Community Newsletter: Week of July 20, 2015
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GERMAN-AMERICAN VOLKSFEST
The 57th German-American Volksfest is a free, community event at Grafenwoehr Camp Kasserine July 31-August 2. The Volksfest is a family-style festival featuring performances that span country music, 80s pop and a high wire show presented by Armed Forces Entertainment. The festival fosters German and American friendship and culture -- living, working and celebrating together. Volksfest draws American soldiers, families, civilians, retirees, and Germans living in the surrounding areas of USAG Bavaria. Carnival rides, a beer tent, German and American food, displays of German and American Army equipment, retail booths, music and dancing are highlights of Volksfest.
FRIDAY, JULY 31
• 11 a.m. | Opening Ceremony
• 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Ehenbachtaler, Hirschau
• 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | DJ
• 2 - 6 p.m. | AFN Live Broadcast
• 3 - 7 p.m. | Hope & Friends (top 40/pop)
• 6 & 9 p.m. | Geschwister Weisheit - High Wire Show
• 6 - midnight | Pressather Musikanten
• 8 - 9:30 p.m. | Craig Morgan (country music)
• 10 - 11:30 p.m. | Rubix Kube (80s party band)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1
• 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | DJ and Karaoke
• 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Stadtkapelle Kemnath
• 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Star Wars characters
• 3 - 7 p.m. | AMOKOMA (top 40/pop)
• 3, 6 & 9 p.m. | Geschwister Weisheit - High Wire Show
• 6:30 - 11:30 p.m. | Bayerwald-Hexen, Roding
• 8 - 9:30 p.m. | Craig Morgan (country music)
• 10 - 11:30 p.m. | Rubix Kube (80s party band)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 2
• 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | DJ and Karaoke
• Noon - 10 p.m. | Musikkapelle Diessfurt
• 3, 6 & 9 p.m. | Geschwister Weisheit - High Wire Show Fest Grounds
• 4 - 8 p.m. | AMOKOMA (top 40/pop)
• 9 - 10:30 p.m. | Rubix Kube (80s party band)
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Story Highlights
To call an emergency number with a civilian phone, dial the appropriate prefix and then the three-digit DSN number. Civilian phone prefixes: Rose Barracks 09662-83-xxx; Tower Barracks 09641-83-xxx. Medical emergency: DSN 112; Fire: DSN 117; Military Police Emergency Desk: DSN 114; Suicide Prevention Hotline: DSN 118; Sexual Assault Hotline DSN 475-4567, CIV 09641-83-4567 or DSN 476-3218, CIV 09662-83-3218; Chaplain Crisis Line: CIV 0162-296-0838.
Summer Travel
Summer is here and many of us will take leave to visit Europe, especially during long weekends. Please remember that all Soldiers, as well as Department of Army civilians with a security clearance, must complete the attached Foreign Travel report. In fact, all travel to a foreign country to include day trips must be reported. And bring your passport and international driving license. Check with your unit security office/S2 prior if you have questions.
Job openings
Help: Wanted. There are now jobs available at on-post at Bavaria Stüb'l, the Bowling Centers, the Java Cafés and at Ristorante Rosalia's. Inquire within the facility or contact USAG Bavaria Family and MWR at CIV 09641-83-7369, usarmy.bavaria.mwr.jobs@mail.mil. Job announcements at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/405714700.
Vehicle Registration Tip: The Vehicle Registration Office closes at 11 a.m. for lunch and 3:30 p.m. due to computer system upgrades. This is a mandatory requirement. You can avoid getting the door closed on you by making an appointment. The Vehicle Registration Office and POV Inspection garage are at Tower Barracks, Bldg. 301. To make an appointment at the Vehicle Registration Office, call DSN 475-6752, CIV 09641-83-6752, Mon-Fri from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. For more, visit www.grafenwoehr.army.mil/sites/newcomers/vehicleregistration.html.
Bus Schedule Changes
Effective July 1, two schedules will change. Firstly, the G-5 route to Weiden/Weiherhammer will be discontinued due to low ridership. Secondly, Route G-4 to Kemnath/Erbendorf/Pressath will operate on a standardized Mon.-Fri. bus schedule. New bus schedules will be posted at bus stops and available to authorized Army Knowledge Online customers @ https://www.us.army.mil/suite/doc/44821859. POC is Mr. Martinez at DSN 475-6347.
Go Green Newsletter
For the latest edition of the USAG Bavaria Go Green Newsletter, go to http://grafenwoehr.armymwr.com/europe/grafenwoehr/grafenwoehr-events/caving-day-trip/?eID=47624.
ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE
Reconnection Workshops
The American Red Cross is offering Reconnection Workshops to support and ease transitions associated with Army life. These are confidential small-group modules led by licensed mental health professionals. The workshops focus on building skills that enhance the likelihood of positive reconnections among family members, as well as the successful reengagement of the service member in civilian life, by increasing interactions and developing additional sources of support. Please contact the American Red Cross Station Chief at DSN 475-1760, CIV 09641-83-1760 for dates and times.
SPORTS, FITNESS, RECREATION AND WELLNESS
Family & Morale, Welfare and Recreation hosts a variety of ongoing weekly events, trips, recreational activities and events. To see FMWR's upcoming activities, check out their website, Facebook page or Bi-Weekly Newsletter.
FMWR Website: http://www.grafenwoehr.armymwr.com/europe/grafenwoehr/
FMWR Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/USAGBavaria?ref=hl#!/BavariaMWR?fref=ts
FMWR Bi-Weekly Newsletter: http://grafenwoehr.armymwr.com/europe/grafenwoehr/grafenwoehr-events/family-and-mwr-newsletter/?eID=59875
Tower Barracks Fitness Center: New Hours | Effective June 27 (Saturdays & Training Holidays)
- Monday - Friday / 5:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- Saturday & Federal Holiday / 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Sunday / 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Training Holiday / 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Army 10-Miler Qualifier
June 27: The top six male and female Army active duty finishers in the Europe Army 10-Miler Qualifier will go to compete in the Army 10-Miler in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 11. The race is open to all ID card holders over 18 years old. Race starts at 8 a.m. at the Tower Barracks gym. Race day onsite registration is 6-7:30 a.m. Pre-register here: http://grafenwoehr.armymwr.com/europe/grafenwoehr/grafenwoehr-events/us-forces-europe-10-miler-qualification-race-results/?eID=185866
Wellness Apps
To check out the apps flyer, go to http://issuu.com/bavariamilitarycommunity/docs/app_flyer/0 Note: Publicizing these resiliency apps does not constitute endorsement by USAG Bavaria or the US Army and should not be interpreted as such.
THE EXCHANGE (AAFES)
Hunt Brothers Pizza now open at Tower and Rose Barracks Express
Customers can now walk in the Express Store and get one of the grab-and-go slices and wings, or call ahead and order a whole pizza or family wing box. Call Tower Barracks Express at 09641-9363400 and Rose Barracks Express at 09662-702223. Both locations are open during regular store hours.
Exchange Food Court
Rose Barracks and Tower Barracks Exchange Food Courts now both serve breakfast. Breakfast hours for Rose Barracks are Mon.-Fri., 8-11 a.m. For Tower Barracks hours are Mon.-Fri., 7:30-11 a.m. Breakfast options included full breakfasts with omelets, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes and more.
Tower Barracks & Rose Barracks Food Court delivering off-post
Go to www.myexchangefood.com. Pick a location from the drop-down menu and select your favorite restaurant. Delivery areas are Tower Barracks Main Post, all camps, Netzaberg, Eschenbach, Pressath, Grafenwoehr, Gmünd, Hütten, Kaltenbrunne and Steinfels. Prices and full information about pickup or delivery can be found on the website. The minimum order for delivery is $12. Questions? Call the Tower Barracks Food Court at 09641-9363352 or the Rose Barracks Food Court at 09662-7268.
Netzaberg Express new summer hours
June 15: the new summer hours for the Netzaberg Express will take effect June 15. Hours are Mon.-Fri., 1-7 p.m., and Sat., 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday the Express is closed. The Express resumes normal hours Aug. 26.
Hulu Plus offer for Service members and families
Soldiers and Airmen and their families who sign up for Hulu Plus through the Army & Air Force Exchange Service can now enjoy one month free, followed by an Exchange-exclusive 10 percent discount for the first year of service. Authorized shoppers must subscribe through www.shopmyexchange.com/hulu (or through the MARKETPLACE on www.shopmyexchange.com) to get the Exchange's exclusive offer. Hulu Plus is an Internet-based video on demand service that allows viewers to instantly watch current season hit TV shows and movies. Because Hulu content is restricted from broad access in Germany due to content rights concerns, the first step for Exchange patrons in Germany should be to email Hulu directly at Military@hulu.com identifying themselves as a Military customer. This gets their Internet address listed in the Hulu system and clears the way for direct service, enabling Exchange patrons to take advantage of the new exclusive offer.
