Bliss Briefs

www.bliss.army.mil

Debt collection notice 

This is a debt collection notice for Pfc. Christopher Butler. All services under Butler’s name should be put on hold. All those with debts to be collected under the name of Pfc. Christopher Butler should call Capt. Benjamin Kim at 744-1351 or e-mail Benjamin.Kim@conus.army.mil for information regarding collection.

Vehicle pass offices

The Cassidy ACP pass office is now closed. The pass office at Robert E. Lee ACP will be the primary pass office for access onto Fort Bliss. The Biggs pass office hours are 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and closed on weekends. The JEB Stuart ACP hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Sheridan ACP hours are 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekends.

Environmental awards nominations

Nominations for the 15th Annual Environmental Awards for the 2009 calendar year will be accepted through Tuesday. For nomination packets and information, visit https://imcom.bliss.army.mil/dpwe/ awards, or call 568-7480.

Women’s History Month observance

The 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command will host the 2010 Women History Month Observance March 25, between 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Bldg 2, Soldier Hall. The theme for this year is “Writing Women Back into History.” This event is free and open to the Fort Bliss and El Paso community.

Military motherhood awards

Nominations for the 2010 Lockheed Martin Military Motherhood Award are open through March 22. The winner of the award, which honors military women in uniform and military spouses, will be flown to Washington, D.C., for the $5,000 award and special recognition ceremony. Anyone can nominate a deserving military mom, log on to https://eballot.votenet.com/operationhomefront/registermma.

Thrift Shop volunteers

The Thrift Shop at Fort Bliss is in dire need of new volunteers. Volunteers get to consign more merchandise and get first choice at all the great items that come into the shop. Also, the Thrift Shop will provide CDC childcare vouchers for volunteer workers. The Thrift Shop is located in Bldg. 1301 Cassidy Rd, and is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the first and third Saturday of the month, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Consignment hours: 9 to 11 a.m. For information, call 562-5451. 

War Road repair phase 2

The initial surveying and preparation for construction on War Road is set to begin approximately April 5 and will run through May 2011. Construction will begin on War Road (New Mexico State Highway 213) at the corner of Doña Ana Base Camp. Expect delays and follow detour notifications as traffic will, at times, be rerouted. Information will be updated as construction proceeds. For more information, call 575-678-2490

Bataan Memorial Death March 

The annual Bataan Memorial Death March will be held March 21 and the registration dates are fast approaching. Individuals  expecting to participate must register by the following dates:

• Mail in registrations postmarked no later than Saturday.

• Online registration ends at midnight March 24.

• Late registration begins March 15 at 12:01 through midnight March 17.  Fees are doubled during this timeframe.

• There is no on-site registration.

In-processing for marchers to pick up their march packets will be at the White Sands Missile Range Community Center, Bldg. 460, during the following times:

• March 19 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• March 20 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Premarital training  

Have a positive marriage with premarital training the first Thursday of each month at Bldg. 448. This training is required for all weddings using a Fort Bliss chaplain or chapel. Save $60 on your marriage certificate, too. Call Chaplain (Maj.) Blundell or Pfc. Neal at 568-2623 to schedule an appointment.

I. A.M. STRONG

The I. A.M. STRONG acronym stands for intervene, act and motivate others to stop sexual harassment, assaults and sexually offensive language, innuendo and gestures that create an environment friendly to abuse. Tolerance of these acts among troops has been reduced to zero, Army leaders say. Strong, quite simply, is the Army way. Visit  www.preventsexualassault .army.mil/  and download free music.

MYCAA

Park University will brief military spouses on opportunities to go back to school and take advantage of up to $6,000 to take classes through this Department of Defense initiative, as part of Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts. Registration for classes have begun for civilians, Soldiers and their family members at Park University – Fort Bliss Campus, located in Bldg 639.  The Spring II term is set from March 22 through May 16. Units at Fort Bliss and McGregor Range interested in having college courses held at their location should call 240-5151. Classes at the Fort Bliss campus are offered mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends for working adults. Until March 26, briefings will take place in Bldg. 639 on a walk-in basis.  For more information, call 562-8450.  

