Soundoff December 18, 2014

UPCOMING EVENTS TUESday, NOON:

Hanukkah Luncheon Celebration - Argonne Hills Chapel Center

dEC. 31, 5-8 P.M.:New Year’s Eve Family Party -

The Lanes

dEC. 31, 9 P.M.-1 a.M.:New Year’s Eve Prime Time Party -

The Lanes

JaN. 14, 11:30 a.M.-1 P.M.:Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Observance - McGill Training Center

PrOUd TO SErVEWorld War II veteran surprised to receive

long-awaited Bronze Starpage 3

TIME TO ShINEAnnual event spotlights

holiday tradition for Fort Meade community

page 12

Soundoff!́vol. 66 no. 50 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community December 18, 2014

photo by phil grout

Emma Barry, 3, of Gambrills gives Santa Claus a big hug during the annual “Breakfast with Santa” celebration Saturday morning at the Conference Center. For more photos, see Page 13.

embracing the holidays

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! December 18, 2014

Commander’s ColumnEditorial StaffGarrison Commander Col. Brian P. foleyGarrison Command Sgt. Maj. rodwell l. forbesPublic affairs officerChad t. Jones [email protected], Command informationPhilip H. Jones [email protected] dijon [email protected] Editor & Senior Writer rona S. Hirsch Staff Writer lisa r. rhodesStaff Writer Shari rosendesign Coordinator timothy davis Supplemental photography provided by the Baltimore Sun Media Group

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As we prepare to celebrate the winter holidays, we want to wish every member of our U.S. Army Installation Management Command family a joy-ous, blessed and safe season.

IMCOM is wrapping up a challenging year and looking forward to the challenges of next year.

The holidays are a time of celebration, family and renewal. Take this opportunity to nurture your own resiliency. We encourage you to make time for your family, to celebrate the season and to look forward to a prosperous new year.

A number of you will be traveling, and just a moment of inattention can turn a festive journey into a tragedy. Winter driving has its own set of hazards. Take time to prepare your car by clean-ing the headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows as often as necessary.

When in doubt, turn headlights on. Lights will not help you see better in early twilight, but they’ll make it easier for other drivers to see you. Being seen is as important as seeing.

Reduce speed and increase following distances in inclement weather. Judging other vehicles’ speeds and distances is more difficult at night. More tips can be found at https://www.osha.gov/Publications/SafeDriving.pdf.

The number of home fires tend to increase during the holiday season. Most “arts and crafts” Hanukkah menorahs made by children are not suitable for lighting and could burn.

Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Keep Christ-mas trees well watered. The National Fire Protection Asso-ciation offers additional tips at: www.nfpa.org/safety-infor-mation/for-con-sumers/holidays/christmas-tree -fires/christmas-tree-safety-tips.

It is the season for parties. Take the time to have fun, but moderation is the key. New Year’s Eve is notorious for drunk driving. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by staying alert. If you drink, leave the keys with a designated driver or call a taxi.

If you are hosting, provide alternative, nonal-coholic drinks. Remember, buzz driving is drunk driving. Don’t text and drive.

Visit the following website for more safety tips: army.mil/article/71393/New_Years_Eve_safety_tips/.

It has been a wonderful year!The command sergeant major and I are proud

to be part of this great team. We cannot express our gratitude for all that you do for our Soldiers, their families and our Army civilians.

Be safe this holiday season. We want you to return refreshed, resilient and whole.

Holiday safety message

Lt. Gen. DaviD HaLverson iMCoM Commander

Happy Holidays!The annual Soundoff!

Year in Review issue will be available

beginning Dec. 31.

Soundoff! will not publish the week

of Dec. 25 and will return to its normal

weekly schedule Jan. 8.

Cont ent sNews............................. 3 Sports..................................14

Religion........................ 19 Movies.................................18

Community................. 16 Classified.............................21

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil December 18, 2014 SOUNDOFF! �

News

photos by phil grout

Col. John J. Bonin, commander of the 902nd Military Intelligence Group commander, awards retired Sgt. Claude H. Phelps the Bronze Star Medal as his son John C. Phelps looks on. The 902nd MI “adopted” Phelps after he spoke at a unit town hall nine months ago.

By Shari RosenStaff Writer

Retired Sgt. Claude H. Phelps did not know he would receive the Bronze Star Medal for his service in World War II when he arrived at McGill Training Center Mon-day afternoon in his old dress uniform.

“[It’s] well deserved,” said Janet Haigley, Phelps’ niece. “He has waited a long time and he’s going to be surprised today because he doesn’t know that he’s getting it.”

During the 30-minute ceremony, the 94-year-old veteran was presented with the Bronze Star Medal, the fourth highest indi-vidual military award, as well as the Euro-pean-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.

“I really don’t know where to start,” Phelps said, tearing up during his acceptance speech. “There’s never been a time when I didn’t look to the military. As I look back on it, the war has brought out a lot of love and I am so proud that I lived this long.”

The 902nd Military Intelligence Group

‘Well deserving’WWII veteran retroactively

awarded Bronze Star

Dressed in his old Army dress uniform, retired Sgt. Claude H. Phelps, 94, is retroactively honored for his service on Utah Beach in France in 1944 with a Bronze Star Medal and with a European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal in a ceremony held Monday afternoon at McGill Training Center.

“adopted” Phelps after he was a guest speak-er at a town hall nine months ago, said Spc. Christian Stalvey, who processed the paper-work for the award.

Phelps has also attended several Veterans Day and change-of-command ceremonies and volunteer events on the installation.

“He’s well deserving of this because at that particular time, World War II Soldiers were issued infantry badges, but didn’t get the Bronze Star Medals they were entitled to,” Stalvey said.

To remedy the oversight, the 902nd MI filed the proper paperwork in order for Phelps to receive the Bronze Star Medal.

“This is clearly all the great work of the 902nd,” said Col. Yvette Hopkins, former commander of the 902nd MI.

Hopkins first met Phelps in 2007 at the home of a friend’s parents and the two devel-oped a friendship.

“I feel incredible love for him, as a Soldier, as a man and as a living legend,” Hopkins said. “He has been at every major military event in my career and I hope that I’ve been there for him. What’s most important is that he’s been there for Soldiers.”

The official citation awarded Phelps the honor for “meritorious achievement in active ground combat against the enemy while serving with Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 302nd Infantry Regiment, 94th Infantry Division on 8 September 1944 on Utah Beach, France.”

“Seventy years is a long time to wait for an award, [but] we know it’s never too late to recognize a Soldier’s contribution,” said Col. John J. Bonin, commander of the 902nd MI, in his opening remarks.

Retired Lt. Col. Alfred H.M. Shehab, who also served in World War II, attended the ceremony to honor Phelps for his service.

