Franconia News 18 May 2012

Vol. No. IX, Issue 19

Serving the Franconia Military Community — Ansbach, Bamberg and Schweinfurt

Franconia News May 18, 2012

The

This week in the Franconia News … In USAG Ansbach: Speech & Drama Competition, pg. 10 www.ansbach.army.mil In USAG Schweinfurt: Youth of the Year, pg. 19 www.schweinfurt.army.mil In USAG Bamberg: German-American Friendship Week, pg. 21 www.bamberg.army.mil

Story by Erin Bolinger, Schweinfurt High School

SCHWEINFURT, Germany — The high school’s culinary arts team here competed for the first time ever and earned gold in two categories at the All-Europe Culinary Faire May 8-10 at Sembach Middle and Elementary School.

Nine schools from across Europe competed including teams from Bitburg, Heidelberg, Kaiserslautern, Naples, Ramstein, Vilseck and Schweinfurt. Teams consisted of four students with one alter-nate.

Schweinfurt’s culinary arts team included 10th grader Tyquell Kennedy, Yafreisy Ortiz and Kaitlyn Mayo of the 11th grade, and 12th grader Michael Motto.

The competition consisted of six events. Baumholder took first for the Quiz Bowl and Apple Carving while Ramstein dominated in the Cake Decorating category. Schweinfurt ruled the Knife Skills and Culinary Arts, taking gold in each. “Who are we going to trust our knives to?” asked competition officials.

Schweinfurt appeared the underdog among all the teams wearing brightly colored and embroidered chef coats and other accesso-ries. Undeterred by their hodge-podge garb, they went in and did their best with $10 economy coats, three pairs of borrowed shoes and million-dollar smiles and attitudes. Teams competing in Culinary Arts had twenty minutes to gather ingredients and set up their stations. They were then given one hour to cook the entire menu, and an additional 20 minutes to clean up. Teams had to incorporate chicken breast, broccoli and rice into their menus and work within a $25 budget.

“The diversity was amazing. Everyone was so different. All these kids from different schools came together and completely blew the judges away. It was the best experience I’ve ever had,” said Mayo. Even though each team was out to win they still found a way to interact with one another.

“My favorite part was the interaction we had with all the other schools,” said Kennedy. “Everyone took basically the same ingre-dients and we came up with so many different things. I didn’t think so many things could be done with those three ingredients. I loved how teams came up with creative ways around the restrictions of the rules, such as figuring out how to make a soufflé without an oven.”

The judges were especially impressed with the communication and teamwork from the Schweinfurt team. They were even more impressed when they learned that one of the SHS cooks, Yafreisy Ortiz, spoke only Spanish.

“When we first started together it was difficult for me to even ask for something as simple as a plate. It took a lot of gestures and talking to each other. Now when I need a plate it appears in front of me. We are four individual people, but when we cook together we are one,” Ortiz said.

Breaking the language barrier only strengthened the teamwork . “At first I was scared that the language thing was going to hold us back, but we realized that we had to work even harder together to make it happen and it pushed us to do even better than we would have. It actually made us stronger as a team,” Mayo said.

The Schweinfurt High School cooks overcame their underdog status and communication barriers to place first in two coveted categories. These four contestants worked hard for months to prepare for their one chance to be called All-Europe Culinary Arts champions.

“My team’s common languages are professionalism, teamwork, and respect. They demonstrate daily what it means to work in a modern kitchen and I could not be more proud of them,” said Culi-nary Arts instructor and head chef, Hana McWilliams.

Schweinfurt takes gold at Europe-wide culinary competition

PHOTO BY: Laura Masci, Schweinfurt High School From left, Tyquell Kennedy, Kaitlyn Mayo and Yafreisy Ortiz of the Schweinfurt High School Culinary Arts team work fe-verishly at a food preparation event at the All-Europe Culi-nary Faire May 8-10 at Sembach Middle and Elementary School. The SHS squad took gold in two of the competition’s six categories.

http://www.schweinfurt.army.mil/

http://www.bamberg.army.mil/index.asp

2 May 18, 2012 The Franconia News

By United States Postal Service

Until January 2013, the Postal Service will not be able to accept packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices con-taining lithium batteries addressed to international destinations. This includes mail destined to, or from, APO (Army Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office) and DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) loca-tions.

This change is required by the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), both of which currently prohibit lithium batteries in mail shipments that are carried on international commercial air trans-portation.

This change will not apply to packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries when mailed within the United States on domestic commercial air or ground transportation.

International organizations apply different rules to the carriage of lithium batteries in mail shipments carried on commercial aircraft as compared to domestic requirements.

