Fort Bliss MWR News

New Soto PFF Hours of Operation

Beginning on Friday July 30, Joshua W. Soto Physical Fitness Facility hours of operation will be:

Mon-Thu..... 05:00 - 21:00

Friday...... 05:00 - Midnight

Saturday.... 07:00 - Midnight

Sunday, Holidays and Training Holidays...... 11:00 - 18:00

Mountain biking and disk golf in Ruidoso

Catch some cool mountain breezes when you join Outdoor Recreation for a day of mountain biking and disc golf in the beautiful mountains of Ruidoso, N.M. July 31. Enjoy the morning with a mountain bike ride through majestic scenery, and spend the afternoon winding down with a round of disc golf.

There is a mandatory pre-trip meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Soto Physical Fitness Center on East Fort Bliss.

The trip costs $40 per person, and tickets must be purchased in advance at Leisure Travel Services (ITR). For more information, call 433-9666 or e-mail Kenneth.coppedge@us.army.mil.

Children's Summer Reading Programs ends this weekend

The Children's Summer Reading Program - “Voyage to Book Island” at Mickelsen Community Library is quickly coming to a close. The children’s awards ceremony and party is Saturday, July 31 at 10 a.m. in the library meeting room (formerly the children's room).

For more information, call or visit the Mickelsen Community Library in the basement of Bldg 2E Sheridan Rd, 915-568-6156/1902 or visit us on the Web at   www.blissmwr.com/library.

Logan Physical Fitness Facility

On Monday, July 26, Logan Physical Fitness Facility (PFF) will go under renovation. This is a 4 phase project funded with Stimulus dollars. Phase 1 will include upgrades to the locker room areas and the start of a new parking lot on the Westside of the facility. Other significant improvements will be additional cardio space and complete renovation of basketball court and air conditioning. Facility will remain open with certain sections closed as areas are renovated. There may be short time period closures as utilities are upgraded and tied in. Facility staff will continue to post and talk with patrons as renovation goes on-to keep them informed of area closures.

The land line will not be available during this time. To contact the gym directly, please call 915-202-7405 or Mr. LaCour, Facility Manager, at 915-892-4995.

POC is Nate LaCour or Joe Fedak, Sports Director, 744-5795.

New Pool Hours of Operation

Beginning Monday August 2, the Fort Bliss Community Pool, Bldg. 252 will open from 0500-0900, Monday - Friday for Unit PT and 1100-1900, 7 days a week (thru August 22). Beginning on August 23, when school begins, the Fort Bliss Community Pool will open:

Monday-Friday.........0500-0900 (Unit PT)

Saturday-Sunday.......1100-1900

Holiday (Labor Day)...1100-1900

Also starting August 23 the Biggs Water Park and The Inn pool will only be open on weekends until Labor Day. Patrons, including Active Duty, family members, DA civilians, and NAF employees may swim for FREE. Guests are $2 per person.

PEP: People Encouraging People

People Encouraging People is a three-day newcomer’s orientation geared toward 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 August 3-5, 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.

Higher Education Fair at ACS

The Employment Readiness Program at Army Community Service, in cooperation with the Fort Bliss Army Education Center, will host its Higher Education Fair Tuesday, August 3. The fair will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at ACS, Bldg. 2494 on Ricker Road. Eighteen educational organizations will be on hand to provide prospective students the opportunity to meet local university and training program representatives and discuss issues including degree programs, certifications and other training requirements.

Participating institutions include:

  • American Public University
  • Anamarc College
  • Ashford University
  • Coastline Community College
  • Columbia Southern University
  • Computer Career Center
  • Computer Labs Tech
  • El Paso Community College
  • Excel Learning Center
  • International Business College
  • Park University
  • Southwest Career Institute
  • Tri-State Cosmetology Institute
  • University of Texas – El Paso
  • University of Maryland
  • University of Phoenix
  • Webster University
  • Western Technical College.

For information, call 569-5838 or e-mail vanessa.carmichael@us.army.mil.

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 ACS, Bldg. 2494 on Ricker Road. 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 first Tuesday of every month:

  • August 3
  • September 7
  • October 5
  • November 2
  • December 7

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

For more information, call 568-1132.

