GET TO
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014 VOLUME XX, ISSUE 3
THE POINT THE
NEWSLETTER
OF THE
NCCC
ATLANTIC REGION
Is being flexible the key? Moose one shares their experience learning the importance of being malleable and how it can impact your AmeriCorps NCCC experience. Page 14.
CONTENTS
IN THIS
ISSUE 04
Gallery
Images from Induction.
06
Counselors Corner Laura Tuck shares the impact writing someone a letter can have.
08
I’m a member of the National Civilian Community Corps, an AmeriCorps Program. NCCC members are 18 to 24 and spend 10
Gallery
↑ Atlantic Region Staff
Images from the first two weeks of
are so elated to hear
Spike Round.
about all the wonderful tasks teams are accomplishing out in the
10
Our Experiences
field. Keep up the great
CAP Representative Spencer
work!
Varner & HaWL Garrett Brown give their input on CAPing &
months getting things done for America
social wellness.
while developing their own leadership. We serve on teams to help communities prepare for and respond to disasters, build homes,
12
Gallery Images from fire camp.
and help the environment.
14 To learn more, visit NationalService.gov or call 1.800.942.2677
Feature Emerald Rogers allows the corps check out what Moose 1 has been up to so far during round one and how they find flexibility to be key.
CONNECT WITH AMERICORPS NCCC ATLANTIC REGION Adriana Bayona Community Relations Support Team Leader (CRSTL) Phone: 443.758.4573 ● Email: Adriana20.nccc@gmail.com
16
Staff Spotlight Meet one of our most recent Unit Leader, Roger Kingston.
Facebook.com/NCCCAtlanticRegion @AmeriCorpsNCCC NationalService.gov
18
Team Project Map Fox Unit is has now joined traditional out in the field.
About the cover: Moose 1 Team Leader, Rachael Smith & Corps Member Andrea Heimsoth prepare their chainsaw for work. 2
APRIL 25, 2014| GET TO THE POINT
BULLETI N B O ARD
: r e d n Remi to e n i l d a e d e h Th t l a e h r o f l l ay d enro n o M s i e g a . 4 1 0 cover 2 , 1 3 h c Mar ov g . e r a c h t l a He
Who wi ll be the first team to get o ver 10 ISP hour s this round!?
GET TO THE POINT | APRIL 25, 2014
3
I NDUCTI ON G ALLE RY
↑
(Top Left) Fox 5 members celebrate the end of CTI.
↑
(Top Right) Atlantic Region ladies cannot hide their excitement for the induction ceremony.
↑
(Center) Atlantic and Southern Region members, staff and special guests gather to remember their historic induction ceremony.
→ Victoria Pridgen and Kiara Gales bust out some of their best dance moves in the waiting hall. ↓
4
Buffalo unit members embrace their miniature mascot while eagerly awaiting for the induction ceremony to begin.
APRIL 25, 2014| GET TO THE POINT
I NDUCTI ON G ALLE RY
← Social media found it’s home amongst the Corps Members, especially during the induction ceremony #bestdayever. ↑
FEMA Fox Unit trio open up the ceremony with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.
↓
Fox one teams members are the first to arrive to their seats.
← The Raven Unit gather together before going their separate ways for first round spike.
GET TO THE POINT | APRIL 25, 2014
5
COUNSELOR CORNER
is National Card and April Letter Writing Month
A
pril is National Card and Letter Writing Month. To mark this special time of creative correspondence and the friendly exchange of passionate, poignant prose, the Postal Service is extending this popular campaign by carrying it over into May, culminating with the writing and sending of cards and letters for Mother’s Day, May 11. “National Card and Letter Writing Month is an opportunity for all Americans to rediscover the timeless and very personal art of letter writing,” said Postmaster General John E. Potter. “Both in times of peace and conflict, cards and letters are the most effective way to share and permanently record our thoughts, prayers, hopes and dreams.”
written word can often be even more powerful because someone has taken the time to write their appreciation. A letter can also be re-read and treasured, creating joy and love that will continue to ripple out into the universe. I challenge you in Class XX to send thank you notes to your family, friends back home or on other teams and staff who many of you might have thought had forgotten about you during your long weeks of Round 1 and CTI.
