Family Readiness Group Flash 24 February - 1 March 2014 5 - 1 5 8 T H G E N E R A L S U P P O R T AV I AT I O N B AT T A L I O N
5-158th GSAB Family Readiness Group Mission Statement The 5-158th AVN REGT Family Readiness Group will provide an avenue of mutual support and assistance and a network of communication among the Family Members, the Chain of Command, and Community Resources, thereby encouraging resilience among Mission Ready Soldiers and their Families.
Special points of interest: Virtual Career Fair Travel Warning for Ukraine and Egypt SKIES Programs Youth Sports Sporting Events/ Community Events
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Contents of this FLASH are compiled from multiple Military Family news sources. Material presented does not represent the views or endorsement of the 5-158th AVN REGT, 12th CAB, or the Army. This material is for personal use of the readers. All readers are encouraged to do further research for all applicable restrictions and guidelines.
Family Readiness Group Flash 24 February - 1 March 2014
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Family Readiness Group Flash 24 February - 1 March 2014
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Family Readiness Group Flash 24 February - 1 March 2014 The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer all non -essential travel to Ukraine U.S. citizens in Ukraine, and those considering travel to Ukraine, should evaluate their personal security situation in light of political instability and the possibility of violence, particularly in Kyiv and areas of eastern and southern Ukraine. This replaces the Travel Warning for Ukraine dated February 20, 2014. On February 20, 2014, the Department of State authorized the departure of family members of U.S. government personnel from Ukraine. While the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv’s Consular Section is open for public services, the Embassy’s ability to respond to emergencies involving U.S. citizens throughout Ukraine is limited. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens who travel to Ukraine to carefully evaluate the risks posed to their personal safety, particularly in the capital city of Kyiv and areas in the east and south of Ukraine. While the transition has been largely peaceful, there is still a potential for violence between supporters of different political parties, particularly in eastern Ukraine. On February 22, President Yanukovych and many senior officials departed the capital, Kyiv. Parliament subsequently voted to remove President Yanukovych and senior officials from office and to create a new government. The Ministry of Interior, the armed forces, and the police and city administrations in Kyiv, and in areas throughout Ukraine, especially in central and western Ukraine, have issued statements supporting the new government. While in eastern Ukraine, President Yanukovych denounced the Parliament’s actions. A few areas in eastern and southern Ukraine have declared their support for President Yanukovych. Clashes between groups and security units that support President Yanukovych and supporters of a new government have occurred in several cities, mainly in southern and eastern parts of Ukraine. Large crowds remain in Kyiv’s Independence Square and adjacent areas. Since February 18, violent clashes have resulted in multiple deaths and hundreds of injuries to protesters and police. Groups of young men, popularly called “titushky,” have attacked journalists and protesters and committed other random acts of violence in Kyiv and other cities. Since February 19, the use of gunfire against protesters and journalists has been reported. Ground transportation may be disrupted throughout the country. Since February 18, local authorities have shut down the Kyiv Metro (subway) for extended periods and cancelled inter-city trains on some routes with little or no notice. Drivers may encounter roadblocks set up by police and other groups that restrict access on certain roads in Kyiv and other cities. Commercial flights to and from Ukraine are currently operating normally. The situation in Ukraine is unpredictable and could change quickly. U.S. citizens should avoid large crowds and keep away from the downtown areas of Kyiv near Independence Square and government buildings. U.S. citizens are advised to remain indoors after dark and to be prepared to remain indoors for extended periods of time. Protests in Kyiv began on November 21, 2013, following the Government of Ukraine’s announcement that it was suspending preparations to sign an association agreement with the European Union. On November 30, police severely injured several demonstrators in an attempt to remove them from Independence Square. Protesters retaliated by occupying Kyiv’s Independence Square and adjacent buildings. Violence escalated sharply on February 18, with multiple people killed and hundreds injured. On February 22, President Yanukovych departed the capital for eastern Ukraine and the Parliament voted to relieve him of his presidential duties and form a new government. U.S. citizens living or traveling in Ukraine are encouraged to enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the latest travel updates and to obtain updated information on security within Ukraine. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. For inquiries regarding U.S. citizens in Ukraine related to the current unrest, please call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444, or email the Department of State at UkraineEmergencyUSC@state.gov. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). For emergency assistance for U.S. citizens in Ukraine, you may contact the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv at +380-44-521-5000 during regular business hours, or after-hours at +380-44-521-5000. The U.S. Embassy is located at 4 A.I. Sikorsky St. (formerly Tankova) in Kyiv. For the latest security information, U.S. citizens should regularly monitor the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and Country Specific Information can be found. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 tollfree in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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Family Readiness Group Flash 24 February - 1 March 2014 The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the risks of traveling to Egypt Based on an assessment of the security situation in Egypt, the Department of State lifted the ordered departure status for U.S. Embassy personnel on November 6, 2013. The State Department lifted ordered departure status for U.S. Consulate General Alexandria on December 16, 2013. However, Consulate General personnel are based out of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo while required facility security upgrades are made. Political unrest, which intensified after the July 2013 change of government, is likely to continue in the near future. Demonstrations have on numerous occasions resulted in violent clashes between security forces and protesters and between protesters supporting rival factions, some of which have resulted in deaths and injuries to those involved and in property damage. Participants have generally thrown rocks, and Molotov cocktails, with security forces responding with tear gas. However, police on occasion have used live ammunition as a crowd control measure and in response to live ammunition used by demonstrators against police. Most violent protests have occurred in major metropolitan areas, including Cairo and its suburbs, Alexandria, and Port Said. Gender-based violence in and around protest areas, where women have been the targets of sexual assault, poses an ongoing concern. There has been a recent and notable increase in the use of explosive devices to target police or other government institutions or individuals, which have resulted in casualties and damage to infrastructure. Additionally, police officers have frequently been the targets of driveby shootings that endanger bystanders as well. The security situation in North Sinai, including the major east-west coastal highway and the towns of El Arish, Shaykh Zuwayd, El Gorah and Rafah, has been marked by ongoing violent attacks on Egyptian security personnel and by continuing and frequently intense security operations against the sources of violence. The U.S. Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to North Sinai. The security situation in most tourist centers, including Luxor, Aswan, the Luxor-Aswan Nile cruise routes, and Red Sea/Southern Sinai resorts such as Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh remains calm. However, on February 16, a bomb was detonated on a tourist bus, killing four people in Taba, a Sinai resort near the Israeli border. U.S. citizens should remain alert to local security developments. The U.S. Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid all demonstrations in Egypt, as even peaceful ones can quickly become violent, and a foreigner could become a target of harassment or worse. On June 28, 2013, a U.S. citizen was killed during a demonstration in Alexandria. U.S. citizens have also been arrested and deported for proximity to demonstrations and for taking pictures of demonstrations, police and military. Foreign journalists, credentialed or not, have also been increasingly targeted by both security forces and Egyptian citizens while attempting to cover demonstrations or gain access to restricted areas. Several have been detained for prolonged periods as a result of their activities, and others have been subjected to verbal or physical assault by citizens suspicious about the reason for their presence. Because of the proximity of the U.S. Embassy to Tahrir Square and other demonstration locations in Cairo, the U.S. Embassy has sometimes been closed to the public on short notice due to violent protests. The Embassy will notify U.S. citizens as quickly as possible of any closing and the types of emergency consular services that will be available. Should security forces block off the area around the U.S. Embassy during demonstrations, U.S. citizens should contact the American Citizens Services section before attempting to come to the U.S. Embassy during that time. U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and to carry identification and, if moving about alone, a cell phone or