“I think it’s wonderful,” Shehab said. “It’s just an indication that the military recognizes its own and takes care of itself.”

Phelps’ family could not have been more pleased.

“We thought initially when all this came about that he would come down and some-body would hand him a medal and that would be the end of it,” said Phelps’ son John C. Phelps, a retired lieutenant with the State of Maryland Special Police. “This is overwhelming.”

Sgt. Claude H. Phelps and his daughter Laura are greeted moments before the World War II veteran was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.


News

Story and photo by Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

Communication problems in a marriage are the most common issues for service mem-bers who are clients of Lt. Robert Torrison, the family advocacy clinician at the Navy’s Fleet and Family Support Center.

Torrison, a licensed certified social worker, is responsible for receiving domestic vio-lence and child abuse cases and taking them through the Navy’s investigation and recom-mendation process.

He also provides service members and their families with individual, marriage and group counseling, as well as training on various topics such as relationships, stress, trauma and resiliency.

“I was assigned to the Fleet and Family Support Center as a regular duty rotation to fulfill an active-duty counselor billet,” Tor-rison said. “All Fleet and Family Support Centers provide counseling.”

Torrison works with Laurie Hanley and Freda Cruz, civilian social workers. Their primary client base is Navy, although they also serve other service members and DoD civilians who have access to Fort Meade.

The most common problems of Torrison’s clients, he said, are stress, anger, anxiety, sui-cidal thoughts and marital concerns.

“The most rewarding part of my job is the opportunity to help people in need; I like that,” Torrison said. “The most challenging

Fleet and Family Support Center offers counseling

Lt. Robert Torrison is the family advocacy clinician at the Navy’s Fleet and Family Support Center. A licensed certified social worker, Torrison takes domestic violence and child abuse cases through the Navy’s investigation process and also provides counseling to service members and DoD civilians for mental health concerns.

part is not knowing if the overall outcome for people [will be] good.”

At this time of year, mental health profes-sionals notice that people become depressed

— a condition most commonly called “the winter blues.”

“There are many factors that contribute to people having a depressed mood this time of

year,” Torrison said. “Some of these factors include financial and family issues. People can face increased anxiety and stress due to the financial burden of buying presents or being unable to buy presents; dealing with more family or the loss of family from divorce or a change-of-duty station.

“The weather can also cause an increase in depressed mood with less light throughout the day, as well as coming into and leaving work in the dark.”

Torrison said that symptoms of the winter blues include the development of insomnia or an increase in sleep, changes in eating habits, changes in mood such as irritability or sadness, withdrawal from others and loss of enjoyment in activities.

“People do better if they open up,” Tor-rison said. “If they can talk to a trusted friend or family member, they may be able to beat the blues. Sometimes this isn’t enough, and the individual needs to seek out professional help from their service branch. They can also come out to the civilian community to seek professional help.”

Treatment for winter blues varies, he said, ranging from frequent attempts at socializa-tion and engagement with family to counsel-ing.

Editor’s note: To schedule an appointment with a counselor at the Navy Fleet and Family Support Center, located at 2212 Chisholm Ave., call 301-677-9014.


With the holidays rapidly approaching, Fort Meade’s Directorate of Emergency Services Criminal Investigation Division wants to provide the community with tips to make this shopping season safe.

“I think people are getting so caught up in the holiday spirit that they’re forgetting that there are still people out there who are going to commit crimes,” said Baylee Mixson, military police investigator.

Mixson said that in order to avoid becoming a victim of larceny, shoppers need to pay attention to where they leave their money. Much of the time, women will leave their purses in the shopping cart, Mixson said, giving criminals the opportunity to grab money while the shopper is busy browsing for gifts.

“Carry a cross-body [handbag and] wear it in the front,” said military police investigator Cassandra Gonzalez. “Use cards and cash, but don’t carry too much cash to where you can make yourself a target. Separate the cash in your purse, so when you pull out [money], you’re not pulling out a big wad.”

Shoppers can also avoid becoming the target of criminals

by making sure they do not carry multiple large bags at once.

“If you notice you have too many bags, go put some away,” Gonzalez said. “Then, get more bags [and] continue your shopping.”

Both Mixson and Gonzalez stress the importance of locking up personal property, especially one’s automobile. Shoppers should not leave items visible in their vehicles, Gonzalez said. If necessary, they should put their purchases in the trunk where they will not be visible to criminals.

The investigative team also noted a recent increase in juvenile crime, such as bicycle theft, across the installation. Youths have more time to commit crimes around the holiday season, Mixson said, when they are off from school and lack adult supervision.

“I think the main thing is to be aware of your surround-ings,” Mixson said. “As long as you’re cognizant of what’s going on around you, it’s going to be that much easier to control the situation, to control becoming a victim of any crime.”

Editor’s note: For more information on holiday crime pre-vention, contact the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services Criminal Investigation Division at 301-677-1682.

DES urges holiday shoppers to beware of lurking crooks


News


Although 2-year-old Haley Cueva was too shy to say what she wants for Christ-mas, she unabashedly helped herself to a sugar cookie, while her mother Sgt. Corina Cueva tried to distract her from seeing her presents.

“We’re so lucky because we actually got picked,” said Jose Cueva, Haley’s father, while he stood in line waiting to get Haley’s gifts wrapped. “We didn’t think we were going to get picked at all, but it’s a great experience. It’s nice.”

Haley was one of more than 550 Fort Meade children selected for Project USO Elf, which aims to assist the families of junior enlisted service members by pro-viding them with holiday gifts for their children.

For three hours on Dec. 10, more than 25 Project USO Elf Distribution day volunteers greeted service members, served holiday sweets, and distributed and wrapped presents in the McGill Training Center ballroom.

“[Service members] continue to say how much they appreciate the time that we put into wrapping their gifts, but really we appreciate what they do every day at work,” said three-year volunteer gift-wrap-per Erica Walker, whose fiancée works for Alliant Techsystems Inc. (ATK), one of the event’s sponsors.

The program was organized by USO-Metro in association with two other corpo-rate sponsors: DynCorp and SpouseLink.

Project USO Elf unwraps holiday cheer

Photo by Steve ellmore

Brittany Brower is one of several volunteers who wrapped gifts during the annual Project USO Elf Distribution day held Dec. 10 at McGill Training Center. Volunteers also hung Christmas decorations throughout the ballroom and assisted parents as they arrived to pick up gifts for their children. More than 550 Fort Meade children received gifts during the annual event.

“Registration for the program went live at the beginning of October,” said Shan-non Rush, USO-Metro program specialist and co-coordinator of the event. “The pro-gram is for lower enlisted, E5 and below, to make sure we’re really reaching those who need the assistance. Then, partway

through the year, we opened [the program] up to other service members.”

