Community Ledger, Feb. 25

Calendar

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

• May 27, DONSA

• May 30, Memorial Day

• June 17, DONSA

• July 1, DONSA

• July 4, Independence Day

• Aug. 12, DONSA

• Sept. 2, DONSA

• Sept. 5, Labor Day

JBLM gate projects

A major construction project is underway in the vicinity of D-Street Gate. This project will continue until about April 1 and will result in road and gate closures and detours. Another construction project has begun at the McChord Field Main Gate until May 2. Both projects might have significant impact on traffic entering and exiting JBLM. Information on both of these projects can be found on the JBLM Homepage on the Web at http://www.lewis-mcchord.army.mil/des/le_home.htm. For information contact IMWE-LEW-ESPM at 966-3930.

The McChord Field Woodbrook Housing Gate has reopened. Operating hours will be extended during McChord Field Main Gate construction. The gate will be open 5 a.m.to 7 p.m., seven days a week through May 2.

The McChord Field North Gate will operate extended hours, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, except weekends and federal holidays. The extended operating hours will continue through May 2, to accommodate construction at the McChord Field Main Gate.

Effective Wednesday, 8th Street at A Street and South Drive on Joint Base Lewis-McChord Lewis North will be closed to widen 8th Street to provide a smooth transition to South Drive. This project will last approximately two weeks and should have little impact on inbound traffic entering I Gate off the DuPont-Steilacoom Road entering Lewis North.

A traffic circle is being installed at the intersection of A Street and 17th Street on Lewis North, to be finished April 15, dependent on weather conditions.

Construction hours are between 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays, except federal holidays.

MOAA scholarships

The online application for the Military Officers Association of America Educational Assistance Programs 2011-2012 school year is now available. Students can apply for the loans and grants, which are awarded annually for up to five years of undergraduate study or until a student graduates. The deadline is Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at noon EST.

Students may apply online at www.moaa.org/education. For more information on educational assistance, visit www.moaa.org/ scholarshipfund.

Classes at McChord

Job search and resume class March 1 and 2. Applying-for-defense-contractor class, March 15. Interview skills, March 16. Times 1 to 3 p.m., JBLM McChord Field, Airman & Family Readiness Center Annex, Building 551, Barnes Blvd. Please register: 982-2695/2948 or 967-3538.

UFC at JBLM centers

Watch Ultimate Fighting Championship 127 for free at Heroes Lounge inside Cascade Community Center, Nelson Recreation Center or the McChord Field Pub & Deli tomorrow. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Cascade Community Center is located in building 2400 on Bitar and S. Division; for more information, call 964-0331. Nelson Recreation Center is located at building 3168 on 2nd Division; call 967-2539 for more details. The Pub & Deli is located at McChord Field. For more information, call 982-7200 Friday or Saturday after 4:30 p.m.

Cage Warrior Combat

Buy your tickets now for Cage Warrior Combat Live at Soldiers Field House March 12. Limited VIP and reserve seating tickets are available at Leisure Travel Services, AFC Arena at Lewis Main.

For ticket prices and information, call 967-3085.

Parenting classes

Classes for expecting parents are available the second Monday of every month, from 9 to 10 a.m., in the Sakakini Conference room at Madigan Army Medical Center, near the Labor and Delivery ward.

This class is for all parents in need of extra help and education on resources and information. For information, call Medical Social Work at 968-2303.

Bench Press 2011

JBLM Sports, Fitness and Aquatics Branch presents the 2011 JBLM annual Bench Press and Bench Your Weight contests April 2 at Soldiers Field House. Deadline for entry is March 21; turn in entry forms to McVeigh Sports & Fitness Center’s front desk, Bldg. 2160.

Pick up entry forms at JBLM Sports & Fitness Centers. For more information, call 966-2631 or 967-5869.

Library closed a week

The McChord Library will be closed March 6 to 11 for recarpeting. The conference room will be available for quiet study and wireless access, however no staff assistance will be available. The outside bookdrops will remain open and materials can be returned 24 hours a day. Beginning March 4, some materials will be unavailable while they are boxed up in preparation for the recarpeting. All online services will be available during this time, including the research databases at http://www.jblmmwr.com/libraries/.

While McChord Library is closed, you may visit the Grandstaff or Crittenberger libraries on Lewis Main. Starting March 12, McChord Library will re-open at 9 a.m.

