November 2022 JBLM MWR e-Focus

Director, Family & MWR Venicia Morse

Marketing director Kimberly Perrenot

Editor/Writer Patti Jeffrey

Contributors Renee Barajas, Alicia Butler, JBLM MWR Facebook followers

Contributing photographers Brenda Camren, Leigh Correia, Emiliano Hernandez, Patti Jeffrey, Lional Kam, MWR staff

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

The JBLM “FOCUS” Newcomers Guide is an unof

ficial 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 Fam ily & MWR, Joint Base Lewis-McChord or any U.S. government entity. The use of a commercial sponsor logo or mention of a commercial sponsor or other organization does not constitute U.S. government endorsement.

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

Recharge for resiliency

JBLM’s Outdoor Recreation program is integrating Air Force services’ Recharge for Resiliency program into its many offerings to the JBLM community. We encourage our Air Force and Air Force Reserve Service members and your families who are affected by deployments to participate in our outdoor adventure activities through the R4R initiative. Discover what’s offered in the coming months.

Three unique ideas for gift-giving

holiday gift? No time to look on the internet for ideas? Hate crowded shopping centers? JBLM MWR offers unique gifts you can buy at lunch or after work right here at JBLM. Take a look at some unique ideas for gifts that will always be remembered.

know how to find that

What does MWR do for you?

Meet MWR employees who serve with you in mind

Meet Alicia, Arts & Crafts Center business manager. She sought out the Pacific Northwest and JBLM as the place she and her husband want to live and retire, and she brings experience and passion to her career in serving the JBLM community in all things creative.

She came from Osan Air Base, South Korea, where she lived with her Air Force husband. With extensive experience in customer ser vice and community center activities, Alicia says that helping people through community service has been fulfilling and rewarding. She now applies her skills to helping people build resiliency and experience joy through creativ ity. “Whether it’s painting, ceramics, creating a glass mosaic or even just ordering a custom gift, it brings people joy,” Alicia says.

“One of the favorite parts of my job here is getting out into the community with special events and showing people what we have to offer,” Alicia says. “I feel like the COVID restrictions made people lose track and forget that we have an Arts & Crafts Center. I want to show them that we’re still here!

“For instance, we hosted a kids’ craft table at Oktoberfest, and families were thrilled with

it! We also recently had a paint-a-pumpkin and ceramic gourd craft in-house with some of our walk-in customers. In November, we’re planning a holiday ornament decorating time for families. We’re leaning on Saturday event planning for families to come in and discover everything we offer. We’re here for you — we offer so many services and are planning to launch even more. We’d like you to come here, and we’re happy to go to wherever you are, as well.”

The direction the Arts & Crafts Center is taking is not only community involvement, but also community morale and resiliency building. “We’re offering various arts and crafts kits that we’ve pieced together — paint by number, mosaic and dot art with instructions. Plus, we’re coming up with more types of kits. The kits are free for active duty Service members and veterans as part of the Resiliency Through Art program. They’re also available for pur chase at a low cost for everyone else — an excellent holiday gift!

“Our resiliency program specifically focuses on fostering morale, mental health and good habits for Service members and veterans who are in need of it,” Alicia explains. “Our military

“ One thing I’ve learned and want to let everyone know is that sometimes it’s good to stop and try something new. Try to paint a piece of ceramic, try to make a dot painting, try a mosaic. All you can do is give it a shot and either giggle at the results and try again, or you find that you get better with time. You just might find a new hobby you love! ”

goes through a lot of continual stress, and sometimes they need a minute to de-stress. Art provides that in a unique way — it gives you something to do with your hands, it takes your mind off the stress and, when you create something, usually you feel better about it because you’ve made something. It can also help you filter through the stress you have, soothing you and getting you into a healthier state of mind. The kits are simple enough for anybody to make and feel happy with the results, raising your morale. We bring these kits to those in the Soldier Recovery Unit.

“Aside from reacquainting ourselves with the JBLM community, another challenge we still face at the Arts & Crafts Center is the supply chain being diminished over the past two years,” says Alicia. “The way to get around that is to thoroughly communicate with our customers. We’re particularly good at one-onone service with every customer who comes in. When they ask for certain products, like for a framing project, we’ll let them know about good alternatives, such as a certain frame or glass that’s in stock. We’re masters of finding alternatives that our customers are pleased with and satisfying them with these choices. In fact, we’ve had a number of fantastic customer comments that let us know how happy they are with the work we’ve done, given their time frame and choice of materials.”

Alicia encourages the JBLM community to take part in Arts & Crafts Center activities and services. “I’m not particularly artistically

talented, but I’m surrounded by the people on my team who are fantastically artistic and creative,” she says. “One thing I’ve learned and want to let everyone know is that some times it’s good to stop and try something new. Try to paint a piece of ceramic, try to make a dot painting, try a mosaic. All you can do is give it a shot and either giggle at the results and try again, or you find that you get better with time. You just might find a new hobby you love! Here’s your chance to try something new you might not have thought about doing before — give it a shot. Come in and take an hour to paint ceramics or take a kit home and try it out. We offer you on-the-spot ceramics and painting, plus kits you can work on in the studio. Bring your family or friends in for an art and craft time!”

