Digital hangar september 2013
warrior ride 2013
TAKE A RIDE TO LAKE HAVASU
cHOOSE YOUR EDUCATION
TOOLS FOR SELECTING A COLLEGE
EXPLORE SAN DIEGO
GREAT ESCAPES WILL HELP YOU PLAN YOUR NEXT TRIP.
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SEMPER FIT HEALTH PROMOTIONS
Learn healthy shopping tips for your next trip to the grocery store.
ATHLETICS
From intramural dodgeball to youth cheerleading, there is no shortage of fun this fall.
FEATURE
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WARRIOR RIDE 2013
Meet the General Manager of the Dos Rios.
SERVICES
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LIFELONG LEARNING
GREAT ESCAPES
Useful tips for your next trip to Disneyland.
DESERT PERK
Desert Perk offers cool treats to beat the heat with some soft serve ice cream.
EVENTS
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Events and activities happening aboard MCAS Yuma
Are you ready to head to college? Use these helpful toools for selecting a college.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
The Stork Club offers time for you to bond with your little one.
Station library
Join the Station Library book club.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
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CHILD, YOUTH & TEEN
The USDA is offering child and adult food program. See if you qualify
SCHOOL LIAISON
The 2013 Back to School Bus Tour is headed to Yuma.
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Message from The editor Just because September is here, doesn’t mean you will immediately feel Fall-like temperatures. We probably won’t feel those until November- so don’t go packing away your summer clothes just yet. What you can expect during the month of September is an increase of men and women in uniform. Weapons and Tactical Instruction (WTI) Training will be in full swing during September, and will be in effect until the end of October. So here is what you should expect during the WTI season: • If you like to grab breakfast from the Marine Mart, Desert Perk, Afterburner, or any other location on MCAS Yuma, arrive well before you are supposed to report for work because patronage is very likely to increase. • There will be more people at the Afterburner, the MCX Food Court, and the Sonoran Pueblo during lunch time. • Fitness Center will see more folks in the morning, lunch time, and in the evening. With that, please be patient and respectful of others during peak gym hours. • Lots of Marines crossing the street- please drive carefully and when driving come to a complete stop when you see a Marine, or anyone for that matter, waiting at a cross walk. You might also see a change in some MCCS MARKETING DIRECTOR SPONSORSHIP COORDINATOR Maria Perez Kerri Brigdes facilities Hours of Operations during this time frame. For the latest business hours, visit www. MANAGING CONTENT EDITOR MANAGING CREATIVE EDITOR mccsyuma.org. Hope you have a phenomenal Jessica Jones Ana Zolorzano September! Visual Information Specialist Visual Information Specialist Darnell Wilkins Carson Cherland Sincerely, Visual Information Specialist PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO Maria Perez Dalila Smith Chris Bermudo
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THE TEAM
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education tools for selecting a college and comparing costs Are you ready to start taking college courses or earn a certificate? If you answered yes, than the Education Center’s staff is ready to help you with your educational endeavors. There are many excellent resources available to assist you. In addition, if you haven’t attended a College 101 orientation class then your first step to utilizing your tuition assistance benefit is to attend one. The one-hour orientation is offered every Friday at 1000 in the Education Center, Bldg. 850 on a walk-in basis. After the College 101 Orientation, an Education and Career Specialist will set up an appointment with you to go over your specific career goals. But until then, you may want to do some research on your own using the information below.
College search made easy Have you heard of the Department of Education’s (ED) College Affordability and Transparency Center’s College Scorecard (http://collegecost. ed.gov/scorecard/)? The College Scorecard is a very user friendly way to search for a college that is a good fit for you, just search the college name of choice and press enter. The system will populate the scorecard with typical attendance costs, graduation rate, loan default rate, amount borrowed for undergraduate study, and employment options upon graduation. Your search can also be customized based on selected options, such as college location, type of college, and areas of interest.
