create a supportive environment. Reassigning or rotating tasks can also help alleviate the burden and promote teamwork.

By working together and showing compassion, couples can navigate the challenges of time blindness and build stronger, more resilient relationships.

Eight Tompkins County restaurants pass health inspections; five face critical violations in July

Eight Tompkins County restaurants pass health inspections; five face critical violations in July

M Hasan    4:07 PM   

Overview of Health Inspections in Tompkins County

In the month of August 2025, the Tompkins County Health Department conducted a total of 18 health inspections across various food service establishments. According to the latest reports, five of these inspections found critical violations, eight had no violations at all, and another eight had unresolved issues from previous inspections that remained unfixed.

New York State is home to over 90,000 food service establishments, including schools, nursing homes, and other facilities with on-site kitchens. These inspections are crucial for ensuring public health and safety, as they help identify and address potential risks associated with food handling and preparation.

Due to the high volume of inspections, only a selection of the highest and lowest rated restaurants is highlighted here. For more detailed information, you can access current and past health inspection reports through online platforms like data.ithacajournal.com.

Restaurants with the Most Health Violations

Several eateries in Tompkins County were flagged for having multiple violations during their most recent inspections. Here are some examples:

• Dream Poke & Tea – Located at 130 East Seneca Street in Ithaca, this establishment had one non-critical violation during its inspection on August 12, 2025.
• Fusia Bento Bar – Situated at 405 College Avenue, Ithaca, it received two violations, including one critical and one non-critical, on the same date.
• Village Taqueria And Grill – Found at 151 North Street in Dryden, this restaurant had one non-critical violation on August 12, 2025.
• Pho Time & Spicy Canton Spot – Located at 208 A Dryden Road, Ithaca, this spot had one critical violation on August 13, 2025.
• Crossroads Bar & Grille – At 3120 North Triphammer Road in Lansing, it had two violations, one critical and one non-critical, also on August 13, 2025.
• Lev Kitchen – Found at 222 East State Street in Ithaca, this restaurant had four violations, including one critical and three non-critical, on August 14, 2025.
• 4-H Acres - CCE – Located at 418 Lower Creek Road in Ithaca, it had one critical violation on August 15, 2025.
• Ha Ka Cha – Situated at 311 Third Street in Ithaca, this place had three non-critical violations on August 15, 2025.

Each of these establishments must address their violations within the specified timeframes set by health inspectors.

Establishments with Flawless Health Inspections

On the flip side, several businesses in Tompkins County passed their inspections without any violations. These include:

• Tacos Cdmx – Located at 118 West Green Street in Ithaca, this restaurant had no violations on August 12, 2025.
• Dryden Elementary - Summer Feed – Found at 118 Freeville Road in Dryden, it also had no violations on the same date.
• Sopoong – Situated at 147 Dryden Road in Ithaca, this business had no violations on August 12, 2025.
• Dryden Recreation Camp Summer Feed At Cassavant – Located at 118 Freeville Road in Dryden, it passed its inspection without any issues.
• Dryden Middle School - Summer Feed – Also at 118 Freeville Road, this school had no violations on August 12, 2025.
• Cu - Becker House – Found at Stewart Avenue in Ithaca, it had no violations on August 14, 2025.
• Scoops – Located at 104 Auburn Road in Lansing, this establishment had no violations on August 14, 2025.
• Hawi Ethiopian Cuisine – Situated at 113 South Cayuga Street in Ithaca, it passed its inspection with no violations on August 15, 2025.

These businesses demonstrated excellent adherence to health codes and provided safe dining environments for customers.

Understanding Critical and Non-Critical Violations

Health inspectors classify violations into two categories: critical and non-critical. Critical violations involve factors that could lead to foodborne illness, such as improper food storage, incorrect cooking temperatures, or unsanitary practices by food workers. These must be addressed immediately during the inspection.

Non-critical violations, while not directly linked to food safety, can affect the overall operation of an establishment. They may relate to cleanliness, maintenance, or design issues. Although less urgent, these violations still require correction within a specified timeframe.

Frequency of Health Inspections

The frequency of inspections depends on the risk level of the establishment and its history of compliance. High-risk businesses, such as full-service restaurants and school kitchens, are inspected twice a year. Medium-risk places, like pizza shops or sandwich bars, are inspected once annually. Low-risk establishments, such as coffee shops, are inspected every other year.

All health inspectors in New York are trained by the state’s Department of Health to ensure consistency in evaluations across the state.

Reporting Violations

If you suspect a food establishment is violating health standards, you can report it to the Tompkins County Health Department. An inspector will then investigate the complaint. To file a report, visit the official website for health complaints in New York.

This article was written by Ozge Terzioglu and originally published on the Ithaca Journal.

