WEEKLY UPDATE

July 24, 2011

GREAT OPPORTUNITIES

1. Sky Diving Imagine the thrill of jumping out of a perfectly good airplane from an altitude of up to 13,500 feet! Wearing a harness connected directly to the tandem parachute system, you and your instructor will jump together and accelerate to 120 mph, freefalling for about 60 seconds. Gear, instruction and transportation are provided. Cost: $215. Meet at McChord Field’s Adventures Unlimited at 9:15 a.m. or the Northwest Adventure Center at Lewis North on July 24th at 9:30 a.m. Pre-registration required. For more information call 253-967-6263 or go to https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac/jblmrectrac.html to register for the trip.

2. Installation guidebook Joint Base Lewis-McChord units and directorates can obtain the JBLM guidebook at the JBLM Logistics Center, Building 9640 (Property Book Officer), Bay D, on Prescott Ave. just past CIF. The books are on the dock for easy access.

3. Triple threat triathlon JBLM Sports and Fitness presents the 19th annual Triple Threat Triathlon Series Saturday and Aug. 20. Swim, bike and run your way to glory as you compete for the coveted “triple threat crown.” The series consists of a 250- or 800-yard swim, 15-mile bike and three-mile run at Shoreline Park on American Lake and on trails at Lewis North. Register online at JBLMmwr.com; click on WebTrac to view the race schedule. There will be no sign-ups on race days. For more information, call 967-4768.

4. Soldier Show See the best show in town Aug. 1 and 2 when the U.S. Army Soldier Show arrives at Carey Theater. Three free performances feature a musical celebration through dance, song and performances by U.S. Army Soldiers for the JBLM community. Monday’s show is at 7 p.m. and Tuesday’s shows are at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

5. Free app for FMWR The JBLM MWR Mobile App has just been updated! Look for GPS directions to your favorite MWR facility in the Directory and the MWR Mobile Hours of Operation page. An Android version is coming soon! Visit itunes.apple.com/us/app/jblm-mwr to download your free app.

6. Roller derby bout The GI Janes take on the Bombshell Betties Saturday at the Summit Skating Rink on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Doors open at 5 p.m. and wheels roll at 6. Purchase tickets online through http://brownpapertickets.com. Tickets are also available from any derby girl for $10 before the bout or $12 at the door. For information, call Gloria Sass at 219-1181.

7. Family Child Care Amnesty Program. In order to decrease the risk of child abuse and neglect in unauthorized care, the Family Child Care Program has initiated an amnesty program. It allows individuals who are not certified FCC providers (but are regularly caring for children in privatized housing) an opportunity to register with CYS Services without penalty. If you are currently providing unauthorized childcare in your home, call the FCC Program at 967-3039 for details on how you can become certified, or pick up an application in Building 2013B (Pendleton & 3rd Ave.). Earn up to $2,000 a month working from home as an FCC provider. Receive FREE business training as well as free childcare while you become certified. It’s a perfect career choice for military spouses. Any training and experience gained through the FCC program is transferable to working in a child development center.

8. Is your Family Member Deployed, Unaccompanied Tour, TDY, TAD, or AWAY, etc...?? Please join Waiting On Warriors (WOW) for fun and fellowship at Four Chaplains Memorial Chapel, 9120 Transmission LIne Rd JBLM. Tuesday, AUG 9th from 5:30p-8:00p. Limited Free CYS childcare on sight. Please Bring Proof of CYS Enrollment or your CYS Swipe Card if you have one. Our theme is Karaoke Night! We will have a Panera Catering for Dinner. Chapel NeXt will be providing the main dish, if you’re able please bring a dessert! WOW is sponsored by Chapel NeXt, please RSVP to Carolyn Clanton, deployedfamiliesjblm@yahoo.com for more info. This event is open to all branches of service and ALL family members.

9. Indoor Rock Climbing head to the Edgeworks Gym in Tacoma for a morning of climbing. Climbing gear, admission and transportation are included, and no experience is required. Cost: $15. Meet at the Northwest Adventure Center at Lewis North at 10:30 a.m. or McChord Field’s Adventures Unlimited on July 30th at 10:45 a.m. Pre-registration required. For more information call 253-967-6263 or go to

https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac/jblmrectrac.html to register for the trip. Pre-registration required. For more information call 253-967-6263.

