Issuu

Celebrate Month of the Military Child

Filled with inspiration Pages 16–20 Kids’ Fest Page 30 CYS then & now Pages 43–47

Director, Family & MWR Venicia Morse

Marketing director Kimberly Perrenot

Editor/Writer Angie Andrews

Graphics Toby Bartley, Emiliano Hernandez

Contributing writers Emily Crutchfield, Hillside Youth Center Teens, Chef Iesha, Bianca McClendon

Contributing photographers Toby Bartley, Katherine Brassfield, Ursula Buford, Emiliano Hernandez, Hillside Youth Center Teens, Greg Hopper, JBLM MWR, Patti Jeffrey, Bianca McClendon, Kaweka Stoney

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

EXPLOREJBLM is an unofficial information source. Activities described herein, which are open to authorized patrons and, where applicable, guests, are subject to change; contact the activity for confirmation. Opinions are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent Family & MWR, Joint Base Lewis-McChord or any U.S. government entity. The use of a commercial sponsor logo or mention of a commercial sponsor or other organization does not constitute U.S. government endorsement.

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

Phone area code is 253.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Family and MWR

MWR DIRECTORY

Go to JBLM.armymwr.com for more information.

Phone area code is 253. LM = Lewis Main | LN = Lewis North | MF = McChord Field LEISURE RESOURCES

Phone area code is 253. LM = Lewis Main | LN = Lewis North | MF = McChord Field

LEISURE RESOURCES

BETTER OPPORTUNITIES FOR SINGLE

SERVICE MEMBERS (BOSS)

11592 17th & D St. LN 967-5636

LM = Lewis Main | LN = Lewis North | MF = McChord Field

AQUATICS

KIMBRO POOL

KIMBRO POOL 2161 Liggett Ave. LM 967-5026

11592 17th & D St. LN 967-5636

LEISURE TRAVEL SERVICES

8050 NCO Beach Rd. LN 967-3085

WARRIOR ZONE

11592 17th & D St. LN 477-5756

2161 Liggett Ave. LM 967-5026

McCHORD FIELD OUTDOOR POOL (open summers only) 736 5th St. MF 982-2807

11592 17th & D St. LN 477-5756

OUTDOOR RECREATION

HOLIDAY PARK MF

Pavilion Info & Reservations 982-7744

McCHORD FIELD OUTDOOR POOL (open summers only)

736 St. MF 982-2807

SOLDIERS FIELD HOUSE POOL 3236 2nd Div. & Handrich LM 967-5390

Pavilion Info & Reservations 982-7744

Holiday Park/Fam-Camp 982-5488

SOLDIERS FIELD HOUSE POOL

3236 2nd Div. & Handrich LM 967-5390

Holiday Park/Fam-Camp 982-5488

FREEDOM PARK

2275 Liggett Ave. LM

FREEDOM PARK 2275 Liggett Ave. LM

SPLASH PARK (Summer only) 967-4661

NORTHWEST ADVENTURE CENTER

8050 NCO Beach Rd. LN

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PROGRAMS LN 967-7744

EQUIPMENT RENTAL (NAC) LN 967-7744

TRAVEL CAMP & CABIN RENTAL LN 967-7744

ARTS & CRAFTS AUTO

McCHORD ARTS & CRAFTS CENTER 1121 Barnes Blvd. MF 982-6719

LEWIS AUTO CENTER

LEWIS AUTO CENTER 4043 West Way 967-3728

4043 West Way 967-3728

McCHORD AUTO CENTER 1120 Barnes Blvd. MF 982-7226

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PROGRAMS LN 967-7744

EQUIPMENT RENTAL (NAC) LN 967-7744

TRAVEL CAMP & CABIN RENTAL LN 967-7744

RUSSELL LANDING MARINA

(Open Memorial Day–Labor Day)

8981 American Lake Ave. LN 967-2510

SHORELINE PARK

(Open Memorial Day through Labor Day)

Shoreline Beach Rd., Pavillion info LN 967-2510

OFF-ROAD VEHICLE PARK

2 miles past the Skeet Range jblm.isportsman.net

McCHORD AUTO CENTER 1120 Barnes Blvd. MF 982-7226

LIBRARIES

GRANDSTAFF MEMORIAL

2109 N. 10th & Pendleton LM 967-5889

GRANDSTAFF MEMORIAL 2109 N. 10th & Pendleton LM 967-5889

BOOK PATCH CHILDREN’S LIBRARY (inside Grandstaff)

2109 N. 10th & Pendleton LM 967-5533

Shoreline Beach Rd., Pavillion info LN 967-2510

2 miles past the Skeet Range jblm.isportsman.net

RIFLE & PISTOL RANGE (RANGE 15)

0015 East Gate Rd. LM 967-9803

SHOTGUN SHOOTING COMPLEX

3969 2nd Div Range Rd. LM 967-7056

SPORTS & FITNESS

2109 N. 10th & Pendleton LM 967-5533

McCHORD LIBRARY

851 Lincoln Blvd., Ground Floor MF 982-3454

CHILD

3969 2nd Div Range Rd. LM 967-7056

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS

DEVELOPMENT CENTERS

BEACHWOOD CDC

SPORTS & FITNESS ARTS & CRAFTS AUTO

8300 American Lake Ave. LN 967-2600/477-5379

CLARKMOOR CDC

2095 Bitar Ave. LM 967-2300/5455

CLARKMOOR CDC 2095 Bitar Ave. LM 967-2300/5455

HILLSIDE CDC

PT occurs between 6:30–7:30 a.m.

JENSEN HUMAN PERFORMANCE CENTER 2022 Liggett Ave. & Div. LM 967-5975

McCHORD FITNESS CENTER

729 5th St. MF 982-6707

6396 Garcia Blvd. LM 477-3125/3126

HILLSIDE CDC 6396 Garcia Blvd. LM 477-3125/3126

MADIGAN CDC 6995 Jackson Ave. LM 967-2800

729 5th St. MF 982-6707

McCHORD FITNESS CENTER ANNEX 726 5th St. MF 982-6700

McCHORD FITNESS CENTER ANNEX 726 St. MF 982-6700

McVEIGH SPORTS & FITNESS CENTER 2160 Liggett Ave. LM 967-5869

McVEIGH SPORTS & FITNESS CENTER

MADIGAN CDC 6995 Jackson Ave. LM 967-2800

McCHORD CDC

578 Lincoln Blvd. (EAST) MF 982-0413/982-4903

McCHORD CDC 578 Lincoln Blvd. (EAST) MF 982-0413/982-4903

McCHORD CDC

560 Lincoln Blvd. (WEST) MF 982-4166/4178

2160 Liggett Ave. LM 967-5869

SHERIDAN SPORTS & FITNESS CENTER 3759 Stryker Ave. LM 967-3797/4467

SHERIDAN SPORTS & FITNESS CENTER

3759 Stryker Ave. LM 967-3797/4467

SOLDIERS FIELD HOUSE

3236 2nd Div. & Handrich LM 967-4771

McCHORD CDC 560 Lincoln Blvd. (WEST) MF 982-4166/4178

YOUTH PROGRAMS

CASCADE SCHOOL AGE CENTER

2402 Bitar Ave. LM 966-8977/8978

CASCADE SCHOOL AGE CENTER 2402 Bitar Ave. LM 966-8977/8978

3236 2nd Div. & Handrich LM 967-4771

WILSON SPORTS & FITNESS CENTER

11596 D St. & 41st Div. LN 967-7471

HILLSIDE YOUTH CENTER/TEEN ZONE 6397 Garcia Blvd. LM 967-4441

11596 D St. & 41st Div. LN 967-7471

INTRAMURAL SPORTS OFFICE

3236 2nd Div. & Handrich LM 967-6420

LEWIS NORTH SCHOOL AGE CENTER 8584 American Lake Ave. LN 966-7166/7167

LEWIS NORTH SCHOOL AGE CENTER

8584 American Lake Ave. LN 966-7166/7167

McCHORD SCHOOL AGE CENTER

3236 2nd Div. & Handrich LM 967-6420

3032 Dogwood St. MF 982-2203

McCHORD SCHOOL AGE CENTER 3032 Dogwood St. MF 982-2203

YOUTH SPORTS

6398 Garcia Blvd. LM 967-2405 Continued on next page

PARENT CENTRAL SERVICES

2295 12th & Bitar LM 966-2977

FAMILY CHILD CARE

OTHER CHILD & YOUTH SERVICES

2275 Liggett Ave. LM 967-3039

ARMED FORCES ACTION PLAN (AFAP) 4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-2324

ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY SERVICE

ARMED FORCES TEAM BUILDING (AFTB) 4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-2324

SCHOOL SUPPORT SERVICES

PARENT CENTRAL SERVICES

ARMED FORCES ACTION PLAN (AFAP)

2295 12th & Bitar LM 967-7195

2295 12th & Bitar LM 966-2977

FAMILY CHILD CARE

2275 Liggett Ave. LM 967-3039

BOWLING CENTER

SCHOOL SUPPORT SERVICES

2295 12th & Bitar LM 967-7195

BOWL ARENA LANES

2272 Liggett Ave. LM 967-4661

4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-2324

INSTALLATION VOLUNTEER CORPS (IVC) 4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-2324

4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-2324

ARMED FORCES TEAM BUILDING (AFTB)

4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-2324

ARMED FORCES TEAM BUILDING (AFTB) 4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-2324

INSTALLATION VOLUNTEER CORPS (IVC)

EMPLOYMENT READINESS PROGRAM 9059 Gardner Loop LM 477-9675

4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-2324

INSTALLATION VOLUNTEER CORPS (IVC) 4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-2324

BOWLING

BOWLING CENTER

CENTER

DINING & CLUBS

BOWL ARENA LANES

EMPLOYMENT READINESS PROGRAM 9059 Gardner Loop LM 477-9675

MOBILIZATION, DEPLOYMENT & SSO 4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-6200

2272 Liggett Ave. LM 967-4661

HOME-BASED BUSINESS 9059 Gardner Loop LM 967-2906

MWR CATERING

8085 NCO Beach Rd. LN 966-7466

DINING & CLUBS

AMERICAN LAKE CONFERENCE CENTER

MOBILIZATION, DEPLOYMENT & SSO 4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-6200

RELOCATION READINESS PROGRAM 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-3633

100 Col. Joe Jackson Blvd MF 982-2695

MOBILIZATION, DEPLOYMENT & SSO 4274 Idaho Ave LM 967-6200

MWR CATERING

8085 NCO Beach Rd. LN 966-4998/3987

8085 NCO Beach Rd. LN 966-7466

AMERICAN LAKE CONFERENCE CENTER

HABAÑERO MEXICAN GRILL at WHISPERING FIRS GOLF COURSE

RELOCATION READINESS PROGRAM 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-3633

SURVIVOR OUTREACH SERVICES (SOS) 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-3672

100 Col. Joe Jackson Blvd MF 982-2695

895 Lincoln Blvd. MF 982-3271

8085 NCO Beach Rd. LN 966-4998/3987

McCHORD CLUB

HABAÑERO MEXICAN GRILL at WHISPERING FIRS GOLF COURSE

700 Barnes Blvd. MF 982-2795

895 Lincoln Blvd. MF 982-3271

Catering Of ce 982-8175

McCHORD CLUB

WARRIOR ZONE CAFE

700 Barnes Blvd. MF 982-2795

11592 D St. & 17th LN 477-5835/5833

Catering Of ce 982-8175

WARRIOR ZONE CAFE

11592 D St. & 17th LN 477-5835/5833

GOLF COURSES

FINANCIAL READINESS

2140 Liggett Ave

FINANCIAL READINESS PROGRAM

GOLF COURSES

EAGLE’S PRIDE GOLF COURSE

Located off I-5, Exit 116 967-6522

EAGLE’S PRIDE GOLF COURSE

WHISPERING FIRS GOLF COURSE

895 Lincoln Blvd. MF 982-2124

Located off I-5, Exit 116 967-6522

WHISPERING FIRS GOLF COURSE

895 Lincoln Blvd. MF 982-2124

SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION

MWR MARKETING & ADVERTISING

SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION

2013B N. 3rd St., Rm. 117 LM 967-5202

MWR MARKETING & ADVERTISING

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

2013B N. 3rd St., Rm. 117 LM 967-5202

2013B N. 3rd St., Rm. 117 LM 967-7942/966-2256 UNIT FUNDS

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

2013B N. 3rd St., Rm. 117 LM 967-7942/966-2256 UNIT FUNDS

2013B N. 3rd St., Rm. 117 LM 967-7942/966-2256

UNIT FUNDS

2013 N. 3rd St., Rm. 338 LM 966-4300

2013 N. 3rd St., Rm. 338 LM 966-4300 PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS

2013 N. 3rd St., Rm. 312 LM 967-6551

2013 N. 3rd St., Rm. 338 LM 966-4300 PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS

PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS

2013 N. 3rd St., Rm. 312 LM 967-6551

NAF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

2013 N. 3rd St., Rm. 324 LM 967-1332 SUPPLY

2057 Crary Ave. LM 967-3991

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 2013 N. 3rd St. LM CYMS 967-6276

RecTrac /WebTrac 967-8370

2057 Crary Ave. LM 967-3991 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 2013 N. 3rd St. LM CYMS 967-6276 RecTrac /WebTrac 967-8370

OTHER FACILITIES/BUSINESSES

CPAC-NAF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE

2015 4th & Pendleton Ave, Rm. B008 LM Of ce 968-6797

2015 4th & Pendleton Ave, Rm. B008 LM

2015 4th & Pendleton Ave, Rm. B008 LM Of ce 968-6797

Of ce 968-6797

PAINTBALL INC.

4535 Vancouver Rd. LN 912-8000

4535 Vancouver Rd. LN 912-8000 THE PET BRIGADE

4535 Vancouver Rd. LN 912-8000

THE PET BRIGADE

0497 Pendleton Ave. LN 912-4898

0497 Pendleton Ave. LN 912-4898 TEXAS ROADHOUSE

TEXAS ROADHOUSE

23700 N 14th St. LM 393-9085

FINANCIAL READINESS PROGRAM

2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-1453

967-1453

2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-1453

100 Col. Joe Jackson Blvd MF 982-3125

ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF (AER) 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-9852

Col. Joe Jackson Blvd MF 982-3125 ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF (AER) 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-9852 AIR FORCE AID SOCIETY (AFAS)

AIR FORCE AID SOCIETY (AFAS)

100 Col. Joe Jackson Blvd MF 982-9027

FAMILY ADVOCACY

EFMP FAMILY SUPPORT

ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF (AER) 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-9852

100 Col. Joe Jackson Blvd MF 982-9027

2013A N. 3rd St., Rm. 203 LM 967-5797

FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAM

2013A N. 3rd St., Rm. 203 LM 967-5797 FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAM

2013A N. 3rd St., Rm. 203 LM 967-5797

FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAM

2013A N. 3rd St. LM 967-5901

NEW PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM

2013A N. 3rd St. LM 967-5901 NEW PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM

2013A N. 3rd St. LM 967-5901

2013A N. 3rd St. LM 967-7409

24/7 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SAFELINE 2013A N. 3rd St. LM 966-7233

NEW PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM 2013A N. 3rd St. LM 967-7409

2013A N. 3rd St. LM 967-7409 24/7 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SAFELINE 2013A N. 3rd St. LM 966-7233

COMMUNITY INFORMATION SERVICES (CIS)

