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FEATURES - November 2015 Publisher Creative ink Advertising Ed Snyder Opportunity Knox Contributors Laura Sanders Tracy Whitaker, Kelly Appelman Christy Jackson, Jennifer Dent Laura Green, Viviane Arnold
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Celebrating American Heroes.
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Want to advertise in Opportunity Knox? Call Ed Snyder at (270) 945-2864 or email: edsnyder@opportunityknoxmwr.com Opportunity Knox is a monthly magazine produced by the Fort Knox Family and MWR Marketing Department under the authority of AR 215-1. Facilities and activities publicized are open to authorized patrons.
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A Time of Turkey and Traditions The importance of Family traditions during the holidays.
10 Winter...Just Around the Corner
Fort Knox Family and MWR Marketing is located at 4248 Bullion Boulevard, Fort Knox, Kentucky. For more information, call (502) 624-3693 or log on to www.knox.armymwr.com.
Getting prepared for the upcoming winter.
To be removed from our mailing list, please email: steven.l.dennison2.naf@mail.mil
strength of the Total Military Family.
Military Family Month Family activities planned throughout the month.
The purpose of Opportunity Knox is to provide current information about Fort Knox Family and MWR activities and events and to share ideas that will help readers become educated about Fort Knox Family and MWR activities. Views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. The mention or appearance of commercial advertisers, commercial sponsors, and/or their logos does not constitute endorsement by the Federal Government or the U.S. Army. The information in this issue is current at the time of publication. Activities and events are subject to change without notice.
FORT KNOX FAMILY & MWR Our Vision: The Driving Force that builds and sustains the
Veteran’s Day
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Our Mission: Deliver Flexible, Innovative and Relevant Programs and Services that enable readiness and resiliency to the Total Military Family.
11 November Calendar of Events
16 Black Friday Tips Get ready for the biggest shopping day of the year.
19 Event Program Guide
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Military Family Month By Viviane Arnold Since the nation's fight for independence, when Families became “camp followers” and directly supported Soldiers by cooking meals, washing clothes and providing medical support for the ill, Families have been a vital part of the Army's ability to stand strong. November marks the return of Military Family Month. Throughout November, the Department of Defense and the nation will honor the commitment and sacrifices made by the Families of the nation's service members. Military Family Month was established in 1993 by the Armed Services YMCA. The Army recognizes that the selfless dedication and commitment of Army Families directly contributes to the readiness of our Soldiers. The Army is fully committed to helping Families remain “Total Army Strong” by offering a variety of programs and services through Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Army Community Services and Child Youth and School Services. These programs keep the Army's commitment to provide Soldiers and their Families a quality of life proportionate with their service.
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They’re resilient. A decade of war, frequent deployments, moves, career and school changes. Need I say more?
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Military spouses. From the moment they say “I do” to a Military member, they begin a life of service every bit as valuable as their spouse’s.
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Military kids. They’re just amazing. They change schools, on average, six to eight times over the course of their parent’s Military career. They deal with long separations from loved ones – who aren’t headed out for a business trip, but for a year in a combat zone.
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Other Family members. People often forget about the extended Family members who serve too. The grandparents who open their homes to grandkids during deployments, the sisters and brothers who call and send care packages, a host of uncles, aunts and cousins offering their unwavering support.
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Their service and sacrifice. They, too, serve this nation. They weather holidays, birthdays and major milestones without their Military loved one.
In honor of Military Family Month, Ms. Elaine Sanchez from the American Forces Press Service created a Top 10 list of the qualities she most appreciates about Military Families. 1.
Their sense of humor. I think this is a prerequisite for Military Families – kind of an “If you don’t laugh, you cry,” complex, particularly when it comes to deployments.
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They’re passionate – about everything. They give their all, whether it’s volunteering in their communities, with their Family readiness groups or in their kids’ schools.
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They’re strong, even under extraordinary circumstances. Due to state-of-the-art technology and medicine, the survivability of this war is unmatched by any other, and service members are returning home alive despite devastating injuries.
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They’re always willing to lend each other a hand. I visited an Army post about a year ago to interview Military kids and met a teenager whose parents were both deployed in Iraq. He and his two siblings were staying with his parents’ friends, who had three kids of their own.