The Arts & Crafts Center is located at 1121 Barnes Blvd., McChord Field. For more information, call 253-982-6719.

Patti Jeffrey

New adventures are waiting for you

Outdoor Recreation offers a variety of fall adventures

For fun outdoor adventures, you can’t beat JBLM’s Outdoor Recreation program!

Join us for a variety of upcoming activities. Find registration information at JBLM.army mwr.com. Here’s what we’re planning for you!

Tour Oregon waterfalls

Come with us on a tour of the highest con centration of waterfalls in the continental U.S. Saturday, Nov. 5. We’ll drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway, which has an abun dance of small waterfalls visible from the road. We’ll stop and walk to five major waterfalls, including the famous Multnomah Falls, which plunges 620 feet from its origins.

All ages are invited to join us; minors must have parent or guardian supervision. The cost is $55 for ages 13 and older, $40 for ages 6–12 and $20 for ages 5 and younger. The cost includes transportation, tolls and parking fees. Pack lunch, water, weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable walking shoes and a rain jacket.

Explore Lopez Island by bike

If you like idyllic scenery for bike rides, you’ll love riding Lopez Island with its rolling hills and pastoral views! Come with us Sunday, Nov. 6 with our guide on a 25-mile bike exploration around the island. If you prefer your own pace,

you can head out on your own and meet up with us later.

The $80 cost includes transportation, ferry ticket, parking fees, bikes and helmets.

Ages 12 and older are invited to join us; minors must have parent or guardian supervi sion. Pack water, lunch and rain gear (if rain is in the forecast) and bring your personal bike and helmet if you prefer. Wear comfortable shoes for biking and walking.

Wine tour for women

Join us on a premier wine tour just for women Saturday, Nov. 12. We’ll stop at four unique offerings in the Hollywood District of Woodinville Wine Country, where you can take your time for tours and sipping.

Open to ages 21 and older, the trip costs $50 for transportation and driver. Bring your wallet with ID, and buy some wine and gifts to take home!

Tour coastal artilleries

Travel back in time as we tour several coastal artillery bases that protected our ports during WWII. Sunday, Nov. 13, we’ll visit Fort Flagler and Fort Worden, part of the Triangle of Fire that protected the Admiralty Inlet into Puget Sound.

We’ll walk quite a distance over uneven ter rain, foot paths and stairs, and enter dark, tight rooms and hallways.

The $65 cost includes transportation, guide and a head lamp for each person.

The trip is open to ages 13 and older (youth must have parent or guardian supervision). Wear comfortable walking shoes and weatherappropriate clothing; bring snacks and water.

Mountain bike Swan Creek Park

Sign up for a trip to Swan Creek Park to learn or improve your mountain biking skills Sunday, Nov. 13. The skills park and singletrack trails of Swan Creek create a phenom enal venue both to explore mountain biking for the first time or hone your advanced maneuvering. Join us for a day on the trails for skills instruction and a great time exploring the forest.

Youth ages 14 and older with parent or guardian supervision are welcome to sign up. The ability to ride a bike is required.

The cost is $45, which includes transporta tion, equipment and instruction. Pack food and water, and wear active clothing. You can bring your own mountain bike if you prefer.

Brewery tour

Join us on a brewery tour of Bremerton Saturday, Nov. 19. Explore three different local breweries with opportunities to see other town sights! We’ll take you to Bremerton and shuttle you between brewery locations.

Open to ages 21 and older, the $30 cost includes transportation and shuttling between locations.

Bring money and ID for the breweries and snacks, and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Learn outdoor photography

Every good photo begins with the right expo sure. As adept as automatic mode on cameras

are, they aren’t perfect and cannot make an artistic setting.

Elevate your picture-taking from good to great as you begin to understand the most important elements of proper exposure in a half-day beginner’s class Saturday, Nov. 19 at Russell Landing Marina.

Class members younger than age 18 must have parent or guardian supervision. The $45 cost includes instruction and practice outdoors.

Bring your digital single-lens reflex camera, any extra lenses, memory card, extra batteries and appropriate outdoor clothing.

Learn navigation skills in geocaching

Go on the ultimate scavenger hunt, learning basic navigation skills as we hunt for geocach es throughout Point Defiance Park Sunday, Nov. 20.

The $15 cost includes a shuttle to and from each location and a geocaching app.

Ages 8 and older are invited to join us (youth must have parent or guardian supervision). Wear outdoor clothing and comfortable hiking shoes, and bring lunch, snacks and water.

Capture rain forest photographs

Come explore the Quinault Rain Forest in the Olympic National Forest with us Sunday, Nov. 20.

We’ll ride the 30-mile loop road around Lake Quinault and visit waterfalls, streams and exquisite rain forest growth to take landscape photos.

