Community Ledger, April 22

Gates and roadwork progress on JBLM

A new phase in the McChord Field Main Gate construction project on JBLM began Wednesday and is scheduled for completion May 2. Inbound traffic remains the same; outbound traffic is rerouted through the Main Gate canopy and winds around the Visitors Center.

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 May 2. 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 and the project finishes in August. Paving should be completed on 41st Division Road by today and work on Jackson starts next week.

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

JBLM gate inspections

The Directorate of Public Works is conducting inspections and assessments of vehicle arrestor barriers at all JBLM perimeter gates. Inspections will require individual lane closures and brief closure of all lanes of traffic at each gate.

Evaluation of a gate system will require that all lanes be closed for up to an estimated five-minute period. Following initial evaluation, individual lanes will be closed to traffic for up to an estimated two-hour period each, one at a time.

This work is an initial part of an effort to rehabilitate and maintain JBLM’s vehicle arrestor barriers. This work will be performed on-site by in-house personnel (government employees). DPW will provide all technical equipment and traffic safety markers needed to perform this work.

The schedule for the remaining first phase of inspections follows. Other barriers will be inspected at later dates to be determined.

Today — Logistics Center gate, 1:30 to 4 p.m.; Tuesday, April 26 — North Fort (41st Division) Gate, 9:30 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 3:30 p.m.

If there are any questions or concerns regarding these actions, contact David L. Cerny, in DPW, Engineering Services Division, Building 2012 at 966-1745.

Webinar for benefits

The TRICARE and Military OneSource TRICARE Young Adult webinar is available online.

TYA is a result of a provision in the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act that extends premium-based health coverage to eligible dependent children until age 26. Military parents and dependent children under age 26 are encouraged to review the webinar. It covers who qualifies for TYA, when and where to enroll and what type of coverage to expect.

The webinar is available now by visiting www.TRICARE.mil/mediacenter and clicking on the TRICARE Young Adult Webinar link. For more on TYA, visit: www.tricare.mil/tya.

ACAP job fair

ACAP will host a job fair on Thursday, May 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord American Lake Community Center on Lewis North. More than 50 employers from all over the U.S. will be looking for veterans who can fill positions in their organizations. Those attending the job fair are encouraged to bring their resumes, dress for success and be prepared in case an interview takes place! For information, call the ACAP center at 967-6302.

Deployed family spa

Is your family member deployed? Please join us for fun and fellowship at Four Chaplains Memorial Chapel Tuesday, May 3 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Limited free CYS child care on sight. Bring proof of CYS enrollment or your blue bag if you have one. Our theme is Spa Night! We will have a relaxing night of pampering with spa services as well as spa-style dinner. Chapel NeXt will provide the main dish; attendees please bring a side dish. Sponsored by Chapel NeXt, RSVP to Carolyn Clanton, deployedfamiliesjblm@yahoo.com. This event is open to all branches of service and all family members.

Civilian pay question?

The JBLM Civilian Payroll Office, located at Building 2007A, Room 106A, has established customer service hours.

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

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.

WLC comings, goings

The Henry H. Lind NCO Academy announces Warrior Leader Course, Class 008-11, will in-process on Wednesday. Students must be present at 6 a.m. at the student parking area adjacent to Building 5995, Henry H. Lind Auditorium. Sponsors must be present at 6 a.m. at Building 5995.

Combatives tourney

Determine the best fighters across I Corps and further the Warrior’s mindset across the Army. The JBLM combatives tournament will be at the Soldiers Field House from May 2 to 5. May 2 — final registration, weigh-in and bracketing 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; May 3 — Basic rule bouts 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; May 4 — Intermediate rules bouts and quarter finals; May 5 — Rules brief 1 p.m., fourth-place bouts 2 to 5 p.m., UTC championship bouts 6:30 p.m.

Registration: Victoria Shuler, 968-6524 or e-mail Victoria.shuler@conus.army.mil.

Golf open house

Whispering Firs Golf Course’s Open House Saturday, 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.

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.

Volunteer luncheon

The Joint Base Lewis-McChord Volunteer Recognition Luncheon and Awards Ceremony will be held Thursday from 11 am. to 1 p.m., at the American Lake Community Center. All volunteers are invited to attend. Participants must RSVP prior to attending the luncheon. To RSVP call 967-9496 no later than April 22.