We anticipate that by January 2013, international aviation rules will be changed to allow mailing of lithium batteries when installed in the personal electronic devices they are intended to operate.

USPS is working with expert organizations to determine if any new exceptions can be developed prior to January 2013. Further announcements will be made should USPS be able to accept lithium batteries in certain types of mail shipments as soon as any new options become available.

We appreciate our customers’ business. We recognize this change will pose an inconvenience to our customers and we look forward to continuing to be their international shipping partner.

International Mailing of Lithium Batteries

Col. Kelly J. Lawler, USAG Ansbach Commander

John O’Brien, Public Affairs Officer

Bianca Sowders, Community Relations Officer/Editor

Public Affairs Office — 468-1600 or 0981-183-1600

The Franconia News is an authorized electronic newsletter for members of the Department of Defense.

Contents are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, or the Depart-

ment of the Army. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the USAG Ansbach PAO.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute

endorsement of the products or services advertised by the U.S. Army. Everything advertised in this publi-

cation will be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex,

national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of

the purchaser, user, or patron.

The Franconia News 3 May 18, 2012 Serving the Franconia Military Community — Ansbach, Bamberg and Schweinfurt

HEIDELBERG, Germany – The Patriot Express, a Department of Defense-chartered air travel, originating at Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) and transiting to Ramstein Airbase (RAB) offers options for Trans-Atlantic travel with pets.

“During the summer months, May through September, most air-lines may impose a Summer Heat Embargo and will not allow individuals to transport pets in the cargo compartment,” said Maj. Steven Czap, operations officer with USAREUR G1. “Most Patriot Express flights to BWI are climate controlled and can fly year round without restrictions on breeds, or air temperature and pet travel costs on PE are generally cheaper when compared to com-mercial carriers."

According to the Air Mobility Command (AMC) Passenger Policy Branch, there is a minimum fee of $112 for up to 70 pounds and a max fee of $336 for a 150 pound animal to fly on the PE. This calculation is based on the pet and kennel’s combined weight and is broken down into three weight increments.

Commercial carriers calculate pet shipping cost based on cubic feet of cargo space taken up by the kennel and air space around the kennel for proper ventilation. This calculation can cost any-where from $395 for an average kennel to over $1,160 for the largest commercial kennel to support a 150 pound animal for the same itinerary.

Currently there are 10 pet spaces, cats and dogs only, available on the Tuesday Patriot Express flight primarily used for PCS transportation. Each week there are also three other Patriot Ex-press flights, (formerly known as Cat B or “Freedom Bird” or “Rotator”) flying Soldiers from the CENTCOM AOR that transit through Ramstein AFB to BWI, and these often have temperature controlled spaces for pets, equating up to 40 pet allocations per week.

A very limited quantity of small pets may be authorized to travel in cabin. Pets must be able to fit comfortably in a kennel (hard-sided or soft-sided) no larger than 20” long x 16” wide x 8” high in order to fit under the seat in front of you. Pets must be able to stand up, lie down, and turn around with normal posture and body move-ments.

When making outbound travel arrangements for pets, service members will have to keep in mind that they will have to make appropriate onward movement arrangements of their pets from BWI to their PCS destination. This may be harder during the summer heat embargo period than the rest of the year.

If there is no space available on the PE flight, travelers still have the option to ship their pets via commercial carrier or through air cargo (both unaccompanied). Some additional options to off-set the cost of pet shipping include, but are not limited to:

Shipping a POV to the port of Baltimore in advance of

official travel and drive to the permanent duty station or

leave address. This option requires coordination with the

local transportation office. Source specific guidance is

the Joint Federal Travel Regulation (JFTR), Chapter 5,

U5435.

Renting a car to travel from BWI to their permanent duty

station and bringing the pet with them in the rental vehi-

cle, but travelers will not be reimbursed, except for the

mileage @ $0.555 per mile when submitting travel

voucher to DFAS. Specific guidance is in JFTR U5105.

Transporting pet via commercial or govt. air (PE) in ad-

vance of travel (non-reimbursable) and have family

members receive pets at the arrival airport..

The Patriot Express offers cost-effective pet travel, however, whether flying on the PE or a commercial airline, the cost for shipping pets rest solely on the owner and is not reimburs-able by the government. For specific PE flight details and reservations contact your SATO travel representative.

Patriot Express Offers Options for Pet Travel

Was ist los in Franken?