AFTB summer classes

AFTB training prepares everyone in America’s Army to function at the highest level, given any situation. The training is a series of classes for all Soldiers, Family members and Army civilians, designed to give you the tools to survive and thrive in the military lifestyle. Learn Army with AFTB. Upcoming classes include:

  • August 3 and 5 – Level 1 – 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
  • August 10-12 and 16 – Level 3 – 6-9 p.m.

AFTB classroom training certificates for Soldiers E-5 and below qualify for promotion points under military training. To register, or for more information, call Leba Hirsch, program manager, at 568-AFTB (2382).

El Paso Independent School District pre-registration event

The El Paso Independent School District will host a pre-registration event from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. August 4 at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center on East Fort Bliss. This event is for new military families arriving to El Paso with new students to the El Paso/Fort Bliss area who will be attending EPISD schools. Needed documents are: birth certificate, report card, withdrawal slip, transcripts from previous school, up-to-date immunization record, special education documentation (IEPs if applicable), proof of residence (housing orders or water/electricity utility bill), and Social Security card. Completing the pre-registration process will enable families to expedite registration at their new home campus.

For additional information on the registration event, please call the School Liaison Office at (915) 569-5064 or e-mail mary.a.avila@us.army.mil.

Sam Adams beer tasting at the Centennial

Try something new when you visit the Sam Adams Pub at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center Friday, August 6, for a Sam Adams beer tasting.

The event is free and open to guests age 21 and older, with valid identification. Each patron will receive tickets for three samples. Additional selections may be purchased, as well.

The Centennial is located in Bldg. 11199 on East Fort Bliss. For more information, call 744-8427.

 

Learn to frame at Framing Bliss

Learn from a certified instructor how to professionally frame your pictures, diplomas or certificates. Framing Bliss offers framing classes every other Saturday from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Special arrangements can be made for individual groups with four or more people. Classes cost $30 per person and include a picture, materials and instructions. If you bring your significant other or friend, the cost is $25 per person. Classes are open to DoD ID card holders and their guests. Interested patrons are encouraged to sign up at least two days prior to the class. The next scheduled framing classes are scheduled for  August 7 and 21, September 11 and 25.

For more information and to sign up for classes, stop by Framing Bliss in Bldg. 820, next to Auto Crafts, or call 568-5563.

Waterfall hike and rappelling trip - Organ Mountains

Join Outdoor Recreation for a hike to a waterfall and rappelling in the Organ Mountains Saturday, August 7. Tickets are available at Leisure Travel Services (ITR) and cost $20 per person.

Join Outdoor Recreation for a one-hour hike through a beautiful and diverse desert within minutes of Las Cruces, N.M. Take the hike to the next level with rappelling off the steep cliffs of the Organ Mountains. Bring a sack lunch and plenty of water (at least 3 liters). Be sure to check the weather ahead of time and wear appropriate clothing.

There will be a mandatory pre-trip meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, August 4 at Soto Gym. For more information, call (915) 433-9666 or e-mail kenneth.coppedge@us.army.mil. 

Junior lifeguard class

Learn skills for a lifetime! Take the junior lifeguard class with SKIES. Open to children ages 11 and older, the class will take place from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. August 9-13 and costs $40. For more information, contact SKIESUnlimited at 915-568-8336.

Limited lane availability at Desert Strike Lanes

Due to the Fort Bliss Women's Bowling Club Annual Tournament, there will be limited lane availability at Desert Strike Lanes Sunday, August 15. Entry forms are available at the front desk of the bowling center for those who wish to participate.

Missoula Children's Theater King Arthur's Quest

Missoula Children's Theater is partnering with Fort Bliss Child, Youth and School Services for the fourth time this summer. From August 16-21, children will have the chance to audition for, rehearse, and perform in a production of "King Arthur's Quest."

Children will audition August 16, rehearse for five days under the direction of two Missoula coaches, and then perform for the community August 21.

Within each MCT cast, girls and boys are equal; the disabled become able; the shy experiment with bravery; the slow are rehearsed to perfection; and the gifted become part of the whole. The lesson they learn is that all of them are necessary for the show to go on. Few arenas exist where responsibility is taught and learned so clearly. MCT provides a unique opportunity to learn the lessons of group dynamics while excelling as an individual a lesson from art that carries into life. More details will be available in July, please let me know if you are interested in this wonderful opportunity.

