Weekly Newsletter

RGmail.c1

17 July 2013

u.S. army garrison–Tower Barracks/ Rose Barracks

COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

Check for updates on community news, information and events at: www.grafenwoehr.army.mil

The “Insider’s Tips for Auslaender” is a Bavarian News series aimed to help the BMC community understand our host nation’s culture and navigate past cultural misunderstandings. Articles in the series focus on the language barrier, holidays and even a kids-eye view of Germany. This week’s “Insider’s Tip” is called “Breaking bread with Bavarians.” Head over to BavarinNews.com to read it or click here. You can find the rest of the series here or on the garrison’s webpage.

Have an energy conservation idea? Let us know! Please email with any tips or suggestions. * usarmy.grafenwoehr.imcom-europe.list.bmc-energy-hotline@mail.mil

Click on a section to go straight to its page: ACS / Adult Education & Training / Community Highlights / Exchange News / Facility & Road Openings, Closures, Construction / Furloughs / Religious / School News / Sports, Fitness, Hobbies & Recreation / Volunteers & other help needed / Was ist Los?

Community Highlights Special programs, updates, community campaigns, classes and more

“Like” us on Facebook “Like” U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr on Facebook for up-to-the-minute information, to peruse pictures of community events, for a rundown of fests, fairs, markets and shows in Bavaria. There are also force protection tips and updates on protests and demonstrations in our area. Here’s that link again: https://www.facebook.com/USAGG?ref=tn_tnmn.

Bavarian News online Head to BavarianNews.com to get timely news and see what events are happening in the community.

Stories this week include: Insider’s tips for Auslaender. Breaking bread with Bavarians can be a cultural smorgasbord.

The fourth in a series on making the most of your tour in Bavaria. Paying tribute. A town near Hohenfels erects a monument to honor seven Soldiers who died in a plane crash during World War II. Second time’s a charm. You may have been to Prague before, but you’ve never seen it like this. Scammers beware. Customs officials are cracking down on fuel card abuse.

No more bus service on Sunday Due to sequestration, Route G1, Grafenwoehr Tower Barracks to Rose Barracks (direct run), will cease operating on Sundays. The cancellation will continue until further notice. Regular Saturday services are not affected.

*NEW* Go Green Newsletter The Go Green Newsletter is out again! Click here to browse pictures of Earth Day, get updates on how to dispose of common household hazardous waste, learn how to avoid and deal with ticks and check out local nature trails and gardens. The Go Green Newsletter can also be found on the Grafenwoehr webpage.

Temporary Early Retirement directive Thinking about temporary early retirement as a discretionary measure? See if you’re eligible here.

Giant Voice system testing Starting in July, the garrison will conduct a monthly test of its Giant Voice system. This system is used to warn installation personnel of an incident on post and provides immediate action information.

The Tower Barracks test will occur on the first Saturday of each month at noon, and the Rose Barracks test will occur on the first Wednesday at 2 p.m.; these times fall in line with the towns of Grafenwoehr and Vilseck, respectively. The test will be the same for both locations -- a 5-7 second siren followed by a message stating that this was only a test. No action is required from the community.

Suspension of Army Suggestion Program In accordance with a Department of the Army, Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary, the Army's Suggestion Program, formerly known as the Army Ideas for Excellence Program, has been suspended.

As the Army continues to deal with current and future fiscal uncertainty the Department must take all necessary measures to reduce spending while protecting wartime operations and critical Soldier and Family Programs. Personnel and budgetary resources required to correct programmatic deficiencies and sustain the Army-wide program are not available.

Furthermore, Office of the Secretary of Defense guidance has limited the Army's ability to expend funds for discretionary monetary awards until further notice. Therefore, pursuant to Army Regulation 5-17, p. 4-4a., the Army Suggestion Program has been suspended.

BMC employees and community members are still encouraged to offer ideas to improve present policy, processes, and protection of life during routine conduct of their daily business.

A few other programs where you may submit suggestions are as follows: Supply and Maintenance Assessment and Review Team (SMART): https://smart.lia.army.mil/index.cfm Securing Americans Value and Efficiency (SAVE): http://www.whitehouse.gov/save-award Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE): http://ice.disa.mil

Community Huddle 25 July: The Community Huddle is a bi-monthly, Town Hall style meeting, hosted by Garrison Commander COL James Saenz, for all community members to ask questions to civilian and military leadership and to find out the latest information on programs, events, construction, and other important issues happening in the community. The next Community Huddle will be in the Rose Barracks Multipurpose Center on Thursday, 25 July, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Normal schedule for Rose-Tower Barracks route 9 Aug: Bus route #G1, Rose Barracks to Tower Barracks "Direct Run," will operate on its normal schedule.

There will be no Housing Area Community Bus Support on 9 Aug.

Sponsorship key to readiness and resiliency Every Soldier or DA civilian undergoing a PCS must be assigned a sponsor. But, assigning a sponsor is only the first step – the quality of the sponsorship program rest solely on the shoulders of sponsors. All sponsors must do their best to welcome their newcomer and make them feel at home. Remember that it is extremely important to stay in touch with new community members before, during, and after arrival. Sponsors should answer questions, and if they need help, they can ask ACS, the unit sponsorship coordinator or contact the Garrison Sponsorship Liaison. Training is available for Soldiers, spouses and DA civilians at Rose Barracks, Bldg. 322. For more on training dates/availability at please call, DSN 476-2650 or CIV 09662-83-2650.

ICE QR code Now it’s even easier to submit ICE - Interactive Customer Evaluation comments.

Take a snapshot of the code with your phone, and the code automatically directs you to ICE.

Stay vigilant and report suspicious activities For emergencies off post call 112, the European emergency number, reachable from fixed and mobile phones, free of charge, everywhere in the EU. Bavaria Military Community officials are asking everyone to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities as soon as they are observed. The safety of our families is one of our biggest priorities. USAG Grafenwoehr Military Police: DSN 476-2490/3397 or CIV 09662-83-2490/3397.

Suicide and Sexual Assault Hotlines Call the suicide prevention hotline number at DSN 118, CIV 09641-83-118. Visit our website for more on suicide prevention. Suicide prevention, sexual assault or just a friendly ear… you’re never alone. Professionals are available to counsel you in confidence. Getting help is a sign of strength.

24 Hour Community Hotlines: Chaplain Hotline 0162-296-0838, Military Police Hotline 09662-83-114, Sexual Assault Hotline DSN 475-4567, CIV 09641-83-4567 or DSN 476-3218, CIV 09662-83-3218 and Emergency Services DSN 117, CIV 09641-83-117.

Furloughs Furlough information The mandatory furloughs are upon us! Please expect delays across the garrison due to full furlough days (Monday for the Tower Barracks Commissary, Friday for most other organizations) and mandatory 32 hour work weeks for all Department of the Army Civilians, from 8 July-30 Sept.

Commissaries: The Tower Barracks Commissary will be closed due to furloughs every Monday from 8 July-30 Sept.

Because the Rose Barracks commissary has enough local national workforce, it will remain open during the furlough period. The Rose Barracks commissary will continue to remain closed on Wednesdays.

ACS: The Tower Barracks ACS satellite will be closed during Furlough Fridays. On Fridays, the Rose Barracks ACS will close at 4:30 p.m. Also, ACS will offer limited classes and briefings; after duty classes will suffer the most. There will be no

Lending Closet, FAX, Army Emergency Relief services on Fridays. If you should need immediate assistance from your Tower Barracks Army Community Service on Furlough Fridays, please visit our Rose Barracks site in Bldg. 322 or call DSN 476-2650, CIV 09662-83-2650.

DPTMS Security Office: The office will be closed on Fridays until 30 Sept. No one will be in the office to verify clearances, initiate background investigations, in-process/out-process garrison personnel, or sign off on network/CAC requests on Fridays. Fingerprinting services should be available on Mon-Fri 8-11:45 a.m.

