FOCUS JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD MORALE, WELFARE & RECREATION GUIDE
APRIL 2021
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Let’s go fishing! Pages 20–21 Enter Splash & Dash fun run Page 24 Order tasty meal specials Pages 26–29
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Director, Family & MWR Venicia Morse Marketing director Kimberly Perrenot Editor/Writer Patti Jeffrey Layout & design Toby Bartley, Tiana Crispino, Emiliano Hernandez, Lizzie Hoscheit, Patti Jeffrey Contributors Amanda Anderson, Cpl. Kenneth Andrews, Kristiane Byers, Charissa Lizama, Scott Schissel Contributing photographers American Lake Conference Center staff, Carl Vincent Carallas, JBLM Public Affairs, Patti Jeffrey, Lional Kam
For commercial sponsorship or advertising inquiries, off-base businesses, call 253-966-2256. The JBLM “FOCUS” Newcomers Guide is an unofficial information source. Activities described herein, which are open to authorized patrons and, where applicable, guests, are subject to change; contact the activity for confirmation. Opinions are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent Family & MWR, Joint Base Lewis-McChord or any U.S. government entity. The use of a commercial sponsor logo or mention of a commercial sponsor or other organization does not constitute U.S. government endorsement.
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FOCUS IN THIS ISSUE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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KIDS’ FEST & MOMC EVENTS
WHERE TO STORE YOUR RV
JOIN INTRAMURAL SPORTS
Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS April 2021
FEATURES
6 We’re committed to meeting family needs The history of MWR’s commitment to both military members and their families came through realizing that the best wasn’t enough.
20 Let’s go fishing! Russell Landing Marina and Northwest Adventure Center are perfect places to rent fishing gear and boats for fishing on American Lake.
31 MWR Central can help you plan your event Want to plan a unit, squadron or private event? Choose a venue through MWR Central that’s perfect for your budget and style.
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TASTY MEALS FROM MWR
LIBRARIES LINE UP MOMC FUN
GIVE KIDS A LOVE OF SPORTS
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Ariana Sylvia
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Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS April 2021
What does MWR do for you? Meet MWR staff members who serve you in meaningful ways
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arrior Zone has a great crew who all have been working hard to keep Warrior Zone Café service open even during the closures in Phase I. How’d they do it? With a new taco truck food service and to-go specials for customers to pick up outside, plus more! Meet several front-line employees who have literally gone the extra mile (in the taco truck) to keep serving up your favorites. First up is Ariana, who has learned time management and how important quick, efficient and friendly service is to patrons. “Since I’ve volunteered to help out with taco truck, I’ve really enjoyed being at special events — it’s fun, fast-paced and a great switch from behind the café counter,” says Ariana. “My favorite item on the menu? I like tacos best! I also like the mac-and-cheese dish and the Buffalo chicken quesadilla.” Next up is Sylvia — the secret behind Warrior Zone’s original taco sauce. With a degree from culinary school, Sylvia knew how to create a creamy, spicy, savory green sauce to go with the tacos. She tinkered with the recipe after several taste tests with others, keeping cost and availability in mind. The staff ended up naming their new taco sauce after the three employees who worked the food truck, and the name “J.A.S. sauce” has stuck. “What I love best about my job is the freedom to enjoy what I do. I feel needed and wanted here, and it’s such a fun-loving environment,” Sylvia says. Last up is Jordyn, who prepares and serves meals at the café and the taco truck. Jordyn’s story about her love for making customers happy mirrors the others. “The favorite part about my job is the people — they keep it interesting,” she says. “The most important thing I’ve learned is to keep a positive, happy mindset and to find a mentor, someone you can rely on and get guidance from.” Talking about Warrior Zone Café food is one thing, but savoring it in person is even better. Come over and experience fresh meals, served up with a generous dollop of great customer service. Taco Tuesdays are a hit at the café and the Taco Truck travels to special events. Find the regular menu at JBLMmwr.com, and see what specials they’ve created for you this month on pages 26–29.
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FEATURE
Meeting family needs is MWR’s commitment By Patti Jeffrey If you’re a part of a military family with older children, most likely they will have experienced deployments, celebrations without a military parent and multiple moves. Many families would be distressed with such a reality. Our military families not only live it but rise above it every day. The Army recognized this fact back in spring of 2007 after deciding that its families needed to be honored and recognized. However, that recognition needed real programming behind it if families were to feel supported. The support began to pour in with the signing of the first Army Family Covenant that October.
Honor followed by commitment “It struck me that the best wasn’t good enough,” former Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr. said when he announced the covenant during the Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting in October 2007. “We have not, until this point, treated families as the readiness issue that they are.
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“Never before in the history of our Army have we asked so much of our families,” said the general. “They are serving side-by-side with our Soldiers, enduring their hardships, providing the unconditional love and support that truly make our Army strong.” Monies began to be committed to building and remodeling child care centers, funding more family, health and recreation services, developing more educational and resiliency programs and finding more employment for spouses.
Commitment expands to all JBLM military families The Army Family Covenant had hit the ground running when an entirely new population was mixed in with the newly formed Joint Base Lewis-McChord in 2010. Senior joint base leaders decided together to recommit the family covenant and expand support to the Air Force and other Service members serving at JBLM, including around 60,000 family members with about 17,000
Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS April 2021
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JBLM families came out to enjoy the 2019 Armed Forces Day festivities at JBLM.
