Belvoir Briefs

Free movie for EFMP
The Knights of Columbus host an Exceptional Family Member Program-only screening of Bolt, rated PG, Saturday at Wood Theater at 1 p.m.
Interested EFMP families must contact their local or Fort Belvoir coordinator, Kathy McClain, 703-805-2967 for more information and to register. Admission and refreshments are free.

AFAP postponed
Fort Belvoir's Army Family Action Plan symposium scheduled for March has been postponed indefinitely for planning purposes. Information is available by calling Army Community Service, 805-4590.

Wine and cheese auction canceled
Due to circumstances beyond the group's control, the National Guard Bureau Officers' Wives' Club has canceled the Wine and Cheese Silent Auction scheduled for March 21 at the Fort Belvoir Golf Club.
More information is available via e-mail to NGBOWC@yahoo.com.

Army Officers' Wives
The Army Officers' Wives' Club of the Greater Washington Area hosts a luncheon, "Memoirs from the White House," March 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The event is in Fort Myer's Officers' Club's Koran Ballroom.
The club members welcome Chef Roland Mesnier, author and former White House executive pastry chef to the luncheon.
Mesnier served as the White House executive pastry chef from 1979 to 2004 and will share his memories and anecdotes of working with presidents and first ladies on some of the country's most prestigious events.
The presentation will be followed by the chance to meet Mesnier and buy autographed copies of his books, "All the Presidents' Pastries" and "Dessert University."
The luncheon costs $25. To attend, reservations must be made by mail. Checks should be made out to AOWCGWA and received by noon March 13 to Jill Hoffman, 2609 Military Road, Arlington, Va., 22207.
Cancellations must be made by phone or via e-mail by noon March 13.
More information about reservations is available from Hoffman, 703-243-4592, e-mail larsjill@earthlink.net.

Blood drive
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.

Comedy and dining on the links
The Golf Course hosts a dinner buffet and comedy with Scott Angrave and Chris White March 20.
The event is free for 2009 golf members; for others, $19.95. Reservations are required by calling 703-806-5878, ext. 101 or 102.

NARFE Springfield chapter
National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, Springfield Chapter 893, a nonprofit organization, meet Wednesday. The business meeting begins at 1:30 p.m., followed by a presentation by chapter member, Jim Delgado, on today's Veterans Affairs
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 Rod Bricksin, rbricksin@yahoo.com for details on the meeting or questions about NARFE.
Guests are always welcome and encouraged to attend.

Parenting class
Army Community Service offers a free, four-week course that teaches parents skills to effectively deal with a variety of issues related to parenting children ages 5 to 12. The course is Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m. at the ACS center in Sosa, Bldg. 200.
Pre-registration and information on start dates is available by calling 703-805-2693 or 1794 or 1793.

Electronic recycling
Fairfax County residents can recycle televisions, computers and electronic peripherals for free from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the I-66 Transfer Station, 4618 West Ox Road, Fairfax.
The collection includes keyboards, speakers, printers, external drives and other such materials. Prohibited items are: small or large kitchen appliances, CDs, DVDs, video cassettes or stereo equipment. Recyclables do not need to be in working order.

Job search preps
The Army Community Service Employment Readiness Program offers several classes for job-seekers:
Employment Program Orientation, including resume assistance, Tuesdays from 12:45 to 2:30 p.m. Registration is required, 703-805-4590.
Career Corner, a walk-in resume and job search assistance, monthly conducted by career counselors at a different community center on Belvoir, 703-805-3126.
ACS Career Training Academy, including computer skills, administrative assistance, medical terminology, medical office specialist and advanced billing and coding, 703-805-2605.
Federal Job Search and career development, 703-805-4590 to register.

Home educators
Fort Belvoir Home Educators' Co-op is at Markham Center, South Post.
FBHE is a group of military and DoD families dedicated to home educating their children from preschool through high school. It is also a support group and conducts activities that enrich the lives of members' families. Monthly events include bowling, roller skating, teens' and moms' nights out.
Scheduled events include Goddard Space Center, March 24; Claude Moore Farm, April 30; and a Pentagon tour planned in May. The group's science fair is March 26.
Registration for the group's co-op session four, which is from March 12 to April 23, is open until Monday.
More information is available via e-mail to FBHEmoms@gmail.com or from Web logs at fbhomeeducators.com and groups.yahoo.com/group/belvoirhomeschoolers/.

