soundoff may 14, 2015

pedal power‘Bike To Work’ events planned across Maryland

page 10

UpCoMING eVeNTSfrIday, 11:30 a.M.-1:30 p.M.: Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage observance - McGillSaTUrday, 8 a.M.: Patriot Pride 5/10K Run - Murphy Field HouseSUNday, 2:30 p.M.: Massing of the Colors/Memorial Day Remembrance - The PavilionwedNeSday, 9 a.M.-2 p.M.: Community Job Fair - Club MeadeMay 21, 10 a.M.-1 p.M.: Safety, Health, Wellness & Resiliency Expo - The Pavilion

perSoNal beSTLong road leads to top honors for body-building Airman

page 14

Soundoff!́vol. 67 no. 19 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community May 14, 2015

PHOTO BY DANIEL KUCIN JR.

Sgt. nate Stager of the 53rd Signal Battalion watches intently as first-grade teacher Helen Behr is the victim of a student’s excellent aim at the popular “Splash Chair” at Monarch Academy Glen Burnie Public Charter School’s Field Day on May 8. Stager, who resides in Severn, was among the approximate 10 BoSS (Better opportunities for Single Service Members) volunteers at the event held at the Bachman Sports Complex in Glen Burnie. For the story, see 2.

fun in the sun

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! May 14, 2015

Commander’s Column

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

CrimeWatch................. 9 Movies.................................18

Community................. 16 Classified.............................20

Editorial 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 alan H. feilerdesign Coordinator timothy davis Supplemental photography provided by the Baltimore Sun Media Group

advErtiSinGGeneral inquiries 410-332-6300or email [email protected]

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

Printed by offset method of reproduction as a civilian enterprise in the interest of the personnel at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, by The 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 The Baltimore Sun Co., LLC, a private firm, in no way connected with the Department of the Army. Opinions expressed by the publisher and writers herein are their own and are not to be considered an official expression by the Department of the Army. The appearance of advertisers in the publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army of the products or services advertised.

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

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

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11,285

Greetings, Team Meade.With our celebration of Mother’s Day this past

Sunday still fresh in my thoughts, my wife, Patricia, and I would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the mothers and grandmothers in our military family.

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the extraor-dinary importance of mothers in our lives and the life of this nation. I’ve always found it important to honor our military mothers and show deep appre-ciation for all that they do. They have shaped our values and taught us the meaning and importance of making sacrifices in an effort to provide our children a better life.

We could not do our mission without your love and support. Every day you juggle enormous respon-sibilities, often working full-time outside the home while doing the job of two parents and caring for the needs of your children.

At the same time, many of you still find the time to give more through volunteering in our neighbor-hoods and communities.

To all mothers in uniform: I am deeply moved by your determination to serve our country, while bal-ancing the demands of raising a family. We know the challenges our mothers in uniform face in managing a home and family from thousands of miles away.

We are in awe of the tremendous pride that these mothers take in sacrificing so much to their country to help give their children a better life.

We owe you a tremendous debt for your service and sacrifice and are committed to providing you and your families the support you need. Know that we will always honor and support you because your efforts, your selfless service and your sacrifices are attributes that help make this country great.

A recent proclamation by President Barack Obama states:

“The strength of our nation’s military comes not just from the brave women and men who defend the values we cherish, but also from their families who serve alongside them and make great sacrifices in service to our country.

“With determination and unshakable resolve,

military spous-es endure long absences and shoulder the bur-dens of war, con-stantly wondering what kind of dan-gers lie ahead for their loved ones.

“ T h r o u g h numerous moves and difficult deployments — often as they uproot their lives and families and restart their careers —their steadfast devotion to their spouses and to our nation represents the best our country has to offer.”

On May 8, we also celebrated Military Spouse Appreciation Day as we recognized the selfless heroes who stand with the finest fighting force the world has ever known. We honored our military spouses for their relentless courage and commitment. We thanked them for their sacrifices and we thanked them for their commitment, dedication, devotion and love.

We are fortunate that Mother’s Day provides us an opportunity each year to celebrate, honor and support these extraordinary women.

On a separate note, I would like to address a ques-tion I am continuously asked about — the wearing of headphones in the gym while in the Army physi-cal fitness uniform. The answer can be found in AR 670_1, para 3_6a (2)(d) which states:

“Soldiers are not authorized to wear wireless or nonwireless devices/earpieces while wearing Army uniforms.”

In other words, the garrison cannot write a policy to negate a regulation that the Army has established. Soldiers are not authorized to wear headphones in the Army physical fitness uniform at any time.

Other branches of service should follow the guid-ance outlined in their specific service regulation or organizational policy.

Have a great Team Meade day!

Celebrating mothers

Garrison command sGt. maj. rodwell l. Forbes

Commander’s Open DoorGarrisonCommanderCol.BrianP.Foleyhasanopendoorpolicy.Allservicemembers,retirees,governmentemployees,familymembersand

communitymembersage18orolderare invitedtoaddress issuesorcon-cernstothecommanderdirectlybyvisitingFoley’sofficeonMondaysfrom4 to6p.m.atgarrisonheadquarters inHodgesHall,Bldg.4551,LlewellynAvenue.

Visitors are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment isnecessary.

Formoreinformation,call301-677-4844.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil May 14, 2015 SOUNDOFF! �

News

By Alan H. FeilerStaff Writer

Although he never uttered a word about Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, Michele Rizi used to reminisce lightheartedly about his service for the Royal Italian Army dur-ing World War II.

“He never fired a shot and was taken prisoner in Sicily,” his son Antonio Rizi said. “He used to say the best thing that happened to him was he became a prisoner of war.”

That time as a POW was roughly 18 months, said Rizi, who strongly suspects his late father was interned at Fort Meade from late 1943 to 1945.

“I Googled POWs and learned there was a fort here with a lot of Italian POWs,” he said. “Before I die, I want to get close to my father’s adventures. That’s why I’m here.”

A Montreal-based photographer, Rizi, 71, and his wife, Maria, drove to Fort Meade on May 6. His father’s accounts of

the region in which he was incarcerated led Rizi to the conclusion he was likely held at Fort Meade.

The Rizis’ goal was to tour the post and Fort Meade Museum, as well as possibly research documents about Italian POWs stored at the National Archives in College Park.

