oh baby!Meade EMS delivers newborn on Route 32

page 4

UPCoMING EVENTSSUNday, 6 P.M.: Super Bowl Party - The LanesFEb. 8, 7 P.M.: Latin Night - The Conference CenterFEb. 14, 11:30 a.M.-1 P.M.: Black History Month Observance - McGillFEb. 15, 7-10 P.M.: Lounge Party - The LanesFEb. 20, 11:30 a.M.: National Prayer Luncheon - The Conference Center

ballErSCYSS Start Smart clinic helps youth learn fundamentals

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Soundoff!́vol. 65 no. 4 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community January 31, 2013

Photo by Sgt. Walter reeveS

Six-year old Madison McGee, supervised by her father Sgt. 1st Class Michael McGee, office of the Staff Judge Advocate, sleds down a snow-covered hill Saturday at Burba lake. Despite the late start to the winter season, a few bouts of snow over the past week resulted in delayed openings and cancelled events and sent many youngsters home early from school, giving them a chance to enjoy a couple of fun-filled snow days.

Snow Day

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! January 31, 2013

Commander’s Column

Cont ent sNews............................. 3 Sports..................................10

CrimeWatch................. 9 Movies.................................15

Community................. 14 Classified.............................16

Editorial StaffGarrison Commander Col. Edward C. rothsteinGarrison Command Sgt. Maj. thomas J. latterPublic affairs officerChad t. Jones Chad.T.Jones.civ@mail.milChief, Command informationPhilip H. Jones Philip.H.Jones.civ@mail.milassistant 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 Allison.Thompson@baltsun.com

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If you would like information about receiving Soundoff! on Fort Meade or are experiencing distribution issues, call 877-886-1206 or e-mail TP@baltsun.com. 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: 301-677-5602; DSN: 622-5602.

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.

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Inclement winter weather has taken a front seat for our attention during the past week, so I thought I would begin my column with some insight on the installation’s policy related to delayed openings and closures.

During the winter season, people often ask me how the decision is made to delay the installation’s opening or to close the post due to inclement weather.

As garrison commander, I have three main responsibilities — providing safety, security and infrastructure — that will enable our part-ner commands to complete their missions.

That said, all decisions related to the operat-ing status of Fort Meade are made with these responsibilities in mind. My decisions are ulti-mately tied to the garrison’s ability to deliver as many services as possible during inclement weather while ensuring a safe environment.

You should also note that decisions and announcements to delay or close Fort Meade are only subject to garrison personnel. Service members and civilian personnel assigned to Fort Meade partner commands should always contact their respective chain of command for information about their organization’s operat-ing status.

With regard to garrison personnel, your personal safety and welfare should always be a top priority. Your safety is always my top priority.

It is difficult, if not impossible, for me to know regional travel routes and road condi-tions for everyone when we have inclement weather. Just like when someone has the flu, there are times when you have to make a per-sonal decision to stay home.

If you live in a rural area and you know the roads that you travel to get to Fort Meade may put your safety at risk, the prudent thing to do is err on the side of caution. If you believe road conditions are unsafe, contact your supervisor and request unscheduled leave.

You should always put safety first when inclement weather strikes. Give yourself extra time to travel. Don’t push your luck. Use your best judgment. Listen to weather reports and warnings and react appropriately.

Last week, I had the opportunity to go to Annapolis and talk to Maryland elected officials and representatives from the eight counties and three cities that comprise the Fort Meade Regional Growth Management Committee.

I titled my conversation the “State of Fort Meade” and used the opportunity to discuss some of the priorities that we are focused on and how the installation considers itself to be an integral part of the state of Maryland.

Recently, my focus has been more about

social issues than build-ings and infra-structure. I talked about what we are doing to make Fort Meade a healthy com-munity, with wellness and resiliency a pri-ority.

I talked about how the installation is addressing the sale of synthetic marijuana to service members by placing local businesses on the installation’s list of off-limit establishments and areas.

My priority is to ensure the health, safety, welfare, morale and discipline of our com-munity.

I also addressed how we are using our resources and working with our community partners to make sure service members and their families have behavior health services, wellness and resiliency programs and facili-ties.

The installation recently became home for a new Veterans Administration clinic. Basing the clinic at Fort Meade means that more veterans will have access to the wide range of benefits that the VA provides to service members, vet-erans and their beneficiaries.

The bottom line in my conversation with these elected officials and community repre-sentatives is that Fort Meade is not about the fence line. We will continue to have open com-munications about how we can work together to be more effective and efficient in an era of constrained resources.

And we will continue to foster a positive “Team Meade” spirit with our partners and communities outside our fence line.

Lastly, this is Super Bowl weekend. I know Team Meade is rooting for a Ravens’ vic-tory over the 49ers. Let’s hope Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh — a great supporter of the military — and Ray Lewis, Joe Flacco, Ed Reed and the rest of the players and coaches can get the job done and make us proud.

Have a great week!

Weather or not to delay

COL. Edward C. rOthstEin

Garrison Commander

ConnectwithFortMeadeatFacebook.com/ftmeade

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil January 31, 2013 SOUNDOFF! �

News

By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

On Jan. 23, 1946, the Army activated the first military information school to provide training for what would even-tually become the public affairs career field.

Exacly 67 years after the school opened at Carlisle Barracks, Pa., the Defense Information School broke ground for a new expansion project that will add an additional 100,000-square-feet to the facility on Fort Meade.

“For more than 65 years, the Defense Information School and predecessor organizations have trained more than 150,000 students for our great military,” said Col. Jeremy M. Martin, comman-dant of DINFOS. “Today, we break ground for the DINFOS expansion and renovation project, adding one more chapter to this tremendous legacy of training success.”

DINFOS, located at Fort Meade since 1995, trains service members and civil-ians in public affairs, broadcasting and visual information.

The event’s guest speaker, Bryan G. Whitman, principal deputy assistant sec-retary of Defense for public affairs and acting director of the Defense Media Activity, called DINFOS a “premiere institution.”

“The training I have received here has served me well as it has all those that went before me and all those that have gone after me,” Whitman said.

The ceremony marked the beginning of the three-phase project that is sched-uled to be completed in January 2015. The first phase consists of constructing a new parking lot on the south side of the school. The second phase includes reno-vation of the current DINFOS space.

Phase three is the construction of a three-story addition that will add nearly 80,000-square-feet of classrooms and administrative spaces. The $30 mil-lion expansion will allow the school to accommodate an increase in students from 2,700 to approximately 3,500.

