GET TO
THURSDAY, MAY
23,
2013
THE POINT THE
NEWSLETTER
VOLUME
OF THE
NCCC
XIX, ISSUE
11
ATLANTIC REGION
Raven Two Lands In Martha’s Vineyard Alumni Spotlight
Photo Gallery
Team Leader Spotlight
Rowan Hess, Corps Member Pacific Region, Class XVII
Week Three of Round Two Projects
What Does a Support Team Leader Actually Do?
CONTENTS
IN THIS
ISSUE 03 Gallery Images from the third week of Round 2 projects
05 Bulletin Board Weekly Vehicle Safety Tip & An Update of ISP Hours
I’m a member of the National
↑ Moose 1 (a.k.a. “The Moosicorns”)
Civilian Community Corps,
throw up their
an AmeriCorps Program.
team picture while
N-Triple-C members are 18 to 24 and spend
St. Bernard Project
10 months getting things done for America
“antlers” for a working with the in Queens, N.Y.
06 Alumni Spotlight Laura Rosenthal, Corps Member, Class III Western Region
08 Feature
while developing their own leadership. We
Birds of Paradise: Raven Two
serve on teams to help communities prepare
Lands at the FARM Institute in
for and respond to disasters, build homes, and help the environment. To learn more, visit AmeriCorps.gov/NCCC or call 1.800.942.2677
Edgartown, Mass.
10 Team Green What does an STL do?
11 Shout Outs CONNECT WITH AMERICORPS NCCC ATLANTIC REGION
12 Project Map
Sam McKenzie, Community Relations Specialist (CRS) Phone: 202.528.3755 ● Email: smckenzie@cns.gov Mona Hillstrand, Assistant Community Relations Specialist (ACRS) Phone: 202.815.4259 ● Email: rhillstrand@cns.gov Ben Dillon, Community Relations Support Team Leader (CRSTL) Phone: 443.995.7940 ● Email: bedillon.guest@cns.gov
About the cover Members of Raven 2 show their excitement upon
facebook.com/ncccatlanticregion
arrival to Martha’s Vineyard, Mass. for
twitter.com/americorpsnccc americorps.gov/nccc
2
MAY 23, 2013 | GET TO THE POINT
their Round 2 project with the FARM Institute.
GALLERY
↑
Phoenix 2 member Carson Scherer operates a hose for fire suppression during a prescribed burn at Piney Grove Preserve in Sussex County, Va.
→ While working with Habitat for Humanity, Members of Buffalo 1 apply sealant to the foundation of a house in Bath, Me. ↓
Buffalo 3 member Sarah Kolb paints a wooden marker for a recreational nature trail at Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve in Maine.
GET TO THE POINT | MAY 23, 2013
3
GALLERY
↑ Buffalo 4 member David Wright demolishes a shed in Moonachie, N.J. that was damaged by floodwaters during Hurricane Sandy. → Ian Slingsby of Raven 3 repairs a window while working with Rebuilding Together in Pittsburgh, Pa. → Natalie Hillmann of Moose 4 dangles from a zip line, part of a ropes course at Frost Valley YMCA, while Team Leader Ryan Abdelnour slows her momentum from the ground. → Bri Rainey and Jared Schopp of Phoenix 2 help a child build a birdhouse during a birding festival at the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Suffolk, Va. ↓ Members of Firefox 1.0 pause for a team photo following a prescribed burn at Soldier’s Delight in Maryland.
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MAY 23, 2013 | GET TO THE POINT
BULLETIN BOARD
“You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Kayla Lickey and Cecilia Veloz, members of composite team Black Bear 1, remove moldy sub-flooring from a home in Seaside Heights, N.J.
ues to take The Raven Unit contin nt Service the lead in Independe t one week Project hours with jus left of the round. ISP Hours Complete Raven: 45.37% Buffalo: 44.71 % Moose: 33.3%
Vehicle Safety Tip When you drive on wet or icy
roads, you should: 1.
Increase following distance
2.
