Tester 120414

TESTER Naval Air Station Patuxent River

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Dec. 7

Vol. 71, No. 47

Sharing Global Experiences Page 2

Money Talks: Holiday Spending Page 3

Accolades Around the Air Station Page 4

Celebrating 71 Years of Community Partnership

December 4, 2014

C-2A: 50 years strong

U.S. Navy photo by Donna Cipollini

NAS Patuxent River hosts the 37th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival Dec. 6, at the Drill Hall. More than 170 artisans to offer a vast array of crafts and artwork.

Annual craft fair Saturday

By Shawn Graham NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs If you enjoy giving unique holiday gifts, the 37th Annual NAS Patuxent River Arts and Crafts Festival is the place for you. The festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Drill Hall.

The annual event attracts more than 3,200 shoppers with vendors displaying a vast array of crafts and artwork.

Dhyana Mackenzie, manager of Customized Creations, vets each vendor and artist; ensuring every item sold is handmade and original.

Drill Hall Courts Close Early Dec. 5 and 6 Drill Hall’s basketball and volleyball courts close at 1 p.m. Dec. 5 to set up for the annual craft festival, and again Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the festival itself.

The indoor pool and Gear Issue and the Bowling Center will remain open for business.

“It’s hard to market and sell original crafts because

See Art, Page 5

NAS Road Construction

Cuddihy Road Dec. 6-7: Work between Buse and Tate roads will cause one-lane closures.

Buse Road Dec. 6-7: Work between Gate 1 and Tate Road will cause rolling road closures and one lane closures.

Shaw Road Dec. 5-7: Work from traffic circle to Switzer Road will cause one-lane closures.

Traffic will be flagged around each roadwork area. All work is dependent on weather.

Facts by the Numbers:

3,977,905 28,641 Cargo and mail in pounds transported in FY 2013

Passengers and distinguished visitors transported in FY 2013

10,000

Maximum payload in pounds

7,510

Flight hours in FY 2013

1,100

Range in nautical miles

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Card

A C-2A assigned to the Rawhides of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 prepares to land on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). USS George H.W. Bush supported maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Greyhound connects fleet to suppliers, homefront Program Executive Office for Tactical Aircraft Programs

Half a century after its first flight took place Nov. 18, 1964, over Bethpage, New York, the C-2A Greyhound remains a key component of the carrier strike group’s logistics team.

Whether getting crucial spare parts where they’re needed, transporting VIPs for a carrier visit, delivering treasured mail aboard ship or carrying service members home on the “rotator” after a distant assignment, the C-2A Greyhound works hard and

steady to support the fleet and keep morale high.

The C-2A Greyhound is a high wing, twin-engine Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) aircraft.

Powered by twin Rolls Royce

See C-2A, Page 5

Be Prepared: Where to obtain base delay info

By Donna Cipolloni NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

The holidays may have us temporarily preoccupied, but there’s something else fast approaching that we can’t afford to ignore — winter, and the bad weather that accompanies it. Be prepared by knowing how to obtain the information you’ll need on delays and alternative work scheduling at NAS Patuxent River.

The NAS Commanding Officer de-

termines what course of action is taken in any emergency condition that results in changes to the installation’s normal operation and disseminates that decision via the appropriate chain of command. Tenant leadership then ensures employee compliance within his or her own organization.

“An emergency condition is any situation that reduces or prohibits base operations at Pax River, such as severe weather,” explained the air station’s

Emergency Manager Jerome Ray, “but it can also include power or utility failure, environmental incident or a threat to complex security.”

In the event of an emergency situation during non-working hours, information is relayed as soon as possible to various sources for dissemination.

“If there’s a mission essential or critical personnel only situation,

See Info, Page 2

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INFO

Pax speakers share global experiences with students

Continued from 1 others will still be able to access the installation,” Ray said, “so it is the responsibility of each individual to know how they are directly affected by any action taken, for their own personal safety.”

Official sources regarding delays and alternative work scheduling include 301-342-BASE, local radio and television stations, the installation’s website at www.cnic.navy.mil/patuxent or by signing up for AtHOC notices.

“Notices are usually posted to the NAS Facebook page also, but that is not an official source,” said NAS Public Affairs Officer Connie Hempel. “Employees should really sign up for AtHOC messages, turn to local TV and radio stations, the Pax River website, or their supervisor if they’re concerned with whether or not they are to report to work on time due to adverse weather or some other event.”

Additionally, Pax River employees must adhere to announcements specifically identified for Pax River and not those intended for the federal agencies in Washington, D.C. “Sometimes employees here confuse the base’s employee reporting status with the dismissal or closure announcements of the federal government, Office of Personnel Management and Naval District Washington; and these do not affect Pax River,” Hempel said. “Sometimes the weather in the D.C. area will be different from what’s happening in Southern Maryland, and we witnessed that a few times during the snowstorms earlier this year.”