ACS open house

Army Community Service will host an open house Friday to celebrate the grand re-opening of its newly renovated facility at Bldg. 2494 on Ricker Road. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., guests can come in and enjoy cake and prizes while they get to know programs that promote “Real Life Solutions for Successful Army Living.”

For more information, call 568-1132.

Sergeant Audie Murphy meetings

The Fort Bliss Sergeant Audie Murphy Club will hold a general members meeting the first Wednesday of every month at Bldg. 1008, from noon to 12:45 p.m. All SAMC members are required to attend. A study group will be held every Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Bldg. 1008 for noncommissioned officers who are interested in becoming candidates for induction into the SAMC Club. For more information, call Staff Sgt. April Williams at 345-5588.

German Spring Bazaar

The German Spring Bazaar will be held March 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the German Community Center. Hobby craftsmen and women will display their various goods and offer you the opportunity to buy special gifts. Enjoy German food specialties, such as bratwurst, waffles, cakes and pastries. All proceeds will be donated to “Aid for the Needy” and “Helping Hands.” For more information, call 568-0259.

Updated hours

Sheridan ACP hours have changed to 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekends.

JEB Stuart ACP hours have changed to 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., from Monday to Friday. The ACP will close at the end of the school year.

The Cassidy Visitor Control Center is now closed. The Robert E. Lee Visitor Control Center will be open 24 hours a day.

The BAAF Visitor Control Center hours are 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., from Monday to Friday, and will close weekends.

Tax help

This year’s changes in the law mean more money for larger families. Families with three or more qualifying children can receive a maximum of $5,657. In addition, married couples filing a joint tax return can earn up to $48,279 and claim the credit if they have three or more qualifying dependents. This top income threshold has increased from $41,646 last year with two qualifying dependents. For more information, call 568-6079. 

Commissary gift vouchers

The Defense Commissary Agency is offering gift vouchers at all of its 254 commissaries. These vouchers are available in $25 denominations. Anyone may acquire gift vouchers; however, only commissary authorized patrons may redeem them. Vouchers are available at commissary customer service areas, cash offices and from cashiers at full-service checkout lanes. There is no limit on the number of vouchers someone can purchase. But for large purchases of more than $1,000 in vouchers at a time, you must notify the store at least one week in advance. This allows commissaries to maintain enough vouchers for other customers.

AAFES spot checks

AAFES offers the convenience of 24-hour payment at the pump, like most gas stations across the country. However, only authorized patrons are allowed to purchase fuel at AAFES facilities, unlike most gas stations. As a result, there are often questions about who is using the pumps at Fort Bliss and how that usage is monitored.

AAFES currently has signs posted at our gas pumps that state, “ID Requirements: Purchases at this activity are restricted to authorized personnel possessing a valid ID card. Patrons in civilian dress are required to present ID cards to attendant or cashier on duty when requested.”

If unauthorized civilians are found to be  using the gas pumps, AAFES will report them to the post commander. In addition to the signage, AAFES does conduct spot checks.

Employee Assistance Program

The Employee Assistance Program provides services through the Army Substance Abuse Program as a partnership with DA civilians and family members through the Employee Assistance Program. The purpose of the Army Employee Assistance Program, a job-based program, is to help employees in identifying and resolving personal problems that may affect their job performance and well-being; to assist management in addressing productivity issues; and to promote installation work/life/wellness programs. Ensure that the common levels of support provided to our customers are adequate based on resources and funds available as a customer service. Assessments will be completed within a 72-hour time period by the EAP with a guarantee for all management and self referrals. The EAP will refer requiring treatment or rehabilitation to an appropriate treatment agency within 72 hours of a completed EAP assessment.  The office is open Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.  For more information, call Delilah Santiago at 568-2778.

