Lewis Ledger, July 31

Action Line

An Action Line has been established to allow Fort Lewis community members to express their concerns and ideas directly to the commanding general. Your issues will be addressed by the commander and his staff.

The Action Line number is 967-0093.

Surviving family members

An appreciation day to honor and recognize surviving family members is scheduled for Aug. 7 at American Lake Community Center from 7:30 a.m. to noon. Fort Lewis will host the Surviving Members Appreciation Day providing updates about services and current benefits to surviving family members.

For more information call (253) 966-5881 or 966-5884.

Enlisted Spouses’ Club

The Enlisted Spouses’ Club is starting its new year Aug. 11 at 7 p.m at the ESC/OSC Clubhouse Building 4201 on West Way. The club meeting will include coffee and desserts. Bring your favorite dessert to share.

Also, please bring a picture of yourself. This picture could be a baby picture, prom picture, wedding picture. The pictures will be put on display for everyone to guess who is whom.

There will be a prize for the most correct guesses. There will also be a prize for stump the most people.

Emotions Matter

Join Grandstaff Library Aug. 12 between 1 and 3 p.m. to celebrate the debut of the Emotions Matter exhibit brought to Fort Lewis families by CYSS, Fort Lewis Libraries and Tacoma Children’s Museum. This exhibit is designed as an interactive tool to help children ages 1 to 8 recognize their emotions through play.

For more information, call 967-5533.

Wounded Warrior career fair

There will be a career fair for wounded service members, their spouses and family members on Aug. 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the American Lake Community Center with 70 DOD and private-sector recruiters.

For more information contact Art Coleman, (703) 696-6134 or e-mail Arthur.Coleman@cpms.osd.mil.

K-8 online program

Clover Park School District has partnered with Federal Way School District’s Internet Academy to offer online learning to kindergarten through eighth-graders living on Fort Lewis.

Parents can register students starting Monday. Registration packets for the Clover Park Online Program can be obtained on the district’s Web site (www.cloverpark.k12.wa.us) or picked up in Room 12 at Clover Park School District’s Student Services Center (10903 Gravelly Lake Drive SW in Lakewood). Registration packets can also be mailed by calling 583-5390.

Welcome information from the Internet Academy will be e-mailed to students and parents starting Sept. 1. Students will complete the bulk of their work from home, but will receive eight hours each week of “face time” with an online coordinator. Specific schedules (dates and times for on-site contact) will be communicated to the parents following completion of the enrollment process.

For more information about online learning, call Deb Shanafelt at 253-583-5390.

IT Expo The 12th Annual Information Technology Expo will take place at the American Lake Community center Aug. 18. from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The event will feature displays and demonstrations of the latest advancements in the field from today’s leading IT vendors. Update your DOD sources for current and future projects and requirements. There is no fee to attend. All Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force base personnel are invited.

Complimentary refreshments will be served.

Care Team training

A Care Team is a group of two to three trained individuals who volunteer to assist a family through its greatest sacrifice, the loss of a loved one. Care Teams are designed to assist and support families, filling the gap between notification and arrival of their own personal support system.

Training for volunteer Care Teams will take place Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Waller Hall in the main briefing room.

To register, e-mail Pamela.j.allen@conus.army.mil or call 967-8430.

Child care is available with prior reservations by calling Clarkmoor Hourly Care at 966-2490. Children must be registered with CYSS.

West Point Society Picnic

All West Point graduates, families and friends are invited to the annual West Point Society picnic at the Tall Firs site at Russell Landing on American Lake Aug. 23, from noon until dusk.

Bring your favorite dish, bring your family and enjoy the fun, sponsored by The West Point Society of Washington and Puget Sound.

RSVP to Stephanie at (360) 413-0195 or e-mail info@transnorthwest.com/.

Rising Star auditions

Are you a talented singer? Auditions will be held for Operation Rising Star at American Lake Community Center on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

The local competition shows are at American Lake Community Center Aug. 12, 19 and 26 at 7 p.m. The audience will vote for their favorite contestants and win prizes, too. The most supportive unit or family readiness group will receive $300.

The installation competition is to claim $850 in cash prizes and a chance to advance to the televised finals.

Singers must be active duty, reserve, National Guard or military family members 18 and older.

The All-Army grand prize winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip for two, vocal coaching, professional arrangements and sound engineering for a three-song demo CD; 2nd place — $1,000; 3rd place — $500.

For more information visit OpRisingStar.com or call 967-2539.

Motorcycle emphasis patrols

Pierce County law enforcement agencies will conduct a series of concentrated patrols until the end of September aimed at reducing motorcycle fatalities.

