FOCUS JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD MORALE, WELFARE & RECREATION GUIDE
MAY 2021
Join us in STRONG B.A.N.D.S. activities for
National Physical Fitness & Sports Month See pages 6–7 An active lifestyle gives back to you Pages 8–11 How to make your mom smile with Mother’s Day gifts Pages 30–35 We got you at the Teen Zone Page 42
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#JBLMSoundLiving JBLMfocusmag.com
Director, Family & MWR Venicia Morse Marketing director Kimberly Perrenot Editor/Writer Patti Jeffrey Layout/Design Toby Bartley, Michael Hamilton, Emiliano Hernandez, Lizzie Hoscheit, Patti Jeffrey Contributors Colin Brooks, Brittany Catanzaro, Capt. Alyssa Tallmadge Contributing photographers Toby Bartley, Colin Brooks, Ursula Buford, Brittany Catanzaro, Sgt. Zachary Gardner, JBLM Public Affairs, Patti Jeffrey
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. NOTE: Events mentioned in this issue may be canceled or revised after publication date. For current updates, visit https://jblm.armymwr.com/promos/covid.
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FOCUS IN THIS ISSUE
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 0
A N N I V E R S A R Y
T H
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TAKE PART IN STRONG B.A.N.D.S.
STAY HEALTHY WITH SPORTS
EXPLORE THE WORLD FROM HOME
COMMIT – STAY FIT! #STRONGBANDS STEP
Attend featured fitness events at your garrison
STEP
Wear your STRONG B.A.N.D.S. wristband throughout May to show your commitment to a healthy lifestyle
Gain valuable fitness tips throughout May by visiting ArmyMWR.com/STRONGBANDS
RECREATION
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Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS May 2021
FEATURES
8 Active lifestyle gives back to you You’re in luck when it comes to fitness opportunities at JBLM. We offer so many ways to enhance your life with healthy experiences that you’ll never be bored again. Enjoy indoor and outdoor group and individual classes and challenges with us.
16 Jump into the world of diving Scuba diving is an exhilarating and exciting experience with proper training. Sign up for our certified scuba diving course and begin your great adventure.
30 How to make your mom smile This year, Mother’s Day is being celebrated Saturday, May 9. If you need gift ideas that she’ll love, the Arts & Crafts Center has a lot to offer!
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TASTY SPECIALS COOKED UP FOR YOU
WE GOT YOU AT THE TEEN ZONE
ENROLL YOUTH IN NEW SPORTS
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Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS May 2021 4 Patti Jeffrey
What does MWR do for you? Meet MWR staff members who serve you in meaningful ways
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t’s a lifestyle! That’s what Kellie Jorgensen, deputy director of JBLM’s Sports, Fitness & Aquatics program wants her message to be. Kellie arrived at JBLM in January after transitioning from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., where she served as JBLE’s fitness center director and lifestyle coach and the local YMCA’s instructor/trainer. She holds a master’s in Exercise Science Human Performance and has obtained numerous professional certifications in her field of interest. Saying that Kellie has a passion for her career is just touching the surface of what drives her to convey her holistic health and fitness message. She has worked her entire life to overcome the debilitating effects of cystic fibrosis. Fitness, along with a healthy overall lifestyle, has been instrumental in overcoming and managing her disease. Kellie grew up playing sports and always has been fitness-oriented for the sake of her own health. After graduating from University of Wyoming with a biology degree, she began working with special populations as a personal trainer after obtaining a corrective exercise specialist certification. She focused on how to help her clients recover from surgery, injuries, heart attacks and other disabilities to feel better and be able to function in daily life. She
also became a lifestyle coach for diabetes prevention, teaching others how to create and sustain healthy habits and overcome effects of disease. Kellie now brings her passion to JBLM’s SFA program. She says, “Holistic health and fitness is not just for Service members with the new Army Combat Fitness Test but also for their families and the community. We need to include everyone as the military fitness culture shifts, and surround Service members with a supportive environment. We all can learn healthy habits and lifestyles and keep each other accountable so we all succeed at the mission.” When Kellie speaks of holistic health, she’s not only talking about going to a gym, but good nutrition, sleep, mental and spiritual health and more. “I’m hoping to open folks up to opportunities, but even more to the tools to be more resilient. There are many facets of health, and I want to bring to light all the resources and opportunities JBLM offers collectively to facilitate a healthy lifestyle. “I’m here to help others in whatever changes they can make in order to live a better life. I’m here to grow our staff to discover their passions and to educate, support and help others find the rewards of holistic, healthy living.”
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1 0
A N N I V E R S A R Y
T H
COMMIT – STAY FIT! #STRONGBANDS STEP
STEP
Attend featured fitness events at your garrison
STEP
Wear your STRONG B.A.N.D.S. wristband throughout May to show your commitment to a healthy lifestyle
Gain valuable fitness tips throughout May by visiting ArmyMWR.com/STRONGBANDS
Continued on page 9.
