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C A R S
FEATURES - February 2015 3
More than Honky Tonks Great music throughout Nashville.
Editors
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Tara Goodson CynDe Clack
Army Civilian and Soldier.
Contributors
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Jenelle Grewell 1LT Brittany Kluck TJ Weekly
Publisher
Creative ink
Leading a Double Life
Get Outside Outdoor Recreation has all your needs!
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Creative Director
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BOSS February Activities.
Sears Hallett
Advertising 931-801-4531 sales@creativeinktn.com
10 Kindness Pays Off Make it a regular practice.
Photography TN Department of Tourism CynDe Clack Lora Delgado Tara Goodson Paula Hallett Lisa Taylor
14 Love Your Heart 10K, 5K and Fun Run
Shutterstock pg 3, 7, 10, 14
14 Auction Time
Third year of ECFT begins.
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Air Assault Auto sells it all!
16 American Heart Association Healthy heart month.
18 Library Lovers Month Books to love at R.F. Sink Library.
20 Four Legged Family Research before you adopt.
21 For the Love of Chocolate Visit D.W. Rec. on February 15.
14 Disclaimers: Fort Campbell’s MWR Life Magazine is a monthly magazine produced by the Fort Campbell MWR Marketing Department under the authority of AR 215-1. Facilities and activities publicized are open to authorized patrons.The mention or appearance of commercial advertisers, commercial sponsors and/or their logos does not constitute endorsement by the Federal Government. The information in this issue is current at the time of publication; activities and events are subject to change. MWR Marketing is located at 5663 Screaming Eagle Blvd, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. For more information, call 270-798-7535 or log on to www.campbell.armymwr.com. 24 hr. event line - 270-798-3172 www.facebook.com/fortcampbellmwr
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Tempo
More Than Honky-Tonks By Tara Goodson
While we are waiting for the rainy weather to give us a break so we can attend outdoor concerts, why not try out a few of the following locations to hear great new music. You’ll rarely find me at an arena for a show because I prefer smaller venues. This month I’ll focus on a few of my favorite places I’ve been to in Nashville over the last ten years. From bluegrass to rock and roll, these locations will have your blood pumping along to the music that fills the room. Remember, it’s called Music City for a reason!
The Basement 1604 8th Ave South www.thebasementnashville.com Located beneath Grimey’s, one of the nation’s finest record stores, The Basement proudly lives up to its tagline, “a cellar full of noise.” Small, with only 100 seats available, every performance is intimate. The Basement also focuses on local craft brews, particularly Yazoo.
Mercy Lounge/The Cannery Ballroom One Cannery Row www.mercylounge.com or www.thecanneryballroom.com The Mercy Lounge and Cannery Ballroom reside in Nashville's historic Cannery building. Built in 1883, the Cannery was originally a flour mill and later a place to grind coffee. The building housed a country music theatre in the late 1970s and evolved into one of Nashville's primary music venues in the 1980s and early 1990s. The Mercy Lounge is on the second story of the massive structure and is typically open six nights a week with room for 500. The Cannery Ballroom is on the ground floor and has also been renovated with new hardwood floors, large tiled bathrooms and a standing room capacity of 1,000. It is open only for concerts and special events.
Exit/In 2208 Elliston Place www.exitin.com The Exit/In began its role as a Nashville music venue back in 1971. Since then, countless shows and great memories have happened within these walls. Over the years, the club has developed its unique reputation through the wonderful bands that have played the stage. Movies, comedy shows, nw artists and headliners have appeared here. This location is an old, dark, loud piece of Nashville rock.
Bluebird Café 4104 Hillsboro Pike www.bluebirdcafe.com Opened in the early 1980s, the Bluebird Café has become Nashville’s most famous listening room. This is one of the few locations you can catch the writers performing the hit singles you hear on the radio. In addition to seasoned country and acoustic artists, the Café offers a writers’ night every Sunday, where up-and-coming songsmiths can showcase their material.
3rd and Lindsley 12th and Porter 114 12th Ave North www.12andporter.com Anyone who has seen a show at 12th & Porter will probably tell you it is one of the best sounding rooms in Nashville. The home of classic live recordings dating back to Townes Van Zandt’s Live and Obscure (circa 1985), the stage at 12th and Porter has hosted some of the greatest touring artists and songwriters ever to play. Over the course of the thousands of shows and bands that have played at 12th and Porter, the club has experienced countless once in a lifetime moments.