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children living here in 2010. Among improvements for all military families: • New, renovated and modernized privatized housing at JBLM. Renovations of more than $100 million will continue through 2026. • Creating a Parent Central one-stop child care service location, and realigning child care at McChord Field. • New child care centers built and renovated. • A new youth center at Hillside. • New healthcare providers hired for Service members and their families. • Family Readiness Support Assistants at the battalion level. • Improved behavioral health services. • Improving respite care for families with exceptional-needs members. • Free resiliency and skill-building classes for families. • Military Family Life Consultants that provide free, confidential individual and family counseling. • Free camps to help children cope with adversity and master life skills. • New splash park and playground at Lewis North’s Summer Cove. • Substantially increased funding for Survivor Outreach Services, Child & Youth Services, new parent support, military spouse employment program, Strong Bonds, Wounded Warriors Sports program and others. • The addition of a 14,000-square-foot Army Family Covenant Skate Plaza to what is now called Freedom Park, which includes a splash park, playground and picnic area. • The renovation of the old skate arena to
become the first children’s museum on a military base. The Children’s Museum of Tacoma, in partnership with JBLM Command, continues to build upon relationships established with their Play to Learn programming at JBLM’s parent-and-child play centers. The museum’s emphasis will be on early learners, those experiencing special needs and the reintegration of Service members returning from deployment into family life. The museum plans to open in the spring with COVID mitigation strategies in place. A lot of work still needs to be done, and it’s an ongoing effort to determine and meet families’ ongoing needs. But JBLM and MWR leaders are fully engaged and committed to making life better for our military children.
Did you know? April was designated the Month of the Military Child in 1983 by the Secretary of Defense to acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions our military children make for the combined corps. Military children’s services need to play a central role in fostering readiness and enhancing the quality of their lives. Some better-known military offspring include singer Christina Aguilera (her dad served in the Army), actor Robert Duval (his dad served in the Navy) and actor Blair Underwood (his dad served in the Air Force). It takes a special kind of child to be a military child — that’s who we’re celebrating and honoring this month! Turn to the following pages for events for military children and their families.
Left: Children pose for photos at the 2019 Kids’ Fest. See next page for details on this year’s Kids’ Fest.
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Up, up & away at Kids’ Fest! W
e have so much fun for you at Kids’ Fest Saturday, April 24, 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m.! Here’s some of the fun going on in and around the MWR Fest Tent: Free bowling — Families get free bowling at Bowl Arena Lanes 1–7 p.m. Lanes will be available each hour. Families must call 253-967-4661 and make reservations ahead of time. Sports — Football skills competition at Cowan Stadium, baseball skills competition at the CYS field, an obstacle course, basketball shooting hoop and mini golf. Games — Ring toss, fishing game, pick a duck, corn hole, can toss, milk bottle throw, topple a can, duck game and more! Crafts and activities — Balloon education, bubbles with recycling materials, balance butterfly and pinwheels, coloring books, temporary tattoos, preparedness guides, crafts, photo booth and more. Also pick up Out & About Bingo cards from the photo booth for a destination hunt with prizes. Super Smash Bros. competition will be held inside the MWR Fest Tent. Register at the event. COVID-19 mitigation will be followed, including hand-sanitation stations, masks and physical distancing.
See more events and details about Kids’ Fest & MOMC events at JBLMmwr.com and fb.com/JBLMmwr as the date gets closer! 10 Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS April 2021
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Enjoy events all month honoring military kids
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Enter the April Box Car Competition We’re continuing our Saturday Drive-In Family Movies in April with an added competition! We’re showing “Cars 3” April 10 at American Lake Conference Center and April 17 at McChord Club, both at 6 p.m. Build and show off your cardboard box car at either movie! Winners will be announced on our Facebook page (fb.com/JBLMmwr) Monday, April 19. Children, with the help of parents, can design a cardboard box to look like a cool car with various materials in your home. Send your cardboard box car photo April 1–15 to specialevents@JBLMmwr.com to be entered into the competition. Participation ribbons will be distributed at the movie for all those who make a cardboard box car and put them on display. Prizes will be awarded to DOD ID cardholder contestants who send in a photo in the contest time frame. First place will win a trophy and $75 Exchange gift card. Second place will win a trophy and a $50 Exchange gift card. Third place will win a trophy and $25 Exchange gift card.
Have fun in Virtual Kids’ Talent Show If you’re a military family with talented kids, you could possibly win prizes for entering the JBLM Virtual Kids’ Talent Show! Talents include singing, dancing, lip syncing, storytelling, spoken word, poetry, magic, card tricks, feats of strength or any talent that entertains and amazes. We’ll divide groups into ages 5–10, 11–13 and 14–17. To enter, create a video that’s five minutes or less and post it on YouTube. Send your YouTube link to contests@JBLMmwr.com no later than Friday, April 16. Your video will be judged by a qualified panel of experts. Trophies will be awarded to first- and second-place DOD ID cardholder winners in
each age category. Along with the trophies, first-place DOD ID cardholder winners will receive $100 Exchange gift cards and secondplace winners will receive $50 Exchange gift cards. Winners’ videos will be shown at Kids’ Fest Saturday, April 24 (with parental permission).