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Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS May 2021
RECREATION
STRONG B.A.N.D.S. promotes fitness Commit to stay fit during National Physical Fitness & Sports Month
On deployment and in the field, at the office and at home, in the new Army Combat Fitness Test and on your sports team, in your family, in your life. Commit to stay fit this May with the Army’s STRONG B.A.N.D.S. initiative to get healthy and stay healthy through active lifestyles. STRONG B.A.N.D.S. stands for Strong Balance, Activity, Nutrition, Determination and Strength for everyone in our community — Service members, family members, DOD employees and retirees. Reach your peak! We have designated activities lined up for you to participate in and enjoy during May: • Enter the Splash & Dash fun run for the entire family (see page 12 for details). • Join the virtual Fit Club for the Battle of the Ladders. Visit fb.com/JBLMmwr under events. See more details about Fit Club and
upcoming challenges on page 9. • Complete JBLM Aquatics’ 1,000-meter Swim Challenge for a wristband. • Join the Library StoryWalk (see page 23). • Take the intro to climbing class at Adventures Unlimited’s indoor climbing wall 6– 8 p.m. Fridays. Learn the basics needed to start rock climbing. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to top rope climbing, securing a harness, tie-in as a climber and complete proper system checks. The cost is $25 per class. • Get outside and enjoy the beauty of American Lake! Receive 20% off kayak and paddleboard rentals Tuesdays from Northwest Adventure Center during May! These rentals are first-come, first-served. Be sure to ask for your own STRONG B.A.N.D.S. wristband when you visit our designated locations.
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FEATURE
An active lifestyle gives back to you Your mental, emotional and physical health are enhanced by activities you enjoy
Y
ou’re in luck when it comes to fitness opportunities at JBLM. We offer so many ways to enhance your life with healthy experiences that you’ll never be bored again. Enjoy indoor and outdoor group and individual classes and challenges.
Join fitness center classes We’re offering a wide variety of fitness classes to capture your interest and challenge you! Here’s a description of 50-minute classes available at various JBLM fitness centers: • iStroll: Parent-and-kid friendly fitness bootcamp for the entire family. Fee for class: Free one-week trial, drop-in $10, monthly $45, 10-class pass $70 or five-class pass $45. • Cycling: Using a special stationary bike, classes focus on endurance, strength, intervals, high intensity and recovery phases in an energetic, fun classroom setting. • Pedal and Flow: Combining the invigorating
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cycling class and restorative yoga flows. • Cardio Kickboxing: High-energy martial arts-inspired noncontact, full-body workout with phenomenal core training. Destroy calories while developing coordination, agility and speed. • Strength Training: Strength building for a total-body workout. Build muscle and stamina. • Zumba: Dance to great music with great people and burn a ton of calories without even realizing it. • Yoga: Combines physical exercises, meditation and breathing techniques to strengthen the muscles and relieve stress. • Mixxed Fit: Mix up your fitness routine in this high-intensity workout geared to keep your body guessing what’s next. • Bootcamp: Traditional high-intensity fullbody workout delivered in a fun atmosphere. Challenge yourself and have fun doing it! Find the current listing of where and when
Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS May 2021
classes are being offered at JBLMsfa.com.
Challenge yourself with Fit Club Sports, Fitness & Aquatics’ virtual Fit Club is still going strong! If you’ve been on our Facebook page, you’ve probably come across SFA director Bruce Antonowicz demonstrating the Workout of the Day (which has excellent totalbody workouts). SFA staffers also started the Fit Club with monthly challenges, which ended its first set of challenges last month. Going forward, there’ll be a new Fit Club challenge every month at fb.com/JBLMmwr, which is an opportunity to join the Fit Club if you haven’t yet taken part. Continue in your pursuit of an overall healthier lifestyle with these upcoming challenges: • May’s Battle of the Ladders (climb as many feet as possible in 10 minutes on a vertical climber exercise machine). • June’s Burning Britches (squat your body weight loaded on a barbell as many times as
possible in five minutes). • July’s Ride Across Washington (accumulate 360 miles on a stationary or outdoor bike). • August’s Climb Rainier (climb the accumulated height of Mount Rainier of 14,411 feet on a vertical climber exercise machine in one month). Each completion of a challenge will earn participants an entry into a grand prize drawing (Echo Bike) along with other prize incentives; for example, top male and female and first 50 to complete each challenge. See details at fb.com/JBLMmwr under events.
Indoor climbing wall available If you’re looking for a different change of pace from the day-to-day, check out the 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. Continued on page 11.
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JBLM MARKETPLACE Every other Tuesday 3–7 p.m. at the MWR Fest Tent 2200 Liggett Ave., Lewis Main
May 4 & 18 • June 1, 15 & 29 July 13 & 27 • Aug. 10 & 31 Sept. 14 10
Want to be a vendor? Call 253-967-2085 to find out how. Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS May 2021
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.