10. They stand behind their service member. I know a Military mom whose children – all six – had either joined the Military or were about to. All joined while the nation is at war. “The strength of our Nation is our Army; the strength of our Army is our Soldiers; the strength of our Soldiers is our Families; and that is what makes us Army Strong.” ~ General (R) Raymond T. Odierno, 39th Chief of Staff of the Army
Fort Knox Family & MWR has planned a series of events this month that are geared towards Military Families: November 13 – Family Trivia Night • Saber & Quill November 15 – Free Family Movie • Waybur Theater • 2:00 p.m. November 20 – Kids on Site Friday Evening Child Care November 21 – Military Family Cosmic Bowling Houston Bowling Center • 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. • Free shoe rental
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A Time of Turkey and Traditions By Kelly Appelman
The holiday season is upon us. Thanksgiving is here, Christmas is just a month away, and the New Year is right around the corner. For some, stress seems to be fading as the excitement for the holiday season rolls around. For others, the stress has only just begun. Either way, there is a lot to be done between now and the end of the year. Focusing on one holiday at a time seems to be the best way of handling the anxiety that comes with the holiday season. So for now, we will focus on the one knocking on our doorstep; Thanksgiving. A time of togetherness, traditions, leaves falling outside, football games on television, and the smell of food baking in the oven. It is a time studied in American history and celebrated by many people in America each year. Thanksgiving, as the name suggests, is also a time to reflect on all the things we have to be thankful for. For some, it is a job, for others it is Family and friends, and for others it is the health of self or loved ones. Some Families don’t do much for Thanksgiving. The day is spent carrying on normal day-to-day happenings. Most Families, however, have traditions that they follow each and every year for the holiday. The food served is pretty predictable, the activities are pretty similar to years past, and conversations with distant relatives that you haven’t seen since the last holiday season may sound the same as the years previous.
or, weather permitting, move the celebration outside and have a football game of your own instead of watching one on television. Don’t let this year be the same, monotonous holiday that it is every year. Enjoy it a little more, worry a little less, and give something new a shot. You never know, it could become part of a new Family tradition.
While traditions are nice, and spending time with loved ones is important, possibly the favorite reason people gather for Thanksgiving is the food. Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie consumes the households of thousands of Americans each year. In fact, the National Turkey Federation estimated that 46 million turkeys - one fifth of the annual total of 235 million consumed in the United States - are eaten at Thanksgiving. Nearly 88 percent of Americans said they eat turkey at Thanksgiving. While that statistic may not be too shocking to some, if you think turkey is the only thing that can be bought, made and eaten in large quantities, think again. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest pumpkin pie ever baked weighed 3,699 pounds and measured 20 feet long. Now that is one large pie. While I am not suggesting making a pie of that size, I do suggest trying something new this year. Make a dessert you have never attempted before, add a new game to the list of Family games to be played knox.armymwr.com
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C age Cour g Courage
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Whether you are actively serving in the military, or you are are a veteran veteran or a military family member, ember, IWU wants to help you successfully sfully pursue your educational and career career goals.
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By Laura Green Dare I say it? WINTER is just around the corner! As much as you love the beautiful snow, or hate the trouble it causes, and no matter how you feel about the freezing temperatures that are sure to creep back this year, it is time to take some simple steps to ensure houses and vehicles are ready for the cold weather. Check your house from top to bottom. Make sure the roof is intact, there are no signs of leaks in the ceiling, and your chimney and gutters are cleaned and working properly. Drain your outside hose spigots. Switch your screens for storm windows, and seal any drafty windows and doors. If it has been awhile, now is a great time to have your heating system serviced as well. To help keep heat from escaping the house you can use draft guards or a rolled towel to place at the bottom of an exterior door. Turn your thermostat down and grab a sweatshirt to save some money. You will save 1 per cent on your energy bill for every degree you lower your home's temperature during the winter. Possibly the most important thing you could do in prepping for the cold months ahead is to check your pipes! Anywhere cold air blows on a pipe, it could freeze. Close crawl space vents and stuff insulation over the openings. Even a tiny hole can let a lot of cold air blow in. Pay special attention to pipes that run along exterior walls. Ensuring these don’t freeze, and then bust, will save you lots of money and heartache. The next thing to do is drain fuel from all gas-operated equipment such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, weed eaters and chain saws. Automobile technology allows cars to start in the coldest weather without their owners having to do anything special. However, there are still a few things you can do to ensure you have a well running vehicle this winter. Check your battery. During cold weather, your engine requires more current from the battery in order to get the engine started. No one wants a car that won’t start on a cold winter morning. Have a mechanic run a battery load test to see if you need to replace the battery.