Auditions for rising second-graders through age 18 will be at Soldier Hall, Bldg. 2, from 12:30-2 p.m. August 16 and practice will take 3-5 p.m. August 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, with varying locations for practice throughout the week. For more information contact Gwendolyn Gale at 497-0687.

Investing Seminar

ACS is hosting an Investing Seminar on August 17 at the Army Community Service - Bldg 2494 - from 0900 – 1200. The seminar will cover topics such as: saving and budgeting, reaching your financial goals, reading a prospectus, what makes up the indexes (Dow Jones, S&P 500), discussing the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), Individual Retirement Accounts and exploring the internet for useful sites that can help you make wise investment decisions. Your chance to ask questions, so you can make your money work for you and retire RICH!! Contact Leonard C. Foleen, Financial Readiness Specialist at 915-569-7747 for more information.

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.

  • August 24, 9-11 a.m.: Wheel Deals...Car buying done right
  • 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.

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:

  • August 17 from 10-11 a.m.
  • 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.

Fort Bliss Mini Golf Post Championships

Fort Bliss MWR-Sports is sponsoring the Mini Golf Post Championships on August 17 & 18. This event will take place at the Balfour Beatty Communities, Kelly Park Mini Golf Course. Registration is on Tuesday August 17 between 1600-1700 hrs, with play beginning at 1700 hrs. The top four (4) teams from the first day will compete in the finals on Wednesday, August 18. This event is open to Active Duty Military assigned to Fort Bliss. Teams will consist of 4 members of the same Unit, with as many teams, from a unit, as are available to play. The MOI for this and all events can be found at    www.blissmwr.com/intramurals/    . For more information contact Joe Fedak at 744-5795.

Martini and a Manicure

Prepare for a night of indulgence, and pamper yourself with Martini and a Manicure at 4:30 p.m. August 20 at the Centennial's Sam Adams Pub. For just $10, guests can kick off the weekend in style as they receive a manicure and one choice from our menu of carefully crafted specialty martinis. Additional selections may be purchased, as well. Martini and a Manicure is a great way to relax after a hard week’s work. For information, call 744-8427.

WWT event at Cohen Stadium rescheduled for August 28

The July 9th World Wrestling Today event at Cohen Stadium has been rescheduled for August 28, at 8 PM. Due to the national weather service forecast for Friday July 9th, the World Wrestling Today (WWT), has postponed the “Day of Reckoning” event until Saturday August 28. All tickets that are dated for July 9 will be honored on August 28 being held at Cohen Stadium. Also, anyone who purchased a ticket for Friday night will receive a free CD valued at $10.00 on August 28. The WWT will still host a meet and greet with Charlie Hass and the James Gang (formerly the New Age Outlaws) tonight (Thursday the 8th) from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm over at the Camino Real Ballroom, admittance is free. They will also be visiting Fort Bliss on Friday July 9 from 11am to 1 pm at Freedoms Crossing. Wrestling fans will have access to meet and greet all the wrestlers on August 27 as well. Come be a part of history and experience the difference as the WWT pulls thunder from the sky August 28 at Cohen Stadium! For more information contact David Pearlman   pearl@elp.rr.com   915-241-5661

Fort Bliss Indoor Soccer League

Fort Bliss 2010 Intramural Indoor Soccer League will begin play the week of August 30. The Managers/Official Clinic will be held at Biggs Gym on August 25, 1800 hrs. Letters of intent to play in the league should be given to the Sports Coordinator on or before the August 25 meeting. Active Duty Military assigned to Fort Bliss are eligible to play for their unit (or BDE if not enough players are available to put together a unit team). Rosters are limited to 10 Players and one coach. Games will consist of two 20 minute running clock halves. MOI can be found at   www.blissmwr.com/intramurals/   . For more information contact Joe Fedak at 744-5795.