4 May 18, 2012

Blue Night in Nürnberg

The "Blaue Nacht" in Nürnberg takes place on Saturday, May 19;

it is a night filled with special events, artistic displays and, of

course, blue lights everywhere. For a detailed program check

www.blauenacht.nuernberg.de

Fun Run in Herrieden

The town of Herrieden hosts the Herrieder Stadtlauf and the Alt-

mühl Half Marathon on May 20; information and registration is

available at www.stadtlauf-herrieden.de

Your local garrison fitness center will also be able to provide infor-

mation and explanation of the registration process.

Bergkirchweih in Erlangen

Erlangen’s fifth season, the Bergkirchweih fest opens again on

May 24 and lasts until June 4. The fest is traditionally celebrated

on the Burgberg (castle hill) where old beer cellars and large trees

provide cool drinks in the shade. A number of rides and attrac-

tions provide entertainment daily from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

More information is available online at www.facebook.com/

bergkirchweih.erlangen or www.der-berg-ruft.de

Asparagus market in Neustadt a. d. Aisch

An asparagus market takes place on May 25 in Neustadt a.d.

Aisch, starting at 11 a.m. at the Marktplatz.

New Orleans Festival in Fürth

The 13th New Orleans Festival in Fürth is scheduled for May 25 –

27 with Jazz, Soul, Blues, Swing and Boogie Woogie. For details

check www.new-orleans-festival.de

Celtic Woman in Nürnberg

The group Celtic Woman stops in the Frankenhalle

(Messezentrum) Nürnberg on May 29 at 8 p.m.

Fest of thousand lights in Bad Brückenau

The town park of Bad Brückenau is lit up with thousands of color-

ful lampios, lights and torches, creating an impressive background

for the music of local bands. Nobody has to go hungry, because

there will be plenty of specialties for sale. The light fest starts at 3

p.m. on June 6. For more information also check

www.badbrueckenau.com

Tow boat rides in Burgthann-

Schwarzenbach

Burgthann offers tow boat rides along the old Ludwig-Donau-Main

-Kanal again; the tow boat, Treidelschiff in German, leaves

Schwarzenbach (part of Burgthann) at the restaurant "Zum

Ludwigskanal" on Sunday June 6 at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. and is

pulled up the canal for 2 kilometers by a horse. There the boat

turns around to its departing point; the ride is about 45 minutes

long and costs 3 Euros for adults and 1 Euro for children. These

rides are offered throughout the summer about once a month;

upcoming dates are July 1 and 15, August 8 and September 2.

More information can also be found at www.burgthann.de

The appearance of advertising in this publication,

including inserts, supplements, and external web

links, does not constitute endorsement of the listed

products or services by the U.S. Army.

The Franconia News

By Bianca Sowders

Tickets for Ansbach Open

Tickets for the popular Ansbach Open Air Concert on Sep 2 are

available now at the Tourist Office in the Stadthaus (Johann-

Sebastian-Bach-Platz 1, 0981-51 243). The concert will feature

the Australian Pink Floyd Show, the only cover band officially car-

rying Pink Floyd’s name, and Max Raabe & Palast Orchester.

http://www.blauenacht.nuernberg.de

http://www.badbrueckenau.com

5 May 18, 2012 Serving the Franconia Military Community — Ansbach, Bamberg and Schweinfurt

Was ist los in Franken?

State Garden Show in Bamberg

Every year the Bavarian State Garden Show – Landesgarten-

schau - is located in a different city; this year it is Bamberg! The

town creates a spectacular park-like garden world that is open for

several months: opening day was April 26; visitors will be taken

through the planting seasons until October 7. All day tickets for

adults are 15 Euros, children 6 – 17 pay 3 Euros and children 5

and under enter for free. The Park & Ride Breitenau parking lot is

located at Zeppelinstraße 2 in Bamberg; a shuttle bus provides

transport to the entry gates. There is no parking available directly

at the site. Detailed information is available at

www.bamberg2012.de

Volksmarch in and around Ansbach

The German-American Hiking Club of Ansbach is always looking

for new members to join them. The club members meet every

other Tuesday for a Stammtisch to discuss their next outings and

every weekend for hikes in the area; occasionally they take the

train together or hire a bus to get to a more distant location. Get in

touch with the president of the club, Bernd Steinacker, at 0981-

5533 (speaks English).

Volksmarch Highlights in Franken

Here is a quick look at upcoming Volksmarches in Franconia. Par-

ticipants can typically choose from 5k, 10k or 20k distances; hik-

ers don’t start all at once, but within a certain time frame and

cover the chosen distance at their own pace. Food and drinks will

be sold on location and registration is possible on site. It is best to

contact the listed POC for exact starting times, updates and loca-

tion information. For other locations within Germany also check

the website www.dvv-wandern.de.

