Tester 121114

TESTER Naval Air Station Patuxent River

Wright Brothers Day Dec. 17

Vol. 71, No. 48

Equine-assisted Therapy for Veterans Page 2

Accolades Around The Air Station Page 3

Pax People: Gary Lohman Page 5

Celebrating 71 Years of Community Partnership

December 11, 2014

‘O Christmas Tree’

Keep fire safety in mind when decorating for the holidays Commentary from the Naval District Washington/ NAS Patuxent River Fire Prevention Office

I

t’s that time when many families deck the halls in preparation for the holidays, but did you know that each year, more than 200 fires are attributed to this festive tradition?

Christmas trees account for 240 fires annually, resulting in 13 deaths and more than $16.7 million in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Tree fires are typically ignit-

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Eggs ‘n Legs Breakfast

ed by shorts in electrical lights or open flames

• 7:30 a.m. Dec. 12 • River’s Edge Catering and Conference Center

Menu consists of scrambled eggs, Maryland fried chicken legs, waffles, ice cream and strawberries.

Cost is $15 per person. Cash and personal checks payable to “GSMC” will be accepted at the door.

See Fire, Page 5

NAS Roadwork Schedule

Army-Navy Football Game • Kickoff is 3 p.m. Dec. 13 on CBS • M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore

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Shaw Road: Through Dec. 14

There will be one lane open in each direction at all times. Traffic will be flagged around during this construction. Roadwork will be conducted on Shaw Road from 450 feet west of the traffic circle to Switzer Road. From Dec. 11-12 construction will have no effect on traffic due to the nature of the work (roadway expansion). The work taking place Dec. 13-14 will be paving of the existing roadway and all traffic will be flagged to help traffic flow. One lane of traffic in each direction will remain open during all phases of construction.

Buse Road: Dec. 13-14

Traffic will be flagged around while crack sealing takes place from Cedar Point Road to Tate Road. A rolling one-lane road closure will be taking place for the crack sealing. Traffic will be flagged around.

All work is pending good weather. Striping of Buse Road from Gate 1 to Cedar Point Road will occur No Later Than Dec. 25 and will cause one-lane closures. A specific date has not been set yet due to scheduling conflicts and pending weather. The work may be carried out on a weekday, in which case no work will be conducted during peak traffic hours (morning, lunch and evening). This work will inflict a moving one-lane road closure and traffic will be flagged as needed. Traffic flow is not anticipated to be heavily influenced.

Cuddihy Road: Dec. 13-14

One lane closed at a time. Traffic will be flagged.

Road work will be conducted on Cuddihy Road between Buse and Tate Road. Work includes crack sealing the road. The road will be limited to one lane of traffic during these days; traffic will be flagged around.

All work is pending good weather.

Fairy Godmothers in Southern Maryland Pax volunteers support families dealing with pediatric cancer

By Donna Cipolloni NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

T

hey don’t have wings and they don’t wave wands, but the volunteers with Fairy Godmother Project are no less magical to the families they assist at a time when help is most needed.

The mission of Fairy Godmother Project is to ease the burden of everyday life for local families who have a child in treatment for a form of pediatric cancer by providing things like cooked meals, house cleaning, lawn care, gas cards, grocery cards or a much-needed parent or fam-

ily night out.

“Imagine what those things would mean to you if you were traveling every day to a treatment center hours from home because there is no local pediatric oncology treatment facility here,” said Vicki Quade Hoffman, chapter coordinator of the Southern Maryland Fairy Godmother Project. “Parents are missing work and struggling to raise their other children as normally as possible while watching a child fight for their life. We provide day to day support that allows them to better focus on their family.”

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Fairy Godmother Project (FGP) volunteer Olivia Douglass, contract specialist with F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office (PMA265), prepares a meal for donation. Since the formation of the Southern Maryland chapter in spring 2013, FGP volunteers have donated and delivered more than 300 meals to support local families dealing with pediatric cancer.

Hoffman became involved with Fairy Godmother Project through its executive director and her

friend, Andrea McConnell, who cofounded the organi-

See Godmother, Page 5

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Equine-assisted therapy heals invisible wounds

By Shawn Graham NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

You won’t find equineassisted therapy at your typical therapist’s office, but for a growing number of local veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war, Operation Warrior Refuge (OWR) has become a viable option.

OWR, based at Greenwell State Park in Saint Mary’s County, is a cooperative partnership, which uses horses and facilities for equine-assisted psychotherapy.

Sarah Williams, cofounder of the program, said equine therapy isn’t for everyone, but some warriors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have found it more helpful than traditional treatments.

“My husband and I are both U.S. Army veterans with two tours of duty in Iraq,” Williams said. “I began to experience PTSD shortly after returning home and sought treatment. I

Operation Warrior Refuge Goals

• Raise awareness about PTSD and how it affects veterans • Raise awareness about equine-assisted psychotherapy • Create a whole program to help warriors with PTSD while helping them with family life and giving them the resources they need to succeed • Create a community of warriors to give veterans a refuge and new found purpose.