During its peak, approximately 4,000 Italian and German POWs were held at Fort Meade during World War II. They were permitted to work on and off post, and frequently fraternized with the local population.

Last week, the Rizis were welcomed by Barbara Taylor, the museum’s exhibits specialist who took the initial inquiry call from Antonio Rizi a few weeks ago; Muse-um Director Robert Johnson; Deputy Garrison Commander John M. Moeller; and Installation Safety Office Director Kirk Fechter.

“We welcome you,” Moeller told the Rizis. “We hope your father was treated

well while he was here.”During her two decades working at Fort

Meade, Taylor said she only knows of two former POWs and one grandchild of an ex-POW who have contacted the post about visiting and information.

“It’s pretty rare,” she said.A native of the village of Corfinio in

Italy’s Abruzzo region, Michele Rizi was 36 when captured by U.S. forces.

“[When taken prisoner,] he left Sicily and me and my mother. He didn’t even know she was expecting with me,” said Antonio Rizi, one of four children. “My mother received a letter in ’44 that said: ‘I’m alive and in America.’ She wrote back, ‘You’ve got another son.’ ”

Michele Rizi, who died in 1988, worked in a post kitchen and bakery, and regularly sent home gifts to his family.

“He always said he had a very good time here,” said his son. “Of course he worked in the kitchen — he was Italian!”

In addition, Michele Rizi met his older

Son of former Italian POW visits postbrother and sister for the first time as a POW; both had immigrated to the U.S. before his birth.

Antonio Rizi said his aunt told him when learning that his father was being held as a POW that she drove from Califor-nia to Boston to pick up her other brother, and then traveled to the POW camp to meet Michele Rizi.

“Imagine, you’re a prisoner of war and you say, ‘Hey, come and see me,’ ” Rizi said. “But that’s what they did. My aunt liked to drive.”

Meanwhile, Antonio Rizi and his moth-er Madia were back in their village, which was occupied by Nazi troops.

“My mother said the German soldiers used to hold me in their arms and said I was a very nice baby,” he said. “Later, they all got killed by the Americans.”

After returning home, Michele Rizi and his family lived in Italy for several years before immigrating to Montreal, where his brother was now living.

One of his other brothers, Alexander, also served in the Italian army and was taken prisoner by Australian forces. He died in a POW camp in either New Zea-land or Australia due to illness, according to Antonio Rizi.

Starting a new life in Canada was not easy for Michele Rizi, a farmer.

“He came to North America and wasn’t happy with the winters,” his son said. “But he was happy because for the first time, he could make some money. He worked for a stone-making company.

“My dad was a self-made man. He was a good man and worked hard. He’d say, ‘Look at my hands, Antonio. If you don’t want hands like mine, go to school.’ ”

A father of three and grandfather of three, Rizi said he and his wife planned to visit Cape May, N.J., and photograph bird migrations after their Fort Meade visit.

During his visit on post, Rizi was given a tour of the installation by Taylor and Johnson, including the areas once populat-ed by POW barracks. He also was taken to the Main Post Cemetery where two Italian and 33 German POWs are buried.

Rizi said he was overwhelmed by the warm reception he received here.

“I never thought it would be like this,” he said. “It’s been a dream.

“I said to my wife and brother, ‘Why didn’t we think of bringing Papa here when he was alive?’ But I think he would be very proud that I’m here today.”

PHOTO BY STeve ellmOre

Montreal resident Antonio Rizi visits the Fort Meade Museum to learn more about the wartime experiences of his late father, Michele Rizi, whom he believes was an Italian prisoner of war here during World War II.


News

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

If you have just purchased the latest, high-tech cellphone, think twice before tossing your old one into the trash.

During the installation’s Earth Day celebra-tion on April 22, the Fort Meade Environ-mental Division hosted two seminars on the proper disposal and recycling of electronic equipment.

The seminars were led by Jorge Neyra, owner of Securis, an IT asset auditing, data

recycling and destruction company based in Laurel, and Greg Polson, chief of Material Disposition Services at the National Security Agency.

Securis handles recycling and dispos-al of all types of electronics, including cell-

phones, desktops, laptops, printers, monitors, keyboards, network equipment, hard drives, tapes, thumb drives, CDs and floppy disks.

Material Disposition Services is responsible for “the declassification and processing

of classified media in support of NSA elements, government agencies and

U.S. military entities,” Polson said after the event. “We process paper, circuit board, hard drives and many other media items.”

The U.S. Environmental Protec-tion Agency estimates that only

18 percent of cellphones are recycled, while 82 percent go into landfills, said Mick But-ler, chief of the Environmen-tal Division on Fort Meade.

“There are many harms that come from improper dis-

posal of electronic equipment,” Neyra said. “A lot of these machines

contain hazardous materials that if let out, could cause serious danger to our environ-

ment.”By properly recycling these materials, Neyra said greenhouse emissions can be reduced, preventing air and water pollution, and also reducing the envi-ronmental impacts from mining.

“There are also valuable materials found in electronics that when recycled properly, we avoid having to deplete our natural resources,” Neyra said.

Those valuable materials include pre-cious metals such as gold, silver, copper,

palladium and platinum.Polson said that in addition to environ-

mental concerns, it is important to properly

dispose of electronic equipment to “protect the information on memory devices and to recycle as much of the component as possible.”

For example, proper disposal “helps to ensure your information is kept secure, and the recycling helps to change waste material into new products to prevent waste of potentially useful materials,” he said.

Neyra said individuals and businesses seek-ing to properly dispose of this material should make sure that the company handling the equipment is certified so the data remains safe.

“If ending up in the wrong hands, compa-nies that leak consumer information face civil lawsuits,” he said. “Other industries are under the extra burden of federal laws that prescribe stiff fines for failing to store and dispose of consumer information properly.”

Large volumes of electronic equipment are disposed of and recycled each year.

In fiscal year 2014, Material Disposition Services processed 2.5 million pounds of paper, 400,000 pounds of hard drives, 170,000 pounds of circuit boards and 950,000 pounds of metal, cable and aluminum.

Neyra advises people to pay special attention to the disposal of their cellphones.

“Today, many individuals maintain most of their information on mobile devices,” he said. “Pictures, emails, account information can all be taken from cellphones if not handled properly.”

Neyra said that before disposing old cell-phones, remove the SIM card from the phone and find a proper recycler that can shred the SIM card.