AFCS PROGRAM PHONE TREE 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-7166 CIS WALLER HALL

2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-7130 CIS SERVICE MEMBER & FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER (SFAC) 9059 Gardner Loop LM 966-8433 CIS McCHORD FIELD

SURVIVOR OUTREACH SERVICES (SOS) 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-3672 Armed Forces Community Service

24/7 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SAFELINE 2013A N. 3rd St. LM 966-7233

COMMUNITY INFORMATION SERVICES (CIS) AFCS PROGRAM PHONE TREE 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-7166 CIS WALLER HALL 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-7130 CIS SERVICE MEMBER & FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER (SFAC) 9059 Gardner Loop LM 966-8433 CIS McCHORD FIELD

AFCS PROGRAM PHONE TREE 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-7166 CIS WALLER HALL 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-7130

CIS SERVICE MEMBER & FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER (SFAC) 9059 Gardner Loop LM 966-8433 CIS McCHORD FIELD

100 Col. Joe Jackson Blvd MF 982-2695

SURVIVOR OUTREACH SERVICES (SOS) 2140 Liggett Ave LM 967-3672 Armed Forces Community Service

MWR Website MWR Facebook

MWR Website MWR Facebook

EXPLORE JBLM

8 Flank steak with chimichurri recipe

Follow Chef Iesha’s recipe to create a delicious flank steak topped with chimichurri and serve it with your favorite side dishes.

16 Filled with inspiration

Get inspired by the voices of military children during Month of the Military Child as they share advice, personal quotes and their honest opinions about some duty stations.

25 Behind-the-scenes with Special Events

It’s festival season! How do these events actually come to life? Get all the details from JBLM’s Special Events team.

43 CYS then & now

CYS is turning 45 this year! Learn how the Child & Youth Services program has grown and changed over the years from some CYS employees who have witnessed it all through their decades-long careers.

Your guide to JBLM

to JBLM! MWR is here to meet your needs and support you through our expansive programs and services. Bloom and celebrate with us this spring!

MWR services and resources

MWR is here to support your needs through family-friendly options such as child care, youth sports, special events and celebrations focused on your family. Service Members can enjoy connecting with BOSS, and everyone can enjoy trips with Outdoor Recreation, festivals, events at the libraries and so much more.

On the cover

Meet three CYS employees with decades-long careers and discover how the Child & Youth Services program has continually grown, changed and developed to meet the needs of military families.

In this issue

April is the Month of the Military Child and JBLM is celebrating in multiple ways. Learn from the teens at Hillside Youth Center (pages 16-20) and CYS employees (pages 43-47), plan to enjoy Kids’ Fest and the Armed Forces Kid’s Run and find a full list of Month of the Military Child events by scanning the QR code on page 41.

Plus, stay in the loop with calendar dates to keep in mind (page 10), plan to attend festivals (pages 30-31), set aside time for both somber and fun holidays (page 13 and page 30) and, of course, enjoy everyday MWR offerings. Learn to climb or participate in watersports with Outdoor Recreation (pages 35-36) or take a day trip or grand adventure with the help of Leisure Travel Services (page 37).

Will you be celebrating family members with a home-cooked meal this May and June? Surprise them with a delicious flank steak with chimichurri dinner!

Recipe by Chef Iesha; Photos by Emiliano Hernandez

*Cheese

Ingredients

Flank steak Chimichurri

1 orange

1 lime

1 lemon

1 Tbsp salt

1 Tbsp pepper

2 tsp citrus salt additional salt to taste

1 bunch cilantro

1 Tbsp minced garlic

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Juice of 1 lime

2 1/2 Tbsp olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Flank steak with chimichurri

Directions

1. In a bowl large enough to fit your steak, combine the juice of the lemon, lime and orange with all steak seasonings.

2. Add the flank steak to the bowl and rub with juice and seasoning mixture.

3. Cover the bowl and let steak marinate for at least four hours or overnight.

4. Grill steak to your desired temperature.

5. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

6. While your steak is resting, make the chimichurri by combining all ingredients in a blender.

7. Blend for about one minute or until desired texture is reached. If making without a blender, chop the cilantro as fine as you can and mix with other ingredients. Top your sliced steak with chimichurri and serve with sides of your choice.

8. Enjoy!

pictured above was used in a mashed potatoes side, not in the steak or chimichurri ingredients.

Schedule your spring

Arts & Crafts Center update

Mark your calendars

This year, the Arts & Crafts Center building will be going through an HVAC repair and installation process. You can still enjoy plenty of crafting opportunities (page 33) during this time because the Arts & Crafts Center will remain open at its regular location through the first of three phases and then move to a temporary location at Adventures Unlimited, 739 Battery Rd., McChord Field, for the remaining two phases. Estimated dates for the temporary location are April–September. While at the temporary Adventures Unlimited location, you can still reach the Arts & Crafts Center staff by using the “email us” button on the Arts & Crafts section of our website. Thank you for your continued patronage and flexibility during our construction progress.

Here are some upcoming events and dates to keep in mind as we breeze through spring and into summer.

• April is both Month of the Military Child and Child Abuse Prevention Month. As you flip through the pages of this issue, enjoy all the articles for family-friendly events and support for our military children. There is a listing of Month of the Military Child activities found in the Happenings section of our website, and AFCS Family Advocacy Program is hosting a Family Adventure Nature Walk on Saturday, April 5 at 9:30 a.m. at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge.

• Friday, May 9 is Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Think about how you can celebrate the military spouses in your life.

• Monday, May 26 is Memorial Day. While the meaning behind this day is a somber one, this is a day to also honor the valor of our fallen heroes.

• Saturday, June 14 is the Army’s 250th Birthday. The theme for this year’s celebrations is “This We’ll Defend.”

• The Summer Reading Program and Kids Bowl Free programs both kick off in June. Stay tuned for more details.

• This year’s Down ‘n’ Dirty Trail Run is on Saturday, July 19. Registration details are coming soon.

• On Friday, July 25, Armed Forces Community Service celebrates 60 years providing support for military families.

Suit up for summer

Patterns of sunnier days, warmer temps and later sunsets all point to one thing: summer! The new season is shaping up, and some activities never go out of style. Swimming is back with a splash. This year, McChord Pool is posed to garner even more adoring fans than ever. Following classic summer calendar models, JBLM’s outdoor pool is set to steal the show beginning Saturday, May 24. Tailor your days to soak up the sun with the help of the pool schedule, which is always available on the Aquatics section of our website. Pool days are trending, and everyone’s desires for fun are cut from the same cloth, so go ahead and suit up — bathing suit up, that is.

As a friendly reminder, pool use is free for all active duty Service Members as well as for family members of those with ranks E1–E4.

Photos by JBLM MWR

A fun night for parents and kids

Text & photos by

Bianca McClendon

Parents’ Night Out is a CYS event offered for parents who want to have some kid-free time for a few hours. Once registered for the event, kiddos can be dropped off at the Child Development Center or School Age Care location that’s hosting the event to have some fun while parents enjoy themselves.

For my family, we always register our son for Parents’ Night Out when it’s offered and plan a date night for ourselves. While we enjoyed some time out on the town, our son made new friends, watched movies and played at the CYS center until we returned.

Parents’ Night Out (or sometimes Parents’ Day Out) events are for families who are already enrolled with CYS and is open to children ages 6 weeks of age to grade 5. Registration for Parents’ Night Out events occurs every few months, and the sign-up process is simple. Parents can call the Parent Central Services phone number, 253-966-2977, to sign their children up or call if they have any questions. You can also check out the MWR website or social media sites for the most upto-date details about future PNO events.