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818 3rd Avenue South www.3rdandlindsley.com Possibly the best (worst) kept secret about this location is that The Time Jumpers perform every Monday night for less than $20 a person. Who are the Time Jumpers, you may wonder? The Time Jumpers are none other than Vince Gill’s swing band! Other acts’ prices tend to be low and there is not a bad seat in the house. Food is served along with a well-stocked selection of adult beverages. Parking can be difficult, so arrive early.
Leading a Double Life
Hometown Hero
By 1LT Brittany Kluck
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. My journey started September 30, 2009. I found my 19 year old self sitting in a chair holding back tears as I waited for a bus to take me to Fort Jackson, South Carolina. The eight hour ride seemed short and before I knew it, there I was. When I woke up the next morning in a room full of other females, it hit me that I really had joined the Army. The nine weeks went by quickly and I was onto the next step in my journey to Fort Meade, Maryland. After my training was over as a multimedia illustrator (25M), I returned to Clarksville and enrolled into college at Austin Peay State University. I did not return to the Army full time, but to Civilian life. I studied studio art and joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. Three and half years later, I graduated with a Bachelors degree and at the same time, commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Quartermaster branch.
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I was able to do this through being a member of the Army Reserves. Have you ever thought about joining? Do you think it will be too hard or it isn’t for you? Maybe you are about to get out of active duty service and want to still serve in another capacity. As a Reserve Soldier you are held to the same standards as if you were on active duty. In the Reserves you will learn marksmanship, orienteering, driver’s training, basic medical skills and other skills in your functional area. Reserve Soldiers have the same physical fitness standards and leadership training requirements. Being a member of the Reserves comes with similar benefits as active duty with health care options, GI Bill, tuition assistance and building a valuable skill set. Training requirements differ from unit to unit. Normally you will go to your unit one weekend a month and then two weeks during the summer; however, due to the same requirements as active duty, I have found myself doing more training to support the needs of my company and brigade. Some Reserve companies are more active than others. As an Airborne unit, my company has missions ongoing throughout the month. There is a small team of riggers who work at the unit full time to accomplish these missions. The rewards of being a Soldier cannot be measured. I have been able to do things many people would not have the opportunity to do. I joined to help pay for school, to explore the world and experience something new. Something I did not realize I would get when I joined were life time friends from all over the United States. This is a Family that continues to grow. It has been five years since I joined and I do not regret any of it. I now have the opportunity
and privilege of mentoring, training, and advancing Soldiers as a Platoon Leader. The skills I have learned, I use daily in my civilian job as a graphic artist/marketing assistant with the MWR Marketing branch at Fort Campbell. When my co-workers found out that I was a Reservist, many were surprised, but all were supportive.
If you think the Army Reserves is something you would be interested in, the first step is research. There are a lot of jobs in the military and some you might be surprised to find. When I first enlisted into the Army, I enlisted as a 25M multimedia illustrator. Under my job title, I learned a variety of digital media programs. Now as a Quartermaster officer, I am capable of doing most any logistical mission. After you research what kind of job you want, look for units in your area. Not all reserve centers will have the job you want and you may need to travel. After you find a job that interests you, meet with a recruiter about contract options. You don’t have to make the Army a career to serve. Many of my friends have done their time in service and left the Army when their contract was up. The minimum service obligation is six years; however, there are different capacities in which you can full fill the obligation. Active Reservists attend their units one weekend a month and receive pay. After two years, you can chose to go into the Individual Ready Reserves (IRR) to finish your time serving. Being in the IRR, you do not attend drill or collect pay. For more information, visit www.goarmy.com.
