April 2011
  
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Dear Families,

Spring is upon us.  This time of year is a popular gardening season, a time to pot flowers and plant seeds. It is a season where you invest something small, like a seed, to reap the benefits of beautiful flowers or bountiful produce later in the season. Now, some of us may have a knack for cultivating greenery in this desert climate, but for others of us, keeping a house plant alive can be the ultimate challenge.  

  

 Whether or not have a green thumb, this season can be a time where you invest in people or activities that will help you grow as a person. Marine Corps Family Team Building encourages our families to "Bloom Where You Are Planted". We are committed to providing you with classes and events that will help you continue to grow and flourish in the midst of your military lifestyle.

 

This month, we have several exciting classes that will develop skills to help you "bloom" this spring. In honor of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, MCFTB is offering a 3-week Self Defense series beginning on April 21st. Also, Long Distance Love Affair  on April 13th is perfect for those of you experiencing or coming up on a deployment, or if you would like to strengthen your relationship despite your Marine's long hours away from home.

 

 To stay up-to-date on MCFTB events, find us on Facebook and "like" our page! We will post event photos, class reminders, and host discussion forums to support you in your military lifestyle!

  

                                               Your MCFTB Team,                                 
 
                                       Kate, Brooke, Bekah, Jenny & Sarah                                                 

Calendar of Events

All classes are free, include free childcare, and are located in Building 598 (next to Commissary) unless otherwise noted. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!  Please call us at 269-6550.

 

Hearts Apart Deployment Support

Little Hearts Apart (Ages 3-5):  Weekly class for children with a deployed parent.  Kids will learn strategies to cope through games, stories, crafts and other fun activities. New sessions being added-please call!

Hearts Apart for Kids (K-5th): Every Wednesday, 4:00-5:00, Building 699. Weekly class for children with a deployed parent.  Kids will learn strategies to cope through games, stories, crafts and other fun activities.New sessions are being added to meet demand-please call!

Hearts Apart: Coffee Hour: A weekly gathering for spouses and significant others with a deployed Marine.  Meet new friends, discuss deployment issues, and gain insight and support from others. Every Wednesday, 10-11am.  Building 699 (Registration not required).  Interested in a group that meets in the evenings?  Please call!!

 

                                                 April

CPR/First Aid: Become fully certified in CPR and first aid by our own MCAS Yuma Fire Department. April 1, 9am-4:30pm

Family Care Plan: Create a plan for your children in case of an emergency.  This legal document ensures your children will be taken care of in the manner you choose- Every Marine Family needs one! April 5, 6-8pm
Friday Fit Club: Friday Fit Club is back by popular demand.  Get a great work out and have fun in our friendly group exercise class.  Free childcare available with registration!  Every Friday April 8-29th, 9-10am at the Group Fitness Building.  
Long Distance Love Affair: Do you find keeping the love alive difficult when your Marine is away or just works too much? This fun night will give you new inspiration on how to nurture your relationship whether you are together or apart. April 13, 6-8pm.
Safe at Home: Women's Self Defense: Get tough! Learn important self defense moves as well as tips on how to stay safe at home, in your car, and when you travel when your Marine is here or deployed. 3 Part Series April 21, 28, May 5, 6-8pm 

May

Who Moved My Cheese? A class on conquering change based on the bestselling book. Perfect for military families facing moving, deployments, and other life changes.  May 3rd, 6-8:00pm

Basic Auto Care: Prevent and prepare for auto issues before your summer road trips.  Learn to check your oil and change your tires, fluids, wipers and more. May 4, 6-8:00pm 

Scrapbooking you Military Life: Learn important basics on taking great pictures.  Get creative ideas for scrapbooking and start your scrapbook. Tons of free supplies for all participants.  May 12, 6-8pm

How to Avoid Falling for a Jerk or Jerkette: Finding lasting love is not about luck.  Learn strategies to balance your heart and head in order to find a healthy relationship.  May 17, 8am-12pm

Parenting & the Military Lifestyle:  A class for parents of children of all ages.  Learn how children are impacted by moves, deployments, and separations and how you can be the best parent possible either at home or from afar. May 24, 6-8pm  

                                          

                                             L.I.N.K.S.

 

L.I.N.K.S. is the essential "Marine Corps 101" course.  Have questions about moving, deployments, Marine Corps traditions, or finances?  All these topics covered and more.  Do not attempt Marine Corps life without L.I.N.K.S.!

L.I.N.K.S. for Marines: April 12 & May 19, 9:00am-4:00pm

L.I.N.K.S. for Spouses: April 2, 9-5pm

L.I.N.K.S. for Couples:  May 14th, 9-5pm

L.I.N.K.S. for Kids: A monthly club on Monday's.  April 11 & May 2nd, 2:30-4:00pm

L.I.N.K.S. for Tweens & Teens: April 12 & May 10, 5:30-7pm

Friday Fit Club is here!

