ExploreJBLM Fall 2024 e-Guide, Issue 8 by Joint Base Lewis-McChord MWR Marketing

EXPLOREJBLM EXPLORE JBLM

Dining at Warrior Zone Café

Pages 14–18

Discover new library programs

Pages 24–28

Outdoor Rec trips to Leavenworth Pages 32–33

ANNUAL GIFT GUIDE Pages 40–46

JBLM MORALE, WELFARE & RECREATION GUIDE

Director, Family & MWR Venicia Morse

Marketing director Kimberly Perrenot

Editor/Writer Angie Andrews

Graphics Toby Bartley, Michael Hamilton, Emiliano Hernandez

Contributing writers Sydney Autio, Emily Crutchfield, Bianca McClendon

Contributing photographers Toby Bartley, Colin Brooks, Ursula Buford, Kelsey Ferguson, Michael Hamilton, Emiliano Hernandez, Lional Kam, Bianca McClendon, Kayla Williams

For commercial sponsorship or advertising inquiries, off-base businesses, call 253-966-2256.

EXPLOREJBLM 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.

NOTE: Events mentioned in this issue may be canceled or revised after publication date. For current updates, visit JBLM.armymwr.com.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Family and MWR

MWR DIRECTORY

Go to JBLM.armymwr.com for more information.

Phone area code is 253. LM = Lewis Main | LN = Lewis North | MF = McChord Field LEISURE RESOURCES

Phone area code is 253. LM = Lewis Main | LN = Lewis North | MF = McChord Field

LEISURE RESOURCES

BETTER OPPORTUNITIES FOR SINGLE

SERVICE MEMBERS (BOSS)

11592 17th & D St. LN 967-5636

AQUATICS

KIMBRO POOL

KIMBRO POOL 2161 Liggett Ave. LM 967-5026

11592 17th & D St. LN 967-5636

LEISURE TRAVEL SERVICES

8050 NCO Beach Rd. LN 967-3085

WARRIOR ZONE

11592 17th & D St. LN 477-5756

2161 Liggett Ave. LM 967-5026

McCHORD FIELD OUTDOOR POOL (open summers only) 736 5th St. MF 982-2807

11592 17th & D St. LN 477-5756

OUTDOOR RECREATION

HOLIDAY PARK MF

Pavilion Info & Reservations 982-7744

McCHORD FIELD OUTDOOR POOL (open summers only)

736 St. MF 982-2807

SOLDIERS FIELD HOUSE POOL 3236 2nd Div. & Handrich LM 967-5390

Pavilion Info & Reservations 982-7744

Holiday Park/Fam-Camp 982-5488

SOLDIERS FIELD HOUSE POOL

3236 2nd Div. & Handrich LM 967-5390

ARTS & CRAFTS

McCHORD ARTS & CRAFTS CENTER 1121 Barnes Blvd. MF 982-6719

Holiday Park/Fam-Camp 982-5488

FREEDOM PARK

2275 Liggett Ave. LM

FREEDOM PARK 2275 Liggett Ave. LM

SPLASH PARK (Summer only) 967-4661

NORTHWEST ADVENTURE CENTER

8050 NCO Beach Rd. LN

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PROGRAMS LN 967-7744

EQUIPMENT RENTAL (NAC) LN 967-7744

McCHORD ARTS & CRAFTS CENTER 1121 Barnes Blvd. MF 982-6719

LEWIS AUTO CENTER

LEWIS AUTO CENTER 4043 West Way 967-3728

4043 West Way 967-3728

McCHORD AUTO CENTER 1120 Barnes Blvd. MF 982-7226

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PROGRAMS LN 967-7744

EQUIPMENT RENTAL (NAC) LN 967-7744

TRAVEL CAMP & CABIN RENTAL LN 967-7744

RUSSELL LANDING MARINA

(Open Memorial Day–Labor Day)

8981 American Lake Ave. LN 967-2510

SHORELINE PARK

(Open Memorial Day through Labor Day)

Shoreline Beach Rd., Pavillion info LN 967-2510

OFF-ROAD VEHICLE PARK

2 miles past the Skeet Range jblm.isportsman.net

McCHORD AUTO CENTER 1120 Barnes Blvd. MF 982-7226

LIBRARIES

GRANDSTAFF MEMORIAL

2109 N. 10th & Pendleton LM 967-5889

GRANDSTAFF MEMORIAL 2109 N. 10th & Pendleton LM 967-5889

BOOK PATCH CHILDREN’S LIBRARY (inside Grandstaff)

2109 N. 10th & Pendleton LM 967-5533

Shoreline Beach Rd., Pavillion info LN 967-2510

2 miles past the Skeet Range jblm.isportsman.net

RIFLE & PISTOL RANGE (RANGE 15)

0015 East Gate Rd. LM 967-9803

SHOTGUN SHOOTING COMPLEX

3969 2nd Div Range Rd. LM 967-7056

2109 N. 10th & Pendleton LM 967-5533

McCHORD LIBRARY

851 Lincoln Blvd., Ground Floor MF 982-3454

0015 East Gate Rd. LM 967-9803

3969 2nd Div Range Rd. LM 967-7056

SPORTS & FITNESS

PT occurs between 6:30–7:30 a.m.