My list of who I want to thank is very long but please if you ever wonder about the power of human touches look out your window at your duty desk….and remember in the next week to send those notes of gratitude……When you are having a difficult day, have a letter of thanks or Since the beginning of recorded history, fainspiration taped inside your computer mous people, from Moses to Martin Luther bag…..It is an instant “Job Well done”. King Jr., have written letters that helped shape the destinies of entire nations. By putting their I still have my note that Ms. Jen Horan left at thoughts on paper, some of the most powerful my door my very first day in AmeriCorps. (My figures of all time created memoirs that not first day was the first day of in processing with only have withstood the test of time but also a corps of 380 young folks!) It said “be ready for the adventure of a life time …and went on serve as guidelines for today’s youth. to discuss the power of service……” or the note This month, post offices across the country will sent to me by Mr. Jason Cangelosi this past be sponsoring a variety of projects with local Thanksgiving after a very difficult Corps libraries and schools to promote literacy while year….thanking me for helping with a memteaching students about the lasting importance ber……and notes from members who left us of written correspondence. prematurely who go on to give us advice on Since 1775, the U.S. Postal Service has con- making the program better. nected friends, families, neighbors and busiThorton Wilder is credited with this thought nesses by mail. An independent federal agency about gratitude “We can only be said to be that visits 137 million homes and businesses alive in those moments when our hearts are every day, it is the only service provider to deconscious of our treasures.” Many thanks to liver to every address in the nation. my partner Kailiah who reminded me of the In studies of people who have practiced this power of gratitude… Try 30 notes of gratitude form of gratitude, the results have been amaz- in your jar for the next 30 days! ing. Often the recipient of the letter had no April has many themes…I wanted to remind idea what an impact he or she had had on anyou of the power of gratitude and letter writother person and were deeply touched by the ing. Get busy! expression of such authentic gratitude. Laura Tuck While we may often thank people verbally, the 6
APRIL 25, 2014| GET TO THE POINT
Have Fun, Do Good: Letter Writing Ideas
COUNSELOR CORNER
1.
Make your own cards! They have all kinds: cards that go in your printer, cards you can paint on with watercolors, photo frame cards, and “green" cards made of hemp, bamboo and recycled fiber. You can also re-use old cards by cutting along the fold and reusing the side with the image, if its backside is blank. For inspiration, check out the book Good Mail Day: A Primer for Making Eye-Popping Postal Art, and its corresponding Good Mail Day Flickr group.
2.
Write a letter to yourself.
3.
Writing a letter to your future self as part of a creative goal setting ritual.
Write letter to people you love.
Whether you write to tell someone how much you love them, or just to tell them about something funny that happened to you this week, I promise, they'll appreciate it. You might also want to make a quick list of people who've gone through big transitions (birth, death, moving, break up, job loss), and send them a note of encouragement, especially after the initial outpouring of support has faded.
4.
Be a do –good pen pal. A number of programs facilitate letter writing with people who are sick, lonely, or are in a challenging situation like:
Amnesty International (although you aren't writing directly to political prisoners, you're making a huge difference in their lives)
Make a Child Smile
Letters to Soldiers:
http://letterstosoldiers.org/site/Service-Projects.html
Write random act of kindness cards.
5.
Soldiers' Angels
Women for Women International
You could also contact a nearby retirement home or children's hospital and ask if they have a letter-writing program.
GET TO THE POINT | APRIL 25, 2014
7
SPI KE G ALLE RY
↑ Proper PPE (Personal Protectice Equipement) in place, members of Moose 4 work together to saw through their task at hand. ← Zach Hall of Buffalo 3 is guided by the light during disaster recovery services. ↓ Members of Moose 5 are documented by the local NBC news crew.
