Andrews 020615

COMMENTARY I really shouldn't be here, Page 2

DCMILITARY.COM

JBA Tax Center closes

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS RYAN J. SONNIER 11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The 11th Wing Legal Office will not host a tax center for military members this year, however online resources are still available.

According to Capt.

Marissa Savells, 11th Wing assistant staff judge advocate, the Andrews Tax Center will not open due to fiscal restraints. In the past, more than 40 active-duty Airmen volunteered their time to help man the tax center. Unfortunately, this option is no longer feasible.

“Even though we aren’t offering tax preparation this year, military families can still file their taxes, for free, online at various websites,” Savells said. “However, attorneys may still be able to provide assistance with basic personal tax-related questions.”

To find various online resources, military members can utilize militaryonesource.mil.

Military One Source also advises members on how to be smart with their returns once they receive them and put the money toward carefully planned purchases, reducing debt, or using it as a “financial cushion.”

When filing online, members should have all relevant documents readily av a i l a b l e.

Documents include W2s/1099-Rs, 1098-Es

see TAX, page 4

COMMUNITY NEWS

MNCPPC celebrate county's century old history, Page 3

AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION OF COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Publick Playhouse offers musical flight of jazz, blues fusion, Page 6

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015 | VOL. 4 NO. 5

Student-built Lego bots battle for dominance

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

The Southern Technical/Recreation Complex (STRC) in Fort Washington was buzzing with hundreds of eager young Lego robotic creators from Prince George’s County during the 2015 Maryland 'For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology,' (FIRST) Robotics Competition Lego League Robotics Competition Qualifier Jan. 31.

Jointly sponsored by STRC and MD FIRST, the free competition saw more than 18 local First Lego Leagues (FLL) teams for students age 9-14 participate and qualify for the State FLL Championship.

There are five competitive competitions based on age which include the PHOTO/BOBBY JONES FIRST Place for ages six Aaron “AJ” Lewis, volunteer referee, observes a robot perform missions, while one team member cringes. to adult; the Junior FIRST Lewis is the son of Denise Lewis, US FIRST Regional Director, Washington, D.C. He started out as a competiLego League for students tor in the FIRST program and has just been accepted to the Naval Academy for a full scholarship. He wants to see LEGO, page 4 become an electrical engineer.

Prince Georgians celebrate ‘National Have Fun at Work Day’

MAX IMPACT KICKS-OFF SUPER BOWL SUNDAY

various local companies in Prince George’s County to see how they promote fun in Remember the T.V. com- the work environment.

Brandon Nelson, a Mcmercial where the camel asks his human coworkers Donald’s restaurant manthe annoying, yet rhetori- ager in Camp Springs noted, cal question, “Guess what “My team likes to compete daaaay it is?” The cowork- against each other by seeing ers all reluctantly answer I how fast they can service don’t know. The camel re- our customers. It’s a lot of fun and I reward the fastest plies, “Hump Daaaaay!” and most efficient worker,” January 28, which falls said Nelson.

“I’ve been here on Hump Day Wednesday, was also the unofficial Na- for only five months, but tional Have Fun at Work they seem to like it and it lightens the work load.”

Day. In Marlow Heights, Tina The Andrews Gazette see WORK, page 5 hit the streets and visited

Tech Sgt. Robert Smith, U.S. Air Force rock band Max Impact percussionist, plays for Super Bowl XLIX fans at Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale, Az., Feb. 1. See story on page 7.

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

Brandon Nelson, McDonald’s manager in Camp Springs, promotes fun in the work place by holding competitive games for workers.

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/ SENIOR AIRMAN NESHA HUMES

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Hot tickets about town Glancing Back & Looking Forward: 100 Years of African American Culture and History in Prince George’s County, Maryland Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, MD 20708 This exhibition features information about the lives of selected Prince Georgians who had a variety of occupations and community roles. Through photographs, artifacts, and excerpts from interviews, Everyday People Making History will convey the personal stories of participants and highlight the ways in which they were and still are a part of history in Prince George’s County. Free.

Call 301-377-7800 or visit www.pgpparks.com.

