The document provides information on several topics: 1) The El Paso Sergeants Major Association is offering scholarships for family members of active duty or retired NCOs. Applications are due by April 30th. 2) Balfour Beatty Communities Foundation is offering scholarships of up to $2,500 for students of military family housing residents. Applications are due April 15th. 3) The William Beaumont Army Medical Center pediatric clinic has relocated.

1. Weekly Update<br />\"
Sharing information with our Families\"
28 January 2011—Issue#3 Hot Off The Press El Paso Sergeants Major Association Offers Scholarships to Family Members: The El Paso Sergeants Major Association is holding competition for the award of scholarship grants for the 2010 – 2011 academic year. The association is now taking applications for the award of their 2011 scholarship grants. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors, from El Paso area high schools with a “B” average or above, and be the family member of an active-duty or retired noncommissioned officer, any branch of service. Persons interested in applying should send a #10 size self-addressed stamped envelope to: El Paso Sergeants Major Association, Attn: Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 6050, Fort Bliss, TX 79906-0050. Application forms and a letter detailing requirements will be sent to the applicant. The deadline for applications to be received by the committee for review is with postmarks no later than April 30, 2011.Balfour Beatty Communities Foundation is now accepting academic scholarship applications for the 2011-2012 academic year to reward high school and undergraduate students of military members residing in family housing in need of financial assistance and recognizing their educational and leadership efforts. Family housing residents at Fort Bliss with high school and undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for Balfour Beatty Communities Foundation Scholarships for the 2011-2012 academic year; valued up to $2,500. The application, details and requirements can be found at www.bbcommunitiesfoundation.org. The application deadline is April 15, 2011.The William Beaumont Army Medical Center Pediatric Clinic relocated to the Soldier Family Care Center, Building 11335, East Fort Bliss, effective December 27. Contact phone numbers are: (915) 742-1083 (Front Desk) or (915) 742-1093/1091 (Administrative Officer). Fort Bliss Half Marathon: The 2011 Family and MWR Half Marathon will take place Saturday, January 29. Race registration will begin at 7:00 am inside Soto Physical Fitness Center and continue until 7:50 a.m. The race will begin at 8:00 am. The first 100 finishers will be presented with a “finishing” medal upon race completion. A trophy will be presented to the top male and female 49 and younger, and 50 and over. The top three finishers in age groups 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50 and over will be presented with medals. The medal ceremony will be held after all runners have completed the race. The half marathon is open to active-duty military, DOD civilians, civilian military card holders, and the El Paso community. Active-duty military assigned to Fort Bliss enter free; there will be a $10 charge for all other runners. A copy of the race route will be available from the Sports Department upon request. For more information, call (915) 744-5790 or (915) 744-5793.EXTENDED CARE AVAILABLE to single/dual Soldiers who have a mission-related task. All it takes is the Soldier filling out a form and getting the commander's signature. Our office will verify the duty requirement. Examples of extended care include, but not limited to CQ, Staff Duty, field problem, special event on a weekend (i.e. Veteran's Day Parade), care on a Federal Holiday. No payment is rendered by the Soldier! Army subsidy pays the provider directly for the extended care hours. Note: This program is not for families who have a non-military spouse. Contact the Army FCC Office for more information. Army Family Child Care (FCC), Building 1743 Victory Avenue or 568-4198 or jessica.n.zagelow@us.army.mil Fort Bliss Tax Center Grand Opening: The Fort Bliss Tax Center will be opening on January 18, 2011 at two new locations. The Main Fort Bliss office will be located at Building 2910, Cassidy Road. The East Fort Bliss office will be located at Building 403, Sergeant Major Blvd. The Tax Center offers free tax return preparation by IRS certified staff. Both offices are authorized E-file service providers. By e-filing your taxes, you can receive your refund in as little as one week.Spouse Education Programs To Be Reviewed - Lawmakers have ordered defense officials to conduct an extensive review of military spouse education programs to determine their effectiveness, as well as how important they are to Service members’ decisions to stay in the military. Under the legislation, Pentagon officials will assess the costs of providing education opportunities for military spouses as an incentive to retain Service members, compared with the costs of recruiting and training new Service members. Along with the review, defense officials are directed to recommend ways to improve spouse education programs. Military spouse education was propelled into the spotlight last year after DoD abruptly halted its popular My Career Advancement Accounts(MyCAA) program less than a year after it began, when a flood of applications threatened to drain its funding. MyCAA supports a variety of educational, credentialing and licensing programs to further portable careers, but it no longer supports work toward four year or postgraduate degrees. To read this article in full, please go to the followinglink: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2011/01/army-spouse-educationprograms-reviewed-011711w/TRICARE Young Adult Program Announced - The Department of Defense announced its introduction of the premium-based TRICARE Young Adult Program (TYAP) which extends medical coverage to eligible military Family members to the age of 26.TYAP implements the National Defense Authorization Act(NDAA) of fiscal 2011. Premium costs for TYAP are not yet finalized, but the NDAA specifies rates must cover the full