Jan Team MCCS in read right order-8 - MCCS 29 Community Services

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Director’s Letter
2011 has arrived and with it an opportunity for new beginnings. Have you started working on your
New Year’s resolutions? As you reach toward those ambitious goals, MCCS is here to help our dedicated
employees as you strive to better the quality of life of our military families.
I would be remiss to move too quickly past the accomplishments and joys of 2010. December was
filled with fun activities for our employees. In this extended issue of Team MCCS we’ve included photos
and highlights from the MCCS employee holiday party as well as winners of the holiday decorating
contest. More photos are available on the employee page of mccs29palms.com. Thank you to everyone
who came out to this year’s holiday party. We enjoyed a great evening with excellent food, music and
prizes. I’d like to offer a special thanks to the Officers’ Club staff and our holiday party planning
committee for putting on such an incredible evening. I’d also like to thank everyone who participated in
our holiday decorating contest. We had some stiff competition this year and choosing a winner was no
easy task. With that being said, congratulations to our winner: The Zone/Single Marine Program. Your
hard work was evident in how you brought added holiday cheer to your workplace through your creative
gingerbread land. I’d also like to congratulate our second place winner, the Main Exchange break room,
and third place winner, the Community Center. MCCS Twentynine Palms is truly blessed with a creative
and dedicated staff. One last note this New Year. I’d like to offer a special thank you to everyone who
came out to help with this year’s Winter Festival. Once again the event was a huge success as hundreds
of military families enjoyed a day with Santa, received free toys and joined in the holiday spirit. Your gift
of time and care will not soon be forgotten by the many children you served.
Thank You & Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Katherine Catlin
MCCS Director
JANUARY ACTIVITIES CALENDAR
Program Activity Date & Time Age
OFFICERS’ CLUB VERANDA RESTAURANT
830.6610 * BLDG. 1573
LIFELONG LEARNING LIBRARY
830-6875 * BLDG. 1528
YOUTH SPORTS
830.8421 * BLDG. 1004
SPORTS
830.4092 * BLDG. 1321
COUNSELING SERVICES
830.6345 * BLDG. 1438
READINESS & DEPLOYMENT SUPPORT
830.3124 * BLDG. 1551
FAMILY READINESS PROGRAM
830.4163 * BLDG. 1551
LIFESKILLS
830.3115 * BLDG. 1551
SEMPER FIT
830.6440 * EAST GYM
LINKS
830.1696 * BLDG. 696T
All Hands Lunch
Monday-Friday,
11a.m.-1p.m.
All Hands
Fun with Science Night Jan. 20, 6-7:30 p.m. School Age Children
Story Time Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Children Ages 3-6 Years
Mother Goose on the Loose Wednesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Children Ages Infant-2 Years
Start Smart Spring Sports (Registration)
(Baseball, Tennis, T-Ball, Golf)
Spring Sports (Registration)
(Coach Pitch, Tennis, Track & Field, Golf)
CG’s Intramural Volleyball (Registration)
Season Runs April-June
Season Runs April-June
Season Runs
March 15-May 10, 6-9 p.m.
Varies by Sport
Varies by Sport
Open Door Counseling Mondays, 7 p.m. All Hands
Active Duty, DOD/NAF Employees,
Family Members of Active Duty
Supporting Our Spouses Workshop Jan. 19, 6-8 p.m. All Hands on Space-Available Basis
Family Readiness Volunteer Training
Jan. 11-12, 5-8 p.m.
Jan. 25, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
All Hands on Space-Available Basis
Lunch & Learn Series Jan. 13, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. All Hands on Space-Available Basis
4 Lenses Workshop Jan. 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. All Hands on Space-Available Basis
Visit mccs29palms.com for a complete aerobics calendar
LINKS for Spouses Jan. 11 & 13, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. All Hands on Space-Available Basis
LINKS for Parents and Extended Family Jan. 22, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. All Hands on Space-Available Basis
*For more info, visit mccs29palms.com. Dates and times are subject to change.
SAFETY CORNER
FOUL WEATHER DRIVING
Winter has arrived in our desert community
and with it, the occasional storm. Bad
weather creates added driving hazards.
When travelling in adverse conditions,
keep in mind that rain, snow and ice
make roads slippery and can reduce tire
traction. A driver’s visibility is reduced
and many drivers become tense and
worried, which may make them drive
less safely. Prepare for bad weather by
taking the following precautions before
putting the key into the ignition: Clean off
headlights regularly to improve visibility.
Check periodically to make sure no bulbs
are burned out. Replace windshield wiper
blades; they’re not effective when they’re
worn. Check tire condition and inflation.
Worn tires can’t grip the road and may
blow out. Replace them. Tire pressure falls
with the temperature. Check tires before
driving and inflate them to manufacture’s
recommended level.
If heading to a colder climate, be sure
to pack the following in your vehicle
emergency kit:
• Spill proof container of sand or cat litter
• Ice scraper, snow brush and small
folding shovel
• Blanket (to keep warm while waiting
for help after a breakdown)
Once you’re on the road, driving safely
becomes key, especially in the rain. The
first step is to slow down. Reduce speed
and stay at least four seconds (not the
usual two) behind the car in front of you.
Use windshield wipers and headlights,
not parking lights, even during the day.
Use your vehicle’s defroster if the inside
windows steam up. Be aware that roads
are most slippery in light rain or when
rain first starts as the mixture of rain with
oil and dirt on the road makes it slippery.
Slow down for large puddles, which can
reduce braking ability. As you approach
the puddle, drive through slowly, tapping
the brakes. Test the brakes once you’re
through, after checking that no one is close
behind. Avoid hydroplaning (tires driving
on the water, not the road) in puddles. If
you start to lose control, take your foot
off the gas. Don’t brake suddenly. As you
drive, be aware of passing trucks; their
spray could temporarily limit your ability
to see. Finally, be prepared to respond
quickly if other drivers lose control.
By following these tips, you will help
ensure not only your own safety, but also
the safety of those driving near you. Safe
driving!