Belvoir Briefs

Miscellaneous

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, Easter egg hunt
The Fort Belvoir Community Center hosts breakfast with the Easter Bunny April 11 from 8 to 10 a.m.
Parents may want to bring cameras for pictures of their children with the Easter Bunny. The cost is $7 per person, ages 3 and up.
An Easter egg hunt begins at 10 a.m. The hunt is free and tickets are not required.
Seats are limited. Tickets are available at the center. More information is available by calling 703-805-3714.

Healthcare Decisions Day
National Healthcare Decisions Day 2009 is April 16, and the Fort Belvoir Staff Judge Advocate office and DeWitt Health Care Network offer military servicemembers, retirees and their families an opportunity to officially document an "agent," or decision-making authority, to help with future healthcare decisions.
The event takes place in the pharmacy lobby of DeWitt Army Community Hospital.
More information is available from Capt. Ildiko Lane, 805-4354.

Murder mystery dinner theater
Murder Mysteries Will Travel and the Fort Belvoir Community Center present "Murder on the Set," April 18 at the center from 4:30 to 8 p.m.
Dinner theater advance tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger and are available at the center. More information is available by calling 703-805-3714.

Easter Buffet at the O' Club
The Officers' Club offers an Easter Brunch April 12. Seatings are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The cost for members is $27.95 and non-members pay $29.95. The cost for children 7 to 12 years is $12.50, and children 6 and younger eat for free.
Advance reservations are required by calling 703-780-0930, ext. 600.

A Night of Laughs
The Community Center and PSR Entertainment present a Comedy Show and DJ April 10. Doors open at 8 p.m.; show time is at 9 p.m., followed by an after party from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets are available at the community center or club.
More information is available by calling 703-805-8471.

DLA Toastmasters
Toastmasters International club is designed to improve people's verbal and written communication skills and presentations. The club also enhances skills in listening, evaluation, leadership and mentoring.
The DLA Toastmasters Club 3772 meets Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Conference Room 3501 in the Andrew T. McNamara Headquarters Complex. Guests are welcome.
Information is available from toastmasters.org or through Lydia Morales, Lydia.Morales@DTRA.MIL, 703-767-4976.

Annual pump and run canceled
Due to insufficient advance registrations, Fort Belvoir's annual Pump and Run has been canceled.

Employment Readiness Program
Army Community Service's Employment Readiness Program offers the following:
Federal Job Search Classes at ACS, Bldg. 200, Call 703-805-4590 to register.
Federal Resume Preparation, April 9.
KSA's and the new ESS (AVUE), April 16.
Resume Preparation, April 23.
The above classes are from 10 a.m. to noon.

Employment Program Orientations are Tuesdays from 12:45 to 2:30 p.m. Registration is required by calling 703-805-4590.
Career Corner, a walk-in resume and job search assistance provided monthly by Career Counselors, are at different community centers on Belvoir each month.
ACS Career Training Academy, courses in computer skills, administrative assistant field, medical terminology and medical office specialist and advanced billing and coding are being offered through ACS.
The next Medical Careers Training Information Session is April 29 at 10 a.m. at ACS.
More information is available by calling 703-805-3126.

Enlisted Spouses Club recruiting
The Belvoir Enlisted Spouse's Club has its monthly meeting April 14 at 6:30 p.m. in Vernondale Community Center. Enlisted Spouses of all services are encouraged to become members of this private, not-for-profit organization designed to create a family oriented, informative and social interest among the enlisted families of the Fort Belvoir and the Military District of Washington area.
More information about the organization, membership or the meeting is available by calling 703-781-4050 or from the Web site, belvoiresc.org.

Credit union scholarship
Belvoir Federal Credit Union is accepting applications from members for its 2009 Educational Scholarship program. The credit union will award a $1,000 scholarship to a 2009 high school graduate and a $1,000 scholarship to a member who is enrolled in higher education, furthering their education.
Applications must be submitted by April 10.
Full details are available online at belvoircreditunion.org.

