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?

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.

Cedar Crest Partners to Boost Health Care Access for Allentown's Low-Income Residents

Cedar Crest Partners to Boost Health Care Access for Allentown's Low-Income Residents

M Hasan    2:20 AM   

Expanding Access to Affordable Health Care in Allentown

In the 1st Ward of Allentown, an area bordered by the Lehigh River, Jordan Creek, and railroad tracks, many residents face significant challenges in accessing affordable and convenient health care. Melissa M. Miranda, CEO of Neighborhood Health Centers of the Lehigh Valley, emphasizes that this community needs more support to ensure its residents can receive the medical and dental services they require.

The nonprofit organization has recently formed new partnerships with Cedar Crest College and Delta Dental, marking a major step forward in addressing these gaps. On Saturday, the collaboration was celebrated at the Neighborhood Health Centers’ facility on 160 Hamilton Street, where approximately 200 people attended. Among them were children laughing and, at times, crying, showing the impact of the new initiatives.

Cedar Crest College is contributing faculty and nursing students to expand the clinic’s hours, while Delta Dental has opened a community dentistry office on-site. These efforts are aimed at providing more comprehensive care to the underserved population in the area.

Mary Colon, president of the Community Health Center board, described the event as a symbol of the community's commitment to health and wellness. “This is a place where individuals can access compassionate, comprehensive, and affordable health care,” she said. “Affordable health care is our No. 1 priority.”

According to a Gallup Well-Being survey conducted as part of the Blue Zones Project-Allentown, Allentown lags behind the country in general health measures. The survey revealed that residents are more likely to report their health as fair or poor rather than excellent or good.

Cedar Crest College is offering nurse-practitioner students real-world experience in caring for neighborhood residents. The school has committed a minimum of $75,000 for faculty, extended clinic hours, telehealth medicine, and other services. Elizabeth M. Meade, president of Cedar Crest College, emphasized the importance of education, disease prevention, and restorative care in mitigating the effects of illness.

“The collaboration ensures care is accessible to all regardless of ability to pay or insurance,” Meade stated.

The event featured a variety of activities, including face painting, portrait drawing, and dental examinations. Families like the Villatoros and the Guzmans took advantage of the services provided. Yeni Villatoro watched as her son, Anderson, received a dental checkup, while Felix Guzman brought his son for a physical to attend school.

Arisol Cadena-Perez, who brought her daughter for care, expressed gratitude for the center’s services. She came to Allentown three years ago and relies on the center due to lack of insurance. Others, like Felix Guzman, used the opportunity to get their children caught up on vaccines and medical checkups.

Miranda shared that in 2024, the Neighborhood Health Center served about 10,000 people across five locations. This year, the nonprofit is expected to exceed that number, with one-third of clients being new patients. About one in three clients is uninsured, and 70% lack dental insurance, with these numbers increasing due to changes in Medicaid eligibility under the Trump administration.

Founded in 2004 by concerned residents, the Allentown-based Neighborhood Health Centers of the Lehigh Valley aims to provide coordinated primary care for uninsured or underinsured residents. It operates independently and is not affiliated with Lehigh Valley or St. Luke’s University health networks.

Saturday’s announcement coincided with the end of National Health Center Week, which recognizes the work of community health facilities. The event highlighted the importance of partnerships in improving access to health care for all.

Austin's Hidden Seasonal Rhythms Transplants Miss

Austin's Hidden Seasonal Rhythms Transplants Miss

M Hasan    7:04 AM   

The Real Austin Seasons: Beyond Weather and Tourism

Austin, often celebrated as the Live Music Capital of the World, is more than just a city known for its vibrant music scene and quirky charm. For locals, life in Austin is governed by a series of distinct seasonal cycles that go far beyond the typical weather patterns. These cycles are shaped by the influx of transplants, the chaos of major festivals, the challenges of extreme heat, and the ever-present pressure of economic growth. Each season brings its own set of survival strategies, ensuring that the city's unique culture remains intact despite external pressures.

SXSW Survival Season (March): Maximum City Evacuation

During the month of March, Austin becomes a battleground for locals trying to navigate the overwhelming presence of 400,000 music industry tourists. This period, known as SXSW Survival Season, demands careful planning and adaptation.

Geographic Exile Strategies - Downtown Abandonment: Locals avoid downtown Austin entirely, knowing that even simple errands become impossible during this time. - East Austin Escape: Many relocate their social lives away from East Austin venues and restaurants, which transform into corporate showcase events rather than neighborhood spaces.

Transportation Shutdown - Working from Home or Taking Vacation: Most locals either work remotely or take time off to avoid the transportation chaos that accompanies the festival.

Neighborhood Fortress Mode - Preparation Like Hurricane Season: Residents stock up on essentials, avoid unnecessary trips, and create home entertainment to ride out the invasion.

