The Pelican PIPELINE

The P elica n
P IP E L IN E
THE FORT POLK SPOUSES’ CLUB NEWSLETTER
THE FORT POLK OFFICERS’ SPOUSES’ CLUB NEWSLETTER
December, 2015
Vol. 39, Issue 5
The President’s Pen
Inside This Issue
Wonderful Winter Wishes to everyone!
Board Directory
The President’s Pen
Upcoming Events
Birthday Celebrations
People, Places and
Happenings
Holiday Traditions
A Little Something Extra
Personal Finance
The Editor’s Corner
Living the Lagniappe Life
Recipes
Newsletter Game
Help Wanted
Volunteer of the Month
Flamingo Flocking
Throughout the Issue Community Advertisements
Thank you to all the
businesses who support our
publication and
organization.
To our next Luncheon
January 21, 2016
Can you believe we are at the end of the year
already? Seems like just yesterday we were
welcoming in 2015! Now as we prepare to welcome
in 2016, I sit back and reflect on all that has
happened this year. It’s been a year filled with
firsts and a year filled with learning, adaptations,
and as always with the military, change.
I have had to say good-bye to amazing friends, and
have welcomed so many wonderful people to Fort
Polk.
I am certain that as 2016 unfolds I will continue to
learn, adapt and have change in my life. I know
that the life we lead as military spouses will
certainly guarantee that I will again say good-bye
to amazing friends and will again welcome with
open arms new ones to Fort Polk.
I want to thank each and every one of you for
being a part of my life, and a part of the Fort Polk
Spouses’ Club this year. I appreciate everything
that you bring to my life.
Happy Holidays to you and yours
<3 ~Carrie Smith
President
Parlimentarian
1st VP
2nd VP
Treasurer
Secretary
Philanthropy
Honorary President
Honorary President
Honorary Advisor
Honorary Advisor
Activities
Advertising
Community Grants
Decorations
Historian
Membership
Newsletter/Publicity
Properties
Reservations
Retiree Liaison
Scholarships
Volunteer Coordinator
Ways & Means
Ways & Means
Webmaster
Carrie Smith
Liz Knight
Maryanne Wey
Kristen Blom
Liza Hallsten
Heidi Jones
Brietta Lowman
Suzie McGuire
Vicki Inman
Kim LaNeve
Carmelita Torres
Holly Cook
Tamara McManus
Vacant
Amanda Price
Switzerlynne Perez
Amber Sprang
Katy Miller
Donna Jones
Roanne Speedie
Kimberly Jordan
Roe Anne Day
Vacant
Sherry Casanova
Ronda Stuart
Tiffany Hess
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
ATTENTION
MEMBERS!
This month, we have decided to
continue with the “game” for our
readers to receive FIVE
opportunity prize tickets. The
flamingo above is hidden
throughout the issue FIVE times.
The first FPSC member to find
them and email our club president
with the location of each flamingo
will win FIVE opportunity prize
tickets at our next luncheon!!!
Send your email to Carrie Smith:
[email protected]
The Fort Polk Spouses’ Club
is an all inclusive, charitable, and social organization dedicated to promoting a sense of belonging to,
support for, and a collective voice of the Fort Polk community.
Have an Idea?
The Pelican Pipeline is looking for FPSC
members that would like to contribute ideas,
articles, recipes, photos, reviews, and
recommendations of places to visit in towns
surrounding Fort Polk for upcoming
editions! If this is something that you might
be interested in, please email
[email protected]
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Winter Salad
Submitted by: Maryanne Wey (adapted from her dear friend Lauren’s recipe)
Ingredients
1 Medium Sized
Squash (I like acorn
& hubbard)
Candied Nuts or
Seeds
(optional)
1 Pomegranate
Maple Syrup
(optional)
Mixed Salad Greens
Prosciutto Slices
Goat Cheese
Crumbles
Directions
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Slice open and de-seed
squash. Put seeds aside. Slice squash into 1-2 inch
slices. Arrange squash on baking sheet and drizzle
with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes.
Flip squash slices after 15 minutes in the oven so that
both sides have chance to slightly caramelize. Check
for done-ness. Time may vary based on size of
squash.
Balsamic Vinegar
While squash roasts in oven, rinse salad greens and
de-seed pomegranate. Put seeds in separate bowl.
