Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12
May 30– June 5 2011
Volume XVII Issue 12
Get to the Point: The NCCC News An NCCC Atlantic Region Publication
Perry Point
Maryland
Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12
2
Featured on the Cover- Upper left clockwise: Elisabeth Valdez looking at the flood waters in Alabama while Isaac Winant helps with burns on Phoenix 2. Raven 1’s Ryan Hatem works on the island, and Raven 6 shows the city all while members of Raven 7 assist with a clean up. TL Matt assist CM Laura letting a fish go into the streams. Center: Raven 7 with UL Jen Horan and the Mayor of Buffalo after a street clean-up.
Strengthen communities and develop leaders through direct, team-based national and community service
Inside Issue 12: Raven 3 Update
3-4
AmeriCount
4
AmeriGourment
5
Brain Food
6
Alumni Spotlight
7-8
Alums
9
Bursting the Bubble
10
Disaster Summary
11
Thank You
12
Socializing
12
Move of the Week 12
I’m a member of the National Civilian Community Corps, an AmeriCorps program. N-triple-C members are 18 to 24 years old and spend 12 months getting things done for America while developing their own leadership skills. We serve on teams to help communities prepare for and respond to disasters, build homes, and help the environment.
Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12
3
Raven 3: Starting Left– Erin Bruhn, Kyle Lauchmen, TL Leeann Sudol, Melanie Fuqua, Aurora White, Stephen Drieze, Ben Pritchard (currently on Thunder 1) Elizabeth Foster (not pictured Peter Donovan and Jasmine Thomas)
Raven 3: Do-Gooders Once upon a time at a VA Hospital far-far away, a group of young eager Americans came together to get things done. Raven 3 came from both coasts and everything in between to build houses, plant gardens, and stop shoreline erosion. Even though they were all very different they learned to utilize their differences and become productive N-Trips while following their fearless leader, Leeann Sudol. This vagabond of do-gooders was sent on their first mission to the land of Jazz Music, Cajun Cuisine, and free thinking, otherwise known as New Orleans, Louisiana. Here they partnered with Habitat for Humanity and many volunteers to construct houses, organize the donation center, and distribute new appliances. While on this mission Raven 3 realized how much strength and courage it takes for a community to come together and rebuild after a natural disaster. Although they are glad they were able to help rebuild this amazing community they know that there is still so much work to be done. For Mission 2, headquarters at B15 sent the magnificent members of Raven 3 to the Urban Jungle of Camden, New Jersey. Raven 3’s main sponsor was in the magical playhouse of the Camden Children’s Garden. With the Camden Children’s Garden, they brought fresh produce and education on horticulture to the residents of the “food desert.” Unfortunately, this mission was cut short because of shoreline erosion on the Indian Head, Maryland Naval base!!! Raven 3 rushed to help the Maryland Conservation Corps (MCC) and the Baltimore Aquarium to plant 835 trees and 20 thousand marshland grasses. It was a week of hard work, sunshine and hotel living. Halfway Aurora White & Stephen Drieze
through this endeavor, disaster struck! (Continued on page 4)
Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12
4
The authorities of B15, Mother Nature, and FEMA showed how quickly plans can be twisted. Raven 3’s new mission for round 2 was to go to Alabama and help fellow Corps Members provide shelter and debris removal for tornado victims. After driving back to Camden from Indian Head, to gather their belongings and much needed equipment, Raven 3 is now preparing for their second 16 hour southern road trip from home base in Perry Point, Maryland. It sure has been a whirlwind of an experience! Jasmine Thomas, Melanie Fuqua, Erin Bruhn, & Peter Donovan
MOOSE 5 SHOUT OUT: Black fly season is in full swing in New Hampshire! On the plus side, we now
Want to be a Team Leader?
have lightning-fast bug squishing reflexes. On the negative side, between the 11 of us we have 237 black fly bites. (Yes, we actually counted). Shoutouts for the Week: Dear FS1: Do you know how hard it is to come up with these witty shoutouts every week, with no reciprocation? We can’t keep it up! –Kate and Kat Fuz-
MOOSE 2 SHOUT OUT: I just want
to say…Jamie and Caleb, you are my favorites. Also that we miss Brooke a lot…
This Could Be You! Applications close August 1st Those selected start January 2012 BUFFALO 7 SHOUT OUT: JPo says “What’s up
Bradley and Jamie!”