other means of communication that works in Egypt. The U.S. Embassy restricts its employees and their family members from traveling to specific areas listed in the Country Specific Information Sheet, and advises all U.S. citizens to do the same. Depending on the current security situation, the U.S. Embassy may also restrict the movements of its employees and their families within Cairo itself. We continue to urge U.S. citizens to stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Please check our Country Specific Information Sheet for further security guidance. Remain alert to local security developments and be vigilant regarding your personal security; know the locations of police and fire stations, hospitals, and the U.S. Embassy. Unless otherwise indicated in a public announcement, the U.S. Embassy is open for all routine American Citizens Services by appointment. U.S. citizens needing emergency assistance do not need an appointment. Visit the Embassy website to check the latest changes to Embassy hours or services. U.S. citizens with routine phone inquiries may call the Embassy's American Citizens Services section at 2797-2301, Sunday to Thursday from 9:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. For emergencies after business hours and on weekends and holidays, U.S. citizens can contact the Embassy Duty Officer via the Embassy switchboard on 2797-3300. The U.S. Embassy is closed on U.S. federal holidays. U.S. citizens in Egypt are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Internet website where the Worldwide Caution, Country Specific Information for Egypt, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts can be found. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). The U.S. Embassy in Egypt is located at 5 Tawfik Diab Street (formerly known as Latin America Street), Garden City, Cairo. For emergencies after business hours and on weekends and holidays, U.S. citizens can contact the Embassy Duty Officer via the Embassy switchboard on 2797-3300. More information: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/egypt-travel-alert.html Page 5
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Family Readiness Group Flash 24 February - 1 March 2014 Hunting Course - 1 March 2014 from 0900-1700 Are you interested in hunting while stationed in Germany? Sign up for Outdoor Recreation's Hunting Course and learn everything you need to know about hunting in Germany. This 60-hour course is offered to U.S. citizens 18 years and older. During this course you will learn land management, game disease and harvest plans. Earn the right to hunt and own firearms. An additional fee is charged for the shooting range and ammunition. Additional Saturday training is required. Must be a Hunting, Fishing and Sport Shooting Club member. • Classes meet at Katterbach Outdoor Recreation • Additional cost for shooting range ammunition Sign up with Outdoor Recreation. Cost: $150.00 Contact and Register DSN: (314) 467-3225/3224/3354 Commercial: +49 (0)981-83-3225/3224/3354
CYS Services Spring Sports 26 February 2014 CYS Services Sports & Fitness- Barton Barracks, Bldg. 5284 This spring make sure your little one gets involved with sports. Registration period is February 1-28 at Parent Central Services or online at Webtrac. The following sports are offered:
Sport
Age
Price
Developmental T-Ball
3-5 (must turn 3 by April 1, 2014)
$20.00
T-Ball
6-7
$45.00
Coaches pitch baseball
8-9
$45.00
Baseball
10-15
$45.00
Track and Field
6-15
$40.00
Softball
10-15
$45.00
Bowling
8-15
$25.00
• Registrations after February 28 are taken on a space available basis. • Participants need a sports physical • Must be a minimum of age 3 by April 1, 2014
Cost: Prices vary
Contact DSN: (314)468-7866 Commercial: +49 (0)9811-83-7866
Family Readiness Group Flash 24 February - 1 March 2014
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Day Ski/Snowboard Trip to Lermoos - 1 March 2014 Outdoor Recreation & Soldiers Lake- Katterbach Kaserne, Bldg. 5807 You can reach some spectacular destinations by joining us on a variety of one day ski and snowboarding trips. For a new challenge ask about Alpine ski touring possibilities or Cross Country Ski trails. Ski and snowboarding lessons are available upon advanced request. Trip location is subject to change depending on the snow and slope conditions. • Trip departs Storck at 4:15 a.m. and Katterbach at 5 a.m. • Trip returns approximately at 10 p.m. Sign up with Outdoor Recreation. Cost: $45.00 transportation $59.00 equipment and transportation Contact and Register DSN: (314) 467-3225/3224/3354 Commercial: +49 (0)981-83-3225/3224/3354
Weekly Ski/Snowboard Lessons - 5 March 2014 Date: Mar. 05, 2014 4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Outdoor Recreation & Soldiers Lake- Katterbach Kaserne, Bldg. 5807 Learn to safely slide down the slopes, ride the lifts and enjoy the world's fastest growing winter activities. Weather permitting. Price: $29 for transportation Includes: Ski/snowboard equipment package (1) 2.5 hrs instruction session. Contact and Register DSN: (314) 467-3225/3224/3354 Commercial: +49 (0)981-83-3225/3224/3354 Registration Info Stop in or call Outdoor Recreation to sign up.
