Family and MWR Holiday Hours of Operation

ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE & SFAC

• Friday, Training Holiday Observance – September 3 – CLOSED
• Monday, Federal Observance – September 6 – CLOSED

For financial emergencies: On Friday September 3 between 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. call 588-5725. For financial emergencies after duty hours and Holidays call: American Red Cross at 1-877-272-7337

BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Friday, Training Holiday Observance – September 3 – OPEN

• Bowling Center – Normal Operations
• Fort Bliss Lodging – Normal Operations
• Old Fort Bliss Museum – Normal Operations
• Rod & Gun Club – Normal Operations
• Underwood Golf Complex – Normal Operations

Friday, Training Holiday Observance – September 3 – CLOSED

• Centennial Club
• Lodging warehouse closed for furniture sales

Saturday - September 4 – OPEN

• Bowling Center – Normal Operations
• Centennial Club Metro – Bingo 6 p.m.
• Fort Bliss Lodging – Normal Operations
• Old Fort Bliss Museum – Normal Operations
• Rod & Gun Club - Normal Operations
• Underwood Golf Complex – Normal Operations

Sunday – September 5 - OPEN

• Bowling Center – Normal Operations
• Centennial Club - Brunch
• Fort Bliss Lodging – Normal Operations
• Rod & Gun Club – Normal Operations
• Underwood Golf Complex – Normal Operations

Monday, Federal Observance – September 6 - OPEN

• Bowling Center - Normal Operations
• Rod & Gun – 8 a.m. – Normal Operations
• Underwood Golf Complex - Normal Operations with holiday rates

Monday, Federal Observance – September 6 - CLOSED

• Centennial Club
• Old Fort Bliss Museum

RECREATION

Friday, Training Holiday Observance – September 3 - OPEN

• Automotive Skills Center (Bldg. 820) 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Biggs Gym 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Biggs Park - Normal Operations
• Splash Pool 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Bliss Inn Pool (Bldg. 1744) 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• 5-8 p.m. Lodging guests only
• Community Pool (Bldg. 252) 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Framing Bliss (Bldg. 820) Normal Operations
• ITR (PX) 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Milam Gym 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Logan Gym 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Mickelsen Community Library – Normal Operations 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Replica Aquatic Center Noon – 7 p.m.
• RV Park – Normal Operations
• Soto Gym 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Stout Gym 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Tennis Center & Fitness Zone (Bldg. 262) 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday, Training Holiday Observance – September 3 - CLOSED

• Ironworks Gym M.E.F.
• ITR & Unit Funds (Bldg. 1743)

Saturday - September 4 – OPEN

• Automotive Skills Center (Bldg. 820)
• Biggs Gym 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Biggs Park - Normal Operations
• Splash Pool 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Bliss Inn Pool (Bldg. 1744) 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• 5-8 p.m. Lodging guests only
• Community Pool (Bldg. 252) 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• ITR (PX) 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Logan Gym 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Milam Gym 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Replica Aquatic Center 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• RV Park 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Soto Gym 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Stout Gym 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Tennis Center & Fitness Zone (Bldg. 262) 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday - September 4 – CLOSED

• Framing Bliss (Bldg. 820)
• Ironworks Gym M.E.F.
• ITR & Unit Funds (Bldg. 1743)
• Mickelsen Community Library

Sunday – September 5 - OPEN

• Automotive Skills Center (Bldg. 820) Normal Operations
• Biggs Gym 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Biggs Park - Normal Operations
• Splash Pool 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Bliss Inn Pool (Bldg. 1744) 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• 5-8 p.m. Lodging guests only
• Community Pool (Bldg. 252) 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Logan Gym 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Milam Gym 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Replica Aquatic Center – noon – 5 p.m.
• RV Park 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Soto Gym 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Stout Gym 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Tennis & Fitness Zone (Bldg. 262) 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday – September 5 – CLOSED

• Framing Bliss (Bldg. 820)
• Ironworks Gym M.E.F.
• ITR & Unit Funds (Bldg. 1743)
• ITR (PX)
• Mickelsen Community Library

Monday, Federal Observance – September 6 - OPEN

• Biggs Gym 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Biggs Park - Normal Operations
• Splash Pool 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Bliss Inn Pool (Bldg. 1744) 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• 5-8 p.m. Lodging guests only
• Community Pool (Bldg. 252) 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Logan Gym 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Milam Gym 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Replica Aquatic Center – Noon – 7 p.m.
• RV Park 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Soto Gym 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Stout Gym 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Monday, Federal Observance – September 6 – CLOSED

