Fort Meade SoundOff August 30, 2012

UPCOMING EVENTS FrIday-MONday:

Kimbrough CLOSED for Labor Day

FrIday, 7 P.M.-MIdNIGhT:Chicago Steppin’ - Club Meade

FrIday-SUNday, 9 a.M.-5 P.M.:Case Lot Sale - The Commissary

wEdNESday, 5 P.M.:NFL Kickoff - Club Meade’s Brass

Station Lounge (game at 8:30 p.m.)

SEPT. 8, 7 P.M.:Meade’s Got Talent competition show

- McGill Training Center

GOING SOlarAlternative energy sources saves Meade money, takes

advantage of sun powerpage 3

EqUalITyWomen’s Day observance

celebrates resiliency, reaching full potential

page 12

Soundoff!́vol. 64 no. 35 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community August 30, 2012

rockin’ good timeArmy Field Band wraps up concert series at McGill

photo by phil grout

Sgt. 1st Class Thomas lindsey stands on a chair in the ballroom of McGill Training Center as he thrills the audience with his lead guitar solo during a performance of The volunteers, an ensemble of the U.S. Army Field Band, on Saturday evening. The performance was the final concert of the Army Field Band’s annual Summer Concert Series.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! August 30, 2012

Commander’s Column

Cont ent sNews............................. 3 Sports.................................... 8

TroubleTicket............... 4 Movies.................................15

Community................. 13 Classified.............................16

Editorial StaffGarrison Commander Col. Edward C. rothsteinacting Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. debra McGarityPublic affairs officerChad t. Jones [email protected], Command informationPhilip H. Jones [email protected] Editor & Senior Writer rona S. Hirsch Staff Writer lisa r. rhodesStaff Writer Brandon Bieltzdesign Coordinator timothy davis Supplemental photography provided by Patuxent Publishing Co.

advErtiSinGGeneral inquiries 410-332-6300

allison thompson 410-332-6850 [email protected]

Michele Griesbauer 410-332-6381 [email protected]

If you would like information about receiving Soundoff! on Fort Meade or are experiencing distribution issues, call 877-886-1206 or e-mail [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Printed by offset method of reproduction as a civilian enterprise in the interest of the personnel at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, by the Patuxent Publishing Co., a subsidiary of The Baltimore Sun Media Group, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, every Thursday except the last Thursday of the year in conjunction with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office. Requests for publication must reach the Public Affairs Office no later than Friday before the desired publication date. Mailing address: Post Public Affairs Office, Soundoff! IMME-MEA-PA, Bldg. 4409, Fort Meade, MD 20755-5025. Telephone: 301-677-1361; DSN: 622-1361.

Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, handicap or sex of purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source.

Printed by Patuxent Publishing Co., a private firm, in no way connected with the Department of the Army. Opinions expressed by the publisher and writers herein are their own and are not to be considered an official expression by the Department of the Army. The appearance of advertisers in the publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army of the products or services advertised.

www.ftmeade.army.milYou can also keep track of Fort Meade on Twitter at twitter.com/ftmeademd

and view the Fort Meade Live Blog at ftmeade.armylive.dodlive.mil.

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Team Meade has a way of overcoming adver-sity.

It was never more apparent than this past weekend as adverse weather forced a change of location for the final summer concert by the U. S. Army Field Band. The concert, originally scheduled to be held at Constitution Park, was moved to McGill Training Center.

Changing a major event location at the last minute is easier said than done. The decision to move the concert was not made until after 2 p.m. on Saturday for the 7 p.m. scheduled event.

The change of venue required a coordinated effort on the part of several organizations. There were the staff members at McGill who quickly prepared the facility for a concert. Face-book announcements were made by the Field Band and the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office, informing the community of the change.

The Directorate of Emergency Services helped out by posting information on mes-sages boards and provided information to visi-tors entering the post who needed directions to McGill.

The end result was a wonderful show and turnout by the community. The Field Band’s Soldiers’ Chorus and The Volunteers put on an outstanding performance. There was not an empty chair at McGill. It was an awesome evening.

I want to thank everyone for their efforts to make the concert a success.

It’s been that kind of year at Fort Meade. Time and again, we have successfully overcome adversity.

This past spring we opened the golf season with news that our historic golf course would close May 1 to accommodate major construc-tion and support national security require-ments.

I said then that I knew the golf course would be missed but we would do everything possible to find an alternative solution to meet our com-munity’s golfing requirements. Within a matter of weeks, we completed reciprocal agreements with several local municipal courses, allowing post golfers to play at reduced rates.

These reciprocal agreements would not have happened without the good relationships we have with county executives, private industry and community leaders outside our gates.

It’s this kind of shared cooperation and will-ingness to find creative ways to work together that has made Fort Meade one of the most unique military installations in the United

States.You’ve heard

me say many times that Fort Meade is a great place to work, live and serve. A major reason why this statement is true is due to the partner-ships we have established out-side our gates.

We are honored to have great reciprocal agreements with local golf courses and com-munity swimming pools. There are Military Appreciation Days hosted by area sports teams such as the Baltimore Ravens and Bowie Bay-sox as well as the University of Maryland, which promote patriotism and honor the lives of the men and women who wear their service uniforms proudly.

In return, events we host on post such as the Summer Concert Series, our annual Fourth of July celebration and National Night Out are opportunities for us to thank our surrounding communities for the support they provide to Fort Meade service members and their fami-lies.

Fort Meade isn’t about the fence line; it’s about the great relationships we have with our surrounding communities.

I hope you agree with me that it’s impor-tant that we continue to look for creative and innovated ways to build strong relationships between the post and the communities outside our gates.

Unfortunately, we are in an era in which reductions in services will continue to be a chal-lenge for Fort Meade as well as other military installations across the county.

Working together with our local communities will continue to be a key to our success and the well-being of the entire Fort Meade region.

As we close out the summer, I want you to know that I am always open to hearing your ideas about ways we can continue to strengthen our relationships inside and outside our fence line.

Working together, I’m sure we can continue to find ways for Fort Meade to be a great place to work, live and play.

Let’s all have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend.

Great partnerships make overcoming adversity easy

COL. Edward C. rOthstEin

Garrison Commander

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 30, 2012 SOUNDOFF! �

News

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

To comply with federal, DoD and Army regulations, the Directorate of Public Works’ energy group has applied for funding to install high-efficiency, solid-state lighting on the outside walls of garrison buildings.

The group also recently completed two solar energy projects that comply with military regulations to explore opportunities for solar hot water heat-ing and solar lighting.

Three weeks ago, the energy group submitted a proposal to the Installa-tion Management Command to apply for funding from “shovel-ready” money from the American Recovery & Rein-vestment Act to fund the installation of high-efficiency, solid-state lighting on the exterior of garrison buildings.

Solid-state lighting, which uses light-emitting diodes and organic light-emit-ting diodes instead of traditional bulbs, has the potential to be 10 times more energy-efficient than traditional incan-descent lighting, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s website.

Altramesia Grady, a general engi-neer for the energy group, said DPW received guidance from the Department of the Army in April that Army garri-sons have a choice of high-efficiency lighting applications of either solid-state lighting or induction lighting.

Energy Manager Assaf Dvir said that IMCOM notified all Army garrisons in the spring to “find out if they had any ‘shovel-ready’ projects [of] less than $1 million to be funded by the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act.”