Place prosciutto in oven for 5 minutes to crisp. Lightly
drizzle maple syrup onto prosciutto and put back in
oven for 1-2 minutes. Note: this is an optional step
but you should do it. My favorite tiny human calls it
“Fancy Candy Bacon.” Remove squash and candied
prosciutto.
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper
Assemble salad greens. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds
and goat cheese crumbles over salad. Lay slices of
roasted squash on greens along with chopped up bits
of candied prosciutto. *You can also add roasted
seeds or candied nuts.* Add salt and pepper to taste.
Finish with a splash of balsamic vinegar.
THE THRIFT SHOP
Tuesday-Friday 10:00-6:00
Saturday 9:00-2:00
337-378-3579
107 S. 3rd St.
Facebook: The Thrift Shop Leesville
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Cake Batter Martini
Submitted by: Kim LaNeve
We have openings on our board!
2 oz Amaretto
Please message us if you would
be interested in volunteering
your time to the Fort Polk
Spouses' Club!!
3 oz clear creme de cacao
3 oz cake vodka
2 oz half & half
If you have any questions,
please contact Liz Knight at :
[email protected]
Prepare in
cocktail shaker
with ice.
Apply today!
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Zachry's Gift Shop
Shannon DeNeve– 1
Maryanne Wey– 14
Roanne Speedie– 2
Dorothy Denney– 15
Alisha Keener– 3
Amanda Meade– 19
Jamiee Reed– 8
Shannon Sullivan– 20
Tonya Garcia– 11
Tamara McManus– 22
Debbie Jones– 11
Ashley Stephens– 25
Dorothy McGowen–
14
Sessie Jackson– 26
Gifts For All Occasions
A little something about
membership pins...
418 West 1st Street
DeRidder
When you joined the club you
were given a Membership Pin like
the one pictured. This is the way
that we show pride in the club. It
makes my heart happy when I
see members out and about
wearing their pins.
Mud Pie , Beatriz Ball , Arthur
Court, Wilton Armetale , Seafood
Celebrations Partyware , Caffaco
Seafood Party, Coton Colors, Arte
Italica Tableware , Gathering of
Friends Cookbooks, April Cornell
Linens, Byers' Choice Carolers,
Caspari Paper Goods, Aromatique ,
Mississippi Cheese Straws, Fossick
Jewelry, Treska Handbags and
MUCH more!
We want you to show your club
pride, so beginning at our October luncheon we are
asking all members to wear their pins to luncheons
and events. These big events (not including sub
clubs) will have a "Pin Penalty" if you come in without your pin! The fee is $1 per event. The money
collected will go into the "Pin Penalty Fund" and we
will use it at the end of the year for something fun.
If you lost your pin you may see our Membership
Chair, Amber and purchase a new pin for $3. So put
your pin in your purse or in your car so you don't
forget it, because we'll be checking!
337-462-0097
5
Living the Lagniappe Life
In December, my birthday, wedding anniversary, and Christmas all fall within a 10 day span of each other. It’s a period my husband refers to as “the Gauntlet.” I usually really enjoy time with my friends and family during this season. But sometimes, the
hustle & bustle & credit card tussle of the holidays make me feel like the best gift I could get ...might be a nap.
Like many families, we start looking for gifts & budgeting for holiday spending a few months in advance. While brainstorming
gift ideas recently, I realized that I'd probably given out so many boring candles that I could recreate all the cheesy 90's music
videos of my youth. This year, I vowed not to purchase one.more.candle.
Searching for different ideas led me into a Pinterest black hole. Four hours later, I'd had a few crucial realizations (and a pinboard full of future DIY epic failures). 1) My craftiness aspirations are very high but my abilities & patience are not. My DIY
talent extends *just* beyond macaroni necklace level. 2) I loved a lot of the locally made & homemade gifts that I'd seen. 3) I
wanted to spend my money on gifts that were thoughtful, unique, and fun.
Shopping at local, small businesses offered the perfect option for budget friendly and unique gifts. I found everything from
caramel apple butter & homemade jam for my Foodie Mama, to the softest knit scarf for my best friend in New York, and
hand-carved wooden toys for my niece.
The best shopping AND stress relief tip I can offer for this holiday season is; look locally. I hope you enjoy this time of year
with family & friends.
Happy Holidays,
Maryanne Wey, 1st VP
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DONATIONS NEEDED!!!