Rush said service members are matched up with corporate sponsors who will pur-chase the gifts.

“I think it’s great they’re doing this,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Quay

of the 94th Intelligence Squadron, whose three children were chosen for the pro-gram. “A lot of military families have trouble getting their finances in order, especially around the holidays, so it’s nice to have the extra help.”

Sponsors are given the child’s first name, gender, age, shirt size, pants size and toy wish list. Sponsors spend $50 or purchase a minimum of two gifts, Rush said.

“Sponsors get these wish lists and they do all the shopping for it,” Rush said. “They get all the fun of hitting sales and buying the gifts.”

Project USO Elf organized a gift drop-off event Dec. 8 so that volunteers would have time to package the gifts.

“It’s a real nice community-building event,” said Laura A. Dexter-Mooty, Fort Meade USO Center specialist and co-coor-dinator of the event. “We have a very large installation. There’s a number of military families who live here. This is a high cost of living area, so this is something that enhances their Christmas on Christmas morning.”

While service members waited in line to receive their gifts, volunteer Bryan Kid-der, director of communications for ATK Defense Group, offered them hot cocoa and holiday cookies.

“I think it’s wonderful,” Kidder said. “It’s a great opportunity for folks to be able to give back to the community. There are a lot of folks here who are excited about the gifts they are receiving, so it’s a very worthwhile event.”

By Alison CucciaProgram Evaluator, Public Health Command

The holidays can be a time of great celebration, gratitude and joy. While it is important to appreciate and enjoy good fortunes, the holiday season can also have a negative effect on health.

High stress levels, lack of sleep and physical activity, and the overabundance of unhealthy food and alcohol often overpower us during this time, and can lead to negative health effects down the road.

In order to remain ready and resilient, Soldiers, family members and civilians should aim to enjoy the holiday season while maintaining their health and well-being.

Military families often face added anxiety from worrying about loved ones on deployment this time of year. Even traditions that are meant to bring joy can feel stressful, chaotic and lonely to Soldiers and their families.

Many people do not realize the physical toll that stress can take on the body. People with high levels of stress are

more likely to use tobacco and eat unhealthy foods. These choices can lead to diseases such as cancer, obesity and other chronic diseases.

While some stressors during the holiday season may not be avoidable, there are ways to minimize your level of stress and, in turn, improve health. First, it is important to acknowledge when you are feeling stressed. Talk with a support network about your feelings as it may help ease your burden.

Recognize activities that re-energize you, and schedule time for those important activities. Whether it is reading, running, yoga, watching TV or spending time with friends, these activities can help you remain balanced and happy during this busy time.

Exercise has proven to be an extremely effective stress reliever. Make exercise a priority during this time to help improve stress levels and to offset holiday weight gain.

Holiday weight gain is extremely common in the U.S. The National Institutes of Health conducted a study dem-

onstrating that Americans gain significant weight between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, and have a difficult time losing weight gained over the year.

An easy way to avoid overconsumption at a holiday event is to eat before the party. It is easier to avoid consuming large amounts of unhealthy food when your stomach is already full with a balanced meal.

It’s also useful to use the smallest plates available when getting food. Studies have shown that individuals who use smaller plates eat fewer calories and still feel satisfied.

Remember, you can always bring a healthy dish to a holiday party. You may be surprised at how many people are grateful for a healthy option.

Enjoy your holidays, but do not allow the season to derail your health. As always, remember that modera-tion is the key to a balanced lifestyle. It can help you remain happy and healthy during this holiday season and beyond.

Staying healthy during the holiday season


News

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

When Master Sgt. Marva Lewis was selected as lead vocalist for the U.S. Army Field Band’s Jazz Ambassadors in September 1999, she made a promise to herself.

“I’m just going to enjoy it. I’m going to have fun,” Lewis recalled. “I humbly receive this job and I’m so happy to do it.”

For the past 15 years, Lewis has enter-tained the Fort Meade community and audiences across the country leading the Jazz Ambassadors, the Army’s offi-cial touring big band. The 19-member ensemble, formed in 1969, has received great acclaim both at home and abroad performing America’s original art form, jazz.

The band’s diverse repertoire includes big-band swing, bebop, Latin, contempo-rary jazz, jazz standards, popular tunes, Dixieland, vocals and patriotic music, according to the Field Band’s website.

“Performing for the Fort Meade com-munity is always rewarding,” Lewis said. “It allows us to perform in our own backyard.”

During the Field Band’s annual Sum-mer Concert Series, Lewis is known for her renditions of songs by jazz stylist Nancy Wilson.

“Master Sergeant Lewis has a very powerful voice, but she can also present the most subtle nuances when neces-sary for the music,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 William McCulloch, former conductor and commander of the Jazz Ambassadors. “She connects the audi-ence to the band through her choice of repertoire — a little bit from every era.

“Audiences love her and flock around her after each show to share their excite-ment about the program.”

A native of Denison, Texas, Lewis was born into a family that loves music. Her father listened to jazz, rhythm and blues, Motown and country.

“Music was always in the air — music lovers, but no musicians,” she said.

Lewis, who grew up singing in the Mount Olive Baptist Church in her hometown, joined the choir when she was just 4 years old.

“I know that sounds young, but I grew up in a church family in a smaill town where the phrase, ‘it takes a vil-lage to raise a child,’ truly existed,” she said. “No one sings in my family, so my voice was considered a gift. If someone noticed you had any gift, the church was our platform which allowed our gifts to flourish. I used my voice to lift up the name of Jesus.”

Although she sang as a child, Lewis struggled singing in front of people.

“My grandmother told me not to look at the people, just close my eyes or look at her,” Lewis said. “There were many times when I had my eyes closed and I would forget the words to the song. I think I still have that problem.”

On the weekends, Lewis said, she would sing out loud to the radio while visiting her grandmother.

Lewis has no formal music training, but earned a partial scholarship after auditioning for the A Cappella Choir at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. She graduated with a degree in business administration and a minor in hotel management.

In 1989, she joined the Army to use the GI Bill to further her education.

“My plan was to complete one tour of duty, get out and get my M.B.A.,” Lewis said.

Lewis was assigned to the 1st Calvary Division at Fort Hood, Texas, as a petro-leum supply specialist. She later deployed during the Gulf War and later assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division at Camp Casey in Korea.

While serving in Korea, Lewis sang karaoke at a unit party for noncommis-sioned officers. A representative from the installation’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation division heard her sing and passed her name to Col. Larry Fulbright, the installation commander.

When Fulbright heard Lewis sing at another occasion, Lewis said he told her “you would better serve the military with your voice.” Lewis then accepted a position with MWR singing at Army installations throughout Korea.

In 1993, she returned to the U.S. to per-form with the Soldier Show and toured Europe and Panama for six months.

