Nov17Gazette2017

Friday, Nov. 17, 2017 Volume 10, Issue 46Published for members of the SHAPE/Chièvres, Brussels and Schinnen communitiesBBreineefslux News Scouts honor veterans in Flanders FieldsSugar Beets on Roads Scouts from across Belgium honor veterans inWaregem, a city located in the heart of Flanders Fields, Nov. 11, 2017, at the eleventh hour, during the 99th anniversary of the end of World War I. The scouts and their family membersThe harvest of sugar beets were among the 200 guests who attended the ceremony. (Courtesy photo by Kaat Vanderjeugt)started, and many farm tractorswith trailers are on the road. See Pages 3-4These vehicles track mudand drop beets on the road,which can create hazardousand slippery conditions.These dangerous elementscombined with shorter daylighthours and inclement weatherrepresent a greater risk andaccident potential. The onlyproven defense against thesehazards is the application ofthe simple rules of defensivedriving. Please maintain yourvehicle in an acceptable safecondition, reduce and adjustspeed and increase yourfollowing distance behindother vehicles.NAF Open EnrollmentBenefits open enrollmentseason for U.S. nonappropriatedfund employees started lastweek. The season will endDec. 1. Visit the HR office inBldg. 24 on Caserne Daumerieto make changes to yourbenefits plan. Appointmentsare recommended. Call DSN361-5143/5306.Table of ContentsNews...........................2-4Inside the Gate..............5-7Outside the Gate.........8-10

November 17, 2017An avenue to voice your opinionsBy Christophe Morel forums almost eliminating the need for AFAP issues can be submitted year-round.USAG Benelux Public Affairs costly AFAP conferences,” Turner said. (Graphic courtesy) Everybody can make an impact on Asking questions and making suggestions People can also submit their ideastheir community. This is the idea of the is important, but having the answer is and suggestions to the Army CommunityArmy Family Action Plan, or AFAP. Through critical. Service center (Bldg. 318 on SHAPE)this process, U.S. service members and \"After we gather the issues, we first via DSN 366-6833. uDOD civilians, retirees and their families contact the subject matter experts tohave the opportunity to make suggestions get their response. Afterwards, we haveon improving Army quality of life and two garrison steering committees whereother important issues. the garrison commander approves or According to Wallace Turner, Army disapproves the SMEs’ responses,”volunteer coordinator, AFAP was designed Turner said.to give the American military forces Sometimes, some concerns couldan avenue to voice their opinions on not be solved at the local level. In thatquality-of-life concerns on their military case, they would be elevated to U.S.communities or installations. Army Installation Management Command “The process started as a two- headquarters, “where a general officerto-five day conference where a mix steering committee, or GOSC, woulddemographic of members were selected be the final approval or disapproval,”to meet together along with subject Turner added.matter experts to hash out concerns AFAP issues can be submitted yearabout services and policies that could around. People who are interested canbe improved to make the community submit issues to usarmy.benelux.imcom-better,” Turner explained. [email protected] or visit Today, issues are solicited from the U.S. Army Garrison Benelux Familycommunity town halls, drop boxes, online and Morale, Welfare and Recreationsubmissions and various local forums. website to get more information.“A new guidance came out in 2015allowing AFAP concerns to gather at local Listen to AFN: Brussels : 101.7 FM l Chièvres : 107.9 FM SHAPE : 106.5 l Tri-Border community : 99.7 and 96.9 FMAFN BENELUX 360 Internet Radio http://benelux.afneurope.netTo submit or subscribe, email usarmy.benelux.id-europe.list.pao@mail.milCommander.....................Col. Kurt Connell The Gazette is an unofficial publication published under the provisions of AR 360-1 for members of thePublic Affairs Officer......Marie-Lise Baneton Department of Defense. Contents of The Gazette are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, theEditor..............................Christophe Morel U.S. Government, Department of the Army or the USAG Benelux. The Gazette is a free weekly publicationStaff Writers....................Kristin