Community Ledger, June 24

Gates and roadwork progress on JBLM

There will be a new street light and pedestrian crossing installed through July 9 at the intersection of 41st Division Drive and Stryker Avenue.

Stryker Avenue will be closed from 41st Division Drive to just short of 14th Street. Motorists are advised to get on Stryker Avenue from 41st Street heading south, take a left on Mann Street and another left on 14th Street. Detours will be in place to direct traffic.

Another section of 41st Division Drive will be closed from July 5 to 22 for road work between Ohio/Colorado avenues and Nevada/Tacoma avenues. Closure and detours will be effective from 6 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. during site working hours.

Traffic to and from the residential area west of the intersection of 41st Division Drive and Ohio Avenue will not be affected. Traffic to and from the NCO facility on 41st Division Drive will use the NCO access road to enter and exit the facility. Traffic to and from businesses in the adjacent area will enter and exit via Colorado Avenue.

Reader boards notifying traffic of the upcoming closure and detour will be in place at least two weeks before the scheduled start date. A repaving and widening project along three-fourths mile of Blaine Avenue between 5th Street and Eagle Circle will begin June 28, with completion estimated Sept. 2. Work hours will be between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.

The stretch will be closed to traffic except to the school and adjacent areas, with guides directing vehicles through the work site.

The repairs to 4th Division Drive (beginning at the intersection of East Gate Road and 4th Division Drive) will require the section of roadway from STA 0+00 to STA 42+00 to be closed and traffic rerouted via detour. Traffic entering from the East Gate will be directed to follow East Gate Road to 2nd Division Drive. A right turn on 2nd Division Drive will lead traffic to a right turn onto the paved combat trail that constitutes the detour route and will allow access to 4th Division Drive. Traffic traveling south on 4th Division Drive will use the same route in the opposite direction.

Railroad Avenue has reopened, despite today’s final part of the I Corps mission rehearsal exercise. Traffic has resumed in front of the Battle Command Training Center.

Additional traffic control will be required for short duration single lane closures along East Gate Road to allow for a safe work zone at the intersection of 4th Division and East Gate Road.

During tree falling operations along 4th Division, short duration closures will be required.

No physical training/construction area signage will be posted along the work zone.

Access to ranges along the work zone will be available from approximately STA 44+50.

Access to the combat vehicle wash area will be via the combat vehicle trail.

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 in July.

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 is scheduled for completion in August.

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:

• July 4, Independence Day

• July 5, DONSA

• Aug. 12, DONSA

• Sept. 2, DONSA

• Sept. 5, Labor Day

• Oct. 7, DONSA

• Oct. 10, Columbus Day

• Nov. 11, Veteran’s Day

• Nov. 14, DONSA

• Nov. 24, Thanksgiving Day

• Nov. 25, DONSA

• Dec. 23, DONSA

• Dec. 25, Christmas Day

• Dec. 26, Christmas holiday

• Dec. 30, DONSA

• Jan. 1, New Year’s Day

• Jan. 2, New Year holiday

Got a great idea?

Got a better way? Make a suggestion today. Do you have an idea or suggestion to save the installation money or improve the quality of operations and services?

If so, you are eligible for cash awards for your ideas through the JBLM Army Suggestion Program. Any JBLM employee (military or civilian) may submit a suggestion. Fill out a suggestion form on the ASP website: https://asp.hqda.pentagon.mil/public/default.htm or for more information call 477-1078.

AF recruiter briefing

If you’ve ever wanted the opportunity to recruit sharp individuals into the Air Force as an Air Force recruiter, mold civilians into Airmen as an Air Force military training instructor, lead transitioning Airmen as a military training leader, or educate Airmen as a professional military education instructor, the AETC Special Duty Briefing Team can answer any questions you may have concerning these challenging and rewarding careers.

The team will brief on all aspects of Special Duty opportunities at noon to 3 p.m. Thursday at the McChord Theater. Spouses are highly encouraged to attend. Senior Airmen with at least 35 months time in service through master sergeants with fewer than 16 years total active federal military service may be eligible to apply, and are encouraged to attend the briefing. Contact the Wing Career Assistance Advisor Master Sgt. Robinett or Staff Sgt. Truskowski at DSN 382-3395/2120.