Small-town Texas girl with big-time voice

leads Jazz Ambassadors

A year later, she returned to the Sol-dier Show and then served with the 1st Calvary Division Band under the tute-lage of Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kevin Laird.

Laird told Lewis about an opening for a vocalist with the Jazz Knights of the U.S. Military Academy Band at West Point. Lewis auditioned and was selected. Four years later she auditioned for the Jazz Ambassadors.

“I consider myself a music lover instead of a musician,” Lewis said. “I have an eclectic taste in music. I believe you need that to be any kind of musician in the diverse military we represent.”

Lewis enjoys music by Sarah Vaughn,

Carmen McRae, Shirley Horn, Nancy Wilson, Gladys Knight, Bonnie Raitt, Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand, Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, Erika Badu and India Arie — just to name a few.

“I’m still amazed at the fact that I get to do what I love in front of a band that I love and respect every day,” Lewis said. “I am humbled every time I proudly stand before this band, knowing who I represent.

“I represent those Soldiers who live their lives, dropping the A and B bags, not knowing if or when they will return to their families. That firsthand experi-ence keeps me grounded, proud to wear the uniform and honored to serve.”

file photo

Master Sgt. Marva Lewis is the lead vocalist for the U.S. Army Field Band’s Jazz Ambassadors. The Texas native, who has performed with the Field Band for 15 years, is known for her renditions of songs by jazz stylist Nancy Wilson.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! December 18, 2014

News

By Capt. Shaun M. BagleyFort Meade Fire Department

The National Safety Council and Fort Meade Fire and Emergency Services offer these suggestions to help make your holi-day season safe.

DecoratingDecorating the Christmas tree is a favorite

part of the holiday, but a real tree can also pose a fire hazard. Each year, more than 400 residential fires involve Christmas trees.

Try to select a fresh tree by looking for one that is green. The needles of pines and spruces should bend and not break and should be hard to pull off the branches.

On fir species, a needle pulled from a fresh tree will snap when bent, much like a fresh car-rot. Also, look for a trunk sticky with sap.

When displaying a natural tree, cut about 2 inches off the trunk and place the tree in a sturdy, water-holding stand. Keep the tree well watered so it does not dry out quickly. Dry branches can catch fire from the heat of light bulbs.

If you use an artificial tree, choose one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant.

Place your tree away from fireplaces, radia-tors and other heat sources. Make sure the tree does not block foot traffic or doorways.

Use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord. Only use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors. Look for the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) printed on the product.

Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Replace or repair any damaged light sets. Do not run cords under rugs.

Turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house.

When putting up holiday decorations, always use the proper step stool or ladder. Don’t stand on chairs or other furniture.

Wear gloves while decorating with spun glass known as “angel hair.” It can irritate your eyes and skin. A common substitute is nonflammable cotton.

When spraying artificial snow on win-dows or other surfaces, follow directions care-fully. These sprays can irritate your lungs if inhaled.

Never use lit candles near trees, boughs, curtains or with any flammable item. Candles should not be left unattended.

Don’t burn trees, wreaths or wrapping paper in the fireplace.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends checking and cleaning the chim-ney and fireplace area at least once a year.

Gifts Be especially careful when choosing

toys for infants or small children. Avoid toys with small parts that can be pulled or broken off or prove to be a choking hazard.

Be aware of dangers associated with coin lithium batteries.

Select gifts for older adults that are not heavy or awkward to handle.

Cooking• Do not wear loose-fitting clothing

when cooking, as they are easy targets to catch on fire.

• Always turn pan handles in to prevent food spills.

• Keep pot holders and towels away from the stove.

• Replace old or frayed electrical cords on your appliances.

• Never leave your cooking unattend-ed.

• If a fire should occur on the stove, slide a pan lid over the flames and turn off the heat.

• If a fire should occur in the oven, keep the oven door closed and turn off the heat to smother the fire.

• Always keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Make sure it is kept in an acces-sible place away from the stove and oven.

• If the fire does not go out quickly, use your escape plan and call the fire depart-ment immediately.

A popular way to cook is to use a deep fryer. Be careful with this method as it can be dangerous. In deep frying, the oil is heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Cooking oil is combustible. If it is heated above its cooking temperature, its vapors can ignite.

• Propane-fired turkey fryers must be used outdoors and, per post fire regula-tions, be 10 feet or more from the build-ing.

• Ensure that the turkey is thawed completely before placing it in the fryer. A partially thawed turkey will cause the oil to splatter, causing burns.

• If it is raining or snowing outside, be careful. The rain or snow hitting the hot cooking oil may splatter or turn to steam, also causing burns.

Stay safe and sound while celebrating this holiday season.

Holiday safety tips

The military friendly and military advanced education seals aremore than a distinction. Anne Arundel Community College offerscomprehensive resources and financial benefits to veterans, active dutymembers of the military and dependents.

AAAC’s short winter term makes taking a class more convenient thanever. Nearly 75 percent of the winter courses offered are online to fityour busy schedule.

Contact our military advising team at the AACC FortMeade Army Education Center to register, apply forfinancial aid and receive free advice.

LEARN ABOUT:» How to earn college credit for military experience.

» Opportunities for spouses and dependents toreceive up to $4,000 in financial assistance.

» Scholarship programs and interest-freetuition payments.

» Winter and spring classes.

» Transfer options that allow you to completea four-year degree.

Active military and civilians with DOD clearanceare both welcome.

Fort Meade Army Education Center8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Thursday;8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Friday

Advising hours:9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday andWednesdayor call 410-672-2117

Claudia Velazquez, Coordinator of College Services

Getting the right education answersshouldn’t be a hostile encounter.

www.aacc.edu/military

WINTER SESSIONS BEGIN DEC. 22 AND JAN. 5

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil December 18, 2014 SOUNDOFF! 11

News


As Rabbi Levi Finkelstein prepared for the start of Hanukkah, he said the focus of the festive Jewish holiday should be on spiritual reflection.

“Hanukkah is a day of reflection,” said Finkelstein, who leads the weekly “Lunch with the Rabbi” Tuesdays at noon at Argonne Hills Chapel Center. “It is a time where we reflect, we think about our his-tory, we think about studying Torah.”

The eight-day holiday, which began Tuesday at nightfall, ends Dec. 24.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem in 164 B.C. fol-lowing the Jewish Maccabees’ victory over the oppressive Syrian-Greek rule, which forbade the practice of Judaism.

The Maccabees cleansed the Temple of idols and found one small jar of pure olive oil. The amount of oil was only enough to light the menorah, or candelabra that stood in the Temple, for just one day.

However, the miracle that Jews com-memorate is that this little bit of oil lasted for eight days until more oil could be obtained.

