GET TO
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2014
THE POI NT
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE NCC C ATLANTIC REGION
Moose on the Move Transitioning between project sponsors and project rounds with Moose 4 and 5.
GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014 1
CONTENTS
IN THIS
ISSUE 04
Gallery
Transition is a hectic yet enjoyable week, reviewing past projects and catching up with friends.
06
Feature The Moosehood of the traveling past is a real thing, just ask Moose
I’m a member of the National Civilian Community Corps, an AmeriCorps Program.
↑ Photo contest winners, Jake Folz and Bailey
4.
08
Social Wellness
Schneider of Moose 2
Buffalo 2 HaWL, Kristen
give up their best “Get
Beierwaltes raises awareness to
Things Done for America”
keeping our commitments.
poster pose.
NCCC members are 18 to 24 and spend 10 months getting things done for America
10
The travels continue, see how a
while developing their own leadership. We
split round impacted the
serve on teams to help communities prepare
adventures of Moose 5. Check in with Buffalo 4 who had a chance
for and respond to disasters, build homes,
to work with various alumni on
and help the environment. To learn more, visit NationalService.gov or call 1.800.942.2677
Feature/Alumni Spotlight
their last project site.
12
Gallery Some teams are wrapping up round 1 while others have begun round 2.
CONNECT WITH AMERICORPS NCCC ATLANTIC REGION Adriana Bayona Community Relations Support Team Leader (CRSTL) Phone: 443.758.4573 ● Email: Adriana20.nccc@gmail.com
Facebook.com/NCCCAtlanticRegion
14
Social Wellness Lending your ear as told by Emily Vuong of Raven 4.
15
Staff Spotlight You’ve seen her face, get to
@AmeriCorpsNCCC
know our Program Associate to the Regional Director, Karen
NationalService.gov
Bierman.
17
Team Map Many moves have happens over the past two weeks, see where our teams are located.
2 GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014
BULLETI N B O ARD
Campus is looking forward to having FEMA Fox teams back at the point for Transition Week! June 2nd – 6th.
GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014 3
TR ANSI TI ON G ALLE RY
↑
(Left) Raven Unit members, Spencer Varner and Austin Olson, taking a reading break during one of the trainings held during transition week.
↑
(Right) Daniel Breitenbach and Emily Vuong, serve up a mean plate full of healthy options during the healthy cook off competition.
→ Not goodbye, it’s see you later, a send off hug before round 2. ↓
Members of Team Noel during the healthy cook off competition.
4 GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014
TR ANSI TI ON G ALLE RY
↑
Rachel Davis–Schnoor of Raven 1, was recognized during the community meeting. She currently leads the corps in ISP (Independent Service Project) hours!
← Attitude is everything during such a busy week like transition, Trey Johnson and Drew Scott are ready for an early morning PT. ↓
“YOU CAN DO IT” exclaims Shelby Parkes encouraging team mates during PT (Physical Training).
← Maximum security was provided during our community meeting thanks to Moose 5 members Rufus Eady and Alex Seghieri. Do you think they realized Moose Unit Leader, Jason Cangelosi, was about to sneak past?
GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014 5
FE ATURE
The Traveling Moose Pants From Camden to the Catskills
By: Marilyn Ponce, Moose 4
Group love: Moose 4 in Camden (left) and then in the Catskills.
O
ur Moose pants have seen better days – and that’s a good thing. You can see our team’s journey by the distinctive dirt stains, colorful paint splatter and tasteful tears etched on our cargo pants. During transition we would constantly get remarks about our fashionafriends: Pedro and Charles ble attire, it was obvious New feeding goats. that we had been hard at work our first round. If our pants could talk they would tell you stories about Camden filled with laughter, community, frustration, sweat, friendships, and mulch. So what did Moose Four do in Camden and how did a group of nine individuals make it through their first round intact? Well, I can tell you it was a roller coaster of a ride for all of us but that’s what we signed up for and what AmeriCorps is all about.
about the weeks to come. Our pants were fresh and clean, an empty canvas ready for the memories we were about to create for the rest of our term together. We soon learned that Camden was a crime-ridden city with environmental sustainability issues, trash overwhelming the streets, potholes engraved in the uneven roads and a funky smell. Our perspective started to shift when we met our three passionate sponsors working to revitalize their community: Ari, Michael and Jess. Through their eyes we saw Camden in a new light and it was exciting for us to be a part of that movement.