DoDDS-Europe: Because of their employment schedule, teachers will be furloughed for no more than five days during the school year; during those furlough days, all schools will be closed. The furlough days are 30 Aug, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Sept.

Military Personnel Division: Passport applications, all actions that require five days to process, PCS/TCS and In/Out processing. There will be no passport services on Fridays.

Army Substance Abuse Program: Referrals on all clinical cases, clinical treatment and rehabilitation, drug testing specimen collection and Unit Risk Assessment.

Prevention Training will also be delayed and will most likely stop until new employees can be hired.

Postal Services Centers: The Tower Barracks and Rose Barracks post offices will be closed on Fridays. The community will be unable to send or pick up mail or packages. Official Mail and Distribution Centers will be close on Fridays. Mission Partner Organizations and other entities will be unable to send or pick-up official mail. Printing and Freedom of Information Acts will not be impacted.

Medical services: Civilian employees will be furloughed on Fridays across the BMC. This will not overtly impact health care, but the number of appointments available on Friday mornings will be reduced. The health clinics will remain closed for mandatory trainings on Fridays noon-5 p.m.

Department of Logistics: During the furlough period, there will be minor impacts for requisition processing through GFEBS for certain L1 and L3 requirements for the garrison.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen: The Post Office, ACS, and ID Cards/Passports will be closed in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen community on Furlough Fridays. The Post Office will also delay their opening to 1 p.m. on Mondays. All other operations will be open normal hours of operation.

Any organization not mentioned will keep their normal operating hours. For contact information, please reference the phonebook on the garrison webpage.

You can also find this information on the garrison webpage at http://www.grafenwoehr.army.mil/furlough.asp

Army Community Service (ACS) Contact Army Community Service (ACS) Tower Barracks, DSN 475-8371, CIV 09641-83-8371. Rose Barracks, DSN 476-2650 CIV 09662-83-2650.

ACS is now on Facebook and Twitter (Follow GRAF ACS) or email usarmy.grafenwoehr.imcom-europe.mbx.acs@mail.mil for info.

Army Volunteer Corps Employment Readiness For anyone needing assistance with resume building, or one-on-one assistance, please call DSN 476-2650, 4758371, CIV 09662-83-2650, 09641-83-8371.

30 July: Career Fairs 101, Interview Prep, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg 322 6 August: USA Jobs, 10 a.m. – noon., Rose Barracks, ACS Bldg 322

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Have questions? Email EFMP directly.

24 July: Gluten Free Made Easy With EFMP, 3 – 4:30 p.m., Rose Barracks, Chapel Annex 8 August: Bowling with EFMP, 4 – 6 p.m., Tower Barracks, Bowling Center

Family Advocacy Program Hotlines to help: Domestic Violence 09662-83-3218 or 09641-83-5130. Please contact us for a complete listing of programs and services offered.

20 June: Community Meet and Greet, 9 a.m., Rose Barracks, Kristall Inn

Financial Readiness Services are also available by appointment. For more information on saving your money, you may contact your ACS Financial Readiness at 09662-83-2650 or 09641-83-8371.

17 July: Military Consumer Protection, noon – 1 p.m., Tower Barracks, USO 23 July: Buying BIG Saving BIG, noon – 1 p.m., Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg 322 21 August: Debt Blasters, noon-1 p.m., Rose Barracks, ACS Bldg 322 AND Tower Barracks, USO, Bldg 150

Mobilization & Deployment Readiness 17 July: Resilience Training Module 1, 8 a.m. – noon, Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg 221 20 August: FRG Basic Course, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Rose Barracks, Bldg 134

New Parent Support Program Through 16 July: Great Expectations, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Rose Barracks, ACS Bldg. 322. (6 Sessions that meet on Friday mornings) Play Groups Every Tuesday: Tower Barracks, Chapel Annex, 9:30 – 11 a.m.

Every Wednesday: Rose Barracks, Chapel Annex, 9:30 – 11 a.m.

Newborn Network for parents with babies ages 0 through Walking Every Tuesday: Rose Barracks ACS, Bldg. 322, 1 - 3 p.m.

Hospital Tours st Every 1 Wednesday (except for holidays): Visit Weiden Meet at 5:45 p.m. in the Weiden hospital lobby. th Every 4 Wednesday: Visit Sulzbach-Rosenberg Meet at 5:45 p.m. in the Sulzbach-Rosenberg hospital lobby.

Every Other 2nd Tuesday: Visit Amberg Meet at 5:45 p.m. in the Amberg hospital lobby.

Relocation Readiness Through 29 August: SGI/ATS Belly Dancing, noon – 1:30 p.m. Thursdays, Rose Barracks, ACS Bldg 221 17 July: Immigration Workshop, 11 a.m. – noon Thursdays, Rose Barracks, ACS Bldg 322 17 July: Civilian Sponsorship, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Thursdays, Rose Barracks, ACS Bldg 322 17 July: Military Sponsorship: Train The Trainer, 2– 3 p.m. Thursdays, Rose Barracks, ACS Bldg 322 18 July: Bavarian Nights, 5 – 9 p.m. Thursdays, Rose Barracks, ACS Bldg 322 22 – 24 July: Welcome To Bavaria, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg 322 Every Tuesday: English as a Second Language, 10 a.m. – noon, Tower Barracks, Chapel Annex Every Thursday: English as a Second Language, 10 a.m. – noon, Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg. 322.

Military and Family Life Consultants are here for you Military Life Consultants provide solution-oriented consultations to individuals, couples, families, and groups. They are designed to provide anonymous, confidential support to Soldiers and their family members, especially those returning from deployments. To contact a military life consultant, call Rose Barracks 0152-0294-0761 / 017-4147-6846 or Tower Barracks 0152-0293-4290 / 0152-0241-5226, Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Exchange News Exchange AFN Decoders credit AFN Europe is eliminating one of its two satellite transponders in order to reduce redundancy and overall operating cost.

In preparation for AFN migrating to an upgraded digital signal, viewers should not purchase or lease any decoder that is not the newest model, the CISCO D9865. When the switch to this digital signal occurs, all AFN decoders other than the D9865 will no longer function. Exchange customer can bring in their old AFN decoder to their local Exchange PowerZone and receive a $40 credit toward the purchase of a new CISCO D9865. This only applies to new purchase and not leased decoders.

Main Store Couponers Corner Like at the commissaries, the Main Store in Tower Barracks now has a place to drop off and pick up coupons for the PX. The corner provides coupons and information to help customers understand the use of coupons and how long they can be used overseas.

Exchange New E-Receipt at the Register The new E-Receipt gives customers four options at the register when they check out: PRINTED, E-MAIL, E-MAIL & PRINTED or NONE (no receipt). Initially there may be a slight delay at checkout as customers register their e-mail address. Once a customer is in the system, they only have to select the sale receipt option.

Volunteers and other help needed Paid music & fitness instructors needed CYSS SKIES Unlimited is looking for talented, experienced and self motivated individuals with a love for children and teaching. SKIES is looking for instructors in music (piano, strings i.e. violin, viola & guitar), all levels of gymnastics and tumbling, Kindermusik, swimming, and Mommy/Daddy and Me Fitness. If you are interested in earning money doing something you love please contact Tammy Weightman, the SKIES director.

Grafenwoehr Girl Scouts looking for scouts and volunteers Attention Scouts! Grafenwoehr Girl Scouts serves girls from Kindergarten through 12th grade in USAG Grafenwoehr.

We foster leadership in our girls through activities, events, and community service opportunities at the troop and committee level. Girl Scouts is also recruiting 9th -12th grade girls to be a part of the virtual troop that travels and attends high school-level events. Scouts even have the opportunity to win the Girl Scout Gold Award, which opens doors for scholarship money post-graduation.

Attention volunteers! The Girl Scouts are looking for leaders and co-leaders and management team members. For those who have a skill but can't make a full-time commitment, the Scouts are always looking for subject matter expert in all fields. Knitting, auto mechanics and maintenance, culinary arts, art, science, technology, mathematics, languages... just donating 3 hours of your time to offer a course to our girls can change their lives. For more information about registering your daughter or volunteering, email or check out the Facebook page.