Rideshare $$ winners

March rideshare winners: $100 winners: Jeremy Martin, Madigan, 14 trips (12 bike, 1 carpool, 1 walk); Denise Beagle, Madigan, 17 carpool trips; Larry Barker, McChord Field, 10 carpool trips. $100 Top Trip Reducer: Matthew Heatherly, Lewis Main, 20 carpool trips. Trip for Two to Portland: Deborah Bair, Madigan, 16 carpool 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.

Ammo amnesty day

Amnesty Day will be May 5 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the C-5 mock-up just outside East Gate. All ammo is accepted with no questions asked and no fear of prosecution. Other amnesty box locations are at the ASP parking lot; , Range 2 on Jecelin Ave.; A Street and 17th Street, Joint Base Lewis-McChord Lewis North, ; Mastin Ave., 3rd and 4th Division Drive (Ranger MP); Slone and S. 20th Street (main wash rack); A Street and 8th (north wash rack).

Local cabin rentals

If you want to get away from it all just for the weekend or for a vacation, rent a studio cabin or one-, two- or three-bedroom cabin on the shore of American Lake. Reserve a cabin up to three months in advance; available year-round from the Northwest Adventure Center at Lewis North.

For photos and information, visit JBLMmwr.com under cabin rentals, or call 967-7744 or 967-8282.

Chopper vet in pain?

If you are or were a U.S. military helicopter pilot or crewmember, the DOD wants to know if you suffered back or neck pain or injury (not resulting from an aviation mishap) that may be related to your service in helicopters.

Back pain afflicts approximately 20 percent of the general population, but studies have indicated military helicopter crews report unusually high rates of back pain and related injuries.

A DOD-sponsored study aims at understanding the mechanisms of those injuries, the impact they have on operational readiness, safety and quality of life, and to identify the best options for reducing injuries in the future.

Researchers for the Office of the Secretary of Defense (AT&L) urge current and former military pilots and crewmembers to complete an online survey at www.DoDhelicopterseatsurvey.com. They are anonymous and should only be taken once. If you participated in a similar January 2010 Navy and Marine Corps survey, do not complete this survey; the results will be merged with this study. The survey will be available online from now through April 30.

Vesak Day for Buddha

You are invited to join Chaplain Somya Malasri, military families, and friends in celebrating Vesak Day May 7 at Lewis North Chapel, from 2 to 4 p.m. Vesak Day encompasses the birth, the enlightenment and the passing away of Gautama Buddha. The event will include Buddhist chanting, Dharma talk, blessing, performances and delicious food. For information, contact Chaplain Malasri at somya.malasri@us.army.mil or at 365-8753.

Free movies

The theater at McChord Field has reopened for free weekend movies. This weekend, see “Gnomio and Juliet” (PG) at 4 p.m. Saturday, “I Am Number Four” (PG-13) at 7 p.m. Saturday, and “Elmo in Grouchland” (G) at 4 p.m. Sunday. For the complete schedule, visit www.JBLMmwr.com.

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.

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.

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 Saturday for the Tuesday class. The cost is $5 per person for transportation. Call 982-0718 for details and to sign up.

‘Take back meds’ day

JBLM is participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s second national Medicine Take Back Day for unwanted or expired medication. This event will be held April 30, at the parking lot in front of Waller Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is an opportunity for those residing on JBLM to safely and conveniently turn-in their unwanted or expired over-the-counter and prescription medications.

Employees residing outside of JBLM can take their medications to a community collection site. To locate a site near you, go to www.dea.gov and enter your city and state. To protect privacy, participants are reminded to remove their personal information labels. All solid dosage medication and liquids in consumer containers will be accepted. Intravenous solutions, injectibles, syringes or medical waste will not be accepted due to the potential biohazard risks. For questions, call 967-3985.

Tot skate Wednesdays

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.

Wooden boat fair

Olympia Wooden Boat Association will host the 32nd annual boat fair May 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and May 8, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Percival Landing, downtown Olympia. On display will be wooden boats of all types.

The children’s boat building booth, a family tradition, will be held on Saturday only until the wood runs out. Here children are allowed to use their imaginations and build their own wooden boat. Boat hulls and components are furnished. There will be an international food alley, local entertainment and arts and crafts booths.

For information go to www.olywoodenboat.org.

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.

Computer facility

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 meets midweek

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.

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.

Check smoke detectors

Did you check the batteries in your smoke detectors when you set your clocks forward?

Installation Management Command safety officials recommend testing smoke detectors at least every four months.

Nearly 3,000 people die in home fires every year. Many of those deaths could be prevented with working smoke alarms. For assistance or answers about smoke alarms, call the chief of Fire Prevention at 966-7156.

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.

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.