The next few weeks our pants got dirty as we kneeled in dirt to plant seedlings that would grow into vegetables for the Waterfront South community. Splashes of green, brown and white paint colored our pants as we painted over 4,000 square feet of walls for the NeighborNine strangers drove into Camden, New Jersey in- hood Center to create a space for the summer and afearly March unsure of what to expect and nervous terschool programs. The smell of licorice mulch per-
6 GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014
FE ATURE
Plant away! : Moose 4 members planted hundreds of trees in Camden NJ.
fumed us as we spread 120,000 pounds of it over Liney Ditch Park to support tree growth and reduce toxins in the air. Our pants got a few tears from planting 82 trees and pruning branches to beautify the city and provide shade for the residents. As the end drew near we had been humbled by the stories neighbors told us, appreciated by the community and inspired to continue working for a greater cause. During our journey, our team worked through different personalities, backgrounds, and personal preferences. We learned about each other’s struggles as human beings, battled clashing viewpoints, and began to develop a mutual respect for one another. People we would usually have never interacted on a normal basis be-
came our new friends and comrades. Although we are still working on communicating as a team, it has been an eye-opening experience for all us and everyday we grow stronger. Last month we left Camden behind and found our new home in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Trail building is new for most people on our team and even being in the wilderness is a foreign way of life. Technology is not as easily accessible but the activities and beautiful views are endless. At Frost Valley we have learned to embrace the new and are looking forward to the hard labor ahead that will etch fresh memories onto our pants. The path most traveled: Moose 4 members crossing a steel cable bridge in Frost Valley.
GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014 7
SOCI AL WELLNESS
Carrying the Commitment “[We] will get things done for America to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier� and that should include ourselves. Throughout our ten months of service we dedicate our energies to urban and rural development, disaster relief, infrastructure, energy conservation, and environmental stewardship, but how many of us will actually continue to do so after AmeriCorps? It may not always be simple to get involved in some of our areas post-AmeriCorps, but keeping up with environmental stewardship is one area of service that we can all do within and around our own homes and neighborhoods that can have a lasting impact. Here are some ways that you can continue to make a difference:
1. Use compact fluorescent bulbs It's no secret that fluorescent bulbs are despised by many, but by replacing just 1 bulb in your home to the compact kind, you reduce pollution levels equivalent to removing 1 million cars from the road. If you really hate the flickering and yellowish color, try placing these bulbs inside of closets.
2. Do not preheat the oven Unless you are making bread or pastries, preheating the oven doesn't really make m u c h of a difference other than that it uses more energy and takes more time. When you are ready to start cooking, just turn on the oven and put in your dish. When you check on your food, be sure to look through the window instead of opening the door. Every time you open it the temperature drops 25 degrees, which will increase the amount of energy needed to cook your food. 3. Recycle glass Recycle. Recycle. RECYCLE! It's so easy to do and saves energy and earth's n a t ural resources, especially when you recycle glass. Recycled glass reduces related air pollution by 20% and related water pollution by 50%. So don't throw out those used glass bottles! Recycle! 4. Hang dry Everyone loves the smell of fresh, clean clothes! And the warmth of those pants right after they get out of the drier are irresistible! But every time you throw those clothes in the drier you're damaging them and racking up the bills. Get a clothesline to hang outside during summer months and a rack for inside during the cooler months so you can air dry those clothes. Your wardrobe will maintain it's color, shape, and fit and you'll save some money too! 5. Go vegetarian once a week Every time you eat a meal without meat, you help the planet and your diet! For instance, it requires 2,500 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef. Not to mention, for each hamburger that originated from animals raised on rainforest land, approximately 55 square feet of forest has been destroyed. Think about that next time you add meat to every meal of the day! There are other ways to get your protein! Flax seeds and nuts are great substitutes and are pretty tasty too!
