JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD MORALE, WELFARE & RECREATION GUIDE
MARCH 2021
Let out your inner leprechaun with
Shamrockin’ Run Pages 24–25
Get in on new events & eats around JBLM Pages 12–15 When you’re ready to climb the wall Page 22 How to read to children Page 30
FREE TEETH WHITENING FOR LIFE!*
*FOR ALL NEW PATIENTS WITH COMPREHENSIVE EXAM, NECESSARY X-RAY AND CLEANING
May your smile be bright & heart be light with Bell Family Dental! Providing dental care for military members, their families and retirees of all ages!
A full-service dental office conveniently located in Lakewood. 253-584-2250 BELLFAMILYDENTALWA.COM
Text “JBLMmwr” 253
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#JBLMSoundLiving JBLMfocusmag.com
Director, Family & MWR Venicia Morse Marketing director Kimberly Perrenot Editor/Writer Patti Jeffrey Layout & design Toby Bartley, Tiana Crispino, Michael Hamilton, Emiliano Hernandez, Lizzie Hoscheit, Patti Jeffrey Contributors Amanda Anderson, Ethan Ashford, Shelly Brown, Alyssa Matthews, 1st Sgt. Fausto Torres Contributing photographers Amanda Anderson, Toby Bartley, 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
un of bowling at
IN THIS ISSUE
Arena Lanes
gett Ave., Lewis Main
en bowling:
uesdays 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. - Fridays 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. ays Noon – 8 p.m. ays Noon – 7 p.m.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ning youth or weeknight adult league!
r your lane by calling 253-967-4661. r one-hour blocks of time. ys; $25/weekends.
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WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND MWR?
FRESH FOOD DONE RIGHT
ENTER SHAMROCKIN’ FUN RUN
Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS March 2021
FEATURES
6 Whispering Firs is 58-year-old success
Whispering Firs Golf Course has been recognized as an Air Force premier golf course and Audubon-certified jewel. How the course got there is a story for the decades.
16 Outdoor recreation during the pandemic
Luckily for us, outdoor recreation is a safe activity for anyone to do during these tough times. Here are some tips for enjoying yourself.
22 When you’re ready to climb the wall
Check out our indoor climbing wall at Adventures Unlimited. It’s a fun way to get the family out of the house and get some exercise.
30 How to read to children
Having trouble getting your kids into reading? Capture their attention with these tips.
40 The gift of resilience
Ethan Ashford is Hillside Youth Center’s contender for the Washington State Boys & Girls Clubs of America 2021 Military Youth of the Year! Here’s his contest essay.
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NEW FUN AT JBLM LIBRARIES
WHAT YOUTH WISH FOR MOST
ENROLL IN YOUTH SPORTS 3
4 Jeffrey Patti
Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS March 2021
What does MWR do for you? Meet MWR employees who serve you in meaningful ways
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eet Jeff Clark, manager of Eagle’s Pride and Whispering Firs golf courses. Jeff loves golf, as evidenced by his long career as a golf course manager and his passion for the game. Fresh out of college in 1990, Jeff started his career as a management trainee in 1991 at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. There, he learned all aspects of running MWR facilities, from payroll and paperwork to managing business operations. After completion of his training, Jeff landed an assistant manager position at Beale’s golf course in 1993. He quickly advanced to general manager in a transfer a year later to March Air Force Base, Calif. “I’ve been playing golf since I was a kid,” Jeff recalls. “I really wanted to design golf courses, so I graduated with a landscape architecture degree from the University of Arizona. I’ve worked in MWR since my first big job out of college and, although I never got to design courses, I’m in the best place I could ever be.” After March Air Force Base was put on a closure list, Jeff was fortunate to land at Whispering Firs in 1996. After the golf course manager retired, Jeff took over. The opportunity came along to manage Eagle’s Pride Golf Course
after joint basing, and Jeff took over management of the Army-run public golf course. Since then, both golf courses have gained Audubon certification for preservation of wetlands and care of the natural environment (see next page for a Whispering Firs article). JBLM military golf courses are the pride of both the Air Force and Army, with public kudos for both. “Our golf courses offer the best course conditions and layout in the greater Pacific Northwest,” Jeff says. “While Whispering Firs remains open to DOD ID card holders, Eagle’s Pride is open to the public.” Both courses are enjoying a boon right now, since COVID-19 has limited recreation to the outdoors, even during winter. Soon, the family golf program will restart and Child & Youth Services are now enrolling youth for The First Tee golf camps (see page 45 for details). Jeff hopes to see more youth and young adults take up the sport. “With a private teaching shed, heated and lighted stalls, the best teaching clinic in the Pacific Northwest, you can learn golf year-round,” Jeff says. “If you’re interested in the sport, you can book individual lessons.” For more information about booking private lessons, call 253-967-6522.