May 19 & 20: 6 or 11 km in Wendelstein-Röthenbach bei St.

Wolfgang – POC: German-American-Wanderclub Nürnberg

e.V., 09129-8423, start time: 7 a.m. – noon.

May 19 & 20: 6, 10 or 20 km in Wiebelsheim – POC: Rangau

-Wandergruppe Wiebelsheim e.V., 09841-2881; start time:

Sat. 6 a.m. - 2 p.m., Sun: 6 a.m. - noon

June 2 & 3: 5 or 10 km in Weyer; POC: SC 1947 Weyer

e.V., 09721-649982, [email protected],www.sc-weyer.de ; start time: Sat: 4 – 6 p.m. , Sun: 6 a.m. - noon

June 7: 6, 10 or 20 km in Dietenhofen – POC:

Wanderfreunde Dietenhofen 1972 e.V., 09824-1672, start

time: 6:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

http://www.dvv-wandern.de

mailto:[email protected]


http://www.sc-weyer.de

6 May 18 ,2012 The Franconia News

By Patrick Kabuye and Bianca Sowders The USAG Ansbach Commander's Cup is an initiative created to enhance unit sports participation within the Garrison. After laying dormant for several years, the Commander’s Cup was revived in 2011. Points are awarded for each event participated in, and at the end of the year, a winning unit is awarded a travelling trophy. The champions for 2011 were the Soldiers from 5-158th Aviation Bat-talion. This year the garrison received a huge response in participation. The unit level sports are very important in building unit cohesive-ness, camaraderie and fitness, which is the rationale behind the establishment and implementation of the program. Points were awarded for the following unit and community sports: · Softball · Flag Football · Basketball · Soccer

· Volleyball Additional events to accumulate points are: · Fun Runs · The US Army 10 Miler · Attending the Sports Council meetings

This listing shows the current status of Commander’s cup points achieved so far:

Commander’s Cup Revived

Unit Points 5-158TH 183 412TH 169 2-159TH 92 3-58 AOB 73 3-159TH 10 Health Clinic Storck 10 3-158TH 10

The Franconia News 7 May 18, 2012

U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach


By Ramon Brown, USAG Ansbach DES In the U.S., drivers MUST stop in both directions when a school bus is receiving or dropping off children. This is often noted by the flashing lights, extended arms to help control children exiting or extended stop signs attached to the buses. Germany law uses different verbiage that often confuses drivers. German law allows a driver to pass the bus at a walkers pace. Many forget the slow portion of it and feel they simply have the primary right to pass the bus. Drivers must take full care when passing school busses off post. However, USAREUR Regulation 190-1 dictates that drivers on U.S. Forces-controlled property MUST stop when approaching or following school buses that are stopped to allow passengers to get on or off.

How to Pass a Bus in Germany

German traffic code

Passing Scheduled Buses, Streetcars and Marked School Buses: * When stopped at bus stopping places, pass with care. Also applies to oncoming traffic. * When passengers board or disembark, pass to the right of the vehicle at a walking pace and without endangering or impeding passengers. If necessary, the driver of the vehicle must wait. * When the bus is approaching a bus stop with the warning blinking light switched on, you may NOT pass. * When the bus begins to depart their stops, you must give the bus the right of way. If necessary, other vehicles must wait. Possible Fines: * Failure to drive at walking speed when passing a bus/streetcar where passengers board or disembark: 15 €

If passengers are obstructed: 40 €

If passengers are endangered: 50 € * Passing of a bus approaching a bus stop with turned on warning blinking lights: 40 € However, if you fail to pass the bus safely by stopping com-pletely, can also cause additional hazards and result in fines. * Failure to drive past a bus at a bus stop at walking speed: 15 €

If passengers are obstructed: 40 €

If passengers are endangered: 50 € * Failure to allow a bus to pull out of a marked bus stop: 5 €

If other are endangered: 20 €

If property damage is caused: 30 €



The Franconia News

By Amanda Giddens Arts & Crafts is now offering design impute and pre-ordered cus-tom deployment awards and gifts. For example they can add your logo and other custom design elements to custom framed awards, wood plaques, drinking glasses and more. By partnering with Arts & Crafts your group gifts, promotional and safety awards and Sol-dier's 2012-13 PCS gifts will be truly unique and memorable. Here is how : 1. Suggest a time and date to meet at the A&C Center to start your new designs, or get a quote for special order items from the catalogue. 2. Once you are happy with the layouts & items, place a group order and pay 20% down for the materials. 3. The A&C team will start producing the gifts and awards in ad-vance. 4. Later they will customize items if needed; just send an e-mail with the names and dates for each. 5. Pay the remaining 80% of your order at the time of pick-up, or by phone with a card *** Goal: complete all group deployment awards & gifts NOV 2012 (before the holidays and return). ***