It is also important to check your tire pressure and keep tires properly inflated during the winter. Cold weather causes air pressure in your tires to drop. For every 10 degree drop in temperature, your tire’s air pressure will drop about 1psi. A properly inflated tire ensures the best possible contact between the road and the tires which is essential for safe traction when driving in wintry conditions. Be sure to also check your anti-freeze. The mixture of anti-freeze and water in your radiator should be about 50:50. This will prevent the coolant in your radiator from freezing. If you want to check the composition of your radiator’s fluid, you can pick-up an inexpensive anti-freeze tester at your local auto parts store. Change the oil and adjust the viscosity because cold weather reduces oil’s effectiveness. The colder it is, the thicker the oil gets, and thick oil doesn’t circulate through your engine as easily as thin oil. This could leave you with a car that won’t start. To prevent this, change your oil to one that is thinner to begin with. To find out the proper viscosity of oil you need in the winter, check the owner’s manual for your car. If you own a boat, camper, or other recreational vehicle, you should winterize them as well. For any of your vehicles, remember to refer to your owner’s manuals for their specific recommendations. Stay safe, stay warm and Happy Winter! ASE Certified Mechanics on-site
Fort Knox Automotive Service Center 706 Spearhead Division Avenue BLDG 1054 Fort Knox, KY 40121 (502)624-5338 or (502)624-5410 Hours of Operation Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM Saturdays 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
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Black Friday Tips By Jennifer Dent
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Paying with Plastic – Many debit cards have a maximum purchase limit for a single transaction. If you plan to purchase big-ticket items, you might want to contact your financial institution prior to your shopping spree to increase that limit. Also many credit and debits cards will freeze your account if they notice any unusual activity; giving them a heads up is always a good idea. (Remember: banks are closed on Thanksgiving Day, so calling several days before would be a good idea.)
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SAFETY! – Large crowds tend to create chaos and confusion, which is the perfect opportunity for thieves to strike. Keep your purse in front of you at all times and do not buy more than you can carry.
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Bring a Friend or Family Member – Shopping is always more fun when you have a companion. Plus, using teamwork can help score more deals and cover more ground.
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Keep Calm and Shop On – It can be very easy to get upset when fighting the crowds and long lines. You can guarantee that you will encounter rude and pushy people who are feeling the same frustrations that you are. Remember to keep your cool and smile.
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Cyber Monday! – If you don’t score all the deals you were hoping for on Friday, you might be able to find more deals online on Cyber Monday.
Black Friday is the largest shopping day of the year and can be very intimidating to many. People rush from their dinner table after their Thanksgiving feast to battle the eager crowds, anxious to grasp the incredible deals only offered on this one particular day. Here are a few tips and tricks that may help you survive the crowds and get the best deals available. 1.
Research – Many stores start advertising several weeks before the big day. Look through all newspaper ads and websites and take note of any commercials that you see on television. Then create a detailed list of what you want from these sources.
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Compare – Many retailers will be offering similar deals (or better) both in-store and online. So make sure you take the time to study up on all the bargains that are being offered to find the best steal.
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Plan Ahead – Prioritize your list and know the store layouts. Some stores will be opening sooner than others. Over the years, many retailers have started opening their doors on the evening of Thanksgiving Day, so map out your route ahead of time. Hint: It’s good to make a list of the stores you plan to shop at along with their hours and the items you wish to purchase.
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Coupons and Discounts – These can be found everywhere. Traditionally, people would clip coupons from newspaper ads and magazines. But now you can acquire additional discounts through email, websites, social media and even text messages.
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Use Your Smart Phone – Before heading out to the stores, make sure your smart phone is charged and loaded up with shopping apps like RetailMeNot and ShopSavvy. You can use these apps for instant coupons and price comparisons. It might just save you a few extra bucks.