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FEATURE
Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS March 2021 6 Patti Jeffrey
Whispering Firs is 58-year-old success By Patti Jeffrey hen Arnold Palmer dropped by Whispering Firs Golf Course in the mid-1980s en route to conduct an exhibition and clinic at Tacoma Golf & Country Club, he is recorded as saying, “I hope you people enjoy playing in the water.” Although Whispering Firs has been famous for its unexpected “water traps” after hard rains fill up areas in the front nine wetlands, no one has ever seemed to mind much. In fact, the U.S. Air Force has considered Whispering Firs among its premier golf courses and it was awarded the prestigious Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Program certification in 2011 for recognition of this golf course’s extraordinary care of the natural environment. The course has gone to great lengths to preserve the natural environment and beauty or the surrounding areas. This year in June will mark the 59th anniversary of Whispering Firs. Let’s take a peek back at its humble beginnings.
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Unique course takes shape around wetlands The Army golf course, Eagle’s Pride, was used by Air Force personnel and retirees back in the 1960s. Master Sgt. John Cinotto, Col. John Coffey and Maj. Waldo Peck wanted to
better accommodate Air Force personnel and retirees, so they started the paperwork for a new golf course to be built at McChord Air Force Base (now part of JBLM). A plan was developed for a nine-hole course to be laid out atop the cleared remains of forest and wetlands near where the former base dump had operated. Volunteers from different squadrons came to help clear away brush and debris. The Civil Engineering Squadron was tasked to rough out the new nine with heavy equipment by removing and hauling away large debris, such as stumps and felled trees. As the course was being finalized, a barracks-style clubhouse and storage shed were built with a gravel parking lot behind and a driving range adjacent to the buildings. The new golf course opened June 20, 1962.
Course doubles size a decade later During the next decade, golfers playing 18 holes would simply play the nine holes twice. However, in 1972, $7,000,000 in recreation projects planned for McChord were announced. The funds included plans for a golf course expansion and new club house. The golf course planned a new 13,000-square-foot Continued on next page.
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putting green near a new clubhouse with a pro shop, snack bar, eating area and lockers. A new nine would be designed around federally protected wetlands. In describing the advantages of McChord’s new course, George Lanning, the first course manager and golf pro, was recorded as saying, “It’s unique because it requires wellplaced shots on account of the trees. It’s a very good course to learn on because of the challenge … and the new nine will be pretty much the same.” However, the new nine had to wait until regional and national events settled down.
Drought & energy rationing take front seat The 1970s started out with problems that became more severe during 1973 — the famous gas shortage that instituted gas rationing, a water shortage due to severe drought and the beginning of Daylight Savings Time in January 1974 to conserve electrical energy and gas. In April 1973, the new nine was ready for seeding — but there was no water. The new clubhouse had opened on time, and the original clubhouse had been closed permanently June 30, 1972. Golfers would wait another year before they could try out the new back nine.
What’s in a name? McChord’s golf course was attracting many more players, but had no official name yet. That disparity was remedied in November 1975 when the new manager, Lee Pearson, a golf pro and manager from March Air Force Base, put on a contest for naming both the golf course and all 18 holes. A military family member, Glenn Anderson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anderson, was selected by a panel of judges as winner. Anderson had come up with the name “Whispering Firs.” Whispering Firs had finally come into its own
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and was becoming known for its challenging, yet fair course. Pearson stated, “From a golfer’s standpoint, the fairways are in such fine condition that there is very little roll. The golfer gets what he hits here.”
Women finally get to play While Whispering Firs was being built and shaped, women began to receive more rights. In the 1960s and ‘70s, women still were making their way into traditional men’s sports, including golf. Many were resented and treated differently simply because they were female. Teddy Mitchell, member of Whispering Firs’ women’s golfers, said in 2006, “Back in those days, the females were more likely to be the military dependents, and we were used to playing at Air Force golf courses. “I think the military was more egalitarian than many civilian golf clubs when it came to female golfers back then.”
Patron feedback helped with improvements Whispering Firs underwent many minor improvements through the 1980s and ‘90s. In 1999, $2.8 million marked the biggest improvement since the back nine was added. A new clubhouse with the first full-service restaurant was built to reflect the unique environment of the Pacific Northwest. To accommodate more patrons, the parking lot was expanded by 40%. A cart-staging area and new cart barn with a washing area inside were also built. Since then, Habañero Mexican Grill has added flavor and variety with its unique and popular menu — a traditional golfer-style breakfast and Mexican-style lunch service. “It has taken many years to achieve what we now have at Whispering Firs,” says Jeff Clark, who oversees both Eagles Pride and Whispering Firs. “Those years were full of growth and development, and most important, customer loyalty, which will contribute to a good future.”
Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS March 2021
“It has taken many years to achieve what we now have at Whispering Firs. Those years were full of growth and development, and most important, customer loyalty, which will contribute to a good future.” – Jeff Clark
9 Patti Jeffrey
Practice your swing for spring I
f you’re a golfer at JBLM, you’re gonna love March specials at Eagle’s Pride and Whispering Firs golf courses: • Annual green fees are being sold starting Wednesday, March 24 for renewals and Thursday, April 1 for new annual cards. For those who currently have a card, bring in a new annual player and save 10% with your own renewal (restrictions apply; see the pro shop for details). • Dine or golf at Eagle’s Pride or Whispering Firs and receive a food and drink coupon for 15% off your next visit (not valid on alcohol). • Golf Ball Special — Tee between 11 a.m.–1:50 p.m. Mondays–Thursdays and pay $22 for your green fee and a sleeve of golf balls (balls cannot be exchanged for another brand). This special is good at either golf course. • Dewsweeper discounts are available weekdays from golf course opening to 9 a.m. with $14 green fees. Add a cart for $13 per rider! • St. Patrick’s Day sale Wednesday, March 17, wear green to save green on select pro shop items. • Get your game ready with individual golf lessons from our in-house PGA Professional John Eisentrout! Call 253-967-6522 for details on lesson reservations. Specials cannot be combined with other specials, used for holidays, tournaments or outings or used with the annual card.
Chance to win at annual Spring Break Enter the annual Spring Break Competition — limited to the first 12 golfers to sign up — for a chance to win an annual green fee card! The entry fee is $110 per eligible golfer for the March 27–28 competition. For entry details, call 253-967-6522.
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Eagle’s Pride is off I-5 Exit 116. Call the pro shop at 253-967-6522.
EaglesPrideGolf
Whispering Firs is at McChord Field, 895 Lincoln Blvd. Call the pro shop at 253-982-2124.
WhisperingFirsGolf
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What’s happening around MWR Buy & sell treasures at Spring Flea Market One person’s trash is another one’s treasure at the annual Spring Flea Market in the MWR Fest Tent Saturday, March 20, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Clean out your closet, garage or attic, rent tables or spaces and sell your gently used items for cash! The cost for two tables, spaces or a combination is $20. For three spaces, tables or a combination, pay $25. Each additional table or space is $3. The event is also open to home businesses and vendors. For more details on renting a sale area, email specialevents@JBLMmwr.com. The indoor event will maintain COVID restrictions for the safety of sellers and buyers. A limited number of people will be allowed in at a time; masks are required at all times. The MWR Fest Tent is located at Lewis Main at 2200 Liggett Ave.
UFC is back at McChord Pub McChord Pub is bringing back UFC Nights! Everyone ages 18 and older are welcome to view UFC fights Saturdays, March 6 and 27. Fights start at 7 p.m.; the doors open at 6 p.m. with pub food and drink specials. Physically distanced seating is open to the first 45 patrons, first-come, first-served (bar seating is not available at this time). Masks are required for entry. Patrons must be age 21 or older with ID for alcohol sales. McChord Pub is located at 700 Barnes Blvd. inside McChord Club.
Bring the family to drive-in movies We’re continuing our Saturday Drive-In Family Movies at 6 p.m. March 13 at American Lake Conference Center and March 27 at McChord Club. We’ll be featuring Disney’s “Aladdin.” Concessions (prepackaged treats and drinks) will be available for purchase. Sound will be broadcast to your vehicle’s radio through an FM transmitter; tune your radio to FM 87.9. Parking will open at 4 p.m.
Arts & Crafts personalizes everything Looking to get garments silk-screened to show off your unit pride or celebrate your group gathering? You’ll be pleased to see the results you’ll get from our friendly and skilled staff at the Arts & Crafts Center. Simply email us your logo or design and we’ll do the rest. With lots of quality garments to choose from, you can’t go wrong. Thinking about getting some picture framing done? Let us make you smile by creating oneof-a-kind stand-out projects that will leave lasting impressions. Contact our framing experts to see every option available. We offer a variety of engraving possibilities, some of which can be seen in our catalog at JBLMmwr.com. From acrylic awards, metal plates to your own items from home, let our master engraver complete your order with polish. Call 253-982-6719 to start your project! Arts & Crafts is at 1121 Barnes Blvd., McChord Field.
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Join the fun of bowling at
Bowl Arena Lanes 2272 Liggett Ave., Lewis Main
Open bowling:
Mondays & Tuesdays 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wednesdays - Fridays 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturdays Noon – 8 p.m. Sundays Noon – 7 p.m. Join a Saturday morning youth or weeknight adult league!
Reserve and pay for your lane by calling 253-967-4661. Reservations are for one-hour blocks of time. Cost is $20/weekdays; $25/weekends.
All COVID-19 mitigation rules will be applied, including masks.
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Who’s hungry for fresh food done right? Explore your options at MWR eateries
Drop by for Battle Bean specials Battle Bean at Stone Education Center is offering delicious Irish Creme Latte, Nutty Irishmen Mocha (hazelnut, Irish creme, chocolate), Irish Rose Latte (Irish creme, raspberry) and Shamrock Shimmy Mocha (peppermint, cookie dough, chocolate) specials. A 16-oz. drink costs $3.75, 20 oz. is $4.25 and 24 oz. is $4.75. Remember get your double stamp every Tuesday (and every Wednesday until St. Patrick’s Day)!