Take library backpacks to Washington State Parks Find adventures and new experiences in Washington State Parks with the return of the Check Out Washington backpack at JBLM libraries. The backpack includes binoculars,
field guides, interpretive materials and a special Discover Pass for parking at and exploring Washington State Parks. Backpacks are available for a checkout period of seven days. Discover Passes are accepted on state lands, so to take advantage of this offer and plan your next hike at a state park or on lands managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources. You can find out which pass is required for your next hike by searching WTA’s Hiking Guide. Use library reference sections to research your next hike and check out books about hiking and on-trail adventures! Before you head out, add your own hiking essentials, including food and water for the day, a map of the area and extra clothes, particularly when temperatures fluctuate throughout the day. Take advantage of this great opportunity to explore the beautiful Pacific Northwest!
Rent outdoor gear from us Hiking, camping, backpacking, stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking and kayaking are all fun ways to stay fit this spring and summer. Better yet, try out a new type of adventure each weekend for a small rental fee — invest in your interests, not in equipment! For costs and descriptions of what Northwest Adventure Center, Russell Landing Marina and Adventures Unlimited offer, visit JBLModr.com.
See more healthy activities throughout this edition, including scuba diving classes (pages 16–19), intramural sports (next page), golfing at JBLM courses (28–29) and sports for your kids (page 45).
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Stay healthy with sports & fitness Enter spring race Enjoy Splash & Dash Walk or run in the new Splash & Dash Guppy Fun Run Saturday, May 8 at Lewis Main, starting from Sheridan Fitness Center. All ages are welcome to register for this run. Participants will be given a toy water gun at the start to spray along the route! Registration costs are $25 for the 4-mile Splash & Dash and $10 for the 1.3-mile Guppy Run. You’ll receive a T-shirt, custom medal, race bib and custom water gun. To sign up, visit JBLMmwrRegistration.com. COVID mitigation strategies will be in effect for the races. For more information, visit JBLMmwr.com or fb.com/JBLMmwr under events.
Join open sports Play in open tennis league If you like competitive tennis, join our open tennis league! Learn more at the informational meeting Monday, May 3 at 6 p.m. at Soldiers Field House, 3236 2nd Division Dr. at Handrich Ave. The season runs May 17–June 23, with the
championship Wednesday, June 23. Awards will be presented to the top two female singles, top two male singles and the top mixed doubles team. Teams will play a four-week round-robin with the top four teams competing in the championship. Elimination rounds will be every Tuesday, 4–6 p.m. at the McChord Field tennis courts. Each team will have one player for singles or two players for mixed doubles. Sign-ups are due Monday, May 3 and are open to active duty military, Army and Air Force Reserve and National Guard Service members assigned to JBLM, family members ages 18 and older and all DOD civilians. For more information, call 253-966-0635 or email usarmy.jblm.imcom.list.dfmwr-sports@ mail.mil.
Compete in Commander’s Cup Join Commander’s Cup softball Compete in JBLM’s Commander’s Cup softball teams! Attend an informational meeting Monday, June 7 at the Lewis North Athletic Complex at noon. League play starts Monday,
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Continued on page 15.
JBLM Public Affairs
523rd CTC pitcher Corey Byerly delivers a pitch during the JBLM Commander’s Cup Softball Championship game at the Lewis North Athletic Complex several years ago.
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June 21 and meets Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights from 6 to 9. This will be a single-elimination tournament for the top 16 teams, who will compete in the Championship Aug. 10–11 to determine the league winner. Commander’s Cup sports are only open to JBLM’s active duty Service members ages 18 and older. Call 253-966-0635 for details or email usarmy.jblm.imcom.list.dfmwr-sports@ mail.mil.
Become a lifeguard Enroll in lifeguard training course JBLM Aquatics is offering an American Red Cross Blended Learning Lifeguard Course May 14–16 for $100 at Soldiers Field House Pool. Classes are 6–10 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The training is a blended learning format, which requires online course content be
completed prior to the first day of class. Online course content may take approximately seven hours to complete. Call 253-967-5390 to schedule the pretest for the course. The pretest consists of a 300-meter swim using the front crawl with side breathing or breaststroke, two-minute tread using legs only and a timed brick retrieval. The course is subject to cancellation in advance if there is low enrollment. Soldiers Field House Pool is at 3236 2nd Division and Handrich, Lewis Main. Questions should be directed to the Aquatics office at 253-967-5390 weekdays.
Attend Aquatics Lifeguard Fair JBLM is hiring lifeguards for our active summer season! Attend the JBLM Aquatics Lifeguard Fair Friday, May 21, 3:30–5 p.m. at Soldiers Field House Pool. Bring your résumé and copy of your certifications. You must be age 15 or older to be hired. The pool is at 3236 2nd Division, Lewis Main. Sgt. Zachary Gardner
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FEATURE
Jump into the world of diving By Brittany Catanzaro, guest contributor cuba diving is an exhilarating and exciting experience. Diving is a new world of exploring with new sensations that differs from the terrestrial world. With proper training, diving can be rewarding and meaningful.
