Bliss Happenings …

Bliss Briefs
www.bliss.army.mil

Debt Collection
This is a debt collection notice for Spc. Christopher Michael Vega. All services under Vega’s name should be put on hold. All those with debts to be collected under the name of Vega or for information regarding collections, call 1st Lt. George L. Whitfield at 741-1946 or 804-441-0323.

This is a debt collection notice for Sgt. James E. Dutton. All services under Dutton’s name should be put on hold. All those with debts to be collected under the name of Dutton or for information regarding collections, email 1st Lt. Nicole Carter at nicole.m.carter@mail.mil.

Spring bazaar
The Fort Bliss Officer, Civilian, Spouse Association will host the spring bazaar Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center at East Fort Bliss. The bazaar features artisans and vendors with jewelry, pottery, stained glass, wood- and ironworks, children’s items, food, antiques and more. Admission is $5 or free for children 12 and younger. To learn more, visit fortblissocsa.org.

ALR unit funds
Active-duty units and mobilized Guard and Reserve units deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and in support of homeland security while serving in remote areas, are authorized unit funds through the Army Level Requirements, ALR, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation unit fund program. Units will receive $2 per Soldier per month beginning the month of deployment. Contact the Fort Bliss Family and MWR Financial Management Office by calling 568-4444 to receive an ALR information package.

AER campaign
Assistance provided to the Fort Bliss community in 2011 was $4 million in loans and grants. Last year, the Fort Bliss community donated less than $150,000. The goal of the Army Emergency Relief fund is $200,000, a small amount compared to what is given each year. To learn more, visit www.aerhq.org.

DFMWR

DFAC hours
The Area 1 dining facility at Bldg. 20626 holds breakfasts from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays and Fridays and 3:30 to 5 p.m. Thursdays, brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. weekends and holidays and supper from 4 to 5:30 p.m. weekends and holidays. The Area 2 dining facility at Bldg. 20226 holds breakfast from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays and Fridays and 3:30 to 5 p.m. Thursdays, brunch from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. weekends and holidays and supper from 4 to 5:30 p.m. weekends and holidays. Area 3 dining facility at Bldg. 11316 holds breakfast from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays and Fridays and 3 to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays, brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. weekends and holidays and supper from 5 to 6:30 p.m. weekends and holidays. Area 4 dining facility at Bldg. 906 holds breakfast from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and supper from 5 to 6:30 p.m. weekends and holidays. To learn more, call 744-7928 or 744-7924.

Lifeguards
Anyone interested in becoming a lifeguard in one of Fort Bliss’ swimming pools should call 568-7431.

Soldier sponsorship
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 from 3 to 4 p.m. the second Thursday of every month. To learn more or to set up unit training, call 568-1132.

Excess furniture
Family and MWR sells tables, chairs, bed frames, sofas and more from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Friday at the Property Book Office warehouse in Bldg. 643 on Taylor Road. All items are sold “as-is” and refunds or exchanges are not permitted. The PBO warehouse accepts cash, Visa or Mastercard only, and is closed holidays and training holidays. To learn more, call 568-3779 or 568-4501.

Dinner on a Dime
Let the Financial Readiness Program at Army Community Service teach you how to prepare great food on a shoestring budget. Dinner on a Dime focuses on making quick, healthy, affordable meals. Classes take place at the Milam Youth Activity Center, 10960 Haan Road at East Fort Bliss. The class is free, but pre-registration is required. Register online at www.blissmwr.com/frp or by phone at 569-4ACS (4227). Class is scheduled for April 26. Classes take place from 9 to 11 a.m. Free child care will be provided for children registered with Child, Youth and School Services. To learn more, call 569-4ACS (4227).

Spouse employment orientation
Are you a military spouse looking for employment? Attend the employment orientation at Army Community Service. The orientation takes approximately 1.5 hours and a lot of good information will be provided about free services available to you. We provide resume (civilian and federal) assistance and help you get ready for interviews. We have certified federal job search trainers to assist you. Orientations are held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday at ACS, located in Bldg. 2494 on Ricker Road at West Fort Bliss. Advance registration is required. To learn more or to register, call 569-5838.