Mission essential or critical personnel likely know who they are, but any-

By Donna Cipolloni NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

Courtesy photo

A bulldozer plows snow from Buse Road during a snow storm last winter. The NAS Commanding Officer determines what course of action is taken in emergency conditions such as severe weather. otherwise. Contractors must communicate with their companies to find out their AtHOC is a highly recommended and effective reporting guidance when system whereby users can choose to have the plan for federal employemergency messages sent directly to their ees is altered. home, cell phones, pagers, faxes and personal For details and definior work e-mails, but registration is required. tions regarding emergency To register: reporting and the use of ad Visit www.ReadyNavy.mil, click on Stay Inministrative leave, refer to formed and then Wide Area Alert Notification NASPAXRIVINST 12610.7G, from your NMCI or One Net networked comEmployee Reporting Proputer cedures During Emergency Email your contact information to the air staSituations, which can be tion’s emergency preparedness officer at jefound on the My NAVAIR rome.ray@navy.mil or tommy.d.truong@navy.mil website, https://mynavair.

Right click the purple globe on the bottom right navair.navy.mil. Click on of your NMCI computer screen, click Access My Communities, DirecSelf Service and then click on the Devices tab. tives, NAS Pax Instructions and scroll until you get to one in doubt should ask their supervi- 12610.7G. The instruction is also availsor and verify their situation before an able on the Pax River website, www. emergency condition occurs. cnic.navy.mil/patuxent, click on OperChanges to employee reporting sta- ations and Management and then NAS tus apply to the workforce on the NAS, Pax River Instructions.

Navy Recreation Center Solomons, and Employees can also obtain a copy of Webster Outlying Field, unless stated the information from their supervisor.

How to register for AtHOC

It has been said, “The philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next” — and it’s a safe bet Leonardtown High School Social Studies teacher Michael Denny agrees with that sentiment.

Since the early 90s, Denny has been teaching an elective Global Diplomacy course to interested students — from sophomores to seniors — that covers relevant, current national and international issues.

“Global Diplomacy provides a wonderful opportunity for students to enhance what they have learned in their U.S. history, world history and government classes,” Denny said.

“Taking the foundations and applying them to real-time issues is invaluable and necessary for soon-to-be voting citizens and the future leaders of our country.”

Denny’s classroom curriculum changes based on the evolving story of what’s happening around the world at any given time, and he recognizes NAS Patuxent River as a prime resource for guest speakers with firsthand international experience.

“We’ll cover a topic in class and get good background information, and then the Pax people come in and talk about their personal experience,” he said.

“Where were they in the world? Why were they there? What were the implications of them being there? Did it work or not work? Whatever they talk about, it lends a third dimension to what we learn in [our classroom].”

Carol Axten, acquisition manager for Air Combat Electronics (PMA-209), has one master’s degree in International Relations and another in National Security Resource Strategy. During

See Global, Page 3

NAVAIR’s champion for energy acquisition helps meet Navy’s new requirements

By Emily Strotman Program Management (AIR 1.0) Communications Support

Four years ago when the Secretary of the Navy outlined five goals aimed at reducing the service’s energy consumption and reliance on petroleum, Herman Varmall began counting down.

“I knew it was just a matter of time before those policy changes would trickle down to NAVAIR,” said Varmall who leads NAVAIR’s Environmental Programs Department (AIR 1.6), which recently expanded its portfolio to add an energy component.

“The new Environmental and Energy Programs Department will leverage the existing environmental infrastructure supporting acquisition and use current environmental models, processes and tools to

address energy requirements.”

With these new energy requirements for acquisition program managers (PMs) underway, Varmall shared how he plans to prepare leaders for change.

Q: What are the energy requirements for NAVAIR’s PMs? A: Within acquisition, NAVAIR’s PMs should be focused on two energy requirements. The first is to establish an energy Key Performance Parameter (eKPP); the second is to calculate the fully burdened cost of energy (FBCE).

An e-KPP is created to optimize the fuel and electric power demand of our systems. The FBCE assesses the relative fuel cost differences between competing systems and helps the Navy make trade-off decisions.

Q: How will you prepare program managers for these new energy requirements?

AIR 1.6 is here to help support program managers as they begin implementing and executing the Navy’s energy requirements. We are in the early stages of developing energy awareness and training modules. You can expect to see a NAVAIR “Energy Policy and Awareness” handbook that will identify NAVAIR management structure, DOD and Navy directives and policies, and acquisition energy requirements. The handbook will be followed with the development of a two-day course with modules that identify learning objectives and what PMs should know about energy. Finally, we have recently modified one of our primary environmental tools, Programmatic Environmental Safety and Health

Evaluation Document Authoring Tool (PESHE.DAT), to include an energy chapter consisting of a questionnaire that will assist PMs with assessing energy requirement compliance.

Q: AIR 1.6 has developed widely used tools and processes on the environmental compliance side. What are your plans for energy compliance?

A: We’ve had great success managing environmental compliance by employing business practices and creating an infrastructure of great people and great tools. Now, we want to leverage that infrastructure on the energy side because we see a value.

Emily Strotman provides contract communication support as an employee of Bowhead Professional Solutions, LLC.

