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26 February 2014 u.S. army garrison BAVARIA–Tower Barracks/ Rose Barracks
COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
Check for updates on community news, information and events at: www.grafenwoehr.army.mil
“Helau!” This carnival salutation was first called out in 1935 by a delegation of the Mainz Prince Guard from Düsseldorf. The salutation is a carnival stronghold throughout Germany, which can differ from town to town, and region to region. If you’re celebrating in Cologne, the salutation is “Alaaf”. One must be sure to never shout “Helau” in Cologne, or “Alaaf” in Bavaria!
Click on a section to go straight to its page: ACS / Adult Education & Training / Community Highlights / Exchange News / Facility & Road Openings, Closures, Construction / Religious / School News / Sports, Fitness, Hobbies & Recreation / Volunteers & other help needed / Was ist Los? / Fasching
Community Highlights Special programs, updates, community campaigns, classes and more
“Like” us on Facebook “Like” U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria 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/USAGBavaria?ref=hl.
Follow us on Twitter Follow us for news and updates about the Bavarian Military Community, Army, DoD and Europe. Here’s our page: https://twitter.com/USAGBavaria. Our Twitter handle is @USAGBavaria.
Bavarian News online Head to BavarianNews.com to get timely news and see what events are happening in the community. Here are the latest Bavarian News stories for this week: Staying within the lines. High schoolers create a coloring book for elementary students to share techniques for dealing with deployment. Willkommen wagon. Starting March 4, newcomers will experience an improved process for acclimating to their new home as part of ACS’ Meet & Greet program. This week across Germany, women rule the roost. Walking lunch. Community members focus on fitness in February. Every bit counts. Experts encourage the community to plan for its future during Military Saves Week.
Please expect a mail delay The Postal Service Centers are have been informed of an expected mail delay in 1st Class and Priority Express Mail that is going to or coming from New York due to inclement weather conditions. The PSCs will continue to keep you informed via the Rose Barracks and Tower Barracks PSC Facebook pages.
Tax Centers are here! Tax Centers are the easiest way to file your taxes for free. Last tax season, tax centers in Bavaria processed 10,220 tax returns, saving more than $1.5 million in commercial preparation and filing fees, and generating over $19 million in refunds. The filing deadline for the tax year is 15 April, but the overseas filing deadline is 16 June. Click here for contact info and tax filing document requirements. Tower Barrack Tax Center: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-noon, 1-5 p.m. Bldg. 216, First Floor: Tax Center DSN 475-9258, CIV 09641-83-9258. Rose Barracks Tax Center: Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Bldg. 245, First Floor: Tax Center DSN 476-2714, CIV 09662-83-2714.
The German-American Volksfest is back! 1-3 Aug: Great news! We've just learned that the 56th annual German-American Volksfest will be held Aug. 1-3 at U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria. So make your plans to attend. More information to follow soon.
Tower Barracks Commissary Annual Inventory 27 Feb: Grafenwoehr Commissary's annual inventory will be on 27 Feb. The store will remain open; however products on the shelf will be pushed back. Thank you for your cooperation.
Black History Month celebration 28 Feb: Celebrate African American/Black History Month with the Bavaria Military Community. 1-2 p.m. at the Tower Theatre, Bldg 620. This is a free event aimed at demonstrating the contributions and sacrifices made by African Americans to our society. Guest speaker: Ms. Denver M. Beaulieu-Haines.This year's theme: Civil Rights in America.
Army Emergency Relief starts again 1 March-15 May: The Army Emergency Relief (AER) program will begin on 1 March. All units within USAG Bavaria geographic footprint are requested to provide an AER Representatives. The USAG Bavaria POC will be hosting a special training session for all AER unit representatives on 26 Feb at 9 a.m. in Tower Barracks Bldg. 244, room 126.1. Training
will last approximately 1 hour. All AER representatives should attend this training. For questions please contact Mrs. Christine Nunez-Stolz, DSN: 475-6133 or email her.
New civilian CAC card process Starting 1 March: A new CAC ID process will soon be implemented for Army appropriated fund civilian employees. Civilians and their family members will no longer be required to visit their CPAC prior to renewing their CAC cards. They will bypass CPAC and go directly to their ID card section. This only applies for Army ID card facilities. If you chose to obtain a CAC from a non-ARMY ID card office, you will be required to obtain a DD Form 1172-2 -- APPLICATION FOR IDENTIFICATION CARD/DEERS ENROLLMENT. Click here to start your CAC ID process even sooner.
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.
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.
Community Health Promotion Council Survey Please take 10 minutes out of your day to take this survey on the level of health in our community. Our Community Health Promotion Council will be provided with the results of this survey in order to identify the most pressing problems that can be addressed through community action. Thanks! Survey is here: http://go.usa.gov/Z7D9
Equal Employment Opportunity The garrison Equal Employment Opportunity webpage lists all of the information needed for you to address potential EEO concerns. If you need such help, please visit http://www.grafenwoehr.army.mil/sites/support/eeo.asp
St. Paddy’s Day Party 15 March: 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. at the Tower Barracks Warrior Zone, Bldg. 153. As the saying goes, “Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!” The Tower Barracks Warrior Zone is hosting its annual St. Paddy’s Day Party. With BOSS providing snack food/beverage resale and a live DJ, you’re likely to find gold at the end of rainbow. You’re also highly encouraged to wear Green.
Kids in the Kitchen 19 March, 16 April & 14 May: The Grafenwoehr WIC office is offering 3 upcoming classes to help your picky eaters and mealtime pleasers the chance to put on the chef hat and help create healthy, yet delicious, masterpieces. One class will be offered in each March, April, and May and will feature 1-2 new recipes. Children (and adults) will be encouraged to try a food with secret ingredients, and then create their own version of the mysteriously yummy food. While they’re getting lost in their creativity, a WIC dietitian will be discussing the importance of enjoying healthy foods and how to make scrumptious meals with them. Recipe books, samples, and fun will be provided. Classes are free and registration is not needed, but please call ahead to ensure adequate supplies. Classes will be held on Wednesdays, March 19 @ 10 a.m., April 16 @ 12:45 p.m., and May 14 @ 2:00 p.m. You do not have to be a WIC participant to attend, but if you are interested in our program or want more information regarding this workshop please call DSN 475-6821, CIV 09641-836821.
Women’s History Month Celebration
21 March: Come join in the celebration of Woman’s History Month with the Bavaria Military Community. 1-2 p.m, 21 March at the Tower Theater. This is a free event hosted by the 7th Army NCO Academy aimed at recognizing the contributions and sacrifices made by Woman to our society. Guest speaker: Ms. Judith Brown. This year's theme: Women of Character, Courage and Commitment.
Women’s Empowerment Day 28 March: U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria is hosting an “Empowering Young Women to Lead” program from 10 -11 a.m. at the Physical Fitness Center on Tower Barracks. Guest speaker is Emilia Mueller, Bavarian State Minister for Labor, Social Affairs, Family and Integration. Also included is a panel session of invited guests to discuss professional development in the workforce and planning your career path. Everyone – Soldiers, civilian employees and family members – is invited to attend. Please save the date!