BUFFALO 2 SHOUT OUT: Christine- WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? We miss you. Moose 7’s Timothy Eldridge & Moose 2’s Melissa Kleppinger are prefect example for YouTube videos: What do you like to do on your free time? & Team Builder and Team Actives
Moose 3- It’s been a blast working with y’all. As Ms. Karen would say, “What happens in Moundville stays in Moundville”…and BREAK.
AmeriCount Down
24
26
30
169
Days Until Return to the Point
Days Until Transition
Days Until Summer Break
Days Until Graduation
Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12
5
AmeriGourmet: The Cooking Corner This week we are in the AmeriKitchen with Laura Mack CRSTL
This past weekend was Memorial Day weekend and I, Laura Mack, was fortunate enough to be able to go home for this blessed occasion. As I was driving back stuck in traffic, being frustrated by the cars packed high with coolers and staring longingly at the homes with smoke billowing out of their grills, I remarked at how much our food always seems to taste better in the summer. Maybe it’s because of the fact that everything is fresher and can be enjoyed outdoors. From this conversation it sparked an idea...the AmeriGourment Corner should be a meal of summer (that you can wear white at, get it since it’s past Memorial day) So invite the team outside, make a team builder out of it and enjoy the tastes of summer! Black Bean Burger: These easy-to-assemble burgers can be shaped ahead of time and cooked off when you’re ready to eat. Ingredients: Decorated as Wanted (serving size 6)
1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained 1 egg 1/2 yellow onion, chopped 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs 1 teaspoon dried oregano & basil 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Salt& Pepper / Hot Sauce for taste 1 to 2 tablespoons olive or canola oil
Directions: Put beans in a large bowl and mash well with a fork. Add egg, yellow onion, bread crumbs, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, pepper and hot sauce. Mix well to combine then shape into 6 patties. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange patties in a single layer (working in batches, if needed) and cook, flipping once, until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 10 minutes total. Potato Salad: Just a good old fashioned, down home potato salad recipe that brings back memories of picnics in the park and family gatherings. Wonderful as it is or make it your own by adding additional ingredients of your choice. Ingredients 5 pounds red potatoes 6 eggs 2 cups mayonnaise 1 onion, diced 2 green onions, thinly sliced 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and diced 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced 2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper Directions: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add potatoes, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender but still firm. Drain, cool and cut into cubes. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Cover and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop. In a large bowl, combine chopped potatoes and eggs. Mix together mayonnaise, chopped onion, green onion, green pepper, and celery. Season with salt and pepper, then mix well.
Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12
6
Brain Food: L&M Trivia Brought to you by: Laura Mack Community Relations STL & Melissa Jabat Programming Office STL
What is NCCC-Activity: First team to get back to CRSTL Laura Mack will win a prize...trust us you want this prize! What is the current education award amount? Congratulations to the NCCC Activities Past Winners: Buffalo 7 & Moose 5 & Raven 2
Can you move just one match to leave a square?
RAVEN 1 SHOUT OUT: Shoutout to Raven 1 Pod. Mail coming
PHOENIX 2 SHOUT OUT: Not letting the
Swamp life bog us down! ;c) Moose Caboose! Pinkies up! – Beth!
soon so watch out for that! Other than that, he downloaded Born This Way by Lady GaGa & is thoroughly impressed. Sad news – he missed Oprah’s farewell show! Waahh! L Thanks Jake (R4) for coming to the island to visit Raven One! Miss you Leeann! Thank you for keeping me together this past week. It means a lot! -KJ-
Hey B7 keep doing it big in Mass! – Preston M2 – Friday’s aren’t the same without you…. BUFFALO 5 SHOUT OUT: Buffalo 5 scaled New Jersey’s High Point
Monument this week, it’s just a little bit shorter than Mt. Everest. No big deal. Also, fun fact: the best way to defeat a black bear is to tickle fight it. Donkeys, on the other hand, not so much. Liz came back to us this week!!! Will and Isaac, to quote Phil Collins, “You’ll be in [our] heart[s], yes you’ll be in [our] heart[s]. From this day on, now and forever moooooooooooore!”
Moose 2 thinks you should check out videos on YouTube: Teams are answering the questions: What do you like to do in your free time? And show us some of your team builders!
Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12
7
Alumni Spotlight: Evan Marie Allison Evan Marie Allison , served as a Corps Member in Class XVI at the Atlantic Region. Recently, we were able to catch up with her to find out her impressions on her service year and what she is doing currently. Allison served as a Corps Member on Raven 2 in Class XVI. How did you find out about AmeriCorps NCCC? AmeriCorps NCCC came to me in a dream where I ate peanut butter & jelly sandwiches seven days a week and lived in a gray T-shirt and a dirty pair of construction boots. Seriously now, after I graduated from college I wasn’t quite satisfied with the idea of jumping right into grad school for another 3 to 4 years to receive my master’s degree. I have always enjoyed Evan Marie Alison, Class16 Raven 2 & Phoenix community service and was yearning for an opportunity to get my hands dirty and out of a stuffy classroom. Before continuing with my education and settling down, I wanted to travel while helping disadvantaged communities. When family and friends suggested considering an AmeriCorps position, I knew NCCC was the opportunity I was looking for. What was the best part of your year? This is a difficult question to answer because I was fortunate enough to encounter many great experiences throughout my service year. Participating in the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project with Habitat for Humanity in Washington D.C. was hands down my favorite project. I learned an incredible amount about construction and had the privilege of networking with amazing individuals of whom I still keep in contact with today. However, as a round as a whole, serving as a wild land firefighter with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was by far the most exciting and challenging experience of my life. A tent pitched under a walnut tree in The Great Dismal Swamp become home for the duration of the round. As a member of Phoenix One, we saw 10 prescribed burns Above: Alison with Raven 2 Below: Allison with Phoenix teammate igniting over 1,000 acres of various State Forest ablaze, setting a new Atlantic Region record for a sole fire team. The days were long and hot, the nights were frigid in the tents, and I definitely ate more peanut butter & jelly sandwiches than I cared to. Carrying a 45lb bladder bag for 8 hours wasn’t any picnic. Singeing your eyebrows isn’t sexy, yet the camaraderie and work ethic of Phoenix One is unforgettable. My body wanted to give before my spirit did but with the encouragement of my team, I was somehow able to push myself beyond what I thought physically and emotionally possible.
Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12
8
The best part of the round was walking away with a better sense of my capabilities and knowing that I am much stronger than I thought. A quotation from Tony Robbins comes to mind, “What we can or cannot do, what we consider possible or impossible, is rarely a function of our true capability. It is more likely a function of our beliefs about who we are.” What are your current plans? I currently work for a non-profit called the New Orleans Women’s Shelter. NOWS is a transitional shelter dedicated to providing the resources homeless women and children need on their path to independent living. The shelter provides housing, food, intensive case management, as well as employment and academic guidance. As their Employment Program Coordinator, I assist the residents with obtaining and maintaining full-time employment, resume building, cover letter writing, and academic opportunities. Previously serving as my AmeriCorps team’s Team Trainer, the experience provided me with resources and knowledge I utilize on a daily basis within my current position. Aside from serving in that capacity, I am also in the process of facilitating the shelter in applying for an AmeriCorps grant. In the near future, I am considering taking on a part-time AmeriCorps position with the St. Bernard Project (SBP) , in addition to working with NOWS. The SBP is building a movement to solve the affordable housing crisis in Greater New Orleans and has contacted me regarding a volunteer coordinator position. Do you have any advice for Class 17? Challenge sows patience, gratitude, and above all resilience. When you are dirty, tired, emotionally drained and you just feel like giving up, be humbled by the thought that the harder the struggle, the more rewarding the triumph. I find this to be true in all aspects of my life.
Volunteers from across the United States will convene in New Orleans June 6-8 for the 2011 National Conference on Volunteering and Service. Moose 6 will be there representing the Atlantic Region NCCC! Follow @NCVS on Twitter for all the conference tweets. Additionally, follow the conversation by searching the #NCVS Twitter hashtag. Follow on Facebook: Like" the Conference Facebook page so that the official wall posts show up in your Facebook news feed. http://www.facebook.com/NCVSpage?ref=ts
Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12
9
Weekly Installments: Alums Leading the Way About: AmeriCorps Alums represents over 700,000 alumni of AmeriCorps and guides a vibrant network of leaders and change makers. Join today:www.americorpsalums.org Overview: AmeriCorps Alums represents over 700,000 alumni of AmeriCorps, a vibrant national network of individuals who spent a year or more in national service. Bound together by a commitment to service, AmeriCorps alumni are leaders who share a common belief that civic engagement is an essential American ideal. Together, these leaders constitute a powerful force for transformative change. Mission: AmeriCorps Alums inspires, equips, and engages national service alumni to fully realize their potential as change agents and civic leaders in communities. AmeriCorps Week in Review: AmeriCorps Week 2011 has come to close and what a week it was! AmeriCorps was center stage the nation over and, in many cities, Alums was in the spotlight. There were over 330 projects registered online, leveraging over 2,200volunteers who served nearly 10,000 hours. Almost 300 alums served with pride along side 1,200current AmeriCorps members. National AmeriCorps Week was officially proclaimed in 7 states.