February 1-28

The Full Story: Maryland, The Surratts, and The Crime of the Century Wednesday-Friday 11 a.m. –3 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday noon–4 p.m.

Surratt House Museum, 9118 Brandywine Road, Clinton, MD 20735 Surratt House commemorates the 150th anniversary of the end of the American Civil War with an exhibit reflecting the role of Maryland in the conflict, the choices made by the Surratt family, and the after effects on the family and the nation.

Call 301-868-1121 or visit www.history.pgparks .com

Feb. 6- Feb 22

I Hate Hamlet Bowie Playhouse, 16500 White Marsh Park Drive, Bowie, Md. Friday, Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m.

2nd Star Productions comedic offering that follows television star Andrew Rally on a quest to become a "true" actor helped or hampered by his agent, friends and the ghost of John Barrymore.

Tickets cost $19 to $22. Call 410-757-5700 or 301832-4819 or visit www.2ndstarproductions.com.

February 7

The Brentwood Arts Exchange All-Screened Video Fest Noon Brentwood Arts Exchange, 3901 Rhode Island Ave., Brentwood, MD 20722 Join us as we bring independent video in all its forms, from great storytelling to experimental imagery, in the welcoming down-to-earth atmosphere you’ve come to know us for. ($) Call 301-277-2863 or visit www.arts.pgparks.com

COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS Andrews Gazette is published by Comprint Military Publications, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force or any branch of the United States military.

The appearance of advertising in these publications, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or the products and services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, martial status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non merit factor of the purchases, user or patron. mminar@dcmilitary.com John Rives, publisher

jrives@dcmilitary.com

Commentary

I really shouldn't be here of rank and position had been flocking to the base to see in the preceding days.

Then, unexpectedly, I got a closA couple of feet and a half a sec- er look than I ever hoped for. ond. These may seem like insignifiI wasn't sure how I deviated so cant measurements; but when com- far off my well-established path bined with fatigue, a couple of feet down the centerline of the hangar. almost cost me my career, and that However, I was sure I saw the halfhalf a second almost ended my life. ton of palletized equipment I was There was a time when I was backing into the hangar pass less an enlisted aircraft electrical and than a yard from the nose tip of the environmental systems specialist $150 million pride of the base. and was part of the 19th Aircraft I didn't say a word to anyone Maintenance Unit, at Joint Base about it at the time. All I could do Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. In was imagine what my fate would the summer of 2008, while I was have been if I had destroyed the assigned to work in the support pointy end of that beautiful fighter section, my supervisor and I were jet. The thought made me sick to tasked to move much of the equipment from the 19th AMU hangar my stomach. My line number for to the 12th AMU hangar because of staff sergeant-gone. My future in the Air Force-shot. renovation.

Can you imagine being "that We had a tight deadline and the Airman" who smashed up ElmenNCO I was working for was deterdorf's first F-22? mined to complete the task durIf I had still managed to proing our shift that night, even if it meant working more than 12 hours. mote and apply for officer training That night wore on and turned school, I can picture the converinto morning and I knew it would sation at the officer accessioning not be long before the recently set board going something like this: sun would peak up again over the "and next up is a sergeant David Liapis ... wait, I know that name Chugach Mountains.

Things were going well for the from somewhere. Oh, yeah, he's the first few hours. I remember gawk- guy that cost the Air Force millions ing at Elmendorf's very first F-22 of dollars because he was an idiot Raptor that had arrived only days -- next applicant."

As you might have guessed, faprior as I hauled load after load of pallets and equipment across the tigue was the main contributing hangar floor. I felt privileged to factor in the previously related inbe able to get up close to this jet cident; however, I was not the only named after a Jurassic Park an- one suffering from too much work tagonist that all manner of mili- and too little rest that night.

My supervisor was stacking tary and civilian men and women

BY CAPT. DAVID LIAPIS

Through February 28

Maxine Minar, president

Friday, February 6, 2015

Deirdre Parry, page design dparry@gazette.net Leslie Smith, editor lsmith@dcmilitary.com Bobby Jones, photographer bjones@dcmilitary.com

92ND AIR REFUELING WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

some pallets with a forklift as I guided him forward. I'm not sure how I ended up between a moving pallet and a wall, but I did. I gave the hand signal for the sergeant to stop, but he didn't. I managed to squeeze out of that tight spot just in time to avoid having the pallet pin me against the wall at my midsection. He was too tired and didn't react quickly enough to my signalagain it was fatigue.

