WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23RD, 2014
GET TO THE POINT THE
NEWSLETTER
OF THE
NCCC ATLANTIC REGION
The Tales of Two Ravens and a Fox Uniquely different projects with the same spirit of service in their heart, check in with Fox 1, Raven 2 & Raven 3. GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014 1
CONTENTS
IN THIS
ISSUE 04
Feature
Do you know what a piping plover is? Find out how Raven 2 is working hard to keep these birds safe.
08
Counselors Corner Campus counselor, Kaliah Thomas , elaborates about the
I’m a member of the National Civilian Community Corps, an AmeriCorps Program.
spirits of physical fitness and sports
↑ Do you have what it
month!
takes to “Rep the A”? Check out the rest of our newsletter to see exactly
10
what “Reppin’ the A”
Donning both the blue and they
entails.
grey, read about Fox 1’s experience
NCCC members are 18 to 24 and spend 10
so far.
months getting things done for America while developing their own leadership. We
Feature
12
Staff Spotlight
serve on teams to help communities prepare
Meet our most recent addition,
for and respond to disasters, build homes,
Mr. Joel Miller our resident “doctor” of operations on
and help the environment. To learn more, visit NationalService.gov or call 1.800.942.2677
campus.
14
Feature Raven 3 reporting for duty, helping those affected by Hurricane Sandy.
CONNECT WITH AMERICORPS NCCC ATLANTIC REGION Adriana Bayona Community Relations Support Team Leader (CRSTL) Phone: 443.758.4573 ● Email: Adriana20.nccc@gmail.com
18
Social Wellness Gratitude can be the key to a successful service year, take
Facebook.com/NCCCAtlanticRegion
away some good practices from Fox 2 HaWL.
@AmeriCorpsNCCC NationalService.gov
20
Team Project Map Have teams moved or continued to serve in the same location? Check it out to see.
2 GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014
BULLETI N B O ARD
Campus is looking forward to having Traditional teams back at the point for Transition Week! May 5th –9th.
Traditiona l: staying on campu s for spring bre ak? Make sure to let your team leader know ASA P! GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014 3
FE ATURE
Can we save the Piping Plovers? Lending a hand while exploring the sands in Massachusetts
By: Rose Wise & Hope Martindale, Raven 2
W
for the first time, and successfully leave the nest.
Its been found that parents of these chicks show them where to find the food, once they are able to find food, they are on their own. The real problem is that the parents, eggs and chicks blend in with the sand, so many people don't see them. The nest of these birds look like someone made a tiny fist print in the sand and maybe lined it with rocks. Camoflauge is their biggest defense. Unfortunately for the birds, it works so well people do not see them. They end up stepping on the eggs, or leaving food on the beaches that attracts predators (like foxes, coyotes, and other birds). The fencing has helped bring awareness to the people of the Cape on these birds, and to keep an eye out for Our services were requested by a lovely woman named these "moving lines of sand". Cris. She is a marine biologist who has been working for We had fun working on the beaches and seeing the ocean Mass Audubon in their Coastal Water Bird program at the everyday. The place we stayed was just off the beach. Long Long Pastures Sanctuary in Cape Cod. Cris runs a large Pasture Sanctuary has a beautiful view of the ocean and a expanse of the program there, for one, she hires people for light house across the canal. When we get home from a day the season to monitor these birds and to see how many of fencing we see the ocean at the end of the road and it birds fledge. Fledging is when the chicks learn how to fly lifts our spirits. The paths lead to the beach and marsh. e, the members of Raven 2, have been all over Cape Cod after being sent there by our sponsor, the Mass Audubon Society. Until we got here I don't think any of us knew what the little bird was. Well all of us, if you don't include Michael Khederian, who grew up an hour away from the Piping Plovers' main nesting grounds. We learned Fence force: Raven 2 members with their that the Piping Plovers fencing supplies. are a nationally and state protected bird because of their extreme endangerment. The birds became protected when the state first started counting birds. The Mass Audubon Society is serious in protecting these little 6 to 7 inch birds. So serious that they put fencing on 150 beaches in Cape Cod.
4 GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014
FE ATURE
Getting to work: Raven 2 Members begin the process of fence building.
"You guys come here to a place you don't know and work so hard and fast.�
Loppers in action: Nolan Valdy can’t hide his excitement for using this tool.