10. Go ‘garage sailing’ at one place Going to garage sales is made easier with one-stop shopping Saturday, July 30! Sell or buy gently-used wares gleaned from home at the Express Store parking lot at McChord Field. Set up your table at 8 a.m. and sell or buy from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Express Store parking lot is located between the BX and Commissary on 14th Street. For more information, call the Community Center at 253-982-0718/0719.

11. Thunder Alley makes Friday night fun Sounders Lanes features Thunder Alley with black lights and music from 8–midnight every Friday. Just $9.95 a bowler gets you up to three hours of bowling. To reserve your lane, call 253-982-5954.

festivities begin at 7:30 PM and Despicable Me will be shown at 9:30 PMCOMMUNITY EVENTS

1. Red Cross volunteers The JBLM American Red Cross is looking for departments across the base that have interest in hosting youth volunteers from though early September. For more information or to request a volunteer, contact 968-1055, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2. Newcomers' orientation for all new arrivals to Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington is held at the American Lake Community Center, Bldg. 8085, JBLM-Lewis North. Event includes complimentary lunch, windshield tour of Fort Lewis, static displays/on & off post vendors, and on site free child care. July 26th from 8:30 to 2:30. Casual/civilian attire (no earrings for male Soldiers). Registration required. Call 253-967-3633/3550 for more information.

3. TRAFFIC STINKS, SHARE A RIDE: As part of JBLM's goal to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, we salute those who carpool, vanpool, bus, or bike to work. Congratulations to May 2011 winners, Ema Phillips (Madigan-DENTAC) who logged in 22 Carpool Trips, Rhonda Marshall (Madigan) who logged in 17 Vanpool Trips, Angela Royster (Mission & Installation Contracting Command) who logged in 19 Vanpool Trips, and Sheryl Bezdzeicki (Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation) who logged in 16 Vanpool trips. All winners received a $100 American Express gift card for sharing the ride during the month of May 2011 instead of driving alone to work! Be part of the solution and win cash and prizes! Enter to win every

month through August, 2011 by logging your daily commute at PierceTrips.com. Find a ride-match, register online at www.rideshareonline.com. For more information contact Makieda Hart (IMNW-LEW-LG/967-7301).

4. FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER (FRC): The yearly reservation calendar opens for recurring Family Readiness Group (FRGs) meetings on 1 Aug 11. The doors open at 0700 and numbers will be given out. Reservations begin at 0900. One person per unit. For the evenings, the reservations will consist of TWO groups a night, one group in the kitchen/dining area and one in the conference room. Please have a couple of days in mind in case your first choice is not available. No reservations will be made over the phone. For further information call (IMWE-LEW-MWA/967-9496).

5. Surviving Family Members Appreciation Day, Aug 20, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the American Lake Community Center To deliver on the Army’s commitment to Families of the Fallen, JBLM’s Survivor Outreach Services program will be hosting the 5th Annual Surviving Family Members Appreciation Day (SFAD). The event will be held on August 20th 2011 at American Lake Community Club from 1000-1500. The purpose of the event is:

a. To honor Surviving Spouses and Family Members by recognizing their contributions to our country and to remember the sacrifice their Fallen Heroes have made.

b. To provide up to date information on today’s Benefits.c. To provide information on matters of local interest to

Surviving Spouses and Family Members.d. Various veteran service organizations, civilian

organizations, military staff agencies and medical assistance teams will be available to answer questions and provide supportive and informational on-site services.

Pre-registration is highly recommended but not required, Childcare will be available, and Buffet style lunch will be served.

KIDS

1. Basketball academy Register through July 29 for Child and Youth School Services Anthony Slater Basketball Academy from Aug. 1 to 3 at the Teen Zone, JBLM Lewis Main. The fee is $60 for youth ages 5 to 18. Register at CYSS Parent Central, Building 2295, 12th and Bitar. You’ll need a full CYSS registration on file, a current sports physical, shot record, military, DOD or contractor identity card and three emergency contacts.

2. That’s what I am Overnight Retreat. Come participate in variety of fun activities that will help you meet new people, learn new skills, and have fun!! Activities include: the Amazing Race / Survivor, Challenge Yourself with indoor & outdoor Rock Climbing, Big Brother, Speak Out for Military Kids, Top Chef , Cooking Class. 3 Day / 2 Night Retreat is open to military youth 11-15 years of age on July 26 – 28 at Camp Murray (Tacoma). There is a $15 registration fee / Register at www.omkmiddleschoolretreat.eventbrite.com Point of Contact: Robbin 253-512-7985. robbin.seeberger@us.army.mil.