To prepare for the influx, DINFOS also has hired more than 80 instructors and administrative personnel over the past three years.

“We know that it is much needed,” Whitman said. “It will increase our capacity and allow us to provide the training for all the military and civilian personnel for the military services that

Officials break ground for DINFOS expansion

Today’s ground breaking ceremony commences the expansion of our current facility from 232,000 square feet to 331,000 square feet. This expansion is designed to accommodate an increase in annual student load from 2,700 students to roughly 3,500. DINFOS has hired more than 80 new instructors and administrative personnel to ac-commodate this increased student load.

The ground breaking ceremony for DINFOS begins the third phase of a three-

the DINFOS main building. The second phase consists of renovating the current inter-nal DINFOS spaces. The third phase consists of constructing an additional three-story addition, which will add nearly 80,000 square feet of classrooms and administrative spaces.

The projected completion date for this expansion is January 2015.

DINFOS Expansion Project:

rendering courtesy defense information school

A $30 million expansion, scheduled to be completed in January 2015, will provide an additional 100,000-square-feet to the Defense Information School. The three-phase project includes a new parking lot, renovations to the current building and additional classroom and administrative space.

are needed to be able to carry out this very vital public affairs and visual infor-mation mission all around the world where our troops serve.”

Before breaking ground, Whitman praised the efforts of officials to get the project moving and ready for con-struction by Amatea/Grimberg Joint Venture.

With shovel in hand, Whitman broke ground alongside Martin as well as Col. J. Richard Jordan III, commander of the Army Corps of Engineer Baltimore District; T.J. Singh, director of the Fort Meade Directorate of Public Works; Marina Amata, managing partner of Amatea/Grimberg Joint Venture; and Peter Grimberg, president of John C. Grimberg Company.

“Today, we celebrate new beginnings and the people and the partners that have made it possible,” Whitman said. “Some may have doubted that this day would ever happen, and others made sure that this day would happen. To all of you and to all of those who have made this day happen, my sincere thanks and appreciation. Now let’s dig some dirt.”

photo by mass communication specialist 2nd class Justin stumberg

Marina Amata, managing partner, Amatea/Grimberg Joint Venture; T.J. Singh, director the Fort Meade Directorate of Public Works; Col. Jeremy Martin, commandant of the Defense Information School; Bryan Whitman, Defense Media Activity acting director; Col. J. Richard Jordan III, commander of Baltimore District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and Peter Grimberg, president of John C. Grimberg Company break ground at a ceremony on Jan. 23.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! January 31, 2013

News

Story and photo by Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

Just 12 days before Christmas, a mili-tary spouse delivered her fifth child on Route 32 West with the assistance of a Fort Meade firefighter and two para-medics.

“It’s always amazing to watch a baby be born,” said firefighter and driver operator Shaun Bagley of the Fort Meade Fire and Emergency Services.

After giving birth to four children, Trisha Griffin was sure she was in labor and about to deliver when she and her husband drove to Howard County Gen-eral Hospital the morning of Dec. 13.

“They said they expected it could be a couple of days [before delivery],” said Griffin, wife of Spc. Joshua Griffin of the 741 Military Intelligence Battalion.

Griffin’s contractions were about six minutes apart, but she followed the medical advice and returned to her Potomac Place home with her husband and children.

But by 3:30 p.m., the contractions intensified.

“I told my husband we were ready to go,” Griffin said.

Her husband called a family friend to baby-sit the children. When she didn’t answer the phone, he decided to drive the family to their friend’s house in Meuse Forest. After bringing the chil-dren, ages 2 to 6, into the home, Joshua Griffin discovered that his wife’s water had broke while she was waiting in their minivan.

“I knew we weren’t going to get to the hospital in time,” he said.

It was close to rush hour and his wife’s contractions “were pretty bad,” he said.

Joshua Griffin called for an ambu-lance, but he feared he might have to deliver the baby himself and cleared out the back of the minivan.

Minutes later, Bagley and crew arrived on Engine 452. They immediately assessed Griffin’s condition.

Soon after, paramedics Carrie Sos-nowich and Robert Brown from Fort Meade Emergency Medical Services arrived.

“She was in active labor, in moderate distress and did not want to be moved,”

Sosnowich said. “[The couple] had just returned from the hospital after being told they weren’t having a baby that day.”

The emergency responders determined that it was best to take the mother back to Howard County General. The crew called ahead to announce their pending arrival.

Griffin was moved from the minivan to a cot in the ambulance. Her husband rode in the front of the ambulance with Bagley, the driver, while the paramedics tended to Griffin. The other firefighters drove Engine 452 back to the Director-ate of Emergency Services.

The ambulance left the installation via Route 32 West.

“During the transport, the paramed-ics determined that delivery was immi-nent and advised firefighter Bagley to pull over to the side of Route 32,” Bagley later wrote in a report to Lt. Col. J. Dar-rell Sides, director of DES.

Bagley stopped at the side of the road and went into the patient compartment to assist the paramedics with the deliv-ery.

After the paramedics told her to push, Griffin pushed twice and 7-pound Aveleen Joy was born at 4:35 p.m.

“The birth was uncomplicated for us, and Mom and Dad did great,” Sosno-wich said.

In his report Bagley wrote:“The baby was in no apparent distress

and appeared healthy. The baby girl was warmed and dried, and placed with the mother while the father was allowed to cut the umbilical cord.”

Special deliveryEmergency responders deliver baby en route to local hospital

Trisha Griffin and her husband, Spc. Joshua Griffin of the 741 Military Intelligence Battalion, are the proud parents of 7-week-old daughter Aveleen Joy. With the assistance of Fort Meade paramedics, Aveleen Joy was delivered Dec. 13 on Route 32 en route to Howard County General Hospital.

The paramedics notified the hospital that they were bringing in two patients.

When the ambulance arrived at the emergency room, Trisha Griffin said the entire ER staff crowded around the emergency room door, cheering and clapping.

She and the baby were quickly exam-ined before they were taken to the mater-nity ward, where they were transferred to the care of the hospital.

Trisha Griffin said the experience was a bit traumatic, but the outcome was well worth it.

Although he was nervous that he might have to deliver the baby, Griffin’s

husband said he was confident every-thing would go well once the emergency responders arrived.

“It is a good story to tell Aveleen someday,” he said.

The emergency responders were touched by the birth, as well.

“Overall, this experience couldn’t have gone better from my experience,” Sos-nowich said. “Mom and Dad handled everything that came at them and stayed strong.”