Community Bank set to move We are happy to announce the relocation of the Grafenwoehr Community Bank to Tower Barracks Bldg. 105. Feb. 24 will be the last day the Community Bank will be operating out of their temporary location in Bldg. 627. Their scheduled moving dates are Feb. 25-27. On Feb. 28, Community Bank will resume regular business hours (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) in Bldg. 105, across the street from the legal center.
Reduced Staff at Passport Office 7-9 April: The USAG Bavaria Tower Barracks Passport Office will be operating at reduce staff 7-9 April due to staff mandatory passport certification training. Passport customer may occur longer wait periods for services during this time period. The Tower Barracks Passport Office will reopen 10 April for full services.
Estate Claim for Fallen Soldier Anyone having claims on or obligations to the estate of CW2 Edward Balli of RHHT, 2D Calvary Regiment, should contact the Summary Court Martial Officer, CW3 Philip Wolfe at DSN 476-5474.
Bulk Trash Pick-Up The County Neustadt/WN will pickup bulk trash over the next few months. Bulk trash must be curbside, in front of your home no later than 6 a.m. on the scheduled pick-up day. Pick-up is provided by contractors of the County Neustadt. Please note that pick-ups will occur in 3 stages based on types of items. 26 Feb: Pressath 11 March: City Grafenwoehr 18 March: Netzaberg & City Eschenbach (North of B 470 & South of B 470) 14 April: Altenstadt 29 April: Parkstein 26 May: Mantel and Steinfels 07 July: Luhe-Wildenau What will be picked up? Everything, that is too big or too heavy to go into the normal refuse container, such as: Furniture, mattresses, carpets, washing machines, dryers, radios, TVs, ovens, stoves, bicycles, strollers, and other items which cannot be dismantled, torn or broken down to a size that would fit in the regular refuse container. Each single item should be no larger than 80x40x32 inches and should not be heavier than 110 lb. Bulk trash consisting of metal (i.e. bicycles, washers, dryers, stoves, etc.) and electronic equipment (such as large appliances, small appliances, cooling devices, information & telecommunications including entertainment equipment) should be put out separately next to the normal bulk trash. What will not be picked up? - Normal refuse, recyclable material, Yard waste like cut grass, branches, etc... - Hazardous waste - Tires, car parts, batteries, wrecked cars, motorcycles - Doors and windows (with or without glass), laminated floor, rouleaus - Construction debris - Night storage heaters Pick-ups will be performed in three steps:
1. Combustible material: like upholstered furniture, mattresses, rugs, etc... 2. Electronic equipment: i.e. TV, PC, printer, scanner, radio, VCR, DVD player, monitor, vacuum cleaner, refrigerators and freezers (no permission sticker required anymore), etc… together with Household Metal items: i.e. bicycles, ironing boards, washer, dryer, dishwasher, stoves (oil stoves and oil barrels must be totally emptied) etc… 3. Salvageable wooden furniture: (i.e. bed frame, wardrobe, chair, table, etc….) *Smaller electronic appliances (i.e. hairdryer, toothbrush, telephones, drilling machine etc.) should be brought to the drop off point “Company Bergler” in Weiherhammer, Etzenrichter Str. 2, Mon.-Fri. from 8-4 p.m., CIV 09605-92090. Any material not picked up must be removed by residents. For more, call your SORT Office at DSN 475-6664.
Bulk Trash Pickup – City of Weiden For City of Weiden to include the communities Rothenstadt, Ullersricht and Neunkirchen - Pickup has to be requested at the City of Weiden twice a year. Fee per Pickup is 10 €. To schedule a pickup call 0961-3901913. For more information contact your SORT Office at DSN 475-6664.
Bulk Trash Pickup – County Tirschenreuth For Erbendorf, Kastl, Kemnath, Kulmain & Thumsenreuth - Pickup is performed by the County Tirschenreuth upon written request by the resident (“Sperrmuellabfuhr auf Abruf”). For a blank form contact your SORT Office at DSN 475-6664.
Bulk Trash Pickup – County Bayreuth For Speichersdorf - Pickup is performed by the County Bayreuth upon individual written request by the resident per special application card (“Sperrmuellabfuhr auf Abruf”). To obtain a blank form of this special application card contact your SORT Office at DSN 475-6664.
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.
Newcomers! Tuesdays Beginning March 4: Newcomer Meet & Greet, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Tower Barracks, Bldg 244, Lobby
Army Volunteer Corps 10 March & 15 April: Volunteer Management, Organizational Point of Contact (OPOC) Training, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg 221, Rm 206 11 March: AFTB Level 3, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg 221, Rm 206 2 – 4 April: AFTB Level 2, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg 221, Rm 206 16, 17 April: AFTB Level 1, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg 221, Rm 206
Employment Readiness For anyone needing assistance with resume building, or one-on-one assistance, please call DSN 476-2650, 475-8371, CIV 09662-83-2650, 09641-83-8371. 4 March: Let’s Talk Jobs, 10:00 a.m. – noon, Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg 322 11 March, 1 & 15 April: USA Jobs, 10 – noon, Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg 322 18 Mar: Ready For Work, 10:00 a.m. – 1 p.m., Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg 322 25 March: Interview Prep 101, 10:00 a.m. – noon, Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg 322 8 April: Employment Out-Processing Brief, 10:00 a.m. – noon, Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg 322
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Have questions? Email EFMP directly. 12 March: Bowling with EFMP, 4 – 6 p.m., Rose Barracks, Bowling Center 20 March: Special Education Workshop, 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Tower Barracks, Bldg 244 6 Feb: FRSA & FRG Key Personnel Brief, 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Tower Barracks, ACS, Bldg 244 26 March: EFMP Support Group, 3 – 4 p.m., Rose Barracks, Bldg 244, Rm 219 17 April: 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. 4 – 6 March: It Takes Two, 8:30 – 3:30 p.m., Rose Barracks, Bldg 221, Rm 206 Tuesdays, 4 March – 1 April: Love & Logic, 11:30 – 1 p.m., Tower Barracks, Chapel Annex
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. 4 March: Money Management, noon – 1 p.m., Rose Barracks, Bldg 322 5 March: Checking & Debit Account Management, 12 – 1 p.m., Tower Barracks, ACS, Bldg 244 11 March: Coupon Class, 12 – 1:30 p.m. Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg 322 12 March: Thrift Savings Plan (Basics), 12 – 1 p.m. Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg 244 18 March: Investing 102, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg 322 19 March: Coupon Class, 12 – 1:30 p.m. Tower Barracks, ACS, Bldg 244 2 April: IRAs and Mutual Funds, 12 – 1 p.m., Tower Barracks, ACS, Bldg 244
Mobilization & Deployment Readiness 7 March: Resilience Training, 9 – 4 p.m., Rose Barracks, Bldg 322 17 April: FRG Treasurer & Funding Class, 9 – 5 p.m., Rose Barracks, Bldg 221 (limit 20 people)
New Parent Support Program 21 March & 18 April: Great Expectations, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Rose Barracks, ACS Bldg. 322. (6 Sessions that meet on Friday mornings) Tuesdays, 4, 18 March & 15, 29 April: Infant Massage, noon – 1 p.m., Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg 322 5, 19 March & 2, 16, 30 April: Little Hearts Apart Club, 10 – 11:15 a.m., Rose Barracks, Bldg 322 Clinics and Informational Classes Every Tuesday: Breast Feeding Clinic, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Play Groups Every Tuesday: Tower Barracks, Chapel Annex, 9:30 – 11 a.m. Every Wednesday: Rose Barracks, Chapel Annex, 9:30 – 11 a.m. Every Thursday: Netzaberg, Teen Center, 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 Every 1st Wednesday (except for holidays): Visit Weiden Meet at 5:45 p.m. in the Weiden hospital lobby. Every 4th 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 13 March & 10 April: Successful PCS Moves 101, 1 – 2 p.m. Thursdays, Rose Barracks, ACS Bldg 322 19 March & 16 April: Military Sponsorship: Train-The-Trainer, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Thursdays, Rose Barracks, ACS Bldg 322 21 March: Level 2 Newcomers’ Orientation, Discover Amberg “Welcome To Bavaria” 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Rose Barracks, ACS Bldg 322 19 March: Immigration Workshop, 11 a.m. – noon, Thursdays, Rose Barracks, ACS Bldg 322 31 March: Level 1 Newcomers Orientation “Welcome To Bavaria” 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Rose Barracks, ACS Bldg 322 28 March: Level 2 Newcomers’ Orientation, Discover Weiden “Welcome To Bavaria” 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Rose Barracks, ACS Bldg 322 16 April: Spouse Sponsorship, 1 – 2 p.m. Thursdays, 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.