Fort Bliss Flag Football League 2010

Intramural Flag Football will begin the week of August 30. Some leagues may start later depending on Military commitment of participants. There will be a Coaches Clinic at the Bowling Center meeting room on August 25 at 1800 hrs. This is a Commander Cup Competition and only Active Duty Military Soldiers, assigned to Fort Bliss are eligible to play. Letters of intent, to play in the league, are due to the League Sports Coordinator on or before the Coaches Clinic (August 25). Letter of intent should include POC, team name (unit), POC phone number and e-mail. MOI and rules are located at  www.blissmwr.com/intramurals/. For more information contact Joe Fedak at 744-5795.

Creative Kids oLo Gallery art classes - New dates added!

FMWR is proud to offer discounted rates for children’s art classes at the Creative Kids oLo Gallery. For spring courses, choose one day or several from the available class dates of July 24 and 31, and August 7, 14, 21 and 28.

  •  Little Picassos, $10 per session: Creative Kids has designed an early-access-to-art curriculum for children 3-6 years old. This specialized class is taught by a certified child-life specialist, giving children the opportunity to discover and express themselves through different activities that include art, rhythm, movement and even preparing their own snack. During this developmental period, children are very inquisitive and playful, and love to learn through exploring, creating, pretending and discovering. Through carefully planned age-appropriate activities, they are given the opportunity to fulfill these needs in a fun way that works with an arts education foundation and their own artwork. Classes are held from 10 a.m.-noon on each class date. The course fee includes all materials and a snack.
  • Project SAC (Saturday Art Classes), $15 per session: Project SAC is open for youth ages 7-18. The studio art classes provide culturally sensitive art-mediated opportunities for positive development and expression for youth with a predisposition for the arts. Classes take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on each class date. Creative Kids provides the resources and independent communication avenues that guide the children through the discovery of their own talent, interest and passion for the creative arts that is mediated through trained artists. The participating children are engaged in a “hands-on” arts and digital media curriculum that includes painting on canvas, printmaking, silk-screening, ceramics, watermedia, sculpture and graphic design. An important aspect of this program is giving the youth the opportunity to showcase and exhibit their artwork in public spaces throughout the El Paso community. The course fee includes all materials.

Both classes are held at the Creative Kids oLo Gallery, located at 504 San Francisco St. in the Union Plaza district of downtown El Paso. These special rates are available for children of military ID card holders and can be received only by booking through Fort Bliss ITR. For more information, call 568-7506.

New summer dates and fees for Super Awesome Saturdays at Logan SAS

"Super Awesome Saturdays" at Logan SAS operates on payday weekends only: July 17 and 31, and August 14 and 28.

Super Awesome Saturday hours are from 3-10 p.m. Effective July 17 the hourly rate of $2.50 per child/$2 per child for additional children in the same family will be charged for Saturday program services. In the past, due to extra funding from Army Family Covenant, CYSS was able to offer all children not just children of deployed Soldiers a free Saturday program. This funding has changed due to the drawing down of deployments. Starting July 17 we will no longer be able to offer free Saturday care. Parents with deployed spouses can still use their AFC hours.

Community service and long-term projects will be the focus in programming, however, many other choices will be offered to engage and explore children interests along with a nutritious dinner and evening snack. The Saturday program is open to CYSS registered school-age children with an active SAS pass. The demand is high for service so please ensure you make your reservation by Friday at 6 p.m. If afterward you find that you no longer need the reservation please call 569-5779 by 3 p.m. to cancel your Super Awesome Saturday reservation. Your account will automatically be assessed a $5 fee if no cancellation call has been received by 3 p.m. on Friday. Please keep in mind this balance must be paid before reservations can be made again.

For more information on SAS programs and CYSS construction projects, contact James Kingwell, SAS coordinator, at 568-0834.

Registration open for summer arts and crafts classes

Fort Bliss Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, in partnership with the El Paso Museum of Art, offers arts and crafts classes to the Fort Bliss community. The classes are open to all military ID card holders and Family members ages 15 and up, as well as DoD civilians, and are offered at drastically reduced prices.

All classes are for beginners. Register for classes at ITR, Bldg. 1743 on Victory Avenue. Class seats are limited; register early to ensure placement. Supplies are included in the cost of the class unless otherwise specified.

Summer classes coast $30 each. A list of required supplies will be provided before the first class. 

