Information, Tickets, Registration Office
6530 York Road (Arts & Crafts building)
(301) 677-7354
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon.
The Information Tickets and Registration Office is a centralized point where members of the Fort Meade community can obtain information about available recreational and entertainment activities not only on post, but also in the surrounding civilian communities.

Services include vacation planning assistance, hotel reservations, and ticket sales for national and regional attractions – theme parks, sporting events, historical and cultural sites, movie theaters, and special events. Once a month ITR offers escorted one-day bus trips to New York City. Some trips include a ticket to a Broadway show.

Check out the discounted vacation packages on cruises and destinations around the world.

The ITR staff welcomes active duty and retired service members, their family members, and Department of Defense civilians and their families. A facsimile service is available for a nominal fee.

Morale, Welfare & Recreation Card
Administrative Offices, Gaffney Fitness Center
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Card, which is required at other on-post MWR activities besides Gaffney, is issued at the Gaffney Fitness Center. The card is used to track traffic, to issue equipment and for programming purposes.

The following activities require the MWR Card: Auto Skills Center, the Gaffney and Murphy Fitness Centers, Check-it-Out, and the Woodshop at Arts and Crafts.

Arts and Crafts
6530 York Road
(301) 677-7809
The Arts and Crafts Center is a multi-purpose facility which houses the Frame and Engraving Shops, the Woodshop, and a large ceramics operation with a kiln and store onsite. Classes are available for both youth and adults. Hours vary per activity, and most are open on the weekend.

• The Arts and Crafts Frame Shop staff will gladly teach you how to frame your own pictures or they can frame them for you. The shop has more than 1,000 different kinds of decorative moldings and a wide variety of mattes from which to choose.

The new Stivers Art Gallery also features a wide selection of military action prints for sale. The subject matter varies from the Buffalo Soldier era up to the current GWOT effort and all significant military actions in between. If you don’t see what you want, staff can order it for you. All prints are signed and numbered and may be purchased framed or unframed.

• The Engraving Shop is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, and staff members are on hand to help personalize gifts. The shop carries a large inventory of plaques, trophies, and other recognition-type materials as well as flag cases. The engraver can work with wood, metal, glass, or plexiglass.

• The Woodshop offers shops for both the novice and the experienced woodworker. A safety class and a MWR card are required prior to starting a project. The only limit is your imagination. The center also sells specialty lumber at discounted prices.

GYMS
• Gaffney Fitness Center
6330 Broadfoot Road (301) 677-3867⁄3716
Hours: Monday to Friday,5 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and holidays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MWR Card Required
Gaffney Fitness Center includes a cardiovascular room with treadmills, steppers, cross trainers, bikes, rowers and TV monitors; Life Fitness training equipment; a weight room with CYBEX free weights and plate-loaded machines; two racquetball courts; a 25-meter heated indoor pool; one regulation and two non-regulation basketball courts; locker rooms and saunas. No one under 14 is allowed in the facility unless they are in the indoor pool. These children must be accompanied by an adult or be a member of the youth swim team.

Gaffney is also the base of the installation’s adult intramural sports program. On Fort Meade, intramurals are really inter-service as all units, regardless of branch of service, participate in the Army program.

The Gaffney Fitness Center was named in honor of the lateCol. Leo Francis Gaffney, a former First U.S. Army special services officer who was once stationed at Fort Meade.

• Mullins Stadium Track
York Avenue, across from Gaffney Fitness Center
(301) 677-3867
The Mullins Stadium Track is a one-quarter mile track available year-round for daily use from dawn to dusk. Field event facilities are also available, but must be reserved in advance.

• Murphy Field House
8451 Zimborski Avenue.
(301) 677-2402
Hours: Monday to Friday, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Murphy Field House is used for indoor physical training, intramural sports activities and special events. The center includes a cardiovascular room with treadmills, steppers, cross trainers, bikes, rowers and TV monitors; Life Fitness training equipment; a weight room with CYBEX free weights and plate-loaded machines; two racquetball courts; two non-regulation basketball courts, locker rooms and saunas.

Movie Theater
Llewellyn and Roberts Avenues
(301) 677-5324
The post movie theater shows movies to the Fort Meade community. Movie schedules are published weekly in the post newspaper, the Soundoff!

Automotive Skills Center
6530 Taylor Avenue
(301) 677-5542
Hours: Wednesday to Friday, 1 to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (First come, first served)
The Automotive Skills Center contains state-of-the-art equipment for all of your mechanical needs. With 24 open bays, scanning computers, tools and hydraulic lifts, patrons can service all types of domestic and foreign vehicles.

New patrons must view a 20-minute safety video and attend a 10-minute briefing before using the facility. An MWR Card (available at Gaffney Fitness Center) is required.