About Herman Varmall As director of the Environmental and Energy Programs Department (AIR 1.6), aligned under the Program Management (AIR 1.0) organization, Varmall promotes policy and assists acquisition managers with environmental and energy compliance.

U.S. Navy photo by Paula A. Paige

Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Southern University of A&M College.

Why He Loves His Job: We are in a unique position in acquisition. We collaborate with industry partners, academia, DOD and other agencies to influence science and technology investments that encourage energy efficiency, while potentially enhancing capability and supporting fleet readiness.

Future Plans: A passionate fisherman with a fascination for Bayou wildlife, he loves to cook Southern fare, such as gumbo, jambalaya and étouffée. In four years, he said he plans to open a bed and breakfast in Florida, called Esther’s Creole Kitchen, a nod to his mother.

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Happy Holidays, with a ‘spending’ plan

By Jim Walsh NAS Patuxent River Fleet and Family Support Center s the year comes to an end, spending on large discretionary items begins — holiday gifts, entertainment, etc. It’s easy to lose control, so make a plan now to minimize debt while putting money where it absolutely needs to go.

Make a list, and like Santa, check it twice. People who have a written holiday spending plan are more likely to stay within their seasonal money goals than those who don’t.

As you plan out for gifts, often the budget buster is forgetting to set aside enough money for travel and entertaining.

The hard part is coming faceto-face with how you’ve spent your resources in the past. Reviewing last year’s bank / credit card statements will help in two ways: one, it gives you a realistic starting point, and second, it allows you to revisit areas

A

NEWS BRIEFS On Base: Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Relocated The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society has temporarily relocated to Building 409, Room 204. The office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Phone: 301-3424739.

NAS Chaplain Relocated The NAS Chaplain has temporarily relocated to Building 409, Room 217. The office hours are 8-11 a.m. and noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Phone: 301-342-3811.

Pax River Clinic Flu Vaccine Active-duty military: 8 -11:30 a.m. and 12:30-3 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Preventive Medicine Department. Eligible beneficiaries and DOD civilians: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at the Immunization Clinic.TRICARE beneficiaries enrolled off base can receive the influenza vaccination from their Primary Care Provider. TRICARE beneficiaries can also receive the seasonal Influenza vaccine from a TRICARE retail network pharmacy at no cost and without a Primary Care Manager referral. To find a participating pharmacy, search http://express-scripts. com/TRICARE/pharmacy/ or call 877-363-1303.

Jim Walsh NAS Patuxent River Fleet and Family Support Center and refresh things you may have over-done or would like to undo.

This sounds easy, but getting over the mental hurdle of starting a budget and the initial energy it takes to track your money is the hardest part. Once you accept that there are no disadvantages to creating a budget and doing so will make your financial life easier to manage, maintaining your records becomes second nature.

Eggs ‘n Legs Breakfast 7:30 a.m. Dec. 12 River’s Edge Catering and Conference Center Sport your best Navy spirit attire and attend the traditional breakfast prior to the Army-Navy football game. Menu consists of scrambled eggs, Maryland fried chicken legs, waffles, ice cream and strawberries.

Register by Dec. 10 at www. navyalumni.org. Cost: $15 per person.

Pass Office Hours Change Beginning Dec. 19 The Pass Offices at NAS Patuxent River and Navy Recreation Center Solomons will close at 1 p.m. every other Friday, beginning Dec. 19, for training. The building will remain open for CAC and ID card services only.

Where’s Gnorman?

Somewhere in this issue we’ve hidden Gnorman the gnome. Anyone spotting Gnorman can email tester@ dcmilitary.com or phone 301342-4163 now through 5 p.m.

Friday, and include a brief description of where he’s located.

All correct answers are entered into a drawing and one name is chosen to win a Center Stage Theater movie ticket. The same person cannot win more than once per month. Tester did not publish last week, so there was no winner.

One of the many benefits of a plan is it indicates when you’ve completed your shopping. It tells you when to stop. If you don’t have a finish line, you are going to keep shopping. Knowing what you want to buy and how much you want to spend, before you leave for the mall, will save you significant money. You will finish your shopping earlier and have fewer impulse buys.

Between Halloween and Christmas, it seems like there’s always something to go and do. It can be stressful and make you forget that the holidays should be about enjoying time with your family and friends. Focus on that and try to enjoy the season. The holidays are a joyous time of year, but arguably one that has the greatest impact on your finances. Have a financial question?

Submit financial questions to james. walsh1.ctr@navy.mil and include “Money Talk Question” in the subject line.

Volunteer Opportunities: Wreaths Across America 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 13 Volunteers needed to place holiday wreaths on graves at Arlington National Cemetery. Those interested should complete a registration form at http://www.cnic.navy. mil/regions/ndw/about/community_services/community_service_sign_up_form.html. For more information: Navy 202-433-6854; Marines 703-693-7685; Army 202685-0493; Air Force 240-857-6344; Coast Guard 202-372-4087.