Try Virtual Construction Challenge DOD ID card holders under age 18 can get a chance to win a $25 Exchange gift card by constructing different objects using items from around your house, such as Legos, K’Nex, cardboard boxes and other materials. The following themes will be posted to our Facebook page (fb.com/JBLMmwr) Friday mornings in April. You’ll have the weekend to complete and post a photo in that Friday’s post by Monday at 10 a.m. • April 2: Build an Easter bunny in celebration of Easter. • April 9: Build a flower. • April 16: Build an umbrella. • April 23: Build a nature scene in celebration of Earth Day. • April 30: Build a butterfly. Three winners per week will be randomly drawn from participants who post their photos.
Youth painting class Get your family involved with a free beginning canvas painting class with instruction from the Arts & Crafts Center! Ages 6–17 will get instruction and free supplies. The class meets Saturday, April 10. You’ll meet at either the MWR Fest Tent at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. Registration is required by calling 253-967-6772 or emailing specialevents@ JBLMmwr.com. Parents must stay on site with your kids during the painting session. Masks will be worn at all times and physical distancing will be observed.
See more events on pages 38–47 in the library and youth sections. JBLMmwr.com 13
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RV storage meets all of your needs By Amanda Anderson If there’s one question asked every day at any given Outdoor Recreation facility, it’s how to get storage for trailers, boats, cars and other vehicles. Recreational vehicle storage is, by far, our most popular service. From active duty Service members living at JBLM who can’t store items at their house to retirees looking for a safe and secure place for their RVs, ODR has prices you can’t beat outside the gates, plus any storage category you’ll need!
Monthly RV storage Unfortunately, with popularity and good prices comes competition to get a spot. In years past, JBLM has been plagued with excruciatingly long monthly storage wait lists and frustrated customers. In an effort to remove these obstacles, we’ve made major
strides by improving storage for everyone. Completion of a renovation project of our lots was the first step. This project streamlined spaces up to 12 feet wide, along with spot reorganization and renumbering for more effective storing. With the demand so high, ODR also has another storage lot that will be opening shortly. The new lot will be solely for active duty patrons in order to aid in housing, deployment, OCONUS, PCS and other needs. This lot will benefit everyone, since the wait list will shorten and dramatically improve chances that everyone in need will receive a spot. Indoor covered, outdoor covered and outdoor uncovered spaces are all available among our lots spread throughout JBLM. For more information on monthly RV storage, scan the QR code.
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Holiday Park temporary storage
Russell Landing Marina boat moorage and dry storage Since Russell Landing Marina is on American Lake, it’s only fitting that we provide moorage for our JBLM community. Customers are able to store their boats on the water April 1– Sept. 30. Moorage sizes range from 20–40 feet on an all-plastic docked marina. Boats in the marina are secure to all park and marina visitors and are under 24/7 surveillance. Your boats are also checked daily by Russell Landing Marina staff to ensure each moored boat is above the water line and safe from leaks, water build-up or other problems. For the convenience for our moorage customers, trailer storage also is available on site for only $10 per month in addition to the monthly moorage fee. Following the end of the moorage season, the marina transitions its trailer storage lot into winter uncovered dry storage Oct. 1–March 31 for $45 per month. For more information, visit Russell Landing Marina or call 253-967-2510.
ODR also has a storage lot for those in need of immediate short-term storage for their RV items! Holiday Park Fam Camp, located at McChord Field, offers a temporary storage lot for $5 per day to patrons. There’s no wait list and reservations aren’t needed. Customers can simply drive to the park office and get a spot the same day. This temporary storage is especially convenient for those flying “Space A” out of McChord Field. Customers can store cars, boats or trailers in this lot, which is under video surveillance and tucked away on the south side of McChord Field. For more information, call 253-982-5488.
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Outdoor Recreation’s
CLOSEOUT April 1–3, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Northwest Adventure Center We’re spring cleaning! We’ll be marking select resale items in the store to 10% above cost, including:
The North Face Smartwool Under Armor Chacos Outdoor Research Sale excludes previously marked-down items.
8050 NCO Beach Rd. |April Lewis Lewis-McChord FOCUS 2021North | 253-967-7744 18 Joint Base
ODR Staff Highlight By Scott Schissel I’m a 24-year Army veteran who lives for the outdoors. First stationed at Fort Lewis in 1989, I told myself that I would summit Mount Rainier. Unfortunately, before I could make this happen, I was moved to a different duty station. With a return to the area in 2005, I once again picked up where I left off, completing a summit of Mount Rainier in 2006. Retiring from the Army in 2011, I decided to stay in the state, where I summited Mount Rainier numerous times. With a climbing career starting late in my 30s, I’ve summited peaks across the United States and around the world, Nepal being one of my favorite places to visit. I worked for REI for nine years helping outfit both new and experienced outdoors enthusiasts. As a national park ranger in Yellowstone, Mount Rainier and North Cascades National Parks, I’ve helped maintain, bring light to and assist others in seeing the great outdoors for what it is. I’ve had countless volunteer hours with the Mountaineers Club, instructing and leading trips in mountaineering, rock climbing, snowshoeing, trail running, backpacking and my newest activity — bikepacking. At 53, I strive to maintain my physical and mental strength and philosophy of “not climbing a mountain of your lifetime, but a lifetime of climbing.” As the lead alpine climbing instructor for JBLM MWR, I hope to train and lead the next generation of climbers to the peaks and summits of their dreams. Everyone should experience the highs and lows of climbing. You tend to learn quite a bit about yourself when the weather and conditions battle you back and make you turn around. I, along with several members of the Outdoor Recreation team, reinvented the climbing program here at JBLM. The program’s
umbrella includes everything from courses on expedition adventures to basic rock-climbing skills. The programs are geared more toward education than being a guide, allowing Service members and their families to gain the knowledge to lead themselves to greater heights. I believe that empowering people with knowledge and skills can only lead to a better life outdoors. The current alpine climbing course runs for about seven days, including four evenings of in-house lectures and skill development, followed by a three-day overnight in the backcountry to practice and hone additional skills. Some of the skills that are taught in the course are basic snow travel and camping, self and team rescue, terrain and weather analysis, risk mitigation and decision making as it applies to the world of alpine climbing.
