Community Ledger

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

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.

555 DFAC reopening

The Cannon & Castle Dining Facility grand reopening will be Oct 25 at 11 a.m.; 555th Engineer Brigade Commander Col. Mike Brobeck, Command Sgt. Maj. Elmo Lichenauer and other 555th unit commanders will attend the reopening ceremony. Soldiers are encouraged to attend.

The DFAC is Building 12638 on North Fort off D Street and 12th Street.

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

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.

Authentic Oktoberfest

Everyone at Joint Base Lewis-McChord is invited to Oktoberfest Saturday 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.

WLC in-processing

The Warrior Leader Course, Class 001-12, will inprocess Wednesday. 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.

HSO hours change

Due to manpower reductions, effective immediately, the Housing Services Office customer service hours of operation are as follows:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. In addition, hours of operation the last Thursday of every month are 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

These hours apply to both HSO customer service locations: 5128 Pendleton Ave, Lewis Main and 553 Barnes Blvd, McChord Field.

Customers are advised that service wait times could exceed 20 minutes between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. due to reduced staffing during those times. We regret the inconvenience to our customers. Customers with housing emergencies when the HSO is closed should contact the HSO Branch Chief at 509-8666.

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 tonight 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 Tuesday 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 Saturday; call 982-0718/0719.

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 today, 1 to 3 p.m. for Friends of the Lacey Library (memberships at door for $5 good through Dec 31) and sale to public Saturday 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 Pacific Northwest Green Dragon Ball will be this evening 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: Oct. 4, 18. Tests begin at 9 a.m.

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

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.

Wood cutting permits

Wood cutting on Joint Base Lewis-McChord is by permit only. Contact Forest Resources at 964-2100.

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.

EFMP movies monthly

The McChord Theater is showing sensory-friendly matinee movies to EFMP Families on the third Saturday of each month at noon. The lights are turned up and the sound is turned down! Families will see the same Saturday movie as the 4 p.m. matinee.

For more information, call 982-2695.

Ride to Sounders

Join other soccer fans for a trip to the Oct. 15 Sounders FC home game in Seattle. The McChord Community Center van leaves the parking lot at 5 p.m. for the 7 p.m. game. The $35 cost includes transportation and admission. Sign up no later than Oct. 12. Remember your soccer scarf!

To sign up, call 982-0718/0719.

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 details. Cascade Community Center is in Building 2400, Bitar and S. Division.

Teen photo contest

Teens ages 13 to 18 can show off their photography skills at the “Aw, Snap!” photo challenge at the McChord Library. Submit one photograph per category — animal kingdom, nature and haunting scenes Oct. 1 to 16. Library patrons will vote on their favorites Oct. 18 to 20, and the winner will be announced Oct. 21 at the “Teen Minute to Win it Challenge.”

For more information, call 982-3454.

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.

Funded law school

The Office of the Judge Advocate General is accepting applications for the Army’s Funded Legal Education Program. The Army projects up to 25 active-duty commissioned officers will attend law school at government expense beginning fall, 2012, while remaining on active duty.

The program is open to O1s to O3s with at least two but less than six years of total active federal service. Applicants should register for the earliest offering of the Law School Admission Test and send requests through command channels, to include the officer’s branch manager at AHRC, with a copy to to the OTJAG, ATTN: DAJA-PT (Ms. Yvonne Caron-Rm 2B517), 2200 Army Pentagon, Washington, DC 20310, to be received by Nov. 1.

Early application is advised

See the AHRC website at www.hrc.army.mil for branch-specific contact information; AHRC has relocated from Alexandria, Va. to to Fort Knox, Ky.

Contact I Corps and JBLM OSJA at 477-1900.

Mad Hatter day

Thursday is Mad Hatter Day at Habañero Mexican Grill at Whispering Firs Golf Course on McChord Field. Bring in your favorite hat and get a burrito for $1 off Oct. 6 only.

Open mic at the Bistro

The Bistro at Russell Landing features live music Saturdays from 6 to 9 p.m. at Open Mic Night. Want to perform?

Dinner reservations are available. Call 964-2813.

Child care during PCS

Have kids? If you’re an active duty Air Force member PCSing to or from McChord Field, you may be eligible for free child care.

The Air Force Aid Society pays up to 20 hours of child care for each eligible dependent child. Certificates are good for within 60 days of PCS. Call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 982-2695 for details.

Madigan Café specials

The Madigan Café is offering specials each Monday and Wednesday. Mondays, get spaghetti, garlic bread and salad for $6.50. Wednesdays, buy the Latino Platter featuring chicken, beans and rice plus a salad for $7. For more details, call 964-5298.

Puyallup Med. Home

The Madigan-Puyallup Community Medical Home, located at 10507, 156th Street East, Suite 112 in Puyallup is accepting active duty Family member patients. The clinic uses the team-based Medical Home concept to patient care to meet your needs for you convenience including being close to where you live.

This is Madigan Healthcare System’s next step in creating the premier military health system with our mission of bringing military medicine closer to home for active duty Families that provides high quality and accessible care. If you would like to change your enrollment to the Puyallup Clinic, you may do so by calling 477-5053 or by emailing your name, sponsor last four and family member names and dates of birth to

PuyallupMH2@amedd.army.mil or by stopping by a Tricare Service Center at Madigan or the McChord Health Clinic.

Open mic at the Bistro

The Bistro at Russell Landing features live music Saturdays from 6 to 9 p.m. at Open Mic Night. Want to perform?

Dinner reservations are available. Call 964-2813.

Star Cards for travel

Government Vacation Rewards, a travel benefits program available through the Army’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation program, announced that the Military Star® Card will now be accepted when servicemembers purchase airline tickets online. GVR is the only online travel retailer to accept the Military Star® Card for all travel-related products and services.

GVR provides military members exclusive savings on cruises, hotels, airfare and resort stays. Military Star® Card holders have complimentary access to all travel destinations and discounts through this program. Additional benefits include no booking fees, a best price guarantee, military rates and loyalty programs.

For more information, and to book travel or vacation packages, visit http://www.MWRExchangeVacations.com, or http://www.GovVacationRewards.com/military.

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.

Bowling signups

Choose your league for the fall and winter. Sounders Lanes Bowling Center at McChord Field is now registering for weeknight adult leagues and Saturday morning junior leagues.

Pick up an application form at Sounders Lanes or at JBLMmwr.com under Sounders Lanes. Call 982-5954 for more details.

Seahawks tickets $60

Regular season tickets for the Seattle Seahawks are available for $60 (300 level) and $80 (100 level). Buy tickets at two locations: Army Family Covenant Arena in the Leisure Travel Office, Building 2275 at Lewis Main, or Adventures Unlimited at McChord Field, Building 739. Call the LTS at 967-3085 for more information. First-come, first-served. Unit funds can be used for groups. Sales open to authorized ID cardholders.

JBLM MWR mobile app

The JBLM MWR Mobile App has just been updated.Look for GPS directions to your favorite MWR facility in the directory and the MWR Mobile Hours of Operation page. An Android version is coming soon! Visit itunes.apple.com/us/app/jblm-mwr to download your free app.

Webinar for benefits

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.

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.

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 and coffee.

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.