October 2020 JBLM MWR e-Focus

FOCUS JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD

October 2020

MORALE, WELFARE & RECREATION GUIDE

Enjoy

October fun

Pages 8, 15 & 29

Tips on autumn photography Pages 4–7 Caring for youth is a priority Pages 10–13 Taste our freshly made meals!

Pages 34–41 1

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Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS October 2020

Text “JBLMmwr” 253

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#JBLMSoundLiving JBLMfocusmag.com

Director, Family & MWR Venicia Morse Marketing director Kimberly Perrenot Editor/layout & design Patti Jeffrey Contributors Shelbi Buettner, Stephanie Gish, JBLM Employee Assistance program, Kaweka Stoney, Kelley Thomas Contributing photographers Carl Vincent Carallas, Odes Gish and 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.

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FOCUS IN THIS ISSUE

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Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS October 2020

FEATURES

4 Beauty shots Learn how to capture vivid images of fall foliage on your camera wherever you are — hiking, taking a walk or sightseeing.

10 Caring for youth is a priority Meet Tamara Brooks, assistant director for Hillside CDC, and hear about the challenges she sees that are facing families at JBLM.

24 For the love of hunting What hunting on the training areas is like at JBLM and what hunters can expect to find.

30 From flab to fab What led one person to springboard back to fitness in spite of the pandemic.

42 Helping out is as simple as asking Engaging in honest conversations about mental health conditions and suicide may lead those in need to readily available resources.

CONTENTS

Just for youth

8

Look at what Hillside Youth Center is planning for October.

Fun & recreation

14

Take part in October festivities; .order custom silk-screening at Arts & Crafts Center; get in on fall golf specials.

Libraries

22

Team up for virtual learning with computer and school resources at your JBLM libraries.

Sports

28

Shake up your routine with the HIKEtober Challenge and Commander’s Cup 5K run.

Dining out

34

See what’s cooking at Habañero; try out chef Kelly’s newest recipe; get freshly prepared to-go meals at MWR eateries.

Sounding off

48

Hear what JBLM Service members, family members, civilians and others like to do in their spare time!

Magazine photos may not be representative of current COVID-19 guidelines. At time of printing, masks are required at all MWR facilities.

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Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS October 2020

FEATURE

Beauty shots While you’re out enjoying natural autumn beauty, target and capture vivid images of fall foliage in city parks and gardens, the mountains and countryside!

By Kaweka Stoney all is the season of change, and the Pacific Northwest is no exception. Washington may be known as the Evergreen State, but each autumn bring shades of fiery red, vibrant yellow and deep, rich gold.

Fall color in the state of Washington typically begins in midSeptember and peaks in mid-October — color conditions can change daily. The display varies from year to year, the color and duration dependent upon the weather conditions.

With the many varieties of trees and foliage, the leaves change certain colors as the days become shorter and cooler.

The vine maple, which often lines Northwest hiking trails, turns to hues of yellow, orange and red. The larch and aspen leaves contribute shades of yellow and gold to the fall palette. Because these trees are often intermingled with evergreens, the fall foliage display in the Northwest is rich and varied.

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Location, location, location

Pictured: Stevens Pass Road at Leavenworth on U.S. Highway 2.

Whether it’s a day trip or a weekend destination, there are plenty of locations around the Pacific Northwest to see the fall foliage — many right around the Seattle area. The Bellevue Botanical Garden is located in Bellevue, with 53 acres of display gardens, meadows, wetlands and woodlands. The garden is open dawn to dusk and admission is free. A hidden gem in Seattle is Kubota Gardens, open year-round and free to the public. You’ll love the compositions of Japanese maples among the fish ponds and waterfalls in the garden.

Continued on next page.

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Leavenworth is an amazing place to visit during autumn as a drive along scenic Highway 2 or Highway 97 — the roadside hills will be loaded with vibrant fall colors. For the more active photographer, the spectacular mountain scenery and yellow Alpine larch trees of the Alpine Lake wilderness area will reward any hiker who tackles the rugged trails outside of Leavenworth. Located just east of the Cascades is the Methow River Valley, where yellow aspen and cottonwood trees line the river and streams.