Lunch Rocks! half-day trips
Looking for a thrill? Southwest Adventure’s Lunch Rocks! program provides one. These Thursday trips run a half-day each and visit some of the best climbing locations in the country, conveniently located near Fort Bliss.
Upcoming trips include:
• Today: Hueco Tanks State Historic Site
• April 26: Sneed’s Cory, Franklin Mountains State Park
• May 10: Sneed’s Cory, Franklin Mountains State Park
• June 14: Sneed’s Cory, Franklin Mountains State Park
Buy tickets at any Leisure Travel Services (ITR) location: Bldg. 1743 on Victory Avenue, the Freedom Crossing kiosk, or the satellite location in Sgt. Joshua W. Soto Physical Fitness Center, Bldg. 20751 on Constitution Boulevard. To learn more, call 433-9666.

Volunteer Week activities
Volunteers … the Force behind the Force! Fort Bliss will celebrate National Volunteer Week Sunday through April 21 with free activities for registered volunteers, including volunteers of installation private organizations and Soldiers who participate in Partners in Education. Monday, get ready for Manic Monday at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center, Bldg. 11199 at East Fort Bliss. Bring a friend, and from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy a comedy night provided by Patrick Candelaria of “Loco Comedy Jam” and “Bust a Gut Defensive Driving School,” snacks and prizes. Child care is available for children registered with CYSS. Wednesday, enjoy Whatta Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Centennial. Come in for free massages, makeovers, food and prizes. Visit www.blissmwr.com/volunteer/volunteer_week.aspx for more information, or call 569-4227 ext. 7.

MCCASA Walk
Help raise awareness of the Month of the Military Child, child abuse, and sexual assault when you take part in the seventh annual two-mile MCCASA Walk from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Kelly Park. Join Army Community Service’s Family Advocacy Program for a day of activities and fun. Enjoy food, fun and games, and bring your stuffed animal for a checkup at the Teddy Bear Clinic. There will be information booths on parenting, children’s health, safety and more. To learn more, call 568-9976 or visit www.blissmwr.com/mccasa.

Wagon Trails Market
Shop for produce and food items, crafts, services and more at the Wagon Trails Market at Old Fort Bliss. From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Friday from April 20 through Sept. 28 (except those associated with a federal holiday weekend), head to the Old Fort Bliss Replica at the corner of Pershing and Pleasonton for a fun family shopping experience. Vendors and entertainers of all sorts are welcome to contact the replica’s education program manager for more information on setting up at the market. To learn more, call 568-4518 or 588-8482.

Resilience training
Are you a tennis ball or an egg? Do you bounce back or do you crack? Learn to bounce back when the stressors of everyday life start getting you down by attending the ACS Resilience Training. The training will enhance your effectiveness and well-being by teaching you the skills to build mental toughness, to learn what your character strengths are, to build strong relationships, and to hunt the good stuff, focusing on the positive rather than the negative. Upcoming sessions include:
• April 23 through 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• June 25 through 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
ACS also offers four-week Resilience Training classes, which meet once a week. The next four-week classes are scheduled for April 10, 17 and 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Register for classes online at www.blissmwr.com/resilience or call 569-5500 to learn more.

Money Smart Week 
Money Smart Week is a public awareness campaign to stress the importance of financial literacy. Learn how to better manage your personal finances. There will be fun activities for the kids as well. Join ACS’ Financial Readiness Program at the Freedom Crossing Market Place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To learn more, call 569-8376.

Garden Day at Old Fort Bliss
Celebrate spring’s arrival with Garden Day at the Old Fort Bliss Replica. From 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, join Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation to plan and plant Fort Bliss’ community garden, located on the museum grounds. Learn about different ways of planting, water conservation and more from master gardeners and other guests. There will be activities for all ages to help get the little ones interested in gardening as well. To learn more, call 568-4518 or 588-8482.

Mental agility training
Learn to think flexibly and accurately and take other perspectives with mental agility training, offered by the Army Community Service Resilience Program. The 1.5-hour course will be offered April 19, with morning sessions from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and evening sessions from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required; register online at www.blissmwr.com/resilience. To learn more, call 569-5500.

Administrative Professionals Day
We all know who really runs the office … celebrate your favorite administrative professional with lunch at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center, and enjoy free cake from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 25. To learn more, call 744-8427.