JENSEN HUMAN PERFORMANCE CENTER 2022 Liggett Ave. & Div. LM 967-5975

851 Lincoln Blvd., Ground Floor MF 982-3454

CHILD

SPORTS & FITNESS ARTS & CRAFTS AUTO

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS

DEVELOPMENT CENTERS

BEACHWOOD CDC

8300 American Lake Ave. LN 967-2600/477-5379

CLARKMOOR CDC

2095 Bitar Ave. LM 967-2300/5455

JENSEN HUMAN PERFORMANCE CENTER 2022 Liggett Ave. & Div. LM 967-5975

McCHORD FITNESS CENTER

729 5th St. MF 982-6707

CLARKMOOR CDC 2095 Bitar Ave. LM 967-2300/5455

HILLSIDE CDC

6396 Garcia Blvd. LM 477-3125/3126

HILLSIDE CDC 6396 Garcia Blvd. LM 477-3125/3126

MADIGAN CDC 6995 Jackson Ave. LM 967-2800

729 5th St. MF 982-6707

McCHORD FITNESS CENTER ANNEX 726 5th St. MF 982-6700

McCHORD FITNESS CENTER ANNEX 726 St. MF 982-6700

McVEIGH SPORTS & FITNESS CENTER 2160 Liggett Ave. LM 967-5869

McVEIGH SPORTS & FITNESS CENTER

MADIGAN CDC 6995 Jackson Ave. LM 967-2800

McCHORD CDC

578 Lincoln Blvd. (EAST) MF 982-0413/982-4903

McCHORD CDC 578 Lincoln Blvd. (EAST) MF 982-0413/982-4903

McCHORD CDC

560 Lincoln Blvd. (WEST) MF 982-4166/4178

2160 Liggett Ave. LM 967-5869

SHERIDAN SPORTS & FITNESS CENTER 3759 Stryker Ave. LM 967-3797/4467

SHERIDAN SPORTS & FITNESS CENTER

3759 Stryker Ave. LM 967-3797/4467

SOLDIERS FIELD HOUSE

3236 2nd Div. & Handrich LM 967-4771

McCHORD CDC 560 Lincoln Blvd. (WEST) MF 982-4166/4178

YOUTH PROGRAMS

CASCADE SCHOOL AGE CENTER

2402 Bitar Ave. LM 966-8977/8978

3236 2nd Div. & Handrich LM 967-4771

WILSON SPORTS & FITNESS CENTER

11596 D St. & 41st Div. LN 967-7471

HILLSIDE YOUTH CENTER/TEEN ZONE 6397 Garcia Blvd. LM 967-4441

11596 D St. & 41st Div. LN 967-7471

INTRAMURAL SPORTS OFFICE

3236 2nd Div. & Handrich LM 967-6420

LEWIS NORTH SCHOOL AGE CENTER 8584 American Lake Ave. LN 966-7166/7167

LEWIS NORTH SCHOOL AGE CENTER

8584 American Lake Ave. LN 966-7166/7167

McCHORD SCHOOL AGE CENTER

3236 2nd Div. & Handrich LM 967-6420

3032 Dogwood St. MF 982-2203

McCHORD SCHOOL AGE CENTER 3032 Dogwood St. MF 982-2203

YOUTH SPORTS

6398 Garcia Blvd. LM 967-2405 Continued on next page

6398 Garcia Blvd. LM 967-2405

Continued on next page

PARENT CENTRAL SERVICES

2295 12th & Bitar LM 966-2977

FAMILY CHILD CARE

OTHER CHILD & YOUTH SERVICES

2275 Liggett Ave. LM 967-3039

ARMED FORCES ACTION PLAN (AFAP) 4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-2324

ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY SERVICE

ARMED FORCES TEAM BUILDING (AFTB) 4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-2324

PARENT CENTRAL SERVICES

SCHOOL SUPPORT SERVICES

PARENT CENTRAL SERVICES

ARMED FORCES ACTION PLAN (AFAP)

2295 12th & Bitar LM 966-2977

2295 12th & Bitar LM 967-7195

2295 12th & Bitar LM 966-2977

FAMILY CHILD CARE

2275 Liggett Ave. LM 967-3039

BOWLING CENTER

SCHOOL SUPPORT SERVICES

2295 12th & Bitar LM 967-7195

BOWL ARENA LANES

2272 Liggett Ave. LM 967-4661

4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-2324

INSTALLATION VOLUNTEER CORPS (IVC) 4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-2324

4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-2324

ARMED FORCES TEAM BUILDING (AFTB)

4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-2324

ARMED FORCES TEAM BUILDING (AFTB) 4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-2324

INSTALLATION VOLUNTEER CORPS (IVC)

EMPLOYMENT READINESS PROGRAM 9059 Gardner Loop LM 477-9675

4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-2324

INSTALLATION VOLUNTEER CORPS (IVC) 4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-2324

BOWLING

BOWLING CENTER

CENTER

DINING & CLUBS

BOWL ARENA LANES

EMPLOYMENT READINESS PROGRAM 9059 Gardner Loop LM 477-9675

MOBILIZATION, DEPLOYMENT & SSO 4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-6200

2272 Liggett Ave. LM 967-4661

HOME-BASED BUSINESS 9059 Gardner Loop LM 967-2906

MWR CATERING

8085 NCO Beach Rd. LN 966-7466

DINING & CLUBS

AMERICAN LAKE CONFERENCE CENTER

MOBILIZATION, DEPLOYMENT & SSO 4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-6200

RELOCATION READINESS PROGRAM 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-3633

100 Col. Joe Jackson Blvd MF 982-2695

MOBILIZATION, DEPLOYMENT & SSO 4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-6200

MWR CATERING

8085 NCO Beach Rd. LN 966-4998/3987

8085 NCO Beach Rd. LN 966-7466

AMERICAN LAKE CONFERENCE CENTER

HABAÑERO MEXICAN GRILL at WHISPERING FIRS GOLF COURSE

RELOCATION READINESS PROGRAM 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-3633

SURVIVOR OUTREACH SERVICES (SOS) 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-3672

RELOCATION READINESS PROGRAM 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-3633

100 Col. Joe Jackson Blvd MF 982-2695

895 Lincoln Blvd. MF 982-3271

8085 NCO Beach Rd. LN 966-4998/3987

McCHORD CLUB

HABAÑERO MEXICAN GRILL at WHISPERING FIRS GOLF COURSE

700 Barnes Blvd. MF 982-2795

895 Lincoln Blvd. MF 982-3271

Catering Of ce 982-8175

McCHORD CLUB

WARRIOR ZONE CAFE

700 Barnes Blvd. MF 982-2795

11592 D St. & 17th LN 477-5835/5833

Catering Of ce 982-8175

WARRIOR ZONE CAFE

11592 D St. & 17th LN 477-5835/5833

GOLF COURSES

FINANCIAL READINESS

2140 Liggett Ave

FINANCIAL READINESS PROGRAM

GOLF COURSES

EAGLE’S PRIDE GOLF COURSE

Located off I-5, Exit 116 967-6522

EAGLE’S PRIDE GOLF COURSE

WHISPERING FIRS GOLF COURSE

895 Lincoln Blvd. MF 982-2124

Located off I-5, Exit 116 967-6522

WHISPERING FIRS GOLF COURSE

895 Lincoln Blvd. MF 982-2124

SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION

MWR MARKETING & ADVERTISING

SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION

2013B N. 3rd St., Rm. 117 LM 967-5202

MWR MARKETING & ADVERTISING

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

2013B N. 3rd St., Rm. 117 LM 967-5202

2013B N. 3rd St., Rm. 117 LM 967-7942/966-2256 UNIT FUNDS

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

2013B N. 3rd St., Rm. 117 LM 967-7942/966-2256 UNIT FUNDS

2013B N. 3rd St., Rm. 117 LM 967-7942/966-2256

UNIT FUNDS

2013 N. 3rd St., Rm. 338 LM 966-4300

2013 N. 3rd St., Rm. 338 LM 966-4300 PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS

2013 N. 3rd St., Rm. 312 LM 967-6551

2013 N. 3rd St., Rm. 338 LM 966-4300 PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS

PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS

2013 N. 3rd St., Rm. 312 LM 967-6551

NAF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

2013 N. 3rd St., Rm. 324 LM 967-1332 SUPPLY

2057 Crary Ave. LM 967-3991

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 2013 N. 3rd St. LM CYMS 967-6276

RecTrac /WebTrac 967-8370

2057 Crary Ave. LM 967-3991 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 2013 N. 3rd St. LM CYMS 967-6276 RecTrac /WebTrac 967-8370

OTHER FACILITIES/BUSINESSES

CPAC-NAF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE

2015 4th & Pendleton Ave, Rm. B008 LM Of ce 968-6797

2015 4th & Pendleton Ave, Rm. B008 LM

2015 4th & Pendleton Ave, Rm. B008 LM Of ce 968-6797

Of ce 968-6797

PAINTBALL INC.