Freedom Fair

The Tacoma Events Commission is looking for volunteers for the upcoming annual Tacoma Freedom Fair and Air Show, along two miles of the Ruston Way waterfront. Details for the event can be found at www.freedomfair.com. Volunteers for day-of-event support are needed. A wide range of positions are available. People interested in volunteering are asked to visit the website to register. Inquiries can be left at 791-7259 or by e-mail to staff@freedomefair.com.

Triple threat triathlon

JBLM Sports and Fitness presents the 19th annual Triple Threat Triathlon Series July 16 and Aug. 20. Swim, bike and run your way to glory as you compete for the coveted “triple threat crown.” The series consists of a 250- or 800-yard swim, 15-mile bike and 3-mile run at Shoreline Park on American Lake and on trails at Lewis North.

Register online at JBLMmwr.com; click on WebTrac to view the race schedule. There will be no sign-ups on race days. For more information, call 967-4768.

JBLM town halls

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Garrison will hold town hall meetings June 28 and 29 to discuss feedback from the recent anonymous survey of JBLM employees.

The Lewis Main meeting is scheduled for June 29, 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Evergreen Theater. The McChord Field meeting will take place June 29 in the McChord Theater from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Come make known your recommendations, comments and concerns.

Customer service jobs

Affiliated Computer Services, Inc, a Xerox Company, located in Lacey, will recruit customer service agents on the following Tuesdays: June 28, July 12 and 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the JBLM Employment Readiness Program in the Army Community Services Annex, Building 2166 at the corner of South 12th Street and Liggett Avenue.

Start application process at https://acs-inc.evolvondemand.net/offline/1965. Call Joyce at (360) 923-8656 or Andrea Lee at (360) 923 8654.

Golf tournament

The Military Order of the Purple Heart is hosting its annual golf tournament Saturday. This event will be held at the American Lake Veterans Golf Course with two tee times — 8 a.m. or 1 p.m. Registration deadline is Saturday.

Lunch is complimentary and prizes will be awarded for the longest drive, straightest drive, closest to the pin and hole in one. All requests for information, to include registration forms, can be found at MOPH2011@yahoo.com or by calling (360) 446-5764.

Golf in Rainier Cup

Join an Army or Air Force golf team to compete in the 2011 Rainier Cup 54-hole team match play over three courses.

Play begins at Whidbey today, continues at Joint Base Lewis-McChord Lewis Saturday, and finishes at JBLM-McChord Field Sunday.

The $115 per golfer entry fee includes three rounds of golf, team uniform, range balls, daily KPs, Friday and Saturday meal and Sunday awards banquet.

Team Army and Team Air Force are open to active duty and Family members, Reserve and Family members, Coast Guard, DOD civilians and military retirees. Each golfer must have current USGA handicap.

Army golfers, check with Eagles Pride Golf Course for team info at 967-6522. Air Force golfers, check with Whispering Firs Golf Course for team info at 982-4927.

Kids learn golf for $99

Juniors can learn golf the easy way with Golf 4 Kids at Whispering Firs Golf Course at McChord Field. Group lessons cost only $99 per person for weekday instructions from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Lessons are taught by the student-centered Life Master LPGA resident professional.

The first group session meets Monday to Thursday for ages 8 to 10. The next session meets July 11 to 14 for ages 1 to 13. Call the pro shop at 982-4927 for sign-up information.

McChord art show

Adults are invited to bring in their creative works Tuesday to July 3 for an art exhibit July 5 to 19 at the McChord Library.

The arts and crafts will be on display for the “Midsummer Knight’s Read” summer reading program. Smaller and more delicate works will be placed in a display cabinet.

For more information and entry guidelines, call the library at 982-3454.

446th changes hands

Colonel Bruce A. Bowers Jr. will assume command of 446th Airlift Wing July 9 at 1:30 p.m. in a ceremony in Hangar 7 on McChord Field of Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Bowers came from Robins Air Force Base, Ga., where he was the deputy director of Air Space and Information Operations at Air Force Reserve Command.

Be an Army warrant

The Warrant Officer Recruiter Team briefs each Tuesday at noon at Evergreen Theater, Building 3405 on 2nd Division Drive. To see whether you have the qualifications, call or e-mail Chief Warrant Officer 3 Adam Pollett, 590-3242, Gordon.pollett@usarec.army.mil or Sgt. 1st Class James Grant, 590-3244, james.grant2@usarec.army.mil.

