Community Ledger, Sept. 16

JBLM gate and road construction

Public announcement of gate survey

The JBLM commander is considering a plan to build a new gate for access to and egress from JBLM-Lewis North in the vicinity of South Drive and DuPont-Steilacoom Road.

This location has been proposed because there is enough space available to build a gate that would handle a large traffic volume, allowing traffic entering or exiting the gate to avoid troop billet areas or Family housing, and because of its proximity to I-5.

The contractor studying the traffic congestion has developed a six-question survey that will be available now through Sept. 23 at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KV5B3KY.

We need your input to get the best possible solution to the traffic congestion issues on Lewis North. The better we understand your driving habits the more likely it is that we will get the added capacity you need. Log in and participate. (Note: you may need to depress the ‘Ctrl’ button on your keyboard to use your mouse to access this link).

Roy Bridge

Drivers who use the Roy Gate of JBLM should be aware of an upcoming road closure where North Warren Street crosses Muck Creek at the Roy Bridge. Pierce County construction crews are rebuilding the existing bridge, and expect the road to be closed for about four months.

The new bridge will have two lanes with paved shoulders and prestressed concrete girders.

Construction will begin as soon as the water in the creek recedes. For more information, call Henry Gertje at 798-6826.

Pendleton Avenue

Construction to upgrade the road substructure under Pendleton Avenue near the Town Center on JBLM Lewis Main will be completed in a few months. Pendleton between 8th and 12th streets will be closed daily for construction from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. Access to offices and other buildings will be maintained. Traffic will be detoured to Liggett Avenue during construction hours. Officials are working to mitigate noise impact to Town Center residents.

This is the first of several major construction projects on two miles of Pendleton Avenue during the next 18 months, as crews widen the road and upgrade communication, power and water lines underneath.

The widened avenue will result in better traffic flow, parking and facility access, creating a friendlier environment for bikes and pedestrians. For more information, visit the Pendleton Avenue website at www.jblmpendleton.com.

North Gate Road

Road repairs on the JBLM North Gate Road (Huggins Meyer Road SW), a 1.7 mile stretch between JBLM Lewis-North’s D Street Gate and Lakewood, will continue through Sept. 16. Commuters who normally use North Gate Road will be detoured through Lakewood and Steilacoom.

The D-Street Gate on JBLM Lewis-North will remain open throughout the road repair projects.

Emergency vehicles will have access through the construction site for emergencies. Clover Park School buses will also have access to transit through the construction site.

Upon completion of the North Gate Road repairs, East Drive will close for repairs. East Drive

Repairs include adding a right turn lane and a traffic signal. Repairs to East Drive are expected to take 90 days.

These road repair projects were designed to improve roadway surfaces, increase traffic mobility, and create a safer driving environment for the community.

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:

• 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

ACAP job fair

The Army Career and Alumni Program Job Fair will be here soon. Representatives from more than 35 local, national and international employers will be at the American Lake Community Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 29.

This is a golden opportunity for transitioning personnel, veterans and Family members to network and job search. For details, call 967-3258.

Burn ban in effect

A countywide burn ban took effect last month. The ban was declared by the Pierce County fire marshal in conjunction with the Pierce County Fire Chiefs’ Association and the Washington Department of Natural Resources, prompted by long-range forecasts calling for continued dry weather.

It is scheduled to expire Sept. 30 and applies to all outdoor burning except for small recreational fires in established fire pits at approved camp grounds or private property with the owner’s permission.

The use of gas and propane self-contained stoves and barbecues will continue to be allowed.

Persons with approved DNR burn permits are advised to call (800) 323-BURN (2876) for more information.

Hudson Bay Day

Mark your calendars for Sept. 25 for Hudson Bay Day and Salmon Barbecue at DuPont’s 1843 Fort Nisqually Site on Center Drive. This free annual DuPont event is being held from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features live music by the Straw Hats, kids’ activities (including an “archeology dig”), historical demonstrations and an antique gun display. There will be a salmon barbecue with adult meals at $12, and kids for $6. Hot dog meals will also be available. Seating is limited so bring a lawn chair. No dogs are allowed on the site.

Directions: Take I-5 Exit 118 onto Center Drive, follow signs.