Volunteers needed at the USO Grafenwoehr If you'd like to help your USO, the military and their family members, come by the USO center in Tower Barracks Bldg.

150 and sign up to volunteer. You can go to our volunteer website at www.usovolunteer.org and create your profile, post your own hours and keep track of your hours. For the Soldiers, the hours spent volunteering goes towards promotion points and a community service ribbon. For more, CIV 09641-605-2946.

Have You Saved a Life Today? Red Cross Needs Volunteers Do you have a background in the medical field or teaching field? The American Red Cross is looking for qualified Volunteer Health and Safety Instructors for our community. Call today to see if you qualify.

Health and Safety Instructors: Volunteers teach lifesaving skills in the community. Classes such as Babysitting, CPR, First Aid, AED and other safety presentations.

Armed Forces Caseworkers: Volunteers work with local members of the military and their families ensuring the delivery of emergency communications.

Health Fair Volunteers: Volunteers staff a table at events in the community and engage those attending in conversations about preparedness and safety.

Office of Volunteers: Volunteers assist with writing volunteer job descriptions, setting up volunteer orientation courses, conduct volunteer screening interviews, help with volunteer placement, record keeping, and recognition. For more, Rose Barracks Red Cross CIV 09662-83-1760 DSN 476-1760, Tower Barracks Red Cross CIV 09641-83-1760 DSN 475-1760.

Upcoming classes at the Red Cross Please contact the Red Cross for registration and course details at Rose Barracks Red Cross CIV 09662-83-1760 DSN 476-1760, Tower Barracks Red Cross CIV 09641-83-1760 DSN 475-1760.

26 July: Disaster Response class. This class is the prerequisite for all other disaster classes with the Red Cross.

Attendees must have already had Red Cross Volunteer Orientation.

27-28 July: Wilderness and Remote First Aid. Must already have Red Cross CPR certification. Rose Barracks.

10 Aug: Adult/Pediatric CPR/FA/AED training. Rose Barracks.

Be a blood donor The Armed Services Blood Program only collects blood from the military community (service members, family members, retirees, and DoD Civilians) and all blood collected stays in our community. It is truly our blood supply!

To make an appointment to donate go to www.militarydonor.com. (Click on "Donate Blood" then click on "Landstuhl, Germany") Walk-ins are always welcome, if unable to make an appointment!

Additional Information/Restrictions: ***TATTOOS and permanent make-up acquired OUTSIDE the US is a one year deferral.

If you had a tattoo in any of the following listed States, you must wait 12 months to donate. All other US States (not listed) are acceptable one week after acquiring the tattoo.

12-MONTH WAIT: California, Connecticut, District Of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah, Wyoming YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DONATE BLOOD IF:  You have a cold, flu or fever  You have had acupuncture in the past 12 months  You weigh less than 110 pounds  You traveled to Iraq, Eastern Turkey, Afghanistan or western provinces of Saudi Arabia (excluding the high altitude areas of Asir Province and the urban areas of Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Riyadh, and Taif/ Prince Sultan Airbase) in the last year  Within the last 2 years, you traveled to South Korea and were north of Seoul at any time including the DMZ Tour (provide specific dates)  You spent 3 months or more in the United Kingdom from 1980-1996 (Related to BSE time)  You spent six months or more at a military installation in Belgium, Netherlands (Holland), or Germany from19801990  From 1980-1996 for all other European Countries including the UK  You have lived in Europe for five years or more since 1 January 1980 to present (Including time spent in U.K. from 1980-1996)  You have had Hepatitis after your 11th birthday  You have HIV, or ever tested positive for HIV  You are pregnant or have been pregnant in the last six weeks You MUST Know:  The name of any medications on the Medication Deferral List.  Any immunizations (including smallpox) administered in the past 4 weeks.  Every Place you have been to outside of the U.S. or Canada since 1980. (INCLUDE ALL DEPLOYMENTS.) For more, contact 1LT Tucker at 06371-86-7107, DSN 486-7107.

Seeking Emergency Placement Care Providers The children in the USAGG need you. The Emergency Placement Care (EPC) Program trains individuals to become 24 hour providers for at risk children. The community is in need of more providers as the number of children in imminent danger increased due to the deployment rotation of family members. The training you receive will last you a lifetime and help you build your experience and resume. Call ACS at DSN 476‑2650, CIV 09662‑83‑2650.

Sports, Fitness, Hobbies & Recreation AAFES Movie Listing Main Post listings, click here.

Rose Barracks listings, here.

Vilseck Community and Spouses' Club events Go to their Facebook page for upcoming events and club news.

Grafenwoehr Community and Spouses' Club Go to their Facebook page for upcoming events and club news.

Upcoming MWR day trips Call Grafenwoehr Leisure Travel Services, DSN 475-7402, CIV 09641-83-7402 for more and to sign up for any of these trips.

20 July: Boleslaweic, Poland. Visit the heart of the Polish pottery industry. Browse various stores for the beautiful blue patterned ceramics.

27 July: Eagle’s Nest & Salt Mines. This Berchtesgarden trip will take you to Hitler’s “Eagle’s Nest” retreat and on a fun tour of the salt mines. Bonus: You get to dress up like a miner during the salt mine tour.

27 July: Canoeing on the Pegnitz. Experience the thrill of racing down a river in a canoe. Some paddling experience is required. Don’t have experience? Join the paddling classes on Thursdays.

28 July: Two Castles trip. Visit the elaborate Neuschwanstein (which inspired Walt Disney’s famous castle) and the more subdued (though still awesome) Hohenschwangau.

Paid music & fitness instructors needed CYSS SKIES Unlimited is looking for talented, experienced and self motivated individuals with a love for children and teaching. SKIES is looking for instructors in music (piano, strings i.e. violin, viola & guitar), all levels of gymnastics and tumbling, Kindermusik, swimming, and Mommy/Daddy and Me Fitness. If you are interested in earning money doing something you love please contact Tammy Weightman, the SKIES director.

Bayern Rangers hockey team looking for players The Bayern Rangers hockey season is coming up. They start practice in Sept. and a series of games and tournaments will follow in the fall and spring. To join, show up for practices. We all just chip in to cover the cost of ice -- normally 10 euro for a 90 minute skate. New players can order jerseys through the Hockey Dealer in Amberg -- 35 euro each for home & away jerseys and 15 euro for socks. To check for upcoming events, and for available jersey numbers, see the team page at www.facebook.com/bayernrangers. season in April at the Puckbusters Cup in Weiden. To check on upcoming practices and games, please see the team page at www.facebook.com/bayernrangers.

ODR activities All activities are from 6-9 p.m. call Outdoor Recreation at DSN 476-2563, CIV 09662-83-2563 for more.

Mondays: Mountain Bike Mondays. Experience Bavaria from a bike. Rides vary in length from 15 km to 35 km, depending on location and abilities of riders. Prior MTB experience is recommended. Sign up today!

Thursdays: Paddling and rock climbing. Participants will learn to belay/rock climb and canoe/kayak on alternating Thursdays. Classes will continue through the summer.

Sundays are Family Bowling days Sundays: Every Sunday from 2-8 p.m. at the Grafenwoehr Bowling Center, kids bowl for $.50 and adults bowl for $1.75. At the Rose Barracks Bowling Center, we offer “All you can Bowl” for one low price. Call the Bowling Centers for more details.

Fall Sports Registration Through 26 July: It’s time to sign your children up for fall sports: soccer, flag football, tackle football and cheerleading. Soccer is ages 3-15 years old. Cheerleading is ages 3-15 years old. Flag Football is ages 6-12 years old.

Tackle Football is ages 12-14 years old. Register for these programs at Parent Central Services DSN 476-2760, CIV 09662-83-2760 or at MWR Online Services.