To observe the holiday, Jews light their own menorahs, lighting one additional candle each successive night until all eight candles are lit, in addition to the shamash (the “attendant” candle used to light the others).

“We light the candles by the window and by lighting by the window, [we] pub-licize the miracle that happened, that the Jews were saved during that time,” Finkel-stein said.

The holiday is also celebrated by eating foods fried in oil such as latkes, or potato pancakes, and sufganiyot, or jelly donuts. Festivities may include the exchange of gifts and playing dreidel — a wooden spin-ning top with a different Hebrew letter on each side that form the acronym: “A great miracle happened there.”

Many people also celebrate with a party.

Hanukkah lights up for eight nights

“The presents are not part of Hanuk-kah, but I do enjoy a little Hanukkah party,” Finkelstein said. “We have a family party [and] a party here at the installa-tion.”

A Hanukkah luncheon will be held

Tuesday at noon at Argonne Hills Chapel Center. The rabbi welcomes guests of all religions.

“Everyone celebrates the holidays,” Finkelstein said. “They can come; they can observe; they can ask questions.”

The shamash, or “attendant” candle, of the Hanukkah menorah is used to light the other candles every night, one of the many traditions of the eight-day holiday. Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights.

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NearFort

Meade!

On the lookout

the Directorate of Emergency Servic-es is actively work-ing to keep neigh-borhoods safe.

Families resid-ing on post should remember to ensure that windows and doors to homes, cars and garages are locked regardless of time of day.

although the crime rate in mili-tary housing is lower than off post, it is important to remember that Fort Meade is not immune to crime. to protect your family and belongings, remember to take an active role in deterring crime.

Remain aware of your sur-roundings and immediately report any suspicious activity to the Fort Meade police at 301-677-6622 or 6623.


News

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

Fort Meade families braved the cold on Friday evening to attend the garrison’s annual tree lighting ceremony at the gazebo on McGlachlin Parade Field.

The hourlong event, which drew more than 200 people, is a tradition for the Fort Meade community.

“We always come,” said Rosa McLean, a Hanover resident who attended with her

husband, Ron, and 5-year-old son Ryan. “We like the festivities and we come to see Santa.”

Sponsored by the Religious Support Office, the event featured Christmas music, refreshments and a visit from Santa Claus.

“Our prayer in this effort is that it facilitates an opportunity for our commu-nity to stop just long enough to recognize the reason for the season in a way that

Tree lighting ceremony celebrates holiday spiritenhances the traditions our service mem-bers and civilians are creating for their families,” said Chaplain (Maj.) James Covey, the garrison’s Family Life chaplain and project officer for the event.

“That’s not an easy task to accomplish, given the material nature of the holidays, but I think we succeeded,” he said.

The ceremony began with a musical prelude by the U.S. Army Field Band’s Federal Brass Instrumentalists ensemble.

Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Rodwell L. Forbes led the audience in render-ing honors to the garrison flag. Covey then greeted the crowd, followed by the invocation by Garrison Chaplain (Col.) Warren Kirby.

The Meade High School French club sang a French rendition of “Jingle Bells,” while the choirs of Fort Meade’s Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts troops performed a medley of Christmas carols.

Before the official tree lighting, chap-lain assistants from RSO lit the candles held by audience members while Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley made his way to the gazebo to share a holiday message.

Foley wished the Fort Meade com-munity a safe and happy holiday and thanked service members and personnel for their dedication throughout the year.

Covey led the crowd in counting down

from 10 as Foley and Jimmy Bention, 9, a student at Seven Oaks Elementary School, flipped the electric switch at the gazebo. The tree, which stood several feet away and dominated the parade field, lit up in bright lights.

The Federal Brass Instrumentalists played “Silent Night” while the crowd sang along.

Several seconds later, a fire truck with flashing lights drove down English Avenue carrying Santa Claus. Santa made his way down the truck ladder to the field, then shook hands and hugged children before taking a seat in front of the Christmas tree for photographs.

As families visited with Santa, they sipped hot chocolate and ate holiday cookies provided by RSO. The Federal Brass Instrumentalists continued to play Christmas songs throughout the evening.

Sgt. William Martinelli and his wife, Elyssa, said they attend every year as a way of spending quality time together during the holiday.

Jordan, their 9-year-old son, eagerly waited to see Santa.

“I like that you get presents and you get to play,” he said about Christmas.

Elyssa Martinelli said the ceremony underscores the true meaning of the tree lighting.

“We come out just to have some holi-day spirit,” she said.

The lighting of the

Christmas tree is

sponsored by the Fort

Meade Religious

Support Office. The

hourlong event

featured holiday music,

refreshments and a visit

from Santa.

photos by daniel kucin JR.

Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley and 9-year-old Jimmy Bention, a student at Seven Oaks Elementary School, flip the switch to light the Christmas tree at Fort Meade’s annual tree lighting ceremony Friday evening at McGlachlin Parade Field.


News

‘breakfast with santa claus’

TOP LEFT: Santa welcomes 6-year-old twins Daniel and Eliana Pringle of Seven Oaks with open arms Saturday morning.

TOP RIGHT: Peyton James, 5, of Odenton shares her Christmas list with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the annual “Breakfast with Santa” at the Conference Center. The event included an array of breakfast foods such as an omelet station and hot chocolate bar.

LEFT: Mrs. Claus reads a Christmas story to children during the annual event. Children also created crafts with elves at Santa’s workshop.

RIGHT: Emma Barry, 3, of Gambrills waits anxiously for the stocking of candy she is about to receive at the event.

photos by phil grout


SportS


Retired Navy Capt. John “Jack” Cis-triano attended the 115th Army-Navy Game with his daughter, convinced Navy would easily defeat Army for its 13th straight win.

“[I look forward to] Navy beating Army, of course,” said his daughter Gina Mag-gard, echoing her father.

Cistriano’s prediction was correct, with the Midshipmen defeating the Black Knights 17-10 Saturday afternoon at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

“It’s something that for us, it’s our Super Bowl,” said John Hancock, retired Air Force and senior communications manager for the United Services Automo-bile Association, the event sponsor. “We like to think of it as the Super Bowl for the Army and Navy.”

In addition to the traditional service rivalry, the 70,935 event attendees also enjoyed military-themed informational booths prior to kickoff.

Some of these stations included USAA’s virtual field goal game, Army tank explo-ration, and a question-and-answer ses-sion and demonstration by members of Fort Meade’s 2nd Military Working Dog Detachment.

“We get a lot of interactions from the individuals coming by,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Citrullo, an MWD handler. “We get a lot of questions. We talk to them about everything that we do [in terms of training the dogs].

“Being down here with our younger Soldiers is really good, a change of pace from everyday work.”

Despite the cold weather, Staff Sgt. David Harrison was also happy to stand outside the stadium, fielding questions and allowing visitors to meet the dogs.

