JULY/AUGUST2014

In This Issue10 Tips for Healthy Lunches, Recipes P.2

July Event Calendar, Training Calendar, Employee Coupon P.3

August Event Calendar, Employee Coupon P.4

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Keep it Cool with MCCS

A heatwave can make even the most cheerful person miserable; whether it’s an adult or child. But if you can use the resources MCCS offers to your advantage, everyone can keep their cool all summer long.

by Stephanie Andrews

SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOLS FOR YOUR

FINANCIAL LIFEby Sandra Little, AFC

Save, invest and spend less than you make. How many times have you heard that? Though you may hear this advice often, it’s not often you receive complete guidance; detailed, but simple instructions to achieve such recommendations. Because when it comes to financial confidence it takes more than a catchy slogan to truly teach you. It also takes accepting there is no secret, no amount of luck and that it is not simply about making more money to make things financially right. Let me be tactfully honest, unless you change your behavior, start educating yourself and, most importantly, commit to hit the ground running with a “SMART” goal and action plan; more money will never be your long term solution. A SMART goal and plan is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. Here are a few self-assessment tools that can help increase your knowledge and get you on the road to financial success. Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): This is a measure of how much debt and income you have to your name. Your DTI should not exceed 20%. If it does, STOP using your credit cards, STOP applying for credit and START paying off your debt. To compute your DTI, add all of your monthly minimum payments (loans/credit cards, exclude mortgage/rent) and divide that sum by your net income (take home pay). For assistance on how to establish an effective debt reduction plan, check out powerpay.org.

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Movie Marathon (in home or at the theater) - Too hot to go out? Then, stay in. With Red Box locations across the base, summer is the perfect time to stage a movie marathon. You could stick with one actor or genre, for example a Seth Rogan marathon or a day of romantic comedies. Of course, movies are so reasonably priced at Sunset Cinema you could always stage your marathon there instead. See the newest releases for just $2 (like July’s ‘Hercules’ starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) or catch a 3D movie for $4, all in icy cool comfort.

Read a Book - Summer is the perfect time to curl up indoors with a good book, and the Lifelong Learning Library has thousands of options. Seen Divergent, the movie? Why not read the trilogy? There are many options to keep the kids reading while school’s out as well, including the animal-themed "Paws to Read" Summer Reading Program. Or, grab a seat in the Library and just peruse the periodicals. They've got subscriptions to most popular magazines.

Get in the water - Sometimes nothing but a dip in a pool will suffice. For a leisurely day, the Officer/SNCO and family pools have children's areas and lots of places to lounge. Want to plan a pool party? Easy, just call 830-6212 to reserve space. Or, get a work out in and swim laps at the Training Tank. Use that Civilian Fitness Program, get fit and be in the water all at the same time.

Get out of town - Of course, sometimes the only way to deal with the heat of 29 Palms is get out of it for a little while. REC ITT in the MCX has lots of ways to help accomplish that, from a day trip to Disneyland or a weekend getaway to Lake Havasu, all at discounted prices. Plus, if you're going on an overnighter, don't forget to see what supplies Outdoor Adventures can assist you with for your summer journey.

If nothing else, just spend a little bit longer in the walk in coolers at the MCX. We won’t judge you!

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JULY ACTIVITIES CALENDARProgram Activity Date & Time Age

Desert Winds830.6132 Bldg. 3811

Adult & Ladies Golf School Every Tues. & Weds., 9 a.m MCCS authorized patrons

Lifelong Learning Library830.6875 Bldg. 1528

Paws to Read Summer Reading program

July 11 & 25, August 8; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

MCCS authorized children

All Hands Restaurant (at Officers’ Club)

830.6610 Bldg. 1573Hawaiian Luau July 25, 6 - 8 p.m. All hands

New ParentSupport Program

830.7622 Bldg. 1438Baby Basics Workshop July 10, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

MCCS authorized expectant parents

Sandy Hill Lanes830.6422 Bldg. 1584

60 Days of Summer May 8, time TBD MCCS authorized children

Bowling Coaching Ongoing, times vary MCCS authorized patrons

Auto Skills Center830.7527 Bldg. 1083

Basic Class: Vehicle Safety July 12 or 26, 11 a.m. MCCS authorized patrons

Advanced Class: Brakes, Wheels and Tires

July 19, 11 a.m. MCCS authorized patrons

Marine Corps Family Team Building830.3110 Bldg. 1551

LifeSkills: Emergency Preparedness Workshop

July 8, 1 - 3 p.m. MCCS authorized patrons

Counseling Services830.6245 Bldg. 1438

Open Door Counseling Mondays, 5 - 7 p.m. MCCS authorized patrons

Curried Chicken Salad

INGREDIENTS1/2 c diced cooked chicken

2 tbsp celery

2 tbsp chopped green apple

3 tbsp plain yogurt

1/2 tsp curry powder

1 tbsp sliced almonds

3 large lettuce leaves

DIRECTIONS

Mix the curry powder into the yogurt. Then toss the cooked chicken with celery,

chopped apple and almonds with the curry-yogurt. Serve on the lettuce leaves or in a

whole wheat pita (optional.)