You Made the Grade Program
Students in grades 1-12 who maintain at least a B average are eligible to receive a coupon book filled with free offers and discounts from the Exchange. Scholars can also enter the You Made the Grade semiannual sweepstakes to receive gift cards worth $2,000, $1,500 or $500. Entries for the gift card sweepstakes drawing can be submitted twice a year, with drawings typically held in June and December. Students, including those who are home schooled, can receive a You Made the Grade coupon booklet by presenting a valid military I.D. and proof of an overall B average at the Grafenwoehr Exchange customer service. Eligible students can pick up one booklet for each qualifying report card. Students and guardians can visit their Grafenwoehr Exchange for more information about the You Made the Grade program.
FACILITY AND ROAD OPENINGS/CONSTRUCTION/CLOSURES
The Grafenwoehr Army Health Clinic will be closed, Fri, 17 Jul:
If you are in need of medical advice or care during any clinic closure, we encourage you to call the free nurse Advice Line at 00800-4759-2330. This advice line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your health-related questions and direct you to the appropriate level of care. In case of emergency, please go to your nearest host nation hospital for care.
Tower Barracks - temporary traffic change at Camp Aachen
20 July - Dec 2015: Road closure to allow road repair work between the Tank Road and the Army Airfield in Camp Aachen. During the closure all traffic will be detoured. Detour signs will be posted.
Logistics Readiness Center (LRC) Bavaria: Closed, Fri, 24 Jul:
The LRC Bavaria command and staff of Building 301 on Tower Barracks will be closed for their annual works outing. POC is the LRC Bavaria Director, DSN 475-1340.
Property Book Office Closed | July 24:
Property Book Office at Rose Barracks closed due to annual works outing day on Friday, July 24. Normal business hours will resume on July 27. Questions? Call DSN 476-2546, CIV 09641-83-2546.
Vehicle Registration closed | July 31:
The vehicly registration office will be closed for their end-of- month inventory.
Rose Barracks Health Clinic Closed | August 3-4 and August 7-10:
The Vilseck Army Health Clinic will be closed Aug 3-4 to accommodate the move to its new location. It will reopen in the new clinic on Wed, Aug 5 at 8a.m. It will close again for the training holidays on Aug 7-10.
Vehicle Registration closed | Aug 14:
15 August is a Bavaria German religious holiday that is observed by Germans on the 14th.
RELIGIOUS
For a list of church services and classes, please head to the Religious Services Organization webpage at http://www.grafenwoehr.army.mil/sites/support/religious.asp.
Chaplain Crisis Line
Chaplain Crisis Line: CIV 0162-296-0838.
After duty hours call: MP station, CIV 09662-83-2490 or 09662-83-3397, DSN 476-2490 or 476-3397.
USAG Bavaria IOC, CIV 09641-83-7226, DSN 475-7226.
During business hours: Tower Barracks Chapel: DSN 475-1570, CIV 09641-83-1570.
Rose Barracks Chapel: DSN 476-1570, CIV 09662-83-1570.
ADULT EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Contact Army Education Centers
Rose Barracks, DSN 476-2753, CIV 09662-83-2753.
Tower Barracks, DSN 475-7239 CIV 09641-83-7239. Email for info at usarmy.bavaria.imcom-europe.mbx.aces@mail.mil. You can also check out their website at http://www.grafenwoehr.army.mil/sites/directorates/dhr/ACES/dhr-aces.asp.
CLEP-A-THON at Rose Barracks Education Center | July 22 & 23
Are you new to the military and are waiting to use tuition assistance? Are you looking to finish your degree faster? CLEP exams are a great way to earn college credit and can help you fulfill your educational goals. Stop by the Rose Barracks Education Center on Wednesday, July 22 and Thursday, July 23 and help us kick off our CLEP-A-THON being held at UMUC's National Test Center (NTC) located in the Rose Barracks Education Center (BLDG 223)! Come to the Rose Barracks Education Center on July 22 & 23 between 9 a.m. -- 4 p.m. to take any CLEP or DSST exam. No appointments are necessary! CLEP exams are free for active duty service members and are $100.00 for civilians. Check out https://www.collegeboard.org, www.nelnetsolutions.com/army and http://getcollegecredit.com for study materials. Test your way to a bright future and contact the University of Maryland University College for more information at DSN 476-2462, CIV 09662-83-2462, or at ntcvilseck-europe@umuc.edu.
FAST Class
July 8 -- 21: Rose Barracks Education Center, Bldg. 223, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The registration period for these classes begins 17 June 2015 until the last working day before the class begins. Functional Academic Skills Training (FAST) provides Soldiers with instruction in reading, mathematics, and language skills and is an excellent tool to prepare Soldiers to raise their GT score. This class is a 60-hour long course and is limited to twenty students. For more information please contact the Rose Barracks Education Center at DSN 476-2653/2753.