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permit. Likewise, no permit is required for the youth/handicap accessible pond for those under 17 years of age. There are numerous horses and ponies at the Fort Campbell Riding Stables that are perfect for learning to ride or enjoying a great trail ride! Horse Camp is a wonderful way to learn all the basics of horse care and just right for the young rider getting started. Camp takes place during Spring Break, but fills up quickly, so book your reservation early by calling (270) 798-2629. Trail Rides are offered every Saturday and Sunday at four different times, dependent on weather conditions. If you have your own horse, the Riding Stables offers several private boarding options as well. For the active adventurer, the paintball, skeet and archery ranges provide an excellent experience for all, whether you are a beginner or an expert in the field. Paintball has equipment on hand for those coming out to try it for the first time. With a variety of play areas on a newly renovated field, participants can choose speedball or various scenarios in the woods. The skeet range offers several trap shooting options along with tournaments throughout the year. The archery range features seven targets at various lengths for practice. Are you looking for the true outdoor experience by roughing it in your tent, or do you want a little more of the comfort of home by staying in a cabin? For those looking to spend a night or weekend out in the great outdoors, there are campgrounds to allow you to do just that! This is your chance to have a mini-vacation without even leaving the Fort Campbell area. Our Parks and Pavilions offers cabins, cottages, and RV Parks and tent sites. You can enjoy a weekend getaway without driving for hours. Bring the Family out toget closer to nature. Now is the perfect time to show the kids what camping is all about while enjoying some quality time together.
Get Outdoors! By CynDe Clack February means spring is right around the corner! With warmer temperatures on the horizon, you will be able to spend more time outdoors. Fort Campbell Outdoor Recreation has many activities to help you dust off the cobwebs off of the winter months. Outdoor Recreation is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true. If you are not an outdoor lover, you just may become one after taking part in one of their many events! Outdoor Recreation is home to the Warrior Adventure Quest, Skeet Range, Paintball, Archery, Hunting and Fishing, the Indoor Climbing Wall, the Riding Stables, Parks and Pavilions, and the Campgrounds. Additional offerings include Adventure Trips, such as hiking, biking and water rafting in a variety of great locations. The Outdoor Recreation Main Office is the hub of all the activity. Here, you can buy hunting or fishing licenses, sign up for an adventure trip, rent a cabin, and learn about the outdoors. While there are many ways to enjoy outdoor adventure throughout the year, spring is the time to get a fresh start and get involved in new activities. Never been hunting? Hunting and Fishing offers clinics and courses to help you get started. Please call (270) 798-2175 for dates and times. For years, Fort Campbell has been known as one of the best in the region for hunting. Each season, hunters come from all over to hunt. No matter if you are a Soldier, Retiree, Family member or Civilian; you are eligible to hunt with MWR. Spring turkey season is almost upon us – come out to see what everyone is gobbling about! One outdoor activity that young and old enjoy from year to year is fishing. With two lakes, two stocked trout streams, and several creeks and ponds, all you need is your license and gear and you are set! Children under the age of 12 can fish in the kiddie pond without a
Off the Beaten Path
If all of this is not
If all of this is not enough to get you excited about the outdoors, our Adventure Programs will certainly do the trick! Several trips are planned for February. Check out the schedule below and remember to register in advance. Fort Campbell’s Outdoor Recreation is one of the best areas in the region for outdoor activity and is continually adding programs. If you have any questions or need more information, give us a call at (270) 798-2175.
Open Climb: February 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 5 p.m. February 7 at 10 a.m. Lock Four Mountain Biking: February 7 at 9 a.m. (bikes provided) Paoli Peaks Ski Trip: (BOSS) February 21 at 6 a.m. Introduction to Rock Climbing: February 21 at 10 a.m. Ice Skating Nashville: February 28 at 12 p.m.
BOSS
Feb r u a r y A c tiv i ti e s 1 February • The Big Game Party at the D.W. Rec. Center, Free 4 February at 2:30 p.m. • BOSS Meeting at D.W. Rec., Free pizza 7 February • Free Movie Night at Regal, Clarksville 9-12 February • Life Skills Event, Free 13-15 February • Memphis Trip, $60 14 February • Soup Kitchen volunteering 18 February at 2:30 p.m. • BOSS Meeting D.W. Rec., Free pizza 21 February • Paoli Peaks Ski Trip, $50
The Fort Campbell BOSS office is located inside D.W. Recreation Center, 6145 Desert Storm Avenue and they can be reached at (270) 798-7858.
