ACS offers Aloha night with educational twist

By Erin Murray, Army Flier Staff WriterSeptember 22, 2011

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (September 22, 2011) -- It's nice to get away for some quality time with a loved one, and Army Community Service's Family Advocacy Program hopes to make a night at Lake Tholocco even more enjoyable for couples by providing free entertainment and education at the Aloha Paradise Fun Night Oct. 1 from 4-6 p.m.

This annual event is open to 20 couples who want to socialize, dine and even win some prizes while learning about how to improve their relationship, said Twanna Johnson, FAP coordinator for the event.

"We want to focus on the couple by getting away from the hustle and bustle by having fun at the lake and being around other couples," said Johnson.

Aloha night is the first of many ACS events observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and focuses on improving the quality of relationships of active duty, retired, Family and community members, said Johnson.

Registration for the event closes this Friday, and Johnson encouraged couples to register before it's too late. After getting their leis and grass skirts, the couples will be treated to a Hawaiian-style dinner, including pulled pork, baked chicken and pineapple cake, and given educational, evidence-based books about how to make positive relationship choices.

Along with dinner and educational activities, there will be games and demonstrations with a Pacific twist, including a luau costume contest and limbo contest. Couples will also get to learn how to hula dance, an event that Johnson said she was excited to provide.

Luticia Trimble-Smith, FAP program manager, wants couples to use this night as an example for other nights out, by "learning how to have fun and being able to make time for each other."

"Couples tend to not make plans to have quality time together," she said.

Aloha night is the perfect opportunity to begin making couples time a habit and use ACS resources to make every day together better , said Johnson.

"It's a couple of hours to forget everything else and have fun with your significant other. Even though it's only two hours, we're hoping that they'll take this home," she said.

In addition to Aloha night, ACS programs like Marriage 101; promotion points; divorce, separation and co-parenting classes; and love and logic parenting classes are available to those who want to improve their relationships with spouses and Family members.

To register for Aloha Paradise Fun Night or to hear about other ACS and FAP programs, call 255-9641 or 255-3898.