3. Build Your Own Video Game/Teens. Have you ever wanted to create your own game? Come out at the McChord Library July 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. and learn how. July 7: Overview/Learn aboutvideo game genres and MultiMedia Fusion

interface. July 14: Events/Learn how to control what happens in the game. Things move,

things collide, things spin and make noise. Control your own personal universe. July 21: Levels/Build the first one and then build a harder one. You don't have to

build from scratch; just copy and paste! We'll show you how to create multiple levels quickly.

July 28: Lives and Scores/It's no fun if you don't know how to score it. Being immortal in games is fun for only a little while. We'll show you how to keep track of lives, scores and other counted items.To register go to www.giantcampus.com/JBLM

4. For young wrestlers Register through Sept. 4 for CYSS youth wrestling. The participation fee is $60 for youth ages 5 to 15. Register at CYSS Parent Central, Building 2295, 12th and Bitar. You’ll need a full CYSS registration on file, a current sports physical, shot record, military, DOD or contractor identity card, and three emergency contacts. Download and fill out forms from JBLMmwr.com under WebTrac/online registration, CYS Services. For more information, call CYS Services at 967-2977.

5. Summer reading McChord Library activities are scheduled for Tuesdays at 1 p.m. for youth and 3 p.m. for teens. Book Patch Library is holding storytimes Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. starting Wednesday. Book Patch activities are Thursdays, 1 to 3 p.m. Participants can attend activities at both locations. Call the McChord Library at 982-3454 or the Book Patch Library at 967-5533.

6. Sports physicals If your teens are assigned to the Adolescent Medicine Clinic, it’s time to get your annual sports or activity physical scheduled. Spaces are now open. They fill up fast so be

sure to make yours today. To schedule your teen’s appointment with your Adolescent Medicine Medical Home, call the Tricare Regional Appointment Center at 1 (800) 404-4506.

7. SKIES UNLIMITED: For a complete listing of activities and classes visit www.jblmmwr.com/CYS.htm To register use Web Trac at JBLMmwr.com or visit Parent Central Services Building 2295 Lewis Main 253-966-2977.

McChord:

Free Community Car Wash Need your car washed? Drive to the youth center Thursday, July 28 or Friday, July 29, 5–8 p.m. and we’ll wash it for free!

8. ADVENTURE CAMPS: Over 1700 military teens (14– 18 years old) will have an opportunity to participate (at little to no cost) in adventure camps scheduled through April, 2012. These high energy, high adventure, and high experience camps are planned across the United States from Alaska to Maine and from Colorado to Georgia as well as states in between. http://militaryfamilies.extension.org/military-teen-adventure-camps

August 1 --- 5 Outward Bound Experience ( Mazama, North Cascades, WA)

August 8 --- 12 Camping/Hiking/Wilderness Trip (North-Central Washington)

August 15 --- 19 Camping/Hiking/Wilderness Trip (North-Central Washington)

EFMP EVENTS AND RESOURCES

1. EFMP Enrollments/Updates: EFMP enrollment (Air Force and Army) must be updated every 3 years, or as the condition changes (whichever comes first). DD Forms 2792 (medical) or 2792-1 (educational) are needed to enroll, update and disenroll an Exceptional Family Member. For more info about Army EFMP enrollment dates, forms or process, contact Madigan EFMP: 253-968-0254 or 253-968-1370; for more information about Air Force EFMP enrollment and screening, contact the 62nd Medical Clinic at 253-968-3350. Enrollment forms also available on the ACS EFMP website: http://www.jblmmwr.com/acs_efmp.html.

2. 4 August JBLM EFMP Working Focus Group at 3pm: Our mission is to identify a broad range of global issues impacting Exceptional Families within the JBLM and Army Communities. We will work collectively with senior leadership, medical personnel, community and DoD agencies to improve service delivery and quality of life. We extend an invite to anyone who is passionate about Exceptional Families, whether you are an Exceptional Family Member (EFM), a parent/spouse of an EFM, a unit representative, Key Spouse, Senior Spouse, representative of a local school or agency, etc. The next meeting is in the Waller Hall ACS Classroom on 4 August from 3-4pm. Call 253-967-9704 if you have any questions; no RSVPs required to attend.