St. Nicholas Chapel Service Schedule Catholic Services Mass 5 p.m. Sundays through October Continuing Catholic Development (CCD) Postponed until further notice

Protestant Services Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Men’s Discipleship 6-7:30 p.m. Sunday Religious Programming Center Women’s Study 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday and 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday Religious Programming Center

Courtesy photo by Leonardtown High School senior Hannah C. Davis

Marine Corps Lt. Col. Dave Walsh, H-1 foreign military sales lead for USMC Light/Attack Helicopter Program (PMA-276), addresses students in a Global Diplomacy class at Leonardtown High School, Nov. 24. The class, which covers current national and international issues, uses NAS Patuxent River guest speakers with international experience to enhance its curriculum.

GLOBAL

Continued from 2

Operation Iraqi Freedom, she spent 15 months in Iraq; and during Operation Enduring Freedom, spent another 18 months in Afghanistan, advising top level acquisition officials from each country’s defense ministries.

After a recent classroom discussion on the ISIS issue — why it’s happening and how the terrorist group formed — Axten was an ideal presenter, able to discuss the region’s unrest and offer insight on current and enduring problems.

“I was also able to provide information on the cultural differences in Iraq and descriptions of the Sunni, Shia and Kurds,” Axten said. “I was thrilled to see international relations being taught at the high school level because everything has global implications anymore. Based on [the students’] questions and enthusiasm, I imagine there are a few future diplomats there.”

Marine Corps Lt. Col. Dave Walsh, with USMC Light/Attack Helicopter Program (PMA-276), has worked with and traveled to Taiwan, Egypt and France, among other countries. As the H-1 Foreign Military Sales Lead, Walsh discussed what foreign military sales are, how they support U.S. foreign policy and national security goals, and the lessons learned from working with foreign cultures. “[As Americans], we sometimes forget that because of their cultures and circumstances, they may be motivat-

ed by different perspectives and goals,” Walsh said. “What may be inherently important to us, may be insignificant to them, and vice-versa.”

So far, 14 Pax River individuals have volunteered to speak to Denny’s class, which involves repeating a 40-minute presentation to six different periods throughout one day.

“These speakers do a great job and they truly enhance the kids’ understanding,” Denny said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s Venezuela, drones or cultural awareness; there’s no topic that doesn’t relate to what we learn in here.”

Students Sean Biglin and Ruthie Hornbuckle, both seniors, agree that the class has given them a fresh outlook on world events.

“I’ve discovered the complexity of issues and how, oftentimes, there is not a concrete solution,” Hornbuckle said. “Multiple viewpoints and ideas must be heard prior to making a decision.”

Biglin said he’s learned just how different other cultures can be from our own and added, “The guest speaker program has provided a learning experience unique from all of my other classes.”

Denny, who is also involved with Model United Nations — an extension program which simulates a U.N. conference with students acting as delegates from different countries — has been teaching for 39 years; 26 of them at Leonardtown.

“I believe in this class and its benefits to the students,” he said. “The kids keep coming back, so I do too.”

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Accolades around the air station Capt. Heidi Fleming, NAS Patuxent River commanding officer, far right, presented numerous awards to NAS staff during the monthly Command Quarters, Nov. 20, at Center Stage Theater.

See individual award photos on Flickr at www.flickr.com/naspaxriver.

U.S. Navy photo by Shawn Graham

U.S. Navy photo by Gary Younger

U.S. Navy photo by Gary Younger

Laurie Zuniga receives the Fleet Facilitator of the Week certificate Nov. 25 from Command Master Chief William Lloyd-Owen. Zuniga is a logistics management specialist supporting the F-35 program in Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC) capabilities and requirements division.

U.S. Navy photo by J. Raynel Koch

Nominees and recipients of NAWCAD Business and Financial Management Community award stand with their supervisors during an awards ceremony, Nov. 6, to celebrate NAWCAD’s annual award for excellence in service.

FFSC

Toni Meier, right, director of NAVAIR’s Logistics Management Integration Department, presents Frank Ferney a certificate commemorating his 45 years of government service during a logistics town hall meeting, Nov. 17. Ferney is the assistant program manager for logistics, supporting the NAWCAD’s Sensor Systems engineering branch at Pax River.

Clinic Corner

All classes are held at the Fleet and Family Support Center in Building 2090 off Bundy Road unless otherwise noted. Classes are open to active-duty and retired military and Reservists. Reservations are necessary and can be made at FFSC or by calling 301-342-4911.

Playgroup: 10-11 a.m. Dec. 11 and 18 Amazing Newborns: 4-6 p.m.

Dec. 9 Résumé Writing: 1-4 p.m.

Dec. 10 Stress Management: 1-2:30 p.m. Dec. 15 Accessing Higher Education: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 17-18 Interviewing Techniques: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 17 Ten Steps to a Federal Job: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 18

TRICARE appointments available online

See more FFSC classes on Facebook.

Ready Navy- www.ready.navy.mil Hazardous weather is possible any time. Get a free information packet on how to prepare for hurricanes, severe weather and other potential emergencies at the Fleet and Family Support Center.

By Cmdr. Jessica Bain Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River

TRICARE Online Appointing is the Department of Defense’s online patient-focused portal providing you access to online health care information and services including appointments, Blue Button personal health data and prescription refill.