Day Ski/Snowboard Trip to Oberstdorf- 8 March 2014 Date: Mar. 08, 2014 4:15 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Outdoor Recreation & Soldiers Lake- Katterbach Kaserne, Bldg. 5807 You can reach some spectacular destinations by joining us on a variety of one day ski and snowboarding trips. For a new challenge ask about Alpine ski touring possibilities or Cross Country Ski trails. Ski and snowboarding lessons are available upon advanced request. Trip location is subject to change depending on the snow and slope conditions • Trip departs Storck at 4:15 a.m. and Katterbach at 5 a.m. • Trip returns approximately at 10 p.m. Sign up with Outdoor Recreation. Cost: $45.00 transportation $59.00 equipment and transportation Contact and Register DSN: (314) 467-3225/3224/3354 Commercial: +49 (0)981-83-3225/3224/3354
4 Day Ski/Snowboard Trip to Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland- 14-17 March 2014 Date: Mar. 14, 2014 8:00 a.m. Outdoor Recreation & Soldiers Lake- Katterbach Kaserne, Bldg. 5807 Leave the lifts and the crowds behind on this exciting helicopter ski/snowboard trip in the heart of the Swiss Alps. We load up the helicopters on Saturday morning in the Alpine village of Lauterbrunnen, fly up to the Ebnefluh 3,910m and follow our Swiss guide down to where we will meet our pilot again and fly up to the Petersgrat 3,200m, and then ski/ride back down to the valley floor. This trip is designed for skiers/riders with solid intermediate to advanced skills, although those who would prefer the more conventional ski lifts and groomed trails may join as well and ski/ride the slopes of Wengen of the Schilthorn. Non-skiers and sightseers may also join and find plenty to do in the surrounding area. • Trip departs Storck at 8 a.m. and Katterbach at 9 a.m. on Friday • Trip returns approximately at 6 p.m. on Monday Sign up with Outdoor Recreation. Cost: $575.00 Heli skiing, Swiss guide, back-country gear, $255.00 without helicopter flight. Contact and Register DSN: (314) 467-3225/3224/3354 / Commercial: +49 (0)981-83-3225/3224/3354
Family Readiness Group Flash 24 February - 1 March 2014
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Day Ski/Snowboard Trip to Zugspitze- 22 March 2014 Date: Mar. 22, 2014 4:15 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Outdoor Recreation & Soldiers Lake- Katterbach Kaserne, Bldg. 5807 You can reach some spectacular destinations by joining us on a variety of one day ski and snowboarding trips. For a new challenge ask about Alpine ski touring possibilities or Cross Country Ski trails. Ski and snowboarding lessons are available upon advanced request. Trip location is subject to change depending on the snow and slope conditions. • Trip departs Storck at 4:15 a.m. and Katterbach at 5 a.m. • Trip returns approximately at 10 p.m. Sign up with Outdoor Recreation. Cost: $45.00 transportation or $59.00 equipment and transportation Contact and Register DSN: (314) 467-3225/3224/3354 Commercial: +49 (0)981-83-3225/3224/3354
3 day Ski/Snowboard Trip 3 Glaciers in Austria - 4-6 April 2014 Date: Apr. 04, 2014 9:00 a.m. Outdoor Recreation & Soldiers Lake- Katterbach Kaserne, Bldg. 5807 Close out the winter season with a ski/snowboarding weekend trip to three of the Austrian glaciers that have the best snow conditions: Hintertux, Stubaital, Sölden or Pitztal. We will ski or snowboard a different glacier each day and on Monday after skiing/riding, depart for Ansbach. • Trip departs Storck at 9 a.m. and Katterbach 10 a.m. • Trip returns approximately 10 p.m. on Monday Sign up with Outdoor Recreation. Cost: $ 299.00 adults, $159.00 children Contact and Register DSN: (314) 467-3225/3224/3354 Commercial: +49 (0)981-83-3225/3224/3354