The Garden sub club is in need of gar den
supplies, equipment, seeds, etc
The Craft sub club is in need of hot glue guns,
glue, modge podge, acrylic paints, paint brushes,
mason jars, scissors, sharpies, and other craft items.
4– Craft Club
Creole Corners is in need of paper pr oducts and
cleaning supplies!
4– Wine Club
6– Freezer Meals
7– Book Club
11– Girls Night
16– Lunch Bunch
18– Freezer Meals
Fort Polk Spouses’ Club has created social media
accounts to provide up to date information on
club and local events, and to foster relationships
with members, potential members and the
community. Our goal is to support one another,
so please treat each other with respect and act
professionally when you are posting to any of
FPSC's social media accounts. Please do not post
any information that would compromise OPSEC.
FPSC reserves the right to delete any post.
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L
ooking for something to do, somewhere to go? Want a good place for a day out with kids? An event with local color?
Somewhere different to eat? Somewhere for a four-day weekend? A place to shop? Ask us! Got a gift shop to recommend,
or know of a restaurant with fabulous food and a great ambience? Had a good experience at the Zoo, or the Art Gallery? Tell us!
If you liked it, chances are somebody else will, too! Contact the newsletter at :[email protected]
T
thinking of making a trip to Alexandria? Be sure
to stop by Tamp and Grind, which is one of the
most fabulous little coffee shops in the downtown
area! It is worth the trip for sure!
Featuring: Alexandria, LA
Located just about an hour away
from Fort Polk, Alexandria is the
perfect one day getaway! The
town has many things to offer
throughout the year and it is never
a disappointment. If you are
searching for big box stores to
shop at, the mall, a chain restaurant to eat at, a hole in the wall
pub, an awesome coffee shop or a
new way to experience the arts and
culture of Louisiana, Alexandria
has it! December is a month
FILLED with awesome events,
festivals, holiday celebrations, The
Nutcracker, performances by the
symphony, museums, plantations
and so much more!
R
eaching back in time? Look into attending the
Old Fashioned Christmas at the Kent House.
You will have the opportunity to make ornaments for
your tree, help decorate the Kent House tree, sing
carols and participate in a bell choir and have a meet
and greet with Papa Noel.
A
rts and Culture? Look no further! Stop by the
Alexandria Museum of Art, Bontemps African
American Museum, Kent House Plantation or one of
the other amazing places that Alexandria has to offer!
V
isiting often? Look into getting a membership to
the Alexandria Zoo. Memberships are affordable
and the zoo is amazing! They will be having a zoo
lights event through the month of December as well!
It is a wonderful day trip and there is even a drive thru
daiquiri station across the street!
E
xtra time but not a lot of money? Check out the
Ales Winter Fete, which is happening the first
weekend in December! There will be ice skating,
vendors, entertainment and much more!
L
ove to experience new foods? Stop by Inglewood
Farms for one of their Saturday markets where
you will find pasture raised meats, fresh eggs and a
wonderful selection of seasonal crops! In addition, you
will be able to catch some local entertainment as well!
In your time at Fort Polk if you have discovered a place
that has a little something extra to offer, please let us
know! We would love to feature that place in a future
issue of The Pelican Pipeline. Please contact the editor
with ideas: [email protected]
What did we miss something in Alexandria?
Update us with what you know!
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Volunteer of the Month!
Congratulations to Kelly
McCarthy, our volunteer of the
month. Kelly has been an
integral part of the Fort Polk
Spouses' Club Decorations
committee and is always willing
to go above and beyond the
extra mile to ensure that the
decorations each month are perfect. We are so
thankful for her dedication to the FPSC and her
endless efforts to make luncheons perfect!
Natchitoches &
Louisiana Gifts
626 Front Street
Open Daily
Want to nominate a FPSC Volunteer for Volunteer
of the Month?
So many of our members work behind the scenes to
accomplish this, and we need your help recognizing
our amazing Volunteers. Please send an email
to [email protected] with the
nominated volunteers Name, email/phone contact, area
of volunteerism (specific sub club, decorations, etc.),
and a brief description of how they support the Fort
Polk Spouses’ Club.
318-352-5833
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The Fort Polk Spouses’ Club Winter Gala
The foundation of the Fort Polk Spouses’ Club is giving back
to the community through community grants and
scholarships. We raise money to do this through fundraising.