Run to Remember

On Thursday, May 22, from 9 a.m.–noon, stop by the Lewis North Athletic Complex to complete a one-mile run in remembrance of the fallen. You can keep running to complete as many laps as you can! The race takes place leading up to Memorial Day weekend, which is observed as the start of summer for many. However, the reason for Memorial Day has a much more revered and somber tone. Stemming from a holiday in the late 1860s, originally called Decoration Day, the holiday was a day set aside to remember, honor and mourn deceased Service Members and mark their graves with flowers; Memorial Day became a federal holiday in 1971 and is now observed on the last Monday in May.

Last year’s race had over 700 participants and included a presentation of colors ceremony, a playing of the National Anthem, opening ceremony remarks and closing remarks. This year’s race will follow a similar format. Participants are not required to attend during the whole event and can stop by anytime between 9 a.m.–Noon to complete the run and optional Murph workout. The Murph workout includes a one-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats and a one-mile run for time. If you have a 14-20 lb. vest, you are encouraged to wear it for the Murph workout. Participants in the Run to Remember will receive a race bib, fruit and water. Sign-ups are available online and in person on the day of the event. There is no cost to participate in this free event! Visit JBLMraces.com for more information.

Photos by Toby Bartley

Filled with inspiration

Text and photos by Hillside Youth Center leadership program members: Youth Sponsorship, Keystone and Torch Club

April is an uplifting month for military families as we celebrate the Month of the Military Child! Connecting to this year’s theme, “Celebrating Military Children and Youth: Building Stronger Character and Relationships,” teens from Hillside Youth Center have joined together and risen to the challenge of supporting military children like themselves with some honest and inspiring words.

Useful advice

In answer to, “What are some things military youth have or do that other youth might not?” Hillside members shared their positive takes:

“Getting to meet and know new people from moving around so much.”

“I like the military discounts.”

“You get to experience things other kids don’t.”

“You feel safe all the time on the base.”

“Getting to come to the Youth Center and being supported by the staff.”

“You get to travel a lot without spending a lot of money on it.”

“There are awesome free events and activities for kids and families.”

Reflecting on their own resiliency, Hillside youth responded to, “Do you have any tips for military kids that struggle with moving around so much?”

“You get to experience new things, meet new friends and you can still communicate with your old friends, so it’s not as bad as you think.”

“Try to keep in contact with your friends!”

“It is what it is; it’s just life. You just have to get used to it and keep on with life.”

“Keep an open mindset and be positive!”

“Be ready to let go.”

Thoughts about Kids’ Fest

With JBLM’s biggest Month of the Military Child celebration, Kids’ Fest, right around the corner, Hillside teens are gearing up to attend or volunteer on Saturday, April 26. Here’s what is on their minds about the event.

When asked, “What do you think of Kids Fest?” here are their overall thoughts:

“I really like the activities!”

“I liked the karaoke at Winterfest; I hope they do it at Kids’ Fest.”

“I love the variety of games to win prizes and candy.”

And, if they could add their ideas to the planning of the event, when responding to, “What would you like to see at Kids’ Fest?” these activities would definitely make the cut:

“Cookie decorating.”

“Face painting.”

“Jewelry making.”

“A badminton tournament.”

Getting candid about duty stations

Everyone enjoys some places more than others, which is true for Hillside youth as evidenced by their answers to, “What’s your favorite place you’ve moved to or visited?”

“Washington; everywhere else I’ve been stinks.”

“Hawaii.”

“Colorado.”

“Indiana.”

“Texas, because it’s full of athletic people.”

Continued on next page

Quotes by military kids for military kids

“As a military kid, we move across the country almost every year. Though that can be exciting, there are some cons, like leaving schools with friends you’ve made and then going to a state you have no clue about. But being a military kid does come with some pros, like going to visit and live in other countries and being able to see other bases.” — Joy, grade 7

“I feel like when you are a military child you travel to many amazing and cool places. You also get to experience a lot of great and new things.” — Jalen, grade 9

“Being a military child is tough because we have to move around a lot and keeping connections with friends can be hard.” — Alina, grade 7

“As a military kid, it’s hard because you have to move around a lot and my dad is gone most of the time. It’s fun for some of the moves though, and we get to experience many different new places. I like being a military kid!” — Sutton, grade 6

“Being a military child means having to compromise and adapt. It means to also be resilient and being able to understand that your parent is serving their country.” — Hillside Youth Center teen

“Born in Darkness, Forged in Fire.” — Liam, grade 9

This fun motto was shared because it is commonly said in many ROTC groups as a way to get cadets’ attention or said in unison to show agreement within the group.

“Being a military kid means exploring more of the world.” — Alora, grade 7

“I like coming to the Hillside Youth Center! It’s a place I enjoy as a military kid.” — Kentrelle, grade 7

“Being a military kid is fun because you meet new people and live in new places that a lot of people don’t get to live at.” — Kylie, grade 10

“I am a military child and that means me and my family have to be flexible and adapt. My dad may leave for deploy ment, training or war and may be thousands of miles away, but he is serving his country. I am a military child and I am proud and thankful to all who are serving and who have served.” — Andrew, grade 7

“Growing up in a military family, I was constantly on the move, never staying in one place for too long. This nomadic lifestyle made it difficult to form lasting friendships, as every few years we would pack up and relocate to a new base or town. Each move brought with it the challenge of adapting to unfamiliar places and people, while also saying goodbye to friends I had just started to connect with. It felt like an endless cycle of starting over, which made it hard to build any sense of stability. Despite the challenges, I learned to be resilient and adaptable, understanding that change was just a part of life in a military family.” — Natalia, grade 10

Continued on next page

Even military kids grow up eventually …

Hillside youth wanted readers to get a past military child’s viewpoint as well. One of their lead teachers at Hillside Youth Center, Ms. Cami, says, “Being a military kid had its ups and downs. Imagine not being there for your child being born, missing out on birthdays and holidays with loved ones and friends. That’s what it’s like being in the military. You miss the small and big moments in life to serve.

And as a Navy brat, my dad was always on the ship and sent overseas [for] months at a time. Having one of the most important jobs in the Navy, as the ship’s Chief Engineer, he was the first man on and the last man off. From dawn until dusk, he was the man of the watch. Being a military kid, we had to support the mission at the home front and be understanding, resilient and be adaptable to changes and sudden moves.

Still to this day, I support the mission and work with military youth and help them as they experience and go through some of the same things I faced as a military child, [by] giving them guidance and creating a space [where] they feel supported and have fun.”

Getting to know our military kids here at JBLM is one of the great ways to honor them during the Month of the Military Child and throughout their time here. After enjoying their perspectives in this article, plan to share a wonderful celebration with them at Kids’ Fest (page 30).

Be an MWR VIP

By Emily Crutchfield

Contribute to MWR as a volunteer

There may have been a time when you experienced being “volun-told” what you had to do and when to do it. But when you choose to volunteer of your own volition, the great thing is that it can be based on your interests and available time. In doing so, you have the chance to make an impact here at Joint Base Lewis-McChord with the JBLM Morale, Welfare and Recreation team.

You might have found a new calling like an exercise routine such as yoga, or maybe you have an interest in cycling or spin classes and want to show others what you’ve learned, so you could become a volunteer instructor at one of the fitness centers. If you like to read and want to help at Grandstaff, Book Patch Children’s or McChord Library, you can see what help they need. Maybe you want to be a Youth Sports coach and work with the kiddos playing seasonal sports.

Volunteering gives you the chance to challenge yourself and learn new things, too. You can try things out and see if they work for your abilities and skills until you find the right fit. Not only is it personally rewarding, but you get to be part of an overall impact within MWR. Benefits include adding volunteer contributions to future job applications, current résumés or even scholarships and college

applications. With the accumulation of your contributions, there are opportunities to be eligible for awards through the volunteer program.