Trisha Griffin said her daughter’s name, Aveleen Joy, means “desired joy.”

“She was a great joy to everyone involved,” she said.

‘[The couple] had just returned from the hospital after being told they weren’t having a baby that day.’

Carrie Sosnowich, paramedic Fort Meade Emergency Medical Services

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! January 31, 2013

News

By Jennifer DowningU.S. Army Cyber CommandPublic Affairs Office

As cyberspace operations continue to emerge as the new frontier, the chief of staff of the Army met with key leaders from U.S. Army Cyber Command to discuss how cyber should be integrated from the tactical to the strategic level of combined arms operations, and to rec-ognize employees who continue to work on building the command.

Gen. Raymond T. Odierno visited the headquarters of U.S. Army Cyber Com-mand at Fort Belvoir, Va., on Jan. 22. He met with Lt. Gen. Rhett A. Hernandez, commander of U.S Army Cyber Com-mand, and other senior leaders working to build cyber doctrine and those who protect cyber networks daily.

Army Cyber Command is co-located with the headquarters at Fort Belvoir Va., and staff support at Fort Meade.

Strong training, leader development, and integration of training and exercises at all levels were prevalent topics of discussion.

Odierno said the work of Army Cyber is critical to the future of the Army and the way it fights. Army Cyber also plays a key role in the Army’s ability to pre-vent, shape and win with a key mission of incorporating cyber operations into traditional land operations.

“We have to prevent conflict; we need creative and innovative use of cyber to prevent and shape conflicts,” Odierno said. “When you train commanders and staff at all levels, increased understand-ing of land cyber develops.”

Utilizing the skill sets of those serving in the National Guard and Reserves is another way detailed to help meet the challenge of incorporating cyber across the board.

By providing depth across the total force and building capabilities that fully integrate and organize our Reserve part-ners, the Army can seek skilled person-nel and track them as cyber warriors.

The importance of continually link-ing with U.S. Cyber Command and other partners was also highlighted as an important method of further defin-ing functions and roles.

“Continuing to work with USCC allows Army Cyber to operate effec-tively. ... This is about doing what is best for the nation and Army in support of the nation’s mission,” Odierno said.

After discussions surrounding threat briefs, operational trends, the cyber

Army chief of staff discusses future of cyberspace operations

proponent, requirements and land cyber vision, Odierno personally thanked Sol-diers and civilians for their professional-ism and dedication to mission support while serving with Army Cyber Com-mand.

He awarded ten Soldiers and civilians with Chief of Staff of the Army Coins of Excellence.

Receiving a Chief of Staff of the Army Coin for Excellence were: Capt. Mica Bushouse, G-34; Sgt. 1st Class Donald Corliss, G-33; Patrick Manners, Proponent Office; Jim Wasson, G-3/5/7; Lt. Col. Keithon Corpening, G-35; Sgt. Jacob Harding, 781st Military Intelli-

gence Battalion; Phillip Barry, Network Enterprise Technology Command; Matt McCue, G-2X; Maj. John Dabolt, G-38; and Staff Sgt. Sabrina Chillens, 1st Information Operations Command.

During the coin presentation, Odi-erno described his gratitude to those who “continue to develop an elite cyber force.”

“We are just getting started. We are on the verge of a significant high-speed revolution,” he said. “USCC, Army Cyber have all stood up in the last few years, but we are headed in the right direction.”

Hernandez said the hard work of the

command not only allowed the critical missions, challenges and requirements to shine through. He reiterated that cyber is about the people, not the tech-nology.

“It is amazing all we have accom-plished in this command, and I am truly grateful for the selfless service each of you provides,” Hernandez said. “The long hours and devotion to building this command are evident. While no words can express how much pride I have in this command, I will offer a simple thank you for who you are and all you do to make this command second to none.”

Photo by Staff Sgt. Steve Cortez

During a visit to U.S. Army Cyber Command headquarters at Fort Belvoir, Va., on Jan. 22, Gen. Raymond T. Odierno discussed the future of cyberspace operations and awarded ten Soldiers and civilians with Chief of Staff of the Army Coins of Excellence.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! January 31, 2013

News

Story and photo by Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

Eight years ago, a woman enrolled in the Pastoral Counseling program at Loyola University Maryland in Colum-bia, was interested in working with vet-erans for her clinical internship.

She decided to reach out to Fort Meade.

Since then, students pursuing their graduate and doctoral degrees in pasto-ral counseling at Loyola have interned at the Family Life Ministry Center, working with service members, their families and civilians.

“One of the most important things an intern does is to establish a strong positive relationship with the client,” said Chaplain (Maj.) Mark J. Jacobs, director of the Family Life Ministry Center and its sole pastoral counselor. “[Consider-ing] the need of the people stationed at Fort Meade — one Family Life-trained counselor could never meet the needs of such a large post.”

Three interns from Loyola are cur-rently serving as counselors at the center, with a fourth intern working to complete her hours towards state licensure as a licensed clinical professional counselor.

Jacobs oversees interns while address-ing any issues on behalf of clients.

The Pastoral Counseling program requires students to complete two, one-year internships at a clinical agency such as a school, college counseling center, family center or mental health clinic. The interns must complete a total of 800 counseling hours to be eligible to apply for state provisional and full licensure.

Interns are expected to provide about 10 to 12 hours each week of clinical pas-toral counseling, serving between four to six clients.

First-year interns are supervised by three faculty members at Loyola who provide oversight and support. Students completing the second year of their internship are supervised by two faculty members.

Dr. Danielle R. Lasure-Bryant, direc-tor of clinical education for the Pastoral Counseling program, said many of the interns who volunteer to work at Fort Meade come from a military family and “have a desire to help and are aware of the stresses that come with military life.”

The Pastoral Counseling program aims to ”foster the formation of profes-sional practitioners who are uniquely equipped to facilitate the healing of the

Pastoral counseling students support Family Life Ministry Center

whole person - mind, body and spirit - through the integration of spirituality and psychology,” according to the uni-versity’s website.

Lasure-Bryant, who helped to estab-lish the internship with Fort Meade, said pastoral counseling integrates spiritual themes into therapy. Clients who seek pastoral counseling, she said, are often interested in what biblical Scripture may say about their concerns, or they may be seeking the meaning of their life or how their faith can help them through difficulties.

The program at Loyola is ecumeni-cal, said Lasure-Bryant, and students are diverse in their beliefs, ranging from Roman Catholic and Jewish to Mormon, Baha’i and Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is practiced at the Family Life Ministry Center. In this approach, the focus is on the therapy being brief and finding solutions to problems, according to the SFBT Association website.

