Fort Bliss Monitor

Off Duty

Gate closure

The Chaffee Gate will be closed this weekend due to construction. The gate will re-open at 5 a.m. Oct. 10 for normal operations. For questions, contact the military police desk at 568-2115.

Apologetix

The U.S. Sergeants Major Academy will host Apologetix Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. in the East Auditorium at USASMA. The concert is free. For more information, call 568-8223 or 861-1321.

Commissary self-checkout

The self check-out lane will be 20 items or less. This will help speed up the checking out process for customers. If a customer has more than 20 items they may go through a regular checkout lane.

Leadership award

Nominations are requested for the following awards and will be considered for the Secretary of the Army annual awards ceremony. Nominations are requested for the following awards: decoration for exceptional civilian services and Secretary of the Army Award for Valor. For more information, contact (703) 695-5698. For more information, on the suggesters of the year award, contact (703) 614-4366. For more information on the Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Award, call (703) 693-6114. For more information on the EEO Award, call (703) 607-2331. Nominations for all award categories must include endorsement by a Major Army Command Commander and DA Form 1256, EEO certification completed on each nominee per guidance contained in AR 672-20, Paragraph 2-2 and biographical data including employment history, proposed citation consisting of 50 to 60 words. The citation should highlight the nominees specific achievement. An electronic photograph is also needed for each nominee for inclusion in the ceremony program booklet. The suspense date of Nov. 10 applies to: Combat Training Support Center, Fort Bliss, Texas, Fort Hood, Texas, Fort Huachuca, Ariz., Fort Irwin, Calif., Fort Polk, La., Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Fort Sill, Okla., Presidio of Monterey, Calif., White Sands Missile Range, N.M. and Yuma Proving Grounds, Ariz.

Scholarship fundraiser

The Pfc. Howard Johnson II Scholarship is named in honor of Pfc. Howard Johnson II, who was assigned to the 507th Maintenance Company, and was killed in action during the earlier stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Pfc. Howard Johnson scholarship committee looks for applicants who demonstrate many of the outstanding qualities Pfc. Howard Johnson displayed throughout his life such as; community service, duty to others, our nation, sacrifice for the good of others, loyalty, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. The scholarship fund drive will go through Dec. 31. Those interested in contributing to the Pfc. Howard Johnson II Scholarship can contact Unity Missionary Baptist Church at (915) 757-0426 or send contributions to Unity Missionary Baptist Church in care of the Pfc. Howard Johnson II Scholarship fund at 4601 Maxwell Ave., El Paso, Texas 79904.

Rehabilitation bowling

The El Paso Rehabilitation Center Bowling Club gives children of all ages and abilities the opportunity to make new friends, have fun and get some exercise. Every 1st and 3rd Thursday, there will be a meeting at Fiesta Lanes, 5850 Onix and every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at Oasis.

Air Force professions

The Air Force Medical Service is hiring nurses, dentists and physicians. Current military dentists, nurses and physicians within one year of completing their military service obligation and would like to apply for the Air Force may call or E – mail for details. The representative for the Fort Bliss and El Paso communities is Tech. Sgt. Bill Malcolm at (505) 888-1975 or E – mail, william.malcolm@rs.af.mil.

Howl-o-Wine Dog Walk

La Viña Winery will host a Halloween walk costume contest for your pet, enter to win $50, all proceeds go to offer free spay/neutering services. The walk will be Oct. 23 from noon to 4 p.m. For information, call 855-7273 or go to www.petsalive.org.

West Texas Food Bank

The West Texas Food Bank is asking for donations to help food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Please drop off:

Beverages (no glass containers): water, single serve juices and soda pop drinks.

Food: canned goods – chili, stew, pasta with sauce, vegetables and fruits.

Paper goods: plates, cups, forks, spoons, diapers, tissue paper and trash bags.

Cleaning supplies: bleach, liquid cleaning products, air fresheners, and disinfectant sprays, buckets, mops, brooms, dust pans and rubber gloves.

Personal hygiene products: bar or liquid soap, deodorant, baby wipes, shampoo, tooth brushes, toothpaste, feminine and hygiene products.

The West Texas Food Bank’s drop-off location is at 3727 Shell Street. They are looking for volunteers. For more information, call 595-1060.

Disaster relief fund

NCOA is now accepting donations for the disaster relief fund. Please mail donations to: P.O. Box 33610 San Antonio, Texas 78265 or contact Tina Kish or Karen Kopecki at (800) 662-2620. Donations can be made by money order or credit card.

Biz Tech Expo 2005

The seventh annual Biz Tech will be held Oct. 13 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the El Paso Convention Center. For more information on sponsorship opportunities and booth sales, contact the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at 566-4066. Sign up to see the latest wave in business technology.

The Business Technology Expo is looking for volunteers, who are needed Oct. 12 from 3 to 5 p.m., Oct. 13 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Oct. 14, 8 to 10 a.m.

Holiday Bazaar

The holidays are approaching fast. Find a gift for that special someone at the Fort Bliss Holiday Bazaar happening on Nov. 5 and 6. Hours for Nov. 5 are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and hours for Nov. 6 are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event will take place at the Fort Bliss Stout Gym. Cost is $1. There will be arts and crafts, collectibles, antiques, dolls, food and entertainment. There will be over 120 vendors with many items to chose from. The Gate by Airport and Cassidy will be open to the public. For information, call 590-7202.

Community Outreach Program

The Community Outreach Program is an Army initiative encouraging Soldiers to participate in events in the civilian community and to reciprocate by inviting members of the community to the installation. Military installations are required to report to Department of the Army activities they have coordinated with the civilian community. The Public Affairs Office is the central collection agency for all of these things.

All requests from the civilian community to a unit or individual will be directed to the Public Affairs Office for coordination and accountability reporting. The PAO staff ensures that all legal requirements, liability issues, and staffing coordination are completed in accordance with Army and Fort Bliss regulations. Requests can be e-mailed to atzc-cgp@bliss.army.mil , faxed to 568-2995, or mailed to Public Affairs Office, Bldg. 15, Slater Road, Fort Bliss, Texas 79916-6812. This information can be forwarded to Donita Kelley or by e-mail kelleyd@bliss.army.mil. For more information, call 568-4505 or 568-4601.

Virtual Combat Convoy Trainer

The Virtual Combat Convoy Trainer will be unavailable for training until Nov. 6. Units wishing to schedule the trainer beginning Nov. 7 should contact the Fort Bliss Central Tasking Office at 568-4752, 568-3009 or 569-2324.

Noon lecture series

Noon lecture series continues Oct. 12, with Pancho Villa. Pancho Villa was considered the most widely known Mexican throughout the world. He is seen as a Robin Hood, a bandit, a killer, womanizer, and since 1812, the only foreigner to have invaded the United States with troops and killed Americans inside our borders. Bring your lunch, the series is open to the public, and it’s free.

Library room closure

The Community Library’s Children Room will be closed until further notice due to a facilities problem. The library staff is sorry for the inconvenience and will re-open the facility as soon as it is possible to do so.

Operation Santa Claus

Fort Bliss Operation Santa Claus is collecting clothing, household goods and non- perishables for displaced hurricane families living with Fort Bliss Soldiers. Please take items to Bldg. 1123. For pick up, a military member must be present. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Estate claims

If anyone has claims against the estate of Staff Sgt. Salesia R. Cook, C Company, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, contact Maj. Kimthoa T. Nguyen, at 569-1207, 569-2148 or pager 569-1277, PIN 4813.

El Papalote CDC

The El Papalote Inclusive Child Development Center has openings for all children ages 18 months to 12 years of age. This is the only facility in El Paso that specializes in caring for children with special needs. Child care is also provided for days children are out of school. The center is located at 1101 East Schuster Ave. and open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Scholarships are also available to those who qualify. For information, call 544-8484.

New DFAS hours

Defense military pay office customer service hours have changed. The new hours are 8 a.m. to noon Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday for walk-ins, and noon to 4 p.m. for appointments only. The hours Thursday are 8 a.m. to noon closed for training, noon to 2 p.m. open for walk-in and 2 to 4 p.m. appointments only.

Recycling update

Those who have old cell phones can leave them next to their recyclables at work or bring them to the recycle center, Bldg. 1336 Marshall Road. The recycle center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Likewise, don’t forget the Fort Bliss Recycle Center can recycle your toner and inkjet cartridges from printers, fax machines and copy machines. Please do not throw away toner or inkjet cartridges, recycle them at the Fort Bliss Recycle Center. Be sure and place old toner cartridges inside the cardboard box of the new replacement toner or inkjet cartridge box. This will protect the cartridges from damage and preserve its value. The used toner and inkjet cartridges will be picked up along with other recyclables at recycling collection points. For more information, call Gilbert Garcia, 568-1537.

Sun City Soldier wants you

“Sun City Soldier” is looking for outstanding servicemembers, DoD and DA civilians, and dependents who are giving 110 percent to their units and local community through volunteerism. SCS wants to spotlight their efforts on the show. The show is also looking for talented Soldiers to anchor SCS. The anchor position requires one day of taping during the week, and approval from a supervisor. Call the Public Affairs Office at 568-7002 or e-mail ATZC-GCP@bliss.army.mil.

Unauthorized instructors

To all units and those responsible for conducting physical training: it is a violation of government policy for any individual to profit from services provided to servicemembers using federal property. There have recently been complaints about aerobics instructors from the local community coming onto Fort Bliss and conducting aerobics classes or PT sessions to units and charging the Soldiers $1 each for the class. Any instructor not employed by MWR is not authorized to offer or provide any kind of class to the Soldiers. These unauthorized instructors are not insured to provide any form of exercise to Soldiers and are not employed by MWR. MWR provides classes to the Soldiers free of charge at Stout Gym and can be scheduled to meet the individual needs of units. For more information, call Doug Briggs at 568-6458 or Sarah Cho at 204-6640.

