ONBOARD PAX RIVER:

Transgender Day of Remembrance Event

2 p.m. Nov. 19

Join NAVAIR’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning Plus Allies Action Team to honor the memory of all transgender individuals who have been killed due to violence this past year at a virtual Transgender Day of Remembrance event Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. Register via NAVAIR University at https://navairu.navair.navy.mil/#events/event?q=2807.

Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey

Closes Dec. 3

A random sample of federal employees should have received an email invitation from the Office of Personnel Management with the subject line, “2021 OPM Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey,” directing them to take the voluntary, confidential survey. The OPM FEVS is employees’ chance to share their perceptions of whether — and to what extent — conditions that characterize successful organizations are present in their agency. The ultimate goal of the survey is to provide agencies with information to build strengths and improve challenge areas.

Federal Benefits Open Season

Through Dec. 13

During open season, for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program for 2022, employees can enroll, change plans, change plan options, change enrollment type or cancel coverage. They can also reenroll or newly enroll in the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program for 2022. For more information, visit https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/open-season

NAVAIR Commander’s Awards

Nominations

Due by Dec. 17

These awards recognize individuals and teams for outstanding achievement in speed of capability, affordability and availability. Winners in 10 categories will be recognized at a ceremony March 31, 2022. For more information, visit https://myteam.navair.navy.mil/corpapps/HATT/Pages/awards.aspx

White House Christmas Ornament for Sale

10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., M-F

Customized Creations, Bldg. #652

Pick-up your 2021 White House Christmas ornament now on sale at Customized Creations, while supplies last. Cost is $25.

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:

Covid-19 Vaccine Available for

Ages 5 and Older

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) has updated the eligibility criteria for local COVID-19 vaccine clinics to include children ages 5 through 11 years of age in accordance with updated authorization from the USDA and CDC. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 through 11 years of age is administered as a two-dose primary series, 3 weeks apart, but is a lower dose (10 micrograms) than that used for individuals 12 years of age and older (30 micrograms). Please note: the Pfizer vaccine is the only COVID-19 vaccine currently authorized for those under the age of 18, and parental consent is required. For more information or to make a COVID-19 vaccination appointment, please visit smchd.org/covid-19-vaccine-kids or call the SMCHD COVID-19 Community Hotline at (301) 475-4330.

COVID-19 ‘Vax Fests’ for Kids/Families

Noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 21 and Dec. 12

Great Mills High

COVID-19 vaccine will be available through a seated indoor clinic for children ages 5-11 (appointments, masks, and parental consent required). These events will also include outdoor activities and games, magic performed by comedy illusionist Reggie Rice, face painting, food trucks, community organization information tables, and an “Ask a Doc” booth for parents.To schedule an appointment or for additional event details, please visit smchd.org/vax-fest.

Rec and Parks Sponsors Trip to NYC

Dec. 11; registration closes Nov. 23

Bundle up and leave the driving to a comfortable coach bus for a beautiful drive, as the Department of Recreation and Parks hosts a bus ride to New York City on Saturday, Dec. 11. With so many unique attractions, world-famous museums, theaters, and skyscrapers, there is always plenty to do in New York City, especially when it is transformed into a winter wonderland for the holidays. Depart 5:30 a.m. and return 12:30 a.m. at 23150 Leonard Hall Dr. in Leonardtown. Cost is $90 resident, $100 non-resident, including children. No refunds. For more information, email webtrac@stmarysmd.com or call 301-475-4200, ext. 1800.

Christmas on the Square

Begins 4:30 p.m. Nov. 26

Leonardtown Square

Enjoy live holiday music, entertainment, horse and carriage rides, sleigh rides, train rides, a live nativity, a petting zoo, airbrush tattoos, balloon art, children’s crafts, hot drinks, food and fun activities! Many downtown restaurants and shops around the Town Square will be open and decorated for your holiday pleasure. Don’t miss Santa’s arrival at 7 p.m. to light the Christmas tree in Leonardtown Square.

Small Business Saturday in Leonardtown

Nov. 27

Enjoy the friendly, small-town charm that Leonardtown has to offer. Browse our specialty shops and find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list. The Leonardtown Trolley will be offering free rides from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to make it easy to get around to all the shopping and fun activities throughout Leonardtown. For more information visit: VisitLeonardtownMD.com/HolidaysinLeonardtown.