Photo by Reid Silverman/The Enterprise

Sarah and Justin Williams of Lexington Park, both Army combat veterans, participate in an equine therapy session with Operation Warrior Refuge at Greenwell State Park. tried different treatments, but nothing seemed to work until I started the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association [EAGALA] therapy.”

Rather than teach riding or horsemanship, EAGALA therapy focuses on interactions between the horse and the individual.

Williams said the horse’s heightened awareness matched her own. They connected, she said, on a different, spiritual level.

“Horses are perceptive, majestic animals,” explained Williams. “You have to be calm for them to trust and accept you.

My therapy started off slowly,

but as treatment progressed, the animal showed me the things I needed to work on.

“I’ve been in a lot of tense situations,” she said, estimating that she’s suffered from PTSD since her first deployment. “My family and I suffered in silence before I found this therapy.”

Since attending therapy sessions at Greenwell State Park, Williams said she’s made significant progress.

“It takes a while to heal from this,” she said. “This therapy has been a huge step in the right direction for my entire family.”

Dianne McKissic, OWR program director, said most of the group’s activities are geared toward action and reaction.

“The animal’s mood often mirrors the veteran’s,” explained McKissic. “You must control your emotions and build a relationship with the

therapy animal. The horse must trust you and you must trust the horse.”

McKissic said another goal of OWR is to create a community of veterans who come together and support each other.

“Many of our returning warriors are apprehensive about opening up to strangers about the traumas and hardships they endured. Many vets hide their true feelings in a group setting but they cannot hide their emotions with our horses.”

More information is available at www.operationwarriorrefuge.org.

PTSD sufferers should seek the help they need One veteran's road to recovery

By Donna Cipolloni NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is defined as a serious condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic, tragic or terrifying event in which serious injury occurred or was threatened.

“It starts with a traumatic incident; one where you believe your life or the lives of those near you is in danger somehow,” said Lt. (Dr.) Allen Grove, licensed clinical psychologist and department head of Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse at Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River.

“For our local patient population, the most likely time this happens is during war where they’re being shot at or an IED [improvised explosive device] explodes near or on them; but it can happen to anyone. Rape or physical assault is also a common instance where someone might experience traumatic stress.”

Grove explained that the severe reactions people have during the trauma are normal and healthy.

“It’s common during war to stay awake, to be up doing watches, paying attention to those around you, holding a weapon you’re ready to fire at any moment,” he said. “At the same time, during a sexual assault, it’s healthy to just want to shorten the attack as much as possible and live through the experience. All of these hyper vigilant reactions are normal and healthy — at the time.”

It’s how an individual reacts after the trauma that could signal a post-traumatic stress disorder that requires treatment assistance.

Grove noted the three main symptoms of PTSD are: Re-experiencing, which can take the form of flashbacks, nightmares, visions or memories; Hyper arousal, where an individual might be afraid to go to public places, becomes irritable with others, has difficulty sleeping or repeatedly checks the safety of their house; and Avoidance, staying away from situations or people to prevent a repeat of the trauma.

“Avoidance is an attempt to solve the problem of the first two symptoms,” he said.

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Justin Williams, infrastructure technologist with Base Telephone Operations at NAS Patuxent River, served six years with the Army and deployed twice to Iraq.

“A car accident might lead to avoidance of driving, or a sexual assault to avoiding men. But in the long term, it prolongs PTSD symptoms because it is almost impossible to avoid every situation in which we can be afraid.

Functioning then decreases at work, educationally or with relationships, which can greatly increase personal conflict.”

Justin Williams, infrastructure technologist with Base Telephone Operations at NAS Patuxent River, served six years with the Army and

deployed twice to Iraq. He knows firsthand what it means to live with PTSD. With only nine months between deployments, Williams served his first tour cleaning up unexploded ordnance, and his second attached to company headquarters, serving as machine gunner on the commander’s Humvee.

“That second time, I was there one week when a friend died,” Williams said. “You know you’re going to be there for a year and you lose someone in the first week. It set the

stage for the rest of the deployment.”

As machine gunner, riding atop the vehicle, Williams had to scrutinize everything and anything on the side of the road that might serve as a hiding place for an IED — from a dead animal carcass to the curb itself. He had to be wary driving under bridges and look out for wires stretched high across the road. Hypervigilance was a constant way of life, necessary for survival, and not something easily dismissed when his years of military service ended.

“A lot of us had issues, but it’s that culture of not wanting to look weak in front of your battle buddies, so no one says anything,” he explained. “They’d offer for us to come talk, but nobody did.

Of course, now when I look back, it’s stupid; but, at the time, that’s what we did.”

Williams left the Army in 2006 and about a year and a half later, his wife — also an Army veteran — suggested that he seek some assistance. He had anger problems, became irritable with those around him and wasn’t fond of crowds.

“It’s hard when it’s yourself,” he said. “You don’t look

inside and recognize what’s going on. It took my wife, Sarah, to tell me I needed help.

I was lucky to have a spouse that understands because she’d been through similar situations. A lot of guys who came back, pretty much all of them got divorced.”

Williams still deals with some issues today, but he’s improving all the time and has found a therapy that works well for him — Equestrian Assisted Psychotherapy, working with horses and a therapist in an outdoor setting.