In July, Sgt. Maj. Lorrie Nichols of DPW authorized a lighting survey. Personnel from the energy group, with help from eight service members from the Defense Information School, con-ducted a survey of wall-pack lighting fixtures on the exterior of buildings throughout the installation. The sur-vey results, along with an economic analysis proposal, were submitted to IMCOM for the ARRA funding appli-cation.

Wall-pack lighting fixtures have been used for many decades as exterior light-ing for security purposes. The number of wall pack lighting fixtures on each building was counted and the type of lighting was documented.

The proposal outlined future sav-ings to be realized by reducing power

consumption through the use of high-efficiency, solid-state lighting.

Andrew Bagnell, master planner at DPW, said Fort Meade could reach a 60 percent reduction in power over the current exterior lighting by the use of high-efficiency, solid-state lighting.

The energy group is now waiting for notification from IMCOM in regard to the ARRA funding, which must be committed before Oct. 1.

In May, a solar thermal roof was installed at Gaffney Fitness Center. The $325,000 DoD-funded project, which began in February, was com-pleted by American Solar, Inc., which is based in Annandale, Va.

Anthony Karwoski, the Sain Engi-neering resource efficiency manager for DPW, said American Solar is a partner with Fort Meade in “working within Army regulations and mandates to explore other solar hot water and space

heating opportunities on post.”The new roof was installed to replace

part of the old roof and to help reduce the facility’s high energy bills.

Most of the energy at the facility is used to heat hot water for showers and to heat the gymnasium during its daily 18 hours of operation, Karwoski said.

“The right things came together,” for the project, Karwoski said, noting that Gaffney had the “right solar orienta-tion” to take in the sun’s energy and convert it to hot air for heating, as well as the preheating of hot water.

Karwoski said the solar thermal roof is less expensive than solar heating panels, which can cost up to $1,000 per panel. The roof is expected to operate for 20 years and produce about $10,800 worth of energy per month.

“It is much more efficient and is a good match of technology and oppor-tunity,” Karwoski said, adding that a

much needed roof also was installed.In March, CJW Contracting, Inc.,

a Greenbelt-based company, installed solar photo voltaic (PV) lighting in the outdoor yard at Bldgs. 8478 and 8479, two student barracks at the Defense Information School.

The solar PV lighting is a renew-able energy form with an economical impact on energy reduction where the buildings do not receive power from the utility company electrical grid.

The same lighting was installed in the yard outside Youth Services at 909 Ernie Pyle St.

The solar lighting projects are a “capital project investment,” which are paid back by the savings in power consumption. It is expected that the $128,000 student barracks project and the $83,000 Youth Services project will each be paid back in seven years, Grady said.

Post Solar projects save money, conserve energy

photo courtesy of american solar inc.

The solar thermal roof at Gaffney Fitness Center, installed by American Solar Inc., a company based in Annandale, Va., is made of conventional metal roofing and insulation to keep the building cooler in summer and warmer in winter and to provide heat and hot water for the facility.


News

Aug. 8, Simple assault: The Direc-torate of Emergency Services was notified by Anne Arundel County Police of a 911 hang-up call. An investigation revealed that the victim attempted to con-tact 911 to report a simple assault and spontaneously admitted she

physically assaulted her husband after he knocked her computer to the floor.

Aug. 22, Larceny of private property: Unknown person(s) removed a GPS from an unse-

cured and unattended vehicle.

CommunityCommunityCrime Watch

Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services

Trouble Ticket

Youth Services Sports Complex needs renovations

Renovate the Youth Services Sports Complex

Actual use of fields is expected to be Spring 2013

Have you noticed an issue on post and wondered if anything is being done to fix it? Email concerns and

issues to [email protected]. Each week, Soundoff! will

address issues identified on post and describe what is being done to

solve them.

Issue: Plan: Status:

McGill Training Center HVAC is inoperative

(except in the ballroom)

Install a new HVAC

Demolition and installation are now being performed,

classrooms 1-5 closed during A/C installation

(until Oct. 1, estimated)

Chaplain’s Word: A WONDERFUL FUTURE

“Look at those who are honest and good, for a

wonderful future awaits those who love peace.”

— Book of Psalms

The Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. has prepared a draft Environmental Assessment in cooperation with Fort Meade for an easement for the construction of a new electrical substa-tion, overhead to underground transition station and associated transmission line duct-bank connections.

The substation will provide electricity to three separate electrical power facilities for the Maryland Procurement Office within Fort Meade.

Construction of the stations and duct banks will require up to 21.9 acres of surface distur-bance, of which 13.1 acres are Fort Meade property.

The proposed location for the electrical substation is a 10-acre area of undisturbed forest located in the southwestern portion of Fort Meade. The transmission-line duct banks will cross underneath Little Patuxent River and Route 32 using Horizontal Directional Drilling technol-ogy.

This EA has been prepared to evaluate the proposed action, the alternative sites for the pro-posed action and the no action alternative.

The results in the EA show that the proposed action would not have significant adverse impacts on the environment, indicating that a Finding of No Significant Impact would be appropriate.

Therefore, an environmental impact statement is not necessary to implement the proposed action.

Copies of the draft EA and draft FNSI are available for review and comment at the Medal of Honor Memorial Library, 4418 Llewellyn Ave.

Copies may be downloaded at ftmeade.army.mil under Environmental Programs, Public Notices or by calling Suzanne Teague, Directorate of Public Works Environmental Division, at 301-677-9185 or by emailing [email protected].

Requests for copies may be mailed to the DPW Environmental Division, 239 Chisholm Ave.

Comments should be submitted no later than 30 days from the publication of this notice.

Public Notice

Environmental Assessment for new BGE substation

By Col. Beverly MalinerPreventive Medicine Service

We have begun preparations for our annual influenza vaccina-tion campaign and have big goals to reach.

The goal is to vaccinate 100 percent of our service members, 100 percent of our health care workers and more than 80 percent of other members of our com-munity.

Why 80 percent? Because suc-cessfully vaccinating 80 percent of the community against flu is when we reach the very important goal of herd immunity.

What is herd immunity?Herd immunity rests on the

principle of safety in numbers.If enough people are vaccinat-

ed against flu, it slows the spread of the flu virus, and the disease has a hard time establishing itself in that population. That, in turn,

protects those who cannot be vaccinated such as infants under 6 months old and people with severe allergies to the flu vaccine.

So when you get a flu vac-cine, you are not only protecting yourself but helping to protect others around you who are not vaccinated.

Preventive Medicine will vac-cinate specific groups starting in late September, including retirees at the Retiree Appreciation Day event on Sept. 28, and will be at McGill Training Center starting Oct. 9.

You also will be able to get a flu vaccine through your health care provider and at numerous other sites in the surrounding commu-nity including civilian pharma-cies.

Vaccination is still the single best way to protect you and your loved ones from getting the flu.

Slowing the spread of flu through herd immunity

Connect with Fort Meade atFacebook.com/ftmeade


News

By Jane M. WinandChief, Legal Assistance Division

Too much of a good thing can be bad for you. The same adage applies to credit cards.

If failed travel plans leave you strand-ed in a strange city with little cash, it’s good to have a credit card to use for a hotel, meals and a rental car.

On the other hand, frequent usage of a credit card can leave you speechless at the end of the month when the bill comes in the mail.

There are many different kinds of credit cards. Some have an annual fee but charge a lower interest rate. If you tend to carry a balance on your card rather than paying the balance off each month, a lower interest rate is beneficial.