The drive from Bellingham to Artist Point along the Mount Baker Scenic Byway (the only road to Mount Baker) will take your breath away. Fall is a stunning time to visit Mount Rainier — the crowds and bugs aren’t as plentiful and the landscape never disappoints.

Tips for capturing the essence of autumn Capturing images of fall foliage is only limited to your imagination. Here are some tips that might help you along: • Backlight the foliage for colors that pop. Since the red, orange and yellow leaves of autumn are translucent and light passes through them when backlit, the result is often an explosion of luminance and color.

• Use longer focal-length lenses to isolate color, patterns, shapes, textures and areas of intense autumn color. When using longer lenses, utilize a tripod and cable release — these lenses are more prone to picking up slight vibrations caused by wind.

• Try using larger apertures to create images with shallow depth of field. Images with a shallow depth of field or soft focus can also help create an aesthetic or mood that is more contemplative.

• Taking images after a rain will help make the colors more vibrant.

• Using a polarizer will allow you to control glare and reflections, making colors more vibrant. If saturated colors are what you are after, a polarizer is what you need.

• Look for color contrast — a patch of yellow trees in a sea of evergreens, a single red leaf on a mossy log, or even a green tree in a batch of red ones.

Even beginners can take amazing fall photos while out enjoying fall foliage, so plan your outing now while the color is at its peak!

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Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS October 2020

Pictured: American Lake at American Lake Conference Center, Lewis North.

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Patti Jeffrey

Enjoy October events with friends Parent Central Services is at 2295 S. 12th St., Lewis Main; call 253-966-2977 for an appointment.

Family Child Care is at 2013B N. 3rd St. (at Pendleton Avenue), Lewis Main; 253-967-3039.

Hillside Youth Center/Teen Zone is at 6397 Garcia Blvd., Lewis Main; 253-967-4441.

Youth Sports is at 6398 Garcia Blvd., Lewis Main; 253-967-2405.

JBLMcys

JBLMcys

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Join October-themed Super Saturdays MST youth are invited to Hillside Youth Center/Teen Zone for Super Saturday Fall Fun for MST members in 6th–12th grades.

Saturday, Oct. 10, 1–6 p.m., come to party and get face paintings, temporary tattoos, hair chalk and string extensions, plus cookies and hot chocolate. We’ll also have other fun activities for you to enjoy!

MST youth can join us Saturday, Oct. 24 for an Escape the Room challenge with ghostly trivia, mystery boxes and a lot of tricks and treats from 1–6 p.m. Be ready to stay sharp and work together to figure out the secret to escaping first and winning!

If you aren’t yet a member of Hillside, it’s free to join! The center is open to JBLM middle school and high school youth who are registered with CYS. Visit JBLMmwr.com/programs/mst for information on how to register. Fill out an application and send it to Hillside Youth Center/Teen Zone. We do all the paperwork, including verifying with parents for permission, to get you registered!

Hillside is located at 6397 Garcia Blvd. at Lewis Main. Call us at 253-967-4441 for more information.

Events are subject to change or cancellation.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS October 2020

Come join other Hillside middle school & teen members for Super Saturday fun 1–6 p.m.

Oct. 10 & 24 • Nov. 14 & 21 • Dec. 12 & 19 Join the Fun • Build Projects • Play in Friendly Competitions & Gaming Tourneys • Stay Active!

For more information about Hillside Youth Center and how to join, visit JBLMmwr.com/programs/mst.

Events are subject to change.

Check JBLMmwr.com for updates.

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FEATURE

Caring for youth is a priority

By Patti Jeffrey ho oversees your children at JBLM’s child development centers? People like Tamara Brooks, assistant director of Hillside CDC. She continuously collaborates with her staff, parents and leadership to enable children in their care to grow day-by-day, by taking in what they learn and maturing.

Tamara has been in the childcare field for 16 years, 12 of those years with Child & Youth Services and as assistant director for 10 years.