Finding the right school that fits your needs can be a confusing and complicated process. Where can you get the most for your education dollars? Which school gives you the most flexibility in your chosen field of study? Does the school offer financial aid that you can use? What about transfer credits, ACE recommended credits, or credit-by exam credits? Does it all make your head spin? Don’t worry, help is just a click away – tools that can help manage the overwhelming information and get answers to your questions. Here are a few:
Cost of an education Did you know? In 2011, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau partnered with the ED to launch the “Know Before You Owe: student loans project.” After releasing a prototype of a model financial aid offer form to the public and reviewing the process improvement feedback, a financial aid shopping sheet was created. The ED Financial Aid Shopping Sheet (www2.ed.gov/ policy/highered/guid/aid-offer/ annotatedshoppingsheet.pdf) is a standardized form that participating institutions will use to assist prospective students and their families better understand the costs
MARINE & FAMILY | 5
of attending an institution before making the final decision on where to enroll. The Shopping Sheet will be available for use beginning in the 2013-2014 award year. To learn more about the Financial Aid Shopping Sheet and see a list of institutions that have adopted the shopping sheet, go to www2.ed.gov/ policy/highered/guid/aid-offer/ index.html. Comparing schools The Financial Aid Comparison Shopper worksheet (www. consumerfinance.gov/paying-forcollege/compare-financial-aid-andcollege-cost) was created to help students make college comparisons tailored to their individual circumstances. The Web site allows prospective students to enter the names of three schools and receive detailed financial information on each one. The site also provides the first-year sticker price for each school as well as the average grants and scholarships packages and the total borrowing per year based on these figures. Once the prospective student enters additional financial aid award information or personal contributions, the program calculates the student’s projected financial burden, along with an estimate of any possible monthly student loan payments once the student has graduated. Take a few minutes to explore these tools and find out more about a college’s affordability and value so you can make more informed decisions about which college to attend. For more information, please contact MCAS Yuma’s Education Center at (928)269-3248 or (928)2693589 during the hours of 07301600 Monday-Friday.
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STORK CLUB
PLAY GROUP FOR BABIES
This is for infants from 0-12 months and their parents. We meet every Thursday from 1030-1130 am in building 645 room 105. This is a great place to socialize and learn to play with your children, meet other spouses, and expand your support group. For more information, call the New Parent Support Program at 928-269-2308.
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Join the book Club! by Deirdre Negrini
This month marks the beginning of a new season for the Station Library Book Club! Come join us at the Station Library (Building 633) on the first Saturday of each month (unless otherwise indicated) for casual discussions about books from a variety of genres. This month the Book Club will meet on Saturday, September 7th at 10:00 AM to discuss the fantasy/historical fiction novel The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. Please stop by the Station Library in Building 633 or call us at 928269-2785 if you are interested in joining—new faces are always welcome! The Book Club is open to all active duty, spouses, and retired military. Upcoming Book Club Dates and Selections: Saturday, October 5th at 10:00 AM: The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger Saturday, November 2nd at 10:00 AM: The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards NEED MORE INFORMTION?
Please call 928.269.2785
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USDA Child & Adult Care Food Program The Children Youth and Teen Program, which includes the two Child Development Centers, the Youth Center, and the Family Child Care Program, announces the sponsorship of the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. Meals will be made available to enrolled children at no separate charge without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
Any person who believes that he/she has been discriminated against in any USDA related activity should write immediately to:
USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD).
NEED MORE INFORMTION?
Please call 202.720.5964 (Voice and TDD)
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START STRONG, BRIGHT FUTURE 2013 bACK TO sCHOOL bUS tOUR by Elena Mcshane
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The Commanding Officer of MCAS Yuma requests the pleasure of your company at a Town Hall with the U.S. Secretary of Education, Mr. Arne Duncan, on Thursday, September 12, 2013, from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. at the Station Chapel. He is visiting MCAS Yuma as part of his annual back to school bus tour themed “Strong Start, Bright Future.” The focus of the town hall will be on the education of military-connected children. There will be a panel discussion with the Yuma area school Superintendents, the MCAS & YPG Commanding
Officers and the Secretary of Education. Military parents will also have an opportunity to ask questions of the Secretary and the panelists. Please RSVP your attendance to your respective Family Readiness Officer no later than September 6, 2013. Child care will not be provided. If you have any questions regarding this event, please feel free to contact the MCAS Yuma School Liaison Officer, Elena McShane, at 928-269-5373 or mcshaneea@usmc-mccs.org.
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WHATS IN YOUR CART?
Shop in your MCAS Yuma Commisary and find out the what’s what in healthy eating. Tours take place once every month
cart smart
healthy shopping tips at the commisary
Your MCCS Health Promotion Department is offering Commissary Tours to explore ways to shop healthy and save money. The tours will teach participants how to read food labels correctly to select the best fuel for your body. We will also discuss techniques to shopping to improve healthy options in your cart, like where to shop first and areas to shop last. Your MCAS Commissary has a wide variety of healthy options and great prices that can help you and your family improve your meal planning. This program is open to all MCAS. Not eligible to shop at the Commissary? Join us anyway to learn to shop in your local grocery store. Join us Sept 18, Oct 11, Nov 6 or Dec 11 at the MCAS Commissary at 1700. Active Duty enter to win a $25 gift Commissary Gift Certificate.