“Thus, we look for attempted solu-tions and exceptions to the problem and seek to grow positive traits in the client’s life,” he said. “Things such as goal set-

ting and scaling questions are used to help the client see areas of change in their life. The focus is on the future, not the past.”

Deborah Rollison, who has interned since May, graduated with a doctoral degree in pastoral counseling last Janu-ary. The daughter of a retired service member, Rollinson is working to com-plete her clinical hours for state licen-sure as a licensed clinical professional counselor.

“I grew up as a Navy brat — my Dad was in the Navy for 22 years,” she said. “So I have a personal appreciation for the gifts and challenges [that] life in the service can bring. Working at the Family Life Ministry Center is an opportunity for me to pay it forward.”

Rollison said that for military families, career and life balance can be a chal-lenge, as well as finding and settling into a new faith community or school.

“I’m struck by the special gifts I’ve observed in the service members and their family members I’ve met,” Rolli-son said. “They bring a great resiliency, focus, creativity and discipline in work-ing on their goals.”

Susan Harvey, a graduate intern, said her experience working with military families has been “amazing.”

Harvey, whose brother retired from the Marine Corps, said the issues that military personnel and their families face often go unrecognized by mental health professionals in the civilian sector.

“The stresses of deployment that lead up to family separation and reunion — people are changed by those experi-ences,” Harvey said. “It’s something that not every person thinks about.”

LaSure-Bryant said she hopes that the interns gain a sense of competency from their counseling experience, and a sense of what kind of clientele they hope to serve as professionals.

She said the Pastoral Counseling pro-gram is grateful for the recognition it received last February when Jacobs pre-sented the faculty and students with a Commander’s Certificate for Excellence for more than five years of service with Fort Meade.

“The caliber of the interns have led many clients to say, ‘Thanks for the ser-vice you provide. It has made a difference for me,’ ” Jacobs said.

Chaplain (Maj.) Mark J. Jacobs, director of Fort Meade’s Family Life Ministry Center, chats with Susan Harvey (right) and Deborah Rollison, two pastoral counseling students from Loyola University Maryland in Columbia. The center has an 8-year-old partnership with Loyola to provide internships in pastoral counseling.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil January 31, 2013 SOUNDOFF! �

News

By Capt. Adam PettyLegal Assistance Division

The Military Spouses Residency Relief Act, or MSRRA, provides an option for some military spouses to regain a “lost” domicile for tax purposes.

The MSRRA applies to military spous-es who earn income from services per-formed in the state in which the spouse is present with their service member pursu-ant to military orders, and that state is not the spouse’s domicile.

If these two conditions are met, the military spouse will generally not have to pay income taxes to that state. Depending on the laws of the spouse’s domiciliary state, the spouse may be required to pay income tax to the domiciliary state.

The MSRRA does not simply allow a military spouse to pick or choose which state is to be considered their “domicile” for tax purposes. For example, the spouse cannot just claim Florida or Texas as his or her legal residence in order to avoid paying state income tax.

So the million dollar question for the

military spouse is, “How do I determine what state is my legal residence?” The terms “legal residence” and “domicile” denote the place where the spouse has his/her permanent home and to which, whenever absent, he or she has the intent to return.

Domicile is established, not chosen. The MSRRA does not allow a spouse to “inherit” or assume the service member’s domicile.

Also, be mindful that a service mem-ber’s “home of record” does not, by itself, establish a spouse’s legal residence, although it may be used as one of the factors in determining domicile.

Other factors used to determine legal residence may include where the spouse votes, owns property, holds professional licenses, registers vehicles, holds a driver’s license, accepts homestead tax breaks, or indicates where his or her last will and testament should be probated.

The determination of a spouse’s domi-cile is fact-specific and can often be very difficult to ascertain. No particular com-

bination of these factors will necessarily guarantee proof of legal residence.

The MSRRA does not allow a spouse to recapture an abandoned domicile with-out physically returning to live in the abandoned state of domicile, and reform-ing the appropriate intent and demon-strating it by forming new contacts.

Additionally, the MSRRA does not relieve the spouse from paying state income taxes on income other than for services performed in the nondomiciliary state. For example, income earned from rental property would likely be taxable in the state where the actual property is located.

The MSRRA can provide a great bene-fit for qualifying military spouses because the state that he or she claims may have a huge impact on his or her tax liability.

To schedule an appointment to learn more about the MSRRA or for assistance with the preparation and electronic filing of federal and state income tax returns, call the Fort Meade Tax Center at 301-677-9366.

State income tax filing for the military spouse

Jan. 23, Drunk on duty: The Directorate of Emergency Ser-vices was notified of a possible intoxicated Soldier on duty. A unit conducted a command-directed breathalyzer test. The subject rendered a result of .24 blood alcohol content.

Jan. 25, Shoplifting: An investigation revealed that two juveniles entered the dressing room at the Exchange and concealed boxes of the Coricidin HBP cold tablets in their pockets. Both juveniles then exited the entrance to the Exchange without rendering proper payment.

Jan. 25, Larceny of private property: The Direc-torate of Emergency Services was notified of a larceny of private property at Meade High School. The victim had returned to her car and noticed that the rear passenger-side tire was missing.

CommunityCommunityCrime Watch

Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services

Moment in TimeDuring World War I, Fort Meade was established in 1917

as Camp Meade, a cantonment for troops drafted for the war.

In celebration of the installation’s 96th anniversary, Soundoff! will feature a series of historical snapshots of the people and events at Fort Meade through the years.

Frederick Douglass “Fritz” PollardBefore making a mark in the National Football League and

earning a bust in the Football Hall of Fame, Fritz Pollard was stationed at Camp Meade where he served as the physical director of the Young Men’s Christian Association unit in 1918.

Pollard was a star half-back for the Brown University football team and was the first black player named to the Walter Camp All-American Team. But following his 1917 season, he entered the military and was stationed at Camp Meade.

Following his time at Camp Meade’s YMCA, Pollard was reassigned to Lincoln University, Pa., where he directed physical training for the Lincoln Student Army Training Corps. One of his duties was coaching the university’s football team until 1920.

After leaving the military and Lincoln University, Pollard joined

the Akron Pros in 1920, becoming one of the first African American players in the NFL. That year he was moved to quarterback, making him the first black quarterback in the NFL.

In 1921, he was named co-coach of the Akron Pros, becoming the first African American coach in NFL history. In 1925, Pollard co-coached the Hammond Pros. Pollard would go on to play with the Pros, Akron Indians and Providence Steam Roller.