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APRIL 25, 2014| GET TO THE POINT
SPI KE G ALLE RY
→ Raven 1 members enjoying the opportunities to plant in the children's garden in Camden NJ. ↓ Moose 2 adds a twist to their weekly PT (Physical Training) with salsa dance lessons. ↓ (Bottom) Buffalo 5 member, Teouna Alexander, puts her tools trainings skills to work out on the spike round. → Ta-Jah Gordon of Buffalo 1 admires the construction work of fellow teammates.
GET TO THE POINT | APRIL 25, 2014
9
CORPS AMB ASS ADORS
Our First Rodeo! Raven One highlights the excitement of hosting CAP events early in Round One.
By: Spencer Varner
W
e’ve had two CAP events!! The first one was a small event from about fifteen to twenty people aging from eighteen to twentyfour, and the second event was a rather large event of about two hundred and fifty to three hundred people with a wide variety of ages. Our first event was at CFET for a few of the Rutgers University students; they were all very interested in AmeriCorps. They asked plenty of questions and even challenged our knowledge a bit about a few other things offered through AmeriCorps. We worked very well together and as a team with Moose 4 and we look forward to collaborating with them again very soon. Our second CAP Event was at the Camden Children’s Garden for the Girl Scouts of America and their families. We had very few people and they were not as interested as the previous groups were, but they still listened to us. Many people were asking questions, being very engaged with us, and, although some people were hassling with their kids, they came back for brochures and other things on the table.
the rest of this round and all future CAP events. We are prepared for almost anything; there may also be more collaboration going on in the future with Moose 4 and possibly other teams in the area.
We have more CAP events lined up and we are plan on going over and beyond our goal that we set for ourselves. Overall both CAP events went great; we are excited about
Two opportunities to serve are better than one! FEMA Corps
AmeriCorps NCCC
We are members of NCCC FEMA Corps, a partnership
We are members of the National Civilian Community Corps, an AmeriCorps Program. “N-triple-C” members are 18-24 years old and spend 10 months getting things done for America while developing their own leadership skills.
between FEMA and AmeriCorps NCCC. NCCC FEMA Corps members are 19-24 years old and spend 10 months getting things done for America while developing their own leadership skills. We serve on teams and are devoted solely to the administration of emergency management through FEMA. Example of what we do:
10
We serve on teams to help communities...
Prepare for and respond to disasters
Help surviors fill our applications for assistance
Build homes
Order materials and track inventory
Help the environment
Update files and databases
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SOCI AL WELLNESS
Navigating new ways...
An insight through the transition into the NCCC world via Fox One Health and Wellness Liaison Garrett Brown.
I
consider myself a pretty sociable person, but first impression of me may not make that so apparent. Though I enjoy socializing and meeting new people, my typical behavior at a party or gathering is to stand away to the side and talk to those who make an effort to talk to me. It’s a tried and true method that almost always fails, and I doubt I’ve ever left a party as “that cool, mysterious stranger” and have instead been “that quiet guy who seemed very lost.”
to shy away from committing to a bit, I then spent the next four days completely isolated from everyone and refusing to speak at all whenever I was in the common area. Eventually the house felt bad enough for me that everyone forced me to integrate, and by week two I was openly talkMy introduction to NCCC was no different. After touching ing to and socializing with my new peers. down in the airport in Jackson, I waited in the baggage Though it ended up working out for me in the end, I could claim for my transportation to arrive, watching more and have saved myself so much trouble by just saying “hello” to more corps members spill in from across the country. A people and trying to hold conversation. The thing about few would turn to me and make an offhanded joke or com- being shy or uncomfortable with meeting new people is ment, I’d smile and nod along as if I was afraid of them and that those people don’t know you’re shy or uncomfortable. didn’t understand English. The TLs would make an effort A smile and a handshake or nod is all that it takes to make to shape the group of us into a circle where we were all fac- a good first impression, and your new acquaintances will ing one another and holding one big conversation, I’d be none the wiser to your fears. slowly slink out of it, clutching my phone as if I was attending to extremely important business matters and not just That’s not to say that it’s wrong to be the person off in the texting my friends about a great new idea I had for a joke corner. Some people are naturally going to be reserved because that’s the way they are, and some people are going to about Doritos. be somewhat