Kids Madness Classes Wed & Thurs in July: Drop your children ages 6-16 off at the Heart & Home Craft Shop for special classes. Classes will only take about an hour and kids can be dropped off either at 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. for age-appropriate craft projects. Daily space is limited so sign-up early! Each class costs $10 and supplies are included! Tower Barracks, Bldg. 607. Call DSN 475-6101, CIV 09641-83-6101 for more.

Unit Level Flag Football League Sign Up Through July: It’s almost football season and we’re taking unit level sign ups. Contact the Tower Barracks gym to sign up your unit: DSN 475-9024, CIV 09641-83-9024.

Hunting, Fishing & Sport Shooting Club meeting 17 July: Participate in our first Hunting, Fishing and Sport Shooting Club Meeting, which is for all knowledge levels of experience. Participation in the Hunting Fishing & Sport Shooting Programs in any capacity requires you to become a member of your local Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Club, or be a member from another community in Germany. Enrolled and interested members will have an opportunity to become part of an advisory council that provides direct input to the program. 7-8:30 p.m., Camp Algiers, Bldg. 2440. Contact Outdoor Recreation to enroll: DSN 475-7402, CIV 09641-837402.

Warrior Zone Karaoke Night 17 July: Come sing your favorite, sappy hits or just listen while others belt it out at the Rose Barracks Warrior Zone. 7 p.m. Bldg. 607.

BINGO! 18 July: This is your chance to win big (we’re talking cash prizes) while also enjoying a dinner buffet. Only ID card Holders 18 and older, please. Doors open at 5 p.m. Early Bird 6 p.m., Regular Bingo 7 p.m. Tower View Conference Center, Tower Barracks Bldg. 209

DJ / Karaoke Night – Hip Hop 19 July: Come and sing and dance along with your favorite Hip Hop music. The Zone Sports Bar, Rose Barracks, Bldg.

607. 9 p.m.

Tech Expo 19 July: The Tech Expo is back with over 35 exhibitors displaying the latest in cloud management, fiber optics, tablets, virtualization, cyber security, smart boards and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Tower View Conference Center. There will be refreshments and giveaways. All military, civilians and contractors are invited to attend for free. For a list of exhibiting companies contact Julia Banks.

Customer Appreciation BBQ 20 July: We’re firing up the grills to say thanks to our community. Purchase of a drink at the bar comes with one grilled item. We’ll also be playing karaoke all day and night. 2 p.m. The Zone Sports Bar, Rose Barracks, Bldg. 607.

Steak Dinner Night 24 July: The Patton Fireside Lounge offers a special Steak Dinner for anyone wanting a great cut of meat. We’re also offering a gourmet potato bar with all the fixings. 5 - 8 p.m. Patton Fireside Lounge, Tower Barracks, Bldg. 209.

Women’s support group 24 July: Women in the local community, Grafenwoehr, Vilseck and Hohenfels are encouraged to participate in a lifechanging group. Dealing with an deployment, retirement or change? Take the first step toward balance and control at the Grafenwoehr USO, all women-- civilians, family members and soldiers are invited to participate in an empowerment group. The course will explore ways to reduce stress, change old habits and create a healthy lifestyle and sense of well being. For more information, call Army Community Services at Rose Barracks at DSN 476-2650, CIV 09662-83-2650.

Family Child Care Orientation 24-26 July: Interested in earning money from home and making a difference in the lives of military children and families? Army Child, Youth & School Services, Family Child Care (FCC) Program is looking for on and off-post FCC home providers that are dedicated to delivering high quality, emotionally secure and educational child care to our military and qualifying DOD family members. You must live in government – leased housing. Benefits include: federal subsidies, free initial and ongoing training as well as the use of materials and equipment to set up your home. The training is 9 a.m.4 p.m. in the Tower Barracks, Bldg. 539 Conference Room. To sign up, call DSN 475-7684, CIV 09641-83-7684.

Open MIC Night 29 July: Express yourself! Bring your own musical instruments, poetry, dance routine or whatever else you want. The Zone Sports Bar, Rose Barracks, Bldg. 607, 6 p.m.

Volleyball camps for elementary, middle and high schoolers 11-16 Aug: High schoolers entering 9th-12th grades will have their camp 11-16 Aug. The camp is part of the A.C.E. Volleyball Club and focuses on skill progression and motor skill development. Please contact Camp Director Brian Swenty for more.

Seeking players for tournament teams The “Bavaria Military Community American Little League” consists of the Grafenwoehr, Vilseck, Schweinfurt, Bamberg, Hohenfels, and Ansbach military communities. We are in the process of putting together our team rosters for our “All Star Tournament Teams” to play in the Germany District 1 or Regional tournaments for the Little League, Junior League and Big League divisions of Little League International in both Baseball and Girls Fast-pitch Softball. To be eligible for these teams, the players must have played either CYSS or High School baseball/softball in the eligible communities.

Players in these communities are not eligible to play for other Little League International Tournament Teams (ex: Ramstein or Stuttgart).

THESE TEAMS ARE ONE TIME TOURNAMENTS TEAMS, NOT SUMMER TRAVELLING TEAMS Division Ages Tournament Location Dates LL Baseball 10-12 Stuttgart (District 1) 20-23 June JL Baseball 12-14 Ramstein (District 1) TBD June BL Baseball 15-18 Stuttgart (Regional) 26-29 June LL Softball 11-12 Ramstein (District 1) TBD June JL Softball 13-14 Ramstein (District 1) TBD June BL Softball 15-18 Staranzano Italy (Regional) 15-18 July We have received confirmation that the Big League Softball team and the Big League Baseball team (age 15-18) have an automatic bid into the Europe and Africa Regional Tournaments. Teams winning the tournaments will advance to the next level (Regional or World Series) of tournament play. Practice schedules will be provided to interested players after the IMCOM and European Championships. To sign up a player or for more information/questions, please contact: Phillip Lee through email or call 0160-9758-7889.

Grafenwoehr Thrift Shop Don't Miss Our Great Deals! 50% off pink tags and 50% off expired consignment items.

Watch the GCSC Thrift Shop FB Page for member specials. Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 9 a.m. - 3 .pm.; Thursdays 11 p.m. - 5 p.m.; 1st and 3rd Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Grafenwoehr Bldg. 508.

Want to give back to your community? Volunteer! Help your community by consigning or donating today. PCSing? No problem; we will mail you your check. For more, CIV 09641-926-0377, online, or find us on Facebook.

Hidden Treasures Thrift Shop Facebook page. **We are in desperate need of baby pant hangers!** DSN 476-2649, CIV 09662-83-2649, or email for more information. Volunteers and donations are always welcome!

Find us on Facebook USAG Grafenwoehr, Army Community Service, VFW Tower Post 10692, MWR, Main Post and Rose Barracks Postal Service Centers, Education Centers, Graf Dog community, the EXCHANGE, Environmental Division, AFN Bavaria, Performing Arts Center, Grafenwoehr Chaplains, Main Post DFAC, 172 Infantry Brigade, BMEDDAC, 2SCR, Graf Housing Dept., Grafenwoehr Provost Marshal Office , Netzaberg Middle School, Netzaberg Elementary School and Vilseck Falcons.

Facility & Road/Openings/Construction/Closures Community Bank renovations in Rose Barracks Through 8 Aug: The Community Bank in Rose Barracks Bldg. 224 is currently under renovation. The renovations are expected to last until the first week of Aug. Until then, you can do your banking in Bldg. 164. The Community Bank will be closed 6-8 Aug. to allow for the move back to Bldg. 224. For your banking needs during this time, please head to the Tower Barracks bank. ATMs and opening hours will remain unchanged.

Logistics Readiness Center (LRC) (former DOL) closure 1 Aug: The LRC command and staff, Bldg 301, Tower Barracks (HQs Supply & Services Division, Logistics Plans & Operations, Installation Food Management Office, Business Operations Branch and the Logistics Automation Support Center to include Rose Barracks) will be closed for their organizational day. Please plan around the closure.