Central Texas College
CTC provides soldiers and their families with associate degree programs in many Vo-Tech career fields with both face-to-face classes and distance learning (online) classes. In the Tower Barracks-Rose Barracks community, there are currently 4 face-to-face programs running continuously year-round. Below is the current line-up for CTC classes on Rose Barracks and Tower Barracks for Term 5, June- August 2015.
ROSE BARRACKS CLASSES:
• Automotive Mechanic/Technician class: AUMT 1405 -- Introduction to Automotive Technology. Meeting days & times: Mon/Tue/Wed 6-10 p.m. 1 June-22 July. Instructor: Williams, Brian. (4 credit hours)
• Homeland Security & Emergency Management: HMSY 1338 -- Homeland Security Emergency Communications Management (hybrid class). Meeting days & times: Mon 6-9 p.m. 1 June-24 July. Instructor: Richards-Galvan, Cynthia. (3 credit hours).
TOWER BARRACKS CLASSES:
• Child Development class: CDEC 1313 -- Curriculum Resources for Early Childhood Programs (hybrid class). Meeting days & times: Mon 6-9 p.m. 1 June-24 July. Instructor: Birgit Keiser. 3 credit hours.
• Criminal Justice class: CJSA 1322 -- Introduction to Criminal Justice. Meeting days & times: Tue/Thu 6-9 pm. 16 June-Aug. Instructor: Richards-Galvan Cynthia. (3 credit hours).
For more information, contact CTC Field Representative Chuck Sligh or Gosha Gonzalez vilseck@europe.ctcd.edu, DSN 476-2362, CIV 09662-83-2362, Bldg 223, Rose Barracks Mon/Tue/The & at the Tower Barracks Multi Learning Facility (MLF), Bldg. 538 Wednesdays.
WAS IST LOS? Get out and get involved in Germany
*** Does not indicate endorsement by the U.S. Government ***
Mikel's German Restaurant, Now Open
June 29: The menu offers a great variety of food including Schnitzel, Bratwurst, Burgers and healthy choices such as salads, fish and vegetarian items. A special Kids menu, assorted hot & cold beverages and ice cream complete the menu. Come on out and revitalize at the Dickhaeuter lake to stay resilient and let the kids enjoy the playgrounds. Mikel's German Restaurant will be open daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. except Wednesdays. It's located on the WILD B.O.A.R. outdoor recreation area.
Dinner for Troops and Families:
Every Wed. and Thurs. (all year) at 5:30 p.m. until food runs out. First come, first served. Our "Dinner for Troops and Families" program average more than 300 participants on a weekly basis. The program is intended to serve a home cooked meal and save cost for the soldiers and family members of the local community.
Artisans and Pottery Market
July 17 -- 19: In Garmisch-Partenkirchen, on Richard-Strauss-Platz in the Garmisch subdivision. Open Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Klostermarkt in Altötting
July 17 -- 19: Altötting is THE pilgrimage destination in Bavaria and is best known for its stunningly beautiful pilgrimage church (in English, click on the Union Jack at the top right to change language). At the Kapellplatz / Chapel Square alone you'll find FOUR different churches that you can visit.
And it is here that the famous monastery holds its Klostermarkt (monastery market, link only in GE) where they will sell a large variety of goods, ranging from (lots of) food to decoration (art, candles, ceramics) and religious objects. Opening hours: Friday 2 p.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. | Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
African-Caribbean Festival in Bayreuth
July 18 -- 19: This is an exciting festival (program, in GE) with lots of live music (open air) and delicious culinary delights. Over 50 stalls offer African and Caribbean goods and foods. Over 18,000 visitors enjoyed this festival last year! The Festival is in Bayreuth, at the Ehrenhof on Kanzleistraße and in Maximilianstraße.
Kinder-Bürgerfest in Weiden
July 19: Numerous fun activities for children are offered throughout the day. One of the highlights will be the duck race at every full hour. Before the race, the children can "beautify" their little plastic ducks at one of the booths, with colours, stickers, glitter and all kinds of other decorations. First prize is a set of coupons for an ice-cream parlour. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., in 92637 Weiden, in the Max-Reger-Park (the park that runs along the historic Altstadt).
Klangfarben Festival in Regensburg
July 24 -- 26: Listen to free live music between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.! The Haidplatz in front of the palais turns into a market place for international products between 11 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. Stroll around and sample the international flavours of the world.
Jakobi-Markt in Schwärbisch Hall
July 24 -- 27: This street market has been taking place for 800 years around St. Jacob's Day (25 July). The street market with 130 vendors will be held in the city center; it offers clothes, sweets, household wares, and jewelry. On Saturday and Sunday, you can visit the flea market on Gelbinger Gasse. Sunday will offer open stores from Midday to 5 p.m.