Soldier & Family Assistance Center 20 March: Education Fair, 10:00 – 1 p.m., Rose Barracks, Bldg 165
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. 4 March: Anger Management, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Rose Barracks, Bldg 322 6 March: From Combat to Home, 11:30 – 12:30 p.m., Rose Barracks, Bldg 322 11 & 13 March: Helping Your Service Member Reconnect With Their Child, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Rose Barracks, Bldg 322 25 March: Coping With Transition, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Rose Barracks, Bldg 322
Exchange News For more information about the Exchange, head to www.shopmyexchange.com.
Starbucks Now Open Starbucks is now open at the Tower Barracks Exchange Mall. Starbucks operating hours will be Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Rose Barracks Exchange and Food Court New Hours 1 March: The Rose Barracks PXtra, Concessions and Food Court will revert back to pre-deployed operating hours. The PXtra will be open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Concessions will be Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. The Food Court will be open 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., with Charley’s opening at 8:30 a.m. for breakfast. Some concessions have different hours - please check http://www.shopmyexchange.com/ExchangeStores/ for current hours.
Free military-only comic book: Thor Thor: the Asgardian Thunder God is starring in a new, military-exclusive, FREE comic book from Marvel Custom Solutions and the Army & Air Force Exchange Service. The 32-page comic features Thor defending New York City from the fearsome Frost Giant. Pick up a free copy at your local Exchange Main Store and Retail Store.
Volunteers and other help needed VHS track and field volunteers needed The Vilseck High School track and field team is looking for volunteers! If you have expertise in throwing, jumping, or hurdle events, we would like to hear from you. Volunteers need to be available from 3:30-5 p.m. on school days 3 March23 May. Volunteers must have a valid background check through ACS. If interested, please contact VHS Athletic Director, Emily Walton - Emily.walton@eu.dodea.edu.
Red Cross looking for CPR instructors We are looking for CPR course instructors. If you are interesting in becoming a Red Cross certified CPR/First Aid/AED course instructor, you must already have a valid CPR/FA/AED certification card and must be able to teach 3 classes over the next 12 months. Dates for this training are Feb 1st and 2nd at the Rose Barracks Red Cross office. For more information or to sign up, please email Alex Williams or call 09662-83-1760.
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.
Sports, Fitness, Hobbies & Recreation AAFES Movie Listing Tower Barracks listings, click here. Rose Barracks listings, here.
Bavaria Community and Spouses' Club events 28 Feb: Applications for the Educational Scholarships provided by the BCSC are due Feb. 28. To find out if you qualify please visit our website at www.bavariacsc.com! 13-16 March: Italy Trip - Nove, Vicenza, Verona. The bus leaves at 10 p.m. Thursday, March 13th and returns Sunday March 16th. Cost includes round trip transportation, 2 nights Hotel, 2 breakfasts, winery tour, tasting and food pairing! € 245 for members, additional $20 for non members. **Per person based on double occupancy. There will be porcelain shopping at the factories that create pieces for Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, Tiffany's and Lenox! A flea market and sightseeing in Verona, and a visit to the Nicolay purse factory. RSVP Deadline is February 26th. All Yes's at this time will be responsible for full payment of the trip. There is a payment plan available for this trip. Please inquire with your RSVP at www.bavariacsc.com. Head to the BCSC Facebook page for more info on upcoming events and club news. 21 March: Little Black Dress Luncheon -- Join the BCSC for our March Luncheon! We will be performing the famous Little Black Dress Skit and enjoying a fabulous lunch with friends!DK's Steakhouse, AM Waldbad 4, 92655 Grafenwohr. 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., cost is €10.
Bayern Rangers hockey team The Bayern Rangers ice hockey team is gearing up for military and club tournaments. All interested players and fans are encouraged to join in the fun: 1 March: Vilspiraten Cup in Amberg 5-6 April: Puckbusters Cup in Weiden 8-11 May: Rainman All-Star Tourney in Pilzen, Czech. To join in the fun, just show up. We'll be practicing on 9 &16 Feb, 12-1:30 p.m. in Weiden, and scrimmaging 10 & 17 Feb in Pegnitz. Players must provide their own equipment and chip in to cover the cost of ice time -- normally €10 for a 90 minute skate. For more info please see the team page at www.facebook.com/bayernrangers.
Weekly activities at the Warrior Zone All activities are from 6-10 p.m. at the Tower Barracks Warrior Zone, Bldg. 153. Call DSN 475-4309, CIV 09641-83-4309 for more. Tuesdays: Movie Nights. Grab some popcorn and put up your feet every Tuesday. Feel free to suggest films you want to see! Wednesdays: Texas Hold ‘Em. Think you’re good at cards? Prove it every Wednesday. Fridays: Pool Tournaments. Compete to be crowned the weekly billiards champ. Pool tables are also available upon request. Fridays: Magic: The Gathering Tournaments. Format varies from social play to tournaments. All skill levels are welcome.
Sundays are Family Bowling days Sundays: Every Sunday from 2-8 p.m. at the Tower Barracks Bowling Center, kids bowl for $1 and adults bowl for $2.25. At the Rose Barracks Bowling Center, we offer “All you can Bowl” for one low price. Call the Bowling Centers for more details.
Weekly activities for kids Tuesdays/Wednesday: Pre-School Story Time. Tuesdays at the Rose Barracks Library, 10 a.m. Wednesdays at the Tower Barracks Library, 10 a.m. Wednesday: Lap Sit Story Time. There are stories for the pre-schoolers and activities for under-2s. Tower Barracks Library. 2-2:30 p.m.
Animals in Need Now-28 Feb: Youth Centers’ Torch/Keystone/4-H Leadership clubs collects items (food and blankets, pillows, etc.) to be used for animals in need. Items can be dropped off at the Netzaberg Youth Center, Bldg. 9080 or the Rose Barracks Youth Center, Bldg. 1706, Monday through Friday from 2 - 6:30 p.m. For questions, call DSN 475-9393, CIV 09641-839393.