• Automotive Skills Center (Bldg. 820)
• Framing Bliss (Bldg. 820)
• Ironworks Gym M.E.F.
• ITR & Unit Funds (Bldg. 1743)
• ITR (PX)
• Mickelsen Community Library
• Tennis Center & Fitness Zone (Bldg. 262)

CYSS

Friday, Training Holiday Observance – September 3 - OPEN

• CDC Main – Normal Operations
• CYSS Admin Offices – Normal Operations
• FCC – Normal Operations
• Logan - CDC, Annex & SAC – Normal Operations
• Milam YAC – 3 – 7 p.m.
• Parent Central Services Main Office and Satellite office – Normal Operations
• SAC – Normal Operations
• School Liaison Office – Normal Operations
• SKIES – Normal Operations unless prior arrangements have been made by instructors
• YouthPlex - Normal Operations

Saturday – September 4 – OPEN

• Milam YAC – 1 – 10 p.m.

Saturday – September 4 – CLOSED

• Logan CDC and SAC
• YouthPlex

Monday, Federal Observance – September 6 – ALL CYSS Facilities CLOSED

• CDC Main & Logan
• CYSS Admin Offices – Parent Central
• FCC & child care providers
• Logan - CDC, Annex & SAC
• Milam YAC
• SAC
• School Liaison Office (Bldg. 503B)
• SKIES
• YouthPlex

Business Operations, Property Book Office & Financial Management Office (FMWR Clearing)

• Friday, Training Holiday Observance – September 3 – CLOSED
• Monday, Federal Observance – September 6 – CLOSED

NAF Support Operations, NAF Human Resources

• Friday, Training Holiday Observance – September 3 – OPEN
• Monday, Federal Observance – September 6 - CLOSED

Family and MWR Customer Satisfaction Survey

Family and MWR is interested in hearing your opinion about your satisfaction of services and hours of operation of the Fort Bliss Family and MWR facilities. By taking this survey you will be helping us to better understand the needs of the installation as well as letting us know how we can better serve those who use Family and MWR services and facilities. Please follow this link to help us improve our operations. If you have any questions regarding the survey please contact Family and MWR at (915) 568-2447.

Civilian Fitness Program

The Civilian Fitness Program is an opportunity for Army civilians to develop and continue healthy lifestyle changes. The six-month, structured program is open ONLY to civilian employees of Fort Bliss.

The program will involve a pre- and post-fitness assessment that includes a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), the three-minute step test, sit and reach test, tests of dynamic strength (one-minute timed sit-ups and push-ups), absolute strength (bench press on a selectorized machine) and one-mile walk for time. The actual program will be three times per week in one-hour blocks for a total of six months. Guidance will be provided on exercise program design, nutrition, and aerobics, but the actual program will be determined by the participants. Group fitness classes offered include TRX, gravity, yoga, pilates, spin and more, all on a rotating schedule.

Click here to download the application packet, or pick one up at the front desk of Stout PFC. Completed packets must be returned to Doug Briggs at Stout Gym no later than Friday, September 10. Late applications WILL NOT be accepted. For more information call 568-6458.

Consumer awareness classes at ACS

The Better Business Bureau is coming to Army Community Service to offer consumer awareness classes. Learn to make purchases without becoming a victim.

• September 22, 1:30-3 p.m.: Wheel Deals...Car buying done right
• October 27, 9-11 a.m.: Identity Theft Prevention

All classes will be held at ACS, Bldg 2494 on Ricker Road. Please call 568-7088 to reserve your seat.

Become a sponsor for inbound Soldiers and families

Are you a Soldier who wants to mentor and assist inbound Soldiers and their families who are new to Fort Bliss? Can you show them the ropes and get them acquainted with the post? Sponsorship training is available beginning at 6 a.m. on the last Thursday of every month. Trainings take place in the Army Community Service ballroom, and are scheduled for:

• August 26
• September 30
• October 28
• November 25
• December 30

Additional trainings can be requested by individual units. For questions or to set up unit trainings, please call Joe Hess at 568-1132 or e-mail joseph.hess1@us.army.mil.

