Fort Lee Traveller Holiday Guide
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Transcript of Fort Lee Traveller Holiday Guide
HolidayGUIDE
FORT LEE
2010
www.fortleetraveller.com2 • Traveller holiday guide • November 18, 2010
Publisher: LAURA BAXTER
Military Newspapers of Virginia Editor:
DAVID TODD
Creative Director: TRICIA LIEURANCE
Graphic Designer: SUSAN COFER
EDITORIAL(757) 222-3970
ADVERTISING(804) 526-8656
CLASSIFIEDS(804) 526-8656
PUBLISHED BY Military Newspapers of Virginia
258 Granby StreetNorfolk, VA 23510
Phone: (757) 222-3990Fax: (757) 853-1634
The contents of this special section are not necessarily the offi cial views of or endorsed by the U.S. government, the DoD, the DoT or the U.S. Coast Guard. Opinions of con-tributing writers do not necessarily refl ect the opinions of Military Newspapers of Virginia or The Flagship®.
The availability of these newspapers and the appearance of advertising in these publications, including any inserts or supplements, do not constitute endorsement by the fed-eral governement, the DoD, the DoT, the U.S. Coast Guard or Military Newspapers of Virginia of products or services advertised.
Military Newspapers of Virginia is a private firm in no way connected to the Department of
Defense or United States Coast Guard.
Would you like to brighten the day for a
military family?
The last eight years of war have been
tough on America’s service members and
their families. But, while service members
are often thanked – and rightfully so – for all
that they have risked and sacrifi ced in order
to keep our country safe, rarely is the same
thanks extended to their family members.
Spouses, children and parents have spent
countless nights worrying and countless days
trying to fi ll in the gaps left when a family
member deploys. Likewise, veterans who
are no longer in uniform are often forgotten
when thanks are passed around.
The most signifi cant result of Blue Star
Families Military Life Issues Survey was
that 94 percent of respondents felt that “the
general public does not truly understand or
appreciate the sacrifi ces made by service
members and their families.”
A disconnect means just that – the
connection is broken. Blue Star Families (BSF)
would like alleviate that disconnect through
a program called “Operation Appreciation.”
Through this innovative program, members
of the community who would like to support
military families can send cards expressing
heartfelt thanks, solidarity or just good old-
fashioned encouragement. The writer can
choose to write a card to the parent, spouse
or child of a military member or to a veteran
of the Armed Forces. All of the recipients
will be current members of BSF.
This is your chance to let America’s
military community know how much you
appreciate all that they have sacrifi ced in
order to keep our country safe.
This program is perfect for school age
classrooms (K-12) looking for a project,
community organizations, youth groups,
church groups and individual citizens who
want to support military members and their
families but don’t know how.
Download the Operation Appreciation
information packet for more detailed
instructions for your class or organization or
E-mail [email protected].
The process is simple:
1. Write a card (any type of card will do)
targeted for:
(1). Parent of a service member; (2). Spouse
of a service member; (3). Child of a service
member; or (4). Veteran.
2. Write the corresponding number for the
recipient (1. for Parent, 2. for Spouse, etc.)
on the envelope by the address line.
3. Mail the card, in an unsealed envelope, to:
BLUE STAR FAMILIES, PO BOX 1906,
Chesapeake, VA, 23327
That’s it! BSF will sort and send the
card to a member of our organization who
matches the card’s target.
This is an easy and rewarding way
to support the families of those who are
serving in our Armed Forces. While there
are many efforts aimed at sending items
and well-wishes to our deployed troops, no
such program is currently in operation to
show such support to those serving on the
homefront. Imagine the pride of a parent
who receives a letter of appreciation for the
service of their child ... or the excitement
of a child who gets a card recognizing his
own service, here at home, waiting on mom
or dad to come home. Picture the smile on
the face of a military spouse, after putting
the kids down for bed, opening up a card
that simply says, “thank you.” Sometimes
small gestures can make a huge difference
– especially during the holidays!