Undoubtedly, she’s devoted to the care and protection of Hillside children. She says, “I love the sense of ownership we take in every child’s development, how we work together, share the same vision and mission and are mentors of positivity.

“My job requires a lot of multitasking,” says Tamara. “It never gets boring! I love that there is always something new to learn. We all support each other and work together to offer

W

resourceful guidance and then make our ideas a reality. I love being respected, appreciated and listened to.”

Part of her responsibility is making sure the staff feels supported, parents’ concerns are answered, classrooms are adequately supplied and being an experienced resource and mentor to the staff.

The challenges Tamara sees from the pandemic are multiplied by the start of the new school year. “We need to make sure families have childcare during this pandemic.

That’s tough — it’s so hard watching families struggle with not knowing what to do day by day.”

The team at Hillside CDC cares for children 6 weeks–5 years, while Hillside Youth Center’s and the former Hillside SKIES building teams focus on students in kindergarten–5th grade, supervising during the school day while they

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Continued on page 12.

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Patti Jeffrey

Especially for parents, know that you’re not alone in this! Use CYS staff as a resource — we’re not only teachers and child care workers, but we also can listen and help search for answers and resources. If we don’t have the answers, we can find the answers together.

complete remote learning.

“Youth will come to view school differently while in front of a computer, and that’s going to be challenging,” says Tamara. “However, we’ll have at least one staff member who will support them during the day with supervision and help.”

Tamara is optimistic in spite of the challenges. She believes that this new way of doing things is not permanent, nor impossible to overcome.

“It’s easy to let negative thoughts and feelings creep in during this pandemic,” she says.

“I find that having a positive attitude and trying to be optimistic can help filter out some of the constant barrage of bad or discouraging news.

“You can get through this by asking for help and letting others support you. Look at us as one of your support systems, and try to build support at home with family and with friends,” she says about Child & Youth Services.

Her advice for becoming more resilient through this time is to: • Have at least one other person for support to talk through your feelings. If you’re feeling down, don’t be afraid to seek help because there’s help all around. (See JBLM mental health resources on pages 42–44).

• Find things you like doing — indoors and outdoors. It makes you feel better all the way around when you do something positive like moving around, walking, exercising and even going on a hike as a family.

• Especially for parents, know that you’re not alone in this! Use CYS staff as a resource — we’re not only teachers and childcare workers, but we can also listen and help search for answers and resources. If we don’t have the answers, we can find the answers together. We’re that other support system.

For more information on what CYS is currently offering, visit the COVID-19 information pages and resource pages at JBLMcys.com.

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JBLM kids need you!

BECOME A FAMILY CHILDCARE PROVIDER! Earn up to $2,000 per month.

FREE TRAINING from Child & Youth Services!

Orientation: Tuesday, Oct. 20

2013B N. 3rd St., Room 125 Lewis Main

Due to the importance of the meeting, children are not allowed.

APPLY TODAY! Questions? Call 253-967-3039.

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Take part in October fun Pumpkin Carving Contest If you’re buying pumpkins to carve, show off your artistic and creative skills with our Pumpkin Carving Contest Oct. 14–25! Those who get the most votes win Amazon eGift cards!

Here’s how to enter our contest: • Take a good photo of your carved pumpkin and email it with your name and contact info to specialevents@JBLMmwr.com (one submission per contestant).

• All photos will be compiled into a video, uploaded to MWR’s account on YouTube and announced at fb.com/JBLMmwr. on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

• The public will vote Oct. 28 by commenting; those with the most votes win!

Winners in the adult category will receive a $50 Amazon eGift card for first place and a $25 Amazon eGift card for second place.

Winners in the youth category (ages 12–18) will receive a $50 Amazon eGift card for first place and a $25 Amazon eGift card for second place.

Underage winners must have a parent or adult guardian sign for the Amazon eGift card.

Look for more October special events at JBLMmwr.com and fb.com/JBLMmwr under the events tab.

JBLMmwr

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Carl Vincent Carallas

Order custom gifts from Arts & Crafts We can make you custom T-shirts The Arts & Crafts Center offers a robust silkscreen printing operation with experienced staffers eager to make you stand out in a crowd!

