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BackchannelsArmy Spouses’ Club of the Greater Washington Area

March 2019

#AllArmyarmyspousesclub.org facebook.com/socialascgwa

PRESIDENT’S PEN

LUNCHEON DATES

2019March 21April 11*

*Date changed to second ThursdayMay 16

INSIDE THIS ISSUEPhotos 2

ASCGWA Board 3

March Luncheon 4

2019-20 Executive Board 5

Scholarships|Tours 6

Photos | Out and About 7

First Person 8

JAFOWL 9

Special Activities 10

Volunteer | Charitable 11

Community News 12-13

Walking Group 14

Zip Code Group 15

Happy almost spring! The International Showcase this month was fabulous! Our international members from a dozen countries shared their cultures, and yummy food. Check out the great pictures on our Facebook page. A big thanks to the amazing team of Melissa and Amanda for this event! They worked hard not only organizing the event, but also represented their own countries as well. Job well done ladies!

If you are interested in serving on the 2019-2020 ASCGWA Executive Board, please contact our Parliamentar-ian, Amy Sutton. She is working on the slate to present at our March luncheon. It takes many amazing volun-teers to make this club successful. Please consider a position on the Executive Board. It’s not all work; we have fun, make amazing friends and experience some special tours, as well! What could be better than having fun while making a difference in your community?!

Our members have a great time together outside of our luncheons every month, come join us. Flick Chicks, Happy Hour, and the Walking Group are just a few of our Special Activities. We also have a Bible Study Group who meet every Monday at the Memorial Post Chapel at 10 a.m. Are you interested in a different activity, or have a passion you’d like to share? If so, contact our Special Activities Chair, Jill Vaniman. We would love to help you introduce a new activity to our members. Want to meet other members in your local area? Try out your Zip Code Group for a fun lunch once a month.

Keep reading the newsletter for information on scholarships, JAFOWL, and other club happenings.

I look forward to seeing you at our luncheon on March 21. Michelle Funkhouser has some awesome things planned, and you will not want to miss this event!

Fondly,Kelly

#AllArmyarmyspousesclub.org facebook.com/socialascgwa#AllArmyarmyspousesclub.org

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CANADA DENMARK GERMANY

ITALY JAPAN NEW ZEALAND

SINGAPORE SWEDEN THAILAND

UKRAINE UNITED KINGDOM UNITED STATES

Enjoying fabulous food and hospitality while learning about different cultures at the 22nd Annual International Showcase

“Celebrations Across the World”The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Brass Quintet

ASCGWA 2018-2019

Honorary Presidents Hollyanne Milley Holly DaileyHonorary Vice President Maria McConvilleAdvisor Esther Howard

EXECUTIVE BOARD

President Kelly KreisFirst Vice President Michelle FunkhouserSecond Vice President Joy Kovacevic & Kerri Eldridge Secretary LaDonna CavanaughTreasurer Deborah Kalisz WehrParliamentarian Amy Sutton

STANDING COMMITTEES/SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Backchannels Editor Jackie Habel & Paula Ann ManciniCharitable Causes Paula Ann ManciniFundraising Kerri EldridgeHistorian Maggie HollingerHospitality Holly SchererInternational Liaison Melissa Pederson & Amanda FooteJAFOWL Representative Connie SemoniteMembership & Directory Barb PattersonMilitary Support Organizations Outreach Patty BarronNew Member Table Jill VanimanPublicity Jackie HabelSocial Media Reservations Mandy DowneyScholarships Sharise Spellmon & Kim HoustonSpecial Activities Jill VanimanTours Michelle ZunigaVendors Kathy FoxVolunteer Coordinator Kim NykanenWays & Means Christie KehoeWeb Administrator Diane MartinezZip Code Groups Jennifer Stepetic


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BACKCHANNELS SUBMISSIONS

If you would like to submit an article, information about an upcoming club activity, movie or book review, restaurant recommendation, recipe, local event, or a must-see travel desti-nation please let us know! We would love your input!

All Backchannels submissions are due no later than the second Friday of each month.

Pictures from the monthly luncheon are due the following day on the third Friday of each month.

We can be reached at:[email protected]

Fondly,

Jackie Habel & Paula Ann ManciniCo-editors

The Army Wife Seal is a copyrighted property of the Army Spouses’ Club of the Greater Washington Area. No one may reproduce it in any manner, or for any reason, without the express permission of ASCGWA. For permis-sion contact ASCGWA.