4535 Vancouver Rd. LN 912-8000

4535 Vancouver Rd. LN 912-8000 THE PET BRIGADE

4535 Vancouver Rd. LN 912-8000

THE PET BRIGADE

0497 Pendleton Ave. LN 912-4898

0497 Pendleton Ave. LN 912-4898 TEXAS ROADHOUSE

TEXAS ROADHOUSE

23700 N 14th St. LM 393-9085

FINANCIAL READINESS PROGRAM

2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-1453

967-1453

2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-1453

100 Col. Joe Jackson Blvd MF 982-3125

ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF (AER) 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-9852

Col. Joe Jackson Blvd MF 982-3125 ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF (AER) 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-9852 AIR FORCE AID SOCIETY (AFAS)

AIR FORCE AID SOCIETY (AFAS)

100 Col. Joe Jackson Blvd MF 982-9027

FAMILY ADVOCACY

EFMP FAMILY SUPPORT

ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF (AER) 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-9852

100 Col. Joe Jackson Blvd MF 982-9027

2013A N. 3rd St., Rm. 203 LM 967-5797

FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAM

2013A N. 3rd St., Rm. 203 LM 967-5797 FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAM

2013A N. 3rd St., Rm. 203 LM 967-5797

FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAM

2013A N. 3rd St. LM 967-5901

NEW PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM

2013A N. 3rd St. LM 967-5901 NEW PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM

2013A N. 3rd St. LM 967-5901

2013A N. 3rd St. LM 967-7409

24/7 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SAFELINE 2013A N. 3rd St. LM 966-7233

NEW PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM 2013A N. 3rd St. LM 967-7409

2013A N. 3rd St. LM 967-7409 24/7 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SAFELINE 2013A N. 3rd St. LM 966-7233

COMMUNITY INFORMATION SERVICES (CIS)

AFCS PROGRAM PHONE TREE 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-7166 CIS WALLER HALL

2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-7130 CIS SERVICE MEMBER & FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER (SFAC) 9059 Gardner Loop LM 966-8433 CIS McCHORD FIELD

SURVIVOR OUTREACH SERVICES (SOS) 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-3672 Armed Forces Community Service

24/7 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SAFELINE 2013A N. 3rd St. LM 966-7233

COMMUNITY INFORMATION SERVICES (CIS) AFCS PROGRAM PHONE TREE 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-7166 CIS WALLER HALL 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-7130 CIS SERVICE MEMBER & FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER (SFAC) 9059 Gardner Loop LM 966-8433 CIS McCHORD FIELD

AFCS PROGRAM PHONE TREE 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-7166 CIS WALLER HALL 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-7130

CIS SERVICE MEMBER & FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER (SFAC) 9059 Gardner Loop LM 966-8433 CIS McCHORD FIELD

100 Col. Joe Jackson Blvd MF 982-2695

SURVIVOR OUTREACH SERVICES (SOS) 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-3672 Armed Forces Community Service

MWR Website MWR Facebook

MWR Website MWR Facebook

8 22 PERKS OF JBLM MWR EMPLOYMENT VETERANS DAY RACE YOUR GUIDE TO JBLM

14 Grab something delicious

Head to Warrior Zone Café for familiar favorites and new menu offerings. Plus, learn about additional services provided by the café.

24 Launching new library programs

From strategy games to singing, writing, cooking, creating, designing, building and more, the monthly library calendars dare you to expand your world and discover all the new program options — for all age groups — in the libraries’ fall lineup.

40 Bright, shiny & new

Keep your thoughtful gift-giving going all year when you browse our annual MWR gift guide to find treasures and surprises for all types of occasions.

Your guide to JBLM

to JBLM! Whether you are new to the area or have been here for a bit, you’ve found an excellent place to thrive while experiencing life in the Pacific Northwest.

MWR services and resources

Options for families include child care, Youth Sports, Hillside Youth Center which is hosting its annual Harvest Fest in October (page 29) and School Support Services. Single Service Members can link up with BOSS. Plus, there’s plenty more for everyone to enjoy! Sports, outdoor adventures, craft classes, bowling, billiard tournaments, book clubs, golf and more will fill up your leisure time.

On the cover

Discover all that the new season has to offer! An updated menu at Warrior Zone Café, new programs from the libraries, trips with Outdoor Recreation and our annual gift guide will ensure your autumn is full and active.

In this issue

Fill your fall calendar with seasonal events including our first Barks, Brews & Boos celebration centered around man’s best friend, the Labyrinth of Horrors — JBLM’s spookiest tradition and our annual Outdoor Rec Winter Expo. Lace up your shoes for our last three races of the calendar year; there’s one each month to keep things on pace. Work on your personal goals when you start a home business from your on-base home, attend an MWR Job Fair or resolve to improve your health and fitness in 2025. Plus, venture out to Leavenworth, learn about night sky photography, create some handcrafted items, grab some delicious food and scout out what’s new at the libraries. But mostly, have fun discovering why JBLM is the best place to live, work and play!

Intentionally in shape

As we remember

By Emily Crutchfield

November 11 has become a day to honor American veterans of all wars. Veterans Day is observed on November 11 because it was on this eleventh day of the eleventh month that at the eleventh hour cessation between Allied nations and Germany went into effect.

Fast forward, and in March 2010, wear blue: Run to Remember was founded. What started as a small running group on Joint Base LewisMcChord in support of the 5-2 Stryker Brigade, turned into a nationwide organization due to devastating loss of military members and loved ones. The debut of wearing blue started when the running group wore blue Buffalo PT shirts; they are now worn as tribute. According to the wear blue: run to remember website, “When an individual dons a wear blue: Run to Remember shirt, they are indicating their support of our Service Members, veterans, and their families, and their commitment to ensuring that our fallen Service Members will always be remembered.”

This November will mark the third anniversary of the wear blue: Veterans Day run at JBLM. MWR invites you to join in on Saturday, Nov. 9, prior to Veterans Day which is a Monday this year, with a runner’s choice distance race. All ages are welcome to participate, and there is an opportunity to choose your distance: 11-Miler, 11K, 5K or 1.1K. Participation is open to

all MWR-eligible patrons and their sponsored guests. So, grab your friends, lace up your shoes and get ready to participate, as we remember and honor the fallen, our veterans and those currently serving. Visit JBLMraces.com for additional details about the race, including registration information. Email questions to JBLMintramurals@ army.mil or call 253-967-6420.