cost of the program. Beginning later this spring, qualified, unmarried dependents up to age 26 will be able to purchase TRICARE coverage on a month-to-month basis. To read this article in full or for more information on TYAP, please go to:http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14200 or http://www.tricare.mil/Report Linking Vaccine to Autism ‘An Elaborate Fraud’ - An infamous 1998 study that ignited a worldwide scare over vaccines and autism and led millions of parents to delay or decline potentially lifesaving shots for their children was “an elaborate fraud,” according to a scathing three part investigation in the British medical journal BMJ. The study has long since been debunked and dismissed by the scientific community, which points to 14 independent studies that have failed to find any link between vaccines and autism. British medical authorities' last year also found the study’s lead author, Andrew Wakefield, guilty of serious professional misconduct, stripping him of his ability to practice medicine in England. To read this article in full, please go to: http://www.usatoday.com/cleanpring/?1295373662935Health Net Focuses on Children of Deployed Service members - Health Net Federal Services, LLC (Health Net), the government operations division of Health Net, Inc. (NYSE:HNT), and MHN, Inc., Health Net’s behavioral health subsidiary, offers the \"
My Life, a Kid's Journal\"
designed for military children whose parent or loved one is deployed. The 44-page journal, designed in vivid colors, guides children through the process of formulating and making sense of their feelings during a loved one’s deployment and helps establish important dialogue with their parents. The journal is meant to serve as a keepsake for the child or as a gift to their special person who is deployed once it’s completed. For copies of My Life, a Kid's Journal for military children living in the TRICARE North Region, e-mail your request to HNFS_Communications@healthnet.com. There are two versions available. When placing your order, please choose between the coloring book or full color version. To get a copy, click on the following link: https://www.hnfs.net/common/homeMilitary Saves Campaign - To kick off the fifth year of the Military Saves Campaign, the Department of Defense (DoD) will observe Military Saves Week from February 20-27, 2011.DoD conducts the Military Saves Campaign in cooperation with the Consumer Federation of America, a financial readiness non-profit, which runs the America Saves Campaign nationwide. The Campaign’s slogan, “Start Small, Think Big,” talks to the long-term benefits of saving even a little each month and is a total force, command-level program. It provides an opportunity for leaders at all levels within the active duty, National Guard, and Reserve ranks to educate and motivate troops and Families to save their hard-earned money for emergencies and to reach their financial goals. Military Saves is also an opportunity to teach our military children good financial habits through the concurrent Military Youth Saves Campaign. To learn more, please go to:www.militarysaves.org.Interactive Simulation Launched to Provide Information on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder -The Department of Defense (DoD) announced the launch of an interactive simulation program designed to assist those in dealing with Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A \"
Virtual PTSD Experience \"
was developed by the National Center for Telehealth and technology (T2) to aid combat veterans and their Families and friends to remain anonymous and enter a ‘virtual world’ to learn about the causes, symptoms and resources of PTSD. These interactive simulations were designed to help with PTSD in the privacy of one's home. For more about this article, please go to: http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14211Pentagon Federal Credit Union Hacked - Pentagon Federal Credit Union officials confirmed that personal information has been stolen from the Pentagon Federal Credit Union, PenFed’s executive vice president of operations, Roderick B. Mitchell, confirmed in a letter to customers that names, addresses, Social Security numbers and credit and debit card numbers were stolen from the company database however no personal identification numbers or passwords were obtained by the hackers. Company officials also said there was no indication the stolen personal information has been misused. To read this article in full, please go to:http://www.military.com/news/article/pentagon-federalcredit-union-hacked.html?ESRCPresidential Initiative Supports Military Families - President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Dr. Jill Biden put forward recently nearly 50 commitments by Federal agencies responding to the President’s directive to establish a coordinated and comprehensive Federal approach to supporting military Families. Strengthening Our Military Families: Meeting America’s Commitment is the result of an effort led by the National Security Staff and Domestic Policy Council responding to the Presidential Study Directive-9 calling on all Cabinet Secretaries and other agency heads to find better ways to provide our military Families with the support they deserve. To read the article in full, click on the following website: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/01/24/presidential-initiative-supports-military-Families. Another website with additional articles addressing supporting military Families may be found at: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2011/0111_initiative/Care Coalition Conference – The conference will be held 5-7 April 2011, location is Wilmington, NC. The intended audience: personnel, medical and Family Readiness. Units are encouraged to send a representation from each of these sections. Presentations will include Operational Performance, Mental Health, Family Programs, Nutrition and a Wounded Warrior Panel. You can visit their website at ussocom.care.coalition@socom.mil, however, they have not posted the registration as of yet. You may contact LT Hower at the following phone number for information: 813-826-0972. Rock climbing trips with Outdoor Recreation – Saturday; 29 January Join Outdoor Recreation for rock climbing at Hueco Tanks and in the Franklin Mountains. Challenge yourself on day trips to the best climbing locations in the area. Each trip will go to a location determined by the number of participants and park reservation availability. Trips cost $25 per person and include park fees, equipment, guide services and transportation. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Bring water, food, and appropriate clothing and shoes for an all-day outdoor hike. All trips will depart from the Centennial at 8 a.m. the day of the event. For more information, contact ODR at (915) 433-9666 or e-mail kenneth.coppedge@us.army.mil.Fort Bliss Open Softball LeagueThe 2011 Fort Bliss Open Softball League will take place at the Omar Bradley Softball Complex beginning Saturday, January 29. The league is open to active-duty military, DoD and civilian military ID holders. The cost is free for active duty and $10 per player for civilians, up to $50 per team. For more information, call (915) 744-5790 or (915) 744-5793.Fitness Resolution 2011 Get your New Year started right with Fitness Resolution 2011! This fitness fair features a 10K run for adults, a one-mile run for kids, a bench press competition, fitness testing, an aerobathon and more. All events are free! Fitness Resolution 2011 will be held from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, January 29 at Soto Physical Fitness Facility on East Fort Bliss. For more information, e-mail teia.mack@us.army.mil.New Year, New You MarathonGet a running start on sticking to your resolutions with the New Year, New You Marathon at 8 a.m. Saturday, January 29 at Soto Physical Fitness Facility! This unique marathon provides you the opportunity to run the majority of the miles in any increment before the race, and finish with a final 10-kilometer run for adults or one-mile run for children on the day of the event.Simply register for the run at the Soto Physical Fitness Facility front desk and pick up a mileage sheet. Adults must complete 20 miles in any daily increments before the race on January 29; children must complete 25 miles in any daily increments. Runners will turn in their mileage sheets before running the final races.For more information, e-mail teia.mack@us.army.mil.Laser tag at MYACJoin the EDGE! program for laser tag every Friday in January at the Milam Youth Activity Center, Bldg. 10960 Haan Road, on East Fort Bliss. On Saturday, January 29, head to MYAC for outdoor laser tag at night! The program is open to open to 11- to 18-year-olds and is free for youth registered with Child, Youth and School Services. For more information, call (915) 588-2858.First Tee: Free golf lessons for kids!Your child can learn to play golf and develop life skills with the First Tee program ... and it's free for children ages 7 and older. SKIESUnlimited and Underwood Golf Complex have partnered to bring the First Tee to Fort Bliss Families. The First Tee offers children the opportunity to develop life-enhancing values such as confidence, perseverance and judgment through golf and character education while learning the game of golf. Classes will take place at Underwood Golf Complex from 4-5:30 p.m. every Monday from January 31-April 11. Classes must have at least five participants to take place. Children must be registered with Child, Youth and School Services to register for the class. Registration closes Monday, January 31. For more information, call (915) 569-7732.Register now for Youth Sports spring soccerRegistration for Team Bliss Youth Sports spring soccer runs through Monday, January 31. Spring soccer is open to boys and girls ages 3-15. Registration costs $40 for the first child and $34 for each additional child. The season runs from February 7-April 8. This is a non-competitive league and the 50 percent participation rule is in effect. Parents must attend the sportsmanship class before a child is eligible to participate in the Youth Services league. Classes are scheduled for February 7-9 and February 14-16 at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. each night. If you have already attended this class within the past year, please show you card when registering your child for Youth Sports. Participants must be members of Child, Youth and School Services. To register with CYSS, contact Parent Central at 568-4374. Members must have a current physical on file at the time of registration to ensure participation.Weight Training 101 ... for women only!Weight Training 101 is designed for women who would like to be introduced to the weight room, get a workout program designed by two nationally-recognized certified trainers and feel confident about being in a weight room. Classes will take place from 9-10 a.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Monday, January 31-Friday, February 25. Weight Training 101 costs $60 for a four-week program and is limited to 10 participants. For more information, e-mail teia.mack@us.army.mil.2 Fast 2 Furious running programTrain for the World's Fastest 10K with the 2 Fast 2 Furious running program! For just $49, Family and MWR Sports and Fitness staff will help get you in shape before the run, held in March. Classes will meet from 10:30 a.m.-noon every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Soto Physical Fitness Facility from Monday, January 31-Friday, March 4. Register at the Soto juice bar by January 31. For more information, e-mail teia.mack@us.army.mil.Dinner on a DimeLet the Financial Readiness Program at Army Community Service teach you how to prepare great food on a shoestring budget. Dinner on a Dime focuses on making quick, healthy, affordable meals. Classes take place at the Milam Youth Activity Center, 10960 Haan Road on East Fort Bliss. The class is free, but pre-registration is required. Register by phone at 569-5365 or 568-1132; register by e-mail at aisha.ruhland@us.army.mil; or register in person at ACS. Classes are scheduled for February 1 and 17. Classes take place from 10 a.m.