Lewis Ledger, September 4

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.

Education Fair

Stone Education Center will host an Education Fair Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet with representatives from visiting colleges and universities. Information on financial aid for spouses will be available. For more information call 967-7295.

Job Fair

Army Community Service is hosting a job fair Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Building 2166 (on the corner of 12th Street and Liggett Avenue). More than 20 employers from the local area will be recruiting. For more information call 966-8325.

Annual survey

The annual Customer Service Assessment is available online through Sept. 18 at www.myarmyvoice.org. The survey is designed to hear what the community has to say about what works and what can be improved in the garrison. You can tell the garrison how it is performing customer service and how important the services provided are to you, by ranking them from highest to lowest priority. By taking part in the survey, you can help Fort Lewis focus its efforts and allocate the right resources at the right place to meet your needs as a customer.

Log onto www.myarmyvoice.org today, and have your voice heard.

90-Day Challenge

It’s not too late to join the 90-day Aluminum Can Challenge. The process is simple: Collect cans, bring them to the Recycle Center (located by the PX and commissary) and give the attendant your unit fund code.

You can participate with your unit and help surpass last year’s total of an estimated 78,000 cans. That’s more than one ton of aluminum recycled.

Units compete in small, medium and large categories. Cash prizes have doubled this year: $500, $300 and $200 will go to the first-, second-, and third-place finishers in each category. In addition to the cash prizes, a special prize will be given to the most consistent recycler of the year – 200 day passes to the Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor water park in Grand Mound.

The Fort Lewis Recycle Center is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Make every day America Recycles Day.

For more information call 966-1734.

Bazaar vendors sought

The Officers’ Spouses’ Club is looking for Vendors for the 29th Annual Holiday Bazaar at Fort Lewis, which will be held Nov. 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Nov. 8, noon to 5 p.m.

All applications for booth space must be received no later than Oct. 15 for review. The Bazaar will take place at the MWR tent behind the bowling center. Booth sizes are all the same this year — 10’x10’ ($90). Vendors may not share space with other Bazaar participants.

Applications are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited.

Since the OSC reserves the right to refuse items deemed inappropriate for sale at this Bazaar, photographs, a brief explanation of the item(s) being sold and a price list are helpful. Applications are available on the Fort Lewis Officers’ Spouses’ Club Web site: http://www.fortlewisosc.org/.

For more information, contact the OSC at: holidaybazaar@fortlewisosc.org/.

Back to School Safety

The Directorate of Emergency Services is reminding parents and children about back-to-school safety. The following tips can help ensure a safe return to school:

● Putting your child’s name on anything that is readily visible might allow an abductor to get on a “first name” basis with your child and develop a sense of trust — so put your child’s name in areas that are not readily visible to the public.

● Walk the route to and from school with your children, pointing out safe places to go if they are being followed or need help.

● Talk to your children about strangers approaching them and some of the ploys that might be used to lure them into an automobile or in another direction. Tell them that adults shouldn’t need a child’s help to find a puppy or get directions. If an adult is too persistent in wanting them to go with them, they should run in the direction where other adults are located and ask for help.

● Teach your children that it is OK to say NO when someone is trying to pressure them — tell them to trust their instincts.

● Remind your children to never give the impression they are home alone when strangers telephone or come to the door. Never open the door for a stranger.

● Teach your children to dial 9-1-1.

Lakewood honoring military

The City of Lakewood will host its first “Honor Our Military” event at the Lakewood Towne Center on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join the community in honoring service members and their families. Enjoy live music, interactive booths, inflatable toys, games, giveaways and special discounts. For more information, call Monika Armstrong at 584-6191.

ID, DEERS closure

The ID card and DEERS facility will be closed today through Labor Day. Normal customer service will resume Sept. 8, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Free fair ride

Join the Waiting Families Support Group at the Puyallup Fair on Sept. 14 at 4 p.m. Meet at the fair entrance for a free ride ticket — with a limit of one free ride per child. Military families must present ID card. Registration is required for the WFSG, a support group for family members of active-duty Soldiers on unaccompanied tours or extended TDY. To join in the fun at the fair, call 967-3633 by Sept. 9.

Bowlopolis

Bowlopolis has come to Bowl Arena Lanes! Stop by and pick up a complimentary DVD, Episode No. 1 of the adventures of Bowlopolis. Each month a new episode will be available (while supplies last). Children will follow the adventures of Layne Kegel, his dog Reset and his friend Carrie as Layne learns to bowl to save his dad and the Earth. Check out the Web site at www.bowlopolis.com and register to join the Bowlopolis Kids’ Club. For more information call 967-4661.