Better Opportunitiesfor Single Soldiers
Building 4215, B Wing, Room 216
(301) 677-4838
Web site: www.ftmeadeboss.com
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program is a communication link between service members, the Morale, Welfare and Recreation staff and the chain of command regarding issues pertinent to single military life.

Fort Meade is committed to pursuing this mission through its appointment of a full-time BOSS representative, who is a single service member, and an elected board of officers.

The BOSS committee is representative of the services that reside on the installation. Subcommittees are tasked to address issues as diverse as social activities, parties and day trips along with quality of life matters such as barracks living, dining halls and transportation.

BOSS members contribute significantly to the Fort Meade community by providing countless hours of civic duty volunteering for children, family and retiree organizations and projects.

BOSS also manages the vehicle resale lot. Individuals interested in selling vehicles at the lot must provide proof of auto insurance and a valid ID card in order to receive a 30 day permit. Violators of this policy will have their vehicles towed away to an off post location. For more information about the resale lot, call (301) 677-4838.

The Coursesat Fort Meade
(301) 677-5326 (Pro Shop)
Web site: www.ftmeadegolf.com
Hours of operation vary per the season.
Please call the Pro Shop.
The Courses at Fort Meade is an established 27-hole golf facility which Golf Digest gave a 3.5-star rating. To complement the beautiful mature fairways, The Courses has an automated driving range with lights, putting and chipping greens, and a practice bunker. On staff are three PGA certified pros who offer individual or group lessons. The calendar is filled with outings and socials for every type golfer. Rates are based on rank and grade. Active duty service members always get first preference for tee-times on the weekends.

A modern full service clubhouse – which is available for private catering functions – completes the complex. It features casual dining, a lounge and a patio with a great view.

Get all your golfing equipment at The Courses Pro Shop; remember, there is no state sales tax when you buy from Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

Facilities are open to all ranks, grades, and services and their guests. Honorably discharged veterans with less than 20 years service are eligible to play at The Courses as well.

The Lanes Fort Meade
2783 McArthur Road
(301) 677-5541
Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Located in the Town Centre complex between the Commissary and the U.S. Post Office is The Lanes, a 36-lane bowling alley and family fun center. It is open daily for recreational and league play.

Inside the Lanes are both the Pin Deck CafÈ and the 11th Frame Lounge and Deck, a full service bar with a smoking room, which are open the same hours as The Lanes.

The Pro Shop at the Lanes offers a variety of the latest merchandise and provides drilling services. There is also an arcade of the latest video games.

Patrons are invited to join one of the many leagues offered at The Lanes. There is something for everyone: youth, parent and child, men’s, married couples, special interest and even a Sports League for those PBA hopefuls.

Sundays are Family Fun Days when The Lanes offers discount prices on games and food.

Cosmic bowling is featured every Saturday night and on special occasions throughout the year.

Medal of Honor Memorial Library
4418 Llewellyn Avenue
General information: (301) 677-5522⁄4509
Supervisory librarian: (301) 677-3594
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Medal of Honor Memorial Library, also known as the Fort Meade Post Library, exists to accommodate community members’ recreational and research needs. Borrowing privileges are granted to active duty and retired service members, military family members, the installation’s federal civilian work force, reservists, National Guard, personnel on TDY, residents of Picerne Military Housing regardless of professional status, and contractors. The library has a partnership with the Anne Arundel County Public Library. Fort Meade residents and employees may now enjoy the same services and product offerings as county residents.

All materials, except for reference, circulate for a two-weekperiod. Under special circumstances, reference material may be borrowed for a one-week period. Lost or damaged material must be reported in a timely manner to the staff and restitution made in accordance with Army Regulation 735-17, Accounting for Library Materials. The outside book drop is available forreturns after close of business. The library is wheelchair accessible and there is a bicycle rack located adjacent to the Burba Lake entrance.

The Fort Meade Library is comprised of the following sections and offers these services:

• Fiction⁄Non-fiction ⁄ Reference: Contains more than 30,000 volumes, and includes current releases, classic literature, and books on nearly every subject. There are books and music on compact disc, foreign languages, test preparation and study guides (including CLEP and DANTES), career, travel, and DVDs on topics of general interest. Reference materials include encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, maps, and local telephone directories.
• Young Adult Area:Books for junior high school students through adult.
• Interlibrary Loan: Service available for patrons desiring material not currently part of the library’s collection. Such material may be obtained from other libraries through electronic request. Inquire at the circulation desk for details.
• Magazine Room: There are more than 140 magazine subscriptions along with many local and national newspapers, including the Baltimore Sun, the Washington Post, the Annapolis Capital and the Maryland Gazette, available.
• Computers: A sufficient number of computers is available – all with Internet and printing capability – so there is no waiting and no time limit. Computer use is free of charge. One station is reserved for the physically challenged. Software includes Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat Reader. Selected computers have Electronic Personnel Security Questionnaire (EPSQ) software. The library staff is available to assist.
• Electronic databases: Available on the library’s patron-access computers, the electronic databases are perfect for research, school assignments, and general information. Databases are made available by subscription through the Army Library Program and vary annually. Selected programs may be accessed by computer through your Army Knowledge Online (AKO) account from any location.
• Children’s Room: Houses books, compact discs, DVDs, and videocassettes for pre-school through junior high school-aged children.
• Story Time: Held at the Fort Meade Library the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. except for June, July, and August when the annual Summer Reading Program is in session. Story Time is geared for preschool-aged children, ages two to five years. Stories, with musical accompaniment, and a craft project, are offered.

Children’s Library at Potomac Place
4998 2nd Corps Blvd.
Potomac Place Community Center
(410) 305-0610
Hours vary
In addition to the Fort Meade Post Library, there is also a library especially for children. The Children’s Library is known for its authentic tree house with a real live tree for the children to enjoy.

Fort Meade Museum
4674 Griffin Avenue
(301) 677-6966⁄7054
Museum hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.
Office hours: Sunday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Fort Meade Museum was established in 1963 as the First U.S. Army Museum. Its purpose was to honor the service and sacrifices of the American Soldier.

In 1973, the museum became permanently established as the Fort George G. Meade Museum. Its purpose now is to collect, preserve, study and exhibit military artifacts – particularly those items related to Fort Meade – along with early American armor.

The museum also provides educational services such as the identification of military artifacts, lectures about military history and the history of Fort Meade, and battle staff rides to local battlefields.

The Fort Meade Museum is free and open to the general public.

Camp Meade RV Park
2300 Wilson Street
(301) 677-6196
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Camp Meade RV Park is one of the most modern facilities of its kind on the East Coast and in the Baltimore⁄Washington area. It can accommodate up to 50 recreational vehicles in 21 pull-through spaces and 29 back-in spaces. Each site has access to water, sewer, electric and cable TV. Washers and dryers and showers are within walking distance of each campsite pad. In addition, there are four primitive camper cabins (with heating and air conditioning) for rent.

Camp Meade RV Park is the perfect stopping point for visitors to the area – both military and family members, military members awaiting housing, or families who are en route to their next assignment.

Recreational Vehicles Storage Lot
(301) 677-3810⁄3029
An RV storage lot maintained by the MWR is available to personnel residing in government quarters on a space-available basis.

Check-it-out
2300 Wilson Street
(301) 677-3810
Web site: www.ftmeademwr.com
Hours: Mondays to Sundays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MWR card required
Items available for rent include camping equipment, boats, canoes, snow skis, pop-up campers, canopies and a varietyof other outdoor recreational equipment. Some items may require a reservation.

Items are available to active duty, Reservists, and retired military personnel and their family members, Department of Defense civilians working on Fort Meade or at NSA are also authorized to use this equipment.

Burba Park
Roberts and Llewellyn Avenues and Wilson Street
Reservations: (301) 677-6196
Burba Park surrounds Kelly Pool. The shoreline and adjacent areas have been subdivided into five picnic sites with pavilions for barbecues and other special occasions. All areas are available for a fee on a first-come, first-served basis and require a reservation. The cottage can be rented year round, but the pavilions are only available between April 15 and Oct. 15.

Burba Park also has a large children’s playground with swings and other recreational equipment. The playground is open every day from dawn until dusk. For reservations or more information, call the Burba Park office.

Patrons may fish in Burba Lake; those over 16 must have a fishing license. The lake is re-stocked in April and October, about two weeks before the Annual Youth Fishing Rodeos, which are free and open to eligible patrons and their guests.

The Fort Meade Pavilion
Llewellyn and Maryland Route 175
(301) 677-3912
The Fort Meade Pavilion is a large (120' x 240') white structure used throughout the year, but primarily from April through October, as a special-events venue for MWR events such as concerts, expos, and the very popular monthlyflea markets.

The Pavilion is available to its patrons for rent. Onsite are power hook ups, a 20' x 40' stage, water, and bathrooms.

CLUBS
Association of the United States Army, Francis Scott Key Chapter
(301) 677-4864
Since 1950, the Association of the United States Army has worked to support all aspects of national security while advancing the interests of America’s Army and the men and women who serve. AUSA is a private, non-profit educational organization that supports America’s Army – Active, National Guard, Reserve, civilians, retirees and family members. AUSA provides numerous professional development opportunities at a variety of local and national events.