In 1926, all black players in the NFL were removed from the league until March 21, 1946 when Kenny Washington signed a contract with the Los Angeles Ram. Pollard then played for all-black barnstorming teams: the Chicago Black Hawks and Harlem Brown Bombers.

Pollard died in 1986. In 2005 he was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame as a player.

photo Courtesy fort meade museum

Frederick Douglass “Fritz” Pollard

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http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! January 31, 2013

SportS

photos by nate pesce

Five-year-old Madelyn Fink runs with the ball down the court during an intramural basketball game on Saturday morning at the Youth Center.

RIGHT: Youngsters warm up before their intramural basketball game at the Youth Center. CYSS Youth Sports includes three intramural basketball age groups.

By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

All at once, 10 youngsters chased after a bouncing orange ball escaping from the basketball court at the Youth Center.

Dressed in blue and black jerseys, the chil-dren from the intramural basketball league were still figuring out the game — still not quite sure what to do when the ball is back in their hands.

But with the assistance and guidance of a coach, the game gets back on track — if only for a moment.

Through the Child, Youth and School Services Youth Sports’ Start Smart clinic and intramural leagues, the youngsters are learn-ing the fundamentals of the sport.

“It’s skills and drills,” said Matthew Sagartz, Youth Sports and Fitness director. “It’s an introduction to basketball. We want the kids to develop the skill sets. So when they start playing a little bit more intramural ball, they can pass and shoot and have basic skills they need to be successful.”

The program offers a clinic for ages 3 and 4, as well as instructional intramural leagues

for athletes ages 4 to 9. The intramural leagues, which meet Saturday mornings, consists of three age groups with about 10 players per team.

“We don’t like to have any more than that,” Sagartz said. “That way, five can play and five can sit off. It’s easy for the coaches to rotate them in and out.”

Prior to the games each weekend, about 45 children and their parents fill the Youth Center’s gymnasium learning basic skills of basketball. While the clinic is led by two volunteer coaches, parents also are involved in the instruction.

“With the 3-year-olds, it’s the basics - drib-bling, chest pass and a little bit of shooting,” said John McMillan, a clinic coach. “A lot of them are smaller, so it’s harder for them to get the ball up, so we work on form.

“This is the foundation. What we’re teach-ing them here they’ll be able to use right away. They’re not going to come out super-stars, but they get the idea and concept of the game.”

Ron MacLean, who attends the clinics

with his son Ryan, said the youngster is “very excited and very enthusiastic” every week. While it is hard to tell at the time, MacLean said that by the end of the season, the children have picked up new skills, for both on and off the court.

“It’s great, we love it,” he said. “It shows them skills and develops their interaction with other children.”

Three-year-old Ryan, whose favorite part of the clinic and basketball is dribbling, said he likes learning new skills.

“I like when I get good,” he said.Youth Sports, said Sagartz, is about learn-

ing skills, making friends and having fun. Through the clinics and intramural leagues, he hopes to keep a steady flow of athletes in the CYSS program.

“My philosophy is get those kids in the program at 3 and 4, have fun and continue with the program for years,” Sagartz said.

Editor’s note: For more information about Child, Youth and School Services Youth Sports, call 301-677-1149 or 301-677-1156.

Having a ballYouth basketball teaches sport’s basics

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil January 31, 2013 SOUNDOFF! 11

Children from the CYSS intramural basketball league run toward the other side of the court during a game on Saturday morning.

FAR LEFT: O-Rian Nesmith, 4, listens to a coach’s instruction before his intramural basketball game at the Youth Center. The intramural leagues and clinics help teach the young participants the basics of the sport.

LEFT: Ron MacLean lifts his son Ryan up so the 3-year-old can shoot during the Smart Start basketball clinic at the Youth Center. About 45 youngsters, ages 3 to 4, learn fundamental skills at the program offered by Child, Youth and School Services’ Youth Sports.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil12 SOUNDOFF! January 31, 2013

SportS

My Two Cents

Who will win the Super Bowl?

“I think the 49ers will carry on and win. It seems like the last

few Super Bowls, the team that was carrying the most momen-tum — got hot at the right time

— seemed to push through.”

Navy SeamaN DuStiN epp, BaSic maSS commuNicatioNS SpecialiSt courSe StuDeNt

at the DefeNSe iNformatioN School

“Of course Baltimore. I think the AFC is much tougher. [The 49ers] are not tough. They have a Harbaugh, but

they don’t play hard-ball.”

DeviN BrowN, melwooD employee

“I really don’t know who is better, but I have to go with the 49ers

because I’m from Northern Cali-fornia. My brother is a really big

49ers fan, and I live close.”

mariNe laNce cpl. leNa wakayamo, BaSic comBat correSpoNDeNt StuDeNt at DiNfoS

“I have to go with the 49ers. I think it might be the running

game and the quarterback. [The Ravens] have a problem with

running quarterbacks.”

hermaN macoN, retiree from haNover

“I want the 49ers to win because I hate the Ravens with a passion. But the Ravens have been good

this year. It’s hard to argue. ”

mariNe pvt. auStiN SchloSSer, comBat camera StuDeNt at DiNfoS

“I heard that there’s a camel somewhere that has picked the last six winners out of the last seven Super Bowls, and she

picked the Ravens. So I’m going to go with the camel and pick

the Ravens. And they’re kind of the underdog, and I like to root

for the underdog anyway.”

Sgt. auDrey glyNN, u.S. army SigNal School DetachmeNt

Well, if I’m reading my Roman numerals right, we’re only three days away from Super Bowl 47. And, of course, you know what that means: Time to make a big deal about Beyoncé lip-synching the National Anthem.

And we thought Manti Te’o got duped.

Actually, I think Roger Goodell has decreed it somewhere that any Super Bowl article this year must mention Ray Lewis in the first 100 words. So, I better get started before “The Shield” threatens me with a lawsuit like they did the dude who tried to patent the name “Harbowl.”

Close your eyes and say the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Ray Ray.

OK, what did you get? Hall of Fame linebacker? Savior? Preacher? Shameless self-promoter? Criminal? What about deer pee?

Personally, when I think of Ray Lewis, I think of Bambi and the words: “I ain’t seen nothin’.” metatube.com/en/videos/5895/Disney-s-Ray-of-Light-Ray-Lewis-TV-Funhouse/

Last week’s “SNL” skit was pretty funny, too. nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/weekend-update-ray-lewis/n32030/

Funny clips aside, I think Ray Lewis is the most polarizing athlete of my lifetime — more than Barry Bonds, Pete Rose and even Lance Armstrong.