Kindness Pays Off
In the Community
By Tara Goodson
In December, I polled our Facebook followers by asking them a simple question, “What is the nicest thing you have done for a stranger, or have had done for you?” Answers ranged from buying groceries for others, picking up a restaurant check for another Family, driving a disabled Veteran from Nashville to Franklin, Kentucky to receiving gas money, baby formula, and holiday items from various people. Over 30 people answered and I was an emotional wreck by the time I was done reading the comments. Our community is amazingly thoughtful and kind! It’s so easy to get caught up in the negative aspects of what we read or see in the media. We are bombarded by those headline grabbing items every time we open our browsers or an app. But in reality, how hard is it to smile at a stranger? To donate unwanted/unused items to a local shelter or rescue foundation? There are a million and two ways to make someone else’s day. My favorite from the last year was from a coworker. Michelle is our MWR Director’s management assistant and one afternoon, she went through our building with a sticky note pad and wrote little notes on the paper. I was feeling extra grumpy that day and the note she gave me read “Make someone smile today…YOU!” I stuck it to my monitor and grin each time I glance
at it. It didn’t cost her any money, just a few moments of her time. Most importantly, it made me feel amazing. February 9-15 is Kindness Week this year and The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation encourages everyone to use #RAKweek in social media posts to help spread the word and share the love. Kindness should not be practiced for only one week every year. Once you realize how easy it is to make someone else’s day, you can turn it into a good habit. One of the most profound things I have worked on in the last year is to be kind to someone I did not like. I really cannot remember why I didn’t like him, I just knew that I didn’t. I started slowly, smiling when I encountered him. Next was small talk, usually asking how work was going and how his Family was doing. Then I finally started paying attention to his answers and asking follow up questions. Recently, I realized how interesting he is and I am curious to learn more about how he grew up and his perspective on life. In conversation, he casually mentioned that he was surprised at our developing friendship because he thought I couldn’t stand him. I sheepishly admitted that my first impression wasn’t a good one but I was working on
self-improvement and figured that I could be kind by reaching out to him. It was not an easy conversation to have, but I am pleased we had it. I think the honesty will help strengthen our friendship! The end result of doing for others is something you cannot put a price tag on. As a society, don’t we want to encourage our peers and children to be kind? I found a few easy ways to be kind to others at www.randomactsofkindness.org, no matter where you are or who you are with. If you are at home, you can shovel a neighbor’s driveway the next time it snows or do a chore without being asked. At the office, clean out the funky microwave or refrigerator. How about complimenting the first three people you speak to? For children in school, have them bring a treat for the school bus driver or custodian. If you are in school, why not eat lunch with someone new or a student who is sitting alone? Next time you are in line grabbing a coffee, why not pay for an extra one and let the barista pick the person that receives it? Or how about waving a thank you at the person who lets you merge into traffic without causing a scene? Or put money in someone’s meter so they don’t get a ticket? Tell us how you do nice things for others by tweeting us, @fortcampbellmwr.
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1. 101st Airborne Division Headquarters 2. 19th Hole (Cole Park) 3. Army Community Service (ACS) & ACS Director Director 4. Army Education Center 5. Arts and Crafts Center, Center, Guenette 6. ASYMCA Backdoor Boutique 7. ASYMCA Family Center 8. Auto Service Center, Center, Air Assault Auto 9. Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers Program Program (BOSS) 10. Blanchfield Army Community Hospital 11. Bowling Center, Center, Hooper 12. Civilian Personnel Advisory Center 13. Commissary 2. Cole Park Commons 30. CYSS, Parent Parent Central Services (Central Registration) 30. CYSS, School Liaison 38. CYSS, SKIESUnlimited Center 14. Dog Kennels 17. Dawg Haus (Dining) 18. Estep Wellness Wellness Center (Gear-to-Go) 19. Equipment Rental (Gear-to-Go) 20. Exchange/Food Court/Mall Resource Center (FRC) 21. Family Resource 22. Financial Readiness (Army Emer Emergency gency Relief)