WBAMC pharmacy hours

The William Beaumont Army Medical Center pharmacy is pleased to announce expansion of hours to better serve its patients. The WBAMC Outpatient Pharmacy hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Wednesday and Friday; and Thursday hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Outpatient Pharmacy will remain open Saturdays and training holidays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The PX Refill Pharmacy is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Training holiday hours for PX Refill Pharmacy are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Outpatient Pharmacy and the PX Refill Pharmacy are closed Sundays and federal holidays.  

ACAP relocation 

The ACAP center has relocated to Bldg. 503A, third floor, Room 307. For more information, call Randy Stovall at 568-7165 or randy.stovall@us.army.mil.

FSSA increase

Section 602, title 37 of the U.S.C, Section 402a (a) announces the following increase in FSSA of a maximum monthly amount of $1,100, which is now in effect.  The purpose of this message is to provide defense military pay offices, finance offices, U.S. property and fiscal offices and Reserve components pay support offices information on Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance monthly amount increase. The maximum monthly amount for Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance has increased from $500 to $1,100 for low-income members with dependents. Soldiers receiving this allowance are required to submit a new packet whenever there is a change to pay grade, marital status or PCS move.  See message for more details.  This allowance is monitored by DFAS-IN and requires annual certification. For more information, e-mail dfa-sin.system@dfsa. mil.

MWR Briefs

www.blissmwr.com www.blissmwr.com

Domino teams forming now

Domino two-person teams are forming now. You could win an all-expense paid trip to compete in the World Domino Tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 28 through 31. Pick up an application at Desert Strike Lanes and log on to www.mwrpromotions.com for official rules and to get more information on other exciting MWR events. 

The tournament will be held at Desert Strike Lanes March 16, 23, 30 April 6, 13 and 20 at 6 p.m. Each participating team must complete and submit the official tournament entry form. There is no entry fee to participate. Authorized MWR patrons who are 18 and older (active duty from all branches of service, Reservists, Guardsmen, Retirees, DoD civilians with valid ID cards or immediate family members and guests) are eligible to participate in this FMWRC-sponsored event. Scores will determine the winning team. For more information, call 588-8247 or 568-6272.

Garden Day at Old Fort Bliss

Celebrate spring with Garden Day at the Old Fort Bliss Museum.

Starting at noon Saturday, join us to plan and plant Fort Bliss’ community garden located on the museum grounds. Learn about different ways of planting, water conservation and more from master gardeners and other guests. At Garden Day, you can learn how to garden outdoors, indoors and in a greenhouse environment. There will be activities for all ages. For information, call 568-4518 or 588-8482.

Universal Orlando military salute

Universal Orlando announced the military salute ticket program has been extended until March 26. Qualified active duty, retirees, National Guard and Reservists are eligible to receive a complimentary two-park unlimited admission ticket. All military salute tickets are available at MWR ITT/ITR offices with a valid military ID. For more information, visit www.universalmilitarysales.com.

Civilian fitness program

Civilian Fitness Program is an opportunity for Army civilians to develop and continue healthy lifestyle changes. The program is ONLY OPEN to Civilian Employees of Fort Bliss. Packages are available at the front desk of Stout PFC, the Snack Bar, the Tennis Club or  www.blissmwr.com/fitness/documents/Civilian%20Fitness%20Packet%200310.pdf  to download. Packets must be returned to Doug Briggs at Stout Gym no later than March 19. Late applications will not be accepted. For more information call 568-6458.

Mickelsen Library hours

Mickelsen Community Library’s hours of operation will be Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; closed Sunday, Monday and federal holidays. 

Arts and crafts spring classes

Fort Bliss Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, in partnership with the El Paso Museum of Art, offers beginners arts and crafts classes to all military ID cardholders ages 15 and up. Register for classes at ITR, Bldg. 1743 on Victory Avenue. 

Spring class offerings include:

• Printmaking for Fun, Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

• Polymer Clay Jewelry, April 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

• Paper Jewelry, April 17 and 18, 1 to 4 p.m. 

• Fabric and Wire Necklaces, May 8, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

• Wire Crochet Cuffs, May 22, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

For more information, call 568-7506 or 568-3208.