Free car care clinic
Learn basic auto care – including changing oil, checking tire pressure and more – at the Relocation Assistance Program Auto Care Clinic. These free clinics are held at the Auto Crafts Center, Bldg. 820 on Marshall Road. Upcoming classes include April 27, July 17 and Oct. 16. Classes run from 1:30 to 4 p.m. each day. Pre-registration is required; register online at www.blissmwr.com/relocation. To learn more, call 569-4227.

Extended DIY hours
The Auto Hobby Shop at Auto Crafts has new Sunday hours. Do-it-yourselfers can now work on their vehicles from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each Sunday. Beginning Tuesday, the Auto Hobby Shop will also be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each Tuesday. These new hours do not affect the full-service side of the Auto Crafts shop, which will remain closed Sunday. The new hours have been set on a trial basis, and are subject to change. To learn more, call 568-7280.

Camping at White Sands
Load up your family and head out to experience one of nature’s wonders when you join Southwest Adventure for a family camping excursion to White Sands National Monument in New Mexico. Trips are scheduled for April 28, May 5 and June 2. Tickets must be purchased in advance and can be obtained at any Leisure Travel Services (ITR) location: Bldg. 1743 on Victory Avenue, the kiosk at Freedom Crossing, and the satellite location at Sgt. Joshua W. Soto Physical Fitness Center, Bldg. 20751 on Constitution Boulevard at East Fort Bliss. To learn more, call 744-2415.

High Stakes Bingo
Claim your share of more than $12,000 in cash and prizes at High Stakes Bingo May 5 at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center’s Metro Bingo Bar. Bingo will pay out at least $500 on every winning game during regular-session bingo, plus a $5,000 jackpot. Buy-ins cost $60 each for 13 games and include one Mexican dinner buffet. The first 100 guests to buy in receive VIP check-in and free admission to any Wednesday or Thursday regular bingo session. High Stakes Bingo is limited to the first 200 players – get your buy-in early to ensure your place. To learn more, call 744-8427.

Museum gift shop drawing
The Fort Bliss and Old Ironsides Museums gift shop will be celebrating its grand opening Monday. Today you can call in at 564-1177 or come in to the gift shop for your tickets to the grand opening drawing. The drawing for the iPad 2 16GB with wifi/3G and a handmade wooden Patriot military model will be Monday at 1:30 p.m. for the grand opening.

Go Youth

Build it with SKIES
Interested in building, architecture and history? Join SKIES Unlimited and explore in the hands-on “Let’s Build It” class. Learn how to build structures, catapults, motorized vehicles and buildings using LEGO bricks. Children will develop problem-solving skills, enhance critical thinking and learn teamwork through the building process, all while having fun. Classes meet Thursday at Bldg. 131. All students must be enrolled with CYSS to participate. Register online at https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtracblisscyms.html. To learn more, call 569-7732 or 568-5544.

Anti-bully rally
Chamizal National Memorial will host the Youth Anti-bullying rally from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. The recommended age group is 14 and older. Topics will include teen dating violence, cyber-bullying, gang manipulation and harassment, gangsta rap influence and the beauty of diversity. Seating is limited. Advance online registration is required. To learn more, visit attitudinaldynamics.org.

Military child appreciation
In recognition of the Month of the Military Child, Desert Strike Lanes will offer bowling specials for all military children each Saturday and Sunday in the month of April. All military children, with proper ID, will receive a free game for each game they buy Saturday and Sunday, April 21 and 22 and 28 and 29. To learn more, call 568-6272.

MYAC block party
Celebrate the nation’s youngest heroes with Milam Youth Activity Center at the second annual Month of the Military Child Block Party from noon to 5 p.m. April 21. The MYAC youth invite their Fort Bliss neighbors, friends, families and children of all ages to enjoy free fun, games, face-painting and a free cookout. Don’t miss the military vehicle static displays by 1st Battalion 77th Armor Regiment, and the military working dog demonstration from 2 to 3 p.m. A teen dance from 7 to 10 p.m. will round out the day’s activities. Milam Youth Activity Center is located at Bldg. 10960 on Haan Road at East Fort Bliss. To learn more, call 744-2449.

