Lewis Ledger, Sept. 11

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.

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.

Fall Flea Market

Recycle your unwanted items at the Fall Flea Market on Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the American Lake Community Center. Space is available for ID card holders on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $12 for a six-foot table and two chairs. Garage sale items only. Commercial resale not allowed. Call 967-6772 for more information and payment.

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.

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 places to meet your needs as a customer.

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

Education Fair

Stone Education Center will host an education fair Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet with representatives from visiting colleges and universities. Information on financial aid for spouses will also be available. For more information call 967-7295.

Golf Tournament

The 2009 Air Force Sergeants Association Golf Tournament will be held Sept. 23 on the Whispering Firs Golf Course, at McChord Air Force Base. This is a four-person captain’s choice tournament. Entry fees are: $35 for E1 to E5; $40 for all others. For more information and to register for the tournament, contact Tech. Sgt. James Ward at james.ward@mcchord.af.mil.

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 FMWR 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/.

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.

Army spouse’s book signing

A Fort Lewis spouse and sometime contributor to the Northwest Guardian will hold a book signing Sept. 18 and 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m at the Fort Lewis Main Exchange for her memoir about life on the home front during her husband’s 16-month extended deployment to Iraq.

Army wife turned author Michelle Cuthrell will sign her book, Behind the Blue-Star Banner: A Memoir from the Home Front. The book signing will conclude a series of motivational speeches, briefings and lectures offered to family readiness groups and military audiences on Fort Lewis.

Family Night

Cascade Community Center will host Family Night on Sept. 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Family Night is for families of deployed Soldiers. Enjoy a buffet of chicken tenders and mac ‘n’ cheese. The cost for adults is $4.25; $3.25 for children. There will be free games and fun activities with a GI Joe theme. For more information or to make reservations call 964-0331.

Naturalization Ceremony

Come celebrate the newest U.S. citizens with a naturalization ceremony Sept. 18 at 2 p.m. at the American Lake Community Center. Bring your family and friends to witness this momentous occasion. Participants must report at noon for document screening and rehearsal. Call 967-3633 to register.

Reunion Workshop

Is your Soldier coming home soon? ACS wants to help your reunion be the best possible experience. Join the ACS Reunion Workshop Sept. 22 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Family Resource Center. RSVP by calling Pamela Allen at 967-8430. You can also schedule unit or family readiness group reunion workshops. Free child care is available with prior reservations by calling Clarkmoor Hourly Care at 966-2490. Children must be registered with CYSS.

Team Lewis Night

Join BOSS on Sept. 18 at the Cascade Community Center for Team Lewis from 3 to 6 p.m. Enjoy free gourmet pizza from Garlic Jim’s, fun games and great prizes. You must be at least 18 to attend and 21 to purchase/consume alcohol. For more information, call the BOSS Team at 967-5636.

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:

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

● Wednesday, 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.

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 today 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.

All-City Tailgate

Harry E. Lang Stadium (6615 111th St SW, Lakewood) is the place to be today, 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 Sept. 17 from 1:30 to 3 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.

Deployment ceremony

The 201st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade will conduct its Deployment Ceremony on Sept. 23 at 10 a.m., Watkins Field. The Inclement weather ceremony will be conducted in Wilson Sports and Fitness Center on North Fort Lewis.

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 Tuesday from noon until 6 p.m.

Come out 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/.

OSC luncheon

The Fort Lewis Officers’ Spouses’ Club is holding its first member lunchoen of the year at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 22 at the OSC/ESC cottage. Bring an appetizer or dish from your home state or country to share. Also, bring something to decorate your table that represents your home state or country. The club will be sitting by regions, so it’s a great way to meet fellow members.

Cost of the luncheon is $5. Reservations can be made at the super sign-up event on Tuesday from noon to 6 p.m. at the cottage, or by e-mail no later than Sept. 20, with payment to OSC Reservations, reservations@fortlewisosc.org. For more information, 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 today.

Japanese spouses’ group

The Japanese Spouses’ Club is holding a bake sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 23 and 30 in the Fort Lewis Main Exchange. Proceeds will go to Fort Lewis Fisher House.

For more information e-mail japanesearmywivesupportgroup@gmail.com.

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.

Calendar

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

● 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

Tailgate party

Come out to Cascade Community Center on NFL Game Day Sundays and watch multiple games on six 42-inch hi-definition plasma TVs inside Heroes Sports Lounge. Be sure to bring your appetite for the tailgate party. Cook your own hamburgers and hotdogs (hamburger, bun, cheese, condiments and potato salad is $2.50 and a jumbo hotdog, bun, cheese, condiments and potato salad is just $2), and wash your lunch down with happy hour drinks from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, call 964-0331.

UFC Fight 103

If you enjoy mixed martial arts, combatives or just like a good fight, come out on Sept. 19 to watch UFC Fight 103 at Cascade Community Center. Doors open at 6 and fights start at 7 p.m. Order a cold beverage and watch the undercard fights before the big matchup. For more information call 964-0331.

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.

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.

Fall SKIES registration

SKIES Unlimited stands for Schools of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills. It is an Army program that offers instructional programming in academics, arts, life skills and sports for children ranging in age from infants through teens. The SKIES goal is to offer inspiring classes to nurture the development of Fort Lewis children, youth and families while creating opportunities for community and connection. Registration is under way for the fall season. For a full class listing, visit fortlewismwr.com/SKIES_Unlimited.htm.

Register for SKIES classes at Central Registration, Building 2295. Children must be registered for SKIES classes by the fourth Friday of each month. 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.

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.

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.

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.