News Briefs

USNTPS Golf Tournament

The United States Navy Test Pilot School Reunion Golf Tournament is April 12 at Cedar Point Golf Course, open to all hands. The entry fee of $65 includes green fees, carts, lunch, beverages, and prizes. Sign up by April 6 - Limited to the first 100 players. For information about the USNTPS Alumni Association, visit http://www.usntpsalumni.com/. To register for the tournament or for information, call Cmdr. Steven Roberto at 301-757-9836 or Tom Phelan at 301-757-4340.

21st “Blessing of the Fleets”

Passed down through generations of mariners and navies around the world, the annual Blessing of the Fleets tradition will be held for the 21st consecutive year at the United States Navy Memorial on April 14 at 1 p.m. Held on the outdoor plaza, the event is free and open to the public and begins immediately following the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. This event is part of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Call 202-737-2300 or visit www.navymemorial.org for information.

Purple Up! For Military Kids

April marks the nation's "Month of the Military Child," a time to honor youth impacted by deployment. In celebration, Maryland Operation: Military Kids, part of the 4-H Youth Development program of University of Maryland Extension, invites you to join us for the 2nd annual "Purple Up! For Military Kids." Wear purple on April 13 to support and thank military children for their strength and sacrifices.

NMCRS Golf Tournament

The 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament to support the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and the John Glenn Scholarship Fund will take place on April 20; shotgun starts at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., at the Cedar Point Golf Course. $60 per player, $260 per team. Registration ends April 16; call 301-342-4739 for information.

NAWCAD and NTWL Inspector General Command Inspection

A NAVAIR IG representative will be available on April 24 to conduct confidential, voluntary interviews with civil service and military assigned to NAWCAD Patuxent River/Webster Field and NTWL wanting to discuss and report suspected instances of fraud, waste, abuse or mismanagement. Allegations outside of these four categories are not appropriate for an IG interview. To schedule an appointment, contact Cheryl Ward at 301-342-1278, cheryl.wardnavy.mil, or Ginger Soroka, 301-342-1275 ginger.sorokanavy.mil.

FEW presents CapWiz and You

The Patuxent River Chapter of Federally Employed Women will present "CapWiz and You" for our April 24 business session. Our guest speaker for this event will be Mr. Matthew Fogg, Vice President for Congressional Relations of FEW. Please join us as we discuss the benefits of CapWiz, and how this on-line tool can be used to communicate to Congressional representatives. This session will be held in Bldg 2185 - (across from the NAS Pax River post office) in Room 1150 beginning at 11:30 AM. Feel free to bring your lunch and join us! For more information, contact Lola Scott at 301-757-7228.

Patents for Humanity Challenge

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office encourages businesses of all kinds to apply their patented technology to address the world's humanitarian challenges. Applications will compete in four categories: 1) medical technology, 2) food and nutrition, 3) clean technology, and 4) information technology. Winners will receive public recognition at an awards ceremony and a certificate to accelerate a select matter before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The first 1,000 valid applications received up through Aug. 31will be considered. Visit http://patentsforhumanity.challenge.gov/ for information.

Donate your leave

The Voluntary Leave Transfer Program recipient list can be viewed at https://webadmin.navair.navy.mil/wsadmin/leavedonor/index.cfm.

Command Picnic

We are in the process of getting dates set for the Command picnic but require volunteers and hard chargers with great ideas, civilian and military, to make this summer's picnic a fantastic event, as it was last year. For more information contact Aviation Ordinanceman Chief Petty Officer William Stanton at 301-342-3368; William.B.Stantonnavy.mil or Bradley Noftell at 301-342-3368; Bradley.noftellnavy.mil. We will be setting up our first meeting towards the end of next week so your quick responses would be greatly appreciated.

Adapting to Recent Developments in Global Health The U.S. executive director of Doctors Without Borders, Sophie Delaunay, and this year’s Senior Nitze Fellow at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, will give her third and final lecture at 8 p.m., April 16, in the college’s Auerbach Auditorium of St. Mary’s Hall. Known globally as Médecins Sans Frontières, the Doctors Without Borders organization was created by doctors and journalists in 1971 to send volunteer medical help to people threatened by disease and war in more than 60 countries. The talk and the reception that follows are free and open to the public.

JSO KIDS FIELD DAY:

The NAS Junior Sailor Organization will be a hosting a Kids Field Day for kids of all ages. The event is set to take place on the softball field right behind the Drill Hall April 14, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. NAS Pax JSO will be putting on events such as: three-legged race, egg drop, water balloon toss, tug of war and much more. Free for all with base access. Rain date set for April 21. Water and food will also be available. POC is YNSN Williams at 7-0636 or kerrick.williamsnavy.mil. Come out and support with the kids for a field day of fun!