Keep an eye out for Roosevelt elk, black-tail deer, bald eagles and other wildlife while we walk on short trails into the rain forest.

All ages are welcome to sign up; minors must have parent or guardian supervision. Hikers must be able to navigate the mainly flat trails on their own.

Continued on next page.

The $75 cost includes round-trip transporta tion, park fees and an experienced instructor. Wear layers of weather-appropriate clothing, rain gear and comfortable hiking shoes, and pack food and water.

Bring your digital single-lens reflex camera, any extra lenses, memory card, extra batter ies, lens covers, shower cap to protect your camera from rain and a microfiber cloth for lenses.

Camp out with family Thanksgiving weekend

Join us for our #OptOutside Thanksgiving weekend camping trip at Millersylvania State Park Nov. 25–27! Instead of shopping, get out and enjoy fresh air, good times and family fun.

The park offers miles of hiking trails, a dock for fishing and a watercraft launch. We’ll pro vide camp-cooking equipment. You can rent all the standard camping gear you’ll need from Northwest Adventure Center (we’ll provide you with a camping list).

All ages are welcome to sign up; the cost is $150 per family.

Get excited for Christmas Train

Purchase your tickets now for the 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 Mount Hood Christmas Train.

We’ll be transporting you and your family to enjoy a day of Christmas magic in the Oregon Hood River area, which turns into a wonder land with shopping, food and fun. With your prepurchased train ticket, you’ll be whisked into a land of songs and stories, treats, elves and a special gift from Santa himself!

The cost for transportation and parking fees is $75. All ages are welcome to sign up; minors must have parent or guardian supervision.

Visit Leavenworth’s Village of Lights

Each December, the mountain village of Leavenworth celebrates the holidays with more than 500,000 lights, music and entertain ment. Let us drive you there so you can simply enjoy the day exploring, shopping and dining!

We’ll be providing trips Sundays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18, and Saturday, Dec. 17. The cost for transportation and parking fees is $55. All ages are welcome to sign up; minors must have parent or guardian supervision.

What’s coming up Cost Head count

Saturday, Dec. 3 Mount Hood Christmas train $75 Max. 12

Sunday, Dec. 4

NEW! Fly Fishing 101 $45 Max. 15

Sunday, Dec. 4 Leavenworth Lights $55 Max. 12

Saturday, Dec. 10 Mount Rainier showshoeing $50 Max. 10

Saturday, Dec. 10 Photography 101 class $45 Max. 10

Sunday, Dec. 11

Composition 101 class $45 Max. 10

Sunday, Dec. 11 Leavenworth Lights $55 Max. 12

Saturday, Dec. 17 Mount Rainier showshoeing $65 Max. 12

Saturday, Dec. 17 Leavenworth Lights $55 Max. 12

Sunday, Dec. 18 Leavenworth Lights $55 Max. 12

Note: These trips and classes may be filled or canceled after the publication date. To check on availability, call 253-967-7744.

Stay fit with runs & fitness classes

Races for everyone

Register now for wear blue Veterans Day Run

Honor veterans with the wear blue Veterans Day 11-mile/11K/1.1K Run Saturday, Nov. 12 at Wilson Sports & Fitness Center.

Online registration closes Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 11:59 p.m. (you’ll be able to pick up your race T-shirt after the event at a later date). For registration details, visit JBLM.armymwr.com/ programs/races

Day-of-race registration is 9–10 a.m. Race packet pickup is 11 a.m.–6 p.m. The 1.1K run starts at 10:45 a.m.; the 11-miler and 11K start at 11.

Race costs are as follows:

• 11-miler and 11K — ranks E1–E4 pay $25; everyone else pays $30.

• 1.1K — ranks E1–E-4 pay $10; everyone else pays $12.

For more details, email usarmy.jblm.imcom. list.dfmwr-sports@army.mil

Get ready for December fun run

Don your winter costumes for JBLM’s 1K/5K Run Rudolf Run! The race will take place in conjunction with the Saturday, Dec. 3 Holiday Tree Lighting and Winterfest at Lewis Main.

Look for entry details at JBLM.armymwr.com/ programs/races

Get in on basketball

Sign up for open basketball tourney

Interested in competing in basketball? Join SFA’s Open Holiday Basketball Tournament Dec. 5–8. This tourney is open to all DOD ID card holders.

Come to the informational meeting Monday, Nov. 21, 6 p.m. at Soldiers Field House.

The registration deadline is Monday, Nov. 28. The cost is free; call 253-967-6420 or email usarmy.jblm.imcom.list.dfmwr-sports@army. mil to register.

Try out a fitness class

Choose from variety of fitness options

We’re offering a variety of free fitness classes to capture your interest and challenge you! Join a class in cardio kickboxing, indoor cycling, Zumba, yoga or MixxedFit!

Also join iStroll parent-and-child fitness class (participants pay a fee) and free water aero bics in the pool. Find the schedule at JBLM. armymwr.com under Sports & Fitness.