The Air Force Safety Program is nothing new. All the right rules and guidelines existed that night as they had for years prior and have for years since. We just got so wrapped up in what we were doing that we failed to consider and put into practice what we had been taught and what common sense told us.

We knew better, but the mission needed to be accomplished-or did it? Did it really all have to be done that night?

It's true, getting the job done is what we are all about; however, we need to make appropriate risk assessments and ensure we'll be here to take on the next mission. Our line of work has inherent risks, but most can be easily mitigated.

The goal, rather the quest, is for zero-zero fatalities, zero mishaps, zero dollars spent to repair or replace needlessly damaged resources. That night, failure to appropriately address fatigue almost cost me a whole lot ... times two.

Retiree Corner Doolittle Raider Dies

Retired Lt. Col. Edward Saylor, one of four surviving Doolittle Raiders, died in Sumner, Wash. He was 94.He was a young flight engineergunner and among the 80 airmen who volunteered to fly the risky mission that sent 16 B-25 bombers from a carrier at sea to attack Tokyo, April 28, 1942. Three crew members died as Raiders bailed out or crash-landed their planes in China, but most were helped to safety

by Chinese villagers and soldiers.

Of eight Raiders captured by Japanese soldiers, three were executed and another died in captivity. Colonel Saylor grew up on a ranch in Brusett, Mont. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1939 and served 28 years. Last year, the Raiders received the Congressional Gold Medal.

Expedited Burial Payments

New burial regulations allow Veterans Affairs (VA) to automatically pay the maximum amount al-

lowable under law to most eligible surviving spouses, without the need of a written application. Previously, burial benefits were paid on a reimbursement basis on submitted receipts. This automation enables VA to pay burial allowances to an estimated 62,000 eligible surviving spouses out of a projected 140,000 claimants for burial benefits this year. Spouses will be paid upon notice of the veteran’s death using information maintained by VA. Burial allowance for a nonservice-connected death is $300 and $2,000 for death connected to military service.

For more information on monetary burial benefits, call 1 800 827-1000.

Increased SGLI Premiums

The Servicemembers? Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program has adjusted its monthly premium rate to 7 cents per $1,000 to maintain the program?s strong financial position. Since the start of the SGLI Program in 1965, monthly premiums have decreased from 20 cents per $1,000 to the present rate. Over the past 30 years, pre-

miums, rates have fluctuated only 2.5 cents per $1,000 of insurance.

The group insurance industry normally adjusts premium rates when there are changes in the economy and/or changes in the number of death claims. VA uses actuaries to conduct program experience studies. For a service member with the maximum $400,000 of life insurance, this change means an increase of $2 a month. Individual Ready Reserve members who are drilling for points toward retirement or who do not receive pay for other reasons will be billed by their branch of service for the higher premium.

The Retiree Activities Office is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visit the office in Building 1604 at California and Colorado Avenues or call 301 981-2726. Call before your visit to ensure a volunteer is on duty. The RAO website is at www .andrews.af.mil.

Friday, February 6, 2015

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MNCPPC celebrate county's century old history

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

The Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) kicked off Black History Month with an Art Exhibit Opening, highlighting a century of African American culture and history in Prince George’s County at the Montpelier Cultural Arts Center in Laurel Feb. 1.

The program entitled “Glancing Back and Looking Forward,” illustrates the lives of everyday and prominent Prince Georgians whose contributions helped mold the county’s rich legacy, through education, businesses communities and the Civil Rights movement through the use of video, photos, art and events.

Ronnie Gathers, Maryland National Park and Planning Commission DPR director, gave the opening remarks to a capacity room of county residents, including, Maryland Sen. Douglas Peters, District 23; Current Mayor of Greenbelt; Emmett V. Jordan and former Mayor of Greenbelt, Judith Davis.

