HolidayGUIDE

FORT LEE

2010

www.fortleetraveller.com2 • Traveller holiday guide • November 18, 2010

Publisher: LAURA BAXTER

Military Newspapers of Virginia Editor:

DAVID TODD

Creative Director: TRICIA LIEURANCE

Graphic Designer: SUSAN COFER

EDITORIAL(757) 222-3970

ADVERTISING(804) 526-8656

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MNV.ColonialHeights@militarynews.com

PUBLISHED BY Military Newspapers of Virginia

258 Granby StreetNorfolk, VA 23510

Phone: (757) 222-3990Fax: (757) 853-1634

The contents of this special section are not necessarily the offi cial views of or endorsed by the U.S. government, the DoD, the DoT or the U.S. Coast Guard. Opinions of con-tributing writers do not necessarily refl ect the opinions of Military Newspapers of Virginia or The Flagship®.

The availability of these newspapers and the appearance of advertising in these publications, including any inserts or supplements, do not constitute endorsement by the fed-eral governement, the DoD, the DoT, the U.S. Coast Guard or Military Newspapers of Virginia of products or services advertised.

Military Newspapers of Virginia is a private firm in no way connected to the Department of

Defense or United States Coast Guard.

Would you like to brighten the day for a

military family?

The last eight years of war have been

tough on America’s service members and

their families. But, while service members

are often thanked – and rightfully so – for all

that they have risked and sacrifi ced in order

to keep our country safe, rarely is the same

thanks extended to their family members.

Spouses, children and parents have spent

countless nights worrying and countless days

trying to fi ll in the gaps left when a family

member deploys. Likewise, veterans who

are no longer in uniform are often forgotten

when thanks are passed around.

The most signifi cant result of Blue Star

Families Military Life Issues Survey was

that 94 percent of respondents felt that “the

general public does not truly understand or

appreciate the sacrifi ces made by service

members and their families.”

A disconnect means just that – the

connection is broken. Blue Star Families (BSF)

would like alleviate that disconnect through

a program called “Operation Appreciation.”

Through this innovative program, members

of the community who would like to support

military families can send cards expressing

heartfelt thanks, solidarity or just good old-

fashioned encouragement. The writer can

choose to write a card to the parent, spouse

or child of a military member or to a veteran

of the Armed Forces. All of the recipients

will be current members of BSF.

This is your chance to let America’s

military community know how much you

appreciate all that they have sacrifi ced in

order to keep our country safe.

This program is perfect for school age

classrooms (K-12) looking for a project,

community organizations, youth groups,

church groups and individual citizens who

want to support military members and their

families but don’t know how.

Download the Operation Appreciation

information packet for more detailed

instructions for your class or organization or

E-mail opapp@bluestarfam.org.

The process is simple:

1. Write a card (any type of card will do)

targeted for:

(1). Parent of a service member; (2). Spouse

of a service member; (3). Child of a service

member; or (4). Veteran.

2. Write the corresponding number for the

recipient (1. for Parent, 2. for Spouse, etc.)

on the envelope by the address line.

3. Mail the card, in an unsealed envelope, to:

BLUE STAR FAMILIES, PO BOX 1906,

Chesapeake, VA, 23327

That’s it! BSF will sort and send the

card to a member of our organization who

matches the card’s target.

This is an easy and rewarding way

to support the families of those who are

serving in our Armed Forces. While there

are many efforts aimed at sending items

and well-wishes to our deployed troops, no

such program is currently in operation to

show such support to those serving on the

homefront. Imagine the pride of a parent

who receives a letter of appreciation for the

service of their child ... or the excitement

of a child who gets a card recognizing his

own service, here at home, waiting on mom

or dad to come home. Picture the smile on

the face of a military spouse, after putting

the kids down for bed, opening up a card

that simply says, “thank you.” Sometimes

small gestures can make a huge difference

– especially during the holidays!