Proudly wear your unit, sports team, work or family logos and designs on a comfortable high-quality shirt in a choice of colors and styles to fit any season.

The possibilities are nearly endless with the Arts & Crafts Center covering your back (and your front).

Contact our knowledgeable and friendly staff today to find out what we can do for you.

Order custom projects online Did you know you can order online with Arts & Crafts? Take a look at the virtual catalog at JBLM.armymwr.com/programs/arts-crafts.

Online orders are submitted through email.

Arts & Crafts Center staff will review your order and call the phone number you provide

to discuss any additional details, accept payment and confirm your order. Replies are typically provided within 1–2 business days.

Order production won’t start until all details are finalized and payment is received. This includes delivery of any personal items being framed, such as coins, certificates, photos or pins.

Check out the online catalog today and call us at 253-982-6719 for our email address; we’ll also help you with your order.

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

The center is open weekdays and the first and third Saturdays of the month 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. for orders (in-person visits may be limited due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions; for updates, visit JBLMmwr.com).

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Get fall discounts on golfing Thinking about golfing? You can afford it with October specials!

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he fall golf season is in full swing, and the discounts are getting deeper for golfers at Eagle’s Pride and Whispering Firs golf courses! Check out these savings: • Srixon Golf Special — Schedule your tee between 11 a.m. and 1:20 p.m. Mondays–Fridays at either golf course in October and pay only $23 for your greens fee and a sleeve of Srixon golf balls. Add a cart for $14 per rider.

• 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 Whispering Firs and Eagle’s Pride.

• Twilight golf fees now start at 1:30 p.m.

Eagle’s Pride is off I-5 Exit 116.

Call the pro shop at 253-967-6522.

Come out and start saving on fall golf! For fee tables, visit JBLMmwr.com.

Specials cannot be combined with other specials, used for holidays, tournaments or outings or used with the annual card.

Enter CG golf scramble Compete in the Friday, Oct. 16 scramble at Whispering Firs Golf Course. Open to DOD ID card holders, enter as a four-person team or be placed on a team. The shotgun start is at noon.

The cost is $40 per person and includes your green fee and cart rental. Call the pro shop at 253-982-2124 to enter by Thursday, Oct. 15.

Whispering Firs is at McChord Field, 895 Lincoln Blvd. Call the pro shop at 253-982-2124.

EaglesPrideGolf

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WhisperingFirsGolf

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Carl Vincent Carallas

McChord Library is Book Patch at 851 Lincoln Blvd.

Library is located at McChord Field; inside Grandstaff; JBLMlibrary 253-982-3454.

253-967-5533.

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Grandstaff Library is at 2109 N. 10th (at Pendleton Avenue), Lewis Main; 253-967-5889.

Team up for virtual learning L

et JBLM libraries partner with you in your children’s virtual education this school year! We know it’s tough to find adequate resources to keep up with homework, computer connections and ageappropriate learning, and we’re here to help!

We offer WiFi hotspots to check out as well as free WiFi in our libraries, computers with printing available, educational books and DVDs, plus individual study rooms.

Here’s a short list of our amazing databases, all available for free with a library account: Explora Primary Schools (Ebsco) — Elementary students can learn about a variety of topics, including endangered species, famous musicians, fitness and space exploration with easy-to-read entries and a large image collection.

Middle School in Context (Gale) — Covers a range of the most-studied topics for middle schoolers including cultures, government, people, history and science with newspaper articles, magazines and primary sources.

National Geographic Kids (Gale) — The complete run of the magazine from 2009 to the present, as well as books, videos and images of amazing adventures in science, nature, culture, archaeology and space.

NoveList K-8 Plus (Ebsco) — Need a new book to read? NoveList K-8 can help! Find

books to read by grade level with Common Core and curriculum connections.

Scholastic — Four resources from Scholastic — BookFLIX, FreedomFLIX, TrueFLIX and ScienceFLIX — use media, activities, projects, videos and more to help children learn about social science, science, reading and other interesting facts.

Tutor.com — K–12 students can chat 24/7 with a live tutor in all core subjects and at all skill levels including essay writing, math, science and more.