– Courtesy of Blue Star Families
Operation AppreciationSUPPORT
this holiday season
www.fortleetraveller.com November 18, 2010 • TRAVELLER HOLIDAY GUIDE • 3
Holiday Shopping Tips:Avoid Stress this Holiday Season
By Estelle Allen
Navy Federal Credit Union
As the holiday shopping season is quickly approaching,
the hustle and bustle of shopping can create unwanted stress.
Whether you are stateside shopping for a loved one overseas
or planning to give gifts to family members — it’s important
to shop smart, always be aware of your surroundings and
follow these tips to stay on budget.
MAKE A LIST AND SET A BUDGET
List the people you plan to buy gifts for, the type of gifts
you plan to buy and how much you plan to spend.
SHOP AROUND
Remember, a sale price isn’t always the best price. Look
out for marketing phrases such as “While supplest last,”
“Minimum two per store,” “No rain checks” or “All items
are available in limited quantities.” Have an action plan for
shopping.
DAYLIGHT SHOPPING HAS IT ADVANTAGES
If you need to shop at night, go with someone else and
park in a well-lit area. Remember, there is safety in numbers.
If shopping alone, try to walk to your car with a crowd or ask
mall security for an escort to your car. Have your keys out
and stay alert. Always check inside the car before entering.
Lock your doors as soon as you are inside.
AVOID CARRYING TOO MANY PACKAGES
Always have one hand free. Do not leave packages visible
in your car. If you continue to shop after placing packages in
your trunk, move your vehicle to another location.
GO ONLINE
Check out price comparison on websites such as
PriceGrabber.com, Pricescan.com or Shopzilla.com. Retail
companies often provide free shipping on items purchased
online.
USE CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS WITH CARE
Keep a paper trail by saving your receipts. Ask for a store
receipt and a gift receipt. Without one, a customer may not
be eligible for a refund or the retailer may offer a store credit
at the lowest price the item was sold for, which could be less
than the amount paid. Check credit and debit card sales and
return receipts against your monthly bills and statements and
report any problems to the credit card issuer.
SHIP PACKAGES EARLY
If you’re sending gifts out of the country or to out-of-
towners, factor extra time for shipping. According to the
U.S. Postal Service, Dec. 10 is the last day priority mail is
sent for arrival before Christmas.
As a fi nal note, there is an iTunes app called Mall Maps
Deluxe – You Are Here by MEDL MOBILE, that provides
a portable database of mall fl oor plans to your iPhone, iPod
touch and iPad. (Requires iOS 3.0 or later.) It’s perfect
for those who need to dash in and out of malls as fast as
possible.
Make the most out of your holiday season by shopping
online, on the phone or at your local mall.
Estelle Allen is a public relations specialist at Navy Federal
Credit Union in Vienna, Va. She writes for the Money Chat
forum on CinCHouse.com. Visit navyfederal.org for more
information.
– Courtesy of CinCHouse.com
www.fortleetraveller.com4 • Traveller holiday guide • November 18, 2010
As the weather gets colder, thoughts are turning toward
the upcoming holiday season. Soon it will be almost
impossible to not get caught up in the holiday spirit, but for
many children in military families, this joyous time of year
may mean celebrating the holidays without the comforts of
having a parent or loved one home who is deployed.
Many of these children may understand that holiday
deployments are part of military life, however, those with
a deployed parent are particularly susceptible to feelings of
sadness during this time of year. The constant reminder that
someone they love is absent can often be upsetting. But with
some planning, the adults in their lives can make sure this
year is as full of warmth, cheer and treasured memories as
any other holiday season.
CONTINUE FAMILY TRADITIONS
AND START NEW ONES
The continuity and predictability of traditions are
comforting to adults and children and are a big part of helping
kids get though the season. They realize life continues even
when things are different due to a deployed parent. Determine
which traditions you can not do without and which are too
time consuming, which can be simplifi ed or which can be
skipped. If a tradition becomes overwhelming, skip it and
do not feel guilty. Children won’t enjoy the celebration if the
parent is stressed over it. Do not forget to include children
in the discussion even if they are not old enough to help in
making the decisions.
And there is nothing wrong with starting new traditions.
Mix it up a bit spend the holidays in a different place, assemble
a gingerbread house kit, or bake a dessert for a homeless
shelter. This may be enough to keep the focus on the positive
elements. Again, kids should be involved in the decisions.