It may seem a bit early, however with a community of over 10,000 persons the Arts and Crafts team of 2 need to get an early start to provide quality service and products for Soldiers and save hun-dreds of dollars in rush fees. ****Groups of 25 or more take advantage of the Special Offer!***** The 1st five groups to place an order and pay 20% down by July 11th receives 20% OFF their entire group order! (For a group order of 500.00 you would SAVE $100.00!) The advanced groups who place an order and pay 20% down by AUG 10th receives 15% OFF their entire group order! (For a group order of 500.00 you would SAVE $75.00!) The remaining groups who place an order and pay 20% down by SEPT 10th receives 10% OFF their entire group order! (For a group order of 500.00 you would SAVE $50.00!) *************************************************************************** POC is the director of the Ansbach Arts and Crafts Center; Phone DSN: 468-7627 or CIV: 0981-183-7627 or email us at [email protected]

New Custom Unit Designs by Arts and Crafts








The Ansbach Middle High School Speech & Drama Com-petition will be held on Thursday, May 31 during the school day. The event will take place at the school and all stu-dents are encouraged to participate. Students must regis-ter in room 213 before May 29.

The speech and drama categories are:

Poetry , Prose , Oration , Duet Acting, Ensemble Acting , Readers’ Theater, Extemporaneous Speaking , Humorous or Dramatic Interpretation, and as new entries Deutsche Sprache and Music Presentation.

Prose: Time Limit 3-7 minutes

Prose used must be published. It should be one long selection or a number of selections that fit together to create a complete story. You must have an introduction to your prose that includes the author, title and brief explanation of the selection. Prose presen-tations must be written out and read. They should not be memo-rized but you should know the prose selection exceptionally well and be able to read it with ease.

Duet Acting: Time Limit 4-10 minutes

Two people act out a scene(s) from a published play/script. You may use two chairs and no more than two hand props. You may not use costumes. The piece must include an introduction and scene transitions as needed. The piece must be memorized.

Ensemble Acting: Time Limit 4-10 minutes

More than two people act out a scene(s) from a published play/script. You may use as many chairs as there are actors in the ensemble and one hand prop per person. You may not use cos-tumes. The piece must include an introduction and scene transi-tions as needed. The piece must be memorized.

Readers’ Theater: Time Limit 5-10 minutes

Three or more people read a prose selection using a script. You may use up to the number of chairs/stools as there are actors in group. The piece should include and introduction and transitions as appropriate.

Extemporaneous Speaking: Time Limit 3-7 minutes (speaking) after 30 minutes of preparation time. You will draw three topics on current events. You will select one on which to speak and will have 30 minutes to prepare you speech. You may use one 3-5 note card on which to write notes from which you may speak.

Humorous or Dramatic Interpretation: Time Limit 4-8 minutes One person recites a monolog or acts out the parts of two or more characters. Selection must be memorized with an introduction and transitions as appropriate.

Deutsche Sprache: Ms. Dawson will determine the events and criteria for this category, which she will announce in class. Please see Ms. Dawson if you do not have her for German.

Music Presentation: Time Limit 3-7 minutes

Single or ensemble music production, accompanied or unaccom-panied, original or work of known artist. The piece should include and introduction and transitions as appropriate.

Poetry: Time Limit 3-7 minutes

Poetry used must be published. It can be one long poem, more than one poem written by a single author, or more than one poem on the same subject. You must have an introduction to your po-etry that includes the author, title and brief explanation of the poem. If you use more than one poem, you should write a transi-tion to read between the poems. Poetry presentations must be written out and read. They should not be memorized but you should know the poetry exceptionally well and be able to read it with ease.

Oration: Time Limit 3-7 minutes

You may write your own speech or you may use a speech written by someone else, as long as you give credit in an introduction as to who wrote the speech. The speech may be memorized or you may use a script.

Ansbach Middle High School Holds Competition

11 May 18, 2012

School Information: Unit 28614

APO, AE 09177

DSN: 467-2808/2809

CIV: 09802-83 2808/2809

FAX: 09802-1496

EMAIL ABSENCES TO:

[email protected]

School Website:

http://www.ansb-hs.eu.dodea.edu/

Main Office Hours of Operation:

Monday—Friday, 0730-1600

All DODDS—Europe employees may be reached via the following email format:

[email protected]


The Franconia News

Registration :

Register your children as soon as you can, so the school can assess the number

of teachers needed next school year.