S
Get certified with a five-star program The Professional Association of Diving Instructors open-water diving course, recognized worldwide, is the best choice for earning your scuba diving certification card. This course, at the Northwest Adventure Center’s Scuba Diving Center, is a great adventure that’s perfect for beginners. All scuba gear is provided, as well as the open water diving student manual. Students will make friends with similar interests during the course, which can be more fun for future dives. After earning your diving certification card, you can rent diving gear from the NAC and continue the fun of diving in Washington and all over the world.
What to expect from the diving course The week-long diving course is set up into two parts: confined water training (the pool) and open-water training/dives (the Puget Sound). The first four to five days, training is mainly in a warm pool where students will master the skills, techniques and known dangers of diving. Students will also learn how to use dive instruments and gear. The last two days of the course, students will experience diving in the Puget Sound. The dive instructors are extremely patient and excellent at teaching each student how to master Continued on page 18.
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Students take to the open water to test their newly mastered skills and complete their certification in the PADI scuba course at the Northwest Adventure Center.
Brittany Catanzaro
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all the techniques for safe dives. They work well as a team to ensure students can perform each of the lessons correctly. Since diving is a whole new world, students will be learning: • How to put on gear properly. • Breathing underwater. • Descending and equalizing. • Hand signals underwater. • BCD oral inflation at the surface. • Giant stride entry. • Five-point descent. • Neutral buoyancy. • Clearing a fully flooded mask. • Five-point ascent.
• Controlled emergency swimming ascent.
Mastering skills on open-water dives Open-water dives take place at Sunnyside Beach in Steilacoom, which is less than 20 minutes from JBLM. The location and timing is perfect with calm waters and peak high tide. The water is crystal-clear, making visibility perfect for diving. The ocean temperature is a little warmer than the air temperature during winter dives. Students will take part in four dives as deep as 30–40 feet, two each day, on the last two days of the course. Feelings of excitement and nervousness are
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in the air as students begin their open water diving lessons. Once they have their gear on, they’ll make sure the gear is all together and everything is working properly by the buddycheck system. After the gear is set up and the instructor has explained the class itinerary for the day, it’s time to enter the water. Diving instructors assist with every step and lesson during the dives. They start off with a shallow dive at peak high tide to get a feel of the water. The time in the water includes a recap of the lessons learned in the pool, such as mask skills (flood and clear), regulator recovery, shared air with a buddy and other techniques.
Instructors work hard to make sure students are learning properly, correctly and safely. Washington has ample bodies of water for diving, with plenty of locations, from coldwater lakes to open saltwater. For example, the Puget Sound alone is more than 100 miles long and shorelines are close to JBLM, making where we are perfect for diving — a paradise for those who love water. Call 253-967-3405 for more details on the May 17–23, May 31–June 6 and future courses. The Diving Center is located inside Northwest Adventure Center’s retail store at 8050 NCO Beach Rd., Lewis North.
Join Shotgun Shooting Complex events Shotgun Shooting Complex offers comprehensive services Have you been to the JBLM Shotgun Shooting Complex? The range features trap, skeet, five-stand, shotgun rentals (ammo for purchase), a shotgun instructor on site, private shotgun lessons, on-base hunter permits and information, firearm transfers (ship to site or in person), sporting clays, registered skeet shoots, fun shoots and more! It’s a great spot for parties and other group events (picnic tables are on-site). Also check out the ORV Park, quad rentals and free 10–40-yard Archery Range located nearby. The Shotgun Shooting Complex is located at 3969 2nd Division Range Road. Call 253-967-7056 for more information or visit JBLModr.com.
Come out for sporting clays shoot Come out to JBLM’s Shotgun Shooting Complex for the monthly 100-target sporting clays shoots. The cost is $35 for nonregistered
shooter; $42 for registered shooters (registered shooters pay an additional fee so their score can be ranked with the National Sporting Clays Association). Register 9 a.m.– 12:15 p.m.; shooting starts at 10:30 a.m. Saturday sporting clays are being held May 15 and 29, June 19, July 17, Aug. 14, Sept. 18, Oct. 16 and 30, Nov. 20 and Dec. 18.
Enter registered skeet shoots Join us at the Shotgun Shooting complex for registered skeet Saturdays, May 1 and June 5! Registration starts at 9 a.m., the 12-gauge event starts at 9:30 and the 20-gauge event starts at 12:30 p.m. Event registration closes 30 minutes prior to the start of the second flight. The cost is $30 for 100 targets. Each event is points only. For more information, visit JBLMmwr.com. All firearms must be registered at JBLM. For more information, visit home.army.mil/lewismcchord and look under Vehicle and Weapon Registration.