Battle of the Bulge Historical Foundation
John Bowen (301) 384-6533
The Battle of the Bulge Historical Foundation helps to maintain and foster relationships between those associated with the battle, which took place Dec. 16 to 25, 1945.

Group members meet twice a year and sponsor an annual commemoration dinner to honor the memory of the battle.

Boy Scouts
• Troop 377
Tom Pattison, (443) 851-8862 or E-mail tapattison@hotmail.com
Meets Mondays, 7 to 8:30 p.m. in building T-4 (next to Family Pet Care Center)

• Troop 379
Wendall Lawrence, Scoutmaster (410) 969-5308 or
E-mail: Lawrencewendell@juno.com, Pack377_CC@yahoo.com Pack377CM@yahoo.com
Meets Wednesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m. in building T-4, Range Road (next to the Family Pet Care Center).

Cub Scouts, Four Rivers District (Fort Meade), Pack 377
Shawn or Julie Neal, (410) 874-7188
E-mail: Pack377_CC@yahoo.com or Pack377CM@yahoo.com.
Web site: www.baltimorebsa.orghttp:⁄⁄ftmeadepack377.clubspaces.com
Cub Scout Pack 377 is comprised of boys in first to fifth grade. Tiger Cubs (1st grade ), Wolf Cubs (2nd grade), Bear Cubs (3rd grade), WEBELO I ( 4th grade) and WEBELO II (5th grade) groups meet weekly and do activities based on that month’s theme. The scouts are required to do service projects which give back to the community. Last year they assisted Army Community Service by sorting and packing holiday meals. They also collect thousands of pounds of canned goods for the homeless each year.

The pack meeting is normally held on the last Friday of the month, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Meade Middle School.

Ducks Unlimited (Fort Meade Chapter)
Bob Shaw (410) 674-6523
Ducks Unlimited is a grassroots, volunteer-based organization. Its members are conservationists and lovers of the outdoors who live throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The group meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Perry’s Restaurant in Odenton.

Enlisted Spouses Club
Evelyn Silva (410) 695-2511
The purpose of the Enlisted Spouses Club is to provide, promote and facilitate activities of social and recreational interest to its members; foster and preserve the ideals of good fellowship; and collect and disseminate information of interest and value to its members.

Spouses of active duty or retired, Reserve and National Guard enlisted personnel in grades E-1 through E-9 from all branches of service are eligible to join the club.

The Enlisted Spouses Club offers college scholarships annually to children of active duty or retired personnel E-1 through E-9 whose family resides in the Fort Meade area.

Activities that are supported by the Enlisted Spouses Club include the Post Thrift Shop, Army Community Service and the USO.

Childcare is paid for all members who attend daytime functions and for those who volunteer to work in the Post Thrift Shop.

Meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Enlisted Spouses clubhouse located at 3182 MacArthur Road. All meetings, parties and group activities are published in the Soundoff! and on Meade TV.

E-9 Association
(410) 551-7953
Web site: www.e9association.org
The Fort Meade E-9 Association is a private organization established to promote comradery, high morale and esprit-de-corps among active, retired, reserve and National Guard E-9s and E-8 promotable from all U.S. military services located within the surrounding Fort Meade area.

Association activities include periodic social gatherings, regular meetings, presentations of appropriate mementos to departing members, introduction of new arrivals, and the extension of condolence on the death of an active member or member’s immediate family.

Members pay dues of $7 per month or $72 per year. Members have the right to vote, hold elected office, propose changes to our constitution and by-laws, and participate in the activities of committees as may be established to achieve the purpose of the organization. The group meets the second Friday of every month at 7 a.m. at the Lanes Fort Meade.

The Meade Area Garden Club
(410) 551-2263
The Meade Area Garden Club promotes and encourages post beautification. Membership is open to all active duty, retired, civilian personnel and families in the Fort Meade community, regardless of service affiliation.

The club provides informative programs about gardening, plants, flower arranging and landscaping, as well as refreshments and the opportunity to meet new people in the community. The group also sponsors trips to events like the Philadelphia Flower Show. Dues are $20 per year and include a monthly newsletter, monthly meetings and discounts on trips.

The club meets the third Friday of each month September to May (except December), 10 a.m. to noon at the Jessup Community Center, Maryland Route 175 and Wigley Avenue.

German Wives’ Club
(301) 725-6554 or (410) 715-6715
The Fort Meade German Wives’ Club is open to all ladies interested in talking and socializing in the German language. The group meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in building 830 (ACS building) on Chisholm Road.

