ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - The installation's Community Action Council meeting has gone live.
The Dec. 16 gathering was opened up to a wider audience this month when it was broadcast live, on- and off-post, on APG's Channel 97.
In addition to watching the show from the comfort of their homes, community members were also given the option of submitting questions and feedback via Twitter, http://twitter.com/USAGAPG.
Garrison leaders are banking on the fact that today's audience is tapped into Twitter and other popular social media sites like Facebook and Flickr.
Specifically, they hope community members will take advantage of how easy it has become to take part in the monthly meetings, without leaving home or the office.
"(We want) to bring people together as a community to receive relevant updates," said Col. Orlando Ortiz, U.S. Army Garrison APG Commander, during the meeting. "Our interest is serving you well and we are trying to proceed along that path."
Military spouse Candy Surdu attended the meeting and said the social media option should definitely boost participation.
"Many spouses and Family members would like to get involved with the council meeting but can't because they work or are watching their children during the meetings," she said. "By using Twitter they can follow along and give input while they are at work. It would also be helpful if free child care was provided at the [child development centers] during CAC meetings so that those with young children would be able to attend."
Garrison Public Affairs Officer George Mercer, who helped implement the new technology into the CAC, said the leadership is looking for ways to improve the meeting and asked community members to be patient as they work out the kinks in the new system. Mercer can be reached at 410-278-1147.
Topics presented at the Dec. 16 meeting included upcoming events, snow removal, military scholarships and heating issues.
An overview of the meeting is as follows:
John Kearney, director of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security, noted that the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration will be held Jan. 12 at the Edgewood Area Recreation Center at 8:30 a.m.
The next installation retirement ceremony will be held Jan. 26.
Kearney also announced that the garrison has begun planning the Armed Forces Day celebration scheduled for May 19. He said local students will attend the event, which is expected to be significantly larger than last year's celebration.
Ortiz said that garrison leadership needs feedback from the community to improve the Armed Forces Day celebration. The goal is to have more attendance from the people outside the installation.
"We want to reenergize that program," said Ortiz, who hopes to increase attendance from people who live off post. "We need [community] feedback and participation, and it will be a great event for all."
Thomas Kuchar, head of the Directorate of Public Works, told the audience that that the Bald Eagle nesting season runs Dec. 15 to June 15. On APG, over 60 nests are protected by 500 meter buffers. APG is host to six communal roosts that receive year-long protection.
Kuchar also briefed the audience on DPW's plan for snow removal.
In anticipation of a snow event, government vehicles and personal vehicles should be consolidated into one area so DPW can efficiently remove snow from parking lots.
Kuchar clarified for attendees that federal office closures in the greater Baltimore metropolitan area do not apply to APG and that employees should listen to radio and television stations that specifically name APG for post closings.
Ortiz said the garrison is well prepared for a snow event.
"You should know that we have a trained and ready crew capable of responding to snow contingencies here on the installation, north and south. In the summer season when many people were not thinking about snow, we were planning," Ortiz said. "We understand that this is a significant requirement and that it is very important."
Director of Emergency Services Robert Krauer said residents with visiting Family members may request a Family member pass that is valid up to 7 days.
To receive a pass, the sponsor should meet the visiting Family member at the Visitor Center to sign a request form. Visitors over the age of 18 must have a photo ID (ID card, driver's license, passport, etc.) and valid vehicle registration or rental agreement if operating a vehicle.
Krauer said the Magnolia Road Gate in the Edgewood Area open 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. duty days for outbound traffic only. The Aberdeen Gate in the Aberdeen Area will also be open starting Jan. 3 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on duty days for outbound traffic only.
Lt. Col. Mark Ireland, commander of Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic, announced that construction on KUSAHC will begin in March. During this time medical services will not be hindered as primary care will be moved into temporary buildings.
The renovated primary care space will improve patient flow and enhance the implementation of patient centered medical care.
"We appreciate your patience," he said. "We are trying to make Kirk the appropriate place for you to get your health care for the next 50 years."
Ireland also told attendees that influenza vaccinations are still available, on a first-come, first-served basis at the clinic.
Anne Morrison, the commissary manager, said scholarships for military children are now available at www.militaryscholar.org.
Applications must be turned in by Feb. 22. Applications can be hand carried or mailed to the commissary.
"In the past people have had problems turning in applications due to snow. I recommend turning in applications early. Do not procrastinate," she warned.
Linda Edwards, business manager for Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, said that the 2011 FMWR directories have been published. The directories will be available online at www.apgmwr.com.
Edwards added that FMWR is aware of the heating issues in the Aberdeen Area Athletic Center and lack of hot water in the men's locker room.
"We are working very hard to remedy that situation," she said.
Directorate of Logistics' Gene Schneck said there will be an Italian specialty meal Jan. 18 at both dining facilities.
Corinne Williams, a communications specialist for Picerne Military Housing, said new lights are set to be installed at Patriot and Bayside villages by the end of the week. New lights for the Patriot and Bayside villages will be installed by January.
Williams said that Our Family for Families First Foundation has scholarships for children and educational grants for spouses of active-duty Army Soldiers stationed at APG.
Applications and more information can be found on the Foundation Web site at www.ourfamilyfoundation.org. "This program is not just for residents."
Ortiz closed out the meeting by thanking attendees and asking them to bring friends and coworkers to the next meeting, Jan. 20 at the Aberdeen Area Chapel at 9:30 a.m.
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