“Different things work for different people; don’t give up,” he said. “Even if one type of therapy doesn’t work, there are other options. “ Grove urges anyone who suspects they may be suffering with PTSD to seek the help they need now, adding that what often leads someone to finally come to therapy is misery, or something bad happening.

“We want to begin helping before that occurs,” he said. “PTSD is very treatable; in fact, we treat it here at the [Pax River] health clinic Our goal is to get you back to doing what you were doing in the best way you can.”

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Accolades around the air station

U.S. Navy photo by J. Raynel Koch

Team members from the Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike System (UCLASS) program at Patuxent River recently received the 14th Annual Michael G. Simodejka Outstanding Logistics Team award. The employees from Pax River, along with their teammates from Lakehurst and Orlando, were recognized during an awards ceremony Nov. 25.

U.S. Navy photo by Gary Younger U.S. Navy photo by Marcia Hart

Rear Adm. Paul Sohl, Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC) and NAVAIR Assistant Commander for Logistics and Industrial Operations, presents Chief Roberto Jaramillo, COMFRC Radiation Safety officer and Non-Destructive Inspection subject matter expert, with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. The award was presented during a recent town hall meeting at NAS Patuxent River, hosted by Sohl.

U.S. Navy photo by Gary Younger

Moving up Michael Trammell receives his petty officer 1st class pins from Lt. Cmdr. Ian Espich during a frocking ceremony Dec. 5 at the Logistics and Industrial Complex on NAS Patuxent River. Trammell currently serves as flag writer for the Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC), and Espich is the COMFRC Flag Aide.

NEWS BRIEFS 2014 Holiday Gate Schedule

Gate 1 will maintain normal hours of operation, 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the holiday period. Lane usage and manning during the morning rush hour commute will be as follows.

Dec. 15-19: Four inbound lanes; each inbound lane will have one sentry Dec. 20-21: Normal weekend operations Dec. 22-24: Four inbound lanes; each inbound lane will have one sentry Dec. 25: Normal operations; no rush hour configuration Dec. 26: Normal operations; no rush hour configuration Dec. 27-28: Normal weekend operations Dec. 29-31: Four inbound lanes; each inbound lane will have one sentry Jan. 1: Normal operations; no rush hour configuration Jan. 2: Four inbound lanes; each inbound lane will have one sentry Jan. 3-4: Normal weekend operations Jan. 5-9: Four inbound lanes; each inbound lane will have one sentry Jan. 10-11: Normal weekend operations Jan. 12-13: Four inbound lanes; each inbound lane will have one sentry Gate 2 will maintain normal hours

of operation, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. weekdays, during the holiday period.

Gate 2 will be closed weekends and holidays. Lane usage and manning will be as follows.

Dec. 15-19: Three inbound lanes; each inbound lane will have one sentry Dec.20-21: Gate closed Dec. 22-24: Three inbound lanes; each inbound lane will have one sentry Dec. 29-31: Three inbound lanes; each inbound lane will have one sentry Jan. 2: Three inbound lanes; each inbound lane will have one sentry Jan.5-9:Three inbound lanes; each inbound lane will have one sentry Jan. 12-13: Three inbound lanes; each inbound lane will have one sentry Gate 3 will be open 5:30-9 a.m. for inbound and outbound traffic, and 3:30-5:30 p.m. for outbound traffic.

Gate 3 will be closed on weekends and holidays. Gate 3 will be closed Dec. 24.

Morning traffic will have two inbound lanes with one sentry per lane.

Webster Field main gate will be open and manned as normal through the holiday period. The back gate will be closed from Dec. 15 through Jan. 13.

Navy Recreation Center Solomons will be open and manned as normal during the holiday period.

All gates will resume normal operations Jan. 14.

On Base: 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 vaccination from their Primary Care Provider. TRICARE beneficiaries can also receive the 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.

Pass Office Hours Change Beginning Dec. 19 The pass offices at NAS Patuxent River,Webster Outlying Field 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 services only.

BLDG 2272 Food Court Closes Dec. 15 through Jan. 7 The food court at Building 2272 closes for renovations Dec. 15 and will tentatively reopen Jan. 7. The coffee operation will offer customers food service options during the closure.

Celebrating a Special Day Markus McCraney, second from left, was frocked to the rank of petty officer 1st class during a promotion ceremony Dec. 5 at the Logistics and Industrial Complex on NAS Patuxent River.

Senior Chief Taryll Mason, left; McCraney’s wife, Joana; and Capt. Eric Schoch pinned the new rank on McCraney. McCraney is a Configuration Management Information System analyst within NAVAIR’s Logistics and Industrial Operations (AIR 6.0) competency.

Clinic Holiday Hours Dec. 24: Access for urgent medical and dental services available until 4 p.m. The pharmacy, laboratory, immunizations and radiology close at noon.

Dec.25-26:The clinic is closed. Normal operations resume Dec. 29.

Dec. 31: Access for urgent medical and dental services available until 4 p.m. Pharmacy closes at 4 p.m.

Jan.1: The clinic is closed.