8 GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014
SOCI AL WELLNESS
with You This Year and Beyond! By: Kristen Beierwaltes, Buffalo 1
6. Wash your clothes in cold or warm water Clothes tags will tell you how to care for your clothes when it comes time to wash them, but if all the households in the U.S. switched from hot-hot cycle to warm- cold, which is just as effective at cleaning, we could save the energy comparable to 100,000 barrels of oil a day! Ponder that one next time you fill up at the pump! 7. Recycle old cell phones On average, a cell phone will last about 18 months. This means that every year and a half, about 130 million phones will be discarded, the majority of which will be put into landfills. The batteries inside those cell phones contain toxic substances that are bad for our environment. Every time you recycle a phone, you prevent those substances from polluting soil and water and can even get a discount on some new merchandise depending on who your provider is! 8. Take a shorter shower Just by cutting down your shower by 2 minutes could conserve more than 10 gallons of water. Skip the dawdling! Do the necessaries—wash your hair, shave, wash your skin— and hop out. If everyone in the U.S. saved even just 1 gallon from their daily shower, by the end of the year it would equal twice the amount of freshwater withdrawn from the Great Lakes every day. 9. Brush without running the water Why does the water need to be running anyways? You really only need the water at the beginning and the end of brushing your teeth to wash the toothpaste down after you spit. By turning off the water while you brush, you will conserve up to 5 gallons per day. This could save up to 1.5 billion gallons of water a day—more than what all the people in New York City use combined—if everyone in the U.S. did this! 10. Rethink bottled water They're convenient and don't need to be cleaned before you use them, but about 9 0 % of plastic water bottles are not recycled and take thousands of years to decompose once in landfills or in the ocean. Instead, buy a reusable container and fill it with tap water. People may complain about the taste and purity of the water, but tap water actually has stricter guidelines under the EPA's standards than bottled water has under the FDA's standards. Choose tap water!
There are hundreds of ways you can give back to the environment and you can start today. All it takes is a little change to make a big difference. For more information on how you can make an impact, go to 50waystohelp.com Source: "50 Ways to Help the Planet." 50 Ways to Help the Planet. Wire & Twine, LLC, 2010.
GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014 9
FE ATURE
On a Split Round
From Sea Bright to Baltimore
By: Gilbert Mckenna, Moose 5
On a Split Round
W
scrap lead paint to prepare other volunteers for repainting houses on Rebuilding Day. But we were rest assured orking in Sea Bright, New Jersey is really it is worth doing because we could be saving children comforting because it reminds me of lives in the long run, from generation to generation. Santa Cruz, California, being close to the ocean releases Lead is bad for adults but even more dangerous to bahome sickness bies. Safety First: Moose 5 members the proper personal protecwhich gives me in tive equipment for lead paint I thought it was power to keep on removal. really amazing that keeping on. At my team and I got to least for me the attend Easter Dinwork that I am ner with the presidoing is satisfydent of the board of ing even though Rebuilding Together it’s hard and the Baltimore. It was hours are long. I obvious that he was try to imagine very wealthy but he and put myself in was giving back to a position of something instead of what I would squandering it for have done if I himself like some had been in all people often do. We the chaos of Hurhave a great team to ricane Sandy. What it’s like to start over with the loss of work with on the work site. As always even on boring possessions and zero financial aid. I have lost something and slow days my team is always there to experience it as little as a cellphone and been like game over man! It’s with me. really hard to imagine what Sandy was like when I have nothing to compare it to. I think what gives me the most power above all is my team. These are the people who you get to work with every day. The only thing that separates these people from every other person is that you can rely and count on them. You may think you’re alone in the journey ahead, but then glance over to the person next to you working and are reminded that you’re not alone everyone has a common interest in being there. After a hard day’s work, at the end of the day you can laugh it off. Working with Rebuilding Together Baltimore has been an experience. It has been hard and a little tedious to
10 GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014
Celebration: Moose 5 members during their Easter dinner with their sponsors.