The Grandstaff Library is in Bldg 2109, Pendleton and N 10th and the Crittenberger Library is in Bldg. 3271, 2nd Division Drive, both on Lewis Main. Hours for Grandstaff Library are Monday to Wednesday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours for Crittenberger Library are Monday to Wednesday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Family scholarships

The Fort Lewis Family Member Scholarship Fund is accepting 2011 scholarship applications through March 25. Applications can be downloaded from www.fortlewisscholarship.com/. Applicants are encouraged to use the fill-in form. Family members of active-duty Soldiers, retirees and surviving family members are eligible to receive scholarships without regard to the income level of the family or the rank of the servicemember. The applicant remains anonymous until the process is complete. The Fort Lewis Family Member Scholarship Fund typically awards more than $20,000 per year, which comes from charitable donations from many sources. Applications are judged on a variety of criteria including, but not limited to essay responses, grades, community involvement and leadership.

For questions about the scholarship, inquire at ftlewisfamilyscholarship@hotmail.com/.

Kids’ Fest signups

Children ages 7 to 18 may sign up for a weeklong Performance Workshop during spring break and perform at the annual JBLM Kids’ Fest. The workshop meets March 28 to April 1, 1 to 4 p.m. at Bowl Arena Lanes party room. Instructors Paul and Elizabeth Stierle will teach participants to write songs, skits and jokes, perform dance routines, and assemble costumes and set pieces. The children receive CDs of the music they create. Participants will perform two shows at Kids’ Fest March 31.

The cost is $40 per child. Register in person at Bowl Arena Lanes, JBLM-Lewis Main. Space is limited. Call 967-6395.

Spring Flea Market

Sell your wares at JBLM’s Spring Flea Market at American Lake Community Center March 5. The cost is $24 for two 6-ft tables and $36 for three 6-ft tables or equivalent space.

For more details, send an email to jblmdfmwrspecialevents@conus.army.mil or call 967-6772.

Computer classes

Giant Campus offers free training to all DOD ID cardholders. You can get a refresher in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, Access and PowerPoint or sharpen your skills in Web Design, Digital Photography, and Facebook. All classes are available online through self paced tutorials.

AFAS scholarships

Concerned about the soaring cost of higher education for your children?

Maybe the Air Force Aid Society can help. Under its General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program, AFAS awards $2,000 each to selected applicants. The program continues to be offered to dependent sons and daughters of Air Force active duty, Title 10 AGR/Reservists on extended active duty, Title 32 AGR performing full-time active duty, retired, retired Reservists with 20 or more qualifying years of service, and deceased Air Force members.

Air Force spouses (residing stateside) of active duty and Title 10 AGR/Reservists on extended active duty and surviving spouses of deceased members are also eligible candidates.

Don’t think you won’t qualify. For more information and an application, visit the Air Force Aid Society’s website at www.afas.org/.

McChord Field USO

Stop by the USO on McChord Field located next to the Passenger Terminal, Bldg 1183.

The USO is open Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The USO has a snack bar consisting of donuts, pastries, fruit, sandwiches, coffee and more.

There is Internet access, television, and Xbox. All DOD card holders are welcome and everything is free. Call 982-1100 for more information or www.facebook.com/USOPSA or www.usopsa.org/.

Child care provider

Looking for a fun, rewarding job? Become a family child care provider and make a difference in the lives of military children and their families. FCC providers earn up to $2,000 a month, may qualify for subsidies, and receive free child care while in training and free resources for your business.

Learn about FCC at a March 8 orientation from 6 to 8 p.m. at the FCC office in building 2013B. Full-day training classes meet March 14 to 18 and March 21.

T-birds military night

The Seattle Thunderbirds of the Canadian Hockey League will host a military night Saturday, March 19 at Showare Center in Kent. The game begins at 7:05 p.m. New Soldiers will take the ice during the first intermission for a mass swearing-in ceremony. Discounted premium seats are available to all active-duty and retired military members, their families and friends. Go to tickets.seattlethunderbirds.com and click on “Apply discount” under the promotion “Strong.”

Rideshare winners

As part of JBLM’s goal to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, a salute and some cash to those who carpool, vanpool, bus or bike to work. Congratulations to the winners who received a $100 American Express gift card for sharing the ride during the month of January 2011 instead of driving alone to work. January winners: Carlos Urias, Department of Psychiatry, 14 vanpool trips; Jennifer Hampton, Refractive Surgery Center, 20 carpool trips; Capt. Marlin Causey, General Surgery, 21 bicycle trips, and Kimberly Todd, Dental Clinic No. 2, 18 vanpool trips.

Be part of the solution and win cash and prizes. Enter to win every month through August, 2011 by logging your daily commute at PierceTrips.com. Find a ride-match, register online at www.rideshareonline.com. For information, contact Makieda Hart at 967-7301.

Best deals on travel

Leisure Travel Services is hosting Passport to Travel at Army Family Covenant Arena March 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The travel show features the best discounts for military members and their families, military retirees and DoD civilians. Vendors include inns, resorts, hotels, theme parks, cruise lines, tourism and visitor info and more. Call Leisure Travel Services at 967-3085.

