For more information or to submit an announcement, email philip.h.jones.civ@mail.mil or call 301-677-5602.

NEWS & EVENTS

PX closes early Saturday
The Fort Meade Post Exchange will close Saturday at 5 p.m. for an inventory project.

The store is tentatively scheduled to reopen Sunday at 1 p.m.

Customers are encouraged to call 410-674-7170 on Sunday to check the PX's operating status.

Jazz Ambassadors in concert
The Jazz Ambassadors, a 19-member jazz ensemble, will perform Friday at 7 p.m. in the Glenelg High School auditorium, 14025 Burntwoods Road, Glenelg.

The concert is free, but tickets are required.

For tickets, visit www.ArmyFieldBand.com and select "Schedule" then "Get Tickets" to print your tickets.

For more information, call 301-677-6586.

DINFOS Black History Month events
The Defense Information School is hosting a series of events in celebration of Black History Month.

This year's theme is "Black Women in American Culture and History."

Some of these events will be held at DINFOS at 6500 Mapes Road; others will take place across the post.

For more information, contact Master Sgt. LaShawndra Ramsey at lashawndra.ramsey@dinfos.dma.mil or 301-677-4721.

Sweetheart Dinner
Valentine's Day Sweetheart Dinner will be held Feb. 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Courses Clubhouse.

The dinner is open to military and civilians.

Reservations are required.

For reservations or more information, call 301-677-5326.

EFMP events
The Exceptional Family Member Program at Fort Meade is sponsoring several events in February.

* EFMP Support Group "What's Your Dysfunction? Using Behavior Function to Guide Intervention and Decrease Tantrums," Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m., Army Community Service, 830 Chisholm Ave. Guest speaker is Brandy Kuereine O'Rourke.

For more information, email Theresa Strawhecker at theresa.r.strawhecker.civ@mail.mil or call 301-677-7836.

* "Meet and Greet," Feb. 15, 2 to 3 p.m., Potomac Place Neighborhood Center. Join other EFMP parents for monthly, informal parent-to-parent chats. Registration required. For more information, email joi.barnes@us.army.mil or call 301-677-4473.

* EFMP Bowling events are held the third Tuesday of each month. The next event will be Feb. 21, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the Lanes. It includes a free buffet and giveaways for exceptional family members ages 18 and younger and their siblings. Register for free games and shoe rental at https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac/meadecyms.html.

For more information, call the EFMP office at 301-677-1156.

Adult exceptional family members may register for free games and shoe rental at the EFMP office by calling 301-677-7836. Discounted games and shoe rental are available for other adult family members.

Registration required by Feb. 17. For more information, email theresa.r.strawhecker.civ@mail.mil or call 301-677-7836.

For general information, call Caraline Someck, EFMP manager, at 301-677-4122.

Mongolian barbecue
Club Meade is offering Mongolian barbecue on Friday from 5 to 9 p.m.

For more information, call 301-677-6969.

Lunch buffets
Enjoy all-you-can-eat lunch buffets Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Club Meade:

* Tuesdays: Italian

* Wednesdays: Country

* Thursdays: Asian

* Fridays: Mexican

A la carte sandwiches are also available.

For more information, call 301-677-6969.

Club Meade delivers
Club Meade is now offering food delivery.

Customers must allow one hour for the free service. Minimum order is $30.

For more information, call 301-677-6969.

EDUCATION

OSC scholarships
The Fort Meade Officers' Spouses' Club will award scholarships for the 2012-2013 academic school year in the spring.

Completed applications must be postmarked by April 1.

* The Etta Baker Memorial Scholarship will be awarded for academic advancement to deserving college-bound high school seniors.

* The Merit Scholarship for continued learning will be awarded for academic advancement to graduating high school seniors and students currently enrolled in college.

* The JROTC Scholarship will be awarded to highly motivated, community-minded students to further their education beyond a high school diploma.

* The Military Spouse Scholarship will be awarded for academic advancement to highly motivated, community-minded individuals to further their education.

Application forms with all eligibility requirements are available on the OSC website at www.fortmeadeosc.org and at high school guidance offices.

For more information, email Pat Hagerty at snow29man@aol.com.