TMP and DTTS closure 9 Aug: TMP at Tower Barracks and Rose Barracks and DTTS at Rose Barracks will be closed for their organizational day. TMPs will not dispatch or accept vehicles for turn-in. Units needing vehicles must dispatch them by 8 Aug.

Religious Chaplain Corps celebrates 238th anniversary 19 July: To celebrate there will be a 5K Fun Run/Walk conducted at the Tower Barracks Parade Field. Units, individual Soldiers and family members are encouraged to attend. The event will begin at 6:15 a.m. with a formation and brief review of the Chaplain Corps history. The run will follow a 5K route; the walkers will follow a 2-mile route. Refreshments will follow the event. For further information please contact the Chaplain’s offices DSN 475-1370 or 476-1570.

Vacation Bible School 22-26 July: Sign up your squirts for Vacation Bible School. 9 a.m.-noon at the Tower Barracks Chapel or 2-5 p.m. at the Rose Barracks Chapel. Ages: Preschool (Ages 4+ by 1 Oct 2013 and potty trained) and Elementary (grades 1-5 for upcoming school year). To sign up your kids, call the Rose Barracks Chapel at DSN 476-3346, CIV 09662-83-3346. Local volunteers are needed for the school. There are many different needs, so if you are interested, please contact the Rose Barracks Chapel at DSN 476-1570, CIV 09662-83-1570 or sign up online.

Free opera concert in Munich Cancelled - 27 July: Unfortunately, this trip had to be cancelled. For information on more opportunities for single women, contact Laurel Hoyt, email <laurel.hoyt@cadence.org> or call 0151-1499-1395.

Weekly Bible Study Velburg Truth Center meets for Bible Study every Wednesday at 7 p.m. In addition to weekly Bible Study, we also have church service every Sunday at 11 a.m. We are located at Alleeweg 2 Velburg, Germany 92355. Please email Brenda Means or call 0172-892-3771 for more.

Off post church services Eschenbach - Roman Catholic Mass Saturday services at St. Laurentius: 6 p.m. (1st Mass of Sunday) Sunday services at St. Laurentius: 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Monday services at St. Laurentius: 6 p.m.

Tuesday services at Apfelbach: 6 p.m.

Wednesday services at St. Laurentius: 8 a.m.

Thursday services at St. Laurentius: 4:15 p.m. (geared toward children) Grafenwoehr Sunday services at Friedenskirche: 8 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. Family services every 1st, 3rd and 4th Sunday Monday services at Maria-Himmelfahrtskirche: 8.30 a.m.

Tuesday services at Friedenskirche: 7 p.m.

Wednesday services at Seniorenheim St. Sebastian: 4.30 p.m. 2nd Wednesday of every month; 7 p.m. at MariaHimmelfahrtskirche Thursday services at Friedenskirche: 4:15 p.m., studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; service Friday services at Friedenskirche: 1-2 p.m. 1st Friday of every month; 7 p.m. 1st Friday of every month.

Saturday services at Friedenskirche: 4 p.m. Rosary; 6 p.m.

Gmuend Sunday services at Herz-Marien-Kirche: Alternating weeks, 9:15 a.m. or 7 p.m.

Thursday services at BRK Seniorenheim: 3 p.m. 1st Wednesday of every month.

Friday services at Herz-Marien-Kirche: 6.30 p.m. during winter, 7 p.m. during summer.

Goessenreuth Thursday services at Michaelskapelle: 7 p.m. during winter, 7.30 p.m. during summer.

Huetten Sunday services at Josefs Kirche: Alternating weeks, 9:15 a.m. or 7 p.m.

Thursday services at Josefs Kirche: 7 p.m.

Saturday services at Josefs Kirche: 5 p.m.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Sunday services at Grafenwoehr, Vilseckerstr. 7. 9:30-10:40 a.m. Sacrament, 10:50-11:30 Sunday School, 11:40-12:30, Preisthood/Relief Society.

Grace Baptist Church in Grafenwoehr Sunday services in Grafenwoehr at Alte Amberger Str. 43, 92655.GrowGroups (Sunday School): 9:45 a.m. Morning Worship: 10:45 a.m. Evening Bible Study: 6 p.m. Homegroups in various locations during the week.

Chaplain Crisis Line After duty hours, please call: MP STATION CIV 09662-83-2490 or 09662-83-3397 / DSN 476-2490 or 476-3397.

USAG-Grafenwoehr IOC CIV 09641-83-7226 / DSN 475-7226. CHAPLAIN CRISIS LINE CIV 0162-296-0838.

During business hours: Tower Barracks Chapel: DSN 475-1570, CIV 09641-83-1570. Rose Barracks Chapel: DSN 4761570, CIV 09662-83-1570.

Adult Education / Training FAST Classes 17-30 July: Rose Barracks Education Center, Bldg. 223, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The registration period for these classes is from 06 May until the last working day before the particular class begins. Functional Academic Skills Training (FAST) provides Soldiers with instruction in reading, mathematics, and language skills and is an excellent tool to prepare Soldiers to raise their GT score. This class is a 60-hour long course and is limited to twenty students. For more information please contact the Rose Barracks (Vilseck) Education Center at DSN 476-2653/3292, CIV 09662-83-2653/3292.

Information assurance certification requirements The Army in Europe Information Technology Training Program and Knowlogy offer the training to fulfill certification requirements. They handle DOD 8570.1 compliance, training and certification services to the US Army, Air Force, Navy and other clients. Come to our fully equipped facilities across Europe for your training needs or we can come to you! For a full list of our upcoming courses go to https://itt.eur.army.mil/schedule.aspx or contact your local Site Coordinator at DSN 476-2635, CIV 09662-83-2635.

University of Maryland University College – Europe UMUC Europe offers Associates, Bachelors and graduate-level degrees in a convenient online or face-to-face format. Fall session 1 classes start 19 Aug. Apply at the USAG Grafenwoehr Education Center located on Rose Barracks, Bldg. 223.

UMUC offers many financial aid opportunities including FASFA, Tuition Remission, scholarships and Book Awards.

Contact us at DSN 476-2462 or CIV 09662-83-2462 or visit our website at www.ed.umuc.edu for more information. You can also “Like” us on Facebook.

University of Oklahoma MA courses The University of Oklahoma in Rose Barracks offers degree programs to military service members and civilians in an accelerated format that meets the demands of the working adult. The university offers both Master of Arts with an emphasis in International Relations and a Master of Human Relations. We are currently enrolling new students. Email Carla Miller or call her at DSN 476-2069, CIV 09662-83-2069. Further information can be found at www.goou.ou.edu.

Summer courses in Rose Barracks: 6-11 Aug: IR HIST 6200 Seminar in European History: Aspects of the British Empire.

Central Texas College CTC provides soldiers and their families with associate degree programs in many Vo-Tech career fields with both face-toface classes and distance learning (online) classes. In the USAG Grafenwoehr community, there are currently three faceto-face programs running continuously year-round. Below is the current line-up for CTC classes on Rose Barracks and Tower Barracks for Term 1 in Aug-Oct 2013: Rose Barracks Classes: AUMT 2437 – Automotive Electronics. Tu/We/Th 6-10 p.m. Starts 20 Aug, ends 10 Oct. Instructor: Charles Rosemond. 4 credit hours. Tower Barracks Classes: Criminal Justice class: CJSA 1322 – Introduction to Criminal Justice. Tu/Th, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Starts 13 Aug, ends 3 Oct. Instructor:

Paul Gentry. 3 credit hours. For more, email CTC field representative Chuck Sligh or call DSN 476-2362, CIV 09662-832362.

Summer Hours for National Testing Center (NTC) University of Maryland University College - Europe's National Test Center (NTC) will have limited hours this summer.

Please note the following dates and times for testing. 17 & 24 July: 9 a.m.-noon Pearson Vue exams; 1-3 p.m.

CLEP/DSST exams, 4-6 p.m. CLEP/DSST exams. 18 & 25 July: 9-11 a.m. CLEP/DSST exams; noon-2 p.m.

