Army recruiting station makes its move

During an opening-ceremony extravaganza, the Northtown Plaza in Carson City will come alive Saturday with music, a rock-climbing wall and a panther to pose for pictures with when the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps recruiting offices and Eagle Fitness officially open for business.

The military recruiting station is moving from the Cross Roads Shopping Center behind Safeway at 286 E. Winnie Lane.

"I think this will be a better location for them with a little bit better visibility," said John Heil, public affairs officer for the Sacramento Recruiting Battalion of the U.S. Army.

Soldiers will be on hand at Saturday's event to answer questions about their service, including tips on becoming a soldier in "an army of one" and the educational benefits of joining up.

U.S. Marines will offer a pull-up challenge as well as posters and brochures.

"It should be a lot of fun," said Mike Farrington, general manager of Eagle Fitness, which is new to Carson City.

It will be good for Army recruiting to have a gym nearby, Heil said.

"I think having a lot of people physically fit next door will be good because the Army has a lot of people who are physically fit," he said. "I think there's a good connection."

The new recruiting station has been planned for months and has nothing to do with the possible war in Iraq, Heil said.

Although the official opening ceremony for Eagle Fitness is Saturday, the facility has been in operation for more than a month.

"With Kmart leaving we just want to make sure everybody knows we're here," Farrington said. There are five Eagle Fitness locations in Washington and one in Colorado, he said.

Eagle Fitness offers Life Fitness machines, tanning, aqua massage, a kids club and "cardio theater," which enables patrons to watch TV while they work out.

"It's more of an upscale feel at a great cost," said Ingo Loge, manager, member director and trainer at Eagle Fitness. "It feels like a spa."

Saturday's event will feature tables hosted by two other businesses in the shopping center: Starbucks coffee and Fleet Feet Sports. Starbucks will offer coffee and cookies.

IF YOU GO

What: Opening ceremony for U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps recruiting stations and Eagle Fitness gym

When: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Northtown Plaza shopping center in North Carson

Call: Army recruiting at 882-8506 or Eagle Fitness at 882-8686