Hometown News

Fort Bliss personnel can now submit their Hometown News release electronically instead of completing the DD Form 2266, Hometown News release information. The Hometown News release is a quick and simple way to showcase the activities and accomplishments of Soldiers. In the past, servicemembers could fill out and forward it through their public affairs office to the Hometown News Service. The service uses the form to produce a news release and market it to newspapers in locations where the servicemember has family ties. For more information call Donita Kelley, Public Affairs Office, 568-2497 568-4601 or e-mail kelleyd@bliss.army.mil.

Host families needed

There are a number of families who can enjoy a special experience by welcoming into their homes high school exchange students from countries around the world. These volunteer families are participating in the SHARE! Student Exchange Program for the 2005-2006 school years. These international exchange students are eager to learn about how Americans live. However, host families are still needed to host international exchange students for this school year. The host family will provide a bed, meals, as well as friendship, understanding. For more information, call Yvette Coffman at the SHARE! at the Southwest Regional Office at (800) 941-3738.

Keep El Paso Beautiful

Keep El Paso Beautiful has fully stocked tool sheds ready for use. All necessary items for beautification and clean-up projects are available at no charge to the public. For information, call Kim Prieto, at 546-6742 or 276-3767.

San Antonio Lighthouse

Nov. 19 San Antonio Lighthouse and the San Antonio Delta Gamma Alumnae Chapter presents Heirloom Appraisal Day. Bring prized heirlooms to the Airport Convention Center at 8505 Broadway in San Antonio, Texas, and get a verbal appraisal for $10. The event is similar to the "Antique Road Show" shown on PBS. Participants can purchase tickets by phone prior to event or at the door Nov. 19. Appraisers from all around Texas will be present to verbally appraise items ranging from fine china to antique paintings. Proceeds will benefit the Focus on Seniors Program – a free program for seniors over the age of 55 with vision impairments. For information, call the San Antonio Lighthouse at (210) 533-5195, ext. 1615.

Football Sundays

The Down Under Sports Bar at the Officers’ Club and the Metro Station at the Centennial will offer NFL Sunday Ticket every Sunday. Both clubs will open at 11 a.m. and offer multiple broadcasted games daily. Free snacks will be available and patrons may choose their favorite bottle or draft beer both import and domestic. The Officers’ Club will also feature Sunday Brunch before the game. For information about NFL Sundays, call the O’ Club at 568-7013 or 562-5969.

NFL crunchtime

The Bowling Center introduces NFL Crunch Time every Monday night in the bowling center lounge. Enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat buffet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the bowling lounge. Cost is only $6.95. For more information, call the Bowling Center at 568-6272.

Karaoke nights

The Officers’ Club hosts karaoke in the Pershing Pub every Friday. “Elvis” Rob Langford sets up at 5:30 p.m. providing MWR patrons with one of the largest selections of karaoke songs in El Paso. Relax, sing along, and have a nice cold beverage to begin the weekend with friends at the Fort Bliss Officers’ Club. For information, call 568-7013. The Fort Bliss Bowling Center hosts karaoke nights for MWR patrons and guests Friday and Saturday nights. Karaoke King takes to the stage at 7:30 and plays until 11 p.m. Thursday and 12:30 a.m. Friday in the center’s lounge. As a reminder, all non-active duty military guests, including family members and civilians, must be at least 21 to drink alcoholic beverages. For information, call 568-6272.

ITR cabin rentals

Stop by the ITR office for a Ruidoso getaway. ITR now has a listing of cabins and lodges that offer 10 percent discount for military. For information, call 568-7506.

Thursday night bowling

There are currently openings for the Thursday Nite Las Vegas Mixed Bowling League. Las Vegas is a multiple skill level league that includes beginners to professional bowlers competing on five person teams. Certified bowling coaches are also available. For more details, call the Fort Bliss Bowling Center at 568-6272.

Main Street Espresso

In addition to featuring Starbucks coffees and beverages, the Main Street Espresso, Bldg. 1310 Cassidy Road, offers breakfast sandwiches, pastries and Panini sandwiches. Stop by for free WiFi or cruise through the drive-thru. The Main Street Espresso can also cater various functions. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. or Saturday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. The facility is closed Sunday. Call 564-5275 for more information.

Cycle spinning program

For those ready to burn some calories and ride your way to fitness! Bikes are in and classes are now underway. Schedules are now available at Stout Gym. Burning approximately 900 calories in a one-hour class, this is one of the most intense workouts available. The class consists of loud, base-thumping music and energetic instructors leading a group of cyclists on an extreme, sweat-filled ride to fitness. For information call 568-5995.

Golden Tee Restaurant

The Golden Tee Restaurant and Lounge, located inside the clubhouse at the Underwood Golf complex, is open Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 6 a.m. to dusk. Stop by for breakfast or the daily lunch special during the week. Lunch specials are viewable online. There is also a bar available for patrons. For more information, call 562-3559.

SAT and ACT class preparation

SKIESUNLIMITED is offering a SAT and ACT preparation class, Oct. 15 and Nov. 12 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Fort Bliss Youth Center Bldg. 195. Cost will be $5 for the class. For further information, call Gabriele Johnson at 569-7732 or Rita O’Conner at 568-3290.

Volunteer opportunities

Fort Bliss is currently seeking volunteers for the following areas: victim advocate, Soldiers Family Medical Clinic, CYS education assistant-high school, CYS education assistant-elementary, thrift store, Fort Bliss Boy Scout Liaison, Boy Scout leaders, Junior Achievement educators and marketing administration. For more information, call Tephanie Hopper at 568-1132.

Martial arts

SKIESUNLIMITED is offering Tae Kwon Do Martial Arts classes facilitated by Andrew Choi, a certified Tae Kwon Do instructor at Bldg. 195, Fort Bliss Youth Center. Classes will be now through 29. Classes will take place Wednesday for ages 6 to 12 years old from 6 to 7 p.m.; 13 and up from 7 to 8 p.m.; Saturday classes for children ages 6 and up from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and ages 13 and up from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Cost is $35 for eight classes, two classes per week. For further information, call 569-7732.

Disney on Ice

“Finding Nemo” will be appearing live in El Paso Oct. 12 through 16 at the El Paso County Coliseum. This underwater adventure will feature the vibrant and colorful production elements, energetic and fanciful skating, heartwarming friendships and the wholesome fun that are the hallmarks of Disney on Ice. Purchase tickets at Fort Bliss ITR for a $5 discount; ringside tickets can be purchased for an additional cost. Tickets are on sale now. For additional information, call 568-7506.

Amigo Airsho bulk tickets

Units are invited to purchase IOS Amigo Airsho tickets in bulk. El Paso’s premier family entertainment takes place on the tarmac at Biggs Army Airfield, Oct. 8 and 9. Bulk tickets can be purchased in blocks of 25 for as little as $5 per person. If purchased in advance, individual tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 6 to 11 and $8 for military and senior citizens. Children 5 and younger are free. For more information or to purchase bulk tickets, call the IOS Amigo Airsho office at 562-6446.

Get fit mom and baby

For those ready to get back in shape after having their baby, an aerobics class is being offered to any postpartum mom at least eight weeks post-partum. Mothers are welcome to bring their babies too. They’ll enjoy exercising Monday from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Stout Gym aerobics room. This class is designed to target cardiovascular and muscular strength most needed by new moms to regain after giving birth. Carriers, strollers or playpens are suggested for the safety of babies during portions where mothers will exercise without holding them. The class is taught by an instructor experienced in post-natal exercise training. For information, call 568-3264.

Essay contest

SKIESUNLIMITED through the MWR child and youth programs is conducting an essay contest entitled “What is it like to be a Military Child.” Winners will be selected from three divisions: elementary (minimum of 100 words), middle school (175 words), and high school (300 words). Each essay should include, but is not limited to the following topics: moving frequently, transitioning to a new school, leaving old friends, family, a parent being deployed, and making new friends. Participants must drop off the essay at any MWR CYS facility, Child Development Center, Youth Services Center, Teen Center Bldg. 635, or the ACS Bldg. 2494.The essay may also be mailed to SKIESUNLIMITED, 2494 Ricker Road., Fort Bliss, Texas 79916, Attn: Gabriele Johnson. Deadline for submission is Oct. 28. Winners will be announced Nov. 4. The winners essay will be displayed at the Fort Bliss Main Exchange. Entrants must indicate their name, address, and phone number on your essay. Prizes are sponsored by AAFES and will be awarded for each level of winners. For more information, call 569-7732.

Turkey Voucher Program

Fort Bliss MWR is asking for contributions to the Army Community Service Turkey Voucher Program. This annual program supplements the holiday meal for active duty Soldiers, retirees and family members in the Fort Bliss community who experience financial hardships during the holidays. For more information, call 568-6741 or mail contributions to MWR Marketing, Bldg. 11 Pershing Road, Fort Bliss, Texas 79916.

Vendors needed

Vendors are needed for “Cowboy Christmas,” scheduled the weekends of Dec. 3, 4,10,11,17 and 18 at WallaceTown USA. This is a western town replica located east of El Paso. Vendors selling arts and craft items, informational vendors and entertainers can apply. Food vendors are welcome. Special entertainment and events are scheduled during this time. Western gunfighters and entertainment acts will be part of the venue. Individuals wanting to sell art, promote books and other print media are also welcome. Persons interested in entering in the fiddle playing and banjo plucking contest and Folklorico contest are also encouraged to contact the office. To reserve space or to enter the contests, call 544-5992.