National Volunteer Week falls in April every year. During this time, the Installation Volunteer Corps program manager has a busy week planned for all the volunteers, with multiple days of appreciation booths that lead up to the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon and Awards Ceremony for those who volunteered in 2024. Additionally, all volunteers who contributed their efforts during 2024 are invited to stop by the appreciation booths to let us personally say “Thank you.” Booths will be available on Monday, April 21 from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (Stone Education Center), Thursday, April 24 from 11 a.m.–noon (Waller Hall) and Friday, April 25 from 12:30–1:30 p.m. (McChord Commissary).

If you haven’t started volunteering yet and you’re ready to be part of the fun and learn more about volunteer opportunities at JBLM, visit the Volunteer Fair happening Wednesday, April 23, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Stone Education Center. If you’re not able to attend the volunteer fair, it’s no problem; you can sign up to volunteer at any time.

Visit the Partner with Us link on our main web page or head to JBLM.armymwr.com/ Programs/IVC to get started.

Behind-thescenes with Special Events

By Angie Andrews; Photography by Emiliano Hernandez and Toby Bartley

Festival season is here, with upcoming larger events such as Kids’ Fest (April), Armed Forces Day (May) and Freedom Fest (June), and everyone is anticipating the fun: your kids eagerly looking forward to the next special day on base, the public curiously wondering what JBLM is all about, vendors wanting to connect with our community and your neighbor who just moved to the area hoping to get out from under all the PCS boxes.

Excitement is all well and good, but for a select few, these events have been in their minds and on their hearts since last year’s events wrapped, or maybe even longer than that. Wondering just who would be continuously thinking about and working on these events? Meet Colin Brooks and Maggie Houts, JBLM MWR’s Special Events Team!

Picking their brains about happenings yearround shed a unique light on the behind-thescenes aspects of events. Colin and Maggie know how event days go for the vast majority of folks: show up, have fun and then go on your way. But, most of us couldn’t even guess what all needs to happen to get an event off the ground, let alone run it smoothly. There’s actually a lot going on from the first conception of ideas to task execution on event day. Overall, each event will follow the same general progress from start to finish. First, a vision of the event is created, then that vision is presented to leadership (and their visions get incorporated, too), next a layout of the event site is designed, and then it’s time for the development of strong vendor and sponsor relationships right on through to the nitty-gritty of contracts, paperwork and base access for all involved. In summary, that’s how the events come to life. In reality? It’s a lot less of a linear process. Constant adaptation and flexibility are required and these adjustments go hand in hand with exceptional organizational skills. Both Maggie and her predecessor Kayla

shared that the good thing about coming up with plans well in advance for events such as Kids’ Fest, Armed Forces Day or Freedom Fest is that these events are recurring each year, so there’s feedback from the prior years to look over. You can browse through afteraction reports and find out exactly what was great and what wasn’t so great. You can tailor things to new themes and new audiences, especially when everyone has different styles, tastes and preferences; changing things up is best. As Colin put it, “Every year we try to make it different. To elevate it. Because we can do better. It’s ‘What can we add?’ It’s always a challenge to please everybody, so that’s why we try to switch it up [from year to year].”

We know what you’re wondering though. Can a team of two people really accomplish all that? Well, Colin shared that he is a social butterfly, which really helps out when it comes to branching out and getting others involved. For each event put on, the Special Events Team works with folks both internal and external to JBLM.

Within the base, different divisions and teams within MWR jump in to help; Outdoor Recreation or Sports, Fitness and Aquatics team members might help set up, the Marketing Team will help announce and promote events and MWR Supply will move needed items from different areas of base where they’re regularly stored to event sites. Then, the Department of Public Works will be coordinating a lot to ensure security, safety, electrical and things such as dumpsters, portalets and hand-washing stations are all thought

of and accounted for when the event comes together. Service Member volunteers will help set up events, run bag checks, work as bus or shuttle drivers and stand in as road guards to control area access. External clients the team regularly works with include various entertainers, contractors, vendors, sponsors, carnival ensembles and more. When you add it all up, it’s hundreds of people participating in the making of an event. It’s the Special Events team’s job to make sure everyone knows where to go, what to do and how to contribute to the event.

Did you know that you can also contribute to the events on JBLM? Yes, you can attend, volunteer or invite your friends to join in, but that’s not all. Customer feedback is valuable! While the team is aware of some of the most popular questions and comments — Can we get an A-lister out here like Taylor Swift? (No. Our budget is not that extravagant.) Why are the lines so long at these events? (It’s just the nature of the beast. Anywhere you go with a crowd will have lines and some wait time.) — your opinions, experiences and ideas about special events matter. If you’d like to share, connect through the email address found at the web address below: JBLM.armyMWR.com/Programs/SpecialEvents

During their interview, a good laugh was had about the longtime motto encapsulating the work JBLM MWR’s Special Events Team does: Planning events is like being pecked to death by a chicken. After learning all the behind-the-scenes details of special events, it could be argued that it’s a whole flock doing the pecking, but either way, let’s be glad Maggie and Colin never chickened out when it came to their career aspirations! They both have formal education that led them to their careers in special events.

Colin’s degree is in parks and recreation management and he’s been programming events since college, when he was a city community coordinator. He’s also worked as an executive for the Boy Scouts of America, a community center director for an after-school program and at McChord Air Force Base before JBLM became a joint base. He’s held different MWR positions too, such as Outdoor Recreation Director, before returning to special events. Speaking about his favorite part of it all, Colin says, “As an event coordinator or event director, during an event, when nobody else sees the chaos that’s happening, nobody sees all the [figurative] fires you’re putting out, and you’re looking down and going ‘I did this. That’s great!’ and then there’s a void in your heart afterward, when it’s done, you feel like ‘I was working on that for six months. Now what?’”

Through her experiences with a hospitality management school, Maggie landed an internship working at Disney World. From there she worked with non-profits, as a wedding planner and even for Harley-Davidson Headquarters. But it was her role with a city parks and recreation department that helped her realize she loved government-level event planning. She says, “There’s nothing better than being able to create events that celebrate and connect communities.”

So, dear patrons, now what? Turn the page to find out about which events are next; we’ll see you on event day!

Enjoy events

Navigate Kids’ Fest

Here in the JBLM universe, military kids mean the world to us. This year’s theme for Kids’ Fest is “Space: Where Military Kids Shine Like Stars,” and you won’t want to miss this main event celebrating the Month of the Military Child. On Saturday, April 26, escape your routine, everyday atmosphere to discover just how out of this world your youngsters are. First up, shuttle over to Cowan Stadium at 10:30 a.m. to participate in some standard pre-launch exercises. If you’ve registered by the early-bird April 10 date for the Armed Forces Kid’s Run, you’ve met mission requirements to receive official apparel (a T-shirt). If you haven’t registered for the run yet, you can still be a stellar participant and sign up on the morning of the event. Be sure to show up at least one hour early to do so. After orbiting the track (ages 5–6 will complete a half mile, ages 7–8 will complete one mile and ages 9–16 will complete two miles), it’s time to conduct space station research at your own pace.

At Noon, choose to keep probing at your athletic talents during the Punt, Pass & Kick event on the CYS Sports Field, moon over the military vehicle displays or let your curiosity

and exploratory nature shine as you venture through the MWR Fest Tent. As you enter the MWR Fest Tent, your eyes will certainly twinkle as you take in all the options to create paper plate UFOs, a DIY astronaut helmet, alien slime, a mission patch and more. As you float by each table and booth, enjoy the cosmic tunes of live entertainment on the main stage, including a band, DJ and karaoke, be the star of a keepsake caricature and let joy follow you like a comet’s tail with the help of balloon twisters, magicians and face paint artists as you revolve around the gaming truck, petting zoo, rock climbing wall and Bowl Arena Lanes.

After you’ve flown around the Kids’ Fest sites, you’ll have a constellation’s worth of evidence to prove you’ve attained mastery of the worldwide Month of the Military Child theme, “Celebrating Military Children and Youth: Building Stronger Character and Relationships,” and it’s time to report home with all you’ve learned.