Ellis distributed via email every Thursday, except when that day is an American, Belgian or Dutch Holiday, then The Gazette is published on Wednesday. The editorial content of this publication is prepared, edited, provided, Rita Hoefnagels approved and published by the USAG Benelux Public Affairs Office, Unit 21419, APO AE 09708. Telephone Julie Piron (0032) 068-275419/DSN 361-5419. Everything advertised in this publication will be made available for purchase, Jessica Ryan use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher will refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement of the products or services advertised by the U.S. Army. Submit content or story ideas to [email protected] by Monday at 3 p.m. [2]

November 17, 2017Scouts “pass the torch of liberty” atFlanders Fields ceremonyBy Jerry Beck The cub scouts pay tribute to veter-Special to the Gazette ans by laying wreaths and reading Over 50 scouts from across Belgium converged in Waregem, a city located in poems in both English and Flemish in the heart of Flanders Fields, Belgium, Nov. 11 at the eleventh hour, to honor veterans Waregem, a city located in Flanders during the 99th anniversary of the end of World War I. Fields, Belgium, Nov. 11, 2017, at the Attendance was a collaborative effort eleventh hour, during the 99th anniver- by the American Battle Monuments Commission – Flanders Field American search, cub scouts learned sary of the end of World War I. Cub Cemetery, SHAPE Girl Scouts, Cub Scout about veterans’ heroic acts scouts learned about veterans' heroic Pack 325 and Cub Scout Pack 457. The during some of the most acts during some of the most intense scouts and their family members were intense fighting in the war. fighting in the war. (Courtesy photos by among more than 200 guests who attended Kaat Vanderjeugt) the ceremony. The scouts also took custody of 19 American flags from Richard Arseneault, “We should never forget the sacrifices the cemetery’s superintendent, who explained to the cub made by so many as a testament of their scouts the importance of properly retiring a flag that is service to defend our freedom,” said Tim beyond repair. He encouraged them to continue their civic McGuire, cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 325. duty to honor the American flag through their commitment to their country and scouting. During the ceremony, the cub scouts Following the ceremony in Waregem, the cub scouts paid tribute to veterans by observing a visited the In Flanders Field Museum in Ypres, Belgium. They moment of silence, reading poems in both climbed the historic Cloth Hall Belfry and walked through the English and Flemish and laying wreaths. exhibits as they learned more about World War I’s history The event was not just for paying respect in the West Flanders region. to WWI veterans but to all veterans around Cub scouts received the Transatlantic Council Flanders the world. Field World War I Historic Trails award. The SHAPE Girl Scouts participated in an eight-kilometer walk through the At the end of the ceremony, Kaat Vanderjeugt, Flanders Field region as a part of the new Girl Scout Walking the cemetery’s assistant superintendent, spoke and Hiking Club.u with the scouts about the veterans interred at the Flanders Field American Cemetery and presented cub scouts and their siblings with an information card about one particular veteran laid to rest in the cemetery. Vanderjeugt challenged each scout to identify where the veteran on their card was located in the cemetery. Through the The event was not just for paying respect to WWI veterans but to all veterans around the world. (Courtesy photo by Corinna Beck)[3]

November 17, 2017Armistice Day, Continued from page 3Community remembers Armistice DaySpecial to the Gazette Many Belgian cities held Armistice Daycommemorations Nov. 11 to honor the militaryveterans and civilians of both wars. In Chièvres, the ceremony at the towncemetery was followed by another ceremonyon the square at 11 a.m. Command Sgt. Maj.Samara Pitre, of U.S. Army Garrison Benelux,was present to honor war heroes. In Brugelette, the ceremony started witha religious service at the Brugelette church,followed by a parade through town with threeflower-laying ceremonies. Col. Kurt Connell, USAG Benelux Commander,payed tribute to veterans and saluted in frontof Belgian Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Daumerie'splaque. u Command Sgt. Maj. Pitre and Francis Cordier, an alderman rep- resenting the mayor, pay respect in front of the monument of Chièvres, on the square Nov. 11, 2017. (U.S.Army photo by Julie Piron)(Above) Col. Kurt Connell salutes during the cer-emony in front of Belgian Air Force Lt. Col. JosephDaumerie's plaque in Brugelette. André Des-marlières, mayor of Brugelette, and Fernand Dele-senne, a Belgian veteran, pay respect. (Right) Col.Kurt Connell also participated to the ceremony onthe square, with his son next to him (U.S.Army pho-tos by Marie-Lise Baneton) [4]