Antiques & Arts Auction in Bamberg
July 25: This is an auction (in English) of genuine antiquities and art, so you will need to bring along a big wallet. You can view the items the weekend prior from Midday - 6 p.m., and Monday through Thursday, 24 - 27 March, from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
"Schnittarnt" (Corn Harvest) and Small Fest at the Outdoor Stone Oven in Neusath
July 26: See how harvesting has changed since the Middle Ages, from heavy equipment being pulled by horses to modern technical machines. Watch how farmers harvest corn by hand with a "Wachl", the predecessor to the sickle; or witness how much easier work became once horses were employed. Modern-day machines only became affordable in Germany after the Second World War. 1 p.m., at the Oberpfälzer Freilandmuseum (open-air museum) in Neusath 200 (part of 9257 Nabburg, ca. 31 km / 19 miles south of Weiden).
Mediaeval Fayre in Ahorntal
July 31 --August 2: A wonderful journey back in time (only GE), at a beautiful location. You will find jesters and jugglers, artisans, mediaeval-type camps and show fights, a puppet theater for kids, and as the day comes to an end, a fascinating fire show at dusk. One of the highlights will be the archery tournaments that take place several times during the day, and the public are invited to give it a try! Opening hours (only GE): Thursday Midday - 10 p.m. | Friday + Saturday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Sunday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Admission is € 7.50 | Children pay € 4 | A family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) is € 20.
Mediaeval Fayre in Herzogenaurach
August 1 -- 2: Live music, entertainment, performances, and a fire show attract a large audience from near and far every year. Merchants (only GE) offer such fabulous things as mystical creatures (figurines), bows and arrows, leatherware, copper items, historical clothing, earthware, handmade candles, gems, jewellery, fortune telling - and plenty of food.
Stores will be open on Sunday, 02 August, as well. Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Sunday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Hauptstraße and Marktplatz (ca. 30 km / 20 miles NW of Nürnberg).
Portiunkula markt in Grossweinstein
August 2: 10 a.m., in Gößweinstein, Viktor-von-Scheffel-Straße (about 10 km / 6 miles west of Pottenstein, in the beautiful Fränkische Schweiz).
Jakobimarkt in Weiden
August 2: 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., in Weiden, Altstadt (historic city center) / Fußgängerzone (pedestrian zone).
Portiunkula Markt in Dietfurt
August 2: The Portiuncula festivities are especially celebrated by the Franciscan monks in memory of their founder, Francis of Assisi. Francis of Assisi had realized his vocation in the chapel in Porziuncola, and founded the Order of the Friars Minor in 1209. At the same location, Francis had the vision of the "Portiuncula Indulgence" which was authorized by Pope Honorius III. in 1216. In Dietfurt, Innenstadt = inner city (ca. 35 km / 22 miles SW of Hohenfels). Start time has not been specified.
What is a Volksmarch?
Volkssport (People's Sport) encompasses Volksmarch (People's Walk) and other forms of non-competitive physical fitness. The primary sport, walking, is ordinarily a 10-kilometer route (6.2 miles) on scenic trails along bodies of water, around historic sites, or through your own neighborhoods. Clubs frequently offer trail lengths of 5 and 20 kilometers as well. There is no set start time, but a window of time, approximately 5 hours. Walkers go at their own pace and the only requirement is to finish by the end of the event, approximately 3 hours after the final start time. Trails are marked along the way. Most routes take two hours to complete at a leisurely pace. Many trails are stroller-friendly and provide great opportunity to explore the countryside. After the walk, everyone meets for food and drink in the hall. Nervous about not speaking the language? Many clubs have a special table with someone who speaks English.
Here is a list of upcoming Volksmarches in the Oberpfalz and Franken: http://www.dvv-wandern.de/regionales-angebot/oberpfalz.html
Local public transportation online
Experience Germany with public transportation, a great way to see beautiful sites and events without having to find parking. For example, you can find bus transportation to Amberg or trains to Nuremberg, Munich, Cologne and Berlin.
Greater Nuremberg area public transportation (including trains busses leaving from Freihung, Vilseck, Sorghof, Hahnbach and other local areas) www.vgn.de/CFF6B06F-C0B4-11D7-AE44-00034709FE0C
Weiden / Grafenwoehr / Neustadt bus public bus transportation: www.nwn-bus.de/linien.htm
Other public transportation services throughout Germany: www.bahn.de/i/view/USA/en/index.shtml www.raileurope.com/DB www.raileurope.com/index.html www.busliniensuche.de
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