JBLMmwr.com 1

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Family and MWR fun, food, travel & well-being guide

MARCH 2013 • JBLMmwr.com

ST.PATTY’S DAY

Fun Run &Irish Craic

PAGE 26

EASTER EVENTSJBLM Basketball Championship

FLEA MARKET

KIDS’ FESTSpring Break Performance Workshop

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Focus • March 20132

OF OLYMPIA

Your truck should work as hard as your boots.

*On approved credit to qualified customers through your participating Toyota dealer and Toyota Financial Services. Not all applicants will qualify. Eligible customers must be in current active duty status in the U.S. Military (Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Coast Guard and active Reserve) or a U.S. Military inactive reserve that is part of the Individual ReaReady Reserve, Selected Reserve and inactive National Guard. Rebate offered by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. Rebate will be applied on lease contracts, first toward amounts due at lease signing or delivery, with any remainder to the capitalized cost reduction or toward the down payment on finance contracts. Finance or lease contract must be executed by

JanuaJanuary 3, 2013. One rebate per lease or finance transaction. Not compatible with the Toyota College Graduate Program. The Military Rebate Program is subject to change or termination at any time. Some restrictions apply. Program may not be available in all states. See participating dealer for details. Toyota Financial Services has not reviewed and is not respon-sible for any other offers in this ad. Toyota Financial Services is a service mark of Toyota Motor Credit Corporation. ©2012 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc

$1000 Military Rebate*.In appreciation of your service and sacrifice, Toyota is offering a $1000 rebate when you finance or lease any new Toyota from your Toyota dealer and Toyota Financial Services,

to eligible active and inactive duty personnel.*

JBLMmwr.com 3

OF OLYMPIA

Your truck should work as hard as your boots.

*On approved credit to qualified customers through your participating Toyota dealer and Toyota Financial Services. Not all applicants will qualify. Eligible customers must be in current active duty status in the U.S. Military (Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Coast Guard and active Reserve) or a U.S. Military inactive reserve that is part of the Individual ReaReady Reserve, Selected Reserve and inactive National Guard. Rebate offered by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. Rebate will be applied on lease contracts, first toward amounts due at lease signing or delivery, with any remainder to the capitalized cost reduction or toward the down payment on finance contracts. Finance or lease contract must be executed by

JanuaJanuary 3, 2013. One rebate per lease or finance transaction. Not compatible with the Toyota College Graduate Program. The Military Rebate Program is subject to change or termination at any time. Some restrictions apply. Program may not be available in all states. See participating dealer for details. Toyota Financial Services has not reviewed and is not respon-sible for any other offers in this ad. Toyota Financial Services is a service mark of Toyota Motor Credit Corporation. ©2012 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc

$1000 Military Rebate*.In appreciation of your service and sacrifice, Toyota is offering a $1000 rebate when you finance or lease any new Toyota from your Toyota dealer and Toyota Financial Services,

to eligible active and inactive duty personnel.*

CONTENTS

FROM THE COVER Cover by Lional Kam

Running’s more fun with friends Even if you don’t normally run for a workout, dress up and take part in the St. Patty’s Day Run, then reward yourself at the Irish Craic (good times) at the MWR Fest Tent. Get complete details on page 26.

6–13

14–19

26–27

20–25

LEARNING & EARNING

Get help preparing taxes; learn to crochet; save on textbooks; enter

basewide Net Zero competition

28–29

FAMILY & THE HOMEFRONT

Choose from colorful egg hunts; attend Kids’ Fest; sign up for Spring Break Performance Workshop and more

FEELIN’ GOODEveryone’s invited to our Irish Craic;

watch the JBLM Basketball Championship; find your sport this spring

ADVENTURESChange gears for spring, from biking

through tulip fields to trekking on a moonlight snowshoe trip

FOOD & FUNSee what’s new at JBLM golf courses; find great parties at your favorite on-base locations; enjoy dining with us!

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Focus • March 20134

JBLM

FOCUSJoint Base Lewis-McChord Family & MWR

Family and MWR is busy this month — we’re celebrating St. Patty’s Day, hunting for

eggs (and for the first time ever at JBLM, swim-ming for eggs!), sitting down for a good meal and

being environmentally friendly.Bring your lucky charms to the St. Patty’s Day Run & Irish Craic Satur-

day, March 16. The entire community is invited to the party, which starts at 2:30 p.m. at the MWR Fest Tent. For details, turn to page 26.

Also this month, every kid’s favorite — Easter egg hunts! You’ll find all the details, along with a look ahead to Kids’ Fest, on page 14.

Feast on your breakfast and lunch favorites at the McChord Club/Community Center’s Easter Sunday Brunch. Plus, get a great-tasting meal close to work and home at any of MWR’s eateries. Find all the Food & fun details beginning on page 6.

Golf deals and tourneys are available at both JBLM courses this month, and guided nature walking tours will be available beginning next month at Eagles Pride. Details are on page 12.

Finally, JBLM is working toward becoming a Net Zero installation by 2020. Join the competition and win $10,000 for your unit funds (page 29).

And, please remember to share your MWR experiences with me. Take a few minutes to send your thoughts at http://ice.disa.mil.

Director, Family & MWR William E. Harvey

Creative director Toby Bartley

Promotions director Kelly Wetzel

Editor & graphic designer Kimberly Rowe

Writer/graphic designer Patti Jeffrey

ContributorsMary Cron

Contributing photographersKen Dietiker, Emiliano Hernandez, Patti Jeffrey, Lional Kam, JBLM Audiovisual and Outdoor Recreation Program

Send submissions to kimberly.rowe@us.army.mil.

For commercial sponsorship or advertising inquiries, off-base businesses should contact Carly Michael at 253-966-2256 or 253-324-0562.

The JBLM “FOCUS” is an unofficial information source published monthly. All 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 FMWR, 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. Submissions are welcome but may be edited for accuracy, clarity and style.

Visit us at JBLMmwr.com or like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/JBLMFamilyMWR.William E. HarveyDirector, Family & MWR at JBLM

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Wear, go green at JBLM

JBLMmwr.com 5

US FAMILYHEALTH PLAN

Operation: Baby Shower A free event honoring expecting couples

and new parents

• Free baby bags for the first 50 moms!

• Door prizes• Games

• Free hors d’oeuvres

• Free mocktail bar• Wii Fit tournament for dads

• Nursing loungeFor more info,

call 253-982-0718

Saturday, March 16 McChord Club/Community Center

10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

No federal endorsement intended

You’re cordially invited to

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Focus • March 20136

Join the club by March 31 to enjoy exclusive savings

Join the McChord Club today for exclusive savings tomorrow! The Air Force Club membership drive is on through the end of March and is open to everyone at JBLM, including active duty military and Family members, Reserves, National Guard, military retirees and DoD civilians.

When you complete an application, you’ll receive an instant-win scratch ticket worth $5–$100! Even more, you’ll get your first four months’ dues free!

Sign up now to enjoy these March specials:• FreefoodatGlobemasterGrillevery

Friday, 5–6 p.m.• 2-for-1SteakNightFriday,March22,

5–8 p.m. Pay only $18.95 for two din-ners that include baked potato, salad and roll.

• Freeclubmemberappreciationlun-cheon,Wednesday,March27, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Club members pay nothing, Family members pay $5.

•ClubmemberTwo-fer-Tuesdays—two meals for the price of one in Globemaster Grill, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Whether you’re at McChord Field,

Lewis Main or Lewis North, you’ll find a nearby MWR establishment that satisfies your appetite!