Swim lessons
Replica Aquatic Center offers youth swim lessons. The lessons are offered in eight-week sessions and cost $35 per child. The next session will begin Monday. Lessons will be offered at the following times:
• Preschool: 1 to 1:45 p.m.
• Advanced Preschool: 2 to 2:45p.m.
• Level I: 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.
• Level II/III: 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.
• Level IV: 5:30 to 6:15 p.m.
The class meets each Monday, Wednesday and Friday through May 2. Replica Aquatic Center is located at Bldg. 5035 on Dickman Road. To learn more, call 568-7431.

Baby Bubble Hour
Baby Bubble Hour offers children ages 4 and younger a chance to enjoy the water in a peaceful setting. No older children, including older siblings, are allowed in the water during this time. An open swim hour for toddlers, Baby Bubble Hour is held every Saturday from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Replica Aquatic Center, Bldg. 5035 on Dickman Road. To learn more, call 568-7431

Home-school PE group
Beginning Tuesday, Youth Sports will host a home-school physical education group at the YouthPlex, Bldg. 195 on Chaffee Road. The group will meet from 9 to 9:50 a.m. each Tuesday and Thursday for elementary-aged children or from 10:20 to 11:10 a.m. for middle- and high-school-aged children. Participation is free and open to children registered with Child, Youth and School Services. To learn more, call 568-2617.

Saturday child care
Saturday care for CYSS-registered children is shared between Logan and Milam facilities. Logan Child Development Center and Milam Child Development Center share care for CDC-age children, while the Logan School-Age Center and Milam School-Age Center alternate weekends for school-age children. To make reservations for Saturday care, call the Logan CDC at 568-3989, Milam CDC at 744-7879 or Parent Central Services at 568-4374.

Range safety
The Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club offers a range safety course for children ages 6 to 17. The class is held at 1 p.m. every second and fourth Saturday on a monthly basis at the Rod and Gun Club and is free of charge. Children must complete this course before being allowed outside on the ranges. To learn more, call 565-4867 or 568-2983.

Extended care available
Extended child care is available to single Soldiers and dual military families who have a mission-related task through the Child, Youth and School Services Family Child Care program. FCC will verify the duty requirement. Examples of extended care events include but are not limited to CQ, staff duty, field problems, a special event on a weekend (i.e. Veteran’s Day Parade) or care on a federal holiday. No payment is rendered by the Soldier. An Army subsidy pays the provider directly for the extended care hours. Note: This program is not for families who have a non-military spouse. Army Family Child Care is located in Bldg. 1743 on Victory Avenue. To learn more, call 568-4198.

Parent Central training closure
Both the main Parent Central Services office in Bldg. 1743 and the satellite Parent Central Services office in Bldg. 503B will close for training from 10 to 11:30 a.m. the second Tuesday of each month. To learn more, call 568-4374.

After-school pickup
The CYSS Middle School and Teen Program now offers after-school pickup service at even more middle and high schools in the El Paso area. The service is free and open to all CYSS-registered youths in sixth through 12th grades. MST offers after-school pickup service at the following locations: Nolan Richardson Middle School, HE Charles Middle School, Terrace Hills Middle School, Canyon Hills Middle School, McArthur Middle School, Ross Middle School, Parkland Middle School, Harmony Science Academy, Andress High School, Parkland High School, Chapin High School, Austin High School and Burgess High School. Parents must register their children for this program before the children can be picked up by CYSS. To register your child for the after-school pickup program, call 568-5437.