Jan. 2: Access for urgent medical and dental services available until 4 p.m. Pharmacy closes at 4 p.m. Normal operations resume Jan. 5.

Where’s Gnorman?

Somewhere in this issue we’ve hidden Gnorman the gnome. Anyone spotting Gnorman can email tester@ dcmilitary.com or phone 301-342-4163 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. Last week’s winner, Jim Cooney, found Gnorman in the craft fair front page photo.

Off Base: “Gifts from Gee-Dunk” Holiday Bazaar 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 14 Patuxent River Naval Air Museum

Local artists and vendors will be at the museum and the Leonardtown High School Habitat for Humanity Club will be on-hand throughout the day to help with your gift wrapping.

Children’s Hanukkah Party 9:30 a.m. Dec. 12 Beth Israel Synagogue, Lexington Park Even if your kids are not currently enrolled in Hebrew school, you’re welcome to join in. For more information, email bethsiraelmd@gmail.com.

St. Nicholas Chapel Service Schedule Catholic Services

Mass 5 p.m. Sundays 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

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MWR For 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

Scan to see more MWR events on Facebook.

Youth Cross Training Classes dent, Warren G. Harding. Limited quantities are available. Cost: $22.

ITT Special Events Fourth Annual Holiday Whobilation Tickets available Pippin at the National Theater: at MWR’s Whoville 6-9 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20 Mattapany Day Camp A celebration of the Holiday Whobilation. This year we will also be holding the NAS Patuxent River annual Tree Lighting.

Cost: $4 per person.

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. Presi-

ages 17 and younger receive a special gift. Come celebrate the wonder of the season with your family. For more information, call 301-342-1694. Event will be $5 per person, children ages 2 and younger and seniors age 65 and over are free.

2 p.m. Dec. 20. Tickets: $96 each.

Harlem Globetrotters at the Royal Farms Arena, formerly the Baltimore Arena: noon or 5 p.m.

Dec. 26. Tickets: $21.75 to $27 each.

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 special night of dinner and dancing.

Winter Wonderland Ticket includes: Dinner, piano performances and dancing. All guests

6-7 p.m.

Wednesdays in January Rassieur Youth Center For youths ages 6 and older.

Classes focus on: Increasing speed, agility, flexibility, proper running techniques, circuit training, core, explosive first step, improved balance and stability, increased vertical leap, hand and eye coordination, fitness and nutrition. Cost: $50 per child.

Drill Hall Lifeguard Refresher/Challenge Students need to prepare ahead of time by referring to the training available at www.redcrossrefresher.com Cost: $100.

Register at the Fitness & Sports Office or by telephone.

Session 1: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 16 Session 2: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 18

U. S. Navy photo by Shawn Graham

‘Tis the season for travel reception, in-room coffee and Premier Guest Service.”

Navy Lodge guests will experience a variety of room types to include family suites, with cable TV and DVD player, as well as kitchenettes with a microwave and full size refrigerator. Navy Lodges are equipped with guest laundry facilities, vending areas and playgrounds for the little ones. As an added convenience, pets can stay at many Navy Lodges. Please contact the Navy Lodge regarding pet policies.

To make a reservation for any of the 39 Navy Lodges worldwide, call toll free at 1-800-628-9466 (NAVY-INN) or log onto www. navy-lodge.com. For other military lodging options, go to www. dodlodging.com.

By Navy Exchange Service Command Public Affairs The holiday season is rapidly approaching. For a season of family and fun, be sure to make the Navy Lodge the destination of choice for holiday guests. Guests of the Navy Lodge save over 40 percent compared to other hotels and there are never any additional fees or taxes.

“Navy Lodges are the perfect place for guests of military members to stay during the holidays,” said Navy Lodge Patuxent River General Manager, Rachel Guerrero. “Navy Lodges offer a great value with our spacious rooms, kitchenettes, free Wi-Fi and many other amenities we offer. We also provide a complimentary breakfast in the morning, a manager’s

FFSC 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 & 18 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

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.

Clinical Counseling Services Clinical Counseling services can directly improve the quality of life of service members and their family by addressing

the stressors facing today’s military. To make an appointment with a counselor, call 301-3424911 or 202-685-6019.

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) EFMP is a DOD program that addresses the special needs of military families. Sailors with an exceptional family member — a family member with special needs such as a medical or educational disability — are encouraged to enroll in the EFMP so the Navy can do its part in caring for EFM needs.

Email James Lettner at james. lettner@navy.mil.

Financial Counseling Services The Personal Financial Educator can help individuals and families in managing their finances, resolving financial problems and to reach long-term goals. Take control of your finances and make an appointment with a counselor by calling 301-342-5442.

Find Your Command Ombudsman Find out who your Ombudsman is. Visit www.ombudsman-

See more FFSC classes on Facebook.

registry.org, click on “Contact Your Ombudsman” and follow the prompts, or call 301-757-1861 to speak with the NAS Patuxent River Ombudsman Coordinator.

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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.

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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.

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Commanding Officer

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Pax People: Gary Lohman Telling the stories of rocks, minerals and fossils

By Donna Cipolloni NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

So famous is Cincinnati for its rocks and fossils, geologists worldwide use the term “Cincinnatian” to describe the fossil-rich Ordovician Period rock layers that date back 450 million years when a shallow sea teeming with marine life covered the state.