Pictured left: Airmen Maria McGinnis and Omonov Zavki enjoy a hearty “blue plate” lunch special at Globemaster Grill inside the McChord Club at Mc-Chord Field. The grill is bright and airy with ample seating on multiple levels. Globemaster is open from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. weekdays at 700 Barnes Blvd.

Patti Jeffrey

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Focus • March 20136

Food & fun

JBLMmwr.com 7

Pick up a 12-oz. Nutty Irishman

at AFC Battle Bean for only $2

for a mocha, Irish creme flavor and hazelnut coffee delight!

Offer good March 1–31, 2013. No coupon is needed!

• BingoeveryFridayinGlobemasterGrill. Cards go on sale at 5 p.m., early-bird game starts at 5:30 p.m., cover-all game is at 6 p.m., jackpot is $800–$1,195.To ask how you can become a club

member, call the McChord Club at 253-982-5581,orvisitafclubs.net for an application.Theclubislocatedat700Barnes Blvd. at McChord Field.

Everyone’s invited to take advantage of these other club specials:•GermanbuffetnightThursday,March21from5–8p.m.Reservationsarerequired;call253-982-5581.

•Wednesday’s“HumpDay”Globemas-ter Grill lunch special: Burgers, fries and soda is $4 for club members, $5 for nonmembers. Served from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

• ThediningroomisopeneveryFridaynight for dinner from 5–8 p.m.

Bring Family to Easter buffetMake your reservations for the popu-

lar annual Easter Sunday Brunch at the McChord Club Sunday, March 31.

The menu includes roast beef, glazed ham, stuffed chicken breast, seafood, traditional breakfast items including omelettes made to order, fresh fruit, Caesar salad, desserts and beverages.

A special egg hunt for children is in-cluded and begins at noon for Families with brunch reservations.Thecostis$23.95foradults,$22.95

forseniorsages62andolder,$14.95for ages 6–10 and $5 for ages 5 and younger.Clubmembersreceivea$2permeal

discount from listed prices.Call253-982-5581forreservations.For other Easter egg hunts, turn to

page 14.

Habañero Mexican Grill offers more for your lunch money

Come on over to McChord Field for huge freshly made burritos, tacos, sal-ads, soups and more at Whispering Firs Golf Course’s Habañero Mexican Grill.

Grab a friend and get started with March’slunchtimeoffer—buyonelunch and get the second lunch (of equal or lesser value) half off every Monday and Wednesday (beverage not included).Formoreinfo,call253-982-3271.

Habañero is at 895 Lincoln Blvd.

Experience AFC Battle Bean Café for fresh alternative to fast food

If you like to pick up a quick break-fast or lunch on your work break, try Battle Bean Café straight across from Bowl Arena Lanes on Liggett Avenue at Lewis Main.

It’s a delicious alternative to fast food with made-to-order sandwiches, plus healthy soups and salads. (Try the $6.95Marchspecial—Reubenonryewith a bag of chips!)

Stop by AFC Arena for Leisure Travel Services’annual“PassporttoTravel”fair Wednesday, March 6 from 10 a.m.–

2p.m.andreceivea12-oz.dripcoffeefor only $1 at Battle Bean Café. (Learn moreaboutthetravelfaironpage25.)

Get it all at the BistroThe Bistro at Russell Landing at Lewis

North has something for everyone in March:• ‘Appy Hoursfrom5–7p.m.Fridays

and Saturdays with half-price appe-tizers.

• TheFamily Pizza Extravaganza Fri-daysfrom5–9p.m.Ordertwo12-oz.thin-crust pizzas, two two-topping 7-inchkids’pizzasandtwopitchersofsodaforonly$20(excludesTheLanding and Tropical Chix).

•The Saturday pasta special from 5–9 p.m. Choose two of five pasta dishes that include a side Caesar saladandanappetizer.Only$20fortwo people.Call253-964-2813formoreinforma-

tion. The Bistro is at 8981 American Lake Ave.

For more MWR dining, visit JBLMmwr.com under coffee shops, dining and lounges.

JBLMmwr.com 7

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Focus • March 20138

Food & fun

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JBLMmwr.com 9

Heroes Lounge loves the nightlife

Lunches are always great at Cascade Community Center at Lewis Main, and Heroes Lounge is great for its nightlife.•WatchUFC158atnochargeSatur-

day, March 16. Doors open at 5 p.m. •DropbyFridaysandSaturdaysfor

karaoke and deejay dancing starting at 9 p.m.

• TryyourhandatfreebarbingoTues-daysat7p.m.withpurchaseoffoodor drink.You can always come in for free darts

and pool. Doors are open Monday through Saturday.

Heroes Lounge is inside Cascade CommunityCenterat2400Bitar& S. Division at Lewis Main.

For more details, visit JBLMmwr.com.

You’re being celebrated at Whispering Firs!

If you’re a golfer at Whispering Firs, you’regonnalove“MarchMadness”Customer Appreciation Week from March 11–15.

Save with a different special each day:•Getunlimitedgolfwithall-daygreensfeesonMonday—$10forranks E1–E5; all others pay $15.

• Take10percentofflunchin Habañero Mexican Grill Tuesday.

• PaytwilightgreensfeesalldayWednesday.

• Thursday,get2-for-1regularlypricedgreensfees—onecomplimentarygreens fee when a second of equal or greater value is purchased.

• Powercartsarehalf-priceonFriday.Other specials include:•Discountedannualgreensfeescard.Buy13monthsforthepriceof12atthe pro shop.

• The new JBLM Golf Pass for $99. See the feature article on page 13 for details.

•WeargreenandsavegreenfortheSt.Patrick’s Day pro shop sale, Sunday, March17withselectitemsonsale.Also enter your choice of competi-

tions in March at Whispering Firs:•Opentoalleligiblegolfers,thean-

nual Spring Break is the weekend ofMarch23–24for$100pergolfer.Check with the pro shop for details.

• Friday,March1,getinontheHole-in-One Pot for 50 cents a round. Golfers win whatever’s in the pot for your hole in one!

• Saturday,March9,entertheTomb-stone Tournament for $10 plus your greens fee. The format is stroke play and blind draw for the pro.For more information, call the pro

shopat253-982-4927.WhisperingFirsis located at 895 Lincoln Blvd. at McChord Field.

Find sports, gaming & more at the Warrior Zone

Liven up your evenings and week-ends at the Warrior Zone. The fun’s always free, with great food and bever-age specials:•WatchUFC158atnochargeSatur-

day, March 16.•GetinontheSelectionSunday/St.Patty’sDaypartySunday,March17with green brew and Reuben sand-wiches. Guess the brackets for the NCAA tournament before the first game on Tuesday for a prize.

•Watchthekickoffofthebaseballseason Sunday, March 31 while you munch on dogs, peanuts and other ballpark food.

•WeekdayentertainmentincludesOldSchool Game Nights on Mondays,

pool tourneys on Tuesdays, Texas Hold ‘Em on Wednesdays and Xbox Challenge Night on Thursdays.Formoredetails,call253-477-5756.

The Warrior Zone is located at the cornerof17thandDStreetatLewisNorth.

Enter Northwest Military MastersSounders Lanes Bowling Center

invites you to enter the 8th Annual Northwest Military Masters Tourna-mentSaturday,April20.

One in four bowlers wins cash, and first place garners $1,000 and entry in the2013USBCMastersorUSBCSeniorMasters (based on 30 or more entries).

Pick up your entry form at the front counter or download it from JBLMmwr.com. The entry fee is $100 if paid by Saturday, April 13.