  • 19th Century Photography, Saturday-Sunday, August 14-15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and noon-3 p.m. Sunday. $30. Learn alternative methods in photography by using 19th-century processes. Build your own pinhole camera and learn how to make your own cyanotype and Van Dyke brown prints.

For more information on any of the classes, call 568-7506 or 568-3208.

* No endorsement of products, services or displays are implied.

White Sands Overnight Camping Trip, Sept. 17 - 18

Travel to White Sands National Park and arrive by 5 p.m. on Friday September 17 for a great opportunity of family camping in a beautiful park with excellent facilities. Picnic tables and bathrooms are available at the group campsite; however, there is no running water. A BBQ pit will be provided for anyone wanting to grill their meals, as no campfires are allowed at White Sands National Park. FMWR will provide water, sleds, Frisbees, volleyballs, and other recreational equipment. Breakfast and cleanup must be completed by 9:30 a.m., in order to vacate the campsite by 10 a.m. Saturday, September 18. No RVs or trailers, no campfires or alcohol are allowed in this park. Pets are allowed, but must be on a leash or restrained in some fashion.

To be a part of the experience RSVP to Kenny Coppedge Outoor Recreation Specialist by Wednesday, September 15 at 433-9666 or kenneth.coppedge@us.army.mil. Tickets are now available at Leisure Travel Services (ITR) $10/adults and $5 for children 12 and under. If you need camping equipment make the request to Kenny by Monday September 13.

CYSS Summer Food Program

The Fort Bliss Child Youth and School Services Program will sponsor the Summer Food Services Program beginning June 7 through August 20. Meals will be provided free of charge to all children 1 thru 18 years of age Monday thru Friday at the following sites:

  • Main CDC will serve breakfast 7:30 – 8:30 and Lunch 11:00 – 12:30
  • Logan CDC will serve breakfast 7:30 – 8:30 and Lunch 11:00 – 1230
  • Main SAS will serve breakfast 7:30 – 8:30 and Lunch 11:00 – 12:30
  • Middle School & Teen Center will serve Snack 3:00 – 4:00
  • Bldg 449 will serve lunch from 10:45 – 1:00 from 2 – 6 August
  • Lunch and Fun at Kelly Park every Wednesday. 16 June – 11 Aug Activities 0930 -1100 Lunch from 1100 – 1230.

In accordance with federal law and USDA policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication and Compliance, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-0410 or call (202) 260-1026, (866)632-9992 (toll free) or (202)401-0216(TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

New location, phone numbers for BOSS program

The BOSS program has moved into its new home at Soto Physical Fitness Center on East Fort Bliss and now has new contact phone numbers. Contact the BOSS program at (915) 538-5835, (915) 744-5792 or (915) 744-2411.

Call in your lunch order!

Beginning July 6, you can call in your lunch order and pick it up at the Centennial! From 10:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Monday-Friday, call the Centennial at 744-9600 and place your order. No need to wait in line ...  your meal will be ready for pickup when you arrive.Click here to view the menu.

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.

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.

SKIES Unlimited classes

SKIESUnlimited has a variety of instructional classes for children ages 3 and up, including teens. SKIESUnlimited classes offered are cheerleading, martial arts, academic tutoring, academic support, tumbling, piano, guitar and so many more fun classes. Our experienced instructors and inviting atmosphere make it fun to be part of a SKIESUnlimited class. We look forward to all of those boys and girls that are interested in learning new activities and skills. We are always open for new ideas in instructional classes.

Participants must register with CYSS Central Enrollment and Registration to participate. Payment is due at time of registration in order to ensure placement in the class. Registration for classes opens from the 20th of the month prior to the 7th of the month you are enrolling for. Classes must have at least five participants to take place; if not, the class will be cancelled and refund money will be placed on a household account.

If you are interested in signing up or being put on a waiting list for any of the above classes, please come to Central Enrollment and Registration, Bldg. 1743, call 569-7732. If you need more information regarding classes or are interested in becoming an instructor for SKIESUnlimited call  568-8336 or go to www.blissmwr.com.  

Adult swim lessons and water aerobics

Adult swim lessons are now being offered every Saturday  9 a.m.; classes are free for active-duty Soldiers and $25 dollars for eight 45-minute lessons for all others.