“We’ve had some people come in here and interact with the dogs a little bit,” said Harrison, noncommissioned officer in charge of MWD Plans. “We couldn’t have asked for anything better, to be honest. It’s cold, but not too cold.”

The Fort Meade service members also received tickets to the game.

“We actually get to go into the game afterwards, so that’s great,” Citrullo said.

Other pregame highlights featured five members from the Army and Navy para-chute teams — the Golden Knights and Leap Frogs — parachuting into the sta-dium before the coin toss, and the perfor-mance of the national anthem by the West Point and Naval Academy glee clubs

Navy sails to victory in 115th Army-Navy Game

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel con-ducted the coin toss.

During the game, a large group of Sailors twirled their hats to distract Army whenever the Black Knights were close to scoring.

To recap the game, Navy beat Army 17-10. Highlights included Army scoring the first points of the game off a punt blocked by Josh Jenkins, making it the first time since 2009 that Army scored before Navy.

The win was also a milestone for Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo who collected victory No. 56 — more than any other coach in the 133 years of football at the Naval Academy.

Navy finished the season with a 7-5 record and moves on to the Poinsettia Bowl on Dec. 23 to play San Diego State.

Army finished the season with a 4-8 record.

photos by daniel kucin jr.

West Point cadets cheer during the 115th Army-Navy Game held Saturday afternoon at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. Navy defeated Army 17-10, securing its 13-year winning streak.

Army Black Knights’ running back Larry Dixon runs by Navy defensive end Paul Quessenberry during the Army-Navy Game. Army scored the first points of the game, making it the first time Army scored before Navy since 2009.


SportS

It’s the last paper before the holiday hiatus, and in the spirit of the season, I have a lot to be thankful for.

For one, the Tigers traded for Yoenis Cespedes and his 20 home runs, 100 RBIs and rifle right arm. bit.ly/1AD8spo

If that wasn’t enough, Dez Bryant just caught another touchdown on the Phila-delphia Eagles. bit.ly/13vakq2

More than those things, or even that Casa de Jones went green with free solar panels, I’m good because my family loves me.

The weeks leading up to the holidays are always fun at work, especially if your charge is to be the public face for the most private installation in America: The Nation’s Center of Information, Intelligence and Cyber Operations, Fort Meade, Md. That’s because you get to go to parties and eat and mingle. In fact, last week I was out three nights spreading Fort Meade’s message and cheer.

The only downside to all that fun and the comp time is that by last Thursday night, I was missing my family a bit, and apparently, they were missing me too.

“Daddy, I really miss spending time with you,” YDJ told me when I checked on him Thursday night.

Maybe it was his tired, gentle voice, or how the words rolled off his tongue without a hint of sarcasm. But it was both the most heart-breaking and rewarding statement I’d heard in a while, and I made a promise to spend as much time with him as I could, “starting tomorrow.”

Fortunately, YDJ’s idea of a perfect father-son weekend is similar to mine: watch sports and wrestle. Sure we mixed in some reading and picking up, and other family activities like vacuuming while watching football. But it’s safe to say I fulfilled my promise.

However, it wasn’t until Tuesday after-noon that I started to realize, or even con-template, how fortunate I am for being able to fulfill that promise.

Like any good DINFOS-trained kill-

er working in today’s media environment, I was trolling Face-book (another perk of the job), when a friend posted a non-sense link about how supporting service members is somehow bad for democracy.

Normally I do not trouble myself with such garbage other than to hope whoever wrote it takes a big bite out of a freshly grilled, fromunda cheese sandwich.

But for some reason, when I saw the headline Tuesday and the picture of an Army cadet throwing his hat in the air after graduation, my mind went to YDJ.

Right now there are a lot of children on Fort Meade and around the country who really miss spending time with their parents. But unlike my son, they won’t get to spend tomorrow with their dad watch-ing sports. Their tomorrow may not come for six, eight or even 10 months. It may not come at all.

That’s because there are thousands of parents who will not be home for the holi-days. Instead, they will be sending their seasons’ greetings via telephone or VTC.

As someone who has spent a few holi-days deployed, I understand being away from loved ones is part of the gig. And not for nothing, it can even be fun.

But the point of this isn’t why one sacrifices, or whether they enjoy it or not. The point is there are people — service members in particular — who are mak-ing their child wait for their tomorrow so mine doesn’t have to.

And that is certainly something to be thankful for.

If you have comments on this or any-thing to do with sports, contact me at [email protected] or hit me up on Twit-ter @CTJibber.

Starting tomorrow

Chad T. Jones, Public Affairs

Officer

Jibber Jabber - OpiniOn

photos by senior airman kel rapisora

John Sckotnicki, U.S. Special Operations Command, runs in the Reindeer 5k Run and 1-Mile Walk accompanied by Ryan, 7, and 4-year-old Bradley in the stroller. This was the last run in Fort Meade’s Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s 2014 Run Series.

Overall Winners1. Alex Loper - 17:21

2. Alex Bucholz - 17:453. Bukhari Salaam - 18:31

Top Males1. Raffaele Simpson - 18:392. Jeff Radgowski - 18:56

3. Kyle Melvin - 19:26

Top Females1. Adrienne Davidson - 21:06

2. Dee Bucholz - 21:243. Erica Caballero - 22:10

Stroller Division1. Cynthia Vissers - 33:49

2. Liz daRosa - 40:24

Reindeer Run 5K Run & 1-Mile Walk Results

Linda Johnson, a military spouse who lives in Severn, dons reindeer ears for Fort Meade’s Reindeer 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk held Saturday morning outside Murphy Field House.

For all your varsity and intramural sports schedules, scores and standings, visit

www.quickscores.com/ftmeadesports.


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 [email protected] or call Editor Dijon Rolle at 301-677-6806.

Federal holiday reminderAll federal departments and agencies

will close Dec. 26 in accordance with an executive order issued by President Barack Obama.

The executive order excuses all executive branch employees from duty with pay and without leave.

Exceptions may be made for “reasons of national security, defense or public need.”

CYSS holiday closingDue to the federal holiday, all Child,

Youth and School Services programs will close Dec. 26 in accordance with the executive order issued by President Barack Obama.

Parent Central Services is prepared to assist patrons who may need alternate child care arrangements.

For more information, call Parent Central Services at 301-677-1149/1156/1104.

Claims Division closureThe Staff Judge Advocate Claims

Division will close Wednesday at noon and reopen Dec. 29.

For more information, call 301-677-9960.

Tax Center needs volunteers

The Fort Meade Office of the Staff Judge Advocate is seeking full-time and part-time volunteers to work as tax preparers or administrative personnel at the Joint Installation Tax Center from January through April.