Gary Lohman grew up in Cincinnati and was only 7 years old when he collected his first fossil specimen, which he thought was a dinosaur tooth.

“I took it to the natural history museum and learned it was a piece of horn coral, which is actually a few hundred million years older than the last dinosaurs,” said Lohman, who works at NAS Patuxent River Atlantic Test Ranges.

The story piqued young Lohman’s interest in rocks, minerals and fossils, and led to a hobby serious enough that he participated in archaeological digs as a sum-

FIRE

Continued from 1 from candles, lighters or matches.

Well-watered trees are not a problem. Dry and neglected trees can be.

On average, one of every nine Christmas tree fires resulted in a fatality compared to an average of one death per 75 non-confined home structure fires overall. Further, 49 percent of Christmas tree fires spread beyond the room of origin. The fires that spread beyond the room of origin caused 94 percent of the associated fatalities.

Don’t be one of these statistics and keep the following safety tips in mind when decorating for the holidays.

Live Tree Safety: Pick a tree that is fresh.

A fresh tree is green and its needles are hard to pull from branches. When bent between your fingers, fresh needles do not break.

Keep the tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, candles.

Keep the tree watered.

mer intern in college, even as he studied to earn a PhD in physics.

His wife, Cindy, also grew up in Cincinnati and shared his interest.

While living in Europe, they continued to casually collect fossils and crystals.

After returning to the United States, they joined a local rock and mineral club, and participated in collection field trips; and vacations coast to coast would include stops at quarries and visits to other clubs.

Throughout the years, the Lohmans accumulated bucketsful of collected items.

They eventually took their hobby to the next level by giving presentations to schools, groups and organizations; and, more recently, began selling some of their collection at craft fairs and area festivals.

The couple also offers jewelry handmade from their natural materials.

“I continue developing

The trunk of a fresh tree is sticky with resin.

A shower of falling needles shows that the tree is too dry.

Remember, Lincoln Military Housing allows the use of cut Christmas trees in individual family housing units only; cut Christmas trees are not allowed in the townhome units.

Decorative Lights: Only use lights that have been tested for safety; this applies to both indoor and outdoor lighting. Check the light’s label to identify those that have been tested.

Check each set of lights, new and old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wire, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets.

Candles: More than half of home candle fires are cause by some form of combustible material coming too close to the candle. NFPA found that residential fires sparked by candles are twice as likely to occur in December as any other month in the year.

Find a Local Club

• Maryland Geological Society: www.ecphora.net/mgs • Southern Maryland Rock and Mineral Club: www.freewebs.com/smrmc • Calvert Marine Museum Fossil Club: www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/cmmfc • Maryland Minerals: www.marylandminerals.com • Find more through the Maryland Geological Survey at www.mgs.md.gov/geology/clubs.html. my stone cutting, faceting, polishing and silversmithing skills,” Lohman explained, “and Cindy does a lot of wire wrapping and beading work with natural stones.”

Last year, after participating in an outdoor sale at Friendship Antiques and Vintage Collectables in Friendship, Maryland, the owners of the facility asked if they’d be interested in indoor space.

“I like to joke that we offer the oldest antiques in the antique mall,” Lohman said.

For Lohman, however, it’s more about the story behind an item, than the item itself.

He enjoys talking to people

GODMOTHER Continued from 1

zation in her Virginia community.

“I knew it was something I wanted to bring to Southern Maryland,” said Hoffman, full-time mom and former teacher.

Using social media to spread the word, a general interest meeting was held in March 2013 and just two months later, the group’s initial fundraiser raised over $5,000, enabling them to begin supporting their first family. Embraced by the local community, they went on to raise more than $18,000 and were quickly supporting four families.

“It was October 2013 when we were devastated by the loss of our first ‘godchild’ to this awful disease,” Hoffman said.

“We’re still serving the other three families.”

Fundraising and outreach events continued successfully into 2014, but “ultimately, we’re a volunteer

about his collection, and anything he sells comes with a detailed written description.

Lohman passed on his interest to his children, including the stepson he raised from the age of 4 years. That son, Army Sgt. Ryan P. Baumann, became the third solider killed in action from St. Mary’s County when he died in Afghanistan on Aug. 1, 2008.

“As a young boy, Ryan liked playing in creeks and collecting rocks and fossils; and while he had other interests as a teenage boy, some of what we collected would frequently turn up moved or missing,” Lohman said. “He enjoyed sharing our finds

organization and the number of families we can support depends on the number of volunteers we have to help,” Hoffman added.

Two of those volunteers — Olivia Douglass and Jennifer Young-Tomechko — work at NAS Patuxent River, and both found the project a great way to help the community while working within their own busy schedules.

Douglass has been volunteering for two years, primarily helping with meal donations and delivery. “”I’ll prepare the meal and drop it in a cooler outside the home,” said Douglass, contract specialist with F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265).

“Each family is assigned a contact person to communicate any needs, such as dietary restrictions, times they’ll be away, etc.”