Founder of Applied Nutrition shares partnership with Coleen Rooney

Founder of Applied Nutrition shares partnership with Coleen Rooney

M Hasan    3:51 AM   

The Rise of a Health and Wellness Entrepreneur

Tom Ryder is taken aback when I mention that I recently completed a 10km run in my fastest time in years without drinking any water or taking any special products beforehand. He asks what kept me going. "Jelly Babies," I admit. He hands me a tube of endurance tablets, packed with performance-enhancing electrolytes that help maintain hydration. "Here, you'll go even faster if you have these," he says in his distinct Scouse accent.

Ryder believes he has caught the wave of a health and wellbeing revolution. A report by retail research group Kantar revealed that sales of sports nutrition products surged by 45% in the first five months of this year compared to the same period in 2024. These were the 'biggest winners' as customers shaped their diets around lifestyle choices, with health, wellbeing, and exercise at the top of many people's minds.

Ryder, 41, has also benefited from this boom. He netted £67 million when shares in Applied Nutrition were listed on the London stock market last year. Although the share price has since fallen, the company is still worth £330 million, valuing Ryder's remaining 34% stake at £110 million. A trading update is expected this week.

His story is one of rags-to-riches. Raised by his grandparents on a Kirkby council estate after his father's death, Ryder opened his first store, Body Fuel, at 18, selling muscle-bulking protein powder, creatine, and other supplements while working as a scaffolder for the local council. After six years juggling two jobs, he created Applied Nutrition in 2014 and began working from a small factory in nearby Knowsley.

The business has grown rapidly, becoming one of Europe's fastest-growing brands. Ryder hasn't let success go to his head. The first time he felt financial freedom was when retailer JD Sports bought a significant stake in the business in 2021. He celebrated by buying a lawnmower.

Personal Discipline and Family Life

Ryder is a firm believer in personal discipline. "I learned from an early age that if you want something, you have to make some sacrifices," he says. One of those sacrifices was not spending enough time with his eldest daughters when they were young and he was busy growing the business. He's now making up for lost time and admits to becoming "a dance dad," taking them to numerous festivals and competitions in the North-West.

He is happy to have bucked the trend of home-grown companies that have shunned the London stock market. Becoming a public company has been "absolutely amazing, a dream come true," he says, adding: "It's given us a lot of credibility." He also seems relaxed about having a higher public profile, saying: "I don't mind being in the limelight. This company is my life. It doesn't feel like work."

But he admits he "completely underestimated" the extra red tape and reporting rules that came with being a quoted company. A "great" team and board, chaired by AJ Bell investment platform founder Andy Bell, helped "take that burden away from me."

Expanding the Brand and Targeting New Audiences

Applied Nutrition started out selling protein shakes to muscle-bound bodybuilders in sweaty gyms, but it has evolved into "a brand for everybody" that appeals to a wider range of consumers. So how does Applied Nutrition fit into the weight-loss craze fueled by drugs such as Ozempic?

Ryder thinks it will amplify demand for supplements. Anyone on a weight-loss drug "is more likely to make health-conscious choices" around protein, vitamins, and hydration as "they are not only losing fat, they are losing muscle, which is not great," he explains, adding: "They can't eat, they've got no appetite so the alternative is supplements."

One of the "mega-trends" he's tapping into is the move from women simply wanting to be skinny to women who want to be healthy, fit, and strong. It's an audience Ryder is eager to reach. "Wagatha Christie" celebrity Colleen Rooney has been hired as a brand ambassador to fuel demand for protein supplements among these health-conscious women.

Since then, the number of female customers has shot up from 20 to more than 40 per cent, he reveals. To keep costs down, Applied Nutrition mainly sells through distributors in local markets, exporting boxes of supplements from the Liverpool warehouse overseas to places such as the Gulf. Its products can also be found in major supermarkets and online.

Financial Strength and Market Challenges

Targeting new audiences via social media channels comes with extra marketing costs. But having raised almost £160 million in the flotation, Ryder now has the financial firepower to continue expanding at home and abroad, especially in the US, where the company has an office in Dallas, Texas.

The record price of whey – a vital ingredient in protein shakes – is "a headwind," Ryder admits, but he has been able to pass on these cost increases to customers in the form of higher prices. That helps protect profit margins, which at 29% are among the highest in the health and beauty sector – bigger even than those of French giant L'Oreal and only surpassed by Estee Lauder, according to stockbroker Panmure Liberum.

This is remarkable given that Applied Nutrition is a traditional bricks-and-mortar wholesale business, operating from a single warehouse site on the outskirts of Liverpool. Ryder won't be drawn on the Government's raid on employers' National Insurance Contributions, which has hit many companies, especially growing ones like his, which now employs 200 staff.

"What can you do?" he asks. "We don't get caught up in what goes on from a political standpoint. We just get on with what we've got to do."

The Power of the Product

So do the supplements he sells really work? Can they actually improve performance? Well, correlation does not equal causation, but after swallowing some of Ryder's endurance tablets a few days after the interview, I ran an even faster 10k time. Ryder will feel vindicated.

As he puts it: "Marketing is important, but the product has got to be right as well."