idiosyncratic in social situations because Things weren’t much better once I got to campus. I didn’t that’s how they’ve always been. actually make it to my dorm until about 9:00 at night, where I promptly went straight to bed. I started to feel I now go out of my way to be a little more gregarious and guilty after an hour of catatonic nothingness and decided I welcoming when introducing myself to new people, but I’m should make an effort to talk to the people in my dorm. I still probably going to express “hello” with a primordial went downstairs into the common room, picked a chair grunt that makes me sound like a caveperson with sleep outside the circle of people who were talking to one anoth- apnea. That’s just who I am. But I can be myself while still er, and sat quietly as everyone gave me quick, questioning trying to be a little friendlier. glances and then resumed their conversations. My plan There’s no fault for being quieter than others, and was working excellently. Good job, me. You’re making so there’s no flaw in getting nervous around unfamiliar peomany friends right now. ple. But a lot of the time that next friendship can be as simOne of them then asked if I’d like to join the conversation. ple as saying hello and letting conversation naturally flow Oh no! That’s not how this thing is supposed to go! My out of it. Try to make a conscious effort to step just a bit beautiful plan, in tatters! Unsure of what to do, I decided out of your comfort zone, even if it’s just to ask someone you aren’t that familiar with how their day is going. SomeI’d be my natural self and play it totally cool and casual. “N-no, I’m good here,” I mumbled, averting my eyes from times the result is worth the discomfort of the action, and the group. “I’ll just, uh, sit here. And be creepy?” It was a meeting new people and strengthening relationships with masterfully tactful save, and I was on the fast track to those who are distant is definitely much worth it. Besides, forming lifelong friendships with my new peers. Never one that joke about Doritos probably isn’t as funny as you think it is. GET TO THE POINT | APRIL 25, 2014
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FI RE C AMP G ALLE RY
↑
Raven Unit Support Team Leader, Calvin Landrum help training staff put the hose for training in place.
← Lauren Meyer practices the newly gained skills of using the fusees during a training session. ↓
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APRIL 25, 2014| GET TO THE POINT
Our three traditional units gather, all for one and one for all — Class XX Phoenix Wildland Fire fighters.
FI RE C AMP G ALLE RY
→ Check out our Nomex! Wildland firefights are happy to adorn their new uniform. ↓
Tyler Davis uses a Pulaski to practice digging fire line.
↓
(Bottom Left) Steven Hubner shares important tasks during a training session.
→ (Bottom Right) An integral part of preparing for a prescribed burn, member practice digging fire line.
GET TO THE POINT | APRIL 25, 2014
13
FE ATURE
MALLEABLE MOOSE ONE Malleable: the ability to become adaptable and flexible to any situation or circumstance. By: Emerald Rogers , M1
M
oose 1 has been known as being malleable since becoming a team. With the ever-changing schedule during CTI, to finding out Chris Hughes is on Phoenix 1, to not knowing our spike housing until the day before departure for Round One, Moose 1 has had their fair share of being malleable. Being a second-year Corps Member, flexible was not a new word in my vocabulary. In fact, it was “FEMA flexible” for me, as I was a part of the inaugural class of AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps in Sacramento, CA. I could go on and on about the past year, but I will keep it short and sweet. I developed my personal and professional skills which I would not have gained elsewhere, and did two of my favorite things throughout the year: serve and travel. New places, new projects, and most importantly: a new team. This is what I am getting myself for the second time. It may be hard to not compare last year to this year in regards to what I listed above. However, one major thing that has helped me is keeping an open mind. With an open mind comes the opportunity to embrace whatever comes your way. So far, Moose 1 has set the bar high in terms of how this year will go. We have been through a lot with one another and it has only been a month. We “accidentally” missed the exit for the Southern Region campus and continued over the bridge into Louisiana, challenged ourselves during the Ropes Course, and sang Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believein’” at the top of our lungs. These are just a few of the many memories Moose 1 has had, and there are definitely more to come. Moose 1 is living the cot life in a church. However, we all love how spacious it is. The guys and girls have different rooms, the industrial-sized kitchen is nice when there are only eight people sharing it, and we can do PT, watch movies, or just hang out in the many rooms. Our POC at
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APRIL 25, 2014| GET TO THE POINT
FE ATURE
Before
After
↑
Collaboration is key! Various members of Moose 1 work together to remove debris.
