Wiesbaden community reaches out to families during open house

By Karl Weisel (USAG Wiesbaden)September 2, 2010

Wiesbaden community reaches out to families during open house
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WIESBADEN, Germany - Wiesbaden military community members got an inside look at the many resources, organizations and assistance available at an Army Community Service Open House Aug. 24.

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The event, sponsored by the Wiesbaden Community Spouses Club and ACS, featured giveaways, sign-ups and a wide selection of information about everything from newcomer tours to the upcoming American Women's Activities Germany Conference in October.

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"There was a steady flow of attendees throughout the day," said ACS Director Jan Meert. "The folks I spoke to were very satisfied about all the information and giveaways they obtained."

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As community members strolled through the open house, held at ACS and the Wiesbaden Entertainment Center, they had the chance to talk to representatives from the Wiesbaden Library, Andrews Federal Credit Union, WCSC and other organizations.

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"It was held to give the community the opportunity to have a one-stop shop for a vast majority of agencies and organizations that operate here in the Wiesbaden community," said Meert, adding that visitors could sign up for clubs, groups, events and activities while at the event.

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Newcomers to Wiesbaden were introduced to the various fundraising and recreational events available to WCSC members. Upcoming events include a "Dress for Success - the Basic Black Dress" event Sept. 15, Oktoberfest Oct. 20 and a shopping extravaganza Nov. 17. People can visit www.wiesbadenspousesclub.com for more information about the club.

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Volunteers and others interested in the American Women's Activities Germany were informed about the AWAG's Hessen Area fall conference Oct. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wiesbaden Entertainment Center. People can register for the conference at www.awagonline.org or by sending an email to Hessen area representative Alyce Newton at Hessen@awagonline.org.

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Community members also had the opportunity to learn about a new Army program, in cooperation with the Military Child Education Coalition - Parent to Parent - aimed at easing and assisting in transition for military youths.

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"We're here to give parents information to empower them to be their child's best advocate," said Kellie Smith of the Wiesbaden Parent to Parent program. "We are here to help them through transitions and education."

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The program which was launched around 2005 by the Military Child Education Coalition, offers workshops for parents to help them promote academic success. This includes everything from showing how to get more involved and organized to how to build a portfolio for their children, said Smith.

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Parents can get more information on the program on the Internet at www.militarychild.org or by contacting their local school.

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Visitors also had a chance to find out more about local Child, Youth and School Services classes and services available at the Wiesbaden Arts and Crafts Shop and education and fitness centers.

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"Next year it will be held in the Wiesbaden Entertainment Center," added Meert.

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