Community Ledger, July 1

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.

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.

Freedom Fair

The Tacoma Events Commission is looking for volunteers for the upcoming annual Tacoma Freedom Fair and Air Show today through July 4, 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.

Installation directory

Joint Base Lewis-McChord units and directorates can obtain the guide and telephone directory at the JBLM Logistics Center, Building 9640 (Property Book Officer), Bay D, on Prescott Ave. just past CIF. The books are on the dock for easy access.

AF recruiter briefing

The AETC Special Duty Briefing Team conducted its regularly scheduled visit Thursday to answer questions about becoming an Air Force recruiter. Air Force members who missed the team’s visit do not have to wait for the next visit to apply for an AETC Special Duty. For more information about these opportunities contact your Wing Career Assistance Advisor Master Sgt. Randall Robinett at DSN 382-3395.

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.

Customer service jobs

Affiliated Computer Services, Inc, a Xerox Company, located in Lacey, will recruit customer service agents on the following Tuesdays: 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.

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.

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.

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.

Tractor, engine show

Military members are invited to the 30th Annual Tractor and Engine Show at Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds in Elma July 9 and 10. Features include an antique tractor pull, antique truck display, radio controlled model boats, stationary engines, crafts, vendors, a swap meet and free parking. Food and fun for the entire military Family.

Admission is $4, under 12 free. Gate opens at 8 a.m. For information, call Chip Valentine at (360) 249-8243 or Al Gillman at (360) 249-5892.

McChord art show

Adults are invited to bring in their creative works through Sunday for an art exhibit from Tuesday to July 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.

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.

Monument turns 170

There will be a commemoration ceremony Tuesday at 2 p.m. on Joint Base Lewis-McChord Lewis North by Lake Sequalitchew at the monument marking the site where, on July 5, 1841, Capt. Charles Wilkes, U.S.N. celebrated the first Independence Day West of the Missouri River. Wilkes was surveying and charting the lower Puget Sound for the U.S. government. To attend the ceremony, enter Lewis North on 41st Division Drive, turn left at the first light onto San Francisco Ave. and right on Vancouver Road. The monument will be on your left. This event is sponsored by the Mary Ball Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.

Basketball academy

Register through July 29 for Child and Youth School Services Anthony Slater Basketball Academy from Aug. 1 to 3 at the Teen Zone, JBLM-Lewis Main. The fee is $60 for youth ages 5 to 18.

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.

Summer reading

McChord Library activities are scheduled for Tuesdays at 1 p.m. for youth and 3 p.m. for teens starting Tuesday. 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

Today is the last day to register for Child, Youth and School Services youth bowling. The participation fee is $50 for youth ages 6 to 15. Practice begins Wednesday.

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, CYSS. For more information, call CYS S at 967-2977.

Freedom Fest rugby

The 1st Special Forces Group will host rugby matches in conjunction with Freedom Fest July 4 on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, with 16 teams competing for the “Commanders (Rugby) Cup.”

Matches begin at 9:30 a.m. on Watkins Field with a beer tent scheduled to open at 10 a.m. For information, call Nick Punimata at 222-1178 or 978-8988.

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.

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.

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 and 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.

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.

Youth golf camps

Register for Child, Youth and School Services youth golf “First Swing” camps. The participation fee is $25 for youth ages 5 to 15. The next camp meets July 26 to 28, and another 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 CYSS at 966-2977.

Nisqually FMC physicals

The Nisqually Family Medicine Clinic will conduct School and Sports Physicals for children ages 5 to 18 years of age on July 15, 22, 29, and Aug 5, 12, 19, 26, from 1 to 3:20 p.m. Parents must accompany children under 18 and bring child’s shot records, school and CYS forms to the appointment, filled out prior to the appointment. Arrive 30 minutes early, and dress your child in shirt, shorts and shoes. Physicals are scheduled on an appointment basis only; no walk-ins will be allowed. To schedule appointments, call 966-9858, Option 1, or the Tricare appointment line at 1 (800) 404-4506. Children must be registered in DEERS and if 10 and older, must have a valid I.D. card. POC: Mr. Billy Thomas at 477-0803.

Med. Dept. birthday

The U.S. Army Medical Department will celebrate 236 years of history and dedicated service on July 27. To commemorate this event, Madigan Healthcare System will host the Joint Base Lewis-McChord 2011 AMEDD Regimental Birthday Ball, July 15 at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center. Happy birthday to the men and women who make up our Army Medical Department!

ASIST classes double

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a two-day workshop that trains you to become an effective caregiver for a person at risk of suicide. It helps you perform suicide first aid and to assist the person at risk to stay safe and to seek further help.

ASIST is an interactive workshop that equips you to recognize invitations for help, how to offer support, review the risks of suicide, apply a suicide intervention model and link the person at risk to community resources.

Evaluations have shown that ASIST is an effective program, increasing a caregiver’s knowledge, skills, and confidence to respond to a person at risk of suicide.

The JBLM Suicide Prevention Office has added a second monthly workshop from June through December. This month’s “second” workshop is scheduled for June 23 and 24. In July, a second class July 28 and 29 will be added to the original 14 and 15 workshop. All ASIST T-2 workshops will begin at 8:30 a.m. and be held at the JBLM Lewis North Chapel.

Contact the JBLM Suicide Prevention Office in Building 2026, Room 203B for more information or to sign up. Call Art Wienandt at 477-0258 or e-mail arthur.j.wienandt@us.army.mil.

See article about ASIST workshops on Page A5 of this issue of the Northwest Guardian.

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.