If during your preparation for this journey you need the support of our mission control center, details are available online (scan QR code on the back cover of this issue).

Photos by JBLM MWR

Armed Forces Day

Sometimes even as military family members, we feel completely clueless about what our Service Members do day in and day out. This is why days like Armed Force Day are such great learning opportunities for military families and the public alike. As one of JBLM’s biggest yearly open-to-the-public events, Armed Forces Day is a day to showcase what our base is all about. Since the day has been celebrated for over 50 years nationally, this is also a good time to learn a bit about the military throughout the years.

Celebrated on the third Saturday in May, Armed Forces Day at Heritage Hill, McChord Field is on Saturday, May 17 this year. The event is from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. and is complete with military static displays, historical reenactors, military working dog demonstrations, vendor booths and informational tables. Full details about Armed Forces Day can be found on our website. Stay tuned for updates and announcements about day-of-event schedules, parking information, base access requirements and more!

Freedom Fest

Celebration vibes are running sky-high for this year’s Freedom Fest. Join us on Saturday, June 28. The full-day, pre-Fourth of July event will take place at Cowan Stadium and surrounding areas from 1–11 p.m. Daytime excitement includes roving entertainers such as juggling clowns and balloon artists, food trucks, vendor booths, carnival rides, bounce houses, on-stage entertainment and, of course, the popular Freedom Wheels Car Show, granting visitors a peek at the coolest cars in the JBLM and surrounding communities.

As the day’s festive sparks are dwindling down, evening and night activities promise to build up and rekindle your festival spirits with not only fireworks but an illuminated drone show and concert performed by Grammynominated Hunter Hayes.

Freedom Fest is open to the public and is free to attend. Some amusement and festival offerings such as carnival rides, vendor booths and food trucks have their own fees. Please remember that all MWR food and beverage tables are cashless, so you may want to bring both cash and card payment options. Additional details about Freedom Fest can be found on our website and through our social media channels. Be sure to stay tuned for base access requirements, parking information and more details.

Katherine Brassfield

Toby Bartley

Hop to it, JBLM

Each year, a fabled springtime character sneaks over to the areas surrounding the Lewis North Athletic Complex and leaves a tremendous amount of brightly colored eggs scattered about. Anticipating the curious once-yearly occurrence of the quirky attempt to have eggs cluttering up our fields, BOSS team members have organized a fun-filled family day to deal with this eggs-tra-ordinary situation.

While sightings and photo opportunities of this lop-eared charming creature are common, BOSS has determined the responsibility of gathering up all the eggs falls on certain members of the community. Chosen for their energy, speed and general joy found in this task, JBLM kids are best suited for the hasty collection of these little plastic trinkets. Of course, as an added twist to the plans of our puffy-tailed schemer, the eggs always turn out to be empty! Nevertheless, they must be scooped up — every last one of them — and as a fair trade for their efforts, children can trade in the eggs for a bag of candy.

After tracking this critter’s hoppin’ about habits, BOSS invites the help of all JBLM families and their sponsored guests on Saturday, April 19. Organized by last name and age groups, children can participate in the Easter Egg-stravaganza from Noon–3 p.m. You are welcome to bounce over to the Lewis North Athletic Complex for the entire event or arrive just before your family needs to dash around for their egg collection time. Please bring your own bag or basket for collecting the eggs. Visit the Easter Egg-stravaganza web event on the MWR online calendar for more details.

Photos by Emiliano Hernandez

Learn while you play

Drawn to hands-on crafting

Pencil in some time for creativity with the monthly calendar from the Arts & Crafts Center on McChord Field. This year, artisan lifelong skills are included in the “New Year, New Hobbies” class offerings. Expand your talents or gain new-to-you abilities with introductions to practical applications in the arts such as framing, pottery wheel use, wood burning and more. These classes are usually scheduled one day per week and focus on one learning task for the month. Spaces are limited, so reservations are required in advance of attending.

You can also jot down some dates for once-monthly classes such as stoneware night, paint night (skills vary from acrylics to alcohol inks and more), slab-rolled clay art nights and special crafting events for children, too.

In the upcoming months, mark your calendars for the following crafting opportunities: Month of the Military Child (April), Mother’s Day (May), Father’s Day (June) and an art camp for kids during the summer.

If you have any questions about Arts & Crafts opportunities, please call or stop by the Arts & Crafts Center, 253-982-6719, 1121 Barnes Blvd., McChord Field. Be sure to stay tuned to social media channels and the MWR website for more information about the center’s temporary relocation dates (page 10).

Photos by Emiliano Hernandez

Lessons from the links

The sun is making its presence more apparent. The air temperatures are rising. The days are getting longer. These spring weather signals are calling novice and skilled players back to golf courses across the PNW. Here at JBLM, that means more of you are eager and ready to golf! Before you hit the links at Eagle’s Pride Golf Course and Whispering Firs Golf Course, now is a good time for a friendly reminder that golf is not just a game, but a sport ingrained with etiquette standards as outlined in the USGA rule book.

Let’s learn about “ready golf” and why is it important. As Jeff from Eagle’s Pride Golf Course explained, “Golf is an activity where people dedicate two to two and a half hours [to playing] nine holes or up to four and a half hours for 18 holes. We all know life is busy and time in any given day seems in short supply ...” When you’re going to spend such a large chunk of your day out there doing something you love, you want your game to go smoothly and move along at an adequate pace. Traditionally, after teeing off, the player whose ball is farthest from the hole plays first. When your group agrees to play in the ready golf style, the pace of play is improved by allowing players to take their turn as soon as they are ready instead of letting traditional rules determine whose turn it may be … as long as play continues in a safe and responsible way. This effectively allows quicker play for not just your group but everyone out on the course, which Jeff says is, “leading to a more enjoyable round.”

To learn more about golf, gain clarification of etiquette out on the courses or understand the rules in general, stop by and chat with the professionals at Eagle’s Pride or Whispering Firs Golf Courses. You can even ask about signing up for lessons if you like! To reach our courses by phone, or to schedule your tee time, call 253-967-6522 for Eagle’s Pride or 253-982-2124 for Whispering Firs.

Greg Hopper

Reach for new heights

The time to climb is here, and the ceiling is the limit ... because we’re climbing indoors! There are six open indoor climbing dates on the upcoming Outdoor Recreation calendar, so this is your chance to hit the climbing wall at Adventures Unlimited. Open climb sessions will be in the evenings from 5:30–8:30 p.m. on Mondays, April 14 and 21, Fridays, May 16 and 23, and Mondays, June 23 and 30.

When you stop by, you can meet other climbers from the JBLM community and stay for the full open hours or get your climb in and head out when you like. The rock climbing area of Adventures Unlimited is set up with five auto belays for solo climbing, two top ropes (to

use these you must first pass a belay test), a bouldering wall and a training area with hangboards, a campus board and more.

Open indoor climbing sessions are open to participants of all skill levels. Attendees ages 18 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Sessions are $12 per person (regardless of how long you choose to stay) and you can also rent a harness and rock shoes for $7. You are welcome to bring any of your own gear as well. Adventures Unlimited is located at 739 Battery Rd., McChord Field. Participant spaces for each climb night are limited, so be sure to register online through WebTrac or the Northwest Adventure Center, 253-967-7744.

Patti Jeffrey

Out on the water

Springtime and summertime in the PNW are excellent times to dip your paddles in the water. Call it a stroke of genius or a stroke of luck, Outdoor Recreation has trips and adventures lined up for all you watersport enthusiasts! You’ll start to see kayaking and paddleboard trips drift onto the Outdoor Recreation calendar for spring and white water rafting trips usually glide across June and July. Here’s what to expect.