However, if you pay your balance off each month, the interest rate does not matter and it makes little sense to pay an annual fee when credit cards are available without fees.

Some cards offer money back, free airline miles or points toward free gifts or services. Another award option allows the cardholder to donate money to a school or charity based on card usage.

Below are some rules to follow to keep credit card usage under control:

• Avoid cash advances.Although a cash advance may be a

quick fix for an immediate problem, you are borrowing against your future ability to pay the money back.

This is a quick way to get into debt. Many credit card companies charge a large fee for each cash advance, and the interest on the advance starts to accrue immediately.

• Pay your balance each month.By doing so, you avoid paying interest

on the account. Even if you make a lot of purchases in one billing period and cannot pay the balance, at least send in more than the minimum payment each month.

Merely paying the minimum payment each month will cover the interest and very little of the principal debt. You could take months and months to pay off the balance.

• Save up for big purchases rather than putting them on a credit card.

Put money aside each month until you have the full purchase price before mak-ing the purchase.

If you make a purchase on credit and do not have the money to pay the item off immediately, set up a strict budget each month and make regular credit card payments to meet your goal of paying off the balance.

• Make your credit card payment on time, every time.

Don’t just wait for the credit card statement to arrive before you plan the monthly payment. Put the credit card due date on each month’s calendar or enter the date in your computer or smartphone.

Plan for the payment in your monthly budget. If the statement is late coming in the mail or is not delivered at all, you are still aware of your credit responsibility.

Should you fail to make a payment or the payment is late, adverse information could be entered on your credit report, which is often hard to erase.

• Consider using a debit card instead of a credit card.

A debit card withdraws the money directly from your bank account to make a purchase. It is the equivalent of paying with cash or a check.

Whereas credit cards have credit limits of thousands of dollars, your debit card is closely tied to your account balance. So it is unlikely that overdrawing can occur.

For more information on consumer issues, call the Fort Meade Legal Assis-tance Office to schedule an appointment to speak with an attorney at 301-677-9504 or 301-677-9536.

For assistance with your budget, credit counseling or other areas of personal finance, schedule an appointment with the Army Community Service Financial Readiness Program at 301-677-5590.

Tips to assist good credit card usage

Follow Fort Meade on Twitter.com/ftmeademd

From Friday, Aug. 31 through Monday, Sept. 3 you can save big on thousands of name-brand items throughout the mall! Arundel Mills has always been the place to shop with more stores, more brands and more savings. And right now you’ll find more of everything you want for much less. It’s a sale so super, you won’t want to forget.

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News

By Tony DavisFort Meade Operations Security Officer

Operations security is a key component of antiterrorism and force protection, helping protect service members, civilian employees, families, facilities and equip-ment everywhere by denying informa-tion.

Operations security is not a specific category of information. It is a process for identifying, controlling and protecting generally unclassified information which, if known to a competitor or adversary, could be used to our disadvantage.

One of the first steps to consider when developing an OPSEC process tradition-ally involves identifying critical informa-tion. Service members, civilian employees and family members should always be mindful about potential adversaries who seek to discover critical information about our military communities and military missions.

Critical information deals with specific facts about military intentions, capabili-ties, operations or activities. Even though information may not be secret, it is called “critical information.”

If an adversary knew this detailed infor-mation, our mission and personnel safety could be jeopardized. Critical information must be protected to ensure an adversary doesn’t gain a significant advantage.

Examples of critical information include:

• Detailed information about the mis-sion of assigned units

• Details on locations and times of unit deployments

• Personnel transactions that occur in large numbers (Example: pay information, powers of attorney, wills and deployment information)

• References to trends in unit morale or personnel problems

• Details concerning security proce-dures

This information may seem insignifi-cant. However, to a trained adversary, they are small pieces of a puzzle that highlight

what a military unit is doing and plan-ning.

Remember, the elements of security and surprise are vital to the accomplishment of our goals and our collective personnel protection.

When it comes to protecting critical information, there are several things indi-viduals can do. They include editing emails for operational security before sending them, using encryption emails to protect sensitive information and shredding and using burn bags to destroy notes and documents with Social Security numbers, personal records, home addresses and reports that reflect our strengths, assets and future operations.

Where and how you discuss critical information is just as important as with whom you discuss it with. Adverse agents tasked with collecting information fre-quently visit some of the same stores, clubs, recreational areas or places of wor-ship as you do.

Determined individuals can easily col-lect data from trash cans, cordless and cellular phones, and even baby monitors, using inexpensive receivers available from local electronics stores.

Remember, it’s everyone’s job to protect critical information. You cannot afford to let your guard down. Your diligence in OPSEC is key to ensuring our effectiveness in operations and our collective safety.

If anyone persistently seeks informa-tion, notify your unit OPSEC program manager.

If you see suspicious activity on or near Fort Meade, call the Fort Meade Police at 301-677-2619.

Editor’s note: August is the Army’s Anti-terrorism Awareness Month. Fort Meade’s ultimate goal in preventing a terrorist attack is to include every organization, unit and person in the effort to prevent that pos-sibility.

For more information on the Army’s antiterrorism protection measures, call Tony Davis, Fort Meade operations security offi-cer, at 301-677-2635.

Knowing operations security protects critical information

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News

Story and photo by Doug SampleArmy Cyber Public Affairs

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Army Cyber Command notched another first when it heralded its first change of command in a cer-emony held Aug. 21 at the Fort Meade Museum.

After taking the company’s first com-mand on Jan. 19, 2011, Maj. Lucas C. Sparks relinquished command to Capt. Jena M. Roark.

During his remarks, Lt. Gen. Rhett A. Hernandez, commanding general, Army Cyber Command, lauded Sparks’ efforts as he led the company through a challenging start-up, and charged Roark to carry on the success.

The command, he said, will continue to grow under Roark’s leadership.

“I know you will provide her your continued support with what I’ve charged her to do,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez noted that Army Cyber Command is fortunate to have Roark as its new HHC commander because she brings a wealth of experience to the job.

Roark is a Reserve Officers’ Train-ing Corps graduate of Eastern Illinois University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in humanities and communica-tion.

Aside from a military resume that boasts increasing responsibility, Roark is taking company-level command for the third time in her career. She has commanded Headquarters and Head-quarters Company, 50th Signal Battal-ion, and Headquarters and Headquar-ters Detachment, U.S. Army Garrison, Garmish, Germany.

“Hopefully, the third time is a charm,” Roark joked in her comments. “Maybe I’ll get it right this time.”

Hernandez, who served with Sparks in Iraq with the 1st Armored Division, credited him with growing HHC from four people and an empty building to its current organization of more than 500 people in nine buildings spread between Fort Meade and Fort Belvoir, Va.

“He helped build a command from scratch,” Hernandez said. “He helped create all the things essential to the administration of a headquarters. He’s

been responsible for establishing the things that other units take for granted - critical things like safety, health and welfare, training, leave, physical fitness, family care, and morale programs - all essential to the heartbeat of a unit.”

Hernandez said Sparks, 1st Sgt. Scot-tie Jarrett and the HHC team played a major role in more than two dozen events that the command hosted, from food drives and training events to new-comer briefings and town halls.

“You name it and HHC has had a hand in it,” Hernandez said. “You are the command’s ‘go-to-team.’ I count on you daily, and you never let me down.”

In his remarks, Sparks said he too, was amazed at all that has been accom-plished over the past 22 months.

He thanked everyone from the com-manding general and command ser-geant major to his first sergeant and Soldiers.