Put down that cell

DES Law Enforcement personnel will begin issuing district court violation notices (i.e., federal magistrate court ticket) for using cell phones while driving on Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

This will require the violator to pay a $75 fine or go to court to argue before the magistrate judge. Those who opt to continue using cell phones while driving must use a hands-free device to avoid a ticket. Repeat offenders risk losing installation driving privileges at the discretion of the garrison commander.

Legal assistance hours

This week, the hours of operation on Tuesdays and Thursdays changed for the JBLM Lewis Main Legal Assistance Office. Hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will remain the same.

The new hours are as follows: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for attorney services and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for notary and power-of-attorney services. Tuesdays and Thursdays: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for attorney services, notary and power-of-attorney services. For questions, call 477-1875.

Home school info

Learn about homeschooling from the Washington Homeschool Organization Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. at the McChord Library, Building 851, Jackson Blvd. For more details, call the McChord Library at 982-3454.

Authentic Oktoberfest

Everyone at Joint Base Lewis-McChord is invited to Oktoberfest Oct. 1 in the MWR festival tent behind Bowl Arena Lanes at Lewis Main.

Live stage entertainment includes Bavarian bands, dance music and Beatles music.

Traditional German food and beverages also are available. For the complete schedule, visit www.JBLMmwr.com/Oktoberfest or call 477-4299.

Cheer on Rising Stars

Come out and cheer for your favorite Rising Star during the competition Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Cascade Community Center. Finals are Sept. 29. For information, call 964-0331.

Author reads at JBLM

Jack Lewis, author of “Nothing in Reserve,” will be reading selections from his book Thursday at Joint Base Lewis-McChord libraries. He will be at Grandstaff Library at Lewis Main at noon and at the McChord Library at 6 p.m.

For details, call Grandstaff at 967-5889 or McChord Library at 982-3454.

Vegetarians eat cheap

In honor of “Hug a Vegetarian Day” Tuesday, save $1 when you order a vegetarian sandwich, salad or pizza at any MWR eatery for lunch, including JBLM bowling centers, Cascade Community Center, The Bistro at Russell Landing, Madigan Café, Globemaster Grill or Habanero Mexican Grill.

WLC in-processing

The Warrior Leader Course, Class 001-12, will inprocess Oct. 5. Students must be present at 6 a.m. at the student parking area adjacent to Building 5999. Sponsors must be present at 7 a.m. at Henry M. Lind Academy, Building 5995.

For more information, call 967-7650.

Community Café

Community Café is a quick way for spouses new to the military to make friends and get information about services at JBLM McChord Field. This fun round-table event held at the Escape Zone, Building 841, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., will give you tools for a seamless transition into the military. Experts from a wide range of fields will be available for open question and answers.

Call the A&FRC at 982-2695 to register. Onsite child care and lunch is available.

Parents’ night out Clarkmoor Hourly Care Center is holding Parents Night Out Sept. 30 from 5 to 11:30 p.m. If your child is registered with CYSS, reserve your place by calling 966-CYSS (2977) or through online registration at JBLMmwr.com.

Register for AF Ball

McChord Field will celebrate its 64 years of service by having a ball on Saturday, 5 to 9 p.m., at hangars 3 and 4. Prices of tickets are:

E-1 to E-6, GS-5 and below $15; E-7 to 0-3, GS-6 to GS-11, $25; 0-4 and above, GS-12 and above/retiree, $35. RSVP by today, Email 62awccp.rsvp1@us.af.mil or call 982-2788. Child care is available but preregistration is required by calling 982-4166.

Troops to Teachers

The Troops to Teachers program enriches the quality of American education by helping to place mature, motivated, experienced and dedicated personnel in our nation’s classrooms.

TTT also provides tuition assistance for teacher certification and a bonus for teaching in a high needs school. If you want to continue serving your country as a teacher, contact TTT to find out how.

A representative is at Stone Education Center, JBLM, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact Tim Bomke, Wash./Ore. State Director at tbomke@mpttt.org or call 973-9775.

Annual half marathon

Enter the Joint Base Lewis-McChord fifth annual JBLM Half-Marathon, 5K and 1K Fun Run, Saturday. Register online at JBLMmwr.com.

Limited race day registration will be available on Saturday. The USATF-certified course is closed on race day; only paid entries will be allowed to run.

For more information, call 967-4768 or 967-2604.

Free UFC action

Catch UFC 135 action at no charge at Heroes Lounge inside Cascade Community Center, Sept. 24. Fights begin at 6 p.m.; doors open early. Cascade Community Center is located in Building 2400 on Bitar and S. Division. Call 964-0331.