Every day you could wake up and eat breakfast looking out at the ocean. The team adored this view every morning, and treasured it on walks when it was warm enough to explore outside. You can go see things in the world but never truly see their importance until you restore them or try to protect them. The team sees these birds and also the things that can come from our actions in protecting them. Can we save the Piping Plovers? These people here in Cape Cod have been trying to for 20 years. If anyone can, they can. And we can help them as AmeriCorps members and as people on a personal level. This seems to be the best way to teach us environmental stewardship. We love Mass Audubon and will hate to leave it when the time comes. "You guys come here to a place you don't know and work so hard and fast." Cris said. " I couldn't have done half the work today without you all." GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014 5
SPI KE G ALLE RY
↑
For he’s a golly good fellow! The men of Moose 4 raise their team leader, Willie Moore, up in celebration.
→ Too cute! Colton Dahms cuddles up to an adorable kitten on the worksite. ↓
I spy with my little eye, a fox in the leaves! Fox 4 members enjoy themselves during an ISP (Independent Service Project).
6 GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014
SPI KE G ALLE RY
↑
What does FEMA stand for you ask? Abigayle Komas of Fox 3 can fill you in.
← (Top) Before and after photos are a great way to capture work out in the field. Moose 3 repainted a skate park in Maryland. ↓
April is also “Cuddle Awareness Month” according to Trey Pettigen, the Atlantic Region Residence Coordinator.
← (Bottom) The spring season brings the opportunities for outdoor CAP events, just ask Raven 1, Spencer Varner and Austin Olson.
GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014 7
COUNSELOR CORNER
May is National
Physical Fitness & Sports Month!!! Addressing benefits of positive lifestyle choices
F
rom day one all corps members arrive with varying levels of physical ability and agility. Some come straight off the couch while others hit the ground running with a passion for health and fitness that they readily adapt to their new AmeriCorps lifestyle. Studies show that young adults age 18 to 30 are frequently in periods of life transition, making it difficult to maintain a routine fitness regimen. This is one of the many reasons that AmeriCorps NCCC promotes health and physical fitness with the facilitation of physical training for all members. Physical fitness is not only important for the many health benefits but it is integral to sustaining your strength and stamina as you participate in strenuous work on your projects. Adapting new positive lifestyle changes is a part of the package while you are here to include becoming healthy, active, and overall “your best you”. Many of you anticipated that in this new environment you would become more motivated to stay on top of your individual fitness goals because of the built-in PT requirements and having the positive influence of active peers. For some, the thought of PT brings about feeling of anxiety and frustration. Even those individuals will find that one day at a time, with consistency and determination these goals can met and surpassed if you are committed and make the most of your 10-month stay. Some of you have already made strides physically and for this you should be proud. Consider all of the health benefits of physical activity and perhaps this will keep you motivated to continue pressing toward your goal of becoming healthier and more active. According the Centers for Disease Control, physical activity has immense health and lifestyle benefits and will help you in the following areas:
Control your weight
Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease
Reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
Reduce your risk of some cancers
Strengthen your bones and muscles
Improve your mental health and mood
Increase your chances of living longer
You will look and feel your best, your sleep will improve, depression is reduced, and your bones, muscles, and joints will be much stronger. (Having strong bones and joints may not be a concern for you “today” but trust me the“older you” will appreciate and thank you one day!)
8 GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014
COUNSELOR CORNER
Here are some key physical fitness guidelines as reported that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Key Guidelines for Adults All adults should avoid inactivity. Some physical activity is better than none, and adults who participate in any amount of physical activity gain some health benefits. For substantial health benefits, adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. Aerobic activity should be performed in episodes of at least 10 minutes, and preferably, it should be spread throughout the week. For additional and more extensive health benefits, adults should increase their aerobic physical activity to 300 minutes (5 hours) a week of moderate-intensity, or 150 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity. Additional health benefits are gained by engaging in physical activity beyond this amount. Adults should also do muscle-strengthening activities that are moderate or high intensity and involve all major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week, as these activities provide additional health benefits. By now you all know that being in AmeriCorps NCCC will challenge you mentally, emotionally, and physically. With this in mind why not set yourself up for success by making sure you are equipped with as many tools as possible to aid in your overall sense wellbeing. Physical activity has been associated with psychological benefits in young people by improving control over symptoms of anxiety and depression, assisting in social development by providing opportunities for self-expression, and building self-confidence. It has also been suggested that physically active young people more readily adopt other healthy behaviors such as avoidance of tobacco, alcohol and drug use. Keep this is mind as your are sweating it out in PT and motivating yourselves and each other to make your fitness goals. Exercise can be fun so remember to have an open mind and be willing to try new things to keep it enjoyable and interesting. (I’m sure your team fitness trainers will appreciate your enthusiasm). Keep it up, one day at a time you are on the road to becoming “your best you”! What are some physical activities you enjoy participating in with your team? Please share with us any fun physical activity ideas that you enjoy with your team or pictures of your team engaging in fun physical activity to KThomas@cns.gov They may be included in a future issue! Until next time, be well! Beach Run: Erik Wright, of Raven 4 during a casual workout on the beach.
