WFRC set to host ‘Family Fun Fest’ for community members Published March 30, 2012 By Warfighter and Family Readiness Center JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The Warfighter and Family Readiness Center is set to host the annual JB MDL Family Fun Fest from 1 to 5 p.m. April 11 at the Griffith Field House here. The WFRC is hosting the event to inform families of the services and programs available to them. "The more families know about what JB MDL offers them, the better prepared they will be to meet the challenges of the military life-style," said Amada Espinoza, WFRC relocation and outreach program manager. "Besides, as a JB MDL family, you will also need to be ready to assist a new or young military family who might need guidance." Various organizations will have information tables and subject matter experts to answer the questions. Community members will also have the opportunity to suggest the implementation of an activity, program or class they are interested in. Information is provided in conjunction with an array of fun activities for all members of the family, said Espinoza. Children, for instance, can visit the petting zoo with ducks, chickens, bunnies, a mini horse, a llama and a camel. Children and even parents can also visit the touch tanks housing star fish. Teens can play paintball, climb a rock wall and get suspended in the air by a "Eurobungy." "Families can have serious fun riding a mechanical bull," said Espinoza. "The bull spins and bucks simulating a real bull movement." If families get tired, they can enjoy a relaxing massage. Adorn Beauty Center and Spa will also be on hand to give free haircuts to children six years and younger. Therapy dogs will be on hand to make the haircuts a positive experience for the children. While having fun is a primary goal for the families at the event, the WFRC hopes to mix education in with the fun. "It is smart for families to know what to do in an event of a fire," said Bettie Kuzmick, WFRC chief."So we've invited firemen from the 87th fire emergency services to the event. They will be on hand to answer questions." "Sparky" the fire dog will be at the event to encourage children's interested in fire safety. Lourdes Military Affairs will host a Teddy Bear Clinic to help reduce the children fears of going to a doctor's appointment or visiting the hospital. The clinic will provide Vital checks on the children. Children are encouraged to bring their teddy bears, favorite dolls or stuffed animals to the event. Home Depot will host a workshop at the fest for parents and children to learn how to build a wood piece. This is designed to increase the bond parents and children have with each other. "This workshop promotes a sense of accomplishment and pride," said Kuzmick. "Each child will receive an achievement pin and a kid-sized orange apron." The event will also have a refreshment tent with hot dogs provided by United Communities; drinks and chips provided by the USO; and water provided by the American Red Cross. Community members are encouraged to bring their old cell phones and donate them at the Natural Resources Table. The phones will then be donated to the national Cell Phones for Soldiers program. Additionally, 100 minute international phone card will be donated to a deployed service member for each cell phone turned in. More than 2,000 cell phones have been donated since the installation began participating in the program in 2010. "The fest really has it all," said Espinoza. Call the Dix Warfighter and Family Readiness Center at 562-2767, McGuire Warfighther Family Readiness Center at 754-3154 or Lakehurst Warfighter and Family Readiness Center at (732) 323-1248 for more information.