Girl Scouts
Kim Larsen (410) 519-0725
E-mail: jkkalarsen@comcast.net
Girl Scouts do many activities such as crafts, camping, hiking and volunteering in the community. They also have held food drives in front of the commissary.

The Girl Scouts meet once a week at the Chapel Center on Rockenbach Road.

Military Officers Association of America (Fort Meade Chapter)
John Whitman (410) 551-0528
Web site: www.mdmoaa.org
The Military Officers Association of America is the nation’s largest and most influential association of military officers. MOAA has more than 370,000 members nationally and has been in existence for more than 75 years. MOAA has been at the forefront of military benefits improvements such as pay increases, health care improvements, and protecting and improving retirement enhancements. It is an independent, nonprofit, politically nonpartisan organization with chapters throughout the world. The association plays a role in military personnel matters and proposes legislation affecting the career force, the retired community, and veterans of the uniformed services.

The Fort Meade MOAA Chapter has 140 active duty, former officer and retired members, many of whom are working in either their second or third careers after military service. The chapter meets at least quarterly and hosts a wide variety of guest speakers and interesting programs. Key legislative initiatives are supported by many dedicated members. Support from current and potential members is critical to retention and the improvement of current and future benefits and for enhancing quality of life programs.

Military Order of World Wars (Fort Meade Chapter)
E-mail: MOWW@comcast.net
Web site: www.militaryorder.net
MOWW is a patriotic nonpartisan organization established in 1919 to promote the welfare of the nation. It provides books and materials for students to learn about the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the U.S. flag. Future leaders get an education that helps to keep our national heritage and free enterprise system alive.

Chapters are the backbone of the Order and hold regular meetings to engage in a dialogue about issues of national importance and plan for the Order’s outreach programs to include the Boys Scouts, Girls Scouts, ROTC⁄JROTC programs, Massing of the Colors, support of memorial services, and patriotic education programs for the Nation’s youth.

MOWW conducts monthly meetings at Club Meade.

National Sojourners
Mike Hadley (410) 340-9033
Web site: www.nationalsojourners.org
The National Sojourners is a Masonic organization composed of past and present commissioned officers, warrant officers and senior noncommissioned officers (E-7, E-8 and E-9), who are currently master Masons.

Officers’ Wives Club
Web site: www.fortmeadeowc.org
The purpose of the Officers’ Wives’ Club is to foster and preserve the ideals of good fellowship; organize, develop and sponsor educational, charitable and recreational activities; and collect and disseminate information of interest and value to its members.

The membership consists of the adult members for the families of all officers (active duty, reserve, retired and warrant) or DoD employees (GS-9 and above).

Club luncheons are held on the third Wednesday of each month. Dates of the luncheon, parties and group activities are published in the Soundoff!, the OWC newsletter ‘‘Chit-chat,” and other local publications.

Group activities include sightseeing, lectures, classes and other activities in which there is sufficient interest.The OWC offers scholarships to high school seniors and contributes to community projects such as scout programs, the post nursery, Army Community Service and local schools.

The Retired Enlisted Association (Chapter 24)
(443) 336-1230
Web site: www.trea.org
The Retired Enlisted Association (Chapter 24, Fort Meade) is open to all retired enlisted and active duty, Reserve and National Guard service members with 10 or more years of service. The group meets the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Argonne Hills Chapel.

Retired Officers’ Wives’ Club
Lois Stephenson
(410) 740-8024
The Fort Meade Retired Officers’ Wives’ Club is open to retired officers of all branches of the military services and their spouses as well as widows and widowers of retired military officers.

The group meets the first Tuesday of the month at 11 a.m.at Club Meade.

Retiree Council
(301) 677-9603
Fort Meade Retiree Council is made up of military retirees, widows and widowers. The council’s objective is to voice the concerns of retirees to the Fort Meade installation commander, help institute programs that will create a strong communication link between the active Army and the retired community, receive advice on, analyze and provide input about those decisions, policies and laws that affect the retired community, and communicate with the active Army.

Fort Meade Rod and Gun Club
Web site: www.fmrgc.20m.com
The Meade Rod and Gun Club conducts a variety of hunting, fishing and shooting activities regularly throughout the year. Annual Fishing Rodeos, a Crab Feast and a Game Feast are some of the club’s highlight events. The club has a proud history of teaching marksmanship and shooting competitively. The Club is a National Rifle Association (NRA) Affiliated club and a Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) affiliated club.

The club meets the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Outdoor Adventure Center (building T4).

The Meade Rod and Gun Club currently has approximately 150 members. Membership dues for the club are $25 for the first year and $15 per year for renewal for individuals. The club also offers Family Memberships for $30 per year for new members and $25 per year for renewal membership. Junior memberships are available for $1. The year runs July through June.