TRICARE patients ages 18 and older who are receiving care at a military hospital or clinic are eligible to access TRICARE Online. Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River has now added TRICARE Online booking for the

Primary Care Medical Homeport Clinic.

In three easy steps you may make, change and cancel clinic appointments and set up to three email and text message reminders for you and your family members. You may also securely view, download, print or share your lab and radiology results, medication profile, allergy profile, encounters, problem lists, immunizations and vital signs and refill prescriptions.

To access TRICARE Online services: 1. Go to www.tricareonline. com and click “Log-in”

2. Log in with your Premium DS Logon, DOD CAC or DFAS myPay credentials. If you do not have DS Logon credentials and would like to, click “Register” 3. Select the TRICARE Online feature you wish to explore.

TRICARE Online Customer Service is available 24/7, 365 days a year at 800-600-9332.

To receive Tricare Online News and Events emails visit https:// public.govdelivery.com/ accounts/USMHSDHSS/ subcriber/new.

Visit www.tricareonline.com to register and book appointments.

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This paper is published by Comprint, Inc., 9030 Comprint Ct., Gaithersburg, Md. 20877, 301-9481520, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Navy, under exclusive written contract with Naval District Washington.

This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Contents of the Tester are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by the U.S. Government, the DoD, or the Department of the Navy. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD or Southern Maryland Newspapers and Printing of the products or 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, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.

Editorial content is edited, prepared, and provided by the Public Affairs Office. News copy should be submitted by Friday to be considered for the following week’s edition. All material is edited for accuracy, brevity, clarity, and conformity to regulations. To inquire about news copy, call 301342-4163 or fax the Tester at 301-863-9296.

Commercial advertising may be placed with the publisher by calling 301-862-2111.

Capt. Heidi Fleming

Shawn Graham

Commanding Officer

Public Affairs Specialist

Capt. Scott Starkey

Donna Cipolloni

CMDCM Jeffrey Owejan

Breton Helsel and Deirdre Parry

Executive Officer

Command Master Chief

Connie Hempel

Public Affairs Officer

Staff Writer

Copy/layout editors

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Frederick C. Fair Volunteer

Tester

Thursday, December 4, 2014

C-2A

Continued from 1 (formerly Allison) T56A-425 turboprop engines and Hamilton-Sundstrand constant speed propellers, the C-2A Greyhound can move cargo and personnel between ship and shore in a matter of hours.

The C-2A was designed with the same folding wing and similar four-fin empennage as the E-2 Hawkeye, enabling it to fit on Essexclass “27 Charlie” carriers.

The Greyhound’s widened fuselage and rear loading ramp make it ideal for fast loading and unloading of cargo and personnel.

Production of the C-2A began in 1965; the aircraft has supported the Navy’s logistics efforts since 1966. The Navy awarded a contract for 39 new C-2A aircraft in 1984 to replace earlier airframes. The older models were phased out in 1987, and the last reprocured C-2A Greyhound was delivered in 1990.

The C-2A is a flexible workhorse for the fleet. With each flight, the cabin can be

MWR

For all MWR news, visit www. cnic.navy.mil/Patuxent and click on the Fleet and Family Readiness tab.

Phone directory Information, Tickets and Travel Office - 301-342-3648 Drill Hall - 301-757-3943 Customized Creations - 301-342-6293 River’s Edge - 301-342-3656 NRC Solomons - 410-326-2840 Special Events - 410-326-6830 Rassieur Youth Center - 301-342-1694 Energy Zone - 301-342-4559 Fleet & Family Support Center - 301-342-4911 Center Stage Theater - 301-342-5033

Special Events Fourth Annual Holiday Whobilation at MWR’s Whoville 6-9 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20 Mattapany Day Camp A celebration of the most wonderful occasion in the Whoville calendar, the Holiday Whobilation. This year your presence is most important as we will also be holding the NAS Patuxent River annual Tree Lighting. Come and enjoy the lights and activities in a setting only the Who’s can provide. Cost: $4 per person.

ART

C-2A Specifications

Primary Function: Carrier On-board Delivery aircraft Prime Contractor: Northrop Grumman Unit Cost: $38.96 million Propulsion: Two Rolls Royce (Allison) T56-A-425 turboprop engines; 4,600 shaft horsepower each Length: 56 feet 10 inches (17.3 meters) Height: 17 feet 2 inches (5.28 meters) Wingspan: 80 feet 7 inches (24.56 meters) Weight: Max. Gross Take Off 57,500 pounds (26,082 kg), ship; 60,000 pounds (27,215 kg), shore Airspeed: Cruise - 251 knots; Max. - 343 knots Ceiling: 30,900 feet (9, 418 meters) re-arranged to accommodate priority cargo like jet engines, passengers, litter patients or critical spare parts. A cargo cage system restrains loads during ship launches and landings. Straight-in rear cargo loading and unloading allows for fast turnaround on the ground or carrier flight deck. The cargo ramp can also be opened in flight, to allow airdrops of supplies and personnel. An on-board Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) provides aircraft self-sufficiency at remote airfields.