3. 6 August Autism Awareness Walk: Join Autism Awareness Washington for their annual 1.5 mile walk around the lake in downtown Olympia to help raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Saturday August 6th at 11am. Their main goal is to assist financially needy families and other Autism programs. For more information call 360-483-3434. Download the registration form from their website: http://www.autismawarenesswa.org/2011/03/14/capital-lake-walk-for-autism.

4. 26 August EFMP Back to School CARNIVAL: Free food, school supplies, information and fun! Join us on McChord Field at the Chapel Support Center (bldg 747) on 26 Aug from 4-6 p.m. Agencies serving special needs Families stationed on Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) will be on-hand to provide information and answers to your questions. Come on out and enjoy the fun, bouncy castle, food and school supplies (available while they last). Reservations are required; call 253-982-2695 to reserve a space – deadline is 19 August. Did you miss the JBLM EFMP newsletter? You can access it on-line at http://www.jblmmwr.com/pdf/acs/efmp/efmp_news_July11.pdf. If you would like to join our EFMP e-mail distribution list, please contact Nancy Dozier at nancy.dozier@us.army.mil.

5. Are you PCSing and looking for EFMP contacts at your next duty station? Use Military Homefront to find EFMP contacts and more! The following link will take you directly the EFMP/Special Needs page and allow you to navigate to find contacts from additional links on the page: http://www.militaryhomefront.d od.mil/portal/page/mhf/MHF/MHF _DETAIL_1? section_id=20.40.500 .570.0.0.0.0.0&current_id=20.4 0.500.570.500.20.0.0.0

TRAINING and EDUCATION

1. JDr Dad: (August 23 and 25 from 1400-1600) Join other dad's to learn the basics of taking care of your child; how to keep them safe, how to attune to your child's well being, and care for them when they are sick or injured. This class is provided by male nurses free of charge. Certificate of attendance available upon completion of class. Additionally, free child care is available with advance registration through CYS. Child must be registered with CYS to receive childcare. Call Steven Keller, RN at 253-967-7409.

2. 24/7 DAD: (September 13, 15, 20, 22) New Parent Support Program is proud to offer a new 4 session class for FATHERS! Being the best dad you can be is the MOST important kind of "home improvement" you can do for your family, whether you are a new dad, single dad, or a seasoned veteran. Learn about yourself, your parenting style, and get some new tools for your toolbox while sharing with other fathers. This class is provided by male nurses, free of charge. Certificate of attendance available upon completion of class. Additionally, free child care is available with advance registration through CYS. Child must be registered with CYS to receive childcare. Call Ray Miller, RN at 253-967-7409.

3. Tuesday Topics: Relationship Workshop Series. What Does my Family Have to do with US? A look at Family history and gender roles. Does your past effect your present? How our childhood families affect beliefs, values, expectations and the partners we pick. Understanding the role of attachment in childhood and adulthood. Building your family genogram to map your relationship patterns. July 26, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Tupa Conf Rm in Madigan Annex. No pre-registration or sign-in. For information or directions call 253-968-4843. Facilitators: Patsy Randahl, LMFT, and Kathy Howell, LMFT, CAFAC (FAME Clinic)

4. Learn to mat and frame Beginning Matting & Framing at McChord: Fee $60, includes

materials. Choice of three images provided. Hands-on experience with picture framing skills. Available upon request: Shadow Box, $60 for two hours, materials are extra. One-On-One Framing Class, $60 for two hours, materials are provided.

Beginning Matting & Framing at Lewis: Wednesdays, 1–4:30 p.m., $30, materials extra. Students must preregister for all classes. Call the Lewis Arts & Crafts Center at 253-967-5001 or the McChord Arts & Crafts Center at 253-982-6726.

5. JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD HSO HOME BUYING WORKSHOP: HSO is conducting another home buying workshop on 26&27-JUL- 2011 from 18:00 to 21:00 on Lewis Main. This workshop will be held at the Stone Education Center (BLDG #6242, 1st floor). The workshop is designed for active duty Service Members and spouses and prior service personnel with VA loan eligibility who are interested in buying a home. This workshop is co-sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission using their certified instructors. Please call Sheila at 967-5334 or Mike at 967-5165 to reserve a space or for Lewis Main or just come. For more information contact (IMWE-LEW-PWH/967-5165).