One of our most successful fundraisers last year was the
Wreath Gala. Based on the feedback from attendees, we
wanted this event to become an annual fundraiser. When we
decided to go forward with this event this year, we hoped
that the event would be something members would really look forward to. There
were weeks of committee meetings to ensure the event would be a success, board
members reached out all over the state of Louisiana in search of silent auction items
and monetary donations. We also reached out on post in the hopes that wreaths,
baskets, and trees would be donated to our live auction. The generosity and support
from the community was amazing. This success of this event proves how well Fort
Polk and the local community have a cohesive relationship that other posts are not
privileged to have. The night came together perfectly. Our volunteers turned the
Warrior Community Center into a Winter Wonderland with the beautiful decor.
The silent auction was fun and some items were voraciously battled over. Our live
auction was beyond entertaining thanks mostly to our outstanding auctioneer and
engaged audience. Our community comes together best when we are giving and
that is what this event was all about. The event raised close to $5000 in donations.
Whether you were a corporate donor, donated to our silent auction, created a
unique gift for our live auction, volunteered your time, purchased an item, or came
to enjoy the event we thank you. If you happen to be at Fort Polk next year please
come and join us again.
-Brietta Lowman
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 Multi-discipline riding lessons
 Multi-discipline horse training
 Camps
 Horse leases
578 Browns Lane, Leesville, LA 71446 (318)308-9066
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 Boarding
LOOKING TO ADVERTISE?
Do you have a business that you would like to
advertise about in the Pelican Pipeline?
Monthly Prices:
Business Card $10
1/4 Page Ad $18
1/2 Page Ad $33
Full Page Ad $60
ABOUT THE PELICAN PIPELINE
The “Green” Option
Prospective Newcomers & Advertisers
The Super Sign-Up Pelican Pipeline is a the only
newsletter we print. The remaining months of the
newsletter are sent in PDF format to your email address.
A PDF copy can be sent to military spouses
PCSing to Ft Polk or to businesses operating in
and around the area.
Prospective Newcomers & Advertisers
A PDF copy can be sent to military spouses PCSing to Ft
Polk or to businesses operating in and around the area.
Submissions
Submissions
Submissions for the newsletter are due to the
editor by the 15th of the month for inclusion in
the following month’s newsletter. For example:
The January deadline is December 15th.
Submissions for the newsletter are due to the editor by
the 15th of the month for inclusion in the following
month’s newsletter. For example: The December
deadline is November 15th.
PLEASE CONTACT VIA EMAIL
PLEASE CONTACT THE PIPELINE EDITOR VIA
EMAIL AT
[email protected]
[email protected]
12
Ways & Means
Don’t Forget to come by the
Ways & Means table at our
238-5030
January Luncheon. We have
Shipping worldwide, boxes, packing
materials and office services.
restocked since the Winter
Gala and we have a wonderful
Phone
Monday-Friday
337-653-6281
selection of items that you will
337-238-5030
9 am – 6 pm
·FedEx Authorized Ship Center
Fax
·Authorized UPS Shipping
Outlet
337-653-6165
·Approved USPS Postal
www.theshippingstorelv.com
Provider
·Boxes, packing materials,
1389 Entrance Rd
custom packaging.
Suite A , Leesville
·Ground & Express services
including overnight services.
*Next to McDonald’s
·FREE "Drop-Off" Service
love and they make great gifts
as well.
Do you have an idea to add to
our inventory? See Sherry
or Ronda at the January
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY!
Luncheon!
FPSC Members that LOVE to decorate, we
have many fun events planned for this upcoming year and we need your help! We
are looking for a variety of people to assist us in making it happen. Please do not
be confused…you don’t have to just be
creative. We need help of all kinds. We
could use some help with creativity but will
also need help for set-up, tear down, assembling items, muscle, elbow grease and various other things involved with decorating
for our events. This may be the day of the
event, several days in the month before the
event, and/or a couple days leading up to
the event. We need an army! If you are
interested or available to help please contact our decorations chair by email at
[email protected]
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It’s Flocking FUN!!!
Do you want to be a Flocker?
Do you want to help us raise some funds?
(Those of you who have watched “Frozen” just sang that to themselves, right?)