Water aerobics classes are now being held every Saturday at 10 a.m.; classes are free for all participants. For more information contact Tiffany Mogen, Replica Aquatic Center program manager at 568-7431.

Baby Bubble Hour

Baby Bubble Hour is a new program for parents and children who are under the age of two (no exceptions will be allowed for older children) to come enjoy the water in a peaceful setting. Class will be every Saturday from 0900-1000. For more information contact Tiffany Mogen, Replica Aquatic Center Program Manager at 568-7431.

Kickbox and Sculpt

Kickbox and Sculpt is a 90-minute class on Tuesday mornings from 8:45-10:15 a.m. The first half of class will consist of high-intensity kickboxing, followed by 45 minutes of body sculpting. This workout is not for the faint of heart! For more information, contact Teia Mack at 568-3826.

Learn to weave at Old Fort Bliss

Do you want to learn how to weave a lap blanket or shawl using centuries-old techniques? Register for weaving classes at the Old Fort Bliss Museum! All skill levels are welcome. We provide the loom and you bring the yarn. Classes form throughout the year. For details, call 568-4518 or 588-8482.

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.

Summer Sizzler at Desert Strike Lanes

Get your card and get the stamp! For every six games played, customers will receive a coupon for one free game. This promotion runs through August 31. Don't miss this special - it's hot! For more information, call 568-6272.

Bowling Blowout Thursday

Every Thursday through August 27, stop by Desert Strike Lanes for a bowling blowout! For just $6 per person, enjoy our all-you-can-bowl special from 7:30-10:30 p.m. each Thursday night. Special rates are subject to lane availability, and do not include shoe rental. For more information, call 568-6272.

Save money with the Bonus Buck meal card

Save money with the Bonus Buck meal card at Strike Zone in Desert Strike Lanes. Get your free Bonus Buck card at Strike Zone and take advantage of this great offer: Purchase five regular meal combos, and get $1 off your next meal, or one free game of bowling. For more information, call 568-6272.

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.

Community Resource Guide

A Community Resource Guide is now available on the Fort Bliss command website (in the right column at the bottom), or click here.

The resource guide is your gateway to information (location and phone numbers) concerning installation service providers. Comments or suggestions for the Community Resource POC can be placed on ICE under Personnel Services or clicking here. 

Local cultural activities

EPMA offers FREE museum access to active-duty military, Families
The El Paso Museum of Art will participate in a National Endowment for the Arts pilot program called Blue Star Museums, which will provide active-duty military and their families free access to the Museum, including ticketed exhibitions, through Labor Day (Monday, September 6).

Tickets: Active military personnel and their families should visit the Museum Store to receive their free pass stickers to ticketed exhibitions. Current military identification is required. No tickets are required to view the museum’s permanent collections.

For more information, please call (915) 532-1707 or visit www.elpasoartmuseum.org.

KTEP broadcasts El Paso Symphony's 2009-2010 season
KTEP 88.5FM will broadcast the El Paso Symphony Orchestra’s 2009-2010 Classical Concert Series every Tuesday at 8 p.m. Concerts continue each Tuesday evening at 8 p.m. Broadcasts include interviews with the guest soloists and conductor. Concerts can also be heard online at www.ktep.org.

  • July 27 (January Program)
    Goldmark: Rustic Wedding Symphony
    Dvorak: Cello Concerto in B-minor (Zuill Bailey, cello)
    Guest conductor: Alexander Platt
  • August 3 (February Program)
    Mozart: Concerto for Flute & Harp (Melissa Colgin-Abeln, flute, and Grace Cloutier, harp)
    Holst: The Plantets
  • August 10 (April Program)
    Verdi: Nabucco Overture
    Verdi: “La donna e mobile” from Rigoletto
    Puccini: “Che gelida manina” from La Boheme
    Puccini: Intermezzo from Act III of Manon Lescaut
    Tchaikovsky: “Lensky’s Aria” from Eugene Onegin
    Tchaikovsky: Polonaise from Eugene Onegin
    Wagner: Prelude Act I from Lohengrin
    Serrano: “La roca fria del Calvario” from La Dolorosa
    Sorozabal: “No puede ser” from La Tabernera del Pueblo
    Tchaikovsky: Romeo & Juliet Overture-Fantasy
    Wagner: Prelude Act III from Lohengrin
    Guest conductor: Tito Muñoz
    Diego Silva, tenor

For further information contact the El Paso Symphony office at (915) 532-3776.

