Making the most of Minot winters

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Wesley Wright
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  With an average high temperature for January of only15 degrees, Minot's winter season can cause many people to spend more time indoors. However, according to base experts, there are many ways people can optimize their time during the cold months.

"Some of the ways I personally make it through the winters are to study for next year's promotion cycle, stay at work a half hour longer to catch up on small things when it is quieter, read a book from the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force reading list or catch up on recent AF news," said Master Sgt. Patrice Chandler, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant.

Sergeant Chandler also emphasized the importance of people taking advantage of every opportunity they have to stay busy.

"It may be cold but if you dress appropriately (in layers and with the correct materials) you can endure the winters outside as well as inside," Sergeant Chandler said. "People can go ice fishing, sledding, sleigh rides, ice skating, bowling, movie watching, attending collegiate or semi-professional sports games, touring downtown Minot and much more." 

Staying active is a theme echoed by the Airman and Family Readiness Center here.

"It is important to remain active even throughout these shortened and cold days of winter," said Nancy Bowers, AFRC community readiness technician.

The AFRC's Discovery Resource Center offers many resources such as quality of life internet accessibility, an expanded library and information references available for check out.

"We also offer many workshops including investing, home-buying, spending, saving and debt reduction, and relationship enhancement," Mrs. Bowers said.

According to Mrs. Bowers, people should also take advantage of volunteer opportunities.
"Many opportunities exist on and off-base," said Mrs. Bowers. "You will be helping the community while at the same time gaining valuable job experience. Free child care may be available depending on the agency for which you volunteer. If you are the spouse of a military member who is on remote tour or deployed for 30 days or more, you are eligible to participate in the Give Parents a Break program which provides stress relief for the parents and the children as well."

Mrs. Bowers added that now might be a good time to pursue higher education opportunities through the education office here.

Whether completing a Community College of the Air Force degree, getting a bachelor degree, or taking self improvement courses, the education office here has many resources and a staff of advisors ready to help people get started.

Another option people have during the winter months is utilizing the resources of Outdoor Recreation. They have numerous winter items available for rent, including snow machines, trailers and much more. They also make multiple ski trips to Canada and other locations each winter season.

More information on Outdoor Recreation and the resources they offer can be found at http://www.5thservices.com/activities/outdoor/index.htm.

Attitude and frame of mind are very important during the winter months, according to Sergeant Chandler.

"What I think what matters most is the attitude and drive one has to make it," Sergeant Chandler added. "If you just sit at home and do nothing, of course you'll have a miserable winter, but if you get out and try new things, at least once, the time will pass and spring will be here before you know it."