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Budget – It’s very easy to get caught up with all the deals and bargains that are out there, so be sure to you create a budget and stick to it. Remember, if you spend more than you plan, then you’re really not saving any money.
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Be Prepared – Lines will be long and there will be a lot of waiting. Bring along something to pass the time (like an iPod or book) and pack some snacks and water. If you plan to stand in line outside a store, make sure you dress appropriately.
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By following these simple tips, your day of shopping will hopefully be less stressful and a lot more productive.
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CHILD & YOUTH ACTIVITIES SATURDAY CHILDCARE Saturday, November 7 • For infants to 5th Grade • $4.00 per hour, 9 AM - 4 PM • Located at CDC • Reservations required NLT one week in advance by calling (502) 624-7413.
KIDS ON SITE HOURLY CHILDCARE ~ At Gammon Gym • 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM • For children 6 weeks to 5th Grade • $4.00 per hour, per child • Childcare is available while you exercise at Gammon. Make reservations at (502) 624-3676.
CDC EVENING CHILDCARE Friday, November 20 • 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM • $4.00 per hour for infants to 5th Grade • Located at CDC • Reservations required NLT one week in advance by calling (502) 624-7413.
CDC CHILDCARE FOR FRG NIGHTS Tuesday and Thursday • 5:45 PM -7:45 PM • For infants to 5th Grade. Located at the CDC Bldg 4249. Designated FRG Night, but can be used by any child registered with CYSS with reservations one week in advance. For reservations, please call (502) 624-7413.
FORT KNOX COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP ~Friday, November 6, 13, 20 • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM • Hansen Community Center • Free playgroup for children up to 5 years of age. More info: (502) 624-4483.
DEVERS MIDDLE SCHOOL & TEEN CENTER ACTIVITIES ~For more information about Devers MSTC activities, call (502) 624-6442.
CYSS SITTERS BABYSITTING CERTIFICATION ~ November 2 & 3 • 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM • $15 • SKIES Bldg 4555 • For youth ages 12 years and up • Must be registered with CYSS and sign up at Parent Central Services: (502) 624-6703. CYSS FAMILY MOVIE ~ Sunday, November 15 • 2 PM • Free movie • Waybur Theater • Parent must accompany children under age 10. Do not have to be registered with CYSS to attend. Seating is limited; first come, first served basis.
Nov 6 UL-Pittsburgh Volleyball • 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM • $5 (if ticket donation received) Nov 7 Teen Movie Madness • 9:30 PM • Waybur Theater • Free movie for 6th - 12th Grades Nov 8 Wizard World Comic Con Trip • $20 • Louisville • 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Nov 13 NBA--Pacers/Timberwolves • $5 (if ticket donation received) • 4 PM - 1 AM Nov 14 Flag Football • 5:00 PM Nov 15 UL/Cal Women's Basketball • 11:00 AM • $5 (if ticket donation received) Nov 20 Turkey Bowl • 5:00 PM • Win a turkey for best frame rolled Nov 21 Indoor Splash Fest • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM • $5 • Anderson Pool
OPEN TO FAMILY MEMBERS OF:
Active Duty Military Fort Knox Employees and Contractors Military Retirees ~Reservists/National Guard
ENTERTAINMENT/RECREATION/ACTIVITIES BARR LIBRARY EVENTS (502) 624-1232 • − PUPPY TALES Saturday, November 7 • 1 PM. − STORY HOUR Tuesday, November 3, 10, 17, 24 • 10 AM • Free. – LUNCH BUNCH BOOK DISCUSSION Wednesday, November 4 • 11 AM • Free • Gideon's Sword by Preston & Child.
AUCTION Saturday, December 5 • Bldg 7301, 15 Queen St • Registration: 8 AM • Auction Begins: 9 AM • Viewing only Friday December 4 from 8 AM - 12 PM & 1 PM - 3 PM • Items: 25 Passenger Bus, Vulcan Electric Oven, Commercial Dish Washer, Furniture, Parallel Bars, Gym Mats, Nautilus Exercise Equipment, 96" Folding Mobile Benches/Tables, Office Chairs. There are numerous Daycare items to include: Storage Cabinets, Unassembled Baby Cribs, Plastic Child Chairs, Colored Plastic Folding Tables and much, much more! For more auction questions: (502) 624-3886.
