Community Ledger, Nov. 25

JBLM gate and road construction

Liggett Avenue

Public Works has shut down Liggett Avenue between Division and 12th Streets for 45 days of construction. The closure includes the intersection of Liggett and Division, but 12th Street and the intersection at Liggett and 12th will remain open.

Parking areas along that length of Liggett Avenue will be blocked. Most of the parking areas have access from other directions, but parking will be blocked completely in front of and west of McVeigh Sports and Fitness Center and across the street from I Corps Headquarters, Building 2025.

Parking for McVeigh will be in the rear and on the north side of Liggett, which can be accessed from Pendleton. While Liggett is under construction, the contractor is required to provide access from the parking area north of Liggett to McVeigh at, or near the location of the current McVeigh crosswalk.

Calendar

The following holidays and days of no scheduled activities are planned:

• 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

Holiday buffet

The McChord Club welcomes you, your Family and your friends to the annual Thanksgiving buffet Thursday. Feast on traditional fixings, including dessert, throughout the early afternoon.

Reservations are required; they’re being taken on the hour from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; call 982-5581. The cost is $18.95 for adults; $17.95 for ages 62 and older; $9.95 for ages 6–10; and $4.50 for ages 5 and younger. Club members receive a $2 discount per meal and their children ages 5 and younger get in free.

Towing has begun

All trailers, boats, RVs and nonfunctioning vehicles illegally parked on Joint Base Lewis-McChord are now being towed at the owner’s expense.

Army Regulation 190-5 says all trailers, boats and RVs must be kept on storage lots or elsewhere off of the installation. The same applies to abandoned and nonfunctioning privately owned vehicles.

Nonfunctioning vehicles are not authorized to be parked on JBLM, except at the auto craft shop. The Provost Marshal’s Office has been identifying and tagging these items for some time. Moving the boats and vehicles from one place to another on the installation is not an option.

Park your vehicles and boats in authorized parking areas or find a place off the installation to store them.

ACSF-PREP seminar

Comprehensive Soldier Fitness, Performance and Resilience Enhancement Program is offering a one day, Performance Seminar, Nov. 30 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Albanese Hall, Building 1240 on Railroad Avenue, south of the DuPont Gate. Develop a foundation in mental and emotional skills based on applied sport psychology techniques which include goal setting, confidence building, energy management, attention control and imagery. Use state-of-the-art technology and apply these techniques during this seminar. Call 968-7642 to reserve your seat.

Holiday hours

Both Joint Base Lewis-McChord commissaries, Lewis Main and McChord Field, will be closed Thursday (Thanksgiving), but open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 25.

Both will open Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Christmas Day, Dec. 25. The JBLM Lewis Main Commissary will be open Dec. 26 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; the McChord Field Commissary also will open at 9 a.m., but closes at 8 p.m. the day after Christmas. Both will close on New Year’s Day.

Ride Polar Express

Hop aboard a vintage train for the Polar Express ride Nov. 26 with the McChord Community Center. Today is the last day to sign up; only 12 seats are available.

The $30 for adults and $20 for youth; cost includes transportation and admission. Call 982-0718/0719 for sign-up details.

Sell crafts at bazaar

Find that perfect handmade gift from local crafters and artists at the McChord Community Center’s Holiday Bazaar Dec. 1 in the McChord Club & Community Center, Building 700. The bazaar lasts from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you’d like to sell your homemade items at the bazaar, call 982-0718/0719 for details.

Am. Indian Heritage

The George Amiotte of the Lakota Sioux tribe will be the guest speaker at the National American Indian Heritage Observance, Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the McChord Co-located Club.

The event is sponsored by 4th Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. POC is Sgt. 1st Class Rodney C. Stone, 967-6823. Vets appreciation

Tonight, the VFW is sponsoring a Veterans Appreciation Hockey night, with discounted tickets from $18 to $22 for a Seattle Thunderbirds game vs. Tri-City Americans, at 7:35 p.m. at ShoWare Center, Kent. Go to http://tickets.seattlethunderbirds.com to the Nov.18 game and click “Buy tickets”; click apply discount, type in “vfw” and change ticket price to $18.

Lighting festival

Travel by deluxe motorcoach to Leavenworth’s annual lighting Festival Dec. 3 or 17 with Leisure Travel Services. Enjoy holiday music, sledding, meet St. Nicholas and singing carols while the village is lit at dusk. The cost is $40 per person.

Make reservations online at JBLMmwr.com under WebTrac. For more details, call 967-3085.

Teen Zone donations

Teen Zone’s Keystone Club is asking for your donation of toys, canned and boxed food, baby blankets and baby formula as part of National Family Week. Drop off your donations by Monday at the Teen Zone, Bldg. 2295, 12th and Bitar. Bins are located by Parent Central.