Autism class
The Fort Belvoir and Fort Myer Military Community Exceptional Family Member Programs sponsor "Tricare/Other Benefits and Safety Issues for Military Parents with Children with Autism and Other Cognitive Disabilities" class and support group, March 25, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Belvoir's Army Community Service, 9800 Belvoir Road, Bldg. 200, SOSA Recreation Center.
Lt. Col. Scott Campbell, a parent of an autistic child and secretary for the Autism Society of America's Northern Virginia Chapter, is guest speaker.
The event is a chance for families to learn about medical benefits and safety issues for autistic children and network with others.
Reservations are required for class slots, on-site child care, and free foods and beverages. Parents may be responsible for paying for child care if they do not cancel child-care reservations by 10 a.m. March 25.
Reservations, general or disabled access information is available through Marcia O'Connor, 703-696-8467; TTY, 703-696-4675.
Interested people are asked to speak with O'Connor directly and not leave reservations on an answering machine.

AFTB Level I
Army Family Team Building Level I, Navigating The Military Life, is March 18 to 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Vernondale Community Center, 9532 Troth Way. Child care will be provided. Children must be registered with CYS before the class. The child care registration deadline is Friday.
More information is available from Colandra Sealey, 703-805-5556, or via e-mail to fb-mwr-aftb@conus.army.mil.

Arts and crafts throughout housing
Staff from Child and Youth Services bring arts and crafts activities to the housing community centers. The events are free and open to all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Events are from 10 a.m. to noon March 12, George Washington and March 17, Vernondale.
More information is available by calling 805-9117.

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.

Religion

Jewish

Fort Belvoir Jewish Congregation has a Purim Program March 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Belvoir Chapel. People who attend can hear the Megillah, eat Hamentash and enjoy a Purim Play.
Nosh and Learn is at 1 p.m. March 22 in the Religious Education Center, with a congregational meeting and speaker, Aviva Tessler, director of Operation Embrace. The organization helps terrorism victims in Sderot, Israel.
Morning Shabbat Service is March 28 at 9:30 a.m. at Belvoir Chapel, followed by a kids service at 10:30 a.m.
The congregation has weekly Friday night services at 8 p.m. at Belvoir Chapel and is looking for all Jewish Soldiers and families new to Belvoir.
Information is available from Sara Astrow, 703-806-4196.

Mother-Daughter tea
Fort Belvoir Protestant Women of the Chapel has a Mother-Daughter Tea, for school- aged girls and up, March 28, at 9:30 a.m. in Woodlawn Chapel.
Jane Hampton Cook, author of "The Faith of America's First Ladies," is guest speaker. This is a post-wide, free event. Seating is limited and tickets are required.
RSVP by March 20 to programs@pwocfortbelvoir.org.

Men's Bible Studies
Belvoir Men of Faith discuss "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership," by John Maxwell, every second and fourth Saturday of the month from 7:30 to 9 a.m. in the Religious Education Center. Breakfast is included.
Information is available from Mike Marrone, 703-373-3938.

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.

Spring Bible study
The Protestant Women of the Chapel's Spring Bible Studies are beginning. The group's main meetings are Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Belvoir Chapel, with free child care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. The home-school room is available for school-age children. Parents are asked to bring work for their children.
The PWOC also has two weekly evening studies Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in the REC and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the REC Library.
Information is available from Nilda Navarro, 703-868-6452.

Protestant
Walk Thru the Bible, Old Testament, is March 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Belvoir Chapel, with lunch provided. Registration is available from Mike Webb, 703-806-4179, michael.webb13@us.army.mil.

Investment in marriage
FamilyLife's Weekend to Remember weekend getaway is March 13 to 15 at the Hyatt Regency Reston. Registration is $69 per person for military (active, guard, or reserve) and $129 per person for civilians.
More information and registration is available from familylife.com.