Day Ski/Snowboard Trip to Zugspitze- 15 April 2014 Date: Apr. 15, 2014 4:15 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Outdoor Recreation & Soldiers Lake- Katterbach Kaserne, Bldg. 5807 You can reach some spectacular destinations by joining us on a variety of one day ski and snowboarding trips. For a new challenge ask about Alpine ski touring possibilities or Cross Country Ski trails. Ski and snowboarding lessons are available upon advanced request. Trip location is subject to change depending on the snow and slope conditions. • Trip departs Storck at 4:15 a.m. and Katterbach at 5 a.m. • Trip returns approximately at 10 p.m. Sign up with Outdoor Recreation. Cost: $45.00 transportation or $59.00 equipment and transportation Contact and Register DSN: (314) 467-3225/3224/3354 Commercial: +49 (0)981-83-3225/3224/3354
Day trip to Keukenhof Garden in Amsterdam- 19 April 2014 Enjoy the famous Keukenhof Gardens at the time when the tulips are at their peak. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to explore Amsterdam on your own and visit the Anne Frank House, Heineken Brewery and more. • Trip departs Katterbach at 12 a.m. and Storck at 1 a.m. on Sunday • Trip returns approximately at 7 a.m. on Sunday • Price includes round trip transportation Sign up with Outdoor Recreation. Cost: $129.00 adults, $79.00 children, and $279 family Contact and Register DSN: (314) 467-3225/3224/3354 / Commercial: +49 (0)981-83-3225/3224/3354
Family Readiness Group Flash 24 February - 1 March 2014
Event
Date
Time
Wiggles and Giggles on Storck
Mar. 5, 2014
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Hearts Apart
Mar. 6, 2014
All day
Wiggles and Giggles on Katterbach
Mar. 6, 2014
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
3 Day Newcomers Orientation Katterbach
Mar. 11, 2014
8:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Wiggles and Giggles on Storck
Mar. 12, 2014
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
EFMP & SFAC Movies
Mar. 12, 2014
6:00 pm
3 Day Newcomers Orientation Katterbach
Mar. 12, 2014
8:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Wiggles and Giggles on Katterbach
Mar. 13, 2014
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
EFMP & SFAC Movies
Mar. 14, 2014
11:30 am
EFMP & SFAC Movies
Mar. 14, 2014
3:00 pm
Sponsorship Training on Katterbach
Mar. 18, 2014
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Wiggles and Giggles on Storck
Mar. 19, 2014
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Wiggles and Giggles on Katterbach
Mar. 20, 2014
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
3 Day Newcomers Orientation Storck
Mar. 24, 2014
8:30 pm - 2:30 pm
3 Day Newcomers Orientation Storck
Mar. 25, 2014
8:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Wiggles and Giggles on Storck
Mar. 26, 2014
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Wiggles and Giggles on Katterbach
Mar. 27, 2014
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Train Trip
Mar. 27, 2014
8:00 pm - 2:00 pm
3 Day Newcomers Orientation Katterbach
Mar. 27, 2014
8:00 pm - 2:00 pm
3 Day Newcomers Orientation Storck
Mar. 27, 2014
8:30 pm - 2:30 pm
EFMP Community Support Group
Mar. 29, 2014
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Katterbach ACS
Storck ACS
Mon
8a.m. - 5p.m.