– Courtesy of Blue Star Families

Operation AppreciationSUPPORT

this holiday season

www.fortleetraveller.com November 18, 2010 • TRAVELLER HOLIDAY GUIDE • 3

Holiday Shopping Tips:Avoid Stress this Holiday Season

By Estelle Allen

Navy Federal Credit Union

As the holiday shopping season is quickly approaching,

the hustle and bustle of shopping can create unwanted stress.

Whether you are stateside shopping for a loved one overseas

or planning to give gifts to family members — it’s important

to shop smart, always be aware of your surroundings and

follow these tips to stay on budget.

MAKE A LIST AND SET A BUDGET

List the people you plan to buy gifts for, the type of gifts

you plan to buy and how much you plan to spend.

SHOP AROUND

Remember, a sale price isn’t always the best price. Look

out for marketing phrases such as “While supplest last,”

“Minimum two per store,” “No rain checks” or “All items

are available in limited quantities.” Have an action plan for

shopping.

DAYLIGHT SHOPPING HAS IT ADVANTAGES

If you need to shop at night, go with someone else and

park in a well-lit area. Remember, there is safety in numbers.

If shopping alone, try to walk to your car with a crowd or ask

mall security for an escort to your car. Have your keys out

and stay alert. Always check inside the car before entering.

Lock your doors as soon as you are inside.

AVOID CARRYING TOO MANY PACKAGES

Always have one hand free. Do not leave packages visible

in your car. If you continue to shop after placing packages in

your trunk, move your vehicle to another location.

GO ONLINE

Check out price comparison on websites such as

PriceGrabber.com, Pricescan.com or Shopzilla.com. Retail

companies often provide free shipping on items purchased

online.

USE CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS WITH CARE

Keep a paper trail by saving your receipts. Ask for a store

receipt and a gift receipt. Without one, a customer may not

be eligible for a refund or the retailer may offer a store credit

at the lowest price the item was sold for, which could be less

than the amount paid. Check credit and debit card sales and

return receipts against your monthly bills and statements and

report any problems to the credit card issuer.

SHIP PACKAGES EARLY

If you’re sending gifts out of the country or to out-of-

towners, factor extra time for shipping. According to the

U.S. Postal Service, Dec. 10 is the last day priority mail is

sent for arrival before Christmas.

As a fi nal note, there is an iTunes app called Mall Maps

Deluxe – You Are Here by MEDL MOBILE, that provides

a portable database of mall fl oor plans to your iPhone, iPod

touch and iPad. (Requires iOS 3.0 or later.) It’s perfect

for those who need to dash in and out of malls as fast as

possible.

Make the most out of your holiday season by shopping

online, on the phone or at your local mall.

Estelle Allen is a public relations specialist at Navy Federal

Credit Union in Vienna, Va. She writes for the Money Chat

forum on CinCHouse.com. Visit navyfederal.org for more

information.

– Courtesy of CinCHouse.com

www.fortleetraveller.com4 • Traveller holiday guide • November 18, 2010

As the weather gets colder, thoughts are turning toward

the upcoming holiday season. Soon it will be almost

impossible to not get caught up in the holiday spirit, but for

many children in military families, this joyous time of year

may mean celebrating the holidays without the comforts of

having a parent or loved one home who is deployed.

Many of these children may understand that holiday

deployments are part of military life, however, those with

a deployed parent are particularly susceptible to feelings of

sadness during this time of year. The constant reminder that

someone they love is absent can often be upsetting. But with

some planning, the adults in their lives can make sure this

year is as full of warmth, cheer and treasured memories as

any other holiday season.

CONTINUE FAMILY TRADITIONS

AND START NEW ONES

The continuity and predictability of traditions are

comforting to adults and children and are a big part of helping

kids get though the season. They realize life continues even

when things are different due to a deployed parent. Determine

which traditions you can not do without and which are too

time consuming, which can be simplifi ed or which can be

skipped. If a tradition becomes overwhelming, skip it and

do not feel guilty. Children won’t enjoy the celebration if the

parent is stressed over it. Do not forget to include children

in the discussion even if they are not old enough to help in

making the decisions.

And there is nothing wrong with starting new traditions.