Resolve to be fit

Is setting resolutions part of your traditional routine at the turn of each year? While we still have plenty of time to enjoy 2024, it also doesn’t hurt to look ahead and plan for what’s next. What do you want your 2025 to look like? If “healthy” and “fit” are words that come to mind when thinking about your personal goals, then plan to join us at the 2025 Fitness Resolution Fair on Saturday, Jan. 11. At the beginning the year, people of all fitness levels can

enjoy a day of free fitness classes, information about Sports, Fitness and Aquatics offerings at JBLM and fitness-related door prizes. Some of the classes offered at previous Fitness Resolution Fairs included Zumba, Cardio Kickboxing, Mixxed Fit, CrossFit, Step and Tai Chi. Keep your eye on announcements at your favorite JBLM MWR Fitness Center, our website and social media channels to find out more about the 2025 Fitness Resolution Fair as January draws closer.

Photos by Emiliano Hernandez

Steer clear of

By Angie Andrews

Rain,

snow, sleet, ice … are you sure your vehicle can weather the season?

Prep now with some winter car care tips. Think about your car from the bottom up and from the outside in.

Starting with your tires, opt for good all-season tires and be sure to monitor tire pressure. It’s normal for tire pressure to fall in cold weather, but routinely driving on underinflated tires only increases the risk of damage. While you’re at it, see if your spare tire has adequate pressure. You never know when you’ll need it or that handy-dandy jack you should keep at the ready. If you’re planning to drive through heavy snow and mountain passes, you’ll need snow chains or cables. Next, make sure your brake lights and head -

lights are working, especially as the days get shorter and darker. Winter weather can also decrease visibility for drivers, so think about your windshield. Not all wiper blades are made for winter — some can freeze and become rigid, so double check yours. Keep an ice scraper/snow brush in your car, and consider window-washing solution with some antifreeze already incorporated in it.

Cold temperatures can damage your engine block and cause costly repairs, so check your car’s fluids. Do you have antifreeze? Allseason oil? How are the levels of each? You should also have your battery checked and keep jumper cables in your vehicle.

Last, but not least, think of the passengers in your car, including yourself! Nobody wants to get stuck in the snow, but in case you ever do, it’s best to have warm jackets, blankets,

winter hazards

snacks, water and safety items such as a flashlight and first-aid kit, including any regular medications you or your loved ones need. A full gas tank never hurts, either.

That all sounds like a lot, especially if you’re new to driving in winter weather. No worries! MWR Auto Skills Centers can help you prepare and even have the option of car care classes and instruction if you’d like to learn how to complete basic maintenance yourself. Additionally, some services for spouses of deployed Service Members are offered free of charge. For additional information, visit JBLMmwr.com under Auto or reach out by phone. Auto Skills Centers can be reached on Thursday–Saturday for McChord Field, 253-982-7226, or on Saturdays for Lewis Main, 253-967-3728.

Keep these essentials in your vehicle this winter

• De-icing fluid

• A quart of oil and transmission fluid

• 50–50 mix of antifreeze

• Paper towels

• Windshield scraper

• Jumper cables

• Portable air pump

• Snow chains or ropes

• Personal items, including medicine, snacks and water

Get a (turkey) leg up on Thanksgiving

Need the Thanksgiving deets? It’s all gravy, baby. We got you smothered, or ahem, covered. Gobble up your Thanksgiving feast with one of our two holiday offerings.

Service Members

You’re invited to a Thanksgiving dinner at Warrior Zone on Thursday, Nov. 28 starting at 2 p.m. Meals will be served while supplies last. Last year, over 400 meals were served complete with all the similar fixings you’d find at home. The event is open to Single Service Members along with any Airmen and Soldiers eligible to be BOSS program participants. Attendees must be ages 18 or older. If you are interested in volunteering to help serve the meals, please contact the BOSS Team.

MWR-eligible patrons

MWR Catering is offering Thanksgiving To-Go Meals, which means all the prep work is already done for you! Opt to spend the day feasting and enjoying time with your family and friends instead of toiling away in the kitchen for hours on end.

Meal options for Thanksgiving To-Go are shown in the sidebar to the right. Substitutions are not available for any items in the meal packages; however, you can also purchase additional side dishes if you choose. Please stay

tuned to our website and social media for updates about pricing and when orders will begin being accepted.

As Turkey Day approaches, plan to enjoy less mess and less stress. Placing your order is just an email away. The deadline to order is Thursday, Nov. 14. Please note, Thanksgiving To-Go Meals must be preordered, and payment is required to confirm your reservation. All meals will be available for pickup from American Lake Conference Center on Thanksgiving Day — Thursday, Nov. 28.

MWR Catering Meal Choices

Option 1 serves 6–8

• Choose your protein: 12–14 lb. roasted turkey OR glazed half ham

• homestyle stuffing

• garlic mashed potatoes

• green bean casserole

• sweet potato casserole with toasted meringue

• cranberry and orange sauce

• herbed turkey gravy

• pumpkin pie

Option 2 serves 8–12

• Both proteins! 12–14 lb. roasted turkey AND glazed half ham

• all sides mentioned in meal choice 1

• pumpkin pie

• apple pie

Grab something delicious

By Angie Andrews

Comfort foods. Cravings. Healthier options. Standout menu items from Warrior Zone Café blend right in with your everyday food choices. Mixing things up with classic favorites and new selections, the updated menu will whip your taste buds into a frenzy. Pop in to chow down on what the café is churning out!

Photography by Emiliano Hernandez

Deluxe American Burger

All Warrior Zone Café burgers bring a 1/4 lb. patty and toasted bun to the party, but this party animal arrives with familiar flavors — American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle — and in style with a bacon aioli sauce.

Steeped in your most straightforward expectations, this enormous bite will rally your most devious grin as you marvel at the wonders of all things porcine. Go ahead and pig out, but grab a fat stack of napkins too!

Plus, these flavors are pulling double duty by providing the same great taste in the Pulled Pork Quesadilla (left) which, of course, is complete with cheese and toasted to perfection.

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Chicken Caesar Salad & Chef Salad

Cool, crisp and coming in considerable portion sizes, satisfy your greens fix and inspire your tablemates to grow green with envy. Both are served with grilled chicken on a base of romaine lettuce, with croutons, parmesan cheese and Caesar dressing accenting one and tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, carrots, onion, Pepper Jack cheese and a dressing of your choice for the other. Dressing choices: Ranch, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Italian, Bleu Cheese or Thousand Island.

Turkey Bacon Ranch Wrap

Don’t like the buns, hon?! Opt for a wrap instead! This baby is kickin’ with smoked turkey, bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomato and ranch dressing all rolled up in a flour tortilla. Don’t forget, it’s diners’ choice: wrap or sandwich, for this one and several other menu items.