Couscous, Chickpea and Vegetable SaladINGREDIENTS1 1/4 cup prepared couscous1/2 lemon 2 tsp olive oil1/4 c chickpeas1/2 c chopped zucchini, carrots and red pepper (combined)

2 tbsp fresh parsleyDIRECTIONSSqueeze lemon then add juice, olive oil and salt to couscous. Mix with

chickpeas and vegetables.

Packing your own lunch for work is a great way to save a few dollars and calories!

1. Choose whole-grain bread, such as wheat or rye.

2. Aim for at least two servings of colorful fruits and vegetables per meal.

3. If you have meat, make it low-fat. Also consider meat substitutes, such as beans and soy deli meat slices.

4. Limit fatty condiments such as mayonnaise, butter or creamy dressings. Check out veggie condiments, like jarred roasted red peppers. They can make low-cal meals more satisfying.

5. Choose proteins with healthy fat sources, such as salmon, tuna or soy.

6. If you want chips, choose baked varieties, ones fried in healthy oils (such as canola) or try veggie chips instead.

7. Make sure to have bottled water handy so you are not tempted by sugary drinks.

8. Stock up on a variety of healthy ingredients so that making a nutritious lunch is quick and easy.

9. Look for healthy convenience foods at the supermarket, such as packaged veggies and fruit, individual low-fat cheeses, and premade spreads and dips.

10. Try new items to add variety, different nutrients and excitement at lunch time.

10 BASIC TIPS FOR HEALTHYBROWN BAG LUNCHES

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EMPLOYEE COUPONJULY/AUG 2014

Valid July 1 - August 31, 2014One Coupon Per Employee.

Valid MCCS ID required.Not to be combined with other specials,

discounts & coupons.

MAIN EXCHANGE830.6163BLDG. 1502MCCS29PALMS.COM

10% OFF10% off one item at the MCX

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70, 20, 10 Guideline: This guideline indicates you should have no more than 70% of your net income going towards your living expenses (rent, mortgage, child support, food, fuel, utilities), no more than 20% going towards debt (loans/credit cards, excluding mortgage/rent) and at least 10% going towards saving. Net Worth: Your net worth is a measure of your wealth. This self-assessment tool is a simple subtraction calculation of what you own minus what you owe; also known as “assets minus liabilities.” Utilize this tool on an annual basis to check yourself. Are you better off today than you were last year? Find out for yourself at bankrate.com/calculators/cd/net-worth-calculator.aspx. Credit Report: Truly understanding your credit report will help you improve your score. Which of the five categories are affecting you? In short; make your payments on time, reduce/eliminate your debt, keep your accounts open, do not apply for too much credit and have some revolving credit (credit cards) and installment accounts (loans). For more detailed information, log onto myfico.com/CreditEducation/Articles/. Don’t feel discouraged if your calculations are not in line with the guidance given here. In the words of Plato, "We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light."

JULY / AUGUST Employee Training Calendar

Managers’ Basics Course July 3, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Retirement SeminarJuly 8, 8 – 9:30 a.m.

Time and Attendance for ManagersJuly 10, 9 - 11 a.m.

(Room 116 at the Education Center)

Leadership Skills for Managers July 22 - 25, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.*

World Class Customer ServiceAugust 4, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Benefits Seminar August 5, 8 - 10:30 a.m.

Four LensesAugust 5, 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Performance Coaching August 6 - 7, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.*

Managers’ Basics CourseAugust 14, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Managers’ CourseAugust 19 - 22, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.*

Understanding and Repairing Credit Reports

August 28, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Training location isPersonnel training room (unless otherwise specified)* Headquarters Sponsored

Visit mccs29palms.com or call 830.6163 ext. 222 for more details.

AUGUST ACTIVITIES CALENDARProgram Activity Date & Time Age

MCCS Special Events830.5086 Bldg. 1024

Back to School WeekAugust 12 - 15 (see website for events & times)

MCCS authorized patrons

The Sesame Street USO Experience for Military Families

August 8 & 9 (see website for times)

MCCS authorized patrons

Marine Corps Family Team Building

830.3110 Bldg. 1551

LifeSkills: 5-Lanuages of Love Workshop

August 6, 5 - 8 p.m. MCCS authorized patrons

Lifelong Learning Library830.6875 Bldg. 1528

Summer Craft Day August 14, 10 - 12 p.m. MCCS authorized children

New ParentSupport Program

830.7622 Bldg. 1438Baby Basics Workshop August 7, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

MCCS authorized expectant parents

Auto Skills Center830.7527 Bldg. 1083

Basic Class: Brakes August 9 or 23, 11 a.m. MCCS authorized patrons

Advanced Class: Codes and Scanners

August 16, 11 a.m. MCCS authorized patrons

Family Advocacy Program

830.6245 Bldg. 1438

Couples Communication Workshop

1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, 9 a.m. - noon

MCCS authorized patrons

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EMPLOYEE COUPONJULY/AUGUST 2014

Valid July 1 - August 31, 2014One Coupon Per Employee. Valid MCCS ID required.

Not to be combined with other specials, discounts & coupons.

HASHMARKS830.5035BLDG. 1531MCCS29PALMS.COM

FREEFree Small Soda w/ Sanwdwich purchase