And, these new traditions may continue in future seasons and
the deployed parent can participate in them next year.
CELEBRATE WITH THE DEPLOYED PERSON
Include the deployed family member in the celebration
even if they are thousands of miles away. Allow the children
as much contact with them as is feasible. Write letters, send
emails and instant messages, video chat or even call. Kids
need some way to share what is going on and this contact
with a child is as important for both parents. Send a personal
care package to mom or dad with special treats, letters or ask
them to send home a homemade ornament or decoration.
Take pictures while decorating and celebrating and help the
children assemble a memory scrapbook to send complete
with photos, drawings and handmade cards. Keep it simple.
Do not be surprised if it is diffi cult for the deployed parent to
look at what you send. Being away from home is painful for
them as well and they will look at them when they are ready.
DOCUMENT IMPORTANT EVENTS
Even when a deployed service member is not there, they
certainly wish they could be. Get out the video recorder,
camera or journal and get the kids involved. This will shift
the kids’ focus, allowing them to enjoy the holidays from
a different perspective and have fun too. Photographed or
videotaped activities can be simple – sing songs by the fi re or
decorating the tree. Everyone will appreciate that the event
was recorded and preserved.
REMEMBER WHAT THE HOLIDAYS ARE ABOUT
This time of year is about caring, love and peace, regardless
of which holidays are celebrated. The focus should be on
what you are thankful for. One of the best gifts you can give
a child is to teach them to be selfl ess and to appreciate the joy
in their lives – despite any diffi culties.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
It is important for children to have a safe, predictable and
happy home. You will not be able to provide this if you are
sick or stressed. You can be most helpful to your kids when
you recognize and attend to your own needs as well as theirs,
including health concerns.
Set aside time for yourself so you have time to shop,
mail packages and decorate. Spend time with friends doing
something fun or relaxing. Set limits on what others ask of
you and make sure you have a support system in place through
friends and family, especially for overwhelming events.
DON’T BE ALONE
Leave town to visit family or host family from out of
town. For those who are unable to travel, enlist the support
of friends, neighbors or even acquaintances in your extended
military family. Regardless of who is nearby, asking for
support is a good thing. Often, people will want to help,
but don’t know how, so it’s up to you to tell them what you
need. Swap babysitting time with another parent or share
a holiday potluck dinner. And don’t worry about the house
being immaculately clean – your guests will understand your
tremendous undertaking.
HAVE OPEN TALKS
Talk to children about the deployed parent and the
holiday in terms they understand. Young children need basic
information. Older children who understand more can talk
about feelings and the challenges of being apart. You may
also consider telling your child’s teacher about your spouse’s
deployment. It may help explain changes in behavior or
performance at school.
LET KIDS EXPRESS THEIR THOUGHTS,
FEELINGS AND FEARS
Encourage questions. Let them know you want to hear
what is on their mind. Often, honest conversation can lift
spirits. If you are stressed and angry, tell them it is not their
fault. If the kids know you are sad, too – but still hopeful and
happy – they will feel much better. Be generous with hugs and
cuddles time too. Your children need hugs and so do you.
BE HONEST ABOUT THE DEPLOYMENT
Be clear about which holidays you will be spending
without mom or dad. Don’t promise things such as “this is
d a d ’ s
last deployment” or that “mom
will be home in time for the holidays” if there is a chance it
won’t happen.
DON’T FORGET TO HAVE FUN!
Schedule plenty of fun activities and make sure to laugh.
Just because your loved one is deployed, does not mean
you have to cancel festivities and wait until they return to
celebrate. But do celebrate when they return, too. Have fun
now and make sure your kids know you are planning another
celebration.
SPREAD THE CHEER
Reach out and help someone else – it can really change
a person’s perspective. Whether you are helping a new
military family, donating toys, visiting a nursing home, or
simply vowing to genuinely wish everyone you see a happy
holiday season, this focus on helping others is good for you
and is a great role model for your kids. Volunteering at a
local homeless shelter or church during the holidays may
help you refocus your energy for good of others.