Overdrive — Love Rick Riordan? Check out his newest book or one of the other 15,000 eBooks, audiobooks and movies for download.

Find best-sellers, fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels and more with new titles added weekly.

We also carry resources for high school and college students such as: Gale eBooks — Find reference resources for topics ranging from biographies, business, history, medicine, religion and science.

Safari Books — Over 58,000 of the best business and technology books and videos from leading publishers, including O’Reilly Media and the Pearson Technology Group.

Interactive Science and Science in Context (Gale).

For a complete look at our online resources, visit JBLMlibraries.com or visit us in person!

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FEATURE

For the love of hunting

By Patti Jeffrey onnie Pippin sits with me in the conference room at Northwest Adventure Center.

On the wall behind him, a picturesque bird and game hunting poster states a simple philosophy: “Hunting… It’s not just a sport, it’s a way of life.”

I’m here to ask Ronnie what hunting on the training areas is like at JBLM and what hunters can expect to find. Ronnie’s a life-long hunter and oversees the rifle and pistol range (known as Range 15), the Shotgun Shooting Complex, archery range and ORV Park, plus other related outdoor recreation operations.

“My first memory of hunting was when I was about 2 or 3,” recalls Ronnie. “My dad was quail hunting with bird dogs, and it had rained so much that he had to carry me on his shoulders. We fished and hunted a lot together while I was growing up.”

Ronnie says that it’s different for kids growing up now, but for him it was more than just a sport — it was how he and his dad bonded and how he grew to love the outdoors. He says that many hunters at JBLM also have been hunting for most of their lives as a way of life outdoors.

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Continued on page 27.

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Q: What’s the importance of hunting here at JBLM? A: Hunting is allowed year-round at JBLM due to the high population of coyote. Hunting plays a significant role in controlling both the population and health of game animals on the installation, especially in areas located near our base population.

When the reservation areas are not in use for military training, these wild grasslands, wetlands, brush and woods are open for compatible hunting.

Q: What types of hunting are allowed at JBLM? A: Areas are most often open for compatible hunting (archery, bird-shot and waterfowl), with fewer days available for rifle. For instance, there’s more opportunity to hunt ducks and geese in the marshlands, along with pheasantrelease hunting in the grasslands. Big-game rifle hunting can be limited to weekends due to unit training, while pheasant, waterfowl and small game can be open all week, unless the area is closed for training.

Q: What types of game can hunters expect?

A: You’ll find small game, such as grouse, rabbit, quail, duck and geese, and large game, such as deer, elk, bear and cougar, on various parts of installation hunting areas.

Q: What is open in the coming months?

A: Archery deer hunting late season is open Nov. 25–Dec. 31, while black powder for deer late season is open Nov. 25–Dec. 15. In rifled areas, you can hunt deer with a modern firearm Oct. 17–Nov. 1 and Nov. 19–22 (due to training requirements, you may be limited to hunting on weekends).

For hunting elk, archery is open Nov. 25– Dec. 15, black powder is open Oct. 3–9 and Nov. 25–Dec. 15 and modern firearm is open Nov. 7–18 (also may be on weekends only).

Grouse hunting is open now through

Dec. 31 and rabbit hunting is open through March 15. You can hunt waterfowl at designated pheasant-release and waterfowl sites now through January (except where hunting is only pheasant-release). Coyote and varmit hunting is open year-round.

Q: What do hunters need to know if they’re new to JBLM? A: Active duty military personnel only need to complete an online course for hunter safety and won’t need to take additional training.

Everyone else who has taken JBLM’s oneweek hunter safety class or completed the online course plus one day of the hunter safety class can hunt on the installation or within the state. Everyone who hunts must have a Washington state hunter’s license. The only exceptions are hunters born before Jan. 1, 1972 who don’t have to show proof of hunter education to purchase a hunting license.

Make sure you have your passport or enhanced driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance, a Washington state hunting license, game tags, weapons registration, hunting pass and area access pass (Range Control) information on hand for each time you hunt.

