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26 June 2013

Check for updates on community news, information and events at: www.grafenwoehr.army.mil

Have an energy conservation idea? Let us know! Please email with any tips or suggestions. * usarmy.grafenwoehr.imcom-europe.list.bmc-energy-hotline@mail.mil

Come join us for the

JMTC Change of

Command, today at 2

p.m. on the Tower

Barracks Parade

Field. We will be

saying good-bye to

COL Rudacille and

welcoming BG Piatt

to USAG

Grafenwoehr.

Click on a section to go straight to its page: ACS / Adult Education & Training / Community Highlights / Exchange News / Facility & Road Openings, Closures, Construction / Religious / School News / Sports, Fitness, Hobbies & Recreation / Volunteers & other help needed / Was ist Los?

Community Highlights

Special programs, updates, community campaigns, classes and more

“Like” us on Facebook “Like” U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr on Facebook for up-to-the-minute information, to peruse pictures of community events, for a rundown of fests, fairs, markets and shows in Bavaria. There are also force protection tips and updates on protests and demonstrations in our area. Here’s that link again: https://www.facebook.com/USAGG?ref=tn_tnmn.

Estate Claims Anyone having claims against the estate of PFC Robert Rambo should contact 2LT David Adamic, summary court martial officer, at david.c.adamic.mil@mail.mil, DSN 476-5712, or mobile phone 015170602855.

Bavarian News online

Head to BavarianNews.com to get timely news and see what events are happening in the community. Stories this week include: Welcome home. The Grafenwoehr community welcomes JMTC's new commanding general, Brig. Gen. Walt E. Piatt and his family. Pumped. In Hohenfels, despite being new to the sport, one spouse sets her sights on winning her first bodybuilding championship. Camp camaraderie. JROTC cadets from all over Europe test their abilities during the weeklong Leadership Challenge. Stepping out. Two members of the Grafenwoehr community pen their first novels.

USAG Grafenwoehr commissary furloughs Like most DoD organizations, the commissary agency must furlough its U.S. civilian workforce for 11 Mondays between 8 July and 30 Sept. Because the Rose Barracks commissary has enough local national workforce, it will remain open during the furlough period. The commissary in Tower Barracks will be closed every Monday from 8 July-30 Sept. The Rose Barracks commissary will continue to remain closed on Wednesdays.

Limited service at the Vilseck Vet Clinic Through June: The Vilseck VTF will have extremely limited service until the end of June due to

temporary military personnel PCS. In response to this situation, we have arranged for nearby military veterinarians to travel to the Vilseck clinic at least one day a week when possible. The Bamberg VTF(0951-300-7972), Schweinfurt VTF(0972-196-8359), and Hohenfels VTF (0947-283-4560) will be open and appointments can be made at their facilities. Local German vets are also extremely adept at providing health certificates and are often used by military families when PCSing to the US. Please keep in mind that your pet’s rabies vaccine must be valid; should they require a booster vaccine, it needs to be given more than 30 days before your flight. You can reach the Vilseck Veterinary Treatment Facility at DSN 476-2370, CIV 09662-83-2370.

Temporary Early Retirement directive Thinking about temporary early retirement as a discretionary measure? See if you’re eligible here.

Giant Voice system testing Starting in July, the garrison will conduct a monthly test of its Giant Voice system. This system is used to warn installation personnel of an incident on post and provides immediate action information. The Tower Barracks test will occur on the first Saturday of each month at noon, and the Rose Barracks test will occur on the first Wednesday at 2 p.m.; these times fall in line with the towns of Grafenwoehr and Vilseck, respectively. The test will be the same for both locations -- a 5-7 second siren followed by a message stating that this was only a test. No action is required from the community.

Fourth of July celebration 4 July: Gear up for BBQ and fireworks at this year’s Fourth of July celebration in USAG Grafenwoehr. All ID card and

installation pass holders are welcome to bring blankets, chairs, BBQs and games to the Tower Barracks parade field from 7-11 p.m. Groups and organizations will have tents and booths set up around the field. Fireworks will start at approx. 10:30 p.m. Due to budget cuts, the celebration this year will have fewer activities than previous years.

Inspection of homes in Netzaberg 1 & 8 July: Mandatory warranty inspections will be conducted by Firma Zapf of exterior elements to all homes in the

Netzaberg area. Items that will be inspected include: Exterior house walls, fences, yards, gutters, bushes and playgrounds. There will be no need for contractors to access your homes; all inspections will be performed outside. These inspections will be conducted on 24 June, 1 July, and 8 July from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Please ensure pets are secure during the posted times to prevent any incidents. Please call the Housing Division at CIV 09641- 83-6999 if you have any questions. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Freecycle Center offers more operating hours Starting 6 July: The Freecycle Center in Tower Barracks, Bldg. 441 will now also be open the first Saturday of every

month. Hours are: Tuesdays & the first Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Reusable items, such as toys, sports equipment, appliances, electronics, furniture, clothes, etc. can be picked up free of charge. Donations of reusable items can be dropped off 24/7 in a yellow shack at the recycling yard outside the facility. It is equipped with a sign reading “Freecycle Bin”. Help to reduce our waste disposal cost – do not dispose of reusable items in the trash bin, donate them to the Free-Cycle Center for redistribution.

Ammunition Amnesty Day

9 July: The garrison ammunition supply point (ASP #1) will conduct its quarterly amnesty day for the military community

and surrounding areas from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Any community member with unauthorized ammunition or explosives can come to the ASP #1 to turn them in, absolutely no questions asked. Just show up at the ASP Gate, notify the guards that you have amnesty items and they will escort you to the turn-in point. For more, call DSN 476-3007, CIV 09662-83-3007.

Consulate Outreach Day

11 July: The U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt will come to USAG Grafenwoehr to process passport

application, reports of birth abroad and visa application. Please be advised that representatives from the Social Security Administration will not be on hand. You MUST book an appointment in advance. For newborn appointments, email FrankfutPassports@state.gov with the subject line reading “Grafenwoehr Outreach.” For all other appointments, call the Grafenwoehr Passport Office at CIV 09641-83-8699, DSN 475-8699. All appointment will be in Tower Barracks, Bldg. 244.

Community Huddle 25 July: The Community Huddle is a bi-monthly, Town Hall style meeting, hosted by Garrison Commander COL James

Saenz, for all community members to ask questions to civilian and military leadership and to find out the latest information on programs, events, construction, and other important issues happening in the community. The next Community Huddle will be in the Rose Barracks Multipurpose Center on Thursday, 25 July, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Sponsorship key to readiness and resiliency

Every Soldier or DA civilian undergoing a PCS must be assigned a sponsor. But, assigning a sponsor is only the first step – the quality of the sponsorship program rest solely on the shoulders of sponsors. All sponsors must do their best to welcome their newcomer and make them feel at home. Remember that it is extremely important to stay in touch with new community members before, during, and after arrival. Sponsors should answer questions, and if they need help, they can ask ACS, the unit sponsorship coordinator or contact the Garrison Sponsorship Liaison. Training is available for Soldiers,

spouses and DA civilians at Rose Barracks, Bldg. 322. For more on training dates/availability at please call, DSN 476-2650 or CIV 09662-83-2650.

ICE QR code Now it’s even easier to submit ICE - Interactive Customer Evaluation comments. Take a snapshot of the code with your phone, and the code automatically directs you to ICE.

Stay vigilant and report suspicious activities

For emergencies off post call 112, the European emergency number, reachable from fixed and mobile phones, free of charge, everywhere in the EU. Bavaria Military Community officials are asking everyone to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities as soon as they are observed. The safety of our families is one of our biggest priorities. USAG Grafenwoehr Military Police: DSN 476-2490/3397 or CIV 09662-83-2490/3397.