MONITOR YOUR KID’S MENTAL HEALTH
Limit exposure to television news with extensive or
repeated violent or frightening images. Children who are
preoccupied with questions about war or death should be
evaluated by a mental health professional. Signs that a child
may need additional help include: trouble sleeping, intrusive
thoughts, images, worries or recurring fears about safety,
leaving home or going to school. Ask your child’s doctor or
school counselor to arrange an appropriate referral. Know the
signs of depression and be prepared to deal with the issue.
DEPLOYMENTS ARE NOT FOREVER
It may be hard, but it is not permanent. Sometimes it feels
like we just have to keep smiling and forging ahead or the
holidays will be ruined and it will be our fault. There are
ways to survive the holiday season, in spite of the stresses
of deployment. Try out a few things to see what works.
And after the holidays, plan for how you will celebrate the
holidays when your loved one returns.
Help Children Enjoy the HolidaysWhen A Parent is Deployed
www.fortleetraveller.com November 18, 2010 • TRAVELLER HOLIDAY GUIDE • 5
The Toys for Tots campaign is in full swing collecting
much needed toys that will bring the spirit of the holidays
to children who otherwise would not receive toys. The need
this year is just as great as ever.
The goal is to collect new, unwrapped toys each year
and to deliver to less fortunate children – through new toy
donations, a message of hope will assist them in becoming
responsible, productive and patriotic citizens.
From 1991 to 2005, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
supplemented local toy collections with 64.5 million toys
valued at $344 million. Concurrently, the Foundation provided
over $3.9 million worth of promotion and support materials,
which enable local Toys for Tots coordinators to conduct
more effective local campaigns. Today, there are nearly
20,000 Marines, Marine Corps League members, veteran
Marines and volunteers involved in annual campaigns.
During the campaign, which runs through Dec. 20, new,
unwrapped toys are being collected at locations such as
Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores across the U.S. Cash
donations will be accepted through Christmas Eve at all
Toys“R”Us, Babies“R”Us and Toys“R”Us Express stores
nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/ToysforTots. Cash
donations can be made in any increment from $1 upwards.
All cash contributions are tax deductible. If you donate
online, you will receive a thank you E-mail that can serve
as a tax receipt. If you donate at a store, your register receipt
will serve as a record for tax purposes.
Again this year NBA star, Shaquille O’Neal, is helping
out the Toys for Tots efforts. Shaq-A-Claus is his holiday
alter-ego and he serves as the national spokesperson for
the Toys”R”Us, Inc. Toys for Tots campaign. Since joining
the NBA 16 years ago, O’Neal has given back to local
communities nationwide by purchasing toys at various
Toys”R”Us® locations across the country and donating them
to children in need during the holidays.
In 2010, Toys”R”Us, Inc. and O’Neal are again partnering
to support the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in an effort
to bring smiles to the faces of millions of children across the
country who may not receive a toy on Christmas morning.
This year Toys”R”Us®, Babies”R”Us® and Toys”R”Us®
Express stores across the country are asking guests to “Join
Shaq. Give Back.”
To learn more about Toys for Tots history, fi nd toy drop-
off locations in your area or to make a monetary donation
online, visit http://virginia-beach-va.toysfortots.org/local-
coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.asp
Marine Toys for Tots FoundationDEADLINE APPROACHING TO DONATE TO THE
By Cheryl Pellerin,
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON — The recommended mailing deadline for
sending holiday packages to service members in Afghanistan,
Iraq and other places around the world is quickly approaching.
“Shipping holiday packages early helps ensure that they
arrive in time for the holidays,” Pranab Shah, vice president and
managing director of global business at the Postal Service, said
in a press release. “They are a great morale boost for those men
and women serving their country in places far from home.”
Deadlines for arrival by Dec. 25 are Nov. 26 for space-
available mail; Dec. 3 for parcel airlift mail; Dec. 10 for priority
mail and fi rst-class mail, letters and cards; and Dec. 18 for
express mail military service.
Holiday packages and mail headed for Iraq and Afghanistan
must be sent a week earlier than the deadlines above, Postal
offi cials say. Express mail military service is not available to
those destinations.