These photographs are from an AmeriCorps Roundtable during AmeriCorps Week (Atlantic Region NCCC was represented )
Connect & Network with Alumni (even while in the program), there are opportunities such as networking, chapter involvement, job postings, trainings, etc‌ Connect: www.americorpsalums.org Follow them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/americorpsalums Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/americorpsalums
Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12
10
Bursting the AmeriBubble Brought to you by: Laura Mack Community Relations STL & a Multitude of Media Sources
Bosnian Serb genocide suspect Ratko Mladic will make his first appearance at the U.N. war crimes tribunal in The Hague. Mladic remains in isolation after his extradition to the Hague. The onetime Bosnian Serb commander faces war crimes charges, including genocide, his lawyer says Mladic would not be able to participate in a trial. (cnn.com) In Japan, public distrust of the government is growing following the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis that began in March. The country's prime minister is expected to face a no-confidence motion in parliament. (npr.org)
Fire crews and police could only watch after a man waded into San Francisco Bay, stood up to his neck and waited. They wanted to do something, but a policy strictly forbade them from trying to save the 50 year old. A witness finally pulled the apparently suicidal man's lifeless body from the 54-degree water. The man spent nearly an hour in the water before he drowned; according to reports, first San Francisco Bay Area responders and about 75 people watched the incident from the shore. Budget cuts forced the department to discontinue water rescue training and stop maintaining rescue gear . (msnbc.com)
Space Shuttle Endeavour
Endeavour touched down on the runway a final time under the cover of darkness, just as Atlantis, the last shuttle bound for space, arrived at the launch pad for the grand finale in five weeks. After logging 122 million miles during 25 spaceflights, Endeavour touched down at Florida's Kennedy Space Center. The landing closed out the next-to-last shuttle mission in NASA's 30-year program. Endeavour was the last space shuttle to join NASA's fleet: It was built to replace the shuttle Challenger, which was lost in an explosion shortly after launch in 1986. (npr.org)
Kim Kardashian is engaged! After getting engaged on May 18, Kim & Kris Humphries touched down in Monaco for a planned family vacation with the basketball star and his family. (people.com) Unborn baby Marriah Greene has a lot to say, at least according to her Facebook profile. The child attends Tummy University, enjoys soccer and swimming and talks in first person. And her friends talk back to her– in baby-speak, naturally. Of course, it’s really her mother, Ellie Greene of Whitehouse, Texas, updating the page, but the fetus already has more than 260 friends. (cnn.com)
Greene’s Facebook
Mexican drug cartels are expanding into Central America, seeking new markets and smuggling routes for their products. In El Salvador, there's fear the cartels are aligning themselves with the country's ubiquitous street gangs. And gang members say they're welcome. (npr.org) The National Hurricane Center is predicting that the season that begins on Wednesday will be busier than normal, with as many as 18 named tropical storms, 3 to 6 of them major hurricanes. (msnbc.org)
Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12
11
THUNDER 1 (DISASTER) SHOUT OUT: M1- Hope you're having a blast with
Ronald McDonald! -MJ M6- NOLA better be treating you well! And Brie's elbow misses you Tommy! -MJ When Ben heard that R3 was coming down to AL with him, he was like Jigga Jigga What?! Morgan! I got your Wendys napkin and I miss you too! Logan-wherever you are, I do love you. Hope those letters found you. -Aja Buffalo 1! Welcome to the South! Please don't touch the snakes. -Justin MOOSE 7 SHOUT OUT: We met some
You can find the “A” everywhere! RAVEN 6 SHOUT OUT: Darren- Hi, everyone…
awesome people experiencing new independent service at Black Rock Forest. Joke of the Week: Q. What is a mummy’s favorite pizza place? A. PIZZA TUT.
