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Community News Briefs

By U.S. Army Garrison Japan Public AffairsMarch 19, 2024

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The following news briefs are provided to help keep our community informed about what’s happening on our U.S. Army Garrison Japan installations.

To submit your information for publication, email full details (who, what, when, where, why and how, along with contact information) to usag.japan@gmail.com.

Religious Support Office – March

The Religious Support Office is offering the following:

March 24: Catholic Palm Sunday Mass - Camp Zama Chapel from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

March 28: Catholic Holy Thursday Mass - Camp Zama Chapel from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

March 29: Catholic Good Friday Service - Camp Zama Chapel from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

March 29: Good Friday Service - SHA Chapel from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

March 30: Catholic Easter Vigil Mass - Camp Zama Chapel from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.

For more information:

Camp Zama Chapel at DSN 263-8322 (046-407-8322 from a cell phone) between Wednesday to Sunday for more information.

** SHA Chapel at DSN 263-4898 (046-407-4898 from a cell phone) for more information.

March 31: Easter Sunrise Service at 5:15 a.m. on the 14th tee of the Camp Zama Golf Course. In case of inclement weather, the service will be held in the Camp Zama chapel. Call DSN 263-4898 (046-407-4898 from a cell phone) for more information.

Camp Zama Golf Course Limited Menu – March 1-31

The Camp Zama Golf Course restaurant will only offer a limited menu from March 1 to March 31 due to kitchen maintenance. Thank you for your patience.

Family Advocacy Classes (March and April)

The Camp Zama Army Community Service Family Advocacy Program is offering several upcoming classes. They include:

Selfcare 
** March 26 – Anger Management

** April 2 – Mindfulness

** April 16 – Stress Management

** April 23 – Conflict Resolution

** April 30 – Couples Communication

All classes at from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Army Community Service building on Camp Zama. To register for a class, utilize the QR code below or email Jennifer.luera.2.civ@army.mil.

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Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation - April 1

The entire community is invited to join the April 1 Child Abuse Prevention Month event (proclamation signing and cake cutting ceremony) from 1-2:30 p.m. in Building 102. (2nd Floor, Large Conference Room) Come out and help us raise awareness. Don’t forget to wear blue to support this effort. Contact Army Community Service at DSN 263-4783 (046-407-4783 from a cell phone) for more information.

BOSS Community Cleanup Volunteers Needed - April 3

Camp Zama’s Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program is hosting a joint community cleanup with our Japan Ground Self-Defense Force partners from 1:30 to 3 p.m. April 3. Efforts will focus from Gate 4 to Gate 1 and the goal is to beautify the base ahead of the April 6 open-post Cherry Blossom Festival. All community residents are welcome to participate. To volunteer, send an email to usarmy.zama.id-pacific.mbx.usagj-pao-peb@army.mil by March 27.

Cherry Blossom Festival - April 6

Join us on Saturday April 6, 2024, at Camp Zama for a celebration of friendship and the beauty of cherry blossoms! This event is open post event, and will run from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Please visit the MWR website for more information: https://zama.armymwr.com/.

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Friendship Youth Tee-Ball Exchange Event – April 13

Sagamihara City is inviting at least 10 of our elementary school-aged children to join a tee-ball game with local Japanese youth on April 13 at the Sagamihara Sports Recreation Park near the Sagami General Depot. The event will take place from 2-4 p.m. You must provide your own transportation, but there is ample parking at the facility. To register, please send an email to usarmy.zama.id-pacific.mbx.usagj-pao-eb@army.mil or usag.japan@gmail.com with you and your child’s information.

Volunteer Opportunity/Tour of Japan Bike Race – May 25

Sagamihara City is looking for volunteers to support Tour of Japan (Bike Race) on May 25!

When: May 25 (Sat.), 0730-1030

Where: Location assigned by SC (normally Hashimoto Area, Sagamihara City)

Who: 10 volunteers (older than 13 years old) from Camp Zama community

What: Course support activities, such as setting up the course, securing the course/traffic control during the actual race (main duty), recovery of the road

Why: To support Sagamihara City's bike race

Course supporter t-shirt with cap will be provided and there will be language support at the event site. BOSS Soldiers will also participate in the event. No parking is available at the site, but transportation will be provided from Camp Zama. To volunteer, please send an email with your name, date of birth, and telephone number to usarmy.zama.id-pacific.mbx.usagj-pao-peb@army.mil by March 25. We will provide the details to the participants as the day gets closer.

Community ‘Ichi Dan’ Night at Camp Zama Community Club – May 31

The entire community is invited to join the “Ichi Dan” (one team) night starting at 5 p.m. May 31 in the Camp Zama Community Club’s Firelight Lounge. This is a way for the community to come together, to thank each other for all the hard work everyone does for the mission, and to enjoy free hors d’oeuvres, music and camaraderie. Call DSN 263-4133 (046-407-4133 from a cell phone) for more information.

Summer Employment Option

Looking to make extra cash this summer? USAG Japan Sports, Fitness & Aquatics is accepting applications for a Recreation Aid (NF01) position at SHA Outdoor Pool. Visit this site for more information and to apply: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/780636100

Girl Scouts

Camp Zama Girl Scouts are looking for volunteers to join the fun and support Girl Scouts in all they do! You could lead a badge activity, take Girl Scouts hiking or to explore new places, help at troop meetings, and more. With your unique skills and interests, you’ll help Girl Scouts become stronger, kinder, and braver than they ever thought possible. Reach out to zamagirlscouts@usagso.org to learn more!