PEP: People Encouraging People

This is a three day newcomer’s orientation geared towards spouses. The first day is an informational class room day with lunch at the DFAC. The second day is a tour of Fort Bliss, Biggs Army Airfield, WBAMC, and a tour throughout El Paso with shopping downtown. The third day is a trip to Mesilla, N.M. Classes are scheduled for September 7-9, October 5-7 and November 2-4. Call ACS at 568-1132 to reserve your seat. Child care will be paid for all who are registered with the CDC.

Dinner on a Dime

Let the Financial Readiness Program at Army Community Service teach you how to prepare great food on a shoestring budget. Make fantastic pasta, sauces, appetizers, desserts and more, all while stretching your dollars.

Dinner on a Dime focuses on making quick, healthy meals for a price you can afford. Classes take place at the Milam Youth Activity Center, 10960 Haan Road on East Fort Bliss. The class is free, but pre-registration is required. Register by phone at 569-5365 or 568-1132; register by e-mail at aisha.ruhland@us.army.mil; or register in person at ACS.

Future classes are scheduled from 10 a.m.-noon on the following dates:

• September 7 and 16
• October 5 and 21
• November 2 and 18
• December 7 and 16

Free child care will be provided for children registered with Child, Youth and School Services.

For more information, call 568-1132.

Auditions for one-act play: The Bad Business, Man

The Fort Bliss Troupers will host auditions for “The Bad Business, Man,” a one-act play, September 7 and 8 at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center, Bldg. 11199 on East Fort Bliss. Auditions start at 6 p.m. each night.

Actors of all ages are needed to assist in various roles. There are approximately 20 roles to cast. Material will be provided at the auditions.

“The Bad Business, Man” is an original production written by J.M. McKeel. For more information, call (915) 203-2518.

Survivor support groups

Are you a surviving family member of a fallen military hero? If so, please join us at Survivor Outreach Services as we take on a new endeavor: survivor support groups.

Free child care is available during support group meetings except for on Family Social nights, when all children are welcome. Children must be registered with Child, Youth and School Services to receive free child care. Reservations must be made prior to groups. Vouchers will be given after the completion of groups.

Group meetings will take place:

• September 21 from 6-7 p.m.
• October 26 from 6-8 p.m. (Halloween Family Social)
• November 16 from 10-11 a.m.
• December 14 from 6-8 p.m. (Holiday Family Social)

Support groups are held at Fort Bliss Army Community Service, Bldg. on 2494 Ricker Road. Spanish-language support groups may be available upon request. Please call 568-1132 to register or for more information.

Click here to view the flyer.

Harvest Market Day at Old Fort Bliss

Celebrate autumn's bounty with Harvest Market Day at the Old Fort Bliss Museum. Saturday, September 18 join Family and MWR for a day of fun as vendors come out to share their seasonal goods.

Enjoy roasted chiles, corn and local wines, fresh produce and more. Learn tips on planting from Master Gardeners. Started plants and seeds will be available.

The fun lasts from 3-6 p.m. For information, or to volunteer for this event, call (915) 568-4518 or (915) 588-8482.

Team Bliss Family Covenant Card

The Team Bliss Family Covenant Card offers special discounts and entitlements to families of Soldiers deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism. For more information on Family Covenant Card eligibility, information on how to obtain a card, and a list of everyday discounts provided to cardholders, including discounts for Child, Youth and School Services, visit www.blissmwr.com/familycovenantcard or call Army Community Service at 568-1132.

Hall of Remembrance at Fort Bliss

To honor and remember fallen service members, Survivor Outreach Services at Fort Bliss will dedicate the “Hall of Remembrance” in memory of all service members who have lost their lives while serving on active duty from 1990 to present. The hall will serve as a reminder of the sacrifices the Soldiers made and serve as a reminder to all that our service members have not been forgotten.

The Hall of Remembrance will encompass 8-inch by 10-inch photos of the fallen Soldier, Airman, Marine, Sailor or Coast Guardsman. We encourage families to stop by the SOS office in Army Community Service, Bldg. 2494 on Ricker Road, and submit a picture along with a statement about their loved one.

Families should feel free to submit a photo honoring their loved one in the manner in which they want their loved one to be remembered.

Survivors of the fallen may also mail their photograph of their Fallen Soldier to:

Army Community Service
Attention: Survivor Outreach Services
Bldg. 2494 Ricker Road
Fort Bliss, TX 79916

A dedication ceremony and location will be announced at a later date. For more information, call the SOS team at 568-1132.

Click here to view the flyer.