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6001-100th St. SW in Lakewood | DHAonline.com
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ODR Staff Highlight Colin Brooks has been the director of Outdoor Recreation since 2017. Colin grew up in Lancaster, Penn., and relocated to Washington after completing his degree in Parks & Recreation with an emphasis on program planning. A central theme running through Colin’s life is a love of outdoor adventures. He grew up actively engaged in outdoor activities in the Boy Scouts and achieved the highest honor Eagle Scout. Colin’s passions include whitewater rafting, kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing, as well as hiking and running the mountains and trails. In his spare time, he enjoys racing sailboats and paddleboards and actively races on a weekly basis. His early career focus was city-based recreation program management for youth activities. He transitioned into his current career path when he was hired at McChord as director of Outdoor Recreation in 2007.
Courtesy photo
In 2010, he became Community Center manager at McChord Club, establishing monthly events and activities for the McChord community. In 2013, Colin moved into the role of director of community activities, directing Armed Forces Day, Fourth of July Freedom Fest, Oktoberfest, USO Sesame Street and numerous concerts. Now Colin oversees the management of Northwest Adventure Center, the Shotgun Shooting Complex, ATV course, Rifle & Pistol Range, Russell Landing Marina, community gardens, parks, beaches, campgrounds, equipment issue, cabin rentals and RV storage lots. He loves the diversity of ODR and getting people outside in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. According to Colin, there’s no better place to manage ODR than at JBLM. He loves to share his knowledge of the area and get people on the water.
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Explore new worlds right here at home Your JBLM libraries make it possible
McChord Library 851 Lincoln Blvd. McChord Field 253-982-3454 Grandstaff Library 2109 N. 10th Lewis Main 253-967-5889 Book Patch Children’s Library 2109 N. 10th Lewis Main 253-967-5533
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Take a StoryWalk
Play Springtime Bingo
Join Grandstaff and Book Patch Children’s libraries as we celebrate STRONG B.A.N.D.S. with StoryWalk ® during May. StoryWalk combines two of our favorite activities — reading and taking a walk. Our StoryWalk begins outside the library. Simply follow along the path, reading the pages of some of our favorite books at each stop along the way. Turn back to read a different story on the opposite side of the post. When you complete the round-trip path, come inside Book Patch to receive a prize! Visit our libraries any time in May to learn where the path starts. (See more STRONG B.A.N.D.S. activities on pages 6–7.) The StoryWalk Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library.
Play bingo for prizes May 3–31! Visit JBLM libraries to pick up a bingo sheet with activities. Complete a bingo on the sheet (across, down or diagonally) and bring it to McChord or Book Patch Children’s libraries to be entered into a drawing for a prize basket. The contest is open to children of all ages. Each child will receive a goody bag when picking up their bingo sheet. Three winners will be chosen from each location.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Visit McChord Library on our Facebook page at fb.com/JBLMlibrary for a virtual Cinco de Mayo storytime Wednesday, May 5 at 4 p.m. We’ll read a story in Spanish and discuss the meaning of Cinco de Mayo and why it’s important to Mexican culture. We’ll also build a piñata craft — pick up your free craft kit at McChord or Book Patch Children’s libraries while supplies last.
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Keep JBLM Green Keep your community clean and put trash in the dumpster, plant a garden, ride a bike to work and wash your car at a commercial car wash or MWR Auto Center.
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Mother’s Day storytime is fun
Do Mad Science with Shelly
Register your kiddos for McChord Library’s Thursday, May 6 special storytime. We’re celebrating Mother’s Day with themed stories and free 3D printed picture frame craft kits to take home and complete. All supplies are included. Registration is required in advance on the event calendar at JBLMlibraries.com. Choose either 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. If registration is full, you still can come pick up a craft kit at McChord or Book Patch Children’s libraries while supplies last.
Kids of all ages can participate in STEAMrelated virtual workshops with McChord Library’s “mad scientist.” You can uncover interests by making, producing, solving, creating, collaborating and thinking with projects in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Shelly will post a cool demonstration video at fb.com/JBLMlibrary Wednesday, May 26 at 4 p.m. Pick up your free STEAM kits at McChord Library (quantities are limited). This month, we’ll create 2D and 3D structures out of toothpicks and gumdrops and see which is the most stable.
Join us in person at storytime We’re back in person with a weekly children’s storytime at Book Patch Children’s Library! We’ll be taking registration before each week to ensure physical distancing and COVID mitigation strategies; visit JBLMlibraries.com and register on the event calendar. Each Friday at 10 a.m., we’ll share several stories with free take-home craft kits. Each child will have a cushion to sit on within marked spaces in Grandstaff’s back corner.
Check Out Washington Back by popular demand, the Check Out Washington program allows JBLM library card holders to check out free Discover Passes for a week at a time. Check out your pass and a backpack of educational guides, and head for a state-managed recreation site. See page 11 for complete information and what else to take with you.
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MWR Staff Picks Warrior Zone has a lot of amazing things to offer to DOD ID card holders ages 18+ (and I’m not just saying that because I work there)! The facility can boost morale for anyone and the true value is in the camaraderie that comes from the communities we build. Outdoor Recreation offers some of my favorite activities!