• The March special is corned beef and cabbage plates with braised onions, carrots, cabbage and potatoes served and a side of grainy mustard for $15. Corned beef sandwiches (on grilled rye with melted cheddar, grainy mustard and topped with Irish slaw) with fries are $11. Call 253-495-8684 or 253-982-5581 and have your credit card ready. The Club is located at 700 Barnes Blvd. at McChord Field.
McChord Club offers ready-to-eat meals
New ‘heat & eat’ dinner options
Wednesdays–Fridays in March, pick up the phone and order freshly prepared lunch or dinner to-go from McChord Club! Curbside service is from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. • March meals include wings, burgers, combo plates and hot pizza.
Wednesday–Friday evenings, order your family-sized dinners to go by noon; pick up 3–6. Let us know whether you wish to pick up from American Lake Conference Center or McChord Club when you order. Choose your favorites:
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See more MWR eateries at JBLMmwr.com, including Warrior Zone Café, Strike Zone at Bowl Arena Lanes and Eagles’ Pride Grill. Patti Jeffrey
Pictured: McChord Club burger with fries
• Our family Irish roasted chicken kit provides a 2-pound whole roasted chicken seasoned with thyme, lemon and parsley, served with buttery Irish colcannon potatoes with green onions, herbs, kale and heavy cream and Irish coleslaw. The cost is $60. Add Irish soda bread for $8. • Chili, vegan chili or Irish colcannon soup with cabbages, all by the quart, are ready to heat and eat or put in your freezer for later. The cost is $20 per quart. • Lasagna with robust meat sauce, ground beef, pepperoni and Italian sausage, fresh basil-infused marinara with ricotta and mozzarella cheese. $25 feeds family of six. • Vegetarian lasagna features spinach, zucchini, red peppers and onions combined with a fresh basil-infused sauce with ricotta and mozzarella cheese. $25 feeds six.
• Shepherd’s pie with beef and vegetables, topped with savory mashed potatoes. $25 serves six. Call 253-495-8684 or 253-982-5581 and have your credit card ready.
Check out Habañero Mexican Grill When you want something tasty and fresh, think south-of-the-border tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salads, Southwest-style appetizers and more! Habañero Mexican Grill at Whispering Firs Golf Course offers madeto-order alternatives to your usual fast-food drive-throughs. Enjoy ample seating and casual comfort for dining in (or out on the patio) with physically distanced tables. In a hurry? Call your order in and pick up on your way to work or home. For the complete menu, visit JBLMmwr.com.
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FEATURE
Tips for outdoor recreation during the pandemic By Amanda Anderson uckily for us, outdoor recreation is a safe activity for anyone to do during these tough times. Although restaurants are running differently and activities are getting canceled, there are so many positive experiences to have outside. Studies have actually shown that food tastes better when enjoyed outdoors, and being outdoors has been known to reduce stress and anxiety. Sounds like reason enough for us to get out of our houses and explore the Pacific Northwest! A great resource for getting outdoors and exploring is with the free “Washington Trails Association” app on your smart phone. It features searchable trails near you that can also be filtered for dog- and kid-friendly trails. When a trail is selected, it will have recent trail testimonials along with directions, wildlife and plant hazards, closures and more. Planning ahead is a must when doing any outdoor activity in Washington since our weather is very unpredictable and can be dangerous, especially in the winter and spring. Always check the forecast and have enough
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food and water handy, enough gas, extra layers of clothing, blankets in your vehicle, and always tell someone where you’re going. For hiking equipment, scan our QR code below for equipment rental and pricing at our facilities! The Discovery Pass also is available for purchase at Northwest Adventure Center for $35. This gives you access to all Washington State Parks. Service members can take advantage of a free America the Beautiful Passes (found at any National Park Service Office), which gives you free access to National Parks and Federal Recreational lands (including Mount Rainier National Park!).
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ODR rentals
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Meet an ODR staff member Hi! My name is Amanda Anderson, and I’ve been working for JBLM Outdoor Recreation since July 2015. I earned a degree in Recreation Management from Central Washington University. I’ve been lucky enough to call the Pacific Northwest my home for the majority of my life. Since I was a child, I’ve spent many years using JBLM MWR programs and resources, and I feel so fortunate to be a part of the JBLM MWR team now. You’ll primarily find me at Northwest Adventure Center but also at Adventures Unlimited and Russell Landing Marina as part of the Outdoor Recreation management team. I love taking advantage of all forms of outdoor recreation
Courtesy photo
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in any weather; however, I’m partial to the recreation opportunities that include snow! I’ve been snowboarding since I was a kid, and I’m still obsessed with all the benefits that snowboarding has brought me. The sport has given me some of my most treasured memories with family and friends. It also has allowed me to be in the most beautiful scenery on mountain tops. The popularity of skiing and snowboarding has grown, and I’ve seen it firsthand just in my five years working at the rental counters at Adventures Unlimited and Northwest Adventure Center. Although spring is approaching and people have their sites on warmer weather, this is such a fun time on the mountain! Crowds will start to decline, the snow will become soft and slushy, and sunglasses on the mountain will be necessary! Skiing and snowboarding is not cheap from the equipment, clothing, lift tickets and travel to get to the mountain. I love that JBLM Outdoor Recreation has great rental equipment at great prices for Service members (transporting gear from duty station to duty station is hard, since skiing and snowboarding isn’t available in every location).
