Summer block parties come to JB MDL Published April 27, 2010 By 2nd Lt. Carolyn Glover Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Members of the housing communities here can expect an old tradition to arrive in their neighborhoods this summer: Block Party 2010 Volunteers of all ranks are invited to host the block parties in their neighborhoods throughout the summer months. The JB MDL Warfighter and Family Readiness Center will sponsor the events through an Air Mobility Command grant, in honor of the Year of the Military Family. The purpose of YoMF is to examine, expand and implement activities and services that enrich the community. The block party program brings servicemembers and their families together in their home environment to achieve this goal. "We are truly excited to have another opportunity to bring our base families together," said Joan Cole, Warfighter and Family Readiness Center chief. "Block Party 2010 is meant to encourage families to come out and get to know their neighbors." Volunteers from each of the on-base neighborhoods will host the block parties. WFRC staff will provide paper products and vouchers for materials from the outdoor recreations center, such as canopies, tables and bounce houses. The center's staff will also assist volunteers in the planning and execution of each block party, as well as in determining the boundaries of the events. In order to assure the block parties are a success, they must not include too many people or too few. "Many families who live in base housing don't really know everyone who lives in their immediate neighborhood. They tend to keep in the same, small social circle," said Maj. Terri Davis, mental health flight commander. "We hope that the block parties will give the entire neighborhood an excuse to get out there and meet everyone." Interaction with neighbors will become even more important when family members deploy. "Deployment causes a lot of stress on the family remaining at home. Having the support from neighbors can make a world of difference," Davis explained. The block party program came as a result of an initiative from the AMC Integrated Delivery System Team. The initiative sought to provide organizations from AMC's 12 bases with grant money to fund programs to better the quality of life on base. JB MDL's IDS team (consisting of base agencies, such as mental health, chapel services, etc.) submitted a proposal to AMC. This was one of 85 proposals submitted by the 12 AMC bases to receive a portion of the more than $430,000 grant money. JB MDL received $9,000 to support the program. The celebration of YoMF gives JB MDL the opportunity to expand and enhance programs for family support. This grant allows the IDS team and the WFRC to expand the scope of quality of life beyond the traditional programs, reaching toward a more encompassing approach through quality of service. "We really hope members of the housing communities will step up and volunteer to host such an event in the spirit of the Year of the Military Family," said Cole. "Only with the help and initiative of our servicemembers can this program be a success." The first block party of the summer will take place in mid-May, in the Falcon Courts East community. To volunteer as a host, contact Joan Cole at 562- 3638.