Spouses scholarship
The Belvoir Enlisted Spouses' Club is encouraging applicants to apply for its 2009 Scholarship awards. Two awards will be made to high school seniors who are family members of enlisted military personnel in the Fort Belvoir area, and two awards will be made to a spouse of an enlisted person for the 2009-2010 school year.
Applications and more information are available from belvoiresc.org.
Applications must be received by May 2.

Bunco!
Anyone 18 and older is welcome to join the fun of the Army MWR promotion, "It's Bunco Time."
The dice game is easy to learn and play and beginners are welcome. Prizes include gift cards and prizes.
Dates at Belvoir are: April 22, Gourmet Night; and May 27, Entertainment Night.
Games begin at 5 p.m. at the Community Center and food and drinks will be available to buy.
Pre-registration qualifies people for a special prize drawing and is available by calling 703-805-3714.

International spouses
The International Spouse group welcomes new members. Information is available through Christine Robinson, christine.robinson5@us.army.mil, 703-805-3436.
AFTB instructor training
Have you taken at least two Army Family Team Building classes? Interested in instructing others? AFTB Instructor Training classes are April 21 to 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Classes will be in Bldg. 200, 9800 Belvoir Road. Free childcare will be provided. All children must be registered with Child, Youth and School Services before the class. The childcare registration deadline is April 10.
More information is available from Colandra Sealey, 703 805-5556, or via e-mail to fb-mwr-aftb@conus. army.mil.

Single parents
The Sailing Solo Support Group, a group for single parents, meets every other Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. in Bldg. 200. Pre-registration is required by calling 703-805 2693 or 1793 or 1794.
Home-Buying workshop
Anyone considering buying a house should attend a home-buying workshop to learn about credit reports, the mortgage and appraisal processes, and useful tools to become a more-educated consumer.
The seminar is in the ACS Classroom of Bldg 200, April 9 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Registration is available through Army Community Service, 703-805-4590.

Home-ownership workshop
Thinking of buying a home? The Virginia Housing Development Authority and Army Community Service have a Home Ownership Education workshop April 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. Topics include budgeting, credit, the loan process (qualifying and lower rate programs), home inspections, the loan closing process and closing documents.
The seminar is the ACS Classroom of Bldg. 200. Registration is available through Army Community Service, 703-805-4590.

Annual cleanup
Belvoir participates in the Annual Route 1 Cleanup April 25.
Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. Volunteers can sign in and get reflective vests, trash bags and assignment.
Volunteers should dress in appropriate civilian attire, including comfortable shoes and gloves.
Refreshments provided after registration. The cleanup is from 8 a.m. to noon.
Volunteers should gather in the Community Center parking lot.
Sign up via e-mail to Pauline Hunter, pauline.elizabeth. hunter@conus.army.mil.

Blood drive reservations
In celebration of 2009 National Medical Laboratory Professional's Week, DeWitt Army Community Hospital's Department of Pathology and The Armed Forces Blood Program have a blood drive at DeWitt April 24 from 8 a.m. to noon in the main conference room.
The goal for the drive is 80 units.
All donors may complete an electronic sign-up form to reserve a 15-minute donation time slot to reduce wait time at militarylifeforce.com; my profile; create a new profile, using Belvoir's ZIP code, 22060 and the blood drive's date.
Drop-ins are also welcome.

Motorcycle safety courses
A motorcycle safety course is May 1 and 2 in the Pentagon North Parking Lot.
Event information and motorcycle registration is available from upcomingevents.ctc.com/ Motorcycle SafetyEvent.htm.
The event includes a motorcycle skills demonstration; motorcycle rodeo; awards for rodeo and bike judging; booths and venues; a safety briefing and a ride and rally.
Training classes in military sportbike, basic and experienced rider courses are from April 27 to 30 at forts Belvoir, Meade, Lee and Eustis; Quantico Marine Core Base; Patuxent River; Anacostia; Riders may register at https://airs.lmi.org and navymotorcyclerider.com. Marines should contact their local safety offices.