6. Mental strength for Army families The Army Center for Enhanced Performance is now available to attend family resource group meetings. ACEP provides families support by teaching skills that can be used for coping with the everyday challenges of being a military spouse. ACEP also offers a variety of classes for families and family support groups. To schedule ACEP at your next FRG meeting or for more information, call 968-7642 or e-mail LewisACEPWebmaster@conus.army.mil.

7. Stress management The Joint Base Lewis-McChord Family Advocacy Program offers a weekly stress-management class, from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays in the FAP Conference Room, Building 2013B. Get an understanding of stress and its effects on health and readiness. Identify physical and emotional reactions to stress. Learn about stress-management tools and how to use them effectively. Call 967-5901 to schedule a class for your unit or family readiness group.

8. ASIST classes double Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a two-day workshop that trains you to become an effective caregiver for a person at risk of suicide. It helps you perform suicide first aid and to assist the person at risk to stay safe and to seek further help. ASIST is an interactive workshop that equips you to recognize invitations for help, how to offer support, review the risks of suicide, apply a suicide intervention model and link the person at risk to community resources. Evaluations have shown that ASIST is an effective program, increasing a caregiver’s knowledge, skills, and confidence to respond to a person at risk of suicide. The JBLM Suicide Prevention Office has added a second monthly workshop from June through December. This month’s “second” workshop is scheduled for July 28 and 29 and will be added to the original 14 and 15 workshop. All ASIST T-2 workshops will begin at 8:30 a.m. and be held at the JBLM Lewis North Chapel.

Contact the JBLM Suicide Prevention Office in Building 2026, Room 203B for more information or to sign up. Call Art Wienandt at 477-0258 or e-mail arthur.j.wienandt@us.army.mil.

AAFES

JB Lewis-McChord Movie Schedule PH (253) 967-4329 *recordingPH (253) 967-5976   Reel Time  JB Lewis-McChord Exchange MON JULY 25- WED JULY 27 - No ShowingTHU JULY 28 – BABIES NIGHT OUT 1900 Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG)FRI JULY 29 - 1900 Super 8 (PG-13)SAT JULY 30 – 1100 Mr. Popper’s Penguins (PG)   1400 Super 8 (PG-13)

1900 X- Men: First Class (PG-13)SUN JULY 31 – 1100 Mr. Popper’s Penguins (PG)   1400 Super 8 (PG-13)

1900 X- Men: First Class (PG-13) MON AUGUST 1 - WED AUGUST 3- No ShowingTHU AUGUST 4 –  BABIES NIGHT OUT 1900 Mr. Popper’s Penguins (PG) FRI AUGUST 5 - 1900 Bad Teacher (R) SAT AUGUST 6 - 1100 Cars 2 (G)

1400 Green Lantern (PG-13)1900  Bad Teacher(R)

FREE MOVIES- the Theater at McChord Field has free weekend movies. Call 253-982-5836 for schedule.

24 JUL - 4pm - SAVING SHILOH PG

30 JUL - 4pm - FAST FIVE PG-13

30 JUL - 7pm - SCREAM 4 R

31 JUL - 4pm - TINKER BELL G

COMMISSARY/ EXCHANGE

1. AAFES stocks improve During the last six weeks the Exchange and Shoppettes have run out of stock in a variety of items because of shipment problems related to a new software program the distribution center implemented. AAFES General Manager Patrick McGhee is pleased to announce that the software program has been corrected. JBLM Shoppettes are fully stocked and the Main

Exchanges’ stock assortment is improving with trucks arriving daily. McGhee appreciates customers’ patience and hopes to see them shopping again at both JBLM Main Stores and all AAFES facilities. Lifeguard positions.

