USAG Schinnen news, information

By USAG Schinnen Public Affairs Office - Updated Oct. 1, 2009August 13, 2008

Trunk or Treat
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Birthday Party Bowling
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CYS offers on-line tutoring
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USAG SCHINNEN, the Netherlands (Updated Oct. 1) -- Here's the latest news and events for October 2009. Follow the links on the right to view past news items and special features. (Please be sure to click on your web browser's "refresh" icon to ensure your computer loads the latest version).

If you have an announcement or event to promote, please contact us by calling 0031-46-443-7160 or by sending an e-mail to paousagshi@eur.army.mil.

The October edition of the Tri-Border Reporter is available in news starnds Oct. 3. The deadline for the November issue is Oct. 12. FREE classified ads are accepted up to the 22nd by sending an e-mail to class@triborderreporter.com.

Scroll down to review whatAca,!a,,cs going on in our tri-border community.

Community Events for September 2009

COMMUNITY EVENTS

5K Run

The Domestic Violence Awareness 5K Run begins at 8 a.m., Oct. 5. Meet in front of the Schinnen Fitness Center. Sponsored by SchinnenAca,!a,,cs Family Advocacy Program. Call 0031-46-443-7500.

BBQ for Community Volunteers

Gather with other ACS volunteers for a free BBQ, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at SchinnenAca,!a,,cs ACS. RSVP to acs-schinnen@eur.army.mil.

Employment/Education Fair

Open to all U.S. and NATO ID holders, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 14 in the JFC Conference Center. Bring your resume. More info at SchinnenAca,!a,,cs Employment Readiness Office, 0031-46-443-7269.

Family Safety Fair

Fingerprinting, fire safety, stranger awareness, bike helmet safety and poison control are offered from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oct. 10 in the Schinnen Activity Center. For details, call Family Advocacy at 0031-46-443-7395.

Flea Market

The last Park & Sell of 2009 takes place 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oct. 10 at the GK Dental Clinic parking lot. Looking for 220V appliances or bargains' Mark this date. Open to all U.S. and NATO ID holders. No reservations required. Sellers, contact 0049-2451-63-2258 for more information.

Halloween Party

Team 5-6 hosts a Halloween Party, 9 p.m., Oct. 31 at the JFC Conference Center. This adult-only party is open to all NATO ID card holders and their guests. Tickets for all-you-can eat & drink are Ac'A!15 if pre-ordered or Ac'A!20 at the door. For advance tickets, contact Staff Sgt. Benjamin Yost at 0049-2451-63-223, Staff Sgt. Cuevas Jassira at 0049-2451-63-360, or Staff Sgt. William Gray at 0049-1578-305-4357.

Story Time

Held every Wed. at 9:30 a.m. in the JFC Library, next to the Shop 2000 on JFC Brunssum. Check out www.JFCBrunssumlibrary@eur.army.mil or call 0031-45-526-2669 for information.

Ultimate Happy Hour

Every Friday, starting at 4 p.m., in the JFC Conference Center. All JFC, NATO, USAG Schinnen, Geilenkirchen Air Base personnel and their guests are welcome, so come out for a night of music, beverages, camaraderie and fun. For more information, please call the JFC Community Activities Section at 0031-45-526-2626.

EMPOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

American Red Cross

Looking for a way to add to your resume during your overseas assignment' Want to contribute to your community' Don't miss an excellent opportunity to work with an internationally known and respected nonprofit. The American Red Cross at GK is seeking motivated individual(s) to assume management responsibilities for all activities in the Tri-Border area, including administrative oversight for local volunteers and community training such as CPR, First Aid and Babysitter certification courses. Interested individuals should contact arc_geilenkirchen@yahoo.com for more information.

10-Steps to a Federal Job

The GK A&FRC offers this class, 9 a.m. to noon, Oct. 15. Make your reservation for this practical workshop that helps prepare you to write the strongest resume and compile a high quality application. This workshop is a must for those seeking employment with the U.S. government. Call 0049-2451-63-3791 to reserve your seat.

Bowling Center Jobs

USAG SchinnenAca,!a,,cs Bowling Center is currently hiring for three positions: Recreation Aide, Food & Beverage Attendant and Cook. Pick up a job application kit at SchinnenAca,!a,,cs ACS or call Employment Readiness at 0031-46-443-7269.

Child & Youth Jobs

Child & Youth Program Assistant positions, plus a position for a Cook, are currently open with USAG SchinnenAca,!a,,cs Child, Youth & School Services, located on JFC. YouAca,!a,,cll work with infants through high school, plus receive free training. Phone 0031-45-526-3121 for more info.