Hunters must register for a hunting permit and pay a registration fee each year at the Shotgun Shooting Complex or the NAC. For more information, call 253-967-7056.

As I wrapped up my questions, I asked Ronnie if he had anything else to say to hunters new to JBLM. He responded, “Don’t be scared to ask questions — we have the resources to help you get started, and we can offer a lot of avenues to help you out.”

And, of course, you can ask Ronnie and other seasoned staffers tips on finding the sweet spots for the most reward and enjoyment.

What’s Ronnie doing this weekend? Archery deer hunting,” he says. Of course!

For the complete rules of hunting at JBLM, visit JBLModr.com.

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Take part in HIKEtober challenge

Enter 5K Championship

We’re keeping the virtual fitness and well-being challenges going through fall and winter! To maintain your own motivation, the JBLM Sports, Fitness & Aquatics program is inviting you to participate in our virtual HIKEtober challenge!

To participate, pick three or more hikes to complete this month (for ideas, visit JBLModr. com, wta.org or parks.state.wa.us). As you complete your hikes, share your progress and photos throughout the month on the HIKEtober event page at fb.com/JBLMmwr or on your own social media using #JBLMSoundLiving and #JBLMHiketober (have the setting as public so we can see your photos).

The key to sharing your progress is to motivate and encourage each other on social media in this virtual challenge. You might even inspire others to visit the places you’ve hiked!

Active duty Service members at JBLM are invited to compete in the virtual Commander’s Cup 5K Championship for bragging rights to the title! Register at JBLMmwrRegistration. com.

Units/squadrons will receive participation points for each member who races. The winner will be the unit/squadron with the most overall participation.

Competitors may run Oct. 2–9; any 5K route can be utilized. The unit with the most points overall wins the Commanders Cup 5K. Service members must track their time via GPS and submit it to the Intramural Sports Office for scoring by 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9.

Questions? Call 253-967-6420 or visit JBLModr.com.

JBLMsfa

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30 Joint Base Lewis-McChord FOCUS October 2020 Photo by Odes Gish

FEATURE

From flab to fab What led one person to springboard back to fitness in spite of the pandemic

By Stephanie Gish y fitness journey started May 2019 when JBLM MWR advertised a bodybuilding show at Nelson Recreation Center. Competing in a bodybuilding show had always been a bucket list item, so I did it.

As it turned out, one of the judges at the show was an actual show promoter, and he picked me up to compete in more shows within the INBF/World Natural Bodybuilding Federation in the coming weeks.

I have MWR to thank for that first fitness springboard into the world of bodybuilding. With this new sport, I’ve received the coaching and guidance I needed to learn about nutrition and how to best build my body for both strength and resilience.

With coaching, I had been making huge strides in progress as I set goals for myself and competed in several shows June through November 2019.

I even went on to the Worlds Pro/Am in New York in November and placed in the top five of the amateur women‘s bodybuilding division.

However, at the end of competition season and during the holidays, I strayed from my newly developed lifestyle and indulged impulsively; gaining 15–20 pounds.

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Continued on next page.

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Ideally, self-motivation and willpower are the only things we all need to accomplish our goals and be successful.

And that can be the case, but only after we can effectively establish a new foundation to work from.

At the beginning of 2020, with the promise of an upcoming competition show in the spring and an opportunity to win my pro card, I had started to get back on track with my nutrition and working out.

Then, when COVID-19 struck and subsequently forced all competition to cancel, I lost all my drive.

When MWR came out with the virtual Greatest Loser Competition on Facebook, I again found the motivation to get back after it. The competition spanned several months, which forced me to develop long-term habits and workouts that I could accommodate into my day-to-day lifestyle.

Ideally, self-motivation and willpower are the only things we all need to accomplish our goals and be successful.

And that can be the case, but only after we can effectively establish a new foundation to work from.

What I’ve learned through this experience is that: • New habits have to be developed to override the bad habits.

• Habits need consistency and repetition, which takes time.

• Everyone hates waiting (especially for something that is largely intangible such as fitness).

