Whatever is good for your soul...do that...

Thanksgiving is upon us once again, so instead of writing about something humorous, witty, or profound (even though we are exceptionally great at it) we decided to take a moment and reflect and give appreciation.

Recent activities across the globe have left a sour taste in many people’s mouths, and broken hearts and questioned faith as well. You don’t have to be a religious, or even a spiritual person, to have a basic connection with your counterparts of humanity. On the inside, we are all the same. 

Being a military and government community, we have a unique connection to worldly events. We endure (or participate in) deployments, relocations, national tragedies, and world events from a different perspective than most Americans. Many of us have spouses, family, or friends from all across the globe- something that also makes us distinctive. The American service men and women are in a category all their own. 

Our holiday season is upon us- trust us, we know…where did the year go? Wasn’t it JUST the holidays?! So rather than dwell on the negatives, and there are certainly quite a few, we want to take stock in the positive. Give thanks for your family as you prepare that festive meal. Say “I love you” to those who mean so much, no matter what day it is. And most certainly never miss the chance to let the little things slip by unnoticed. It is, after all, the little things that become the big memories. And who wants to forget those? 

If you just aren’t up to grocery shopping to feed dozens, dirtying every dish, or peeling all of those potatoes, remember that Spates Community Club and the Fort Myer Officers’ Club take pride in preparing delicious Thanksgiving meals for our wonderful community. Make your reservations now and sit back, relax, and let us fill your belly as our way of saying “THANKS” to you!

~A

Let’s leave SOME things to the imagination!!!

From what I can gather from my diligent research on the interwebs, the film rating system was born in approximately 1922. And that makes sense, because movies didn’t exist much prior to that. Right? And it was originally called the Hays Code* and was based upon a moral code which that generation deemed accurate. The more modern Classification & Ratings Administration (CARA) came about in 1968*. 

Now that we’ve learned a little something, let’s move on. 

The rating system is now necessary so parents can base their approval for their children’s viewing selections with the help of the guide. A parent may not want their 4 year old watching something more appropriate for a 14 year old. It’s the little things. 

Having said that, did you know the PG-13 rating was not approved until 1984*? Yep. 31 years young.

Where was I going with this? Ah, yes. Ratings. Everyone has a select palate which they like to choose from when it comes to picking a movie. Like horror? Jump into that rated “R” Wes Craven flick. Looking for something a little less….gory? Maybe the “PG” movie from James Cameron suits you better? 

But as with anything Hollywood delivers to the good ol’ public, their artistic team of directors and producers are constantly trying to push the envelope with ratings. 

But what if we don’t want the envelope pushed? What if we like things to stay in their own lanes? Sometimes it’s nice to IMAGINE what the scream is happening for, as opposed to witnessing the act. Sometimes what our brains can conjure up is vastly more frightening than what someone can show us on the screen.

All being said, however, it is a great time to be alive. Bored on a Sunday? Scoot down to the local cinema and catch an afternoon matinee. Looking for a fun date night? Look no further than the newest release being shown just a few miles away. 

Hey, it sure beats staring at a cave wall while trying to light a fire with a rock! My how far we’ve come. 

Speaking of new releases, did you know you can get discounted movie tickets at the Community Activity Center right here on post? Yep, and they’re only $9 each. Stop in and grab a pair or two, because you never know when you’ll get that cinematic urge… and who wants to pay extra for a ticket that you didn’t have to? 

~A

http://filmratings.com/why.html

Hey! You! Yes, you there! Pay attention to Family & MWR!!!

One of the greatest things about being a military community is the ease of access to so many things, both on base and off. Things such as bus trips to neighboring locations, ski trips, discounted movie tickets, and more. Why join the military only to sit on your haunches during down time? That’s silly.

Really. It’s just silly.

One of the most precious gifts of youth is the energy, excitement, and wild abandon with which we are gifted to use as we wish. Wake up at 4 am to board a bus to New York? Let’s go! Snow tubing in January, or snowboarding! I’m in! All of these things are literally at the military community’s fingertips through Family & MWR!

Are you the mother, father, or grandparent of the aforementioned youth? Then Family & MWR for classes on how to better work with your smartphone or for dinner and dancing at Big Band Night.  …or spend their inheritance in Atlantic City.  We go there a lot during the summer months!

And the benefits do not end there.

Did you know Family & MWR are responsible for the daily functions of the pools and tennis courts? Or that they host BBQs and luaus during the summer months? Just some of the perks to paying attention to Family & MWR.

Are you aware that the Fitness Centers host challenges, complete with prizes for the winners? No? Should’ve paid more attention to Family & MWR. 

Has it come to your attention that the Child Development Center has summer camps for your little ones to enjoy over the summer? Or that they can learn to play golf or tennis?  Our child development center also teaches students Spanish.  Again, pay more attention to Family & MWR. 

Family & MWR employees works hard every day to make sure that recreational opportunities are readily available to our active duty service members, retirees, family, and civilian employees. We truly are the “fun” in the fundamentals of recreation!

So, seriously, get off your OWN haunches and get over to the Community Activity Center for tickets. Get to the Bowling Center and get that turkey! Stop by any number of the ACS classes and take advantage of the knowledge on hand to improve your personal relationships, financial outlook, or career success! 

And interact with us on social media! We loooooove chatting with you! Search “jbmhhfmwr” on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or YouTube. Send us ideas, complaints, or funnies- we love them! Most of all, just be present in all we do for you!

Visit www.jbmhhMWR.com anytime for the latest information on Family & MWW happenin’s.

~A