-noon each day. Free child care will be provided for children registered with Child, Youth and School Services. For more information, call 568-1132.Youth Sports tennis seasonSpring into tennis with Team Bliss Youth Sports! Registration for spring tennis is open from Tuesday, February 1-Monday, February 28. Youth Sports tennis is open to boys and girls ages 8-18. Registration costs $50 for the first child and $42 for each additional child. The season runs from March 7-May 6. This is a non-competitive league and the 50 percent participation rule is in effect. Parents must attend the sportsmanship class before a child is eligible to participate in the Youth Services league. If you have already attended this class within the past year, please show you card when registering your child for Youth Sports. Participants must be members of Child, Youth and School Services. To register with CYSS, contact Parent Central at 568-4374. Members must have a current physical on file at the time of registration to ensure participation.Youth Sports freestyle wrestlingRegistration for Youth Sports freestyle wrestling runs from Tuesday, Feburary 1-Friday, April 29. Freestyle wrestling is open to boys and girls ages 8-18. Registration costs $45 for the first child and $38 for each additional child. Folk wrestling is a competitive league; therefore, the 50 percent participation rule is not in effect. Participants must be a Child, Youth and School Services member. To register, please call Parent Central at (915) 568-4374. Participants must have a current sports physical on file. All sports physicals are due upon registration to ensure participation.Dinner, dancing and more at Wine and Dine!Put on your dancing shoes and joing us for an all-you-can-eat dinner buffet, live music and dancing at the NEW Wine and Dine at the Centennial! Dinner begins at 5 p.m. every Wednesday, and guests receive a special treat: free dance lessons from the El Paso Ballroom Dance Academy. A revamped menu offers diners a rotating menu of theme nights. Each dinner includes a salad bar, dessert selections and complimentary wine, all for just $13.95 for adults and half price for children ages 7-11. Children 6 and under eat free.German night on February 2 features schnitzel, bratwurst and sauerkraut, and mashed potatoes and gravy.For reservations, or for more information, call (915) 562-5969.Fort Bliss' Got Talent: Every Thursday in FebruaryWatch the brightest stars on Fort Bliss shine during Fort Bliss’ Got Talent, winner of the Army Festival of the Arts’ best variety entertainment production in 2010. Fort Bliss’ Got Talent is a four-week-long competition showcasing some of the installation’s best performers, every Thursday in February. Watch the audition videos on our YouTube channel, then come out and support your favorite contestant!At 6:30 p.m. each night on February 3, 10, 17 and 24, the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center, Bldg. 11199 on East Fort Bliss, will host fierce competition as our performers battle for the $500 grand prize. Doors open at 6 p.m. The audience is just as important as the talent in this competition; while each week’s performances will be evaluated by guest judges, the audience plays an integral role because their votes have the power to influence the outcome. Military units also have the chance to win: The unit with the most participation over all four weeks will win a $250 unit spirit award.For more information, call (915) 203-2518.Pea'z n Que'z: Manner and etiquette coaching at SKIES!Hone your daughter's social skills with SKIES Unlimited's certified etiquette consultant. New for 2011, the Pea'z n Que'z class will help bring into the 21st century the traditional lessons and values of yesterday through fun and interactive lessons. Class objectives include improving table manners via interactive coaching; learning how to present oneself to and interact with others, with confidence; learning about traditional American values. Give your child a head start in 2011 and enroll today. Classes begin Thursday, February 3 and cost $45 for five classes. For more information, call the SKIES Unlimited team at (915) 568-8363 or (915) 568-5544.Skiing trips to Ski ApacheHit the slopes with Outdoor Recreation and head to Ski Apache for a great day of fun in the snow. The trip cost of $50 includes lift tickets and transportation. Upcoming trip dates include:Saturday, February 5Saturday, March 12 Equipment is not included, but rental equipment is available at a cost of $15 per day for skis or $22 per day for a snowboard. For an additional fee, Outdoor Recreation can help make arrangements for affordable overnight lodging in Ruidoso. For more information, call (915) 433-9666 or e-mail kenneth.coppedge@us.army.mil.Framing classes at Framing BlissLearn from certified instructors how to professionally frame your artwork, diplomas or certificates. Framing Bliss offers framing classes every other Saturday from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Upcoming classes include:February 5 and 26Classes are open to DoD ID card holders and their guests and cost $30 per person, or $25 each for two people. Class fees cover all required materials and instruction. Patrons must register and pay for classes by the Friday before the class date.Special arrangements can be made to offer classes for groups with four or more people.For more information, stop by Framing Bliss in Bldg. 820 or call (915) 568-5563.Lifeguarding classesWant to be a lifeguard? Replica Pool hosts lifeguarding classes presented by the American Red Cross. All classes take place at Replica Pool and cost $125, payable to the Red Cross.Candidates must be able to perform the following watermanship skills:Swim 300 meters non-stop, in order of 100 freestyle, 100 breast stroke, and 100 freestyle or breast stroke.Brick swim: Swim 25 meters, retrieve a 10-pound brick in 10 feet of water and swim back to start point; candidate's face cannot go underwaterClass dates and times are:February 5, 6, 12 and 13 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.March 14-18 (Spring Break) from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.April 2, 3, 9 and 10 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.May 7, 8, 14 and 15 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.For more information about the class requirements or to register, visit www.redcrosselpaso.org