“You may also have the entire cellphone shredded. This will give you peace of mind knowing that it is completely gone,” he said. “When recycling or selling the device, you want to follow similar steps.

“Remove the SIM card, use wiping software to get rid of the information, and restore the factory settings. Although these are precaution-ary steps, the only way to be sure that the data is gone is to shred the entire phone.”

Butler said the only recycling services for electronics at Fort Meade are for government-owned equipment.

“The guidance for personal electronic equip-ment is to take it to the store that you plan to buy your new equipment,” he said.

The EPA provides the following website to locate stores that recycle electronics: epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/donate.htm.

Proper disposal of electronics protects the environment


News


It’s not often that youths are told they can stay up late, make a lot of noise, dance to loud music, play games, surf the Internet, and simply have fun until the wee hours of the morning.

But that’s just what happened April 24-25 when middle and high school students at Fort Meade and at U.S. military installations around the world participated in Operation Megaphone.

Led by the Joint Service Teen Coun-cil, Operation Megaphone — an annual event since 2012 — connects thousands of teens affiliated with all of the mili-tary branches for a 24-hour period.

Via video-chatting, teens are encour-aged to discuss key issues that affect their lives as the offspring of military personnel and to seek volunteering opportunities in their communities.

Each installation is encouraged to conduct programming and activities for Operation Megaphone in their own preferred manner and style.

An estimated 5,240 teens participated in this year’s Operation Megaphone at 132 registered event sites around the globe, according to Brent Edwards, pro-grams coordinator at Navy Child and Youth Programs in Millington, Tenn.

This year’s theme for the 24-hour “lock-in” was “Teens Lead The Way.”

“Teens should be placed in as many leadership roles as possible within youth programs,” Bryson Alleyne, Army Teen Panel junior advisor, said in a press statement. “Ideally, if we are trying to attract teens, Operation Megaphone needs to be youth-directed and staff-supervised.”

Approximately 60 local middle and high school students participated in Operation Megaphone at the Fort Meade Youth Center, said Facility Director LaToya A. Cardwell.

The event was held the night before Fort Meade’s Family Fun Fair, which attracted between 3,500 to 4,000 people to the installation on April 25 for a day of entertainment, food and activities including the Youth Fishing Rodeo.

“It’s a chance for teens and youth to be the voice for their community and demonstrate their leadership abilities,” Cardwell said of Operation Megaphone. “It’s something the kids look forward to every year.”

Youths at the Fort Meade event ranged from ages 11 to 18.

Participants were required to be Child,

Operation Megaphone connects Meade teens with peers worldwide

Youth and School Services-eligible and the children of active-duty service mem-bers, Department of Defense civilians, Reserve unit members, or contractors who work on the installation.

“Operation Megaphone wants to raise awareness of military youth issues,” Cardwell said. “We want to promote partnerships with other installations and branches of service. The teens dis-cuss different things going on that are affecting them everywhere, and they appreciate the opportunity.

“It helps them see the bigger picture, that we’re all doing the same thing in different communities and just coming together.”

Thirteen staff members of the Youth Center and Teen Center worked throughout the night and morning, supervising the youths and preparing dinner and breakfast.

“We all worked in different shifts to make sure that no one was overtired or overworked,” Cardwell said.

The event began at 5 p.m. with a gathering of teens and parents to discuss the itinerary and rules for the evening. After the parents’ departure, Youth Center staff led participants in a pep rally, performing a cheering exercise to generate excitement for the gathering.

After indulging in such games as tug of war, gladiator and cup stack, partici-pants enjoyed a hearty, kid-friendly din-ner of hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, fruit punch and apple turnovers.

Over the course of the evening and early morning hours, teens were encour-aged to participate in such activities as scavenger hunts, Ultimate Frisbee, bas-

ketball games, a rave party with techno music and glow sticks, and cooking demonstrations that included Califor-nia rolls and healthy pizzas.

Participants also were encouraged to video-chat in the Youth Center’s com-puter lab with military teens across the world participating in Operation Mega-phone, as well as perform such service projects as writing get-well cards to patients at a local children’s hospital.

Free gymnasium play was available until 3 a.m. and movies were screened from midnight to 5 a.m. Participants were permitted to bring sleeping bags and toiletries.

At 6 a.m., staffers treated early ris-ers to breakfasts of pancakes, eggs and milk. Parents picked up their children between 6 and 7 a.m.

“This was all about the kids,” Cardwell said. “It was a really good night. Oh my gosh, we had so much fun! The kids had a wonderful time. Some even went to sleep. It was really great.”

Thirteen-year-old Makayla Rowe, a Meade Middle School seventh-grader who lives in Severn, agreed.

“We had a rap battle, girls versus the

boys, like a battle of the sexes. It was a tie,” said Makayla, daughter of retired Master Sgt. Antonio Rowe and Shadon-na Rowe. “We also ran races for speed and made cards for kids in the hospital. I felt good about it, to help out.”

Makayla said the highlight of the evening for her was dancing at the rave.

“Also,” she said, “the food was amaz-ing, especially the macaroni and cheese. It was so good!”

Tyrese Bee, 13, whose mother Janet Bee works at the Exchange, said he enjoyed playing basketball with his cousin Naim.

“We just hung out a lot with friends,” said the Meade Middle School seventh-grader who resides in Severn. “We didn’t stay up too late. It was a lot of fun.”

Submitted photo

Military teens and Army, Air Force and Navy leaders meet July 13, 2012 for the first Joint Service Teen Council to discuss the common issues affecting youth on military installations.

Connect with Fort meade at Facebook.com/ftmeade


News

Corvias Military LivingCorvias Military Living, the military hous-

ing division of Corvias Group, is asking all residents to complete the 2015 Headquarters Department of the Army Residential Com-munities Initiative Resident Survey.

The survey gives on-post residents an opportunity to provide feedback to the Army, RCI and Corvias on how their hous-ing needs are being met.

“The results of this survey are very impor-tant to us,” said Chuck Parker, division presi-dent of Corvias Military Living. “They play a big role in how we assess our performance and the level of care we’re providing for our residents.

“Delivering the highest quality of service to our service members and their families

remains a top priority, and these results will help us determine what we do well and what we can improve on to provide an even greater living experience.”

An electronic survey was emailed to all residents May 7. A separate survey will be distributed to unaccompanied service mem-bers at Reece Crossings.