But the work is not done, he said to Roark.

“It is up to you to refine what I start-ed and finish the building,” Sparks said. “Having seen you in action around the

office for the last several weeks, you are up to the task. I can already see that the organization is in good hands. You are the right choice for this organization.”

Marine Sgt. Michelle Yazzie, a best friend of Roark from high school, said Roark has never backed down from a challenge.

“Jena has always been amazing. She has a wonderful spirit about her,” Yazzie said. “She has always been someone to take charge of whatever she can get her hands on. With her, failure is never an option.”

Roark’s parents, who flew in from Hoopeston, Ill., beamed with pride as their daughter stood in front of her Soldiers for the first time, chanting the Army song.

“We are just so proud of what she has grown up to be,” said Sharon Roark of her daughter. “She is a natural born leader.”

Roy Roark offered similar praise.“She’s always been a leader,” he said.

“When she gets that uniform on, she’s straight as an arrow. She loves what she is doing.”

HHC, Army Cyber Command welcomes new commander

Capt. Jena M. Roark, incoming commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Army Cyber Command, receives the company guidon from Lt. Gen. Rhett A. Hernandez, commanding general, Army Cyber Command during her change of command ceremony on Aug. 21 at the Fort Meade Museum.

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SportS

practices are critical to the progression in the sport and require a significant commitment from both the swimmers and the parents.

“Swimmers and parents should be mindful that coaches expect prompt attendance and focused attention,” Belo said. “Pool time is very important — both the duration of time the club is allowed to use the pool as well as the workouts the club gets in while in the pool.”

Despite the intense practices, Belo said participants must maintain realistic expectations.

“Swimmer development takes time,” he said. “Parents and swimmers should not expect to see instant improvement on strokes and speed.”

Belo’s 16-year-old son Allen, who has been swimming with the organization

since he was 5 years old, said that while the Patriots don’t practice as much as some other teams, the small team allows coaches to work closely with the swim-mers.

“We don’t really get that big, so it’s kind of more like a family, and you get more one-on-one time with the coaches,” the Odenton resident said.

Swimmers will attend several meets throughout the season, which runs from September to May. Belo said athletes will compete in two or three meets per month, depending on the swimmers’ ages or times restrictions.

Allen said the level of competition in the Maryland Swimming Organization is high.

“There are a lot of really good kids out there who swim for the other teams,”

he said. “[But] we do pretty well.”While the swim club can be challeng-

ing, Belo called it an “excellent way” for youngsters to exercise and stay in shape.

“Swimming promotes discipline because of all the precise techniques required to perform every stroke, turn and dive correctly,” he said. “Also, each stroke uses a specific set of muscles to move the body forward in the water, allowing for low-impact but maximum gain or results.

“Virtually every part of the swimmer’s body gets exercised.”

Editor’s note: For more information or to register for the Meade Patriots Swim Club, call 301-677-1149 or visit eteamz.com/MeadePatriotsSwimClub.

file photo

Jade Hill swims with the Meade Patriots Swim Club at Gaffney Fitness Center in 2004. Registration for the Patriots’ 2012 team is currently under way. The team is open to Fort Meade swimmers ages 4 to 18.

By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

While fall sports teams from Child, Youth and School Services will soon be taking the fields, the Meade Patriots Swim Club is heading into Gaffney Fit-ness Center preparing to make a splash during the upcoming season.

Registration for the swim club is under way as the team prepares to compete in the Maryland Swimming Organization.

“While the team is primarily about learning the sport and having fun, we have had swimmers compete at state- and nation-level competition,” said Charles Belo, president of the Patriots.

Practices for experienced swimmers start Sept. 10. New swimmers begin shortly after, following coach assess-ments.

“The goal of the Meade Patriots Swim Club is to offer focused coaching and training for all levels of swimmers, from fresh out of lessons to those training for national-level competition,” Belo said. “We see it as our mission to provide education, instruction and training to all members, enabling them to achieve suc-cess in the pursuit of excellence through competitive swimming.”

The club, which competes in the orga-nization that includes 38 other clubs from across the state, accepts swimmers between the ages of 4 and 18.

The only criteria for joining the team is completion of structured swim les-sons or the ability to swim 25 meters in the freestyle or backstroke with proper breathing techniques.

Even inexperienced swimmers can find a spot in the club, Belo said.

“It’s always great when we can get swimmers with experience,” he said. “However, we definitely welcome new swimmers.”

Swimmers are divided into three groups — red, white or blue — depend-ing on the participants’ age and skill.

The practice schedule and monthly fees vary by group. The most experienced swimmers — the blue group — practice five times per week for 90 minutes, while the novice swimmers — the red group — meet three times per week for 45 minutes.

During practices, swimmers work to improve their strokes, turns, dives and overall techniques. Belo said the weekly

Different strokes for different levelsRegistration begins as Patriots Swim Club prepares for 2012 season


SportS

With Mr. Jibber Jabber away for one more week, I’m taking this opportunity to write about one of the least discussed sports in this column — the only sport with weapons attached to the players’ feet, and rubber pro-jectiles flying at 100 mph — hockey.

In my two years at Soundoff!, I think hockey has only been mentioned a handful of times, mostly in reference to video games. And that’s because, well, nobody casually thinks, or cares, about hockey.

As a hockey player of nearly 20 years, that’s not something I like to admit.

Neither is learning that a show called “Dogs in the City” had more than twice the viewers than Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals this year. Even the rerun of the same episode had better viewership — just like the other 64 shows (mostly reruns) that beat out The Cup.

It’s easy to blame this on the concept that we’re in America and hockey is a Canadian sport. But it actually comes down to the NHL’s horrible decision-making.

The single worst blow to the sport in America is the fact that the NHL basi-cally controls the popularity. And it’s doing a really, really bad job at convincing fans to watch, let alone play.

Case and point is that despite hockey’s (slightly) growing popularity, the owners are about to lock out the players, hurting a fickle fanbase.

Sure, right now this is no different than the NFL lockout last year, but they got their entire season back. Or than the NBA’s, even though they played 66 of their 82 games.

The difference is the last time this hap-pened to the NHL, the league became the first professional sports league to lose an entire season over a labor dispute. Not only did that lockout ruin a full 10 months of my childhood, it also resulted in a lost number of fans.

In 2002 — just two seasons before the lockout — 5.1 million Americans watched the Stanley Cup Finals between the Carolina Hurricanes and Detroit Red Wings.

During the last Stanley Cup Finals before the lockout in 2005, numbers dropped as an average of 3.286 million watched the Tampa Bay Lightning defeat the Calgary Flames in seven games.

It wasn’t until 2008 that the Stanley Cup reached the numbers of the Lighting-Flames series again. The finals still haven’t reached 2002 status — seven years after the lockout.

Part of this is that ESPN and ABC

stopped carry-ing the games, realizing people wouldn’t watch hockey on TV. And that was it for hockey on “the world’s leader in sports.” Hockey fans are lucky to catch any NHL highlights on SportsCenter.

No, we’re stuck watching the NHL Net-work to hear analysts mispronounce players’ names on the league’s own media source — $120 well spent.

The 2004-2005 lockout ruined any shot of good coverage for the average sports fan who would randomly stumble onto a game, losing them for years. Some of that fanbase never really built back up despite the big names in Washington, D.C., and Pittsburgh making some national headlines.

And now they want to close up the arenas again, pushing the game even further from American thought. Out of sight, out of mind, right?