or call the Red Cross at (915) 592-0208 or Replica Pool at (915) 568-7431 or (915) 568-5380.Army Family Team BuildingAre you a Family member or civilian who wants to understand more about how the Army works and learn how to function better in the Army environment? Are you a Soldier (E-5 and below) looking to increase your knowledge and earn some promotion points? Join Army Family Team Building for classes! In 2011, AFTB will offer all three levels every month. In February, classes are scheduled as follows:Level I: February 8-10, from 6-9 p.m.Level II: February 15-17, from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.Level III: February 5 and 12, from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.Child care vouchers are provided only for daytime classes held Monday-Friday. Joining AFTB for Super Saturday? We'll provide lunch! Please call 568-AFTB (2382) for more information.Attention, Longaberger consultants: AFTB is in the beginning planning stages for our next Basket Bingo event. If you are interested in helping us submit an order, please contact Leba Hirsch or Gigi Winburn at (915) 568-AFTB (2382).Combatives team tryoutsThe Combatives Office (Bldg. 60 on main post) is currently holding tryouts for the 2011 Fort Bliss Combatives Team. The team placed seventh at the Army Championships in 2010 and is looking to improve its placing this year. The Army Championships are slated to take place in May at Fort Benning. Team membership will be locked in prior to the Fort Bliss Combatives Championship March 9-11. Interested Soldiers need to contact Staff Sgt. Pretat at (915) 568-5677 or shawn.pretat@conus.army.mil.Super Bowl party at Strike LoungeCheer on your favorite team while you catch all the great gridiron action Sunday, February 6 during Strike Lounge's Super Bowl party at Desert Strike Lanes.Game coverage begins at 4:30 p.m., but get there early for the pre-party and enjoy 12-ounce domestic drafts for $1 and $2 you call it from 2:30-4:30 p.m. There will be free nachos and popcorn and giveaways each quarter, along with a football pool; entry is free with the purchase of food or beverages.For more information, call (915) 568-6272.Varisty softball tryoutsThe Team Bliss varsity softball team will hold tryouts from 6-9 p.m. Monday-Wednesday each week from February 7-24 at Omar Bradley Softball Complex. For more information contact either coach, Sgt. 1st Class Olan at (253) 229-9520 or Sgt. 1st Class Manzano at (502) 386-8793.EDGE! archery programSet your sights on fun and learn basic archery skills with the EDGE! program at the Milam Youth Activity Center, Bldg. 10960 Haan Road, on East Fort Bliss. Classes will take place from 5-6:30 p.m. Monday, February 7-Friday, February 11. The program will end Saturday, February 12 with the Cupid Shoot Out – participants have the chance to win gifts for Valentine’s Day.The program is open to open to 11- to 18-year-olds and is free for youth registered with Child, Youth and School Services. For more information, call (915) 588-2858.Poker at the PubTest your poker skills with Poker Night at the Pub every Monday from February 7-March 28.Head to the Sam Adams Pub at the Centennial for a night of free fun with no buy-in. Registration begins at 5 p.m. and games begin at 6 p.m. There is limited entry on a first-come, first-served basis.While you play, enjoy $2 well drinks and $2 domestic bottles from 5-7 p.m. and a $9.95 all-you-can-eat pizza and salad buffet. Warm up for Family and MWR’s Texas Hold’em Tournament with Poker Night at the Pub! For more information, call (915) 744-8427.Fort Bliss Hiring FairThe Employment Readiness Program at Army Community Service will host the Fort Bliss Hiring Fair Tuesday, Feburary 8. The fair will take place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center, Bldg. 11199 on East Fort Bliss, and is open to military family members, retirees and other DoD ID card holders only. For information, call (915) 566-8643. Valentine's Day BallTreat your someone special to a romantic evening of wine, dinner and dancing Friday, February 11 at the Centennial’s Valentine’s Day Ball. This post-wide event is open to all active-duty Soldiers, Family members, retirees and DoD civilians. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and dinner starts at 7 p.m.Dress to impress in formal attire and enjoy a four-course wine and dine sure to make sparks fly. Cap off the evening with dancing and entertainment by DJ Kay Bee. Tickets cost $75 per couple or $40 per individual, and reservations are required. To make reservations, or for more information, call (915) 744-8427.Black History Month Basketball TournamentFort Bliss Family and MWR Sports will host the annual Black History Month Basketball Tournament Friday, February 11-Sunday, February 13 at Soto Physical Fitness Facility, Bldg. 20751 Constitution Drive on East Fort Bliss.The tournament is open to men's military and civilian teams. Registration for the double-elimination tournament costs $150 for Fort Bliss military teams and $200 for all others. Rosters are limited to 12 players and one non-playing coach per team. Awards will be given for first- through third-place teams and first- and second-place individual performers.The registration deadline is Monday, February 7. For more information, call (915) 202-7405 or (915) 744-5790.Click here to view the flyer.Sweetheart Scavenger HuntAre you a super sleuth? Test your powers of deduction at the Sweetheart Scavenger Hunt from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, February 12 at Freedom Crossing. The grand prize is a hotel retreat for two with breakfast included, provided by the Hilton Garden Inn of El Paso. Second place wins a 30-minute massage package for two, and third prize is a perfume and cologne gift set.The Sweetheart Scavenger Hunt is open to two-person teams of military ID card holders age 18 and older. Registration forms are available at the Leisure Travel Services (ITR) kiosk at Freedom Crossing and must be returned to Family and MWR during intermission at the first Fort Bliss' Got Talent show Thursday, February 3 at the Centennial. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 6:30 p.m.For more information, call (915) 568-6353.Chivas El Paso Patriots soccer campJoin Child, Youth and School Services for a fun-filled event designed to develop and advance children's soccer skills. The Chivas El Paso Patriots soccer camp on Fort Bliss, scheduled for Saturday, February 12, will help youth develop the skills they need to take their game to the next level. The camp costs $30 per participant and includes a T-shirt and water bottle. For more information, call Youth Sports at 568-KIDS (2908).Hired! teen apprenticeship programTeens 15-18 years old can explore a career field of their choice and earn a cash reward with Child, Youth and School Services' Hired! teen apprenticeship program. The spring term runs from Monday, March 7-Sunday, May 29. Registration for the term ends Tuesday, February 15.For more information about the program, please visit www.blissmwr.com/hired.Child and Youth Health and Activity FairChildren and youth ages 6-18 are invited to join Team Bliss Youth Sports in meeting the 2011 Presidential Challenge. The Child and Youth Health and Activity Fair will take place from 3:30-7 p.m. Thursday, February 17 at the YouthPlex, Bldg. 195 Chaffee Road.The event is free and open to all Fort Bliss children and youth. Exhibitors will be on hand to speak with parents and children about stress management, bullying, drinking and driving, tobacco prevention, fitness, sports involvement, bicycle safety, poison control, dental health, hygiene, nutrition and more. Participants can compete in the 2011 Presidential Fitness Challenge, which includes curl-ups, a shuttle run, pull-ups, an endurance run/walk and the V-sit and reach. Presidential, national and participant challenge certificates will be awardedto all challengers, based upon performance scores in each category.Click here to view the flyer. For more information, call Youth Sports at (915) 568-2617.Biggest Loser Challenge begins in FebruaryThe Biggest Loser Challenge is seeking participants interested in getting fit and healthy in 2011. The program runs from Friday, February 18-Friday, May 20, with sessions taking place from 4-5:30 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.The program costs $300, or three payments of $100. Applications can be picked up at the Stout Gym snack bar.As part of the Biggest Loser Challenge, participants will receive a complete fitness assessment and evaluation of their current fitness level. Contestants work out in a group setting with personal trainer Mike Lind three times a week. Participants track progress with weigh-ins every three weeks, and receive a pedometer, water battle and guidebook.For more information, call (915) 253-2095, (915) 569-5448 or (915) 568-3826, or visit the Biggest Loser Challenge site for the program application.Presidents Day 5K RunHit the pavement for the Presidents Day 5K Run Saturday, February 19 at Soto Physical Fitness Facility on East Fort Bliss. The run begins at 8 a.m.; registration begins at 7 a.m. the day of the event. The Presidents Day 5K Run is open to all! Active-duty military, civilian military ID holders and the El Paso community. Registration is free for active-duty military assigned to Fort Bliss and costs $10 for all others. Age groups include 12 and under; 13-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; and 50 and over. Soto Gym is located at Bldg. 20751 Constitution Drive on East Fort Bliss. For more information, call (915) 744-5790, (915) 744-5793 or (915) 744-5800.ACS Resiliency TrainingAre you a tennis ball or an egg? Do you bounce back or do you crack? Learn to bounce back when the stressors of everyday life start getting you down by attending the ACS Resiliency Training. The training will enhance your effectiveness and well-being by teaching you the skills to build mental toughness, learn what your character strengths are, build strong relationships, and lastly how to hunt the good stuff, focusing on the positive rather than the negative.Upcoming sessions include:Tuesday, February 22-Friday, February 25 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.If you are interested in attending please contact Tracy Broomfield at (915) 568-7088 or tracy.broomfield@us.army.mil.Survivor support groupsAre you a surviving family member of a fallen military hero? Join Survivor Outreach Services for survivor support groups. SOS seeks to build a unified support program that embraces and reassures survivors that they are continually linked to the Army Family for as long as they desire. Survivor Outreach Services at Fort Bliss serves 12 west Texas counties and the state of New Mexico.Group meetings will take place from 6-7 p.m. on the following dates:February 24March 24April 19May 24June 23July 28August 25September 22October 27November 17December 15Support groups are held at Fort Bliss Army Community Service, Bldg. on 2494 Ricker Road. Spanish-language support groups may be available upon request. Please call 568-1132 to register or for more information. Free child care available for support group meetings. Children must be registered with Child, Youth and School Services to receive free child care. Reservations must be made prior to group meetings. Vouchers will be given at the completion of group sessions. Visit the SOS website for more information on the program.Powderburn: Free show!The Centennial's Metro Bar will host Powderburn - as seen on the Jagermeister Music Tour - at 8 p.m. Friday, February 25.Don't miss this FREE show! Doors open at 6 p.m. Come early and enjoy $3 bombs and a free nacho bar from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Stay late from 10pm-midnight for the Club Karaoke after party hosted by DJ Clarke Darrk and $2 domestics and wells.For more information, call (915) 744-8427.Free Coffee MondaysThrough Monday, February 28, visit the Centennial's Java Cafe for Free Coffee Mondays: Receive a free tall Starbucks coffee from 7-10 a.m. every Monday. While you're there, try one of our delicious breakfast items: Scones, muffins, pound cake and bagel sandwiches are all available.Java Cafe is located inside the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center, Bldg. 11199 on East Fort Bliss, and is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Java Cafe proudly serves Starbucks