I love Range 15; it’s a safe and fun place to work on fundamentals, zero an optic, test a new load recipe or just plink. The instant feedback from hits on their steel targets is addictive! Aside from that, they’ve got ATVs you can rent by the hour and mob through on the off-road vehicle park. You can follow that up with skeet or trap shooting!
Jessica
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Debbie
My pick is the Arts & Crafts Center because I get to work with amazing and talented people — staff and customers alike — to create unique projects and gifts as well as to teach various craft and picture framing classes. I find myself inspired by what my students make and I’m challenged by the ever-increasing intricate designs our customers request. Every day is something new!
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Golf with friends Compete in golf scrambles all season Enjoy Friday CG Golf Scrambles at JBLM golf courses! Enter as a four-person team or be placed on a team. This month’s scramble is May 14 with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. at Whispering Firs Golf Course. The cost is $40 per person and includes your green fee and cart rental. Call 253-982-2124 to enter by the day before.
Enter Fort Lewis Amateur Play the 62nd Annual Fort Lewis Amateur at Eagle’s Pride Golf Course! The event is May 1–2 with a 7:30 a.m. tee. The cost is $160 for this individual stroke play tourney. Don’t delay; call 253-967-6522 today to enter.
Save with May specials Take advantage of these May specials: • Memorial Day sale May 28–31 with select items on sale in the pro shops (exclusions apply). • Golf Ball Special: Tee between noon and 2:50 p.m. Mondays–Thursdays in April and pay $23 green fees, plus receive a free sleeve of golf balls (no exchanges on balls). Get in on this special before all the balls are gone! Also add a golf cart for $14 per rider. • Annuals are available for sale at both courses. • Hole in Fun — Enter the contest on the same day you golf! For $1, you can win the prize fund (a gift certificate equal to the amount in the fund) if you make a hole in one on any par 3 at either golf course. • Dewsweeper — Mondays and Thursdays from golf course opening to 8:30 a.m., play for $23 green fees. Add a cart for $14 per rider. • Coupon special — Dine or golf with us and receive a coupon for 15% off food and drinks on your next visit to Eagle’s Pride Grill or Habañero Mexican Grill (excludes alcohol). Specials can’t be combined or used for tourneys, outings, holidays or with your golf pass.
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Did you know? • Book a room for your private party, luncheon, special function or reception at either golf course. For information, call MWR Central at 253-966-7466. • Sharpen your game with individual golf lessons from our PGA golf instructor John Eisentrout. For details, call 253-967-6522. • Gift certificates make a great present for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and retirements! Ask about gift certificates at the pro shop. • Questions? Call Eagle’s Pride at 253-967-6522 or Whispering Firs at 253-982-2124. Eagle’s Pride is off I-5 Exit 116. Whispering Firs is at 895 Lincoln Blvd., McChord Field. EaglesPrideGolf WhisperingFirsGolf
Photo right: Cody Powers chips on to the green on the 2nd hole April 2, 2016 during the JBLM Spring Break golf competition at Eagle’s Pride Golf Course.
at JBLM courses
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JBLM Public Affairs
30 Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS May 2021 Patti Jeffrey
FEATURE
How to make your mom smile Even the simplest Mother’s Day gifts mean everything to moms
M
other’s Day wasn’t always sentimental — it was originally meant just to give mothers the recognition and honor they deserved. It has become not only about the sentiment but much more through the decades — especially with moms who are deployed, single working moms, moms raising kids while their spouse is deployed and busy stay-athome moms. This year, Mother’s Day is being celebrated Saturday, May 9. If you need gift ideas that she’ll love, the Arts & Crafts Center has a lot to offer: • Order a keepsake photo pillowcase with her favorite family photo or a surprise photo. • Give her a photo night-light that lights up with dark with a photo of her loved ones. • Create a photo mug that’s hers alone to use! • Gather together some mementos and bring them in. The professionals at Arts & Crafts will help you find the best way to preserve her memories in archival-quality mountings, whether in shadow boxes or picture frames.
• Pick out a ceramic vase, lidded box or other items you’d like as gifts and use the ceramic paint-&-go studio to decorate the items before they’re fired in the kiln. • Bring in a print of baby’s footprints or your child’s painting and have them custom framed. • Purchase a wine glass, glass stein, decanter or other fancy glassware and bring them in for laser engraving. • Pick out a clever design and order a glittery vinyl transfer to stick to her car window, mirror or any hard surface. • Order a personalized tote bag or backpack. • Bring the kids in to create string art as a gift with instruction from our resident artist. • Have a photo you bring in magically transferred onto a T-shirt for her. If you want more ideas or want to talk about your idea, call 253-982-6719 to speak with a professional. The Arts & Crafts Center is located at 1121 Barnes Blvd., McChord Field.