In May and June, you can join relaxing Coffee and Kayak trips to spend some time on the Puget Sound. Grab your favorite coffee, water, sunscreen and sunglasses and stash a few items in a waterproof bag before heading out on this trip for ages 16 and older. Outdoor Recreation will provide all kayaking equipment, wet suits and booties.

In June, there’s also a paddleboard trip to Lake Cushman which is on the north fork of the Skokomish River. Near the boat launch, there’s also a beach and swimming area at Skokomish Park. For this trip, Outdoor Recreation will provide all equipment, a dry bag, safety gear and neoprene footwear if needed. Parking costs will be included with transportation. Please plan to bring water, a sun-shielding hat, sunglasses and a camera. Plus, since it is a full-day trip, you’ll want to pack lunch and snacks and remember to dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Quick-drying, non-cotton clothing is best.

Last but not least, you won’t want to miss the white water rafting trips. This is the most adrenaline-pumping paddling experience you can have. Meet the Outdoor Recreation guides on-site for your adventure down the Wenatchee River, which is just a few miles from Leavenworth. These trips do have participant restrictions for minimum weights, ages and paddling fitness levels. Outdoor Recreation will provide wet suits, insulating tops, splash tops, neoprene booties, rafting equipment and staff guides. Plan to wear non-cotton clothing and bring a dry change of clothes and towel. You’ll also want to have snacks, water and sun protection. Cell phones, cameras and GoPros are items we recommend you leave in your vehicle.

For more information about any of the watersport trips with Outdoor Recreation, please contact the Northwest Adventure Center, 253-967-7744. Visit JBLMmwrRegistration.com for online signups.

Photos top left and right by Kaweka Stoney; bottom left by JBLM MWR

Explore what’s in store this spring

Vacay your way

Whether you’re enjoying some low-key time close to home or embarking on a grand adventure: day trips, staycations and vacations are yours for the taking. Leisure Travel Services is all about giving you opportunities to make those trips happen! Located inside the Northwest Adventure Center (Lewis North), nearby options include tickets to sporting events and the Seattle City Pass, which also includes admission to five must see attractions.

Experience the thrill of flight when you purchase some iFLY indoor skydiving tickets! If you are looking for some fun and laughter, Super Funny Comedy Club in Tacoma is the place to go (ages 21 and up only). For traveling outside of Washington, City Passes and Go Cards are the best option. Both passes offer various numbers of attractions at your chosen destination. And, of course, the popular options for theme parks like Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Studios, LEGOLAND and much more are available.

It’s your vacation, and it’s time to consider all the options you have available through Leisure Travel Services. Just imagine the possibilities! So what are you waiting for, call 253-967-3085 or visit Leisure Travel Services to plan your adventures.

Prompted to romp

Fresh air is calling and CYS Sports has plenty of ways for your kiddos to romp around outside and have fun this spring. The deadline to register for Spring Flag Football and Cheer is April 3, but if you so happen to miss it — or if you miss the deadline for any other CYS Sports — try calling to see if your children can be wait-listed.

Other options for this spring include First Tee Golf and Spring Baseball or Lil’ Batters. First Tee Golf will be available at both Eagle’s Pride Golf Course (Tuesdays) and Whispering Firs Golf Course (Thursdays), so your young golf enthusiasts (ages 7–18) can experience life on the links. Registration for Spring First Tee Golf 1 and 2 closes on Wednesday, April 9, but Fall First Tee Golf is rounding the corner soon enough. Spring Baseball (ages 5–15) and Lil’ Batters (ages 3–4) are enrolling through June 3.

Whether or not you’re participating in seasonal sports, it is time to save the date for one special, out-of-this-world day: On Saturday, April 26, the Armed Forces Kid’s Run and

the CYS Punt, Pass and Kick events are both being held in conjunction with Month of the Military Child and JBLM’s Kids’ Fest. Both events are free!

Sign-ups for the Armed Forces Kid’s Run are available in advance or on the morning of the race. (The guaranteed T-shirt deadline is Thursday, April 10.) Registration for the Punt, Pass & Kick activity is on-site on the day of the event.

After an active spring, families can look forward to a full lineup of sports and activities during the summer and fall, including British Soccer Camps and Fall Soccer. Plus, gymnastics and karate classes are offered year-round. CYS Sports calendars are always available on the JBLM MWR website, and a 24/7 online registration portal, JBLMcysRegistration.com, offers an easy way to sign up. If you have any questions about youth sports, please call 253967-2405. For enrollment help, contact Parent Central Services at 253-966-2977.

Editor’s note: Mandatory skills assessments are required for seasonal sports for ages 9 and older.

Photos by Emiliano Hernandez

Celebrate at the libraries

Springtime is hopping at the libraries. Each of the upcoming months offer plenty of activities you won’t want to skip, so skitter, scamper or dash on over to join the action for National Poetry Month, National Library Week, special family days and even Star Wars Day.

National Poetry Month

McChord Library invites you to help create a “poe-tree” by writing poems and adding them to a tree displayed inside the library. The “poetree” will be up throughout the whole month starting on Thursday, April 3, so whenever inspiration strikes, jot your poem down and don’t forget to admire others’ poems as the tree grows.

At Grandstaff Library, you can enter a poetry contest that focuses on how you personally serve the military community. Stay tuned for submission information. Plus, while your writing juices are flowing in the month of April, you can work on Operation Gratitude letter writing at Grandstaff Library.

Then on Saturday, April 19 from 1–3 p.m., attend a pottery workshop designed for poets of all ages and experience levels. Guest presenter, Ali Noël, Poetry Editor of Twenty Hills Publishing, will lead the workshop and participants will have a chance to create their own poems.

National Library Week

With “Drawn to the Library” being the theme for this year’s National Library Week, McChord Library is hosting a bookmark designing contest! Library patrons can pick up entry forms, create their theme-inspired designs and participate all month. All submissions will be separated into four age-group categories and one winner and honorable mention design will be selected from each group. Winning artwork will be made into bookmarks that everyone at the library can then enjoy. During each day of National Library Week (April 7–12), you can stop by for activities such as Makerspace Monday, Draw Your Librarian, Comic Book Day, Library Suggestion Day, Describe a Book Badly and finally, on Saturday, participate in D.E.A.R. either from home with online photo submissions or inside the library at any of the comfy places to curl up with a good book.

At Grandstaff Library, participate in D.E.A.R. in person when you come by on Saturday, April 12 and find a cozy spot in the library to read for at least 30 minutes. Plus, enjoy other activities to recognize this special day, which is in fact Beverly Cleary’s birthday — and the reason D.E.A.R. is always held on April 12. Upon finishing the challenge, participants can receive a prize.

Continued on next page

Family days

The libraries are participating in the Month of the Military Child with special activities in April facing page). In addition, May and June bring special days for the mothers, fathers and all parental figures. On Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m.–Noon, Grandstaff Library will host a Mother’s Day Celebration featuring high tea and a craft. On Saturday, June 14, McChord Library will host a Father’s Day BBQ event.

More ways to celebrate

Grandstaff Library has several other ways to join the fun this spring, too. Join us Wednesday, April 9 for a mindfulness session focused on cherry blossom origami.

Throughout May, participate in the Strong B.A.N.D.S. StoryWalk surrounding the library to exercise both your mind and body. Learn more about other Strong B.A.N.D.S. options by scanning the QR code on the inside back cover.

Star Wars aficionados are gathering in full force on Saturday, May 3 in an early celebration for Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you…). Plan to join in from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. for crafts, movies and trivia.

Then later in the month, put your thinking caps on and get strategic at a chess tournament. Starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, players can match up against others with similar chess experience levels. The tournament will continue until competitors knock out their opponents (or until 4 p.m. if the matches are still on).

