Bloom Where You Are Planted!

June 2011

Dear Families,

As school winds down and temperatures heat up, June provides an introduction to the true Yuma experience: summer in the desert. To new Yuma residents, this month begins a certain rite of passage that seasoned Yumans wear as a badge of honor. When discussing the weather, all conversations involve the question, "have you been through a Yuma summer yet?" This dialogue typically evolves in one of two directions, either, "it's not as bad as it seems" (also known as the "dry heat" argument) OR "prepare for center-of-the-sun heat" (also known as the "hot-is-hot, dry or not" argument).

With kids out of school, this month means melting popsicles, well-worn flip flops, and the smell of sunscreen. Many of our families will be conquering deployment this summer and Marine Corps Family Team Building is here to support them! Hearts Apart for Adults, the weekly deployment coffee hour for spouses and significant others, will introduce a new evening session beginning June 13^th. The ongoing session will be Mondays (6:00-7:00pm) at Building 598. The Wednesday morning session (10:00- 11:00am) will continue to meet. Childcare is available with prior registration, call Bekah at 269-6544.

MCFTB is also proud to announce our upcoming summer event, the MCAS Yuma Talent Show on July 22^nd. See the article below for more details.

As you pack your bags for summer trips or even time by the pool, remember that Marine Corps Family Team Building is here to help you do better than just survive the heat this summer. Through our ever-growing classes and programs, we work to help you bloom, even in the "dry" heat of Yuma.

Kate, Brooke, Sarah, Bekah and Jenny

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 4-5): Building 699. Weekly class for children with a deployed parent. Kids will learn strategies to cope through games, stories, crafts and other fun activities.

Hearts Apart for Kids (K-5th): Every Wednesday, 4:00-4:45, Building 699. Weekly class for children with a deployed parent. Kids will learn strategies to cope through games, stories, crafts and other fun activities.

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).

*NEW* 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 Monday, 6-7pm. Building 699 (Registration not required).

June

Couples Communication: Prepare for deployments and separation. Walk away with practical ways to improve your communication and enhance your marriage even when apart. June 8, 6-8pm

Corps Values For Preschoolers: An interactive class for children ages 3-6 and their parent. Focuses on teaching honor, courage, and commitment through stories, games, and crafts. June 10th, 17th, and 24th. 1-2pm

Military Haircutting: Bring your Marine and learn to cut give him the perfect military haircut. June 13th, 6-8pm

Spa Night: Stress and Coping: Recharge and relax. This fun night will equip you with ways to thrive despite the stress life throws at you. June 16, 6-8pm

Parenting & Deployment: 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. June 28, 6-8pm

July

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

Friday Fit Club: Stay active even in the heat! Get a great work out and have fun in our friendly group exercise class. July 8, 15, 22, & 29. 9-10am in the group exercise 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. July 26, 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. July 20, 5:30-9pm.

MCAS Yuma Talent Show: MCAS Yuma's got talent! Join us for a special event featuring a talent showcase of MCAS Yuma Marines and spouses! A cocktail hour will begin at the Cactus Bowl at 1830 and the Talent Show will begin in the base theater at 1930 followed by a pool party at Oasis Pool. The event is free of charge and is open to MCAS Yuma active-duty military personnel and family members age 18 and older.

L.I.N.K.S.

The essential "Marine Corps 101" course. Have questions about moving, deployments, Marine Corps traditions, or finances? All of these topics covered and more. Do not attempt Marine Corps life with out L.I.N.K.S.!

L.I.N.K.S. for Marines: June 13 & July 12, 9:00am-4:00pm

L.I.N.K.S. for Spouses: June 21 & 22, 6-9pm and July 13, 9-5pm

MCAS Yuma Talent Show

MCAS Yuma's got talent! Join us for a free special event featuring a showcase of MCAS Yuma's most talented active-duty military and spouses! A cocktail hour will kickoff at the Cactus Bowl at 1830 and the show will begin in the base theater at 1930 followed by a afterparty at the Oasis Pool! The event is free of charge and open to MCAS Yuma active-duty military personnel and family members age 18 and older. Limited childcare is available with active CDC paperwork and advance registration. Childcare registration deadline is July 15^th. Call 269-6550 for childcare registration or for more information.

OPEN CALL FOR MCAS YUMA TALENT! We are currently looking for talented individuals to feature in our showcase! Performers must be active-duty military or military family members and at least 18 years old. Pickup and drop-off performer applications at Marine Corps Family Team Building (Bldg 598) or the SMP Recreation Center. Performer applications due by July 8^th.

talent show

Bring on SummertimeTravel

The summer travel season has officially kicked off with the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Many families will head to the roads in search of summer fun and adventure. Take caution and plan for your safe travels in and around Arizona. The climate can take a toll on your automobile and make a road side mishap into no vacation!

Plan for basic routine maintenance:

Battery
Arizona's summer temperatures shorten the lifespan of an auto battery. Have your battery check before a trip.
Tires
When a tire fails, it is typically the result of under inflation, which causes the tire to wear faster, adversely affecting its handling. Check for proper air pressure and tread on all four tires.

Fuel

Long stretches of Arizona highways my not have exits with services. Be aware of fuel levels.

Basic items for a auto emergency kit:

TOOLS

Jumper cables
Roadside flares
Two quarts of oil
Gallon of water
Extra fuses
Flashlight and extra batteries
Flat head screwdrivers
Phillips head screwdrivers
Pliers
Vise Grips
Adjustable wrench
Tire inflator (such as a Fix-A-Flat)
Tire pressure gauge
Spray bottle with washer fluid
Rags

Emergency Supplies

Cell phone and charger
First aid kit (including an assortment of bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic cream, instant ice and heat compresses, scissors and aspirin)
Blanket
Roll of paper towels
Roll of duct tape
Pocketknife or multi-tool
Pen and paper
Help sign
Granola or energy bars
Bottled water (minimum 1-2 per person)
Heavy-duty nylon bag to carry it all in

Travel safe and make many happy memories!

Kids Corner

A common concern of military parents is finding a trustworthy and reliable babysitter for all those fun unit functions, ladies nights out, or just running errands around town in the 100+ degree heat! If you are looking for a sitter try Supper Sitters! Supper Sitters are specially trained and First Aid and CPR certified 12-18 year olds who are excited to provide excellent childcare in your own home! For further information contact Resource and Referral at 269- 3234/3251.

If you have youth between the ages of 12-18 who may be interested in becoming a Super Sitter and helping out military families there is a 14 hour course that provides all the training and certifications. Call 269-3234 for more information.

babysitter

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a dress code for civilians and families on base?

Yes. According to Base Order 1020.1X Standard of Dress, there is specific guidelines for attire worn on base by civilians and families. The following information is highlights of the order:

9. Standards of Dress - Non-Military Personnel

a. Family members, retirees, guests and government service employees will be required to conform to the proper dress standards...

b. It is expected that all personnel, civilian, military or military family member will exercise good judgment...take pride in his/her appearance...observe common sense of safety, decency, neatness and cleanliness. Torn, ragged, dirty, revealing and/or baggy clothes do not meet acceptable standards.

Also specifically mention in the order: Women are prohibited from wearing hot pants, short shorts, halters or tops that are exceptionally revealing, cut-off shorts, uncovered hair rollers, bare feet in public areas. Men are to abide by standards of casual dress for military personnel.