The Postal Service offers a discount on its largest priority-
mail fl at-rate box – a 12-inch by 12-inch by 5.5-inch carton that
can accommodate laptop computers, small conventional ovens,
and military care packages.
Mail sent to overseas military addresses costs the same as
domestic mail and the usual price for the large fl at-rate box is
$14.50. But for packages heading to APO/FPO addresses, the
Postal Service charges $12.50 or $11.95 for those who print the
priority-mail postage label online.
Priority-mail fl at-rate boxes are free at any Post Offi ce and can
be ordered online at shop.usps.com. Postage, labels and customs
forms can be printed online at the Postal Service website.
APO/FPO addresses usually require customs forms, Postal
offi cials say, and each country has customs regulations that
apply to all mail, including U.S. military mail, coming into the
country.
Mail addressed to military and diplomatic post offi ces
overseas is subject to restrictions in content, preparation and
handling.
Each fi ve-digit military and post offi ce ZIP code (APO/FPO)
has specifi c restrictions but the following are prohibited in the
regions of Operation New Dawn in Iraq and Operation Enduring
Freedom in Afghanistan:
• Horror comics and obscene articles like prints, paintings,
cards, fi lms and videotapes;
• Anything depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic
or sexual items, or unauthorized political materials;
• Bulk quantities of religious materials contrary to the Islamic
faith, though items for personal use are permitted, and,
• Pork or pork by-products.
For specifi c restrictions and mailing prices to an APO/FPO
address, visit the Postal Service’s online price calculator or a
local post offi ce or call (800) ASK-USPS.
POSTAL SERVICE SETS HOLIDAY MAIL DEADLINE
www.fortleetraveller.com6 • Traveller holiday guide • November 18, 2010
Each year during the holidays, children become emphatic about the latest “got to have” toys
of the season. With added demand, many of the latest toys will be in short demand. Here are a
few of the latest toys for Christmas 2010 that you might see of your children’s wishlist.
XBOX 360 WITH KINECT
Get ready to Kinect to fun entertainment for everyone. Microsoft
Corp. is set to start transforming living rooms beginning Nov. 4 by
inviting the world to dance, hurdle, soar and make furry friends
for life – all through the magic of Kinect – no controller required.
Kinect brings entertainment to life in magical new ways, offering
controller-free TV, movies, music, sports and connecting family and friends worldwide
through video chat in the comfort of the living room. Jump right into a movie in instant-on
1080p HD or thumb through millions of songs from Zune with just a wave of your hand.
FISHER-PRICE iXL
Give the gift of education. This is a perfect selection for
your preschooler as it helps them learn while interacting with
a virtual world of fun. The iXL Learning System has six great
applications for kids: Digital Book Reader, Game Player, Digital
Art Book, MP3 Music Player, Notepad and Photo Viewer. iXL
is PC and MAC compatible and comes with a USB cord to
connect to the computer. The handheld device has a 3.5” TFT
QVGA color screen, built in speaker, action button, tethered
stylus, headphone jack, SD memory card slot and built-in memory to hold the base and
additional software titles, songs and pictures.
SING-A-MA-JIGS
For kids and kids at heart, the Sing-a-ma-jigs are free-
spirited, offbeat characters that set off unexpected laugher and
excitement with every interaction. Their zany looks are unique
to them and when they sing you can’t resist when their little
mouths open wide for each note. Every Sing-a-ma-jig has three
modes of play where they chatter, sing their own song or sing in
harmony with their other Sing-a-ma-jig friends. In chatter mode
they speak their own language full of jibber and jabbers. For
their own take on musical tunes just try song mode where you control the pace of the song.
But, the Sing-a-ma-jigs enjoy nothing more than singing together. In harmonizing mode each
Sing-a-ma-jig sings a scale in a pitch specifi c to that character (some high, some low) and
will always harmonize with each other perfectly every time. The more you collect, the larger
the chorus, the better they sound.