JROTC:

The Change of Command Ceremony is on the May 23 at 1400. All students report to the football field NLT than 1355 .

DATES TO REMEMBER

May 22 6th Grade field Trip to AMHS 9AM-11AM

24 Fun, Games & Dinner for incoming 6th

and 7th Grade Parents/Students

28 Memorial Day—Federal Holiday

31 HS Awards Assembly @ 1:30 PM

June 6 MS Awards Assembly @ 1:30 PM

7 Graduation @ 7 p.m.

14 Last day of school

August 27 New school year begins

Incoming 6th and 7th graders:

Students and parents of incoming 6th and 7th graders are invited to a eve-

ning of fun, games and dinner on Thursday, May 24 form 5:30 - 7 p.m. in the

AMSH Cafeteria. Come see what your new school is like!

ANSBACH MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL - News you can use

The Speech/Drama Competition will be held on Thursday, May 31 during the school day. All students are en-

couraged to participate. See Ms.Dameron in Room 213 for the competition handout. Students, you must regis-

ter with Ms. Dameron before the 29th of MAY! The speech and drama categories are: 1.Poetry 2.Prose 3.Oration 4.Duet Acting

5.Ensemble Acting 6.Readers’ Theater 7.Extemporaneous Speaking 8.Humorous or Dramatic Interpretation 9.Oration, Deutsche 10. Music Presentation

Students:

Representatives from local colleges will again be setting up tables during HS

lunch to provide information and answer questions. They will visit on Thursday,

May 17.


12 May 18, 2012

TUESDAY 22 MAY

ACS Stress & Anger Management • 2-4 p.m. Manage the tough

times and better control your anger. Sign up at Storck ACS.

The Franconia News


SATURDAY 19 MAY

BOSS Europa Park • In partnership with Bamberg BOSS. Contact

BOSS for more details. 09082.83.2921

SATURDAY 19 MAY

CYSS Sports & Fitness Track Meet • 9-4 p.m. Teams from Ans-

bach, Bamberg, Hohenfels, Grafenwöhr, Vilseck and Schweinfurt.

SATURDAY 19 MAY

STRONG B.A.N.D.S. Run & Gun 5k Race & Paintball Targets • 10

-2 p.m. Run 3k then fire paintball guns at targets then run 2k. At

Soldiers Lake. Trophies! Registration: 30 April-18 May: Katterbach

and Storck Fitness Centers and Concierge in the Von Steuben

Community Activity Center; 19 May: at the race site.

SATURDAY 19 MAY

Sewing, Quilting, Textile Craft Classes • 11-2 p.m. Sign up and

pre-pay a week in advance ages 12+. Ansbach Arts & Crafts, Bar-

ton for two or more students and Storck Community

Activity Center for groups.

WEDNESDAY 23 MAY

Lights Out Comedy (for adults only) • 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m.

Nightclub atmosphere at the Von Steuben Community Activity

Center. BBQ & drinks available at 6 p.m. No cost tickets at Conci-

erge in the Von Steuben Community Activity Center and the

Storck Community Activity Center. Five comedians doing stand up

comedy brought to you by Armed Forces Entertainment.

USAG Ansbach News Briefs ...

WEDNESDAY 23 MAY

Paint Your Own Pottery! • 1-6 p.m. Paint it and bring it home the

same day at the Recreation Center in the Storck CAC, Bldg 6510.

09841.83.4663.

USAG Ansbach News Briefs …..


THURSDAY 24 MAY

BOSS Barcelona Spain • In partnership with Bamberg & Schwein-

furt BOSS. $379/Single Soldiers, guests (18 years of age or

older). Transportation by bus, 2 overnights with breakfast, sight-

seeing tours. Sign up by May 4 at Concierge in the Von Steuben

Community Activity Center on Bismarck, 467.2930. Contact BOSS

for details: 467.2921.

WEDNESDAY 23 MAY

CYSS Parent Education Workshop • 5-6 p.m. Katterbach School

Age Center. Come join CYSS and EDIS for fun-filled, educational

workshops! Our quarterly workshops with include such topics as

positive discipline, potty training, sign language, growth and devel-

opment, children’s health and nutrition and much more. The topic

for May will be helping your child to Play Nicely! All classes are

free and open to CYSS patrons and the community. For more

information, contact any CYSS program or Parent Central Ser-

vices.

FRIDAY 25 MAY

Water Sports Weekend in Garmisch • A weekend (25-28 May) full

of adventure: progressive kayaking instruction, canoeing, hiking,

mountain biking, rustic lodging at Kean’s Lodge (camping, and

white water rafting trips available, too). Transportation and equip-

ment: $129/adults, $79/children, $279/family. Pre-register at Out-

door Recreation.