 

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Are you looking to get in shape for the summer? Want to work out but don't have anyone to watch the kids? Feel stressed and need a break? Marine Corps Family Team Building's Friday Fit Club is for you! Each week for 4 weeks, Friday Fit Club will meet in the new Group Exercise Center for a fun, hour- long workout. Each week a different type of workout suitable for all fitness levels will be taught.  You will also get the chance to learn about available exercise equipment, trainers, and fitness classes aboard MCAS Yuma. Each Friday, April 8-29th. 9-10am. To register for Friday Fit Club, call Sarah at 269-6547. Registration is REQUIRED. Free childcare is available with registration.

Self Defense: Get Tough!

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Safe at Home: Women's Self Defense is offered a 3-week series on April 21, 28, and May 5th 6:00-8:00pm.   This series empowers military spouses with knowledge to make them feel safe, whether their Marine is at home or away. Although self defense skills do not make military spouses "bullet-proof," they enhance women's confidence in their personal safety. Self defense also empowers individuals to act against threats by unknown perpetrators or even someone they know. According to a survey by the Department of Justice, 73% of sexual assaults are perpetrated by a non-stranger.

 

Marine Corps Family Team Building and the Family Advocacy Program are committed to empowering military spouses with personal safety knowledge. In conjunction with April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Safe at Home: Women's Self-Defense series will highlight ways to stay safe in a wide array of circumstances... the isolated parking lot at the shopping center, on vacation, or at home. This workshop will not only teach you about possible dangers, but also risk reduction techniques and self-defense maneuvers. To register, call 269-6544.

 

 

More Incentives to take LINKS & MCFTB Classes..

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Coming to a unit near you...the Military Life Enhancement Card!

 

At the beginning of the year, Marine Corps Family Team Building, Family Readiness Officers and unit leadership met to discuss an incentive program for Marines and families taking advantage of all the educational opportunities offered on base.  From these meetings, the Military Life Enhancement Card was created. 


Participating units will distribute the Military Life Enhancement Card.  A Marine will take L.I.N.K.S. and Financial Fitness for Life as foundation classes.  Then, they choose and take any four classes within the Family & Relationship/Life Enhancement Course Catalog listed on the card.  Instructors sign the card as proof of participation. Upon completion, the Marine receives an incentive from his/her unit.  Most units are opting for time off of work. 

 

There is more good news.  Spouses can also take classes towards their Marine's incentive.  MAG-13 squadrons, H&HS, and MWSS 371 are participating.  Rollout date, circulation and incentives vary by unit.  For more information, contact your Family Readiness Officer. 

 

 

 

Military Child Carnival

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This month we are honoring America's smallest and bravest heroes at the Month of the Military Child Carnival.  Visit the Marine Corps Family Team Building booth to learn more about our Children's programs such as Hearts Apart for Kids Deployment Support, L.I.N.K.S for Kids and Teen, and more! Test out your child's Marine Corps knowledge by spinning the L.I.N.K.S Trivia Wheel to win a prize.  The Carnival is Friday April 8th from 4-6pm located in the field behind the CDC Annex. Hope to see you there!


  

Bloom This Month
Calendar of Events
Friday Fit Club
Self Defense
Incentive Card
Military Child Carnival
 
MCFTB classes and events are always free.  CHILDCARE is also available FREE of charge with advanced registration. 
 
Registration for our classes is required by calling 269-6550 or by emailing us here!
 

Hours & Location
 
   8am to 4:30pm      Monday-Friday    Bldg. 598
(Next To Commissary)
 

 Visit MCFTB at www.mccsyuma.org
Join Our Mailing List
 
MCFTB on Facebook!
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 MCFTB has launched its Facebook site!!  Please visit Facebook and search "Marine Corps Family Team Building Yuma" and 'Like' us!  Do this by May 1st and be automatically entered to win a $100 gift card to the Exchange.  Stay up-to-date on upcoming classes and events, Family Readiness information, and network with other MCAS families! 

 
 
Military ID Cards are Changing
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As of June 2011, Social Security Numbers will no longer be printed on ID cards.  Don't worry- You won't have to go out and get a new card unless yours is expiring.  Click here for more information. 
 
Volunteers
Needed!
   Looking for a fun and flexible volunteer opportunity that  provides childcare? Join the L.I.N.K.S. team!  Call Brooke at 269-6503 for more information.  
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PREP
 
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Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) teaches newly married and soon to be married couples how to effectively communicate, work together, manage conflict, and preserve and enhance commitment and friendship.  Offered monthly by the MCAS Yuma's Chaplains.  Call 269-2371 for more information or to register