Rosalyn Johnson, deputy director, Department Parks and Recreation opened the event by lauding the historical accomplishments of the county. “We are here to tell our story about the 319 years of Prince George’s County,” said Johnson, referring to some recent unfavorable press stories about the county. “We are going to tell our story our way, and we’re going to continue to write our story as it happens…”

Johnson noted, “The exhibit showcases a remarkable story of our county and how it grew from a mere suburb of Washington, D.C., our nation’s capital, to this wonderful, vibrant community that has triumphed over many challenges.”

Expounding more of the county’s history, Johnson explained how Prince George’s County, in its infancy was also a predominantly black county which sold enslaved Africans from Upper Marlboro and Bladensburg for money, silver and tobacco, the county’s and Maryland’s chief product then. “But later when

Rock Newman, former Brandywine native, former Maryland Parks and Planning Commission employee, sports promoter and award winning radio talk host addresses his home audience as the key note speaker during Art Exhibit opening.

I answered him and well you don’t have to wait unPHOTOS/BOBBY JONES til tomorrow to turn into a hawk. But I want you Clinton resident, Frankee Smith, listens to her granddaughter, Christian Smith 4, to remember something. ask she asks a question about a photo of young girl reading a book in 1920s.

I’m a sparrow. Everyone the slaves were freed and But, I now saying publicly through my hand and my in the room didn’t underbecame farmers, entre- who ever put this all to- mind. Next the man said, stand comment at that preneurs’, and business gether deserves a raise,” ‘Nigger don’t you ever time. But after a few professionals -- owning said Newman, with an come in my yard again.’ months, we not only got As an innocent 8-year-old, the money we were asking businesses, such as the icebreaker statement.

“In reference to your I couldn’t fathom how an for, but a whole lot more,” Bladensburg Carrying Association, Smith Bar- theme, “Glancing Back adult could do something said Newman. “So afterbershop, the first com- and Looking Forward,” like that to a child.” wards, I had lunch with Later in Newman’s that same threatening munity barbershop in I think I can never go Glenarden. Our county wrong acknowledging life-accounts realized the HBO head and he asked also became the home of Almighty God first,” said defining moment in his me what I meant by being 27 Rosenwald Schools, Newman, relating to his life when he predicted a sparrow. I asked him if established in 1917 for childhood experiences, that then Cassius Clay had heard of the old NeAfrican American chil- educational opportunity would be the next Heavy gro spiritual, ‘His eye is dren in the rural South and his introduction in Weight champion of the on the sparrow,’ making

by Julius Rosenwald, an the sports and entertain- world. All of his family, him realize that is God friends and boxing pun- that watches over me, a American businessman ment arena.

“Part of what gave dits laughed, because of higher power in me lives.” and philanthropist, which is how a number African me the foundation for Clay’s inexperience. “On Newman went on to Americans in our county who and what I am to- Feb 25, 1964 Clay won talk briefly about his exreceived their education.” day was when I went to the title, and that became periences as a counselor; After taking the au- a segregated school. We the part of my DNA and Howard University Basedience on brief educa- had ragged books, and the defining moment in tion of Prince George’s chipped-up and beat-up my life. I‘ve believed if I County’s history, Johnson desks. But we had some- could conceive it, and I introduced the key note thing that you could not pursued what I wanted speaker, Rock Newman, pay for or buy; love,” ex- with a sense of purpose, former Brandywine na- claimed Newman, then I could accomplish anytive, former Maryland 8-years-old. “I had love thing, and so can you,” Parks and Planning Com- for all of my teachers,” said Newman, encouragmission employee, sports including Miss Mitchell, ing the audience.

Later, when Newpromoter and award win- who I had a crush on,” man transcended into Newman joked. ning radio talk host.

Newman also shared the world of sports as a He addressed the crowd humbly as a proud his first experience of rac- promoter, he reflected on Prince Georgian, chroni- ism as a youngster while when he sat in a room cling his upbringing in he out riding his new bike with the head of HBO the county as a youth, his one day. He witnessed a Sports and Time Warner, college years at Howard man cutting his grass multibillion dollar corpoUniversity, his well-tele- with a riding lawnmower. rations. I felt in my heart, vised career as the boxing “That was my first time we were being treated manager of World Heavy ever seeing riding mow- unfairly,” said Newman, Weight Champion Rid- er.” Looking curiously a boxing promoter in 90s.