Quick tip on accessing ski resort discounts All of the local ski resorts offer a military discount at the ticket window or through guest services with valid military ID. Here’s a little-known tip for accessing your discount: Call your selected resort ahead of time for the specific resort policy as they don’t honor military discounts online with the new reservation system. For mountain forecast and status, our facilities frequently use the free smart phone application “On the Snow.” If you search “Washington” in the search bar, you’ll have access to all of Washington’s resort forecasts, snow reports and lift status. You also have the option to “favorite” a resort for quick access for your next trip! The WSDOT app also is a great resource for any mountain pass travel. The app has all current conditions, pass status and webcams for your travel that include pass closures, heavy snow, chain requirements and more.
The more mud, the better There aren’t many instances where mud is celebrated! At JBLM’s ORV Park, there’s nothing more fun than riding an ATV through a large mud puddle while maneuvering a winding trail in the woods. This adrenaline rush of an activity can be enjoyed all year long in Washington no matter the weather. If there are no training conflicts, the ORV Park is open daily from dawn to dusk. If you have your own dirt bike or ATV, you’re able to bring either out to the park using an annual park pass ($75) or a day pass ($15). No ATV, no problem! ATV rentals are available for $50 per hour with all safety gear included. Check out the details here:
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Toby Bartley
Northwest Adventure Center
“Clothes Out” Sale April 1–3 Join us for some spring cleaning of our resale inventory. We’ll be marking select items in the store to 10% above cost, including North Face, Smartwool, Under Armor, Chacos and Outdoor Research. Come pay us a visit for clothing, gear and more! (Sale excludes previously marked-down items.) 8050 NCO Beach Rd. • Lewis North • 253-967-7744 20 Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS March 2021
with JBLM Scuba OPEN WATER CLASS SCHEDULE March 1–7 March 8–14 March 15–21 April 5–11
April 12–18 April 26–May 2 May 3–9 May 10–16
Classroom instruction held at Northwest Adventure Center. Water instruction held at Soldiers Field House Pool. Open Water certification Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m.–1 p.m. held at Sunnyside Beach in Steilacoom.
Earning Open Water Diver certification shows that you met the course requirements. Dive centers and resorts require proof of certification before they will rent scuba equipment, fill scuba cylinders or book dive excursions. As a PADI-certified open water diver, you’ll be trained to a maximum depth of 60 feet, and are qualified to dive in conditions as good as, or better than, those in which you trained. It’s just the beginning of a lifetime filled with dive adventures!
COST Payment due upon enrollment. Custom/private instruction available upon request.
$240: Open water diver (includes book, equipment & training) Monday–Friday, 6–10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
JBLM SCUBA
Northwest Adventure Center 8050 NCO Beach Rd. Lewis North 253-967-3405
JBLModr.com
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Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS March 2021 22 JBLM Public Affairs
FEATURE
When you’re ready to climb the wall By Amanda Anderson ashington is notorious for its dreary and wet weather, especially in the winter and spring months. Cold, rainy weather and being stuck inside amid a pandemic can have some adverse effects on your spirit. If you’re looking for a different change of pace from day-to-day, check out our indoor climbing wall at Adventures Unlimited at McChord Field. It’s a fun way to get the family out of the house and get some exercise. The wall is equipped with a bouldering wall and two auto belay systems, plus six other manual belay routes. It’s free to climb for all active duty Service members and their families. For retirees and DOD civilians, climbing is only $5 per person. The facility also is equipped with harness and climbing shoe rentals at $3 each. Climbers are welcome to bring their own gear. The indoor climbing wall can accommodate any age, size or height as long as there’s proper parental supervision. Due to COVID-19, masks are required at all times. Climbers also are encouraged to reserve their spot to climb. The facility offers one-hour reservations 10 a.m.–5 p.m. for five climbers per hour. Belay certification classes are now available on the wall for $10 per person. This is knowledge that you can take from climbing gym to climbing gym. You’ll learn the proper commands and techniques involved when belaying a climber as it gives you the freedom to utilize more routes. For reservations and more information, call 253-982-2206.