Hearth and Home

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 26 and 27

Historic St. Mary’s City

Explore the skills that allowed people over 300 years ago to weather the cold and survive. The annual event this year centers around chickens and their contribution to culinary appetites. Lend a hand and stir a pot or two and take home a free recipe booklet to re-create foods enjoyed centuries ago. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 seniors, $6 students, and free for those 5 years and under. Guests contributing a non-perishable food item will receive a $1 discount off admission benefiting Southern Maryland Food Bank. Tickets available for purchase the day of the event at either the HSMC Visitor Center or The Shop at Farthing’s Ordinary. Address for the Visitor Center is 18751 Hogaboom Lane, St. Mary’s City.

Annmarie Garden in Lights

5-9 p.m. nightly, Nov. 26 – Jan. 1

Closed some evenings; timed-entry tickets required

The grounds of Annmarie Sculpture Garden are transformed into an outdoor twinkling wonderland that will transport you and your family to an enchanted world of glowing light sculptures and wondrous light installations. Discover wild animals, wintery wonderlands, musical holiday scenes, deep sea treasures, magical creatures, glowing trees, and so much more! Masks and social distancing required. Get tickets at www.annmariegarden.org.

Retro Christmas at Piney Point Lighthouse

Museum

Noon to 4 p.m. Daily, Nov. 28-Jan. 2

Enjoy tours of a family friendly unique retro holiday exhibit inside the museum and keeper’s quarters. Find more info at https://www.facebook.com/events/918296605768128. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The Many Roads to Publication

6:30-7:45 p.m. Nov. 30

St. Mary’s County Libraries

Local Author Christine Trent will explain the pros and cons of the routes to publishing. Should you self-publish? Is it expensive? What about traditional publishing? Don’t you need an agent for that? How do you find an agent? These are just a sampling of the many questions a writer might ask when deciding how to publish that wonderful, freshly-completed book. Register on www.stmalib.org to receive the link to the Zoom meeting the day before the event.

Virtual Festival of Trees

Bid online Dec. 4

The Hospice of St. Mary’s annual Festival of Trees has gone virtual. We invite all in our community to participate by sponsoring, donating, decorating or bidding. Bid online on Dec. 4, and we’ll deliver a fully decorated wreath or tree to your doorstep. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit Hospice of St. Mary’s. Please share with your friends and family. Find the details: www.2021FOT.givesmart.com.

Take and Make Bird Ornament Kit

Dec. 6

St. Mary’s County Libraries

Pick up a kit to make a bird ornament. Kits include everything you need to make and decorate a charming wooden bird ornament. Available to pick up at all St. Mary’s County Library branches while supplies last starting on Monday, Dec. 6.

Creative Journaling Sessions

6-7 p.m. Dec. 7

Express yourself in your own personal journal. These will be bi-monthly guided virtual journaling sessions for tweens and teens ages 10-15. Decorate your journal with washi tape or any other decorative/drawing materials and have fun writing prompts that will spark your creative thinking. Journaling kits are available for registered participants. Register now on www.stmalib.org while supplies last. Pick up at a St. Mary’s County Library of your choice.

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.

Patuxent River Officers’ Spouses’ Club

The Patuxent River Officers’ Spouses’ Club (PROSC) is a non-profit organization, social group, and support network whose members are spouses of active-duty military, retired, reserve, veteran, and international officers who come together to learn from each other, form lasting friendships, and support our local community. Contact paxosc.org@gmail.com. Learn more at www.facebook.com/groups/PROSC

Local COVID-19 Testing and Information

Information on local COVID-19 testing is available at: www.smchd.org/covid-19-testing. For local COVID-19 updates, information and data, please visit www.smchd.org/coronavirus or call the St. Mary’s County Health Department at (301) 475-4330.

COVID-19 vaccinations available

for age 12 and older

For information, or to make a COVID-19 vaccination appointment, visit smchd.org/covid-19-vaccine or call the SMCHD COVID-19 Community Hotline at (301) 475-4330. Please review the allergy guidance and the FAQs for SMCHD COVID-19 Vaccination prior to registering for a vaccine appointment. Pre-registration is available for those who are waiting to become eligible for their initial or booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine. For local COVID-19 updates, information, and data visit smchd.org/coronavirus.

County Text-to-911 Messaging

The St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services Text-to-911 emergency notification system is available statewide, and provides an additional way for residents to reach emergency services. To use the service, enter 911 in the “to” line of a text message, include a brief message describing your location, the emergency and type of service needed, and hit send. 911 dispatchers will respond and gather additional information as needed and dispatch appropriate emergency responders.