← Part of a days work is best shown through these before and after pictures. ← (Far Left Top) Wheeling through the day together! ← (Far Left Bottom) Moose 1 housing for round one.
the church was even nice enough to cook us cheddar soup and make homemade ice tea on our first night here. As for our project, Moose 1 is serving with Great Kids Farm in Catonsville, MD. The overall mission of the organization is to “provide opportunities for Baltimore City Public School students to understand and participate in every aspect of food preparation - from seed to fork - and prepare them to lead 21st century sustainability efforts.” To get further information on what exactly Great Kids Farm does during our orientation made not only me, but the rest of the team connect more with the project itself. In our two weeks of service, we have done a lot of tough, demanding work. We have had to be malleable at times as the weather has frequently changed, but we haven’t let that stop us from getting things done. During our two weeks, we have filled three dumpsters full of debris, cleared out and demolished a shade structure, planted and transplanted various lettuces and onions, and Sawyers have gotten
“With an open mind comes the opportunity to embrace whatever comes your way.” the chance to chainsaw. Everyone has been putting full effort into the work we’ve been doing, and it’s only going up from here. This just goes to show how far we’ve all come within the past month and a half. Team Reveal was a month ago, but to all, it’s felt longer than that. To think the next eight months won’t go by fast is an understatement. As of now, we are all holding on for the ride of our lives, committing to be more and get things done for America!
GET TO THE POINT | APRIL 25, 2014
15
Q& A ST AFF SPOTLI GH T
Welcoming Atlantic Region’s latest Unit Leader! Roger Kingston Roger Kingston
Fox Unit Leader
Hometown: Eden, N.C. (very similar to New York City, only much smaller, with very few people and no tall buildings) Where did you go to school: MA in Homeland Security, American Military University, WV
What are you looking forward to in your NCCC experience: Experiencing all of the great and unique personalities of the Corps Members, they are smart, creative, talented and most of all selfless.
What is one of the beautiful places you’ve ever visited?: Alaska (it must be what North America looked like before man trashed it).
Favorite quote: “I Am” by Jesus Christ.
Who is someone you admire?: My father, he taught me to discover your passion in life and not be afraid to make it your life. What is one of craziest things you’ve ever done?: I jumped out of airplanes for eleven years as a U.S. Army Paratrooper. Being a soldier period was crazy, flying, fighting and getting paid for it….awesome.
16 GET TO THE POINT | MARCH 26, 2014
RECIPES
A twist on T
P
art of the learning curb of joining AmeriCorps NCCC is the collaborative team effort for grocery shopping and meal planning. A popular favorite over the years has been taco night! It can surface in various ways, “Taco Tuesday” or “Burrito & Taco Wednesday” but the lovely concept tacos bring to the table is the meals capabilities to be flexible and feed those with various dietary needs. In this this twist on taco night, your support team leaders share some of their alternative ways of enjoying a classic meal. “I love spice, the more jalapeños the better.”
CLASSIC TACO RECIPE 1 can black beans, drained 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 green pepper, chopped 1 fresh clove of garlic, minced 1 tablespoon olive oil 5 tablespoons of chunky salsa)
“ Being vegetarian in the group can be easy. On the nights we have meat tacos, I just fill mine up with more rice and beans.”
Salsa and/or hot sauce (topping) Fresh cilantro, chopped (topping) Sour cream (topping) Spanish rice (side) 1 pack taco seasoning 8 corn hard taco shells 1 fresh tomato, chopped (topping) Shredded iceberg lettuce (topping) Shredded monterey jack cheese (topping) 1 lb ground turkey or two bags of boca meat
“Sometimes I opt out on the tortillas, making a taco salad instead!”
For the love of Avocado’s A popular addition to any meal for the support team leader group let’s explore the world of avocados.