Volunteer award nominations

The Fort Bliss Army Volunteer office is now taking nominations for the Fort Bliss annual Volunteer Awards. The award ceremony will coincide with the celebration of National Volunteer Week from April 18 through 24. All nominations are due March 24. For more information, visit www.blissmwr.com/volunteer/2010nomination_20form4.pdf, call 568-1132 or e-mail Tephanie.hopper1@us.army.mil.

McCASA walk

The sixth annual two-mile Month of the Military Child ~ Child Abuse ~ Sexual Assault ~ Crime Victims walk will be at Kelly Park April 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event provides information on parenting, adoption, fostering, children’s health and safety. There will be music by a DJ, the 62nd Army Jazz Band, free door prizes, games, T-shirts for the first 500 registrants and the largest Easter Egg Hunt ever at Kelly Park. For more information, call 568-4878 or 568-9129.

Super Saturday bingo

The Centennial’s Club Metro hosts Super Saturday bingo every Saturday starting at 6 p.m. For more information, call 744-8427.

Immigration information office 

The El Paso Field Office of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office at Fort Bliss Army Community Service, Bldg. 2494, Ricker Road is open every Wednesday for appointments from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Walk-ins will be addressed based on time available. 

Suicide prevention classes

Army Community Service offers suicide intervention and prevention classes to all civilians and family members. If you are interested in becoming a first responder for a person at risk of suicide, our Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training classes would benefit you. For information on suicide prevention or to schedule training for your organization, call 568-1132.

AFTB Super Saturday

Army Family Team Building will offer Super Saturday, a full day of level I training, three times in 2010. During Super Saturday, participants learn in one day what usually takes two to three sessions. Lunch is provided to participants. Super Saturday: one day, level I, lots of knowledge.

In 2010, Super Saturday will be offered April 10, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

The classes are designed to enhance your knowledge of the Army, personal development and professional development. Training hours apply toward promotion points for Soldiers E-5 and below. Classes are open to Soldiers, family members and civilians. For more information, call 568-AFTB (2382).

Yoga and relaxation classes

The Army Center for Enhanced Performance offers free yoga classes twice a week at Army Community Service. Classes take place every Monday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon in the ACS ballroom. All are welcome to attend. The class will be a beginners yoga class that focuses on reducing the stresses associated with military spouses by teaching energy management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation and imagery, concentration and confidence. All you need to bring is a mat, water, and willingness to set aside an hour to relax and do something good for yourself.  For information, contact Colleen Foleen, Norricia Speights or Kim Garner at ACS by calling 568-1132.

Spouse employment orientation

Are you a military spouse new to the area and seeking employment? The Employment Readiness Program has partnered with Workforce Solutions of Upper Rio Grande to deliver orientation weekly to educate spouses on services available to them and employment opportunities in the local area. Orientation is held at ACS, Bldg. 2494, Ricker Road every Monday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. Please call 568-1132 to sign up for the orientation.

Book exchange

We need your help to build a reading room at the Old Fort Bliss Museum. If you have books on Colonial America, life in the 1800s, the Industrial Revolution, exploration of the Southwest frontier, discoveries of the 18th and 19th centuries, the Civil War, American history, our presidents, crafts and trades from our past, medical breakthroughs and practices in Colonial times, the history of currency in America, etc., we can use them to provide quality research and leisure reading. We have some novels to exchange if you are interested in picking up something new.

Please drop your treasures off at the Old Fort Bliss Museum, Bldg. 5054, located on the corner of Pleasanton and Pershing, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. All contributions will be valuable and most appreciated. Please pass along history.

Go Youth 

SMA scholarships

The El Paso Sergeants Major Association is holding a competition for the award of scholarship grants for the academic year. Funds for these grants are gathered through fundraising activities throughout the year and also through individual donations from the association membership. 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. For more information, e-mail EPSGMASSOC@gmail.com, Subject: Scholarship Application Request or call 568-6739 or 744-8895. The deadline for applications is no later than April 30.

