Moving to a new location can be a daunting experience, especially when leaving your friends and family behind. The Lewis Community Spouses' Club (LCSC) is a great resource for military spouses to meet new people and contribute to their local community. The new year kicks off Tuesday, Aug. 21, with a Super Sign-Up event at the Sam Adam's Brewhouse at Eagle's Pride.

Jamie Lynn Blum, LCSC 2018-2019 president, said, "The annual LCSC Super Sign-Up event is where someone who is interested in the club can come and get more information about luncheons, the club's community outreach efforts, special events, and sub clubs. There will be 40 vendor tables open for shopping and opportunity tickets will be on sale for $1 (for door prizes). Everyone who joins the club at the event will be entered in a drawing to win a free luncheon. Many of the new board members will be available to answer questions; look for the ladies in navy blue LCSC T-shirts."

One of the big benefits of the club is the sub clubs. These smaller groups of spouses band together to enjoy an activity together and share common interests. It is a great way to meet new friends. "Current sub clubs include Bunco, Wine Club, LCSC Book Club, Cooking Club, LCSC Crafters, MilSpouse in Business, Lunch Bunch, and PNW Explorers. We are hoping to add a second book club that will meet during the day, a running group, and bowling club this year," said Blum.

Enjoy cake and punch at the Super Sign-Up while meeting your fellow spouses. There are plenty of opportunities to shop. Take the time to sign up for a sub club; these groups typically meet once a month, so many LCSC members join more than one. All new members will receive a free gift for joining.

One member who is coming back is Angie Melnyk who participated in the Lunch Bunch sub club. She enjoyed it so much, she is heading it up this year.  

"I am running Lunch Bunch," Melnyk said. "I'm really excited to start the new club year and continue to explore the food scene from Tacoma down to Olympia.  It's really fun to get out with other spouses over delicious PNW eats."

LCSC membership is $25 annually and can be purchased online or at the event. The Lewis Community Spouses' Club is a volunteer run, nonprofit, all ranks, spouses group at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. It is dedicated to giving back to soldiers and their families. Membership is open to all spouses of active-duty, Reserve, National Guard and retired personnel of the Armed Forces. The club is honored to extend membership to Gold Star spouses.

LCSC Super Sign-Up, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 21, Sam Adam's Brewhouse at Eagle's Pride, Exit 116 from I-5, free, lewiscommunityspousesclub.org