• So, the most powerful thing to generate drive and motivation is something that is tangible — incentives, competition and rewards all work to combat idleness and positively condition ourselves past bad habits and behaviors.

I’m grateful for those at JBLM MWR who understand this struggle and process. They’ve radically challenged and transformed my lifestyle, not only in how to survive pandemics, but also in how to thrive when there isn’t a pandemic.

This past year has given me a new identity and a new mentality. I’m much more confident in who I am and what I’ve learned in my fitness journey.

My body and strength have transformed so much, and I couldn’t be more pleased.

Thank you, Team MWR!

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Get a taste of Habañero

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hat’s tastier than a freshly made taco salad? Perhaps a hot burrito stuffed with marinated meat or a quesadilla dripping with melted cheese.

Make a visit to Habañero Mexican Grill at Whispering Firs Golf Course and decide for yourself.

Mornings offer your choice of bacon, sausage, chorizo or ham breakfast bowls with hash browns, SOS, cheese and an egg, plus a breakfast burrito, egg sandwich and sides.

Grab a hot breakfast before work!

Satisfy your hunger at lunch with hefty burritos, fajita burritos, tacos, quesadillas with or without meat, plus the popular Habañero taco salad with your choice of ingredients.

If you prefer a smaller lunch, go for a lightersize burrito and quesadilla. Or, if you’re a vegetarian, go for the veggie burger or rice and bean burritos or tacos.

Order appetizers, a burger, chicken sandwich or hot dog as an alternative to regular or

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light-sized meals. “We added appetizers, hot dogs and burger sandwiches for customers who want to grab a bite before or after a round of golf or for the person on the go,” says Mike Cortinas, Habañero manager.

Appetizers include hand-held chicken flautas, hardwood-smoked chicken wings, Buffalo mini tacos and jalapeño poppers — chili peppers and cream cheese fried golden brown.

For those who crave all they can eat when it comes to Mexican food, Habañero has the

perfect solution: Challenge yourself and your friends to consume the hefty 6-pound burrito when you preorder it. If you can eat it in 45 minutes or less, it’s free (a $19.95 value)! Others have already taken the challenge — and won!

Swing by to have a taste of what you’ve been missing! For a preview, find the complete menu at JBLMmwr.com.

Habañero Mexican Grill is located at McChord Field at 895 Lincoln Blvd.

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BUTTERMILK CHICKEN RECIPE

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rom our Facebook series of Chow! cooking classes with Kelley Thomas, McChord Club manager and chef extraordinaire, we’ve printed a few recipes for you to try out at home.

If you’d rather order some of Kelley’s delicious dishes, visit JBLMmwr.com to learn more about the Club’s to-go orders with a different ethnic dish each month!

Kelley says, “I first started working for MWR as a chef overseas in Germany.

What started as a 13-month tour working, traveling and living a culinary adventure has turned into an 18-year career.

“As manager at McChord Club, I’m loving every moment conjuring up culinary delights and still serving those who serve!”

We hope you enjoy Kelley’s recipes!

By Chef Kelley 3.5-pound chicken, cut into 8 pieces 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon paprika ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary ¼ teaspoon ground thyme ¼ teaspoon dried oregano ¼ teaspoon dried sage ½ teaspoon white pepper ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 cups buttermilk For the seasoned flour: 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon white pepper ½ teaspoon onion powder 2 ½ quarts peanut oil for frying

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Directions: 1. Toss together chicken pieces, black pepper, salt, paprika, rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, white pepper, and cayenne in a large bowl to coat.

2. Stir in buttermilk until chicken is coated. Refrigerate for six hours.

3. Combine flour, salt, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, white pepper and onion powder in a large shallow dish.

4. Remove chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour. Shake off any excess and transfer to a plate.

5. Heat peanut oil in a large Dutch oven to 350 degrees F. Add all the chicken to the pan and cook for 10 minutes.

6. Turn chicken pieces and cook for another 10-15 minutes.

7. Remove chicken from the oil and transfer to a cooling rack set over a paper towel lined baking sheet. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Cook’s Note: The oil is 350 degrees F to start, but when the chicken goes in, the temperature will drop to about 300 degrees. It should rise back to 305–310 degrees and be held at that temperature until done, about 20 minutes.