FBOCSA scholarships

The Fort Bliss Officer Civilian and Spouse Association is accepting applications for the 2010 Team Bliss merit scholarships. Team Bliss merit scholarships are awarded to eligible applicants planning to enroll or are enrolled in two-year college, either resident or online, four-year college or university, either resident or online, or vocational school in accordance with the rules and regulations as written. Team Bliss scholarships are for spouses and children of active duty or retired servicemembers of any rank whose sponsor lives, or is assigned, in the Fort Bliss area. The completed application and all supporting paperwork must be postmarked by midnight April 2. For more information, visit www.fbocsa.com/id28.html or e-mail bliss.scholarships@gmail.com. 

Youth track and field registration

CYSS Youth Sports is now recruiting boys and girls ages 5 to 18 for the Team Bliss Track and Field program. Participants must be registered with CYSS and have a current sports physical on file. 

For more information, call 227-2105 or e-mail cwhan200@yahoo.com or crispen.hanson@us.army.mil. To register, call 568-4374.

City Spring tackle league

The city league is scheduled to begin April 3. This is an eight-game season with games played every Saturday. Practices will be at George Moore field Tuesday through Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. This is full contact football. All equipment will be issued. Must be registered at CYSS and have a sports physical. For more information, call 568-4374 or visit TeamBlissFootball.sports.officelive.com or TeamBlissFootball.com 

Looking Glass scholarships

Through the Looking Glass, a center serving families with disabilities, offers scholarships for high school seniors and college students who have parents with disabilities. A total of 10 $1,000 scholarships will be given for fall 2010. To be eligible, a student must be a high school graduate by summer 2010, planning to attend a two-year or four-year college in fall 2010 and have at least one parent with a disability. College students must be currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year college in fall 2010, not older than 21 and have at least one parent with a disability. All application materials must be postmarked by Monday. For more information, visit www.lookingglass.org.

Willy Wonka production

The El Paso KIDS-N-CO. presents this musical version of the book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl. Opens March 20 and will be performed Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. through April 11. Advance ticket sales are available for groups of 10 or more. KIDS-N-CO. Performance Center is located at 1301 Texas Ave. For more information, call 351-1455 or visit www.kidsnco.org. 

Spring Break Theater Camp

KIDS-N-CO. is offering students, ages 8 to 14, the opportunity to spend a week exploring all aspects of theater at the Spring Break Theater Camp. Participants will spend time on puppets, props, improvisation, script writing, theater games and more. The camp is Monday through Friday, Monday through March 19, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. KIDS-N-CO. Performance Center is located at 1301 Texas Ave. For more information, call 351-1455 or visit www.kidsnco.org. 

Youth fast pitch 

Team Bliss Youth Fast Pitch registration boys and girls ages 10 to 12 is through May 7. Practice Monday and Wednesday at 6 p.m. at George Moore Field. For more information, call 568-9491 or 491-7682. 

Team Bliss youth baseball

Team Bliss Youth Baseball registration is through April 2 for boys and girls ages 4 to 11. The season begins April 19. For more information, call 568-2617. 

First Tee program

Underwood Golf Complex is hosting the First Tee program, which helps participants learn to appreciate diversity, manage emotions, set step by step goals and plan for the future. Through the Life Skills Experience, young people discover how skills essential to success on a golf course can also help them flourish in life. The course is free and open to children 7 years and older. The course will be March 23 through May 15 Tuesdays from 4 to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. 

UTEP summer program

UTEP summer youth program “UTEP’s University College – Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence” offers a four-week summer program for high school students who will be entering their sophomore or junior year, seniors will be accepted on a case by case basis. Students will study Arabic, Political Science, Intercultural Communication, Computer Science and the Intelligence Community and will be provided the opportunity to take field trips to several area intelligence agencies. The program is offered free to all students who meet the qualifications; spaces are limited; deadline for application is April 2. For more information, e-mail lmtomaka@utep.edu, download the application at www.academics.utep.edu /highschool or pick one up from the Youth Education Support Services Office, Bldg. 503B, Room 223.