Re-enactors wanted

A local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter is looking for volunteers for the Wilkes Monument rededication ceremony July 5 to re-enact, in 1841 period costumes, Lt. Charles Wilkes’ naval surveying expedition in Puget Sound.

The ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. at the monument on Joint Base Lewis-McChord Lewis North. Passes for access to JBLM to participate are available with prior coordination. Contact Gail Sawyer at 848-3176.

Summer reading

McChord Library activities are scheduled for Tuesdays at 1 p.m. for youth and 3 p.m. for teens starting July 5. Book Patch Library is holding storytimes Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. starting Wednesday. Book Patch activities are Thursdays, 1 to 3 p.m. starting Thursday. Participants can attend activities at both locations.

Call the McChord Library at 982-3454 or the Book Patch Library at 967-5533.

Youth bowling

Register through July 1 for CYS Services youth bowling. The participation fee is $50 for youth ages 6 to 15. Practice begins July 6.

Register at CYS Services Parent Central, Building 2295, 12th and Bitar. You’ll need a full CYS Services registration on file, a current sports physical, shot record, military, DOD or contractor identity card, and three emergency contacts.

Download and fill out forms from JBLMmwr.com under WebTrac/online registration, CYS Services. For more information, call CYS Services at 967-2977.

Ten Miler tryouts

Army active duty personnel tryouts for the formation of the JBLM Army Ten-Miler Team are planned for Saturday at 8 a.m. at Sheridan Sports and Fitness Center, Building 3759. 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.

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.

Summer youth classes

A SKIES Unlimited Youth Academy has a variety of classes in academics, arts, dance, music, life skills, sports and exercise for infants and their parents through teens.

Register now for summer classes — it’s easy when you sign up with Child, Youth and School Services and go to WebTrac at JBLMmwr.com to view your choice of classes online. For information, call CYSS at 966-2977.

Rideshare winners

As part of JBLM’s goal to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, we salute those who carpool, vanpool, bus or bike to work.

Congratulations to May 2011 winners: Ema Phillips (Madigan-DENTAC) who logged 22 carpool trips, Rhonda Marshall (Madigan) who logged 17 vanpool trips, Angela Royster (Mission and Installation Contracting Command) who logged 19 vanpool trips, and Sheryl Bezdzeicki (Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation) who logged 16 vanpool trips. All winners received a $100 American Express gift card for sharing the ride during the month of May 2011 instead of driving alone to work.

Be part of the solution and win cash and prizes by entering to win every month through August, 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.

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.

Youth golf camps

Register now through Tuesday for Child, Youth and School Services youth golf “First Swing” camps. The participation fee is $25 for youth ages 5 to 15. The first camp meets Tuesday to Thursday, the second meets July 26 to 28, and the third meets Aug. 30 to Sept. 1. Each camp meets 9:30 to 11 a.m. You may be placed on a waiting list if registration is full.

Register at CYSS Parent Central, Building 2295, 12th and Bitar. You’ll need a full CYSS registration on file, a current sports physical, shot record, military, DOD or contractor identity card and three emergency contacts.

Download and fill out forms from JBLMmwr.com under WebTrac/online registration, CYS Services. For more information, call CYS Services at 967-2977.

Arts and craft contest

All eligible artists and crafts enthusiasts are invited to compete in the 2011 Army Arts and Crafts Contest.

Complete entry forms and submit digital images of your work online by Thursday at the contest website: https://artscrafts.fmwrc.army.mil.

For contest rules, visit arts.armymwr.com.

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.

Wild Waves discounts

Save cash off the gate price with military discount Wild Waves theme park tickets at Adventures Unlimited at JBLM McChord Field. Tickets cost $29 and are first-come, first-served while they last.

Call Adventures Unlimited at 982-2206/2303 for more information.

Spouse employment

Military Spouse Career Committee invites spouses to become members to provide the Employment Readiness Program direct information regarding their needs for employment (types of jobs, training needed, and economic challenges) to assist in guiding ERP in program services. Meeting is Tuesday at 1 p.m. Call 967-3538, 966-8325 or 967-7287.

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.