Inside the Gate November 17, 2017 All communities MWR is Hiring • Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation is hiring part-time and full-time U.S. employees. Visit the USAJobs website (USAJobs.gov) and search for listings in Belgium or the Netherlands. BRUSSELS COMMUNITY See also above in \"All Communities\" Open Enrollment for Cub Scout Pack 457 • Brussels commmunity families are invited the sign up their children in first to fifth grade or age six to ten for the Cub Scouts. Scheduled activities planned for this year include camping, hiking, community service projects, day camps and quarterly pack outings to exciting venues in and around Brussels. For more information, call +32(0)49-1867101. Through Nov. 24 • CYS Coed Basketball Open Enrollment - Children age 3 to 15 can enroll for the winter basketball season from Dec. 4 to Feb. 17, 2018. A valid sports physical is required before a youth can participate. Spaces are limited. The cost is $25 for participants age 3 to 5 and $45 for participants age 6 to 15. This is open to all U.S. and NATO ID cardholders. For more information, call DSN 368-9651 or +32 (0)27-179651. Volunteer coaches are needed. Coaches receive waived and discounted registration fees. Contact the Youth Sports & Fitness office for more information. • CYS Cheerleading Open Enrollment - Children age 6 to 15 can enroll for the winter season from Dec. 2017 to Feb. 2018. A valid sports physical is required before a youth can participate. Spaces are limited. The cost is $45. This is open to all U.S. and NATO ID cardholders. For more information, call DSN 368-9651 or +32 (0)27-179651. Volunteer coaches are needed. Coaches receive waived and discounted registration fees. Contact the Youth Sports & Fitness office for more information. Through Nov. 30 • November Fitness Challenge - Participants are challenged to do plank for two minutes, four days a week. The two minutes can be done all at once or in intervals. The challenge is open to all fitness levels. For more information, call DSN 368-9667 or +32(0)27-179667. • Community Movie Night - Take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy free entertainment at the 3 Star Recreation Center starting at 6:30 p.m.! The schedule includes IT (R) on Nov. 17 and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man Tell No Tales (PG-13) on Nov. 30. For more information, call DSN 368-9822 or +32 (0)27-179822. Nov. 18 • Turkey Trot 5K - Celebrate Thanksgiving in a healthy way starting at 9 a.m. Open to U.S., NATO, U.S. Embassy, and U.S. mission ID cardholders. Call the Brussels Fitness Center at DSN 368-9667 or +32 (0)27-179667. To register, go to https:// brussels.armymwr.com/promos/turkey-trot-5k-runwalk-registration. SCHINNEN/BRUNSSUM COMMUNITY See also above in \"All Communities\" Closures • ID Card Facility closed Nov. 17 - Due to system updates in JFC Brunssum, there will be no ID card services (CACs, pin resets, 1172-2s, updates, etc.) that day. Please contact the ID Card Facility in Geilenkirchen Air Base for emergency CAC replacements services at DSN 458-6070 or +49(0) 2451632204. Services are scheduled to resume Nov. 20. • Troop Store and Gas Station closed Nov. 23 - These businesses will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving. The Troop Store’s operating hours for Black Friday/Saturday sales are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call +31 (0)46-4437233 or DSN 360-7233. • Schinnen Hazmat Office closed Nov. 24 - The office will be closed all day. For more information, call DSN 360-7437 or +31 (0)46-4437437. • Andrews Federal Credit Union closed under further notice - The Schinnen branch is closed until further notice. Please contact the Brussels branch at +32 (0)27-219905 for assistance. Netherlands Law Center • Change of Office