Although the league currently has a long-term deal with NBC to broadcast a few games a week, this lockout could become just as detrimental as the previous.

The NHL is already struggling with some of its current fans due to the simple fact that they just don’t like commissioner Gary Bettman. Could be the unnecessary expan-sion and removing teams from Canada, or strange new rules and policies. Or it may have something to do with that whole “he looks like an evil elf” thing.

OK. That may just be me.But with the league already struggling with

fans and in the ratings, another year without a reminder that hockey at least exists will set back the sport for more years, losing fans and preventing new ones from catching on.

There is a shot that the league and the players’ association figure this all out before the current CBA expires on Sept. 15. But if they don’t, it will again be the world’s premier professional hockey league that will be deliv-ering the swift blow to the sport of hockey in America.

And apparently, I’ll be watching dogs in New York City come October.

Editor’s note: Chad Jones is on vacation. Staff writer Brandon Bieltz is this week’s guest columnist. Jibber returns Sept. 6.

Chasing the elusive puck

Brandon Bieltz, staff writer

Jibber Jabber - OpiniOn Sports ShortsNFL kickoff

Club Meade will host an NFL kickoff event on Wednesday in the Brass Station Lounge.

The Dallas Cowboys will play the New York Giants at 8:30 p.m.The lounge opens at 5 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for

purchase.For more information, call 301-677-6969.

Football Fan Fare 5K Run and 1-Mile WalkThe installation’s annual Run Series continues with the Football Fan Fare

5K Run and 1-Mile Walk on Sept. 22 at 8 a.m. at Constitution Park.Pre-registration cost for individuals is $15. Cost on the day of the run is

$25.Pre-registration cost is $40 for a family of three to six people. On the day of

the event, the cost is $60 per family.Pre-registration cost for groups of seven to 10 is $85.All pre-registered runners will receive a T-shirt.The next run will be the Ghost, Ghouls and Goblins 5K Run and 1-Mile

Walk on Oct. 27 at 8 a.m. at the Pavilion.For more information, call 301-677-7916 or 301-677-3867.

Flag football coachesChild, Youth and School Services’ Youth Sports is in need of flag football

coaches for the flag football season.Coaches will receive training and certification.Flag football season ends Oct. 12.For more information, call 301-677-1329 or email matthew.sagartz@

us.army.mil.

Texas Hold ‘emTexas Hold ‘em no buy-in games are played Mondays at 7 p.m. at the Lanes.Games are free and open to the public. For more information, call 301-677-

5541.

Youth fall sportsFall sports registration is under way at Parent Central Services, 1900 Reece

Road.Youth sports are available for ages 3 to 18 years old. Fall sports include

cheerleading, flag football, tackle football, swim and soccer.For more information or to coach, call 301-677-1156 or 301-677-1149.

EFMP bowlingThe Exceptional Family Member Program bowling events are held the third

Tuesday of each month at the Lanes.The next EFMP bowling event will be Sept. 17 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.Events are open to Fort Meade exceptional family members and their family

members and features free buffet food and giveaways.Exceptional family members ages 18 and younger and their siblings may

register for free games and shoe rental at https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac/meadecyms.html.

Adult exceptional family members may register for free games and shoe rental at the EFMP office at 301-677-4779. Discounted games and shoe rental will be offered to other adult family members.

For more information, email Anita Hendrix at [email protected] or call 301-677-4779.

For more Fort Meade sports, visit www.quickscores.com/ftmeadesports.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! August 30, 2012

Cover Story

photo by jonathan agee

Staff Sgt. Tracy Labrecque and Sgt. 1st Class Mario Garcia perform “One Day More” from “Les Misérables” during the Summer Concert Series finale on Saturday evening at McGill Training Center.

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

The sound of rock, pop and country music filled the ballroom at McGill Training Center on Saturday evening as an audience of 700 people enjoyed a performance of The Volunteers, an ensemble of the U.S. Army Field Band.

The concert, which also featured the Soldiers’ Chorus, was the final perfor-mance of the Army Field Band’s annual Summer Concert Series at Fort Meade.

The two-hour concert was scheduled to take place at Constitution Park and include all four components of the Army Field Band including the Jazz Ambassa-dors and Concert Band. In addition, the final program is always topped off with Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” accom-panied by cannon fire, a highlight of the annual series.

But an earlier downpour of rain forced the concert to be held indoors without the Jazz Ambassadors, Concert Band and Tchaikovsky.

“Sometimes, when given lemons, you

Play on!Rainy weather does not stop summer concert performance

make lemonade,” said Col. Timothy J. Holtan, commander of the Army Field band, during an intermission.

The concert began with the Soldiers’ Chorus performing selections from “Les Misérables,” as well as “Let Freedom Ring,” a patriotic song.

The concert was the final performance of Sgt. Maj. Janet Hjelmgren, a sopra-no with the chorus for 28 years, who received a hug and a commander’s coin from Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein during the program.

The Volunteers carried the remain-der of the concert by performing a wide range of songs including “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” made popular by Diana Ross; “You Make Loving Fun,” by Fleetwood Mac; and a soulful rendition of “Think” by Aretha Franklin.

In his brief remarks before the event, Rothstein thanked the audience for attending and credited the garrison and Army Field Band for ensuring that the

concert was held.“It’s all about Team Meade and what

we’re able to do,” Rothstein said.The colonel also welcomed several spe-

cial guests, including Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, commanding general of Joint Force Headquarters National Cap-ital Region/Military District of Wash-ington; Katherine Hammack, assistant secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment; and Lt. Gen. Jon M. Davis, deputy commander, U.S. Cyber Command.

The Volunteers led the audience in hand-clapping during some of their numbers and received numerous stand-ing ovations.

Several children ran up and down the aisles of the ballroom and some danced to the music of The Volunteers.

Before the end of the concert, Roth-stein presented Holtan with a plaque of appreciation and a plaque commemo-rating the Army Field’s Band’s 65th Diamond Anniversary in 2011. The

photo by phil grout

Sgt. Maj. Kirk Kadish, a keyboardist with The Volunteers, jams on a solo during a popular rock song. The ensemble performed a mix of rock, pop, country and patriotic songs while members of the audience clapped and children danced.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 30, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 11

plaque was not given last year because a performance was canceled due to Hur-ricane Irene.

Holtan acknowledged deployed ser-vice members in harm’s way, as well as the veterans in the audience who have sacrificed to keep America safe.

The concert ended with a salute to all of the armed forces and renditions of “God Bless America” and “God Bless the USA,” a hit song by country singer Lee Greenwood.

“As usual, they were outstanding, We’re never disappointed,” said Roberta Levine, wife of retired Sgt. Joe Levine, who served as a clarinetist with the Army Field Band from 1963 to 1966.

The couple traveled from Lansing, Mich., to attend the concert. Levine said that despite the bad weather, a weak economy and a nation at war, the Army Field Band is always an inspiration.

“When you come to something like this,” she said, “you can’t leave without being uplifted.”

photos by phil grout

Above: Members of the Soldiers’ Chorus sing the stirring patriotic song “Let Freedom Ring” during the final performance of the U.S. Army Field Band’s annual Summer Concert Series. Heavy rain caused the cancellation of performances by the Jazz Ambassadors and the Concert Band, and of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” with cannon fire at Constitution Park.

Left Center: Sgt. 1st Class April Boucher, a vocalist with The Volunteers, belts out a rendition of “God Bless America.” About 700 people attended the event.