Suicide and Sexual Assault Hotlines Call the suicide prevention hotline number at DSN 118, CIV 09641-83-118. Visit our website for more on suicide prevention. Suicide prevention, sexual assault or just a friendly ear… you’re never alone. Professionals are available to counsel you in confidence. Getting help is a sign of strength. 24 Hour Community Hotlines: Chaplain Hotline 0162-296-0838, Military Police Hotline 09662-83-114, Sexual Assault Hotline DSN 475-4567, CIV 09641-83-4567 or DSN 476-3218, CIV 09662-83-3218 and

Emergency Services DSN 117, CIV 09641-83-117.

Army Community Service (ACS)

Contact Army Community Service (ACS) Grafenwoehr, DSN 475-8371, CIV 09641-83-8371. Rose Barracks, DSN 476-2650 CIV 09662-83-2650.

ACS is now on Facebook and Twitter (Follow GRAF ACS) or email usarmy.grafenwoehr.imcom-europe.mbx.acs@mail.mil for info.

Army Volunteer Corps

9 -11 July: Army Family Team Building (AFTB), Level 3, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Rose Barracks, ACS Bldg 221 15 July: Organizational Point of Contact (OPOC) Training, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg 221

Employment Readiness For anyone needing assistance with resume building, or one-on-one assistance, please call DSN 476-2650, 475-8371, CIV 09662-83-2650, 09641-83-8371. 9 July: USA Jobs, 10 a.m. – Noon, Rose Barracks, ACS Bldg 322 16 July: Dress For Less, 10 a.m. – Noon, Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg 322 30 July: Career Fairs 101, Interview Prep, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg 322

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Have questions? Email EFMP directly. 26 June: Special Education Workshop, 3 – 4:30 p.m., Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg 322 3 July: Bowling with EFMP, 4 – 6 p.m., Tower Barracks, Bowling Center 24 July: Gluten Free Made Easy With EFMP, 3 – 4:30 p.m., Rose Barracks, Chapel Annex

Family Advocacy Program Hotlines to help: Domestic Violence 09662-83-3218 or 09641-83-5130. Please contact us for a complete listing of programs and services offered. 11 July: Community Meet and Greet, 10 a.m., Tower Barracks Army Lodging

Financial Readiness Services are also available by appointment. For more information on saving your money, you may contact your ACS Financial Readiness at 09662-83-2650 or 09641-83-8371. 10 July: Brown Bag Investment Club, 1:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Tower Barracks, ACS, Bldg 244

Mobilization & Deployment Readiness 10 July: FRG Basic Course, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tower Barracks, 709

th MP Conference Rm, Bldg 531

17 July: Resilience Training Module 1, 8 a.m. – noon, Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg 322

New Parent Support Program

Through 16 July: Great Expectations, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Rose Barracks, ACS Bldg. 322. (6 Sessions that meet on Friday mornings) Play Groups

Every Tuesday: Tower Barracks, Chapel Annex, 9:30 – 11 a.m. Every Wednesday: Rose Barracks, Chapel Annex, 9:30 – 11 a.m. Newborn Network for parents with babies ages 0 through Walking Every Tuesday: Rose Barracks ACS, Bldg. 322, 1 - 3 p.m. Hospital Tours Every 1

st Wednesday (except for holidays): Visit Weiden Meet at 5:45 p.m. in the Weiden hospital lobby.

Every 4th

Wednesday: Visit Sulzbach-Rosenberg Meet at 5:45 p.m. in the Sulzbach-Rosenberg hospital lobby. Every Other 2nd Tuesday: Visit Amberg Meet at 5:45 p.m. in the Amberg hospital lobby.

Relocation Readiness

Through 27 June: SGI/ATS Belly Dancing, noon – 1:30 p.m. Thursdays, Rose Barracks, ACS Bldg 322 24 – 26 June: Welcome To Bavaria, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg 322 Every Tuesday: English as a Second Language, 10 a.m. – noon, Tower Barracks, Chapel Annex Every Thursday: English as a Second Language, 10 a.m. – noon, Rose Barracks, ACS, Bldg. 322.

Military and Family Life Consultants are here for you Military Life Consultants provide solution-oriented consultations to individuals, couples, families, and groups. They are designed to provide anonymous, confidential support to Soldiers and their family members, especially those returning from deployments. To contact a military life consultant, call Rose Barracks 0152-0294-0761 / 017-4147-6846 or Tower Barracks 0152-0293-4290 / 0152-0241-5226, Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Exchange News

New hours for Netzaberg Shoppette The Netzaberg Shoppette is cutting back on its service hours. The new hours are: Mon-Thu: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun: Closed. The Grafenwoehr Shoppette will remain open 24/7.

Safety equipment saves lives of motorcyclists According to Army and Air Force safety centers, 65 Soldiers and Airmen lost their lives in motorcycle accidents in fiscal year 2012. The Grafenwoehr Exchange PPE, located in the Main Store, includes high-quality motorcycle gear and an assortment of reflective products. Safety gear, along with skills learned in motorcycle safety training classes, increase survival and prevent injuries. Motorcycle riders can browse the Exchange's PPE selection in store or online at www.shopmyexchange.com.

New on post high-speed internet service this summer

The Exchange and TKS are introducing a new, high-speed internet option on post. Anyone interested in the new service must first have a router installed, a process that takes 15 minutes. The new service will have billing in English and automatic VAT exclusion. Service will be ready at the end of June. For more information, click here.

Volunteers and other help needed

Paid music & fitness instructors needed CYSS SKIES Unlimited is looking for talented, experienced and self motivated individuals with a love for children and teaching. SKIES is looking for instructors in music (piano, strings i.e. violin, viola & guitar), all levels of gymnastics and tumbling, Kindermusik, swimming, and Mommy/Daddy and Me Fitness. If you are interested in earning money doing

something you love please contact Tammy Weightman, the SKIES director.

Grafenwoehr Girl Scouts looking for scouts and volunteers Attention Scouts! Grafenwoehr Girl Scouts serves girls from Kindergarten through 12th grade in USAG Grafenwoehr. We foster leadership in our girls through activities, events, and community service opportunities at the troop and committee level. Girl Scouts is also recruiting 9th -12th grade girls to be a part of the virtual troop that travels and attends high school-level events. Scouts even have the opportunity to win the Girl Scout Gold Award, which opens doors for scholarship money post-graduation.

Attention volunteers! The Girl Scouts are looking for leaders and co-leaders and management team members. For those who have a skill but can't make a full-time commitment, the Scouts are always looking for subject matter expert in all fields. Knitting, auto mechanics and maintenance, culinary arts, art, science, technology, mathematics, languages... just donating 3 hours of your time to offer a course to our girls can change their lives. For more information about registering your daughter or volunteering, email or check out the Facebook page.

Volunteers needed at the USO Grafenwoehr If you'd like to help your USO, the military and their family members, come by the USO center in Tower Barracks Bldg. 150 and sign up to volunteer. You can go to our volunteer website at www.usovolunteer.org and create your profile, post your own hours and keep track of your hours. For the Soldiers, the hours spent volunteering goes towards promotion points and a community service ribbon. For more, CIV 09641-605-2946.

Have You Saved a Life Today? Red Cross Needs Volunteers Do you have a background in the medical field or teaching field? The American Red Cross is looking for qualified Volunteer Health and Safety Instructors for our community. Call today to see if you qualify. Health and Safety Instructors: Volunteers teach lifesaving skills in the community. Classes such as Babysitting, CPR, First Aid, AED and other safety presentations. Armed Forces Caseworkers: Volunteers work with local members of the military and their families ensuring the delivery of emergency communications. Health Fair Volunteers: Volunteers staff a table at events in the community and engage those attending in conversations about preparedness and safety. Office of Volunteers: Volunteers assist with writing volunteer job descriptions, setting up volunteer orientation courses, conduct volunteer screening interviews, help with volunteer placement, record keeping, and recognition. For more, Rose Barracks Red Cross CIV 09662-83-1760 DSN 476-1760, Tower Barracks Red Cross CIV 09641-83-1760 DSN 475-1760.