Economic Survival Tactics - Airbnb Gold Rush: Some locals rent out their homes during SXSW, using the income to subsidize living costs throughout the year. - Local Business Relationship Maintenance: Building relationships with neighborhood businesses that serve residents year-round helps locals maintain access to affordable services. - Music Venue Loyalty Strategy: Supporting smaller venues that preserve the authentic local music scene is crucial during this time. - Price Surge Navigation: Locals know which businesses maintain resident pricing and which ones implement surge pricing, making it harder to afford basic necessities.

Transplant Invasion Season (January-March, August-September): Cultural Defense Mode

As transplants flood into Austin, locals adopt various strategies to protect the city’s unique identity and cultural heritage.

Authenticity Preservation Protocols - Weird Spot Protection: Locals become more secretive about authentic experiences, sharing them only with those who understand and respect the culture. - Neighborhood Gatekeeping: Informal networks help support businesses and venues that serve long-term residents rather than catering to transient trends.

Local History Education - Educating Newcomers: Locals actively teach newcomers about Austin’s history, cultural norms, and unwritten social rules to preserve community character.

Anti-Gentrification Strategy - Supporting Long-Term Businesses: Locals prioritize businesses owned by long-term residents to resist displacement and cultural homogenization.

Social Navigation Tactics - Transplant Detection Skills: Locals develop the ability to identify recent transplants based on language, cultural references, and attitudes toward local traditions. - Social Circle Defense: Being selective about social interactions helps protect authentic community relationships from those who see Austin as a personal brand.

Heat Survival Season (June-September): Extreme Adaptation Mode

The summer months bring scorching temperatures that force locals to restructure their daily lives.

Daily Life Restructuring - Activity Schedule Revolution: Outdoor activities are limited to early mornings or late evenings, with midday treated like dangerous weather. - Transportation Heat Strategy: Investing in car sunshades, seat covers, and cooling techniques helps manage the extreme heat inside vehicles.

Clothing and Gear Adaptation - Hot Weather Clothing: Locals master the use of light-colored, breathable fabrics and cooling accessories to stay comfortable in the heat.

Hydration Protocol - Electrolyte Management: Understanding hydration needs and recognizing signs of heat exhaustion is essential for staying healthy.

Social Life Adaptation - Pool Access Networks: Locals build relationships that provide access to pools and water activities for relief from the heat. - Indoor Entertainment Mastery: Perfecting air-conditioned hangout spots and indoor activities ensures that social life continues despite the heat.

Festival Circuit Season (April-May, September-November): Event Navigation Mastery

Festival season brings both opportunities and challenges for locals.

Festival Survival Strategy - Avoiding Major Festivals: Locals plan alternative activities to avoid overcrowded areas and resource competition.

Music Venue Alternative Networks - Supporting Smaller Venues: Locals choose smaller venues and house shows that offer authentic live music experiences without the commercialized feel of major festivals.

Traffic and Transportation Intelligence - Alternative Routes: Memorizing less crowded routes helps locals avoid festival-related traffic chaos.

Economic Festival Strategy - Capitalizing on Festival Economics: Some locals take advantage of the festival economy through food service, transportation, or accommodation, while others avoid festival-dependent businesses.

College Season (August-December, January-May): Student Population Management

The arrival of college students creates a unique set of challenges for locals.

UT Campus Area Navigation - West Campus Avoidance: Locals avoid West Campus during peak student times to reduce transportation and parking issues.

Student Housing Impact Management - Adapting to Fluctuations: Neighborhoods near campus adjust to changes in noise levels and parking availability due to the student population.

Bar and Restaurant Strategy - Choosing Authentic Establishments: Locals know which places cater to college crowds and which maintain a more diverse, resident-friendly atmosphere.

Tech Transplant Season (Year-Round with Peak Hiring Periods): Industry Impact Management

As the tech industry grows, locals must adapt to its influence on the city’s culture and economy.

Tech Culture Resistance Strategies - Defending Authentic Austin: Locals resist attempts to rebrand the city, preserving traditional businesses and cultural practices.

Economic Displacement Navigation - Staying in Austin: Locals develop strategies to remain in the city despite rising housing and entertainment costs driven by tech salaries.

Social Scene Protection - Maintaining Social Spaces: Locals protect social spaces that don’t cater to tech networking culture, ensuring authentic community relationships.

Music Venue Survival Season (Year-Round): Cultural Ecosystem Protection

The music scene in Austin is a vital part of the city’s identity, and locals work to protect it from commercialization.

Venue Ecosystem Support - Small Venue Loyalty: Supporting smaller venues that provide opportunities for local musicians is essential for maintaining a diverse music scene.

Musician Community Support - Building Relationships: Locals maintain connections with musicians through venue attendance, merchandise purchases, and community support.

Venue Diversity Maintenance - Promoting Cultural Diversity: Supporting venues that serve different genres and demographics helps preserve the city’s musical diversity.

Local Austin Wisdom and Philosophy

For locals, Austin’s seasons aren’t just about weather—they’re about community survival, cultural preservation, and maintaining the city’s unique identity. These seasonal rhythms represent sophisticated adaptations to the challenges of growth and tourism, ensuring that the city remains a place where authenticity and weirdness thrive.