“The head of HBO told dick Bowe and his radio at the mower he noticed the muffle had a curious me that he saw me as a talk show.

Newman thanked the white crust on it which dove and warned me that Parks and Recreation di- reminded him of the ice if I didn’t sign the convision for inviting him to that would build up inside tract by the next morning, speak and commended his mother’s freezer. So that he along with his 26 their efforts for a job well he asked the man if the lawyers would come down done on the Black History white coating was hot or on me like a hawk. I realMonth exhibit opening re- cold. He said it’s cold, grab ized that I was viewed as ception. “I gave kudos to it. He put the bike down the ultimate outsider, who Mr. Ronnie Gathers, DPR and grabbed it. “And as didn’t play the game and director in private for I tell you this story I still stood my ground with my such a spectacular event. feel the pain that seared one little scrawny lawyer. 1041904

ball Hall of Famer; meeting with Nelson Mandela and Pope John Paul II; along with numerous other dignitaries and political leaders.

At the conclusion of the program, announced the unveiling of a Black History Month Poster project produced by a group of students from Northwestern High School. The art piece took two months to produce will be displayed in the art gallery section of the Montpelier Cultural Arts Center as an education piece. “We were able to take advantage of a teachable moment,” said Rosalyn Johnson, deputy director, DPR, referring to the poster.

Clinton resident, Frankee Smith noted she was glad to expose her granddaughter to learn more about the history of Prince George’s County.

“My granddaughter enjoyed the key speaker, Rock Newman and talked with him at the end of the program. She really keyed in on the part when he said that you can be anything that you want to, just believe,” Smith.

“He asked her what she wanted to be and she said a dinosaur. He smiled and encouraged her nonetheless. I told him because of her love for dinosaurs, I suspect she could actually end up being a paleontologist.”

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TAX, from page 1

LEGO, from page 1

for student loan interest payments, dividend and brokerage statements and any other tax documentations.

If the member prefers to complete their taxes in person, services are located in building 1683 for a discounted price.

Savells also stated that Ft. Belvoir, Virginia and Quantico, Virginia offer military members and dependents in-person tax preparation services.

The JBA Legal Office is slated to hold a Retiree Day on Feb. 12 for retirees and their dependents to receive legal advice and make tax-related inquiries.

An appointment will be required for these services.

For more information or questions, contact the Legal Office at 240-612-5750 or on Facebook at facebook.com/Joint BaseAndrewsLegalOffice.

from six to nine years of age; FIRST Lego League for students nine to 14 years old; the FIRST Tech Challenge for high school students; and the FIRST Robotics Competition for high school students.

Denise Lewis, US FIRST Regional Director, Washington, D.C., noted “The real purpose of this event is to expose our children to opportunities where everyone can be a winner and be successful.

There’s a job out there for every student interested in college math, science, technology or engineering,” said the former educator.

“We put far too much emphasis on sports, like basketball or football.

These kids could be anywhere else, but they are here learning about science, real-world issues and how to improve learning,” said Lewis. “It’s much more than just robots here. They also have to do a research paper during the event, because it’s part of the competition.”

I’ve volunteered with FIRST well over 8 years

and I’ve seen the benefits of this program, because my son started out here with FIRST and a youngster and now he’s turned down several scholarships, and decided to join the Navy on full scholarship to academy as an officer. He wants to be an electrical engineer because he was inspired by this program when his was really young,” said Lewis proudly.

According to Lewis there’s a $20,000 grant called the FIRST Lego Innovation Award that’s offered to the most innovative team and has offered to help them file a patent for their invention. This is an international competition for all countries around the world.