Mon
8a.m. - 5p.m.
Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun U.S. Holidays
8a.m. - 5p.m. 8a.m. - 5p.m. 8a.m. - 5p.m. 11:30a.m. - 5p.m. Closed Closed Closed
Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun U.S. Holidays
8a.m. - 5p.m. 8a.m. - 5p.m. 8a.m. - 5p.m. 11:30a.m. - 5p.m. Closed Closed Closed Page 9
Family Readiness Group Flash 24 February - 1 March 2014 In and Around Europe April thru June 2014 APRIL EVENTS Brugge Chocolate Festival - Bruges A festival all about chocolate, chocolate and chocolate Dia de Sant Jordi - Barcelona The Ramblas becomes a huge flower market and book stall (men buys the woman a flower, the women buy their man a book) Flemenco Summit - Madrid The best of flamenco Glasow Art Fair - Glasgow Now in its 13th year presenting artwork from galleries throught the UK IndieLisboa Independent Film Festival - Lisbon Hundreds of independent films are screened Queensday - Amsterdam It is the Queen mothers birthday. It’s a big party - and it's orange Summer in Tivoli - Copenhagen Theatre, dance, music and films. Amusemetn park open from April till September
MAY EVENTS
Belgium
Spain
Balmoral Show - Belfast "2008 saw a record number of livestock exhibitiors". You go, enjoy Brussels Jazz Marathon - Brussels More than 100 concerts over a single weekend with locally and internationally acclaimed musicians Chelsea Flower Show - London Global floral event looking nice nice Fiesta de San Isidro - Madrid Celebrating the start of a new Bullfighting season French Open - Paris One of the ATP top four tennis tournaments
JUNE EVENTS Animafest - Zagreb World Festival of Animated Film Bukta Open Air Festival - Tromso Openair music festival under the midnight sun Donauinselfest - Vienna Free pop-music festival Dance Prague - Prague Classic, contemporary, jazz and folk dancer gather from all over the world Eurokaz - Zagreb Famous European theatre festival Love Parade - Berlin The biggest Techno/Dance party in the world Midnight Sun Marathon - Tromso Rapidly expanding marathon (not in length, but in popularity) Ommegang - Brussels Celebrating the Virgin Mary Statue from Antwerp to Brussels Prague writers' Festival - Prague
Denmark
Austria
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Family Readiness Group Flash 24 February - 1 March 2014
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Family Readiness Group Flash 24 February - 1 March 2014 Fasching, Fastnacht, Karneval -- Many words for one big party like smoking, alcohol or candy, which is an American tradition as well. Here is a selection of regional events celebrating the Fasching tradition:
ANSBACH, Germany (Feb. 20, 2014) -- The Fasching season, also known as the "fifth season" in Germany, has a long tradition in Europe. It originates in the preparation for the six-week fasting time during Lent, which ends on Easter. Fasching, Fastnacht or Karneval is a time when Germans loosen up a little, dress up in funny costumes and party. Karneval is especially popular in the Rhine region. Cities like Cologne, Mainz or Düsseldorf more or less shut down to party during the high season. The date of the long Fasching weekend varies, depending on the church calendar; while the official start of the season is always on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11:11 a.m., the revelers stay dormant during the Advent and Christmas season until the actual high Fastnacht season in the following spring. In the time between New Year's and the high Fasching season many towns and villages host balls, parties and parades. Partygoers typically dress up as a character, similar to Halloween. German police are cruising the streets more frequently at night to catch those who drink and drive. The high season starts with Altweiberfasnacht, or crazy Thursday Feb. 27, 2014, when traditionally the women take over the city's courthouse and cut off the tie of any man who dares to wear one. After attending parties all weekend long, people flock to the large cities like Cologne or Mainz to watch the Rosenmontag ("Rose Monday") parades March 3, 2014, or stay local and enjoy smaller parades, often with folklore background. Faschingsdienstag, or Shrove Tuesday, March 4, 2014, offers one last chance to party hard and then "bury" the carnival at midnight until following year. Aschermittwoch, or Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of Fastenzeit, or "fasting time" or Lent. The weeks before Easter are often used as a time for reflection and renunciation of certain personal vices
• Chinesenfasching in Dietfurt: The traditional Chinese Fasching in Dietfurt is well known in the area. This year the city celebrates the 60th anniversary of the unusual event Feb. 27, or "nonsense Thursday." The MCs start the party on the stage in front of the Rathaus, or city hall, at 1 p.m. At exactly 1:61 p.m. [sic] the parade starts moving from Industriestrasse through town towards the town center, where the annual proclamation of the emperor is held. For more details check out www.dietfurt.de or www.chinesenfasching.info. • Fasching in Allersberg: The city hall of Allerberg is taken over by the Allersberger Fleckleshexen ("patchwork witches") in an event called Rathaussturm Feb. 27 at 2 p.m., followed by a children's parade and party at the Sybilla-MaurerGrundschule in Allerberg.