Slow down as you
3.
approach intersections Shift into a lower gear
Support Team Leaders Courtney Strother and Stephanie Ferguson enjoy the great outdoors.
before going down a hill
GET TO THE POINT | MAY 23, 2013
5
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Rowan Hess Class XVII Corps Member, Pacific Region
Rowan Hess was a member of the Gold 4 team in Pacific Region Class XVII. He is currently an Empowerment Coach at the I-Lead Charter School in Reading, Pa. His responsibilities include being a resource for students in the classroom, tutoring, providing emotional support, keeping students motivated, and assisting them with personal problems. Why did you decide to join AmeriCorps? I decided to join AmeriCorps because I had just graduated from college with a degree in Elementary Education and I didn’t see myself becoming a teacher anytime soon. My friend, who graduated a year ahead of me, was a member at the Denver Campus while I was a senior in college, and she told me about the program. I never studied abroad and wanted an opportunity to travel, to see new parts of the country. I also wanted to have a positive impact on those around me and
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MAY 23, 2013 | GET TO THE POINT
Interview by Ben Quimby Moose 2 Member
to meet new people. AmeriCorps NCCC was an opportunity to do all of those things. Do you have any advice for Corps Members? Being flexible and going with the flow helps out a lot. Take advantage of every opportunity that you can get; try and explore the area where you are. Find ISPs that you enjoy doing. I found an ISP petting kittens at an animal shelter. A friend found an ISP at a benefit concert, where fifteen different bands were playing. ISPs don’t have to be just stuffing envelopes, they can be a lot of fun. I would also recommend spending one night a week together with your team. Some teams may like board games, others just hanging out, but spending time as a team is important.
Continued on page 7
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT What was your favorite aspect of your experience with AmeriCorps? My favorite aspect was traveling to different parts of the country, while doing service. I got to go to Yosemite National Park and help make it a better place as well. I wasn’t just there to go on vacation. One of my favorite aspects, looking back after having completed the program, is having friends in different parts of the country. If I decide to go on a road trip, and I am going through say, Ohio, I have a friend there I can stay with.
and found it had been started by a lightning bolt hitting a snag. You could see a scar on the tree from where the lightning had struck. It looked kind of like the scar from Harry Potter’s head. We dug a line surrounding the tree to prevent the embers from spreading and planned to come back when it stopped raining. Shortly thereafter, California fire fighters came with a truck and hosed down the fire. The fire was only one quarter the size of a basketball court, but it was really cool to be called to respond to a fire.
“I have a greater appreciation for service and service learning and helping other people.”
Do you have any memorable moments from your term of service? I was a firefighter in Sacramento and our sponsor was the Tahoe Fire Service. One day, our team was driving back to our spike location after doing some pile burnings. It began to rain very hard and our site supervisor called us, asking if we wanted to respond to a fire. We were shocked because it was pouring outside, but we agreed. We started driving our van towards the location and were struggling to find our way on muddy, unpaved back roads. As the sun was going down, we saw smoke from the fire. We arrived at the fire
How has your time in AmeriCorps influenced your life since you left the program? I have a greater appreciation for service and service learning and helping other people. Also, it was a stepping stone for my career goals. I started hearing about organizations like the SCA and NOLS and I became interested in outdoor education. Through AmeriCorps I was exposed to people who had similar ideas and interests. I then went on to do an internship at the SCA. AmeriCorps NCCC is also a good resume builder.
↑ Rowan Ness with his Gold 4 teammates in Tahoe National Forest.
GET TO THE POINT | MAY 23, 2013
7
FEATURE
Birds of Paradise
Raven 2 is currently working with their sponsor The FARM institute, which is located in Edgartown, Mass. This is the island famously known for having many musicians, artists, politicians, tourists and the filming location for the movie JAWS . Raven 2 has been working on various jobs with the farm institute which include : Construction , Garden upkeep, weed and invasive species removal and Roofing. We have been preparing the garden for planting which will occur in the next week ahead. What has been planted and soon will be planted are: blueberry bushes, asparagus, lettuce, tomatoes, peas, beats, carrots and broccoli. We have been pulling up weeds and laying down compost and woodchips and spreading the mulch by rake and hand. Some days, it’s vigorous work, but it is really rewarding to know we are actively taking part in the big project and we slowly see it take form. That 8
MAY 23, 2013 | GET TO THE POINT
is worth every minute of work. Everyone here at the FARM Institute is so nice and friendly; they provide a warm positive atmosphere. It’s easy to get out of bed and look forward to your Continued on page 9 ↑ Raven 2 on the coast of Martha’s Vineyard ← Raven 2 member Lewis Cuthair tends to a garden of greens at the FARM Institute in Edgartown, Mass.