Wallacetown USA

WallaceTown USA, a replica of an old west town, is looking to book entertainment and specialty acts. The main stage is located inside the Ol’ Opera House and secondary stages located throughout the town. Bands, singer, dancers, magicians and specialty acts are among the needed entertainment. If the act fits the needs bookings will be made for September through the end of the year. Only entertainers serious about their act and dedicated to schedule need apply. For additional information or to schedule an audition, call 544-5992, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Auditions are scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Lady singers wanted

For those who enjoy singing, the El Paso Sungold Sweet Adeline’s Women’s Chorus at First Presbyterian Church 1340 Murchinson, performs every Monday night at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 778-7503.

FBB Sundays

Join the Fort Bliss Bowling Center for Family Fun Bowling Sundays. Featured specials include “bowl two games, get one free” and “purchase three or more shoe rentals, receive a shoe rental for free” (limited to one free rental). Be sure to mention the specials when checking out. The new Sunday bowling hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 568-6272.

Bliss relocation fair

Entering a new installation is like entering the unknown – it can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Fort Bliss Army Community Service understands what families experience during this time and ACS is here to help. The center invites all new military service members and their families to our Bienvenidos a Bliss Relocation Fair Oct. 20, at 10 a.m. at the ACS Bldg. located at 2494 Ricker Road. MWR and various sponsors in El Paso will be welcoming and celebrating the arrival of our newcomers to the beautiful sun city of El Paso, Texas. This special event will showcase valuable resources that ACS, MWR, and various Fort Bliss support agencies have to offer to our new Soldiers and their families. The Wellness Clinic at William Beaumont Army Medical Center is participating in the fair, offering the “Self-Care Sticker” that authorizes free over-the-counter medications at WBAMC. Participants also have the chance to join the “Life Force” with the Armed Services Blood Program and donate blood that will benefit all of our brave Soldiers and civilians who are deployed to Iraq to enforce Operation Enduring Freedom. Other scheduled activities include: military working dog demonstration by the military police, door prize drawings from our sponsors (including two roundtrip tickets from Southwest Airlines), Fort Bliss history tour, and live entertainment provided by the 62nd Army Band. For information, call 568-1132.

Reduced airline fares

United Airlines is now offering reduced fares for active duty and reserve members of the Navy, Marines, Army, Air Force and National Guard. In addition, servicemembers' spouses and dependent children are also eligible. These special fares are not available at the United Airlines Web site. To purchase the special fares, servicemembers should contact United reservations at (800) 241-6522 and identify themselves as eligible for military fares. All passengers eligible for these and other military fares must carry proper identification. Servicemembers can travel with these special fares through Jan. 31, 2006. For more information, visit www.military.com/Travel.

Stress management

Sign up for the Stress management class at the Family Assistance Center and learn how to better manage your stress. This full day class will help them understand how their personality effects how attendees handle stress, and will teach them how to create a stress management plan geared specifically to their personality type. The next scheduled class will be held Oct. 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Family Assistance Center, Bldg. 2494. To sign up, call 568-1132.

Retirement ceremony

The Retirement Ceremony for the month of October will be held inside Soldier Hall, Bldg. 2. The ceremony will be held Oct. 26 at 9 a.m. and dress rehearsal will be held Oct. 25 at 8:30 a.m.

AFAP conference

The Fort Bliss Army Family Action Plan conference is scheduled for Oct. 11 through 14. AFAP is an Army program designed to give everyone in our community the opportunity to voice concerns and make recommendations for change within our own military installation and or the Army. Issues can be submitted at Army Community Service or online at www.blissmwr.com. Delegates are needed to participate in work group discussions to prioritize the top issues that will be briefed to Brig. Gen. Robert P. Lennox Oct. 14. Anyone interested in participating must register at ACS or online at www.blissmwr.com/CSC. For information, call 568-2382.

Dance and ballet class

SKIESUNLIMITED dance classes will be held at the Youth Center, Bldg. 195. Participants must register with central registration to participate. Payment is due at time of registration in order to ensure placement in the class. To maintain enrollment in class, payment is due two weeks prior to the beginning of month. One recital per year will be presented to showcase students progress. For information, call 569-7732.

Rhythm and dance 1 (now through 28 and Nov. 2 through 20): For 3 to 5 year olds Wednesday and Friday from 3 to 3:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 4 p.m. Transportation for the 3 p.m. class will be provided for weekly children who attend CDC. Cost for classes is $35 per month.

Rhythm and dance 2 (now through 28 and Nov. 2 through 20): For elementary school age children, Wednesday and Friday from 4 to 4:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 5 p.m. Cost is $35 per month.

Pre-ballet (Oct. 5 through 28 and Nov. 2 through 20): For 3 to 5– year– olds Wednesday and Friday from 3 to 3:30 p.m and 3:30 to 4 p.m. Transportation for the 3 p.m. class will be provided for weekly children who attend CDC. Cost is $35 per month.

Primary ballet (Oct. 5 through 28 and Nov. 2 through 20): For school age elementary children, Wednesday and Friday from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $35 per month.

Ballet 1 (Oct. 5 through 28 and Nov. 2 through 20): For elementary students ages 6 and older, Wednesday and Friday 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Cost for this class is $50 per month.

Sewing machines needed

SKIESUNLIMITED is asking for help. We would like to start sewing classes and are asking for people to donate their old sewing machine. We are also looking for a cheerleader instructor. Any one interested may call Gabriele Johnson at 569-7732.

Barbershop favorites

The El Paso Sungold Sweet Adelines will salute our country’s veterans with patriotic music and other classical barbershop favorites, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Chamizal. Advanced tickets can be purchased for $10 adults and children 12 and younger are free. Tickets at the door will cost $12. For more information, contact 778-7503.

Gary V concert

Gary V will be in concert tomorrow, 7:30 p.m. at the El Paso Convention Center. Special guest will be Powerplay, May Ann Casal and Melissa Fontano. Tickets can be purchased at the El Paso Convention Center Ticket Master and Maharlika Asian Merchandise. For more information, contact Socorro Montague at 630-5104. Part of the net proceeds will go to Bantay Bata, children in need in the Philippines and worldwide Christian mission.

Spooktacular carnival

The Junior Woman’s Club of El Paso will host “Spooktacular,” a children’s carnival, Oct. 22 and 23. The carnival will be held at the El Paso Convention and Performing Arts Center. The times for the carnival are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 22 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 23. The cost for tickets is $4 for children and $5 for adults. Tickets can be purchased for $3 at any Howdy’s prior to the event or with any Junior Woman’s Club member.

Golf tourney

The El Paso Del Norte Chapter of NIGP plans to host a charity golf tournament Saturday. The event, benefiting the El Paso Candlelighters, will take place at Fort Bliss. Call Fred Ponce at 849-3543.

Warrant officer recruiting

Interested in becoming a warrant officer? The office, Chief of Air Defense Artillery is assisting Soldiers in putting together packets in preparation for upcoming warrant officer selection boards. Openings are available for military occupational specialty 140A, Command and Control Systems Technician, and MOS 140E, Air Missile Defense Technician/Tactician (Patriot System Technician). Air Defense is seeking applicants from career management fields 14, 25, 35, and 95 for the 140 series MOS. Information on prerequisites and sample packets can be found at www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/. Call 568-6157 or 568-1300 any questions, additional information or guidance.

Four-wheel drive overnighter

Saturday and Sunday there will be a four–wheel drive overnighter. The overnighter will take place on the Dona Ana Trail in Las Cruces, with a departure time of 10 a.m. Saturday and a return time of noon Sunday. The meeting place will be the Shell Gas Station on the West side of El Paso at the bottom of Trans Mountain (route 375) and I-10. Come on out and enjoy a night of four–wheeling with us. Don’t forget to bring hiking shoes, tent, water, food, and firewood. This is a child friendly event. For more information, call 569-0377 or 569-0232.

Art festival

The El Paso Empowerment Zone will host a series of five writing workshops for parents, grandparents, and friends of children attending Aoy, Alamo and Roosevelt Elementary Schools. Workshop presenter is Margarita Velez, author of “Stories from the Barrio and other Hoods” and contributor for “Chicken Soup for the Latino Soul.” Workshops will be held today from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Armijo Public Library’s Mural Room, 620 East Seventh Street. For more information, log onto www.txrasquachefest.org or call 351-1191 or 351-1680.

Country Junction

Country Junction will host an autumn event in October. The autumn event will be tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be door prizes and refreshments. Country Junction is located at 2011 Sheridan Road. For more information please call 562-7467.

Volunteers needed

Looking for a few good men! The Old Fort Bliss children's program is looking for a few good men to volunteer as carpenters and blacksmiths. For more information, contact Lauri-Anne Disinger at the Old Fort Bliss, 568 3137.

Fall vendors wanted

Unity El Paso, 1420 Alabama St., is seeking arts and crafts vendors for its Fall Festival Nov. 5 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Table fee is $40. Call Mark Hindsley, at 566-5544.

Job fair

The Association of the United States Army and the Army Career and Alumni Program will sponsor a job fair Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The job fair will be held at the Centennial Club on Biggs Army Airfield.

Kid-n-Co.

Who wants to marry the Sultan’s daughter? Kids–n–Co. will present Kevin P. Mullin’s new version of the classic Arabian Nights tale in which Rajis Fawaaz hosts the reality game show that will select a husband for Princess Adara. Aladdin enters the competition with the help of the Genie of the Lamp, but discovers magic wishes don’t always work the way one might think. Performances will be Oct. 1 through 23 at 2:30 p.m. The Kids–n–Co. Theater is located at 1301 Texas St. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children, students, senior and active military are available at the door. No advance reservations will be taken. For more information, call 351-1455.