Child care provider training

Earn up to $2,000 a month working from home as a family child care provider. Receive free business training and have a fun, rewarding career. FCC classes are in Building 2013B (at the corner of 3rd Street and Pendleton Avenue) on the second floor, in Room 233. Due to space availability and importance of the meeting, please do not bring children to the orientation. Child care will be provided during the provisional classes.

The orientation will be Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m.; provisional classes are Sept. 14 to 18 and Sept. 21 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and home Inspections are Oct. 6. Applications for FCC certification must be picked up and returned to Building 2013B, Room 127. For more information call 967-3039.

Family Connections

The Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, in collaboration with Sesame Street Workshop, recently unveiled the “Sesame Street Family Connections” Web site: www.sesamestreetfamilyconnections.org/. This interactive Web site, similar to social networking sites, will allow Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and their families to stay connected in a safe and nurturing environment surrounded by their favorite Sesame Street friends.

Whether the distance between service members and their loved ones is due to deployment or recovery from an injury suffered while deployed, the “Family Connections” Web site offers young children an online environment to stay connected, while offering tools for the entire family, to aid in the recovery of the visible and invisible wounds of combat.

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!”

Develop healthy coping skills by attending September’s Stress Management class in your neighborhood Community Resource Center. Learn new ways to identify and manage your stress triggers. We can’t completely eliminate stress from our lives, but by using tools and techniques we can control how much it affects us. Come alone, bring a friend or bring the family and learn new, healthy coping skills together. For more information call ACS at 967-5901:

● Wednesday, 1 p.m., Clarkdale Community Center — 2503 South 8th St. (located in the vicinity of Cowan Stadium)

● Sept. 12, 3 p.m., Greenwood Community Center — 5517 North 4th St. (the neighborhood behind the Thrift Shop)

● Sept. 16, 6 p.m., Discovery Community Center — 60100 Garcia Blvd. (in the Madigan housing area)

● Sept. 26, 10 a.m., Eagleview Community Center — 10400 17th St. (on North Fort Lewis)

Coming soon — October’s class will be “Portion Distortion.” Dates and times will be posted in the Northwest Guardian.

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 free self-care handbook.

Job fair

There will be a job fair sponsored by Fort Lewis Employment Readiness Service Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the ACS Annex, Building 2166 on Liggett Avenue at 12th Street (across from Waller Hall). Meet local employers and have the opportunity to job interview.

For more information, call 967-7287, 966-8325 or 967-3538.

Lifeguards needed

It’s more than just a job; it’s an experience that can help save a life. American Red Cross water-safety instructors and lifeguards are needed on Fort Lewis. Certification is recognized nationwide, so you can work wherever you go. Fort Lewis is currently looking for openers and day-shift workers for the fall. Training is free upon passing the swim test: swim 500 yards in 10 minutes; one minute treading water with a brick; 25-meter sprint; brick retrieval, stroke knowledge. Need some practice before testing? Then try the free adult swim clinics Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Soldiers Field House Pool.

For more information, contact Amy at 967-5390.

Multicultural workshop

Join Army Community Service in the ACS classroom at Waller Hall Sept. 11 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for the International Spouse Orientation and Mutlicultural Workshop. This program is designed to help foreign-born Soldiers and spouses understand American customs and culture. Registration is required. For more information call 967-3633.

Helping the homeless

About 20 members of the 528th Quartermaster Company spent a recent weekend at Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood. As part of their effort to connect with the local communities, these Soldiers opted to ignore the rain and help others in need.

The event was the fifth annual “Stepping up to Support” walk-a-thon to reduce homelessness in the local area.

The 528th QM Co. actively participates in events that reaffirm Soldiers’ commitment to preserving and promoting the community. The unit’s Soldiers plan to visit and provide support to other organizations that provide care for children and seniors.

All-City Tailgate

Harry E. Lang Stadium (6615 111th St SW, Lakewood) is the place to be Sept. 11, when Clover Park School District hosts its fifth annual All-City Tailgate event, designed to celebrate the beginning of a new school year, acknowledge the cooperative relationships the district has with local partners, showcase students and school programs and have fun.

All Lakewood, Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base community members are invited to attend. Festivities will take place from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., prior to Lakes High School’s football game against Peninsula.

A variety of entertainment and activities will be part of the event, including $1 hot dog meals — while supplies last. Participants are encouraged to wear their school colors.

For more information about the All-City Tailgate event, call the district’s community relations office at 583-5040.