The C-2A fleet provides

rapid airborne logistics capability to the carrier strike force across a full range of sea-based military operations. Avionics system improvements, an aircraft electrical rewire and structural enhancements provide the fleet with an economically viable C-2A platform for today, ready for the logistics needs of the future.

Thirty-five C-2A aircraft are currently in service, divided between two fleet operational squadrons, a fleet training squadron and a test and evaluation squadron.

River’s Edge Open for lunch 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays

Customized Creations White House Christmas Ornaments Available The 2014 White House Christmas Ornament is a two-piece set depicting the locomotive and Pullman car commonly referred to as the “Presidential Special” of the 29th U.S. President, Warren G. Harding. Limited quantities are available. Cost: $22.

NRC Solomons Cookies with the Clauses Enjoy an afternoon of fun when the Clauses visit the Navy Recreation Center for its Sixth Annual Cookies with the Clauses. Register by calling the Adventure Zone at 410-326-2840. All active duty and retired military, Reservists and DOD civilians and their guests are eligible. Available seatings: 4:30-6 p.m. and 6:30-8 p.m.

Dec. 12 5-6:30 p.m. Dec. 13 3-4:30 p.m. Dec. 14

ITT Pippin at the National Theater 2 p.m. Dec. 20 Tickets: $96

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Harlem Globetrotters at the Royal Farms Arena (formerly Baltimore Arena) Noon or 5 p.m. Dec. 26 Tickets: $21.75 to $27 each

Monster Jam at Verizon Center Jan. 24 and 25 Tickets: $15.50; optional Pit Party Pass available for $11 each.

Annie at the Hippodrome 2 p.m. Jan. 31 Tickets: $76.25

Chicago at the National Theater 2 p.m. Feb. 14 Tickets: $96

Rassieur Youth Center Winter Wonderland Dance 6:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 12 All Pax River families are invited to the Lincoln Military Housing Community Center for a night of dinner and dancing. Winter Wonderland ticket includes: dinner, piano performances and dancing. Ages 17 and younger receive a special gift. Celebrate the wonder of the season with your family.

Register with the Rassieur Youth Center at 301-342-1694. Cost: $5 per person; free for children ages 2 and younger, and seniors 65 and older.

Continued from 1 so many items are mass produced,” added Mackenzie. “Our vendors aren’t allowed to sell any mass produced or manufactured items.

“Because of the need to stand out, many artists have re-invented themselves and it shows in their artwork and crafts. Nearly all of them produce unique works of high-end art.”

Not only can you pick up a unique gift just in time for the holidays, you will also be helping local artists and crafters by shopping at the craft show, Mackenzie said.

“There are many high-quality items at the festival,” explained Mackenzie. “Our festival features artists from all over the state. Some of our artists have been with us for decades while some are first-time visitors to the base. These artists are highly skilled and produce items which range from pottery to wood carvings.

“I’ve been a part of this event for 22 years and it’s an exciting day for vendors and those in attendance. This show is very important to both

About the Show

No admission fee 170+ local vendors 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dec. 6 At Drill Hall the military and local communities.”

The festival features 174 local vendors offering handmade crafts with no admission fee. This is the last year the event will be open to the public. Shuttles are available at the Frank Knox Building parking lot just south of Gate 2 next to the Cedar Point Federal Credit Union for anyone without base access.

All foreign nationals without base access must be vetted through security prior to the event if they wish to attend.

Everyone must be prepared to show photo ID before gaining access to NAS Patuxent River.

For more information, contact Mackenzie at 301-3426293.

Youth Cross Training Fitness Classes 6-7 p.m. Wednesdays in January Rassieur Youth Center Cost: $50 per youth ages six and older Cross training fitness classes focus on increasing speed, agility, increasing explosion, flexibility, proper running techniques, circuit training, core, explosive first step, improved balance and stability, increased vertical leap, hand and eye coordination, fitness, nutrition and staying tit.

Drill Hall Lifeguard Refresher/Challenge Students need to prepare ahead of time by referring to the training available at www.redcrossrefresher.com Register at the Fitness and Sports Office or by calling. Cost: $100.

Session 1: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dec. 16 Session 2: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dec. 18

Lifeguard Certification Class: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 12-16 Cost: $225

Energy Zone Ballroom Dancing 6-8 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 8

Scan to see more MWR events on Facebook.

through Feb. 12 Cost: $48 per person. Register at the Sports and Fitness Office.

Belly Dancing 7-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 13 through March 10 Cost: $60 per person. Register at the Sports and Fitness Office.

Navy Flying Club 5-8 p.m. Mondays, beginning in January Building 2189 auditorium The Patuxent River Navy Flying Club is offering Private Pilot Ground School from January to May. The course meets the requirements for the FAA knowledge test and for Navy Continuous Learning credits. For more information or to enroll in the course, contact Joe Dziewit at 301-862-1110, or come to the Club office located behind and next to the Post Office on base.