Rugged Terrain Obstacle Run Registration Now-3 March: Service members, civilians and family members in Europe are challenged to participate in the second Grafenwoehr Rugged Terrain Obstacle Run on April 12. Run, climb and jump past 13 hard-core obstacles spaced out over a grueling, 13-kilometer course along the Grafenwoehr Training Area’s Rough Terrain Trail. Obstacles include cargo net and rock climbs, tire flips, sled pulls, a stair run and a filthy mud crawl. Complete the run to earn a commemorative Tshirt. Participants register online at www.grafenwoehr.armymwr.com. Pre-registration fee is $25 per participant, participation is limited (1000 person). All U.S. and NATO ID cardholders over 18 years of age are eligible to participate as either individuals or teams. Participants MUST pre-register. No registration on race day!
Blind Date with a Book Now-28 Feb: February is Library Lover’s Month. Visit the Tower Barracks or Rose Barracks Library during the month of February and select a wrapped book for a ‘Blind Date with a Book’. We’ll have a selection of potential favorites BUT you won’t be able to judge these books by their covers – take a chance on book love.
USAG Bavaria Volleyball Registration Now-28 Feb: We’re looking for unit/company and battalion level teams to join our Volleyball League starting March 10. Sign up by calling DSN 475-8207, CIV 09641-83-8207.
Intramural Soccer League Registration 1-31 March: Register now for the upcoming Intramural Level Soccer League, both company and battalion level. Stop by your local fitness center for more information and to sign up today. DSN 475-8207, CIV 09641-83-8207.
Family Fitness Room Opens 3 March: You asked….we delivered! The Tower Barracks Family Fitness Center in the Tower Barracks Field House, Bldg. 547 opens 3 March and will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. With a variety of fitness equipment is available for your workout and a children’s play area located in the same workout room. You have no more excuses!
Ladies Night at the Lanes 5 & 19 March: Come on out ladies, this night is just for you! All ladies bowl for absolutely free. This is your chance to unwind and have a little fun at the Rose Barracks Bowling Center. 6-10 p.m. DSN 476-2576, CIV 09662-83-2576.
Ladies Only Climbing Night 6 & 20 March: All ladies are invited to come out and get your climb on. Contact the Wild B.O.A.R. to sign up and for more information, DSN 475-8529, CIV 09641-83-8529. Offered the first and third Thursday of each month. 6-8 p.m.
Bingo! 6 March: Try your luck with America’s number one game, BINGO! This is your chance to win big while also enjoying a delicious dinner. Only ID Card Holders 18 and older, please. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Motorcycle Mentorship Meeting 6 March: USAG Bavaria Safety office is hosting their annual Motorcycle Mentorship Meeting for all current and future mentors to prepare for the 2014 riding season. The meeting will be held at the Tower Barracks Safey Office in Bldg. 539 on Tower Barracks.
3rd Annual Shamrock Shuffle/Warrior Luck Be a Lady 5K 15 March: Dig out your green and join the fun for a great cause. March is Women in the Military Month and the community focus for the event is the Wounded Warriors. Participants are encouraged to bring a $ donation for the service project. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Kids (under 6) 400 m. Shamrock Sprint starts at 9:15 a.m. The 1 mile Shamrock Shuffle and 5K begin at 9:30 a.m.
Bavarian Ski Club trip to Austria 21-23 March: Join the Bavarian Ski Club for an incredible weekend to the resort / ski town of Bad Gastein, Austria, March 21-23. The resort boasts 201 km of ski runs with 44 lifts. Cost is â‚Ź270 and includes 2 nights accommodation, breakfast and dinner each day, a 2-day lift ticket and transportation to/from the Graf commissary with sandwiches and beverages on the bus. To sign up, contact Steve Derr at DSN 476-3418, Civ. 0162-296-0979, or email steven_derr@hotmail.com. All snowboard & ski levels welcome! Like us on Facebook for trip updates and additional information about upcoming club meetings.
24-Hour Challenge Run 27-28 March: The community is invited to support the 3rd Annual 24-Hour Challenge, which honors the fallen brothers of the Tactical Air Control Party community, March 27-28, at the Tower Barracks Physical Fitness Center. The event will start at 6 p.m., March 27. The funds raised during this event will help the TACP Association continue to support the community. To participate, donate or learn more, visit https://fundly.com/team-usafe#_, or contact Staff Sgt. Kevin Pollock at Kevin.j.pollock3.mil@mail.mil.
Soccer Coach’s & Officials Clinic 31 March - 3 April: 6-9 p.m. at Tower Barracks, Bldg. 539. If you love the game of Soccer, but the game is starting to pass you by, it might be time to hang up those cleats and start officiating. There is a shortage of qualified officials for all sports and it would be great if you came out and gave officiating Soccer a try while making some extra money on the side. Stop by your local fitness center for more information and to sign up today.
Upcoming MWR day trips Call Tower Barracks Leisure Travel Services, DSN 475-8529, CIV 09641-83-8529 for more and to sign up for fun day trips around Europe.
Hidden Treasures Thrift Shop Facebook page. Hidden Treasures Thrift Shop: Bring your gently used items to Bldg 221 on Rose Barracks.
Thrifty Tower Thrift Shop The Thrifty Tower Thrift Shop is located in Bldg. 508 in Tower Barracks. Consignments accepted during hours of store operation. Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, 10:00 a.m-3 p.m. Thursday, 11a.m.-5p.m. and the 1st Friday of the each month, 10:00 a.m-3p.m. Purple tickets 25% off. Blue tickets, coffee cups and strollers 1/2 off, over $3. Purses, boys and girls jeans - $2. We also have clothing in bins from $0.50 to $1. Volunteers and Donations are always welcome. Remember your donations help our community! CIV 09662-83-2649.
Find us on Facebook USAG Bavaria, 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, USAG Bavaria Chaplains, Tower Barracks DFAC, BMEDDAC, 2CR, Housing Dept., Provost Marshal Office , Netzaberg Middle School, Netzaberg Elementary School, Vilseck Falcons and Grafenwoehr Community Schools.
Facility & Road/Openings/Construction/Closures Rose Barracks road closures & detours Partial and total road closures are to be expected during the following dates for road construction for District Heating for several buildings. Detour signs will be posted when necessary.
70th Artillery Street
24 Feb-14 March: One lane open for traffic Cavalry Avenue 17-28 Feb: Total closure between Bldg. 242 and Bldg. 243. 74th Artillery Street 17-28 Feb: Total closure between Bldg. 232 and Bldg. 227. Parking Lot between Bldg. 241 and Bldg. 252 - Reduced parking available
Religious Services Catholic services Sunday Mass 9 a.m. Tower Barracks 11:30 a.m. Rose Barracks Daily Mass 12:05 p.m. Monday & Tuesday, Tower Barracks 12:05 p.m. Wednesday & Thursday, Rose Barracks
Jewish Shabbat Service 6:30 p.m. Friday (Except 4 Day Weekend), Tower Barracks Chapel Annex, Rm. 211.
Wiccan Open Circle 5:30 p.m. Monday, Tower Barrack Chapel Annex Rm.108.