NARFE Springfield chapter
National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, Springfield Chapter 893, a nonprofit organization, meets Wednesday. The business meeting begins at 1:30 p.m., followed by a presentation by chapter member, Jim Delgado, on today's Veterans Affairs. Author Veronica Li will also discuss the importance of family history.
The group meets at The American Legion Post 176, 5620 Amherst Ave., Springfield, adjacent to Kay Jenning's Springfield Toyota.
More information is available from Dick Gallagher at rmgallagher@verizon.net, 703 455-4373 for details on the meeting or questions about NARFE. Guests are always welcome and encouraged to attend.

Religion
Jewish
Fort Belvoir Jewish Congregation has a Community Seder Dinner at 7 p.m. April 9 in the Religious Education Center, with a suggested donation of $30 per adult and $10 for children ages 5 to 12. RSVP to 703-806-4196.
There will be a community-wide Yom HaShoah program April 19 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Temple Rodef Shalom. A program on Belvoir is April 24.
The congregation and Master Sgt. Ernest Murray of the Equal Opportunity Office are working on a program commemorating the Holocaust.
Saturday Service is at 9:30 a.m. April 25, followed by a 10:30 a.m. Children's Service, in Belvoir Chapel.
A Jewish Welfare Board Program is April 28. The Jewish Welfare Board, the Jewish Chaplains Endorser, will have a program at the Religious Education Center.
The congregation has weekly Friday night services at 8 p.m. at Belvoir Chapel.
The congregation is looking for all Jewish Soldiers and families new to Belvoir.
Information is available from Sara Astrow, 703-806-4196.

Protestant
Easter Sunrise Service
The Fort Belvoir Protestant Community has Easter Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m. Easter morning at the Officers' Club.
Christian Seder meal
The Protestant Chapel at Fort Belvoir has a Christian Seder Meal April 9 at 6 p.m. at the Officers' Club. The cost is $11 at the door and reservations are required. Chaplain Conrado Navarro will lead people through the Seder.
Points of contact are:
8 a.m. Protestant service, Larry and Ellen Bosetti, 703-971-0621, e-mail, bosettil@saic.com;
11 a.m. Protestant service, Andre Francis, 703-901-2028, e-mail andre.l.francis@us.army.mil.
Gospel service, Patrice Alston, 703-781-1961, e-mail, patrice.alston@us.army.mil.
ChapelNext, ReNata Bauder, 703-372-2687, e-mail, renatabauder@yahoo.com email:renatabauder@yahoo.com or chaplain Navarro via e-mail to navarros5@verizon.net.

Catholic
Fairfax Chapel closed
Fairfax Chapel is closed until further notice for renovations and repair. The 9:15 Hispanic and the 11:15 Masses will temporarily be celebrated in Barden Education Center Auditorium.

Holy Week
Holy Thursday Mass is at 7 p.m. On Good Friday, Stations of the Cross are at 3 p.m. and a service is at 7 p.m. A Saturday Easter Vigil is at 8:30 p.m. All events are at Woodlawn Chapel.

Easter Sunday Masses
Masses on Easter Sunday are at 7:30 and 9:15 a.m. at Woodlawn Chapel; at 9:15 a.m. for a Hispanic Mass at Barden Education Center Auditorium; and at 9:30 a.m. at Belvoir Chapel, followed by an Easter egg roll at the Religious Education Center.

Barden also hosts a Mass at 11:15.
Soup Suppers, Stations of the Cross
Soup Suppers and Stations of the Cross are Fridays at Woodlawn Chapel. Soup Supper begins at 6 p.m., followed by Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m.

Pianist wanted
Fort Belvoir's Garrison Chaplain Office is looking for a piano player for its 8 a.m. Protestant service. Recommendations can go through chaplains Maj. Antonio McElroy or Lt. Col. James King, 703-806-4317 or 4316.

