The 71st Medical Group is now in Phase 5 of the COVID-19 vaccination plan. Phase 5 includes everyone 18 years of age and older with base access. To schedule a vaccination, call the Vance Clinic appointment line, 580-213-7416, and selecting Option 1, then Option 1 and finally Option 1. The appointment line is normally open for calls from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, visit www.Vance.af.mil/HOME/COVID-19/ or contact Public Health, 580-213-7603.

In recognition of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a clothing drive for the Enid YWCA will run through April 29 on base. Clothes for men, women and children are needed and can be dropped into collection boxes located in the 71st Flying Training Wing headquarters lobby, Building 500; the 71st Medical Group lobby, Building 810; the Aircrew Flight Equipment office in Building 171; and the Youth Center, Building 323. For more information, contact Staff Sgt. Porsche’ Williams, 580-213-6516; or Stephanie Armel, 580-213-5598.

The Vance 2021 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign runs through April 23. Unit Project Officers will be conducting in-person campaigning with proper social distancing. The Air Force family is in need now more than ever. No gift is too small. Donations can be made with payroll deductions and by texting “AFAF” to 50155. For more information, contact your squadron representative or email 1st Lt. Colin Culver, colin.culver.1@us.af.mil, or 2nd Lt. Saribel Repollet Rodriguez, saribel.repollet_rodriguez.1@us.af.mil.

The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., recently released his leadership reading list for 2021 -- https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2544130/csaf-memo-to-airmen-leadership-library/. The Vance Library maintains a 2021 CSAF section. The currently reading list is on order, and Library patrons can access General Brown’s reading recommendations online through the OverDrive and Hoopla apps. Help in setting up the apps is available from the Library staff. For more information, contact the Library, 580-213-7368.

The Helping Hands Club at Vance is hosting a can-food drive March 1 through May 14, with donations going to the Shepherd’s Cupboard Pantry in Enid. Donation boxes for canned food and nonperishable food items are located in the flying squadrons, the Exchange and the Medical Clinic. For more information, contact Senior Airman Iasia Norton-Gardner, iasia.nortongardner@us.af.mil, or Airman 1st Class Hannah Luker, hannah.n.luker2.mil@mail.mil.

The tax preparation folks in the Retiree Activities Office can assist with your tax returns for 2020, as well as for 2019, 2018, and 2017. Tax appointments are made after you complete the interview packages and collect your tax documents. Interview packages can be picked-up at Room 102, Building 200. Tax appointments start Feb. 2. For more information, call 580 213 7859 or 580 548 5637.

Oklahoma residents who wish to reduce their state tax bill should consider opening a first-time homebuyer savings account. Individuals depositing up to $5,000 per year in their account may reduce their state adjusted gross income subject to tax by the same amount. The benefit only applies in the tax year the deposits are made. Oklahoma requires Form 588 Oklahoma First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account be submitted to the state in order to take advantage of this income tax adjustment. Taking the form with you when setting up the account is advised. The interest earned on these accounts isn’t taxed by Oklahoma. The state has set a limit not to exceed $50,000 per account which includes both principal and interest. Withdrawals for reasons other than purchasing a home in Oklahoma are subject to a 10% penalty by the state. For more information, contact Greg Butterfield, 580-213-7859.

The Vance Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Office is available 24/7. If you need help or have questions, call 580-541-7095.

The movies and show times this week at the PDC Free Theater (Movie schedule subject to change):
“Breaking News in Yuba County,” R, 7 p.m., Friday, April 9;
“Ant-Man,” PG-13, 12 p.m., Saturday, April 10;
“Star Trek Into Darkness,” PG-13, 7 p.m., Saturday, April 10;
“Rise of the Guardians,” PG, 12 p.m., Sunday, April 11;
“Born on the Fourth of July,” R, 7 p.m., Sunday, April 11.
Popcorn, candy, sodas, adult beverages and water available for purchase. Masks required for access and while purchasing snacks. Mask can be removed once seated. Every other row of seating is closed. May sit as a group/family, with distance from other groups. Seats will be disinfected/cleaned after each movie. Snack bar/customer areas frequently cleaned. Employees are wearing masks/gloves.

I was in a hotel lobby this weekend and asked the desk clerk where the Twitter conference was being held. He said, “Follow me.”