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DUCK DIP DIVE DODGE INTRAMURAL DODGEBALL Intramural Dodgeball Tournament – Celebrate the beginning of NFL football season by dressing up as your favorite NFL team and entering our 6 on 6 Dodgeball Tournament! The tournament will take place on September 25th at the Main Gym. Grab a team of at least 6 players and make sure to register before September 23rd to secure your spot in the tournament. Registration forms are available at the Main Gym. All eligible patrons may apply whether you’re active duty, a retiree, reservist, or DOD civilian. Prizes awarded to first, second, and third place teams.
YOUTH SPORTS FLAG FOOTBALL & CHEERLEADING Youth Flag Football/Cheerleading - In our Youth Sports department we are gearing up to start Flag Football and Cheerleading season! Registrations for both sports will run August 5th-September 13th. Youth Sports are available for ages 5-12. The fee is $37 per child for Flag Football and includes a jersey and participation trophy. Cheerleading is $95 per child for their first season, then only $15 each subsequent season they chose to participate. Cheerleaders will also get a full uniform and participation trophy at the conclusion of the season. Games are played Saturday mornings and practices are generally held for an hour twice a week. Games will be played from October 19th-December 14th. For more information on registering your child or volunteering as a coach, call 928-269-2324 or visit our Youth Sports page on www.mccsyuma.org.
EVER WANTED THE NICKNAME “COACH”? Youth Sports Coaches: We are always looking for motivated and dedicated individuals who are passionate about Youth Sports to coach our young athletes. If that sounds like you, give us a call at 928-269-2324 to find out about volunteer opportunities. Letters of Appreciation are given out at the end of the season with the total number of hours volunteered. Hope to hear from you soon!
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WARRIOR RIDE2013 get to know mccs yuma
Get to Know the road from Yuma to Lake Havasu By Maria Perez
Click to check out the interview with MCAS Yuma’s SgtMaj Laarman.
Click to see interview with Warrior Ride 2013 organizer Chris Hamel.
RIDE OUT!
It’s an adrenaline pumped, fun-filled ride to Lake Havasu, AZ! See the sights and get in on all the fun activities this actionpacked event has to offer!
This event is $25 in advance or $35 at the door. Attendees will be able to tour different beer vendors and sample their microbrews. Food will be available at the event as well. The second event is the Sand Free pontoon boats will be and Water Expo. This event is $1 available, and provided by for those who show their military the Lake Havasu City Military ID. Attendees will be able to Mothers. Pontoon boats are check out the latest and greatest available from 9 am to 4 pm in sand and water outdoor gear. on Saturday, and the boat 5. Those with a military ID will also drivers are very accommodating be able to visit the Lake Havasu and they love supporting our Aquatic Center and the Lake Active Duty Marines and their Havasu Museum for free. dependents. Fair warning, each pontoon boat is different, as With so many activities available, some will come fully loaded with how could you not attend? food and beverages, and others The 4th Annual Warrior Ride is will not- so come prepared. A bike contest will be held on $80 for the entire weekend and Saturday evening. Bikes will be $40 for single Marines (check the judged by bike category: Touring, Single Marine Program for discount Sports bike, or Cruiser. So make eligibility). Your fee will cover the cost sure your bike is clean and of lodging on Saturday and Sunday ready for judging before the bike (continental breakfast provided at hotel), lunch on Friday, and lunch and contest begins. Take a joy ride to the Hoover dinner on Saturday. In addition, for Dam. A group will be departing those who are not motorcycle riders, from Lake Havasu Saturday a bus will be available to transport morning, and journeying to the Marines and families to and from Hoover Dam. Be sure to grab a MCAS Yuma to Lake Havasu and boxed lunch from the London back. Bridge Resort so you have food during the ride. Also, be sure to For more information about what to have water, as this ride will be expect, check out these interviews approximately 4 hours round with SgtMaj Laarman, who is a trip- but the beautiful site is motorcycle rider and enthusiast, and Chris Hamel, Special Events worth it. There will be a couple of Lake Coordinator with MCCS Yuma; You Havasu events happening on can also visit www.warriorrideyuma. Saturday. The first being the com. Chillin’ and Swillin’ Beer Festival.
If you haven’t already heard, our 4th Annual Warrior Ride will be taking place on Friday, November 1 through Sunday, November 3, 2013. There are a lot of things to be expected for those in attendance: 1.