Mix it up a bit spend the holidays in a different place, assemble

a gingerbread house kit, or bake a dessert for a homeless

shelter. This may be enough to keep the focus on the positive

elements. Again, kids should be involved in the decisions.

And, these new traditions may continue in future seasons and

the deployed parent can participate in them next year.

CELEBRATE WITH THE DEPLOYED PERSON

Include the deployed family member in the celebration

even if they are thousands of miles away. Allow the children

as much contact with them as is feasible. Write letters, send

emails and instant messages, video chat or even call. Kids

need some way to share what is going on and this contact

with a child is as important for both parents. Send a personal

care package to mom or dad with special treats, letters or ask

them to send home a homemade ornament or decoration.

Take pictures while decorating and celebrating and help the

children assemble a memory scrapbook to send complete

with photos, drawings and handmade cards. Keep it simple.

Do not be surprised if it is diffi cult for the deployed parent to

look at what you send. Being away from home is painful for

them as well and they will look at them when they are ready.

DOCUMENT IMPORTANT EVENTS

Even when a deployed service member is not there, they

certainly wish they could be. Get out the video recorder,

camera or journal and get the kids involved. This will shift

the kids’ focus, allowing them to enjoy the holidays from

a different perspective and have fun too. Photographed or

videotaped activities can be simple – sing songs by the fi re or

decorating the tree. Everyone will appreciate that the event

was recorded and preserved.

REMEMBER WHAT THE HOLIDAYS ARE ABOUT

This time of year is about caring, love and peace, regardless

of which holidays are celebrated. The focus should be on

what you are thankful for. One of the best gifts you can give

a child is to teach them to be selfl ess and to appreciate the joy

in their lives – despite any diffi culties.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

It is important for children to have a safe, predictable and

happy home. You will not be able to provide this if you are

sick or stressed. You can be most helpful to your kids when

you recognize and attend to your own needs as well as theirs,

including health concerns.

Set aside time for yourself so you have time to shop,

mail packages and decorate. Spend time with friends doing

something fun or relaxing. Set limits on what others ask of

you and make sure you have a support system in place through

friends and family, especially for overwhelming events.

DON’T BE ALONE

Leave town to visit family or host family from out of

town. For those who are unable to travel, enlist the support

of friends, neighbors or even acquaintances in your extended

military family. Regardless of who is nearby, asking for

support is a good thing. Often, people will want to help,

but don’t know how, so it’s up to you to tell them what you

need. Swap babysitting time with another parent or share

a holiday potluck dinner. And don’t worry about the house

being immaculately clean – your guests will understand your

tremendous undertaking.

HAVE OPEN TALKS

Talk to children about the deployed parent and the

holiday in terms they understand. Young children need basic

information. Older children who understand more can talk

about feelings and the challenges of being apart. You may

also consider telling your child’s teacher about your spouse’s

deployment. It may help explain changes in behavior or

performance at school.

LET KIDS EXPRESS THEIR THOUGHTS,

FEELINGS AND FEARS

Encourage questions. Let them know you want to hear

what is on their mind. Often, honest conversation can lift

spirits. If you are stressed and angry, tell them it is not their

fault. If the kids know you are sad, too – but still hopeful and

happy – they will feel much better. Be generous with hugs and

cuddles time too. Your children need hugs and so do you.

BE HONEST ABOUT THE DEPLOYMENT

Be clear about which holidays you will be spending

without mom or dad. Don’t promise things such as “this is

d a d ’ s

last deployment” or that “mom

will be home in time for the holidays” if there is a chance it

won’t happen.

DON’T FORGET TO HAVE FUN!

Schedule plenty of fun activities and make sure to laugh.

Just because your loved one is deployed, does not mean

you have to cancel festivities and wait until they return to

celebrate. But do celebrate when they return, too. Have fun

now and make sure your kids know you are planning another

celebration.

SPREAD THE CHEER

Reach out and help someone else – it can really change

a person’s perspective. Whether you are helping a new

military family, donating toys, visiting a nursing home, or

simply vowing to genuinely wish everyone you see a happy

holiday season, this focus on helping others is good for you

and is a great role model for your kids. Volunteering at a

local homeless shelter or church during the holidays may

help you refocus your energy for good of others.