After a very full spring at both libraries, events and activities will only level up for summer with the Summer Reading Program starting in June. Stay tuned for more details about how to contribute to the JBLM reading minutes goals, events to participate in and, of course, a grand finale to wrap up a great summer.

Scan the QR code to see a full list of Month of the Military Child events at JBLM.

Celebrate Month of the Military Child at the libraries!

March 31–April 5:

Write or draw what being a military child means to you on a heart to be displayed all month at McChord Library.

All of April:

Visit Grandstaff Library to write letters for Operation Gratitude, complete a scavenger hunt, contribute your feelings about serving the military community in a poetry contest, pick up a purple ribbon for displaying at your home and decorate a teddy bear (while supplies last).

April 7–12:

Participate in the Seek & Find to locate purple 3D prints hidden inside McChord Library.

April 14:

Dress up and stop by Grandstaff Library to show your military pride by wearing clothes showing your favorite military branch.

April 14–19:

Stop by McChord Library to use your fingerprints in your dandelion painted artwork. April 15:

Military children are invited to make their own superhero persona at Grandstaff Library.

April 16:

Complete the obstacle course at Grandstaff Library to show how tough you are. April 17:

Wear purple for Purple Power Up Day at Grandstaff Library. April 18:

Wear clothes with floral patterns and create a dandelion at Grandstaff Library. April 21–30:

Play Month of the Military Child I spy and see if you can spot the items on McChord Library’s display window. Prizes are available!

CYS then & now

By Angie Andrews; Photography by Emiliano Hernandez and Ursula Buford

Born in the ’80s myself, I can vouch for the fact that 45 years really doesn’t seem like that long ago. Time goes by fast, you know? However, even in shorter lengths of time, many things can change. For example, back then, we might all have enjoyed having a Walkman or portable CD player and now, it’s the norm to use earbuds, Bluetooth and our cell phones to stream music, podcasts and even movies or videos. When considering everything that might make you say, “back in the day,” one area folks might overlook is child care programs.

Child & Youth Services, one of the MWR programs offered worldwide, is celebrating its 45th establishment anniversary this year. That’s right! It started in 1980. CYS as a program is a millennial baby, maybe even a xennial. Here at JBLM, we are incredibly fortunate to have some employees who have borne witness to how CYS child care has grown up!

Mamie Philips, Gina Tucker and Martha Yowell have spent their full careers with CYS, and so, in turn, can personally shed some light on how the military child care system has advanced and grown into the program we are familiar with today.

Mamie Philips

Years with CYS: 39, going on 40 years

Fun fact: Mamie is the oldest daughter in her family; one of 13 siblings.

Words of wisdom: “This is all open nurturing. It’s about connection and communication. Get to know your child’s classroom. Get to know their teacher.”

Gina Tucker

Years with CYS: 30

Fun fact: She’s a veteran with 12 years of military service.

Words of wisdom: “We are trained staff who fall into a lot of different categories. We can offer a lot to parents with children of all different ages.”

Martha Yowell

Years with CYS: 24

Fun fact: Her favorite children’s book is “Snowmen at Night” by Caralyn Buehner. Words of wisdom: “You have to know that every person is bringing what’s happened to them in their lives to each situation. Right? Like my experiences growing up are what motivated me to want to be supportive, nurturing and kind in my child care career.”

Looking back

Mamie says she’s seen a lot of things come and go over the years. The building we all refer to as Santa’s Castle used to provide hourly care. When she started here at JBLM, before the two sides of base merged, the “day care” was in a building that used to be over by where Cowan Stadium is now. She doesn’t think that building is even still standing anymore — that it was torn down — but she remembers as a young girl always wanting to play with kids on the playground. When you’re the oldest girl of all your brothers and sisters though, that all changes a bit, and you take on the responsibility of helping care for your family. So, while 40-plus years is a lifetime to many millennials, like the CYS program, Mamie’s truly been practicing taking care of children her whole life. She loves it and says it’s her passion; it is a life, not a job or career.

Martha’s biggest comparison is that when she started her career overseas, she felt like her child care job was just being a “glorified babysitter” almost. She didn’t feel like “teacher” was the right word for it. That changed when she moved back home and started working with CYS! Now, with all the training and college credits she’s earned, she does.

Gina says, being military, with a whole family full of Service Members, her past lets her know both sides. She gets it. It’s hard to feel okay leaving your baby with someone else for the first time. It’s hard being a Service Member who has to juggle child care and a week out in the field, or a deployment or the stress of the day-to-day mission demands. But she was happy she found the assistance she did as a young mother. As a teacher, she wants to ensure all her families know it’s okay. You’re putting your child in good hands when you come to CYS. She says it’s like a saying she loves, “We’re not a drop in the ocean. We are the ocean,” meaning we’re all in this together.

Each of the ladies recalled how the curriculum was a bit less structured, how there were no cameras inside facilities or as many uniform procedures across the board for all employees and centers to follow. Martha also remembers the children being more eager to come to their child care centers, or feeling okay to be left by their parents, so they could participate in the day’s activities. Gina chimed in to say, back then, they came for maybe six or eight hours, you know like within the 9 a.m.–5 p.m. time frame, giving them a shorter amount of time with us as their teachers and more time with their parents because the schedules of most families were different then.

Now

The addition of structure for curriculum, standards and policies is something all of the employees find value in. Gina sums it up like this, “The trainings, all the trainings help me to understand how much I can help these kids learn. I know the why of each social, emotional, physical fitness and cognitive activity we do which helps me explain these things to the parents. I even like explaining to children about why we are learning certain things that we are learning in our room.”

Mamie brought up teacher-child ratio numbers. Having them in place now ensures employees are better equipped to manage the room full of children while ensuring safety for all. (Before, ratio numbers were either not addressed or the cap was much larger.)

Martha likes that there is direction for every CYS employee through the standards. She says, “New hires learn a lot from veteran, long-

standing CYS employees about standards and how to implement best practices. These are even things we choose to discuss during lunch breaks to help ourselves follow the policies correctly for our facilities and our kids. I tell parents the reasons why we have step-by-step procedures for changing a diaper or why we need to use measuring cups for meals and snacks. It’s all the same across all parts of CYS, so this helps them understand why we’re doing what we’re doing for their children’s well-being and safety at all times; even the cameras are for safety reasons.”

Hitting on technology use, Martha also shared that she works with an infant age group right now and says children as young as 18 months old know what a tablet is. But the employees all joked about the Wi-Fi reliability and how they love their CYS IT staff members who come out and fix things when there are any issues.

Looking ahead

Through all the changes and developments, each of the employees shared a positive outlook for CYS and their roles. Martha loves that whenever Venicia, Director of Family & MWR here at JBLM, comes by, she always has a smile, and we can see why. Mamie shared that she doesn’t think any days go by without some parents thanking her for the work she does with the children. In agreement, Gina states that even in the times when you feel like you aren’t granted enough recognition, you don’t even need it. She’s proud of what she does and is happy in her position, whether the acknowledgments are external or not. She says, “I love it here. I love you ladies here [referring to Martha and Mamie]. I love saying good morning; you’re amazing!” Adding, “But you know what? At the end of the day, they [the children and families] give me hugs. They give me love. You know what I’m saying? So, it’s like I can. We can. We can do this tomorrow. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Keeping CYS a positive place for all our tomorrows is a community effort. If you would like to learn more about CYS, please visit the Child & Youth Services section of our website. For information about opportunities to work at CYS, contact JBLMc2csc@army.mil or view the Employment section of our website.

Best buds play Beat Drop Bingo at Warrior Zone

Show us how you enjoy MWR events, programs and activities by sending in your photos by email or FB message. Letters to the editor are welcome, too!

Chaney family fly-fishing with Outdoor Recreation

Keep reading. Keep smiling. Keep living, working and playing JBLM!

Cortes family at Armed Forces Day hello@JBLMfocusmag.com