JBLMmwr.com 19 Courtesy photo
Let’s go fishing! By Amanda Anderson he days are starting to get longer and warmer — finally! Starting Saturday, May 1, Russell Landing Marina is the perfect place to aid the transition into the warmer seasons and enjoy the beautiful scenery that we have right here in JBLM’s backyard! American Lake has breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and peaceful waters, and Russell Landing Marina offers rentals and resources for whatever your recreating need. Check out a full list of pricing and rentals available by using the QR code to the right. Washington fishing licenses reset Thursday, April 1. Northwest Adventure Center can sell you fishing licenses and/or endorsements offered by Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, as can the marina when it opens. Both locations also sell poles, bait and tackle. Get equipped for fishing, then walk the few steps down to the lake, known to house trout, kokanee, bass and panfish. At around 1,100 acres of lake water, fish enthusiasts can still find calm and serene waters amid lake chaos as the weather gets warmer.
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Safety Check Although warmer days are ahead, spring has the potential to be one of the most dangerous times to be on freshwater lakes. Warm weather can deceive people into thinking lakes are warmer than they actually are. Cold waters still linger from winter. Any fresh water in Washington is going to be cold (if not colder) during the spring snow melt that feeds lakes and rivers. The human body loses heat 25–30 times faster in cold water than in cold air. Movement, like when falling into cold water, only increases your body-heat loss. A good rule of thumb to follow is the “120degree rule.” If the water plus air temperatures are equal or less to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, a wet or dry suit is highly recommended. Have a plan and always err on the side of caution when recreating on the water. Northwest Adventure Center rents both dry and wet suits to ensure your safety on the water! For information on American Lake’s weather and water temperature, visit lake monster.com and search for American Lake.
20 Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS April 2021 JBLM Public Affairs
With the opening of fishing season in April, it’s important for you to know fishing policies on base and avoid confusion and citations. Pictured: JBLM Service members, along with their families, enjoyed American Lake with local fishing experts in the 7th annual Fishing with America’s Heroes July 11, 2015, at Russell Landing, Lewis North.
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To shred or not to shred? Recycling Right matters! Why can’t I put shredded paper in the recycling cart? It’s no longer recyclable. It’s important to put only things that can be recycled in the recycling bin. Paper, newspaper and magazines are good to recycle. Please make sure everything is dry! Wet paper is not acceptable.
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Compete in spring intramural sports Enjoy Splash & Dash Walk or run in the new Splash & Dash Guppy Fun Run Saturday, May 8 at Lewis Main! All ages are welcome to register for this run. Participants will be given a toy water gun at the start to spray along the route! Registration costs are $25 for the 4-mile Splash & Dash and $10 for the 1.3-mile Guppy Run. You’ll receive a T-shirt, custom medal, race bib and custom water gun. To sign up, visit JBLMmwrRegistration.com. Call 253-967-2802 if you have questions. COVID mitigation will be in effect for the races. For more information, visit JBLMmwr.com or fb.com/JBLMmwr under events.
Have a blast with Commander’s Cup ultimate Frisbee If you’ve ever played ultimate Frisbee and found you’re pretty good at it, join the Commander’s Cup ultimate Frisbee league that competes Tuesdays, April 13–May 18 at the Lewis North Athletic Complex. The championship will be Tuesday, May 25 starting at 6 p.m. Attend the informational meeting to find out about the league Tuesday, April 6 at 1 p.m. at the athletic complex. All Commander’s Cup sports are open to active duty, Reserve and National Guard Service members at JBLM. For more details, call 253-966-0635 or email usarmy.jblm.imcom.list.dfmwr-sports@mail.mil.
Join open spring softball teams We’re forming teams for an open spring softball tournament! Come to the coaches meeting Monday, April 26 at 6 p.m. at Soldiers Field House, 3236 2nd Division Dr. at Handrich Avenue. Round-robin tournaments will be played at the Lewis North Athletic Complex Mondays–
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Wednesdays, 6–9 p.m. May 3–26, followed by the championship tournament June 1–3. The sign-up deadline is Monday, April 26. Sign up by phone or in-person. Each team will have up to 15 players (including the coach), with nine competing on the field. Sign-ups are open to active duty military, Army and Air Force Reserve and National Guard Service members assigned to JBLM, family members ages 18 and older and all DOD civilians. For more information, call 253-966-0635 or email usarmy.jblm.imcom.list.dfmwrsports@mail.mil.