The patrols will target risk-taking motorcycle riders and other drivers who endanger themselves and other drivers. The patrols will look for speeding riders as well as those impaired by alcohol or other drugs. Some of the patrols will use aircraft so motorcyclists traveling at high speed can be safely identified and apprehended.

Additionally, a DUI enforcement unit, along with officers specially trained to recognize and identify drug impairment, will work with the motorcycle enforcement team.

Motorcycles operated by riders without the proper licenses, or who have not been to an approved rider course or passed written and riding tests, will be impounded.

Riders or drivers apprehended for DUI face thousands of dollars in penalties and up to a year in jail. Soldiers can also expect a year’s loss of installation driving privileges and a general officer reprimand.

Home-buying workshop

The Housing Services Office will present a home-buying workshop Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 to 9:30 p.m. in the Stone Education Center. For information, call 967-5354 or 967-5334.

Predeployment workshop

Are You Ready?

ACS has tools and tips to help better prepare you for a deployment. Join ACS at the Aug. 12 pre-deployment workshop from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Family Resource Center.

To register for the workshop, call ACS at 967-8430 or e-mail Pamela.j.allen@us.army.mil.

Free child care is available with prior reservations by calling Clarkmoor Hourly Care at 966-2490. Children must be registered with CYSS.

Tutor.Com

The Department of the Army now offers an online tutoring service at www.myarmyonesource.com/CYSStutor designed for kindergarten through high school students of Army service personnel.

If there are any problems call (678) 516-3667.

Workshop for parents

Army Community Service is hosting a children and deployment workshop for parents designed to help parents understand the challenges children face and steps to take to help everyone cope more effectively.

If you would like to attend the Thursday workshop at ACS in Waller Hall from from 1 to 2 p.m., call ACS at 967-8430 or e-mail Pamela.j.allen@us.army.mil to register.

Well-informed parents can help their children accept and have a better understanding of the separation from loved ones due to a deployment. Parents can anticipate and defuse potential problems by planning ahead and discussing the challenges of deployment with the entire family.

Child care is available with prior reservations by calling Clarkmoor Hourly Care at 966-2490. Children must be registered with CYSS.

Reunion workshop

Is your Soldier coming home soon? Army Community Service wants to help your reunion be the best possible experience. Join the ACS Reunion Workshop Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Family Resource Center.

RSVP by calling Pamela Allen at 967-8430. You can also schedule unit or FRG reunion workshops.

Free child care is available with prior reservations by calling Clarkmoor Hourly Care at 966-2490. Children must be registered with CYSS.

Stress management

The Fort Lewis Family Advocacy Program is offering a stress-management class on Tuesday, and Aug. 11, 18 and 25 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Building 2013B. Get a better understanding of stress and its impact on health and readiness. Identify physical and emotional reactions to stress. Learn about stress management tools and how to use them effectively.

For more information, call 967-5901.

AFAP input

Do you have concerns about Army life?

Since 1983, the Army Family Action Plan has been the driving force behind hundreds of Army policy changes and program improvements. You can play an important role in AFAP.

Submit your issues at www.lewis.army.mil/ctr_of_excellence/acs/Survey/afap.htm or call 967-3689.

Deadline for submissions is Sept. 11.

FRC reservations

The yearly Family Resource Center reservation calendar opens for recurring family readiness group meetings Monday. The doors open at 7 a.m. and numbers will be given out. Reservations begin at 9 a.m.

One person per unit can attend. For the evenings, the reservations will consist of two groups per night. Please have alternate days in mind in case your first choice is not available. No reservations will be made over the phone.

For more information call 967-9496.

Waiting Families Support Group Waiting Families Support Group will meet on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. in Waller Hall, Room 400.

WFSG is open to family members of active-duty Soldiers on unaccompanied tours or extended TDY. It is a place to exchange ideas on how to cope with unique problems faced during a sponsor’s absence and have some light-hearted fun.

WFSG offers help in many ways. It provides information on community events and ACS programs. It offers short term crisis intervention services; and when needed, acts as a liaison with military and civilian agencies.

WFSG also addresses practical aspects of separation and relocation. Children are welcome.

WFSG meets the first Wednesday of each month at Waller Hall, ACS Room 400, from 6 to 8 p.m.

For more information call 967-3633.

Empowerment expo and deployment fair

Learn about deployment resources by attending the free empowerment expo and deployment fair, Monday.

The event will be in the MWR tent outside American Lake Community Center. Choose from convenient blocks — 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Build your own readiness kit with topics that matter most to you.