ALUM NI SPOTLI GHT
Rachel Freeman: Corps Member Ameriworld: Kristal Wiggins, Buffalo 4 Team Leader and Rachel Freeman on the worksite.
Class XVI// Perry Point Tell us about yourself: “In the past I served three terms of AmeriCorps as a corps member in Class 16 at Perry Point, as a state member at Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk County, and as a team leader in FEMA Corps.” Rachel Freeman, current construction logistician and volunteer leader at the Sandy Recovery program at NECHAMA on Long Island, NY also a Long Native. Rachel enjoys Kevin Costner movies and a good bagel Sandwich. How did you hear AmeriCorps?: I had a friend who was in the California Conservation Corps and I thought, oh that is cool!, but I didn't want to be outside all of the time and so I did some internet research, found NCCC, and decided it looked like a good opportunity. Why did you decide to join?: The opportunity to be part of a team of other young people from all over the United Sates, along with the chance to travel and make difference sounded great to me. What did you enjoy about your 10 months?: Traveling was a lot of fun. My team served in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Louisiana, and my disaster team served in Tennessee. I also still keep in touch with some of my teammates who in one way or another are my friends for life. However, I realized the most rewarding part of the experience for me was my disaster response round. At the rewards dinner I stood together with members from my disaster team and we all agreed, helping people whose lives had been so suddenly overturned by disaster was the most rewarding, even if the
days were longer and more difficult than during our other projects. What would you have changed if possible?: The bureaucracy. Any project where you are doing work where people would walk by and say “Why are you doing that? You could do that so much faster with this machine.” What did you gain from your AmeriCorps experience?:I think anyone who was ever been in AmeriCorps would need to write a book to accurately answer this question but I'll try. It broadened my knowledge of this country and the varied couture's, it opened my eyes to privilege and how much of it I had. It taught me to be more flexible and to get along with people. It taught me to sleep on the floor or squished in between 3 people in a van while Lil Wayne is blasting. It taught me more empathy than I had. I met my boyfriend in AmeriCorps. I learned how to build a house but first I had to learn how to use a hammer though. More recently it though me about management, about how to have responsibility in tough situations, and how say when you are a wrong. I wouldn't trade in any of my experiences because of these lessons but also because I love where I am now. Where are you now/What are you doing?: See question #1, but I currently work at NECHAMA: The Jewish Response to Disaster. This is the same organization I served with during my disaster round in 2010 as a Corps Member in NCCC. GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014 11
SPI KE G ALLE RY
↓
(Top) Our two worlds collided when FEMA Fox 6 and FEMA Terrapin 8 worked together out in the field.
→ Buffalo 2 during an exciting ISP where the team was able to help with cutting up used tires. ↓
(Bottom) Days on end of wildland fire fighting can be exhausting, members of Phoenix 2 take time to have a yoga session.
12 GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014
SPI KE G ALLE RY
↑
Heavy lifting is no problem for the awesome members of Raven 2.
→ (Top) Fox 1 members during an event with Rebuilding Together. → (Bottom) Moose 3 members help out clearing materials preparing their worksite for upcoming summer camps. ↓
Fox 3 members spent time in an area familiar to the Class XX B Corps, Vicksburg Mississippi, setting up a Joint Field Office (JFO).
GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014 13
SOCI AL WELLNESS
Empathy + Listening =
H
Empathetic Listening Yo!