Above: JBLM Public Affairs
Play in open tennis league If you like competitive tennis, join our open tennis league! Learn more at the informational meeting Monday, May 3 at 6 p.m. at Soldiers Field House, 3236 2nd Division Dr. at Handrich Ave. The season lasts May 17– June 23, with the championship Wednesday, June 23. Awards will be presented to the top two female singles, top two male singles and the top mixed doubles team. Teams will play a four-week round-robin with the top four teams competing in the championship. Elimination rounds will be every Tuesday, 4–6 p.m. at the McChord Field tennis courts. Each team will
have one player for singles or two players for mixed doubles. Sign-ups are due Monday, May 3 and are open to active duty military, Army and Air Force Reserve and National Guard Service members assigned to JBLM, family members ages 18 and older and all DOD civilians. For more information, call 253-966-0635 or email usarmy. jblm.imcom.list.dfmwr-sports@mail.mil.
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Warrior Zone Café offers its newest specials, including the Lean & Green Wrap, Oreo Shake, Cowboy Bacon Burger and Chicken & Fries Sandwich.
26 Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS April 2021 Patti Jeffrey
Tasty specials cooked up for you MWR offers new meal options to savor, plus all your favorites
Hop to it for Easter Brunch to-go We can’t let the tradition of Easter Brunch be interrupted by anything, so we’re inviting you to McChord Club’s Easter Brunch Box DriveThru event Saturday, April 3, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. This creative option gives you the opportunity to savor your favorites — ham, quiches, roasted potatoes, fruit salad, cinnamon rolls and much more! All you need to do is order your custom food box by Thursday, April 1, drive through our portico, see the Easter Bunny and have fun! Each Brunch Box feeds four–six people and costs $65. Call 253-495-8684 to order your choice of: • Ham, cheddar and broccoli quiche or a roasted vegetable and feta quiche. • Roasted red potatoes with garlic, rosemary and sea salt. • Fresh seasonal fruit salad with orange and mint syrup. • Four large cinnamon rolls with cream cheese glaze. For an additional cost, order la carte items featuring small vegetable and fruit platters,
antipasto platters, dessert trays and smoked salmon trays. The Club is located at 700 Barnes Blvd. at McChord Field.
What’s new at Warrior Zone Café Warrior Zone Café has something on our menu for nearly everyone’s appetites! From hearty burgers and loaded sandwiches to light wraps, we’re keeping it tasty! Here are our featured specials: • The Lean & Green Wrap, served cold or warm, is a flour tortilla with a grilled chicken breast, garlic aioli, spinach, tomato, green peppers and Swiss cheese, topped with Italian dressing. • The Deluxe American Burger is a quarterpound angus beef burger topped with American cheese, mustard, ketchup, onion, pickle, lettuce and tomato on a potato-flour bun. • Our Cowboy Bacon Burger offers a quarter-pound angus beef burger paired with bacon rounds, caramelized onions, pepper jack cheese and barbecue sauce on a potato-flour bun. Continued on page 29.
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Eat healthy, save money, get outside! 4x10-ft. garden plots; $25 per season.
Grow your own garden March–October at JBLM! Plots are available at McChord Field & Lewis North. Rakes, compost and water hoses are provided.
For rental details, call or visit the Northwest Adventure Center at 253-967-7944 or Adventures Unlimited at 253-982-2206.
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• Our Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza features white-meat chicken with Buffalo sauce and cheddar-jack cheese, topped with ranch dressing. Choose from 7- and 12-inch options. • The hearty Chicken & Fries Sandwich combines grilled chicken breast, American cheese, bacon, black-pepper fries, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise and Italian dressing. • Order a side salad to accompany any meal or on its own. The salad has romaine lettuce mix, diced tomato and onion, green pepper, cheddar-Jack cheese and your choice of dressing. • For dessert, flavor it up with our Oreo Shake — sweetened cream blended with Oreo cookies. Add whipped cream for an extra treat. • Churros are another favorite dessert! Our crispy churros are sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and come with caramel dipping sauce. Warrior Zone Café is located at 11592 D St. at Lewis North. We’re open to ages 18 and older.
Drop by for Battle Bean specials Battle Bean at Stone Education Center is offering delicious spring specials. Order your choice of a Peep Latte (vanilla and marshmallow), Chocolate Bunny Mocha (chocolate
and hazelnut) or Jelly Bean Mocha (sea salt caramel and raspberry). A 16-oz. drink costs $3.75, 20 oz. is $4.25 and iced 24 oz. is $4.75. Remember get your double stamp every Tuesday! We’re located at 6242 Colorado Ave. at Lewis Main.
Habañero offers April specials Habañero Mexican Grill at McChord Field is now open 7 a.m.–2 p.m., and we’re serving up some new specials! Try our Spam rice with an egg for breakfast or our loaded steak fries with lunch. We still offer all our Habañero favorites — burritos, tacos, quesadillas, salads and vegetarian options, plus full traditional breakfasts. During April, take advantage of these other specials: • Taco Tuesday — $8.50 for three tacos and a beverage. • Double-Punch Wednesday — Get a double punch on your Habañero card on your first breakfast burrito. • Thursday Combo — Buy a quesadilla with your choice of meat and a beverage for $8.50. See our complete menu at JBLMmwr.com. Habañero is located at Whispering Firs Golf Course, 895 Lincoln Blvd.