Do you have a military friend moving to the area? Joining ASCGWA at any point in the year is easy! Simply fill out our online membership form found at: armyspousesclub.org/Join.New members are always welcome!


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March Mad(ness) Hatter Luncheon

and Bunco

Army Spouses’ Club of the Greater Washington Area

announces

March 21, 201910:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Patton Hall$25

Registration at: armyspousesclub.orgRSVP NLT March 14, 2019


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CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

THE ARMY SPOUSES’ CLUB OF THE GREATER WASHINGTON AREA IS NOW SEEKING FUN, ENERGETIC, AND HARDWORKING VOLUNTEERS WHO WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR COMMUNITY FOR THE 2019-2020 EXECUTIVE BOARD. NOMINEES WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT THE MARCH MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON, VOTED ON AT THE APRIL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON, AND INSTALLED AT THE MAY MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON.

Nominations and questions may be submitted to Amy Sutton at: [email protected]

President • 1st Vice President • 2nd Vice President • Secretary • Treasurer

NAME:______________________________________________________________________________

POSITION:___________________________________________________________________________

EMAIL ADDRESS:_____________________________________________________________________

PHONE NUMBER:____________________________________________________________________

SERVICE AFFILIATION:_______________________________________________________________

Tell us a little about yourself and why you would like to serve on the Executive Board. List any experience, talents, or special skills you would like to share.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SIGNATURE OF VOLUNTEER:__________________________________________________________


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UPCOMING TOUR SCHEDULE

MarchLibrary of CongressSecret Service Cars

Look for emails about upcoming tours!

Questions should be sent to Michelle at [email protected]

TimeTravelto

IT’S SCHOLARSHIP TIME!Check out the “Scholarship Tab” on our website for instructions and applications for the 2019-2020 school year. The deadline is March 30, 2019. We offer merit-based scholarships to High School Se-niors and College Students (under 23 years of age) of current club members. We also have a Spouse Scholarship for current club members attending, or planning to attend college.

Email our Scholarship team for more information: [email protected].

Winks PhotoboothOwner: Chris AgbalogInstagram: @WinksPhotoboothEmail: [email protected]: (808) 398-6066

Weddings | Birthdays | Corporate Events | Retirements | Celebrations

Veteran owned and operated

ASCGWA Tour Group visits the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Wishing Kelly the happiest of birthdays. You know you are loved and appreciated when The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Brass Quintet plays “Hap-py Birthday” while the ASCGWA members sing along! We hope your birthday was as wonderful and extraor-dinary as you are!


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Out and AboutOne of the many benefits of living in this area is the plethora of activities the VA, MD, and DC area has to offer. Each month we will spotlight one event that catches our eye! Get out and enjoy the day!

Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day ParadeKing Street between Alfred and Lee StreetsOld Town Alexandria, VAMarch 2, 20192:30 p.m.

Old Town Alexandria’s Annual St. Pat-rick’s Day Parade is organized by The Ballyshaners; a volunteer organiza-tion committed to promoting and preserving Irish heritage and culture. The parade features at least four pipe bands, numerous Irish dance schools, the Notre Dame Alumni Band, and over 100 additional pa-rade units. Thousands of spectators line King Street for Old Town’s largest annual family event.

INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE PHOTO BOOTH

Host A Nail Bar Party & Received

2 Sets for FREE Call Maggie to Book your Party

910-824-6520 code ASCGWA


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We have collected amazing experiences and made wonderful friends over the course of our moves with the military. My two favorite assign-ments were Kitzingen, Germany, and Fort Riley, Kansas.

In Kitzingen, Tom commanded Second Brigade in the 3rd Infantry Divi-sion. The German American Club was fantastic, and the commander’s wives were super ladies who became lifelong friends. The housing was great, and the backyard was an apple orchard with frequent visits by a herd of sheep. Our children loved the schools. The downtown was a typ-ical quiet German hubbub. I have fond memories of many trips to Kaiser Porcelain, the wine and beer festivals, and of our summer trips to Bavaria, particularly Garmisch, Chiemsee, and Berchtesgarden.