Performers needed 

Youth are needed for the Eggstravaganza talent show at Biggs Park April 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children and children’s groups are invited to sign up for the show. Only the first 20 individuals or groups registered can participate, and the entry deadline is March 26. For more information, call 588-8247.

Hire Expectations

Hire Expectations provides an opportunity for teenagers to learn important job skills such as how to write a resume, complete a job application, and market their volunteer experience. Youth will have an opportunity to meet with companies, volunteer agencies, technical, schools and colleges. The Teen Job and Volunteer Expo will be March 27 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Army Community Service, Bldg. 2494 Ricker Road. For more information, call 568-1132.

3-on-3 basketball tourney

The YouthPlex will host a Final Four 3- on-3 Basketball Tournament April 3 for middle school students and teens. Early registration is through April 2 and late registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. and games begin at 10 a.m. April 3 at the YouthPlex, Bldg. 195 Chaffee Road. For more information call 568-2908.

Creative Kids Gallery

FMWR offers discounted rates for children’s art classes at the Creative Kids oLo Gallery at 504 San Francisco Street in the Union Plaza. For spring courses, choose one day or several from the available class dates of April 10, 17 and 24 and May 1. Special rates are available for children of military ID cardholders and can be received only by booking through Fort Bliss ITR. For more information, call 568-7506.

SKIESUnlimited classes

SKIESUnlimited has a variety of instructional classes for ages 3 and up. We are offering piano, theatre, tumbling, tae kwon do, judo, jujitsu, cheer, Tots Moms + Me classes and other classes. If you are interested in becoming a SKIES instructor, and for more information, call 568-8336 or visit www.blissmwr.com. 

Family fishing day 

Fort Bliss CYSS and the Ascarate Fishing Club will host a free fishing tournament for the youth and cook out for the entire Fort Bliss community April 17 at Ascarate Lake. The tournament will begin at 8 a.m. on the east pavilion of the lake and go until noon. On-site registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the Ascarate Fishing Club pavilion. A Fort Bliss CYSS tent will host the cook out and an awards presentation at the conclusion of the tournament. Adults 17 years of age or older must have a Texas fishing license to fish. Admission is $1 per car load. For more CYSS information, call 568-0834 or 568-9006. 

Eggstravaganza

Come one, come all, and let us entertain you at Eggstravaganza April 3. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Biggs Park, join FMWR for a children’s talent show, fun arts and crafts activities, a scavenger hunt, pictures with the Easter Bunny and, of course, Easter Egg hunts for the kids.

This year, Eggstravaganza’s theme is “Let Us Entertain You,” and we mean that literally. Children and children’s groups are invited to sign up for the talent show, which will take place throughout the day. Only the first 20 individuals or groups registered can participate, and the entry deadline is March 26.

In addition to the talent show, there will be separate egg hunts for children in four age divisions. Kids ages 11 through 14 will start at noon. Children ages 7 through 10 will hunt at 12:30 p.m., and children ages 3 through 6 will go at 1:30 p.m. Children ages 2 and under will finish up the hunts at 2 p.m.

There will also be a scavenger hunt for children ages 15 and up, along with free arts and crafts projects for kids of all ages.

To register for the talent show, or for more information about Eggstravaganza, call 588-8247.

Battle Cry

Battle Cry Bliss Youth invites all youth every Sunday for a time of live music, inspiring message, food and games from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Youth Center, Bldg. 195. The program is free and all youth in sixth through 12th grades are welcome.

Battle Cry Home Schooled edition takes place every Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is open for all home school students on post in sixth through 12th grades. The program is held at the Youth Center, Bldg. 195 and features Bible study, games and food.

Battle Cry Girls-only Bible Study is held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. every Monday. All girls in sixth through 12th grades are invited to this time of Bible study, friends and food in Bldg. 440.

Battle Cry Campus Life is held at area high schools; visit www.BlissYouth.org for more information on school schedules.