MONITOR YOUR KID’S MENTAL HEALTH

Limit exposure to television news with extensive or

repeated violent or frightening images. Children who are

preoccupied with questions about war or death should be

evaluated by a mental health professional. Signs that a child

may need additional help include: trouble sleeping, intrusive

thoughts, images, worries or recurring fears about safety,

leaving home or going to school. Ask your child’s doctor or

school counselor to arrange an appropriate referral. Know the

signs of depression and be prepared to deal with the issue.

DEPLOYMENTS ARE NOT FOREVER

It may be hard, but it is not permanent. Sometimes it feels

like we just have to keep smiling and forging ahead or the

holidays will be ruined and it will be our fault. There are

ways to survive the holiday season, in spite of the stresses

of deployment. Try out a few things to see what works.

And after the holidays, plan for how you will celebrate the

holidays when your loved one returns.

Help Children Enjoy the HolidaysWhen A Parent is Deployed

www.fortleetraveller.com November 18, 2010 • TRAVELLER HOLIDAY GUIDE • 5

The Toys for Tots campaign is in full swing collecting

much needed toys that will bring the spirit of the holidays

to children who otherwise would not receive toys. The need

this year is just as great as ever.

The goal is to collect new, unwrapped toys each year

and to deliver to less fortunate children – through new toy

donations, a message of hope will assist them in becoming

responsible, productive and patriotic citizens.

From 1991 to 2005, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

supplemented local toy collections with 64.5 million toys

valued at $344 million. Concurrently, the Foundation provided

over $3.9 million worth of promotion and support materials,

which enable local Toys for Tots coordinators to conduct

more effective local campaigns. Today, there are nearly

20,000 Marines, Marine Corps League members, veteran

Marines and volunteers involved in annual campaigns.

During the campaign, which runs through Dec. 20, new,

unwrapped toys are being collected at locations such as

Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores across the U.S. Cash

donations will be accepted through Christmas Eve at all

Toys“R”Us, Babies“R”Us and Toys“R”Us Express stores

nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/ToysforTots. Cash

donations can be made in any increment from $1 upwards.

All cash contributions are tax deductible. If you donate

online, you will receive a thank you E-mail that can serve

as a tax receipt. If you donate at a store, your register receipt

will serve as a record for tax purposes.

Again this year NBA star, Shaquille O’Neal, is helping

out the Toys for Tots efforts. Shaq-A-Claus is his holiday

alter-ego and he serves as the national spokesperson for

the Toys”R”Us, Inc. Toys for Tots campaign. Since joining

the NBA 16 years ago, O’Neal has given back to local

communities nationwide by purchasing toys at various

Toys”R”Us® locations across the country and donating them

to children in need during the holidays.

In 2010, Toys”R”Us, Inc. and O’Neal are again partnering

to support the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in an effort

to bring smiles to the faces of millions of children across the

country who may not receive a toy on Christmas morning.

This year Toys”R”Us®, Babies”R”Us® and Toys”R”Us®

Express stores across the country are asking guests to “Join

Shaq. Give Back.”

To learn more about Toys for Tots history, fi nd toy drop-

off locations in your area or to make a monetary donation

online, visit http://virginia-beach-va.toysfortots.org/local-

coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.asp

Marine Toys for Tots FoundationDEADLINE APPROACHING TO DONATE TO THE

By Cheryl Pellerin,

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON — The recommended mailing deadline for

sending holiday packages to service members in Afghanistan,

Iraq and other places around the world is quickly approaching.

“Shipping holiday packages early helps ensure that they

arrive in time for the holidays,” Pranab Shah, vice president and

managing director of global business at the Postal Service, said

in a press release. “They are a great morale boost for those men

and women serving their country in places far from home.”

Deadlines for arrival by Dec. 25 are Nov. 26 for space-

available mail; Dec. 3 for parcel airlift mail; Dec. 10 for priority

mail and fi rst-class mail, letters and cards; and Dec. 18 for

express mail military service.