Residents must fill out and submit the online survey by June 7.

Residents who do not receive a survey or who have questions should email [email protected].

Residents who complete the Army sur-vey will be entered into a drawing to win $250. One $250 prize will be awarded for each of the five communities (Potomac Place/Patriot Ridge; Meuse Forest; Midway

Common; Heritage Park/Normandy Bluffs; Reece Crossings).

All residents who complete the survey will also be entered into a grand prize drawing to win $1,500.

Contact your community office for details.

The survey takes less than 20 minutes to complete on topics such as residents’ evaluation of their present home, community amenities, resident activities, the community maintenance team and property manage-ment team.

All survey answers are strictly confidential. Residents are urged to offer honest responses. Personal data is not tabulated, and the survey does not identify the resident in any way.

The feedback provides the Army and

Corvias with vital information to evaluate the current state of the partnership and guide future improvements to the housing facilities and residential services.

Corvias actively manages 13 U.S. govern-ment partnerships and additional private partnerships. In the past 12 years, the com-pany has raised the capital needed for the construction and redevelopment of more than 12,000 acres in communities serving more than 24,000 families.

Corvias is also responsible for implement-ing more than $11 billion in maintenance and infrastructure repairs, and will reinvest $4.4 billion into its current public sector partnerships for continuous maintenance, upgrades and redevelopment during a 50-year span.

Residents invited to complete Army housing survey

DoD CommuniCAtoRs of ExCEllEnCE

AwARDsRetired Marine Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Buitron and Maggy

Cervantes, both fromAlvin, Texas, tour the 2014

Communicators of Excellence Awards during a first-ever exhibit held at the National

Museum of the Marine Corps inQuantico, Va.

The COE is an annual DoD recognition program that

showcases the military’s best photographers, graphic artists,

videographers, and printand broadcast journalists for

work they completed while on assignment the previous year.

Buitron and Cervantes are viewing a photo taken by Sgt.

Matthew Callahan titled “Range 10,” which earned an honorable

mention for the COE Combat Documentation (Training)

category.The exhibit will be on display at the NMMC throughout May in

honor of Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day.

Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Karen e. eifert

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil May 14, 2015 SOUNDOFF! �

April 30, Shoplifting: AAFES security personnel at the Exchange stated that she wit-nessed the subject select a hair product and conceal the item in her purse. She proceeded to walk out of the store through the Garden Center exit with-out rendering payment.

May 2, Larceny of private property: An unknown person by unknown means stole the victim’s bicycle, which was secured and unat-tended on a bicycle rack.

CommunityCommunityCrime Watch

Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services

For week of May 4-10:• Moving violations: 20• Nonmoving violations: 5• Verbal warnings for traffic stops: 16• Traffic accidents: 4• Driving on suspended license: 3• Driving on suspended registration: 1• Driving without a license: 0

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 at all times, 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.

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News

Maryland State Highway AdministrationUnless you telework or are close enough

to walk to work, you probably do not enjoy your daily commute.

However, there’s an option that many peo-ple may not consider - biking. As part of the National Bike to Work Day, members of the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration encourage commuters to bike to work Friday.

The SHA is partnering with the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, the city of Baltimore and the Downtown Athletic Club to host a Bike to Work pit stop Friday morning between 7 and 10 a.m. at the corner of Guil-ford and Monument streets.

“Biking to work is a healthy, environ-mentally friendly, alternate means of com-

muting,” Deputy Administrator Douglas Simmons said. “On Bike to Work Day, as well as throughout this spring and summer, we can expect more bicyclists on Maryland roadways.

“Safety is a two-way street, and we urge drivers and cyclists to share the road.”

SHA has launched the 2015 “We’re on this Road Together: Expect and Respect” education campaign. Through public events, grassroots outreach, mobile and electronic billboards, radio public service announce-ments as well as local grassroots outreach, SHA is urging bicyclists and drivers to look out for each other and follow the rules of the road.

The League of American Bicyclists imple-mented National Bike to Work Day in 1956

as an annual event in May across the United States and Canada.

On Bike to Work Day and every day, driv-ers should expect to encounter bicyclists.

Below is a list of important safety tips for drivers and cyclists:

Drivers• Allow plenty of following distance

between your vehicle and a bicycle rider.• Look for bicyclists before turning or

opening car doors.• Slow down when approaching a bicy-

clist.• Pass bicyclists carefully, allowing at

least three feet of space.• Do not honk your horn.

Cyclists• Follow all the same laws as automobile

drivers.• Use hand signals to indicate turns.• Wear protective gear, especially a helmet.• Be visible with bright clothes and reflec-

tive material at night.• Avoid distractions such as listening to

music.For more information on SHA’s Bike to

Work Day and the multiple pit stops, go to www.bike2workcentralmd.com/ or www.bik-etoworkmetrodc.org/.

Editor’s Note: For more information on Bike to Work activities in the Fort Meade community, read Community News & Notes on Page 16.

Wheel good time: Take precautions when biking to work

Join cyclists Friday for the 18th annual Bike to Work Day, which is part of National Bike to Work Month. The community is invited to ride to Fort Meade’s Sally Port/Pepper Road gate for the gate’s official opening at 8 a.m. The gate is open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. for pedestrians and cyclists.

Photo By IngrId BarrentIne, northwest guardIan

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Cover Story


It’s not every day that you get to dump a bucket of cold water on the heads of your assistant principal and teachers without getting in big trouble.

But with assistance from volunteers of the Fort Meade BOSS (Better Opportuni-ties for Single Service Members), students at the Monarch Academy Glen Burnie Public Charter School enjoyed that unique pleasure and other activities during their Field Day on Friday.

BOSS has been partnering with the Monarch Academy for the past six months.

Approximately 10 BOSS volunteers turned out at Glen Burnie’s Bachman Sports Complex for the six-hour event, which helped raise approximately $15,000 for the charter elementary school of 660 students.

The Field Day was the culminating event for Monarch’s annual Run Day/Fun Day celebration, which raises money for field trips and other activities through the school’s Parent Teacher Association.

In addition to the popular “Splash Chair,” activities included a sponge relay, Frisbee competitions, water-balloon

BOSS volunteers help out with Monarch

Academy’s Field Day

photos by daniel kucin jr.