Find a Job

Use our computers to submit your on-line applications into the CPOL website. Come by ACS on Schinnen to pick up a job application kit or call Employment Readiness at 0031(0)46-443-7269.

Girl Scout Volunteers

Tri-Border Girl Scouts are looking for some great volunteers! Are you interested in mentoring young girls' The Girl Scouts need people willing to share their knowledge and expertise with the young ladies in our community. For more info, call 0031-45-521-0032 or email kkagele@gmail.com.

Instructors Needed

Youth Services on JFC is looking contracted instructors for the youth SKIES Program. We hope to offer courses in areas such as photography, ballet and horseback riding. Call 0031-45-526-3008 for details.

Volunteer (GK)

Volunteers are needed to provide a wide variety of services. We need volunteers to share their skills and make a difference in the community. Call 0049-234-51-63-3791.

Volunteer (Schinnen)

Come share your skills by getting involved and helping promote community well-being. We need volunteers for Army Family Team Building, the Child Abuse Prevention Program, Emergency Placement, and much more! Just call 0031-46-443-7451.

FINANCIAL

DFAS Representative

A representative from the Defense Finance Accounting Service will be at USAG Schinnen, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oct. 21 in the RSO Office, Bldg. 8, to meet with military retirees from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces who would like assistance in checking and/or updating their military records. This is an opportunity to review military retiree pay, insurance, allotments, taxes, etc. with a DFAS professional who can help streamline your review process. During this same time, stop by to meet IMCOM-E Retirement Services Officer, Mr. Mike Malone. For info, contact SchinnenAca,!a,,cs Retirement Services Officer at 0031-46-443-7320.

Emergency Financial Assistance

Army Emergency Relief provides emergency financial assistance to soldiers and their families in the form of interest free loans. Visit your AER Officer at Schinnen ACS to find out if you qualify or call 0031-46-443-7450/7500.

One-on-One Counseling

Receive specialized help and support on subjects ranging from local utility bills to personal finances. Call SchinnenAca,!a,,cs Financial Readiness for an appointment: 0031-46-443-7450.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Women of GK

AWGK is a place for women to connect, have fun and help raise money for worthy causes. All NATO ID card holders are welcome. Next meeting is 6:30 p.m., Oct. 5 the GK Chapel Fellowship Hall. If you'd like, bring a dish to share for an extra chance to win a door prize. We also host monthly Craft Nights, Book Club, Girl's Night Out Dinner, and other events. Pick up our newsletter from the GK Post office or A&FRC, Schinnen PX, or JFC Library. For more details, visit www.americanwomenofgk.blogspot.com.

BOSS Meetings

Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers meets every 2nd and 4th Wed. of the month. Time and location information is available at 0031-45-526-4145. See the front page article in this issue of the TBR for more details.

International Women of GK

IWGK meets Oct. 29 for an evening social at the GK Frisbee Club, sponsored by the Spanish delegation. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; dinner and entertainment begins at 7 p.m. Next monthAca,!a,,cs meeting is sponsored by the U.S. delegation on Nov. 17.

MCCW

JFC ChapelAca,!a,,cs Military Council of Catholic Women meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in the British Room. Nursery is available. For more info, contact 0031-455-26-2940

MOPS

Mothers of Preschoolers meets 6:30 p.m., Oct. 14 in the GK Chapel Annex. Speakers, food and crafts are part of this international network of Christian women. Child care is provided while moms enjoy uninterrupted time.

PWOC

JFCAca,!a,,cs Protestant Women of the Chapel conducts weekly Wednesday Bible Studies at 9:30 a.m., plus a new Supper Time Bible Study on the fourth Monday of every month, at 6 p.m. Watchcare is available but please email requests to jfcpwoc@gmail.com. For more info, contact 0031-455-26-2940.

Team 5-6

The professional organization of Staff and Tech Sergeants meets on the third Friday of every month at noon in the Bavarian Keller, located next to the HAWC, on GK NATO Air Base.

PROGRAMS

Active Relationships

A skill building program to provide couples the tools to create and maintain happy relationships takes place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 17 at Schinnen ACS. Call 0031-46-443-7367.

AFTB Level I Course

Face the challenges of military life with a little help from Army Family Team Building. Learn how to translate military lingo, develop realistic expectations, understand your benefits and access the services available to you as a member of the military family. This free course is scheduled 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oct. 21 to 22 in the Schinnen ACS Conference Room. Open to all military, family members and civilians. Call 0031-46-443-7482 to register.