GOOAAALLLL: Did Zina, of Fox 3, score? You’ll have to ask her.
GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014 9
FE ATURE
Two sides of the tail... Being FEMA Fox 1
T
he day is bright and clear, the first signs of weakness in a winter that’s cast its gloom well into the reaches of late March. It’s only a partial conceit; it’s another thirty-degree afternoon, this time with the bonus of a wind that only lets up to catch its breath. It bites through coats and sweeps sand up into our hair, literally pushing us along the coast. It’s not conventional beach weather, but we aren’t here for recreation. Rockaway was one of the parts of New York City hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy, and our sponsor has brought us out to witness some of that destruction first-hand. It’s a serious matter, but we still take a moment to ignore the weather and enjoy the beach. Suzy has never seen the ocean before. Erick runs out and touches the water, the prospect of becoming bi-coastal worth the resulting numbness in his hand. The rest of the day is a more somber affair. We wear our civilian clothes – the uniform might draw the wrong kind of attention. We pass signs protesting FEMA, a sentiment not unpopular in a community where many people and facilities have yet to receive any funding a year and a half after the storm. Shingles are peeled off of roofs, water damage is visible on house exteriors, torn-up sidewalks have been replaced with makeshift ones of wooden planks and loose bricks. The recovery process is a long one, but many people feel like they’re being ignored. We’re trying to change that. Here in the Sandy Recovery Field Office it’s not the most exciting work, sitting at a desk all day, taking apart and filing invoices, but it’s necessary. Our projects include schools and universities, and no matter how arduous or frustrating the work might get, we know that every day we log is another step towards some of those facilities getting funding. We’ve seen some of the damages incurred; we can’t pretend like
10 GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014
By: Garrett Brown, Fox 1
it’s not that serious. Two weeks after our tour we’re back in the Rockaways, this time for an afternoon of an ISP on the beach. As we walk a man stops us and asks who we are. We talk about NCCC and what we’re doing, and he laughs and tells us it’s great what we’re doing. Gray is a lot more glamorous than blue. “Wear gloves!” he shouts at us as we wave goodbye to him. On the beach it’s a lively scene, with a large number of volunteers split off into working on various tasks. Some plant grass and markers to help mitigate damage if the beach floods again; others plant seeds to further the ecosystem. The group is made of young and old (and a cool dog), and they’re all working for the betterment of one another and their environment. For all the difficult technicalities and uncomfortable public perceptions of FEMA Corps, we’re allowed a great privilege in being able to address disasters from multiple angles. Recovery is a multifaceted effort, and the opportunity to work against it from both administrative and hands-on approaches means we always get to feel like we’re helping in some way. These are real communities that are still hurting, and we’re trying our best to help mend. The work can be stressful, but it needs doing. It’s too important to ignore.
Down and dirty: Members of Fox 1 during their ISP on the beach.
By: Kyler Thompson, Moose 3
Corps Member on Red 8 at the Charleston, South Caroline
Alumni Spotlight : Michael Ward
ALUM NI SPOTLI GHT
Hometown: Rochester, NY Memorable Project: They were all memorable, But i think the most impact full for me was our disaster relief project in southwestern Missouri after a series of tornados. What were your personal goals when serving: To be honest I was pretty naive when I started the program and didn’t have any goals other than to whatever i could for this awesome sounding program. Hardest Moment in AmeriCorps NCCC: Towards the end of our first project when the team started to fall apart and form groups against each other. Luckily we had a short break for Christmas after that project and had time apart. After the holiday everyone started to bond again but it was never the same. Who was your team leader: Tai Wintheiser What did you get out of AmeriCorps: NCCC was an amazing experience I’m so fortunate to have had. It showed me so much of the world (i.e. southeast) and has led me to so much since completing the program. Without it I would have never worked for habitat for humanity, joined the peace corps or be in school for Instructional Design/Mobile Learning. In short it changed my life and I owe everything to the program.
GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014 11
ST AFF SPOTLI GH T
Introducing “Dr. Do” The Deputy Region
Director of Operations
Joel Evans Miller HOMETOWN: Sebring, OH
(VDPO), and appointed to serve as the VDPO’s Air Force Liaison Officer, and later, promoted to the role of Field EDUCATION: BA, Political Science (Pre-Law), Mount Operations Task Lead-East, with oversight of contractor Union College, Alliance, OH operational implementation of the VOW (Veterans OpporAir Command & Staff College, Maxwell AFB, AL tunity to Work) to Hire Heroes Act, and the White Housedirected Veterans Employment Initiative (VEI) Task Force MPA, Webster University, St. Louis, MO recommendations, at military installations located within MA, Management, Webster University, St. Louis, MO the eastern half of the United States, Europe, and southNumerous other military/government-related schools and west Asia. courses. WORK HISTORY : I have twenty-six years of military service in the U.S. Air Force, excelling in airborne reconnaissance operations; navigator training; mission support operations; recruiting; future concepts (experimentation); acquisition program management; and safety career fields. I effectively transitioned to the civilian public sector, where I successfully transformed and modernized the security unit in the State of Florida’s fifth-largest community college into a multi-mission Department of Public Safety. As a contractor, I accepted the challenge to become integral to the success of programs and initiatives targeting the Veterans Benefits Administration’s (VBA) claims backlog, as well as projects supporting VBA’s primary six lines of business. More recently, I was nominated to join in the standup of the VBA-DoD Program Office 12 GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014
I’VE BEEN WITH NCCC SINCE… a long, long time ago … April 7, 2014.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE WITH NCCC: Deputy Region Director for Operations … aka “Dr. Do” Provide leadership for Support Services (to include Residence Hall and Logistics management); Fleet Management; Member Support; and Resource Management functions.
YOU COME TO ME WHEN YOU NEED… Damsels rescued, dragons slayed, and demons vanquished … or something along those lines!
ST AFF SPOTLI GH T
HOBBIES: Grandchildren (3); waiting for football season FAVORITE MOVIE: Twelve O’Clock to begin and then watching football; geography-related history; and reading books about Florida/the Florida Keys. SOMETHING YOU APPRECIATE WITH YOUR SERVICE IN NCCC: Meaningful work that will not only CRAZIEST THING I’VE EVER DONE: Routinely flew benefit others, but also holds the potential to travel fullup and down the coast of the Soviet Union, before the fall of circle and become a benefit (blessing) to me as well. the Berlin Wall, during the Reagan Administration, in a large unarmed US Air Force reconnaissance aircraft, hoping to take pictures of the newest Soviet fighter aircraft that WHO I ADMIRE: My father; my oldest daughter; and several United States Presidents. launched against us in reaction to our presence.
MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE I’VE VISITED: Amongst MY FAVORITE QUOTE: “Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.” … Steven Wright (Comedian). many, the Florida Keys.
IN MY SPARE TIME I… Tinker around the house (“Honey do” projects); play with the grandson that lives with me; use satellite mapping to find interesting places to visit; and then investigate those potential sites to visit. I am still looking for that hobby or “something else” to become passionate about in order to make my “spare time” more productive.
MY FAVORITE FOOD: Thanksgiving Dinner; anything on a Sports Bar menu; and dark chocolate.
ONE OF MY GOALS IS TO: Retire in Key West, Florida, after figuring out a way to afford to do so!
GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014 13
FE ATURE
Raven Three: Finding the strength through optimism and S
Taking a walk: Justin Gandy leaves one of the many works sites of Raven 3.
Up and at ‘em: Utilizing proper PPE, Zoey Lentz assists in the rebuilding process.
