ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - The new year's first Community Action Council meeting boasted a diverse lineup of guest presenters.

Discussing topics of relevance to the Aberdeen Proving Ground community during the Jan. 20 meeting were Army and Air Force Exchange Services Regional Director Chris Holifield, Harford County Schools Superintendant Dr. Robert Tomback and Denise Carnaggio of the Harford County Office of Economic Development.

The meeting was held at Aberdeen North's main post chapel and kicked off with a look back at the year's success and challenges, and a look forward to the growth the installation is experiencing.

USAG Aberdeen Proving Ground Garrison Commander Col. Orlando Ortiz pointed out that 2011 was a busy year that included many BRAC and non-BRAC renovations, major projects by Picerne Military Housing and Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation initiatives.

Topics presented during the meeting highlighted special events, military services, and ongoing construction and transformation. A recap of the two-hour meeting is as follows:

Nicole Cawthern of the Garrison Transformation Office said construction projects really accelerated last year.

"This is our final year of execution for BRAC. Everything has to be complete by September 15, 2011," she said.

Cawthern said BRAC has been beneficial to the area, bringing many jobs to residents of Harford County and the surrounding areas.

She noted that Phase 1 occupancy of the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance campus began Aug. 2, 2010. Phase 2 occupancy will take place this year from March to August. So far, more than 3,300 C4ISR positions have relocated to APG.

Other major construction projects that started last year include the building for the Army Research Laboratory-Vehicle Technology Directorate, the Army Test and Evaluation Command and Army Evaluation Center and a new campus for the Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense.

Linda Edwards, FMWR business manager presented a slide show on FMWR projects completed in 2010, and announced the Lynard Skynard concert that will take place at APG Aug. 20 and is expected to sell out fast.

The Directorate of Public Work's Tom Kuchar announced that APG received $44 million dollars in stimulus money for installation renovation (non-BRAC) projects.

Some of these projects include the operation and maintenance of 1,500 buildings and renovations to the gym, Top of the Bay, post office, permanent party barracks, post theater and Army Community Services.

Kuchar said several old, unsightly and non-functional buildings on APG have been identified for demolition.

Greg Cannito, program director for Picerne Military Housing, said that 2010 was the first year of the residential community initiatives at Aberdeen Proving Ground.

He called 2011 critical in the building of 210 new homes for military Families.

"The first military Families will move into the new homes in January 2012," Cannito said. "We want to modernize these homes so that they will be more competitive of what is outside the gate," Cannito said.

He said Picerne is also involved in renovating the installation's historic homes, noting that 10 major renovations were completed in 2010.

"Each renovation is unique, each one has its own personality and difference in sizes," Cannito said. "We take a thoughtful approach to make sure we preserve the historic nature of these homes."

Picerne also completed 227 minor renovations in the existing homes. Those renovations included new carpets, countertops and cabinetry.

"Over 50 percent of the current population is living in renovated homes," he said. "That is a big plus for this program. Picerne also renovated or relocated 10 playgrounds located in the housing areas."

Holifield, AAFES regional manager, said the Aberdeen Area PX received upgrades, a restaurant was opened in Kirk U.S. Army Health Command and a Subway restaurant was added to the Edgewood Area Shoppette last year.

Future AAFES projects include updating the Main PX Food Court, improving the appearance of the Main PX and Shoppette and a complete renovation of the Burger King.

"We will be receiving, here at Aberdeen, one of the first new prototypes of this Burger King," he said.

After Holifield's remarks, Ortiz said the changes at AAFES came about as a result of community feedback and senior leader visits.

Ortiz interjected that the regional manager visit was a direct result of feedback given during a recent community action council.

"We are moving forward with a plan to better accommodate those on the installation," Ortiz said. "AAFES is receptive to feedback from the community."

Harford County Office of Economic Development Carnaggio said the Harford County government is working closely with APG as it is emerges as the premier Research and Development Center for the Army. She said the Office of Economic Development has concentrated on meeting the needs of the current and changing workforce by improving transportation, workforce development and business development in the county.

Tomback drew attention to the close relationship between the Harford County Public Schools and APG. He said he serves on the Maryland State Council on Educational Opportunities for Military Children.

"We understand the pressures that Families face, particularly those that relocate," he said. "Several of our schools have a history of supporting military Families."

Tomback said that HCPS understands that this area will be different as a result of BRAC. He added that the programs offered at HCPS reflect those changes.

"Many of our students will want to stay in this area when they are adults," he said. "Knowing that, we want our students to be the first in line for the careers (at APG)."

Tomback said APG organizations have built partnerships with local schools. Those partnerships include mentors who provide the students with science and technology learning opportunities.

Tomback said the school districts are being rezoned to reflect the swelling Harford County population.

Annette Sanders, support coordinator for the Survivor Outreach Services, presented an overview of the Soldier-centered program.

She said the SOS program provides long-term enhanced emotional and financial planning support to the Families of fallen service members, whether or not the death occurred in theater. She said survivors can receive support at any Army installation.

For more information, call 410-278-2861 or e-mail annette.saundersnash@us.army.mil.

Lt. Col. Mark Ireland, commander of Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic, discussed the $2.15 million renovations that will provide community members with "21st century" medical care. Primary care services will move to a temporary building in February. Ireland stressed that medical services will not be hindered during renovations.

Lt. Col. Joseph Masterson, staff judge advocate from the Installation Legal Office, announced that the tax office will open Feb. 7 and will remain open through April 18. Soldiers, retirees and dependents are eligible to use this free service.

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Aberdeen Area, Bldg. 4313, and Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Edgewood Area, Bldg. E4227. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information, call 410-278-1107.

Capt. Malikah McCormick, garrison executive officer, announced a series of tentative events to celebrate Armed Forces Day. The week-long celebration is set to take place at APG May 16-21. The theme for this year's May 19 Armed Forces Day is Power for Peace. McCormick said some of the events that are planned, but not yet confirmed, include live demonstrations, historic military and technology displays and live entertainment. A golf tournament, veteran's lunch, dinner cruise, carnival and installation fun run are also in the works, said McCormick. If all goes according to plan, a relighting of the Poole's Island Light House will kick off the planning of APG's centennial.

The next Community Action Council Meeting is set for Feb. 17 at the Aberdeen South Chapel at 9:30 a.m.

It will again be broadcast live on Channel 97 and open for community members who would like to submit questions or comments via Twitter: http://twitter.com/USAGAPG.

Visit www.apg.army.mil/apghome to view the slides from the Jan. meeting.