CLEP/DSST exams. We are located at Rose Barracks, Bldg. 223, Rm. 2.10. Anyone interested in testing should contact the NTC at DSN 476-2462, CIV 09662-83-2462, or email to schedule an appointment.

AMVETS scholarship opportunities By 8 Aug: University of Phoenix and AMVETS are offering 50 $7,000 scholarships to active duty military, veterans, and military spouses. This scholarship can be used to help you obtain your MBA or Masters of Arts in Education while stationed here in Germany. To get an application and eligibility requirements and application, visit www.phoenix.edu/amvetscholar or contact Lauren Haring at DSN 476-3605, CIV 09662-83-3605 or by email.

School News DoDDS-Europe furlough days Sequestration requires that government employees, including teachers, must be furloughed this fiscal year.

Because of their unique employment schedule, teachers will be furloughed for no more than five days. All schools in the district will be closed the following days: 30 Aug, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Sept. For more on the DoDDS-Europe furloughs, click here.

VFW Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy scholarships Deadline 1 Nov: The VFW has two scholarships available for high school and middle school students.

Students in 6-8th grade are eligible for the Patriot’s Pen scholarship. Forty-six applicants will win scholarships ranging from $500-5,000. This year’s essay theme is “What Patriotism Means to Me.” You can find the application guidelines and form here. High schoolers are eligible for a $30,000 scholarship and $1,000-16,000 scholarships. Their essays’ theme is “Why I’m Optimistic about our Nation’s Future.” Application guidelines and form is here.

VFW Teacher of the Year Award nomination Deadline 1 Nov: Do you know a teacher devoted to education, their country and community? You can nominate them for the VFW Teacher of the Year Award. Teachers will be judged in K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 categories. Those nominating the teacher must describe in 350 words or less why the educator deserves the honor. You can find more on how to nominate here.

Grafenwoehr Elementary School Bus Office: If you have questions regarding bus transportation for your student, please contact Mr. Jimmy Avery or Mr. James Moss at the SBO office; CIV 09645-917-9254 DSN 472-9254.

Box Tops: Please don’t forget to keep bringing in your Box Tops to our PTSA. PCSing soon?: Please contact our registrar for the last day notice paperwork. DSN 475-6132, CIV 09641-83-6132.

Please remember if you wish to hand carry records to your child’s new school we will need 5 working days notice along with the last day notice.

School Office Hours School Hours Phone Numbers Mon.‑ Fri. 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Mon.‑ Fri. 8:15 a.m.‑2:35 p.m.

DSN 475‑7133, CIV 09641‑837133

Vilseck Elementary School Vilseck Elementary School administrators and faculty wish all of our students and their parents a safe and enjoyable summer. Students, don’t forget to keep reading and do some math, and by all means enjoy being outside and playing in and around Germany.

Child Find: What is child-find screening? Preschool Child Find is a developmental screening for children ages 3-5 identifying children with developmental delays or other special education needs. For children under age 3 please contact EDIS at 09662-83-3221.

What is the process? A Child Find team made up of the preschool special needs service provider, speech and language pathologists and the occupational therapist screen the children for developmental delays. These free screenings take place monthly.

How does it work? Parent submits the Child Find questionnaire (which they can pick up in the office or find on the school website); they are set up with an appointment for the screening. When they come in for the screening the child must first pass a vision and hearing screen by our school nurse. Then they are screened by the team. If the child is suspected of having any delays the team will refer them for further formal evaluation.

Why is it important? When learning challenges are identified at a young age, early intervention can help the child with learning tasks.

If parents are interested, what do they need to do? They can go to the school’s website and find the link for Child Find.

Under that link is a questionnaire they need to fill out and email back to the email address provided on the form. Someone will be in contact with them within 48 hours. If they do not hear back please contact the school at 09662 832812 and let them know what happened. (Just in case the email was rejected as SPAM) Continuous School Progress Goals: Goal 1: By 2016 all students will improve competency with numbers and operations as measured by increased performance on assessments.

Goal 2: By 2016 all students will demonstrate improved reading comprehension through written and oral communication as measured by increased performance on assessments.

School Office Hours School Hours Important Phone Numbers Mon.‑Fri. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.‑Fri. 8:25 a.m.‑2:35 p.m. CIV 09662‑83-2812 / 2673, DSN 476‑2812/2673

Netzaberg Elementary School Sure Start: Sure Start is a pre-school program for at risk military children and families living overseas. The program provides education, health, nutrition, and social services. Parent involvement is mandatory! Among other selection criteria in the guidelines, the child must be age four by September 1. Ranks E-1 to E-4 have priority. Applications for the 2013-14 school year are available now at the Netzaberg Elementary School Office. POC: 472-9188 PCSing soon?: Please contact Wendy Streeter (wendy.streeter@eu.dodea.edu, DSN 472-9185, CIV 09645-917-9185) so she may assist you with transferring your children’s records to their new school. Please let the registrar know if you will NOT be returning for SY 2013-2014 by 15 March.

Child Find: Do you have questions about your child’s development (ages 3-5 years)? For further information on Child Find developmental screenings at Netzaberg Elementary School, please call CIV 09645-917-9185 or DSN 4729185. Check us out on Facebook at link.

School Office Hours School Hours Important Phone Numbers Mon.- Fri. 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Mon.- Fri. 8:00 a.m.-.2:35 p.m. CIV 09645-917-9185/4 DSN 472-9184

Netzaberg Middle School Through 26 July: Summer School Enrichment at NES 23 Aug: New Family Orientation at NMS 6th Grade Boot Camp at NMS 26 Aug: First Day of School for Students 29 Aug: Open House Anticipated non-school days due to furlough: Aug 30, Sept 9, 16, 23 & 30.

Are you PCSing soon? Please give Mrs. Ferdinand-Bessant a call at DSN 472-9233, CIV 09645-317-9233 so that she can assist you with your transition.

Bus Office: If you have questions regarding bus transportation for your student, please contact Mr. Jimmy Avery or Mr. James Moss at the SBO office; DSN 472-9254, CIV 09645-917-9254 Find us on Facebook: Like our page and you will always have access to the most update information about your student’s school. We will also be able to upload photos from the various activities.

School Office Hours Important Phone Numbers Mon - Fri CIV 09645-917-9232/9233/9229 DSN 472-9232/9233/9229 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Vilseck High School Free, Online Tutoring All U.S. military families can receive free online tutoring, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Go to http://www.tutor.com/military for more information.

VHS Facebook Page Vilseck High School updates and pictures are always available at our Facebook page.

The VHS Mission: To provide an exemplary education that inspires and prepares all students for success in a dynamic, global environment.

School Office Hours School Hours Important Phone Numbers

Mon.‑Fri. 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Mon.‑Fri. 8:10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. CIV 09662‑832864 / Fax 09662-832480 DSN 476‑2864

Was ist Los? Get involved in the local scene *** Does not indicate endorsement by the U.S. Government **

Flea markets Every Sat., 6 a.m. - 4 p.m., in 93059 Regensburg inside the building at Am Protzenweiher 27, ph 0941-82-933. The market will not take place on German holidays.

Every second Sat. of the month: 6 a.m. - 3 p.m.: in 90443 Nuremburg, Großparkplatz (large car park) on Gugelstraße, corner Humboldtstraße.

Every third Sat. of the month: 7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. in 92224 Amberg, Kaufland-Parkplatz, An den Franzosenaeckern Every third Sun. of the month: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Trödel- & Jahrmarkt in 93073 Neutraubling (next to Regensburg), at the "Globus" DITY store, Pommernstraße 4.

American Bands playing in Rothenburg Through 26 July: in 91541 Rothenburg. Click for a map of car parks around the historical Altstadt.