14 GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014
uper Storm Sandy. What goes By: Zoey Lentz through your head when you hear those words? This many houses damaged, this many people dead, this many, this many, this many- Most people don’t even think about the storms after a few weeks have past. It becomes nothing more than a statistic. At first, everyone wants to help, but after a few months their interest dies out. After all, who still needs help after so many months? At least, that was my thinking going into this project. During this round my eyes were opened to the lasting tragedy that was Super Storm Sandy. Some people are just now getting into their homes, others haven’t even started the building process. Why? Some have to wait for money, they have to n a v i g a t e t h r o u g h miles of red tape and contracts and signatures just to get permits. Sometimes it was too much and the owners just… gave up. They just had to walk awaynot only from the memories they lost but the home that they had. It was sickening to see families living in falling down houses because their FEMA money ran out. At the end of the day it was those people’s spirits, their optimism and their willingness to carry on throughout this event that kept me in AmeriCorps. It got me out of bed every day and got me through the bad days and team storming. Without these people, who have been through so much yet seem to be able to keep going and keep their smiles on and their chins up, I don’t know if I would have been able to keep my optimism. It really puts life into perspective for you. When you want to complain because you have to sleep on a cot for two months you think about the families that have been sleeping on a cot for two years. I remember going into the spike housing for the first time and thinking ‘Oh! No! I have to sleep in a church and sleep on a cot, and I want better walls around me, different housing! Better housing!’ Then, I saw my first project house and met my first home owner, a man named Keith. For the most part the house looked good on the outside, like at any moment the owner was
“When you want to complain because you have to sleep on a cot for two months you think about the families that have been sleeping on a cot for two years.”
FE ATURE
READY TO SERVE! continuing to serve two years after the storm. going to come out and fetch the mail, but I went inside and it’s a gaping vortex of demolished walls and missing insulation. Keith and his wife were living next door in a broken down trailer, to reach the walls and ceiling all you had to do was reach your arms out. It was humbling, to say the least. I met a lot of people over the last two months and It doesn’t all make me want to cry out at the injustice of the world- there is a silver lining. It has been two years and there are still volunteers, granted not as many as in the beginning, that are still coming to help. In some ways these people that still come are worth more than the people that came in the beginning. At first it was big stuff, everyone knew it was happening and there was so much fame to be had. Now, not one newspaper will touch an article about SSS. The volunteers we managed now were far more dedicated than the ones that came in the beginning. They have to care a whole lot more, because it isn’t a glamorous job, it’s not about the fame you get from helping someone after a disaster like a hurricane. It’s about the look on the home owners face when they see walls up in their house where there were none. I look back on this round with hope, and I look on with optimismRaven 3 Ready to SERVE!
Gather and go: Catherine Muthoni & Tyler Davis do a leave clean up.
We’re all in this together: Raven 3 members with their sponsor.
GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014 15
SPI KE G ALLE RY
↓
(Top) CRSTL, Adriana Bayona and FUSTL, Kim Courcy, participated in a CAP event panel promoting various national community service programs at Towson University.
→ Suns out, Chainsaws out! Erik Wright of Raven 4 puts his chainsaw skills to work. ↓
(Bottom) Member of Fox 6 were had the opportunity to meet Bon J Jovi!
16 GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014
SPI KE G ALLE RY
↑
The roof, the roof, the roof is…. FINISHED! Buffalo 1 Team Leader , Casey Bruce, puts the finishing touches on a shed.
→ (Top) Fox 5 members exploring Washington, DC ended up outside of the White House. → (Bottom) Say hello to my little friend! Shelby Parkes of Phoenix 1 cares for a tiny turtle found on the fireline. ↓ #SNAPCHAT is a common way Corps Members keep in touch. Check out a snapchat from Kim Courcy who traveled to Texas recently, with a stop in Kansas.
GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014 17
SOCI AL WELLNESS
Mindfulness Centering your mind, body and Matters spirit with Fox 2 HAWL Lillie Baldwin
W
hen was the last time you gave your vehicle an inspection? No, not the large 11 passenger van parked outside, but, that beautiful structure of bones, chemicals, and energy of yours, your own vehicle, a checkup? Here, in this hectic, sunrise to moonrise bubble that we are all currently floating in, self-care is crucial to completing our collective tasks and serving our communities. Our mission here, to prepare, protect, respond, recover and mitigate can only be done if we are centered, connected, and aligned with ourselves. It is time to put your miraculous mind, body, and spirit to the top of your priority list, and gain an intimate relationship with yourself!
then a lesson will rise to the surface through your re-telling and will help you continue to grow! Additional to your own story, incorporate other stories in your life…read! There is an abundance of resources for you to discover new worlds, languages, or stories that are accessible to your journey of gaining knowledge. Reading will gift you confidence, vocabulary, skills, and community, check out your local library!