The tournament is open to active duty, retired military, current DoD employees and all spouses. All entrants mustbeUSBCmembers.Formoredetails,call253-982-5954.

SoundersLanesislocatedat737 Jackson Blvd. at McChord Field.

Have fun at AFC Skate ArenaWhere can you have instant fun with

the entire Family? At the roller skating rink at Lewis Main!

Come out for $1 Wednesday sessions all day for all ages. Sessions are 11 a.m.–1 p.m., 1:30 –3:30 p.m. and 4–6 p.m.

Fridays, skate from 6–9 p.m.; Saturday sessions are 1–3 p.m., 3:30–5:30 p.m. and 6–8 p.m.; and Sundays are 1–3 p.m. and 3:30–5:30 p.m.

Ages 18 and younger cost $3.50 and adults cost $4.50. Rent rollerblades for $1 more.Theskatearenaisat2275LiggettAve.

Call253-967-4458formoreinfo.

JBLMmwr.com 9

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Focus • March 201310

Food & fun

Parents invited to free baby showerFirst-time and expectant parents are invited to a free Operation

BabyShowerSaturday,March16attheMcChordClub&Commu-nity Center from 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Free baby bags will be given away to the first 50 attendees. Also enjoy free hors d’oeuvres, mocktail bar, games and door prizes, plus a Wii Fit tournament for dads and a private nursing lounge.Formoredetails,call253-982-0718.

Join St. Patty’s Day party in MWR Fest TentCome join in the fun Saturday, March 16 at the St. Patty’s Day

Craic (Irish for party) in the MWR Fest Tent. Authentic Irish bangers and mash, plus Irish stout, are being served

startingat2:30p.m.Live entertainment is from 4:30–6:30 p.m. with Irish music from

Tiller’s Folly, the Pacific Northwest’s internationally travelled vir-tuoso ambassadors of song and performances from the Irish dance schoolScoilRinceSlieveloughane.Call253-477-4299formore details.

The MWR Fest Tent is located behind Bowl Arena Lanes at 2272LiggettAve.atLewisMain.

Buy treasures at Spring Flea MarketOne person’s trash is another one’s treasure at the annual Spring

FleaMarketintheMWRFestTentSaturday,March23from9a.m.– 1 p.m.

Admission is free and the event features more than 80 tables of bargain-priced items, from baby clothes to antique furniture. Formoreinfo,call253-477-4299.The MWR Fest Tent is located behind Bowl Arena Lanes at

2272LiggettAve.atLewisMain.

JBLMmwr.com 11

Get March discounts with your custom orders

Need to custom mat and frame a favorite picture or give a gift?YourArts&CraftsCenterat

McChord Field is offering a St. Patty’s Day special with two-for-one lettering on regular engraving March 11–15.

For more savings, pick an egg out of a basket to learn how much you save off labor fees when you place a custom framingorderMarch25–29.

Combine the extra discount with the already-low matting and framing costs (plus no tax), and both you and the gift recipient will have something to smile about!

Learn to mat and frameSave both time and money on cus-

tom matting by learning how to do it yourselfatyourArts&CraftsCenter!Units/squadronsthatpresentmonth-

ly awards can even designate a member or two to mat and frame the awards for only a DIY rental fee.

Classes are held Tuesdays from 1–4 p.m. Students must preregister for allclasses.Call253-982-6718formoreclass information.

Want to place an order? Come in after work!

To better accommodate customers who work during theday,yourArts&Crafts Center is now open from 9a.m.–7p.m.Wednesdays and Thursdays.TheArts&CraftsCenteris

locatedat1121BarnesBlvd. at McChord Field and is open Monday through Friday starting at 9 a.m.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Focus • March 201312 Joint Base Lewis-McChord Focus • March 201312

Food & fun

JBLMmwr.com 13

by Patti Jeffrey

Eagles Pride Golf Course recently had the honor of becoming the

1,000th golf course worldwide to be-comeAudubon-certified—certificationwas announced two days after Christ-masin2012.

It is one of five DoD golf courses and the second of two Army golf courses to obtain the prestigious Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Program certification.“Thiscertifica-

tion tells the world that we do what wesay,”saysDavidWienecke, assistant golf course superin-tendent.“Weareatrue environmen-talsteward—onewho has achieved both economic and habitat sustainabil-ity. We really can change the world for the better when wedoourpart.”

The iden-tity change has prompted golf course staff members to be retrained to think of themselves as environmental stewards.

From here on out, they’re not only in the business of giving golf patrons a good game but also recapturing the environment for native habitat.

Nature walks educate novicesStarting in April, Eagles Pride will

begin providing guided nature walk-ing tours of the wildlife areas around Eagles Pride.

Anyone who is interested in learn-ing about bird watching and wildlife is

invited to attend.A master bird guide from the Audu-

bon Society and a JBLM Department ofPublicWorksFish&Wildliferepre-sentative will run tours initially on the third Thursday of each month from 8 a.m.–noon.

Another weekend tour may be added to accommodate those who work dur-ing the day.

Experts will also be training Audu-bon nature and birds leaders on-site in coming months.

New restaurant improvements come with new status

Eagles Pride is positioning itself to bring in and keep loyal customers with aggressive pric-ing and a superior golf experience.

While it still prides itself on its rich military his-tory, the public golf

course is also finding a way to remain on par with the regional market, in-cluding new golf courses in the area.

That means a concerted effort to revi-talize the clubhouse dining experience, rebrand the golf course’s image with a new logo and signage, remodel green complexes and bunkers, complete stump removal, routinely cultivate and top-dress green complexes and fairways and other major projects to come, in-cluding building a high-caliber practice center.

The first revitalization project in the

clubhouse is opening a new restaurant.“Wearemovingtowardabrand-

newMWR-runrestaurantoperation,”says Eric Bowen, head golf instructor. “There’ssomuchtogainallaround—everydollarspentonmealswillgorightbackintotheFamily&Morale,Welfare and Recreation Directorate, customers have ample parking, it’s highly accessible right off I-5, it’s open to the public, you can plan functions, meetingsorpartieshere—there’satre-mendous upside to serving our popula-tionbetter.”

Competitive deals begin nowNew this season is the JBLM Golf

Pass, which replaces the popular Mon-day–Friday special with a seven-day-a-week value card and a peak-season option for the avid golfer.

The Pass will be sold starting April 1 at both Eagles Pride and Whispering Firs golf courses and will be good for both courses.

Pass holders receive their first game for free; all subsequent rounds have half-price greens fees.

The Pass costs $99 and is valid from April 1 through October. It also in-cludes twilight rates.

For instance, without a cart, an E1–E5 pass holder can play 18 holes for $9; twilight for $6. An E6 or above golfer pays$12($7.50fortwilight)andaDoDcivilian pays $13 ($8 for twilight). Add a cart for $15 per person.

With those savings, you can buy more for lunch in the clubhouse and browse the pro shop.

For more golf deals, turn to page 9.For more information, call Eagles

Prideat253-967-6522orWhisperingFirsat253-982-4927.

“This certification tells the world that we do what we say. We are a true environmental steward — one who has achieved both economic and habitat sustainabil-ity. We really can change the world for the better when we do our part.”

– David Wienecke, assistant golf course superintendent

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Focus • March 201314

Easter event for Waiting FamiliesThe Waiting Family Support Group is

hosting an Easter egg hunt Wednesday, March 13 from 1–4 p.m. It’s a great way to spend the Clover Park School District early-release school day!

Bring your Easter basket to the fun-filled afternoon at the Family Resource Center,4274IdahoAve.atLewisMain.Space is limited, so RSVP today! Call 253-967-3633tosignupandfordetails.