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SERVICES | 17
DISCOVER SEAWORLD Of course everyone already knows that SeaWorld is a great place to get involved with ocean life and to escape the dreaded nine-month-long Yuma heat but SeaWorld is doing a lot of good in the ocean itself. The San Diego SeaWorld was opened in 1964 and was the first of the SeaWorld parks to form an Animal Rescue Team. From there the SeaWorld staff helped save more than 20,000 oiled penguins and 700 orphaned penguin chicks that
find out what you didn’t know about sea world. by AMANDA PARSONS
were affected by the Treasure oil spill in South Africa. After Hurricane Katrina, 14 injured or displaces sea lions were rescued. Not only does SeaWorld do great work in the field they also raise money for wildlife conservation through their SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation fund. Beyond that the SeaWorld parks themselves are used to educate young and old about the importance of our marine life through displays, events, and
shows like One Ocean. Next time you visit SeaWorld you can feel confident that you are not only providing a great experience for you family, but you are also helping in conserving and protecting our marine life as well. For your SeaWorld tickets and more visit us at Great Escapes Travel Co. or call us at 928-269-5330
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MADAGASCAR LIVE! Now at the sea world san diego by Susan Goetz
SeaWorld San Diego debuted its original live music stage show based on Dreamworks Animation’s “Madagascar” franchise in June, at its newly renovated 700-seat theater.
and feature a band performing both original and classic rock tunes. Following each 20 minute show, guests will have the opportunity to meet the characters.
include a new stage, sound system, lighting and special effects. “Madagascar Live” will replace the 4-D movies, such as “Sesame Street presents Light, Camera, Imagination,” which ran from 2008 to 2012.
“Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation” will feature Alex the Lion, Gloria the Hippo, King Julien, Mort and the penguins taking a vacation
This stage production will run yearround, eight shows a day. Shows are held in the Mission Bay Theater, which was renovated to
Please visit Great Escapes Travel Company for discounted Military Tickets to SeaWorld or call for more information, 928-269-5300.
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MEDIEVAL tiMES Dinner and Tournament
by AMANDA PARSONS
Blast from the Past
Experience life in the 17th century! Pack the family up for a fun-filled weekend at Medieval Times!
Why just have another family dinner when, for the price of a ticket, you can be transported back in time to medieval Spain. At Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament you will get not only a meal but a show fit for Spanish royalty. While enjoying your meal, you and your family can watch knights joust in the Battle of Champions. Each section of seats has its own knight to root for. The Black and White Knight, Don Iofre Santa Crue, is the mightiest of the knights in the order of warrior priests. Don Alberto del Mau, the Blue Knight is renowned as a champion of the defenseless. Lord del Font is the Red and Yellow Knight who is undefeated, unleashed and
unafraid. Next is the legendary Yellow Knight, Don Eduardo del Rey, who is well versed in the arts of chivalry yet he is an un-caged lion in battle! The Red Knight has been called the “Lion’s Heart” in many battles but is known to his subjects at Baron Ruiz de Roche. Finally there is the Green Knight, The Champion of Leone. You will have an experience from the second you walk into the doors, from the Knights jousting for their honor and the beautiful steeds they ride to the Royal Court and the succulent meal served to you. Your children will enjoy eating with their hands and cheering on their Knight while you enjoy the great service and the authentic experience.
Some tips for your travels: • Castle doors open 75 minutes before the time printed on the ticket. Plan to arrive early because seating is first comefirst serve. • There is a gift shop, bar, and dance floor along with a Hall of Arms filled with medieval artifacts and a medieval torture museum, so plan some extra time to experience everything! • Plan to eat with your hands to get the full 11th century experience. • Get discounted tickets for your Medieval Times experience at Great Escapes Travel! Call us at 928-269-5300
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enjoy a hot cup of joe wake up the senses by Mary Holley
Desert Perk has a special every Monday for the Month of September from 6am to 9am. Enjoy 50% off Venti Brewed Coffee 20 oz. size. We have offer a variety of flavors to wake up your taste buds, such as: Extra Bold, Bold, Medium, and Mild. Half and half, nonfat milk, 2% milk, soy or vanilla soy is also available to add to your coffee. There is also a wide range of sugar additives available such as, Sugar in the Raw, Sugar, Splenda, Extra, Sweet and Low, honey, and Classic syrup (our liquid sugar). If you like to live on the wild side, add one of our delicious flavored syrups: Vanilla, Caramel, Hazelnut, Toffee Nut, Cinnamon Dolce, Sugar-free Vanilla, Sugar-free Caramel, Mocha, or White Mocha for a minimal additional cost. Desert Perk also offers free samples every Wednesday from 11:30am to 12:30pm. Sampling menu changes each week so stop by and check it out! Desert Perk Coffee Shop is located in the Food Court and is open Monday through Friday 6am to 3pm and Saturday through Sunday from 7am to 11am.