Sports summer camps
Team Bliss Youth Sports offers youth sports and fitness summer camps designed to give young athletes the opportunity to improve their skills, have fun and learn from excellent coaching staff. All camps will run five days and include free lunch and a T-shirt, with the exception of the free Mental Toughness camp.
• Football under the Lights: This co-ed camp for youths ages 8 to 15 will run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 11 through 15 and costs $35.
• Basketball: These camps for youths ages 7 to 15 will run June 11 through 15 and cost $35. Co-ed pee-wee basketball camp for youth ages 7 to 10 will run from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., boys’ basketball camp for ages 11 to 15 will run from 8 to 11 a.m. and girls’ camp for ages 11 to 15 will run from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Soccer: This co-ed camp for children ages 8 to 15 runs from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. June 18 through 22 and costs $35.
• Volleyball: This co-ed camp for youths ages 10 to 16 will run from 8 a.m. to noon June 25 through 29 and costs $35.
• Start Smart: This co-ed camp for children ages 3 to 5 runs from 9 to 11 a.m. July 9 through 13 and costs $20.
• Baseball: This co-ed camp for youths ages 8 to 15 runs from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. July 16 to 20 and costs $35. The baseball camp offers technique, world-class fun and is a proven resource to help develop novice and elite competitors. The camp will focus on fundamental skills and principles that are common in every game at every level.
• Mental Toughness: This co-ed camp for youths ages 14 to 18 will run from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. July 18 through 20 and is free. The camp is limited to 20 participants.
• Sports and More: This co-ed camp for children age 6 to 10 will run from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. July 23 through 27 and costs $35.
Children must be registered with Child, Youth and School Services to participate. To register with CYSS, call Parent Central at 568-4374. To learn more, call 568-2617.

Folklorico with SKIES
Do your children like dancing and performing? They can do both in the Folklorico class offered by SKIESUnlimited. Folklorico is a combination of Spanish flamenco and Mexican moves. Students learn to coordinate steps with body movement. Classes meet Tuesday and Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. at Bldg. 131. Registration opens from the 20th of the month prior to the 7th of the month you are enrolling for. All students must be enrolled with CYSS to participate. Register online at https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtracblisscyms.html. To learn more, call 569-7732 or 568-5544.

Community

Aggie Muster
All current, former and future Texas A&M University students and their families and guests are invited to the Texas Aggie Muster April 21 at 6 p.m. at the El Paso Club, located in the Chase Bank Building in downtown El Paso. The event honors Texas A&M students from the greater El Paso area that have passed away in the past year as well as all former students that were killed in action as members of the U.S. armed forces. The event includes a buffet dinner, formal program and valet parking. For ticketing information, email the club president at Kristen.cox@checkpnt.com or call 731-1185.

24-hour weekend chaplain
Fort Bliss has a 24-hour weekend chaplain for urgent matters. The location will be at William Beaumont Army Medical Center between the Bradley Building and the ER. To contact this chaplain for all urgent matter, call 637-4265.

Veterans workshop
The Veteran Business Outreach Center of the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services is teaming up with the New Mexico Small Business Development Center Network to present a free business development workshop for veterans today from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Las Cruces, N.M. Lunch will be provided at the workshop, which will be presented at the Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces, located at 705 South Telshor Blvd. The workshop is free for all veterans, but space is limited and pre-registration is required. To learn more, call the VBOC at 505-841-4783.

Price matching
The Exchange offers a price match guarantee. Their price match is guaranteed for 14 days on any item originally purchased at the Exchange. To learn more, visit www.shopmyexchange.com/CustomerService/priceMatch.htm.

QuickBooks class
The Small Business Development Center at El Paso Community College is offering the QuickBooksPro for Small Businesses training program. Sessions will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. beginning on Tuesday at the EPCC Academic Services Center, Building B, Room 520. Participants will learn the basics in tracking revenue, managing expenses, payroll processing, inventory and more. Registration fee is $350, which includes a student manual. Pre-registration is required. To learn more, call 831-7742 or visit www.elpasosbdc.biz.

Books are GEMS
Books are GEMS is a nonprofit organization started in honor of Grace Elizabeth Madriles, GEM, who passed away in a car accident. The mission of the organization is to increase childhood literacy in the El Paso area. The organization has given away nearly half a million books. Any child who visits the facility, inside the Compass Bank building at 7744 N. Loop, may take five free books; each teacher may take 25 free books. The group also sponsors other programs, including summer reading camps for children who are struggling readers and offers workshops for parents to teach them how to make reading more fun for their children. To learn more, call 845-KIDS (5437) or visit www.booksaregems.org.

Days of Remembrance
The 15th Sustainment Brigade “Wagonmasters” are hosting the Holocaust Days of Remembrance scheduled for Wednesday from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center with the theme “Choosing to Act: Stories of the Rescue.”