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CENTER STAGE MOVIES l l

Movie Line: 301-342-5033 Reservations: 301-342-3648

l Ticket Prices: E-1 to E-5 category: adults, $3.50 and youths ages 6-11, $2.50. All others: adults, $4.50; youths ages 6-11, $3.50. l 3-D glasses: $1 l Authorized ID required for admission

Thursday, Dec. 4 6:30 p.m., Nightcrawler

(Rated: R, 1 hr. 57 mins.) A pulse-pounding thriller set in the nocturnal underbelly of contemporary Los Angeles.

Lou Bloom is a driven young man desperate for work who discovers the high-speed world of L.A. crime journalism. Finding a group of freelance camera crews who film crashes, fires, murder and other mayhem, Lou muscles into the cut-throat, dangerous realm of nightcrawling — where each police siren wail equals a possible windfall and victims are converted into dollars and cents. Aided

by Nina, a veteran of the

blood-sport that is local TV news, Lou thrives. In the breakneck, ceaseless search for footage, he becomes the star of his own story.

Friday, Dec. 5 6:30 p.m., Big Hero 6 (3D)

(Rated: PG, 1 hr. 48 mins.) An action comedy adventure about brilliant robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who finds himself in the grips of a criminal plot that threatens to destroy the fast-paced, high-tech city of San Fransokyo. With the help of his closest companion — a robot named Bay-

max — Hiro joins forces with a reluctant team of first-time crime fighters on a mission to save their city.

9 p.m., Dumb and Dumber To

(Rated: PG-13, 1 hr. 50 mins.) Twenty years after the dimwits set out on their first adventure, they head out in search of one of their long lost children in the hope of gaining a new kidney.

Saturday, Dec. 6 4 p.m., Big Hero 6 (3D)

(Rated: PG, 1 hr. 48 mins.)

6:30 p.m., Dumb and Dumber To

(Rated: PG-13, 1 hr. 50 mins.)

9 p.m., John Wick

(Rated: R, 1 hr. 41 mins.)

An ex-hitman comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters that took everything from him. With New York City as his bulletriddled playground, John Wick is a fresh and stylized take on the “assassin genre”.

Sunday, Dec. 7 Free Sneak Preview 2 p.m., The Imitation Game

(Rated: PG-13, 1 hr. 54 mins.) This film is a nailbiting race against time following Alan Turing — pioneer of modern-day computing and credited with cracking the German Enigma code — and his brilliant team at Britain’s top-secret code-breaking center, Bletchley Park, during the darkest days of World War II. Turing, whose contributions and genius significantly shortened the war, saving thousands of lives, was the eventual victim of an unenlightened British establishment, but his work and legacy live on.

Admittance begins no later than 1 p.m. Seating is first come, first served.

All active duty E-1 to E-5 receive front-of-the-line privileges. No cameras, camera phones or other recording devices are permitted. Be prepared to show ID.

Monday, Dec. 8 and Tuesday, Dec. 9 Theater is not open

Wednesday, December 10 6:30 p.m., Dumb and Dumber To

(Rated: PG-13, 1 hr. 50 mins.)

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Are You Getting Your Money’s Worth?

BY: JEFF TOMCSIK Research Reporter

If you’re lucky enough to have a job that provides dental insurance you should know what’s covered and what happens if you don’t take advantage of the coverage you are provided. Dental insurance is not a required insurance for businesses to provide. In fact many businesses offer dental coverage at the sole expense to the employee through paycheck deductions. Whether you or your employer is paying for the coverage, you need to know what’s covered and what’s free.

Almost without exception, all dental insurances provide their insured individuals and families with two prophylaxis (traditional) dental cleanings per year, provided they are six months apart, at no cost to the patient.

They will also cover the necessary xrays, doctor’s exam, education, and often time fluoride, sealants and other preventative services. Depending on the age of the patient and the insurance coverage the patient has, these are at no cost to the insured party and it has no effect on their annual limits.

amount of money your employer and insurance company has agreed to pay for your restorative treatment under the insurance terms defined by the employer agreement. Most insurance companies will cover between $1000 and $2500 worth of treatment per year.

If you don’t use your benefit that year you lose it.

The “use it or lose it” policy is how dental insurance companies make their money. They are charging you a fee every month that comes out of your paycheck, or from your employer. They collect that fee knowing that a portion of it may go to restorative dentistry. If your mouth is in good health, you both win.

They keep the money you paid each month and you never have out-ofpocket costs for your preventative care.

On the other hand, if you have

restorative care that needs to be done, they’ve set a limit to the loss they are willing to accept (your annual limit).

But, if you put off needed dentistry and the year expires, so does your benefit.

In other words, if you have a $1500 annual limit and you have $3000 worth of dentistry that needs to be done you can take full advantage of your insurance benefit by having half the dentistry done in the current year and the other half in the beginning of the second year. Conversely, if you are the type of person to put off dentistry for years, you could end up having a treatment plan for over $10,000. Your insurance company will still only pay the annual limit. The rest becomes your responsibility. Situations like these often times end up with the patient neglecting care due to the cost. The end result is usually a very sad health and

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esthetic situation for those who neglect their care for so long.