(270)798-9793 (270)798-4610x106 (270)798-9322 (270)798-3201 (270)798-6693 (270)956-1566 (270)798-7422 (270)956-1101/1100 (270)798-7858 (270)798-8055 (270)798-5887 (270)798-7161 (270)798-3663 (270)798-4610 (270)798-0674 (270)798-9874 (270)412-5811 (270)798-5590 (270)798-0766 (270)798-4664/4023 (270)798-6806 (270)439-1841 (270)956-2935 (270)798-5518
Office fice 23. Fryar Stadium, Sports Admin Of 2. Golf Course (Cole Park) Recreation eation Facility) 15. Joe Swing (Rental Recr Leisure Travel ravel Services 20. Leisur eT Library,, R.F R.F. F.. Sink Memorial 26. Library Director 27. MWR Dir ector F. Pratt 28. Museum, Don F. Recreation Main Building 29. Outdoor Recreation 31. Pool, Baldonado 32. Pool, Dolan Gardner Indoor 33. Pool, Gardner 34. Pool, Single Recreation Center, Center, Dale Wayrynen Wayrynen 9. Recreation 14. Riding Stables AC) 39. Soldier and Family Assistance Center (SF (SFAC) 2. Southern Buf fet (Cole Park) Buffet 41. Smokehaus (Dining) 42. T Teen een Club 24/7 43. The Zone 44. T Tricare ricare 45. V Veterinary eterinary Services 46. Wilson Theater 42. Y Youth outh Center (T (Taylor) aylor) 42. Y Youth outh Sports
(270)798-3094 (270)798-4906 (270)798-4610x119 (270)798-7436 (270)798-5729 (270)798-9953 (270)798-3215/4986 (270)798-2175 (270)798-5207 (270)798-5350 (270)798-6310 (270)798-4247 (270)798-7391 (270)798-2629 (270)412-6000 (270)798-4610 (270)798-4993 (270)956-1033 (270)461-0603 1-877-874-2273 (270) 798-3614 (270) 798-6857 (270)798-3643 (270)798-6355
Love Your Heart Kicks Off 2015
ECFT
By Jenelle Grewell
It is that time of year again! Time to begin the third annual Eagle Challenge Fitness Tour. This year’s tour starts off with the Love Your Heart 10K, 5K and One Mile Fun Run on February 21. The ECFT is a series of events meant to get Fort Campbell and the members of the surrounding community more active. Not only can participants medal at many events but they can earn a Commander’s medal based on
how many events they complete throughout the year. Four events will earn a bronze medal, six events will earn a silver medal and eight will earn the gold. If anyone had a New Year’s resolution to improve their health, ECFT is definitely something to participate in because it offers different activities for all fitness levels and age groups. And of course, those who are participated last year can work on improving their times and setting new goals. The Fun Run is perfect for getting all the members of your Family out to participate. Even younger children can run a mile and it is best to start healthy habits early. Plus, it is a great way to get in some constructive and fun Family time. The first event of ECFT is titled Love Your Heart because it not only ties in with February holiday of Valentine’s Day but the event also focuses on heart health. The exercise you can get while participating in the 10K, 5K or Fun Run can be really good for your cardiovascular health. What better way to take care of your body than paying attention to one of the most important organs? Love Your Heart will start at Freedom Fighters Physical Fitness Center with a group
warm up at 7:30 a.m. and the Fun Run starting at 8 a.m. This event, like most ECFT events, hass a price that is also good for your wallet. With early registration at $10 until February 19, day of registration at $15 and the Fun Run being free, there isn’t any reason you shouldn’t get partake in the first ECFT of 2015. Same day registration will be held from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. Make a commitment to yourself and your heart and participate in the 2015 ECFT by running the Love Your Heart. You won’t regret it! Check out the entire schedule for 2015 at www.campbell.armymwr.com.
All Revved Up
Auction Time! By CynDe Clack Air Assault Auto will hold an Abandoned Vehicle & MWR Equipment Open Bid Auction on March 14 at the lot located on the corner of 5300 Airborne Street and Tennessee Avenue. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the auction starts at 9 a.m. Everyone must have cash or a credit card and be at least 18 years of age to receive a paddle for bidding and to place a bid. No one under the age of 12 will be allowed to attend. Please do not bring babies, toddlers, strollers, carriers, and pets.