Global Youth Service Day
The Global Youth Service Day, billed the largest service event in the world, has slated its inaugural 5K and one-mile walk for April 21 at Washington Park on 200 Washington St. The theme this year is bringing awareness to human trafficking. The event benefits the Southwest Key Unaccompanied Minors Programs and includes refreshments, snacks, door prizes, music, games, and car and motorcycle show. To learn more, visit www.raceadventuresunlimited.com/04-21-2012/Global-Youth-Service-Day-5K-Run-1-Mile-Walk/487.

MCCW meeting
The El Paso Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars has scheduled its annual Citizen of the Year luncheon at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Wyndham Airport Hotel on 2027 Airway Blvd. To learn more, call 755-4038.

Optimism hogs
The inaugural Transmountain Optimist Motorcycle Run happens between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday at the Barnett Harley Davidson at 8272 Gateway Blvd. East and will end at Desert Downs BMX Track at 8801 Railroad Dr., with a live disc jockey, food, door prizes, chili cook-off, BMX demonstrations, RC car races, jumping balloons, BMX and RC car raffles, car and motorcycle shows. Registration for the run is 10 to 11 a.m. at Barnett Harley Davidson. Non-motorcycle riders can drive directly to Desert Downs for festivities. The cost is $10 per motorcycle rider and $5 per passenger. Car show registration is 11 a.m. with judging at 3 p.m. Motorcycle show is 3 p.m. with judging at 6 p.m. Registration costs $10. To learn more, call 892-1961.

Special Olympics Texas
The Sgt. Ruben Orozco 8-kilometer run and 2-mile run starts at 8 a.m. Sunday at Stanton and Cincinnati streets. Registrants get a long-sleeve T-shirt. Register at Up and Running at 3233 N. Mesa St., Ste. 205, at raceadventuresunlimited.com or at 4100 Rio Bravo St., Ste. 311.

Art show
The Crossland Gallery, at 500 W. Paisano, announces the opening of the annual Western Impressions Art Show and Sale. The show opens April 20 and continues through May 26. Award winners will be announced at the opening gala reception April 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. To learn more, call 534-7377 or email office@elpasoartassociation.com.

Walk Like MADD
EPCC is scheduled to host a 5K walk benefit from 8 to 11:30 a.m. April 28 at El Paso Community College Valle Verde Campus at 919 Hunter Dr. Participants can register in advance by visiting walklikemadd.org or they can register the day of the event from 8 to 8:30 a.m. Cost is $20 for those ages 21 and older; $15 for those ages 6 to 20; and is free for those ages 5 and younger. To learn more, call 779-1987.

Neon Desert competitions
For this year’s Neon Desert Music Festival, two competitions will precede the May 26 event. April 28, bands and DJs from around the Southwest will battle it out for a spot on the Neon Desert lineup. The event will be held at Tricky Falls and is open to all ages. Winners will be crowned based on crowd and judges’ votes. Prizes include $1,000, $500 and $250 cash for art supplies for the first-, second- and third-place winners, respectively, two tickets to Neon Desert 2012 for each team member and a spot in the art exhibit at the all-day festival. Submissions are being accepted through April 20.

Chamizal piñatas
Chamizal National Memorial is hosting the El Paso Piñata Extravaganza April 28 through July 28. Its opening celebration will be April 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. To learn more, visit www.nps.gov/cham.

Scholarship competition
The El Paso Sergeants Major Association is now accepting applications for scholarship grants for the current academic year. Applicants must be dependent family members of active-duty or retired enlisted (any U.S. military branch) residing in El Paso or the surrounding communities. They also must be graduating high school seniors with a B average or better. Those interested in applying should send a #10 self-addressed stamped envelope to the El Paso Sergeants Major Associating, P.O. Box 6050, Fort Bliss, TX 79906-0050. An application form and letter detailing requirements will be sent to the applicant. The deadline for applications to be received is April 30. To learn more, email retired Sgt. Maj. Garlin “Lee” Crooks at glcrooks@aol.com or retired Command Sgt. Maj. Gary L. Hall at ghall2@elp.rr.com.

Environment award nominations
Directorate of Public Works – Environmental is accepting nominations for the 2012 Earth Day Awards for Environmental and Energy Excellence competition. Deadline to submit is April 24. To learn more, call 568-5396 or 568-3533.

Red Cross volunteerism
The American Red Cross office at William Beaumont Army Medical Center needs a receptionist Tuesdays and Thursdays and is looking for short-term assistance with the Summer Youth Program and with administration of the adult volunteer program. Basic word processing and spreadsheet skills are a plus. To learn more, call 742-2483.