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We want to hear from you JBLM Outdoor Recreation has so much to offer for any season in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Our mission is to not only offer the best services but also provide our JBLM community with resources to ensure safe and effective recreation. We would love to hear from you by email or phone and deliver you information about what interests you. Our staff has a wide range of experiences and knowledge that we want to share with you to make your time at JBLM and in Washington the best it can be! Email us at usarmy.jblm.imcom.list.dfmwr-odr@mail.mil or call Adventures Unlimited at 253-982-2206 or Northwest Adventure Center at 253-967-7744 during business hours.
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Enter Virtual Shamrockin’ 5K & Leprechaun 1K Post your photos for costume contest!
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he entire family can have fun at the start-up of the 2021 JBLM race season! Join in the 2021 Virtual Shamrockin’ 5K & Leprechaun 1K March 13–20. You’ll have a week to run a course of your choosing and share your experiences and a photo of your recorded mileage on our Facebook event page at fb.com/JBLMmwr using the hashtags #JBLMSoundLiving and #JBLMRaces. If you’re running a 5K course, you’ll receive a Shamrockin’ 5K race medal, shirt and souvenir race bib. The first 400 to register for the 5K also will receive a pint glass with last year’s logo. If you’re registering to run a 1K course, you receive a race medal, shirt and race bib. We’ll also have a virtual photo costume contest for the best St. Patrick’s Day costume. Post your costume photos in the event, and two winners will be selected at random to each receive a $50 gift card!
Registration & pick-up The cost is $15 for the 5K and $5 for the 1K. Register at JBLMmwrRegistration.com or call 253-966-0635. Pick up your race packets March 12, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on the patio of Warrior Zone at 11592 17th and D streets, Lewis North. Warrior Zone Café is offering green beer and food sales during pick-up. All photos: Lional Kam
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Stay Fit. Photos: JBLM Public Affairs
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Sign up for military intramurals Play in Commander’s Cup golf Are you a Service member who can play some mean golf? Join the JBLM Commander’s Cup golf league this month! An informational meeting is being held Wednesday, March 31 at noon at Whispering Firs Golf Course at McChord Field. League play is April 14–May 26 on Wednesdays at either Whispering Firs and Eagle’s Pride golf courses starting at 4 p.m. The championship is May 26–27 at Whispering Firs.
Compete in Commander’s Cup soccer Score points and help lead your team toward the trophy when you join JBLM’s Commander’s Cup outdoor soccer league. Attend the informational meeting Tuesday, April 6 at noon at the Lewis North Athletic Complex. Meet to compete April 12–May 19, Monday–Wednesday evenings at the athletic complex. The championship will be May 24–26 starting at 6 p.m.
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 champion-
ship 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 information, call 253-966-0635.
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MWR Staff Picks My favorite thing about MWR is the sense of community it creates for Service members and their families. This past year, the library staff did the Haunted Crooked Road event, and it was great to see how much fun everyone had! All of the special events are always a ton of fun.
Shelly
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Alyssa
Club sandwich and fries from the Strike Zone Café inside Bowl Arena Lanes — this combo is hands down one of my favs. It’s enough for two people to share and still so filling. Everything on their menu is delicious and the staff is great… It makes the food that much more enjoyable!
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FEATURE
How to read to children Capture their attention with these tips
By Patti Jeffrey nowing you should read to your child is one thing – getting satisfaction out of the process is another. Kristin Ferguson, Grandstaff and Book Patch Children’s libraries manager, gives pointers on reading with your children and keeping their attention: • If at all possible, try to bring your child along to the library with you and select books to read together. • If a child is active in selecting a book, they’re more likely to sit down with you and pay attention to your reading because it’s a topic or character that they’re actually interested in. • Along with your enthusiasm of reading, this should help you and your child have a more enjoyable story time together. Here are some more tips for families from “Reading Is Fundamental”: • When you choose a book your child likes, it helps in building their listening skills and attention spans. Read longer picture books and begin chapter books that last for several sessions. • Read aloud so preschoolers can build their vocabularies with words they understand and can use. • Ask preschoolers to look closely at the pictures to help them understand the story and make predictions about what might happen next. • Have plenty of reading material around, such as magazines and informational materials that might spark the interest of young readers. See additional tips at rif.org.
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Here’s what’s new at Enter Battle of the Books contest What’s your favorite book of all time? Place your vote in McChord Library’s Battle of the Books March brackets at fb.com/ JBLMlibrary beginning each week until the favorite emerges. Your entire family also can put in their votes! Once the Battle of the Books has started Monday, March 1, voting opens twice a day at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Subsequent rounds open twice daily March 8–9 and March 15–16. The final round is Monday, March 22 at 10 a.m. and the winning title will be announced at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 23.
Do Mad Science with Shelly Kids of all ages can participate in STEAM-related 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 every other Wednesday at 4 p.m. You can reserve your free STEAM kits at engagedpatrons.org. Registration opens one week prior to the Facebook event. Pick up your kits at McChord Library (quantities are limited). This month, we’ll grow our own crystals (March 10) and do the Egg Drop Challenge (March 24)!