Patti Jeffrey
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FEATURE
American Lake Conference Center excels in large and mid-sized catered events as pictured in a past event. COVID-19 protective measures will be in place for all catered events until JBLM returns to normal activity.
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FEATURE
MWR Central can help you plan your event W
elcome to MWR Central for all your parties, ceremonies and receptions! MWR offers the following indoor spaces for your event needs during Phase 2 of the Roadmap to Recovery. All facilities can be reserved by calling MWR Central at 253-966-7466 or emailing mwrcentral@JBLMmwr.com. (All capacities are for the indoor space only and limited capacity per Phase 2 guidelines). The following places are perfect for small- to mid-sized groups: Cascade conference space at Lewis Main. Cascade conference space, conveniently located at Lewis Main, can open up to a large outdoor patio. Floor-to-ceiling windows on the back wall offer plenty of natural light and create a great environment for your event. Russell Landing Bistro at Lewis North. Russell Landing Bistro is located along the
shores of American Lake at Lewis North. With serene views and a large outdoor patio, the bistro is a favorite of many for smaller events. Eagle’s Pride conference space — Located at Eagle’s Pride Golf Course, the event space is separate from the clubhouse and is situated just off of the finishing hole. The space also features a covered outdoor patio and fireplaces that overlook the 18th green. Holiday Park Pavilion at McChord Field. The enclosed pavilion features a double hexagon with high ceilings of natural wood and two fireplaces. A kitchen with service windows into each area and an outdoor barbecue grill also can be utilized. Nelson Recreation Center ballroom at Lewis Main. The ballroom is available for unit parties, ceremonies and other functions. Continued on page 33.
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Larger venues offer dedicated catering staff Functions at American Lake Conference Center and McChord Club have dedicated catering staff to help you plan your event, whether it’s a sit-down dining or a casual reception. Your catering consultant will meet with you every step of the way as you plan your event. American Lake Conference Center is located on the serene banks of American Lake and boasting exquisite landscaping, American Lake Conference Center offers guests a place to gather and celebrate. The facility provides sweeping views of the lake from upper and lower banquet rooms, seating areas for relaxation and conversation and a large pavilion with a fire pit for your outdoor gatherings. McChord Club at McChord Field, located near the main gate, can help you plan an event
Photo courtesy of ALCC
or party that reflects your style and budget. Host your unit, squadron and private events with us! We can accommodate both small, intimate gatherings and large groups with fully catered, sit-down dining or a casual buffet. For more information on these venues, visit JBLMmwr.com.
MWR Central helps with unit functions Having a unit or squadron function? Unit Funds can be easily transferred to the MWR facility you reserve. Unit funds are nonappropriated funds provided for the entertainment and recreation of the personnel of the units and squadrons. Guidance on authorized use and instructions on how to obtain funds can be found in the Memorandum of Instruction for Unit Funds. For more information and forms, visit JBLMmwr.com/programs/unit-funds.
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Arts & Crafts Center brings you in-person classes Learn picture framing Did you know you have access to a professional MWR Arts & Crafts Center? We offer a variety of personalized services, such as custom engraving, picture framing and industrial silk screening. We’re thrilled to be able to open up our inperson classes! If you’d like to save money for yourself or for your unit, sign up for our pictureframing class, held on the second Saturday of each month. For $55, you’ll learn to frame a personal 5-by-7-inch photo to take home. After your class, you can rent space and supplies at a nominal fee to complete projects for your unit or family. Materials cost extra and depend on your selection.
Preregistration is required; call 253-9826721 or drop in. We’re at 1121 Barnes Blvd. at McChord Field.
Stop by to see what we’ve been up to If you’ve never come in or it’s been a while, make it a point to check out our new showroom and streamlined product selection. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will guide your shopping experience to ensure you walk away with a product you’ll be proud to show off or give as a gift. If you can’t make it here, check our products out at JBLMmwr.com under Arts & Crafts Center. See our online catalog to get ideas and see what we offer for in-stock items. Carl Vincent Carallas
Expert framer Patty Valdez assembles a frame for a customer project. Sign up for a class to learn how to mat and frame your own prints.
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Golf for fun & competition Have fun with April specials During April, take advantage of these golf specials at Eagle’s Pride and Whispering Firs golf courses: • Dewsweeper — Mondays–Fridays from opening to 9 a.m., pay only $22 for your green fees. Add a cart for $14 per rider. • Golf Ball Special — Mondays–Thursdays, tee between noon and 2:50 p.m. for $23 green fees and a free sleeve of golf balls (golf balls cannot be substituted; special lasts until supplies run out). Add a cart for $14 per rider. Specials can’t be combined or used for tourneys, outings, holidays or with your JBLM golf pass.
Compete in Fort Lewis Amateur Enter the 62nd Annual Fort Lewis Amateur at Eagle’s Pride Golf Course! The event is May 1–2 with a 7:30 a.m. tee. The cost is $160 for this individual stroke play tournament. For entry details, call the pro shop at 253-967-6522.
Get in on golf scrambles CG Golf Scrambles are back starting this month! Enter the four-person scramble with a noon shotgun start Friday, April 16 at Eagle’s Pride Golf Course. The cost is $40 per person and includes your green fee, cart rental and a chance to win prizes. Enter as a team or be placed on a team if you enter individually. The entry deadline is Wednesday, April 14. For more details, call Eagle’s Pride at 253-967-6522.