Upcoming classes at the Red Cross Please contact the Red Cross for registration and course details at Rose Barracks Red Cross CIV 09662-83-1760 DSN 476-1760, Tower Barracks Red Cross CIV 09641-83-1760 DSN 475-1760.

29 June & 10 Aug: Adult/Pediatric CPR/FA/AED training. Rose Barracks.

13-14 July: Babysitter Training and Pediatric CPR (Ages 11-15). Rose Barracks.

27-28 July: Wilderness and Remote First Aid. Must already have Red Cross CPR certification. Rose Barracks.

Be a blood donor The Armed Services Blood Program only collects blood from the military community (service members, family members, retirees, and DoD Civilians) and all blood collected stays in our community. It is truly our blood supply! To make an appointment to donate go to www.militarydonor.com. (Click on "Donate Blood" then click on "Landstuhl, Germany") Walk-ins are always welcome, if unable to make an appointment! Additional Information/Restrictions: ***TATTOOS and permanent make-up acquired OUTSIDE the US is a one year deferral. If you had a tattoo in any of the following listed States, you must wait 12 months to donate. All other US States (not listed) are acceptable one week after acquiring the tattoo. 12-MONTH WAIT: California, Connecticut, District Of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah, Wyoming YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DONATE BLOOD IF:

You have a cold, flu or fever

You have had acupuncture in the past 12 months

You weigh less than 110 pounds

You traveled to Iraq, Eastern Turkey, Afghanistan or western provinces of Saudi Arabia (excluding the high altitude areas of Asir Province and the urban areas of Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Riyadh, and Taif/ Prince Sultan Airbase) in the last year

Within the last 2 years, you traveled to South Korea and were north of Seoul at any time including the DMZ Tour (provide specific dates)

You spent 3 months or more in the United Kingdom from 1980-1996 (Related to BSE time)

You spent six months or more at a military installation in Belgium, Netherlands (Holland), or Germany from1980-1990

From 1980-1996 for all other European Countries including the UK

You have lived in Europe for five years or more since 1 January 1980 to present

(Including time spent in U.K. from 1980-1996)

You have had Hepatitis after your 11th birthday

You have HIV, or ever tested positive for HIV

You are pregnant or have been pregnant in the last six weeks You MUST Know:

The name of any medications on the Medication Deferral List.

Any immunizations (including smallpox) administered in the past 4 weeks.

Every Place you have been to outside of the U.S. or Canada since 1980. (INCLUDE ALL DEPLOYMENTS.) For more, contact 1LT Tucker at 06371-86-7107, DSN 486-7107.

Seeking Emergency Placement Care Providers The children in the USAGG need you. The Emergency Placement Care (EPC) Program trains individuals to become 24 hour providers for at risk children. The community is in need of more providers as the number of children in imminent danger increased due to the deployment rotation of family members. The training you receive will last you a lifetime and

help you build your experience and resume. Call ACS at DSN 476‑2650, CIV 09662‑83‑2650.

Sports, Fitness, Hobbies & Recreation

AAFES Movie Listing Main Post listings, click here. Rose Barracks listings, here.

Vilseck Community and Spouses' Club events Go to their Facebook page for upcoming events and club news.

Grafenwoehr Community and Spouses' Club

Go to their Facebook page for upcoming events and club news.

Patton Fireside Lounge dinners now on Wednesdays Themed dinner nights (Mongolian, Steak, Southern Comfort, Seafood) at the Patton Fireside Lounge have moved from Fridays to Wednesdays. Check out the next dinners: Mongolian dinner on 3 July and Southern Comfort Dinner on 10 July.

Paid music & fitness instructors needed CYSS SKIES Unlimited is looking for talented, experienced and self motivated individuals with a love for children and teaching. SKIES is looking for instructors in music (piano, strings i.e. violin, viola & guitar), all levels of gymnastics and tumbling, Kindermusik, swimming, and Mommy/Daddy and Me Fitness. If you are interested in earning money doing

something you love please contact Tammy Weightman, the SKIES director.

Upcoming MWR day trips Call Grafenwoehr Leisure Travel Services, DSN 475-7402, CIV 09641-83-7402 for more and to sign up for any of these trips.

29 June: Holiday Park. This amusement park is a great destination for families and single Soldiers. There are thrilling

rides and a kids area with kid-friendly shows.

30 June: Pilsen, Czech Republic. This beautiful city has the world’s 3rd largest synagogue, the Pilsner Urquel

Brewery, the Renaissance City Hall, underground tunnels and a puppet museum.

30 June: Two castles trip. Visit the famed Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles, elaborately built by Crazy

King Ludwig and copied by Disney for his iconic fairy tale castle.

ODR activities All activities are from 6-9 p.m. call Outdoor Recreation at DSN 476-2563, CIV 09662-83-2563 for more.

Mondays: Mountain Bike Mondays. Experience Bavaria from a bike. Rides vary in length from 15 km to 35 km,

depending on location and abilities of riders. Prior MTB experience is recommended. Sign up today!

Thursdays: Paddling and rock climbing. Participants will learn to belay/rock climb and canoe/kayak on alternating

Thursdays. Classes will continue through the summer.

29 June: Rappelling day trip. Try your basic rappelling and Australian (face first) rappelling. No experience necessary.

Sundays are Family Bowling days Sundays: Every Sunday from 2-8 p.m. at the Grafenwoehr Bowling Center, kids bowl for $.50 and adults bowl for

$1.75. At the Rose Barracks Bowling Center, we offer “All you can Bowl” for one low price. Call the Bowling Centers for more details. Fall Sports Registration Through 26 July: It’s time to sign your children up for fall sports: soccer, flag football, tackle football and

cheerleading. Soccer is ages 3-15 years old. Cheerleading is ages 3-15 years old. Flag Football is ages 6-12 years old. Tackle Football is ages 12-14 years old. Register for these programs at Parent Central Services DSN 476-2760, CIV 09662-83-2760 or at MWR Online Services.

Steak Dinner Night 28 June: Come for a great cut of meat gourmet potato bar with all the fixings. 5 - 9 p.m. Patton Fireside Lounge, Tower

Barracks, Bldg 209. For more, contact the Tower View at DSN 475-6200, CIV 09641-83-6200.

Chess Tournament 28 June: Compete to be crowned the Chess Champion of Grafenwoehr. All ID card holders are welcome to try and

outsmart the competition. To sign up, contact the Rose Barracks Warrior Zone at DSN 476-2947, CIV 09662-83-2947. The tournament is at 7 p.m. at the Rose Barracks Warrior Zone, Bldg. 607.

Book signing at the Grafenwoehr Commissary 28 & 29 June: Amber Sander, author of “Scarlet Dawn,” and member of the USAG Grafenwoehr community, will be at

the Grafenwoehr Commissary signing copies of her book. “Scarlet Dawn,” follows the story of Scarlet, an 18-year-old girl whose world is turned upside down by a string of tragedies. As Scarlet’s rage grows, she seeks vicious revenge for her misfortune. Sander will be at the Commissary 28 June, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 4 p.m.-6 p.m. and 29 June, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Army Ten Miler 29 June: This year’s Ten Miler is approaching. Runners can compete individually or as a team of 4-6 people. Runners

can register on site at the Grafenwoehr Physical Fitness Center the day of the race from 6-7:30 a.m., or they may pre-register here. A mandatory runners meeting will occur at 7:45 a.m. on 29 June and the race starts at 8 a.m. The top six male and female runners will be eligible to run at the Army Ten Miler on 20 Oct in Washington, DC.