Protestant Congregations Collective Protestant Services 9:15 a.m. Sunday School, Tower Barracks Chapel Annex 10:45 a.m. Sunday Worship, Tower Barracks 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship, Rose Barracks 11:15 a.m. Sunday School, Rose Barracks, Bldg. 205 Liturgical Congregation 10:30 a.m. Sunday Worship, Rose Barracks, Small Chapel Gospel Christian Fellowship 1 p.m. Sunday Worship, Tower Barracks Chapel Church of Christ Congregation 3:30 p.m. Sunday Worship, Tower Barracks Chapel Seventh Day Adventist Congregation 10:30 a.m. Saturday Study Hour, Rose Barracks, Main Sanctuary 11:30 a.m. Worship Service, Rose Barracks, Main Sanctuary
USAG Bavaria Ash Wednesday / Lent Services Please check here for a complete list of Ash Wednesday and Lent Services: http://www.grafenwoehr.army.mil/lentservices.pdf
RSO trip for all single women - Prague 15-16 March: Cost is 40 Euros, includes lodging, breakfast, concert, and transportation. Passport required. Experience the unique architecture and amazing scenery by day and night, and enjoy a classical concert in a beautiful church. To sign up contact Laurel Givry at 0151-14991395 or laurel.givry@cadence.org
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 19 Feb-4 March: Rose Barracks Education Center, Bldg. 223, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The registration period for these classes is from 13 Jan 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 Education Center at DSN 476-2653/3292.
DOL workshop for transitioning Soldiers 3-7 March: A senior Department of Labor workshop will be held here March 3-7 for Soldiers preparing for their next career. This Transition Assistance program workshop is for senior enlisted NCOs, warrant officers and officers who are retiring in 2014. Anyone interested can reserve a seat now by calling the Army Career and Alumni Program Center at DSN 476-2055, but seating is limited. Participants must be registered with ACAP and have completed their pre-separation briefing and initial counseling. Spouses are welcome to attend if their sponsoring service member is registered with ACAP.
Register now at UMUC for Spring Session II The University of Maryland University College Europe’s Spring Session II schedule of courses is now available for face-toface or online courses. Visit the Education Center to see your UMUC Europe Field Representative, or go online at www.europe.umuc.edu. We are ready to help you with financial aid, Tuition Assistance, using your G.I. Bill, evaluating your military training for college credits and more. You can also “Like” us on Facebook.
National Test Center (NTC) testing hours University of Maryland University College-Europe's National Test Center (NTC) has new testing hours. Mondays 8:309:30 a.m.: GED registration for new testers; 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Pearson Vue exams, GED and Excelsior exams. Tuesdays 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: CLEP and DSST exams. Wednesdays 8:30-9:30 a.m.: GED registration for new testers; 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Pearson Vue exams, GED and Excelsior exams. Friday 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Pearson Vue exams, GED, GMAT and Excelsior exams. The NTC offers computer-based exams for college credit including CLEP, DSST, GMAT, IT certifications, and many other professional certification exams. The NTC is excited to offer all five modules of the GED in a computer-based format. Jump start your education and contact Kristin Wright to schedule an appointment at DSN 476-2462, CIV 09662-83-2462.
New class at University of Oklahoma The University of Oklahoma in Vilseck 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, a Master of Human Relations and a Masters of Education. We are currently enrolling new students. Call Carla Miller at DSN 476-2069, CIV 09662-83-2069 or email her. Further information can be found at www.goou.ou.edu. The following courses are offered in Vilseck for Spring 2014: 24 March-18 April: Social Change, Culture, & Development in Africa (online).
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 Vilseck-Grafenwoehr community, there are currently 3 face-toface programs running continuously year-round. Below is the current line-up for CTC classes on Rose Barracks and Tower Barracks for Term 4 in March-May 2014. ROSE BARRACKS (VILSECK) CLASSES: Automotive Mechanic/Technician class: AUMT 2425 – Automotive Automatic Transmission & Transaxle. Meeting days & times: Tu/We/Th 6-10 p.m.. Start/End dates: 18 Mar/15 May. Instructor: Donald Bretch. 4 credit hours. Child Development class, CDEC 1313 – Curriculum Resources for Early Childhood. Meeting days and times: Tu/Th 6-9 p.m. Start/End dates: 18 Mar/15 May. Instructor: Birgit Keiser. 3 credit hours. GRAFENWOEHR TOWER BARRACKS CLASSES: Criminal Justice class: CJSA 1312 – Crime in America. Meeting days & times: Tu/Th 6:00-9:00 p.m. Start/End dates: 18 Mar/15 May. Instructor: Raymond Spain. 3 credit hours.
For more information, contact CTC field representative Chuck Sligh at vilseck@europe.ctcd.edu / DSN 476-2362 / CIV 09662-83-2362, Bldg 223, Rose Barracks
Embry-Riddle Graduation Ceremony 26 April: You are cordially invited to participate in Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Europe’s 2014 Graduation on Saturday, April 26, at 2 p.m., at the Lufthansa Training & Conference Center, Seeheim-Jugenheim, Germany. Celebrate your academic achievement by walking with your fellow graduates. If you have completed your degree with Embry-Riddle in the last year, or if you are an undergraduate student within 12 credit hours of degree completion, you are eligible to walk. For more information, contact the Hohenfels Office at DSN 466-4139, CIV 09472-83-4139, or email Hohenfels@erau.edu. Or stop by during office hours, Monday – Thursday 11 a.m.-4 p.m..
School News Grafenwoehr Elementary School 4 March: Fasching Parade! From 1-2:30 p.m. The parade route winds through the streets on post all around Grafenwoehr Elementary School. There will be a band, local military and community leaders and tons of colorful fun costumes. Come out and cheer for the kids as they participate in this special Bavarian tradition. POC is Frau Kean DSN 475-7133, CIV 09641-83-7133. 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 24-27 Feb: Spring Pictures 26 Feb: Family Library Night. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Parents are invited to read a story to their child. 1 March: RED HOT READERS’ MONTH BEGINS!! Get ready to dive into reading some good books. 5 March: Family Library Night. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Parents are invited to read with their child. 6 March: Book Swap. Please bring in some books to exchange for others. 8:30-11 a.m. 10-14 March: TerraNova Testing 3rd-5th grades from 8:30-noon each day. Parents are asked to schedule medical/dental appointments after testing. 13 March: SAC Meeting 3 p.m. 20 March: Lion's Den-ADHD-What Do I Do Now? Annex 8:30-9:30 a.m. 20 March: Book Swap. Please bring in some books to exchange for others. 8:30-11 a.m. 28 March: The Emperor’s New Clothes Dinner Theater 6 p.m. More information coming soon. 30 March: German Daylight Savings Time MFLC consultants at Vilseck Elementary School Dear VES Community, As you know we have two Military Family Life Consultants (MFLC) at our school who are here to support our school by assisting with many aspects, one of which is assisting our community’s family needs. Starting on January 31st at 1:45 our MFLCs will be hosting interested parents and community members many topics/issues/concerns that may be happening in your home and with your children. We invite you to VES on any or all of these scheduled dates. The topics and dates for you are: • 28 Feb: Effective discipline for school age children • 7 March: Issues families face with the military deploys • 14 March: Helping children when moving • 21 March: Teaching children how to get along • 28 March: Power Struggles Please take advantage of one or more sessions and visit with our MFLC. They are ready and willing to help you with concerns you may have that are not on this list and are available to you at any time. Please contact the main office if you have any questions.