Unlike the above athletes whose divisiveness is tied mostly to ques-tionable decisions regarding their ath-letic careers, the debate about Ray has nothing to do with sports. In fact, any debate about Ray’s football career is only about how great he is.

The attitudes about Ray are more significant than performance enhanc-ing or gambling. They are literally life and death.

One camp believes Ray Lewis is a murderer, or at best, willfully covered up a murder.

The other side sees Ray Lewis as a hero who has inspired countless people, especially in our home city of

Baltimore.People who

see Ray as a hero will criticize me for bringing up Lewis’ divi-siveness now when he is at his peak. And truth be told, I can see where they are coming from. Dragging someone down when they are up can be petty and downright hateful.

However, I’d challenge Lewis fans to see it from the other side. How would you feel if you thought the NFL was celebrating a man who was “at best, an accessory to murder.” Not to mention a womanizer.

Conversely, those of you against Lewis, try to take a step back and look at the facts. Lewis plead guilty to obstruction of justice: a misdemeanor which he is still answering for almost 14 years after the fact.

And, if you move beyond the danc-ing, tears, and holier-than-though ministry, and look at what he’s done over those 14 years, you’d see a man who has helped thousands on his way to becoming the most important ath-lete in the history of Baltimore.

Of course, there is about as much gray area between the pro-Ray and anti-Ray factions as there is between a Tea Party member and a liberal. So the chances of there ever being a con-sensus on Ray is about as good as our chances of avoiding the fiscal cliff.

It’s probably prudent to move on to something a little less disputable: Who will win the Super Bowl?

I picked the Ravens in September and I’m sticking with them to beat San Fran 24-21.

Wait. Cousin Claw just sent me a text via Words with Friends, which reads: 37-17 Niners.

And the arguments continue.Enjoy Super Sunday.If you have comments on this or

anything to do with sports, contact me at chad.t.jones.civ@mail.mil.

A tale of 2 Rays

Chad T. Jones, Public Affairs

Officer

Jibber Jabber - OpiniOn

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil January 31, 2013 SOUNDOFF! 13

SportS/religion

March 31 - Postwide Ecumenical Easter Sunrise Service – 7 a.m., Chapel Center

Protestant ServicesFeb. 12 – Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper (hosted by Episcopal Congregation) – 6 p.m., Post Chapel

Feb. 13 – Ash Wednesday Protestant Service – 11:30 a.m., NSAFeb. 13 – Ash Wednesday Episcopal Service – 6 p.m., Post Chapel

March 20 – Living Last Supper (hosted by Gospel Congregation) – 7 p.m., Chapel CenterMarch 24 – Palm Sunday Episcopal Service – 8:30 a.m., Post Chapel

March 24 – Palm Sunday Traditional Protestant Service – 10:30 a.m., Post ChapelMarch 24 – Palm Sunday Contemporary Protestant Service – 10:30 a.m., Cavalry Chapel

March 24 – Palm Sunday Gospel Protestant Service – 11 a.m., Chapel CenterMarch 28 – Holy Thursday Protestant Service – 11:30 a.m., NSAMarch 29 – Good Friday Protestant Service – 11:30 a.m., NSA

March 29 – Tenebrae Service of Shadows – 2 p.m., Post ChapelMarch 31 – Easter Sunday Episcopal Service – 8:30 a.m., Post Chapel

March 31 – Easter Sunday Traditional Protestant Service – 10:30 a.m., Post ChapelMarch 31 – Easter Sunday Contemporary Protestant – 10:30 a.m., Cavalry Chapel

March 31 – Easter Sunday Gospel Protestant Service – 11 a.m., Chapel CenterCatholic Services

Feb. 13 – Ash Wednesday Masses – 11 a.m. NSA, Noon Post Chapel, 7 p.m. Chapel CenterFeb. 15, 22 & March 1, 8, 15, 22 – Stations of the Cross & Lenten Supper – 6:30 p.m., Chapel Center

Feb. 24-28 – Lenten Parish Retreat & Reconciliation Service – 6-9 p.m., Post ChapelMarch 24 – Palm Sunday Masses – *Regular Sunday Mass Schedule

March 28 – Maundy Thursday Service – 11 a.m., NSAMarch 28 – Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper – 7 p.m., Chapel Center

March 29 – Good Friday service – 11 a.m., NSAMarch 29 – Good Friday Stations of the Cross – noon, Chapel Center

March 29 – Good Friday Celebration of the Lord’s Passion – 7 p.m., Chapel CenterMarch 30 – Easter Food Basket Blessing – noon, Chapel Center

March 30 – Holy Saturday Great Easter Vigil – 8 p.m., Chapel CenterMarch 31 – Easter Sunday Masses – *Regular Sunday Mass Schedule

*Regular Catholic Weekend Mass Schedule: Saturday: 5 p.m. Cavalry Chapel; Sunday: 9 a.m. Chapel Center; 12:15 p.m. Post Chapel. There will be no 5 p.m. Mass at Cavalry Chapel on Holy Saturday, March 30. Regularly scheduled noon Mass will be held at the Post Chapel, except March 28 and 29.

Jewish ServicesMarch 28 – Passover meal – 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Chapel Center

Spring religiouS ServiceS on Fort Meade

Sports ShortsSuper Bowl party

The Lanes is hosting a Super Bowl party on Sunday at 6 p.m. as the Baltimore Ravens take on the San Fransisco 49ers.

The party will include game specials and prizes throughout the evening.For more information call, 301-677-5541.

Spring sports registrationRegistration for spring sports is under way at Parent Central Services, 1900

Reece Road.Spring sports include soccer, T-ball, baseball, softball, track, indoor football

and basketball.For more information, call 301-677-1149 or 1156.

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.

Dollar DaysThe Lanes offers Dollar Days every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Bowlers receive a game of bowling, shoe rental, a hot dog, hamburger,

small fries, pizza slice or small soda for $1 each.For more information, call 301-677-5541.

www.quickscores.com/ftmeadesports.

• Basketball• Football

• Softball• Soccer

Find schedules, scores, standings and upcoming seasons for

All-Army athletics, new sports and special events at

And more, plus

Chaplain’s WordWISDOM

“To acquire knowledge, one must study;But to acquire wisdom, one must observe.”