Right: Cheryl Chafos and her 2-year-old son Anthony show their enthusiasm during a performance of The Volunteers, an ensemble of the U.S. Army Field Band.

Master Sgt. Victor Cenales, bass section leader of the Soldiers’ Chorus, and Master Sgt. Laura Lesche, soprano section leader of the Soldiers’ Chorus, lead the gospel-tinged rendition of “Let Freedom Ring.”


Community

By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

Former television reporter and anchor Jan Fox began her presentation at Fort Meade’s Women’s Equality Day Obser-vance with a question.

“How many of you women feel like you’re living to the fullest potential of your equality?” she asked. “Isn’t it a heavy ques-tion to ask?”

Referencing her own life, from a poor childhood to winning four Emmy Awards, Fox explained how women can live fully thanks to the efforts of the women who came before them.

Fox’s presentation was part of the annual observance held Aug. 23 at McGill Training Center and hosted by Fort Meade Dental Activity.

Women’s Equality Day was designated in 1971 to commemorate the passage in 1920 of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote through a “massive peaceful, civil rights movement,” DENTAC Sgt. Carla Ford narrated during the event.

Now a speakers coach who gives presen-tations to law groups, public relations firms, women’s groups, chambers of commerce and conferences, Fox was the guest speaker for the free, 40-minute event.

Fox’s background and achievements were

a draw for Marine Maj. Beatriz Yarrish, commanding officer of the Marine Detach-ment.

“When I saw who the guest speaker was and her biography that was provided, I definitely wanted to come to attend to see her achievements and what advice she could provide to all the service members who were here today,” she said.

At the start of her presentation, Fox dis-played images of women who represent the women’s equality movement. They included Marie Byrum, who was the first woman to vote, and a portrait monument of Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, pioneers of the women’s suffrage movement.

To live to the fullest potential of equal-ity, Fox said, individuals must empower themselves.

“When you think about empowerment, getting ourselves to our fullest potential, then we can fully stand freely in that equal-ity that they gave us because of all the women that came before us,” she said.

There are three “R’s” to women’s empow-erment, Fox said. The first is resilience to overcome hardships and challenges. The second, represented by Rosie the Riviter, is resourcefulness.

“She had a positive attitude and she knew

how to get it done,” Fox said of the cul-tural icon of women factory workers during World War II. “How many of you women have had to walk through obstacles to get it done? We all have, but you know why we get through it? Because we see a path.”

The final R, resolve, was demonstrated by Mae Jamison, the first African American woman astronaut.

“What do you think she had to do to wind her way through NASA to get that position?” Fox asked. “She had dedication, but she also had huge resolve.”

Fox referred to her own experiences to explain how she used the three R’s to empower herself after growing up in a poor household in Shelbyville, Ind., where she repaired shoes and delivered newspapers, and was abused by her mother.

“We don’t get our resilience when some-thing’s handed to us on a silver platter,” Fox said. “We get our resilience when we have to walk through the difficulties. It makes us tougher. When it looks tough, just find a little spot and let your resilience push you.”

Fox also explained how her current position as a speech coach is an example of resourcefulness. After retiring from tele-vision, Fox saw the opportunity to help people speak and established her Fox Talks

company. She said people need to have their eyes and ears open around them to see the opportunities and use resourcefulness to move forward.

Resolve also was evident in her televi-sion career when Fox was told she had a sibilant S and yelled while she reported. Through speech therapy, Fox overcame her problem and continued a successful televi-sion career.

“Keep your eye on the big prize,” she said. “If you want to reach that full equal-ity, if we want to stand in it freely, that’s our job.”

Having used her three R’s throughout her life, Fox said she believes she lives to the fullest potential.

“I believe I can stand here free and equal,” she said.

After the event, several audience mem-bers said they enjoyed Fox’s presentation.

“I think she’s a very gifted and talented individual,” said Lt. Michelle Arthur of the 310th Military Intelligence Battalion. “She’s done a lot with her life so far.”

Yarrish agreed.“I really enjoyed listening to how she

overcame adversity and how she turned her personal struggles into her own personal powers to achieve what she’s achieved in her life,” Yarrish said.

Former television reporter believes in living to full potential

photos by Jen Rynda

Cindy Thomas (center) receives a cake pop from Women’s Equality Day guest speaker Jan Fox. An estimated 150 people attended the 40-minute event on Aug. 23.

LEFT: Jan Fox, a former television reporter and anchor, speaks during the Women’s Equality Day Observance on Aug. 23 at McGill Training Center. Using her own life as an example, Fox explained how women can live full lives.Women’s Equality Day


Community news & notes

The deadline for Soundoff! community “News and Notes” is Friday at noon. All submissions are posted at the editor’s dis-cretion and may be edited for space and grammar. Look for additional community events on the Fort Meade website at www.ftmeade.army.mil and the Fort Meade Facebook page at facebook.com/ftmeade.

For more information or to submit an announcement, email Philip Jones at [email protected] or call 301-677-5602.

Kimbrough holiday closureKimbrough Ambulatory Care Center

will be closed Friday through Monday for Labor Day weekend.

Commissary holiday hoursHoliday hours for the Fort Meade

Commissary on Labor Day will be Mon-day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Case Lot SaleThe Fort Meade Commissary will

sponsor its biannual Case Lot Sale from Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the commissary parking lot.

Seafood Road ShowA Seafood Road Show will be held Fri-

day through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Fort Meade Commissary.

Kimbrough trainingKimbrough Ambulatory Care Center

will be closed Sept. 21 for mandatory suicide prevention training.

Bagger-licensing hoursBagger-licensing renewals for the

Fort Meade Commissary will be issued Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office at 4409 Llewellyn Ave.

Those who come to the office outside of this block of time will be able to leave their information. Badges will be issued as time permits.

Military appreciationAs a patriotic gesture to support the

military, Thanks-A-Bunch nonprofit mili-tary charity is announcing an event to give away free $50 dinner cards in support of Fort Meade and surrounding military affiliates, veterans and their families.

Military Appreciation Week will be held

through Friday.All active-duty service members or vet-

erans may stop by Brown’s Toyota/Scion of Glen Burnie at 7167 Ritchie Highway for the $50 dinner card that is accepted at more than 18,000 restaurants nationwide.

No purchase required.For more information or directions, call

888-711-9533 or visit thanksabunch.org.

Chicago Steppin’Enjoy an evening of dancing at

Chicago Steppin’ on Friday from 7 p.m. to midnight at Club Meade.

Free dance lessons will be offered from 7 to 8 p.m.

There is no cover charge. Special menus will be available.

For more information, call 301-677-6969.

Military Council for Catholic Women

The Military Council for Catholic Women is open to all women ages 18 and older - active duty, retirees and civilians - as the group begins its 2012 to 2013 year of prayer, faith, fellowship and service at the Main Post Chapel.

• Welcome Bunco will be held Sept. 10 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Prizes will be white elephant.

• Noon Mother’s Prayer & Apologetics will be conducted Sept. 11 at 9:45 a.m.

Child care will be provided for both events.

• Mother’s Prayer & Apologetics meets every Tuesday from 9:45 a.m. to noon when Anne Arundel County schools are in session.

• Monthly programs are held Mondays from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

For more information, email Beth Wright, president, at [email protected] or call 305-240-1559.

Bingo BonanzaThe Fort Meade Officers’ Spouses’

Club will sponsor its 13th Annual Bingo Bonanza on Oct. 5 at McGill Training Center, 8452 Zimborski Ave.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Games start at 7 p.m.