Patti Jeffrey

Recharge for resiliency

Refresh & reset program for JBLM Air Force families

JBLM’s Outdoor Recreation program is integrating Air Force services’ Recharge for Resiliency program into its many offerings to the JBLM community.

We encourage our Air Force and Air Force Reserve Service members and your families who are affected by deployments to participate in our outdoor adventure activities through the R4R initiative.

The program helps:

• Airmen readjust to life at home and also include families in their reintegration.

• Connect Airmen and their families and single Airmen with people of similar interests through fun and challenging adventures.

• Foster a strong culture, mission and sense of community for single Airmen.

Upon receiving official deployment orders, family members may use R4R during your Service member’s deployment and up to a year after your Service member returns home. Family members also can invite one guest of your choice to accompany you on outdoor recreation activities.

The cost for each ODR activity is only $5 per eligible person! Here’s a list of upcoming ODR

activities (see descriptions on pages 9–12):

• Saturday, Nov. 5: Oregon waterfall tour.

• Sunday, Nov. 6: Lopez Island trip.

• Sunday, Nov. 13: Coastal artillery tour.

• Sunday, Nov. 13: Swan Creek mountain biking.

• Saturday, Nov. 19: Photography 101.

• Sunday, Nov. 20: Geocaching.

• Sunday, Nov. 20: Rainforest photography.

• Nov. 25–27: Family camping trip.

• Sunday, Dec. 11: Photography 101.

• Sunday, Dec. 11: Composition 101.

• Saturday, Dec. 17: Mount Rainier snowshoeing.

Note that these trips may be canceled due to low enrollment. Cancellations will be decided within 48 hours of the event. The more you spread the word, the more Air Force Service members and families who can participate!

R4R trips are available all year long, so sign up for or check out upcoming trips by emailing usarmy.jblm.imcom.list.dfmwr-odr@army.mil or calling 253-967-7744.

For more information about the R4R initia tive, visit JBLM.armymwr.com/programs/ adventure-programs/R4R.

made easier

Lional Kam

Find fun times around JBLM

Discover more of MWR’s events & leisure activities

Bowling is for everyone

Bowl with Veterans Classic pros

Get an opportunity to bowl with the pros at the 2022 PBA Veterans Classic at Bowl Arena Lanes. Open to patrons and guests with base access, the cost is $50 and includes three games of bowling and shoe rental Friday, Nov. 11 (register by Tuesday, Nov. 1).

Spectators also will enjoy watching some of the top bowlers on tour at the pro bowling tournament and championship rounds Nov. 12–13.

Bowl Arena Lanes is at 2272 Liggett Ave. at Lewis Main. Call 253-967-4661 or see the event schedule at JBLM.armymwr.com.

Rent a party space for active fun

Did you know that you can host parties and more at Bowl Arena Lanes? Rent out the “Spare Room” for up to three hours with pack ages that include pizzas and soda pitchers, bowling and shoe rentals. Choose from pack ages for 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 attendees.

Questions? Call 253-967-4661 or visit the front counter.

Get in on Pizza & Bowling Sundays

Bring your group to Bowl Arena Lanes

Sundays, noon–6 p.m. and receive a large one-topping pizza for $3 off the regular price (limit two pizzas).

Show your bowling receipt to the Strike Zone Café staff to receive your discount. Pizza redemption must be made on the same Sun day you bowl.

Bowl Arena is at 2272 Liggett Ave., Lewis Main. Questions? Call 253-967-4661.

October Warrior Zone fun

Enter NFL Pick ‘Ems for prizes

Come out to Warrior Zone to fill out your weekly football picks for the NFL Pick ‘Ems contest lasting all NFL season.

At the end of the season, first place wins a $250 Exchange gift card, second place wins a $100 Exchange gift card and third place wins a $50 Exchange gift card.

Participants also can enter a drawing once weekly to get a chance to win an NFL jersey of your choice at the end of the season.

NFL Pick ‘Ems are open to DOD ID card holders ages 18 and older. Warrior Zone is on the corner of N. 17th and D streets at Lewis North.

Questions? Call 253-477-5756.

Continued on page 22.

Emiliano Hernandez

Compete in Texas Hold ‘Em tourney

Drop by Warrior Zone Saturday, Nov. 5 to enter the friendly Texas Hold ‘Em poker tour nament and compete for one of the top five player prizes — a $300, $200, $150, $50 or $25 Exchange gift card. The event is open to DOD ID card holders ages 18 and older.

Watch UFC 281 live Visit Warrior Zone to view live UFC 281 action featuring Adesanya vs. Pereira Satur day, Nov. 12 at 5 p.m. Purchase appetizers, dinner and drinks from Warrior Zone Café while you’re here!

Events are open to DOD ID card holders ages 18 and older.

Test your knowledge with Marvel trivia

Do you know more about Marvel heroes in the cinematic universe than anyone else? Win prizes when you play in a special Kahoot! trivia night at Warrior Zone starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16.

Play three rounds of 20 questions — each round gets progressively more challenging. The winner of each round receives a $25 gift card; second- and third-place winners in each round each receive a $10 food voucher for the café.