The high school youth will donate the items to Families and mothers in need around the community. Call 967-4441 for information.

2011 Reindeer Dash

Dress up in your favorite holiday outfit for the JBLM Santa’s Reindeer Dash at Eagles Pride Golf Course Dec. 10. The first 300 to register and pay by noon Nov. 29 will receive a Run-Dri Technical shirt. Awards will be given to first- through third-place finishers of 5K and 10K runs and everyone finishing the 2K youth dash.

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

Curl up with a book

Register for “Reading is Snow Cool” Winter reading program at Lewis McChord Libraries starting Nov 16. Pick up a reading log, read and earn prizes.

For more details, call Book Patch Library at 967-5533 or McChord Library at 982-3454.

Holiday caroling

The 56th Army Band would like to fill your office party with musical cheer by caroling around Joint Base Lewis-McChord in anticipation of the upcoming holidays. If you would like some holiday cheer for your office party, contact our operations office at 966-2227. Happy holidays from your I Corps Band.

Join the Soldier Show

The Army is looking for active duty, Reserve and Guard performers and technicians for the U.S. Army Soldier Show 2012. Nominations are due to Army Entertainment by Dec. 31.

To apply, visit http://www.armymwr.com/recleisure/entertainment/seeking.aspx (or visit the armymwr.com main page and click on the “Experience Army Entertainment” ad for the Soldier Show application.

Click on the “download application” button, save and complete the form, attach it to an email message and send to ArmyEntertainment@conus.army.mil.

Additional requirements for performer and technician applicants are detailed at the website.

Thanksgiving meals

Thanksgiving meal hours in JBLM dining facilities.

Olympic Dining Facility (McChord Field)

1305 D St., JBLM McChord Field

Nov. 24, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

201st BfSB

Bldg. 3119

Nov. 23, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

4th Bde., 2nd Inf. Div.

Bldg. 3420

Nov. 23, 11a.m. to 2 p.m.

1st SFG

Bldg. 9197

Nov. 23, 2:30 to 6 p.m.

17th Fires Bde.

Bldg. P12638, Lewis North

Nov. 23, 11a.m. to 2p.m.

593rd Sust. Bde.

Bldg. 12340, Lewis North

Nov. 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

504th MP Bn.

Bldg. 3165

Nov. 24, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

3rd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div.

Bldg. 3757

Nov. 24, 11 a.m.to 2 p.m.

I Corps

Bldg. 2026C

Nov. 24, 11 a.m.to 3 p.m.

Madigan Healthcare System

Nov. 24, 11a.m. to 2 p.m.

JBLM Lewis Main and Lewis North dining facilities guest prices for Thanksgiving meals will be $7 for Family members, $5.95 for grades E-4 and below and their Family members. In Olympic Dining Facility, McChord Field, Thanksgiving meal will be everyday price.

Escape Zone hours

The Escape Zone at McChord Field is extending its hours to Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon. The Escape Zone offers a place to parents and their children 5 and younger to learn and play together.

The Escape Zone is in Building 841 on Fairway Road. For information, call 982-8590/2695.

Clarkmoor hours

Clarkmoor Hourly Child Development Center is now open Tuesdays until 9 p.m. and Fridays until 10 p.m. Your child must be enrolled in CYS Services. For more details or reservations, call Parent Central at 966-CYSS (2977).

UP decorating party

The City of University Place invites servicemembers and their Families to meet the neighbors and participate in the University Place holiday decorating party Nov. 30 and annual tree lighting event Dec. 3. For more information, please visit www.cityofup.com. Decorating party contact Gary Cooper at 460-6494.

Special Oly hoops

Register by Nov. 25 for CYS Services Special Olympic basketball. The participation fee is $45 for youth ages 8 to 18. The parents’ meeting is Dec. 1; the season ends Feb. 12.

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.

SJA Claims Div. hours

The Joint Base Lewis-McChord Staff Judge Advocate Claims Division has changed its hours of operation to 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (Closed on weekends and federal holidays.)

For more information, call 477-1878.

Freebies at Express

The McChord Express will be celebrating its customers Saturday, with demos, tastings and prize drawings between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Beginning at 11 a.m., the first 500 customers will receive one 750 ml. bottle of Meier’s Non-alcoholic Sparkling 100% Juice.

Drawings of prizes will occur every hour, but the winners will need to be present. Examples of prizes include bottles of wine, $25 Exchange gift cards and many others. The McChord Express is located at 545 Barnes Boulevard, JBLM McChord Field.