WFSG is an outreach support group for active duty military Families on un-accompanied tour, extended temporary duty or field training exercise.

After-dark glow Easter egg huntBring your glow sticks to the Mc-

Chord Library for a glow-in-the-dark Easter egg hunt. The after-dark fun is foryouthages11–17Friday,March22

from6:30–7:30p.m.Glowstickswillbeprovided if needed, and light refresh-ments will be served.

Registration is required, and begins Friday, March 8 at JBLMmwr.com/ librariesandclickon“CalendarofEvents”ontheright.TheMcChordLibrary is located 851 Lincoln Blvd.

Snag your share of 10,000 eggsTherewillbe10,000eggs—yes,10

thousand—attheMcChordCommu-nity Center’s Easter egg hunt Saturday, March 30.

Youth of all ages are invited to the lawnattheMcChordClub/CommunityCenter for a fun morning searching for eggs.

There are three age groups: ages 0–5 at 10 a.m., ages 6–9 at 10:30 a.m. and ages 10 and older at 11 a.m.TheMcChordClub/CommunityCen-

terislocatedat700BarnesBlvd.Call253-982-0718formoreinformation.

Swim & splash while hunting for Easter eggs

The Aquatics Branch invites you to

JBLM’s first-ever Easter egg hunt in

a pool! Free to ID card holders, the

Aquatic Easter Egg Hunt is Saturday,

March 30 at Kimbro Pool.

Snag floating eggs and sinking eggs in

yoursearchforoneoftwo“magic”eggs

per group that could earn you a special

prize. All participants will receive a

goodie bag.

There are hunts for four age groups:

6months–2yearsfrom10–10:20a.m.,

ages3–4from10:20–10:40a.m.,ages

5–6from10:40–11a.m.,ages7–8from

11–11:20a.m.andages9–10from

11:20–11:40a.m.

Parents must be in the water for

hunts through age 4. Each age group is

limitedto20participants.Registeron

WebTrac at JBLMmwr.com. Kimbro Pool is located adjacent to

Family & the homefront

for Easter, Spring Break & more!Egg-stra

special fun

JBLMmwr.com 15

McVeigh Sports and Fitness Center at Lewis Main.

Bring your baskets to Easter DashYou could win great prizes at the an-

nual Easter Dash Sunday, March 31 at

Cowan and Memorial stadiums.

Run to collect candy and lots of

prizes—youthages3andyoungerwill

huntat1p.m.,ages4–7at2p.m.and8

and older at 3 p.m.

This free event is hosted by the JBLM

Better Opportunities for Single Service

Members Team. Cowan and Memorial

stadiums are located at Bitar Avenue

and12thStreetatLewisMain.Call

253-967-5636 for more information.

Easter Brunch and Hunt comboFamilies with reservations for Easter

Sunday Brunch at the McChord Club

will also enjoy an Easter egg hunt start-

ing at noon. For details, turn to page 9

in the Food & fun section.

MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILDHands-ongoodtimesatKids’Fest&SpringBreak Performance Workshop

All knights in shining armor and noblewomen are invited to Kids’ Fest for a medieval times celebration. Kids of all ages will enjoy learning about the Medieval period through themed hands-on activities and crafts. Plus, there will be on-stage entertainment and food available for purchase.

Kids’ Fest is Thursday, April 4 from 1–4:30 p.m. Activities are located inside AFC Arena and the MWR Fest Tent, plus free bowling will be offered during the event at Bowl Arena Lanes.

The annual Kids’ Fest event celebrates JBLM’s youth and kicks off the Month of the Military Child. The celebration coincides with Clover Park School District’s Spring Break and all Families are invited.Youthages7–12havetheopportunitytotakethestageatKids’Festinashow

they create and write under the guidance of Paul and Elizabeth Stierle. The Spring Break Performing Arts Workshop is April 1–5 from 1–4 p.m. at AFC Arena. The cost is $45 per child, and registration is at Leisure Travel Services, 2275LiggettAve.atLewisMain.YouthwillreceiveaCDofthemusictheycreate.TheStierlesarelongtime“edutainers”andfamiliarfacesatJBLMKids’Festandotherspecialevents.Formoreinformation,call253-967-5776.

For more on Month of the Military Child poster contest, turn to page 19.

Photos: Left, Lional Kam; Above, Ken Dietiker

for Easter, Spring Break & more!

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Focus • March 201316

Family & the homefront

From parent-and-child activities to programming for teens, Child, Youth & School Services has quality options for everyone.

Parent-and-me activitiesSpend quality time together at Rain-

drops and Rainbows Parent and Child PlayCenter—agreatplacetomakenew friends and learn new things. Parents and children ages birth to age 5 are invited to explore on their own or participate in the daily group activity.Stopby8197AmericanLakeAve.at

Lewis North weekdays 8:30 a.m.–noon and 1–4 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.– noonand12:30–3p.m.Findthemonthly calendar at JBLMmwr.com.

In addition to parent-and-tot dance and gymnastics classes, SKIESUnlim-ited Youth Academy hosts educational classes that will introduce your young-ster to science and math concepts dur-ing everyday life. For classes, log onto WebTrac at JBLMmwr.com.

Race for the finish, swing for the fence with youth sports

Registration is going on now for track and field, cross-country, baseball, Spe-cial Olympics swimming and track and field and a variety of sports camps. See the youth sports calendar and find out

about coaching at JBLMmwr.com. Plus, the Armed Forces Kids’ Run

isSaturday,April27atCowanStadium.Look for details in next month’s issue.

Become an FCC providerIf you’re interested in providing child

care in your on-base home, apply to be-come a Family Child Care provider, a job thatcouldearnupto$2,000permonth!

The next orientation is Tuesday,

March12,6–8p.m.,withprovisionalclasses following. Pick up an application at2013B.N.3rdSt.,Room127atLewisMain.Fordetails,call253-967-3039.

Get informed, involved onlineFind out more about Home School

Activity Days, youth basketball tourney, child care and more at JBLMmwr.com/cys. Plus, like us on Facebook. Get up-to-date information from our three pages:

PLAY, LEARN & GROW with CYS Services

Get the best deal on your next vacation at Travel Fair!• vendors feature inns, resorts, hotels, theme parks,

cruise lines, , travel bureaus and more• talk to vacation experts in person• exclusive military discounts

Wednesday, March 6 10AM - 2PM • AFC Arena

JBLMmwr.com 17

Get involved, have fun with middle school/teen programsYouthingrades6–12areinvitedtotakepartinevents,programming,spe-

cial field trips and open recreation at two JBLM locations. All you have to do is register. The following events are offered this month:•GigHarborBasketballTournamentSaturday,March2.Playorcheeronyour

friends as they hit the hardwood (joint event for both locations)

•Facebook.com/JBLMCYSS provides anoverview of all CYS Services programs and events. With posts at least twice a day, you’ll get reminders about upcoming events and see photos of JBLM youth in action.

•Facebook.com/JBLMCYSSTeen keeps youuptodateonmiddleschool/teenprograms.

•Facebook.com/JBLMCYSSytl facilitatesonline youth training and programs.

Raindrops & Rainbows Parent and Child Play Center

Jershika Maple, a freshman at Lakes High School and middle school/teen program member for one-and-a-

half years, has been named JBLM Youth of the Year! Active at both McChord Youth Center and Hillside Youth Center, teens know Jershika because of her

bubbly personality and her willingness to lend a helping hand. She’s also recognized regularly for her amazing ability to sing and has shared her beautiful voice at basketball games, talent shows and various other programs. “It is these qualities that made her a prime candidate for Youth of the Year 2013,” said Charissa Lizama, McChord Youth Center manager.Jershika will now move on to the state level of the

Youth of the Year competition, a Boys and Girls Club of America recognition program. Later this month, she’ll

join other area winners for a two-day event in Olympia and Seattle. Jershika will meet state legislators and

have a tour of the Capitol, plus interviews, photos and a dinner celebration. Good luck, Jershika!