Apply for summer class scholarships at EPMA
The El Paso Museum of Art received generous awards from Morgan Stanley Foundation and JPMorgan Chase totaling $5,000. The awards will fund 50 scholarships for El Paso area youth and adults to attend summer art classes between June and August. Each scholarship, in the amount of $100, will be used to cover the cost of tuition and supplies. Classes include working with clay, learning to draw, painting portraits, creating zines and more.

A complete list of courses is available at www.elpasoartmuseum.org.

Interested students may apply by filling out the scholarship form available on-line or by requesting the form via email or a hard copy at zamarripali@elpasotexas.gov. Scholarships are based on financial need, and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Scholarship recipients are placed in classes based on availability and student age. Specific class requests will be considered but are not guaranteed. Applications will be accepted until scholarship funds are exhausted.

Scholarships for adults are also available through the El Paso Museum of Art Foundation in Memory of Isaac Lopez. The scholarships, in memory of art advocate and art consultant Isaac Lopez, are specifically available to adults ages 15 years of age and older. Each scholarship can be applied to an adult summer workshop or class to cover the cost of tuition. For more information, or to apply for scholarships please contact Laura Zamarripa, Museum School Coordinator, at (915) 532-1707 ext 27.

History museum presents reenactment of World War II's end
In celebration of the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II, The El Paso Museum of History will present a reenactment of the end of World War II Saturday, August 21 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The free event will take place at the museum, located at 510 N. Santa Fe St.

In August of 1945, Japan was the only belligerent remaining from the world war. VE or Victory in Europe Day had been joyously celebrated May 8 with Europeans celebrating one day later, but the War in the Pacific continued to rage. Finally, on August 6th, the first of two atomic bombs were dropped. The Enola Gay, piloted by Col. Paul Tibbets dropped the Uranium bomb “Little Boy” on Hiroshima followed by Bocks car piloted by Maj. Charles Sweeney dropping the Plutonium bomb “Fat Man” on Nagasaki August 9. On August 15 the Japanese announced their surrender to the Allied Forces.

The 65th Anniversary of the End of World War II Reenactment is presented by the El Paso Museum of History along with the Friends of Fort Selden, 79th U.S. Infantry Division and Pittsenbargar’s Own SS Living History/Reenactment Groups.

This is our chance to honor the Veterans that fought during those final days of World War II; some of which paid the ultimate price with their lives. To the many veterans of World War II who have made El Paso their home, and to those of Fort Bliss who are now fighting overseas in Iraq, this presentation is a way for us to say “thank you” by teaching younger generations of the sacrifice made by our military so we in the Borderland can enjoy our everyday freedoms.

Presented will be two small patrol skirmishes, one at 11:30 a.m. and again at 2:30 p.m. The skirmishes will take place in Cleveland Square adjacent to the museum. Inside, in the first floor lobby, there will be a display of original and reproduction small arms and accoutrements of the soldier of the World War II period. Reenactors will be available to answer questions and demonstrate arms and equipment as well as uniforms that soldiers possessed during the Second World War.

For more information, contact Sue Taylor at (915) 351-3588 or taylorsl@elpasotexas.gov.

Join the Bravo! Alliance and enjoy opera nationwide
El Paso Opera supporters who join the BRAVO! Alliance become part of a nationwide network with great benefits: OPERA America’s Young Friends of Opera initiative. This exciting program gives you the opportunity to see and hear opera in El Paso plus other cities around the country. Take advantage of discounted opera during business trips, weekend getaways or family vacations!

As a BRAVO! Alliance member, you can take advantage of special pricing and events that El Paso Opera and other participating opera companies have to offer. Membership is $25 per person or $45 per couple. All proceeds benefit the El Paso Opera Foundation, which helps keep arts education and opera outreach going in our city.