17th Annual Run and Fun Walk for Hospice Register now for the 17th Annual Run and Fun Walk for Hospice to be held on April 14 at the St. Mary's County Governmental Center, Leonardtown. The race will begin at 8:30 a.m. rain or shine. Register online or download a registration form at www.runforhospice.org. Race day registration will be held from 7 a.m. until 8 a.m. The fee is $35 (cash or check only). Your participation will help Hospice to continue its mission of providing in-home care, comfort and support to terminally ill patients and their families in St. Mary's County.

Cancer Prevention Expo

MedStar St. Mary's Hospital is hosting a Cancer Prevention Expo on April 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the 1st floor outpatient pavilion. Free skin cancer screenings (no appointment necessary) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and prostate screenings (must have appointment). Information tables and knowledgeable staff will be available to answer your questions. Please call Health Connections, 301-475-6174 to make a prostate exam appointment or for more information.

HR Professionals Focus on Lean Six Sigma - April 18 The Human Resources Association of Southern Maryland will meet on April 18, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the College of Southern Maryland (22950 Hollywood Road, Building C, Room 216, Leonardtown). William Journigan will present basic Lean Six Sigma methodologies and how they apply to Human Resources Management. Included is a Hands-On exercise to demonstrate LSS tools and methods within HR. The meeting is open to anyone with an interest in Human Resources issues. The cost is $16 for members and $21 for nonmembers, which includes a breakfast buffet. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Deadline for registering is noon on April 11. To register, go to: http://hrasmonline.shrm.org/. Once registered, payment is required if a cancellation is made after the deadline date.

SPRING PFA KEY DATES:

April 24-27, 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. All hands BCA at the Drill Hall. No weight will be deducted for clothing. PTU required.

Apr 30 - May 4, 8 a.m. - PRT for all bike, elliptical and swim participants (Drill Hall), 3 p.m. - PRT for all run participants (Beach House).

NAVAIR 4.6 Human Systems Lab Capabilities Open House NAVAIR 4.6 Human Systems will hold a Lab Capabilities Open House in Building 2187 on April 25, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., to highlight the department's capabilities, support facilities, services, and expertise available to our customers. The 4.6 Open House is tailored toward Program Executive Office and Program Office representatives, NAWCAD and NAVAIR Leadership and all Level I and Level II Competencies. This event is organized in alignment with ASN(RDA) policy, as well as NAWC-AD and NAWC-WD policy advocating that PEOs and PMs to look to the NAWC first for in-house engineering and technical support before seeking support from other Navy labs, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, or private industry.

Lincoln Health and Safety Event

The Lincoln Health and Safety Event will take place on April 25, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., at the Community Center. Learn about health and safety.

SOMD Caregivers Conference

Learn and get help caring for an older adult in a home setting at Calvert Pines Senior Center, Prince Frederick, on April 27. $20 fee includes breakfast, lunch, materials and educational presentations. For information or to register contact Ann Newton at 410-535-4606 or newtonaeco.cal.md.us For scholarship information contact Rebecca Kessler at 301-475-4200 ext. 1061 or Rebecca.kesslerstmarysmd.com.

Community Emergency Response Team Training April 28, and April 29 (two-day class) 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Department of Public Safety, 23090 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown. The Community Emergency Response Team Program educates citizens about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community. To attend this CERT Training class or for more information, please call the Department of Public Safety, Emergency Management Division at 301-475-4200 Ext. 2124 or emailemastmarysmd.com.

Transition to Electronic Official Personnel Folders The Department of the Navy will begin the process of converting paper-based personnel records, which contain records that cover an employee's work history, to electronic files. This is a part of the DON's effort to implement eOPFs across the enterprise. Converting to eOPFs will not only maximize available technology, it will also enable immediate 24/7 access for employees, hiring managers and human resource professionals to critical personnel documents online through a secure Internet connection. All employees need to verify their MyBiz information prior to May 1.

Special Olympics

Special Olympics St. Mary's County will be holding its 42nd spring games on May 3, rain date May 4, at Leonardtown High School. Opening ceremonies will begin at 10:15 a.m. and closing will be at 2 p.m.

STARBASE-ATLANTIS

Starbase-Atlantis announces open enrollment for students who are entering 6th grade in the fall to attend a free summer program. STARBASE-Atlantis is an educational community outreach program sponsored by the Department of Defense and the US Navy, designed to increase student knowledge and interest in science, technology, engineering and math. The curriculum includes chemistry, model rocketry, properties of fluids, Newton's laws of motion, engineering and design, and the physics of flight. Students build and launch model rockets, "fly" airplanes on flight simulator programs, perform science experiments, use CAD to engineer a lab module for a space station, and work in teams to save Eggbert from disaster. Students can participate during one of four summer sessions offered June 18-21, June 25-28, July 9-12, or July 16-19 from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. All sessions are held at NAS Patuxent River in building 588, Room 102. Space is limited and slots fill quickly. For a pre-registration form, contact STARBASE-Atlantis at 301-342-2789 or email: julie.guynavy.mil. Children of active duty military have priority placement until May 18. After May 18, all other applications will be processed in the order in which they were received with priority extended to dependents of retired military and DoD employees.