JBLM Audiovisual

Ken Dietiker

Congratulations to JBLM Youth of the Year Jershika Maple!

Teen Zone:•TraveltoSeattletowatchtwo

games in the second round of the PAC12women’sbasketballtourna-ment Friday, March 8 from 4:30 p.m.–midnight. Tip-off for the two games at Key Arena are 6 and 8:30 p.m.

•BecomeaRedCross-certifiedbaby-sitter with the next two-day class. You’ll learn about child develop-ment, plus CPR and First Aid in a 10-hour course Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 9.

•Thursday,March14isanearly-release day for Clover Park School District students, and you’re in-vited to take a trip to Seattle’s Pike Place Market for sightseeing, shop-

ping and eating (bring your own spending money). The trip leaves at 1:30p.m.andreturnsby7:30p.m.

•Welcomenewteensandsaygood-bye to old friends at a Hail and Farewell Friday, March 15 at 3:30 p.m. Plus, celebrate those with March birthdays.

•Teenswilllaunchananti-smokingcampaign, The Kick Butts Celebra-tion,Wednesday,March27at2p.m.

McChord Youth Center:•IceskateatSprinkerRecCenterThursday,March14from2–5p.m.

•LatenightbasketballandbarbecueFriday,March22,7–11p.m.

•Hail&Farewell,Friday,March29from7–10p.m.

Get the best deal on your next vacation at Travel Fair!• for more information, call 253-967-3085 • vendors feature inns, resorts, hotels, theme parks,

cruise lines, , travel bureaus and more• talk to vacation experts in person• exclusive military discounts No federal endorsement of sponsors implied.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Focus • March 201318

Parent UniversityFriday, April 26

North Fort Chapel, Lewis North253-982-5121 • April Focus magazine

Community involvement, education & support with ACS

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JBLMmwr.com 19

Recognizing, celebrating JBLM’s hardworking volunteers

Do you know a volunteer who de-serves the title of JBLM Volunteer of the Year?

The JBLM Installation Volunteer Of-fice is now accepting nominations for the award. Categories are youth (18 years and younger), retiree, Family, ac-tive duty and adult.

Nominations should describe, in no morethan750words,whythenomi-nated individual or Family should be recognizedasVolunteeroftheYear/Family of the Year, their contributions, accomplishments and community impactduring2012.Additionally,are-quired nomination form may be found online at JBLMmwr.com/acs.

Hand-carry nominations to the Fam-ilyResourceCenter,4274IdahoAve.by4:30 p.m. Monday, March 18.

The nominations will be reviewed by a panel independently and winners will be announced during the annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon and Awards Ceremony Wednesday, May 1, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. at the McChord Club/CommunityCenter.Call253-967-2324fordetails.Plus, JBLM is celebrating National

VolunteerWeekApril22–26.Staytuned for details on the great daily events in honor of our installation’s hardworking volunteers.

Free seminars for parents, spouses & those ready to move

From the New Parent Support Pro-gram to Army Family Team Building and the Mobilization and Deployment Office, ACS offers a variety of free semi-nars and classes to teach tips and tricks and prepare you for military life.

New Parent Support Program offersclasses for expecting parents and par-ents of babies up to age 3. Learn tips to having a happy baby and more. For class descriptions and schedule, visit JBLMmwr.com/acs_fap.Army Family Team Building Learn about Army life, from acronyms, de-ciphering an LES and understanding the chain of command in Level I AFTB class March 5–6. A Level II class is March19–21,andFirstSergeantSpouseSeminarisMarch21–22.Fordetailsandregistration,call253-967-AFTB.Mobilization & Deployment Office Prepare for an upcoming deployment or reunion. For a full list of free work-shops, visit JBLMmwr.com and navigate to the event calendar. Airman & Family Readiness Center If you’re preparing to move, separate from the Air Force or are looking for a job, the staffers at AFRC can help. Find useful resources and classes, to include the Smooth Move Workshop. For more information,call253-982-2695.

Youth poster contest JBLM youth are invited to submit

their artwork in the Month of the Mili-

tary Child poster contest! There will be

prizes, and the winning artwork will be

displayed at various locations around

the installation. For this year’s contest theme, submis-

sion information and drop-off locations,

please call253-968-2299.Month of the Military Child is a cel-

ebration of the important role children play in military communities world-wide. It provides communities an op-portunity to applaud military children of all ages for the sacrifices they make daily.

Community involvement, education & support with ACS

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Focus • March 201320

Adventures

SAY HELLOTO THE GREAT OUTDOORS

As winter turns to spring, we invite you to get outdoors! Celebrate the changing seasons with a variety of adventures — from a moonlit snowshoe trip and the last ski-n-snow-board trips of the season to biking through the tulips and soaking in Sol Duc Hot Springs.

JBLMmwr.com 21

Bike through the Skagit tulips The

beauty of hundreds of acres of tulips

awaits you! On a guided bike ride

through the Annual Skagit Valley

Tulip Festival, we’ll tour the Roozen-

gaarde gardens and view open fields

of tulips. In the small tourist town

of La Conner, we’ll enjoy a hearty

lunch and experience the festival

from a local perspective. The trip is

Sunday, April 14. The fields might

be muddy, and the weather might

be chilly or rainy, so be prepared

and dress in layers with a waterproof

jacket. Fee includes bike, helmet

and gloves. Difficulty: easy; time: 4

hours; distance: 15 miles. Minimum

age:12($55)

Bungee jumping If you’re an adrena-line seeker, you won’t be disappointed

in this Saturday, April 6 trip! Head to

the base of Mount St. Helens to bun-

gee jump twice off the highest bungee

bridgeintheU.S.Thetripincludestwo

jumps and a T-shirt. Minimum weight:

90 lbs. ($135)

Explore Victoria, B.C. Hop on the ferry

and spend the day exploring Victoria,

B.C., by foot. The downtown area has

everything from antique shops and

artisan chocolate shops to the Royal

B.C. Museum and IMAX theater. Fee

includes walk-on round-trip ferry ticket

and transportation to and from Port Angeles. A passport is required for this Saturday, April 6 trip. ($100; ages 5–11: $85; ages 0–4: $55)

Introduction to single-track mountain biking This instructional ride is designed for beginners looking to try something new. On Saturday, April 13, spend the day learning the ba-sics of mountain biking, while getting plenty of time to work on your new-found skills. Bike, helmet and gloves are provided. Location will be deter-mined based on conditions. Difficulty: easy; ride time: 4 hours; distance: five tosixmiles.Minimumage:12($35)

Military Day at Crystal Don’t miss the chance to ski or ride Crystal for half-priceSunday,April7!Gearisprovided (you need to go to the NAC to be fitted for gear). Lift tickets aren’t included but should be purchased at the mountain. ($45; have your own gear,pay$25)

Moonlight snowshoe Gold Creek Pond Snowshoe on the Snoqualmie Pass trails by the light of the moon Friday, April 5. Gear, guide and instruction are provided. Difficulty: beginner; dis-tance: one-and-a-half miles; elevation gain:50feet;time:2hours.Minimumage:12($40)

Continued on next page.