First 20-Weeks of Pregnancy Class

Get off to a good start! WeAca,!a,,cll cover nutrition, exercise, body mechanics and the things you should avoid during this vital time. Class meets at Schinnen ACS, 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 1. To register, call 0031-46-443-7395.

Labor, Birth & Beyond

Free four-week series for expectant parents in their third trimester. Topics include labor, delivery, care and breastfeeding. For dates, call Schinnen ACS at 0031-43-443-7395.

Military & Family Life Consultants

MFLCs are available to help service members, spouses, family members and children address deployment, marriage and relationship issues, stress and anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and daily life issues. Consultations are free and anonymous. No records are kept. Scheduling an appointment is easy. Call your MFLC. Geilenkirchen 0049-1522-421-0455; Brunssum 0031-625-045-104; Schinnen 0031-629-471-920.

Parenting with Love & Logic

Learn about an approach to raising kids that offers support along with the expectation of respect. Class meets every Mon., 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Schinnen ACS. Call 0031-46-443-7367.

Play Morning

Join us for an interactive and educational playgroup where parents and their children (0 to 3 years old) socialize in a group setting. Group meets 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., every Thur. in the Schinnen Activity Center. DonAca,!a,,ct miss the first annual Halloween Party with games, prizes and food, Oct. 29. Call for details, 0031-46-443-7335.

Spouse Battlemind Brown Bag Lunch

Is your spouse returning from an extended TDY or deployment' Spouse Battlemind can help you and your family prepare for a smooth reunion. Bring your lunch, and weAca,!a,,cll talk at Schinnen ACS. Call 0031-46-443-7218 for the next session date.

WIC Overseas

If you're pregnant, post-partum, nursing or have children under the age of five, the WIC Overseas Nutrition Program may be right for you. WIC provides benefits including nutritional education, information, recipes, monthly savings and community referrals. Even if you didn't qualify in the stateside program, you may qualify for WIC Overseas. For info, call 0031-46-443-7489. Located at Schinnen;s ACS, hours are: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tue., Wed. and Thur.

RELOCATION/TRANSITION

Dutch Headstart & Newcomers Tour

Over the course of this five-day orientation, familiarize yourself with the Tri-Border area by visiting military/civilian sites and by learning about the language and local customs. Join Dutch Headstart 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oct. 26 to 29 and the Newcomers Orientation Tour 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 30. Headstart classes meet in the Schinnen Classroom and the starting point for tours is Schinnen ACS. To register, call 0031-46-443-7641 for Dutch Headstart and 0031-46-443-7512 for the Newcomers Orientation Tour.

Smooth Move (GK)

Smooth Move Seminar takes place 1 to 4:30 p.m., Oct. 6 at the GK A&FRC. Experts will be on hand from Legal, Housing, TMO, Medical Clinic and the A&FRC to answer your questions about the relocation process. There will only be one more class in 2009. Please RSVP to 0049-2451-63-3791.

Smooth Move (Schinnen)

The key to a smooth move is getting an early start with Pre-Departure Services. If closing out your Dutch account is too overwhelming, sign up for Pre-Departure Briefing 10 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 14. We also provide information on your future duty station with Military Home Front. For details call 0031-46-443-7512/7500.

Sponsorship Training (GK)

Learn helpful ideas on what you can do to assist the person or family you are sponsoring. YouAca,!a,,cll receive the latest information for your newcomer on a CD, ready for you to mail. Join us from 10 to 11 a.m., Oct. 26. Contact GK A&FRC at 0049-2451-63-3791 to sign up.

Sponsorship Training (Schinnen)

Learn about becoming a sponsor for new arrivals to the Tri-Border community. Get the essential information newcomers will need before and after their arrival. The next training is 2 to 3:30 p.m., Oct. 14 in the Schinnen ACS Conference Room. Call 0031-46-443-7512 to sign up.

Stateside Home Buying Class

WeAca,!a,,cll cover the basics of owning a home, how to obtain your free credit report, what determines your FICO credit score and how to increase it. Join us from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 20 at Schinnen ACS. You must RSVP at 0031-46-443-7450/7500.

Welcome Event

A must for newly arrived personnel! Family members are highly encouraged to attend this daylong seminar to learn more about German culture, setting up your household and places to visit. The seminar meets 8 a.m., Oct. 13 and 28 at the GK A&FRC. Call 0049-2451-63-3791 to sign up.

SCHOOL/YOUTH

CYSS & SAS Fall Break

Come enjoy a full schedule of fun activities offered during Fall Break, Oct. 26 to 30. For full details, call CER at 0031-45-525-3121.