— Marilyn Vos Savant

See Page 16 for the full Fort Meade Religion Schedule.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil14 SOUNDOFF! January 31, 2013

Community news & notes

The deadline for Soundoff! community “News and Notes” is Friday at noon. All submissions are posted at the editor’s discretion 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 philip.h.jones.civ@mail.mil or call 301-677-5602.

Black History Month celebration

Fort Meade’s annual Black History Month observance will be held Feb. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McGill Training Center.

Admission is free and open to the public.

The event is hosted by Navy Information Operations Command Maryland.

The speaker is Navy Rear Adm. James Crawford III, deputy judge advocate general and commander of Naval Legal Service Command.

Entertainment will feature the Morgan State University Performance Arts Department.

Food samplings will be provided.All Fort Meade service members

and civilian employees are encouraged to attend with supervisory approval and without charge to annual leave. Administrative leave is authorized.

For more information, call Navy Chief Edward T. Brown at 301-688-6373 or Sgt. 1st Class Torey Palmore at Equal Opportunity at 301-677-6687.

National Prayer LuncheonThe Fort Meade Annual National

Prayer Luncheon will be held Feb. 20 at 11:30 a.m. at The Conference Center, 6800 Taylor Ave.

The guest speaker is retired Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Matthew A. Zimmerman, who served as the 18th Army chief of chaplains from 1990 to 1994.

Seating is limited to 200 people.Suggested donation is $10 for civilians

and for service members E6 and above.Tickets are available at the Main

Post Chapel, 4419 Llewellyn Ave. or by contacting the Religious Support Office at 301-677-6703 or at diana.l.durner.civ@mail.mil.

Thrift Shop bag saleThe Post Thrift Shop will offer a

$3 bag sale on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the shop in Bldg. 2206 at the corner of 1st Street and Chisholm Avenue.

The shop is also seeking an intake/merchandising clerk. This is a paid position.

For more information, call 410-672-3575 or 410-695-2511.

Hispanic Education ForumMeade Middle School is hosting

the Hispanic Education Forum for the Meade Feeder System on Wednesday from 5:45 to 8:15 p.m.

Refreshments, child care and door prizes will be provided.

The primary goals of the Anne Arundel County School forum is to strengthen relationships with families of Hispanic students and develop plans to better communicate the key issues surrounding education.

The following workshops will be offered: Positive Parenting, Bullying Prevention and Resilience, Parent Connections, and Special Education Services

For more information, call event coordinator Tony Vasquez at 410-919-3673.

Prostate cancer speaker program

The Walter Reed Bethesda Prostate Cancer Support Group’s Speaker Program will meet Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. in the River Conference Room, third floor, America Building, in Bethesda.

The speaker is Dr. Rex Kiteley, chief of radiation oncology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. His topic is: “The Role of Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer.”

Spouses/partners are invited.Men without a military ID should call

nurse Jane Hudak 48 hours prior to the meeting for base access.

The support group meets on the third Thursday of the month for informal, frank discussions about prostate cancer. The next meetings are Feb. 21 from 1 to 2 p.m. and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Jane Hudak at 301-319-2918 or jane.l.hudak.

ctr@health.mil or Vin McDonald at 703-643-2658 or vpmjam@aol.com.

Financial Readiness classesArmy Community Service is offering

the following Financial Readiness classes during February at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.

Classes are open 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.• Credit Clinic meets every Wednesday

from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Use the new online appointment

system to schedule for the Credit Clinic and regular appointments with a financial counselor at fortmeadeacs.checkappointments.com.

• Dollars & Sense: Tuesday, 1 to 3 p.m. Topics include: Basic Budgeting, Financial Goals and Priorities, Saving and Investing, and Managing Your Credit.

• Thrift Savings Plan: Feb. 12, 9 to 11 a.m.

• Car Buying: Feb. 14, 1 to 3 p.m.• Liquidating Your Debts: Feb. 19, 9

to 11 a.m.• Money Management: Feb. 21, 1 to

3 p.m.• First Term Financial Readiness

(online class): Feb. 26, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.• Military Saves Day of Financial

Fitness: Feb. 28, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.To register for classes, call 301-677-

5590 or 301-677-9014. To schedule an appointment, visit fortmeadeacs.checkappointments.com.

Career, financial classesThe Fleet and Family Support Center

offers the following free classes at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.:

• Transition Assistant Program-GPS: Monday, 4 p.m.

• Resume Writing: Tuesday, 9 a.m. to noon

• Federal Employment: Feb. 12, 9 a.m. to noon

• Thrift Savings Plan overview: Feb. 12, 9 to 11 a.m.

• Hearts Apart: Feb. 12, 5 to 8 p.m., Potomac Place Neighborhood Center, 4998 2nds Corps Blvd. It’s Mardi Gras! Join the group for New Orleans-style food, children’s crafts and piñatas.

• Stress Management: Feb. 14, 9 to 11 a.m.

• Spouses Meet and Greet: Feb. 14, 10 a.m. to noon

This is an opportunity for Navy spouses to come out to the FFSC, meet the staff and learn about the resources available. Light refreshments will be served. There also will be prizes and drawings.

Registration is required for all programs. For more information, call 301-677-9014.

UMUC info sessionLearn all about University of

Maryland University College at an information session on Feb. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Army Education Center, 8601 Zimborski Ave.

Advisors will be available to discuss transfer credit and help you put together a degree plan. Bring transcripts.

You can apply, register for classes and find out how to maximize your education benefits.

The $50 application fee will be waived if you apply at the event. (The $100 application fee for Doctor of Management is not.)

For more information, call 301-621-9882.

Pre-K at West MeadeWest Meade Early Education Center is

accepting Pre-K applications beginning Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Children applying for pre-kindergarten must be 4 by Sept. 1.

Documentation of income eligibil-ity for Category 1 applicants is required when registering.

Discussion on marriageThe Exceptional Family Member

Program is sponsoring “Let’s Talk About Marriage: A Discussion” on Feb. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.

The discussion will focus on what is needed for a strong and healthy marriage.

The event is open to the community. Registration is required.

To register or for more information, call 301-677-4473 or email kelly.g.burger@us.army.mil.

Story TimeThe Medal of Honor Memorial Library

offers pre-kindergarten Story Time on Thursdays from 9:30 to 10 a.m. or 10:30 to 11 a.m.

• Today: “Ice is Nice” - a story time

NEWS & EVENTS EDUCATION

YOUTH

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil January 31, 2013 SOUNDOFF! 15

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 Feb. 17

Today & Friday: “Playing For Keeps” (PG-13). A former sports star who’s fallen on hard times starts coaching his son’s soccer team as a way to get his life together. His attempts to become an adult are met with challenges from the attrac-tive soccer moms who pursue him at every turn. With Gerard Butler, Jessica Biel, Uma Thurman, Dennis Quaid.