New club members are required to be members of the NRA and are required to maintain their NRA memberships.

Toastmasters – Generally Speaking (Fort Meade Chapter)
E-mail: information@genspeak.freetoasthost.net
Web site: http:⁄⁄genspeak.freetoasthost.net⁄or www.toastmasters.org
Whether a professional, student, stay-at-home parent or retiree, Toastmasters is the best way to improve your communication skills. Toastmasters can help you lose the fear of public speaking and learn skills that will help you be more successful in whatever path in life you’ve chosen.

Membership is for individuals age 18 or older. No military or government affiliation is required for membership. Those without a Department of Defense ID card must meet the requirements for access to the installation, which may vary depending on the force protection level. Visitors are always welcome at meetings. The group meets the first and third Thursday of each month at the Potomac Place Neighborhood Center.

Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge Association (MD⁄DC Chapter)
John Bowen, (301) 384-6533
Web site: www.battleofthebulge.org
This group is made up of veterans of the Battle of the Bulge which took place Dec. 16 to 25, 1945. The group meets on the second Sunday of the even months at Club Meade.

TRAVEL & TOURISM

Maryland
(877) 634-6361 or (866) 639-3526
Web site: www.maryland.gov
Capt. John Smith first explored Maryland in 1608. Since that time the state has furnished the nation with some of its most brilliant diplomats and patriots. Famous Marylanders include Benjamin Banneker, Francis Scott Key, Edgar Allen Poe, Upton Sinclair and Babe Ruth. The bravery of Maryland troops in the Revolution won the state its nickname, ‘‘The Old Line State.” Named after Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I of England, Maryland is the eighth smallest state in the union with a total area of 10,460 square miles. Two hundred Europeans settled Maryland in 1634 and the state has flourished ever since. Maryland was the seventh of the original 13 states to ratify the Constitution on April 28, 1788. In the War of 1812, a British fleet attempted to seize Fort McHenry in Baltimore. During a 25-hour bombardment from Sept. 13 to 14, 1814, American troops successfully defended the fort, inspiring Marylander Frances Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner, which later became our national anthem.

Annapolis
(410) 263-1183
Web site: www.annapolis.gov
Founded in the mid 17th century, Annapolis has been the capital of Maryland since 1695. It was the first peacetime capital of the United States. Since 1845, it has been the home of the U.S. Naval Academy. Tours are available at the State House, where in 1794 Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris, officially ending the American Revolution. The State House, built in 1772, is located in the center of Annapolis and was the first capitol of the United States.

United States Naval Academy
121 Blake Road, Annapolis, MD 21402
(410) 293-1000
Web site: www.nadn.navy.mil
Visit the U.S. Naval Academy and walk the grounds of the world-famous higher institution for U.S. Naval officers and home for approximately 4,500 midshipmen and women. Established in 1845, the academy displays parades, concerts and other various events every year during ‘‘Commissioning Week,” finishing off with midshipmen graduation in late May.

The Naval Academy Museum features 300 years of American Naval history. There are four exhibition galleries totaling 12,000 square feet. In addition to the galleries, museum objects are also exhibited in the Chapel crypt, Memorial Hall, the Yard, and most of the academic buildings. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years day. Free.

Access to the Academy grounds is limited. All visitors over the age of 16 must have a valid picture ID. The center is open daily. Guided walking tours of the grounds are offered through the visitor center.

Antietam National Battlefield
5831 Dunker Church Road, Sharpsburg, MD 21782
(One mile north of Sharpsburg, MD, on Route 65)
(301) 432-5124
Web site: www.nps.gov⁄anti
General Robert E. Lee’s first invasion of the North culminated with the Battle of Antietam, (or Sharpsburg, as the South called it), in Maryland. The battle took place Sept. 17, 1862, just 18 days after the Confederate victory at Second Manassas, 40 miles to the southeast in Virginia. Annual events include a Memorial Day Commemoration, held the Saturday before Memorial Day; Anniversary of the Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg), September 17; Independence Day Commemoration, held the Saturday closest to July 4; and the Memorial Illumination on the first Saturday in December.

The Visitor Center houses a museum, observation room, 134-seat theater, book store and research library and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Memorial Day to Labor Day) and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Labor Day to Memorial Day). Closed Thanksgiving, Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years day. Admission charged. Children 16 and under are free.

Baltimore
(443) 263-2220
Web site: www.ci.baltimore.md.us
The original town of Baltimore was founded in 1729, but it wasn’t incorporated until 1796. Baltimore was named to honor the title of Maryland’s founding family, the six Lords Baltimore. It was a tiny village of 200 homes in 1768 when it became the Baltimore County seat. The city grew and became an important ship building center where merchants prospered and the city’s port flourished. The city was separated from Baltimore County and given status equal to that of the counties in 1851. Baltimore was the third largest city in the nation by 1860 and today is the 18th largest. With a world port, government offices, significant medical and educational institutions, and major tourist attractions, Baltimore is one of the most important cities on the East Coast.