Kids Madness Classes Wed & Thurs in July: Drop your children ages 6-16 off at the Heart & Home Craft Shop for special classes. Classes

will only take about an hour and kids can be dropped off either at 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. for age-appropriate craft projects. Daily space is limited so sign-up early! Each class costs $10 and supplies are included! Tower Barracks, Bldg. 607. Call DSN 475-6101, CIV 09641-83-6101 for more.

Unit Level Flag Football League Sign Up 1-31 July: It’s almost football season and we’re taking unit level sign ups. Contact the Tower Barracks gym to sign up

your unit: DSN 475-9024, CIV 09641-83-9024.

Mongolian Barbeque Dinner 3 July: With Mongolian BBQ, you pick your ingredients, pay by the ounce and our chef will stir fry it for you. 5 - 8 p.m.

Patton Fireside Lounge, Tower Barracks, Bldg. 209.

BOSS 2nd Annual Car and Bike Show 4 July: Start your Fourth of July off right with a car and bike show. Registration is between 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Judging starts

at 2 p.m. and lasts until 4 p.m. $20 per car, $10 per motorcycle. At the Tower Barracks Commissary Over-Flow Parking Lot. For more, call BOSS at DSN 475-8822, CIV 09641-83-8822.

BOSS Summer Fun Weekend 5-7 July: Join BOSS on this long weekend with a series of trips to different Summer Fun activities. 5 July: Trip to

Europa Park. 6 July: Ski, Board & Swim at “Monte Kaolino” in Hirschau. 7 July: Join us in Pottenstein’s Devil Cave. Sign up at either Warrior Zone or on Grafenwoehr BOSS Facebook Page. For more, call BOSS at DSN 476-8822, CIV 09662-83-8822.

2nd Annual Reforger Softball Tournament 3-7 July: Come watch men’s and women’s softball teams from throughout Europe square off in this highly competitive

tournament. Last year’s showdown was a blast so come support your local team this year. Team categories are Open, Intramural and Women’s. The tourney will be at the Tower Barracks softball diamonds behind the gym. ID card holders only. For more, call DSN 475-7576, CIV 09641-83-7576.

Sesame Street and USO team up in Rose Barracks 9 & 10 July: Sesame Street, the USO and Family and MWR are bringing Sesame Street to Rose Barracks. Watch

Elmo, Grover, Rosita, Cookie Monster and Honker as they help Katie, a military kid on Sesame Street who is moving to a new place. This fun-filled show will entertain both, children and adults alike. Performances take place on 9 July at 6 p.m. and July 10 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Memorial Fitness Center, Bldg. 616. Doors open 30 min prior to show time. To learn more about the Sesame Street/USO Experience for Military Families or check for the latest tour info visit www.USO.org/Sesame. For more information contact USAG Grafenwoehr Family and MWR Special Events at DSN 476-2948, CIV 09662-83-2948, or email.

Southern Comfort Dinner 10 July: Come enjoy some Southern style comfort foods, from fried chicken to okra. 5 - 8 p.m. Patton Fireside Lounge,

Tower Barracks, Bldg. 209.

Survey your World – Military History Group Meeting 10 July: Survey your world through a series of Military History discussions where you can share your knowledge and

enthusiasm. Contact the Tower Barracks Library for a list of topics. Volunteer presenters are also needed, if you love discussing and teaching about the past, please contact us at DSN 475-1740, CIV 09641-83-1740. 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Hunting & Fishing Course 9 July-27 Oct: This course will make you eligible to receive a hunting and fishing license in Germany. Open to US ID

card holders 18 years of age and older. At Camp Algiers, Bld. 2440. Participants must enroll through Outdoor Recreation prior to the start of the class. Contact DSN 475-7402, CIV 09641-83-7402 or DSN 474-4212, CIV 09641-454-4212, to do so.

Tech Expo

19 July: The Tech Expo is back with over 35 exhibitors displaying the latest in cloud management, fiber optics, tablets,

virtualization, cyber security, smart boards and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Tower View Conference Center. There will be refreshments and giveaways. All military, civilians and contractors are invited to attend for free. For a list of exhibiting companies contact Julia Banks.

Volleyball camps for elementary, middle and high schoolers

11-16 Aug: High schoolers entering 9th-12th grades will have their camp 11-16 Aug. The camp is part of the A.C.E.

Volleyball Club and focuses on skill progression and motor skill development. Please contact Camp Director Brian Swenty for more.

Seeking players for tournament teams The “Bavaria Military Community American Little League” consists of the Grafenwoehr, Vilseck, Schweinfurt, Bamberg, Hohenfels, and Ansbach military communities. We are in the process of putting together our team rosters for our “All Star Tournament Teams” to play in the Germany District 1 or Regional tournaments for the Little League, Junior League and Big League divisions of Little League International in both Baseball and Girls Fast-pitch Softball. To be eligible

for these teams, the players must have played either CYSS or High School baseball/softball in the eligible communities. Players in these communities are not eligible to play for other Little League International Tournament Teams (ex: Ramstein or Stuttgart). THESE TEAMS ARE ONE TIME TOURNAMENTS TEAMS, NOT SUMMER TRAVELLING TEAMS

Division Ages Tournament Location Dates LL Baseball 10-12 Stuttgart (District 1) 20-23 June JL Baseball 12-14 Ramstein (District 1) TBD June BL Baseball 15-18 Stuttgart (Regional) 26-29 June LL Softball 11-12 Ramstein (District 1) TBD June JL Softball 13-14 Ramstein (District 1) TBD June BL Softball 15-18 Staranzano Italy (Regional) 15-18 July

We have received confirmation that the Big League Softball team and the Big League Baseball team (age 15-18) have an automatic bid into the Europe and Africa Regional Tournaments. Teams winning the tournaments will advance to the next level (Regional or World Series) of tournament play. Practice schedules will be provided to interested players after the IMCOM and European Championships. To sign up a player or for more information/questions, please contact: Phillip Lee through email or call 0160-9758-7889.

Grafenwoehr Thrift Shop Don't Miss Our Great Deals! 50% off pink tags and 50% off expired consignment items. Watch the GCSC Thrift Shop FB Page for member specials. Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 9 a.m. - 3 .pm.; Thursdays 11 p.m. - 5 p.m.; 1st and 3rd Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Grafenwoehr Bldg. 508. Want to give back to your community? Volunteer! Help your community by consigning or donating today. PCSing? No problem; we will mail you your check. For more, CIV 09641-926-0377, online, or find us on Facebook.

Hidden Treasures Thrift Shop Facebook page. **We are in desperate need of baby pant hangers!** DSN 476-2649, CIV 09662-83-2649, or email for more information. Volunteers and donations are always welcome!

Find us on Facebook USAG Grafenwoehr, Army Community Service, VFW Tower Post 10692, MWR, Main Post and Rose Barracks Postal Service Centers, Education Centers, Graf Dog community, the EXCHANGE, Environmental Division, AFN Bavaria, Performing Arts Center, Grafenwoehr

Chaplains, Main Post DFAC, 172 Infantry Brigade, BMEDDAC, 2SCR, Graf Housing Dept.,

Grafenwoehr Provost Marshal Office , Netzaberg Middle School, Netzaberg Elementary School and Vilseck Falcons.

Facility & Road/Openings/Construction/Closures

Quarterly Barrier Maintenance at Tower Barracks gates Through 2 July: Short delays and detours to be expected due to the quarterly maintenance of the pop-up barriers,

traffic arms and tire-shredders. DPW will post detour signs where necessary. Please, follow DPW/Gate guard instructions.

Rose Barracks RSSA closure 28 June: The RSSA in Rose Barracks will be closed for customer service during their organizational day. Please plan

around the closure.

On-post road closures for the Army Ten-Miler 29 June: Please note the following road closures on post for the US Forces Europe Ten Miler Qualifier: (North Tank

Trail) adj. Gate 20 (Netzaberg) to Gate 9 will be closed to all traffic from 7:30 -11 a.m.