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 Mon.‑Fri. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.‑Fri. 8:25 a.m.‑2:35 p.m.
Important Phone Numbers CIV 09662‑83-2812 / 2673, DSN 476‑2812/2673
Netzaberg Elementary School 28 Feb: School-wide Fasching parade; 1:00 parade begins. 3 March: Reading Night. 5:30-7:00. Main floor in school 18-20 March: Talent Show auditions. 7 May: Talent Show. MPR. 5:00. Fasching Parade: Please come support our school-wide Fasching parade Friday, February 28 at 1:00. We will be parading around the school with the MS marching band leading us off. The theme is NES salutes New Orleans. POC is Dave Simm at 472-5230. Reading Night: Come dressed in your pajamas, have a muffin and hot cocoa, and listen to books. Every child will get a free book to take home with them. Talent Show: Permission slips for the talent show are going home on Monday, February 24. Please send in your signed permission slip as soon as you can. Auditions will be held March 18-20. The Talent Show will be on May 7 at 5:00 p.m. in the MPR. POC is Patti Daniel at 09645-917-9183. P.E.: Mr. Gray, our P.E. teacher, is asking for old sport shoe donations of all sizes. Many kids forget their sport shoes and this way Mr. Gray can loan them a pair for class. All sizes welcome. Library: Our school librarian, Dinah Tague, would love volunteers to help out in the library. She needs people willing to wash books, straighten shelves, label books, take pictures, and create bulletin boards. Attendance: If your student is going to be late or absent, please email us at our new email address: NetzabergES.attendan@eu.dodea.edu OR call 09645-917-9184/9183, DSN 472-9184/9183 by 0830. 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. 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 472-9185. Check us out on Facebook at link. School Office Hours School Hours Mon.- Fri. 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Mon.- Fri. 8:00 a.m.-.2:35 p.m.
Important Phone Numbers CIV 09645-917-9185/4 DSN 472-9184
Netzaberg Middle School 28 Feb: Career Fair – 1:15 p.m., Gym 3 March: Read Across America (Contact NMS to volunteer) 4 March: TerraNova Practice - Seminar 10-14 March: TerraNova Testing Every Morning - Be On Time and Eat a Healthy Breakfast;
Get a Good Night's Sleep 15 March: Spring 5K Run - Grafenwoehr Fitness Center 26 March: March into Spring Assembly – 1:30 p.m., Gym 28 March: CU4 Reality Career Workshop - Seminar 1-3 April: Registration for SY 2014-2015 3 April: Last Day of 3rd Quarter 4 April: No School for Students - Teacher Work Day 7-11 April: No School - Spring Break 14 April: First Day of 4th Quarter Are you PCSing soon? Please contact Mrs. Zenaida Ferdinand-Bessant so she can assist you with your transition. 09645-917-9229 (DSN 472 9229), Option 3. Student Absent? Please e-mail or call Mr. Chris Campbell at Willis.Campbell@eu.dodea.edu if your student is going to be absent from school. ** If a student is late, a parent/guardian must come to the office to sign them in. 09645-917-9229 DSN 472 9229, Option 1. 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. 09645-917-9229 DSN 472 9229, Option 5. Find us on Facebook: Like our Facebook 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 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CIV 09645-917-9229 DSN 472-9229
Vilseck High School 27 Feb: Vilseck High School Dodgeball Tournament 3:15 – 5:30 28 Feb: JROTC visits Netzaberg Middle School 8 March: JROTC Ball 18 March: College Prep 101 for Parents” 6:00 pm at Vilseck HS (See below) 21-23, 28 - 30 March: 7 p.m. Vilseck High School Drama "Hairspray Jr." 25 March: 8th grade visit 5-15 May: AP Exams College Prep 101 for Parents. If you are the parent of a VHS senior heading off to college this fall or the parent of a junior and you want to get a head start gathering information, USAG Bavaria experts in the areas of transportation, Tricare, legal and GI Bill will be at VHS on March 18th at 6:00PM to provide practical information for you and your student. This one hour workshop will provide you with information and a point of contact as you look at the logistics of getting your student ready to head off to college. Sponsored by PASS - Parents for Academic and School Success, a committee of VHS Boosters. Winter Sports Schedule: The schedule can be found on the front page of the Vilseck High School website at http://www.vils-hs.eu.dodea.edu SAC Committee: VHS SAC Committee meets every 2nd Monday of each month while school is in session. Minutes of the previous meetings can be found on our school website at http://www.vils-hs.eu.dodea.edu/SAC.html. 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. Questions: Feel free to call the school office for more information. School Office Hours School Hours Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 8:10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Important Phone Numbers 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.
Travel and Leisure Fair 26 Feb – 2 March: Travel and Leisure Fair: "Freizeit-Messe" in 90471 Nürnberg, at the Messezentrum on KarlSchönleben-Straße, ph 0911-860-60. Find at this fair (GE) information about renovating and decorating your house, travel (often at reduced fares!), camping, various outdoor sport activities, gardening, and exquisite and unusual "Selection" offers. (All links are in German only.) They also have "Show-Grillen" (BBQ Show) as well as numerous national and international delicatessen. A special Whisk(e)y Fair (only GE) is held 01 + 02 March - access only for 18-year-olds and older! Bring along ID. Admission is € 11 pp | € 6.50 for children 11 - 14 | Children 7-10 get in for free but do need to get a free ticket from the cashier (bring along ID) | € 24 for a family ticket (2 adults and max. 3 children under 16). There are no online tickets, and tickets can only be purchased with cash at the day counter.
Frühjahrsmarkt = Spring Market 28 Feb- 2 March: Street Market: 9 a.m. each day, in 95326 Kulmbach, city center (ca. 65 km / 40 miles NE of Bamberg). It is recommended you park at the large car park along Schwedensteig, which is only a short 5-minute walk from the city center.
Register for the Regensburg Marathon 28 Feb: Today is the second cut-off for registering for the Regensburg Marathon. The actual marathon will take place on Sunday, 04 May, 8:30 a.m., in 93047 Regensburg; starting and end point is the Infineon car park, Wernerwerkstraße / corner Messerschmittstraße. There will also be a trade fair in the large tent at the car park. Click for all pertinent information in German, and here to register (also in English). You can register for a full marathon, a half-marathon, or a quarter-marathon (starts at 11:30). Registration cut-offs and entry fees: Second cut-off: 28 February. € 40 (full) | € 28 (half) | € 18 (quarter); Final cut-off: 27 April. € 49 (full) | € 34 (half) | € 23 (quarter); Late / last registration: 03 May. € 60 (full) | € 45 (half) | € 30 (quarter).
Booboo's Soul Shack 28 Feb: 8 p.m., in 92237 Sulzbach-Rosenberg, at the "Historische Druckerei Seidel", Luitpoldplatz 4 (ca. 20 km / 12.5 miles south of Vilseck). They call their music "Soul Jazz", and it is rooted in the cool Jazz sounds from the 60s and the funky Jams of the 70s. The band's virtuosity enables them to play classics like Herbie Hancock, Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Spyro Gyra, as well as many other less well-known artists such as Freddy Cole.
Fastnacht-Jahrmarkt 3 - 6 March: Street Market: in 91522 Ansbach, on Schlossplatz, Karl-Burkhardt-Platz, Reitbahn 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.