LOOPZ™
Loopz™ is a skill and action music memory game that really
gets kids moving! This interactive device consists of 4 semi-
circular rings. The “loops” fl ash with ever-quickening patterns of
light and music which players must mimic by waving their hands
through the corresponding loops. Motion sensors in each loop read
the action to ensure each sequence was repeated correctly. The
longer you play, the faster it gets! Stay alert – miss 3 times and
you’re out! An internal counter measures each player’s speed, level
and rates their overall performance. The game includes 7 different games that can be played
solo, head-to-head or with up to 4 players. Players aged 7 and up will test and strengthen their
memory, fl exibility and rhythm with musical play.
VTECH V.READER
The V.Reader Animated E-Book System by VTech is an interactive
digital learning toy that encourages young kids ages three to seven
years to learn to read and improve their vocabulary and reading skills.
This e-reader is designed for younger users and features brightly
colored buttons, a large touch screen and a see-through protective case
cover. Use the V.Reader to introduce reading in a fun, dynamic way
that will encourage the development of important skills and keep active
imaginations engaged. Engineered to encourage the development of
important reading skills, the V.Reader is a fun, dynamic learning tool that will keep active
minds encouraged and engaged. Designed to withstand regular use and abuse by young users,
the V.Reader features a sturdy plastic body with see-through plastic screen cover that easily
opens and closes for access to the touch screen and navigational/keyboard buttons.
IMAGINEXT BIGFOOT THE MONSTER
The Imaginext Big Foot includes a remote control, ball, speech
and lots of personality. The remote control has a toggle and seven
buttons. The toggle allows him to walk forward and backwards and
the six buttons are happy, angry, sleep, fun, ball and exercise. Press
the happy button to hear him laugh, press the angry button to hear
him roar and watch him pound his fi sts or raise his arms above his
head and shake his fi sts. The sleep button makes him go to sleep and
features fun sounds like snoring. Big Foot also dreams. Press any
of the emotion buttons while he sleeps and hear him dream. Don’t
forget the fun button for a variety of sounds and words or even
watch him “rap.” The exercise button makes Big Foot work out.
Watch him “lift weights” and make totally different SFX, but watch out. If he works out too
much he will say “No More.” Press the ball button and hear him say things like “play” and
watch him throw the ball. Big Foot also features two interaction buttons on his body: belly
and mouth. Press the button on his belly and hear him laugh, the button in his mouth makes
him chew and burp (don’t worry, he remembers to say “excuse me.”)
Holiday Wish List: TOYS FOR 2010
VILLAGE COINVILLAGE COIN1910 Boulevard, Colonial Heights
(Located at the intersection of Route 1 & Temple Ave)
(804) 520-4949
CoinCoinBooksBooks
BirthBirthYearYear SetsSets
CoinCoinMapsMaps
GoldGoldCoinsCoins
XmasXmasCoinsCoins
OldOldCoinsCoins
NewNewSilverSilver
DollarsDollars
We BuyWe Buy AnythingAnything
GoldGold
Gifts That Last ForeverGifts That Last Forever
www.fortleetraveller.com November 18, 2010 • TRAVELLER HOLIDAY GUIDE • 7
NEW CLIENT SPECIAL!NEW CLIENT SPECIAL!“Try Us...“Try Us...
You’ll Love Us” You’ll Love Us”
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Located in the Shoppes at Crossings
MUST PRESENT THIS AD AT TIME OF SERVICE – EXPIRES 12/31/10
GIFT CERTIFICATESAVAILABLE FOR
CHRISTMAS GIFTS!
www.designsbytomeka.comwww.designsbytomeka.com
CHRISTMAS HOMES TOURSUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2010
3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
TOUR TICKETS: $20 SOLD In Petersburg: Historic Petersburg Foundation, Inc., Joyner Paint & Frame,
Palmore Decorating Center, Petersburg Visitor’s Center, Rivers’ Edge Interiors and the Siege Museum
Sold In Colonial Heights: Laine’s Paint & Frame
Sponsored by Historic Petersburg Foundation, Inc.
www.historicpetersburg.org • 732-2096
Visit fi ve homes in Petersburg’s Old Towne Historic District,
including a Holiday Designer House. Enjoy holiday music by
the Petersburg Festival Chorus and refreshments at
HPF’s headquarters from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
www.fortleetraveller.com8 • Traveller holiday guide • November 18, 2010