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JBLM libraries Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with us
Tuesday, March 2 is read Across America Day, also known as Dr. Seuss Day — a celebration of not only his life but a way to motivate children to read and establish a lifelong love of reading. Book Patch Children’s Library, in partnership with the Arts & Crafts Center, is celebrating with library decorations, displays of Dr. Seuss books and characters, individually wrapped themed treats and free make-your-own book kits, “My Book About Me.” Drop in for the all-day celebration and log on to fb.com/ JBLMlibrary for live instruction starting at noon to learn how to create your book, plus listen to a story featuring a title by Dr. Seuss. You can pick up your kits at Book Patch (Lewis Main) or Arts & Crafts (McChord Field) while supplies last.
Birdhouse Painting Craft Winter months are cold for everyone, including our feathered friends! Come to Book Patch Children’s Library to pick up your own free birdhouse painting craft kits March 15–31 (while they last). Join us at our live event at fb.com/JBLM library Thursday, March 25 at 4 p.m. to see ideas on how to paint your birdhouse masterpiece! Once you hang your completed birdhouses outside, you’ll help provide a safe place for birds to build their nests, protected from the cold and predators!
Grandstaff Library 2109 N. 10th St. Lewis Main 253-967-5889
Book Patch Children’s Library 2109 N. 10th St. Lewis Main 253-967-5533
McChord Library 851 Lincoln Blvd. McChord Field 253-982-3454
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What youth wish for most (It’s not what you think!)
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ere are tips for parents that former youth center assistants Tracey Stage and Terri McQuirter gleaned from conversations among JBLM youth at CYS facilities. • If they feel they belong somewhere, your children will gravitate to that place. When you’re involved in their lives, they gravitate toward home rather than somewhere you aren’t sure about. • Take an interest in what your children are doing. They want to know they are important to you. • Take time to include your kiddos in whatever you typically do at home. Include them in cooking, eating, cleaning or watching TV, even if for a short time each day. • Volunteer to accompany your kids wherever they’re involved, whether at school or at CYS programs. You can better see what your children are involved in. For instance, you can enjoy a game or doing homework with them. • The youth programs staff members are part
of your support system and want to work together with you and your children as part of a team. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America offer tips for staying involved with your teens: • Sometimes we become so caught up in our own lives, we don’t hear the things our teenagers are saying. Take time to talk with them. Show them you’re interested in hearing what they have to say. They will appreciate you for it. • Teenagers may take an interest in various hobbies or activities that you’re unfamiliar with. Ask them about those interests. You may be able to incorporate their hobbies into a family activity. • Encourage your teens to make suggestions on what the family can do together and include them in making the final decisions. Mark your calendars for planned family time together, the same as you plan other events. Source: bgca.org
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March 2021 Masks are required! Must be a registered Hillside Youth Center member to participate during these activities.
March 13, 2021: 1PM-6PM Going Green Day! Dress in green, make & shake green smoothies, or enjoy mint flavor ice cream. Come out for activities and much more while spending the day with the Hillside Youth Center Family.
March 27, 2021: 1PM-6PM Real Life game of Among Us! This Teen Zone version will of course have impostors, crewmates, tasks, and who did it mysteries to solve. Due to current restrictions a 10 person to a group max will be in effect during all activities.
Events are subject to change. Check JBLMmwr.com for updates.
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Ethan Ashford has been chosen to be Hillside Youth Center’s contender for the Washington State Boys & Girls Clubs of America 2021 Military Youth of the Year. Here’s his contest essay.
The gift of resilience By Ethan Ashford istory will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children. This quote by Nelson Mandela echoes the gift that Hillside Youth Center’s Boys and Girls Club of America has been in my life. It is one of the few places that has provided welcoming and supportive experiences for military teens. Every moment at Hillside leaves me with a sense of acceptance and confidence that has supported my development as a student and a young leader. Leadership development has been one of the many benefits of the time I spent at Hillside Youth Center. Serving as a volunteer at the center has allowed me to hold leadership positions that allowed me to give back what has been invested in me. While COVID-19 has impacted teens all over the world, Hillside has provided consistent support that helped me remain strong and focused as a military teen. Hillside Youth Center has been instrumental in building resilience, integrity, vision and direction in my desire to volunteer in my community, mentor middle school students and develop effective leadership skills. Exceptional leaders around the world share one common trait, and that trait is resilience. Resilience is defined as the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy and overwhelming stress. No school,
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no teachers, no friends, no family, social distancing and uncertainty are just a few ways COVID-19 impacted our entire world in 2020, and America’s youth was no exception. You can only imagine my despair as a military youth, to learn that my father would have to spend this time away from our family in service to our nation. There has never been a time when I needed the spirit of resilience more than now. Although 2020 was filled with many obstacles for my family, I was able to remain strong through resilience and integrity. Hillside Youth Center was instrumental in providing hope for teens who were beginning to lose hope. Hillside provided support and encouragement during these difficult times. The staff members at Hillside are truly remarkable people who began January 2020 by providing a fun and safe environment for military teens, but the support and activities of our schools and teen centers soon came to a halt as this unseen virus began to find its way into our communities. The two years prior to the pandemic were filled with friendship, field trips and lots of activities at Hillside. One of my most memorable experiences was a field trip to an indoor jump center to build resilience and have fun with our families. My mom even had a foam pit battle with one of the Hillside staff, and it was epic.