Fruit Smoothies

Sliding their way onto the menu and into popularity ranks, real-fruit smoothies have arrived! Choose from two sizes and four flavors (mixed berries, strawberry mango, strawberry or peach) for a refreshing, dairy-free option. Shake things up with a protein kick when you opt to add whey protein (vanilla, chocolate or strawberry) to your fruit smoothie, or pick one of two protein shake flavors (strawberry cheesecake or peanut butter puff) which offer up 25 grams of protein per serving. Plus, traditional smoothies made with flavored syrups and milk or half-and-half are still an option, too.

While visions of these awesome-sauce taste sensations marinate in your mind and pepper your dreams, Warrior Zone Café staff members have prepared an enticing selection of extra goodies to keep in mind.

• The full menu is available on the Dining section of JBLMmwr.com and as a paper take-out version which can be picked up when you visit the café.

• Take-out hours are the same as the café hours.

• Patio reservations at Warrior Zone are free, and the outdoor area’s capacity is 276 guests. To reserve the space, contact the Warrior Zone front desk. If you’d like to feed a crowd at a different location, the café accepts larger orders for pickup, too! Call a week or two in advance for larger orders or patio reservations.

• Entertainment is always more fun with food and beverages at the ready, so whether you are stopping by to shoot pool, let your inner gamer loose, catch the football games or watch televised fights and other sporting events on the big screens, it’s always a good time to grab something delicious.

Warrior Zone Café is located at 11592 17th & D St., Lewis North. For more information and to place a to-go order, call 253-477-5835.

Current Hours of Operation:

Monday & Tuesday Closed

Wednesday & Thursday

10:30 a.m.–9 p.m.

Friday 10:30 a.m.–11 p.m.

Saturday 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

DONSAs Noon–8 p.m.

Commit to your calling

Boiling MWR employment down to a T

Wondering if employment with MWR is your cup of tea? Pouring over the many perks will leave you with little doubt about why you should apply today. Access to base amenities such as fitness centers, pools, bowling alleys, golf courses, libraries, auto centers, arts and crafts, on-base restaurants and eateries, cabin rentals, the marina, ranges, travel camps and picnic areas are just some of the piping hot reasons to see which job opportunities are brewing. Steep yourself in workplace morale, team building and professional development. Fill your cup — and wallet — with discount tickets to movies, sporting events and popular attractions; some employees can toast to savings at the commissary and discounted child care. With all these tidbits percolating through your thoughts, it’s time to drink in all the ways you can join Team MWR.

View all job listings, with direct links to apply, on the Employment section of our website, or alternately search on USA Jobs. And, sip on this: JBLM MWR is known to offer on-the-spot interviews and same-day tentative job offers to those attending our job fairs. On Tuesday, Dec. 3, anyone interested in Child and Youth Services jobs can find out more at Eagle’s Pride Golf Course from 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Stay tuned to our website and social media outlets to find out when job fairs in the upcoming year will be held. If you have any questions about employment with MWR, email NAF HR at USArmy.JBLM.CHRA-West.List.CPAC-NAF-Jobs@army.mil or JBLMc2sc@army.mil for CYS information and inquiries.

Feature Become an FCC Provider

Love working with children? Interested in a home business for your on-base home? Becoming a Family Child Care Provider might be the right choice for you! When you open your home as an FCC Provider, you help make a difference for military children and their families.

This is a flexible option for both you and the families whose children will be in your care. First, you will be able to work from the comfort of your own home and children can enjoy a comfortable home setting. Next, you can choose the types of care you will offer: full-day, part-day, weekend, hourly care or even extended and overnight hours. And, finally, if you are a parent, you will have the perk of caring for your own children while opening your home to others and earning some income.

You can earn up to $10,000 per month as an FCC Provider and will be eligible for bonuses when you first open your home business. Being an FCC Provider comes with the option to transfer from one installation to another.

Want to learn more? There are a few ways to do so! Each month, free-to-attend FCC Provider Orientation sessions are held from 6–8 p.m. Remaining orientation dates for this year are Tuesdays, Oct. 8, Nov. 12 and Dec. 17. Each orientation date is listed on the online MWR calendar, with details about the orientation location, contact information and extra info about FCC. You can also download an informative brochure and view more information by visiting JBLMmwr.com/Programs/ Child-Care and scrolling to the Family Child Care section of the drop-down list.

All FCC providers and their homes must meet specific requirements, which means there is a lot to consider both on your part and the Family Child Care Team’s. Attending an orientation session can help you determine if you would like to move on to further training. Due to the nature of the orientation sessions, children are not permitted to attend. To reserve a spot at an upcoming orientation session, or if you have questions about becoming ant FCC Provider, call 253-967-3039.

Photos by Kelsey Ferguson

Launching new library programs

By Angie Andrews

Just like reading ignites curiosity, learning and exploration, the libraries are launching new programs to broaden your world. What do you want to discover? From strategy games to singing, writing, cooking, creating, designing, building and more, the monthly calendars are bursting with options!

Along your family’s orbit

Youngsters, with their vast imaginations, need exposure to all kinds of atmospheres as they grow and develop. McChord Library is offering a Perfect Pitch Workshop, Family Master Builders Club, Junior TCG Guild, Little Eagles and a Rad Dishes Cooking Class. Grandstaff Library and Book Patch Children’s Library have introduced their Chess Club and LEGO® Club with times allocated for homeschooling families and anyone who wants to join afterward. They will also have your STEAM learners spinning over robotic hands, slime, lemon volcanoes, mini light sabers and balloon cars.

• Perfect Pitch Workshop — Once per month, a trained instructor will be available for all your musical learning. Sign up for 15-minute time slots to learn or improve your skills for guitar, ukulele, piano or beginner music theory.

• Family Master Builders Club — Once per month, create and learn with LEGO® bricks, Lincoln Logs, K’nex and more.

• Junior TCG Guild — Once per month, play your favorite or learn new trading card games. We’ll have decks and cards for Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Lorcana and Yu-Gi-Oh for your use, or you can bring your own.

• Little Eagles — Once per week, storytime and music in a safe environment for parents along with their youngsters up to

24 months of age.

• Rad Dishes Cooking Beginner Class (ages 8–13) — Once per month through December, foster independence in the kitchen with no-stove, no-oven cooking lessons while you learn about food safety, fun facts and the history of some of your favorite foods.

• Chess and LEGO® Clubs — Once per week with times set aside for homeschool families and then the events open to any library patrons who wants to play or learn.

• Family Adventure STEAM Club — Once per month, bring the whole family to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics hands-on activities and learn about how these subjects relate to the world around you.

For teens to moon over

Hanging out and meeting friends with similar interests will have your teen feeling like a star. Grandstaff Library will have Gaming Night, a K-Pop Meetup and a Low Sensory Meetup. Plus, McChord Library will have an intermediate version of the Rad Dishes Cooking class, an Anime Club, and a unique teen event every month which could include a craft or other fun activities. Teens are welcome to sign up for the Perfect Pitch Workshop, too.