Tournaments are open to DOD ID card hold ers ages 18 and older.

Join more fun times at Warrior Zone

Want a place to hang out Wednesdays–Sun days? Warrior Zone offers games, competi tions and recreation for adults:

• Watch sports on our big screens and over head TVs. Grab a strategic spot after you

grab a burger and brew to watch your favorite team.

• Join us for Wednesday Trivia every week starting at 7 p.m. — it’s free to play! Trivia questions will be displayed throughout the |facility and players use your personal de vices to answer. Play for bragging rights and café food vouchers.

• Compete for prizes in our pool tourneys Thursdays at 7 p.m.

• Get in on Fighting Games Night Fridays starting at 7. Compete and show off your slick skills on our gaming stations!

• Saturdays, come out for Anime Night at 7.

• Join us for PlayStation VR all day Sundays.

Events are open to DOD ID card holders ages 18 and older. Warrior Zone is on the cor ner of N. 17th and D streets at Lewis North.

Eat happy at Warrior Zone Café

Warrior Zone Café has something on our menu for nearly everyone’s appetites. From hearty burgers and loaded sandwiches to light wraps, we’re keeping it tasty!

DOD ID card holders ages 18 and older can drop in to order your favorites. Whether you like flatbread pizzas, gourmet salads or other

favorite, we offer a variety of tastes! Also order up a cold brew or drink to go with your meal. Warrior Zone Café is at 17th and D streets, Lewis North.

Note: MWR-related activities may be canceled or rescheduled after the publication date. To check on updates, visit JBLM.armymwr.com

unique ideas for gift-giving

By Patti Jeffrey

Don’t

know how to find that unforgettable holiday gift? No time to look on the internet for ideas? Hate crowded shopping centers? JBLM MWR offers unique gifts you can buy at lunch or after work right here at JBLM. Take a look at some unique ideas for gifts that will always be remembered.

1 Give them experiences of a lifetime

For that hard-to-please person on your gift list, the easy solution is to give them an adven ture they won’t forget!

Sign up your family or friends for a trip with you to explore the great outdoors through the Outdoor Recreation program.

Turn to page 8 for a list of upcoming trips, and visit JBLMmwrRegistration.com for details for an adventure of your choice this holiday season! Choose from fun tours, hikes, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking and more.

Go even bigger with a surprise trip to Dis neyland or Walt Disney World for the entire family — all active-duty families receive dis count pricing through Disney’s Military Salute program. Leisure Travel Services also offers discount tickets to Universal Studios, Lego land, Six Flags, Sea World and other popular destinations.

LTS is located inside Northwest Adventure Center at 8050 NCO Beach Rd., Lews North. For more information, call 253-967-3085 or see the current destination price list at JBLM.armymwr.com/programs/leisuretravel-services

2 Buy recreational gear at our shops

For the golfers among us, be sure to get in on JBLM golf courses’ annual Holiday Sale Dec. 1–23. You’ll find bargains with in-stock items at a minimum of 10 percent off, plus door prizes and holiday treats.

Continued on page 27.

It’s easy to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts through MWR

ability to see is precious. It’s integral to every

over 30 years, we have continued to deliver the most

Our results have proven how truly exceptional

are whose purpose is to preserve and improve

At Evergreen

you are our focus.

starts over for 2023. We still have

see us before

or the remainder of 2022.

Eagle’s Pride Golf Course is off I-5, Exit 116 (253-967-6522). Whispering Firs is located at 895 Lincoln Blvd. at McChord Field (253-982-2124).

Also stop by the Northwest Adventure Cen ter to purchase a variety of winter snow sports and sporting equipment accessories! Best of all, you never pay tax, so you’ll spend less than at off-base outfitters.

The NAC is at 8050 NCO Beach Rd. at Lewis North. Call 253-967-7744 for more information.

For bowlers or those who want to learn, con sider buying a new bowling ball or accessories at Bowl Arena Lanes’ pro shop. Not only does the staff know what’s best to purchase for your family members or friends, they’ll customize the fitting once your gift is received. Also ask about bowling instruction for beginners or to improve your scores.

3 Personalize your gifts

Your Arts & Crafts Center is also your holiday gift shop! Come in and discover all the personalized items you can create. Get a jump on holiday gift-giving with unique and crafty items. Here are some ideas:

• Create personalized holiday photo cards at

the Arts & Crafts Center’s photo kiosk.

• Purchase unique keepsake wood-and-glass ornaments designed by Arts & Crafts Center staff. You even can add your own custom engraving on the glass ornament.

• Order coffee mugs printed with your favorite photos.

• Make a colorful ceramic plate with your child’s handprints on it for parents or grand parents to hang on the wall or for display.

• Decorate your tree with ceramic ornaments from the paint-and-go studio, or even paint and bring home your own ceramic light-up Christmas tree from the studio!

• Create a family memento with personal objects artistically arranged in a custom shadow box.

• Custom-frame your family portrait.