At Fort Riley, Tom was the First Infantry Division Commander. Again, the commander’s wives were super ladies and many of them are friends to this day. The Chief of Staff’s wife was pure gold! We had the most gor-geous, spacious historic house to live in. In November 1990 the division was told they were deploying in support of Operation Desert Storm. The entire post was so busy getting ready and the community of Junction City went to work for us. Tom left Christmas day and the whole division was gone by January. For five months everyone worked together, with many sad moments and then many welcome home gatherings.

Firs

t Per

son

Lin Rhame

Do you have an interesting story or photo relating to one of your military posts or a job you have held? Is so, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Jackie or P.A. at [email protected]

Greg, Lin, and Tom Rhame on the day Tom came home from the Gulf War


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proudly welcomes

Dr. Carla Hayden

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

JOINT ARMED FORCES OF WASHINGTON LUNCHEON

14th Librarian of Congress

First Woman and First African American to lead the National Library

Further details will be published in your Club Newsletter.In the meantime, book May 7th on your calendar!


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SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

Bridge Groups The Bridge Group meets the third Tuesday of every month at the Army Navy Country Club of Arlington. You must have knowledge of how to play. Please contact Henriette Gordon at [email protected]

ToursThroughout the year, various group tours are scheduled. One of the most popular is the yearly New York City bus ride with tickets to the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes show. Please contact Michelle Zuniga at [email protected]

Flick Chicks Movie GroupOnce a month, this group meets up to enjoy a movie together. Please contact Ellen Pirog at [email protected]

Walk Around Washington GroupEach month a walk is organized in and around the Washington, DC area. Please contact Nina O’Shaughnessy at [email protected] or Mary Pawlow at [email protected]

Bible StudyThe Living Word Bible Study meets every Monday at 10 am at the Memorial Post Chapel on Fort Myer, across from the PX. Please contact Nancy Jackson at [email protected]

Happy Hour GroupMeet new friends and catch up with other members at Happy Hour gatherings throughout the year in the DC/Northern Virginia area.Please contact Kim Farnsworth at [email protected]

Great DecisionsDo you enjoy talking about current events and exploring the rationale of our foreign policy decisions? Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. The program model involves reading the Great Decisions Briefing Book, watching a DVD, and meeting in a discussion group to discuss the most critical global issues facing America today. A National Opinion Ballot is compiled and presented to the Department of State, Congress, and the White House at the end of the year. Please contact Lori O’Neill at [email protected]

Zip Code Groups Zip Code Groups meet in one another’s homes, at local restaurants, or visit places of interest and are a perfect opportunity to meet your ASCGWA neighbors in a smaller setting. Please contact Jennifer Stepetic at [email protected]

ZIP CODE GROUPSAlexandria LaDonna Cavanaugh 678-464-7470 [email protected]

Annandale, Fairfax, & Fairfax Station Mary Pawlow 703-764-9656 [email protected]

Arlington Paige Kellogg 703-248-8313 [email protected]

Burke Jeanne Sander 703-426-2880 [email protected]

Falls Church/Fort Myer/McLean Lori Borgna-Strong 706-799-9308 [email protected]

Fort Belvoir Fran Biggerstaff 973-997-8074 [email protected]

Chantilly, Clifton, Centerville, Herndon and Beyond Pat ONeill 703-378-3624 [email protected]

Prince William County and Beyond Paula Ann Mancini 703-346-4468 [email protected]

Springfield Jennifer Stepetic 910-263-2063 [email protected]

Maryland-Howard County and Beyond Marie T. Corbett 410-418-4934 [email protected] Maryland-Montgomery and Beyond Deidra Stubbs 803-447-8700 [email protected] Washington D.C. Mary Dulany 240-644-2467 [email protected]

You areinvited


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The Army Spouses’ Club of the Greater Washington Area (ASCGWA) is a non-profit organization seeking to enhance the quality of life of its members and the Military District of Washington community at large.

We offer friendship, monthly luncheons, special activities and many volunteer opportunities. Additionally, there are zip code groups to make it easier to connect to the military spouses who live near you. Our volunteers organize fun activities and share information about unique opportunitiesavailable in the Washington, D.C. area.

Printed for the Army Spouses Club of the Greater Washington Area at no cost to the U.S. Government. Materials contained herein are not to be considered any expression of the Department of the Army. Advertisements in this publication do not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army.

Is there someone that needs a little cheer, a get well wish, a condolence, or a congratulations? If you know of a member in need, please let our secretary know.

Email the member’s name, address, and the type of card that should be sent to LaDonna Cavanaugh [email protected].