Auto care courses
The Automotive Skills Center at 6530 Taylor Ave. is offering the following courses from 1 to 3 p.m.

* "How to change transmission fluid and filter," Feb. 5

* "How to change oil and maintain your vehicle," March 11

* "How to change wheel bearings," March 25

Cost for each course is $19. For more information, call 301-677-5542.

Program for organizations on STEM student interns
Organizations on Fort Meade that are considering taking on a high school science/technology intern in the spring or summer are invited to an informational program sponsored by the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation and Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

The program will be held Feb. 15 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. in the AAEDC Conference Room, 2660 Riva Road, Suite 200, Annapolis.

Participants will learn about the STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) spring/summer internship programs; meet potential student interns; hear from companies about their intern experience; and understand the impact this program has on Anne Arundel County's future workforce.

This internship program is designed for high school seniors enrolled in the STEM magnet programs at North County and South River high schools.

Light refreshments will be served.

RSVP Dawn Seaton at AAEDC at 410-222-7410 or email dseaton@aaedc.org.

Fleet Center classes
The Fleet and Family Support Center at 830 Chisholm Ave. offers classes that are open to DoD identification cardholders. Classes are held at the Community Readiness Center, unless otherwise noted. Advanced registration is required.

* Home buying: Today, 1 to 3 p.m.

* Medical Records Review: Have your medical records reviewed by Joseph Thornton of AMVETS. An appointment is required.

To register or for more information, call 301-677-9017 or 9018.

Job search strategies
The Fort Meade Employment Readiness Program encourages those seeking employment, transitioning from the military or looking to improve their job readiness skills to participate in the following programs:

* Career Exploration, Tuesday, 9 a.m. to noon, Army Community Service, 830 Chisholm Ave.

* BRAC 101 Employment Training Orientation, Feb. 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Soldier and Family Assistance Center, 85th Medical Battalion Avenue

For more information, call Vikki Torrence, Employment Readiness Program manager, or Jamesinaez James at 301-677-5590 or email vikki.torrence@us.army.mil.

ACS financial programs
Army Community Service at 830 Chisholm Ave. is offering the free program Career Exploration on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information, call 301-677-5590.

Newcomer's seminar
The Military Spouse Newcomer's Seminar is held Wednesdays from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.

Spouses from all military branches are invited. Information is presented on different installation agencies. Door prizes are also awarded.

For more information and reservations, call the Army Community Service Relocation Office at 301-677-5590.

YOUTH

'Grilling & Chilling'
Child Youth and School Services is offering "Grilling & Chilling" for grades six to eight on Friday from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Cost for food is $5. Recreational activity is free.

For more information, call 301-677-1437.

Story Time
The Medal of Honor Memorial Library offers Story Time for preschoolers on Thursdays from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and 10:30 to 11 a.m.

* Thursday: "Ice is Nice," penguin and polar bear stories

For more information, call 301-677-5522.

Romp 'n Stomp
Romp 'n Stomp playgroup, for parents and their children up to 5 years old, meets Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Youth Services gym, when Anne Arundel County Public Schools are in session.

For more information, call Rikki Ford, Parent Support coordinator, at 301-677-3617 or e-mail rikki.l.ford.ctr@us.army.mil.

RECREATION

Out & About
* The Maryland Polar Bear Plunge at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis will be held Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Mass plunges will take place at both 1 and 3 p.m.

The charity event is sponsored by the Maryland State Police in support of the Special Olympics. A minimum of $50 in pledges (or as a personal donation) is required to participate in the plunge.

The free, full-day winter festival features the Robert Andrews Salon & Spa, the Carnival FunFest tent with games, Astro Events Kids Zone, the Rams Head Ice Lodge and Beer Garden, food and other displays. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, the honorary chairman, will attend.

New this year: The Pee Wee Plunge, an 11 a.m. dip in a kiddie pool for children ages 8 and under, and a Family Plunge in a less congested environment that is safer for younger children.

General parking is not available. Participants are encouraged to travel to Sandy Point via bus or the free shuttle bus system that will run continuously from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from the Naval-Marine Corps Stadium, Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold and Kent Island High School in Stevensville.