Protestant Confirmation
Protestant confirmation classes continue Sundays through March at 9:20 a.m. in the Religious Education Center. The class is for Protestant children, seventh grade or older, who were baptized as children or want to be baptized. Parent approval is required to attend.
Chaplain Major Saul Cardona, Director of the Family Life Center, will lead the class. Pre-registration is available from Mike Webb, 703-806-4179, or by filling out a registration form at Belvoir Chapel or the Religious Education Center.

Islamic services
The following are Islamic services in the area.
Salat Al Zuhr, afternoon prayer, 1:30 p.m. daily, Washington Navy Yard Chapel, Washington, D.C. Point of contact: Chaplain (Lt. Cmdr.) Saifulislam, 202-433-2611
Jumah, Friday prayer, 1:15 p.m., Quantico Prayer Center, Quantico Marine Corps Base POC: Mohammad Mukhtar, 703-670-0894
Jumah, 2 to 2:45 p.m. Fridays, Pentagon Room 1E438, Zadil Ansari, 703-602-7462
Salat Al Zuhr, daily from 2 to 2:45 p.m., Pentagon Room 1E474, POC: Zadil Ansari, 703-602-7462
Jumah, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Dar Ul Huda, 6666 Commerce St., Springfield POC: 703-922-0111.

Barden Education Center

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.

Central Michigan University
The next sessions of classes at Central Michigan University start April 3.
Central Michigan University classes are available at six locations in the D.C metro area, including Belvoir.
CMU accepts applications year round. Degrees can be completed in 18 months or less.
More information is available from Mary Pat Mabeus, 703-360-5336. CMU is in Room 139 at Barden.

Webster University and writing seminar
The GRE/GMAT is not required for admissions at Webster U, with evening classes at Barden Education Center. Registration for Spring 2 is open for classes that begin March 14. The university has a research and writing skills seminar March 12. The seminar, open to new and current students, is designed for those preparing for the 6000 course or those who just need help writing better term papers.
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 of Barden, via e-mail to Belvoir@webster.edu or from Webster.edu/dcmetro.

Park University
Park University offers undergraduate programs and associate degrees in computer science, criminal justice, management and social psychology. Spring II classes begin March 16 for onsite and Internet courses. Registration opens Monday.
More information is available by calling 703-781-8456 or from the Web site, park.edu/virginia.

GMU
Registration for George Mason University's summer session begins in mid-March. Public and international affairs graduate classes are offered in Fairfax, Arlington and online. GMU has Graduate and Professional Day at Mason March 16 fro 2 to 6 p.m. in the Johnson Center on the Mason Fairfax campus.
More information is available from admissions.gmu.edu/grad/
A site representative conducts office hours Tuesdays at Barden.

NOVA
Registration is underway for the next eight-week session at Northern Virginia Community College begins March 16. Information is available by calling 703-323-3000 or from the Web site, nvcc.edu.
NOVA offices in Barden, Bldg. 1017, are in Room 127. The local office number is 703-360-8524.
Courses in the session cover the same material and award the same credits as semester-long classes.
Students may enroll 24 hours a day at www.nvcc.edu or by calling 703-323-3770. In-person registration is available during normal office hours at NOVA's campuses in Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Springfield and Woodbridge.
The school also has independent, distance learning courses that start Monday.

UMUC
University of Maryland University College is registering for spring session II classes. Upcoming evening classes, including Homeland Security and Information Systems in Organizations, start March 23.
Some of UMUC's Belvoir evening and weekend spring courses will now be offered in a HYBRID format, where students meet once (instead of twice) a week in Barden Education Center and also online.
UMUC is in Room 128 of Barden. Office hours are Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon. The office number is 703-781-0059. Barbara McKaig, office manager, can be reached via e-mail to bmckaig@umuc.edu.

ODU
Old Dominion University's Military Career Transition Program, a master of science in education with a teaching licensure degree, is designed for active/retired military, military spouses and qualified personnel wanting to teach elementary, middle or high school.
The teaching license is good in 44 states and DoD schools around the world.
More information is available from odu.edu/mctp or by calling 703-781-8203.
Personnel who transfer before completing the program can complete the program via video streaming and online, with student teaching done at the new location.
ODU also offers the last two years of numerous bachelor's of science degrees and other master's degrees.