Immigration Service Field Office open at ACS

The El Paso Field Office of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has opened an information office at Fort Bliss Army Community Service, Bldg. 2494, Ricker Road.

This office is open every Wednesday for appointments from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Walk-ins will be addressed based on time available. These appointments may be scheduled only through ACS and are open to service members, family members or any civilian working on Fort Bliss. These appointments are to discuss immigration issues, questions and filing instructions, not to review an application. Applications can not be submitted to this office.

USCIS conducts monthly immigration information classes at ACS the last Friday of each month. You may get a class schedule and sign up to attend this class at ACS.

For more information, call 568-1132.

Financial readiness classes

Come to our preventive classes at Army Community Service for Soldiers and family members who are feeling overwhelmed with financial issues. ACS has a staff of financial educators to provide information on getting finances under control.

Classes take place from 1:30-3 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday at ACS. The classes provided are Banking and Checking, Planning and Budgeting, Understanding Credit, Savings, Investments, TSP, Debt Management, and Car Buying and Insurance.

Child care vouchers are given for free child care for children registered at CYSS. Call 568-8956 for assistance in getting your child into daycare and attend a financial class!

• First Term Financial Readiness Training: THIS IS A MANDATORY TRAINING FOR E1 TO E3 ON THEIR FIRST ENLISTMENT, PER AR 608-1, in-processing to Fort Bliss. This training can now be easily conducted online at www.myarmylifetoo.com. For more information, call  568-4614.

• Understanding Credit:  There are so many credit card offers and loans out there, how do you know which is best for you. This class will explain the different types of accounts that exist, the importance of viewing your credit report, knowing your debt to income and ratio, and more.  To register for the class, call 568-7088.

• Car Buying & Insurance: Car buying requires time and research. You will leave with tips, resources and facts that will make you a smarter shopper when it comes to vehicles. To register, call 568-7088.

• Saving, Investing & TSP: You don’t need to have a lot of money to save money. There are three types of saving accounts you should have: emergency, short-term goals, and retirement. If you have all three, you’re in great shape. If you only have one or neither, than come to our Saving, Investing & TSP class to learn how. To register, call 568-7088.

• Planning & Budgeting: Do you feel like no matter how hard you try to pay all your bills, you still find yourself living paycheck to paycheck, worse yet; strapped for cash? If so, this class is for you. To register, call 568-7088.

• Debt Management: Are you up to your eyeballs in debt? Do you find yourself paying more in fees than the original balance? Come learn how to minimize your debt. To register, call 568-7088.

AFTB presents ... Super Saturday

Army Family Team Building will offer Super Saturday, a full day of Level I training, three times in 2010. During Super Saturday, participants learn in one day what usually takes two to three sessions. Lunch is provided to participants. Super Saturday: One day, Level I, lots of knowledge.

The next Super Saturday will be offered November 20, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

The classes are designed enhance your knowledge of the Army, personal development and professional development. Training hours apply toward promotion points for Soldiers E-5 and below. Classes are open to Soldiers, Family Members, and Civilians. For more information, please call 568-AFTB (2382).

AFTB Training Classes

The Fort Bliss AFTB program is looking for a few good men/women: volunteer instructors needed to help provide quality instruction on Army basics, personal development, and leadership skills! All instructors must take (or have taken) AFTB in the classroom in order to volunteer.

Consumer Credit Counseling Services

Are you in a financial crisis with creditors? Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) assists individuals in financial crisis by working with creditors to develop plans to pay off debts and live in a cash-based lifestyle. Army Community Service in partnership with CCCS, offers a NO COST, budget counseling and debt management service with certified credit counselor Philip Priest. He will work with you on money problems caused by pay issues, separation and divorce, reduction in pay, overspending, credit abuse, predatory lending problems and more. To get control of your debt, call ACS at 568-7088. Appointments are scheduled in the morning and walk-ins start at 1 p.m.

Attire for Hire business suit drive

Get ready to clean out your closet! The Employment Readiness Program, in collaboration with Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande, is currently accepting your nearly-new business suits to help military Family members gain and retain employment! Your fabulous suit could assist the Family members with gaining increased confidence to go out and land a job that could change their life. We are currently accepting coordinated, interview-appropriate pant and skirt suits for women and business coats and suits for men or other professional business attire to assist our clients with building a wardrobe to successfully enter the workforce. We are also accepting shirts and ties for men. Items can be dropped off at Army Community Service (Employment Readiness Program), Bldg. 2494, Ricker Road. Be sure to mention that you would like your items to go to the Attire for Hire program. Call Ted Rivera at 569-5873 for details.