Caelyn Colbert and Emma Hale, both in fourth grade, enjoy a hearty laugh while attempting the three-legged race at the Bachman Sports Complex in Glen Burnie.

Third-grader Jordan Smith gets caught up in the sponge-relay competition.

A determined Cassandra Chiappelli, who is in first grade, takes a crack at the bean-bag toss. Approximately 10 members of BOSS (Better Opportunities for Single Service Members) volunteered at the fundraising event that raised about $15,000.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil May 14, 2015 SOUNDOFF! 13

throws, parachute games, Hula Hoop tosses, arts and crafts projects, and relay and sack races.

Waves of Monarch students arrived at the Bachman complex in two-hour shifts, divided by grades.

“I’ve been filling up water balloons and doing stretches and runs with the kids,” said Staff Sgt. Brice Thomas of the 241st Military Police Detachment, a BOSS vol-unteer who lives in Patriot Ridge. “I just enjoy helping out with the kids and doing stuff.”

Water stations and tables offering sliced oranges were set up for thirsty, hungry and overheated students and volunteers.

Blaring in the background were such motivation-themed anthems as “We Are The Champions,” “Gonna Fly Now” (theme from “Rocky”) and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” played by a disc jockey.

BOSS volunteers helped man the activi-ties and carry chairs and equipment, as well as set up and break down the stations and tents. Also helping out were approxi-mately 10 volunteers from Johns Hopkins HealthCare.

“We’re having a lot of fun,” said Cpl. Victoria Johnson, garrison BOSS repre-

sentative. “Being out here sure beats the heck out of being at work on a Friday.”

Sgt. Austin Prosser of the 53rd Signal Battalion said he was having almost as much fun as the children.

“It’s a great time,” the Severn resident said. “You get to be out here with little kids, having fun. What could be wrong? It’s fun work, and it’s good for the kids.”

That sentiment was echoed by Monarch fourth-grader Claire Doran.

“This is really fun, and I get to hang out with my friends,” said the 10-year-old Linthicum Heights resident. “We’re doing crafts, running around, stuff like that.”

Sixth-grader Yasmeena Jones of Glen Burnie helped run some of the activities in a leadership capacity.

“It’s a lot of fun, and we get to get wet,” she said, alluding to the Splash Chair. “And it’s a chance to get out of school!”

Her mom, Laila Jones, who oversaw the event and serves as the Monarch PTA’s volunteer coordinator, said she was thrilled with how Field Day turned out.

“It’s a much bigger success than I antici-pated,” Jones said while surveying all of the merriment and chaos around her. “The kids are having a great time, and everyone’s doing a wonderful job.”

Third-grader Jackson Hannon focuses on flinging a Frisbee through a Hula Hoop during the Monarch Academy Glen Burnie Public Charter School’s Field Day on May 8.

LEFT: BOSS volunteer Sgt. Austin Prosser of the 53rd Signal Battalion supervises a group of eager youngsters as they take turns dumping a bucket of water on a teacher sitting in the “Splash Chair.”

RIGHT: Third-grader Peyton Miller hops along during the sack race.


SportS

photo by lisa r. rhodes

Air Force Staff Sgt. Jessica Craig of the 34th Intelligence Squadron is a role model to service members and DoD civilians who work out at Gaffney Fitness Center. An amateur bodybuilder, Craig worked out a minimum of two hours a day, six days a week at Gaffney to prepare for two competitions.

photo courtesy of staff sgt. jessica craig

Air Force Staff Sgt. Jessica Craig (center) poses during the Organization of Competitive Bodies Eastern Regionals contest on April 25. Craig competed in the tall division for women at least five feet and four inches tall and won first place.

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

Though anxious about standing onstage in a bikini and high-heels while sporting a smile, Air Force Staff Sgt. Jessica Craig overcame her stage fright to accomplish her goal of competing in an amateur women’s bodybuild-ing contest.

It paid off.On April 25, Craig took first place in the

Organization of Competitive Bodies Eastern Regionals in the tall division for women at least five feet and four inches tall.

“I was really surprised,” said Craig, an Air-man with the 34th Intelligence Squadron. “I didn’t think I’d come out that high.”

At 5’6” and a competing weight of 137 pounds, Craig showcased her muscle-defined physique — a discipline she has invested in for five years.

“I’m very intrinsically motivated,” she said. “When I trained, I went into the zone. You eat at this time, you go to the gym at this time, you go to bed early. You get into a routine.

Your body feels really good when you eat clean. You see big changes and you’re more energized.”

Craig’s first bodybuilding competition, the OCB Battle of the Tidewater, was Oct. 4 of last year — her 30th birthday.

“I was just happy to go out there and not be embarrassed,” Craig said. “I just wanted to compete and not come in last.”

She won first place in the novice division and second place in the Armed Forces and open divisions.

“It was pretty nice,” Craig said of the wins. “I didn’t know what to expect.”

A native of Franklin, La., Craig joined the Air Force to follow in the footsteps of her father, who served as an Air Force medic in Vietnam.

“I always wanted to be in the military because of my dad,” she said. “Most people said I would do well. I’m very disciplined. I like the aspect of being physically fit as a job requirement.”

Craig was a competitive runner in high

school and during her freshman year at Northwestern State University in Natchi-toches, La., but had to stop when she injured her ankle. In her sophomore year, she joined the collegiate rowing team and later graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical biology and microbiology.

When Craig was not accepted at the gradu-ate school of her choice, she enlisted in the Air Force in 2010 and reported to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, for basic training.

She also got married. It was her husband, now her ex, who introduced her to weight training.

“I started working out with him and I enjoyed it,” Craig said.

She researched weight training and taught herself the basics of proper form and nutri-tion, and developed a routine.

A year later, Craig was assigned to the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif., to learn Korean. In 2012, she was sta-tioned at Osan Air Base in South Korea.

While working out at the base gym, Craig met Airmen who were bodybuilders. She never thought of competing, but decided to give it a try when she arrived at Fort Meade two years later.

Craig did research on bodybuilding and found an amateur women’s competition, and located a trainer and nutritionist on the Internet.

Then she began six months of training on her own, with the encouragement of Staff Sgt. Jelessa Navarro, also of the 34th IS. Navarro is her friend, roommate and workout buddy.

Craig works out at Gaffney Fitness Center. To prepare for the competition, she worked out a minimum of two hours a day, six days a week, following a routine and eating plan given to her by the online professionals.