Off-Post Medical Options

U.S. Army Japan has a link to its homepage offering information on off-post medical clinics and hospitals that offer bilingual services.

Find the latest information here: https://www.usarj.army.mil/Medical-Services/Host-Nation-Medical-Options/

Parenting Support Programs – Ongoing

Army Community Services offers several parenting-focused classes and groups to assist our community. They include:

*New Parent Support Program – Assisting all military families with children up to age 3. Services include: home visits; breastfeeding information; prenatal classes; parenting classes; play groups; and baby bundle care packages. This service is free for active-duty service members and their families who meet the criteria (expecting a child; have a child up to 3 years old).

*Parenting 101 – This program meets the first Wednesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. in the ACS Building on Camp Zama (Bldg. 402). Study topics include child safety first; healthy bodies; the Purple Crying Program; shaken baby syndrome; and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

*Perinatal Support Group – This group meets the second Wednesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. in the ACS Building on Camp Zama (Bldg. 402). It was created to provide additional support to those expecting a baby. It’s a great way to discuss your pregnancy experience, connect with other parents, and learn about beneficial resources.

*Screaming-Free Parenting – Parenting can be tough, so join us the third Wednesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. in the ACS Building on Camp Zama (Bldg. 402). This program focuses on balancing discipline with affection; praising your child for good behavior; and effective communication.

*ACS Play Group – This program meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 10-11:30 a.m. in the Educational and Developmental Intervention Services office at Arnn Elementary School. It’s designed for children up to 3 years of age to learn, play and make new friends. It also allows parents to connect and socialize.

Please call ACS at 263-4357 (046-407-4357 from a cell phone) if you have questions about any of these programs.

Trauma-Focused Therapy Group – Every Wednesday

A new weekly trauma-focused therapy group is starting Feb 7, facilitated by MEDDAC-J provider and therapist John West. Group will be held at Behavioral Health (Building 534, 2nd Floor) every Wednesday 11 a.m. to noon. We are all impacted by traumas small and large. Consider yourself welcome to join this group focusing on wellness, healing, and social support within an atmosphere of safety. The group will integrate methods from multiple evidence-based therapies including EMDR, IFS, and ACT. Adult (18+) TRICARE beneficiaries are eligible to attend. Please contact BHS to reserve a space: DSN 263-4610 or 046-407-4610 from a cell phone. For additional questions regarding the group, email john.p.west50.civ@health.mil.

Celebrate Recovery – Every Thursday

The U.S. Army Garrison Japan Religious Support Office is offering a new 12-step program – “Celebrate Recovery” – to assist with issues including chemical dependency, alcoholism, family dysfunction, and others. The first session is Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. in the Camp Zama Religious Education Center. Please call DSN 263-4898, or 046-407-4898 from a cell phone, for more information.

Yano Fitness Center Age Rules

Effectively immediately, the Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Yano Fitness Center staff at Camp Zama’s Yano Fitness Center will be enforcing age rules for the safety of all patrons. Please note:

**Children 12 years of age and under are not allowed in functional fitness or weight room areas

**Children 13-15 must be supervised by a legal guardian

**Children 16 and above have full access to the fitness center

 2024 BOSS Financial Training Schedule

Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers is offering financial training classes. Each class below will be held in the Community Recreation Center’s Warrior Zone on Camp Zama from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

April 25 – Home Sweet Home (Home buying)

May 30 – Saving and Investing

June 27 – Credit Management

Please call DSN 263-5316 or 046-407-5316 from a cell phone for more info!

Combined Federal Campaign

The Combined Federal Campaign is one of the world’s largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaigns, with CFC campaigns throughout the country and overseas raising millions of dollars each year. Pledges made by Federal civilian, postal and military donors support eligible nonprofit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.

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All Army Sports Application Deadlines

Attention Soldiers! Do you have what it takes to “Make the Cut” and represent the U.S. Army at Armed Forces, national and international competitions? Now accepting applications for the following All Army Sports teams:

Men and Women Armed Forces Rugby:

Applications close March 22

Learn more at https://www.allarmysports.com.

Suicide Crisis Hotline

Please help share this important information!

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Update on New COVID Vaccine Availability

This an update to COVID-19 vaccine availability and appointment procedures. Please use the DHA appointment portal to schedule a vaccination at https://informatics-stage.health.mil/DAP/.

Availability By Age Group:

Pfizer (12-plus years old): Mondays and Fridays, 9 to 11 a.m.

Pfizer (5 to 11 years old): Tuesdays, 1 to 3 p.m.

Pfizer (6 months to 4 years old: Wednesdays, 9 to 11 a.m.

My Army Post App Survey

The Army is rapidly developing a new app to better connect Soldiers and Families to installation information, programs and services. IMCOM is actively seeking input and feedback to ensure this app is most effective for our People and supports our senior commanders. Please find an overview of the new app and a survey at the following link: https://survey.tradoc.army.mil/EFM/se/466E33927BBAEBD501

Update Your Contact Information in ADPAAS

Disaster Personnel Accountability has never been more important.

The goal is for sponsors to protect themselves, their family members and for commands to be ready for personnel accountability before an emergency event occurs.

Please be sure to log into ADPAAS at https://adpaas.army.mil and update your contact information now.