Join the Turkey Trot

Join runners, walkers and inline skaters at the annual Turkey Trot at Cowan Stadium Saturday. Walk the 5K course or inline skate or run the 10K course. Awards will be presented for first- through third-place in each age group and category. Also enter the door prize turkey drawing. The first 300 who register will receive a Run-Dri technical shirt.

Register online at JBLMmwr.com; click on WebTrac to view the race schedule. Packet pickup begins at 7:30 a.m. on race day; the race begins at 9 a.m. For information, call 967-4768.

Wacky Nov. lunches

While you’re out for lunch, have a little fun with this November specials at Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities: Hello Day is Monday. Say “hello” in any language for a free fountain drink with lunch purchase at Globemaster Grill or the Cascade Community Center.

Feats of strength

Enter the 2011 JBLM Arm Wrestling Championship Dec. 3 at Soldiers Field House. Entry deadline is Nov. 21. Admission is free for the 11 a.m. start time.

Competitors must be active duty servicemembers, Family members, Reserve, National Guard, retirees or DOD civilians associated with JBLM. The contest complies with the official rules and regulations. Awards will be given to first, second and third place in men’s and women’s weight classes.

Turn in entries to McVeigh Sports & Fitness Center, Building 2160, front desk. Call 967-5869 for details.

Discounts at pro shops

Get huge discounts on close-out merchandise at Eagles Pride pro shop, plus special-order savings at Whispering Firs pro shop starting Dec. 1.

At Eagles Pride Golf Course, select apparel is up to 70 percent off Dec. 1 to 31. Bags, shoes and wedges are 10 percent off.

From Dec. 1 to 12 at Whispering Firs Golf Course, all items are a minimum of 10 percent off. Place a special order with sale prices. Select items will remain on sale through Dec. 23.

For more details, call Eagles Pride at 967-6522 or Whispering Firs at 982-4927.

Skeet Range closed

The skeet range at JBLM is closed for renovation until further notice.

Contact the Northwest Adventure Center at 967-6263 for more information.

More ASIST workshops

Suicide Intervention Skills Training is a two-day, 16-hour workshop that trains you to become an effective caregiver for a person at risk of suicide. It helps you perform suicide first aid, and assist the person to stay safe and to seek further help.

ASIST is an interactive workshop that equips you to recognize invitations for help, reach out and 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 the workshop increases a caregiver’s knowledge, skills and confidence to respond to a person at risk of suicide.

The Joint Base Lewis-McChord Suicide Prevention Office has added more sessions in response to the demand: Nov. 17-18, Dec. 8-9, Dec. 15-16.

All workshops are conducted from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at JBLM Lewis North. The dress is civilian casual. Call the JBLM Suicide Prevention Office to sign up for an ASIST T-2 class.

Call JBLM Suicide Prevention Office at 477-0259.

Child care providers

Looking for a fun, rewarding job? Become a Family child care provider and make a difference in the lives of military children and their Families. FCC providers earn up to $2,000 a month, may qualify for subsidies, and receive free child care while in training and free resources for your business.

Learn about FCC at the Tuesday orientation from 6 to 8 p.m. at the FCC office in building 2013B. Full-day training classes meet Nov. 14 to 18 and Nov. 21. FCC will provide free child care during the training classes. For information, call the FCC office at 967-3039.

Waiting on Warriors

Is your Soldier deployed, TDY, TAD or on other assignment that has taken them away from home? Join Waiting on Warriors for fun and fellowship at Four Chaplains Memorial Chapel Tuesday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Limited free CYSS child care on site with proof of CYSS enrollment. Our theme is Thanksgiving, with dinner and fixings. Chapel NeXt sponsors Waiting on Warriors and will provide the main courses of turkey and ham. Please bring a side dish or dessert if you’re able. This event is open to all services and Family members. RSVP to Carolyn Clanton, deployedfamiliesjblm@yahoo.com or find us on Facebook as Waiting on Warriors for information.

Force protection

Force protection conditions for Joint Base Lewis-McChord are now posted on the JBLM public website at http://www.lewis-mcchord.army.mil/. This will allow commanders to keep their Soldiers, Airmen, DOD civilians and Family members aware of the current FPCON to raise security awareness.

The FPCON can be raised in the event of a specific threat to the installation or upon direction of higher headquarters.

For current FPCON implementing instructions visit the Protection Division website at https://ft.lewis.army.mil/fpat/.

For questions contact JBLM ATO/Protection Division Chief Thomas R. Rudd, mailto:thomas.r.rudd@conus.army.mil at 966-9614/677-9752 or JBLM Protection Division deputy chief.

Troops to Teachers

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. To continue serving your country as a teacher, contact TTT.. 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.

Put down that cell

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.

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 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.

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.

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 Tuesday. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wood cutting permits

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

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.

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.

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.

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.