Kids–n–Co. will hold auditions for the holiday presentation “The Legend of the Poinsettia” at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 2 and 3 at the Kids–n–Co. Theater, 1301 Texas Ave. The imaginative, musical retelling of the beloved Mexican story has been written by Carol Viescas and will be directed by Stacey Ford Osborne. Roles are available for two males and two female’s ages late teens to adult and seven boys and girls ages 8 to 12. Everyone is required to sing, as the play contains many familiar Christmas songs sung in both English and Spanish. “The Legend of Poinsettia” will be performed weekends Nov. 26 through Dec. 18 at the Kids–n–Co. Theater and at Chamizal National Memorial. For more information, call 351-1455.

Outdoor Adventures

MWR Outdoor Adventures has the following trips planned for October:

Wild West day: Saturday, $25. Cost includes admission to Ruidoso Downs Cowboy Symposium.
Ruidoso day: Oct. 22, $10 or $45 with 2 hours of horseback riding.

Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument: Oct. 29, $20. Cost includes park admission fee for the dwellings.
All trips include snacks, beverages and transportation. To sign up, call 568-2784.

Boss’ Day

National Boss’ Day is Oct. 14. The Centennial and Officers’ Club will celebrate Boss’ day lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gather colleagues and surprise supervisors with a free dessert. The club’s will even help them to look good in their bosses’ eyes by providing them with a special gift. For more information, call the Centennial at 562-5969 or the O’Club at 568-7013.

Attention servicewomen

I am writing a book about military women – past and present. Those who have a great story to share, or know someone who does, contact me at combatboots25@aol.com.

Pumkin Patch harvest

Oct. 22, from noon to 3 p.m. the Officers’ Club will host its first Halloween Pumpkin Patch Harvest. This family event will include face painting, pumpkin carving and contest, scariest to most original costume contest, ghost storytelling and bobbing for apples. Popcorn, caramel apples, apple cider, hot chocolate and coffee will be available at the event. For more information, call 568-3164.

Halloween parties

The Fort Bliss Bowling Center will host a Halloween costume contest and party, Oct. 29. Bowl for just $1 a game from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The costume contest will take place at 8:30 p.m. in the center’s lounge. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes in two divisions: a youth division ages 12 and under and a division for individuals 13 and up. First place winners in each division will receive a bowling ball and bag. Partiers are then invited to stay for the center’s state-of-the-art sound and glow-in-the-dark light show, Thunder Alley, which begins at 10 p.m. For more information, call 568-6272.

The Metro Station, a nightclub for all enlisted ranks, located in the lower level of the Centennial, will also host a Halloween costume contest and party, Oct. 29. There will not be a cover charge from 9 to 11:59 p.m. There will be a $5 cover charge from midnight to 5 a.m. Complimentary snacks will be served through midnight. The costume contest will be held at 11 p.m. and prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. For more information, call 562-5969.

The haunted, old-fashioned Pershing Pub at the Fort Bliss Officers’ Club will conduct a Halloween costume contest and party, Oct. 28, at 4:30 p.m. Complimentary snacks will be served and prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. For more information, call 568-7013.

Marine Corps COC

The Marine Corps Detachment will have a change of command for Lt. Col. Michael A. Hunter Oct. 20 at 8:30 a.m. The ceremony will be held at Smith-Bliss Field.

Art festival

The Rasquache Juried Art competition will be held Oct. 29 on Texas Ave. The themes of the art competition are Dia De Los Muertos, Culture, Heritage, Death and Border Issues. The Rasquache Art competition invites students and individuals to submit original art work. This competition showcases medium categories: painting (oils, acrylics, etc.), works on paper (pencil, ink, marker, pastel, watercolor, crayons, charcoal, graphic design, etc.), photography (black & white, color), sculpture (in the round or in a relief), craft (mixed media, pottery, jewelry, weaving, etc.). For artists seeking more information, call 351-1191 or visit the festival Web site at www.txrasquachefest.org.

Grape Stomp

La Viña will have its Harvest Festival and Grape Stomp, Oct. 15 and 16; from noon to 7 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and includes a souvenir wine glass and 6 tastes of wine or a glass of wine. The festival will feature great music, food, arts, crafts and New Mexico’s finest wines from La Viña. La Viña is located at 4201 S. Highway 28 La Union N.M take Vinton, #2 in Texas, west away from the mountains, about 4 miles to Hwy 28, then right 1 mile to the winery.

Framing Bliss

Now through Nov. 15, Framing Bliss will offer 25 percent off your second full custom frame job of equal or lesser value. Frame must be purchased at Framing Bliss. The shop also has great Halloween village houses and Thomas Kinkade Christmas houses, trees and ornaments at 20 percent off during this time. For information, call 568-5563.

AFTB basket bingo

Army Community Services will host Army Family Team Building basket bingo Oct. 27. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and games start at 6:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased through any AFTB instructor or at ACS, Bldg. 2494 Ricker Road. Advance tickets are $10, or $15 at the door. This event is open to the public. All proceeds go toward childcare fees for AFTB students and volunteers. For more information, call 568-2382.

Unit pool reservations

The Community Pool and Replica Aquatic Center may be utilized by units for training purposes. All units must make a reservation in advance in order to ensure adequate lifeguard ratios and pool safety. Due to the large number of requests for usage, reservations must be made at least 60 days in advance. Currently, the pool is fully scheduled through Nov. 15. Reservations are taken on a first come, first served basis. Pool staff will work with deploying units if training is required prior to departure. For reservations, call 568-7431, then follow up with a memo confirming reservation. The memo may be faxed to 568-2619. The pool may be reserved from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. All units must have an OIC or NCOIC in charge of the group. For safety reasons, all pool rules must be adhered to, and order maintained at all times. For assistance, call 568-7431.

Make a Difference Day

The Fort Bliss Army Volunteer Corps will participate in a nationwide day of giving called “Make a Difference Day,” Oct. 22. It is a day celebrated across the nation to promote volunteerism, and to help people in their community. This year, Fort Bliss will participate in several projects that will “Make a Difference” in the Fort Bliss and the El Paso Community by beautifying Old Fort Bliss, collecting used coats for under privileged children, collecting gentle used books for the surrounding schools, and cleaning up a playground for a children’s home. Contact the Army Volunteer Corps Coordinator for more information at 568-1132.

Chess instructors needed

Memorial Park Library, one mile from the Pershing Gate, is looking for Saturday afternoon chess instructors and assistants for children’s chess. Adult, teen or younger whizzes are invited to volunteer 1 1/2 hours each Saturday. Enjoyment of chess and dependability are a must. Volunteers must register with the city’s volunteer program. Those interested should contact Janie Villasana, Librarian, at 566-1034, 3200 Copper Avenue. Share your chess experience and get tremendous reward from the kids.

Koffee Klatch

The El Paso Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host a Koffee Klatch, Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at McCall Neighbor Center, 3231 E. Wyoming Ave. Donation for this event is $5.

Paintball league

The first Military Paintball League tournament will take place at Sheppard Air Force Base Texas Nov. 5 and 6 Staff Sgt. Zane Hughes is organizing this non-profit league to give military paintball teams their own tournament series in which they can compete amongst themselves for large prize packages without having to spend an entire months pay. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Youth Sports Program with the remainder being donated to the bases different non profit private organizations. This two day inaugural event will kick off the morning of Nov. 5 with a free youth clinic, which is open to all military dependents less than 17 years of age. The clinic will consist of teaching the rules and safety of paintball as well as some free time for play. The field will open for team practice in the afternoon. Use of the field and rental equipment will be free for all teams signed up to play in the main event Nov. 5. For more information, contact Zane Hughes at (940) 676-3548, or by e-mail zane.hughes@sheppard.af.mil.

Physical therapy education fair

For those who want to become a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant there will be a representative from UTEP, EPCC and Army-Baylor University Physical Therapy Programs available today at William Beaumont from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The representatives will be available in the Clinic Assembly Room 1st Floor, next to the credit union. For more information, contact 1st Lt. Rebecca Morrell at 569-2181, or e-mail Rebecca.morrell@amedd.army.mil.

Rod and Gun Club

As a special notification to the Fort Bliss military community, effective Oct. 7, the Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club, Bldg. 3730 located at Railroad Drive and Deer Street, will no longer provide the service of retail sales of firearms to active duty Soldiers and retirees. This action has been necessitated as a result of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and explosives. Inspections revealed certain administrative and procedural guidelines were not being correctly followed. The Rod and Gun Club will continue the sale of ammunition, accessories and reloading components and provide rental firearms for use at the facility.

Youth lacrosse club

Youth lacrosse club is now forming. Open to both boys and girls, no experience necessary. Club meets every Saturday at noon at the Youth Plex, Bldg. 195. Come prepared to play this exciting, fast paced sport. For information, call 568-5437.

Post-wide yard sale

Fort Bliss will host a post wide yard sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 29 , in all housing units here, Biggs, Beaumont, Logan Heights, Hayes and 801 housing which is located off Martin Luther King Blvd. Those who want to participate in the yard sale may simply display their items during the designated times; no formal permission is required. This event is open to the El Paso, Juarez and surrounding communities. All guests entering Fort Bliss property will be required to have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, valid car registration, safety inspection sticker, and will be subject to vehicle search. Military police will not allow yard sale shoppers in the housing areas prior to 7 a.m. All Fort Bliss residents are encouraged to participate. For information, call 568-6741.