Chancellorsville road will be closed from 7:30 -11 a.m. Barriers will be set up at the entrance to Chancellorsville road at gate 4 redirecting POV’s onto the tank trail to Gate 9. Gate 9 TCP will redirect POV traffic onto the tank trail to gate 4. At 10:30 a.m., the race is officially over and the road will be cleared by 11 a.m. and ready to be reopened as usual.

Rose & Tower Barracks Education Centers holiday closure 4-5 July: The Rose Barracks and Tower Barracks Education Centers will be closed due to the Federal holiday and

training holiday. The Education Centers will re-open on 8 July.

Personal Property Processing Office (PPPO) closure 5 July: The PPPO (Household Goods Appointments) in Rose Barracks will be closed for customer service during their

organizational day. Please plan around the closure.

Religious

Vacation Bible School 22-26 July: Sign up your squirts for Vacation Bible School. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Tower Barracks Chapel or 2-5

p.m. at the Rose Barracks Chapel. Ages: Preschool (Ages 4+ by 1 Oct 2013 and potty trained) and Elementary (grades 1-5 for upcoming school year). To sign up your kids, call the Rose Barracks Chapel at DSN 476-3346, CIV 09662-83-3346. Local volunteers are needed for the school. There are many different needs, so if you are interested, please contact the Rose Barracks Chapel at DSN 476-1570, CIV 09662-83-1570 or sign up online.

Free opera concert in Munich 27 July: There will be a Single Women’s Trip to Munich for a free open-air opera concert. You can explore Munich by

day and enjoy the State Opera at night. Meet at the Rose Barracks Chapel parking lot ant 10 a.m. Bring 10 euros to cover the cost of lunch and dinner. Contact Laurel Hoyt for more, to sign up or to snag a ride from Tower to Rose Barracks. You

can email her or call at 0151-14991-395.

Weekly Bible Study

Velburg Truth Center meets for Bible Study every Wednesday at 7 p.m. In addition to weekly Bible Study, we also have church service every Sunday at 11 a.m. We are located at Alleeweg 2 Velburg, Germany 92355. Please email Brenda Means or call 0172-892-3771 for more.

Off post church services Eschenbach - Roman Catholic Mass Saturday services at St. Laurentius: 6 p.m. (1st Mass of Sunday) Sunday services at St. Laurentius: 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Monday services at St. Laurentius: 6 p.m. Tuesday services at Apfelbach: 6 p.m. Wednesday services at St. Laurentius: 8 a.m. Thursday services at St. Laurentius: 4:15 p.m. (geared toward children) Grafenwoehr Sunday services at Friedenskirche: 8 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. Family services every 1st, 3rd and 4th Sunday Monday services at Maria-Himmelfahrtskirche: 8.30 a.m. Tuesday services at Friedenskirche: 7 p.m. Wednesday services at Seniorenheim St. Sebastian: 4.30 p.m. 2nd Wednesday of every month; 7 p.m. at Maria-Himmelfahrtskirche Thursday services at Friedenskirche: 4:15 p.m., students’ service Friday services at Friedenskirche: 1-2 p.m. 1st Friday of every month; 7 p.m. 1st Friday of every month. Saturday services at Friedenskirche: 4 p.m. Rosary; 6 p.m. Gmuend Sunday services at Herz-Marien-Kirche: Alternating weeks, 9:15 a.m. or 7 p.m. Thursday services at BRK Seniorenheim: 3 p.m. 1st Wednesday of every month. Friday services at Herz-Marien-Kirche: 6.30 p.m. during winter, 7 p.m. during summer. Goessenreuth Thursday services at Michaelskapelle: 7 p.m. during winter, 7.30 p.m. during summer. Huetten

Sunday services at Josefs Kirche: Alternating weeks, 9:15 a.m. or 7 p.m. Thursday services at Josefs Kirche: 7 p.m. Saturday services at Josefs Kirche: 5 p.m. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Sunday services at Grafenwoehr, Vilseckerstr. 7. 9:30-10:40 a.m. Sacrament, 10:50-11:30 Sunday School, 11:40-12:30, Preisthood/Relief Society. Grace Baptist Church in Grafenwoehr Sunday services in Grafenwoehr at Alte Amberger Str. 43, 92655.GrowGroups (Sunday School): 9:45 a.m. Morning Worship: 10:45 a.m. Evening Bible Study: 6 p.m. Homegroups in various locations during the week.

Chaplain Crisis Line

After duty hours, please call: MP STATION CIV 09662-83-2490 or 09662-83-3397 / DSN 476-2490 or 476-3397. USAG-Grafenwoehr IOC CIV 09641-83-7226 / DSN 475-7226. CHAPLAIN CRISIS LINE CIV 0162-296-0838. During business hours: Tower Barracks Chapel: DSN 475-1570, CIV 09641-83-1570. Rose Barracks Chapel: DSN 476-1570, CIV 09662-83-1570.

Adult Education / Training

FAST Classes 8 -19 & 17-30 July: Rose Barracks Education Center, Bldg. 223, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The registration period for these

classes is from 06 May until the last working day before the particular class begins. Functional Academic Skills Training (FAST) provides Soldiers with instruction in reading, mathematics, and language skills and is an excellent tool to prepare Soldiers to raise their GT score. This class is a 60-hour long course and is limited to twenty students. For more information please contact the Rose Barracks (Vilseck) Education Center at DSN 476-2653/3292, CIV 09662-83-2653/3292.

Information assurance certification requirements The Army in Europe Information Technology Training Program and Knowlogy offers training to fulfill your certification requirements for DOD 8570.1 (information assurance) compliance for the military. Come to the fully equipped facilities across Europe for your training needs or the training can come to you. For a full list of upcoming courses go to https://itt.eur.army.mil/schedule.aspx or contact your local site coordinator at DSN 476-2635, CIV 09662-83-2635.

University of Maryland University College – Europe UMUC Europe offers Associates, Bachelors and graduate-level degrees in a convenient online or face-to-face format. Fall session 1 classes start 19 Aug. Apply at the USAG Grafenwoehr Education Center located on Rose Barracks, Bldg. 223. UMUC offers many financial aid opportunities including FASFA, Tuition Remission, scholarships and Book Awards. Contact us at DSN 476-2462 or CIV 09662-83-2462 or visit our website at www.ed.umuc.edu for more information. You can also “Like” us on Facebook.

University of Oklahoma MA courses

The University of Oklahoma in Rose Barracks offers degree programs to military service members and civilians in an accelerated format that meets the demands of the working adult. The university offers both Master of Arts with an emphasis in International Relations and a Master of Human Relations. We are currently enrolling new students. Email Carla Miller or call her at DSN 476-2069, CIV 09662-83-2069. Further information can be found at www.goou.ou.edu. Summer courses in Rose Barracks: 6-11 Aug: IR HIST 6200 Seminar in European History: Aspects of the British Empire.

Central Texas College CTC provides Soldiers and families with associate degree programs in many Vo-Tech career fields with both face-to-face classes and distance learning (online) classes.

New! National Testing Center (NTC) University of Maryland University College - Europe's National Test Center (NTC) has relocated and is now back in the education center, Rose Barracks Bldg. 223. The NTC offers computer-based national exams for college credit including CLEP, DSST, Excelsior, GMAT, IT certifications, and many other professional certification exams. ATTENTION!!! The NTC is now offering all five modules of the GED in a computer-based format. The NTC is open 20 hrs/wk from 8:30 a.m.-

12:30 p.m. Mon-Fri. Anyone interested in testing should contact the NTC at DSN 476-2462, CIV 09662-83-2462, or email Kristin Wright to schedule an appointment.