Hours - The Netherlands Law Center's office hours at Schinnen changed. The center will be closed Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to conduct training. However, they will be open on Fridays except during tax season. The Netherlands Law Center will continue to be closed for client visits between noon and 1 p.m. daily. Netherlands Law Center. • Free or subsidized travel by a non-federal entity - If you are offered free or subsidized travel by a non- federal entity please contact your ethics counselor before acting on the offer. These have to be previewed for ethical compliance before acceptance. Reportable 31 U.S.C. 1353 travel payments are all payments [5]

Inside the Gate November 17, 2017 from non-federal sources to DA employees which exceed $250, and which cover travel, subsistence, and related expenses for employees to attend meetings or similar functions in their official capacities away from their duty station. 31 U.S.C. §1353 and 41 CFR § 304 are the laws requiring an ethics review prior to acceptance. Army Directive 2007-01, paragraph 15g (3) requires ethics counselors to consolidate reports of payments accepted from a non-federal source (31 USC 1353) on Standard Form 326. To ensure that the receipt and reporting of travel benefits is properly accounted for, please contact the ethics counselor prior to acceptance. If you have an offer of travel from a non-federal source, please contact The Netherlands Law Center at DSN 360-7693; or +31 (0)46-4437693. For questions, please call DSN 360-7682/7654 or +31 (0)46-4437682/7654. Through Nov. 24 • CYS Cheerleading Open Enrollment - Children age 6 to 15 can enroll for the winter season from Jan. 16 to Feb. 24, 2018. Practice begins Jan. 8 at the CYS Gym/AFNORTH Gym. Youth must be registered with CYS Services and have a valid health assessment. The cost is $45. For more information, call DSN 606-244- 3121/2023 or +31 (0)45-5263121/2023. • CYS Coed Basketball Open Enrollment - Children age 3 to 15 can enroll for the winter season from Jan. 16 to Feb. 24, 2018. Practice begins Jan. 8 at the CYS Gym/AFNORTH Gym. Youth must be registered with CYS Services and have a valid health assessment. The cost is $20 for youth age 3 to 5 and $45 for youth age 6 to 15. For more information, call DSN 606-244- 3121/2023 or+31 (0)45-5263121/2023. Volunteer coaches are needed. Coaches receive waived and discounted registration fees. Contact the Youth Sports & Fitness office for more information. • CYS Junior Girls Basketball Open Enrollment - Children age 13 to 15 can enroll for the winter season from Jan. 16 to Feb. 24, 2018. Practice begins Jan. 8 at the AFNORTH Gym. Youth must be registered with CYS Services and have a valid health assessment. The cost is $45. Volunteer coaches are needed. Coaches receive waived and discounted registration fees. For more information, call DSN 606-244-3121/2023 or +31 (0)45-5263121/2023. Nov. 20 • 2017 Turkey Trot - Registration starts at 11:30 a.m., and the event starts at noon at JFCBS Fitness Center. This event is in support of the U.S. Army Birthday Ball 2018. For pre-registrations, contact Sgt. Del Valle: +31 (0)45-5263253. Nov. 28 • Christmas Crafts Market -The American Spouses Club is organizing their annual Christmas Crafts Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the JFC Brunssum International Conference Center. Entrance is free. Dec. 1 • Bowling Fundraiser Event - This is a fundraiser at the Schinnen Bowling Center starting at 6 p.m. to raise funds for the U.S. Army Ball 2018. The cost is €20 per person. Each team must have a minimum of six members and maximum of seven members. Dec. 4-8 • Veteran’s Administration - 2017 SFL/TAP Classes - Registration for the Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program SFL/TAP is open. The SFL/TAP classes are mandatory for separating and retiring service members. The five-day class consists of: Dec. 4-6 - Department of Labor Employment Workshop. Learn the skills needed to make your transition to civilian life successful. DOLEW includes effective job search, résumé-writing and interviewing techniques. Be sure to bring a laptop computer or electronic tablet. Dec. 7 - Veterans Affairs I and II Briefings. VA Benefits I and II briefings are part of VA's portion of Transition Goals, Plans, Success, or GPS, which is designed to help military members make the transition to civilian