Your body is creating miracles with each moment, and deserves the best treatment. Give your vehicle the best fuel for it to run properly. Fresh fruit, whole grains, dark leafy greens, garlic, turmeric, yogurt, vegetables, and lean meats, all should give you some light energy to sustain you through the day. With our intimidating, tight budget, we can only afford to purchase the necessities. Get what you truly need to run your vehicle properly. Enriched white sugar, corn syrups, and “fat free” products are not going to Your mind, the driver, with all of its power and drive your vehicle across a finish line. strength, is able to completely shift your attitude and perSpirit, your true energy force, your inner core, also spective. You are in complete control on how you process participates wholly in your overall wellness. Taking fifteen your environment, and which road you turn your vehicle to thirty minutes a day to meditate will clear your mind, to. Therefore, with the choice, take one that lifts you up. increase awareness, and allow your appreciation and gratiThink positive thoughts. Begin your day with gratitude. tude of the world to escalate. This also gives you the necesYou woke up! And the day is here! You are going to have sary individual time for the day, which is crucial considerthe best (insert date) day ever, because it is the only time it ing your current shared environment with nine other huwill be that time. Give yourself a smile, and enjoy each mimans. If meditation is new to you, here are five simple nute because you have the gift of choice. Continue these steps to silencing your absorb chatter and expanding your thoughts throughout the day, and when the work day is sub-consciousness. over, reflect. Journal, sing, dance, or use any creative outlet to re-tell your story of the past day. If it was a struggle,
18 GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014
SOCI AL WELLNESS
1.
Set aside fifteen minutes of your day, turn off your electronics (phones, lights, T.V.) and sit in a comfortable position on the floor with your hands in your lap, or extended over your knees. This special place you have selected should be quiet, with no other traffic.
2.
Close your eyelids and begin inhaling deep in your belly, filling up your entire abdomen and chest with your air. Draw awareness to the air you are taking in your special body, and where it is travelling to, from, in and out of. Visualize your breath filling your lungs, drawing into your heart, and in the exhale, see the air rushing through your veins, blood, all throughout your body.
3.
Scan your body. What is causing pressure today? What feels good today? What is heavy today? At this moment are you fatigue or lifted? When you inhale the air is it cold or warm?
5.
4.
Begin to say to yourself, “I am.” This can be your mantra. Inhale, watch the breath dance through your body, “I am,” exhale; watch it travel through and out.
Maintaining your breath, see if anything rises to finish your earlier statement. Allow any thoughts, dreams, or worries to surface. Be patient, and accepting of whatever surfaces. If nothing comes to the stage, then do not be discouraged. It just isn’t ready. Give yourself time, patience, and love. Open your eyes when you feel satisfied and thank the energy and space around you for supporting you on your spiritual journey.
Yoga is excellent for the dynamic combination of your mind, body, and spirit to align and connect. It is a physical meditation, a practice that brings awareness, strength, and clarity. Gift yourself thirty minutes of intentional stretching a day to find the pleasures of your open heart, overall patience, and flexibility. Yoga is a deeply rooted practice that is overflowing with benefits, if you are interested in learning sequences,
please email me. We will discuss your intention, and focus to design the perfect sequence for you. I would like to thank each of you for your precious time and energy. I hope you will leave this page with your mind, body, and spirit on the top of your list. Continue to make a difference in the world. I will see you, and that healthy vehicle of yours at the finish line.
GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014 19
SOCI AL WELLNESS
“Black bean and Quinoa burgers are my favorite and an awesome switch up to traditional burgers!”