Holiday packages and mail headed for Iraq and Afghanistan

must be sent a week earlier than the deadlines above, Postal

offi cials say. Express mail military service is not available to

those destinations.

The Postal Service offers a discount on its largest priority-

mail fl at-rate box – a 12-inch by 12-inch by 5.5-inch carton that

can accommodate laptop computers, small conventional ovens,

and military care packages.

Mail sent to overseas military addresses costs the same as

domestic mail and the usual price for the large fl at-rate box is

$14.50. But for packages heading to APO/FPO addresses, the

Postal Service charges $12.50 or $11.95 for those who print the

priority-mail postage label online.

Priority-mail fl at-rate boxes are free at any Post Offi ce and can

be ordered online at shop.usps.com. Postage, labels and customs

forms can be printed online at the Postal Service website.

APO/FPO addresses usually require customs forms, Postal

offi cials say, and each country has customs regulations that

apply to all mail, including U.S. military mail, coming into the

country.

Mail addressed to military and diplomatic post offi ces

overseas is subject to restrictions in content, preparation and

handling.

Each fi ve-digit military and post offi ce ZIP code (APO/FPO)

has specifi c restrictions but the following are prohibited in the

regions of Operation New Dawn in Iraq and Operation Enduring

Freedom in Afghanistan:

• Horror comics and obscene articles like prints, paintings,

cards, fi lms and videotapes;

• Anything depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic

or sexual items, or unauthorized political materials;

• Bulk quantities of religious materials contrary to the Islamic

faith, though items for personal use are permitted, and,

• Pork or pork by-products.

For specifi c restrictions and mailing prices to an APO/FPO

address, visit the Postal Service’s online price calculator or a

local post offi ce or call (800) ASK-USPS.

POSTAL SERVICE SETS HOLIDAY MAIL DEADLINE

www.fortleetraveller.com6 • Traveller holiday guide • November 18, 2010

Each year during the holidays, children become emphatic about the latest “got to have” toys

of the season. With added demand, many of the latest toys will be in short demand. Here are a

few of the latest toys for Christmas 2010 that you might see of your children’s wishlist.

XBOX 360 WITH KINECT

Get ready to Kinect to fun entertainment for everyone. Microsoft

Corp. is set to start transforming living rooms beginning Nov. 4 by

inviting the world to dance, hurdle, soar and make furry friends

for life – all through the magic of Kinect – no controller required.

Kinect brings entertainment to life in magical new ways, offering

controller-free TV, movies, music, sports and connecting family and friends worldwide

through video chat in the comfort of the living room. Jump right into a movie in instant-on

1080p HD or thumb through millions of songs from Zune with just a wave of your hand.

FISHER-PRICE iXL

Give the gift of education. This is a perfect selection for

your preschooler as it helps them learn while interacting with

a virtual world of fun. The iXL Learning System has six great

applications for kids: Digital Book Reader, Game Player, Digital

Art Book, MP3 Music Player, Notepad and Photo Viewer. iXL

is PC and MAC compatible and comes with a USB cord to

connect to the computer. The handheld device has a 3.5” TFT

QVGA color screen, built in speaker, action button, tethered

stylus, headphone jack, SD memory card slot and built-in memory to hold the base and

additional software titles, songs and pictures.

SING-A-MA-JIGS

For kids and kids at heart, the Sing-a-ma-jigs are free-

spirited, offbeat characters that set off unexpected laugher and

excitement with every interaction. Their zany looks are unique

to them and when they sing you can’t resist when their little

mouths open wide for each note. Every Sing-a-ma-jig has three

modes of play where they chatter, sing their own song or sing in

harmony with their other Sing-a-ma-jig friends. In chatter mode

they speak their own language full of jibber and jabbers. For

their own take on musical tunes just try song mode where you control the pace of the song.

But, the Sing-a-ma-jigs enjoy nothing more than singing together. In harmonizing mode each

Sing-a-ma-jig sings a scale in a pitch specifi c to that character (some high, some low) and

will always harmonize with each other perfectly every time. The more you collect, the larger

the chorus, the better they sound.