life. Find out the latest on VA policies, benefits and eligibility from the people who know. Dec. 8 - Personal Financial Planning for Transition. This briefing will help prepare you and your family with the financial management tools and resources to help assure your family's strong financial future. All classes will take place at the JFC Brunssum Library's multipurpose room from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can attend all or any that you may be interested in. For more information, call DSN 606-244-3848/3475 or +31 (0)45-5263848/3475. Dec. 13 • Play & Parent Support Group - From 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., a mixed age Play & Parent Support Group for parents with children up to 36 months old is available at ACS in Schinnen. Each meeting has toys, circle time (with songs and books) and a sharing section where parents can discuss their parent- ing successes and challenges with the new parent support home visitor. New Parent Support is available to all U.S. ID card holders. The home, office and hospital visits are all a great way to receive support and [6]

Inside the Gate November 17, 2017 information from a caring professional regarding your pregnancy, newborn, young child or to discuss your family and transition to parenthood. For appointments, please call DSN 360-7500 or +31 (0)46-4437500. Dec. 21-22 • Host Nation - Newcomer’s Orientation & Cultural Tour – From 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Schinnen ACS, all newcomers and spouses are invited to learn about your new community, including local customs, culture and language. On the first day, explore the Dutch culture with an introduction to the language and get an overview of Tri-Border services. On the second day, go beyond the gate to visit a few local attractions and shopping areas and learn how to use the local train system. Fo more information, call DSN 360-7500 or +31 (0)46-4437500. SHAPE/CHIÈVRES COMMUNITY See also page 5 in \"All Communities\" Demolition and Remediation Sites • Works at POL10-3, near the gas station, are completed. At POL10-2 (near Bldg. 20006), works are expected to be completed no later than the end of November. Please remember to follow the speed limits and stay safe while driving near this area. Commissary Hours of Operation for Thanksgiving Week • In observance of Thanksgiving, the Commissary will be open Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Commissary will be closed Thursday Nov. 23 and Friday Nov. 24. AAFES is Hiring • AAFES is hiring on Chièvres Air Base. To apply, visit https://www.applymyexchange.com. For more information, call DSN 361-5337 or +32 (0)68-275337. Through Nov. 30 • Dinovember - Visit the SHAPE International Library during November to learn all about dinosaurs. Create your best Dinovember scene, take a photo of it and submit to the SHAPE International Library by Nov. 30 for a chance to win a \"DINOMYTE\" prize! A Dinovember party will held Nov. 18 at the library from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call DSN 423-5631 or +32 (0)65-445631. Through Dec. 9 • American Legion Oratorical Scholarship Contest - The American Legion \"Flanders Field\" Post BE02 will sponsor the first stage of the American Legion High School Scholarship Contest Dec. 9 starting at 1 p.m. at SHAPE American Middle School. The contest is open to U.S. high school freshmen through seniors, or the home-school equivalent. The local prizes are $250 for first place and advancement to the Department of France competition, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place. For more information, visit http://postbe02oratoricalcontest.weebly.com or email [email protected]. Through Dec. 13 • Winter Driving Training Classes - The Logistics Readiness Center will provide mandatory annual winter driving classes for government license holders. Classes are held at SHAPE Bldg. 220 training room on Wednesdays from 9:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (in English). More information: DSN 366-6603 or +32 (0)65-326603. Nov. 20-21 • Host Nation/Newcomer's Orientation and Cultural Tour - Army Community Service is inviting all incoming service members, civilians and their family members to participate in Host Nation Orientation in Bldg. 318 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration is required. Call DSN 366-6824 or +32 (0)65-326824. Upcoming Organized