(Enlarge) Col. Edward C. Rothstein, Garrison Commander

We talked about a variety of subjects. However, I was most surprised to learn that many civilian workers (and a few service members) were unaware of many of the facilities and activities they are eligible to use as members of the Fort Meade community.

For starters, Gaffney Fitness Center offers a cardiovascular room with treadmills, steppers, cross trainers, bikes, rowers and TV monitors. You can exercise with free weights or use plate-loaded machines.

There are also two racquetball courts and a 25-meter heated indoor pool. All you have to do to use the facility is stop by the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation administration office and request an FMWR activity card.

Fort Meade also has an Automotive Skills Center with state-of-the-art equipment for all of your mechanical needs. With 24 open bays, scanning computers, tools and hydraulic lifts, you can service all types of domestic and foreign vehicles.

The Post Theater shows recently released movies to the Fort Meade community. The movie schedule is published weekly in Soundoff! Movies start at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets cost $4.50 for adults (12 years and older) and $2.25 for children.

If you haven't stopped by the post library, you're missing out on a good read. The library, which is officially named the "Medal of Honor Memorial Library," has been serving the Fort Meade community since 1952.

In addition to fiction and nonfiction books and reference material, the library offers music on a compact disc, DVDs on topics of general interest, and nearly 150 magazines as well as local newspapers, including The Baltimore Sun, The Washington Post and The Capital. There are also computers available with Wi-Fi and the Internet with no waiting and no time limit.

Did you know Club Meade offers Sunday brunch? The installation's full-service catering facility offers more than 50 breakfast and dinner items, including a meat carving station. Brunch hours are 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Club Meade also hosts special occasion dinners throughout the year, including Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Thanksgiving. For these special dinners, reservations are required. Call 301-677-5358 for more information about how you can experience one of the finest dining facilities in the military.

When was the last time you and a member of your family went bowling? The Lanes features 36 lanes of bowling, a full service Pro Shop and a great café. Most recently, the Lanes installed eight 42-inch HD flat screen televisions and is the place to go to enjoy NFL playoff games.

The list of things to do at Fort Meade doesn't stop here. I urge you all to pick up a copy of the 2012 Fort Meade Welcome Guide. The guide provides a complete listing of all the activities and facilities available on post. There is information about the golf course, Arts and Crafts Center, Leisure Travel Services, the Fort Meade museum and more.

You've heard me say many times that Fort Meade is a great place to work, live and serve. I truly mean this every time I say it. We have great recreational facilities, a wonderful park that surrounds a pool, pavilions for barbecues, an RV park and great social clubs that are always seeking new members.

My hope is that you find time to add balance between work and life activities and enjoy all the amenities that Fort Meade has to offer.