• Order engraving on glassware, photo frames, keepsakes and other items that you order or bring in. Want more ideas? Call or drop by to ask about creating many more customized gifts. Call 253-982-6719 or drop by to ask about our selection of materials and projects.

The Arts & Crafts Center is located at 1121 Barnes Blvd., McChord Field.

Leigh Correia

MWR Question of the Month

Hannah: I am grateful to live in a beautiful state with color ful seasons. So excited to go to the pumpkin patch this fall!

Valerie: I am so grateful for life and all it affords me, my family, love, faith, health and God’s bounty.

Mary: The first friends I’ve really ever had. I have so many here now that I love so much.

Angel: I’m thankful for my family and friends that have been so uplifting and helpful during this crazy experience.

Julia: That I am saved … and my beautiful family that I have been blessed with.

Amy: The gift of life and all the loved ones I get to share it with.

Reyn: Life... ‘cause some one somewhere didn’t make it this morning. So thankful that I have another day above ground.

Kulitz: I am very thankful for internet and messaging apps. Because of that my husband and I and my kids can com municate and see him when he is TDY or deployed.

Nicole: I’m so thankful for my life. I have an amazing husband, incredible kids, a supportive family, a great job and a happy home, but even when everything hasn’t been as good I’m still blessed.

We asked our Facebook followers: What are you most thankful for? Here’s what many of you said.

Kelsie: I’m thankful for my hardworking hus band, my beautiful daughter, the roof over our heads and the food in our bellies!

Haleigh: I’m most thankful for my community and the amazing people I share my time with.

Jolene: There is so much to be thankful for! But I am thankful for my family!

Alejandra: I’m grateful for life overall and how far I’ve come with so many obstacles, especially this past year. I’m thankful for my beautiful family and that we all have support and love from each other.

Rachael: My family and our wonderful tribe of friends in the Pacific Northwest.

Jong: Thankful for our house, cars, jobs, families and health!

Patty: I am thankful for my 97-year-old moth er. She fought Nazis and married my father, a soldier in the United States Army. She raised three children while supporting his career. They were married 64 years, until my father passed away. I’m grateful that I have the honor of taking care of her each and every day.

Jessie: I am most thankful for my kids. They are my everything.

Los Salvajes: I’m thankful I haven’t com pletely lost it on my kids or husband yet — 2020 and homeschooling was a close one! But seriously, our health as a family has been rough the last three years and now everyone is in remission or in clearance of the condition!

Gina: I’m thankful for my family and good health.

Anthony: Family, friends and good health!

Manda: I’m most grateful for my three kiddos that made me a mother! They are wild and drive me crazy, but I wouldn’t change a thing! It’s a blessing every day.

Adrienne: I am thankful for the unconditional love I receive from my family. It’s the best!

Tatiana: I’m grateful for my life and all the blessings that I have.

Ashley: I am most thankful for my family and my faith!

Annabel: Super thankful for my family and the friends I have made here and thankful for coffee.

Younghee: I’m thankful for my awesome

daughter — she has a gift for making everyone feel welcome.

Melani: The breath of life in me and every liv ing thing I have been blessed to encounter and connect with — from friends and family, furry creatures, the beautiful environment we live in and “Ms.” Rainier who exudes excellence.

Tamia: My family, physical health, mental health and spiritual health!

Kelli: I am most thankful for my family. I have a very supportive husband and my kids are okay, too.

Jennifer: I’m grateful for second chances, both giving and receiving.

Silvia: My family and friends (neighbors) — it takes a village to make you feel like home and I’m grateful I found home so far from home.

Taylor: We just had this talk yesterday as a family. I’m thankful for the stability of a good job and food security.

Tin: I’m thankful for all the struggles I’ve experienced and handled it well. Being alone with our daughter most of the time, it’s hard to do things on your own. I’m thankful because it is also a life lesson for me.

Anna: I’m so thankful for the gift of life. And so thankful for the family and friends I have.

Kateri: I am thankful for the life I have, family and friends that make it memorable, and for good health.

Kayla: A healthy family and pregnancy with our first son who is due to be here the first week of November!

Amber: I’m so thankful for my kids and husband. They make me better and make me wanna do better!

Nicole: I am most thankful for how much stronger my little family has gotten.

Katti: I am most grateful for my family!

Armida: I’m thankful for my family and friends. Be surrounded by beautiful people.

Jin: I’m thankful for my friends, family, my dog and most importantly, my husband.

Eddy: I’m thankful for my husband and dogs.

Evan: I’m thankful for my family, friends and pets.

Trisha: I am most thankful for my family, friends, health and wonderful husband.

MATTERS

Get creative at the

Arts & Crafts Center

Here’s an easy way to get custom-made gifts, awards and memorabilia — check out what the Arts & Crafts Center can do for you.

Need to get something engraved? Let our master engraver wow you with the results.

Looking to custom-frame family photos? We have endless options to fit any taste.

Want to show off your business or unit in style? Give us your business, unit or command logo or design and choose the garment, style and color and we’ll do the rest.