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Check out spring sales We have plenty of sales and gift ideas for spring: • Annual green fees are now available for sale at Eagle’s Pride and Whispering Firs golf courses! If you’re a current annual member, bring in a new annual player and get 10% off your annual purchase (restrictions apply; see pro shops for details). • Save on select pro shop items at our spring sale April 9–16. • Dine or golf at Eagle’s Pride or Whispering Firs and receive a coupon for 15% off food and drink on your next visit (not valid on alcohol). • Need a gift for your golfer friends or family and don’t know what to get? Purchase a gift certificate in the pro shop and let them choose!
Enter Hole-in-Fun contest The same day you golf at Whispering Firs or Eagle’s Pride, enter the Hole-inFun contest for $1. If you make a hole-in-one on any par three at Whispering Firs or Eagle’s Pride, you win the jackpot (a gift certificate equal to the amount of the fund)!
Improve your game with lessons Get your game ready for summer with individual golf lessons from our PGA instructor John Eisentrout. Instruction is tailored for adults, youth, beginners and experienced golfers. Call 253-967-6522 for more information.
For more information If you have a question or need more details, call Eagle’s Pride at 253-967-6522 or Whispering Firs at 253-982-2124. Eagle’s Pride is off I-5 Exit 116. Whispering Firs is located at McChord Field, 895 Lincoln Blvd.
EaglesPrideGolf
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JBLM libraries celebrate military youth W
e’re going all out for Month of the Military Child! Not only will we be decorating our libraries, but we’ll be offering fun activities that focus on how important our military kids are to us. We want our libraries to be a welcoming place!
Here’s your Golden Key Grandstaff and Book Patch Children’s libraries invite all military families in for special honors during April: • Children ages 9 and younger can register for their own Golden Key (a library card with a golden key sticker). We want each child to know they hold the key to a welcoming place at Book Patch, the entrance to a world of learning and fun. Children who already have cards can get their golden key from any staff member in the library. • You’ll notice purple ribbons tied to the trees outside the library and lots of purple balloons inside. You’ll receive your own purple ribbons to tie around your trees so military kids will know we’re thinking of them. • Along with other giveaways, we’ll offer craft kits for our Thursday Facebook how-to videos — a keepsake dandelion painting craft April 8, bee-home craft April 15 and bulb kit planting event April 22 on Earth Day. • View the Wall of Honor at Book Patch and have your photo taken if you’d like to add yours to the display. • Check out Book Patch’s MOMC-themed I Spy
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windows. Stop in during open hours for special lists and gifts for participating! • Visit fb.com/JBLMlibrary for more interactive opportunities during Month of the Military Child.
Spring break offers fantastic fun Here’s what’s happening during Clover Park School District’s spring break April 5–9: • Design your own button. Pick up a button design template from McChord Library or Book Patch Children’s Library, or download the template from JBLMlibraries.com. Design and color your button, drop it off, and we’ll make it into a button you can wear. Limit is one button per patron — any age can participate! • Paracord craft for ages 10 and older. Pick up your kit at McChord Library or Book Patch Children’s Library starting Monday, April 5, first-come, first-served while supplies last. • Hour of Code. See a how-to video at fb.com/JBLMlibrary Tuesday, April 6 at noon. Take the Hour of Code class online, bring your completion certificate to McChord Library and you’ll receive a prize (one per person). • A special “Mad Science with Shelly” at fb.com/JBLMlibrary. Look for a special spring break video featuring peep catapults Wednesday, April 7 at 4 p.m. • 3D printing instructional video at fb.com/ JBLMlibrary. Interested in 3D printing? Learn more Thursday, April 8 at 4 p.m. See how to print (or design your own) 3D artwork on the 3D printers at our libraries. • Friday, April 9, play “Among Us” on your tablet, computer or mobile phone for an hour. Registration is required on the Calendar of Events by Friday, April 2 at JBLMlibraries. com.
Do Mad Science with Shelly Kids of all ages can participate in STEAMrelated virtual workshops with McChord Library’s “mad scientist.” You can uncover
interests by making, producing, solving, creating, collaborating and thinking with projects in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Shelly will post cool demonstration videos at fb.com/JBLMlibrary Wednesdays, April 28 and May 26 at 4 p.m. Pick up your free STEAM kits at McChord Library (quantities are limited). This month, we’ll engineer columns out of paper to see which shape holds the most weight. In May, we’ll create 2D and 3D structures out of toothpicks and gumdrops and see which is the most stable.
Get in on Teen Photography Contest JBLM teens can show off your skills and creativity with your original photography! Grandstaff Library and the Arts & Crafts Center are offering prizes for six lucky winners — a $25 Amazon gift card! The theme is “What the World Needs Right Now” in original portraits, animal and wildlife and nature themes. The deadline to enter is Friday, April 9. Entry rules and details are at JBLMlibraries.com. All Submissions will be printed, mounted and displayed at Grandstaff April 17–30.
Be surprised with April Fool’s craft Here’s a fun way to celebrate April Fool’s Day Thursday, April 1 — pick up a “donut seed” kit from Book Patch Children’s Library, then watch the live Facebook event to learn about the donut seed prank and tips to trick your family and friends. At noon April 1, watch the joke unfold at fb.com/JBLMlibrary. You can pick up your free kit from Book Patch now until noon April 1 while supplies last.