FEATURE
work. The weather is fair, the water is warm, the sun is out and the breezes are mild. No matter who you are or what you are doing, you can’t help but smile and love every minute. The FARM Institute’s mission is to get people involved with the processes of cultivation and education on organic vegetables, fruits and livestock, while at the same time teaching kids and adults the history of the farm and Martha’s Vineyard. Everything here is 100 percent organic, which is universally awesome because it is a lot more nutritious, fresh and higher quality. You couldn’t ask for anything better! We have learned plenty and continue to grow, for everyday here there is a little more work to be done. With a tad bit of innovation, we prove our skill and wit on the job site. Another way in which we are helping our sponsor is by working with our site supervisor to construct the new green house. This requires the team to work collaboratively, taking measurements , cutting wood and nailing beams on the roof, digging holes, placing
beams, and creating a small area for an emergency exit from the greenhouse to support the extension to the existing office roof. The greenhouse once built will be used immediately to grow and harvest vegetables and also display to visitors the creative processes and techniques that the FARM Institute combines. Raven 2 at the beginning of the round was in the forming stage of becoming a team, but we all feel that we are a working entity, can speak to each other directly, be open to criticisms, and lay out our old habits and guilty pleasures. We made the conscious decision to meet each other half way and it has worked out just fine . We are thankful for the opportunity to serve here and savor every second. We also would like to thank all the people who make this possible . The tourist season is starting, the beaches of the island are warming and businesses are beginning to awake from a financial hibernation. In the midst of it all, Raven 2 will continue to make memories that will last a life time.
GET TO THE POINT | MAY 23, 2013
9
TEAM GREEN
What Does A Support Team Leader Do?
BEN DILLON COMMUNITY RELATIONS SUPPORT TEAM LEADER
Duties of Community Relations Support Team Leader
Assist the Community Relations Specialist (CRS) in developing a mutually beneficial relationships with area media contacts by writing press releases.
Organize and maintain a library of press clips from teams in the field.
Act as the primary POC for the yearbook and a weekly campus newsletter for teams in the field;
Assist the CRS with tracking of, and outreach to, NCCC alumni.
Assist the CRS in the facilitation, to include training, of the following CM team specialty roles: Corps Ambassador Program Representatives (CAP Reps) and Media Representatives throughout the service year.
Assist the CRS in identifying target areas of recruitment and conduct recruitment activities.
Assist with the organization of special events and activities such as induction, open houses, anniversary related events, and graduation.
Why did you want to be a Community Relations Support Team Leader? Last year, I served as a Media Representative for my team. I was able to combine my previous academic and professional experience in journalism to public relations efforts for NCCC. I found it very rewarding to inform communities about the great work being done by NCCC members and to shed a bit more of the spotlight on a program that I feel is deserving of more attention. As a CRSTL, I want to help Corps Members to continue informing communities about our work while developing their own career interests and professional skills. What is your favorite part your position? I enjoy working alongside staff members and fellow Support Team Leaders at Perry Point. The support side of the NCCC world is completely different than the field; however, the dedication to service is just as great. There is some truly wonderful mentorship taking place at the campus, and I look forward to seeing how Support Team Leaders apply what they’re learning to future service endeavors.
INTERESTED IN SERVING AS A SUPPORT TEAM LEADER? Speak with a staff member or a current Support Team Leader for more information. Applications for winter cycle Team Leader positions are open now at my.americorps.gov
Why are STLs important? Support Team Leaders provide a sense of stability for Corps Members and Field Team Leaders that cannot exist on spike. They are the liaisons, the encouragers, the administrators, the synthesizers, and much more. What is one of your responsibilities that Corps Members may not know about? I will soon be starting the long process of compiling the Class XIX yearbook, which gives Corps Members an opportunity to commemorate all of the wonderful, crazy
The deadline to apply is September 1.
things they have done and will do this year. I also assist with all special events for the campus (induction, graduation, etc.)