In these instances it is important to not give up hope and let finances stand in the way of your health. Work with our dental office and your insurance company to come up with an affordable plan to get back your smile and restore your health. A good dental practice will have multiple options for helping you pay for your treatment while working with your insurance.

It is in your best interest to go to the dentist twice a year for all of your preventative care and get other dental work done as needed. The longer you put off dentistry the more you will pay in the long run. Don’t let your dental insurance company keep your money.

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With most insurance plans these are the only procedures that are fully covered as they are considered preventative procedures. In other words, your dental insurance company knows that preventative measures (i.e. dental cleaning, fluoride, sealants) are essential to avoiding very expensive restorative procedures.

Restorative dentistry is expensive for both the insurance company and the individual getting the procedures done. Dental insurance companies are very smart.

They’ve done the math. They know it is much less expensive (more profitable) for them to provide you with free cleanings than it is to assist in the payment of restorative care to bring your mouth back to good health.

The cost to a dental insurance company to have your teeth cleaned ranges from $70 - $200. The cost to the insurance company for you to have two crowns could be well over $1500. Your out-of-pocket cost for the same two crowns, even with dental insurance, could easily be over $1000 depending on the coverage you have and your annual limits. So it is in the best interest for you and the insurance company that you get your teeth cleaned as prescribed by the dentist, as regular cleanings and preventative maintenance are proven to reduce the risk of decay and damage to the teeth and gums.

If you do need restorative care, such as fillings, root canal therapy, periodontal treatment, or crowns your insurance company has negotiated special fees for you with the dentist, as long as they are a “preferred provider” dental office with your carrier. This means your dentist agrees to charge you the discounted fee that was prearranged with the insurance company. Your insurance company will cover the majority of those fees until your annual limit is reached. Your annual limit is the

A Dr. David J. Cooper Practice 21534 Great Mills Road Lexington Park, MD 20653

877-606-8302

690 Prince Frederick Blvd N. Prince Frederick, MD 20678

877-606-8301

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AROUND TOWN St. Mary’s County: www.visitstmarysmd.com/events-entertainment/

Holidays are Sotterly 6:30 -9 p.m. Dec. 5, 11, 12 and 18-20 Sotterley Plantation Celebrate the season at Sotterley’s 300-year-old plantation house decorated in different historical periods for the holidays. Experience Sotterley’s 2014 interactive living history tour, “Common lives, shared sentiments;” candlelight tours are every 15 minutes from 6:30-9 p.m. Advance reservations are required and can be done online at www.sotterley.org. Cost: $15.

Military Exhibits at Piney Point Lighthouse Dec. 1 through Jan. 4 Military exhibits fill the lighthouse keeper’s quarters and feature the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy,War of 1812,WorldWar

II and the U. S. Civil War. The keeper’s quarters are not normally open to the public, so this is a chance to look inside. Cost: $7, adults; $3.50, senior citizens, military with ID, and youths ages 6-18; free, children ages 5 and younger. Admission includes the holiday exhibit, tour of the museum, Potomac River Maritime Exhibit and Piney Point Lighthouse tower. Dec. 1-19 hours: noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays; Dec. 20 through Jan. 4 hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The exhibits and tours are closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Christmas by the Bay Through Jan. 4 St. Clement’s Island Museum This holiday exhibit features special doll collections from the Black-eyed Susan and Southern Maryland Doll Clubs.

Dolls are arranged to depict Christmas scenes and vignettes of Chesapeake coastal living in the early 20th century. Cost: $3, adults; $2, senior citizens and military with ID; $1.50, youths

ages 6-18; free, children ages 5 and younger. Dec. 1-19 hours: noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays; Dec. 20 through Jan. 4 hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The exhibit is closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

St. Maries Minstrels 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 Lexington Park library Enjoy a relaxing evening of music by St. Maries Minstrels.

Free.

Calvert County: www.calvertcountymd.us

Solomons Christmas Walk 6-9 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6 Stroll the luminaria-lit streets and begin your holiday celebrations. Children’s activities, live music, open house at local businesses, Santa’s arrival. Lighted boat parade Dec. 6. For details, visit http://solomonsmaryland.com/solomons-christmas-walk.html.

Annmarie Garden in Lights 6-9 p.m. nightly Dec. 5 through Jan. 3 Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center The gardens is stepping it up this year with more one-ofa-kind light sculptures and LED lights that provide rich, vivid colors. Walk the wooded path and experience the brilliant vignettes of famous people, places and works of art. Don’t forget to ask for a “Holiday I Spy” program. This year’s game will feature a green shamrock hidden in each vignette for visitors to find. Admission: $6, ages 5 and older; free, ages 4 and younger. A dollar-off coupon is available online. Garden in Lights is closed Dec. 8-10 and 24-25.

Gingerbread House Workshop 2-3 p.m. Dec. 6 Calvert libraries: Twins Beaches Branch at the Northeast Community Center; and Southern Branch Celebrate the holiday season by building a small gingerbread house. Each child is asked to bring a bag of any edible item to share with the group to decorate all the gingerbread houses. For children in grades K - 8. Register at 410-257-2411 (Twin Beaches) or 410-326-5289 (Southern).

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