• Gaming Night — Grab your friends — or come meet new people — and join in to play video, active and board games once per month.

• K-Pop Meetup — Once per month, K-Pop fans are gathering for music, dancing and fun creative art such as designing binder covers, concert bracelets and more.

• Low Sensory Meetup — Once per month, come enjoy a quieter, calm and cozy environment as we discuss books and make low-stress crafts.

• Rad Dishes Cooking Intermediate Class (ages 12–16) — Once per month

through December, this class is open to those with knowledge of kitchen basics and those who are ready to tackle more complicated recipes and learn about food and culture.

• Anime Club — Once per month, come enjoy a new anime series or movie, explore new genres, share a love of manga and enjoy Japanese culture and snacks.

In the grown-ups’ galaxy

Rotating around the adults-only axis, book clubs are your space to connect with others over genres you love. New clubs include Bookwryms’ Sci-Fi & Fantasy and Spice Girls (and Guys!). Get lost in a Thai Cooking Class, Gardening 101 Club, with the Creative Bunch, at the Pen & Page Writer’s Workshop and as you continue exploring the realm of arts and crafts and learn new skills. Grandstaff Library will also offer unique events such as Movie Pajama Parties, Laser Tag in the Stacks, Escape Rooms, Book Swaps, Spooky Date Nights with a Book and Trivia Nights.

• Bookwryms’ Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club — Once per month at McChord Library, join in to discuss each month’s sci-fi or fantasy book selection or bring in other sci-fi and fantasy titles to share and connect over.

Monthly Book Picks:

October — “The Luminous Dead” by Caitlin Starling

November — “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern

December — “Light from Uncommon Stars” by Ryka Aoki

• Spice Girls (and Guys!) Book Club — Once per month at both library locations, get spicy with us as we discuss the month’s romance novel selection.

Monthly Book Picks:

October — “Priest” by Sierra Simone

November — “Three Women” by Lisa Taddeo

December — “A Merry Little Meet Cute” by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone

• Thai Cooking Class — Once per month at Grandstaff Library, expand your culinary tastes and expertise as you learn authentic Thai cooking.

• Gardening 101 Club — Learn new gardening skills at Grandstaff Library once per month and grow your own herb garden, salad greens garden and more.

• Creative Bunch — Work in progress projects for textiles and any art style are welcome when you come to this social for creatives once per month at Grandstaff Library.

• Pen & Page Writer’s Workshop — Once per month at McChord Library, explore writing prompts, share your writing and storytelling and meet other wordsmiths.

• Arts and Crafts Activities — Once per month at either library location, come create items like hot cocoa jars, wreaths, paintings and other décor or learn new crafting skills.

On everyone’s radar

Silent Book Club will start meeting at different locations around the base, and Puff’s Cozy Corner has landed at McChord Library. Most of his reading buddies will be children and youth, but he’s so cute that everyone will want a chance to meet him. Once a month, Saturday Movie Marathons will debut at Grandstaff Library, too!

• Silent Book Club — Meet other bookworms as you read books of your choosing; this club will now be held at different locations around the installation.

• Puff’s Cozy Corner — Need a cute, fluffy buddy to read to? Sign up to read with Puff the guinea pig! He is a registered therapy animal and is ready to be your calm, nonjudgmental animal friend as you read aloud to him. He will be at McChord once per month.

We also know schedules often revolve

around routines, so along with boosting these new programs, the libraries are still happy to welcome you at these familiar favorite activities:

• Storytimes at both locations.

• Low Sensory Hour at Book Patch Children’s Library.

• Little Explorers, Tiny Turkey Toddler Club and Family LEGO® Night at Grandstaff Library.

• Homeschool Hub and Tabletop Gaming Night at McChord Library.

If you plan it right, you can attend so many programs that soon enough the libraries will become your new home planet.

Feeling all the fall vibes

Clowning around

Take a day trip

Cooler weather and crisp air calling you? It’s time for scenic drives, so have a mini road trip and head east for Yakima Training Center’s annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 26. The festival is on the Yakima Parade Field, open to the public and is a full-day event from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. There is an entrance fee of $10 per car. Enjoy a pumpkin patch, hay maze, antique car show, military static displays, craft booths, food vendors and music from Englewood Heights and DJ Super Dave.

Hillside Youth Center invites you to clown around at their annual Harvest Fest. Families can play games, win door prizes, create clown masks, adorn themselves with face paint and temporary tattoos that glow, flash enormous smiles for the camera at the photo area and venture through the glow-in-the-dark walk — oversized footwear not required. And if, after juggling all that fun, you find yourself hungry, we’re very sorry but we’re fresh out of clown fish. Just kidding! Dirt cups complete with pudding and cookies it is.

This year’s theme? Yep, you guessed it: clowns! All you jokesters, in costume or not, are welcome to join us on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at 6397 Garcia Blvd., Lewis Main.

Hillside’s Harvest Fest is a community event open to all MWR-eligible patrons; you do not need to be a registered member of Hillside Youth Center to attend and have fun with us.

Colin Brooks

PLAY PLAY

Chasing down the fun

On your mark, get dressed, go! Wait, what?! Actually, that’s correct, folks. It’s that time of year — costume time! On Saturday, Oct. 19, make a dash for your closet and then to Sasquatch Saloon for this year’s Costume Dash.

Teaming up with Special Events, SFA is paw-ticipating in the Barks, Brews & Boos event (below) by ensuring your doggo isn’t the only one chasing down some fun. Don your costume, lace up your shoes and off you go for the 5K or 1K fun run.

Online registration is available until Wednesday, Oct. 16, and race entry will include a custom bib, event T-shirt (guaranteed if registration was completed by Sept. 27) and finisher medal. Included in the race price is a post-race beverage and discount to the Labyrinth of Horrors event (page 31). Pricing is

tiered by rank, age and race distance, but the fun is one-size-fits-all. Packet pickup will be held at Jensen Human Performance Center on Friday, Oct. 18 from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Eventday race registration is also available from 8–9 a.m. at Sasquatch Saloon.

When the clock strikes 10 a.m. for 1K participants and 10:15 a.m. for 5K participants, it’s a mad dash for the finish line, and we cannot wait to see you all decked out and dressed up. Visit JBLMraces.com for more details. If you have any questions about the Costume Dash portion of Barks, Brews & Boos, contact Intramural Sports at JBLMintramurals@army.mil or reach out by phone at 253-967-6420.

Cuties in costume

Get ready to offer up a round of a‘paws’ for your favorite cuties in costume; the puppies are parading at Sasquatch Saloon and Watkins Field on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., as part of the Barks, Brews & Boos event! This dog-friendly event will include a costume contest for dogs (Owners are encouraged to dress up too.), informational booths and vendors focused on your furry family members, food trucks, a beverage from Sasquatch Saloon, pup cups for the dogs, music, yard games and more.