2. LOOK OUT FOR THE UPCOMING CASE LOT SALES!!! AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 03, 2011

3. July 29-30, 2011 the DelMonte simulator car will be here for all to enjoy. So come on out and bring the kids.

4. AAFES product recall information. With the recent major recalls of cars, toys and even a popular fast food franchise’s promotional glassware, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service wants its patrons to know the recall process for goods sold in exchanges. There are two ways to check recalls specific to exchange operations. Authorized shoppers can go to their local exchanges and check the customer service area, or they can log onto the AAFES website for the latest recall information. Information concerning more than 4,500 product recalls is also available through the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

FINANCIAL READINESS

Location: Waller Hall, Room 400, 2140 Liggett Avenue Hours of Operation: 0700 – 1630, Monday - FridayOPEN all DONSA days, closed Federal HolidaysServices Available: Confidential one-on-one counseling for Service Members and their spouses (budgeting, debt management, credit counseling, investment education, general financial planning), Personal financial management classes, Army Emergency Relief (AER). All services are free of charge.

Appointment Line: Call 253/967-7166 to make an appointment with a Financial Counselor or to register for a class.Program Manager: Curtis Littlegreen, CFA, CFP®253/967-3525, curtis.littlegreen@us.army.mil

Classes at Lewis Main, please call 253/967-7166 to register

7/25 Understanding & Managing Your Student Loans 1300 – 1500 Bldg 2166 Classroom

7/26 Banking & Checking* 1330 – 1430 Waller Hall, Room 400

7/26 Using Credit Wisely* 1430 – 1530 Waller Hall, Room 400

7/26 Home Buying Workshop 1330 – 1500 Bldg 2166 Classroom

7/29 The TSP & Other Retirement Savings Plans 0930 – 1100 Waller Hall, Room 400

8/2 Understanding Money & Credit 1030 – 1200 Waller Hall, Room 400

8/2 Getting Insurance* 1330 – 1430 Waller Hall, Room 400

8/2 Saving & Investing* 1430 – 1530 Waller Hall, Room 400

8/5 Credit Repair 0930 – 1130 Waller Hall, Room 400

8/9 Investing for Retirement 1030 – 1200 Waller Hall, Room 400

8/9 Consumer Rights, Obligations & Scams* 1330 – 1430 Waller Hall, Room 400

8/9 Ready to PCS* 1430 – 1530 Waller Hall, Room 400

8/16 Principles of Personal Finance* 1330 – 1430 Waller Hall, Room 400

8/16 Planning & Budgeting* 1430 – 1530 Waller Hall, Room 400

8/17 Using Credit Wisely 1830 – 1930 Grandstaff Library

Classes at McChord Field, please call 253/982-2695 to register

7/25 Saving & Investing 0900 – 1030 Building 551 Classroom

7/26 Principles of Personal Finance 0900 – 1030 Building 551 Classroom

7/27 Smooth Move/Ready to PCS 0900 – 1100 Building 551 Classroom

7/28 Life Cycle Financial Planning 0900 – 1030 Building 552 Conf Room

MADIGAN NEWS

1. A Hiring Heroes Career Fair will take place Aug. 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the American Lake Community Center. There will be career opportunities for Wounded, Ill, Injured and transitioning service members, Veterans, military spouses and primary caregivers. For more information: Call Sylvia Parker at 703-696-8672 or email Sylvia.Parker@cpms.osd.mil

2. Nisqually FMC physicals The Nisqually Family Medicine Clinic will conduct school and sports physicals for children ages 5 to 18 years of age July 29, and Aug 5, 12, 19, 26, from 1 to 3:20 p.m. Parents must accompany children under 18 and bring child’s shot records, school and CYS forms to the appointment, filled out prior to the appointment. Arrive 30 minutes early, and dress your child in shirt, shorts and shoes. Physicals are scheduled on an appointment basis only; no walk-ins will be allowed. To schedule appointments, call 966-9858, Option 1, or the Tricare appointment line at 1 (800) 404-4506. Children must be registered in DEERS and if 10 and older, must have a valid I.D. card. POC: Mr. Billy Thomas at 477-0803.

WEEKLY FINANCIAL TIPS

It’s hard to believe we are already over halfway through the year. However, most of us have forgotten our New Year’s resolutions; especially taking control of our finances. It takes time to correct our past errors and persistence to change our habits. Here are some suggestions for you to meet that resolution:

1. Set goals. By setting goals, it gives you a clear picture of what you want to achieve. Identify both long-term and short-term goals. Without knowing what you want, it’s difficult to obtain those goals. Understand that successful money management doesn’t mean “keeping up with the Jones” it means taking responsibility of your finances.

