ONBOARD PAX RIVER:
Civilian Employee Assistance Program
The Department of the Navy Civilian Employee Assistance Program (DON CEAP) provides a wide range of free, confidential services to employees and their families. Employees can access services 24/7 through the DONCEAP by phone 1-844-DONCEAP (1-844-366-2327), TTY 1-800-635-2883, or https://magellanascend.com/.
Suicide Prevention Note
Noticed a friend posting thoughts about suicide on social media? Take the post seriously. Reach out to your friend and ask if he or she is considering suicide. Share contact information for resources such as a chaplain, trusted leader, or Military Crisis Line (1-800-273-TALK, Option 1; text 838255 from a mobile device; or visit www.militarycrisisline.net.)
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response
If you are a victim or know of someone who may be suffering in silence, reach out to NAS Pax River SAPR VA Watch Bill for confidential assistance: 24/7 at 301- 481-1057. You may also contact the DoD Safe Helpline for assistance: www.safehelpline.org. Call: 877- 995-5247, Text: 5-5247 inside the U.S.; 202- 470-5546 outside the U.S.
IN THE COMMUNITY:
Patuxent River Appreciation Day
10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9
Calvert Marine Museum
The museum is open and free to the public. Festivities include food vendors, live music, boat rides, children’s activities, and local vendors. This year’s event will contain a weekend’s worth of fun, all in one day, with extended hours and a River Party from 5-7:30 p.m. Local bands Wylder and Robbie Boothe will perform live at the PNC Waterside Pavilion beginning at 5 p.m. Find more information for the day on our Facebook page or at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/PRAD.
STEM Fun: Pumpkin Palooza
3:30-5 p.m. Oct. 15
5th District Park Pavilion
A STEM-based program designed for preschool-aged children all about our favorite orange gourd. Participants will enhance their motor skills while using tweezers to count pumpkin seeds; practice the scientific method to estimate the height, weight, and circumference of provided pumpkins; and participate in a sensory experience by making slime inside of a real pumpkin. This event will be outdoors under the pavilion at 5th District Park, rain-or-shine, so dress for the weather (and for making slime). Siblings welcome; please register each child attending at www.stmalib.org.
55th Oyster Festival
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 16, 17
Leonardtown Fairgrounds
Come spend your weekend enjoying oysters, live music, craft beer, and more at the National U.S. Oyster Festival. Enjoy oysters served up raw, scalded, grilled on the barbie, on bread, on the half shell, stewed, nude, cooked in savory sauces, in salads, even in desserts, just about every way imaginable and then some. Admission $10; children 12 and under are free.
Anti-Sex Trafficking Awareness Event
10 a.m. to 1 pm. Oct. 16
Leonardtown Library
Human trafficking is hidden, fast-growing and complex- generating billions each year through the exploitation of millions of people. It doesn’t just happen in other countries: it happens right here in Maryland communities. Learn how traffickers recruit their victims, the role of social media, and steps parents/guardians, teachers, and others can take to protect children. Educate yourself, pay attention and learn how to take action. Please join us as we educate ourselves, learn how to spot trafficking signs and learn how to take action. AntisextraffickingawarenessSoMD.eventbrite.com
Disabled American Veterans Chapter 25
Information Seminar
9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 30
Lexington Park Rescue Squad
21685 FDR Blvd.
For the purpose of assisting military veterans and spouses with Veteran Administration (VA) claims. For more information, call (240) 925-5493.
Free Assistance with VA Claims
10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays
Habitat for Humanity Building
St. Mary’s Square Shopping Center
Did you receive an injury while on active duty or do you have a service-connected disability? Are you filing a disability claim through the Veterans Administration (VA)? The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization is here to assist you with filing these claims at no cost to you. The men and women of DAV, disabled veterans themselves, are trained volunteers who can help ensure you are using the proper forms, have the proper documents you will need, and can advise you on common mistakes to avoid when filing a claim. Our space is located toward the rear of the Habitat for Humanity building on the left side. Stop by between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. any Wednesday to see if we can be of assistance to you. No appointment necessary.
Survey Seeks to Engage Community
Input for Ten Year Plan
The Department of Land Use & Growth Management has launched a survey to gather community input for the ten-year comprehensive plan. Community members are urged to identify and plan how to meet future needs by completing the survey. Results from the survey will provide ways to document shared goals and objectives. All county residents 18 years of age and older are asked to complete the survey either online or in person. Online: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/comp_plan_update_CRC2Z9M.