When you work with the experts, you get professional staff who are eager to collaborate with you on any project you may have. Step up your game with the Arts & Crafts Center!

The Arts & Crafts Center is at 1121 Barnes Blvd. at McChord Field. Call 253-982-6719 for more information.

Take a look at our virtual catalog at JBLM.armymwr.com/ programs/arts-crafts.

Explore the world at JBLM libraries

Fun November events

Teen ‘Back to Kindergarten’ night

Join us at Grandstaff Library for a fun night just for teens Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 5 p.m. Leave the stress of middle and high school behind — go back to kindergarten with play dough, Lego and other fun, plus snack time! Get to know new friends and have a good time with everyone.

Kids can have fun at ‘Slime Night’ Kids ages 7–12, get crazy at JBLM libraries’ Slime Night 4–5:30 p.m.:

• Thursday, Nov. 3 at Grandstaff Library.

• Tuesday, Nov. 15 at McChord Library. Also enjoy socializing and snacks!

Enjoy adults’ paint pouring night

Adults are invited to come out to JBLM libraries’ paint pouring craft night Wednesday, Nov. 9, 5–7 p.m. at Grandstaff Library. Enjoy socializing and snacks while you create a fun paiting. Please register in advance by calling 253-967-5889; spacing is limited.

Share with ‘kindness rocks’ Celebrate World Kindness Day all week at Book Patch and McChord libraries Nov. 14–18 by using your artistic talents through painting rocks to hide around JBLM. If you post a photo of your kindness rock or a kindness rock you’ve found on the library Facebook page, you’ll receive a sweet sur prise by coming to either library and showing us.

Watch a free movie Come out for a free movie night Wednes day, Nov. 16 at 5 p.m. to see “Thor: Love and Thunder.”

McChord Library is hosting its movie for McChord teens only (ages 13–18). Grandstaff Library invites all families to the event.

Celebrate National Button Day

All ages are invited to McChord Library Wednesday, Nov. 16 for a National Button Day craft event! Drop in during business hours — the library is providing craft buttons, glue and preprinted designs on card stock that you can turn into fall-themed works of art to take home!

Gather together

Have fun while learning

Join Little Sprouts learning time

Parents with children up to 24 months can attend McChord Library’s Little Sprouts Music and Stories each Tuesday at 10 a.m. (parent participation required).

This special time enhances your young ones’ development through engaging storytimes with songs, rhymes and dance and movement with activities such as puppets, color parachute, peeka-boo scarves and simple instruments.

Drop by for this free learning and play time — no registration needed!

Play creative games

Play at Pokémon gaming club

Families of all ages are invited to come out to McChord and Grandstaff libraries on the first and third Saturdays of the month to play Pokémon games.

Join this friendly competition under a Nintendo-certified Pokémon Professor. Don’t know how to play? No problem, we’ll teach you — we have demo decks!

We’ll meet 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Nov. 5 at McChord Library and Nov. 19 at Grandstaff Library.

We’re also offering other related family card and board games, including Yu-Gi-Oh and classics like Battleship. Also enjoy free snacks and drinks, plus $10–$15-valued prizes.

Build at Family Lego Nights

We provide the Lego sets and you provide the imagination! Come and get creative at JBLM libraries’ Family Lego Nights 4:30–6 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month at Grandstaff and McChord libraries (except this month will be Nov. 30 due to Thanksgiving).

Families can choose a kit or free-build Lego sets for creative family bonding time. McChord Library even puts your projects on display!

Look at our collection of Lego books that show you new ways to build. See you soon for build ing creatively!

Get library help

Book a Tech Expert

Are you puzzled by new devices, downloads and software? Get one-on-one help with your technology questions at JBLM libraries with Book a Tech Expert. We’re here to:

• Assist you with digital resources, such as library’s e-books or audiobooks.

• Help you get familiarized with your phone, laptop or tablet.

• Help you better learn your software.

To get started, book a free session with a tech expert at any JBLM library by email (from JBLM. armymwr.com), by phone or in person.

Brenda Camren

Enjoy lively reading times

Family reading fun

Join us for storytime

McChord and Book Patch Children’s libraries offer free weekly children’s storytimes where reading is fun for the entire family.

Storytimes are held Wednesdays at 11 a.m. at McChord Library and 3:30 p.m. at Book Patch Children’s Library. Afterward, each child is invited to make a craft to take home.

Reserve your spot for Kinder-Ready Storytime

Come join us at Book Patch Children’s Library for Kinder-Ready Storytime. We offer two sessions every Tuesday at 10 and 11 a.m.

This hands-on teaching time helps develop essential skills to prepare children ages 3–5 for kindergarten. The program teaches social and emotional skills, letter and number recognition and academic skills through songs, rhymes, games and crafts. Parents are encouraged to participate in your child’s activities.

Registration is required due to space and group size limit for more individualized atten tion.

Call 253-967-5533 to reserve your place.