The popular Baltimore neighborhood of Federal Hill was named for a huge celebration the residents held in honor of the ratification of the federal Constitution. The cannon on the hill overlooking the Inner Harbor is a reminder of the Civil War, when federal troops seized the railroads and occupied Baltimore and Annapolis to keep Maryland in the Union and to prevent Washington, D.C., from being surrounded by Confederate states. Among Baltimore’s literary landmarks is a house lived in by Edgar Allan Poe, who died in Baltimore in 1849. He is buried in Westminster Cemetery, where Baltimore teachers and schoolchildren erected a monument to him with money collected in 1875.

Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD 21217
(410) 366-LION
Web site: www.marylandzoo.org⁄
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is the third oldest zoo in the country, and began in 1862 when the first of many citizens donated animals (the first being four swans) to Druid Hill Park for public display.

Currently the zoo’s animal collection encompasses more than 1,500 birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, representing nearly 200 species. Animals are displayed in natural settings replicating their native habitats. The zoo features a three-acre African elephant park and a hippo and African flamingo exhibit. Take a safari through Africa. Discover hands-on adventures in the Children’s Zoo, and explore the winding path through the Lyn P. Meyerhoff Maryland Wilderness. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the months of January and February. Admission charged.

Fort McHenry
2400 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230-5393
(410) 962-4290
Web site: www.nps.gov⁄fomc
This historic site, located in south Baltimore, features a replica flagpole on the 1814 site that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that later became our national anthem. The fort, named after James McHenry, Secretary of War from 1796 to 1800, also features guard rooms, officers’ quarters, barracks, and cannons from the War of 1812 and Civil War periods.

Witness the daily flag change (weather permitting) at 9:30 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. (7:20 p.m. during the summer months), interpretive programs and seasonal living history lessons. The star fort and grounds are self-guided tours. The grounds are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the Visitor Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years day. Admission charged. Under age 15 admitted free.

Harborplace & the Gallery
200 East Pratt Street, 4th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202-6103
(410) 332-4191
Web site: www.harborplace.com
Witness first-hand what makes Baltimore one of the greatest cities on the East Coast. The area offers everything from exquisite dining and endless shopping to adventurous nightlife.

Maryland Science Center, Davis Planetarium & IMAX Theater
601 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 685-5225⁄2370
Web site: www.mdsci.org
Located in the Inner Harbor, the Maryland Science Center features exhibits about the Chesapeake Bay, hands on scientific experiments and more. The IMAX Theater features a five-story high screen and 38 surround sound speakers. Admission charged.

National Aquarium in Baltimore
501 East Pratt Street Pier 3, Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 576-3800
Web site: www.aqua.org
The National Aquarium in Baltimore is a world-class aquatic institution dedicated to environmental education and stewardship. Its living collection includes more than 11,000 animals from more than 600 species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and marine mammals that live in award-winning, recreated habitats. The aquarium recently opened its largest expansion: Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes, highlighting Australia’s Northern Territory. Hours vary seasonally. Admission charged.

Oriole Park at Camden Yards
333 West Camden St., Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 685-9800
The baseball-only facility, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, became the official home of the Orioles April 6, 1992. Oriole Park is state-of-the-art, blending the urban context of downtown Baltimore with baseball parks built in the early 20th century. The ballpark seats 48,876. A light rail system brings fans directly to the park.

Port Discovery
35 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 727-8120
Web site: www.portdiscovery.org
Ranked by Child magazine as one of the top five children’s museums in the country, Port Discovery offers ever-changing interactive fun for the whole family. Kids can climb up Kidworks, a three story urban tree house, use real tools to make inventions in R&D Dreamlab, travel back in time to ancient Egypt in Adventure Expeditions and more. Open year round except for holidays. Admission charged.

Laurel Park & Pimlico
Route 198 and Racetrack Road, Laurel, MD 20725
(301) 725-0400, (410) 792-7775
Web site: www.laurelpark.com
Laurel Park is located midway between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. and only seven miles from Fort Meade. Pimlico, under the same management, is located in Baltimore. It has been home to the renowned Preakness Stakes since 1873. This second leg in Thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown is run annually on the third Saturday in May.