coffee. For more information, call (915) 744-8427.Nine-ball clinic and tournamentJoin the EDGE! Program Monday, March 7-Friday, March 11 to learn how to play 9 ball and prepare for the 9 ball tournament Saturday, March 12. The tournament winner will receive a pool cue and carrying case. The program is open to open to 11- to 18-year-olds and is free for youth registered with Child, Youth and School Services. Milam YAC is located in Bldg. 10960, Haan Road, on East Fort Bliss. For more information, call (915) 588-2858.EDGE! gaming tournamentThe EDGE! program at the Milam Youth Activity Center presents the Gamer’s Den Tournament Maddness in March. From Monday, March 14-Friday, March 18, take part in the five-day tournament of tournaments! Get points for how high you finish in each tournament, and the top three overall point holders will win a prize. Each person gets one point for competing, and 10 points for first place, eight points for second, six points for third and four points for fourth. Play “Call of Duty: Black Ops” on March 14, “NBA Jam” on March 15, “Blur” on March 16, “UFC Undisputed 2010” on March 17 and a mystery game on March 28. The program is open to open to 11- to 18-year-olds and is free for youth registered with Child, Youth and School Services. For more information, call (915) 588-2858.Civilian Fitness Program applications due March 18The Civilian Fitness Program is an opportunity for Army civilians to develop and continue healthy lifestyle changes. The six-month, structured program is open only to civilian employees of Fort Bliss. The six-month program begins Monday, March 28 and involves pre- and post-program fitness assessments and one-hour workouts three times a week. Guidance will be provided on exercise program design, nutrition, and aerobics, but the actual program will be determined by the participants. Group fitness classes offered include TRX, gravity, yoga, pilates, spin and more, all on a rotating schedule. Completed packets must be returned no later than Friday, March 18 to Doug Briggs in Room 111 at Stout Gym . Late applications WILL NOT be accepted. For more information call 568-6458.Team Bliss Youth Sports track and fieldThe Team Bliss Youth Sports track and field team is now recruiting members for the 2011 season. Track and field is open to boys and girls ages 5-18. Registration costs $40 for the first child and $34 for each additional child.Spring Track practices are under way and are held from 6-7:15 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at Stout Field.Summer track starts Monday, April 11. Practices will be held from 6-7:15 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Irving High School track.Running track helps build stamina, strength and speed, and provides excitement and endurance for other sports. For middle school and high school athletes, please visit www.teamblisstc.com to see how you can run both seasons.Participants must be members of Child, Youth and School Services. To register with CYSS, contact Parent Central at 568-4374. Members must have a current physical on file at the time of registration to ensure participation. For more information, contact Coach Crispen Hanson at (915) 227-2105 or cwhan200@yahoo.com, or call Youth Sports at 568-2617.Stout Gym snack bar closed for renovationThe snack bar at Stout Physical Fitness Center is temporarily closed for renovation. The facility will reopen once renovation is complete.Piano classes at SKIESLearn a new skill for 2011! SKIES Unlimited offers beginner and intermediate piano classes for children and youth registered with Child, Youth and School Services. The program offers a range of class times from 3-7 p.m. Monday-Friday. Classes take place at Bldg. 3508 in Logan Heights, and lessons can be arranges at Milam Youth Center upon request. Both group and individual lessons are offered. Group lessons cost $60 per month; private lessons cost $72 per month. There are additional costs for books. Learning to play the piano has many proven benefits for children including increasing coordination, raising self esteem, helping children concentrate, improving academic achievements (particularly in math) and helping to preserve and develop children's natural creative abilities. Registration for classes opens from the 20th of the month prior to the class. All students must be enrolled with Parent Central Services. Register online at https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtracblisscyms.html. For more information, call the SKIES Unlimited team at (915) 569-7732 or (915) 568-5544.Learn judo with SKIESSKIES Unlimited offers judo classes for youth ages 5 and olders. Physically, judo can help your child improve flexibility, coordination, balance and reflexes. It is a means of self-defense that requires skill rather than just size or strength. Mentally, judo promotes concentration, self-confidence and leadership. Because judo requires a clear and focused mind, it encourages participants to be fully present in the moment. Classes for 7- to 15-year-olds are held from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and cost $35 per month. Classes for participants age 16 and older are held from 9-11 a.m. Saturday and cost $30 per month. Classes for children ages 5-6 years old are held from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Saturday and cost $30 per month. Registration for classes opens from the 20th of the month prior to the class. All students must be enrolled with Parent Central Services. Register online at https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtracblisscyms.html. For more information, call the SKIES Unlimited team at (915) 569-7732 or (915) 568-5544.Build your Lego World with the EDGE!Sign up now for the EDGE! program’s Lego World project. Beginning February 9, the club will meet from 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Milam Youth Activity Center, Bldg. 10960 Haan Road, on East Fort Bliss. With Lego World, you build it, create a story line, film it, edit it, add music and sound, watch it, YouTube it and show it to all your friends! The program is open to open to 11- to 18-year-olds and is free for youth registered with Child, Youth and School Services. For