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MAY 23, 2013 | GET TO THE POINT
SHOUT OUTS
Shout out to Thomas and Señor Paco! We’re very happy to hear that Raven 1 and Buffalo 1 will be inhabiting our “den” next round!
We do it for the Karner Blue butterfly!
Firefox 1.0 Black Bear 1 We went to Thomas Point Beach. It was beautiful and windy. Mandatory Fun Time as some would call it.
Congratulations to Meganne Radway on becoming the new team leader for Moose Deuce! Glad to have you!
Moose 2 Buffalo 1 This is dedicated to the woodchuck and its future with its possible little woodchuck family.
Moose Tres wants to give a huge shout out to our main man Jason! We want to congratulate him on his marriage and we hope he’s having a blast at his wedding. We wish him and his wife nothing but the best. Party on, Jason!
Shout out to Alfred, the 45 year old Southern White Rhino that we were able to pet at the Virginia Zoo and Congratulations to Meganne Radway for becoming the new Moose 2 TL!
Phoenix 2 Now, run to the left to the left to the left. Now, run to the right to the right to the right. A little stuff never hurt nobody. Can’t wait to
Raven 2 I bought it because it was 99 cents!
Buffalo 3 Buffalo Four is having a good time getting more and more trailers finished and is looking forward to seeing you all soon. Shout out to our own Kaitlyn Liafsha! Hoping you and the rest of Phoenix 2 enjoy a few more burns before returning to us!
Buffalo 4 Thanks to Stephanie, Raven USTL extraordinaire, for designing last week’s issue of the newsletter! You’re amazing!
CRSTL
Moose 3 We miss Ty and Snax! We know you’re doing great on your fire teams. Nice moose-rain head bow, Snax.
Moose 4
Raven 3 Feels great to have Seanzy and Americle back! Keep up the good work in Jersey, James!
Raven 4
To Peter Pan 1: We hope your experience was as great as ours! We should join forces to become a super-composite! To my little dumplings: I miss you all! I hope you’re enjoying being back with your permanent teams. See in you a couple weeks!
Patriot 1 GET TO THE POINT | MAY 23, 2013
11
Where in the Atlantic Region Are They?
Round 2, Week 4
For Round 2, Class XIX teams are slated to complete 21 projects across 10 states. Seven teams will continue hurricane recovery efforts in New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Five teams will focus on environmental stewardship in recreational camps and conservation areas in five different states. Four teams NEW YORK will help better develop low -income urban communities through housing and facilities improvements. Lastly, one team will improve energy PENNSYLVANIA efficiency of homes and another will improve facilities for youth NEW programs. MARYLAND JERSEY
MAINE
VERMONT
NEW HAMPSHIRE
MASSACHUSETTS CONN.
R.I.
D.C.
WEST VIRGINIA
DELAWARE
VIRGINIA
MOOSE 4
RAVEN 2
Claryville, N.Y. Frost Valley YMCA Environmental Stewardship
Edgartown, Mass. The FARM Institute Environmental Stewardship
MOOSE 5
RAVEN 3
Brattleboro, Vt. SerVermont Disaster Recovery
Pittsburgh, Pa. Rebuilding Together – Pittsburgh Urban & Rural Development
BUFFALO 1
MOOSE 1
MOOSE 6 (FIREFOX 1)
RAVEN 4
Bath, Me. Habitat for Humanity – 7 Rivers Energy Efficiency
New York, N.Y. St. Bernard Project Disaster Recovery
Albany, N.Y. Albany Pine Bush Preserve Environmental Stewardship
Providence, R.I. Serve Rhode Island Disaster Recovery
BUFFALO 3
MOOSE 2
PHOENIX 2
RAVEN 5
Wells, Me. Wells NERR Environmental Stewardship
Tabernacle, N.J. Town of Tabernacle Disaster Recovery
Suffolk, Va. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Disaster Response
Queens, N.Y. Respond & Rebuild Disaster Recovery
BUFFALO 4
MOOSE 3
RAVEN 1
RAVEN 7 (BLACK BEAR 1)
Hackensack, N.J. Volunteer Center of Bergen County Disaster Recovery
York, Pa. Habitat for Humanity – York Urban & Rural Development
Middletown, De. Boys & Girls Club of Delaware Infrastructure Improvement
Toms River, N.J. Jersey Cares Disaster Recovery