SATURDAY 26 MAY

Go Fishing at Soldiers Lake! • 6:30 a.m. Get the first catch at the

newly-stocked lake. $15. Drawing and prizes. Fishing license re-

quired. Contact Outdoor Recreation for details.

MONDAY 28 MAY: Happy Memorial Day!

THURSDAY 24 MAY

Memorial Day Ceremony: The Memorial Day Ceremony of USAG Ansbach will take place on May 24 at 11 a.m. at Patriot Park on Storck Barracks (in front of the Community Activity Center)

14 May 18, 2012

Katterbach Movie Theater

FRI MAY 18 –

SAT MAY 19 –

SUN MAY 20–

This Weekend in Ansbach and Illesheim Post Theaters …

7 p.m. The Lucky One (PG-13) 1st Run

7 p.m. John Carter (PG-13)

3 p.m. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (PG)

6 p.m. The Lucky One (PG-13) 1st Run

The Franconia News

Storck Movie Theater

SAT MAY 19 –

SUN MAY 20 –

4 p.m. John Carter (PG-13)

7 p.m. Safe (R) 1st Run

3 p.m. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (PG)


The Franconia News


17

At the Movies in Schweinfurt

FRI MAY 18 - 7 p.m. Safe (R)

SAT MAY 19 - 4 p.m. John Carter (PG-13)

7 p.m. Safe (R)

SUN AMY 20 - 4 p.m. John Carter (PG-13)

7 p.m. Safe (R)

May 18, 2012

U.S. Army Garrison Schweinfurt


18 May 18, 2012


The Franconia News

Story and photo by SPC Mary Taylor, 15th Engineer Battalion Public Affairs SCHWEINFURT, Germany – For the first time since its redeploy-ment from Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom, the 15th Engineer Battalion once again returned to the Grafenwöhr Training Area to conduct its spring range density and training April 24 through May 5. This year’s training was marked with sadness at the loss of a Sol-dier, unit supply clerk Spc. Bernard Hill Jr., and the injuries of 5 others in an automobile accident April 24. The battalion displayed its “Drive On” spirit and continued with training, celebrating the life of Spc. Hill in a battalion memorial ceremony in Grafenwöhr April 28, and also supporting the memorial service held in Schweinfurt, May 1. Due to reset and reintegration following redeployment, a majority of individual weapons systems required zeroing and calibration of optics. The conclusion of this process requires that each firer hit a certain number of targets to qualify on their respective weapon system. Marksmanship, the basic fundamentals all Soldiers use when firing a weapon, was the focus of this field training. Soldiers from the 500th Horizontal Engineer Company cross-trained with Soldiers from the Forward Support Company to learn different methods of vehicle recovery. “Everybody likes to play in the mud every once in a while,” said 1st Sgt. Richard Fry.

Soldiers learned how to expediently recover vehicles staged in deep, murky mud pits. The more experienced noncommissioned officers taught younger Soldiers how to attach tow bars and winch cables to a range of vehicles. They all took turns trudging through the waist high muck to attach the winch cables to disabled vehi-cles. “The best way for anyone to learn is to be hands on and do it yourself,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Parkin as he supervised a new Soldier attaching a tow cable to a Palletized Load System stuck in the mud. The PLS is a vehicle used to load and transport pallets. Headquarters and Headquarters Company also rehearsed recov-ery methods during their convoy training, using tow bars to move inoperative vehicles off roadways. Soldiers new to the 500th Horizontal Engineer Company learned how to operate heavy machinery, concluding in their annual “Titan Olympics.” “Each team is made up of a senior specialist and new Soldiers that may not have much experience. Prior to this event, each team was given a full day to train on the gear for familiarization,” said Sgt. John Snodgrass, one of the scorers for the competition. Among weapons qualifications, a variety of certifications and cross training with other companies, Soldiers were given maxi-mum opportunity to experience broad spectrum training during their time in Grafenwöhr.

Engineer Battalion completes training in Grafenwöhr

A Soldier from 500th Horizontal Engineer Company creates a stock pile using a bucket loader during 15th Engineer Battal-ion’s spring training in Grafenwoehr, May 5. The battalion conducted training there April 24-May 5, the first time since its redeployment from Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom.