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32 Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS May 2021 Toby Bartley
Tasty specials cooked up for you MWR offers new meal options to savor, plus all your favorites Habañero provides specials & favs Habañero Mexican Grill at McChord Field is open 7 a.m.– 3 p.m., and we’re serving up some new specials! Try our Spam, rice and egg for breakfast for $4.50 or our loaded steak fries for $10.95 with lunch. We still offer all our Habañero favorites — burritos, tacos, quesadillas, salads and vegetarian options, plus full traditional breakfasts. During May, take advantage of these other specials: • Taco Tuesday — $8.50 for three tacos and a beverage. • Double-Punch Wednesday — Get a double punch on your Habañero card on your first breakfast burrito. • Thursday Combo — Buy a quesadilla with your choice of meat and a beverage for $8.50. • Burrito Friday — Get a lunch burrito with a fountain drink for $8.50. See our complete menu at JBLMmwr.com. Habañero is located at Whispering Firs Golf Course, 895 Lincoln Blvd. Continued on next page.
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Take Mom out to tasty lunch Does Mom have a lot on her plate? Let us dish up something she’ll really like at our Mother’s Day Family Lunch Sunday, May 9 at McChord Club. We’ll be serving each of our physically distanced tables a three-course lunch: • An appetizer charcuterie board. • Pasta and fruit salads. • A choice of chicken, salmon or vegetable frittata individual entrees served with cheesy potato casserole, candied carrots, asparagus, rolls and butter. • Dessert trio plate. Our beverage station includes coffee, tea, iced tea and fruit punch.Service also will be available for purchase of mimosas, Bellinis and full bottles of wine or champagne. Advanced reservations and payments are required. The cost is $26 for ages 13 and older, $17 for ages 4–12 and free for ages 3 and younger. Seating is at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. To reserve your table, call 253-982-2795 or 253-495-8684. The Club is at 700 Barnes Blvd.
Turn something ordinary into a gift
I
f you’re celebrating Mother’s Day, then you need the secret to making Mom happy. It’s an easy formula: Simply combine something ordinary with something extraordinary. For instance, do something for her that she typically does for everyone else, such as serving dinner, washing the dishes or weeding the yard. You get the idea. Then, surprise her with a day out of the ordinary. She’ll know she can leave without worry or fuss about what’s not done, since you’ve already taken care of those things!
Enjoy family pizza & bowling Enjoy a Sunday outing to Bowl Arena Lanes for their new family pizza and bowling special noon–6 p.m. Reserve your lane for one-hour blocks and receive a large one-topping pizza for $3 off the regular price (limited to Sundays; up to two pizzas). All you need to do is show your bowling receipt at the Strike Zone Café counter when ordering your pizza. Make your lane reservations by calling 253-967-4661. Bowl Arena Lanes is located at 2272 Liggett Ave., Lewis Main.
Warrior Zone offers new entertainment with your meal Most people know Warrior Zone offers PS4, Xbox, gaming computers, pool tables, a movie theater and special events. Now, Warrior Zone also has new Nintendo Switch stations. You can use ours or bring your own Nintendo Switch and drop them in the docking stations connected to our 27-inch gaming monitors. If you have time on your lunch break, come on in, order lunch from our café and play! If you need an extra screen, connect any of your HDMI-capable devices, including laptops, through our supplied cable and enjoy our 27-inch 4K screens. Warrior Zone is on the corner of 17th and D streets at Lewis North and is open to ages 18 and older with a DOD ID card. For our café menu items, visit JBLMmwr.com under dining.
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Bowl Arena Lanes
Bowling & a z z i P Sundays 2272 Liggett Ave., Lewis Main
253-967-4661 Receive one large one-topping pizza for $3 off regular price (limit two pizzas), with each reservation made noon–6 p.m. Sundays. Show your bowling receipt to the Strike Zone Café staff to receive your discount. Pizza redemption must be made on the day of the reservation. All COVID-19 mitigation rules will be applied, including masks.
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YOUR IN-NETWORK PROVIDER
FREE CHILD CARE IN THE SMILE ZONE Family, Cosmetic, and Sedation Dentristry Schedule a complimentary consultation: 253-DENTIST In the business of making you since 1972
6001-100th St. SW in Lakewood | DHAonline.com
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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, May 18, 6–8 p.m. 2275 Liggett Ave., Lewis Main
Preregistration is required. Call 253-967-3039. Due to the importance of the meeting, children are not allowed.
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We got you at the Teen Zone I
f you’ve wondered what Hillside Youth Center/Teen Zone is all about, you can be assured that your preteen and teen will get heard, understood and challenged! We teach our youth the importance of trustworthiness, respect, fairness, responsibility, citizenship, caring and leadership. We give our youth opportunities to get to know us, get involved and get out there to change their world! If you walked in here before COVID restrictions, you would see kids playing ball in the full-court gym, competing in the video game room, getting homework help, being taught how to cook up new dishes, meeting in various clubs, eating meals and so much more. Now that the COVID restrictions have allowed youth back inside, we’re in the swing of things with COVID safety being mandated at the door with masks required. Here’s what we have to offer your preteens and teens: • Middle School/Teen programming 2:30– 6 p.m. weekdays. We offer a technology lab, full-court gym, art room, snack bar, music and dance room, video game room, Teen Zone and more. • Super Saturdays for youth 1–6 p.m. the second and fourth Saturday of the month with guest speakers and fun activities. • Power Hour with homework help.