Fright Night

On Oct. 30, the last day of YS Fall Break, teens (15 and older) will visit the haunted houses in Walibi World. The bus leaves at 11 a.m. and returns at 2 a.m.. Call 0031-45-526-3008.

Hearts Apart, Jr.

Hearts Apart Jr. is a monthly support meeting for children at AFNORTH International School. Any child who is separated from a loved one, whether through a deployment or a Family situation, is invited. We meet 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Oct. 2. For info, call ACS Deployment Readiness at 0031-46-443-7218.

Youth Sports Sign-ups

Sign-ups for CYSS Youth Sports begin Oct. 6 for basketball, cheerleading and wrestling. Call CER at 0031-45-526-3121.

School Liaison Services

To get good information on school transitions, the reduced price lunch program and youth sponsorship, call the CYSS School Liaison at 0031-45-526-2023/3008.

SERVICES

Arts & Crafts Photography

The Arts & Crafts Center on Brunssum offers professional photography editing and printing system classes plus a do-it-yourself or drop-off photo finishing service. Call 0031-45526-2454.

Child Care

USAG Schinnen Child Development Center (CDC), located in Bldg. 501 on JFC Brunssum, offers full day care for infants through 1st grade, part-day preschool plus hourly care on a space available basis. Register through CER. Call 0031-45-526-2575 for hourly care reservations. Closed NATO holidays, PresidentAca,!a,,cs Day and Columbus Day.

Custom Framing

The Custom Frame Center at JFCAca,!a,,cs Arts & Crafts Center is the place to memorialize your most proud possessions. Let us create one-of-a-kind mementos for you, or use ready-made frames and mattes in many sizes and styles for immediate pick up. We also offer dry mounting and shrink-wrapping and can suggest the best way to preserve and frame your treasures. Call 0031-45-526-2454 for additional information.

JFC Library

For informative reviews of current novels and DVDs, visit our homepage at www.jfcbrunssumlibrary.eur.army.mil. Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tue and Wed; 10 a.m.to 6 p.m., Thu and Fri; noon to 4 p.m. Sat and Sun. Call 0031-45-526-2669.

Pin Point CafAfA

The Pin Point at SchinnenAca,!a,,cs Bowling Center is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Wed. through Fri.; and Sat. 9 a.m. (early for Saturday Youth Bowling League) to 8 p.m.

SPORTS AND FITNESS

Bowling Center

Enjoy 12-lanes of bowling, two eateries, a childrenAca,!a,,cs play center and an adult recreation room with game machines at the Schinnen Bowling Center. Saturday nights feature Cosmic Bowling. Wednesday and Friday are league bowling nights. If youAca,!a,,cre looking for a great way to entertain a group of children, ask about our special Birthday Bowling Packages. Call 0031-46-443-7207.

Fitness Center (JFC)

The JFC Fitness Centre is located at building H-405. Opening times are: Mon. to Thur., 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fri., 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. closed. All facilities are available to eligible users except where bookings have been made. For info, please call 0031-45-526-3170.

Fitness Center (Schinnen)

An expanded workout schedule is now offered at SchinnenAca,!a,,cs Fitness Center. Spinning classes are 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Thurs.; Body Pump takes place at 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Tues. and 5 to 6 p.m. Thurs.; and Body Relax classes are 5 to 6 p.m. Tues. Circuit Training class is offered 5 to 6 p.m. Wed., and a new Zumba Class is 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Mon. Drop by for pickup basketball games from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Fri. and noon to 2:30 p.m. Sun. A new Jazzercise class starts soon; call for times. Center hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon. to Fri., and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., Sun. and American holidays. Phone: 0031-46-443-7561.

Swimming Pool

JFCAca,!a,,cs indoor swimming pool offers lap swim, Tuesday to Friday, 6:30 to 8 a.m.; public/family swim, Tuesday through Thursday, 3:15 to 4:30 p.m., Fridays 3:15 to 7 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Parties and special events reservations are available for a fee. A sun tanning bed is also available at the pool, without reservation, at a small fee. For info call 0031-45-526-3172.

TRIPS/TOURS

Beyond the Gate: Sittard

The Schinnen Cultural Adaptation team will take you by bus from SchinnenAca,!a,,cs ACS 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oct. 8 to explore nearby SittardAca,!a,,cs shopping district. Call SchinnenAca,!a,,cs ACS at 0031-46-443-7500 or GK A&FRC at 0049-2451-63-3791 for complete information.