Book clubs for adults

Take part in monthly book discussion

Like to discuss current books? Join JBLM libraries’ book discussion group for adults that meets Tuesday, Nov. 8 at McChord Library at 4:30 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 10 at Grandstaff Library at 5 p.m.

This month, we’ll discuss “Lady in the Lake”

by Laura Lippman. A limited number of copies are available; register in person to receive a copy. Digital e-books or audiobooks also may be available.

Check out next month’s selection, “The Only Woman in the Room” by Marie Benedict.

Check out fan/sci-fi book club

Grandstaff Library is now offering a new fantasy/sci-fi book club for adults the third

Monday of the month that meets in the confer ence room 4:30–6 p.m. Each month, we’ll alternate genres.

If you enjoy fantasy and science fiction and want to discuss this underserved genre with other like-minded adults, join us for our Nov. 21 meeting.

We’ll discuss “Dune” by Frank Herbert. A limited number of copies will be available for checkout at the library circulation desk.

Hillside youth learn, play & grow

Ifyou’ve wondered what Hillside Youth Center/Teen Zone is all about, rest assured that your preteen and teen will get heard, understood and challenged here!

We teach our youth the importance of trust worthiness, 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 on any given day, 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.

This year, we’re in the swing of things with lots of special events along with regular pro grams. Here’s what regular programs we have to offer your preteens and teens:

• Middle School/Teen programming 2:30–7 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 with 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 or Year and more.

• Our Teen Town Halls where youth gather to help plan programs and events for the cen ter. They also can voice concerns and ideas in a safe and judgment-free environment.

• Hails and Farewells when we say goodbye to those who are moving to another station and a big welcome to those who are new to JBLM.

• On-base transportation for pickups and dropoffs weekdays only. If transportation is needed, call us!

Hillside membership is free! If your youth is already registered in Child & Youth Services, all they need to do is fill out our application.

We’re located at 6397 Garcia Blvd. at Lewis Main. Call us at 253-967-4441 for more infor mation or if you have a question.

Develop new skills with youth sports

Youth sports stresses safety & inclusion

Our comprehensive youth sports program hosts recreational leagues that are inclusive of all ages of youth who want to learn the funda mentals and have fun.

Youth must be registered with JBLM’s Child & Youth Services to participate in youth sports.

Parents may wish to check local alternatives for players with advanced sports skills and greater ambition.

We need your energy for youth sports! Share your love of sports with JBLM youth as a volunteer sports coach. Youth Sports provides training and offers sports fee vouchers. A background check is required.

For details, stop by the Youth Sports office at 6398 Garcia Blvd., (Lewis Main). The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Questions? Call 253-967-2405.

LEAGUE SPORTS Sign-up Dates Ages & Cost Practices Start

First Game Day Season Ends

Basketball & Cheer Through Nov. 18 5–15; $65 Dec. 5 Jan. 7, 2023 Feb. 11, 2023

SOWA Basketball & Cheer Through Nov. 27 8–18; $65 Nov. 29 Regionals (TBD) March 5, 2023

Dates

&

Dates Time & Location

Funky Fit Development Nov. 15–Dec. 19 3–4; $25 Dec. 20–22 3:30–4:30 p.m. | Youth Gym, 2295 S. 12th St.

Basketball BOOT Camp Nov. 15–Dec. 19 5–15; $35 Dec. 20–22

Ages 5–8: 10 a.m.–noon. Ages 9–15: 1–3 p.m. Youth Gym, 2295 S. 12th St.

Volleyball Camp Nov. 15–Dec. 26 9–15; $35 Dec. 27–29 10–11:30 a.m. | Youth Gym, 2295 S. 12th St.

Funky Fit Games/ Indoor Sports Nov. 15–Dec. 26 5–15; $35 Dec. 27–29 12:30–2 p.m. | Youth Gym, 2295 S. 12th St.

Karate

4–18; $40

Enroll in sports, camps and classes at JBLMcysRegistration.com

. The Youth Sports office is located at 6398 Garcia Blvd., Lewis Main. Questions? Call 253-967-2405.

See youth sports registration details here.

Youth fun activity pages

Thanksgiving Word Search

I Spy

How many of each do you spy in the puzzle? It helps to color each type of object the same!

My favorite MWR program is Outdoor Recreation. Washington is such a beautiful state, and ODR gives you the opportunity to explore its beauty.

I enjoy the parks on base, specifically Shoreline Park. It’s such a nice area to walk around on warm summer nights. It’s also the perfect place to spend a day with family sitting lakeside enjoy-

Each month, hear what staff members across MWR like best about our services!

MWR Staff Pick Renee

ing the water and warm sunshine in the few months of the year it doesn’t rain.

The playgrounds are also a big hit with my son. Going to the splash park during summer has been a weekly occurrence, and we always have a blast running through the water and going to the playground right beside it.

ODR also gives you the opportunity to explore off base without having to worry about all the major details like transportation or where to go. Being able to see what the beautiful Pacific North west has to offer without having to worry about the major details is so convenient. I can’t wait to keep exploring during my time here.