Avocado Spread: European sailors en route to the New World used avocados in place of butter. Avocado Varieties: There are more than 80 varieties of avocados. The most common is the year-round Hass avocado, whose original mother tree still stands in California. Avocado Nutrition: Avocados are a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins C,K, folate, and B6. Half an avocado has 160 calories, 15 grams of heart-healthy unsaturated fat, and only 2 grams saturated fat
A C O N I G H T
GET TO THE POINT | APRIL 25, 2014
17
TE AM PROJE CT M AP
Where are they now? Round 1, Week 3 After spending an extra week in Vicksburg, Mississippi for FEMA specific trainings our Fox Units joins the rest of the traditional units out in the field.
FOX 1: Forest Hills, NY Sandy Recovery Office- Public Assistance FOX 2: Emmitsburg, VA Emergency Management Institute - Public Assistance Task Force FOX 3: Columbia, SC Joint Field Office - Logistics FOX 4: Lindcroft, NJ Sandy Recovery Office - Disaster Survivor Assistance FOX 5: Anchorage, AK IMAT (Incident Management Assistance Team) FOX 6: Lindcroft, NJ Sandy Recovery Office Planning
BUFFALO 1 Moonachie, NJ
MOOSE 2 Fairfax, VA
RAVEN 1 Camden, NJ
Volunteer Center of Bergen County - Disaster Services
First Robotics: DC Regionals - Urban and Rural Development
Camden Children’s Garden - Urban and
BUFFALO 2 Hookstown, PA
MOOSE 3 Baltimore, MD
Raccoon Creek State Park - Environmental
Baltimore Recreation & Park - Environmental
Stewardship
Stewardship
BUFFALO 3 Bath, ME
MOOSE 4 Camden, NJ
Habitat for Humanity 7 River - Energy Conservation
The Center for Environmental Transformation Urban and Rural Development
BUFFALO 4 Garden City, NY NECHAMA - Disaster Services MOOSE 1 Catonsville, MD Great Kids Farm - Infrastructure Improvement
MOOSE 5 Rockaway, NY St. Bernard Project, Friends of Rockaway - Disaster Services
Rural Development RAVEN 2 Marshfield, MA MA Audubon Northfield - Infrastructure Improvement RAVEN 3 Toms River, NJ Jersey Cares – Disaster Services RAVEN 4 Deep River, CT Incarnation Center - Urban and Rural Developement PHOENIX 1 Suffollk, VA US Fish & Wildlife - Disaster Services
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APRIL 25, 2014| GET TO THE POINT
SHOUTS OUTS
“To Chris Chalkey and his team for heading to Alaska! Best of luck and enjoy it Fox 5.”
“Big shout out to our OPSTL’s Glenn and Daniel for helping out while we were back on campus while also prepping for FEMA class A!”
ALL UNITS
FOX 3
“Shout to Phoenix 1 for keeping their spirits up through the rain.”
MEGANNE, P1 TL
“Shout out to our HaWL, Kristen Beierwaltes, for her amazing sleep awareness goody bags for the whole team!”
Thank you for stepping up Kim! You Rock.”
FOX UNIT BUFFALO 1
Shout Outs?
Shouts Outs are short messages submitted by teams when they have them through the WPR to share with the rest of the Corps.
“Thank you ET for providing endless entertainme nt these past two weeks!”
STL’S
“Shout out to our Phoenix One team member! We miss you very much!”
MOOSE 5
GET TO THE POINT | APRIL 25, 2014
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CHANT & PLEDGE
AMERICORPS PLEDGE I will get things done for America to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier. I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities. Faced with apathy, I will take action. Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground.
ATLANTIC REGION CHANT Who’s got the heart?
Faced with adversity,
I’ve got the heart (3x)
I will persevere.
Who’s got the strength?
I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond. I am an AmeriCorps member, and I will get things done.
I’ve got the strength (3x) Who’s got the will? I’ve got the will (3x) When do we get started!? Let’s get it started now (2x)
20 GET TO THE POINT | MARCH 26, 2014