University of Phoenix Register 2 Aug: University of Phoenix is honored to serve military service members stationed in Europe by offering

both MBA and Master of Arts in Education degree programs at several on-post locations. Classes meet one night a week. If you’re interested in developing managerial skills necessary to be effective in a rapidly changing environment than the MBA program is for you. MBA Face-to-Face Classes begin 20 Aug. Get started today by visiting www.phoenix.edu/militaryeurope or by emailing or calling Lauren Haring at DSN 476-3605 or CIV 09662-83-3605.

AMVETS scholarship opportunities By 8 Aug: University of Phoenix and AMVETS are offering 50 $7,000 scholarships to active duty military, veterans, and

military spouses. This scholarship can be used to help you obtain your MBA or Masters of Arts in Education while stationed here in Germany. To get an application and eligibility requirements and application, visit www.phoenix.edu/amvetscholar or contact Lauren Haring at DSN 476-3605, CIV 09662-83-3605 or by email.

School News

DoDDS-Europe furlough days Sequestration requires that government employees, including teachers, must be furloughed this fiscal year. Because of their unique employment schedule, teachers will be furloughed for no more than five days. All schools

in the district will be closed the following days: 30 Aug, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Sept. For more on the DoDDS-Europe

furloughs, click here.

VFW Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy scholarships

Deadline 1 Nov: The VFW has two scholarships available for high school and middle school students.

Students in 6-8th grade are eligible for the Patriot’s Pen scholarship. Forty-six applicants will win scholarships ranging from $500-5,000. This year’s essay theme is “What Patriotism Means to Me.” You can find the application guidelines and form here. High schoolers are eligible for a $30,000 scholarship and $1,000-16,000 scholarships. Their essays’ theme is “Why I’m Optimistic about our Nation’s Future.” Application guidelines and form is here.

VFW Teacher of the Year Award nomination

Deadline 1 Nov: Do you know a teacher devoted to education, their country and community? You can nominate them

for the VFW Teacher of the Year Award. Teachers will be judged in K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 categories. Those nominating the teacher must describe in 350 words or less why the educator deserves the honor. You can find more on how to nominate here.

Grafenwoehr Elementary School Bus Office: If you have questions regarding bus transportation for your student, please contact Mr. Jimmy Avery or Mr. James Moss at the SBO office; CIV 09645-917-9254 DSN 472-9254. Box Tops: Please don’t forget to keep bringing in your Box Tops to our PTSA. PCSing soon?: Please contact our registrar for the last day notice paperwork. DSN 475-6132, CIV 09641-83-6132. Please remember if you wish to hand carry records to your child’s new school we will need 5 working days notice along with the last day notice. School Office Hours School Hours Phone Numbers

Mon.‑ Fri. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.‑ Fri. 8:15 a.m.‑2:35 p.m. DSN 475‑7133, CIV 09641‑837133

Vilseck Elementary School

Vilseck Elementary School administrators and faculty wish all of our students and their parents a safe and enjoyable summer. Students, don’t forget to keep reading and do some math, and by all means enjoy being outside and playing in and around Germany. Child Find: What is child-find screening? Preschool Child Find is a developmental screening for children ages 3-5 identifying children with developmental delays or other special education needs. For children under age 3 please contact EDIS at 09662-83-3221. What is the process? A Child Find team made up of the preschool special needs service provider, speech and language

pathologists and the occupational therapist screen the children for developmental delays. These free screenings take place monthly. How does it work? Parent submits the Child Find questionnaire (which they can pick up in the office or find on the school website); they are set up with an appointment for the screening. When they come in for the screening the child must first pass a vision and hearing screen by our school nurse. Then they are screened by the team. If the child is suspected of having any delays the team will refer them for further formal evaluation. Why is it important? When learning challenges are identified at a young age, early intervention can help the child with learning tasks. If parents are interested, what do they need to do? They can go to the school’s website and find the link for Child Find. Under that link is a questionnaire they need to fill out and email back to the email address provided on the form. Someone will be in contact with them within 48 hours. If they do not hear back please contact the school at 09662 832812 and let them know what happened. (Just in case the email was rejected as SPAM) Continuous School Progress Goals: Goal 1: By 2016 all students will improve competency with numbers and operations as measured by increased performance on assessments. Goal 2: By 2016 all students will demonstrate improved reading comprehension through written and oral communication as measured by increased performance on assessments. School Office Hours School Hours Important Phone Numbers

Mon.‑Fri. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.‑Fri. 8:25 a.m.‑2:35 p.m. CIV 09662‑83-2812 / 2673, DSN 476‑2812/2673

Netzaberg Elementary School Sure Start: Sure Start is a pre-school program for at risk military children and families living overseas. The program provides education, health, nutrition, and social services. Parent involvement is mandatory! Among other selection criteria in the guidelines, the child must be age four by September 1. Ranks E-1 to E-4 have priority. Applications for the 2013-14 school year are available now at the Netzaberg Elementary School Office. POC: 472-9188 PCSing soon?: Please contact Wendy Streeter (wendy.streeter@eu.dodea.edu, DSN 472-9185, CIV 09645-917-9185) so she may assist you with transferring your children’s records to their new school. Please let the registrar know if you will NOT be returning for SY 2013-2014 by 15 March. Child Find: Do you have questions about your child’s development (ages 3-5 years)? For further information on Child Find developmental screenings at Netzaberg Elementary School, please call CIV 09645-917-9185 or DSN 472-9185. Check us out on Facebook at link. School Office Hours School Hours Important Phone Numbers Mon.- Fri. 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Mon.- Fri. 8:00 a.m.-.2:35 p.m. CIV 09645-917-9185/4 DSN 472-9184

Netzaberg Middle School

1-26 July: Summer School Enrichment at NES 23 Aug: New Family Orientation at NMS 6th Grade Boot Camp at NMS 26 Aug: First Day of School for Students 29 Aug: Open House Anticipated non-school days due to furlough: Aug 30, Sept 9, 16, 23 & 30. Are you PCSing soon? Please give Mrs. Ferdinand-Bessant a call at DSN 472-9233, CIV 09645-317-9233 so that she can assist you with your transition. Bus Office: If you have questions regarding bus transportation for your student, please contact Mr. Jimmy Avery or Mr. James Moss at the SBO office; DSN 472-9254, CIV 09645-917-9254 Find us on Facebook: Like our page and you will always have access to the most update information about your student’s school. We will also be able to upload photos from the various activities. School Office Hours Important Phone Numbers Mon - Fri CIV 09645-917-9232/9233/9229 DSN 472-9232/9233/9229 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Vilseck High School Free, Online Tutoring All U.S. military families can receive free online tutoring, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Go to http://www.tutor.com/military for more information. VHS Facebook Page Vilseck High School updates and pictures are always available at our Facebook page. The VHS Mission: To provide an exemplary education that inspires and prepares all students for success in a dynamic, global environment. School Office Hours School Hours Important Phone Numbers

Mon.‑Fri. 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Mon.‑Fri. 8:10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. CIV 09662‑832864 / Fax 09662-832480 DSN 476‑2864

Pens and pencils

Rubber eraser

Colored pencils

Glue (sticks, bottled)

Pocket folders

Highlighters

Book bag or backpack

Spiral notebooks

Plastic supply box

Notebook dividers

Bound composition book

Gym shoes

Notebook-3-ring binder

Paints (watercolor)

Rulers (ES & MS only)

Pencil Sharpeners

Toilet Paper

Paper–graph

Pens and pencils

Rubber eraser

Colored pencils

Glue (sticks, bottled)

Pocket folders

Highlighters

Book bag or backpack

Spiral notebooks

Plastic supply box

Notebook dividers

Bound composition book

Gym shoes

Notebook-3-ring binder

Paints (watercolor)

Rulers (ES & MS only)

Pencil Sharpeners

Toilet Paper

Paper–graph

Pens and pencils

Rubber eraser

Colored pencils

Glue (sticks, bottled)

Pocket folders

Highlighters

Book bag or backpack

Spiral notebooks

Plastic supply box

Notebook dividers

Bound composition book

Gym shoes

Notebook-3-ring binder

Paints (watercolor)

Rulers (ES & MS only)

Pencil Sharpeners

Toilet Paper

Paper–graph

Was ist Los?