• Clubs where youth learn positive values and life skills and develop healthy minds and bodies. Clubs and classes include SMART Girls, Passport to Manhood, Healthy Habits, Torch Club, Keystone Club, Diplomas 2 Degrees, SMART Moves, Funky Fit, the Youth Sponsorship program, Junior Staff, Youth of the Month, Youth of the Year and more. • Our monthly Teen Town Hall the first Friday of the month. Youth gather to help plan programs and events for the center. They also can voice concerns and ideas in a safe and judgment-free environment. Hillside membership is free! If your youth is already registered in Child & Youth Services, all they need to do is fill out our application.
Virtual schooling available We also offer all-districts-supported virtual schooling for those who need it. There are still spaces for sixth graders–12th graders available in this paid program. The program provides school supplies, a quiet space and a hot spot 6 a.m.–2:30 p.m. weekdays. If you’re interested in the virtual schooling program, call us at 253-967-4441 and we’ll explain the fees and registration process. We’re located at 6397 Garcia Blvd. at Lewis Main. If you have questions or want more information, call us at 253-967-4441.
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Courtesy of Boys & Girls Clubs of America
JBLM’s Ethan Ashford from Hillside Youth Center has been named the Washington State Military Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. As the Washington State Military Youth of the Year, Ethan will serve as an ambassador for all teens in the state, will receive a $2,500 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and will go on to contend for the regional Youth of the Year and ultimately the national title. “We are incredibly proud of Ethan and all the Youth of the Year nominees,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Being named Youth of the Year is a lifelong honor. As the Washington State Military Youth of the Year, Ethan will serve as a spokesperson for Boys & Girls Club kids and teens across the state who face the many unique challenges associated with military life.” This fall, Ethan will compete for the title of Pacific Region Military Youth of the Year and an additional $20,000 college scholarship. Five regional winners will advance to the virtual National Youth of the Year event in October 2021 to compete for the title of National Military Youth of the Year. The final stage of the journey, National Youth of the Year, presents the opportunity to receive an additional scholarship of $50,000 and a new car. For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit youthoftheyear.org.
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44 Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS May 2021 Ursula Buford
Enroll in new sports season C
YS youth sports hosts recreation leagues that are inclusive of all youth who want to learn the fundamentals of the game and to have fun. JBLM families can be assured that while your children are involved with CYS sports, they will be kept as safe as possible. Maintaining physical distance is constantly monitored, and masks are required for coaches, parents and players. All CYS-prescribed precautions for sanitation procedures and distance monitoring will be conducted. Baseball enrollment is open May 3–June 10 for ages 5–12. Practices begin Monday, June 28 and the season ends Saturday, Aug. 21. The cost is $65 per youth. Lil’ Batters enrollment is May 3–June 10 for ages 3–4. Beginners will learn and practice ageappropriate skills; no games will be played. Practices start Monday, June 28 and end Thursday, Aug. 5. The cost is $35 per child. Fall Soccer enrollment is open May 3–July 30 for ages 5–12. Practices start Monday, Aug. 23 and the season ends Saturday, Oct. 16. The cost is $65 per youth. Fall Bumblebee Soccer enrollment is May 3–July 29 for ages 3–4. Practices start Monday, Aug. 23 and the season ends Saturday, Oct. 9. The cost is $35 per child. 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. Flu shots are required through flu season. Not yet enrolled in CYS? To get started, call Parent Central Services at 253-966-2977.
We need more youth coaches! Do you like to attend your child’s sports events and connect well with kids and parents? Share your love of sports with JBLM youth as a volunteer sports coach. You’ll get free training and certification in the National Alliance for Youth Sports, plus CYS household credits for your coaching. A background check and certification is required to become a coach. For more information, stop by the Youth Sports Office at 6398 Garcia Blvd. (Lewis Main). Questions? Call 253-967-2405.
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Count the cubes
A: 4. B: 5. C:5. D: 7. E: 8. F: 12
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JBLMmwr.com 47 Eyelashes, balls on drawstrings, tree branch, insect stripes, center zipper on green shirt, hair ties, cheeks, hat band, dirt clod.
Spot nine differences
Each month, hear what different JBLM Service members, family members, civilians and others like to do in their spare time.
Capt. Alyssa Tallmadge Last meal you ate: Bagel with cream cheese.
Last time you tried something new: This past winter, I tried cross-country skiing for the first time and will add that for the coming winter seasons.
Last good advice you received: Hunt the good stuff. There are always positive things that happen throughout the day — you just have to look for them.
Last time you laughed: Anytime a Service member comes to the office with a positive story for the day.
Last adventure you went on: Gig Harbor dog park, chasing my husky around the trails as he greeted every dog in the park. Courtesy photo
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