Belvoir Briefs

Blood drive
Echo Company, 169th Engineer Battalion hosts an Armed Services Blood Program Blood Drive Friday from 3 to 6 p.m.
The drive is in Bldg. 802, Bennett Barracks, behind DeWitt Army Community Hospital and the Preventive Medicine/Behavioral Health Building.
Blood donations support deployed troops and those in the National Capital Region.

ASE examinationsBarden Army Education Center administers the Automotive Services Excellence examinations, in accordance with a national schedule, May 7, 12 and 14.
Active and reserve military in a related MOS or AFSC are eligible to test on the funded exam for college or certification. Recertification is not funded.
Interested personnel must complete a registration form by March 19 at Barden, Bldg. 1017, Room 134.
DANTES funding must be authorized by an education center counselor for up to three exams for each of the semi-annual testing cycles. Students are responsible for paying the $32 registration fee with money order or personal check on exam day. The fee covers all exams taken during the cycle.
Students may download the latest ASE preparation study guides from asecert.org.
More information is available by calling 703-805-9261.

Genealogy
The Mount Vernon Genealogical Society meets at 1 p.m. Tuesday. The meeting is in Room 112 of Hollin Hall Senior Center in Alexandria. The meeting is free and open to the public.
The meeting features a presentation entitled "Southern Claims Commission," presented by Sharon Hodges, a professional researcher with 20 years of experience. She specializes in researching Northern New Jersey, Northern Virginia, the Northern Neck of Virginia and Washington, D.C.
The senior center is four miles south of Alexandria just off Fort Hunt Road at 1500 Shenandoah Road in Alexandria.
Additional information is available from MVGenealogy.org.
Questions about the program can be directed to Harold McClendon, 703-360-0920, haroldm@erols.com.

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.

Home-ownership workshop
Staff of the Virginia Housing Development Authority speak during the Army Community Service Center's "Home Ownership Education" workshop. Topics include budgeting, credit, the loan process (qualifying and lower rate programs), home inspections, loan closing and closing documents. Seminars are Tuesday and April 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. in Bldg. 200, ACS Classroom.
Registration is available by calling 703-805-4590.

Facilitator's course
The Military District of Washington Equal Opportunity Office hosts a Facilitator's/CO2 Course from March 30 to April 3 at Fort Myer. Interested military or civilian personnel should contact Master Sgt. Ernest Murray Jr., 703-805-2288 by March 20.

Comptrollers meeting
The Mt Vernon Chapter of the American Society of Military Comptrollers luncheon is March 19 at Paradisio Restaurant in Springfield. Sharon Deprato, a DoD program manager, is the speaker and will discuss "Internal Control over Financial Reporting"
RSVP by Wednesday to Marcy Knight, Marceliana.o.knight@usace.army.mil, 202-761-1830.

PTO meeting
Fort Belvoir Elementary School has a general PTO meeting March 19 from 7 to 8 p.m. The meeting also includes nominations for the PTO board positions for the 2009-10 school year.
More information is available via e-mail to fbptopresident@gmail.com.
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 Friday to Jill Hoffman, 2609 Military Road, Arlington, Va., 22207.
Cancellations must be made by phone or via e-mail by noon Friday.
More information about reservations is available from Hoffman, 703-243-4592, e-mail larsjill@earthlink.net.

Atlantic City trip
MWR has a trip to Atlantic City, N.J. March 28. The cost is $40 per person, including transportation and a rebate of between $18 and $25 for participants 21 and over.
Sign up at the Community Center now or call 703-805-3714 for details.

Bunco!
Anyone 18 and older is welcome to join the fun of "It's Bunco Time," a three-month Army promotion.
The dice game is easy to learn and play and beginners are welcome.
Themes this year are Indulgence Night, Gourmet Night and Entertainment Night.
Prizes include gift cards and prizes.
Dates at Belvoir are: March 25, A Night of Indulgence; 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.

Food Tasting
Fort Belvoir Officers' Club invites everyone to its 2009 Wedding Menu
Food Tasting and Presentation, March 20, from 7 to 10 p.m.
The cost is $10 per person and reservations are available by calling 703-780-0930, ext. 608 or 609.

Retirement planning
Get the latest options and ideas on how to make the most of retirement and options at a retirement planning seminar Tuesday in Bldg. 200, ACS Classroom.
Another seminar is May 19.
Registration is available by calling 703-805-4590.

Comedy on the links
The Golf Course hosts a fitness seminar and comedy with Todd Sullivan, 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.
The seminar starts at 5 p.m., followed by cash bar at 6 p.m.; appetizers at 6:30 and the comedy show begins at 7:30 p.m.

Job search preps
The Army Community Service Employment Readiness Program offers several classes for job-seekers:
Federal Resume Preparation, today from 10 a.m. to noon
Job Fair, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community Center. Call 703-805-3126 for more information.
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.
U.S. Census Bureau employment opportunities, call ERP at 805-2605 for information on full- and part-time jobs.
The next Medical Careers Training Information Session is April 29 at 10 a.m. at ACS.
More information is available by calling 703-805-4590.

Autism class T
he 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 Wednesday to March 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Vernondale Community Center, 9532 Troth Way. 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 today, George Washington and Tuesday, Vernondale.
More information is available by calling 805-9117.

Religion

Lenten luncheons
Wednesdays through Lent, the Fort Belvoir Ecumenical Community hosts Lenten Luncheons at noon at Woodlawn Chapel, followed by a short Lenten Homily.
Christian Seder meal
The Protestant Chapel at Fort Belvoir has a Christian Seder Meal April 9 at 7 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.

Jewish
Fort Belvoir Jewish Congregation has Nosh and Learn 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.

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.

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.

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.

Education

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
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 Saturday.
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 Monday for onsite and Internet courses. Registration is open.
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 Monday from 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 which begins Monday. 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.