The event will feature 20 games, three special games, door prizes, raffles and food.

Pre-sale tickets get an extra 20 games book.

Buy your tickets online at fortmeadeosc.org/bingo-bonanza-2012/ or email the bingo chairperson at [email protected].

Air Force BallThe 65th Air Force Ball will be held

Sept. 14 from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Hilton BWI Hotel, 1729 W. Nursery Road, Linthicum Heights.

Social hour is from 6 to 7 p.m.Dress for military is mess dress/

semiformal. Dress for civilians is formal/black tie.

Tickets are $15 for E1 to E4; $25 for E5 to E6; $35 for SNCOs/CGOs; and $45 for FGOs.

A cash bar will be available. Child care will be provided on a first-come basis.

For more information, visit https://einvitations.afit.edu/inv/anim.cfm?i=120132&k=036342087855.

VFW steak dinnerJoin the Veterans of Foreign War,

(VFW Post 160), 2597 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie, for a steak dinner on Sept. 9 from 3 to 7 p.m.

The event is open to the public. Cost is $10.

Call VFW Post 160 to reserve a dinner to eat in or take out.


Career, financial classesArmy Community Service and the

Fleet and Family Support Center offer free classes at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave., to DoD identification cardholders, including active-duty service members, retirees and their family members, DoD civilian employees and contractors.

Registration is required for each class.• Stress Management: Tuesday, 9 to 11

a.m.• Dollars and Sense: Tuesday, 9 to 11 a.m.Topics include: Basic Budgeting, Financial

Goals and Priorities, Saving and Investing, and Managing Your Credit.

• Deployment Brief: Sept. 6, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Gather resources and information for your next duty station. Spouses are encouraged to attend.

• Saving for the Holidays: Sept. 6, 1 to 3 p.m. Learn how to reduce the financial stress of the holidays.

• Transition Assistant Program (TAP): Sept. 10 to 14, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Anger Management: Sept. 10, 9 to 11 a.m.

• Resume Writing: Sept. 11, 9 a.m. to noon. This workshop will provide tips on winning resume styles, the importance of cover letters and tips on following up on your resume.

• Financial Services and Account Man-agement: Sept. 11, 9 to 11 a.m. This course covers the pros and cons of credit unions vs. banks; the services provided by each; and how to manage, balance and reconcile bank accounts.

• Community Job Fair: Sept. 12, 9 a.m.

Calling all craftersThe Officers’ Spouses’ Club will host its 13th Annual Holiday Bazaar on

Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Applications are being accepted from regional and local crafters to

participate in the event.Proceeds will go to the OSC Scholarship and Welfare Fund to benefit the

Fort Meade community.The fee for a 10-by-8 weekend booth is $75.For more information, email Dawn at [email protected] or

visit http://fmoscholidaybazaar.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/FtMeadeOscHolidayBazaar.

FRG fundraising opportunity Vendors for Fort Meade and National Security Agency family readiness

groups may set up at no charge at the Officers’ Spouses’ Club’s 13th Annual Holiday Bazaar.

The event will be held Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The free event, which is open to the public, will feature regional and local artisans, a visit by Santa, food, raffles and entertainment for all ages.

For more information, email Dawn at [email protected] or visit http://fmoscholidaybazaar.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/FtMeadeOscHolidayBazaar.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

NEWS & EVENTS

EDUCATION


Community news & notes

to 2 p.m.• Medical records review: Have your medi-

cal records reviewed by Mr. Thornton of AMVETS. Appointment required at 301-677-9017.

For more information, call ACS at 301-677-5590 or the Fleet Center at 301-677-9017.

MFTB coursesFree military culture, management and

leadership classes are offered to the entire Fort Meade community through Military Family Team Building.

The 34 courses are divided into three levels with 10 to 14 classes per level.

• New Spouse Connection and Meet ‘n Greet, Sept. 11, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Potomac Place Neighborhood Center, 4998 Second Corps Blvd. Instructors: Pia Morales and Amber Rustad

All spouses new to the community are invited. Information will be provided on child care options, scholarships for spouses, area attractions, volunteer opportunities, public transportation and AFTB.

For more information, call 301-677-4110 or email [email protected].

S.T.E.M. Merit Badge DayS.T.E.M. Merit Badge Day, a program

developed between the Boy Scouts and Fort Meade, will offer merit badges in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math on Sept. 8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at various facilities on post.

The program is open to all boys and girls ages 11 to 17.

Cost is $20.Merit badges will be offered in chemistry,

composite materials, computers, electricity, electronics, robotics, space exploration, inventing, engineering energy and surveying.

Spaces are limited. Registration is required.

To register or for more information, visit baltimorebsa.org/STEM/FtMeade or email Patrick Shields at [email protected].

Girl Scout leaders wantedFort Meade Girl Scouts is in need of

leaders.The organization has several troop

levels, which meet Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Training is available through GSCM.org.For more information, email Lorrie

Short at [email protected] or Hope Brooks at [email protected].

Grilling & ChillingCYSS will offer Grilling & Chilling for

grades six to eight on Friday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Youth Center.

Cost is $5 for food. Music and games will follow.


Out & About• The Maryland State Fair will be held

through Labor Day at the Timonium Fair Grounds, 2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium. Hours are: Today, noon to 10 p.m.; and Friday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. General admission is $8.

Admission for seniors (ages 62 and older) is $6. Children (ages 6 to 11) cost $3. Rides are individually priced. On Labor Day, fairgoers pay $22 for an unlimited number of rides.

Handy International Seafood will attempt to beat its 253-pound record for the largest crab cake on Saturday at 10 a.m. Thoroughbred racing will be held Friday to Monday at 1 p.m. The Band Perry will perform Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Concert tickets are $39 and includes admission. For more information, visit marylandstatefair.com.

• The Bowie Baysox will host TNA Impact Wrestling’s BaseBrawl, a family-oriented interactive wrestling experience, on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Prince George’s Stadium, 4101 Crain Highway, Bowie. The list of wrestlers scheduled to participate is available online at baysox.com. Tickets can be ordered online at baysox.com or by calling the box office at 301-464-4865.

• The 13th annual Baltimore Comic Con (comic convention) will be held Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Baltimore Convention Center. Admission is $25 on Sept. 8 and $20 on Sept. 9. No charge for children ages 10 and younger. Guests include Stan Lee on Sept. 8. Event features a costume contest. For more information, visit baltimorecomiccon.com.

• The Prince George’s County Fair will honor active-duty service members, Reservists and their families with free admission during the fair’s Military Appreciation Day on Sept. 9 at the Prince

George’s Equestrian Center and the Show Place Arena, near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue (Route 4) and Route 301 in Upper Marlboro.

A valid military ID is required. The fair will be held from Sept 6 to 9. For more information, call 301-442-7393 or visit www.countyfair.org.

• Leisure Travel Services is offering its monthly bus trip to New York City on Sept. 15, with discounts to attractions. Bus cost is $55. For more information, call 301-677-7354 or visit ftmeademwr.com.

• Spouse PTSD Support Group meets Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Soldier and Family Assistance Center, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave.

The support group, sponsored by Behavioral Health Care Service, the Religious Support Office and the Army Substance Abuse Program, is for spouses whose loved ones are exhibiting symptoms of PTSD. Learn valuable tools and resources to understand PTSD and how to cope.