Trips include transportation; provided gear is detailed in trip listings. For ski/snowboard trips, you must be fitted for your gear at the Northwest Adventure Center prior to the day of your trip. Unless otherwise stated, lift tickets are not included.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Focus • March 201322

Adventures

Seattle Insider’s Tour Join us Sunday, March24foraninsider’sviewofSe-attle.SeethebestpartsofTheUniver-sity of Washington, Ballard, Fremont, Queen Anne, City Center, Pike Place and Safeco Field. While exploring the city, we’ll stop to visit the spots of Se-attle that most pass by. The fee includes transportation to each spot as well as a guided tour with commentary of the quirky history. You’ll be given time to go to the Space Needle, the EMP and the Museum; entrance fees not includ-ed in the trip fee. ($60)

Ski-n-snowboard at the Summit Tired of the rain? Head for the snow and spend the day at the Summit at Sno-qualmie Saturday, March 30! Gear is provided; get fitted at the NAC. ($45; haveyourowngear,pay$25)

Ski-n-snowboard Stevens Pass Leave the rain behind for the slopes at Ste-vens Pass! Head to the snow Saturday, April 13. Gear is provided; go to the NAC to be fitted. ($50; bring your own gear, $30)

Ski-n-snowboard White Pass Let’s head for the snow and spend the day atWhitePassSunday,March24!Youcan also rent cross-country skis or snowshoes. You’ll be fitted for your gear when you sign up for the trip (pleasespecifywhatyouneed).Un-less lesson package is purchased, lift tickets aren’t provided (but may be purchased online or at the mountain). ($50; have your own gear, $30; lesson package includes gear, lift ticket and lesson for $100)

Snowshoe Paradise Explore Mount Rainier’sGlacierVistaSunday,April7.Guide, gear and instruction provided. Difficulty: moderate to difficult; time: three hours; distance: three miles. Minimumage:12($40)

Snowshoe Reflection Lake The trail from Narada Falls to Reflection Lake provides a breathtaking experience of a winter snow-capped forest. Enjoy the view with us Saturday, March 30. Guide, gear, instruction and transpor-tation provided. Difficulty: moderate;

distance: 3.5 miles; elevation gain: 500 feet; time: 4 hours. Minimum age:12($40)

Snow tubing Travel to one of Wash-ington’s greatest tubing hills for a great dayinthesnowSaturday,March23!Dress for a day of playing in the snow, and get ready to go for a wild ride! Tubing is a blast for all ages, so bring the entire Family. Snow tubes are pro-vided.($35;ages6–12:$25;ages5andyounger: $5)

Sol Duc Hot Springs Travel to the Olympic National Forest to take a soak in the Sol Duc Hot Springs. There are three mineral hot spring soaking pools and one freshwater pool. Temperatures vary between the pools allowing you to find the per-fect one for a relaxing soak. Make the tripwithusSaturday,March23.Eachmineral pool is drained and cleaned nightly for the health and safety of allvisitors.($50;ages4–12:$40;ages0–3:$25)

Outdoor Recreation photo

The winter survival camping trip gets you outside in the el-ements safely. You’ll learn winter survival basics, leave-no-trace camping, how to build a snow shelter and more in April’s trip. For the full trip description, turn to page 25.

Continued on next page.

JBLMmwr.com 23

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Focus • March 201324

Adventures

5 years. 1 price. 0 term commitment.

CenturyLink™ High-Speed Internet

*Offer ends 5/31/2012. New residential High-Speed Internet or existing residential Pure Broadband customers only. Services and offers not available everywhere. Price-Lock Guarantee Offer applies only to the monthly recurring charge for the listed service for sixty (60) consecutive months; excludes all taxes, fees, surcharges, and monthly recurring fees for modem/router and professional installation. Listed monthly recurring charge of $19.95 applies to CenturyLink™ High-Speed Internet with speeds up to 12 Mbps and requires subscription to a CenturyLink™ Home Phone with Unlimited Nationwide Calling plan. An additional monthly fee (including professional installation, if applicable) and a shipping and handling fee will apply to customer’s modem or router. Offer requires customer to remain in good standing and terminates if customer changes their account in any manner including any change to the required CenturyLink services (cancelled, upgraded, downgraded), telephone number change, or change of physical location of any installed service (including customer moving from residence of installed services). General – CenturyLink may change, cancel, or substitute offers and services, including Locked-In Offer, or vary them by service area, at its sole discretion without notice. Requires credit approval and deposit may be required. Additional restrictions apply. Terms and Conditions – All products and services are governed by tariffs, terms of service, or terms and conditions posted at www.centurylink.com. Taxes, Fees, and Surcharges – Applicable taxes, fees, and surcharges include a Carrier Universal Service charge, National Access Fee surcharge, a one-time High-Speed Internet activation fee, state and local fees that vary by area and certain in-state surcharges. Cost recovery fees are not taxes or government-required charges for use. Taxes, fees, and surcharges apply based on standard monthly, not promotional, rates. Call for a listing of applicable taxes, fees, and surcharges. Monthly Rate – Monthly rate applies while customer subscribes to all qualifying services. If one (1) or more services are cancelled, the standard monthly fee will apply to each remaining service. High-Speed Internet – Customer must accept High-Speed Internet Subscriber Agreement prior to using service. Download speeds will range from 85% to 100% of the listed download speeds due to conditions outside of network control, including customer location, websites accessed, Internet congestion and customer equipment. Private, Direct Connection and Speed Claims – Direct connection and consistency and speed claims are based on providing High-Speed Internet customers with a dedicated, virtual-circuit connection between their homes and the CenturyLink central office. Home Phone with Unlimited Nationwide Calling – Service applies to one (1) residential phone line with direct-dial, local and nationwide long distance voice calling from home phone, including Alaska, Puerto Rico, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands; excludes commercial use, call center, data and facsimile services (including dial-up Internet connections, data services, and facsimile; each may be billed at $0.10/minute), conference lines, directory and operator assistance, chat lines, pay-per-call, calling card use, or multi-housing units. Usage will be monitored for compliance and service may be suspended/terminated for noncompliance. An additional charge may be assessed to customer if usage consistently exceeds 5,000 minutes/mo. International calling billed separately. ©2012 CenturyLink, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The name CenturyLink and the pathways logo are trademarks of CenturyLink, Inc.

We strive to keep you connected. That’s why we offer 5 years of 1 low price on CenturyLink™ High-Speed Internet with speeds up to 12 Mbps. No term commitment. Guaranteed.

Call 877.645.4310 Click centurylink.com/usmilitaryCome in South Hill Mall – Near Center Court, 253.770.3472Tacoma Mall – Near Macy’s, 253.475.2618

CenturyLink proudly supports the United States Armed Forces.Ask about our Military discount.

IT’S OUR DUTY TO KEEP YOU CONNECTED.

JBLMmwr.com 25

Visit Travel Fair, plan a tripWhether your dream vacation

revolves around sun, sand, snow or water, you can plan your next getaway at the 5th Annual Travel Fair. Brought to you by Leisure Travel Services, the event is at AFC Arena Wednesday, March 6, 10a.m.–2p.m.

Meet with industry vendors and Leisure Travel Services staffers to book the getaway of your dreams or get ideas and tips about plan-ning your next vacation.

AFC Arena is located at 2275LiggettAve.atLewisMain,next to Bowl Arena Lanes. For details,call253-967-3085.

Tickets at a great price from Leisure Travel Services

When you want to take in a great game in Seattle, head to Leisure Travel Services. As an authorized Ticketmaster location, you can pur-chase tickets for upcoming games at Century Link Field and Safeco Field to see Sounders FC and the Mariners in action.