Dickensian Christmas Festival

Sign up early for this popular weekend trip to the Dickensian Christmas Festival in Rochester, England, December 5 to 6. WeAca,!a,,cll stay one night in London at a three-star hotel, including breakfast. Prices are $225 double, $285 single and $200 for under age 11. Call Schinnen Trips & Tours to register: 0031-46-443-7561.

Geilenkirchen City Orientation

Join us 9 to 12 noon on Oct. 30 for a walking tour of Geilenkirchen introducing new personnel and their family members to the local area, train and bus stations, market, grocery store, restaurant, etc. Receive a free beverage at a local cafAfA. Sign up at A&FRC or call 0049-2451-63-3791 for more info.

NBA in London

Oct 6 to 7 trip includes round trip motor coach, one overnight with breakfast at a three-star hotel and excellent seats at the 02 Arena to see the Chicago Bulls take on the Utah Jazz. Price is $349 double; $399 single. Call Schinnen Trips & Tours to register: 0031-46-443-7561.

Schinnen Trips & Tours

Want to find out about trips and tours in advance' Put your name on our email mailing list. Stop by our desk in the Andre Bruls Fitness Center; give us a call at 0031-46-443-7561, or email your contact information to SchinnenFC@benelux.army.mil. Trips that include hotel stays must be confirmed not later than six weeks in advance. Got someplace you want to go' Let us know!

Shop Paris

Treat yourself to a shopping day trip in Paris, with Schinnen Trips & Tours. Bus leaves Schinnen at 4 a.m., Nov. 21 and returns at 2 a.m. next morning. Cost is $69. Call Schinnen Trips & Tours to register: 0031-46-443-7561.

Shopping at CentrO Mall

Join Schinnen Trips & Tours, Dec. 12 for a shopping trip to Oberhausen, Germany at the CentrO Mall Christmas Market. Cost is $39. To register: 0031-46-443-7561.

PHOTO CUTLINE

Photo_CalendarCarCtr:

OF3 Hans Hollebosch (R) of the Belgian Army receives car care tips from Ron Linskens (L), manager at the Car Center on JFC. Open to all U.S. and NATO card holders, the Center offers tire mounting, APK service, oil change and tune-ups, plus excellent facilities for do-it-yourself auto maintenance. The Center also sells cards for the automated Car Wash on JFC, including basic, premium and hot wax wash. Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tue.; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wed.; noon to 8 p.m. Thur.; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat. Phone: 0031-45-526-3173. (Photo: Sarah J. Schmidt, USAG Schinnen PAO)

GK New Customer Service Hours

Effective Sep. 1, 2009, in order to standardize customer support hours, all 470th ABS offices on GK NATO Air Base will be open for customer service Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the following exceptions:

Medical Clinic Appt Line 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (M-F)

Finance Customer Service 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(M/W/F by appt; T/Th walk-in)

Finance Cashier Cage* 9 a.m. to noon (M-F)

Post Office Package Pick-Up* 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (M-F)

Post Office Finance (mailing stuff)* 8 a.m. to noon (M-Th)

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (F)

Vehicle Registration* 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (M-F)

VAT/NAF Accounting* 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (M-F)

Child Dev Center/School Age Program* 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (M-F)

* During the first Thursday of every month, all sections (except those with an asterisk *) will close for training between 1 and 5 p.m.

Force Protection Common Sense:

Demonstrations and protest can occur spontaneously and a common aspect of life throughout Europe. Most often they are peaceful gatherings but sometimes they can become violent. Even approved demonstrations can be a surprise and uncomfortable to be around if youAca,!a,,cre caught off guard. If you find yourself near one there are a few common sense measures to take:

1. Remain calm, disengage from the situation and avoid speaking loudly.

2. Try to be inconspicuous; do not draw attention to yourself.

3. Travel in small groups and vary your movements.

4. Let someone know where youAca,!a,,cre going and when you plan to return.

5. Avoid high risk areas (unlighted areas, walking paths away from the main path, etc.)

6. Keep emergency phone numbers with you; agree on a safe rendezvous point or refuge.

7. Carry a cell phone with you if possible.

8. Keep your vehicle in good working order; keep your fuel levels up.

9. If something happens to you then report it to your unit. If youAca,!a,,cre in a travel status be sure to update your unit with any changes caused by an incident.

10. Monitor AFN or other news sources to stay up-to-date with the latest news.

11. Avoid talking with demonstration participants or agreeing to have your picture taken with Aca,!A"pollstersAca,!A? (your comments and pictures may be used in newsletters and websites). Likewise, refrain from taking pictures of participants in the demonstration. Stay inconspicuous and move away.

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