more information, call (915) 744-2449.Ceramics club at MYACAre you interested in creating beautiful ceramics pieces? Join the EDGE! Ceramics “R” Us Club at the Milam Youth Activity Center and create your own works of art for yourself, family or friends. The club meets each Friday from 5-6:30 p.m. and tackles different themes. Members are currently creating animals. On March 18, the club will tackle the mystical world. Beginning Friday, April 22, the focus shifts to chess sets. Just ask to see the mold book and go from there! The program is open to 11- to 18-year-olds and is free for youth registered with Child, Youth and School Services. Milam YAC is located in Bldg. 10960 Haan Road, on East Fort Bliss. For more information, call (915) 744-2449.Hug Creatures ChallengeLearn something new and have fun with friends while you give back to the community when taking part in the Milam Youth Activity Center’s Hug Creatures Challenge. Through Friday, February 11 make silly hug creatures for young children whose parents are deployed. The goal is to reach 30 hug creatures by the project’s end. The program is open to open to 11- to 18-year-olds and is free for youth registered with Child, Youth and School Services. Milam YAC is located in Bldg. 10960 Haan Road, on East Fort Bliss. For more information, call (915) 588-2858.MYAC Monopoly tournamentDo you have what it takes to be a real estate millionaire? Prove it at the Milam Youth Activity Center’s Monopoly tournament! The tournament will take place from Tuesday, February 15-Friday, February 18 and Tuesday, February 22-Friday, February 25. .Eight people will play each week, and the top four money holders from each week will advance to the championship Saturday, February 26. The winner will receive a $100 gift card to Finish Line. There are only 16 slots available, so sign up today. The program is open to open to 11- to 18-year-olds and is free for youth registered with Child, Youth and School Services. For more information, call (915) 588-2858.EDGE! Survival ChallengeDo you have what it takes to survive? Test yourself mentally and physically – and be prepared to get down and dirty – in a series of survival tests during the EDGE! Survival Challenge at the Milam Youth Activity Center, Bldg. 10960, Haan Road, on East Fort Bliss. The challenge takes place from Monday, February 28-Friday, March 4 from 5-6:30 p.m. each night. The program is open to open to 11- to 18-year-olds and is free for youth registered with Child, Youth and School Services. For more information, call (915) 588-2858.Dodge ball tournament at MYACShow off your skills and claim the title in the EDGE! program’s dodge ball tournament at the Milam Youth Activity Center, Bldg. 10960, Haan Road, on East Fort Bliss. The best-of-five tournament will take place Monday, March 21-Friday, March 25, with the championship game Saturday, March 26. Teams consist of four players each. Each player can only be on one team. The tournament is open to open to 11- to 18-year-olds and is free for youth registered with Child, Youth and School Services. For more information, call (915) 588-2858.Tai chi classesTai chi classes are offered every Friday Stout Physical Fitness Facility. Tai chi is a martial arts qigong that will help reduce stress, strengthen the body and improve health. Beginner tai chi is from 10 to 11 a.m.; experienced tai chi is from 11 a.m. to noon. All tai chi classes are free.Adult swim lessons at Replica PoolReplica Aquatic Center offers adult swim lessons from 9-9:45 a.m. every Saturday. Lessons are free for active-duty Soldiers and $35 for an eight-session series for all other patrons. For more information, call (915) 568-7431.Club Karaoke at the PubTake the stage and wow the crowd during Club Karaoke at the Centennial's Sam Adams Pub. Every Friday, doors to the pub open at 4:30 p.m. Dance to the sounds of DJ Clarke Darrk and enjoy $2 well drinks and domestic bottles, plus complimentary snacks, from 6-8 p.m. From 9 p.m.-midnight, let your voice be heard with free karaoke. For more information, call (915) 744-8427.Java Express now openLooking for a quick pick-me-up? Stop by the new Java Express in the General nstructional Facility, Bldg. 11190 on East Fort Bliss. Java Express is open from 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and proudly serves Starbucks coffee as well as an assortment of breakfast and lunch items. For more information, call (915) 744-2732.Bingo! Bingo! Bingo! every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday!Get out your daubers and join us for bingo fun each Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at the Centennial's Club Metro. Binge Bingo starts at 6 p.m. Wednesday nights. Play 11 games for $12 and come out for your chance at our $1,200 jackpot. Check out Super Saturday Bingo ... it's big! Every Saturday at 6 p.m., come to the Centennial's Club Metro for a night of bingo featuring 16 games for $18. Can you win our $1,500 jackpot? Want more bingo? Check out Sunday Funday Bingo at 1 p.m. every week. Stop in early for Champagne Sunday Brunch, which runs from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. every week, then play for your chance at our $1,000 jackpot. Play Bonanza Bingo on your own - numbers are drawn each week at the Centennial. If you can't get enough bingo, check out the frequent player rewards programs! And coming soon, iBingo electronic bingo gaming systems at the Centennial and Desert Strike Lanes. For more information on bingo programs, call 744-8427 or visit www.blissmwr.com/bingo.HELPFUL WEBSITESwww.armyfrg.org - vFRG sitewww.army.mil/ - Army Home Page for AKOwww.myarmylifetoo.com - My Army Life Toowww.operationhomefront.org - Operation Home Frontwww.armyonesource.com – Army One Sourcewww.myarmybenefits.us.army.mil – My Army benefitswww.military.com/spouse – Military Spouse Career Center www.militaryonesource.com – Military One Sourcewww.armywives.com – Army Wives The information contained herein is compiled from many sources, to include AUSA Family Programs, Army Well-Being, Army Community Service, Military.com, the National Military Family Association, and the US Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command.Until Next Update!<br />