Choose from informational booths such as ACS, Staff Judge Advocate, CYSS, TriCare, education representatives, and much more.

Free child care is available. For more information, call 324-0563.

WLC graduation

The Henry H. Lind NCO Academy Warrior Leader Course, Class 008-09 will graduate on Aug. 13 at 1:30 p.m. in Carey Theater.

For more information, call 967-7294.

WLC in-processing

The Warrior Leader Course, Class 009-09, will in-process on Aug. 19. Students must report to Building 3114 at 5 a.m.. Sponsors must be at at Building 5996 at 5 a.m.

For more information, call 967-7294.

MAMC change of command

Madigan Army Medical Center will host a change-of-command ceremony on Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. for the outgoing Madigan commander, Maj. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho, and the incoming commander, Col. Jerome Penner, III.

The ceremony will be on Watkins Field, with a reception following in Cascade Community Center. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will move to Soldiers Field House.

For more information, call 968-1901.

Got Health?

Lewis-McChord Communities are partnering with the Fort Lewis/Madigan Army Medical Center Department of Preventive Medicine Community Education Team in support of a new health promotion program, “Got Health? The Choice is Yours!” Starting in August, subject matter experts will visit neighborhood community centers to offer a series of healthy living classes, including community resources for healthy living, stress management, portion distortion and financial planning.

Meet your neighbors, increase your knowledge about basic nutrition and disease prevention and learn all that Fort Lewis has to offer for living a healthier and happier life.

Class No. 1 — Community Resources for Healthy Living:

● Saturday, 3 p.m. in Greenwood

● Aug. 12, 1:30 p.m. in Clarkdale

● Aug. 19, 6 p.m. in Discovery

● Aug. 22, 10 a.m. in Eagleview

Attendees will learn the importance of disease prevention through managing weight, tobacco cessation, stress management and self-care. Also, learn what healthy living programs are available online, on-post or off-post and receive a fee self-care handbook.

Public speaking help

An ACS Relocation Readiness presentation Aug 21 will help you conquer your fear of public speaking. The presentation will be in Stone Education Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you’re the type of speaker who occasionally “ums” and “ahs,” this free seminar is just what you need to ease your nerves and start speaking like a seasoned pro. You’ll learn to turn nervousness into energy and use your voice to establish sincerity, credibility and confidence.

This presentation is open to the entire Fort Lewis community; however, priority will be given to Relocation Assistance committee members, Newcomers’ Orientation presenters and ACS staff.

For more information, contact Wanda Abrams at 967-3633.

International Relations Forum

The next International Relations Forum at Grandstaff Library will be at noon Aug. 11. Dr. Andrew Milton, an adjunct faculty member of Troy University, will discuss “Morality and U.S. Foreign Policy — Why everything you thought you knew is wrong!”

Milton will draw on current events and on his research for a graduate-level course he recently taught on morality and international relations. Light refreshments will be served.

The International Relations Forum is a partnership of Grandstaff Library, St. Martin’s University, Troy University, and the Stone Education Center.

For more information, contact Troy University at 964-0545 or Grandstaff Library at 966-1314.

Start Smart Sports Camp

Registration for Start Smart Sports Camps runs through Aug. 7 for ages 3 to 5. The next camp is Aug. 11 to 13. The cost is $15.

Start Smart helps children learn the basic motor skills necessary to play organized sports. The program focuses on teaching children and their parents basic sports mechanics without the threat of competition or the fear of getting hurt.

Register at Building 2295, 12th and Bitar. Call 967-2494 for more information.

Poster contest

The Office of Suicide Prevention is currently accepting submissions for the 2010 Suicide Prevention Poster Contest. Posters should be creative and employ specific suicide-awareness messages. Posters are required to be 8 x 12 inches and may be submitted by individuals or teams of up to five members.

The winning poster, chosen in early September, will be the lead display for 2010 Suicide Prevention efforts.

Submissions can be sent by e-mail to gary.ouellette@us.army.mil or hand delivered to the Office of Suicide Prevention, Building 2008B, Room B111.

Family communication

If you would like to know more about healthy ways to communicate with your spouse, sign up for a family communication class.

Offered by the Family Advocacy Program and the Family Life Center, the class is held on the first Tuesday of each month, in Building 9120, Four Chaplains Memorial Chapel, from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, call 967-5901.

Basketball camp

Registration for Craig Hodges’ basketball camp runs through Aug. 17. This camp is free for children of deployed Soldiers; the cost is $80 for others.