Texas Hold ‘em

Play to win in a one-day Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament at the club and community center at McChord Field, Sept. 24. Prizes include a $300, $200 and $100 gift cards.

Sign-ups begin at 1 p.m. in the Heritage Room; the tournament begins at 1:30 p.m. The cost is $15, which includes a light buffet. A no-host bar is also available. Call 982-0718.

Stone Ed. tests set

The Joint Base Lewis-McChord David L. Stone Testing Center will be giving the following tests. If interested, contact our testing center at 967-5657. Contact us prior to the testing session you wish to attend:

ACT: Sept. 27, Oct. 4, 18. Tests begin at 9 a.m.

ASE (certification for auto professionals): Nov. 10, 15 and 17, times to be announced.

Registration deadline Sept. 23. Fee $36. DANTES funds three exams per test cycle for active duty, Reserve and National Guard including Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard.

Praxis (teacher licensure and certification): Nov. 15, time to be announced. Registration deadline Oct. 11. Fee $50. DANTES funds only one administration of the Praxis I: PPST (complete or partial) and one administration of the Praxis II: Subject Assessments, which includes the PLT, per lifetime at a DANTES Test Site for military personnel.

Help U.P. playground

Join other volunteers from Sept. 20 to 25, building a 12,000 square foot regional playground in University Place at North Meadow of Chambers Creek.

More than 1,000 volunteers are needed to complete the project on schedule. All are welcome, skilled amd unskilled. Two professional playground consultants and 20 construction captains will supervise volunteers. Lunch and dinner are provided, and child care for ages 2 to 9 years is available at no charge, though the children must be potty trained.

Volunteer at www.playgroundbythesound.org.

Green Dragon Ball

The 23rd CBRN Battalion will host the Pacific Northwest CBRN Conference Sept. 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Carey Theater, JBLM, for all Pacific Northwest chemical-branch Soldiers. The conference will end with a social at Cascade Community Center.

The theme this year is “Celebrating our CBRN profession of arms.” Keynote speaker is the CBRN School Commandant Col. Vance Visser.

The Pacific Northwest Green Dragon Ball will be on Sept. 30 from 5 p.m. to midnight at the Landmark Convention Center’s Temple Theater Ballroom. All chemical branch Soldiers, regardless of unit, are encouraged to attend.

For information, call 1st Lt. Peter Ahching or Master Sgt. Demetric Herron at 966-1960 or email peter.ahchingjr@us.army.mil.

JBLM Education Fair

Ever thought about going back to school, but weren’t sure where to start? Don’t know which school to attend? Not sure how you will pay for it?

Come to the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Education Fair Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Stone Education Center. Open to all JBLM Lewis Main and McChord Field military community members, including military, DOD civilians and Family members. For information, call the Education Center at 967-7295/7174.

Sustainer U. opens

The 593rd Sustainment Brigade will host a short ceremony commemorating the grand opening of its Sustainer University. The university is a program of higher education and certification unique to the 593rd Sust. Bde., and is open to Soldiers of the highest caliber within the brigade.

The ceremony is open to all members of the JBLM community, especially fellow sustainers, and will commence at 2 p.m. Monday at the 593rd Sust. Bde. Headquarters, Bldg. P12235, 24th Street on JBLM Lewis North.

Casino hosts military

Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City, Ore., will hold a Celebration of Honor for veterans and active duty military personnel Sept. 22 through 25. The resort features the Veterans of Oregon “Field of Honor” featuring 1,000 American flags overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the American Veterans Travelling Wall and Cost of Freedom Tribute all four days.

The Oregon Coast community rolls out the red carpet during the weekend with many other events beginnimg Sept. 23 for veterans, military and Family members, including fly-overs, displays of vintage and new military equipment, a Celebration of Honor Motorcycle Run honoring Gold Star Families and a motorcycle poker run.

Coupons are available for free and discounted merchandise and programs all over town.

For more information contact Teresa Simmons at (541) 996-5815, email TeresaS@CWCResort.com or check the Chinook Winds web site at www.chinookwindscasino.com.

Updated information can be found at www.oregoncoasttoday.com, or by contacting the Lincoln City Visitor & Convention Bureau at (800) 452-2151 or at www.oregoncoast.org. For the Poker Run see Roundabouts For Veterans and Community at www.roundaboutsforVetsandCom.com

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.