Rebuilding Together
Rebuilding Together El Paso Inc. is looking for teams of volunteers to help complete the unskilled labor (painting, caulking windows and doors, yard work and trash removal) for more than 20 homes April 28. To learn more, call 832-7010 or visit www.rebuildingtogether.org.

Blue Star Families essay contest
During April, the month of the military child, Blue Star Families invites military kids everywhere to share their family’s favorite book for a chance to win great prizes. Blue Star Families is hosting an essay contest for military children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Any child with a parent or sibling in active duty, Reserve or National Guard service can enter by answering the question, “What is your favorite book to read aloud as a family and why?” From the 100-word-or-fewer entries, Blue Star Families will select four winners at the end of the month for prizes including a Barnes & Noble Nook, a set of 20 new books, a webcam, a certificate for a free story from Be There Bedtime Stories. Each entry should be sent to contests@bluestarfam.org before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time April 28.  To learn more, visit http://bluestarfam.org/essaycontest.

Airborne convention
Paratroopers of the Benevidez-Patterson “All Airborne” Division will hold the Airborne Convention: Sun City “All Airborne” Fiesta VI 8 a.m. from July 4 through 8 at the Wyndham El Paso Airport Hotel at 2027 Airway Blvd. All current and former airborne-qualified personnel, family members and friends are invited. Admission is $75 a person. To learn more, call 240-8104.

KLAQ Balloonfest
The 27th annual KLAQ International Balloonfest is slated for May 26 through 28, starting each morning from Santa Teresa Country Club Golf Course. The event includes mass balloon launches, balloon rides, water rides, vendors and live concerts nightly. Headliners: Buckcherry and Dead Sara May 26; P.O.D. May 27; Hellyeah May 28. Tickets are on sale now. To learn more, call 544-9550 or visit klaq.com.

2012 Chili Cook-Off
The El Paso Sergeants Major Association is hosting the 2012 Chili Cook-Off at Biggs Park May 19 jointly with Armed Forces Day. The event is open to the public for tasting at a price of $2 to taste all participating teams’ chili. Event participation requirements: Teams must not exceed five members; $50 registration fee (included in the fee is 15 pounds of chili beef); each cook-off team member handing food must have food-handler’s card. To learn more, call retired Command Sgt. Maj. Dale B. Thompson at 821-6945 or 539-3821.

Sports

2012 track championship
Lace up your running shoes and get ready for the 2012 Fort Bliss Track Championship May 15 through 17, presented by Team Bliss Sports, Fitness and Aquatics. The meet is open to active-duty Soldiers, family members 18 and older, and DoD/DA civilians. Entry is free for active-duty and costs $5 per event entered for all other runners. Races begin at 6 p.m. each day. Registration begins at 4 p.m. each day and must be completed no later than 30 minutes before the race in which you are competing. To learn more, visit www.blissmwr.com/intramurals or call 744-5790.

2012 Armed Forces Day Triathlon
Join MWR Sports for the 2011 Armed Forces Day Triathlon, presented by USAA, May 19. The race begins at 7 a.m. at Replica Aquatic Center. The triathlon is now part of the Southwest Challenge Series. The 2012 Armed Forces Day Triathlon consists of a 400-meter swim, a 15-mile bike route and a 5-kilometer run. Entry is open to everyone. All competitors will receive T-shirts; sizes are guaranteed to the first 100 registered. Register online at www.active.com or in person at Soto or Stout physical fitness centers. To learn more, call 744-5790 or 744-5793.

Intramural softball league
The Fort Bliss Intramural Softball League will begin play the week of June 4. The league is open to active-duty military assigned to Fort Bliss. Players must compete with their units. This is a Commander’s Cup league. A mandatory coaches’ meeting will be held at 6 p.m. May 23 at Sgt. Joshua W. Soto Physical Fitness Center. All coaches must attend and bring a letter of intent. To learn more, call 744-5790 or:
• Independent league: 568-5198 or 568-6722
• 1-1 AD and 4-1 AD:  744-5800
• 2-1 AD, 3-1 AD and CAB: 744-5793
• 11th ADA: 568-7318

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