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Valentine's Day of Pampering

Link to sign-ups for event and daycare at the end of the story

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There will be a lot of lonely hearts this Valentine's Day in the South Sound area. With 18,000 soldiers deployed, that is a fair number of spouses, girlfriends, even boy friends without their loved ones to share the day of love. The Fort Lewis Ranger and Northwest Airlifter newspapers recognized the need to support local spouses and other significant others with a free Valentine's Day of Pampering event at St. Martins University in Lacey on February 14.The pampering style event will be held on 2 to 6 p.m. at St. Martin's Pavilion with free activities, food and daycare for all spouses and significant others with loved ones deployed anywhere away from Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base.  Activities planned for the party include a fashion show, a hypnotist, entertainment, tarot card readings, spa treatments, make-overs, door prizes, food, gift bags and loads of fun.   Only beverages are provided at a cost..In addition, those eligible to attend may also bring a friend for support.  All non-spouses and sigificant others of deployed troops may pay $10 at the door to enjoy the same party.  The money will be used to defray any costs.  The event is a non-profit party - not one dime of profit goes anywhere."We feel honored to be able to bring this event to our heroes - the spouses and other significant others who keep the home fires buring," said Ken Swarner, publisher of the Ranger and Airlifter.  "We extended an invitation to our community partners and the response has been truly humbling.  Lots of local organizations and companies have stepped up to provide goods and services to make this event something worthy of those invited."The afternoon will include a fashion show organized by Vixen's House of Shoes and Apparel in Tacoma, featuring local military spouses walking the run-way.The fashion show comprises 10-12 spouses of deployed service members.  Models will show attire that includes dresses and lingerie.   The show requires a lot of work on the part of the models, Ondia Shapiro, the owner of Vixen's who is hosting the fashion show.  The models, who are all shapes and sizes have to devote a day to the event, she said. "I think people come out and see it goes by really fast and they think it is no big deal," Shapiro said. "But it is.  Wives need to come out to the show and support their friends, and the wives of their friends. Even if they don't know the models, they should show their support to other wives who have their spouses deployed." However, despite their novice experience, these models are ready, she said.  "They all came into the auditions so excited to model and get to send the photos to their husbands," she said. "They are full of confidence.  They are ready to have fun.  It makes me excited."   For more information about the fashion show, call 253-272-1412.The Valentine's event also includes free daycare to those attending."We will have space onsite to entertain the children of the attendees," Swarner said.  "Our local military kids are real heroes as well, and we plan to show them a good time too."In addition to organizations donating their goods and services, the event also includes a merchant area where organizations will set up to share their services available in the South Sound area."We have jewelry, personal care, financial services, clothing and more for attendees to sample and learn more about," Swarner added.Finally, food plays a central role in the program."We are calling it a taste of the South Sound," Swarner said.  "Locla busineeses will be handing our complimentary finger foods all afternoon long.Swarner said the men of deployed troops are also invited to attend the party."We'll have a man-cave of sorts set-up for any guys that want to join us."   

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