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	October 6, 2005

<map name="boxmap-b4"> <area shape="rect" coords="0, 589, 120, 600" href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm/privacy-policy.html?o=1" > <area coords="0,0,10000,10000" href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=&creative=92501&camp=8117&link_code=dl1&path=subst/misc/amazon-cobrand-cc/v3/marketing-from-associates-step1.html/ref%3Db1_assoc_29" > </map>	Off Duty Gate closure The Chaffee Gate will be closed this weekend due to construction. The gate will re-open at 5 a.m. Oct. 10 for normal operations. For questions, contact the military police desk at 568-2115. Apologetix The U.S. Sergeants Major Academy will host Apologetix Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. in the East Auditorium at USASMA. The concert is free. For more information, call 568-8223 or 861-1321. Commissary self-checkout The self check-out lane will be 20 items or less. This will help speed up the checking out process for customers. If a customer has more than 20 items they may go through a regular checkout lane. Leadership award Nominations are requested for the following awards and will be considered for the Secretary of the Army annual awards ceremony. Nominations are requested for the following awards: decoration for exceptional civilian services and Secretary of the Army Award for Valor. For more information, contact (703) 695-5698. For more information, on the suggesters of the year award, contact (703) 614-4366. For more information on the Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Award, call (703) 693-6114. For more information on the EEO Award, call (703) 607-2331. Nominations for all award categories must include endorsement by a Major Army Command Commander and DA Form 1256, EEO certification completed on each nominee per guidance contained in AR 672-20, Paragraph 2-2 and biographical data including employment history, proposed citation consisting of 50 to 60 words. The citation should highlight the nominees specific achievement. An electronic photograph is also needed for each nominee for inclusion in the ceremony program booklet. The suspense date of Nov. 10 applies to: Combat Training Support Center, Fort Bliss, Texas, Fort Hood, Texas, Fort Huachuca, Ariz., Fort Irwin, Calif., Fort Polk, La., Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Fort Sill, Okla., Presidio of Monterey, Calif., White Sands Missile Range, N.M. and Yuma Proving Grounds, Ariz. Scholarship fundraiser The Pfc. Howard Johnson II Scholarship is named in honor of Pfc. Howard Johnson II, who was assigned to the 507th Maintenance Company, and was killed in action during the earlier stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Pfc. Howard Johnson scholarship committee looks for applicants who demonstrate many of the outstanding qualities Pfc. Howard Johnson displayed throughout his life such as; community service, duty to others, our nation, sacrifice for the good of others, loyalty, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. The scholarship fund drive will go through Dec. 31. Those interested in contributing to the Pfc. Howard Johnson II Scholarship can contact Unity Missionary Baptist Church at (915) 757-0426 or send contributions to Unity Missionary Baptist Church in care of the Pfc. Howard Johnson II Scholarship fund at 4601 Maxwell Ave., El Paso, Texas 79904. Rehabilitation bowling The El Paso Rehabilitation Center Bowling Club gives children of all ages and abilities the opportunity to make new friends, have fun and get some exercise. Every 1st and 3rd Thursday, there will be a meeting at Fiesta Lanes, 5850 Onix and every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at Oasis. Air Force professions The Air Force Medical Service is hiring nurses, dentists and physicians. Current military dentists, nurses and physicians within one year of completing their military service obligation and would like to apply for the Air Force may call or E – mail for details. The representative for the Fort Bliss and El Paso communities is Tech. Sgt. Bill Malcolm at (505) 888-1975 or E – mail, william.malcolm@rs.af.mil. Howl-o-Wine Dog Walk La Viña Winery will host a Halloween walk costume contest for your pet, enter to win $50, all proceeds go to offer free spay/neutering services. The walk will be Oct. 23 from noon to 4 p.m. For information, call 855-7273 or go to www.petsalive.org. West Texas Food Bank The West Texas Food Bank is asking for donations to help food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Please drop off: Beverages (no glass containers): water, single serve juices and soda pop drinks. Food: canned goods – chili, stew, pasta with sauce, vegetables and fruits. Paper goods: plates, cups, forks, spoons, diapers, tissue paper and trash bags. Cleaning supplies: bleach, liquid cleaning products, air fresheners, and disinfectant sprays, buckets, mops, brooms, dust pans and rubber gloves. Personal hygiene products: bar or liquid soap, deodorant, baby wipes, shampoo, tooth brushes, toothpaste, feminine and hygiene products. The West Texas Food Bank’s drop-off location is at 3727 Shell Street. They are looking for volunteers. For more information, call 595-1060. Disaster relief fund NCOA is now accepting donations for the disaster relief fund. Please mail donations to: P.O. Box 33610 San Antonio, Texas 78265 or contact Tina Kish or Karen Kopecki at (800) 662-2620. Donations can be made by money order or credit card. Biz Tech Expo 2005 The seventh annual Biz Tech will be held Oct. 13 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the El Paso Convention Center. For more information on sponsorship opportunities and booth sales, contact the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at 566-4066. Sign up to see the latest wave in business technology. The Business Technology Expo is looking for volunteers, who are needed Oct. 12 from 3 to 5 p.m., Oct. 13 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Oct. 14, 8 to 10 a.m. Holiday Bazaar The holidays are approaching fast. Find a gift for that special someone at the Fort Bliss Holiday Bazaar happening on Nov. 5 and 6. Hours for Nov. 5 are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and hours for Nov. 6 are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event will take place at the Fort Bliss Stout Gym. Cost is $1. There will be arts and crafts, collectibles, antiques, dolls, food and entertainment. There will be over 120 vendors with many items to chose from. The Gate by Airport and Cassidy will be open to the public. For information, call 590-7202. Community Outreach Program The Community Outreach Program is an Army initiative encouraging Soldiers to participate in events in the civilian community and to reciprocate by inviting members of the community to the installation. Military installations are required to report to Department of the Army activities they have coordinated with the civilian community. The Public Affairs Office is the central collection agency for all of these things. All requests from the civilian community to a unit or individual will be directed to the Public Affairs Office for coordination and accountability reporting. The PAO staff ensures that all legal requirements, liability issues, and staffing coordination are completed in accordance with Army and Fort Bliss regulations. Requests can be e-mailed to atzc-cgp@bliss.army.mil , faxed to 568-2995, or mailed to Public Affairs Office, Bldg. 15, Slater Road, Fort Bliss, Texas 79916-6812. This information can be forwarded to Donita Kelley or by e-mail kelleyd@bliss.army.mil. For more information, call 568-4505 or 568-4601. Virtual Combat Convoy Trainer The Virtual Combat Convoy Trainer will be unavailable for training until Nov. 6. Units wishing to schedule the trainer beginning Nov. 7 should contact the Fort Bliss Central Tasking Office at 568-4752, 568-3009 or 569-2324. Noon lecture series Noon lecture series continues Oct. 12, with Pancho Villa. Pancho Villa was considered the most widely known Mexican throughout the world. He is seen as a Robin Hood, a bandit, a killer, womanizer, and since 1812, the only foreigner to have invaded the United States with troops and killed Americans inside our borders. Bring your lunch, the series is open to the public, and it’s free. Library room closure The Community Library’s Children Room will be closed until further notice due to a facilities problem. The library staff is sorry for the inconvenience and will re-open the facility as soon as it is possible to do so. Operation Santa Claus Fort Bliss Operation Santa Claus is collecting clothing, household goods and non- perishables for displaced hurricane families living with Fort Bliss Soldiers. Please take items to Bldg. 1123. For pick up, a military member must be present. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Estate claims If anyone has claims against the estate of Staff Sgt. Salesia R. Cook, C Company, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, contact Maj. Kimthoa T. Nguyen, at 569-1207, 569-2148 or pager 569-1277, PIN 4813. El Papalote CDC The El Papalote Inclusive Child Development Center has openings for all children ages 18 months to 12 years of age. This is the only facility in El Paso that specializes in caring for children with special needs. Child care is also provided for days children are out of school. The center is located at 1101 East Schuster Ave. and open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Scholarships are also available to those who qualify. For information, call 544-8484. New DFAS hours Defense military pay office customer service hours have changed. The new hours are 8 a.m. to noon Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday for walk-ins, and noon to 4 p.m. for appointments only. The hours Thursday are 8 a.m. to noon closed for training, noon to 2 p.m. open for walk-in and 2 to 4 p.m. appointments only. Recycling update Those who have old cell phones can leave them next to their recyclables at work or bring them to the recycle center, Bldg. 1336 Marshall Road. The recycle center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Likewise, don’t forget the Fort Bliss Recycle Center can recycle your toner and inkjet cartridges from printers, fax machines and copy machines. Please do not throw away toner or inkjet cartridges, recycle them at the Fort Bliss Recycle Center. Be sure and place old toner cartridges inside the cardboard box of the new replacement toner or inkjet cartridge box. This will protect the cartridges from damage and preserve its value. The used toner and inkjet cartridges will be picked up along with other recyclables at recycling collection points. For more information, call Gilbert Garcia, 568-1537. Sun City Soldier wants you “Sun City Soldier” is looking for outstanding servicemembers, DoD and DA civilians, and dependents who are giving 110 percent to their units and local community through volunteerism. SCS wants to spotlight their efforts on the show. The show is also looking for talented Soldiers to anchor SCS. The anchor position requires one day of taping during the week, and approval from a supervisor. Call the Public Affairs Office at 568-7002 or e-mail ATZC-GCP@bliss.army.mil. Unauthorized instructors To all units and those responsible for conducting physical training: it is a violation of government policy for any individual to profit from services provided to servicemembers using federal property. There have recently been complaints about aerobics instructors