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Continued on page 42.
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We even sponsored a huge Unity Day event at the center to celebrate the tolerance and diversity of teens from all backgrounds, and we set up an information table at various JBLM events to welcome new teens to the center. During the pandemic when safety restrictions prohibited activities, Hillside staff kept in contact with our families by calling and encouraging us to stay connected, keep our information updated at the center, and make good grades. As soon as our state began to ease the COVID-19 restrictions, Hillside Youth Center slowly began to safely open its doors to teens who thought all had been lost to COVID-19. Support from our Hillside family gave me hope that the sky was not really falling and one day we would be normal again. Today, I am excited to say that I have the honor of mentoring middle schoolers through the Passport to Manhood Club, leading a weekly small group basketball drill recreation activity and attending classes designed to build a greater sense of resilience in teens. The great educator Gary Graves once said that there is no greater inspiration than empowering children to help other children, and Hillside has given me the opportunity to make a real difference. If chosen to serve as the 2020 JBLM Military Youth of the Year, my vision is clear. I will work to educate youth about the dangers of substance abuse. Statistics show that alcohol, marijuana and tobacco are most used by adolescents, and the rate at which they are being used is increasing daily due to idleness, hopelessness and depression as a result of COVID-19.
My vision for America’s youth is to educate teens about the dangers of drug abuse and provide resources and support to help them find their way out. This vision was inspired after attending a Readiness and Resilience class at Hillside in December 2020. This desire to help teens say no to drugs also has given me a greater understanding of the word integrity. It takes integrity to stand before a group of my peers and encourage them to say no to drugs, and it will take integrity for teens who are struggling with addiction to be honest and ask for help. There is much work to be done, but I am confident in the guidance and support provided by the Hillside staff to show me the way. Experiencing a pandemic has given me a greater appreciation for many things I took for granted in my life. I appreciate my family more, I appreciate my friends more, I appreciate my dad’s service to our nation more and I appreciate Hillside Youth Center for providing amazing role models and investing in the lives of teens at JBLM. When I first entered the doors of Hillside, I was hesitant and shy, but today I am resilient, I understand the value of integrity, I have a vision and I am a leader in my community. My faith, family and military community have always kept me grounded, but the spirit of resilience kept Hillside youth connected until we could meet again. If given the honor to be the voice of America’s youth at JBLM as the 2020 Military Youth of the Year, I will work to continue the Hillside legacy of empowering and inspiring teens. Together, we will remain Hillside resilient and Hillside strong.
The great educator Gary Graves once said that there is no greater inspiration than empowering children to help other children, and Hillside has given me the opportunity to make a real difference.
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JBLM
kids need you! BECOME A FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDER! Earn up to $2,000 per month. FREE TRAINING from Child & Youth Services!
Orientation: Tuesday, March 23 6–8 p.m. 2275 Liggett Ave., Lewis Main
Due to the importance of the meeting, children are not allowed.
APPLY TODAY! Questions? Call 253-967-3039. 43
Enroll youth in sports Equip your child with a lifelong love of sports that can start now
44 Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS March 2021 JBLM Public Affairs
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outh sports provides JBLM families the opportunity of involving your children with sports while keeping them safe. Each small group of children is accompanied by a staff member (group size is consistent with current guidelines). Maintaining physical distance is constantly monitored, and masks are required for coaches, parents and players. This schedule includes sports camps and monthly classes. All CYS-prescribed precautions for sanitation procedures and distance monitoring will be conducted. The First Tee Golf (ages 7–18), 4:15–5:45 p.m. Enroll March 16–April 20 for Whispering Firs Golf Course and March 16–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. 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. Flag Football is coming up; check JBLMcys.com for details! This schedule is subject to change.
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.
How to enroll 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.
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CYS Activity Pages Enjoy the next few pages of the Focus magazine with these activity pages!
Help the leprechaun find his way to the pot of gold!
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Color the shamrock
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Each month, hear what different JBLM Service members, family members, civilians and others like to do in their spare time.
1st Sgt. Fausto Torres Last food you ate: Smoked chicken wings and fries.
Last time you tried something new: I tried skateboarding with my daughter.
Last good advice you received: Last time I received good advice was my father regarding finances and ensuring that I set myself and my family for success after the Army.
Last time you laughed: Every time I’m with my wife and kids we always seem to have a good laugh every day.
Last adventure you went on: Camping with the family in the rainy Pacific Northwest. Courtesy photo
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