No tax experience necessary. All required training will be provided and conducted on Fort Meade Jan. 5-9.

This is an opportunity to support your community by providing free

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

Access Gates on Fort Meade

Gate 1: Rockenbach Road5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

weekends and holidays

Gate 3: Reece Road and Maryland Route 175

(Demps Visitor Control Center gate) 24-hour access

Demps Visitor Control Center, Bldg. 902 Reece Road7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,

Monday through Friday

Gate 4: Mapes Road and Maryland Route 1755:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.,

Monday through Friday; closed weekends and holidays

Gate 5: 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: Mapes Road and Route 32

5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday;

9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends and holidays

NEWS & EVENTS

file photo

MLK Day ObservanceThe 780th Military Intelligence Brigade and the garrison command are

hosting Fort Meade’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance Jan. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McGill Training Center, 8542 Zimborski Ave.

The annual event will feature stories of the civil rights struggle as told by Bill Grimmette, a history interpreter, actor, storyteller, motivational speaker and author.

Col. William J. Hartman, commanding officer of the 780th MI, will give opening remarks.

Admission is free and open to the public.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 Sgt. 1st Class Andrea Williams, Equal Opportunity advisor for the 789th MI, at 301-677-4474 or Sgt. 1st Class Torey Palmore, Fort Meade’s Equal Opportunity advisor, at 301-677-6687.

electronic filing of federal and state income tax returns for service members, retirees and dependents from all military branches.

For more information, email Capt. Sage Boyd, the Tax Center officer-in-charge, at [email protected] or call 301-677-9755.

Kimbrough holiday closures

Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center will be closed the following holidays and training days:

• Dec. 25: Christmas• Dec. 26: Training holiday• Jan. 1: New Year’s Day• Jan. 2: Training holiday• Jan. 16: Training holiday• Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Jr. DayTo reach Nurse Advice or Urgent Care

during closures, call 301-677-8800.

Holiday wellness challengeNeed motivation to stay on track during

the holidays?Join the Army Wellness Center’s Holiday

Challenge to stay on track and enter to win a prize.

The challenge ends Jan. 30.Rules for participation:• Schedule an appointment with AWC at

4418 Llewellyn Ave.• Visit the AWC for a follow-up and

show us progress towards your goals.• Double your chances of winning —

visit the AWC for a third appointment.For more information, call 301-677-2006.

Financial, Employment Readiness

Army Community Service offers

EDUCATION


Community news & notes

Financial Readiness classes to all ranks and services and to DoD civilian employees at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.

Registration is required for each class.• First-Term Financial Readiness

(online): Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Employment Readiness:To register or for more information,

call 301-677-5590 or go to fortmeadeacs.checkappointments.com.

Free classesThe Navy Fleet and Family Support

Center offers a variety of classes at its new facility at 2212 Chisholm Ave.

The free classes are open to DoD ID cardholders including active-duty service members, retirees and their family members, DoD civilian employees and contractors.

Registration is required for each class.• Meet & Greet: Today, 5-7 p.m.Event features friendship, food, prizes

and information about Fort Meade and Maryland.

To register or for more information, call 301-677-9017 or 301-677-9018.

Out & About• “Christmas for Kids” will be

presented Saturday at 11 a.m. at Goucher College, 1021 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson. The holiday program will feature Pepito the Clown, Music Director Tom Hall and the Chorus, and Santa.

Cost is $13. Parking is free. For more information, call 410-337-6360 or go to baltimorechoralarts.org.

• “The Nutcracker” will be performed Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave., Baltimore.

BSA & TWIGS dancers will perform “The Nutcracker” for the third year with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

Cost is $30-$75. For tickets, go to ticketmaster.com or the Lyric’s Box Office. For more information, call 410-900-1150 or go to bsfa.org.

• Christmas Village in Baltimore is open through Wednesday at West Shore Park, 501 Light St., Baltimore. Hours are Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is free weekdays. Admission on Saturday and Sunday costs $5 for ages 19 and older, and $3 for ages 3-18.

Enjoy an authentic German Christmas market with daily performances of local choirs and bands and themed weekend events.

The huge, heated festival tent and outdoor wooden booths around the Christmas tree feature 45 vendors with arts and crafts from all over the world. The Bavarian beer garden features German delicacies including bratwurst, pretzels, lebkuchen (gingerbread), mulled wine and German beer.

For more information, go to baltimore-christmas.com.

• The new ice rink at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is open daily and holidays through Jan. 19 at McKeldin Plaza, 101 E. Pratt St.

Hours are: Monday, noon to 6 p.m.; Tuesday to Thursday, noon to 8 p.m.; Friday, noon to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Holiday hours: Christmas Eve, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Christmas Day: 1-6 p.m. Hours Dec. 26 to Jan. 2: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

General admission is $9. Cost is $7 for seniors, children and service members. Skate rental costs $3.

For group rates or more information, go to innerharboricerink.org or call 443-743-3308.

• Holiday Festival of Trains is featured through Jan. 25 at the B&O Railroad Museum, 2711 Maryland Ave., Ellicott City. Hours are Wednesdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Enjoy the museum’s annual holiday celebration of toy trains and model railroading. New this year is a custom-built, 360-degree LEGO model train layout created by the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area LEGO Train Club.

For more information, call 410-461-1945 or go to www.borail.org/November-ec.aspx.

• The Fort Meade Officers’ Spouses’ Club luncheon is today at 10:30 a.m. at Club Meade. The theme is “My Favorite Things.”

The luncheon is open to OSC members, spouses of officers and DoD employees, and guests. Cost is $18.

For more information, go to www.fortmeadeosc.org/events/.

• Prostate Cancer Support Group meets at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda on the third Thursday of every month. The next

meeting is today from 1-2 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the America Building, River Conference Room (next to the Prostate Center), third floor.

Spouses/partners are invited. Military ID is required for base access. Men without a military ID should call the Prostate Center at 301-319-2900 at least two days prior to the event for base access.

For more information, call retired Col. Jane Hudak at 301-319-2918 or email [email protected].

• Swinging Squares Square Dance Club dances the first and third Saturday of the month from 7:30-10 p.m. through May at Meade Middle School. The next dance is Saturday. Admission is $6. Square dance attire is optional.

Dance classes are offered Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m. at Meade Middle School. Each class costs $6.

For more information, call Darlene at 410-519-2536 or Carl at 410-271-8776.

• Marriage Enrichment Group, spon-sored by Army Community Service, meets the second and fourth Monday of every month from 3-4 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. The next meeting is Monday. For more infor-mation, call Celena Flowers or Jessica Hobgood at 301-677-5590.

• Calling All Dads meets the second and fourth Monday of every month from 4-5 p.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center, 4998 2nd Corps Blvd. The next meeting is Monday.