TOVOLUNTEER

CornerVo

lunt

eer A sincere THANK YOU goes out to our February

volunteers: Edna Towry, Lynne DeFrancisco, and Paige Kellogg. The International Showcase was a huge success and, as always, we are so grateful for our volunteers. If you think you might have a few hours to spare every now and then, please email Kim Nykanen at [email protected]. Also, look for sign-up sheets at the monthly luncheons for specific events we have coming up.

SpecialYou are

Operation Deploy Your Dress, a military spouse founded non-profit, started as a way to offset the cost of attending military balls and other formal events. ODYD will host its next “Pop-Up” distribution on April 27th . ASCGWA members can join in to support this worthy cause!Please bring your gently used and new formal attire and accessories (to include shawls, jewelry, shoes, and purs-es) to the March 21st luncheon. The items we collect will be given away to military ID card holders. An ODYD Co-Founder will be at the March Luncheon to answer any questions.Be sure to take a look in your closets and jewelry boxes before the luncheon. Thank you for your generosity!

Annandale, Fairfax, and Fairfax Station Zip Code Group enjoy lunch in January

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Com

mun

ity N

ews


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Nancy Jackson & Paige Kellogg, Realtors® Century 21 New Millennium 5990 Kingstowne Towne Center Alexandria, Virginia 22315 Nancy - 571-213-3284 (C) Paige - 703.598.2785 (C) 703.922.4010 (W)

Would love to assist you in your home buying or selling!

MILITARY RECOGNITION SUNDAYS AT WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL

Those in active duty, veterans and their families are recog-nized on the first Sunday of the month with a welcome and prayers during the primary Sunday morning service. Follow-ing the service, chaplains from the Cathedral’s Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage will be available to offer individual blessings and prayers in War Memorial Chapel and St. Jo-seph’s Chapel. Participants may add themselves or loved ones to the Roll of Honor, walk the Labyrinth and learn more about the Cathedral’s ministry with those who have served, including pilgrimages, tours and other events throughout the year.

11:15 a.m. – Worship service including special blessings and prayers in War Memorial Chapel during Eucharist

12:30 p.m. – Cathedral clergy and healing ministers contin-ue to be available for prayer and blessing in War Memorial Chapel in the nave until 2 p.m.

Want to see what your National Cathedral looks like built of LEGO® bricks? Want to help make it happen?

Over 13 feet long . . . 400,000 bricks . . . including the west rose window, Bethlehem Chapel, the central tower, and all of your favorite National Cathedral features. This will be the world’s largest cathedral to be built from LEGO bricks.

Building starts on March 1, 2019, and you can help! For $2 per brick you can “buy a brick” to help the cathedral raise the walls on a scale model of the cathedral and money raised will support repairs from the 2011 earthquake.

After the cathedral “breaks ground” on March 1, you can check this page for updates and progress photos: cathedral.org/lego/

West rose window built of LEGO® bricks

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ADVERTISING

We have reached maximum capac-ity for advertising space for the year in Backchannels. We know being able to reach our targeted audience is important to advertisers so we are offering a special web page only advertising package. We will place your ad on our web page for the remainder of the year (now until August 2019) for a fee of $20.

For more information, please contact [email protected]

Weather permitting, the Walking Group has scheduled the following dates for upcoming walks. We hope to have a Cherry Blossom Walk again this year as well as walks to Georgetown and through Rock Creek Park.

Wednesday, March 27Thursday, April 25

Friday, May 31

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

“Military Helping Military”Sonya Anyanwu, MRP, CIPS, CNE

Associate Broker Licensed in VA, NC, and CO

M: 791.661.8190 O: 703.922.4010

E: [email protected] USAA and NFCU Certified Agent

Honest, Ethical and a Consummate Professional With Over 20 Years Experience

Military Spouse Dedicated to giving YOU “First-Class” service!

The Walking Group enjoying a beautiful day on Theodore Roosevelt Island

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Prince William County and Beyond Zip Code Group wearing their comfy clothes (PJ’s included) at Laura Badami’s beautiful home

Chantilly, Clifton, Centerville, Herndon and Beyond Zip Code Group enjoying lunch in Ashburn

Springfield Zip Code Group enjoying lunch at Paradiso Italian Restaurant in Springfield

Burke Zip Code Group enjoying lunch at Magianno’s

Annandale, Fairfax, and Fairfax Station Zip Code Group enjoying lunch at Vim and Victor

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