Her diet was composed of lean meats, lots of vegetables, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and a gallon and a half of water each day. She ate six small meals per day and went to bed at 9 each night.

Craig said that a requirement as a competi-

Female Airman wins amateur bodybuilding contest


SportS

tor for the OCB is to undergo a polygraph and urine test to ensure that she is not taking any performance enhancing drugs.

Competitors also are required to spray-tan themselves to accentuate their muscle defini-tion under the bright stage lights.

In August 2014, Craig met Jimmy Billups, a retired sergeant first class, at Gaffney while working out.

Billups, a former personal trainer and bodybuilder, was impressed by Craig’s “focus, her drive and tenacity during her workout sessions,” he said.

“She informed me [that] she was preparing for her first competition, and I told her I was a former competitor bodybuilder and I would give her pointers if it was necessary. She said it would be welcome.”

An employee at the Aberdeen Proving Ground Public Health Command and a resident of Odenton, Billups worked with Craig as a consultant and sponsored her entry for the competition. He also helped her with poses that would be helpful when she appeared before the judges.

“She is very focused on the task [and]

detail-oriented,” Billups said. “Her body is very conditioned, balanced and [has] great symmetry.”

Craig said that although some women may think that lifting weights will result in large, bulky muscles like men have, it is not true. She said men and women build muscle the same way and the results of weight lifting come primarily from one’s diet.

Weight training, she said, is an effective fat burner and that women should not be afraid of the discipline.

At Gaffney, Craig, who helps lead the physical training sessions for her unit, is a role model.

“People come up to us and say we [Craig and Narravo] inspire them,” Craig said. “Any-one who comes to us for advice, we give them advice. It’s like a gym family here.”

Craig said she is resting now and is not sure whether she will compete in the future.

Did she ever think she would be a body-builder?

“No, not in a thousand years,” she said. “[But] I enjoy being a role model for peo-ple.”

Air Force Staff Sgt. Jessica Craig performs leg exercises on the hack squat machine at Gaffney Fitness Center. Craig, an Airman with the 34th Intelligence Squadron and an amateur bodybuilder, trained at Gaffney for two women’s amateur bodybuilding competitions. She won a first-place ranking in both.

photo by steve ellmore

Sports ShortsFree bowling Saturday

A free bowling event will be held in honor of Armed Forces Day on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. at the Lanes, 2788 MacArthur Road.

Free bowling and shoe rental will be offered for all active-duty service members.

For more information, call 301-677-5541.

Fort Meade Run SeriesThe annual Fort Meade Run Series continues with the Patriot Pride 5/10K

Run on Saturday at 8 a.m. at Murphy Field House.Other runs in the series include:• Army Birthday Summer Sizzler 5K: June 13, 8 a.m., The Pavilion• Football Fanfare 5K: Sept. 19, 8 a.m., Constitution Park• Ghosts, Ghouls & Goblins 5K: Oct. 24, 8 a.m., Pavilion• Turkey Trot 5K: Nov. 21, 8 a.m., Murphy Field House• Reindeer Run 5K: Dec. 19, 8 a.m., Murphy Field HouseAll runs are open to the public and include a 1-mile walk.Pre-registration for individuals costs $15. Registration on event day costs

$25.Preregistration costs $45 per family of three to six people and $60 on the

day of the event.Pre-registration for groups of seven to 10 runners costs $85.All pre-registered runners will receive a T-shirt.For more information, call 301-677-3318.

Aqua ZumbaGaffney Fitness Center is offering Aqua Zumba, a class blending Zumba

and water resistance on Mondays from 4:15-5 p.m. in the Gaffney pool.The free class is open to authorized users age 18 and older.For more information, call 301-677-2349.

Youth tennis, dodgeballRegistration for summer sports is underway.Summer sports will include tennis and dodgeball.To register, go online at ftmeademwr.com or call 301-677-1179.

Football referees wantedCYSS Youth Sports is looking for volunteer NFL flag football referees for

ages 6-12.If interested or for more information, call the Youth Sports office at 301-

677-1329 or 301-677-1179.

EFMP walking groupExceptional Family Member Program families are invited to join the EFMP

walking group on the second and fourth Monday of each month from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the Arundel Mills Mall, at the entrance between Best Buy and Old Navy.

Registration is required.To register, call 301-677-4473.

Youth Sports registrationRegistration for fall sports is underway.Fall sports being offered include: tackle football, NFL flag football, soccer,

cheerleading and swim team.To register or for more information, go to ftmeademwr.com or call 301-677-

1179.


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.

Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month observance

The Fort Meade 2015 Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month observance will be held Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at McGill Training Center, 8452 Zimborski Ave.

The Navy Information Operations Command Maryland Diversity Commit-tee is hosting the program.

The free event is open to the public and will feature cultural displays; fashion shows of traditional regional clothing; traditional dance performances including Taiko drummers, hula performers and Filipino dancers; and free food samples from all across Asia and the Pacific Islands.

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 Petty

Officer 1st Class Layaka Young at 240-373-6188 or email [email protected].

Bike to Work DayThe Fort Meade community is invited

to participate in the 18th annual Bike to Work Day on Friday.

Bike to Work Day is part of May’s National Bike to Work Month, which is sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists.

Cyclists are encouraged to gather between 7 and 8 a.m. at Baltimore Coffee and Tea, 1110 Odenton Town Center. A light breakfast will be served and Bike to Work Day T-shirts will be distributed.

At 7:45 a.m., cyclists are invited to ride to Fort Meade’s Sally Port/Pepper Road gate, located toward the southeast corner of the installation near the Range Control off Route 175 and adjacent to

file photo

massing of the colors sundayFort Meade’s annual Memorial Day Remembrance and 29th Annual

Massing of the Colors ceremony will be held Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Pavilion.

The garrison and the Gen. George G. Meade Chapter of the Military Order of World Wars will host the two-hour event.

The ceremony is open to the public.The keynote speaker is Navy Adm. Michael S. Rogers, commander of U.S.

Cyber Command, director of the National Security Agency and chief of the Central Security Service.

The stirring display of patriotism and honor to the nation will feature more than 60 color guards representing military and civilian service organizations including the U.S. Armed Forces Color Guard.

The event also will feature performances by the U.S. Army Field Band’s Concert Band and Soldiers’ Chorus; U.S. Army Drill Team; and Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.