Can you disguise cuteness? Probably not, but your pup can certainly fetch one of the costume contest prizes which will include one each for the teeny-tiniest and most enormous contestants, one for the most dapper doppelgänger duo (owner and pup look-alikes) and three top-place best overall costume.

Barks, Brews & Boos is open to MWR-eligible patrons of all ages. (Must be 21 or older to consume alcohol.) Dog participants must be leashed, cleaned up after and on their best good boy or girl behavior at all times. For more details, please check the event’s listing on our web calendar or stay tuned to social media. For questions, email JBLMSpecialEvents@army.mil to reach the Special Events Team.

Creep through the Labyrinth of Horrors

Spooktober has arrived witch means you best be ready for all the strange, creepy and eerie things that go bump in the night. Lurking in and around the MWR Fest Tent this month, ghosts, ghouls, clowns, zombies and other monsters await to thrill and chill you, but for you, the living, you can expect a wicked good time full of shrieks, screams and frights!

BOSS volunteers have been putting on their Theatrical Nightmare events for decades now and are experts when it comes to setting up backdrops, designing costumes and creating lighting and sound effects that will haunt you long after you slink through this year’s Labyrinth of Horrors. Not to mention, they excel at using their talents to personify these undead apparitions you’ll encounter on Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26.

So, dear thrill seekers, carve out some weekend time from 6–10 p.m. on either evening. For you precious pumpkins hoping for a not-so-scary experience, we’ll be keeping our most sinister and vile denizens at bay from 2–4 p.m. on Saturday.

Volunteer your spooky talents

Interested in helping create this legendary haunted house experience for the community? Volunteers are needed to help build sets, dress to scare and help tear down after the Theatrical Nightmare ends. For more information, call the BOSS Team at 253-967-5636.

Photos by Lional Kam

Explore the PNW

Experience Leavenworth

Located in central Washington and nestled in the Cascade Mountains, charm-filled Bavarian-styled Leavenworth is a several-hour drive from JBLM. Let Outdoor Recreation staff handle the driving, so you can just enjoy the adventure! Heading that way this fall, there are two seasonal events that belong on your Washington bucket list.

Oktoberfest at Leavenworth is one of the highest-ranking stateside Oktoberfest festivals around. Outdoor Recreation will provide transportation to Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest on Fridays and Saturdays in October (Fridays, Oct. 4, 11 or 18 and Saturdays, Oct. 5, 12 or 19). Each trip will depart from American Lake Conference Center at 11 a.m. and return around midnight the same day. (Return to JBLM bus departure for leaving Leavenworth Oktoberfest is around 10 p.m.)

Later on, hop on the buses to see Leavenworth Lights — over half a million of ’em! Outdoor Recreation transportation trips to Leavenworth Lights are also single-day

excursions. Trip dates include Friday, Nov. 29, Saturday, Nov. 30, Sunday, Dec. 1, and Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14 or 21 and Sundays, Dec. 8, 15 or 22. Leavenworth Lights trips depart from American Lake Conference Center at 10 a.m. and return at approximately 11 p.m. If you plan to participate in the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm or Alpine Adventure Park activities, please book your tickets separately and well in advance. (Return to JBLM bus departure for leaving Leavenworth Lights is around 7 p.m.)

Each of these trips with Outdoor Recreation costs $69 per person and does not include admission fees or event activities. These are transportation-only trips. Please bring your ID and spending money for admission, food, beverages and souvenirs. Wear weatherappropriate clothing, and plan to spend the full day out and about. Participants ages 17 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Registration for all trips is available through WebTrac or the Northwest Adventure Center. Call 253-967-7744 with any questions.

2024 ODR Winter Expo

No need for brumation here in the PNW, especially with the help of Outdoor Recreation. They have a hissssstory of equipping you for fun during every season and every type of weather! The 2024 Outdoor Recreation Winter Expo is taking place on Saturday, Nov. 16, so slither on over to the Northwest Adventure Center from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. to gear up for an active, adventurous winter.

Chat with the Outdoor Rec experts about winter recreational activities and enjoy informational booths and door prizes. Plus, score deals on gently used equipment and well-loved items from the gear swap tables. New-to-you snowboards, skis and boots will tip the scales in your favor as you prepare for powdery play.

The Winter Expo is free and open to MWR-eligible patrons. Those interested in selling their own gently used equipment can sign up for a gear swap table for $8. Please contact the Northwest Adventure Center with any questions, or to secure a gear swap table, 253-967-7744. Stay tuned to our website and social media for sneak peeks of sale items and more details as the event date approaches.

Photos by Kayla Williams

Capture the night sky

By mid-November, the sun sets before 5 p.m. in Washington. Late fall and winter bring a lot of dark skies, which present a very unique angle for photographers. Have you heard of astrophotography? Want to try capturing the night sky, but a bit worried about how your images might turn out? Learn from the experts at Outdoor Recreation during an Astrophotography Class.

Don’t worry — we won’t leave you in the dark when it comes to knowing what photography gear you’ll need, what settings to use to capture the Milky Way and how to focus your camera at night. Best of all, you won’t be learning in the pitch-black dark, either. This is a planning class that meets at the Northwest Adventure Center at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16. The class will wrap up at around 1 p.m. Please bring your camera, lenses, extra batteries and memory cards.

Register through WebTrac or the Northwest Adventure Center. The Northwest Adventure Center is located at 8050 NCO Beach Rd., Lewis North. For any questions about the class, please call 253-967-7744.

Seasonal Fun

Upcoming CYS sports & activities

Text and photo by

Bianca McClendon

Youth Fall sports are a great way for JBLM kiddos to learn the basics of a sport or improve their skills while having fun. Sports can help build confidence in our youth and teach them the importance of participating on a team. If you’re interested in signing your child up for seasonal youth sports, here’s the lineup of our upcoming youth fall seasonal sports activities:

• Enrollment for Lil’ Dribblers Basketball for ages 3-4 is open through Thursday, Oct. 10. The registration fee is $30 per child. Practices (no games) are one day per week for 30 minutes; choice of Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from mid-October to mid-November.

• Registration for Basketball and Cheerleading for ages 5–15 is open through Thursday, Nov 14. Registration fee

of $65 for each youth; season is from Dec 9–Feb 15.

• Registration for Special Olympics Basketball & Cheer for ages 8–18 is open through Nov. 8. Registration fee of $65 for each youth; season is from Nov. 12–March 2.

In addition, several activities and camps are offered during the school year winter break. Options for ages 5–15 include a Basketball Boot Camp and Funky Fit Games and Indoor Sports, and for ages 9–15, there is also a Volleyball Camp. Each winter break activity costs $35 per youth. Visit JBLMmwr.com/ Programs/Youth-Sports for more details.