The teams are awarded in the categories of project presentation, robot, mechanical design, performance, and core values -which recognizes a team that is able to accomplish more together than individually, incorporating shared goals, strong communication effective problem solving and time management. There is also the champion’s award that embraces the FLL core values, while achieving excellence and innova-

Friday, February 6, 2015

son, Gabriel, 12, alongside team member, Albert James, nervously execute missions for their robot.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Eric Atkins, an Army Corps of Engineers electrical engineer at the White House, served as scorer during the event, periodically glancing over at his son, Jonathan, 13, competing with for the first time with the Lego Pros, 4-H Club of Clinton. His mom, Julie Atkins shot video and offered cheers of encouragement. She noted “My husband has volunteered to attend FIRST Lego meetings, and competitions for the past 4 years. “He’s a Lego guy too. He grew up with it as a child from very young age too. Last year, my son supported the team. This year is his first time competing, Atkins. He wants to be a Lego designer; in fact, he wants to be the one who designs the kits,” She added. “He’s very Math, Science and Engineering minded. He is my husband through and through. He loves it and Science is his favorite subject.”

FIRST’s began in 1992 with 28 teams in a New Hampshire high-school gym. Today the program is reaching close to 250,000 young people. To learn more about the program, visit http://www. mdfirst.org.

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

“Call Us Boss” team members, Gabriel Salazar, 12, left, and Albert James prepare to execute missions for their multiplexor robot, named Pedro.

tion in the robot game and project.

Alberto Lacaze, “Call Us Boss” Lego League coach is one of several volunteers who loaned his experience and time to helping the children build a multiplexor robot for the event. “We started working on it during the April time-frame,” said Lacaze, a robotics engineer with a firm in Gaithersburg.

“The kids were really worried about doing multiple missions at the same time.

But they saw on YouTube that someone had built a multiplexor and they tried it, but it turned out to be gigantic. So after rebuilding it a couple of times they were able to reduce its size and they named it Pedro. So far they’re not doing so well,” said Lacaze. “However, they have two more trials so we’ll see what happens.”

Jose Gabriel Salazar and his wife, Isa, watched anxiously from the sideline shooting video of their

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Andrews Gazette

Friday, February 6, 2015

WORK, from page 1 Arnold, Roses Department Store lead associate noted, “We have fun by being kind to customers. I love showing customers what to buy, how to accessorize, what outfits coordinate and what colors work together,” said Arnold. “Often in retail it’s what you can do to make customers want to come back. For me, it’s fun to meet new people who give us inspiration and we in turn try to inspire them.

So I always give them eye contact, smile and remember their name.”

Her coworker, Jacqueline Fassassi, Roses Department Store processor, noted that discussing issues at work that they can’t talk with anyone else lightens her day. “I also like to dance a little while I work, because it makes my day go by easier.”

At Party City, where fun is the centerpiece of the party supply rental company, Tom Brill, Party City Store District Heights manager, was unaware of the unofficial holiday, but whole-heartedly promotes fun in the work place. “I wasn’t aware today was “Have fun at Work Day,” but I encourage the em-

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ployees to have a good time while they’re working,” said Brill. “They share some of their home-life stories with each other and tell funny stories and jokes to create a fun atmosphere.

We believe in getting the job done, but there’s always room to have fun. On special occasions we have pizza parties to lift their spirits and reward them for their extra effort during inventory time,” said Brill.

“I feel like the more we can be a part of each other’s lives outside of work and know what’s going on with each other the more fun we’ll have,” Brill added Jerome Manning, Party City assistant manager, noted “We have cleaning competitions all the time for fun. In fact, we had a really good time last night, clowning around while we were cleaning and doing inventory.”

Finally, inside one of the last places one might expect to find any sort of levity was found to be just the opposite at the dental office of Dr. Cox and Dr. Greenstein in Clinton.

Raimey Rite, dental technician of 15 years, shared the special relationship she has with her fellow coworkers and the pri-

5

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

Jerome Manning, Party City assistant manager in Capital Heights, says he rewards employees with pizza parties.

mary dentist she assists.

“I like to talk to the patients and see what’s been going on in their day and try to make light of it, because some people come into the dental office already stressed. So I have to distract them by talking with them so by the time the Dr. Greenstein comes in they’re already calm.

However, it all depends on the patient’s attitude, especially during a root canal ...

So, while I’m observing the procedure, I physically sit

in a chair higher than him and I make fun of his grey hair and the patient’s love it,” said Rite. “The doctor usually has a snappy comeback. We do a lot of role play, depending on how nervous the patient might be.”

Rite also mentioned a recent time when surgical gloves were ordered and the only colors available were pink and green.