from the local community coming onto Fort Bliss and conducting aerobics classes or PT sessions to units and charging the Soldiers $1 each for the class. Any instructor not employed by MWR is not authorized to offer or provide any kind of class to the Soldiers. These unauthorized instructors are not insured to provide any form of exercise to Soldiers and are not employed by MWR. MWR provides classes to the Soldiers free of charge at Stout Gym and can be scheduled to meet the individual needs of units. For more information, call Doug Briggs at 568-6458 or Sarah Cho at 204-6640. Hometown News Fort Bliss personnel can now submit their Hometown News release electronically instead of completing the DD Form 2266, Hometown News release information. The Hometown News release is a quick and simple way to showcase the activities and accomplishments of Soldiers. In the past, servicemembers could fill out and forward it through their public affairs office to the Hometown News Service. The service uses the form to produce a news release and market it to newspapers in locations where the servicemember has family ties. For more information call Donita Kelley, Public Affairs Office, 568-2497 568-4601 or e-mail kelleyd@bliss.army.mil. Host families needed There are a number of families who can enjoy a special experience by welcoming into their homes high school exchange students from countries around the world. These volunteer families are participating in the SHARE! Student Exchange Program for the 2005-2006 school years. These international exchange students are eager to learn about how Americans live. However, host families are still needed to host international exchange students for this school year. The host family will provide a bed, meals, as well as friendship, understanding. For more information, call Yvette Coffman at the SHARE! at the Southwest Regional Office at (800) 941-3738. Keep El Paso Beautiful Keep El Paso Beautiful has fully stocked tool sheds ready for use. All necessary items for beautification and clean-up projects are available at no charge to the public. For information, call Kim Prieto, at 546-6742 or 276-3767. San Antonio Lighthouse Nov. 19 San Antonio Lighthouse and the San Antonio Delta Gamma Alumnae Chapter presents Heirloom Appraisal Day. Bring prized heirlooms to the Airport Convention Center at 8505 Broadway in San Antonio, Texas, and get a verbal appraisal for $10. The event is similar to the "Antique Road Show" shown on PBS. Participants can purchase tickets by phone prior to event or at the door Nov. 19. Appraisers from all around Texas will be present to verbally appraise items ranging from fine china to antique paintings. Proceeds will benefit the Focus on Seniors Program – a free program for seniors over the age of 55 with vision impairments. For information, call the San Antonio Lighthouse at (210) 533-5195, ext. 1615. Football Sundays The Down Under Sports Bar at the Officers’ Club and the Metro Station at the Centennial will offer NFL Sunday Ticket every Sunday. Both clubs will open at 11 a.m. and offer multiple broadcasted games daily. Free snacks will be available and patrons may choose their favorite bottle or draft beer both import and domestic. The Officers’ Club will also feature Sunday Brunch before the game. For information about NFL Sundays, call the O’ Club at 568-7013 or 562-5969. NFL crunchtime The Bowling Center introduces NFL Crunch Time every Monday night in the bowling center lounge. Enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat buffet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the bowling lounge. Cost is only $6.95. For more information, call the Bowling Center at 568-6272. Karaoke nights The Officers’ Club hosts karaoke in the Pershing Pub every Friday. “Elvis” Rob Langford sets up at 5:30 p.m. providing MWR patrons with one of the largest selections of karaoke songs in El Paso. Relax, sing along, and have a nice cold beverage to begin the weekend with friends at the Fort Bliss Officers’ Club. For information, call 568-7013. The Fort Bliss Bowling Center hosts karaoke nights for MWR patrons and guests Friday and Saturday nights. Karaoke King takes to the stage at 7:30 and plays until 11 p.m. Thursday and 12:30 a.m. Friday in the center’s lounge. As a reminder, all non-active duty military guests, including family members and civilians, must be at least 21 to drink alcoholic beverages. For information, call 568-6272. ITR cabin rentals Stop by the ITR office for a Ruidoso getaway. ITR now has a listing of cabins and lodges that offer 10 percent discount for military. For information, call 568-7506. Thursday night bowling There are currently openings for the Thursday Nite Las Vegas Mixed Bowling League. Las Vegas is a multiple skill level league that includes beginners to professional bowlers competing on five person teams. Certified bowling coaches are also available. For more details, call the Fort Bliss Bowling Center at 568-6272. Main Street Espresso In addition to featuring Starbucks coffees and beverages, the Main Street Espresso, Bldg. 1310 Cassidy Road, offers breakfast sandwiches, pastries and Panini sandwiches. Stop by for free WiFi or cruise through the drive-thru. The Main Street Espresso can also cater various functions. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. or Saturday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. The facility is closed Sunday. Call 564-5275 for more information. Cycle spinning program For those ready to burn some calories and ride your way to fitness! Bikes are in and classes are now underway. Schedules are now available at Stout Gym. Burning approximately 900 calories in a one-hour class, this is one of the most intense workouts available. The class consists of loud, base-thumping music and energetic instructors leading a group of cyclists on an extreme, sweat-filled ride to fitness. For information call 568-5995. Golden Tee Restaurant The Golden Tee Restaurant and Lounge, located inside the clubhouse at the Underwood Golf complex, is open Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 6 a.m. to dusk. Stop by for breakfast or the daily lunch special during the week. Lunch specials are viewable online. There is also a bar available for patrons. For more information, call 562-3559. SAT and ACT class preparation SKIESUNLIMITED is offering a SAT and ACT preparation class, Oct. 15 and Nov. 12 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Fort Bliss Youth Center Bldg. 195. Cost will be $5 for the class. For further information, call Gabriele Johnson at 569-7732 or Rita O’Conner at 568-3290. Volunteer opportunities Fort Bliss is currently seeking volunteers for the following areas: victim advocate, Soldiers Family Medical Clinic, CYS education assistant-high school, CYS education assistant-elementary, thrift store, Fort Bliss Boy Scout Liaison, Boy Scout leaders, Junior Achievement educators and marketing administration. For more information, call Tephanie Hopper at 568-1132. Martial arts SKIESUNLIMITED is offering Tae Kwon Do Martial Arts classes facilitated by Andrew Choi, a certified Tae Kwon Do instructor at Bldg. 195, Fort Bliss Youth Center. Classes will be now through 29. Classes will take place Wednesday for ages 6 to 12 years old from 6 to 7 p.m.; 13 and up from 7 to 8 p.m.; Saturday classes for children ages 6 and up from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and ages 13 and up from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Cost is $35 for eight classes, two classes per week. For further information, call 569-7732. Disney on Ice “Finding Nemo” will be appearing live in El Paso Oct. 12 through 16 at the El Paso County Coliseum. This underwater adventure will feature the vibrant and colorful production elements, energetic and fanciful skating, heartwarming friendships and the wholesome fun that are the hallmarks of Disney on Ice. Purchase tickets at Fort Bliss ITR for a $5 discount; ringside tickets can be purchased for an additional cost. Tickets are on sale now. For additional information, call 568-7506. Amigo Airsho bulk tickets Units are invited to purchase IOS Amigo Airsho tickets in bulk. El Paso’s premier family entertainment takes place on the tarmac at Biggs Army Airfield, Oct. 8 and 9. Bulk tickets can be purchased in blocks of 25 for as little as $5 per person. If purchased in advance, individual tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 6 to 11 and $8 for military and senior citizens. Children 5 and younger are free. For more information or to purchase bulk tickets, call the IOS Amigo Airsho office at 562-6446. Get fit mom and baby For those ready to get back in shape after having their baby, an aerobics class is being offered to any postpartum mom at least eight weeks post-partum. Mothers are welcome to bring their babies too. They’ll enjoy exercising Monday from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Stout Gym aerobics room. This class is designed to target cardiovascular and muscular strength most needed by new moms to regain after giving birth. Carriers, strollers or playpens are suggested for the safety of babies during portions where mothers will exercise without holding them. The class is taught by an instructor experienced in post-natal exercise training. For information, call 568-3264. Essay contest SKIESUNLIMITED through the MWR child and youth programs is conducting an essay contest entitled “What is it like to be a Military Child.” Winners will be selected from three divisions: elementary (minimum of 100 words), middle school (175 words), and high school (300 words). Each essay should include, but is not limited to the following topics: moving frequently, transitioning to a new school, leaving old friends, family, a parent being deployed, and making new friends. Participants must drop off the essay at any MWR CYS facility, Child Development Center, Youth Services Center, Teen Center Bldg. 635, or the ACS Bldg. 2494.The essay may also be mailed to SKIESUNLIMITED, 2494 Ricker Road., Fort Bliss, Texas 79916, Attn: Gabriele Johnson. Deadline for submission is Oct. 28. Winners will be announced Nov. 4. The winners essay will be displayed at the Fort Bliss Main Exchange. Entrants must indicate their name, address, and phone number on your essay. Prizes are sponsored by AAFES and will be awarded for each level of winners. For more information, call 569-7732. Turkey Voucher Program Fort Bliss MWR is asking for contributions to the Army Community Service Turkey Voucher Program. This annual program supplements the holiday meal for active duty Soldiers, retirees and family members in the Fort Bliss community who experience financial hardships during the holidays. For more information, call 568-6741 or mail contributions to MWR Marketing, Bldg. 11 Pershing Road, Fort Bliss, Texas 79916. Vendors needed Vendors are needed for “Cowboy Christmas,” scheduled the weekends of Dec. 3, 4,10,11,17 and 18 at WallaceTown USA. This is a western town replica located east of El Paso. Vendors selling arts and craft items, informational vendors and entertainers can apply. Food vendors are welcome. Special entertainment and events are scheduled during this time. Western gunfighters and entertainment acts will be part of the venue. Individuals wanting to sell art, promote books and other print media are also welcome. Persons interested in entering in the fiddle playing and banjo plucking contest and Folklorico contest are also encouraged to contact the office. To reserve space or to enter the contests, call 544-5992. Wallacetown