Community Ledger, May 6

Gates and roadwork progress on JBLM

A new phase in the McChord Field Main Gate construction project on JBLM began recently and is scheduled for completion Monday. 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 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 North Gate and Woodbrook Housing Gate have reopened, with operating hours extended from 5 a.m.to 7 p.m., daily through Monday.

A traffic circle at the intersection of A Street and 17th Street on Lewis North will open Monday, however, light poles will not be delivered until late this month. Traffic barrels with lights will mark the roundabout. There will be intermittent traffic delays when the poles are installed, which should take one 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 first phase that involved repairing cracks and potholes is complete; the second phase places an overlay on the road during the night and the project finishes in August. Paving has been completed on 41st Division Road and work on Jackson starts soon.

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

Safety Awareness

Safety Awareness Day will be on May 26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the FMWR fest tent behind the bowling arena at 12th Street and Liggett Ave. on Joint Base Lewis-McChord Lewis Main. Featured events will be a motorcycle rodeo, safety demonstrations, DUI awareness programs, child car seat adjustments and more. For more information call 967-7101.

Retiree appreciation

This year’s Joint Base Lewis-McChord Retiree Appreciation Day/Health Fair is May 20 from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at McChord Field Hangar No. 9. One of the many benefits of joint basing for the retiree community is combining the Army and Air Force retiree appreciation days. There will be 56 vendors and 56 departments represented by Madigan Health Care System Retiree Health Fair 2011. Also, ID cards and vehicle registration will be available. Once you have entered McChord Field Main Gate you will be on West Entrance Road, continue to the first stop light, turn left onto Barnes Blvd., turn right onto 7th Street and park in front of Hangar 9 on B Street.

Free children’s play

Experience a quality theater production of “The Princess and the Pea” with Missoula Children’s Theater Saturday at Evergreen Elementary on Lewis North. Shows are at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.; admission is free.

Call 967-5265 for more details.

Massing the colors

More than 100 organizations will amass flags and provide entertainment on the Memorial Stadium parade ground for the 21st annual Massing of the Colors ceremony at Joint Base Lewis-McChord Lewis Main May 21. The free ceremony begins at 3 p.m., one of the many events making up the installation’s Armed Forces Day celebration.

Down ‘n’ dirty run

Wear your nicest rags or superhero costume and get downright dirty at the Sixth Annual Down and Dirty 5K Mud Run at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Full of lots of muddy obstacles, the race is May 21 at Soldiers Field House at Lewis Main. The top three superheroes will take home awards.

Find the registration form, course map and last year’s results at JBLMmwr.com under Race Calendar.

Wood cutting permits

Firewood cutting on Joint Base Lewis-McChord is by permit only. For more information, please contact Forest Resources at 964-2100 or 964-2101.

Reserve sports fields

The ball fields at Fort Steilacoom Park are in demand as summer approaches. Recreation and community service officials ask all users to coordinate with Scott Williams, Lakewood Parks Manager, 377-4392, with usage details and to request specific fields and times.

Asymmetric warfare

The Asymmetric Warfare Group will be recruiting May 18 and 19, Stone Education Center, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Room C 223. The AWG provides observation, analysis, training and advisory support to Army and Joint Force units to enhance their capabilities to predict, mitigate, counter and defeat asymmetric threats and methods. Positions are available to active duty NCOs, promotable staff sergeants to sergeants major, captains and majors. For information go to www.awg.army.mil or contact an AWG recruiter at (301) 833-5366 (DSN: 733).

Texas hold ‘em

Play to win in an Army Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament at the Cascade Community Center starting Wednesday and continuing May 18, 25 and June 1. Finals are June 8 at 6 p.m.

Entrants must preregister online to play in the tournament. Go to www.armymwr.com/programs/promotions/texasholdem.aspx for instructions. You must be able to access AKO and DKO to register.

Once you’re in the tournament, weekly sign-in begins at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $6 for a taco dinner. Call 967-2539 for more tournament details.

Annual pet parade

Win an award for best costume, best trained or best all-around pet at the McChord Community Center’s annual Pet Parade May 14.

Owners and pets are invited to meet at the field across from the Exchange and tire store from noon to 3 p.m.

You’ll also find giveaways, family and youth entertainment, a charity dog wash from the Vet Clinic and a military working dog demonstration.

Call 982-0718/0719 for more info.

McChord classes

Summer activities and fall sports will be here before Interview skills class May 18. Applying for defense contractor jobs May 19. Time: 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.

Sports physicals

If your teens are assigned to the Adolescent Medicine Clinic, it’s time to get your annual sports or activity physical scheduled. Spaces are now open. They fill up fast so be sure to make yours today. To schedule your teen’s appointment with your Adolescent Medicine Medical Home, call the Tricare Regional Appointment Center at 1 (800) 404-4506.

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.

Treat Mom to brunch

Take your mother out to an annual favorite — Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Choose the McChord Club or American Lake Community Center at Lewis North.

The McChord Club brunch is 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and costs $19.95 for adults, $18.95 for seniors, $10.95 for ages 6 to 11 and free for ages 5 and under. Club members receive a $2 discount. Call 982-5581 for reservations.

American Lake Community Center’s brunch is served 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $18.95 for adults, $7.95 for ages 4 to 10 and free for ages 3 and younger. Reservations are recommended; call 964-1209.

Ten-Miler tryouts

Army active duty personnel tryouts for the formation of the JBLM Army Ten-Miler Team are planned for May 14, June 4 and June 25 at 9 a.m. at Cowan Stadium. Those selected will compete in the Army Ten Miler Oct. 9 in Washington, D.C.

Final team selections need command approval to participate in training and workouts during normal PT times July through September.

For information, call the intramural office at 967-4768.

Red Cross volunteers

The JBLM American Red Cross is looking for departments across the base that have interest in hosting youth volunteers from late June to early September. For more information or to request a volunteer, contact 968-1055, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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 TricareYoung Adult Webinar link. For more on TYA, visit: www.tricare.mil/tya.

Free pro football

The South Sound Shockers minor league football team has designated its home opener on Saturday at Bethel High School in Spanaway as a military appreciation day. Anyone with military ID enters — a $7 value. Come see fellow Soldiers play.

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.

Lifeguard positions

Are you over age 16 and looking for a job? Lifeguarding positions are currently available at JBLM. Call 966-1442 for application details. Interested in taking a lifeguarding course? Call 967-5026 for class dates and times.

Soldiers FH reopens

Soldiers Field House reopens today at 5:30 a.m. for normal operations at the end of the weeklong combatives tournament.

The gym and pool are open. For more information, call 967-4771.

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.

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.

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 through Saturday.

Vesak Day for Buddha

You are invited to join Chaplain Somya Malasri, military families, and friends in celebrating Vesak Day Saturday 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.

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.

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 Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 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.

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 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

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

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.