Trips & ToursSHAPE Trips & Tours • Thermae 2000 in Valkenburg, Jan. 20 • Belgian Beer Tour in Antwerp, Feb. 3Serving Brussels, Chièvres and SHAPE. Call DSN 423-3884 or • Japan, Feb. 9-16 • Valentine's Dinner Cruise on the Seine in Paris, Feb. 17+32 (0)65-443884. • Harry Potter Studio Tour, Nov. 18 Schinnen Trips & Tours • London, Nov. 25 Call DSN 360-7560 or +31 (0) 46-4437560. • Luxembourg Christmas Markets, Dec. 2 • Reykjavik & Iceland, Dec. 3-7 • Paris Express, Nov. 18 • Düsseldorf, Germany Christmas Markets, Dec. 9 • Cologne Christmas Markets, Dec. 2 • Strasbourg, France, Dec. 16 • London Express, Dec. 9 • Aachen and Monschau, Germany, Dec. 23 • Bruges, Jan. 13 • Paris, Dec. 27 • Luxembourg, Feb. 17 • New Year's Celebration in Berlin, Dec. 29 - Jan. 1 • Weekend Trip to Normandy, France, Jul. 20-23 [7]

Outside the Gate November 17, 2017 Highway Construction and Road Closures You may experience some delays while driving in Belgium this season. Road construction projects are occurring throughout the country and may result in temporary lane closures and road congestion. We will provide regular updates to ensure that the community is informed and prepared. Tournai-Mons (E42): There is a new road construction project in Bernissart. Work on a bridge started Nov. 13 and is expected to last two years. Traffic will be reduced to only one lane in the direction of Mons. This new construction project is only 20 km between Mons and Obourg. Brussels (R0): Another road construction project will begin Nov. 16 in Brussels. Increased road congestion is expected Nov. 16-17 and Nov. 20-21 on R0. On Nov. 16, workers will be in Strombeek-Bever. On Nov. 17, they will be on E40 Ostende- Bruxelles in Grand-Bigard. Next week, they are expected to be in Zellik. Hal-Lessines (E429): Pay attention if you are driving from Zutendaal. There is road congestion on E429, between Hal and Lessines, in the direction of Tournai. Traffic is reduced to one lane, and the speed of traffic is reduced to 50 km/h. Mons-Obourg (E19-A7): There are still road congestion because of the rehabilitation of the section between Mons and Obourg in the direction of Brussels. Work is expected to be completed by the end of this month. Mons/Nimy: Because of the Mons-Obourg project, there is still road congestion at all hours of the day on the boulevards in Mons and on N6 between Mons and the access to the highway in Nimy. Route de Wallonie: This construction project is not completed yet. Try to avoid this road in Ghlin for another week. There was another project on the Route de Wallonie in Hautrage, but it is now completed. Andenne/Daussoux (E42/A15): The three-way yard project between Andenne and Daussoulx has been underway since August. This project involves 15 km in both directions. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained. Work is expected to be completed by August 2018. Please be cautious and patient while driving at all times. If you have questions or would like to report other highway construction sites and road closures, please email the U.S. Army Garrison Benelux Public Affairs Office at [email protected]. [8]

November 17, 2017Outside the Gate Read about events near Chièvres, SHAPE and Brussels. Courtesy photo Read about events near Brunssum and Schinnen (in Through Dec. 3 the Netherlands unless otherwise indicated). Through Nov. 19 • Autumn Fair in Mons - The traditional Autumn • Spirit of Winter Fair in Apeldoorn - The park of Fair stands on the Grand'Place until Dec. 3 and near the Grands Prés, on Avenue Abel Dubois, Palace Het Loo becomes a magical winter garden. until Dec. 10. There are more than 65 attractions The outdoor fair features crystal, furniture, silver, for all ages. china, plants and Christmas decorations for sale. Entry: €17.50 for adults (includes entrance to Through Dec. 7 the Palace) and €7.50 for children age 4 to 12. • Brussels Museums Late Night Openings - Each Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Friday Thursday, between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m., at least and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. five museums offer guided tours and workshops. • Pre-Christmas Art Market in Senden (GE) - Held It's the occasion to discover the Brussels museums at the Town Hall (Rathaus). Open Friday from 8 in a relaxed atmosphere. The complete schedule a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from is at http://brusselsmuseumsnocturnes.be/en/. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call +32 (0)25-127780. Nov. 17-19 Reservations are required. Free entry. • Art & Pre-Christmas Market in Gescher (GE) Held at Westfaelisches Glockenmuseum on Through Feb. 25 Lindenstrasse 2. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entry: €2. • Exhibition in Mons: David LaChapelle. After the Nov. 17-23 Deluge - The Beaux-Arts Mons (BAM) is hosting, • Indoor Winter Fair in Den Bosch - Held in for the first time in Belgium, a major exhibition Brabanthallen on Diezekade 2. Entry: €20 for dedicated to the American photographer and adults and €9 for children age 4 to 11. Open 10 director David LaChapelle. With an international a.m. to 6 p.m. reputation in the world of fashion, advertising and Nov. 18-25 fine art photography, his work is characterized by • Attractive Antique & Curiosa Market in Roermond touches of surrealism and humor. Held on Rue Held on these Saturdays at Kloosterwandplein Neuve, 8. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. information, call +32 (0)65-405325 or visit http:// Nov. 19-26 www.polemuseal.mons.be/en. Entry is €9. Free • PAN Amsterdam – This is a large international entry on every first Sunday of the month. art and antique fair held at RAI in Amsterdam. Every year, more than a hundred art and antique Nov. 18 dealers sell paintings, jewelry, design, silverwork, • Flea Market in Forest - Held on Rue Rodenbach glass, statues, Asian art and more. Open Nov. featuring 150 booths from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 19 and 25 from noon to 7 p.m., Nov. 20 to 22 and 24 from noon to 9 p.m., and Nov. 23 and 26 Nov. 18-19 from noon to 6 p.m. Entry: €15 for adults, €7.50 • Toy Fair in Tournai - Saturday is reserved for children, for children ages 12 to 18, and free for children with a toy stock exchange organized for and by age 11 and younger. the smallest. On Sunday, it’s time for collectors, Nov. 24-25 who come to offer and sell their collections to the • “Gees in Winter” - The beautiful village with its public. Held at \"Halle aux Draps,\" on the square, typical Saxon farm houses is transformed into from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free entry. a winter wonderland. Walking along the farm • Crafts Market in Oeudeghien - More than 45 houses in the center, attendees will enjoy the vendors will be on-site. Held on Rue du Petit Dieu many activities, music, theater, culture and stands Saturday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from with decorations, furniture, antiques and more. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, email Open Nov. 24 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Nov. 25 [email protected]. Free entry. from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Through Jan 31 Nov. 19 • Winter Efteling in Tilburg - Held at Efteling • Volksmarch in Soignies for 5, 10, 15 or 20 km Amusement & Fairy Tale Park in Kaatsheuvel on Departs Rue du Chamoine Scamure, 15 from 8 Europalaan near Tilburg. The event offers festive, a.m. to 6 p.m. winter fun. Open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 6 • Volksmarch in Horrues for 5, 10, 15 or 20 km p.m., weekends and Dec. 20 to Jan. 4 from 11 Departs Chemin à Rocs, 4 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. a.m. to 8 p.m., and Dec. 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 • Volksmarch in Bois-de-Lessines for 5, 10, 15 or a.m. Entry: €40. 20 km - Departs Place de Bois-de-Lessines, 52 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. • Volksmarch in Harmignies for 5, 10, 15 or 20 km Departs Rue Vieille Eglise, 3 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. [9]