Faschingsmontag 3 March: Today is Faschingsmontag = Pancake Monday or Shrove / Merry Monday. Please be aware that many offpost stores, especially in smaller towns, might close early this afternoon.
Faschingsdienstag = Pancake / Fat / Shrove Tuesday & Mardi Gras 4 March : Tradition: Tanz der Marktweiber = Dance of the Merchant Women, 11 a.m., in 80331 München / Munich, at the Viktualienmarkt (food / produce market, link in EN), Viktualienmarkt 6. Every year, the actual merchant women get together and perform some dances in typical Fasching costumes. Click here for lots of photos and a clip of the event (only GE but you'll get a good impression). In the afternoon between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., the dance instructor of the Marktweiber, will teach a couple of moves to the eager audience. You can also enjoy the live music played on several stages, and savour the Bavarian delicacies on sale. The Marktweiber are also on Facebook (only GE).
Swim and Fun for Children 7 March: 4 - 6 p.m., in 92318 Neumarkt, at the Hallenbad (indoor pool), Mühlstraße 42 (ca. 45 km / 28 miles west of Hohenfels). A car park is on site. The lifeguards have organized a fun-filled party with music and games, specifically aimed at children and juveniles. To ensure a safe time, the pool will be blocked for adults - only children are allowed! Parents can watch their kids from the Caféteria. Entry is € 2 per child.
Bike & Fun Fair 8 & 9 March: In 90762 Fürth, in the Stadthalle, Rosenstraße 50, ph 0911-749-120 (ca. 10 km / 6 miles west of Nürnberg). This annual fair offers everything that a biker's heart desires: motorcycles, accessories, custom bikes, quads, clothes - even a raffle and a flea market for used motorcycles and accessories! Click for photos from last year. Opening hours Saturday 1 - 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is € 5 pp, children under 14 are free. If you wish to visit on both days, ask for an "Auslass-Stempel" (stamp) on Saturday; it will grant you free access on Sunday!
Street Market and Open Stores 9 March: Josefi-Jahrmarkt, 10 a.m., in 91550 Dinkelsbühl, on and around the Marktplatz = Market Place (ca. 45 km / 28 miles SW of Ansbach). A typical street market in a wonderful city, where vendors will be selling decorations, jewellery, books, locally produced foods, flowers and much more.
Starkbierfest 22 March: in Pressath, Stadthalle at 8 p.m. Entrance at 7 p.m. Entrance fee will be €3. The Pressather Musikanten will play Bavarian music and modern style music. For reservation please contact Gerlinde Reich@t-online.de.
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.
Off-post movies in English Want to see a movie that’s not playing on post? Two movie theaters in Nuremberg play films in OV (original version), which for American movies, means in English. Check out the Roxy, a small theater with only two screens, or Cinecitta, a larger theater with some films playing in OV.
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.
Fasching! Weiberfasching 27 Feb: Today is Weiberfasching (aka Unsinniger Donnerstag aka Ladies Fasching.) Celebrate the ladies in your life by dressing up like one at one of the parties below!
Chinese Fasching 27 Feb: 13:61 (!), in 92345 Dietfurt, city center (ca. 35 km / 22 miles SW of Hohenfels). The city of Deitfurt has a special relationship with China and Chinese customs. To celebrate this, join the Chinese Carnival today. There will be a traditional Fasching parade with lots of Chinese costumes. After the parade, people dress fancy and enjoy a long night out extending into the early hours of next morning.
Amberg Hexennacht aka Witches Night 27 Feb: 5:30 - 11 p.m., in 92224 Amberg, on Marktplatz. The "witches" (ladies from the Seidl-Schwandner Dance School) will perform a special Witches Dance for children - and with children - at 5:30 p.m. From 6 p.m. on, "D' Quertreiber" will rock the Marktplatz. Best free parking lots at "Auf der Wiesen", the car park behind the Hotel Arcadia and the Kurfürstenbad (indoor swimming pool); the other one is the park block opposite Sulzbacher Straße 5. Both parking areas are only a tiny walking distance from Amberg's city center.
Weiberfasching in Vilseck 27 Feb: 8 p.m. - 2 a.m., in 92249 Vilseck, at the Burg Dagestein castle, Schlossgasse 6 - 10; Zehentkasten (tithe barn). Please park on Marktplatz and walk the short distance to the castle. It's all about the girls today! But of course guys can participate too (if they dress like women.)
Six Crazy Days Fasching Party in Bayreuth 27 Feb-4 March: Fasching Party "Six Crazy Days = Sechs tolle Tage" in 95448 Bayreuth, on Marktplatz along Maximilianstraße. Carnival madness peaks in Bayreuth's historical city center during these days. Dress in a costume and join the fun. Plenty of booths offer food and drinks. Highlight is a Fasching parade on Sunday, 2 March. 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.
Fasching Party: "Hexentreiben" 28 Feb: 1 p.m., in the town center of 92287 Schmidmühlen (ca. 20 km / 12.5 miles NE of Hohenfels). It’s Witches & Bustle Day, everyone. Join if you like a crazy time.
Fasching: Rock'n'Roll Boogie Woogie 1 March: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., at the Donau-Einkaufszentrum shopping mall, 93055 Regensburg, Weichser Weg 5 (large exhibit area on the 3rd floor). Free live music and dance performances for all shoppers!
Fasching Party: Lumpenball 1 March: 9 p.m., in 92637 Weiden, at the Mehrzweckhalle, Am Langen Steg (where the flea markets are being held, near the hospital). Don your crazy Fasching costumes and join the party! Admission is €8 at the door, or €7 if bought in advance (only GE). Doors open at 7:30 p.m. No admission for anyone younger than 16! Please have identification on you, they will be checked.
Fasching Happenings on Sunday, 2 March - Party, 1 p.m., in 92253 Schnaittenbach town center and the inner courtyard of the Rathaus = town hall (ca. 27 km / 17 miles south of Grafenwöhr). Parade starts at 2 p.m. - Parade, 1 p.m., in 91171 Obermässing (ca. 55 km / 34 miles west of Hohenfels). - Parade, 2 p.m., in 92256 Hahnbach along Hauptstraße and on Marktplatz (ca. 12 km / 7.5 miles south of Vilseck). - Parade and party, 2 p.m. - 2:30 a.m., in 92363 Breitenbrunn, on and around the Marktplatz = market place (ca. 27 km / 17 miles SW of Hohenfels). - Parade, 2 p.m., in Töging (part of 92345 Dietfurt, ca. 35 km / 22 miles SW of Hohenfels).
- Parade, 2 p.m.: in Lupburg (subdivision of 92331 Parsberg, ca. 13 km / 8 miles SW of Hohenfels). - Parade, 2 p.m., in 92334 Berching, on and around Reichenauplatz (ca. 42 km / 26 miles west of Hohenfels). A Disco Tent will be put up on Marktplatz. The party goes on until late at night (then usually inside the guest houses). -Parade, 2 p.m., in Vilseck. Most of the Vilseck downtown area and Leonhardstrasse towards Fitzthum Village Housing Area will be closed and rerouted on Sunday afternoon.