USA WallaceTown USA, a replica of an old west town, is looking to book entertainment and specialty acts. The main stage is located inside the Ol’ Opera House and secondary stages located throughout the town. Bands, singer, dancers, magicians and specialty acts are among the needed entertainment. If the act fits the needs bookings will be made for September through the end of the year. Only entertainers serious about their act and dedicated to schedule need apply. For additional information or to schedule an audition, call 544-5992, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Auditions are scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Lady singers wanted For those who enjoy singing, the El Paso Sungold Sweet Adeline’s Women’s Chorus at First Presbyterian Church 1340 Murchinson, performs every Monday night at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 778-7503. FBB Sundays Join the Fort Bliss Bowling Center for Family Fun Bowling Sundays. Featured specials include “bowl two games, get one free” and “purchase three or more shoe rentals, receive a shoe rental for free” (limited to one free rental). Be sure to mention the specials when checking out. The new Sunday bowling hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 568-6272. Bliss relocation fair Entering a new installation is like entering the unknown – it can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Fort Bliss Army Community Service understands what families experience during this time and ACS is here to help. The center invites all new military service members and their families to our Bienvenidos a Bliss Relocation Fair Oct. 20, at 10 a.m. at the ACS Bldg. located at 2494 Ricker Road. MWR and various sponsors in El Paso will be welcoming and celebrating the arrival of our newcomers to the beautiful sun city of El Paso, Texas. This special event will showcase valuable resources that ACS, MWR, and various Fort Bliss support agencies have to offer to our new Soldiers and their families. The Wellness Clinic at William Beaumont Army Medical Center is participating in the fair, offering the “Self-Care Sticker” that authorizes free over-the-counter medications at WBAMC. Participants also have the chance to join the “Life Force” with the Armed Services Blood Program and donate blood that will benefit all of our brave Soldiers and civilians who are deployed to Iraq to enforce Operation Enduring Freedom. Other scheduled activities include: military working dog demonstration by the military police, door prize drawings from our sponsors (including two roundtrip tickets from Southwest Airlines), Fort Bliss history tour, and live entertainment provided by the 62nd Army Band. For information, call 568-1132. Reduced airline fares United Airlines is now offering reduced fares for active duty and reserve members of the Navy, Marines, Army, Air Force and National Guard. In addition, servicemembers' spouses and dependent children are also eligible. These special fares are not available at the United Airlines Web site. To purchase the special fares, servicemembers should contact United reservations at (800) 241-6522 and identify themselves as eligible for military fares. All passengers eligible for these and other military fares must carry proper identification. Servicemembers can travel with these special fares through Jan. 31, 2006. For more information, visit www.military.com/Travel. Stress management Sign up for the Stress management class at the Family Assistance Center and learn how to better manage your stress. This full day class will help them understand how their personality effects how attendees handle stress, and will teach them how to create a stress management plan geared specifically to their personality type. The next scheduled class will be held Oct. 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Family Assistance Center, Bldg. 2494. To sign up, call 568-1132. Retirement ceremony The Retirement Ceremony for the month of October will be held inside Soldier Hall, Bldg. 2. The ceremony will be held Oct. 26 at 9 a.m. and dress rehearsal will be held Oct. 25 at 8:30 a.m. AFAP conference The Fort Bliss Army Family Action Plan conference is scheduled for Oct. 11 through 14. AFAP is an Army program designed to give everyone in our community the opportunity to voice concerns and make recommendations for change within our own military installation and or the Army. Issues can be submitted at Army Community Service or online at www.blissmwr.com. Delegates are needed to participate in work group discussions to prioritize the top issues that will be briefed to Brig. Gen. Robert P. Lennox Oct. 14. Anyone interested in participating must register at ACS or online at www.blissmwr.com/CSC. For information, call 568-2382. Dance and ballet class SKIESUNLIMITED dance classes will be held at the Youth Center, Bldg. 195. Participants must register with central registration to participate. Payment is due at time of registration in order to ensure placement in the class. To maintain enrollment in class, payment is due two weeks prior to the beginning of month. One recital per year will be presented to showcase students progress. For information, call 569-7732. Rhythm and dance 1 (now through 28 and Nov. 2 through 20): For 3 to 5 year olds Wednesday and Friday from 3 to 3:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 4 p.m. Transportation for the 3 p.m. class will be provided for weekly children who attend CDC. Cost for classes is $35 per month. Rhythm and dance 2 (now through 28 and Nov. 2 through 20): For elementary school age children, Wednesday and Friday from 4 to 4:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 5 p.m. Cost is $35 per month. Pre-ballet (Oct. 5 through 28 and Nov. 2 through 20): For 3 to 5– year– olds Wednesday and Friday from 3 to 3:30 p.m and 3:30 to 4 p.m. Transportation for the 3 p.m. class will be provided for weekly children who attend CDC. Cost is $35 per month. Primary ballet (Oct. 5 through 28 and Nov. 2 through 20): For school age elementary children, Wednesday and Friday from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $35 per month. Ballet 1 (Oct. 5 through 28 and Nov. 2 through 20): For elementary students ages 6 and older, Wednesday and Friday 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Cost for this class is $50 per month. Sewing machines needed SKIESUNLIMITED is asking for help. We would like to start sewing classes and are asking for people to donate their old sewing machine. We are also looking for a cheerleader instructor. Any one interested may call Gabriele Johnson at 569-7732. Barbershop favorites The El Paso Sungold Sweet Adelines will salute our country’s veterans with patriotic music and other classical barbershop favorites, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Chamizal. Advanced tickets can be purchased for $10 adults and children 12 and younger are free. Tickets at the door will cost $12. For more information, contact 778-7503. Gary V concert Gary V will be in concert tomorrow, 7:30 p.m. at the El Paso Convention Center. Special guest will be Powerplay, May Ann Casal and Melissa Fontano. Tickets can be purchased at the El Paso Convention Center Ticket Master and Maharlika Asian Merchandise. For more information, contact Socorro Montague at 630-5104. Part of the net proceeds will go to Bantay Bata, children in need in the Philippines and worldwide Christian mission. Spooktacular carnival The Junior Woman’s Club of El Paso will host “Spooktacular,” a children’s carnival, Oct. 22 and 23. The carnival will be held at the El Paso Convention and Performing Arts Center. The times for the carnival are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 22 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 23. The cost for tickets is $4 for children and $5 for adults. Tickets can be purchased for $3 at any Howdy’s prior to the event or with any Junior Woman’s Club member. Golf tourney The El Paso Del Norte Chapter of NIGP plans to host a charity golf tournament Saturday. The event, benefiting the El Paso Candlelighters, will take place at Fort Bliss. Call Fred Ponce at 849-3543. Warrant officer recruiting Interested in becoming a warrant officer? The office, Chief of Air Defense Artillery is assisting Soldiers in putting together packets in preparation for upcoming warrant officer selection boards. Openings are available for military occupational specialty 140A, Command and Control Systems Technician, and MOS 140E, Air Missile Defense Technician/Tactician (Patriot System Technician). Air Defense is seeking applicants from career management fields 14, 25, 35, and 95 for the 140 series MOS. Information on prerequisites and sample packets can be found at www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/. Call 568-6157 or 568-1300 any questions, additional information or guidance. Four-wheel drive overnighter Saturday and Sunday there will be a four–wheel drive overnighter. The overnighter will take place on the Dona Ana Trail in Las Cruces, with a departure time of 10 a.m. Saturday and a return time of noon Sunday. The meeting place will be the Shell Gas Station on the West side of El Paso at the bottom of Trans Mountain (route 375) and I-10. Come on out and enjoy a night of four–wheeling with us. Don’t forget to bring hiking shoes, tent, water, food, and firewood. This is a child friendly event. For more information, call 569-0377 or 569-0232. Art festival The El Paso Empowerment Zone will host a series of five writing workshops for parents, grandparents, and friends of children attending Aoy, Alamo and Roosevelt Elementary Schools. Workshop presenter is Margarita Velez, author of “Stories from the Barrio and other Hoods” and contributor for “Chicken Soup for the Latino Soul.” Workshops will be held today from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Armijo Public Library’s Mural Room, 620 East Seventh Street. For more information, log onto www.txrasquachefest.org or call 351-1191 or 351-1680. Country Junction Country Junction will host an autumn event in October. The autumn event will be tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be door prizes and refreshments. Country Junction is located at 2011 Sheridan Road. For more information please call 562-7467. Volunteers needed Looking for a few good men! The Old Fort Bliss children's program is looking for a few good men to volunteer as carpenters and blacksmiths. For more information, contact Lauri-Anne Disinger at the Old Fort Bliss, 568 3137. Fall vendors wanted Unity El Paso, 1420 Alabama St., is seeking arts and crafts vendors for its Fall Festival Nov. 5 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Table fee is $40. Call Mark Hindsley, at 566-5544. Job fair The Association of the United States Army and the Army Career and Alumni Program will sponsor a job fair Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The job fair will be held at the Centennial Club on Biggs Army Airfield. Kid-n-Co. Who wants to marry the Sultan’s daughter? Kids–n–Co. will present Kevin P. Mullin’s new version of the classic Arabian Nights tale in which Rajis Fawaaz hosts the reality game show that will select a husband for Princess Adara. Aladdin enters the competition with the help of the Genie of the Lamp, but discovers magic wishes don’t always work the way one might think. Performances will be Oct. 1 through 23 at 2:30 p.m. The Kids–n–Co. Theater is located at 1301 Texas St. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children, students, senior and active military are available at the door. No advance reservations will be taken. For more information, call 351-1455. Kids–n–Co. will hold auditions for the holiday presentation “The Legend of the Poinsettia” at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 2 and 3 at the Kids–n–Co. Theater, 1301 Texas Ave. The imaginative, musical retelling of the beloved Mexican story has been written by Carol Viescas and will be directed by Stacey Ford Osborne. Roles are available for two males and two female’s ages late teens to adult and seven boys and girls ages 8 to 12. Everyone is required to sing, as the play contains many familiar Christmas songs sung in both English and Spanish. “The Legend of Poinsettia” will be performed weekends Nov. 26 through Dec. 18 at the Kids–n–Co. Theater and at Chamizal National Memorial. For more information, call 351-1455. Outdoor Adventures MWR Outdoor Adventures has the following trips planned for October: Wild West day: Saturday, $25. Cost includes admission to Ruidoso Downs Cowboy Symposium. Ruidoso day: Oct. 22, $10 or $45 with 2 hours of horseback riding. Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument: Oct. 29, $20. Cost includes park admission fee for the dwellings. All trips include snacks, beverages and transportation. To sign up, call 568-2784. Boss’ Day National Boss’ Day is Oct. 14. The Centennial and Officers’ Club will celebrate Boss’ day lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gather colleagues and surprise supervisors with a free dessert. The club’s will even help them to look good in their bosses’ eyes by providing them with a special gift. For more information, call the Centennial at 562-5969 or the O’Club at 568-7013. Attention servicewomen I am writing a book about military women – past and present. Those who have a great story to share, or know someone who does, contact me at combatboots25@aol.com. Pumkin Patch harvest Oct. 22, from noon to 3 p.m. the Officers’ Club will host its first Halloween Pumpkin Patch Harvest. This family event will include face painting, pumpkin carving and contest, scariest to most original costume contest, ghost storytelling and bobbing for apples. Popcorn, caramel apples, apple cider, hot chocolate and coffee will be available at the event. For more information, call 568-3164. Halloween parties The Fort Bliss Bowling Center will host a Halloween costume contest and party, Oct. 29. Bowl for just $1 a game from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The costume contest will take place at 8:30 p.m. in the center’s lounge. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes in two divisions: a youth division ages 12 and under and a division for individuals 13 and up. First place winners in each division will receive a bowling ball and bag. Partiers are then invited to stay for the center’s state-of-the-art sound and glow-in-the-dark light show, Thunder Alley, which begins at 10 p.m. For more information, call 568-6272. The Metro Station, a nightclub for all enlisted ranks, located in the lower level of the Centennial, will also host a Halloween costume contest and party, Oct. 29. There will not be a cover charge from 9 to 11:59 p.m. There will be a $5 cover charge from midnight to 5 a.m. Complimentary snacks will be served through midnight. The costume contest will be held at 11 p.m. and prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. For more information, call 562-5969. The haunted, old-fashioned Pershing Pub at the Fort Bliss Officers’ Club will conduct a Halloween costume contest and party, Oct. 28, at 4:30 p.m. Complimentary snacks will be served and prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. For more information, call 568-7013. Marine Corps COC The Marine Corps Detachment will have a change of command for Lt. Col. Michael A. Hunter Oct. 20 at 8:30 a.m. The ceremony will be held at Smith-Bliss Field. Art festival The Rasquache Juried Art competition will be held Oct. 29 on Texas Ave. The themes of the art competition are Dia De Los Muertos, Culture, Heritage, Death and Border Issues. The Rasquache Art competition invites students and individuals to submit original art work. This competition showcases medium categories: painting (oils, acrylics, etc.), works on paper (pencil, ink, marker, pastel, watercolor, crayons, charcoal, graphic design, etc.), photography (black & white, color), sculpture (in the round or in a relief), craft (mixed media, pottery, jewelry, weaving, etc.). For artists seeking more information, call 351-1191 or visit the festival Web site at www.txrasquachefest.org. Grape Stomp La Viña will have its Harvest Festival and Grape Stomp, Oct. 15 and 16; from noon to 7 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and includes a souvenir wine glass and 6 tastes of wine or a glass of wine. The festival will feature great music, food, arts, crafts and New Mexico’s finest wines from La Viña. La Viña is located at 4201 S. Highway 28 La Union N.M take Vinton, #2 in Texas, west away from the mountains, about 4 miles to Hwy 28, then right 1 mile to the winery. Framing Bliss Now through Nov. 15, Framing Bliss will offer 25 percent off your second full custom frame job of equal or lesser value. Frame must be purchased at Framing Bliss. The shop also has great Halloween village houses and Thomas Kinkade Christmas houses, trees and ornaments at 20 percent off during this time. For information, call 568-5563. AFTB basket bingo Army Community Services will host Army Family Team Building basket bingo Oct. 27. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and games start at 6:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased through any AFTB instructor or at ACS, Bldg. 2494 Ricker Road. Advance tickets are $10, or $15 at the door. This event is open to the public. All proceeds go toward childcare fees for AFTB students and volunteers. For more information, call 568-2382. Unit pool reservations The Community Pool and Replica Aquatic Center may be utilized by units for training purposes. All units must make a reservation in advance in order to ensure adequate lifeguard ratios and pool safety. Due to the large number of requests for usage, reservations must be made at least 60 days in advance. Currently, the pool is fully scheduled through Nov. 15. Reservations are taken on a first come, first served basis. Pool staff will work with deploying units if training is required prior to departure. For reservations, call 568-7431, then follow up with a memo confirming reservation. The memo may be faxed to 568-2619. The pool may be reserved from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. All units must have an OIC or NCOIC in charge of the group. For safety reasons, all pool rules must be adhered to, and order maintained at all times. For assistance, call 568-7431. Make a Difference Day The Fort Bliss Army Volunteer Corps will participate in a nationwide day of giving called “Make a Difference Day,” Oct. 22. It is a day celebrated across the nation to promote volunteerism, and to help people in their community. This year, Fort Bliss will participate in several projects that will “Make a Difference” in the Fort Bliss and the El Paso Community by beautifying Old Fort Bliss, collecting used coats for under privileged children, collecting gentle used books for the surrounding schools, and cleaning up a playground for a children’s home. Contact the Army Volunteer Corps Coordinator for more information at 568-1132. Chess instructors needed Memorial Park Library, one mile from the Pershing Gate, is looking for Saturday afternoon chess instructors and assistants for children’s chess. Adult, teen or younger whizzes are invited to volunteer 1 1/2 hours each Saturday. Enjoyment of chess and dependability are a must. Volunteers must register with the city’s volunteer program. Those interested should contact Janie Villasana, Librarian, at 566-1034, 3200 Copper Avenue. Share your chess experience and get tremendous reward from the kids. Koffee Klatch The El Paso Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host a Koffee Klatch, Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at McCall Neighbor Center, 3231 E. Wyoming Ave. Donation for this event is $5. Paintball league The first Military Paintball League tournament will take place at Sheppard Air Force Base Texas Nov. 5 and 6 Staff Sgt. Zane Hughes is organizing this non-profit league to give military paintball teams their own tournament series in which they can compete amongst themselves for large prize packages without having to spend an entire months pay. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Youth Sports Program with the remainder being donated to the bases different non profit private organizations. This two day inaugural event will kick off the morning of Nov. 5 with a free youth clinic, which is open to all military dependents less than 17 years of age. The clinic will consist of teaching the rules and safety of paintball as well as some free time for play. The field will open for team practice in the afternoon. Use of the field and rental equipment will be free for all teams signed up to play in the main event Nov. 5. For more information, contact Zane Hughes at (940) 676-3548, or by e-mail zane.hughes@sheppard.af.mil. Physical therapy education fair For those who want to become a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant there will be a representative from UTEP, EPCC and Army-Baylor University Physical Therapy Programs available today at William Beaumont from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The representatives will be available in the Clinic Assembly Room 1st Floor, next to the credit union. For more information, contact 1st Lt. Rebecca Morrell at 569-2181, or e-mail Rebecca.morrell@amedd.army.mil. Rod and Gun Club As a special notification to the Fort Bliss military community, effective Oct. 7, the Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club, Bldg. 3730 located at Railroad Drive and Deer Street, will no longer provide the service of retail sales of firearms to active duty Soldiers and retirees. This action has been necessitated as a result of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and explosives. Inspections revealed certain administrative and procedural guidelines were not being correctly followed. The Rod and Gun Club will continue the sale of ammunition, accessories and reloading components and provide rental firearms for use at the facility. Youth lacrosse club Youth lacrosse club is now forming. Open to both boys and girls, no experience necessary. Club meets every Saturday at noon at the Youth Plex, Bldg. 195. Come prepared to play this exciting, fast paced sport. For information, call 568-5437. Post-wide yard sale Fort Bliss will host a post wide yard sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 29 , in all housing units here, Biggs, Beaumont, Logan Heights, Hayes and 801 housing which is located off Martin Luther King Blvd. Those who want to participate in the yard sale may simply display their items during the designated times; no formal permission is required. This event is open to the El Paso, Juarez and surrounding communities. All guests entering Fort Bliss property will be required to have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, valid car registration, safety inspection sticker, and will be subject to vehicle search. Military police will not allow yard sale shoppers in the housing areas prior to 7 a.m. All Fort Bliss residents are encouraged to participate. For information, call 568-6741.