Education
Army vocational/technical Soldier program brown-bag lunch
Congress has selected the Army to participate in an education pilot program designed to provide vocational-technical education opportunities for active-duty Soldiers, officers and wounded warriors, including National Guard and Reserve Soldiers on extended active duty.
The intent of this short-term pilot program is to provide training in high-demand career fields, including computer systems design, administrative and support, waste management and remediation services, professional, scientific and technical services, rehabilitation, nursing, medical technology and other health care occupations.
The AVOTEC program is not based on the Army's traditional TA program that pays for semester or quarter hour courses. Regardless of what education level an active-duty Soldier currently has, they are eligible to enroll for a certificate or licensure at state or national level.

Officers will incur no Active Duty Service Obligation.
The program must be no longer than 18 months long and is limited to $4,500 per fiscal year. To enroll, Soldiers must register in the GoArmyEd portal and approved in a community college, private trade or technical school before Sept. 30.
More information will be presented at an AVOTEC Brown Bag Luncheon Information Briefing at Barden Education Center, April 15 in Room 122, from noon to 1 p.m.
Soldiers can also call a counselor at 703-805-9268 or 9270 or 9267 or visit the AVOTEC Web site, at hrc.army.mil/site/education/VOTEC_Program.html for a listing of participating community and technical schools.

Free career assessment
A free Kuder Career Assessment is offered in Barden Education Center's Multi-Use Learning Facility, Room 112. The assessment is an easy, on-line survey program that identifies people's interests and helps them plan educational and career goals.
The assessment has three independent surveys that take approximately 20 minutes to complete each section and can be done at Barden, at home or anywhere with Internet capability. The survey is available to servicemembers, adult family members, retirees and DoD civilians.
More information is available by calling 703-805-9254.

Webster University
Registration at Webster University is open for summer. Classes begin June 1. The GRE/GMAT is not required for admissions. Evening classes are held at Barden Education Center. Office hours are Mondays to Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
More information is available by calling 703-781-7942, stopping by Room 143 in the Barden, via e-mail to belvoir@webster.edu, or from the site, webster.edu/dcmetro.

Online academic skills course
The Peterson's Online Academic Skills Course is designed for people who want to build their math and verbal skills to excel in their jobs, pass their exams, advance their careers, or continue their education. The course diagnoses the individual's current level of reading comprehension, vocabulary, and math abilities and teach the concepts and skills needed to increase proficiency in each of these areas.
The course includes a pre-test used to evaluate the individual's current skill levels, strengths and weaknesses. A customized learning path provides a series of lessons, based on pre-test results. All lessons are personalized for each individual to deliver leveled learning in a targeted manner. Post-test and subject quizzes allow individuals to demonstrate the skills learned.
The OASC is self-paced, allowing individuals to progress at a comfortable level. Those with less time to study can choose a shortened set of lessons. Lessons are tailored to strengths and weaknesses of the individual user. Users can access the course 24/7 from any internet-connected computer by going to petersons. com/skillscourse.
More information is available from education counselors at Barden Education Center, 703-805-9267 or 9268 or 9270.

Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University offers a Master of Science in Education with initial licensure through its Military Career Transition Program. The teaching license is recognized in 44 states and DoD schools around the world. Active and retired military, military spouses; and qualified civilians are eligible for the program.
Teaching licenses are offered in grades PreK to high school. An MCTP advisor can evaluate college and military transcripts to see which academic areas candidates would be qualified to teach.
Students can start the program immediately as non-degree students. Qualified students must have six years of working experience and a bachelor's degree from a four-year college. Transferring personnel can complete their degree program via online and video-streamed courses. Graduate record exams are not required for graduate status.
Qualified military personnel with teaching licenses are in demand in part because of their leadership skills and lifelong experiences. Teachers can receive retirement benefits after completing second careers in education.
The ODU Belvoir office in the Barden Education Center is open Mondays to Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Adviser appointments are available by calling 703-781-8203.
More information is available at odu.edu/mctp. Non-degree applications are being accepted now for the summer semester, which begins May 11.