Also volunteering for two years, and with limited time to devote, Young-Tomechko isn’t able to provide meals, but has found other ways to help instead.

“I recently ran the

U.S. Navy photo by Donna Cipolloni

NAS Patuxent River’s Gary Lohman, Atlantic Test Ranges, shows a chunk of crystal quartz he dug himself while visiting Jessieville, Arkansas, during the 2014 Fourth of July weekend. Arkansas quartz is world-renowned for its incredible crystals with glass-like clarity. with his friends. Without a doubt, he was much more interested in the prospect of one day inheriting our collection than our daughter.”

Asked what advice he would give newcomers interested in starting their own collection, Lohman suggests

joining rock, mineral and fossil clubs.

And you can’t simply dig anywhere or always keep what you find.

“Laws vary from state to state and, legally, you need to know where you can search for fossils [or artifacts],” he explained. “Join clubs that have liability insurance, permission to dig, know where to dig, and whose members can take you and teach you.”

Meanwhile, Lohman plans to continue enjoying his lifelong interest.

“It’s amazing how we start as kids with a cigar box full of rocks and stuff,” he mused. “Life intervenes for a while, but then we come back later in life and pick it up seriously again. Both my wife and I are always happy to assist anyone thinking of joining our hobby.”

Groups or organizations interested in a rock, mineral and fossil presentation can contact Lohman at lohmang@verizon.net or 301-373-0388.

Fairy Godmother Project contact information To learn more about Fairy Godmother Project or volunteering your time, visit fairygodmotherproject. org. For details on the local chapter and its events, follow them on Facebook at Fairy Godmother Project-Southern Maryland Chapter. To contact the local chapter, email southernmd@fairygodmotherproject. org or phone 301-904-6887.

Across the Bay 10K and raised raised $250,” said Young-Tomechko, management analyst for the 4.0C Staff Office. “I hand out fliers at events and sold raffle tickets at the annual gala. Using my BJs membership, I was also able to purchase some household supplies for a family whose child was undergoing intense treatments and they just didn’t have time to shop.”

As the main representative for Southern Maryland, Hoffman is in direct contact with the families she and the other volunteers are currently able to assist.

“I speak with them often,” she said. “Any need these families may have, I’ve tried to anticipate or

take care of, so that they can cross it off their list.”

As they continue learning of other area families they’d like to support, the group is in need of additional volunteers for meal making and fundraising, Hoffman noted.

“We welcome any amount of time someone is willing to give; and we’re currently holding a gift card drive to collect gas, grocery and restaurant cards for our families, so that’s another way to help if a time commitment is challenging,” she said.

“We want to do all we can to help those facing this awful time in their lives and our goal is to never turn a family away for any reason.”

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CENTER STAGE MOVIES Movie Line: 301-342-5033 l Reservations: 301-342-3648 l

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. 11 6:30 p.m., St. Vincent

(Rated: PG-13, 1 hr. 42 mins.) Maggie, a single mother, moves into a new home in Brooklyn with her 12-year old son, Oliver. Forced to work long hours, she has no choice but to leave Oliver in the care of their new neighbor, Vincent, a retired curmudgeon with a penchant for alcohol and gambling. An odd friendship soon blossoms between the improbable pair. Together with a pregnant stripper named Daka, Vincent brings Oliver along on all the stops that make up his daily routine - the race track, a strip club, and the local dive

bar. Vincent helps Oliver grow to become a man, while Oliver begins to see in Vincent something that no one else is able to: a misunderstood man with a good heart.

Friday, Dec. 12 6:30 p.m., Beyond the Lights

(Rated: PG-13, 1 hr. 56 mins.) This is the story of Noni, the music world’s latest superstar. But not all is what it seems, and the pressures of fame have Noni on the edge - until she meets Kaz Nicol, a young

cop and aspiring politician who’s been assigned to her detail. Drawn to each other, Noni and Kaz fall fast and hard, despite the protests of those around them who urge them to put their career ambitions ahead of their romance. But it is ultimately Kaz’s love that gives Noni the courage to find her own voice and break free to become the artist she was meant to be.

9 p.m., Interstellar

(Rated: PG-13, 2 hrs. 49 mins.) With our time on Earth coming to an end, a team of explorers under-

takes the most important mission in human history; traveling beyond this galaxy to discover whether mankind has a future among the stars.

closest companion-a robot named Baymax-Hiro joins forces with a reluctant team of first-time crime fighters on a mission to save their city.

Saturday, Dec. 13

7 p.m., Interstellar

4 p.m., Big Hero 6

(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

(Rated: PG-13, 2 hrs. 49 mins.)

Sunday, Dec. 14 2 p.m., Big Hero 6

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

4:30 p.m., Interstellar

(Rated: PG-13, 2 hrs. 49 mins.)

See more Center Stage movie information online.

Monday, Dec. 15 and Tuesday, Dec. 16 Theater is not open

Wednesday, Dec. 17 6:30 p.m., Interstellar

(Rated: PG-13, 2 hrs. 49 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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Thursday, December 11, 2014

Infrared Search and Track System achieves Milestone C approval

By Morgan Allen F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265) Communications Support

The Navy’s infrared search and track (IRST) system received Milestone C acquisition approval Dec. 2, authorizing low-rate initial production (LRIP) of the sensor pod.