Route 32.Garrison Commander Col. Brian P.

Foley and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Rodwell L. Forbes are scheduled to cut the ribbon for the official opening of the gate at 8 a.m.

The Pepper Road gate is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. for pedestrians and cyclists.

Cars and other motorized vehicles are not authorized to access this gate.

Fort Meade employees who ride their bike to work and are Control Access Cardholders can obtain a pass for the gate at the Directorate of Emergency Services.

To schedule an appointment, call 301-677-6607.

Appreciation mealJoin the Freedom Inn Dining Facility

for a Military/Diner Appreciation Meal on Friday from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Civilian employees, contractors and retirees may dine from 12:15-12:45 p.m.

The “soul food” menu will feature: barbecue, fried chicken, barbecue pork spareribs, Southern fried catfish, shrimp and grits, mashed potatoes, baked macaroni and cheese, candied yams, corn on the cob, fried okra, black-eyed peas, Southern-style greens and corn bread.

For more information, call Christine L. Griggs, food program manager, at 301-677-9350.

Change of commandThe 551st Signal Battalion, 15th

Regimental Signal Brigade will conduct a change of command ceremony for Capt. Michael J. Martinez, who will relinquish command of the U.S. Army Signal School Detachment to Capt. Luis F. Garay, on Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. at Bldg. 8609, 6th Armored Cavalry Road.

In inclement weather, the location will be McGill Training Center, 8452 Zimborski Ave.

A reception will follow in the day room of Bldg. 8606.

RSVP by Friday to 1st Lt. Katsaitis Angelos at 845-518-4138 or 301-677-4062; or email [email protected].

Community Job FairA Community Job Fair will be held

Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Club Meade.

The free event is open to the public.For a list of all attending employers,

go to ftmeademwr.com.

VA Resource ExhibitThe U.S. Department of Veterans

Affairs will host a Resource Exhibit on May 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fort Meade Exchange.

The exhibit will provide literature, awareness and education to service members, veterans and families on VA health care, benefits and employment programs.

Program managers from the Washington, D.C., VA Medical Center and the Baltimore VA Medical Center will be on site to provide information about health care.

A Veterans Benefits Administration representative will be available to answer questions about disability compensation, education services, home loans and eBenefits.

A representative from the VA National Cemetery Administration will answer questions about burial and memorial benefits.

A representative from the Veterans Employment Services Office also will be available.

For more information, email [email protected].

News anchor to speak at DMA event

Richard Lui, anchor for MSNBC and NBC News in New York, will speak at Defense Media Activity’s Asian

NEWS & EVENTS



American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Observance on May 21 at 1 p.m. at the DMA, 6700 Taylor Ave.

Lui has spent more than 25 years in business and communications. Before arriving at MSNBC and NBC News, Lui worked at CNN Worldwide — the first Asian-American male to anchor a daily, national cable news show in the U.S.

Lui’s reporting focuses on politics. He has covered every national election since 2004 and interviewed many politicians.

Lui is also a contributing columnist, writing for USA Today, Politico, Huffington Post and other news organizations.

During his speaking engagement at DMA, Lui will discuss his background and experiences as an Asian-American in the broadcast news industry and as a volunteer working in civil rights.


Freedom Inn opens indefinitely to DoD civilians

Until further notice, the Freedom Inn Dining Facility will start allowing DoD civilian employees, contractors and retirees to dine in the facility Monday and Friday for breakfast and lunch, and Tuesday through Thursday for lunch only.

This is a trial basis.The following rules must be adhered to:• Service members in uniform are

priority through the entire serving time.• DoD civilians, contractors and

retirees are allowed to enter from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.

• All food is to be consumed in the dining facility.

• No large bags are allowed.• Carry-out for civilians is not

permitted.

Violation of any of these rules may result in loss of privilege to dine in the facility.

For more information, call Christine L. Griggs, food program manager, at 301-677-9350.

Farmers market vendors wanted

The Fort Meade Farmers Market is seeking vendors of produce, prepared food, flowers, crafts and lunch trucks.

The farmers market will be held every Wednesday from June 10 to Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fort Meade Pavilion.

For more information, call 301-677-3579 or 301-252-8688.

Veterans Resource FairThe Howard County Veterans and Mili-

tary Families Commission will host a Veter-ans Resource Fair on Tuesday from 5-8:45 p.m. at the Miller Branch Library, 9421 Frederick Road, Ellicott City.

All veterans are invited. Admission is free.

The resource fair will offer participants the opportunity to talk face-to-face with representatives of more than 25 businesses, organizations and nonprofits dedicated to providing services, support and jobs to veterans.

The Howard County Veterans and Mili-tary Families Commission was established in 2011 to enhance public awareness and support to veterans and military families who reside and/or work within Howard County.

For more information, call Lisa Terry of the Howard County Office of Military Affairs at 410-313-0821.

BOSS barbecue, paintballBetter Opportunities for Single Service

Members is offering two events in May:• A free barbecue will be held Saturday

from noon to 4 p.m. at Burba Lake.• Paintball will be held May 30 from 9

a.m. to 3 p.m.Cost is $25.For more information, call 301-915-5389.

GPC trainingThe Government Purchase Card

training is mandatory for all billing officials/alternate billing official/cardholders.

Supervisors and resource managers are welcome to attend training. This training is for Appropriated Funds only.

The GPC program requires that all GPC customers receive training prior to being designated as billing official/alternate billing official/cardholder.

This training is designed for both initial and refresher GPC training combined.

Seats are limited. Training date and location are subject to change.

Reservations are required.For more information, email Cheryl

McGhee, program coordinator,at [email protected].

Summer Innovation Academy

Through portions of a grant from the Department of Defense Education Activity, MacArthur Middle School will sponsor the Summer Innovation Academy from July 13-30.

The program will be offered at no cost to families who have a child entering sixth grade in September and is currently attending Manor View, Pershing Hill, Meade Heights or Hebron-Harman elementary schools.

The deadline for applications is Friday.

The academy will run Mondays to Thursdays from 8:30-11:45 a.m.

The Summer Innovation Academy is an interdisciplinary STEM learning experience within the International Baccalaureate framework centered around the book, “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.”

The program will provide an opportunity for students to hone their inquiry learning skills and familiarize themselves with the school building as well as staff members.