“We gave Dr. Greenstein a pair of pink gloves. He was reluctant at first, how-

ever, when challenged, he meets it head on. But now, it’s become a running joke here because everyone else wears pink gloves and we explained to him that only a true man wouldn’t have a problem wearing them,” said Rite. “He didn’t like it at first but now he plays along.”

Rite explained,” We’re stuck with each other for 10-hours a day and deal with a lot of stressful patients who come in stressed and sometimes

traumatized from events in their lives. We have to be able to calm them down, so we’re kind of like chair-side psychiatrists,” said Rite.

“So we have fun and let the patients see us have fun, which calms them down.

It’s all a part of making the patient comfortable.”

Rite reflected on a prank played on Dr. Greenstein by the entire staff. “We had this one patient who was a police officer who agreed to come in wearing her uniform and play a joke on Dr. Greenstein. Although he hadn’t come into work yet Greenstein was in for a surprise. When he arrived, the officer approached him with a rolled up piece of paper in her hand, telling him that he was being subpoenaed for court with the staff looking on laughing at his reaction. “We like to play pranks on each other.”

So it appears that even in the most unlikely work environments, Prince Georgians thrive on having a fun day at work to promote an environment of trust for their customers and camaraderie amongst their coworkers.

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Friday, February 6, 2015

The Publick Playhouse offers musical flight of jazz, blues fusion

BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER

A journey of melodic melding will take over the Publick Playhouse on Saturday as Karen Lovejoy and The Lovejoy Music Group and Phil Wiggins and the Chesapeake Sheiks bring their dynamic, jubilant and effortless sounds to the venue.

Jazz vocalist Karen Lovejoy fronts the well-

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versed and first-class Lovejoy Music Group comprised of Herb Smith on saxophone and woodwinds; drummer, Lawrence Bubbles Dean, pianist and musical director, and Bob Shann, bassist – which will bring their versatile approach to jazz to the stage with a funky mix of blues and jazz.

Harmonica virtuoso Phil Wiggins brings his cast of Piedmont blues to the stage. Having played

for more than 30 years as part of the duo Cephas and Wiggins, he was spurred to go into different directions seeking to follow in the vein of the black string and swing bands of the 20s and 30s like Martin, Bogin and Armstrong, and the Mississippi Sheiks. “All these people were at first categorized as Piedmont players or Delta players then people started calling them songsters be-

cause they played a lot of different styles of songs,” Wiggins explained.

This jazz blues show is far from anything you would expect; don’t come ready to cry your way through this show. With these two powerhouses it’s about energy and getting the crowd to have a good time.

“The root of blues -- as it relates to jazz -- is that it’s to kind of have fun and to make

it soulful and energetic.

People think of blues as something that you are drowning in a bottle and crying tears. Blues to me has always been a joyful music -- joyful in that it’s a release for the spirit.

Sometimes it’s a way of even laughing at yourself. It speaks to some situations -- some situations one might prefer not to be in maybe -- and it does so in a comical way; in way that allows you a release. So to me the music is about uplifting; it’s about healing; it’s about fun.”

Wiggins added, “There are some people into this music that are obsessed with trying to recreate something from the past, like I say in the music notes, we’re not trying to create the old 78s we just love this music and we play it in the present; we’re not trying to imitate people from the past.

We love this music in the present and we play it in the present -- play it the way we feel it. We see it for celebration -- for dancing and celebrating.

And that’s the energy we try to put out when we perform.”

Blues has always been very much a part of Wiggins’ life. Wiggins discovered his love for and became grounded in blues spending time in his family’s hometown of Titusville, Ala., where he spent many summers.

“I believe I fell in love with the sounds of the blues from my grandmother’s church; outside the church on Wednesday nights because I would walk my grandmother to church … and I would wait outside the church for her to finish. I would listen to the prayer meeting -- the prayer meeting was the elder women of the church that would do these congregational prayers. One woman would sing out a phrase and the congregation would answer back and that to me was almost like a pure blues sound even though the lyrics were not blues and the words were prayers and praise but the feel of it was a deep blues, a deep emotional [sound]. I think, really, that is how it got into my blood.”

With these two artists performing at this venue

If you go ...

