JLDP Application Seminars
Two national Journey Leadership Development Program (JLDP) application seminars will be held virtually via CVR on Dec. 3 and Dec. 16. Register at https://navairu.navair.navy.mil and search for course number CISL-LDP-0123. JLDP is a NAVAIR-wide program designed to develop both civilian and military members into senior leaders. Applications will be accepted Feb. 1 through March 30, 2021.
Federal Benefits Open Season
The 2020 federal benefits open season (for the 2021 plan year) runs through Dec. 14. During this time, federal employees can enroll in or change their elections for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program and the Thrift Savings Plan. Use the GRB Platform or contact the Benefits Line to make elections.
Combined Federal Campaign Underway
NEX Offers Fee Free Layaway
NEX Holiday Return Policy
NEX customers can make post-holiday returns at any location worldwide through Jan. 23, 2021. This extended holiday return policy applies to original purchases made between Oct. 8 – Dec. 10 at any NEX or through myNavyExchange.com
NMCRS Adds Home Education Assistance Loan
The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) COVID-19 Rapid Response Loan was increased to $1,500 and Home Education Assistance for Family Members will be considered as an eligible expense. This new category is in response to the impact of modified school learning plans from COVID-19. Assistance is available with verified expenses (computer, internet, supplies, workbooks, tutoring) for dependent children, Kindergarten through 12th grade and dependent fulltime college students up to age 23. For more information or to make an appointment to apply for assistance, contact the Patuxent River NMCRS Office at 301-342-4739.
On-demand Tutoring and Homework Help
Tutor.com/military is a program that provides on-demand, online tutoring and homework help at no cost to eligible service members, civilian personnel and their dependents. With live, expert tutors available 24/7, military-connected students can receive academic help at their moment of need, anywhere they have an Internet connection. To learn more, visit Tutor.com/military
Due to COVID-19 precautions, personnel are restricted from walking into Personal Property until further notice. Service members should go to www.move.mil to create their shipment. If assistance is needed, contact this office at 301-757-9666; or reach us via email at [email protected]. If we are out of the office, or after business hours, contact Customer Service at 855-444-6683.
Cloth face coverings must be worn while on base if a six-foot distance cannot be maintained; this includes service members, civilians, guests and families. People entering the NEX or Commissary are required to wear a cloth face covering or mask; otherwise they will be denied entry or asked to leave.
Drinking Fountains Reminder
Just a reminder, NAS Patuxent River Safety Department is securing the drinking spout portion of water fountains to comply with COVID-19 mitigation requirements. Water fountains with bottle fillers are still usable unless otherwise noted.
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/.
Noticed a friend posting thoughts about suicide on social media? Take the post seriously. Even if it seems like he or she may be joking or casually venting, remember that people may use humor to hide their pain. 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 (SAPR)
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.
Where’s Gnorman Temporarily Suspended
Gnorman — like many other Pax personnel — is teleworking and will not be hiding in the pages of Tester again until the current COVID-19 situation has returned to normal.
Drawing with Jamie Naluai for Seniors
Join Jamie Naluai for a virtual, interactive series and learn drawing techniques. This series is for seniors, age 55+. Register to attend on www.stmalib.org. Join on Zoom and you will be asked to have your mic and camera on so you can ask questions and Jamie can see your work as we go. Things you will be drawing: Landscape, Still life, Flowers, Birds. Things you will be learning about: composition, basic shape and contour lines, value as in lights and darks, texture, natural size and proportion.
Giving Thanks in Leonardtown
Local restaurants and food contributors will showcase ways to delight your family with delicious food demonstrations and recipes for your upcoming holiday meals. You can also learn and view new ways to surround your home inside and out with lovely warm enticing holiday ideas. Tune in on Saturday at www.visitleonardtownmd.gov/thanksgiving or the Town of Leonardtown Facebook page.
Outdoor Holiday Wreath-making Party
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 21
We’re following safety guidelines and taking our popular holiday-making party outside this year. We’ll supply wreath forms, greens and an assortment of trimmings. Cutting tools will be on hand, but feel free to bring your own. Enjoy holiday music, a cash bar, good company; and take home a beautiful holiday decoration.
There’s an Imposter Among Us! Don’t be sus. Can you and the other crewmates complete tasks before you’re thwarted by the Impostor? Join us in the 4 — 10 co-op online game of Among Us! We’ll use Zoom to voice chat during our Emergency Meetings, so register on www.stmalib.org. The game is free to download on Android and iOS devices or $5 if you want to play on steam and will need to be downloaded prior to the program. You must register with your email address in order to receive a link to participate. The link will be sent to your email approximately one day before the program. You will need a device with audio and an internet connection to join. Intended for participants ages 13-18.
Piney Point Lighthouse museum and St. Clement’s Island museum are planning special holiday displays and exhibits. Also, the Third Annual Museum Store Sunday is taking place Nov. 29 for your holiday shopping. For details and more information, visit https://www.stmarysmd.com/recreate/Museums/
Annmarie Garden in Lights
5-9 p.m. Nightly Nov. 27-Jan. 1, 2021
Drive-Thru Flu Vaccine Clinics
The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) is partnering with St. Mary’s County Public Schools to offer free drive-thru flu vaccine clinics for children (ages 3 – 18 years) at various locations. Children must be residents of St. Mary’s County though they do not need to be enrolled in the public school system. Advance registration is required. To find a clinic or register, visit www.marylandvax.org
Fossil Club Meeting & Public Lecture
2 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. Nov. 21
Quarterly meeting of the Calvert Marine Museum Fossil Club at 2 p.m., followed by a public lecture at 2:30 p.m. Dr. Kay Behrensmeyer of the Smithsonian Institution’s Department of Paleobiology will speak on her work on Taphonomy; how a fossil becomes a fossil, with amazing stories from the fossil record. The title of her talk is: Stories in Death, Destruction, and Fossil Preservation from the Bones of Amboseli Park, Kenya. The meeting and lecture will be virtually presented via Zoom and there is no charge to participate. Find the link to attend on Facebook or by visiting calvertmarinemuseum.com.
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.
Volunteers Sought for Boards,
Commissions and Committees
The Commissioners of St. Mary’s Board of County is calling all citizens interested in volunteering their time to the community by serving on various Boards, Commissions and Committees. Detailed descriptions of the various boards and membership applications are available on the County’s website at https://www.stmarysmd.com/boards/. All applications must include a resume and be submitted no later than Nov. 13.
Library buildings are open Monday-Thursday, 1-6 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Limited numbers of people will be permitted inside the buildings at one time. Appointments for curbside pickup of holds are still available. To find out what’s happening at the St. Mary’s County library, visit https://www.stmalib.org/
Social Services Food Hotline
The Department of Social Services has launched a local Food Hotline for residents needing assistance with food supply and can be accessed by calling 240-895-7000. For additional community resources, please visit the St. Mary’s County Government Community Resource map.
Local Information on COVID-19
For information and local updates relating to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), please visit the St. Mary’s County Health Department’s website at: http://www.smchd.org/coronavirus/ or call (301) 475-4330.