Community Ledger, April 8

Gates and roadwork progress on JBLM

The D Street Gate on JBLM Lewis North The striping project is complete. The next East Drive project plans repairs starting at the end of the D-Street widening to DuPont/Steilacoom Road requiring road closure, likely in July.

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.

A traffic circle is being installed at the intersection of A Street and 17th Street on Lewis North, to be finished April 25. However, light poles will not be delivered until late May. Traffic barrels with lights will mark the roundabout. There will be intermittent traffic delays when the poles are installed, which should take a day.

Drivers using Jackson Avenue near Madigan Army Medical Center should expect delays for a few months as contractors begin repairing a one-mile stretch of road from the barricades near the Madigan Gate to Transmission Line Road. The project consists of two phases: the first phase involves repairing cracks and potholes, and the second phase places an overlay on the road during the night finishes in August. Paving should be completed on 41st Division Road by today and work on Jackson starts next week.

“We will do the overlay at night to have less of an impact on traffic,” said Directorate of Public Works Project Manager Matt Weeks. Incoming and outgoing traffic will be reduced to one lane at certain times during the project.

More information about traffic revision updates and construction changes will come as the contractor announces them. For road conditions, call 967-1733.

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

Civilian pay question?

The JBLM Civilian Payroll office, located in Room 106A, Building 2007A, is establishing customer service hours effective today.

Customer service representatives will be available to customers from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. daily or call 966-9013.

NW Military Masters

Sign up for the Northwest Military Masters tournament at Sounders Lanes Bowling Center by April 16. The tournament will be April 23; first place wins $1,000 and entry in the 2011 USBC Masters or Senior Masters. The entry fee is $100; after April 16, entry is $110 cash. Call 982-5954.

Earth Day

JBLM Public Works and FMWR present Earth Day 2011 events beginning the week of April 18. Volunteer opportunities are presented throughout the week: April 18, exhibits and activities in front of McChord Field Commissary 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; April 19 tree planting and community garden work day. Call 966-1734 to volunteer; April 20, clean up Solo Point starting at 2 p.m. Call 982-0718 to volunteer.; April 21, exhibits and activities in front of the Exchange at Lewis Main 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Volunteers will receive giveaways and T-shirts.

ACS job fair

JBLM ID cardholders are invited to the Army Community Services Employment Readiness Job Fair April 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the ACS Annex, Bldg. 2166, 12th & Liggett.

Representatives from trades, services, contractors, state and local governments, banks and more will be on hand to give out information and answer questions. Resumes are not required, but highly encouraged.

Child care training

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 the May 3 orientation from 6 to 8 p.m. at the FCC office in Building 2013B. Full-day training classes meet May 9 to 13 and May 16. FCC will provide free child care during the training classes. For information, call the FCC office at 967-3039.

5-5 ADA transitions

The 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment changes command today. Lieutenant Colonel Michael Morrissey relinquishes the battalion colors to Lt. Col. Michael Melito at 10 a.m. on Watkins Field.

Golf open house

Visit Whispering Firs Golf Course’s Open House April 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for free golf pro swing tips, light buffet, hourly door prize drawings, Cobra demo day, and to learn about the latest in golf equipment and what’s new on the course.

Purchase an annual play card good at Whispering Firs and Eagles Pride golf courses (ID card holders only). Call 982-4927.

Tragedy assistance

JBLM Survivor Outreach Services will be hosting a Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Seminar at American Lake Community Club April 15 and 16. On Friday, April 15, there will be peer mentor training, and April 16, the seminar program will begin at 8 a.m. with a light breakfast, followed by the main sessions for the day, ending at 4 p.m. Dinner is scheduled from 5:30 to 8 p.m. A “Good Grief Camp” will be conducted on Saturday for children ages 4 to 19. There will be free child care on site for children 3 and under. To register, go to www.taps.org. For additional information, contact SOS JBLM lewisarmysos@conus.army.mil or 866-963-2538.

Parenting class

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.

Free movies

The theater at McChord Field has reopened for free weekend movies. This weekend, see “Tron: Legacy” at 4 p.m. Saturday, “The Fighter” at 7 p.m. Saturday, and “Lilo and Stitch” at 4 p.m. Sunday. For the complete schedule, visit www.JBLMmwr.com.

Quilt tribute

The “Lost Heroes Art Quilt,” a 5 1⁄2 by 15-foot contemporary art tribute to the courageous men and women who have given their lives in service to our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan, will be on display at American Lake Community Center Tuesday through April 16.