Fasching party check out the Grüne Halle in Fürth (Krautheimer Strasse 11) March 1 starting at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.). A cover band will play music from the 60s, 70s and 80s, a large dance floor provides plenty of room to move and groove. For details and ticket information, visit www.gruenehalle.de
• Fastnacht-Jahrmarkt in Ansbach: The city of Ansbach hosts a carnival market with vendors selling a large variety of goods downtown near Schlossplatz, Reitbahn and KarlBurkhardt-Platz. The market is open March 3 through 5 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and March 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Fasching Sunday Allersberg: Allersberg starts celebrating at 10 a.m. March 2 with a Frühschoppen at Gasthaus "Altes Spital" (Marktplatz 10). At 1:30 p.m. live music starts at the Marktplatz. A large parade with 80 wagons, walking groups and marching bands begins to meander through the streets of Allerberg at 2:11 p.m.
• Kinderfasching in Ansbach: A large Kinderfasching party takes place at the Onoldia (Nürnberger Str.32) in Ansbach on "Rosenmontag" March 3 from 3 to 6 p.m. Children can dance and play or participate in games or crafts. Also offered are face painting and a costume contest. To learn more, visit www.ansbach4u.de.
• Mitteleschenbach "Helau" - Parade: The Mittelschenbach parade begins at 2 p.m. March 2 and is followed by Fasching celebrations throughout the town. • Ornbauer Fasching Parade: Ornbau is hosting a parade downtown March 2 at 1:30 p.m., followed by Fasching celebrations at the Stadthalle.
• Nonsense Thursday in WolframsEschenbach: Fasching parties with music and dancing take place in the local restaurants and pubs (Gasthaus Heubusch, Gasthaus Zur Traube, Café Parzival, DJK Sportgaststätte) in Wolframs-Eschenbach Feb. 27, starting at 8 p.m.
• Parade and Ball in Spalt: The traditional folklore parade of Spalt takes place March 3 at 7 p.m., starting at the Josefsplatz. A "Rosenmontagsball" with the live band Sunrise is scheduled afterwards at 8 p.m. at the Stadthalle. To learn more, call 09178-5464.
• Fasching parade in Georgensgmünd: The annual parade March 1 at 2 p.m. in Georgensgmünd features local clubs and groups in wagons or walking, followed by a Kinderfasching with music and dancing in the Gym (Turnhalle, Wiesenstrasse). Admission is free.
• Kinderfasching in Feucht: A Kinder Fasching party is hosted by TSV 04 Feucht on Segerswegs 9 March 3 at 2 p.m. Admission is 2 euros for children and 3 euros for adults. To learn more, visit www.tsv04feucht.de.