Get involved in the local scene *** Does not indicate endorsement by the U.S. Government **

Flea markets

Every Sat., 6 a.m. - 4 p.m., in 93059 Regensburg inside the building at Am Protzenweiher 27, ph 0941-82-933. The market will not take place on German holidays. Every second Sat. of the month: 6 a.m. - 3 p.m.: in 90443 Nuremburg, Großparkplatz (large car park) on Gugelstraße, corner Humboldtstraße. Every third Sat. of the month: 7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. in 92224 Amberg, Kaufland-Parkplatz, An den

Franzosenaeckern Every third Sun. of the month: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Trödel- & Jahrmarkt in 93073 Neutraubling (next to Regensburg), at the "Globus" DITY store, Pommernstraße 4.

Altstadtfest in Sulzbach-Rosenberg

28 - 30 June: in 92237 Sulzbach-Rosenberg, on Luitpoldplatz and around the whole historic city center (ca. 20 km /

12.5 miles south of Vilseck). Click for a map of car parks closest to the Altstadt. There will be free live performances, delicious food, a "children's mile" to keep the little ones entertained, a running competition and medieval camp. Or in other words: fun for everyone! Starts Fri at 5 p.m., Sat at 10 a.m., and Sun at 8 a.m.

Altstadtfest in Forchheim

28 - 30 June: 2 - 11 p.m. daily, in 91301 Forchheim, all around the city center, including Hauptstraße, Rathausplatz,

Sattlertorstraße, Paradeplatz and at the Kaiserpfalz (ca. 25 km / 15.5 miles south of Bamberg). Often referred to as "Frankenfest", this fest attracts around 25,000 visitors every year. Numerous stages are scattered around the city center, with beer benches and you can listen to performances for free. Beer from four local breweries and plenty of Franconian food will be available. It is recommended you park either in the parking blocks ("Parkhaus") in the city center, or on the "Sportinsel" peninsula at the Main-Donau canal, An der Regnitzbrücke (then it's just a short walk across the bridge to reach the Altstadt).

Volksfest with Krämermarkt

28 June-3 July: Midday - 8 p.m. daily, in 91541 Rothenburg at the Spitaltor gate, on the car park P1 along Friedrich-

Hörner-Weg. Click for a map of suggested car parks. The Volksfest is held at the fest site at the gate, while the market and trade fair takes place on Schrannenplatz and in the Schrannenscheune (former barn). The trade fair is open 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Italian Evening in Weiden

29 June: 6 - 11 p.m., in 92637 Weiden, all around the Altstadt, or old city. Click for a map of suggested car parks.

Weiden has been partnered with the Italian town of Macerata for 50 years and will hold this evening as a celebration. The Altstadt will ooze Italian flair with the performance of "I Dolci Signori", supported by the two south-Italian singers Rocco Verardo and Gianni Carrera. Plenty of Italian food and wine will be served.

Fischerfest in Grafenwoehr 29 & 30 June: Fischerfest at the Grafenwoehr Stadtweiher (Kastenhaus Military Museum.) Come to the Fischerfest

and try smoked trout, grilled trout, brats, steak, etc. Kids welcome to join boats rides on the Stadtweiher or get their faces painted. On Sat, the day starts at 3 p.m. with a boat race officiated by members of the USAG Grafenwoehr community and the City of Grafenwoehr. A live Bavarian band, Musik Kappele Diessfuth, will play at the Bierfest. There will also be fish from local streams and lakes in a big aquarium. On Sun, it starts at 10 a.m. with a Fruehschoppen and continues into the afternoon again with a Bavarian Live Band.

22nd ADAC Moto-Cross Championship

29 & 30 June: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., in 92334 Pollanten, at the "Main-Donau-Ring" racetrack opposite the transformation

plant next to the canal. It is the track area you see to the left of the green arrow on this Google Map. Pollanten / Berching are ca. 42 km / 26 miles west of Hohenfels. This is the German Championship (only GE) in the category 85 ccm two-stroke to 150 ccm four-stroke. Also fought this day: German Moto-Cross Open, and Bavarian Youth Championship in 50 ccm - 125 ccm. Food and refreshments are on sale. Admission is € 10.

Bürgerfest in Weiden

29 & 30 June: in 92637 Weiden, all around the Altstadt or old city. Click for a map of suggested car parks.

There will be live music on several stages around the Marktplatz and food and drinks. Please be aware that this is an immensely popular event with thousands of visitors; please do not bring your dog, to protect it from getting stepped on. Sat 6 - 11 p.m., and Sun 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Click for a PDF flyer in German. Even if you don't speak the language, you can see the layout and check which band is playing at what time.

Mariahilfberg-Fest

29 June-7 July: in 92249 Amberg, around the beautiful pilgrimage church Maria-Hilf on top of the hill. Access to the

Maria-Hilf church is easy (click link for map) but please use the designated parking areas. The fest is supported by the RC church and has no rides, but plenty of food and refreshments in a romantic area.

American Bands playing in Rothenburg

29 June-26 July: in 91541 Rothenburg. Click for a map of car parks around the historical Altstadt.

29 June:11 a.m. The Texas Ambassadors of Music, on Marktplatz; 4 p.m. The Wyoming Ambassadors of Music, on Marktplatz.

2 July: 2 p.m. The South Texas Ambassadors of Music, on Marktplatz. 5 July: 2 p.m. The Arizona Ambassadors of Music, on Marktplatz. 6 July: 5 p.m. The Sound of America, on Marktplatz. 8 July: 11 a.m. The Carolina Ambassadors of Music, on Marktplatz. 2 p.m. The Ohio Ambassadors of Music, on Marktplatz. 11 July: 2 p.m. The Mid-West Ambassadors of Music, on Marktplatz. 14 July: 2 p.m. The Tennessee Ambassadors of Music, on Marktplatz. 15 July: 2 p.m. The Arkansas Ambassadors of Music, on Marktplatz. 17 July: 2 p.m. The Oregon Ambassadors of Music, on Marktplatz. 20 July: 2 p.m. The Utah Ambassadors of Music, on Marktplatz. 23 July: 2 p.m. The Northern Ambassadors of Music, on Marktplatz. 26 July: 2 p.m. The South Michigan Ambassadors of Music, on Marktplatz.

Summer Serenades in Weiden

3 July: 7 - 8:30 p.m., in 92637 Weiden, at the Pavilion in the Max-Reger-Park (only the green arrow is correct!), opposite

the parking block on Schlörplatz. FREE concert with the "Star Club Revival" which plays rock n’ roll from the 60s and 70s. These serenades are very popular so arrive early. Bring along some folding chairs or a blanket and a picnic and enjoy the music. In case of inclement weather, the event will move into the Max-Reger-Halle (at the other end of the park), Dr.-Pfleger-Straße 17, ph 0961-48080. Click for a map of suggested car parks.

Children’s choir concert 4 July: The Bel Canto Children’s Chorus and the Musikschule Choir will perform at the Parish Church of Eschenbach at

7:30 p.m.

“Open Air on Kiesi Beach” event in Pressath

20 July: The Open Air Event starts at 7 p.m. on the Kiesi Beach in Pressath with the Band “Pressather Musikanten”.

They will be playing Bavarian-Bohemina Brass-Band Music up to current party hits. At 11 p.m. rock tribute band Starkstrom will play. Food and free entry.

