Sentinel photo by SIERRA BOLGER
Scott Davidson, a representative from Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Nittany Valley, explains what the hospital offers during the Mifflin County Veterans Organization meeting on Thursday.

REEDSVILLE — The Mifflin County Veterans Organization announced Thursday that Betsy’s Main Street is hosting a Kentucky Derby fundraiser today.

This event begins at 2 p.m. at 159 N. Main St. in Milroy, and attendees are encouraged to dress up Kentucky Derby style.

The fundraising event features cornhole, food, raffles, prizes and a special guest horse from 3 to 6 p.m. Admission is free, and proceeds benefit the Mifflin County Veterans Organization.

Rehabilitative care

Later, during the veterans organization meeting, Scott Davidson, a representative from Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Nittany Valley, discussed how Encompass Health differs from a nursing home.

“I emphasize the word hospital because we have a physician on-site every day for severe medical needs, and what sets us apart from a nursing home is we do three hours of therapy five days a week with the goal to get folks home,” said Davidson.

Davidson added that Encompass Health provides specialized inpatient rehabilitation, including care for conditions often treated in veterans, such as stroke, brain/spinal cord injuries, and amputations.

According to Davidson, the only way to determine eligibility for care is to come in, get checked out, and submit the proper forms to Veterans Affairs.

Every quarter, Encompass Health holds a veterans lunch, free for veterans and their spouses, and the next lunch will be at noon on June 8. Davidson asked that veterans RSVP to (814) 357-3434. The lunch will be held at 550 W. College Ave., Bellefonte.

Veterans picnic

In other news, Treasurer Jim Peters announced that veterans will be celebrated with a special picnic at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 22, at Mifflin County Youth Park in Reedsville.

Music will begin at 2 p.m., and the Stars and Stripes Cornhole tournament will begin at 6 p.m.

The picnic will also offer raffles, prizes and a whole day of fun.