The fabulous flocks of flamingoes are finalizing their flight
plans and next trip to Fort Polk! Our 2016 Flamingo
Flocking Fundraiser is due to start on February first in a
yard near you. These fabulous feathered friends however
need fairies to help facilitate their flights and fun! If you
think you have what it takes to help facilitate these fabulous
fine feathered friends in February, please email our
"Filanthropy" Friend, Brietta Lowman at
[email protected]
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Creole Corners
Fort Polk Spouse’s Club members
and non-members may rent Creole
Corners, the Fort Polk Spouses’ Club clubhouse
located on Traditions Circle for any social or
non-commercial activity.
The Fort Polk Spouses’ Club maintains silver, a
comprehensive inventory of china, glassware, holiday
items, and other decorative pieces appropriate for all
types of social gatherings. These items may be rented
by FPSC members only for a per item charge, with a
maximum charge of $25.
For more information about renting the clubhouse or
any other items, please contact Donna Jones
[email protected]
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Pomegranate Sangria
Directions
Ingredients
Watch how to make this recipe.
Combine all ingredients in a pitcher, cover and
refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 48
hours before serving. Serve over ice.
1 bottle fruity red wine
2 cups pomegranate juice
1/2 cup brandy
1/2 cup Triple Sec
1/4 cup simple syrup (equal amounts sugar and
water, heated until sugar dissolves, cooled)
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
1 large orange, halved and thinly sliced
1 green apple, cored, halved and thinly sliced
1 cup red grapes, sliced in 1/2
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Recipe courtesy of Bobby Flay, 2007
Swindler Creek Farm, LLC
181 Oak Grove Church Road
Hornbeck, La 71439
Swindler Creek Farm is now offering subscriptions for
it’s Winter weekly baskets. This is an opportunity for
you to reserve a share of our nutritious quality produce
for 8 weeks starting 12 January and ending 5 March
2016. For purchasing a share Swindler Creek Farm
guarantees you will receive the pick of the harvest each
week in your basket. We also encourage each member
to visit the farm and witness how your food is grown.
Produce to be offered during the winter season includes: Swiss chard, kale, green onion, pac choy,
vitamin green, mustard, turnips, romaine lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, savoy Asian
green, leeks, carrots, daikon radish, Chinese cabbage, beets, green and red cabbage.
Swindler Creek Farm will offer a full share for $200 and a half share for $100 for eight weekly baskets. You can chose to pick up your share on either Tuesday evenings from 3pm to 6pm at the
Jackson St. Market in Alexandria or Thursday evenings from 3pm until 6 pm at the Leesville Farmers
Market located on Third Street or on Saturday from 8am until 1 pm also at the Leesville Farmers
Market. To participate simply fill out the coupon below and send it and payment to the address
above or you can pay at either the Leesville Farmers Market or Jackson Street Markets. There are no
refunds but the share may be transferred.
All current subscribers will receive a 10% discount by renewing for the Winter season.
318-565-9388
Thank You for Your Participation.
Name _______________________________________
Subscription
☐
☐
Phone_______________________________________
½ Share -----------------$100
Full Share---------------$200
Pickup
☐
Tuesday 3-6 pm Jackson St ,
Alexandria, La
☐
Thursday 3-6 pm Leesville
☐
Saturday 8am- 1pm Leesville
Email________________________________________
Signature____________________________________
17
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
By Kimberly Jordan
The Christmas tree, a sought after staple in the American, Christian household comes in about twenty
different varieties of evergreen. That is, unless you opt for the fake type. Whether you choose to wait until
after Thanksgiving to put up the tree or not is entirely your prerogative, but, just how much do you know
about this piney, green symbol of Christmas?
Adorning households with the evergreen dates back to ancient times when Europeans would use the
branches as indoor décor to liven the dark days of winter. Medieval Germany embellished their trees with
apples to symbolize the Garden of Eden. Soon after, other edibles could be seen on German trees such as
nuts, candy, and popcorn.
Martin Luther, the 16th-century Protestant reformer, gets credit for introducing candles to the Christmas
tree. He added them in efforts to mimic the twinkling of the stars he admired peeking through an evergreen
forest while walking home one night after a sermon.
The Christmas tree really took off in America after 1848 when the popular and avant-garde Queen Victoria
encourage her German husband, Prince Albert, to decorate a Christmas tree as he had during his childhood.