To register, go to http://goo.gl/ELHryz.

For more information, contact Heather Giustiniani, International Baccalaureate Programme coordinator, at 410-674-0032 or [email protected].

Cooking Matters Commissary Tours

The next Cooking Matters Commissary Tours & Challenge are May 29 and June 15 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the commissary.

Tours are free and open to all eligible commissary patrons.

file photo

safety expo may 21Fort Meade’s annual Installation Safety, Health, Wellness and Resiliency

expo will be held May 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pavilion, located at the corner of Chisholm and Llewellyn avenues.

The free expo will feature a variety of vendors promoting workplace and recreational safety, and health and wellness tips — in addition to providing raffles and free giveaways.

Local, state and federal agencies and private vendors will offer a wide range of information through demonstrations, equipment and training.

Interactive activities include a drunk driving and texting simulator designed to expose the dangers of drunk and distracted driving.

In addition, the expo will offer blood pressure and vision screenings and information on motorcycle safety awareness, home-fire safety awareness, alcohol and drug awareness training, personal protective equipment, recreation safety, fitness, suicide prevention, nutrition and occupational health.

For more information, call the Installation Safety Office at 301-677-4867 or 301-677-6241.

EDUCATION

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18


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 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 Sunday

Friday & Saturday: “Furious Seven” (PG-13). Deckard Shaw seeks revenge against Dominic Toretto and his family for his comatose brother. With Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham.

Sunday: “The Gunman” (R). A sniper on a mer-cenary assassination team kills the minister of mines of the Congo. Terrier’s successful kill-shot forces him into hiding. Returning to the Congo years later, he becomes the target of a hit squad himself. With Sean Penn, Idris Elba, Jasmine Trinca.

Hands-on store tours are offered every hour and teach participants the skills to compare foods for cost and nutrition.

Select tours will receive a $10 coupon.To sign up for the event, go to http://

cmatscommissaryfm.eventbrite.com.For more information, email

[email protected].

Expressions of MacArthur MacArthur Middle School will host

“Expressions of MacArthur” on May 27 from 6-7:30 p.m.

The event will feature displays by stu-dents who will explain how their audio, visual and kinesthetic inquiry-learning not only benefits them in their class-rooms, but also in the real world.

For more information, contact Heather Giustiniani, International Baccalaureate Programme coordinator, at 410-674-0032 or [email protected].

Financial, Employment Readiness

Army Community Service offers 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.• Car buying: Tuesday, 9-11 a.m.Strategies will help you determine how

much you can afford, how to negotiate effectively and how to research potential vehicles.

• Credit Management: May 26, 9-11 a.m.• First Term Financial Readiness

(online): May 26, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.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 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.• Deployment Brief: Today, 10-11:30 a.m.• Pre-Separation Brief: Monday, 9-11:30

a.m.

Assistance in making the transition to civilian life

• Common Sense parenting: May 18: 9-10 a.m.

Topic: “Helping Emotionally Intense Situations”

• Ten Steps to a Federal Job: Tuesday, 9 a.m. to noon

Topics include: how to understand job vacancy announcements, writing a federal and electronic resume, and tracking applications.

• Boots To Business: Wednesday and May 21, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Two-day transition assistance/self-employment training offered in collaboration among the Small Business Administration and other organizations.

• Anger Management: May 21, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

• Job Search Strategies: May 26, 9 a.m. to noon

• Medial Records Review: Appointment required

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

StorytimeThe Children’s Library offers pre-

kindergarten Storytime on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at Kuhn Hall, 4415 Llewellyn Ave.

• Today: “Reading Grows Your Mind!” - Stories about gardens and gardening

• May 21: “Don’t Be Square!” - Stories about shapes

• May 28: “D is for Dinosaur” - Stories about dinosaurs


Youth Center eventsThe Youth Center is offering the

following free events for grades six to eight:

• Scrapbooking Night: Friday, 5-7 p.m.

In honor of National Families Day, the Youth Center is offering an evening of scrapbooking.

Bring your favorite family pictures.The “green screen” will be available to

take more family photos, if needed.• Asian-Pacific Islander American

Adventures: May 22, from 5:30-7 p.m.The event will feature a lumpia and

pansit cooking lesson and karaoke.For more information, call 301-677-

1437.

Out & About• Wine in the Woods will be held

Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 5950 Symphony Woods Road, Columbia.

The annual event features wine tasting from more than 30 wineries, food samples from area restaurants; live music including rock, jazz and reggae; a photo booth with costumes and props; “living” statues; canvas painting; body art; and artisans and craft vendors.

Wine Taster tickets cost $32 in advance and $40 at the gate. Designated driver tickets cost $25. Tickets for youths ages 3-20 costs $25.

For more information, go to wineinthewoods.com.

• Tickets are on sale for the 140th running of the Preakness Stakes, the pivotal middle jewel of thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown, which will take place Saturday at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.

The Preakness InfieldFest is an entertainment festival featuring national headlining artists on two stages, the popular MUG Club and attractions. Race day features 13 races, headlined by the Preakness Stakes.

Tickets cost $60 for general infield and $80 for MUG Club.

To purchase tickets, call 877-206-8042 or go to ticketfly.com.

Seating information and ticket reservation forms can be found at http://www.preakness.com/tickets.

• The ninth annual “Sundance for the Troops” GI Film Festival, dedicated to presenting the veteran experience through film, television and special events, will run from Monday to May 24 in Washington, D.C., and Fairfax, Va.

The seven-day program features 60-plus films, interactive Q&As with filmmakers and on-screen talent, embassy soirees, live music, stand-up comedy and awards ceremonies.

The diverse lineup encompasses drama, action and comedy through specialty categories including documentary, animation and science fiction.

Films include: “KAJAKI. The True Story” about bravery and brotherhood on the Kajaki Dam during the Afghanistan conflict; “War Pigs,” a World War II action movie; and Melissa McCarthy’s satirical CIA thriller “Spy.”

For the 2015 GI Film Festival Trailer, go to https://vimeo.com/124823007.

• Leisure Travel Services is offering its next monthly bus trips to New York City on Saturday and June 13, with discounts to attractions. Bus cost is $60. For more information, call 301-677-7354 or visit ftmeademwr.com.

• 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.

EDUCATION

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

YOUTH

RECREATION

MEETINGS

soundoff may 14, 2015

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