19 May 18, 2012



Story and Photo by Margaret Gotheridge

SCHWEINFURT, Germany – She has volunteered more than 350 hours, is bi-lingual, is an honor roll student, a theater participant and an active member of the religious community. She has made lasting impressions on many community members and, just re-cently, she was named Schweinfurt’s Youth of the Year. The news was released March 21 this year that Jeishka Farinacci, an 11th grader at the high school, had been recognized as Schwein-furt’s Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Club of America. The BGCA awards youths who have overcome enormous odds and have demonstrated exceptional character and accomplish-ments. The winners of such an acclaimed award have displayed a commitment to their community, their family and to their academ-ics, and are examples of strong moral character and act as a posi-tive model for other youth, according to their website. Farinacci is the daughter of 1st Lt. Jorge Farinacci Sr. and Nitza Vera-Rosado. She and her family arrived in Schweinfurt during the summer of 2010 and she has been actively involved in the community ever since. “Moving is challenging, but moving here posed a new challenge of being outside the U.S.,” said Farinacci. Fortunately, the Schwein-furt Youth Center has introduced several programs that help peo-ple become more active members of the Schweinfurt community, said Farinacci. Farinacci participated in the community theater. And as an ap-prentice with the Child, Youth and School Services’ HIRED pro-gram, a Keystone Club member and a youth leader in the Torch Club, she has learned valuable tools she can use in the future, she said.

“She has been active in many facets of our daily programs since she arrived here,” said William Toliver, USAG Schweinfurt work force preparations specialist. Farinacci’s sincerity, strong moral character and commitment to better those around her, has re-newed my faith in the potential that exists within us all,” said Toliver. “I have been able to grow as a person mentally, emotionally and intellectually through all my experiences these past two years,” said Farinacci. “The Youth Center has made such an impact in my life that after my apprenticeship with CYSS I continued to volun-teer at the center. I enjoy being able to work with other teens who are like me and are actively participating in events that support the community.”

Jeishka Farinacci named Youth of the Year


Memorial Day Fun Run

May 19: 9:30 a.m. Dust off your running shoes and sign up for the Me-

morial Day Fun Run from May 1 – 18. The sign up locations are found

at both Kessler and Finney Fitness Centers. Last minute registration

will be available May 19 from 8 – 9:15 a.m. at Kessler Fitness Center.

The start time for Adults is 9:30 a.m. and the start time for the Youth is

9:45 a.m. For more information please call DSN 354-6735 CIV 09721-

96-6735.

Environmental Awareness Days

May 22 – 24: From 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. join the Schweinfurt DPW Environ-

mental Division and the Schweinfurt Elementary/Middle School at the

Recycling Center on Conn Barracks as they celebrate Environmental

Awareness Days 2012. Due to the event the Conn East gate will be

closed to all out-bound traffic. For more information contact Mr. Ruck-

ert with the Environmental Division Department DSN 354-6795 CIV

09721-96-6795.

Geiselwind Amusement Park

May 26: From 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. bring your family to one of Bavaria’s

leading amusement parks. Your family can enjoy numerous rides, play

grounds, live shows, electronic theaters, animal shows, exhibitions and

relaxing areas. The cost is $15 per person, entrance fee not included.

For more information contact the Outdoor Recreation Center DSN 353

-8080 CIV 09721-96-8080.

Right-Arm Night sponsored by 7th TTSB

June 1: From 5 – 7 p.m. at the Conn Club Patio on Conn Barracks the

7th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade invites all USAG Schweinfurt com-

munity members to this great Army tradition. No need to RSVP. Just

show up with your "right arm." For more information contact the 7th

TTSB headquarter office at DSN 354-3319 CIV 09721-96-3319.

Texas Hold 'Em Tournament

June 2: From 11 a.m. to midnight you can try your luck at the Texas

Hold’em Tournament at the Warrior Zone on Ledward Barracks. The

event is open to all ID card holders 18 and older. Pre-register at the

Warrior Zone by 1 Jun. The entry fee is $30. Come win one of the

great prizes that are available (no cash). For more information please

contact the Warrior Zone at DSN 354-6082 CIV 09721-96-6082.

Europa Park

June 9: 6 a.m. to midnight Enjoy Europa-Park, the largest theme park

in Germany and the third most popular theme park resort in Europe.

The entrance fee to the park is 32 euro, plus transportation fee TBA.

The deadline to sign-up is June 2 and a minimum participation of 30

people is required. After June 2, the trip is offered to all adult commu-

nity members. Sign-up at the Warrior Zone on Ledward Barracks,

Bldg. 224 DSN 354-6082 CIV 9721-96-6082. You may also sign-up at

the Finney Recreation Center on Conn Barracks Bldg. 64 DSN 353-

8476 CIV 09721-968476.

USAG Schweinfurt News Briefs ..…..


U.S. Army Garrison Bamberg



23 May 18, 2012



24 May 18, 2012


The Franconia News

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Franconia News 18 May 2012