For more information on any of the Battle Cry programs, call 568-2157 or visit www.blissyouth.org.

Space camp scholarships 

The Bernard Curtis Brown II Memorial NASA Space Camp Scholarship application is due Wednesday.

The scholarship is open to youth in sixth through ninth grades who are the children of active-duty military parent. Applicants must submit a hand-written essay stating why he or she should be selected, evidence of patriotism, future goals, community service, and “after camp” intentions, two letters of recommendation with contact information, and complete and submit application by the deadline. For more information, visit www.militarychild.org/files/pdfs/SpaceCamp_Application.pdf.

Each child learns about astronauts and space travel.

Community

The Art of Opera series

In March, the El Paso Opera will present a month full of events, truly bringing opera to all. One such event is the Art of Opera series in partnership with the El Paso Museum of Art. Every Wednesday at noon, audiences will be treated to an aria performance and an art lecture. The hour-long presentation will be free and open to the public and held at the El Paso Museum of Art. The presentations will illustrate the relationship between opera and visual arts by comparing opera styles of the times with what was being produced on canvases. 

Chamizal Memorial programs

Theater Presentations

Ballet Folklorico Paso Del Norte and Churuhui Performance – performance of traditional Mexican song and dance. Admission is $5.

Tomorrow and Saturday 7:30 p.m. 

Sunday at 3 p.m. 

National Parks and Nature Film Series – two documentary films discussing the biodiversity, ecology, and cultural history of Southeastern Arizona’s national parks and monument. March 17 at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

Mariachi Los Toritos In Concert – a performance of traditional Mexican mariachi. Admission is $12.

March 20 at 7 p.m. 

March 21 at 3 p.m.

Arritmia – an original play depicting the problems of old age and how these problems affect family members. Admission is $10 and $7 for senior citizens.

March 25 at 7 p.m. 

March 26 at 7 p.m.

March 27 at 7 p.m.

Art Gallery Exhibitions

Thirty-five years of Siglo de Oro – exhibition of festival posters at Paisanos Gallery. 

Open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Open Saturdays upon request and staffing availability.

Watercolor Paintings by Rodolfo Razo – Abrazos Gallery

Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jewelry exhibition

The El Paso Museum of Art presents the opening of “Bedazzled: 5,000 years of jewelry” March 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit will be open through July 25. This museum is one of a few museums worldwide and the only venue west of the Mississippi that will feature this exhibition which provides examples of stunning jewelry from 3,000 B.C.E. through the early 20th century. Parking is available by meter on Main Street and Franklin Street or at the Camino Real Hotel or the Convention and Visitors Bureau for a fee. For more information, call 541-4010.

Ticket discounts for Porgy & Bess

El Paso Opera is offering military discounts of 10 percent on tickets for the Porgy and Bess Gershwin gala concert Friday and Saturday at the Abraham Chavez Theatre. Porgy and Bess encompass the essence of Americana combining the spiritual with blues and the jazz of New Orleans. The show includes hits like “Summertime,” “My Man’s Gone Now,” and “Bess, You is My Woman Now.” For more information, visit www.epopera.org.

Voting assistance workshops

The Unit Voting Assistance Officer’s Workshop will be at Chapel 4, 2498 Ricker Road for Tuesday with two sessions, 9 to 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 3 p.m. All VAOs should attend if they missed the workshop Jan. 26. For more information, call 568-5802 or e-mail louis.salas@conus.army.mil.  

West Point Founder’s Day

The West Point Society of the El Paso Area invites all graduates and friends of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., to the annual Founders Day celebration at the Wyndham Hotel, 2027 Airway Blvd., March 27 at 6 p.m.  

The guest speaker will be retired Col. Robert Carl, chief of Plans, Analysis, and Integration for U.S. Army Garrison, West Point. Attire for the event is military – Army Blues or dress mess; civilian – black tie or dark suit. Online RSVPs are highly encouraged. To register, visit www.westpointaog.org/NetCommunity/WPSTX2FoundersDay before 5 p.m., March 19. For more information, call (703) 943-8146 or e-mail sandra.sizemore@us.army.mil.