• "Carnaval Latino" in the International House in Nürnberg: LatinAmerican rhythms, dance shows and live music will rock the Heilig-GeistHaus (Hans-Sachs-Platz 2) downtown Nürnberg on March 1, starting at 9 p.m. Guests are encouraged to come in costume; tickets can be purchased in advance for 12 euros at Casa de la Salsa Havanna (01 74/5 22 27 19) and the Amt für Internationale Beziehungen, Hans-Sachs-Platz 2; tickets for 14 euros are available at the evening counter. • Rock Oldie Fasching at Grüne Halle in Fürth: For a fun "Rock Oldie"
• Nürnberg Fasching Parade: The Nürnberg Fasching parade, the oldest of its kind in the world, leads 49 decorated wagons and more than 3,000 participants through the city March 2 beginning at 1 p.m. The route takes the parade from Am Stadtpark to Pirckheimerstrasse, Bayreuther Strasse, Rathenauplatz, Laufer Tor, Innere Laufer Gasse, Theresienplatz, Obstmarkt, Museumsbrücke, Königstrasse, Kaiserstrasse, Josephsplatz and finally Vordere Ledergasse. The best strategy to watch the parade is to pick a spot along the route and wait for the fun to come to you. To learn more, visit www.fastnachtszug.de.
• "Spalt Aha"-- Fasching Parade in Spalt: The Spalt Fasching parade is scheduled for March 4 at 2 p.m., starting in Rother Strasse. Live music begins at 1 p.m.. Fasching parties take place afterwards in the local restaurants. • Kinderfasching in Gunzenhausen: A Kinder Fasching party starts at the Stadthalle Gunzenhausen March 4 at 2 p.m. • Kinderfasching in Ornbau: Ornbau hosts a Kinder Fasching party at the Stadthalle Ornbau March 4 from 2 to 5 p.m. • Schwabach Fasching Parade: The Fasching parade in Schwabach takes place downtown March 4 at 2 p.m. • Bamberg Fasching Parade: The Bamberg Fasching Parade takes place March 4, beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the Markusplatz. From there it moves through the town on Kapuzinerstrasse, Am Kranen, Lange Strasse, Schönleinsplatz, Willi-LessingStrasse, Luitpoldbrücke, Obere Königstrasse, Kettenbrücke, Hauptwachstrasse and ends on Maxplatz. Many pubs and cafes celebrate the end of Fasching downtown afterwards. To learn more, visit www.kultur.bamberg.de. More information: http://www.army.mil
Family Readiness Group Flash 24 February - 1 March 2014
Thursday February 13 Labor Day (PG-13) 1900
Friday February 21 Robocop 4 (PG-13) 1900
Friday February 14 The Monuments Men (PG-13) 1900
Saturday February 22 Winter’s Tale (PG-13) 1600 Robocop 4 (PG-13) 1900
Saturday February 15 Labor Day (PG-13) 1600 The Monuments Men (PG-13) 1900 Sunday February 16 The Lego Movie in 3D (PG) 1500 47 Ronin (PG-13) 1800
Thursday February 20 The Monuments Men (PG-13) 1900
Sunday February 23 The Lego Movie in 3D (PG) 1500 Robocop 4 (PG-13) 1800 Thursday February 27 Winter’s Tale (PG-13) 1900 Friday February 28 About Last Night (R) 1900
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Family Readiness Group Flash 24 February - 1 March 2014
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Family Readiness Group Flash 24 February - 1 March 2014
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Family Readiness Group Flash 24 February - 1 March 2014
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Family Readiness Group Flash 24 February - 1 March 2014
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Family Readiness Group Flash 24 February - 1 March 2014
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Family Readiness Group Flash 24 February - 1 March 2014
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Family Readiness Group Flash 24 February - 1 March 2014
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Family Readiness Group Flash 24 February - 1 March 2014
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Family Readiness Liaison Melanie Johnson BLDG 5815, 09250 Katterbach, Bayern, Germany FRL Phone: (314)467-3144 F Co. Phone (314)467-3150 Cell: 01713597381 E-mail: melanie.r.johnson23.mil@mail.mil Page 22