Sotterley Plant Sale and Exchange

Buy or exchange your way to a beautiful garden. Whether you are a novice or an experienced gardener, a long-time resident or new to the area, Sotterley Plantation invites you to revel in the wonders of springtime at the 14th Annual Plant Sale and Free Plant Exchange on Saturday, April 28. The Plant Sale, sponsored by the Sotterley Garden Guild, will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Free Plant Exchange will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Your plants in exchange for other annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, shrubs, trees, bulbs and seeds. For more information on upcoming Sotterley Plantation events, visit our website at www.sotterley.org.

Golf Tournament

The fifth annual Claude D. Alexander memorial golf tournament is being held at the Cedar Point Golf Course, Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD on May 18. All proceeds from this tournament benefit the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund http://www.semperfifund.org/, additionally, sponsorship and part of the golf costs are deductible as we are both 501 (c) (3) organizations. We have donated over $50,000 to the Semper Fi Fund from this tournament. If you are interested in participating as a sponsor or player please contact Ted Harwood 240-298-8865.

Spring and Summer Safety Stand Down

The NAS Patuxent River Spring and Summer Safety Stand Down will take place May 15-16, 7:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. Mandatory for all NDW personnel, open to all Pax, Webster Field and Solomons personnel. Attendance will be taken at the end of each session.

Board of County Commissioners Seeks Volunteers for Boards, Committees and Commissions The Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary's County is seeking citizens who are interested in volunteering their time to the community by serving on various Boards, Committees, and Commissions. Descriptions of the boards and the membership application can be found on the County's website at http://www.co.saint-marys.md.us/voluntr/. All applications must include a resume and be submitted no later than May 18. Interested citizens can download an application from the county's website or call 301-475-4200, ext.1320.

6th Annual Leatherneck Race

The 6th Annual Leatherneck 5k Race/Fun Run/Walk will be held at 9:30 a.m. on May 19. Military, civilian personnel and families are all welcome and encouraged to come out and show their support. This year's race starts and finishes on Cedar Point Road in front of the golf course. Attached is the Leatherneck 5k Flyer with race details as well as contact information. Registration form is attached in this email or if you would like to register on line the link is provided below. To be guaranteed a commemorative t-shirt designed by Gunnery Sergeant (ret) Wolf from www.sempertoons.com please register by May 1. Extra shirts may be available on race day in various sizes. Registration fee is $25.

Family tree researchers needed

Have you traced your ancestors back to the Mayflower--or found cousins you didn't know existed, living nearby? If you are passionate about learning about your family history, please contact the Tester to be included in an upcoming article. Email testernewsdcmilitary.com to schedule a quick interview.

Historic Half Marathon

The Marine Corps Historic Half marathon registration is available on the MCM website at www.marinemarathon.com. Cost is $80. Organized annually by the Marine Corps Marathon, the Historic Half will be held Sunday, May 20 in Fredericksburg, VA. The event will start at 7 a.m., May 20, with the Semper Fred 5K to follow at 7:25 a.m. For more information, contact Tami Faram, MCM Public Relations Coordinator at tami.faramusmc.mil or 703-432-1840.

SkyWarn Spotter Flood Training

This Flood Training class is designed to educate SkyWarn Spotters on weather threats in this area, as well as strengthen the ties between the NWS and the local community. The more spotters the NWS has in the community, the faster vital ground truth information gets to NWS forecasters who make the decisions to issue life saving weather warnings. For more information on this training, reserve a seat or to become a SkyWarn Spotter email emastmarysmd.com. Training will be held May 23, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., in the Commissioners meeting room at the Chesapeake Building, 41770 Baldridge Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Federal Long term Care Insurance Webinars You can apply for coverage under the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program at any time. LTC Partners are offering informational webinars to help employees interested in learning more about long term care, FLTCIP plan options, and the application process. Spouses/same-sex domestic partners may also register and are free to attend from home or their place of business. To register follow this link: https://www.ltcfeds.com/webinar/index.html. Questions about FLTCIP can be directed to the LTC Partners by telephone at 800-582-3337 or by email at infoltcpartners.com. The TTY number for the hearing impaired is 800-843-3557.

Online Financial Literacy Clearinghouse

Maryland Association of Public Library Administrators and the Maryland Department of Labor's Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation today announced the launch of an online Financial Literacy Clearinghouse. The clearinghouse provides Marylanders with access to information on personal finance topics ranging from budgeting and saving to foreclosure prevention. Hosted by Enoch Pratt Free Library, the clearinghouse is located at www.MyMoneyMatters-md.org