The quilt was created by artist Julie Feingold as a non-political work and features 82 fallen soldiers — 50 in the center quilt represent each state in the U.S., with 32 around the border. Photos and descriptions of the heroes ring the quilt. Contact SOS JBLM lewisarmysos@conus.army.mil or 866-963-2538 (IMWE-LEW-MWA/967-7501).

Summer camp time

Join the fun this summer for JBLM’s weekly middle school camps. Registration for youth enrolled in the before- and after-school programs is today at the Middle School/Teen program. Open registration begins May 1 at Parent Central Services, Building 2295 at JBLM Lewis Main and Building 100 at McChord Field. For information, call 967-4441.

Youth class sign-ups

SKIESUnlimited Youth Academy is taking registrations for a variety of classes in academics, arts, dance, music, life skills, sports and exercise for infants and their parents through teens.

It’s easy to sign up with Child, Youth and School Services and go to WebTrac at JBLMmwr.com to view your choice of classes online. For details, call CYSS at 966-2977.

Career fair

The McChord Field Youth Center at 3032 Dogwood Street behind Carter Lake Elementary will host a career fair Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Discuss a variety of career and school options with local professionals.

Refreshments will be provided at this free event. Call the Youth Center at 982-2203.

Volunteer for Seafair

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

‘Love your doc’ day

Log onto the Facebook page of TriWest Healthcare Alliance, the company that administers Tricare in 21 western states, and share what makes your doctor so special.

Find the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/triwest, and click on the “Love Your Doc” tab on the left.

Bookkeeper wanted

The McChord Thrift Shop is seeking a part-time bookkeeper to start immediately. Must have knowledge of Quick Books and Microsoft Office. A two-to-four year degree preferred but not required. Responsibilities include processing of payables, receivables, journal entries, and postings. In addition to the above, bookkeeper will also need to be well-versed in data management and financial data analysis. Flexible work schedule. $11-$15/hour DOE. Email resumes to mtsjobboard@yahoo.com

Miss Jensen? Try Wilson

While Jensen Family Health and Fitness Center undergoes renovation, try Wilson Sports and Fitness Center on JBLM Lewis North. All Jensen services, including on-site child care, massage, Health Outcomes on-site nurse educators, gait analysis and free aerobics classes, are now operating at Wilson, Building 11596, D and 41st Division.

For information, call 967-7471.

Lifeguard training

Youths ages 15 and older can train now for certified lifeguard summer jobs. American Red Cross is holding a course today through Sunday at Kimbro Pool. A competency swim test will qualify applicants for the course. Certification costs $51.50, which includes a pocket mask, lifeguarding book and certifications. For details, call 967-5026.

Cooking lessons

The JBLM McChord Field Community Center has a spot for you on a trip to Seattle’s Café Lago for a cooking lesson.Sign up by April 22 for the April 26 class. The cost is $5 per person for transportation. Call 982-0718 for details and to sign up.

Tot skate Wednesday

Parents and their tots can watch a family movie, meet other families and bring strollers out on the skate floor during AFC Arena’s Wednesday stroller and tot skate 9 to 11 a.m. Skates are $1 per person; rollerblades are $2 per person.

Call 967-4458 for information.

Job recruitment

Affiliated Computer Services, Inc, a Lacey Xerox Company, will recruit customer service agents, April 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the JBLM Employment Readiness Program located in the ACS Annex, Building 2166, the corner of S. 12th Street and Liggett Avenue. Start application process at https://acs-inc.evolvondemand.net/offline/1965 Information: Joyce (360) 923-8656 or Andrea (360) 923-8654.

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.

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 Interenet access, television and an 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rideshare and win $$

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.

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.

AFAS scholarships

Concerned about the cost of higher education?

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 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.

Child care registration

To decrease unauthorized, unqualified child care on JBLM, the Family Child Care program has announced an amnesty program, allowing individuals not certified by FCC an opportunity to register with Child and Youth Services without penalty.

Applications are available at the FCC office in Building 2013B, 3rd and Pendleton. FCC providers earn up to $2,000 a month and receive free business training, free child care while being trained and free resources for their FCC businesses. If you are currently providing child care in your home, to start the certification process contact the FCC at 967-3039.

Hunter education

The JBLM Lewis Main Skeet Range is offering spring hunter education courses to eligible patrons ages 39 and younger at the skeet range’s outdoor education classroom, Building 8050.

Students must be able to participate in class discussion, read, write and pass a written exam, shoot a 20-gauge shotgun and pass a field safety course that includes gun handling. Students must attend the entire course to receive certification.

Sign up by May 1 for June classes. The cost is $10 at sign-up. Call 967-6263 for registration details.

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.

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.