Fasching Party: "München Narrisch" 2 - 4 March: in 80331 München / Munich, around the pedestrian zone and at the Viktualienmarkt (food / produce market, link in EN), Viktualienmarkt 6. Music, masked folks, costumes and dancing. You might also find quite a few restaurants in the pedestrian zone that offer a special "Weisswurst-Frühstück" (Weisswurst breakfast) on Monday, 20 Feb., between 9 a.m. and midday for only 1 Euro. The highlight will be the "Tanz der Marktfrauen" (Dance of the Merchant Women) on Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Fasching Parades and Parties on 4 March - "Fasenickl" Parade, 1:30 p.m., in 85110 Kipfenberg, all around the Marktplatz = Market Place (near Ingolstadt; ca. 70 km / 43 miles SE of Nürnberg). Have a look at the Fasching Trivia bit above for an explanation of Fasenickl. - Children's Fasching Party, 1 - 6 p.m., in 92249 Vilseck, at the Mehrzweckhalle (community hall at the Volksschule, the German elementary school), Am Schnellweiher 2. - Parade, 1:30 p.m., in 96047 Bamberg. Several tens of thousands of people are expected to line the streets and have a good time. The motto this year: "Musical Party”. The route: Markusplatz – Kapuzinerstraße – Am Kranen – Lange Straße – Schönleinsplatz – Willi-Lessing-Straße – Luitpoldbrücke – Obere Königstraße – Kettenbrücke – Hauptwachstraße – Maxplatz where it all ends again. - Party, 1:30 p.m., in 91074 Herzogenaurach, Marktplatz (ca. 30 km / 20 miles NW of Nürnberg). Live music with "Die Nachtschicht", tons of food and sweets, and a parade complete this mad party (only GE). - Parade, 1:33 p.m., in 91567 Herrieden, in the city center and around the Rathaus (town hall, link in EN) (ca. 13 km / 8 miles SW of Ansbach). Herrieden is a very pretty city very rich in history (in EN); always worth a visit. - Party, 1:45 p.m., in 92637 Weiden, all around the Altstadt = old city. Click for a map of suggested car parks. - Parade, 2 p.m., in 92287 Schmidmühlen (ca. 20 km / 12.5 miles NE of Hohenfels). Followed by a big party and "Kehraus" celebrations (end of Fasching). - Parade, 2 p.m., in 91171 Greding (ca. 55 km / 34 miles west of Hohenfels). - Party: Haberfeldtreiben und Kehraus, 3 p.m. - 10 p.m., in 92363 Breitenbrunn, Marktplatz = market place (ca. 27 km / 17 miles SW of Hohenfels). With a mocking speech about everything that's gone wrong last year in Breitenbrunn. After that, "wild men" will chase the "sinners" into the "Haberfeld" (field). - Party, 3 p.m., in 92507 Nabburg, around the Altstadt = old town ( ca. 30 km / 19 miles south of Weiden). - Parade, no time listed, in 97421 Schweinfurt, around Marktplatz and the whole city center. Around 25,000 visitor come to enjoy the Fasching madness each year!
End of Fasching 5 March: Fischzug, 1 p.m., in 92287 Schmidmühlen (ca. 20 km / 12.5 miles NE of Hohenfels). A parade "mourning" the end of Fasching will go through the town center, followed by a funny, satirical look-back on goings-on in the past year.
Trivia: Fasching - Carnival And what, you might ask, is the history of Fasching, or Karneval as Germans further north (and the English-speaking world) call it? The word "Fasching" is thought to derive from the Middle High German "vaschanc" which means "Ausschenken des Fastentrunkes" (serving of the Lenting drink), while there are two versions of the origin of "Karneval": one theory traces the origins of the word back to the Italian "carni vale", which refers to the ban of eating meat during Lent. The other theory also goes back to Italy: Every year in spring, when ships were allowed to move again, the citizens of Venice celebrated this fact with costumes and a parade. A "ship on wheels" ("Carrus Navalis") was at the center of this parade. From Venice, the idea of celebration made its way to the court of the Medici's in Florence, then from Italy the festivities (and the expression "carnival") travelled to France and then to Germany (and the rest of the world). Mythological background: In Pagan belief, the personified seasons Summer and Winter fought each other every beginning of the year as to who would reign for the rest of the year. During these fights, evil spirits, death, and the unsteady souls of the deceased would rise, and people tried to prevent this by imitating the looks and the behaviour of these dark apparitions. Wild jumps and loud noises as well as the scary costumes donned by the locals were meant to scare off evil spirits. The fight between Summer and Winter (and Life and Death) would always end on Ash Wednesday. Therefore Fasching/Karneval ends on Aschermittwoch (Ash Wednesday). Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. In the rituals of the Catholic Church, the ashes of the palm fronds from the Palm Sunday of the previous year are consecrated and applied to the churchgoers´ foreheads in the form of a cross as a sign of their mortality. France is the original source
of the "Artists' Ash Wednesday", which has become popular through television broadcasts with its religious service with readings and musical performances (also taking place in Vienna and Innsbruck, Austria). Outside the church, Ash Wednesday is emphasized as the end of the Fasching season (if you open the link, you can find some more information about Fasching). The day features individual traditions such as: - the "Heringsschmaus" meal (a herring and mayonnaise salad), the culinary refinement of which hardly reminds us of its original meaning (fish as a food for the Lenten Fast); - the "Faschingbegraben", a custom in which the carnival season is symbolically buried or drowned. - In some areas the Fasching is also burnt: a straw puppet that usually had been on display at a guesthouse is burnt in public. - Another custom is the "Geldbeutelwaschen", the washing of one's wallet on Ash Wednesday: The wallet has lost so much money during Fasching that people go down to a river or a pond or fountain. Then a "Gaudibursch" holds a speech saying that all money has been "guzzled away" and the wallet is empty now; therefore it should be "washed out" so that "better" money could replace the old money. The Geldbeutelwaschen can most famously be seen in Munich at the Fischbrunnen (at the Marktplatz): here the Lord Mayor of Munich washes his wallet every year to ask for more money for his city's empty treasury. More locally, you can watch this tradition at the Heroldsbrunnen fountain on Marktplatz = market place in 91171 Greding (ca. 55 km / 34 miles west of Hohenfels) on Wednesday, 05 March, at 11 a.m. A special day during the Fasching season is “Weiberfasching” (Women’s Carnival Day). This is the day when from early in the morning on, the streets are alive with ladies in fancy dresses on their way to their place of work or to the shops, and from 10 a.m. a.m. they all usually head towards the town center or town hall to “take over the city”! It is also the day when traditionally, women cut off all men’s ties they can get a hold off. On this day women assume complete power for the day. Any man foolish enough to wear a tie on this day runs the risk of having it cut off just below the knot. In the evening countless parties and masked balls are held and men are, of course welcome to join the celebrations provided they foot the bill for all the women’s drinks. A very unique tradition is the Fasenickl (only GE). He is the typical Fasching character in the Kipfenberg / Kinding / Enkering area (ca. 65 km / 40 miles SE of Nürnberg). He wears a unique costume with a facemask, and he is known for the tradition of cracking whips ("schnalzeln") and giving out Brezen (soft pretzels) and Guatln (sweets). The origins of this character are not completely clear. He will appear in the various Fasching parades this coming weekend / Monday / Tuesday. If you’re interested in the customs of Fasching, you can find lots of information in English here and here.