Washington, D.C.
(202) 789-7000
Web site: www.dchomepage.net
The District of Columbia, named for George Washington and Christopher Columbus in 1791, is the seat of the federal government and the nation’s capital. This 63-square-mile city boasts a population of more than a half million residents with hundreds of sights and points of interest that attract visitors from around the world. The city’s climate is described as humid subtropical with the temperature in winter averaging 34 degrees and 77 degrees during the summer, although these are subject to wide fluctuations.

Maj. Pierre L’Enfant designed Washington D.C. in 1791. It was the first American city planned for a specific purpose. L’Enfant laid out the city around numerous circles and squares connected by straight boulevards. The layout has often been described as reminiscent of a series of wagon wheels. This design, often described as brilliant, allowed for growth; however L’Enfant could not have foreseen the advent of automobiles in a nation of more than 230 million people. Four sections make up Washington: northeast, southeast, northwest and southwest. Any address is always followed by an abbreviation of the appropriate section of town: NE, SE, NW and SW. Washington has one of the most comprehensive and attractive public transportation systems on the East Coast, with Metro at the top of it all. The Metro not only connects the numerous sights in the city with each other, but the subway also branches out to parts of Virginia and Maryland.

Jefferson Memorial
900 Ohio Drive, SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
(202) 426-6821 or (202) 619-7222
Web site: www.nps.gov⁄thje
A monument to our third president, this 19-foot bronze statue stands beneath a rotunda inscribed with passages from the Declaration of Independence and Jefferson’s other famous writings. Open 24 hours a day; Rangers are on hand from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Free.

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2700 F Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20566
(800) 444-1324 or (202) 467-4600(202) 416-8341 (group tours)
Web site: www.kennedy-center.org
Overlooking the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the nation’s busiest arts facility presents more than 3,300 performances each year for more than 2 million spectators. The Kennedy Center continues to fulfill the JFK’s vision by producing and presenting an unmatched variety of theater and musicals, dance and ballet, orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular and folk music, and multi-media performances for all ages.

The Kennedy Center contains the Opera House, Concert Hall, Eisenhower Theater, the Terrace Theater, Hall of Nations and the American Film Institute Theater. A shuttle is available from Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro.

National Air & Space Museum
6th St. & Independence Avenue, S.W.Washington, D.C. 20560
(202) 357-2700
Web site: www.nasm.si.edu
The National Air and Space Museum on has hundreds of original, historic artifacts on display, including the Wright 1903 Flyer; the Spirit of St. Louis; the Apollo 11 command module Columbia; and a Lunar rock sample that visitors can touch. The museum offers 22 exhibition galleries, the Lockheed Martin IMAX® Theater, flight simulators, a three-level museum shop, and a food-court-style restaurant. Docent tours, daily free educational programs, and school group tours and activities are also available. The Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles International Airport displays hundreds of additional artifacts and offers events, educational programs, IMAX films and more.

Closest Metro is Smithsonian. The National Air and Space Museum is open daily, except Dec. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. General admission is free.

National Zoological Park
3001 Connecticut Avenue. N.W.Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 673-4717
Web site: www.nationalzoo.si.edu
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo was established on March 2, 1889, by an Act of Congress for ‘‘the advancement of science and the instruction and recreation of the people.” Today, the National Zoo exhibits living animal and plant collections and conducts research in conservation biology and reproductive science. Its mission is to provide leadership in animal care, science, education, and sustainability. There are more than 2,000 animals representing nearly 400 species on display. The Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat and Asia Trail opened in late 2006 as the first major step in a ten-year initiative to renovate and modernize the National Zoo. Other highlights include the Great Cats, Kids’ Farm, and Amazonia.

Open daily, except Christmas. From April 1 to Oct. 31, animal buildings are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the grounds are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. From Nov. 1 to March 31, animal buildings are open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and grounds open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. Closest Metro is Cleveland Park or Woodley Park-National Zoo.

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. N.W.Washington, D.C. 20500
(202) 456-2121
Web site: www.whitehouse.gov
Construction on this hallowed residence began in 1792 and ended amongst much patriotic fanfare in 1800. Though never inhabited by George Washington himself, the White House was nevertheless conceived by the Father of Our Nation as a Holy Fortress from which to guard against the tyranny of ‘‘big government” and ‘‘social programs.”

Public tours of the White House are only available for groups of 10 or more people. Requests must be submitted through one’s member of Congress and are accepted up to six months in advance. These self-guided tours are available from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (excluding federal holidays), and are scheduled on a first come, first served basis approximately one month in advance of the requested date. All White House tours are free of charge. For the most current tour information, please call the 24-hour line at 202) 456-7041.

The White House Visitor Center – featuring many aspects of the White House, including its architecture, furnishings, first families, social events – is located at the southeast corner of 15th and E Streets and is open daily from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Nearest Metros are Farragut West, McPherson Square or Metro Center.