One of the biggest benefits of BRAVO! Alliance membership is 10 percent off season tickets for our best year yet! Join now or renew your membership in the month of July for a big deal that includes both memorable performances — Opera For All! on September 11 and Madama Butterfly in March 2011 — from the best seats in the house for a great price. Other benefits for our BAM-ers include:

  • Exclusive pre-show receptions
  • Subscription to the El Paso Opera mailing list, giving you invitations to special events and discount offers before anyone else
  • Invitation to the El Paso Opera Annual Gala, "Encores & Overtures", at the Camino Real Hotel
  • Subscription to the Young Friends of Opera program giving you reciprocal ticketing benefits from participating opera companies around the country (click here for a complete list)

Join BRAVO! Alliance and make the most of these benefits today! Call El Paso Opera at 915-581-5534 or visit www.epopera.org to join online.

New and exciting local theater
El Paso's newest art and culture offering, the Border Theatre, proudly presents its launch event "Exhibitions in Dis/Connection" August 13-15 at FORUM Arts + Culture (1500 Texas Ave.).

Be the first to capture the innovative work of the Border Theatre as "Exhibitions in Dis/Connection" debuts four original works under the guidance of award-winning director and company founder Austin Savage. Witness the start of this groundbreaking new theatre company and be a part of El Paso history!

Enjoy wine, cheese and socializing before each performance with live music by some of the city's best performers following every show. All shows start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $7 or $15 for a three-day pass. Visit www.bordertheatre.org to purchase your tickets or find out more about the Border Theatre.

El Paso Artisan gallery hosts "Hues of Blue" exhibit
Artistic interpretations of the color blue are showcased in a unique, interactive art show opening Aug. 5 inside the El Paso Artisan Gallery at Lynx Exhibits.

“Hues of Blue” features one work by each of 15 area artists. Visitors to Lynx Exhibits and the Artisan Gallery will be given a ballot to cast in favor of the artist they believe created the best artwork incorporating the color blue. Artists are competing for a cash prize, while everyone who votes will be entered into a drawing for Lynx Exhibit prizes.

There is no fee to visit the Artisan Gallery or to see “Hues of Blue.”

The innovative art show was created in honor of the current exhibit at Lynx: “Color Play, Exploring the Art and Science of Color.” An entire room of the Color Play exhibit is devoted to the color blue, proven by scientific studies to be the favored color of both genders of all ages.

“Hues of Blue” is open only through Sept. 5, when Color Play also closes. Color Play features an array of color-themed activities and games for the entire family. Prices for Color Play are $6 for children 4 to 11; $8 for seniors, students and military with ID, and $10 for adults.

Lynx, across from the convention center parking garage, is El Paso’s only traveling exhibit museum. Located at 300 W. San Antonio St., Lynx is open Tuesdays through Sundays. For more information call 533-4330 or visit www.LynxExhibits.com.

El Paso Museum of History to host summer day camp
The El Paso Museum of History introduces the next two of its second annual history summer day camps for children. The first one will be Blast to the Past Camp. Children 6 to 8 years old can attend camp from 9 a.m.-noon July 27 through 30. Travel back in time with this really fun camp. Make a tin-can banjo, float a boat out of soap, learn about nature in the city, create a shadow puppet, make a picture using the sun, make your own bug and other fun things!

If you like the movie Night at the Museum and you are 9 to 12 years old, then this camp is for YOU! Night in a Real Museum Camp will run from 9 a.m. to noon August 3-6 with a sleepover starting at 6 p.m. Friday, August 6 and ending at 9 a.m. Saturday, August 7. A parent or legal guardian must attend with the child for the overnight portion. Activities will include: how to marbleize paper, work with leather, create a time capsule, learn about archaeology under city streets, and more. Become a historical character. Get locked in the museum overnight and meet museum ghosts and enjoy pizza!

The registration fee is $64 for El Paso Museum of History members and $80 for non-members. All camps will include a morning snack break. The sleepover camp will include pizza, an evening snack and a continental breakfast. Become a member for as little as $20!

Registration is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis as attendance is limited to 15students per camp. Contact the museum at (915) 351-3588 for the camp registration form or go online to our website at www.elpasotexas.gov/history

MWR Highlighted Sponsor