Predeployment workshop

Army Community Service has tools and tips to help better prepare you for a deployment. Join ACS at the predeployment workshop Wednesday 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.

Sergeants major golf tourney

The Fort Lewis Sergeant’s Major Association is holding its annual four-person golf scramble Sept. 25, at 1 p.m. at Eagles Pride Golf Course at Fort Lewis.

The tournament is limited to the first 36 teams to sign up.

Cost of the tournament is $50 per golfer, which includes golf, cart and dinner. To register call Ron Hernandez at 968-7877 or register online at www.orgsites.com/wa/fortlewissma/index/html.

Sign up as a team or as an individual and organizers will team you up with others.

Super sign-up

The Officers’ Spouses’ and Enlisted Spouses clubs are holding their annual super sign-up Sept. 15 from noon until 6 p.m.

Come and see what the clubs are all about. Stop by to join OSC/ESC to take part in a fun and exciting year of activites such as monthly luncheons, a running club, a quilting club, Bunko, a mock dining-In, bowling, scrapbooking, scavenger hunts, and food and wine. Drawings for door prizes will be held every 30 minutes at the OSC/ESC Building 4201 on the corner of West Way and Pendleton Avenue. The clubs will be collecting school supplies for underprivileged children. For more information please visit www.fortlewisosc.org/.

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.

Walk For Life

Take a public and supportive stance, be proactive in suicide prevention, not reactive, by taking part in the annual Walk For Life, Sept. 9. The walk starts at 7 a.m. at Four Chaplains Memorial Chapel. Participants will walk across Fort Lewis to the Main Post Chapel to raise awareness about the tragic problem of suicide in our community. Soldiers, DA civilians, contractors, family members, retirees — all in the Fort Lewis family — are welcome to participate. There will be a 6:30 a.m. PT warm-up and a 6:50 a.m. message before the start of the walk. Help build a suicide-free community for all. Learn what you can do to save a life. Call your local chaplain to learn more about what you can do for those at risk to suicide. Show you care; get involved; get help.

Calendar

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

● today, DONSA

● Monday, Labor Day

● Oct. 9, DONSA

● Oct. 12, Columbus Day

● Nov. 11, Veterans Day

● Nov. 26, Thanksgiving

● Nov. 27, DONSA

● Dec. 24, DONSA

● Dec. 25, Christmas

● Dec. 31, DONSA

● Jan. 1, New Year’s Day

● Jan. 15, DONSA

● Jan. 18, MLK Day

● Feb. 12, DONSA

● Feb. 15, Presidents Day

Firing notices

● 110th Chemical Battalion will train with demolitions in the Fort Lewis Artillery Impact Area, from midnight Monday until midnight Wednesday, using Range 57.

Warrior Hourly Child Care Center

The Warrior Hourly Child Care Center is located adjacent to the Madigan Army Medical Center parking area in Building 9037 on Gardner Loop. The mission of the Warrior Center is to provide quality child care for Soldiers assigned to the Warrior Transition Battalion; however, all families registered with CYSS may use the facility on a space-available basis.

Child care reservations can be made two weeks in advance. The staff provides child care for children from 6 weeks to 12 years old while Soldiers or family members attend medical appointments or use Army Family Covenant respite-care hours.

The center hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To use the facility, families must complete a free registration at the CYSS Central Registration, Building 2295 at 12th and Bitar. Call 967-2494 to make a registration appointment. New patrons are offered the initial first hour of child care free. There is a minimum reservation of two hours. Warrior Hourly Care Center also offers an early-bird special through Oct. 31. Cost is 50 percent off from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. with a minimum two-hour reservation.

To make hourly child care reservations at the Warrior Center, call 968-5656.

Waiting Families Support Group

The Waiting Families Support Group 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 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.

Special Olympics bowling

Special Olympics bowling is open to everyone ages 8 to 18, with or without special needs. Registration runs through Saturday. There is a parent meeting Thursday. Practice begins Sept. 15 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Fort Lewis Bowl Arena Lanes. The cost is $45. For more information, call 967-2494.

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.

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.

Common Sense Parenting

The New Parent Support Program’s Common Sense Parenting is a class that helps form strong and healthy families by building on existing parenting skills and learning new ways to deal with children’s problem behaviors. Classes are free and are led by trained facilitators committed to helping parents create a positive and healthy environment in which both children and parents can thrive. To register for Common Sense Parenting, call 966-1088. Limited child care is available with three weeks’ prior notice; call 966-1088.

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.