Approved by Vice Admiral Paul Grosklags, Principal Military Deputy for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition), LRIP authorization provides the Navy’s IRST program with the six pods needed to achieve future initial operational capability (IOC). IOC is a key procurement milestone achieved when a military system or product meets operational capabilities before proceeding to full operational capability.

The IRST system, managed by Naval Air Systems Command’s (NAVAIR) F/A18 & EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265), is a long-wave infrared sensor pod that searches for, identifies and tracks heat sources at extend-

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ed ranges. The IRST pod is a passive system that does not emit radiation, thereby hindering the enemy’s ability to detect the system.

“Integrating the infrared pod onto the Super Hornet revolutionizes how we fight on a networked battlefield,” said Capt. Frank Morley, PMA-265 program manager.

“IRST advances the Super Hornet’s role in air-to-air combat operations, keeping us ahead of our adversaries in an evolving threat environment.”

The pod allows simultaneous tracking of multiple targets under normal and electronic attack warfare conditions. The sensor pod is mounted within the Super Hornet’s centerline fuel tank, requiring no modifications to the aircraft’s airframe.

The IRST system completed its first flight aboard an F/A-18F Super Hornet in February 2014.

Following the Milestone C decision, performance and aeromechanical flight testing will continue to determine the

IRST capability’s limits within aircraft constraints and to ensure operational stability and safety. These are critical steps toward attaining IOC, expected later this decade, Morley said.

“The team worked hard to reach the milestone despite budgetary challenges during the manufacturing development and engineering phases of the IRST system,” said Michele Moran, PMA265 Electro-Optics/Infra-Red integrated product team lead.

“Like many programs across the Navy, budget cuts presented significant financial uncertainties, and the IRST program was not impervious to these cuts,” Moran said. “Our team was able to completely restructure the program, overcome the budget constraints and press forward with Milestone C.” PMA-265 will now transition into the limited production and introduction phases of the next-generation capability with the support of industry partners, Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin

In February 2014, the aircrew of an F/A-18 Super Hornet carrying the Navy’s infrared search and track (IRST) system, inspects the aircraft before the first flight with the pod at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. IRST reached a critical milestone Dec. 2, authorizing low-rate initial production of the sensor pod system.

In addition to the IRST system, next-generation capabilities incorporated in the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Flight Plan include advanced fused sensors, Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, counter electronic attack, Distributed Target-

ing System, multi-sensor integration, anti-surface warfare, IP-based linked networks and advanced air-to-ground and air-to-air precision weapons operating on an open architecture.

PMA-265 is responsible for acquiring, delivering and sus-

taining the F/A-18A-D Hornet, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and EA-18G Growler aircraft, providing naval aviators with capabilities that enable mission success.

Morgan Allen provides contract communication support as an employee of Avian, LLC.

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Decoding the next supercomputing engineers

By J. Raynel Koch Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Public Affairs

The classroom normally used for lectures now looks more like a computer lab humming with activity — tables filled with micro boards, wires scattered and clumped haphazardly and pre-collegeaged students connecting Light Emitting Diodes (LED) in patterns.

But this youthful crowd isn’t part of some production line — they’re taking their first tentative steps into what could be a high-tech career.

Fourteen students from St. Mary’s County schools grades 6-12 participated in a daylong student programming workshop hosted by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Educational Outreach Office and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Jr. at Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Patuxent River Nov. 2.

The workshop introduced students to mechanical and electrical engineering skills using microcontrollers through a kit called Arduino Uno. The workshop is also an introduction for potential participants in the upcoming NAVAIR summer Super

St. Mary’s County students connect resistors to the Arduino Uno microcontroller circuit board during during the Nov. 4 Educational Outreach Office student Programming Workshop with the National Society of Black Engineers.

U.S. Navy photos by J. Raynel Koch

Joshua Butler, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) 6.8.4 Logistics Maintenance Information System and Technology computer scientist, guides Donovan Dabney, St. Mary’s County student, on how to connect resistors to the Arduino Uno microcontroller circuit board during the Educational Outreach Office student Programming Workshop with the National Society of Black Engineers Nov. 4.

Computing Program, a summer programming internship opportunity for high schoolers, 16 years of age and older, slated for five weeks in the summer of 2015.

“We’re going to have a beginner workshop now, another more advanced workshop later and then possibly an intermediate boot camp, “said Holly Kellogg, NAWCAD director of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Educational Outreach. “The students will learn and build their skills through these events, so they

can be at an intermediate to advanced level when they apply for the summer internship program.”

“Today’s workshop is focused on NSBE Jr. groups from St. Mary’s County, and there are plans to offer workshops to NSBE Jr. groups in Calvert and possibly even Charles County,” said Kellogg.

“I’m also looking for female engineering or STEM groups within the communities, so we can have more females in our summer program.”

Among the students participating was Nasya Jackson,

a sophomore of Great Mills High School, “I think it’s actually really cool to get a handle on the mechanical side of electrical engineering. My interest is really in biomedical engineering, so it’s nice to get a real background in other fields of engineering.”