To join or for more information, call 301-677-8870.

• Monthly Prayer Breakfast, hosted by the Garrison Chaplain’s Office, is held the first Thursday of every month at 7 a.m. at Club Meade. The next prayer breakfast will be Sept. 6.

Chaplain (Capt.) Jeffrey E. Martin, 310th Military Intelligence Group, will be the guest speaker. All Fort Meade employees, family members, and civilian and military personnel are invited.

There is no cost for the buffet; donations are optional. For more information, call 301-677-6703 or email [email protected].

• Fort Meade Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America will host its next luncheon meeting on Sept. 6 at 11:30 a.m. at Club Meade.

The guest speaker is retired Col. Bert Rice, Fort Meade’s director of transfor-mation, who will discuss the future of Fort Meade post BRAC.

For reservations, call Lt. Col. T. Wayne Hobbs at 410-799-8331.

• Meade Rod and Gun Club meets the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at Perry’s Restaurant and Odie’s Pub at 1210 Annapolis Road, Odenton. The next meeting is Sept. 6 in the banquet hall in back of the building. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. For more information, call 410-674-4000.

• Enlisted Spouses Club meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m.

at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center. The next meeting is Sept. 10. Monday. For more information, visit ftmeadeesc.org or email [email protected].

• Single Parent Support Group meets the second and fourth Monday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. at School Age Services, 1900 Reece Road. The next meeting is Sept. 10. Free child care will be provided on site.

For more information, call Rikki Ford, Parent Support coordinator, at 301-677-3617 or email [email protected].

• Spouse Connection meets the second Tuesday of every month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood, 4998 Second Corps Blvd. The next meeting is Sept. 11. The program provides an opportunity for all spouses in the Fort Meade community and surrounding area to meet and get connected. For more information, call 301-677-4110 or email [email protected].

• Bridging the Gap deployment support group, sponsored by Army Community Service, meets the second Tuesday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center. The next meeting is Sept. 11. For more information, call Sharon Collins at 301-667-4116 or email [email protected].

• Fort Meade TOP III Association meets the second Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m. at the Courses. The next meeting is Sept. 12. The association is open to all Air Force active-duty and retired senior noncommissioned officers. For more information, call Master Sgt. Jonathan Jacob at 443-479-0616 or email [email protected].

• Meade Branch 212 of the Fleet Reserve Association meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at VFW Post 160 on Route 170 in Glen Burnie. The next meeting is Sept. 12. Active-duty, Reserve and retired members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are invited. For more information, call 410-761-7046 or 301-262-6556.

• Fort Meade Homeschool Co-op meets Fridays at 9:30 a.m. at 1900 Reece Road. For more information, call Laura Edens at 443-510-4715 or email [email protected].

• Cub Scout Pack 377 invites boys in first through fifth grades, or ages 7 to 10, to attend its weekly Monday meetings at 6 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center. For more information, email Kimberly Smith at [email protected].

EDUCATION

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

RECREATION MEETINGS

YOUTH


Community news & notes movies

The movie schedule is subject to change. For a recorded announcement of showings, call 301-677-5324. Further listings are available on the Army and Air Force Exchange Service website at www.aafes.com.Movies start Wednesdays to Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. NEW PRICES: Tickets are $5 for adults (12 and older) and $2.50 for children.

Today through Sept. 16

Today: “Savages” (R). Marijuana growers face the Mexican drug cartel. With Taylor Kitsch, Aaron Johnson, Blake Lively, John Travolta.

Friday & Sunday: “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” (R). Lincoln vows to save America from the walking dead in this horror suspense thriller. With Benjamin Walker, Dominic Cooper, Anthony Mackie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Rufus Sewell and Marton Csokas.

Saturday, Wednesday & Sept. 8-9: “The Dark Knight Rises” (PG-13). Eight years after taking the fall for murders committed by Harvey Dent, Bruce Wayne must come out of a self-imposed retirement as The Batman to help Gotham face Bane, a terrorist who attacks the city, and also a cat burglar who seems to have mixed motives. With Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman.

Sept. 6-7: “The Watch” (R). Four men working a neighborhood watch crew discover that aliens have infiltrated their town. With Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill, Richard Ayoade, Rosemarie DeWitt, Will Forte.

Sept. 12, 15, 16: “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days” (PG). Greg (Zachary Gordon) is ready for summer, but all of his plans seem to go wrong. With Robert Capron, Devon Bostick.

Sept. 13-14: “Total Recall” (PG-13). In a future where people escape reality by experiencing oth-ers’ memories, a factory worker tries it out and begins to believe he’s really a spy. With Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel.

• Boy Scout Troop 379 meets Mondays at 7 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center on Rockenbach Road. The troop is actively recruiting boys age 11 to 18. For more information, email Lisa Yetman, at [email protected] or Wendall Lawrence, Scoutmaster, at [email protected].

• American Legion Post 276 is open to veterans and active-duty service members at 8068 Quarterfield Road in Severn. Breakfast may be purchased beginning at 9 a.m. Lunches may be purchased from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Happy Hour is from 4 to 6 p.m. Dinner may be purchased at 6 p.m. on Fridays and the fourth Sunday of every month.

Membership discounts are offered for active-duty military. For more information, call 410-969-8028 or visit americanlegionpost276.org.

• Fort Meade E9 Association meets the second Friday of every month at 7 a.m. in the Pin Deck Cafe at the Lanes. The next meeting is Sept. 14. The association is open to active, retired, Reserve and National Guard E9s of any uniformed service. All E9s in this area are invited to attend a breakfast and meet the membership. For more information, visit e9association.org or call 410-551-7953.

• Families Dealing with Deployment meets the first and third Monday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Meuse Forest Neighborhood Center.

The next meeting is Sept. 17. For more information, call Rikki Ford, Parent Support coordinator, at 301-677-3617 or email [email protected].

• Patient/Family Advisory Council meets the third Tuesday of each month at 3 p.m. at Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center. The next meeting is Sept. 18 in Kimbrough’s main conference room on the third floor, room 3C03.

For more information or to become a council member, call Becky Mays Jenkins, coordinator of Patient and Family Centered Care, at 301-677-8261.

• Retired Enlisted Association meets the third Thursday of the month from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center. The next meeting is Sept. 20. For more information, visit trea.org or call Mary Gray, the local president, at 410-916-5385 or Arthur R. Cooper, national president, at 443-336-1230.

• Society of Military Widows meets for brunch the fourth Sunday of the month at 11 a.m. at the Lanes. The next meeting is Sept. 23. For more information, call Betty Jones at 410-730-0127.

• Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 254 meets the fourth Wednesday of the month from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Roost, 9827 Love Road. The next meeting is Sept. 26. For more information, call 443-534-5170 or visit afsa254.org.

Get to work on time. Know the hours of operation for

Access Gates on Fort MeadeDemps Visitor Control Center,

Bldg. 902 Reece Road7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,

Monday through Friday

Gate 1: Mapes Road and Route 32

5 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week

Gate 2: Mapes Road and Maryland Route 175

5 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday;

closed weekends and holidays

Gate 3: Rockenbach Road5 a.m. to 9 p.m.,

7 days a week

Gate 6: Llewellyn Avenue and Maryland Route 175

6 to 8 a.m., Monday through Friday for inbound traffic;

3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday for outbound traffic

Gate 7: Reece Road and Maryland Route 175

(Demps Visitor Control Center gate) 24-hour access

News & Politics

Fort Meade SoundOff August 30, 2012