17 July: 2 p.m. The Oregon Ambassadors of Music, on Marktplatz.

20 July: 2 p.m. The Utah Ambassadors of Music, on Marktplatz.

23 July: 2 p.m. The Northern Ambassadors of Music, on Marktplatz.

26 July: 2 p.m. The South Michigan Ambassadors of Music, on Marktplatz.

Street Market: Kirchweih-Jahrmarkt Through 18 July: in 91522 Ansbach, on Schlossplatz, on Karl-Burkhardt-Platz, on Reitbahn road, and at the Schlosstor (palace gate), as well as around the Gumbertuskirche church.

Opening hours: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., but only until 4 p.m. on the last day. Click for a map of suggested car parks.

Summer Serenades 17 July: 7 - 8:30 p.m., in 92637 Weiden, at the Pavilion in the Max-Reger-Park (follow the green arrows!) opposite the parking block on Schlörplatz. FREE concert with the band "Connection2Rock", who plays the oldies from Elvis, Chuck Berry and Joe Cocker. They draw huge crowds every time they perform. These serenades are highly popular so you may want to be there early. Bring along some folding chairs or a blanket to sit on, bring a picnic and perhaps even some champers, and enjoy the lovely music. It might also be advisable to bring some sunscreen lotion and insect repellent, just to be safe. Click for a map of suggested car parks.

African-Caribbean Festival 18 - 21 July: in 95448 Bayreuth, at the Ehrenhof on Kanzleistraße and in Maximilianstraße.

This is an exciting festival (program, in GE) with lots of live music (open air) and food. Over 50 stalls offer African and Caribbean goods and foods. Over 18,000 visitors enjoyed this festival last year! Best location to park is in the parking block at the Rotmain-Center (shopping center) on Hohenzollernring 58. Cross the road via the little bridge to access the Rotmain-Center, pass through it (also gives you some great shopping opportunities), exit at the main entrance and cross the road to enter the Altstadt. Or just follow the crowds.

"Weiden Dreams" - Art and Shopping in the evening 19 July: 7 p.m. - midnight, in 92637 Weiden, all around the Altstadt = old city. Click for a map of suggested car parks.

Musicians, artists and performers transform Weiden’s city center. Especially for this event, shops are allowed to open until midnight. Furthermore, an artisans market at the Unterer Markt (next to the historic city hall) will offer beautiful, handcrafted goods.

Fischerfest in Nittenau 19 & 20 July: 6 p.m., in 93149 Nittenau, on the fest site at Volksfestplatz 1 (ca. 30 km / 20 miles NE of Regensburg).

Fresh and smoked fish, Bavarian "Schmankerln" and typical music make this a perfect day out for the whole family. A large, central car park is located right next to the fest site on Jahnweg.

European Sand-Ski Championship 19 & 20 July: 9 a.m., in 92242 Hirschau at the Freizeitpark Monte Kaolino (only GE), Wolfgang-Droßbach-Straße 113

(ca. 14 km / 9 miles SE of Vilseck). Around 120 skiers will compete. They come from the well-known European skiing nations: Austria, Switzerland, Italy and France, most participants will be from Germany and the Czech Republic, though.

Other entertainment: après-ski parties and fest-tent music. At the end of this exhausting day, at 8 p.m., everyone is invited to a big party! The Monte Kaolino is a leisure park with the mountain, an outdoor bath, a high-rope course and two nature trails.

Annual American Citizens’ Information and Passport Day 20 July: U.S. Consulate General Munich is hosting an Information and Passport Day for Americans and their families living in Bavaria. Head to the open house to find out about the services offered to Americans in the area. You can also renew your passport. For passport appointments, click here. New this year: The German-American Munich Wandertag!

Participate in a downtown version of a traditional Wandertag that will visit historical U.S.-related sites in Munich.

Registration from 10-11 a.m. outside of the Consulate; 5 euro fee includes beer mug or kid’s meal. The route will end with refreshments in the Consulate garden. Event open to U.S. citizens and immediate family members. More details to be posted to the U.S. Consulate General Munich website.

“Open Air on Kiesi Beach” event in Pressath 20 July: The Open Air Event starts at 7 p.m. on the Kiesi Beach in Pressath with the Band “Pressather Musikanten”.

They will be playing Bavarian-Bohemina Brass-Band Music up to current party hits. At 11 p.m. rock tribute band Starkstrom will play. Food and free entry.

Stadtgrabenfest 20 & 21 July: in 91522 Ansbach, along the "Reitbahn" road in the historical city center. A special fest for children will be held on Sunday. It’s a great activity for the whole family. Click for a map of suggested car parks.

"Tonart-Festival" 20 & 21 July: in 92507 Nabburg, Altstadt (ca. 30 km / 19 miles south of Weiden). Program will be announced soon.

All throughout Nabburg's center you can experience traditional, classical, modern, Swing or jazz, music throughout the Altstadt (historic city center). Admission for the whole big event is only 4 Euros, children under 12 are free. Of course there will also be plenty of food and drink.

Bürgerfest in Neustadt am Kulm 20 & 21 July: in 95514 Neustadt am Kulm, on Marktplatz (ca. 17 km / 11 miles north of Grafenwöhr).

Marktfest at Kaltenbrunn 20 & 21 July: Kaltenbrunn (between Grafenwoehr and Freihung) will celebrate its Marktfest this weekend with local Bavarian food and beverages and entertainment for the entire family.

Medieval Festival at Kaltenberg 20, 21, 27 & 28 July: This is the largest medieval event in Bavaria, complete with a huge jousting stadium, jugglers, medieval-style food, jesters, costumes and trinkets. 11 a.m. – midnight. This website has info in English: www.ritterturnier.de/en.html. Or watch a fun video of the festivities here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=io-SUOIiVhM.

Sorghof Plärrerfest 21 July: 10 a.m., in 92249 Vilseck, on the Hans-Ohorn-Platz in Sorghof (= the village just outside of Vilseck's main gate). It’s a small fest within the Sorghof housing area next to the U.S. housing area with local foods and drinks and entertainment.

Children's Fest: Kinder-Bürgerfest 21 July: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., in 92637 Weiden, in the Max-Reger-Park (the park that runs along the historic Altstadt).

Numerous fun activities for children are offered throughout the day. One of the highlights will be the duck race at every full hour. Before the race, the children can "beautify" their little plastic ducks at one of the booths, with colours, stickers, glitter and all kinds of other decorations. First prize is a set of coupons for an ice-cream parlor. Click for a map of suggested car parks.

Market Day 21 July: in 92676 Eschenbach on Marktplatz (ca. 8 km / 5 miles NW of Grafenwöhr). No further details are listed online.

Annabergfest Sulzbach-Rosenberg 21 - 28 July: The Annaberg fest Sulzbach-Rosenberg is the largest berghfest in the Amberg-Sulzbach County. A holy mass service initiates the Bergfest and is offered every day. There is no music and entertainment, no carnival rides or other amusement. But nevertheless, Bergfests are still very popular by young and old people. It’s a relaxing way to spend time outdoors with food and drinks. www.annabergfest.de

Classic Open Air and “Picknick im Park” 21 July & 3 Aug: 8 p.m. either day, in 90478 Nürnberg, Luitpoldhain, along Bayernstraße. "Picknick im Park" is often referred to as the "Woodstock of Classical Music" (only GE): enjoy the performance, cheer the artists, and even a little rain shower can’t scare you away. Most people also have a little picnic to complement the music. Traditionally, these open-air concerts are free to the public. Each festive day ends with brilliant fireworks.

Kemnath’s 64th annual Wiesenfest 14-19 Aug: Kemnath, partner city of the 709th MP Battalion, will go all out in their Wiesenfest with rides for the young and old, drinks, mingling, great food and entertainment. There’s also an ongoing program on bands, a children’s afternoon, shooting range and fireworks on the final day. The opening parade starts at 6 p.m. on 14 Aug with keg tapping following at 7 p.m. Roentgenstraße, Kemnath, 95478. For more, contact CW2 Neil Hatch.

Fresh Produce/ Farmers’ Markets Note: If any of the listed days is a German holiday, the markets are usually held the day prior.

In 92224 Amberg: every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m., on the Marktplatz.