By: Emily Vuong
i, I’m Emily and I practice empathetic listening. Exactly what is empathetic listening? Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. When I combine empathy with the act of listening, I get the building blocks of heartfelt dialogue. In a culture where strength and leadership are often seen as the most confident, eloquent speakers, empathetic listeners are undervalued. The quiet strength of being able to process and feel what other’s say and feel is not validated. However, empathetic listening is crucial to building connections, establishing trust, and uniting a diverse AmeriCorps group. How often have you witnessed a conversation where one side talks, and the other side doesn’t really hear them? Then it happens again as they switch roles. At the end of the conversation, no dialogue actually occurs. Have you been in one of these? So why is empathy important? Our team has weekly empathetic tea times where we practice listening to each other. I interviewed some team mates: “It’s important to try and feel for others. Everyone has struggles and it makes you feel better if someone can relate to you.” -Carol Tessein “Empathy is helpful to having an open mind and consideration for others.” -Victoria Pridgen “Because if you don’t have any empathy you’re kind of soulless.” -Sheena Brandow “I don’t know much about empathy.” -Nick Hawthorne “It’s nice to have emotional support through tough times.” -Emma Strong (TL) ”Empathetic listening is important because it helps people to think through their own thoughts out loud instead of being trapped in their own heads. So having an empathetic listener gets them out of their own heads.” -Erik Wright “Empathetic listening is important for enabling others to be their authentic selves. When I create that safe space with others, we accept and honor each other as beautifully unique and human.” -Emily Vuong How can I build empathy? 1) Practice mindfulness- Practice noticing your own emotions, and then observe others’. Pay attention to things not being said- body language, tone of voice, facial expressions. 2) Don’t jump to conclusions- To ASSUME makes an AS* out of U and ME 3) Practice kindness with yourself.- When you are kind with yourself you can be in a better position for kindness with others. How can I be a better listener? 1) Body language- Be attentive and non judgemental- avoid rolling your eyes or fiddling with your phone. 2) Stop- resist the temptation to think about what you are going to say to them while the other is still talking. Just listen, give them 100% of your attention. 3) Do not judge- resist from interjecting with your opinions. Watch out for sounds that could also discourage the speaker like sighs or psshhs. Encourage them to fully express themselves. 4) Do not try to solve anything- The speaker knows him or herself best, and they can provide the best solutions for themselves. Give space for the other to solve their own issues. 5) Do try paraphrasing what they say- let them know that you follow them by paraphrasing their train of thought. Remember, there is no one way of listening and making mistakes is part of the process of becoming a better empathetic listener.
Lend a listening ear! 14 GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014
ST AFF SPOTLI GH T
Visiting with: Karen Bierman Full name: Karen Bierman Hometown: Bel Air, MD Education: College – Early Childhood Education, Medical Assistant Work History: Generally administrative based, with several years in childcare. I’ve been with NCCC since…. December 2013 What is your role with NCCC?: My role is Program Associate for Region Director; I assist with office management, personnel matters, calendar management, travel preparations, meeting preparation, staff and Corps Members assistance. I am the POC for UPS account holders, POC for Administrative Office Assistance and Supplies, and a complete array of office administration duties. Come to me when you need…just about anything, if I can’t help I will direct you to the person that can. I am here to help everyone as best I can. Any Hobbies?: I am an avid sports fan – NHL - Philadelphia Flyers, MLB Baltimore Orioles, NFL - Carolina Panthers and NASCAR #88 Dale Jr. Craziest thing you’ve ever done….. I don’t even know where to begin. Most beautiful place you’ve visited?: Any private island Royal Caribbean takes me to! In my spare time I…. relax with hubbs and friends. Favorite movie: Top Gun will always be number one What do you appreciate about your service with NCCC: I appreciate what our organization does for today’s society in restoring faith in humanity. It is great being part of something so significant no matter how small my part. Who do you admire?: I have always admired Princess Diana and her legacy. Her style and poise despite the hardships of her role, she carried on with dignity and grace. May she forever rest in peace. What is your favorite quote: “Don’t let the past ruin the future”, I’d like to think I came up with this myself, as I have been saying since my junior year, but I am sure I heard if from somewhere. Your favorite food?: I love Italian and pasta is usually my go to, but most recently I can say I’d eat pizza every opportunity offered. What is one of your goals?: Along with hubbs to always provide a safe, loving and nurturing environment for our children.
GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014 15
RECIPE
Spring has Sprung! A quick recipe for making spring rolls at your spike housing Ingredients:
2 ounces rice vermicelli
cilantro
8 rice wrappers (8.5 inch diam- eter)
2 leaves lettuce, chopped
8 large cooked shrimp - peeled, deveined and cut in half
1 1/3 tablespoons chopped fresh Thai basil
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
3 tablespoons chopped fresh
4 teaspoons fish sauce 1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons white sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic chili sauce
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
Directions:
Bring a medium saucepan of water to boil. Boil rice vermicelli 3 to 5 minutes, or until al dente, and drain.
Fill a large bowl with warm water. Dip one wrapper into the hot water for 1 second to soften. Lay wrapper flat. In a row across the center, place 2 shrimp halves, a handful of vermicelli, basil, mint, cilantro and lettuce, leaving about 2 inches uncovered on each side. Fold uncovered sides inward, then tightly roll the wrapper, beginning at the end with the lettuce. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
In a small bowl, mix the fish sauce, water, lime juice, garlic, sugar and chili sauce.
In another small bowl, mix the hoisin sauce and peanuts.
Serve rolled spring rolls with the fish sauce and hoisin sauce mixtures.
What do you call it when you don’t eat dinner? A Moosetake….
16 GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014
TE AM PROJE CT M AP
Where are they now? Our Traditional Corps Members (Buffalo, Moose & Raven) are well into their second week of their Round 2 projects. Our FEMA Corps Members (Fox) are enjoying the last few weeks of their projects before returning back to campus for their transition week between rounds.
Round 1-2
FOX 3: Atlanta, GA Region IV Headquarters/Atlantic Distribution Center - Logistics FOX 4: Mobile, AL Mission Alabama - Disaster Survivor Assistance FOX 5: Pensacola, FL IMAT (Incident Management Assistance Team) FOX 6: Atlanta, GA Atlantic Region IV Office
BUFFALO 1 Buffalo, NY
MOOSE 3 Stroudsburg, PA
RAVEN 3 York, PA
City of Buffalo - Urban and Rural Development
Streamside Camp –Environmental Stewardship
BUFFALO 2 Tremont, PA
MOOSE 4 Claryville, NY
Habitat for Humanity York – Urban and Rural Developement
Schuylkill Headwater Association - Environmental Stewardship
Frost Valley YMCA - Environmental Stewardship
BUFFALO 3 Edgartown, MA FARM Institute - Infrastructure Improvement BUFFALO 4 Baltimore, MD
MOOSE 5 Wells, ME Wells Reserve - Environmental Stewardship RAVEN 1 Baltimore, MD
Southeast CDC - Environmental Stewardship
Baltimore County EPA & Sustainability - Environmental Stewardship
MOOSE 1 New York, NY
RAVEN 2 Moonachie, NJ
World Cares Center - Disaster Services
Volunteer Center of Bergen County - Disaster Services
MOOSE 2 Garden City, NY
RAVEN 4 Pittsburgh, PA Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh - Urban and Rural Development PHOENIX 1 Suffolk, VA USFWS - Disaster Services FOX 1: Forest Hills, NY Sandy Recovery Office- Public Assistance FOX 2: Emmitsburg, VA Emergency Management Institute - Public Assistance Task Force
NECHAMA - Disaster Services GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014 17
Shout outs! “Shout out to our HaWL’s for their awesome GTTP articles.”
“Come back soon Jeremy, ET misses you!”
ET FROM UPSTAIRS
LAURA & KALIAH
“Welcome to the neighborhood Raven 1!”
“Welcome to AmeriCorps NCCC Marcia!”
STL’S
“Congratulations on leading the Corps in Independent Service Hours, Rachael!”
UNITS DEPARTMENT
“You’re almost to the end of round 1 Fox!”
TRADITIONAL TEAMS
CRSTL
“Be happy for this moment is your life.”
“Congratulations Class XX A FEMA Corps on their graduation!” ANONYMOUS ATLANTIC REGION STAFF
18 GET TO THE POINT | April 23, 2014