McChord Library 851 Lincoln Blvd. McChord Field 253-982-3454
Grandstaff Library 2109 N. 10th Lewis Main 253-967-5889
Book Patch Children’s Library 2109 N. 10th Lewis Main 253-967-5533
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MWR Staff Picks My pick is the Northwest Adventure Center. I love all the activities but especially white water rafting. Super fun, adventurous and the guides are wonderful!
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Kristiane
Charissa My pick is working with McChord Library to bring youth at Hillside their favorite books! I love that they offer that and it makes it really convenient for us — especially because the kids are loving the books, even if it’s just to look through them, like a cook book. They even picked out items and asked if they can make them during cooking club!
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Month of the Military Child features you Enter Young Lives, Big Stories contest Army MWR’s “Young Lives, Big Stories” contest gives Army-connected children and youth ages 3 through grade 12 the chance to tell their own stories through pictures or writing about what it means to be a military kid. The contest runs during the Month of the Military Child. Children and youth who enter the contest have the opportunity to win fun prizes, such as a tablet, iPad or Xbox. For more information and to enter this year’s Young Lives, Big Stories contest, visit ArmyMWR.com/YLBS during April.
Enjoy Hillside’s Super Saturday Come join other Hillside middle school and high school members for physically distanced Super Saturday fun, 1–6 p.m. The theme for our April 10 event is Boot Camp Fun! Try out our obstacle course and tug-o’-war with team-building challenges and camo painting, and help yourself to healthy snacks and smoothies.
Join us at Kids’ Fest April 24! Hillside Youth Center will be closed, but we’ll all be seeing you at the MWR Fest Tent. For more information about Hillside Youth Center and how to join, visit JBLMmwr.com/ programs/mst.
Attend Virtual Military Teen Summit Army Child & Youth Services is partnering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America to offer the first worldwide Virtual Military Teen Summit April 22–24. This military-sponsored event will include guest speakers and key influencers, interactive fun activities, and thought-provoking sessions on topics that matter most to teens. The virtual summit will ensure a call to action for teens to serve as a catalyst for change, just as Operation Megaphone has provided. Youth can participate through Hillside Youth Center or individually. For more information, call Hillside Youth Center at 253-967-4441.
Do you live at JBLM and want to make a difference in JBLM children’s lives? Earn up to $2,000 a month by training to be a Family Child care provider! Get free training, resources and support. If you’re a first-time provider, you could receive a $1,000 bonus. Attend an FCC orientation Tuesday, April 13, 6–8 p.m. For more information, call the FCC office at 253-967-3039.
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Give your kids a love of sports Y
outh sports provides JBLM families the opportunity of involving your children with sports while keeping them safe. Maintaining physical distance is constantly monitored, and masks are required for coaches, parents and players. All CYS-prescribed precautions for sanitation procedures and distance monitoring will be conducted. Flag Football and Cheerleading enrollment for ages 5–12 is available through Thursday, April 8. Practices for flag football and cheer begin Monday, April 26 and the last game is Saturday, June 26. The cost per youth is $65 for each sport. The First Tee Golf (ages 7–18), 4:15–5:45 p.m. Enroll through Tuesday, April 20 for Whispering Firs Golf Course and through Thursday, April 22 for Eagle’s Pride Golf Course. Cost: $40. • Lessons are April 20–May 25 on Tuesdays at Eagle’s Pride and April 22–May 27 on Thursdays at Whispering Firs. • Lessons are conducted by one PGA instructor from The First Tee of South Puget Sound and one CYS staffer. Golf clubs are provided with the early evening classes. Baseball and Lil’ Batters enrollment opens Monday, May 3. Ages 3–4 cost $35 and ages 5–12 cost $65. Karate (ages 4–18), differing times and dates (see the current registration for your choice of classes). Register through the end of the month for the next month. Cost: $40. Enroll at JBLMcysRegistration.com or call Youth Sports at 253-967-2405. You’ll need a full Child & Youth Services registration on file and a current sports physical. Not yet enrolled in CYS? To get started, call Parent Central Services at 253-966-2977.
We need more youth coaches! Do you like to attend your child’s sports events and connect well with kids and parents? Share your love of sports with JBLM youth as a volunteer sports coach. You’ll get free training and certification in the National Alliance for Youth Sports, plus CYS household credits for your coaching. A background check is required. For more information, stop by the Youth Sports Office at 6398 Garcia Blvd. (Lewis Main). Questions? Call 253-967-2405.
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JBLM Public Affairs
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Month of the Military Child Word Search
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MOMC Coloring Page Complete this coloring sheet to show at the MWR Marketing table at Kids’ Fest for a prize!
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Each month, hear what different JBLM Service members, family members, civilians and others like to do in their spare time.
Cpl. Kenneth Andrews Last meal you ate: Popeyes.
Last time you tried something new: Yesterday, I tried fly fishing for the first time.
Last good advice you received: Be the leadership you want to be, not what they tell you to be.
Last time you laughed: I laughed five minutes ago at Sgt. 1st Class Terzo.
Last adventure you went on: I went to Ireland in 2018. It was amazing!
Courtesy photo
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