LTS has limited tickets available to Sounders FC games; lower level southendseatsare$25.OpeningdayisSaturday,March2.

Want to catch a Mariner’s game? Opening day is Monday, April 8, and ticket prices will be available soon. Salute to the Armed Forces is Saturday,April13($32/$27/$13).

You can also find tickets to local attractions, concerts and more. Call 253-967-3085formoreinformation.

Compete in sporting claysUpcomingsportingclaysfun

shootsareSaturdays,March2andApril 6 at the JBLM Skeet Range. Fordetails,call253-967-7056orvisit JBLMmwr.com.

Outdoor adventure trip Date Cost Details

Snow tubing Saturday, March 23 $35 Ages 6–12: $25; ages 5 and younger: $5

Sol Duc Hot Springs Saturday, March 23 $50 Ages 4–12: $40; ages 0–3: $25

Ski-n-snowboard White Pass Sunday, March 24 $50 Lessons package: $100; transportation only: $30

Seattle Insiders Tour Sunday, March 24 $60

Ski-n-snowboard the Summit Saturday, March 30 $45 Transportation only: $25

Snowshoe Reflection Lake Saturday, March 30 $40 Minimum age: 12

Visit Pike Place Market/Ride the Ducks Sunday, March 31 $45 Ages 3–12: $30; ages 0–2: $30

Westport bottom fishing Sunday, March 31 $130

Moonlight snowshoe Gold Creek Pond Friday, April 5 $40 Minimum age: 12

Bungee jumping Saturday, April 6 $135 Minimum weight: 90 lbs.

Explore Victoria, B.C. Saturday, April 6 $100 Ages 5–11: $85; ages 0–4: $55

Military Appreciation Day at Crystal Sunday, April 7 $45 Transportation only: $25

Snowshoe Paradise Sunday, April 7 $40 Minimum age: 12

Winter survival camping trip April 13–14 $75 Minimum age: 18

Ski-n-snowboard Stevens Pass Saturday, April 13 $50

Introduction to single-track mtn biking Saturday, April 13 $35 Minimum age: 12

Bike through the Skagit tulips Sunday, April 14 $55 Minimum age: 12

Whale watching Sunday, April 14 $60 Ages 0–13: $50

More info: 253-967-6263 • JBLMmwr.com Especially accommodates people with exceptional needs Popular with Families

Preregistration is required for all trips; prices and schedule subject to change without notice. Gear and transportation included unless otherwise stated. Lift tickets for ski-n-snowboard trips aren’t included unless otherwise stated. Register through WebTrac (visit JBLMmwr.com) or at the Northwest Adventure Center at Lewis North. Confirm pick-up locations upon registration for the trips. Group rates and private trips are available; call for details. We’ll visit FRG meetings or unit functions to tell you about all of the great recreation and adventure options in the area.

Visit Pike Place Market/Ride the ducks You haven’t seen Seattle until you’ve

seen it from a Duck! Take a land-and-

water tour of Seattle with Coast Guard-

certified maritime captains Sunday,

March 31. Aboard an amphibious

World War II vehicle, you’ll see down-

town Seattle, Pike Place Market, historic

Pioneer Square and Funky Fremont

beforesplashingintoLakeUnionfor

a spectacular view of the city skyline,

luxurious yachts and Sleepless in Seattle

houseboats. Once that’s finished, you’ll

have time to walk around Pike Place

Market for some wonderful shopping

andgreatfood.($45;ages3–12:$35;

ages0–2:$30)

Westport bottom fishing Are you ready to get out on the open water and start hauling in fish? Join us on a chartered boat trip out of Westport, where the rockfish are always plentiful and ling-cod are real fighters! Dress in layers and bring lunch, snacks and rain gear for

the Sunday, March 31 trip. Fishing gear is provided. ($130)

Whale watching Early spring brings the unique opportunity to view migratory gray whales in the calm, comfortable and protected waters of the Puget Sound. This three-hour boat trip Sunday, April 14 provides plenty of opportunities to see a variety of wildlife. ($60; ages 13 and younger: $50)

Winter survival camping trip Head to Reflection Lake in Mount Rainier Na-tional Park April 13–14 for an interme-diate overnight trip to learn the basics of trip preparation, winter travel, shel-ter construction and winter survival basics, backcountry cooking and leave-no-trace camping. A mandatory pre-trip class is Wednesday, April 10 at the NAC. Trip fee includes winter camping class, group gear (not including sleep-ing bag), park entrance and two camp meals.Minimumage:18($75)

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Focus • March 201326

Good times for the entire community

On Saturday, March 16, follow the proverbial rainbow to the MWR Fest Tent. While you won’t find a pot o’ gold at the end, you will find live music, dancing, food and Irish brew —it’stheIrishCraic!TheSt.Patty’sDayRun&Irish

Craic is open to the entire commu-nity,whetheryouracedinthe5K/10Kfun run or not. So if you’re not a run-ner, come for the party!

The food and beverage tent opens at 2:30p.m.FilluponIrishbangers(sau-sages) and mash, and wash it down with an Irish brew.

Then celebrate a great Saturday with live music and dancing begin-ning at 4:30 p.m. Irish band Tiller’s Folly, plus Irish dancing featuring Scoil Rince Slieveloughane are sure to make you hit the dance floor. All ages

ST. PATTY’S DAY RUN & IRISH CRAIC • SATURDAY, MARCH 16

Feelin’ good

arewelcometoattend;21+withIDfor brew.

There will be great door prizes given away throughout the event, so stop by and see if you have the luck o’ the Irish. Just for coming to the party, you’ll be eligible to win the grand prize of four tickets to a Seattle Seahawks 2013 regular season home game (race participants will receive two entries). You must be pres-ent to win; the grand-prize drawing is at7:30p.m.

If you want to run, it’s not too late to sign up. Register at JBLMmwr.com/races by noon Tuesday, March 5 to guarantee a race T-shirt. Pre-registration is $15 for DoD ID card holdersand$25forguests.Day-of-raceregistrationbeginsat12:30p.m. at the MWR Fest Tent. The fee

JBLMmwr.com 27

is$20forIDcardholdersand$30forguests. Call253-967-4768formoreinforma-

tion.

Watch the JBLM Basketball Championship

You’re invited to an epic matchup between the Army and Air Force to de-termine the installation champion! The teams hit the hardwood for the Intra-mural Sports Basketball Championship gameWednesday,March27atLewisNorth’s Wilson Sports and Fitness Center. Tip-off is at 6:30 p.m. There will be drawings for prizes throughout the game, including gift cards to Game Stop and Foot Locker, plus NBA video games.

For more information, SEE SPORTS & FITNESS ON page 30.

ST. PATTY’S DAY RUN & IRISH CRAIC • SATURDAY, MARCH 16

Photos by:Emiliano Hernandez, leftLional Kam, topEmiliano Hernandez, right

Known throughout the Pacific Northwest, America and Europe for their Americana–Folk–Celtic music, Tiller’s Folly is back at the St. Patty’s Day Run & Irish Craic. Grab a friend or two or someone from the party and head to the dance floor.

JBLMmwr.com 27

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Focus • March 201328

f you receive a tax refund, what will you do with the

money? Pay off bills? Save? Plan a Family vacation?

Tax season is viewed as being some-times both a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing when the tax refund brings in enough money to cover your additional holiday spending, but it can become a curse when the proper precautions aren’t taken. Improper research or mis-understanding of fees ends up costing taxpayers hundreds of dollars.Things to watch for:

Who can prepare your taxes: Recent changes in treasury regulations require that anyone preparing income taxes for compensation be registered with the IRS, complete a competency exam and take continuing education courses. An authorized preparer will have a Pre-parer Tax Identification Number and is generally required to provide e-file services.

