OSC scholarship
The Fort Polk Combined Community Scholarship Program, sponsored by the Fort Polk Officers’ Spouses’ Club, is accepting applications through March 12. Graduating high school seniors and continuing education students as well as past scholarship winners are eligible.
Applications are available on the OSC web site, www.fortpolkosc.com, and area high school guidance counselor offices, as well as at the Allen Memorial Library, Northwestern State University campus (Leesville) and Louisiana Tech College (Lamar-Salter campus).
Applicants must be immediate Family members of active-duty Soldiers, retirees or active Guard or Reserve Soldiers with valid military ID planning to attend an accredited undergraduate program or vocational/technical program leading to a degree or certificate in the fall term of 2010.
Homeschool research
The Military Child Education Coalition seeks home-schooled students ages 11-18 and parents who are homeschooling children of any age to participate in a research study for the Department of the Army. One or both parents need to be active-duty or retired Army Soldiers. Interviews will be arranged at your convenience and take about 30 minutes.
For more information or to sign up, call (254) 953-1923, extension 1123, or send e-mail to Emily.Parry@militarychild.org.
Volunteers needed
Local victims of domestic abuse need advocates. Become a volunteer victim advocate by attending the next victim advocate training Feb. 8-10 sponsored by Family Advocacy. Classes are held from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Education Center, room 109. To register or for more information, call 531-6333/7977.
Eye screening
Protecting your vision is important. Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital’s eye clinic offers eye care information to help you do just that:
•Free cataract screening –– If you are having symptoms such as cloudy, fuzzy or foggy vision, have difficulty seeing to drive, especially at night or trouble seeing close work, stop by the BJACH ophthalmology clinic (first floor) on the first or third Thursday of each month from 1-3 p.m. People are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring your most recent pair of glasses. For more information call 531-3276.
•Lasik surgery –– If you are interested in receiving Lasik surgery stop by the eyes, ears, nose and throat clinic and pick up your refractive surgery packet. The EENT clinic is located on the first floor of BJACH. To qualify you must be 21 years old and have at least 18 months left in service. For more information call 531-3276/3277.
Adult soccer
The Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation Sports Office offers adult intramural soccer. The season begins Feb. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the 1400 block soccer fields. Registration continues through Feb. 8 at the Soldiers Athletic Complex. Coaches must submit a team roster consisting of 14 players, an alpha roster, two points of contact and an e-mail address. For more information call 531-2056.
Youth sports
Fort Polk youth are invited to participate in any of these Child, Youth and School Services Youth Sports programs:
• Registration for spring soccer ends today. The soccer season runs from Feb. 13 through March 27 and is open to kids 3-18. Cost is $50. There will be a skills assessment for ages 6 and older and a parent meeting for all ages at Perez Field today. For more information call 531-6007 or 531-1955. Coaches are also needed for the season.
• Competitive, year-round swim team registration is ongoing; practices are held at the South Fort 50-meter pool Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. and Saturdays from noon-1 p.m. Spots are available for youth between 5 and 18; fees run from $65-$120 and include a swim suit. Youth must be registered with CYSS and have a valid sports physical to participate. For more information call 531-4403.
• The Rugby Club seeks teens 13 and older to compete in matches throughout Louisiana. A list of interested teens will be compiles through Feb. 19. A parent and teen information meeting will be held Feb. 20 at the Siegfried Youth Center. For more information call 531-6004.
• Baseball, T-ball and softball registration takes place Monday through Feb. 24 for children ages 5-18. The season runs from April through June. Cost is $55 and participants must have a current physical on file at Parent Central Services in bldg 400. Coaches are also needed. A parent meeting and skills assessment for ages 7 and older will be held Feb. 23 and 24 at 6 p.m. at Perez Field. Call 531-6004/1955 for more information.
Instructors needed
The Army Community Service Outreach Program needs volunteer instructors for all levels of English as a second language and for adult sewing. ESL classes are held Tuesday and Thursday from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Instructors commit to four hours a week and do not have to have a background as a teacher to instruct. All materials are furnished. An adult sewing teacher is also needed. The position has flexible hours and all materials are provided. To volunteer visit the Family Readiness Center or call 531-1895 to make an appointment.
Babysitting classes
The School of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills program offers CYSitters classes Feb. 12-13. To take part, you must be registered with Child, Youth and School Services and be at least 12 years old. Babysitters will learn basic child safety, CPR, first aid and age appropriate activities to entertain children of a variety of dispositions. Youth must be 13 to be added to the CYSitters list. All attendees must bring a lunch and attend both days. To register or for more information call 531-1955.
Sweetheart dance
The Middle School and Teen program holds a sweetheart dance Feb. 20 from 7-10 p.m. at the Siegfried youth Center. The event is for students in sixth through 12th grade. Admission is $3 for members and $5 for non-members, and pictures will be available for $2 each. You must bring a student or dependent ID to gain entry. Call 531-1991 for details.
Thrift shop
The Fort Polk Thrift Shop’s new address is bldg 2531, Alabama Avenue. The store is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and the first and third Saturday of each month from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
FAP classes
The Army Community Service Family Advocacy Program offers the following classes:
• Practical application of intimate relationship skills (PAIRS) –– A marriage education program for couples. Topics and techniques include communication skills and dealing with conflict. Classes are held Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at the ACS Center, bldg 920. The next session starts Thursday and runs through March 11. Free child care is available. Call 531-1938 to register.
• Boot camp for dads –– A one-day workshop that teams new and veteran dads to share information and techniques for caring for newborns. Registration required. Workshops are held the third Wednesday of each month from 1-3 p.m. at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, fifth floor, classroom 5. The first class will be held Feb. 17. For more information call 531-9573/1938.