Ingredients: 4 cans or 2 bags Black Beans
2 Eggs
2 cups of Quinoa
Garlic powder,
Onions
Jalapeños (If desired)
cumin, and chili
Jeremy Flores PDSTL
seasoning
2 BIG cans bread crumbs
I
n a medium sauce pan, add 4 cups of water, bringing water to a boil. Pour in quinoa ,mix and cover. Let quinoa simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. Fork the black beans in a large bowl but leaving some black beans whole (half forked and half whole). Chop onion into tiny pieces; not too big or onion pieces will be too heavy to stick while cooking- same thing with the jalapeños. Mix chopped onions, garlic powder, cumin, chili seasoning, quinoa, chopped Jalapeños, 2 eggs into the bowl of black beans. Mix until mixture is thick and completely combined. Then in a separate bowl pour 2 cans of bread crumbs. Roll the mixture into a patty shape. Place the patty into the bread crumbs until the patty is dry enough to not fall apart. You never have too much bread crumbs! Place the burgers into a baking pan. Bake on 350 for 20– 30 minutes or until done.
Physical Fitness & Sports Month Shorts
By: Raven 3 and Moose 5 HaWL’s
Nicole Allen & Kiara Gales
“Work Hard. Play Hard.” Nicole Allen – Raven 3 Spring has sprung! The snow is not coming back and summer is just around the corner; it’s time to shed those winter coats and get your team outside to play. Sports and playground games are a great way to strengthen your relationship with your teammates and knockout PT at the same time. Here are my top 5 games to play with little or no equipment:
Soccer // Simon Says Ultimate Frisbee // Red Rover//Kickball Together we can put an end to workout DVDs. Go outside, have fun, and GET THINGS DONE!
20 GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014
F
itness needs to be perceived as and games or we subconsciously avoid it. And I believe that the best buy in public health today must be a combination of regular physical exercise and a healthy diet. Physical fitness is not only one if the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity. So get your body pump and get your body pumped with proteins, nutrients, and water it so deserves. Remember to drink water when you do PT (Physical Training) and even when working to keep your body from being dehydrated. Get excited because this year your body is about to become healthy and also fit. You only get one body so take sweet care of it :) Kiara Gales - Moose 5
TE AM PROJE CT M AP
Where are they now? Round 1, Week 7 FOX 1: Forest Hills, NY
Sandy Recovery Office- Public Assistance FOX 2: Emmitsburg, VA Emergency Management Institute - Public Assistance Task Force FOX 3: Atlanta, GA Region IV Headquarters/Atlantic Distribution Center - Logistics FOX 4: Lindcroft, NJ Sandy Recovery Office - Disaster Survivor Assistance FOX 5: Virginia IMAT (Incident Management Assistance Team) FOX 6: Lindcroft, NJ Sandy Recovery Office Planning
BUFFALO 1 Moonachie, NJ
MOOSE 2 Baltimore, MD
RAVEN 1 Camden, NJ
Volunteer Center of Bergen County - Disaster Services
Baltimore County EPA & Sustainability -
Camden Children’s Garden - Urban and
Environmental Stewardship
Rural Development
MOOSE 3 Springfield, VT
RAVEN 2 Marshfield, MA
VT State Parks - Environmental
MA Audubon Northfield - Infrastructure
Stewardship
Improvement
MOOSE 4 Camden, NJ
RAVEN 3 Toms River, NJ
The Center for Environmental Transformation Urban and Rural Development
Jersey Cares – Disaster Services
BUFFALO 4 Garden City, NY NECHAMA - Disaster Services
MOOSE 5 Baltimore, MD
MOOSE 1 Catonsville, MD
Rebuilding Together Baltimore - Urban and Rural Developement
BUFFALO 2 Hookstown, PA Raccoon Creek State Park - Environmental Stewardship BUFFALO 3 Bath, ME Habitat for Humanity 7 River - Energy Conservation
Great Kids Farm - Infrastructure Improvement
RAVEN 4 New Britain, CT CT Mission of Mercy - Urban and Rural Developement PHOENIX 1 Suffolk, VA USFWS - Disaster Services GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014 21
Class XX Traditional & FEMA Corps
PHOTO CONTEST
Submit your BEST rendition the popular AmeriCorps poster (shown above) to Adriana CRSTL (by email), by May 19th 2014. The top submissions will be features in the next issue of the campus newsletter.
Shout outs! “ Thank you Justine for always working hard on any of your tasks!”
MOOSE 4 22 GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014
“Can’t wait to get out in the field and burn with Phoenix 2!”
JEREMY FLORES
“Wishing you a speedy recovery, Shannon!”
RAVEN 4