– LIVING HISTORY AT YOUR LIBRARY: MARK TWAIN Monday, November 16 • 6 PM • Free • Mark Twain (1835-1910), born Samuel Clemens, was a powerful observer of human nature. Born November 30, 1835 in Florida, Missouri, Twain penned several novels including two major classics of American literature, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
NEWCOMER ORIENTATION Wednesday, November 4 • Saber & Quill • 8:45 AM - 4:00 PM • (502) 624-6291.
WOMEN OF THE WILDERNESS CLASSES Tuesdays, November 3, 10, 17 • 6 PM - 8 PM • Gain knowledge
STRATEGIES IN BECOMING DEBT FREE Wednesday, November 4 • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM • (502) 624-5989/8391.
or increase skills in several outdoor activities. We will be covering the basics about mountain biking, kayaking, backpacking and more. Cost is $5 per class. Register through knox.armymwr.com. For more information call (502) 624-1413.
U.S. CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE Wednesday, November 4 • 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM • (502) 624-6291/8391.
FRENCH RANGE: (502) 624-7754 KY CCDW • November 15 • 9 AM. LINDSEY GOLF COURSE (502) 624-2717 November 11 • Veteran's Day Golf Special ($25 for cart fee & green fee). November 14 • 2 Person Golf Tournament.
COLOR LEGEND FOR ADMISSION POLICY Open to Military & Family Open to Fort Knox Employees & Family Open to Military Retirees Open to Everyone
MOMMY/DADDY BOOT CAMP FOR EXPECTANT FAMILIES Tuesday, November 3 • 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM • (502) 624-2561.
FIRST TERM FINANCIAL READINESS TRAINING Thursday, November 5 • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM • (502) 624-5989/8391. EFMP AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP MEETING Thursday, November 5 • 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM • (502) 624-4067/5419. EFMP HEART TO HEART SUPPORT GROUP Thursday, November 5 • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM • (502) 624-4067/5419. WORKING WITH RESILIENCE Thursday, November 5 • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM • (502) 624-3526. ADVANCED CUSTOMER SERVICE Thursday, November 5 • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM • (502) 624-2742/8855. FRG LEADERS TRAINING Monday, November 9 • 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM • (502) 624-3278.
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ENTERTAINMENT/RECREATION/ACTIVITIES NEW COMMANDERS/1SG FAMILY ADVOCACY BRIEF Wednesday, November 11 • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM • (502) 624-3526/4528.
STARTING A SMALL BUSINESS Thursday, November 19 • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM • (502) 624-1477.
RESUME WRITING Thursday, November 12 • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM • (502) 624-2742/8855.
WHEN DUTY CALLS HEARTS APART OUTREACH NETWORK Friday, November 20 • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM • (502) 624-6291/8391.
INFORMAL FUND CUSTODIAN TRAINING Wednesday, November 18 • 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM • (502) 624-3278.
FRG KEY CALLER TRAINING Tuesday, November 24 • 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM • (502) 624-3278.
STRESS BINGO Wednesday, November 18 • 11:30 AM -12:30 PM • (502) 624-6779.
SOS SUPPORT GROUP MEETING The Survivor Outreach Support Group holds meetings to provide information, resources, guest speakers, financial workshops, family activities, compassionate support, and friendship. More info: (502) 624-2006/6259.
Classes with insufficient registration will be rescheduled or canceled. Please call to register. Army Community Service is located in Bldg 1477, Eisenhower Ave.
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CHOOSE A HOME, THEN CHOOSE A GIFT! Sign a lease for a Knox Hills Home, then select a gift from under our holiday tree. You could win up to $500!*
ALL RENTERS
WELCOME TO APPLY! ALL-INCLUSIVE HOUSING ON FORT KNOX INCLUDES: • • • •
Basic Utilities Trash and recycle pick up Pet-friendly communities Free use of community center amenities • And much more!
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION!
502-378-3329 www.knoxhills.com * Some restrictions apply. Renter must sign a 12-month lease between November 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015. Gift will be paid by reduction of first month’s rental payment.