Find out more about Karen Lovejoy and the Lovejoy Group at www. lovejoygroup.com or reach them at lovejoygroup@yahoo.com to be added to the mailing list.

Find out more about Phil Wiggins and the Chesapeake Sheiks, biography and future events, on www.philwiggins.com.

The performance is on Saturday 8 p.m. at the Publick Playhouse in Riverdale, Md., call 301-277-1710. it is sure to be a treat for the ears and the spirit.

And both of these artists are doing their part to ensure that these American born and bred art forms remain a part of the American experience.

Lovejoy imparted, “There is undoubtedly an audience for jazz -- a young audience for jazz -- but the question is, ‘how do you get to them?’

Because whatever music industry that is left, the last thing they want to deal with is jazz… The Internet offers potential.

There is an avenue that needs to be explored; it’s a communication entity and it holds the potential; to reach what has not been reachable before. I just think we just have to become very savvy public relations folks and use the tools that are available today to be able to put the music out there…

“It really is about exposure. When I perform in public venues and there are young people in the vicinity -- whether it’s 14 or 25 -- they will come up and ask questions. They are really interested in the music; it’s just getting to that group.”

Wiggins often teaches and takes any opportunity to share through performing to continue to infuse this music to the next generation and expose to new audiences. “I talk to a lot of young people about the Piedmont

see MUSIC, page 7

Andrews Gazette

Friday, February 6, 2015

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Max Impact performs for fans at Super Bowl

BY SENIOR AIRMAN NESHA HUMES

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The U.S. Air Force premier rock band, Max Impact, performed for Super Bowl XLIX fans at Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 1.

Thousands of football fans listened to the 30-minute concert as they passed through the restaurants and stores of Westgate. The dining and entertainment district is less than a half-mile from The University of Phoenix Stadium, where Super Bowl XLIX was held.

They played a single show, ranging from classic rock to country, at the district, just hours before the kick-off of Super Bowl XLIX. “This is probably a highlight of my career, playing for 10,000 to 15,000 people on Super Bowl Sunday,” Tech. Sgt. Robert K. Smith, Max Impact percussionist, said.

“The performance went absolutely amazing.”

The band transitioned

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/ SENIOR AIRMAN NESHA HUMES

Seattle Seahawk fans cheer for Max Impact’s performance at Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale, Az., Feb. 1. Max Impact is the U.S. Air Force’s premier rock band.

into their final song by asking everyone to take a moment to be serious and remember the events of September 11, 2001.

“We all remember where we were and what we were doing when we heard about the attack

on twin towers,” Senior Master Sgt. Ryan Carson, Max Impact vocalist, said. “But today, instead, I want to focus on the days after the attack, when all the stores were sold out of American flags, we want to take you back to

those days and the sense of pride the nation felt.”

The band concluded their performance with “God Bless the U.S.A.,” a song by Lee Greenwood.

“They made me feel like a real patriot,” said Railton Anderson, an at-

tendee, who laughed as he tugged at his New England jersey.

The six-member band provided similar patriotic closers for their four shows at Fan Fest in Scottsdale in January.

The weeklong entertainment, fashion and food event was home to the Entertainment Sports and Programming Network’s live broadcast for the Super Bowl.

“I think the tour was great,” Sgt. Jonathan McPherson, Max Impact pianist, said. “We had the opportunity to play for Super Bowl fans and reach a national audience by being featured on ESPN.” The band seeks to use the power of music to inspire audiences worldwide, create innovative products and programs while representing Air Force excellence.

“We brought the Air Force message not only to the people of Glendale, but also the nation and the world,” McPherson said.

MUSIC, from page 6 and the swing tunes; and I have taught people that will hopefully carry it on.

“I don’t worry about it dying out; it has what people need.

Blues music, especially, was born and created in a time when life was really hard for people and people needed something to sustain their spirit and that is why blues was created; and I think it still has that power in it. Nowadays, people still need it now; we’re living in this high-tech world where people spend so much time looking at a screen they need something real and I think that what this music can provide. So I think we’ll always need it; and as long as people are doing it -- and doing it well -- t will live on.”

Whether a casual fan or an aficionado, both artists have something for you to enjoy.

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