Where to file: JBLM has two tax centers that are a benefit to military members. In short, more money stays in your pocket through the no-fees charged. There may be some returns that can’t be processed there due to the complexity of the case, but there’s no charge for them to review the case before referring you out. These centers canbereachedat253-967-1040(LewisMain,T-6069)and253-982-6857(Mc-Chord Field, Building 100). If you file your own taxes, save the cost of pur-

By Mary Cron, JBLM Financial Readiness Program

I

Learning & earning

are you getting a refund?

It’s tax time ...

chased software by using IRS FreeFile at irs.gov or the free service available through Military OneSource at MilitaryOneSource.com.Fees to watch for:

Tax preparation by the form: The more forms used, the more fees you’ll pay.

Tax Preparation by the hour: This is usually imposed when the case is more complex requiring more hours to research and complete.

Contingency fees: Treasury regula-tions prohibit tax preparers from charg-ing contingency fees, such as a percent-age of your expected refund, for regular income tax return preparation.

Once you have your taxes prepared, make sure you have a definite plan on

how your refund (if you’ll receive one) will be used. Decide before you receive it. If the plan is to pay off the holiday bills, have the bills laid out in order and ready to go. If part of your refund is for a future vacation, separate that part from the bulk of the refund and place it in a savings account that you don’tviewoften—outofsight,outofmind. When the vacation time comes around, the money will be there.

Get more tips on how to prepare for tax time, plus information on budget-ing, debt reduction and more. Call Army Community Service at 253-967-1453orAirman&FamilyReadinessCenterat253-982-2695toschedule an appointment or register for an upcoming class.

Preparing your taxes is nothing to stress about — there are two tax centers at JBLM where you can get no-cost assistance in completing and filing your return.

JBLMmwr.com 29

You could win big for being environmentally friendly

Participate in the semi-annual JBLM Net Zero Competition and win up to $10,000 for your unit fund account!

To participate in Competition 1 (from April 1–Aug. 31), units should register by Sunday, March 31. Fill out the packet at https://sustainablefortlewis.army.mil/NZCompetition.asp and send to usarmy.jblm.imcom.list.dpw-edpr@mail.mil. Your participation in this competition contributes to fewer tax dollars spent, areducedenvironmental“bootprint”and progress toward JBLM becoming a NetZeroinstallationby2020.

Learn to crochet with free class at McChord Library

Have you always wanted to learn to crochet? Now’s your chance! Join us at the McChord Library every Monday in March and learn how to crochet.

This four-part class will be held in the conference room at 5 p.m. You may register for the class online (go to JBLMmwr.com/libraries and click on the“CalendarofEvents”buttonorcall253-982-3454.

Additionally, the McChord Library is hosting a teen glow-in-the-dark Easter egg hunt Friday, March 22. For more informa-tion, turn to page 14.

Apply now for military Family scholarship

The School Liaison Office is excited to let you know of a local scholar-ship opportunity. Applications for the Fort Lewis Family Member Scholar-ship Fund will be accepted through Wednesday, April 10; download at FortLewisScholarship.com.

Family members of active duty Ser-vice Members, retirees and surviving Family members are eligible to apply.Email FtLewisFamilyScholarship@hot-mail.com for details.

For a list of other scholarships, visit JBLMmwr.com/cys.

It’s easy to save money on books at JBLMThousands of great titles available at libraries, online

There are thousands of books (plus magazines, videos and more) at JBLM libraries, not to mention countless electronic titles available online. You can access them all for free with your library card!

You may not know it, but you already haveone—yourlibrarycardisyourmilitaryID.Allyouneedtodois“turnon”libraryservicesbystoppingbytheMcChord or Grandstaff libraries to get set up.

Electronic titles are available from eight online sources including Air Force Digital Media Library, Army Digital Media Library (an AKO account is required) and Ebsco eBooks, which has fiction and nonfiction titles. My iLibrary has nonfiction downloads, and there are e-book sources just for pre-readers, school-age youth and teens.

Take full advantage of library services day or night. Not only can you com-plete research or study in a quiet corner at either library, but you have online access to research material and your li-

brary account24/7.VisitJBLMmwr.com/

libraries for more information.

Find your college textbooks at a great price

The MWR Bookstore will meet or beat

any book price on college textbooks!

Make your educational pursuit a little

easier on your checking account with

a quick stop by Stone Education Cen-

ter,6242ColoradoAve.,RoomB144,at Lewis Main. The book store is open Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Stop byorcall253-964-8185fordetails.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Focus • March 201330

Serve up a win with intramural volleyball

If you want to bump, set and spike your way to victory, attend the intra-mural volleyball information session

Tuesday,March12at2p.m.atSoldiers Field House. The season begins Monday, April 1.

Pound pavement in cross-country intramural

sports leagueLove to run? Find out

about intramural cross-country as the Soldiers Field House information sessionTuesday,March26at2p.m.Atthemeeting,you’ll also find out about recruitmentforthe2013

Army 10-Miler Team. The cross-country season begins

Wednesday, April 10.

Lifeguard positions availableThe JBLM Aquatics Branch is now hir-

inglifeguards.Thestartingrateis$9.75per hour, and anyone with American Red Cross Lifeguard certification is wel-come to apply. Apply at USAJobs.com.

For pool locations, hours and pro-gramming, visit the pool page at JBLMmwr.com. For details on the Aquat-ic Easter Egg Hunt, turn to page 14.

There’s so much more online!With a visit to the Intramural Sports

&FitnesspagesatJBLMmwr.com, you can find out about fitness classes, train-ers, the Civilian Fitness Program and upcoming events such as the SMASH! racquetball tourney.

If you want quick access to JBLM fit-ness class information, helpful health and fitness tips and more, like the new JBLMAerobics&FitnessFacebookpageat Facebook.com/JBLMAerobicsandFitness.

Feelin’ good

*FOR ALL NEW PATIENTS WITH COMPREHENSIVE EXAM, NECESSARY X-RAYS AND CLEANING!

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A full-service dental office with convenient locations in

GrahamLakewood Olympia/Lacey

Providing dental care for military members, their families and retirees of all ages!

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Get fit at a JBLM gym or pool, or take your workout outside

SPORTS & FITNESS:

ABOUT INTRAMURAL SPORTS All DoD ID card holders not otherwise eligible for Youth Sports are invited to play intramural sports at JBLM. Teams may be formed at the unit level to compete for Commander’s Trophy Points, or you may sign up as open teams. For details, call 253-967-4768.

JBLMmwr.com 31

Active duty family members, enjoy having your own civilian doctor. US Family Health Plan is a TRICARE Prime option with special benefits. FREE for active duty family members:Free doctor visitsFree emergency room visitsFree urgent care visitsFree baby delivery in civilian hospitals

Plus discounts on eyeglasses, massage, acupuncture, naturopathy, vitamins and supplements

Now with locations near you—Primary Care locations in King, Pierce and Thurston Counties

Learn more! 1 (866) 418-7346Already have TRICARE Prime coverage? You can transfer to USFHP by phone.

Come to a meeting: www.facebook.com/USFamilyHealthPlanVisit us online: www.usfhpnw.org

US Family Health Plan—a perfect fit!

The TRICARE logo and wordmark are registered trademarks of the TRICARE Management Activity. All rights reserved.

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Joint Base Lewis-McChord Focus • March 201332

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