Fresh Produce/ Farmers’ Markets Note: If any of the listed days is a German holiday, the markets are usually held the day prior. In 92224 Amberg: every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m., on the Marktplatz. In 91522 Ansbach: every Wednesday and Saturday 8 a.m.-1 p.m., on Martin-Luther-Platz. ***In addition to the regular fresh produce markets, local farmers offer their fresh goods every first and third Saturday of the month at the farmers market on Johann-Sebastian-Bach-Platz (same opening hours). Great opportunity to buy seasonal produce as fresh as it gets. In Bamberg: Monday thru Saturday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m., on Maxplatz. Closed on Sundays and German holidays. In Neumarkt: every Thursday and Saturday, in Untere Marktstraße. Thursday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-1 p.m. In Parsberg: every Wednesday and Friday on Stadtplatz. Wednesday 7 a.m.-midday, Friday 2-6 p.m.

In Regensburg: every Saturday 7 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Donaumarkt (right next to the Eiserne Brücke / Iron Bridge). Closest car park is Unterer Wöhrd (and a short walk across Eiserne Brücke), or Dultplatz and Oberer Wöhrd (walk across the Steinerne Brücke / Stone Bridge and turn left). In 92637 Weiden: every Wednesday and Saturday 7 a.m. -12:30 p.m., Oberer and Unterer Markt / all around the Altes Rathaus (historic city hall, pedestrian zone). In 97070 Würzburg: Monday thru Saturday, 7 a.m.-1 p.m., on Rathausplatz. Closed on Sundays and German holidays.

Guided Tours *New* Segway Tours

The latest craze is guided tours through a city on a Segway. Various cities and locations offer those already; some regularly, some only on special occasions. These cities offer regular tours in German - contact them to see if they will do tours in English: Bamberg: ph 0911-933-250 or 09133-768-7819; Garmisch-Partenkirchen: ph 0173-4444-948; Munich: These groups lead tours in English. Segway Tour Munich and City Segway Tours; Nürnberg: 0911-933-250 or 09133-768-7819; Regensburg: Segway Tour Regensburg. Most large cities now offer Segway tours, for example Mindways Segway City Tours (in EN) has routes in Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Köln, Lübeck, and Travemünde. 1 p.m. daily: Walking Tours of Nürnberg in English Nuremberg was once an imperial residence, powerful free imperial city and international trading center. The prosperous city provided the ideal basis for an active cultural and intellectual life and the arts: Even today numerous buildings, monuments and artworks still reflect its former importance. The guided tour through the Old Town offers information and insights on the castle, the fountains and wells, churches and art as well as the city itself past and present. Meeting point: Tourist Office at the Main Market Square (Hauptmarkt). Duration: approx. 2 ½ hrs. Price: 9 Euros per person, plus price of admission to castle (2 Euros pp). Children under 14 free in the company of their parents.

2 p.m. daily: Guided Tour of 91541 Rothenburg in English, of the most important sights in the historical district Meeting point: Market Square. Duration: 90 minutes. Fee: 6 Euros per person, payable cash to the tour guide 7 p.m. daily: Guided Tour in English of 91541 Rothenburg, with "The Executioner". Meet on Marktplatz, no prior booking required. The tours take place every day and cost 7 Euros per person. There are tours in German which start at 6 p.m., and also in English, starting at 7 p.m. If you click in the link and scroll down, you can watch a 5-minute promo clip for the executioner's tour (in English but with a lovely Franconian accent). The clip shows some interesting hidden places that you normally don't get to see. Every Wed. and Sat: 1:30 p.m.: Guided Tour of Regensburg, in English - "Experience a Historical City" In the course of this individually accented tour you get to know the Old City, with its patrician towered houses, the cathedral, the Old City Hall (all from the outside), the Stone Bridge and the Porta Praetoria. Our well-versed guides will be glad to answer any special questions you have, based on your own personal interests. Fees: Adults 8 Euros, Reduced 5 Euros , Families 12 Euros. Duration: 1.5 hours. Meeting point: Tourist-Information - Altes Rathaus, Rathausplatz, 93047 Regensburg, ph. 0941-507-4410. Closest free car parks are "Dultplatz" (Am Protzenweiher/ Oberpfalzbrücke); adjacent "Protzenweiher" (opposite Protzenweiher 27); neighbouring "Wöhrdstraße" (at Wöhrdstraße 18); and adjacent "Unterer Wöhrd" (Wöhrdstraße 60/62). There is also the "Donaumarkt" parking lot (Donaumarkt 1) which is "a walk across the bridge" closer than the "Wöhrdstraße" car park, but it's not free-of-charge, and it's blocked on Saturday mornings for the Regensburg produce market. From any of these car parks it's only a very short walk across one of the bridges. You can get a map of Regensburg's city center from the Tourist Info in the "Altes Rathaus" (old city hall) for free. Every Friday: 7 p.m. The Nuremberg Nightwatch Tour, in English - with the night watchwoman Re-live history through original, funny and exciting stories with the historian Dr. Ute Jaeger aka the night watchwoman. Discover the traditional parts of Nürnberg and enjoy its most beautiful sights! Meeting Point is the fountain "Schöner Brunnen", Am Hauptmarkt, 90403 Nürnberg (in the pedestrian zone). Fees are 9 Euros pp. Every Saturday: 1 p.m. Guided Tour of 97070 Würzburg in English Your stroll starts at the Falkenhaus (location of the Tourist Info, ph 0931-372-398) with its elaborate Rococo facade, followed by a visit to the Marienkapelle (St. Mary's Chapel) featuring sandstone sculptures by Tilman Riemenschneider. Other highlights include the historical town hall building and the Romanesque cathedral "St. Kilian". From the bridge Alte Mainbrücke, you can enjoy fantastic views of the fortress Marienberg, the pilgrimage church Käppele and the famous vineyards. Tour lasts around 1.5 hrs, tickets cost 6 Euros per adult. Between 7 May and 29 October, additional English tours are held every Friday at 1 p.m. Every Saturday: 2 p.m. Guided Tour in English of Albrecht Dürer's House in Nürnberg’s historical city center, Albrecht-Dürer-Straße 39 (in the pedestrian zone). Admission is 5 Euros (normal), 2.50. Euros (reduced) Famous painter Albrecht Dürer lived in Nürnberg (1471 – 1528) – you might know him best for his “Praying Hands” –, and his original residence in Nürnberg’s pretty city center has been converted to a museum. Every Saturday, an actress in historical gowns offers guided tours of the house in English, telling its history from the viewpoint of Dürer's wife Agnes. Every Saturday: 3 p.m. Guided Tour in English of the Church of St. Jacob's in 91541 Rothenburg. A public and free tour in English of the famous StJakobs-Kirche (church). You only pay the entrance fee for the church: 2 Euros for adults; 0.50 Euros for students, pupils; groups from 10 person: 1.50 Euros. No reservation necessary! Duration: ca. 45 minutes. Meeting Point: front row inside the church.

Every Saturday: 8 p.m. Guided Tour in English with the Night-Watchman in 91541 Rothenburg on Marktplatz = Market Place. Take a walk back in time with the Night-watchman through the romantically-lit streets of Rothenburg. Meeting point is on Market Square, the tour lasts about 60 minutes. Fee is 7 Euros per person, payable in cash to the Night-watchman.

Useful links in English for everyday life in Germany

Find German zip codes: German Post's website Find German phone numbers: Das Telefonbuch English Historic Germany: http://www.hhog.de/ Loads of information about Germany, language and customs: http://german.about.com/.

German-American Kontakt Club The Vilseck Kontakt Club meets every Friday at 7 p.m. for Stammtisch at the Club House, Rose Barracks Bldg. 301. Those interested in the Vilseck Club please register with Daniel Koenig or sign up with the Vilseck Kontakt Club at the website by filling out the Mitgliedsantrag (Member registration form). The Grafenwoehr Kontakt Club meets every Monday for bowling at the Grafenwoehr Bowling Center and every Wednesday for Stammtisch at the Clubhouse. For more on the Graf Club, call CIV DSN 475-7878, 09641-83-7878 or email.