LOOPZ™

Loopz™ is a skill and action music memory game that really

gets kids moving! This interactive device consists of 4 semi-

circular rings. The “loops” fl ash with ever-quickening patterns of

light and music which players must mimic by waving their hands

through the corresponding loops. Motion sensors in each loop read

the action to ensure each sequence was repeated correctly. The

longer you play, the faster it gets! Stay alert – miss 3 times and

you’re out! An internal counter measures each player’s speed, level

and rates their overall performance. The game includes 7 different games that can be played

solo, head-to-head or with up to 4 players. Players aged 7 and up will test and strengthen their

memory, fl exibility and rhythm with musical play.

VTECH V.READER

The V.Reader Animated E-Book System by VTech is an interactive

digital learning toy that encourages young kids ages three to seven

years to learn to read and improve their vocabulary and reading skills.

This e-reader is designed for younger users and features brightly

colored buttons, a large touch screen and a see-through protective case

cover. Use the V.Reader to introduce reading in a fun, dynamic way

that will encourage the development of important skills and keep active

imaginations engaged. Engineered to encourage the development of

important reading skills, the V.Reader is a fun, dynamic learning tool that will keep active

minds encouraged and engaged. Designed to withstand regular use and abuse by young users,

the V.Reader features a sturdy plastic body with see-through plastic screen cover that easily

opens and closes for access to the touch screen and navigational/keyboard buttons.

IMAGINEXT BIGFOOT THE MONSTER

The Imaginext Big Foot includes a remote control, ball, speech

and lots of personality. The remote control has a toggle and seven

buttons. The toggle allows him to walk forward and backwards and

the six buttons are happy, angry, sleep, fun, ball and exercise. Press

the happy button to hear him laugh, press the angry button to hear

him roar and watch him pound his fi sts or raise his arms above his

head and shake his fi sts. The sleep button makes him go to sleep and

features fun sounds like snoring. Big Foot also dreams. Press any

of the emotion buttons while he sleeps and hear him dream. Don’t

forget the fun button for a variety of sounds and words or even

watch him “rap.” The exercise button makes Big Foot work out.

Watch him “lift weights” and make totally different SFX, but watch out. If he works out too

much he will say “No More.” Press the ball button and hear him say things like “play” and

watch him throw the ball. Big Foot also features two interaction buttons on his body: belly

and mouth. Press the button on his belly and hear him laugh, the button in his mouth makes

him chew and burp (don’t worry, he remembers to say “excuse me.”)

Holiday Wish List: TOYS FOR 2010

VILLAGE COINVILLAGE COIN1910 Boulevard, Colonial Heights

(Located at the intersection of Route 1 & Temple Ave)

(804) 520-4949

CoinCoinBooksBooks

BirthBirthYearYear SetsSets

CoinCoinMapsMaps

GoldGoldCoinsCoins

XmasXmasCoinsCoins

OldOldCoinsCoins

NewNewSilverSilver

DollarsDollars

We BuyWe Buy AnythingAnything

GoldGold

Gifts That Last ForeverGifts That Last Forever

www.fortleetraveller.com November 18, 2010 • TRAVELLER HOLIDAY GUIDE • 7

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CHRISTMAS HOMES TOURSUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2010

3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

TOUR TICKETS: $20 SOLD In Petersburg: Historic Petersburg Foundation, Inc., Joyner Paint & Frame,

Palmore Decorating Center, Petersburg Visitor’s Center, Rivers’ Edge Interiors and the Siege Museum

Sold In Colonial Heights: Laine’s Paint & Frame

Sponsored by Historic Petersburg Foundation, Inc.

www.historicpetersburg.org • 732-2096

Visit fi ve homes in Petersburg’s Old Towne Historic District,

including a Holiday Designer House. Enjoy holiday music by

the Petersburg Festival Chorus and refreshments at

HPF’s headquarters from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

www.fortleetraveller.com8 • Traveller holiday guide • November 18, 2010