Spouse employment orientation

Are you a military spouse new to the area and seeking employment? The Employment Readiness Program has partnered with Workforce Solutions of Upper Rio Grande to deliver orientation weekly to educate spouses on services available to them and employment opportunities in the local area. Orientation is held at ACS, Bldg. 2494, Ricker Road, every Monday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. Please call 568-1132 to sign up for the orientation.

Family Advocacy Program life skills classes

The Family Advocacy Program at Army Community Service offers life skills classes to the Fort Bliss community. Pre-registration is required for all classes. For more information or to register, stop by ACS, Bldg. 2494 on Ricker Road, or call 568-4878 or 568-7088. Free child care is available for all classes. Call for details and locations.

The 2010 class schedule includes:

• Strongest Link: Premarital Program - A one-day class from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 24, July 22, August 19, September 16, October 14 and November 23.
• Strong Bonds for Couples - A one-day class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 8, August 3, September 14, October 5 and November 9.
• So Happy Together - A two-day seminar from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. August 11 and 12, and November 3 and 4.
• Six Building Blocks of a Healthy Marriage - A one-day class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 29, July 27, August 31, September 28, October 28, November 30 and December 7.
• Trans-Parenting: Coping with Divorce - A one-day class for parents divorcing with children, from 8 a.m. to noon. June 21, July 12 and 26, august 2 and 16, September 20 and 27, October 4 and 25, November 1 and 15, and December 6.
• Stress Management Class - A one-day class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 15, July 13, August 24, September 21, October 19, November 16 and December 14.
  
• Anger Management Class - A three-week course open to active-duty military and family members, from 8 a.m. to noon (Note: Further class dates will be provided at the first class attended) Start dates on July 7, August 4, September 1, October 6 and November 10.
• Child Abuse and Safety Briefings - Available for the Fort Bliss community upon request
• Car Seat Safety and Loaner Program: Certified car seat technician inspections available, or borrow one for 30 days.

Family Advocacy Program parenting classes

The Family Advocacy Program at Army Community Service offers parenting classes through the New Parent Support Program. Pre-registration is required for some classes. For class information or to register, stop by Army Community Service, Bldg. 2494 on Ricker Road, or call 568-4878 or 568-1132. Child care costs are covered for children registered with Child, Youth and School Services. Call for child care details and locations.

The 2010 class schedule includes:

• Baby Care 101: A one-day class from 9 to 11 a.m. June 7, July 12, August 2, September 13, October 4, November 1 and December 6.
• Expectant Siblings: A one-day class for children ages 3 to 8 and their parents, from 6 to 7 p.m. July 13 and November 13.
• Early Childhood Parenting: A seven-week course for parents with children ages newborn to 4 years old, from 1 to 4 p.m. every Monday except holidays and training holidays (pre-registration required)
• Healthy Kids: A two-day class for parents of children ages newborn to 6 years old, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 21 and 28, August 16 and 23, October 18 and 25, and December 13 and 20.
• Parenting School-Age and Teenagers: A seven-week course for parents with children ages 5 and older, from 1 to 4 p.m. every Wednesday except holidays and training holidays (pre-registration required)
• Playgroups: For ages 4 months through 4 years, meets Tuesday through Thursday each week; call 568-4878 to sign up for monthly e-calendars of locations.

Army Lodging Fort Bliss excess property sale

Need furniture? Army Lodging Fort Bliss sells it! Headboards, nightstands, dressers, desks, tables, sofas and more can be yours for low prices. View our inventory from 1-4 p.m. every Friday in Bldg. 1121 on Pleasanton Road. Cash and major credit cards only; checks are not accepted. No refunds or exchanges; all items sold as-is. You must pick up your items at time of purchase. No items will be held.

Wounded Warrior Program Discounts

MWR would like to remind individuals with a "Wounded Warrior Card" that they are entitled to the following discounts:

• Free games of bowling and free shoe rental at Fort Bliss Bowling Center.
• Free club rental, free cart rental and free green fees at George V. Underwood Golf Complex.
• Free usage of MWR Park facilities.
• Free equipment rental at MWR Park facilities.

For more information, contact the Bowling Center at 568-6272/1685 and the Golf Complex at 562-2066 or 562-1273.