www.campbell.armymwr.com
There will be no exceptions to these policies. These vehicles are “abandoned” and are not considered road ready. They will be sold in “as is” condition with no warranty and there is no guarantee of an existing key or battery. Winning bidders should be prepared to pay at least 50% of the purchase price before leaving the auction. A list of available vehicles will be ready March 6. Vehicles can be viewed prior to the auction on March 10 from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. and March 12 from 2 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Vehicles and SF97 may be picked up on March 18-20 and March 23-25 from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The MWR equipment that will be auctioned has been deemed to be unusable by MWR or no longer cost effective for MWR to operate. This equipment will be sold in “as is” condition and there is no warranty or guarantee. Equipment will be available for viewing the same times as listed above. Equipment may be added or removed prior to the beginning of the auction. After payment in full has been made, equipment may be removed on the day of the auction or on the dates and times listed above. Unpaid balances or vehicles/equipment left behind will be forfeited. Air Assault Auto reserves the right to withdraw any vehicle or piece of equipment prior to or during the auction. Announcements made the day of the auction supersede all previous announcements. For additional information on the Abandoned Vehicle & MWR Equipment Open Bid Auction, please contact Air Assault Auto at (270) 956-1611 or (270) 956-3408.
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In the Kitchen
www.campbell.armymwr.com
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Spotlight on MWR
Library Lovers Month By Tara Goodson
Adventures I’d never get to experience in real life. Laughing and crying along with the characters. Knowing that others enjoy the same thing I do so we can talk about it.
I love big books and I cannot lie! Reading is my go-to stress relief and method of escape from the everyday. It’s probably not much of a surprise as I am one of the editors of this magazine and I do talk for a living. My love for books began with my parents, and has continued into adulthood. I was often found hiding in my blanket fort reading as a kid. I’d like to humbly brag that my daughters have picked up my love for reading and I attribute their success in school as due to it. While I only have one bookcase in my home, it is triple stacked with books and the basement has more totes filled to the brim with books than anything else. I’d love to be able to fill my home with books, but my Family gets tired of shifting the stacks and my bank account would not appreciate how much I can spend at a book store. So what’s an avid bibliophile to do? Go to the library, of course! In honor of Library Lover’s Month, here are 10 things I love about books. How they make me feel. Being so engrossed that I don’t hear anything else around me. How most of the characters become like someone I’d want to hang around with. Figuring out the mystery and who done it. Picturing myself in the clothing/hair/makeup of the time. Imagining myself living in different times and locations. Knowing the secrets that the characters know.
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We have a phenomenal library on Fort Campbell! R.F. Sink Memorial Library is our local library with over 70,000 books in the collection and it is open on a daily basis. New stock is added constantly and if it isn’t in the library, the staff can find it for you. Interlibrary loans are great! Not only can you utilize the interlibrary loan system, you can also take advantage of the resource section, the non-fiction area, the reference sources, free Wi-Fi, computers, CDs, E-books and several different children’s programs throughout the year. “Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” – Emilie Buchwald The best time to develop your child’s love for reading is from the very beginning. My oldest daughter’s favorite book as a baby and toddler was “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Eric Carle. To this day, she can recite the story back to me and lights up when she sees a toddler reading it. Last summer, she introduced this book to her two young cousins and they now carry it around with them from the bed to the table and car. She has since moved on to other books, and is almost as voracious reader as I am. She really hasn’t met a book she doesn’t like. My youngest daughter doesn’t like every book she reads. She is partial to exciting adventure books that are not heavy on dialogue. I mistakenly thought the Harry Potter set would hook her just as it has many other children, but that wasn’t what drew her in to the world of words. She flew through the Percy Jackson, “Hunger Games” and also the “Divergent” series. One of her greatest pet peeves are people that only watch the movies and do not know all the little details that the books provide. R.F Sink encourages young readers with Baby & Me Lapsit on Wednesdays at
10 a.m., and Preschool Story and Craft Time on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. For older children, the Summer Reading Program encourages youth to keep reading skills current while school is not in session. Brunch and a Book is offered once a month on the third Tuesday of every month for adults to share book conversation and good food. In the past year, we have hosted a variety of local authors during the event. For additional information about programing at R.F. Sink Memorial Library, please call (270) 798-5729. R. F. Sink Memorial Library 38 Screaming Eagle Blvd Fort Campbell, KY www.campbell.armymwr.com Montgomery County Public Library 350 Pageant Lane, Clarksville TN www.mcgtn.org/library Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library 1101 Bethel Street, Hopkinsville, KY www.hccpl.org Colleen Ochs Municipal Library 1705 Thompsonville Lane, Oak Grove, KY
This & That By TJ Weekly
Our local animal shelters are a great place to find your dream pet. Typically, shelters are run by local governments or local humane organizations. Almost every county and medium-to-large city has a shelter; some even have several. With many people not thinking the process through about how a pet will fit into their Family during the holiday, there is an increase in animals at shelters at the beginning of every year. Did you know we have a Stray Adoption Facility on Fort Campbell?