To view videos of how Kelley prepares these and other dishes, visit fb.com/ JBLMmwr and look at our past Chow! episodes.

We’ll being posting more mouth-watering recipes, so keep watching online!

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Catering is now easier You can host your special events at JBLM with our professional catering service

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elcome to MWR facilities’ centralized catering, the one-stop shop for all your catering needs! To better serve our guests, we’ve moved to a centralized concept for catering starting this month.

Now you can call one number to schedule your event at American Lake Conference Center, McChord Club, Cascade Brewhouse or the Bistro’s patio.

Whether you’re planning a wedding, reception, military function or other event, we can help you plan your meals, decor and staging while following the current masking and physical distancing guidelines. Having a unit function? Use your Unit Funds; call 253-966-4300 for details.

Due to COVID-19 protocols, this type of catering service will be used until further notice and modifications to our menu will occur once COVID-19 is over.

To find out how we can best serve you for the event you’re planning, call us at 253-966-4998 weekdays, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. to make an appointment. For room choices, costs and catering menu, take a look at our catering program at JBLMmwr.com.

We look forward to serving your event needs!

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YOUR IN-NETWORK PROVIDER

FREE CHILD CARE IN THE SMILE ZONE Family, Cosmetic and Sedation Dentistry Schedule a complimentary consultation: 253-DENTIST In the business of making you

s m i le since 1972

6001-100th St SW in Lakewood | DHAonline.com

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Pick up meals to-go!

On to go & want good food freshly prepared?

Order your takeout meals from Bowl Arena Lanes, Habañero Mexican Grill, McChord Club & Warrior Zone Café!

See JBLMmwr.com for hours and menus.

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FEATURE

Helping out is as simple as asking In this season of COVID-19 changes, limited social contact may bring about a season of melancholy & thoughts of suicide

By JBLM’s Employee Assistance Program team uicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background.

In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.

Last month was National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — a time to share resources and stories in an effort to shed light on this highly taboo and stigmatized topic. We not only use this awareness to reach out to those affected by suicide, but to remember that suicide prevention isn’t limited to one month or one season.

It’s also important to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention. Being aware of what behaviors may indicate increased risk of suicide can assist us in connecting anyone at immediate or serious risk with immediate resources.

Suicide prevention and awareness helps us come together and learn about a difficult topic and is important to address year-round.

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Continued on page 45.

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Engaging in honest conversations about mental health conditions and suicide may lead those in need to readily available resources.

Engaging in honest conversations about mental health conditions and suicide may lead those in need to readily available resources.

Determining immediate risk Some behaviors may indicate that a person is at immediate risk for suicide: • Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.

• Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or having a plan.

• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.

Serious risk behaviors Other behaviors that may also indicate a serious risk — especially if the behavior is new, has increased or seems related to a painful event, loss or change: • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.

• Talking about being a burden to others.

• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.

• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.

• Sleeping too little or too much.

• Withdrawing or feeling isolated.

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.

• Displaying extreme mood swings.

Using crisis resources If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK or use a text option — texting the National Crisis Line at 741-741 will connect individuals to a free, trained crisis counselor.

To learn more about this topic, stop by to see the Employee Assistance Program team at 2008B N. 3rd (at Pendleton Avenue), Room B114 at Lewis Main or call 253-732-2214.

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Each month, hear what different JBLM Service members, family members, civilians and others like to do in their spare time.

Shelbi Buettner JBLM military spouse

Last TV show you watched: The last TV show I watched was “New Girl.”

Last time you tried something new: I’m trying new ciders and beers any time I can (pretty often).

Last good advice you received: The last advice I received was fairly general but still applies to practically everything I do, haha! It was to be patient because everything will work out.

Last time you laughed: I laugh all the time, but the last time I laughed was probably at my dogs when they were playing and running in circles and acting like goobers.

Last adventure you went on: Our last adventure was to Penrose Point State Park where we went camping, hiking and fishing.

Courtesy photo

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