A photo of them and their tree, garnished with sweets, candles, and an angel, appeared
in the fashionable London News. Britain and American elite attempted to outshine each
other with their spectacular Christmas tree each year thereafter. The Jones’, naturally,
partook.
German artisans introduced hand-crafted glass ornaments to the scene by 1870 to further
the awe of Christmas trees. Thomas Edison’s associate, Edward Johnson provided a
safer alternative to candles by producing stringed, electric tree lights as we know them
twelve years later. One in five American families had their own Christmas tree by the
1900s.
The first lady is tasked with the honor of decorating the Whitehouse Christmas tree, a
tradition that began in 1989. I wonder how Bill would do if Hilary wins next year’s
election.
References: http://extension.illinois.edu/trees/types.cfm http://www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas-trees#
18
Holiday Traditions
By Tamara McManus
One of my favorite parts of the holidays is
hearing about other family’s traditions, and how
they came about. Was it passed from your
parents? Grandparents? In-laws? My family has
a couple of traditions that we do during the
holiday season. One of my favorite traditions is
what we call “Elfed”. No, I am not talking about
the newer tradition of coming up with twenty-four
creative things to do with your elf at night, that at
least in our family on day 7 goes from Pinterest
worthy to waking up five minutes before the kids
and hiding it amongst the stuffed animals yet
again. Elfed is a tradition that started when I was
in high school. My mom and I were watching
television late one evening and our doorbell rang.
We opened the door to see a basket that was
filled with holiday treats and presents for us.
Included was a note stating that we had been
“elfed” and to please pass along the basket filled
with treats and goodies to give to another house.
We ended up finding more joy and fun in filling
the basket and dropping it off ninja style.
Watching the neighbors face when they received
the basket was so fun. We enjoyed it so much
that we decided to make it an annual tradition.
This year I look forward to doing it with my
daughter who is finally old enough to understand
that the act of giving can be just as fun as
opening presents, or at the very least a close
second. Whether it is matching family pajamas,
cookie exchanges, or picking out the perfect
ornament I hope you all enjoy your holiday
traditions!
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DISCLAIMER
The Pelican Pipeline is an
authorized monthly publication by the
Fort Polk Spouses’ Club for its
membership. Contents of the
newsletter are not official views of,
or endorsed by, the U.S.
Government, the Department of
Defense, the Department of the
Army or Fort Polk. Everything advertised in the publication shall 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
purchase, use or patron. A
confirmed violation of this policy of
equal opportunity by an advertiser
will result in the refusal to print
advertising from that resource. The
FPSC newsletter committee
prepares, edits, and approves all
contents of the newsletter. Printing
of the newsletter, by Printing Plus, in
no way connected with the
Department of the Army, is an
expense incurred by the FPSC at no
expense to the US Government or
the Department of the Army.
The Editor’s Corner
By: Katy Miller
I am pretty sure that I say this every month, but I would like to start off by
saying how much I love December because I get to wear leggings, boots
and sweaters! It might seem a bit ridiculous, but it is my favorite thing to
wear, and I have to appreciate every month that I get that opportunity!
December brings so much more than just my favorite outfit though. It is a
month of celebrations for our family. We start the month with an advent
celebration, a corresponding calendar, an advent spiral and light a candle
each Sunday and celebrate a different aspect of the natural world (stones,
plants, animals and humankind). During this time, we participate in
various acts of kindness to the Earth, animals and humankind. I love to be
able to celebrate with my family and spread kindness outside of our
normal routine. We celebrate Saint Nicholas and Saint Lucia’s Day during
the advent season which wraps up with Christmas.
We also celebrate our oldest son’s birthday in the month of December and
this year we are planning on donuts, sushi and some bowling, which are
all birthday traditions in our family! We try to keep birthdays very simple
and focus on family, meaningful gifts and making the day amazing!
This year, December holds an additional VERY important day… opening
day of Star Wars: The Force Awakens! I cannot begin to describe how
excited that my family is for this. Our boys have their costumes ready, we
have tickets to a special screening of the show the day before it opens in
theaters and we are having an ALL day Star Wars celebration complete
with dressing up,
watching Episode 6, cooking something from our Star
Wars cook book and giving our children some brand new Star Wars toys!
Block leave falls during this time for us, and we are so looking forward to a
much needed break as a family! We will finish up our month with a
wonderful celebration of the new year and make some family goals that we
would like to achieve next year. December is AWESOME!
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