The group is for expecting fathers, and fathers with children of all ages. Children welcome. For more information, call 301-677-5590 or email [email protected].

• Society of Military Widows meets for brunch the fourth Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Lanes. The next meeting is Dec. 28. For more information, call Betty Jones at 410-992-1123.

• Women’s Empowerment Group meets Wednesdays from 2-3:30 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 Samantha Herring, victim advocate, at 301-677-4124 or Katherine Lamourt, victim advocate, at 301-677-4117.

• Moms Walking Group, sponsored by Parent Support, meets Thursdays from 8:30-9:15 a.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center. To register, call Colaina Townsend or Michelle Pineda at 301-677-5590.

• Project Healing Waters meets Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at the Soldiers and Family Assistance Center, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave.

The project is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of wounded warriors and veterans through fly fishing, fly tying and outings.

For more information, call Larry Vawter, program leader, at 443-535-5074 or email [email protected].

• Dancing with the Heroes, free ballroom dance lessons for the Warrior Transition Unit, meets Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center in the seminar room.

Participants should wear loose clothing, comfortable shoes with leather soles. No super high heels or flip-flops.

• Spanish Christian Service is conducted Sundays at 1 p.m. at the Cavalry Chapel located at 8465 Simonds St. and 6th Armored Cavalry Road.

For more information, call Elias Mendez at 301-677-7314 or 407-350-8749.

• Couples Communication Group, sponsored by Army Community Services, meets every Monday from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.

For more information, call Celena Flowers or Katherine Lamourt at 301-677-5590.

• 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 Cubmaster Christopher Lassiter at [email protected] or Committee Chairperson Marco Cilibert at [email protected].

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

• Catholic Women of the Chapel meets every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. for prayer and Bible study in the Main Post Chapel, 4419 Llewellyn Ave. Monthly programs are held Mondays at 6:30 p.m. The group is open to all women in the community ages 18 and older — active duty, retiree and civilian — for prayer, faith fellowship, and service. For more information, email Mariana Yinh at [email protected].

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

RECREATION

MEETINGS


moviesCommunity news & notes

• American Legion Post 276 is open to veterans and active-duty service members at 8068 Quarterfield Rd. 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 4-6 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.

• Odenton Masonic Center, located at 1206 Stehlik Drive, invites the community, local military, fire/emergency services and local businesses to enjoy its breakfast and specialty dinners.

The center offers a fundraising “all-you-can-eat” breakfast every second Sunday from 7-11 a.m. Fundraising specialty dinners are held the third Friday of the month from 5-7 p.m.

Menus vary and are listed on the center’s website at odentonlodge209.net.

• Families Dealing with Deployment meets the first and third Monday of every month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Meuse Forest Neighborhood Center. Children welcome. The next meeting is Jan. 5. For more information, call 301-677-5590 or email [email protected].

• 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 Jan. 9.

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, go to e9association.org.

• Meade Branch 212 of the Fleet Reserve Association meets the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at VFW Post 160, 2597 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie. The next meeting is Jan. 10. Active-duty, Reserve and retired members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are invited.

For more information, call 443-604-2474 or 410-768-6288.

• New Spouse Connection meets the second Monday of every month from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. The next meeting is Jan. 12. The program provides an opportunity for all spouses new to the military or to Fort Meade to meet and

get connected. For more information, contact Pia Morales at [email protected] or 301-677-4110.

• Fort Meade TOP III Association meets the second Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m. at the Courses. The next meeting is Jan. 14. 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].

• Retired Enlisted Association meets the third Tuesday of the month from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Perry’s Restaurant, 1210 Annapolis Road, Odenton. The next meeting is Jan. 20. For more information, visit trea.org or call Elliott Phillips, the local president, at 443-790-3805 or Arthur R. Cooper, past national president, at 443-336-1230.

• Military District of Washington Ser-geant Audie Murphy Club meets the third Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Dining Facility in Virginia. The next meeting is Jan. 21. All members and those interested in joining the club are welcome. For more information, contact Master Sgt. Erica Lehmkuhl at [email protected] or 301-833-8415.

• Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 254 meets the third Wednesday of every month from 3-4 p.m. in the auditorium of the Airman Leadership School, 8470 Zimborski Ave. The next meeting is Jan. 21. For more information, call 831-521-9251 or go to AFSA254.org.

• 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 is Feb. 5.There is no cost for the buffet;

donations are optional. All Fort Meade employees, family members, and civilian and military personnel are invited.

For more information, call 301-677-6703.

• 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, in the banquet hall in back of the building. The next meet-ing is Feb. 5. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. For more information, call 410-674-4000.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness of Anne Arundel County offers a free support group for families with a loved one suffering from mental illness on the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Odenton (West County) Library, 1325 Annapolis Road. The next meeting is Feb. 5. For more information, visit namiaac.org.

MEETINGSThe 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 Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.PRICES: Tickets are $5.50 for adults (12 and older) and $3 for children. 3D Movies: $7.50

adults, $5 children.

Today through Jan. 11

Friday: “Interstellar” (PG-13). A team of explorers travel through a wormhole in an attempt to find a potentially habitable planet that will sustain humanity. With Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain.

Saturday & Sunday: “Big Hero 6” (PG). The special bond that develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax, and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes. With the voices of Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Jamie Chung.

Dec. 26: Theater CLOSED.

Dec. 27: “Beyond the Lights” (PG-13). The pressures of fame have superstar singer Noni on the edge, until she meets Kaz, a young cop who works to help her find the courage to develop her own voice and break free to become the artist she was meant to be. With Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Nate Parker, Minnie Driver.

Dec. 28: “Dumb & Dumber To” (PG-13). Twenty years since their first adventure, Lloyd and Harry go on a road trip to find Harry’s newly discovered daughter, who was given up for adoption. With Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, Rob Riggle.

Jan. 2 & 4: “Horrible Bosses 2” (R). Dale, Kurt and Nick decide to start their own busi-ness but things don’t go as planned because of a slick investor, prompting the trio to pull off a harebrained and misguided kidnapping scheme. With Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day.

Jan. 3: “The Theory of Everything” (PG-13). A look at the relationship between the famous physicist Stephen Hawking and his wife. With Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Tom Prior.

Jan. 9 & 11: “The Hunger Games: Mock-ingjay Part 1” (PG-13). When Katniss destroys the games, she goes to District 13 after District 12 is destroyed. She meets President Coin who convinces her to be the symbol of rebellion, while trying to save Peeta from the Capitol. With Jen-nifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth.

Jan. 10: “Penguins of Madagascar” (PG). Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private join forces with undercover organization The North Wind to stop the villainous Dr. Octavius Brine from destroying the world as we know it. With the voices of Tom McGrath, Chris Miller, Christopher Knights.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

News & Politics

Soundoff December 18, 2014