Online registration is available at JBLMcysRegistration. com. For enrollment help, patrons may call Parent Central Services at 253-966-2977, and for any other questions — including information about volunteer coaching opportunities — please call Youth Sports at 253-297-2405. JBLMcys

“Bee” crafty

Month by month, project by project, buzz around the Arts & Crafts Center and you’ll discover all the ways to stay busy as a bee. Workshops, classes and sweet-as-honey deals and discounts will fill the crisp, chilly autumn air.

In October, you can expect two Halloweenthemed workshops — one for children ages 12 and younger and one for 13 and older. There will also be a stoneware night featuring loaf pans to help you fall in love with baking some cozy treats. November offers another stoneware night; this one focusing on casserole dishes just in time for all your holiday gatherings. Plus, you can enjoy a Thankful Family Craft Night featuring harvest and Thanksgiv-

Disney makes the heart grow fonder

By Sydney Autio

ing-themed projects, and then a bit later, the month will wrap up with an acrylic paint night. December’s got it all: holiday workshops for both 12 and younger and 13 and older, more acrylic painting and more stoneware projects. As for deals, stay tuned for dates about ceramics specials and dates to place orders for ornaments.

Look for the monthly Arts & Crafts Center schedules on our web calendar, on Facebook and, of course, on display at the Arts & Crafts Center when you stop by. The center’s regular business hours are Tuesday–Friday, and every first and third Saturday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Bumble on over to see what the buzz is all about! Our creative hive is located at 1121 Barnes Blvd., McChord Field.

Disney has been celebrated for its magical entertainment for many years, but it’s also a special place that honors those who serve our country. Leisure Travel Services is excited to announce the 2025 Disney Military Salute promotional pricing. Be on the lookout for the price announcements this November.

As in years past, we will be having our annual kickoff week! During our Miliary Salute Kickoff Week, Leisure Travel Services will offer drawing tickets (no purchase necessary) when you stop by. Each ticket goes toward our Disney-themed prizes including the grand prize for one lucky winner. If you purchase any of our promotional Military Salute packages during the kickoff week event, you will receive an extra drawing ticket. Plus, during the kickoff week, Leisure Travel Services will have Disney-themed activities and snacks available.

In essence, Disney’s Military Salute packages are more than just a discount; they are a heartfelt gesture of appreciation, reflecting Leisure Travel Service’s ongoing commitment to those who protect and serve. To find out if you are eligible to purchase the Disney Salute packages, head over to the Leisure Travel Services page on the JBLM MWR website. As for the 2025 Disney Military Salute Kickoff Week details and prizes, keep an eye on our social media outlets!

Ursula Buford

Brrr-ing your coats to Winterfest!

By Sydney Autio

As the cold season settles in here on JBLM, the MWR Fest Tent transforms into a winter wonderland with Winterfest, a cherished annual celebration that offers a unique blend of activities, entertainment and community spirit that brings people together to enjoy the magic of winter. Come join us on Saturday, Dec. 7 and be pleasantly surprised by an assortment of fun for families, kids and grown-ups alike.

In past years, Winterfest offered hot chocolate and popcorn stands and a festive light display. And as is tradition, it’s a day to let your cold, red nose shine during the Run, Rudolph, Run 5K. To find out more about this red-nosed fun, check out the article on the facing page.

Just like people, trees get cold during the winter months, so come and get one, bring it home and set it up by your fireplace where it can get nice and toasty. That’s right, Trees for Troops is back again! Free trees are available for E-1 to E-5 Service Members and their families. Trees are given out on a first-come, first-served basis, but if any trees are left over, all DoD ID cardholders may come and claim a tree while there are still some on the lot.

Last but not least, photographs are a great way to hold onto good memories. Get your picture taken with festive winter characters. Buddy the Elf and Santa Claus both made an appearance last year, but you never know which characters will show up this year!

From all of us at JBLM MWR, we wish you plenty of festive fun to look forward to during Washington’s cold months. Winterfest embodies the spirit of the season with its blend of community, culture and celebration. We hope you will come and join us this year to enjoy the cold together and embrace the beauty of the Pacific Northwest!

Photos by Emiliano Hernandez

Catching a whiff of victory

There’s no nosing around needed to discover the joy of crossing a finish line. Instant glee, an endorphin rush and a sense of personal accomplishment all perfume the air. Can you smell it? For a race plucking its theme from a character with a very famous nose, of course, you can!

The last 5K/1K race of the year, the prequel to Winterfest (see left), will have you hoofing it to the MWR Fest Tent on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m., so you can Run, Rudolph, Run. Registration is available at JBLMraces.com until Wednesday, Dec. 4, and event day sign-ups are from 8–9 a.m. All questions can be directed to Intramural Sports at JBLMintramurals@army.mil or 253-967-6420.

Photos by Toby Bartley

Whether you love bestowing gifts or being the recipient, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate with gifts that are bright, shiny and new! We hope you find our carefully curated list inspiring as you search for the perfect treasures and surprises to round out 2024 and keep the thoughtfulness flowing throughout 2025.

later” feels a smidge more appropriate. These tokens of JBLM are fitting for both occasions.

Thanking a host or hostess

Gathering with friends or family? It’s always nice to show the host or hostess of your get-together some appreciation. And if you happen to be leading the charge, party favors are always a hit, too!

Customize your gift at the Arts & Crafts Center

Celebrating individuals

Be it a birthday, anniversary, personal achievement, milestone reached or just a plain old Tuesday, there is always a reason to celebrate your favorite people. Snag something unique just for them!

3D print your creations at JBLM Libraries

Supporting others’ hobbies

Show you know which pastime your gift recipient loves the most and equip them with items they’re sure to appreciate.

Gear up for winter activities!

Providing memorable experiences

Think outside the box! Gifts that focus on experiences over material items can be some of the most joyous to receive. These options can include quality time together if you plan to be around when your recipient makes use of their present!

From all of us at MWR, thank you for shopping with us.

Find these and more fabulous presents at:

Arts & Crafts

1121 Barnes Blvd.

McChord Field

253-982-6719

Eagle’s Pride Golf Course & Simulator

1529 Mounts Rd. SW

DuPont, WA

253-967-6522

Northwest Adventure Center

8050 NCO Beach Rd.

Lewis Main

253-967-7744

Down Range Pro Shop

(Located inside Bowl Arena Lanes)

2272 Liggett Ave.

Lewis Main

253-967-4661

Whispering Firs Golf Course

895 Lincoln Blvd.

McChord Field

253-982-2124

Grandstaff Libary 2109 N. 10th St.

Lewis Main

253-967-5889

McChord Library

851 Lincoln Blvd. McChord Field

253-982-3454

Show us how you enjoy MWR events, programs and activities by sending in your photos by email or FB message. Letters to the editor are welcome, too!

Keep reading. Keep smiling. Keep living, working and playing JBLM!

Shanks family at Reindeer Petting Zoo

Beyer family at Costume Dash

Gulley family at Winterfest