Swimming lessons

Does your child know how to swim? Kimbro Pool provides American Red Cross preschool and learn-to-swim lessons. For more information and registration details, call 967-5026.

St. Patty’s Day run

Sign up now for the JBLM St. Patty’s Day Run March 12 at Memorial Park. Packet pick-up begins at 7:30 a.m.; the 5K and 10K runs start at 9 a.m.

Register through WebTrac online at JBLMmwr.com by March 8 at noon; no registration accepted on race day. For details, call 967-4768/2604.

Volunteer for Seafair

Seafair is looking for volunteers June 25, July 24 and July 30 for a variety of festival events and programs. Deadline is March 15. Individual volunteers can sign up directly on the website www.seafair.com/volunteer. Groups should call or e-mail Eric Corning, 206-728-0123 ext. 110 or corning@seafair.com.

Medical Mall shuttle

Madigan Healthcare System has a shuttle service in the Medical Mall parking lot that operates Monday through Friday, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The patient shuttle is a “stretch” golf cart that can carry up to six patients at a time. The shuttle will drive up and down the parking lot picking up patients and delivering them to the Medical Mall main entrance. The shuttle will also return patients to their vehicles and will wait near the turnaround for patients. The shuttle will operate in all weather.

Expected wait times for the shuttle should be less than 10 minutes.

For more information, contact the Madigan Provost Marshal at 968-1515.

MEB Outreach Office

The Medical Evaluation Board Outreach Counsel’s office is moving from its current location at the main JAG Building on post to share offices with the Office of Soldiers Counsel by the Madigan Annex (Classic Madigan).

MEB Outreach provides confidential legal advice to all Soldiers going through an MEB/PEB — including, but not limited to those in the Warrior Transition Battalion. The office also helps its clients with all other legal assistance needs.

The new office location is Building R-9901 off of Madigan Bypass Road; the new phone numbers are 968-5346 or 968-5347.

FMWR at fingertips

Get a tee time, rent equipment, pay your child care bill, sign up and pay for adventure trips and register for sports races online with WebTrac and TeleTrac.

Get your account started today at Eagles Pride Golf Course, Northwest Adventure Center, Parent Central Services or your JBLM Fitness Center — go to JBLMmwr.com and click on WebTrac/Online Registration.

TARC

You may use the TARC, a high-tech, multimedia, and computer resource facility at Stone Education Center, to access the Internet, pursue distance-learning programs, type term papers, make copies and print materials (please provide your own paper).

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Education counseling

Army Education Counseling is available at Stone Army Education Center (967-7174) Monday through Wednesday and Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.; Madigan (968-2707), Room G-94-6 (ground floor, re-enlistment office), every Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

PWOC

Want to spend time with other women and be refreshed and renewed? Then join the ladies of Protestant Women of the Chapel every Wednesday morning from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Main Post Chapel. Check the website www.pwocftlewis.org, for more information.

Ed. center briefing

Are you leaving the service due to retirement, ETS or an administrative discharge?

Did you know you have to attend a mandatory brief at the Stone Education Center?

This briefing is a regulatory requirement and is mandated under the law. They are given Monday and Wednesday at 9 a.m. and Tuesday and Thursday at 3 p.m. Arrive 15 minutes early to the briefing and turn in your clearing paperwork to the person at the front desk.

Buyer beware

“Diploma mills” are schools that offer certificates, degrees and diplomas for a fee. The Army Human Resources Command is initiating an all-out campaign to warn Soldiers of the pitfalls and consequences surrounding the acquisition of false education credentials from unaccredited colleges and universities. If you have any questions regarding the accreditation of any college or university, contact your Army education counselor at the Stone Education Center.

DAV transition help

Disabled American Veterans’ transition service officers assist active-duty, reserve and National Guard members with their Department of Veterans Affairs benefits. The Joint Base Lewis-McChord TSOs are prepared to provide free information and assistance with developing evidence and completion of applications for veterans benefits.

JBLM Lewis Main:

Jonathan Williams — 966-1280 — Waller Hall, Building 2140, Room 700.

Jose A. Muniz — 967-6145 — ACAP Center, Building 2013A, Room 012.

JBLM McChord Field:

Tom Higdon — 982-1310 — Airman and Family Readiness Center Annex, Building 552, Barnes Boulevard.

Escape Zone

Do you have a preschooler 5 or younger? Join other families at the Escape Zone on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the McChord Youth Center, 3021 Dogwood St. SW. This is a program for parents and children to meet, have fun and learn about community services and events — and, of course, to make new friends. Parents must remain with their children. No reservations are necessary. For more information, call 982-2695.

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 477-0183.