In 91522 Ansbach: every Wednesday and Saturday 8 a.m.-1 p.m., on Martin-Luther-Platz. ***In addition to the regular fresh produce markets, local farmers offer their fresh goods every first and third Saturday of the month at the farmers market on Johann-Sebastian-Bach-Platz (same opening hours). Great opportunity to buy seasonal produce as fresh as it gets.

In Bamberg: Monday thru Saturday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m., on Maxplatz. Closed on Sundays and German holidays.

In Neumarkt: every Thursday and Saturday, in Untere Marktstraße. Thursday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

In Parsberg: every Wednesday and Friday on Stadtplatz. Wednesday 7 a.m.-midday, Friday 2-6 p.m.

In Regensburg: every Saturday 7 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Donaumarkt (right next to the Eiserne Brücke / Iron Bridge).

Closest car park is Unterer Wöhrd (and a short walk across Eiserne Brücke), or Dultplatz and Oberer Wöhrd (walk across the Steinerne Brücke / Stone Bridge and turn left).

In 92637 Weiden: every Wednesday and Saturday 7 a.m. -12:30 p.m., Oberer and Unterer Markt / all around the Altes Rathaus (historic city hall, pedestrian zone).

In 97070 Würzburg: Monday thru Saturday, 7 a.m.-1 p.m., on Rathausplatz. Closed on Sundays and German holidays.

Guided Tours *New* Segway Tours The latest craze is guided tours through a city on a Segway. Various cities and locations offer those already; some regularly, some only on special occasions. These cities offer regular tours in German - contact them to see if they will do tours in English: Bamberg: ph 0911-933-250 or 09133-768-7819; Garmisch-Partenkirchen: ph 0173-4444-948; Munich: These groups lead tours in English. Segway Tour Munich and City Segway Tours; Nürnberg: 0911-933-250 or 09133-768-7819; Regensburg: Segway Tour Regensburg. Most large cities now offer Segway tours, for example Mindways Segway City Tours (in EN) has routes in Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Köln, Lübeck, and Travemünde.

1 p.m. daily: Walking Tours of Nürnberg in English Nuremberg was once an imperial residence, powerful free imperial city and international trading center. The prosperous city provided the ideal basis for an active cultural and intellectual life and the arts: Even today numerous buildings, monuments and artworks still reflect its former importance. The guided tour through the Old Town offers information and insights on the castle, the fountains and wells, churches and art as well as the city itself past and present.

Meeting point: Tourist Office at the Main Market Square (Hauptmarkt). Duration: approx. 2 ½ hrs. Price: 9 Euros per person, plus price of admission to castle (2 Euros pp). Children under 14 free in the company of their parents.

2 p.m. daily: Guided Tour of 91541 Rothenburg in English, of the most important sights in the historical district Meeting point: Market Square. Duration: 90 minutes. Fee: 6 Euros per person, payable cash to the tour guide 7 p.m. daily: Guided Tour in English of 91541 Rothenburg, with "The Executioner". Meet on Marktplatz, no prior booking required. The tours take place every day and cost 7 Euros per person.

There are tours in German which start at 6 p.m., and also in English, starting at 7 p.m. If you click in the link and scroll down, you can watch a 5-minute promo clip for the executioner's tour (in English but with a lovely Franconian accent). The clip shows some interesting hidden places that you normally don't get to see.

Every Wed. and Sat: 1:30 p.m.: Guided Tour of Regensburg, in English - "Experience a Historical City" In the course of this individually accented tour you get to know the Old City, with its patrician towered houses, the cathedral, the Old City Hall (all from the outside), the Stone Bridge and the Porta Praetoria. Our well-versed guides will be glad to answer any special questions you have, based on your own personal interests.

Fees: Adults 8 Euros, Reduced 5 Euros , Families 12 Euros. Duration: 1.5 hours.

Meeting point: Tourist-Information - Altes Rathaus, Rathausplatz, 93047 Regensburg, ph. 0941-507-4410.

Closest free car parks are "Dultplatz" (Am Protzenweiher/ Oberpfalzbrücke); adjacent "Protzenweiher" (opposite Protzenweiher 27); neighbouring "Wöhrdstraße" (at Wöhrdstraße 18); and adjacent "Unterer Wöhrd" (Wöhrdstraße 60/62). There is also the "Donaumarkt" parking lot (Donaumarkt 1) which is "a walk across the bridge" closer than the "Wöhrdstraße" car park, but it's not free-of-charge, and it's blocked on Saturday mornings for the Regensburg produce market. From any of these car parks it's only a very short walk across one of the bridges. You can get a map of Regensburg's city center from the Tourist Info in the "Altes Rathaus" (old city hall) for free.

Every Friday: 7 p.m. The Nuremberg Nightwatch Tour, in English - with the night watchwoman Re-live history through original, funny and exciting stories with the historian Dr. Ute Jaeger aka the night watchwoman.

Discover the traditional parts of Nürnberg and enjoy its most beautiful sights! Meeting Point is the fountain "Schöner Brunnen", Am Hauptmarkt, 90403 Nürnberg (in the pedestrian zone). Fees are 9 Euros pp.

Every Saturday: 1 p.m. Guided Tour of 97070 Würzburg in English Your stroll starts at the Falkenhaus (location of the Tourist Info, ph 0931-372-398) with its elaborate Rococo facade, followed by a visit to the Marienkapelle (St. Mary's Chapel) featuring sandstone sculptures by Tilman Riemenschneider.

Other highlights include the historical town hall building and the Romanesque cathedral "St. Kilian". From the bridge Alte Mainbrücke, you can enjoy fantastic views of the fortress Marienberg, the pilgrimage church Käppele and the famous vineyards. Tour lasts around 1.5 hrs, tickets cost 6 Euros per adult. Between 7 May and 29 October, additional English tours are held every Friday at 1 p.m.

Every Saturday: 2 p.m. Guided Tour in English of Albrecht Dürer's House in Nürnberg’s historical city center, AlbrechtDürer-Straße 39 (in the pedestrian zone). Admission is 5 Euros (normal), 2.50. Euros (reduced) Famous painter Albrecht Dürer lived in Nürnberg (1471 – 1528) – you might know him best for his “Praying Hands” –, and his original residence in Nürnberg’s pretty city center has been converted to a museum. Every Saturday, an actress in historical gowns offers guided tours of the house in English, telling its history from the viewpoint of Dürer's wife Agnes.

Every Saturday: 3 p.m. Guided Tour in English of the Church of St. Jacob's in 91541 Rothenburg.

A public and free tour in English of the famous StJakobs-Kirche (church). You only pay the entrance fee for the church: 2 Euros for adults; 0.50 Euros for students, pupils; groups from 10 person: 1.50 Euros. No reservation necessary! Duration: ca. 45 minutes. Meeting Point: front row inside the church.

Every Saturday: 8 p.m. Guided Tour in English with the Night-Watchman in 91541 Rothenburg on Marktplatz = Market Place. Take a walk back in time with the Night-watchman through the romantically-lit streets of Rothenburg.

Meeting point is on Market Square, the tour lasts about 60 minutes. Fee is 7 Euros per person, payable in cash to the Night-watchman.

Useful links in English for everyday life in Germany Find German zip codes: German Post's website Find German phone numbers: Das Telefonbuch English Historic Germany: http://www.hhog.de/ Loads of information about Germany, language and customs: http://german.about.com/.

German-American Kontakt Club The Vilseck Kontakt Club meets every Friday at 7 p.m. for Stammtisch at the Club House, Rose Barracks Bldg. 301.

Those interested in the Vilseck Club please register with Daniel Koenig or sign up with the Vilseck Kontakt Club at the website by filling out the Mitgliedsantrag (Member registration form). The Grafenwoehr Kontakt Club meets every Monday for bowling at the Grafenwoehr Bowling Center and every Wednesday for Stammtisch at the Clubhouse. For more on the Graf Club, call CIV DSN 475-7878, 09641-83-7878 or email.