Stars and Stripes looking for heroes

Stars and Stripes is looking for profiles for their Stripes’ Heroes edition, 2010. In addition to recognizing servicemembers who have been awarded medals, this year they are looking for the heroes at home during a humanitarian crisis, in the wake of a death or in response to a military community in need. This is designed for people who made a difference with their efforts, like creating a new school policy to help children deal with repeat deployments, testifying before Congress on behalf of military families, growing a personal blog on deployment issues into a national-sounding board for military families. For more information, e-mail tkweave@yahoo.com.

Oshkosh sweepstakes

With the support of Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, the Armed Forces Foundation is hosting the Rumble With a Cause sweepstakes in order to raise funds for active and retired servicemembers and their families. The Rumble With a Cause sweepstakes runs through April 15 and aims to raise $150,000 for the Armed Forces Foundation. The AFF supports servicemembers and their families through a variety of services, including counseling, living expenses, funeral arrangements, housing improvements, career counseling and assistance with a transition back to civilian life. Those not able to attend the game may donate or enter online. Individuals will receive one entry for each $10 donation made up to a total of $200 or 20 entries. All rules, including instructions for entry without donation and eligibility requirements, are at https://rumblewithacause.org/.

KIDS-n-Co. auditions

Director Kevin P. Mullin will host auditions for the upcoming production of The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon by Don Zolidis at 6:30 p.m. March 21 and 22 at the Kids-N-Co. Performance Center, 1301 Texas Ave. Roles are available for three actors and two actresses ages 15 to 20 who will play varied characters of either sex. Performances will be at the Performance Center and at Chamizal Memorial, weekends May 15 through June 6. For more information, call 351-1455.

International Museum of art 

Adair Margo Fine Art, 1211 Montana Ave., will host Portraits by Rosario Ponte Exhibition Friday through March 19. The opening reception is Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, call 533-0048.

Women’s club luncheon

The Junior Woman’s Club of El Paso will host its annual Friendship Luncheon at the Woman’s Club clubhouse located at 1400 N. Mesa, March 20 at 11 a.m. This year’s theme is “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” To RSVP, call 920-4881.

Hueco Tanks Spring Equinox

Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site will host “Spring Equinox: Our Marker of Space-Time” at 8 p.m. March 20 in the park’s amphitheater, 6900 Hueco Tanks Road #1. To sign up, call 849-6684, or for more information, call 857-1135.

Antique craft show

The El Maida Shrine Temple Auditorium, 6331 Alabama, will host the Spring Antique Craft show May 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendor space is available. For more information, call 851-0687.

KidsPalooza

The third Annual Downtown KidsPalooza is March 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Downtown KidsPalooza is an all-day family cultural event organized by the El Paso Symphony Orchestra. Downtown area arts organizations will present “Make & Take” craft workshops, tours, performances and exhibits to educate and expose young participants to the many activities available in the El Paso area. For more information, call 532-3776.

ROWC luncheon

The Retired Officers Wives’ Club will hold a luncheon March 16, at the Centennial Club, Biggs Field, at noon. The cost of the luncheon is $16 per person and reservations are required by today. For information and reservations, call 593-3809.

Flag project

The flag project consists of two parts. The first part is letting flag owners know that their flag can be dry-cleaned free of charge by taking it to any of the 16 locations of “The Cleaners.” The second part is the proper disposal of worn-out U.S. flags. The VVA Chapter is working hand in hand with the VFW Post 812 in McKelligan Canyon (Northeast) and the Boy Scouts. We have pick-up boxes located at the post Commissary lobby on Fort Bliss, at the PX- operated cleaners near the new PX, at the Rod & Gun Club and the Golf Course Pro Shop. Boxes are also located at all 16 of “The Cleaners” as well as the 82nd Airborne Hall on Fort Blvd., the American Legion on Vulcan Street, and at the VFW Post 812. For more information, call 751-2535.