Craig Hodges, an assistant coach for the L.A. Lakers, has won three NBA championships. The camp will be Aug. 17 through Aug. 21 at the Youth Center Teen Zone Gymnasium. Ages 5 to 10 will meet from 9 to 11 a.m. and ages 11 to 18 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Fall soccer

Jump, kick and run into the new school year with fall soccer. Registration for fall soccer will run until Aug. 14, for ages 3 to 15. The season is Aug. 24 through Oct. 17.

Learn the fundamentals while having fun. Register at Building 2295, 12th and Bitar.

For more information, call 967-2494.

Japanese spouses’ group

If your husband is deployed or deploying, you are new to the area, you have questions or if you just want to meet and talk with other Japanese spouses, the Japanese Spouse Support Group is here for you. You can join the group for monthly meetings, fundraising events, fun activities, such as barbecues, lady’s night and other events.

For more information, contact japanesearmywivesupportgroup@gmail.com.

Walk to Iraq

Registration for all ages is ongoing for “Walk to Iraq.” Track your fitness improvement while you “Walk to Iraq” until your Soldiers return. “Walk to Iraq” meets Mondays and Wednesdays.

There is no cost, and everyone is welcome to join in the fun.

Register at Building 2295, at 12th and Bitar. Call 967-2494 for more information.

Calendar

The following holidays and days of no scheduled activities are planned:

● Aug. 7, DONSA

● Sept. 4, DONSA

● Sept. 7, Labor Day

Firing notices

● 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group will fire mortars in the Fort Lewis Artillery Impact Area, from midnight Aug. 10 until midnight Aug. 14, using Mortar Point 4.

Gate hours and locations

Fort Lewis gate hours and locations:

● Liberty (Main), 24 hours, 7 days a week, I-5 Exit 120 to Main Post;

● 41st Division (North Fort), 24 hours, 7 days a week, I-5 Exit 120 to North Fort;

● Logistics Center, 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (closed on federal holidays), I-5 Exit 123 — Thorne Lane;

● Madigan, 24 hours, 7 days a week, I-5 Exit 122 — Berkeley Street;

● East Gate, 24 hours, 7 days a week, East Gate Road and 4th Division Drive (connects to SR 507);

● DuPont Gate, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week, I-5 Exit 119;

● D Street (POV), 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week, access to North Fort from DuPont-Steilacoom Road;

● D Street (CVIP), 5 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Friday (closed on federal holidays), same as D Street (POV);

● Scouts Out, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 7 days a week (closed on federal holidays), 2nd Division Range Road;

● Transmission Line (ASP), 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday (closed on federal holidays), Transmission Line Road;

● Center Drive (outbound only), 4 to 6 p.m., Monday to Thursday, 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday (closed on federal holidays), adjacent to the Regional Confinement Facility;

● I Street Gate (North Fort) (inbound only), 5 to 9 a.m., Monday to Friday (closed on federal holidays), 1 1⁄2 miles north of DuPont Exit 119, Just off DuPont-Steilacoom Road;

● Lincoln-Rainier Gate, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 7 days a week, from off post — access via Perimeter Road/150th Street; from on-post — access via Rainier Drive and Lincoln Street on the Logistics Center.

McChord gate hours and locations:

● Main Gate, 24 hours, 7 days a week, I-5 Exit 125 (Bridgeport Way);

● Barnes Gate, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., 7 days a week, Perimeter Road, approximately 1/2 mile from the Lincoln Boulevard gate exit of Fort Lewis;

● Commercial Vehicle Inspection Point 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday (closed on federal holidays), Perimeter Road approximately 1⁄4 mile from the Lincoln Boulevard gate exit of Fort Lewis;

● Woodbrook Housing Gate, 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, I-5 Exit 124 — Gravelly Lake.

Homework help

Fort Lewis Libraries offer free online homework help. Tutors who are specialists in their subject areas are waiting to help every day from 2 to 9 p.m. This service is for any grade level, any subject.

Just log on to www.fortlewismwr.com/library/.

For more information call 967-5533 or 967-5889.

Alcohol awareness

To help promote healthy drinking habits, TRICARE Management Activity has a Web site to combat alcohol abuse and promote responsible drinking.

The Web site, found at www.tricare.mil/alcoholawareness, provides information, links and news about alcohol, underage drinking, alcoholism and substance abuse.

Attention

Event announcements must be received no later than the Friday before publication.

They can be e-mailed to nwgeditor@nwguardian.com.

Announcements can be viewed online at NWGuardian.com.

The Northwest Guardian office is located in the basement of Building 2026-B.

For more information, call 967-0173.