After participating in one of the programming and coding activities she added, “I’m

now finding myself a lot more interested in other fields of engineering. I think before I was a little narrow minded about the path I wanted to go, so now this just opens my eyes and shows me that computer engineering is not just some boring stuff with coding.”

NAVAIR supports educational outreach programs to help students gain confidence in their abilities and to encourage them to enroll in higher-level STEM courses.

“Through these experiences we hope it builds excitement and enthusiasm;

and hands [the students] opportunities to meet our people, and to make them passionate as well, said Kellogg, who also hopes some of the participants in these kinds of programs may eventually join the NAVAIR work force, which has many highly-experienced technical employees who may transition into retirement over the next several years. “Hopefully, the wonderful experiences they had with us will bring them back to us, once they have graduated college, remembering NAVAIR was the one who gave me my start.”

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AROUND TOWN St. Mary’s County:

www.visitstmar ysmd.com/eventsentertainment/

Holidays are Sotterley 6:30 -9 p.m. Dec. 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. Advance reservations are required at www.sotterley.org. Cost: $15.

Sotterley’s Family Plantation Christmas 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 13 Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, take a horsedrawn carriage ride, visit the animals in our petting zoo, take a pony ride, sing along with carolers, create-your-own holiday crafts or take a wagon ride. Food vendors on site. Cost, $5; free 2 years and younger.

Decompression Night at PRNAM 5-8 p.m. Dec. 18 Patuxent River Naval Air Museum A great time to come decompress before the holiday frenzy really gets into action. Bring your friends and coworkers to hang-out. Food, beer and wine available.

Regular admission fees apply.

Christmas Village 3- 9 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20

Noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 21 St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds Over 1,000 vendors, snow tubing, ice skating, live nativity and entertainment, crafts, pictures with Santa, tree lighting and more. Fun for the entire family. Free.

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.

Military Exhibits at Piney Point Lighthouse

Calvert County:

Through Jan. 4 Military exhibits fill the lighthouse keeper’s quarters and feature the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, War of 1812, World War 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.

www.calvertcountymd.us

Christmas by the Bay Through Jan. 4 St. Clement’s Island Museum The 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,

Patuxent Voices in Concert Dec. 12, 13, 14 and 16 Patuxent Voices, an all-female a cappella group, will perform a selection of holiday music on Friday, December 12, 7:30 p.m. at All Saints Church, Sunderland; Saturday, December 13, 7 p.m. at Christ Church, Chaptico; Sunday, December 14, 3 p.m. at Trinity Church, St. Mary’s College; and Tuesday, December 16, 7 p.m. at Calvert Pines Senior Center in Prince Frederick. Performances are free, but donations are welcome. For details visit: www.patuxentvoices.org.

Christmas Market 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 13 All Saints’ Episcopal Church, corner of Rtes. 2 & 4, Sunderland Expert craftsmen, gourmet cocoa, Glühwein, and home-baked goods Rain, snow or shine! Free. Proceeds benefit parish & community projects.

Holiday Concert Sing-a-long 7-8 p.m. Dec. 18 Calvert library, Prince Frederick

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Bring the family for hot cocoa and glorious holiday music with popular vocalists Emily Bowen Mudd, Nate Bowen and others, as they share some of their favorite holiday tunes .

Annmarie Garden in Lights 6-9 p.m. nightly through Jan. 3 Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center The gardens is stepping it up this year with more one-of-a-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 for ages 5 and older; free under 5 years. A dollar-off coupon is available online. Garden in Lights is closed December 8, 9, 10, 24, and 25.

Prince George’s County: ‘Tis the Season Noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 13 Surratt House Museum, Clinton With the onset of winter, how did Southern Maryland families prepare for the season and celebrate the holidays while enduring the hardships of the Civil War? Receive a holiday discount in the museum shop and sample cider and cookies. Admission: $3 Adults; $2 age 60 and over; $1 ages 5-18; free under five years.

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SHOP LOCAL. SHOP OFTEN. Leonardtown Hollywood California Lexington Park Great Mills There’s no doubt that you’ll visit the big box stores found along Routes 235 and 246 while shopping this year, but be sure to also include the County’s many traditional businesses and specialty shops in your search for just the right holiday gifts. Who wouldn’t enjoy a tasty treat from Wildewood Pastry Shop or the unique home décor items you’ll find at Lola Belle Co., Traditions of Loveville, the Apple Basket and Cecil’s Old Mill? If artwork is your fancy, then a stop at the North End Gallery in Leonardtown is a must. And, there’s no need to search high and low to find gifts for the hunters, fishermen and marksmen in your family… the Tackle Box is sure to have everything on your list and more. Now, don’t forget about the importance of bling! Purchase something that sparkles from Blair’s Jewelry and Gifs, G & H Jewelers, Inc. and Rick’s Jewelers to keep the hearth lit in your home.

There’s simply no better time of year than the holidays to give back to your community so Shop Local and Shop Often!

Ad sponsored by the St. Mary’s County Department of Economic Development 1039122