European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - January 15, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse Closer looks a Jon Connor members of the Baum older Charm course listen eagerly to a talk on personal Hygiene at the Uso recreation Center. Baum older course helps turn on Charm r by Jon Connor staff writers rowing up in the. 90s is Tough. And when you re an american girl living overseas the situation can get even More complicated. Both parents and r i teens say that the mix of cultures and customs intensifies the difficulties for teen age and pre teen girls living through one of the most faddish and influential times of their lives. They can use All the help they can get. In Baum older a Charm school has begun for girls Ages 8 to 1 8 for just that reason. The course open to military family members teaches the finer Points of being female. The 1 0-week course is held saturdays from noon to 4 . In the Uso Community recreation Center at Baum older s . Smith Barracks. Baum older about 30 Miles from the French and Luxembourg Borders is Home to an estimated 18,000 military personnel family members and civilian employees. Every lady is a woman but every woman is not a lady course organizer Athena Sanford told attendees during her opening remarks last week. We re Here to teach you. You re Here to the course s theme is presenting the Best possible according to a pamphlet Given to students it has three main goals for the students to enjoy themselves to leave feeling better about themselves and to feel increased Athena Sanford Hopes the girls will develop dignity and self respect. Confidence in their ability to handle some of the inevitable experiences of adult life. Topics of instruction include personal Hygiene dental Hygiene nutrition and health Nail care skin care and makeup application hair care poise Grace and posture color coordination style and fashions table etiquette and ethics. Local professionals or instructors with experience and background knowledge on the respective subjects will be teaching the classes. The course is sponsored by the Baum older Pink Rose auxiliary chapter of the non commissioned offices association. It is a nonprofit Community based organization which operates through volunteers. According to Sanford the Pink Rose chapter has chosen to direct its projects towards the youth and spouses of the Community. One trend of the 90s, Sanford said is that the feminine mystique gone Sanford herself is a Charm school graduate attending when she was a pre teen in the mid 60s. Back then she said a Charm school emphasized modelling. Today a Charm school takes on a variety of subjects such As stress and also discusses such societal topics As family Church and friends. Asked what was the greatest Benefit she received from Charm school Sanford replied my behaviour and the Way i carry myself dignity and / Sanford said those same lessons Are relevant today. She said the course would encourage the girls to be assertive of who they they la learn that they can be a corporate Boss and still be a lady she said. But some of the girls were interested in More immediate matters. For 11 year old Jennifer Mize learning How to properly apply makeup was one reason to take the course. She said she is not allowed to Wear makeup in Public but she can Wear it at Home. About 50 students Are enrolled in this Cycle with several girls already signed up for the next. The Cost is $10 in addition to gathering practical information that they can use in real life the students will help put on a fashion show at Baum older s main Exchange on March 17. And on March 26, a dinner is scheduled at the local Rheinlander club giving students the Opportunity to develop their roles As Young ladies. As a final tribute All graduates will receive a certificate and Pink Robe. Jones valuable lessons in becoming a lady their reasons Are similar. They want to be ladies. For the girls attending the first session of the Charm school in Baum older Germany jeans Are of but wearing a dress is the Way to go at least for a lady. Cigarette smoking is definitely not Cool and consumption of alcohol is frowned upon let alone dating a drunk. I want to act like a lady explained 10-year old Tare Jones. I want to be Able to go to fancy fortar6, the Charm school offers guidance into the world of Glamour and Success. It also offers a Way of life whose value Many her age Don t understand or deem As not the Norm. Classmate Jennifer Mize 11, agrees. You need it for everyday life she said. As Jennifer sees it knowing you re a lady and being Able to recognize you re not being treated like a lady is very important. They boyfriends might not want you to be a lady she explained. Some Tare added could have a drinking problem and do things that a lady won t tolerate. You have to be mature she said of dating. You just can t go pick anybody adding it s important to Date someone you re comfortable with. Otherwise she said a girl who does t know different could end up with someone who s crazy smokes or gets one might think that learning How to fix hair care for nails or developing feminine mannerisms would bring a big Yawn from older members of the class. But this in t so in the Case of 18-year-old Kristi Easthom a High school senior. Soon like others her age she will be going Down a new path in life and feels being a lady will make a positive Impact on others future employers co workers roommates or boyfriends. I feel like i have a lot to learn Kristi said. Self Confidence respect for others better the Charm school she said will help her set standards to choose a and the things you should look for in a you re always going to be interacting with people Kristi said adding that she feels a lady has a higher stature than a Charm school is something every girl should experience. It s something that will Benefit you the rest of your but the students say girls Aren t the Only ones who can Benefit. Boys should have a Charm school too said Tare. I think they Pink Rose chapter a Good Jon Connor Easthom the stars and Stripe saturday january 15, 1994 15