Many shelters have paid staff and volunteers who help with duties such as socializing dogs, screening adoption applications, and introducing applicants to available dogs. A dog who responds to simple cues such as “come,” “sit,” and “heel” is much more likely to make a good impression on a prospective adopter than a dog who hurls himself at an approaching Family in a joyous frenzy or hugs the rear wall of his enclosure when someone passes by. But keep in mind that just because a dog has not yet learned basic manners does not mean that he won’t make an excellent companion once you put in some time socializing and educating him. There are as many reasons for a pet to wind up in a shelter as there are ones that need homes. While young animals occasionally come to a shelter (often with their mother), many shelter pets are adolescents – between six months and two years of age. Among these teenagers are animals whose former Families adored them when they were cute little babies, but couldn’t cope with their adolescent unruliness just a few months later. Other shelter pets are senior citizens whose folks might not have wanted to be bothered with taking care of an elderly animal, or perhaps, whose people
were seniors themselves and no longer able to provide their beloved friend with a home. Shelter pets also come in all sizes and shapes. One enclosure might house a high-strung silky-haired Persian cat; in the next might be a big couch potato of a Pit Bull mix. When it comes to shelter animals, diversity is the name of the game. Regardless of their age, appearance, or temperament, many find themselves homeless due to circumstances beyond their control, or because they have minor issues that would respond to a little time and effort by a caring human being or a Family. If you think your dream pet may be waiting for you in a shelter, take these steps to advance your quest: Find some shelters. Don’t know where your local shelters are? Simply log on to the Internet and do a quick search of our area. If you don’t have access to the Internet at home, work, or through a friend, log on to a computer at your local library. The Robert F. Sink Memorial Library on post is a great choice! Visit online. Almost all shelters maintain a web or a Facebook page. You should be able to gain vital information about the shelter’s visiting hours, adoption procedures, and how dogs are made available for adoption. You may also find the organization’s adoption questionnaire or application. Visit in person. Once you have all the information you need, pay the shelter a visit – even if their current listings don’t include a pet who interests you. If you’re a parent, try to make this visit on your own, so that you’re not pressured by the pleas of your kids.
Visit the animals there and fill out an application. Talk with the shelter employees or the volunteers who handle adoptions, and let them know about the kind of pet you’re hoping to adopt. They may remember you when a pet who may be suited to your needs comes along. Bring your money. Although adopting from a shelter is a relatively economical way to acquire a pet, it’s not free. If you find one and the shelter approves your application, there will be an adoption fee or donation. Adoption costs vary, depending on location and whether the animal needs to be spayed or neutered. Shelters need to charge an additional fee for any spaying or neutering they perform to recover some of their costs.
Fort Campbell Stray Compound 5290 8th Street, Fort Campbell, KY (270) 798-5519 20
In the Know
For the Love of Chocolate By Jenelle Grewell
Who doesn’t love chocolate? I have to have chocolate at least once a day because I love it so much. You could say that I am a chocoholic. For those who love chocolate like I do, it would definitely be worth your time to attend the University of Phoenix-Military Division Community Family and Solder Day All Things Chocolate at D. W. Rec. Center on February 15. The event will have almost any chocolate treat you can imagine. There will be cakes, pies, cheesecakes, brownies, cookies, candy and much more available for you to sample and taste. Arrive at the Dale Wayrnen Recreation Center by noon on February 15 to try out different types of chocolate. If the idea of tasting a multitude of yummy chocolate
wasn’t enough to make you want go to All Things Chocolate, then the fact that the event is free should definitely make you want to go! It’s a great Valentine Family treat! Sponsors have made it possible for you to get all of this delicious chocolate for free. A big thank you goes to our title sponsor University of Phoenix and the premier sponsors, Jones International University, USAA, Freedom Furniture and Electronics and Fort Campbell Federal Credit Union. If chocolate is your main food group, then don’t miss out on the opportunity of All Things Chocolate. I know I won’t miss it! For additional information about events at D.W. Recreation Center, please call (270) 798-7391.