Community Ledger, Sept. 23

JBLM gate and road construction

Bitar Avenue

Electrical work on Bitar Avenue has shut down traffic between Lewis Drive and 9th Division Drive. Work started Monday and is scheduled to be completed Sept. 30. Limited access for local residents living on Foltz Place will be allowed at the intersection of Bitar and 9th Division.

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 today. 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.

Public announcement of gate survey

Today is the last day to complete the online six-question survey available at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KV5B3KY, from which a new gate plan for JBLM Lewis North will be developed.

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.

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).

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 this week.

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., Thursday.

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

Help U.P. playground

Join other volunteers now through Sunday, 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. (See story on Page 1.)

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.

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).

Hudson Bay Day

Mark your calendars for Sunday 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.

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.

Legal assistance hours

The hours of operation on Tuesdays and Thursdays have 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.

Free gelato to vets

Happy VFW Day! All vets get a free scoop of gelato Thursday only, with your meal at the Bistro at Russell Landing, JBLM Lewis North.

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 finals Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Cascade Community Center. For information, call 964-0331.

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.

Learn truffle making

If you love chocolate, your payoff is doubly-dipped with a cooking class Oct. 4 at the McChord Community Center. You’ll be taken to the French Hen Bistro in Lakewood to learn how to make chocolate-dipped truffles from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The $12 cost includes transportation and class fee. Sign up by Oct. 1; call 982-0718/0719.

Free UFC action

Catch UFC 135 action at no charge at Heroes Lounge inside Cascade Community Center, Saturday. 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 the one-day Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament at the club and community center at McChord Field, Saturday. 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.

Buyer beware

“Diploma mills” are schools that offer certificates, degrees and diplomas for a fee. The Army Human Resources Command is initiating an all-out campaign to warn Soldiers of the pitfalls and consequences surrounding the acquisition of false education credentials from unaccredited colleges and universities.

If you have any questions regarding the accreditation of any college or university, contact your Army education counselor at the Stone Education Center.

JBLM suggestions

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.

Book sale in Lacey

Library books for sale at Lacey Timberland Library. Presale Sept. 30, 1 to 3 p.m. for Friends of the Lacey Library (memberships at door for $5 good through Dec 31) and sale to public Oct. 1 to 3, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Nearly all books $1; all pocket size and nearly all children’s books 25¢. The library is at 500 College Street SE, Lacey. Call Charlotte E. Hunter at 360-556-0717.

Green Dragon Ball The 23rd CBRN Battalion will host the Pacific Northwest CBRN Conference Thursday 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 Pacific Northwest Green Dragon Ball will be 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.

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.

Bench press, deadlift

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Sports, Fitness and Aquatics Branch presents the 2011 JBLM annual Bench Press and Deadlift Championships Oct. 22 at Soldiers Field House, Building 3236. Deadline for entry is Oct. 10. Admission is free. Pick up entry forms at JBLM Sports and Fitness Centers. Call 967-5869.

Annual fire safety fair

The JBLM Department of Emergency Services and Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation present the Fire Safety Fair Oct. 15 In the MWR Fest Tent behind Bowl Arena Lanes at Lewis Main.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., receive free hot dog lunches and giveaways, play games, learn how to prevent fires in your home and pick up fire safety tips.

Cascade fun days

Visit Heroes Lounge at Cascade Community Center, JBLM Lewis Main for Sunday football from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., iPlay iWin Bingo Tuesdays for cash prizes from 7 to 9 p.m., “Beirut” games Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. and “Finally Friday” for draft deals, cheap eats and karaoke starting at 4 p.m.

Call 964-0331 for more details. Cascade Community Center is in Building 2400, Bitar and S. Division.

Digital photo contest

ID cardholders at JBLM are invited to enter your best digital photos in the 2011 Army Digital Photo Contest Monday through Oct. 16. Submit your digital photos in the categories within your division groups, including active duty, civilians, Family members and retirees. Entries will be judged and winners receive prizes and recognitions.

For entry details and rules, visit https://apps.imcom.army.mil/APPTRAC when the site is activated Monday. You must have a current CAC card or AKO account.

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.