November 17, 2017 It's already Christmas time! Special to the GazetteOutside the Gate Starting at the end of November, many Christmas Nov. 17 - Jan. 17 Markets open their gates in Germany, Belgium and the • Valkenburg - Christmas Town - On Wednesday at 7 Netherlands. In Germany every town, city or village has p.m. and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., a Christmas parade at least one Christmas Market. Some even have four with floats will move through the center. or five. Most German Christmas Markets start around Nov. 24 and close around Dec. 23 or 24. On Nov. 26, a Nov. 18 German religious fest day, many markets will be closed • Winter Wonder Plaza in Willebroek (BE) – Held at or open for only a few hours. Plazarama on Overwinningstraat, 133 with many In Belgium and the Netherlands, the majority of stands. No entry fees. Open 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Christmas Markets do not start until after the fest of Sinterklaas, Dec. 5 and 6. This week’s Outside the Gate Nov. 18- Dec. 23 includes a few Christmas Markets and fairs. A large list • Christmas Market in Bonn (GE) – Held on the of Christmas markets and fairs in Belgium, Germany Münsterplatz, the Bottlerplatz, the Friedensplatz and the Netherlands will be available soon. and connecting streets. The vendors offer traditional Nov. 16-19, 23-25, 30 - Dec. 3, 7-10, 14-17 Christmas goods such as candles, arts and crafts and more. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed Nov. 26. • Christmas Market in Bad Sassendorf (GE) - Open • Warm Winter Weeks in Soest – Held at Garden from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Center Vaarderhoogt on Dorresteinweg. It has a Christmas village with many nostalgic shops, music, Nov. 17-19 and more. Open all days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and • Danish Christmas Fair in Rotterdam – Held at Fridays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. No entrance fees. Danish Naval Church on Coolhaven, 1 with all kinds of Danish products. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 21-26 • Swedish Christmas Market in Rotterdam - Held at • Country & Christmas Fair in Haarzuilens – Held Swedish Naval Church on Parklaan, 5 with Swedish at Castle De Haar. More than 200 stands featuring products. Open: Nov. 17, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Nov. exclusive articles, accessories and novelties. Open 18-19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 21-25 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entry: €20; €10 for children Nov. 17-19 & 24-26 age 12 to 16. • Finnish Christmas Market in Rotterdam - Held on Gravendijkwal, 64 with lots of Finnish articles Nov. 23-25, Nov. 29-Dec. 3 & Dec. 6-10, 13-17, 20-23 and delicacies. Open Friday from noon to 8 p.m., • Opening of the Castle Merode - Christmas Market and Saturday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (GE) - The market is open Wednesdays to Nov. 17 - Dec. 23 Thursdays, from 2 p.m. • Christmas Market in Valkenburg - Located in to 8 p.m., Fridaysfrom 2 Gemeentegrot on Cauberg, 4. Open Mondays p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturdays to Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays to from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays, and Sundays, from noon 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Dec. 23, the market will open to 8 p.m. Entry is €7 from noon to 6 p.m. Entry: €7; €5 for children age (Wednesdays to Fridays), €8 from Saturdays to 5 to 11. Sundays, €2 for children age 6 to 16. • Another Christmas Market in Valkenburg - Held in the Fluwelen Cave under the castle ruins on Nov. 24-28 Daalhemmerweg. Open Sundays to Thursdays from • Magical Christmas Moments in Bruges – Held in noon to 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. Oud Sint-Janshospitaal, in the center of Bruges, the to 9 p.m. On Dec. 23, the market will open 10 a.m. event offers a variety of gifts, Christmas decorations, to 6 p.m. Entry: €7; €5 for children age 5 to 11. and workshops. Open all days 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entry: €15; free for children age 13 and younger. Nov. 17 - Dec. 24 • Christmas Show in Schimmert - Held at Lupa Outdoors Nov. 24-Dec. 23 Vijvercentrum Limburg on Op de Bies 70. Open • Christmas Market in Aachen (GE) – Held around Mondays from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesdays to the historic Town Hall. Open daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays except Nov. 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Christmas Show in Valkenburg - In English country Nov. 24-Dec. 30 style at Ricos on Hekerweg, 37. Open Fridays from • Christmas Village in Liège - Held at Place de Marché 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays to Sundays from noon to 5:30 p.m. and Place Saint-Lambert, this is the largest Christmas Market in Belgium. Open Sundays to Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Thursdays to Saturdays from 11 a.m. to midnight. [10]