To pre-register online, visit www.plungemd.com or call 800-541-7544, ext. 503.

* Baltimore Winter Restaurant Week: City restaurants are offering three-course dinners Friday through Sunday for $30.12 or $20.12. Select restaurants will offer two-course lunch menus for $15.12. For more information, visit baltimorerestaurantweek.com.

MEETINGS
* Anne Arundel Genealogical Society will meet Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Severna Park United Methodist Church, 731 Benfield Road, Severna Park. Elinor Thompson will present the program "Preserving Church and Cemetery Histories and Records 1777-1931 -- West River -- African Americans and Whites." For more information, call the Kuethe Library at 410-760-9679 or visit www.aagensoc.org.

* Monthly Prayer Breakfast hosted by the garrison is held the first Thursday of every month at 7 a.m. at the Courses Clubhouse. The next breakfast is Feb. 2. Post employees, family members, civilian and military personnel are invited. There is no cost; donations are optional. For more information, call 301-677-6703 or email diana.l.durner.civ@mail.mil.

* Meade Rod and Gun Club meets the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at Perry's Restaurant and Odie's Pub at 1210 Annapolis Road, Odenton. The next meeting is Feb. 2 in the banquet hall in back of the building. If you come early, you may join us for dinner at 6 p.m. For more information, call 410-674-4000.

* EMPOWERING Parents of Teens Support Group meets the first and third Monday of every month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at School Age Services. The next meeting is Feb. 6. Refreshments and free child care provided. For more information, call Rikki Ford, Parent Support coordinator, at 301-677-3617 or e-mail rikki.l.ford.ctr@us.army.mil.

* Fort Meade BOSS (Better Opportunities for the Single Solder) meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 3 p.m. at the Freedom Center, Bldg. 6405. The next meeting is Feb. 7. Single Soldiers are invited. For more information, call 301-677-7785.

* Fort Meade TOP III Association meets the second Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m. at the Courses. The next meeting is Feb. 8. The association is open to all Air Force active and retired senior noncommissioned officers. For more information, call Master Sgt. Jonathan Jacob at 443-479-0616 or email jajacob@nsa.gov.

* Meade Branch 212 of the Fleet Reserve Association meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at VFW Post 160 on Route 170 in Glen Burnie. The next meeting is Feb. 8. Active-duty, Reserve and retired members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are invited. For more information, call 410-761-7046 or 301-262-6556.

* Fort Meade E9 Association meets the second Friday of every month at 7 a.m. in the Pin Deck Cafe at the Lanes. The next meeting is Feb. 10. The association is open to active, retired, Reserve and National Guard E9s of any uniformed service. All E9s in this area are invited to attend a breakfast and meet the membership. For more information, visit www.e9association.org or call 410-551-7953.

* Fort Meade Homeschool Co-op meets Fridays at 9:30 a.m. at 1900 Reece Road. For more information, call Laura Edens at 443-510-4715 or email ftmeadehomeschooling@verizon.net.

* Cub Scout Pack 377 invites boys in first through fifth grades, or ages 7 to 10, to attend its weekly Monday meetings at 6 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center. For more information, email Kimberly Smith at pack377_cc@yahoo.com.

* Boy Scout Troop 379 meets Mondays at 7 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center on Rockenbach Road. The troop is actively recruiting boys age 11 to 18. For more information, email Lisa Yetman, at lisayetman@verizon.net or Wendall Lawrence, Scoutmaster, at lawrencewendall@juno.com.

* Protestant Women of the Chapel invites women for prayer, fellowship and food at its weekly Wednesday meeting from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Argonne Hills Chapel Center. Child care and a home-school room are provided. For more information, call Christine Washburn at 443-230-1553 or email cwash1993@comcast.net.

* American Legion Post 276 is open to veterans and active-duty service members at 8068 Quarterfield Road in Severn. Breakfast may be purchased beginning at 9 a.m. Lunches may be purchased from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Happy Hour is from 4 to 6 p.m. Dinner may be purchased at 6 p.m. on Fridays and the fourth Sunday of every month.

Membership discounts are offered for active-duty military. For more information, call 410-969-8028 or visit www.americanlegionpost276.org.