2. Create a written budget each month. Having a written budget gives you a map to achieve your financial goals, evaluate your monthly expenses versus your income each month; this shows you’re committed to controlling your finances.

a. The first step is to list all the household income. Ensure you input deductions from your pay such as taxes, medical insurance, and retirement contributions.

b. List all your recurring monthly debts such as rent, utilities, groceries, car payments, insurance, and credit card bills. The easiest way is to have copies of your bills. This will give you accurate amounts, due dates, and interest rates. Include a monthly savings into your plan. Talk with your utility companies to set up budget plans to help with budgeting expenses.

c. List those expenses that are periodically such as oil changes, car registration, home owner association dues, and holidays. (Remember that Christmas is only 6 months away!) This will allow you to set aside funds for these expenses.

d. Now fine tune your budget. Communicate with your spouse, if you have one, about how to reduce some of these expenses. Evaluate needs versus wants to help reduce costs, consider using coupons, or find low cost alternatives.

e. To supplement your written budget, use www.mint.com, www.geezeo.com, or www.budgetpulse.com. These sites will help you track your spending and identify areas of concern.

3. Reconcile your bank accounts. It is important to track your monthly spending and identify errors. Remember that a small error

on your part could cost you large fees. Additionally, some transactions take a while to post to your account; by tracking them as they incur will help prevent overdraft fees.

4. Prioritize debts. When paying off debt, start with paying the highest interest rate credit cards first. This will give you the largest savings over time. Or consider paying off the smallest debt first; this will help you realize the progress you are making along the way.

5. Online bill pay. An easy way to ensure bills are paid on time is to set up a separate bank account for just bills. Either transfer a set amount from each pay check to fund this or set up an allotment that covers all the bills. Then set up auto withdrawal or bill pay from this account to pay all your bills. If you use bill pay, remember that you need to allow time for the bank to mail the checks out (up to a week).

6. Reevaluate your monthly budget to ensure that you’re working to accomplish your goals – patience and persistence is vital to your financial success! Make adjustments as necessary to keep yourself on track.

7. Celebrate small successes responsibly. Bake brownies or a cake to celebrate, whatever you choose to do to celebrate, ensure it is within your budget. Remember you can do anything one step at a time!

CLOSURES AND CONSTRUCTION

1. Stryker Avenue will be closed from 41st Division Drive to just short of 14th Street. Motorists are advised to get on Stryker Avenue from 41st Street heading south, take a left on Mann Street and another left on 14th Street. Detours will be in place to direct traffic.

2. A repaving and widening project along three-fourths mile of Blaine Avenue between 5th Street and Eagle Circle is underway and completion is estimated for Sept. 2. Work hours will be between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. The stretch will be closed to traffic except to the school and adjacent areas, with guides directing vehicles through the work site. Additional traffic control will be required for short duration single lane closures along East Gate Road to allow for a safe work zone at the intersection of 4th Division and East Gate Road.

3. Drivers using Jackson Avenue near Madigan Army Medical Center should expect delays for a few months as contractors repair a one-mile stretch of road from the barricades near the Madigan Gate to Transmission Line Road. The project is scheduled for completion in August.

More information about traffic revision updates and construction changes will come as the contractor announces them. For road conditions, call 967-1733.

INTERESTING LINKS

Here's a great resource to keep on your fridge or by your desk: the most recent hours of operation & phone numbers for all MWR operations. Click on the link: http://www.jblmmwr.com/other_pages/index/hours.html

JBLM Website: www.lewis-mcchord.army.mil/JBLM MWR: www.jblmmwr.comFOCUS MAGAZINE: www.jblmmwr.com/focus.htmlJBLM FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/jblmmwrFT LEWIS COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE: www.lewis.army.mil/resourceguide/McChord Events: www.mcchordafb.us/Madigan Website: www.mamc.amedd.army.mil/Madigan FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/pages/Tacoma-WA/Madigan-Healthcare-System/293304441350Customer Management Services Website: www.lewis-mcchord.army.mil/cms/ICE Website: http://ice.disa.mil/index.cfm?fa=service_provider_list&site_id=957&dep=*DoDEFMP on Facebook: www.facebook.com/efmpjblmEFMP website: www.jblmmwr.com/acs_efmp.htmlNorthwest Guardian: www.nwguardian.comMilitary Community and Family Policy (MC&FP) Weekly: http://apps.mhf.dod.mil/mcfp/weekly