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September EVENTS 1
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Triple Play 5pm-6pm Bldg. 1050 Designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning. Must be registered with the Youth Center. For more information, call 269-5390.
Anger Management 1pm-3:30pm Bldg. 598 Find alternative methods for managing anger. Reservations required. (10 session course) For more information, call 269-2561.
College 101 Brief 10am-11am Focuses on the policies and procedures that are in place for using military Tuition Assistance. For more information, call 269-5614.
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PCS Move Workshop 8am-10am Bldg. 598 Prepare for your PCS move. Available to Active Duty and family memebers. For more information, call 269-5615. Triple Play 5pm-6pm Bldg. 1050 Designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning. Must be registered with the Youth Center. For more information, call 269-5390.
GI Bill Brief 10am-11am 3:15pm -4:15pm Bldg. 850 Bldg. 1050 This brief focusus on the types of Youth will learn about saving, spending, and manageing money. For GI Bills and their benefits. For more information, call 269-3589. more information, call 269-5390. NFCU Money Matters
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Reading to Dogs
9am-11am Bldg. 598 EFMP family members will get the please to read to a furry friend. For more information, call 269-2949.
Daddy’s Boot Camp 10am-4pm Bldg. 645 A one day newborn care class for both parents for the stressors of parenthood. For more information, call 269-2561.
50 Cent Bowling All Day Cactus Bowl Evidence-based workplace intervention to assist participants in utilizing positive coping strategies to deal with stressors. For more information, call 269-2561.
YRMC Hospital Tour 3pm-4pm YRMC A tour provided by YRMC’s Health Educator to help expectant parents. For more information, call 2692561. Triple Play 5pm-6pm Bldg. 1050 Designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning. Must be registered with the Youth Center. For more information, call 269-5390.
ACT Test 9am-11pm Bldg. 598 The ACT is used for college admission. Register 5 days prior. For more information, call 269-5614.
Triple Play 5pm-6pm Bldg. 1050 Designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning. Must be registered with the Youth Center. For more information, call 269-5390.
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Triple Play 5pm-6pm Bldg. 1050 Designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning. Must be registered with the Youth Center. For more information, call 269-5390. Welcome Aboard 8am-11am Sonoran Pueblo Required for all newly arrived active duty and family members. For more information, call 269-5615.
Triple Play 5pm-6pm Bldg. 1050 Designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning. Must be registered with the Youth Center. For more information, call 269-5390.
Anger Management 1pm-3:30pm Bldg. 598 Find alternative methods for managing anger. Reservations required. (10 session course) For more information, call 269-2561. DDRP Drug Brief 1:30pm-3:30pm Bldg. 598 Training looks at the most current drug of abuse, negative physical and psychological consequences. For more information, call 269-2791.
Cultural Awareness All Week Youth Center The youth will learn about Mexican Independence Day. For more information, call 269-5390
Torch Club 4pm-5pm Bldg. 1050 Torch Club members learn to elect officers and work together to implement activities. For more information, call 269-5390.
Triple Play 5pm-6pm Bldg. 1050 Designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning. Must be registered with the Youth Center. For more information, call 269-5390. DV Group 12:30pm-2:30pm Bldg. 598 Topics include safety planning, cycle of violence, victim’s rights, and much more. For more information, call 269-2561. Triple Play 5pm-6pm Bldg. 1050 Designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning. Must be registered with the Youth Center. For more information, call 269-5390.
Passport to Manhood 4pm-5pm Bldg. 1050 To Promote responsibility and reinforce positive behavior in males. For more information, call 2695390. Tell Me A Story 5pm-7pm Library A 2 hour event where a guest speaker reads to young children. For more information, call 269-5373.
Coping With Stress 1pm-2:30pm Bldg. 598 Participants will learn how to utilize positive coping strategies to deal with stressors. For more information, call 269-2561.
Financial Fitness 6pm-8pm Bldg. 598 Basic Budgeting, Understanding TSP & Car Buying techniques. Reservations Required. For more information, call 928-269-5615. Triple Play 5pm-6pm Bldg. 1050 Designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning. Must be registered with the Youth Center. For more information, call 269-5390.
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DLPT Testing 11:30am-12:30pm Bldg. 850 The DLPT is designed for individuals who fluent in specific foreign language needed by the military. For more information, call 269-5614. event times, dates, and locations subject to change. Please call to confirm.