FMWR launches new menu of programs for community

By Jenny Duong, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation; U.S. Army Garrison-HawaiiFebruary 24, 2012

Magic Show
Magician Mark Mauricio (second from left) solicits the help of an audience member during a show at the grand opening of the Nehelani Showroom, Schofield Barracks, Feb. 7. DFMWR has created a new set of programming and events to better serve the Army ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- A new menu of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs at the Nehelani, here, awaits old and new customers.

New special events include wine nights for adults, keiki nights for children, and Right Arm nights for Soldiers and civilians.

"I think it's great that I'm able to enjoy a keiki dinner with my kids one night and then attend a wine tasting with my girlfriends another night," said Dana Spalding, military spouse. "And, it's all at the same venue."

The Directorate of FMWR, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii, which oversees the Nehelani, wants to provide a variety of activities that cater to all demographics of the Army in Hawaii community.

"Soldiers are back, and they want to enjoy their experience here in Hawaii with their family and friends and that's what we help to accomplish," said Juanita Solis, general manager, Nehelani.

The Nehelani is offering new family friendly entertainment in the form of magic and luau shows in its newly renovated ballroom. These shows use the same performers that entertain at private venues and hotels.

"What's making DFMWR's offerings special is our affordability, location convenience and, most importantly, outstanding customer service," Solis said. "Our employees are engrained with customer service as soon as they are hired. We're given one goal and that is to take care of Soldiers and their families."

The Nehelani has not only introduced new programs but also has refined and tailored its current programs to meet the needs of the garrison population.

"Based on commentary that came through in the Army Family Action Plan process, and Soldier demand, we changed our pau hana hours to better fit the work schedules of Soldiers," said Jessica McKinney, catering assistant, Nehelani.

"We also decided to open Kolekole Bar and Grill late night on Saturdays, to give Soldiers and families a social outlet on post, instead of going down to Waikiki."

Patrons have taken noticed.

"Country Night was fantastic," said Sgt. James Rayburn, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, USAG-HI, and president of Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers, or BOSS. "The line dancing was great, and the best part was that I didn't have drive too far."

"This is exactly the kind of programming that single Soldiers and other members of the MWR community need," Rayburn added.

The recent grand opening of the comedy show produced a record number of attendees for regular Friday nights at Kolekole Bar and Grill.

To learn more about the Nehelani's new programs, call 655-4466 or visit www.himwr.com.

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