Saturday & Sunday: “Skyfall” (PG-13). James Bond must track down and destroy a mysterious threat to MI6. With Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris.

Wednesday & Feb. 9, 10: “The Hobbit: An Unex-pected Journey” (PG-13). Bilbo Baggins begins a journey to reclaim a stolen treasure. With Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage.

Feb. 7, 8: “This Is 40” (R). A husband and wife pursue ways to deal with their approaching middle age. With Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, John Lithgow.

Feb. 13, 16, 17: “Rise of the Guardians” (PG). An evil spirit schemes against the immortal Guard-ians (Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and the Sandman). Voices of Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law.

Feb. 14: “The Guilt Trip” (PG-13). An inventor and his mom hit the road together so he can sell his latest creation. With Barbra Streisand, Seth Rogen, Brett Cullen.

Feb. 15: “Jack Reacher” (PG-13). An investiga-tor (Tom Cruise) probes a random sniper attack. With Rosamund Pike and Robert Duvall.

focusing on penguins and polar bearsFor more information, call 301-677-5522

or 301-677-4509 or visit ftmeademwr.com.

Out & About• The Meade Area Garden Club is spon-

soring a bus trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show on March 4 from 8:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. This year’s theme is “Brilliant,” showcasing the culture and plants of Great Britain.

Cost, which includes bus fee and admis-sion, is $60 for members and $65 for non-members.

Reservations are required; payment must accompany the reservation. There are no refunds of the bus fee after Feb. 20.

Make your reservation with Bever-ly Durana at 7676 Ridge Chapel Road, Hanover, MD 21076, or call her at 410-551-2263.

• The Laurel Museum will feature the exhibit, “Stationed in Laurel: Our Civil War Story,” beginning Sunday until Dec. 22. Hours are Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. at 817 Main St. in Laurel.

The exhibit focus is on the Northern units serving at Laurel Station, an area that included the only rail line between Washing-ton, D.C., and the Northern states, and the war’s affect on the town.

For more information visit laurelhis-toricalsociety.org or contact the Laurel Museum at info@laurelhistoricalsociety.org or 301-725-7975.

• U.S. Naval Academy Wind Ensemble Concert Band will perform a free concert on Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. on the Severn campus of Annapolis Christian School at the Kerr Center for the Arts, 101 Buchanan Road. For more information, call 410-293-1262 or visit usna.edu/USNABand or facebook.com/USNABand.

• Celebrate Babe’s Birthday Bash, the 118th anniversary of the birth of Babe Ruth in Baltimore, on Feb. 8 and 9 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards, 301 W. Camden St., Baltimore.

The event includes admission to the museum’s galleries; unlimited ballpark-inspired food and beverages; a silent auction; appearances by local professional and amateur athletes; and free parking at Camden Yards.

Tickets cost $55 and are available by calling Whitney Edmonds at 410-727-1539 ext. 3033 or online at http://baberuthbash2013.ticketleap.com/buytickets/.

• Celebrate the Chinese New Year on Feb. 10 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Walters Art Museum 600 N. Charles St., Baltimore. In celebration of the Year of the Snake, events include a tour of snake attributes as seen in works of art at noon and 2:30 p.m.; a performance by the Baltimore Chinese School at 12:30 and 1:30 p.m.; and a presentation by the Johns Hopkins University Lion Dance Troupe at 1 and 2 p.m.

For more information, email avespoint@thewalters.org or call 410-547-9000 ext. 323.

• Leisure Travel Services is offering monthly bus trips to New York City on Feb. 9 and March 23, with discounts to attractions. Bus cost is $55. For more information, call 301-677-7354 or visit ftmeademwr.com.

• 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 Monday. For more information, call Rikki Ford, Parent Support coordinator, at 301-677-3617 or email rikki.l.ford.ctr@us.army.mil.

• Bully Proofing Support Group meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 1 to 2 p.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center. The next meeting is Tuesday. The group is geared for parents of children ages 5 to 12. For more information, call 301-677-5590.

• Monthly Prayer Breakfast, hosted by the Garrison Chaplain’s Office, is held the first Thursday of every month at 7 a.m. at The Conference Center. The next prayer breakfast is Feb. 7.

The guest speaker is retired Lt. Col. Richard H. Barnes, Association for Christian Conferences, Teaching, and Service staff member for Eastern and Central Europe.

There is no cost for the buffet; dona-tions are optional. For more informa-tion, call 301-677-6703 or email diana.l.durner.civ@mail.mil.

• 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 Feb. 7 in the banquet hall in back of the building. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. For more information, call 410-674-4000.

• 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 Feb. 8. 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.

• NARFE Chapter 1519 will meet Feb. 12 at 1 p.m. at Holy Trinity Parish Hall at 7436 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd., Glen Burnie. If the schools are closed, there will be no meeting. If the schools are delayed two hours, the meeting will be held as usual.

Guest speaker is CPA Jack Czarnecki, who will address issues concerning income tax filing for the year. The free event is open to family members and those contemplating membership.

For more information or to join, call Diane Shreves, publicity chairman, at 410-760-3750.

• Marriage Enrichment Group, sponsored by Army Community Service, meets the second and fourth Wednesday of every month from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. The next meeting will be Feb. 13. For more information, call Celena Flowers or Jessica Hobgood at 301-677-5590.

• Women’s Empowerment Group meets every Wednesday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. to provide a safe, confidential arena for the support, education and empowerment of women who have experienced past or present family violence.

Location is only disclosed to participants. To register, call Tina Gauth, victim advocate, at 301-677-4117 or Samantha Herring, victim advocate, at 301-677-4124.

• Meade Area Garden Club will meet Feb. 15 at 10 a.m. at the Jessup Community Hall at the corner of Route 175 and Wigley Avenue.

Master gardener and floral designer Anne Brooks will present the program “From Garden to Vase” on using and maintaining a cutting garden.

Those interested in the club may attend one program before being asked to join for the annual fee of $20. Meetings are canceled if Anne Arundel County public schools are closed or open late due to inclement weather.

For more information, call Pat Loosarian, membership chairman, at 410-519-6443 or Sharon Durney, club president, at 410-761-5019.

• Society of Military Widows meets for brunch the fourth Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Lanes. The next meeting is Feb. 24. For more information, call Betty Jones at 410-730-0127.

RECREATION

MEETINGS