Disaster Summary: Buffalo 1 and Raven 3 just deployed to provide assistance with the disaster relief. Raven 1 and Support Team Leader Lia Daniels will also be joining the teams in Alabama working with logistics.
Teams currently involved in Disaster Relief: Buffalo– 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6 Moose– 2 & 3 Raven– 3, 5 & 6
RAVEN 2 SHOUT OUT: Raven two is
finishing up at Camp Grove Point and headed to Scranton PA! Raven 7, we hope you’re taking care of Josh we miss him already.
Images from Disaster Teams:
Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12
12
Our appreciation goes out to those teams who have already assisted or are finishing up their time with Disaster Relief! NCCC wants to recognize you for all the wonderful work you’ve done and thank you for helping so much during this time of need!
Moose 4, Raven 4, Moose 6 & Thunder 1 Thunder 1 has done a remarkable job down in Alabama, they will be returning to the Point this weekend and will be joining there teams shortly after. Moose 6 is currently representing Atlantic Region NCCC at the National Conference. Moose 4 and Raven 4 served in Alabama assisting with warehouses and shelter and now are onto another project site.
Again thank you so much for doing a terrific job within every aspect of disaster relief.
Socializing NCCC Style Brought to you by: Sam McKenzie Community Relations Specialist
10 Social Media Rules to Socialize By: Here below are ten rules to follow if you are using social media related to AmeriCorps NCCC. AmeriCorps NCCC is a program of a federal agency which is an entity. You must remember at all times while using social media that represents NCCC that you are representing the program and not yourself. Therefore: 1. Do not follow or like and/or make status updates & posts about political parties, political commentators, political candidates, state & local officials, celebrities, athletes, sports teams, musicians or public figures 2. Do not follow/like any brands, any products to include books/movies, etc, companies or entities other than project sponsors and recruitment partners 3. Do not post or upload pictures/videos with any brands or products visible 4. Do not post pictures/video with Members not in uniform- no casual photos, no casual videos 5. Do not post pictures/videos of Members not in full proper uniform at all times - no backward hats, shirts not tucked in, etc. 6. Do not disregard the privacy and personal information of your Team Members 9. Do not make posts/status updates related personal/individual opinions about anything non service related 8. Do not post videos or pictures of any behaviors or activities not permitted while in service 9. Do not make posts/status updates related to any religious or spiritual subjects/issues 10. Do not post gripes or negative content about the program, projects, the team, the staff or Members
Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12 MOOSE 1 SHOUT OUT: Shoutout to
Beth Stolz on P2- Saoirse loves you! BUFFALO 1 SHOUT OUT: Lauryn,
please don’t ever leave me again!! Aubrey Aubrey, I’m so sorry I left you! I won’t let it happen again! Lauryn Shout out to the Corps! Good job to all of the teams on disaster, keep up the good work! Devon MOOSE 6 SHOUT OUT: To our fellow
moose: MOOOOOSE! JJ: Allen, the time was now…and then a gun went off…no, seriously… JJ has a new tattoo (It’s pretty BA) Josh: Hailey & Jalissa – I miss you sisters Harley: Rebecca – I will see you again one day Josh & Harley: Rebecca – Momma Choo Choo/Momma No Choo Choo Josh: My hair will always grow for Jay (Moose 1 Retired) JJ: Chappy, I miss falling asleep to your sleep talking at night Tommy would like to shout out to the shout out component of GTTP… Without you, I wouldn’t be able to say, “I wrote that!” While pointing at the page.
13
The Physical Move of the Week: 10-Minute Hamstring Routine Stretching all your hamstring muscles. From Runner’s World
PLEASE BE SAFE AND SMART WITH ALL YOUR PT ACTIVITIES Your hamstring may feel like 1 big knot, but it's actually 3 separate muscles. Keeping each equally flexible is key because muscle imbalances lead to injury. Hold each pose for 30 seconds. 1. Rishi Fold (Outer Hamstring) Keep feet about 12 inches apart in a loose T shape. Bend until you feel slight tension. Repeat on the other side. 2. Standing Forward Fold (Central Hamstring) To make it easier, bend your knees. 3. Wide-Legged Forward Fold (Inner Hamstring) To make it easier, bend your knees. 4. Seated Forward Fold (Central Hamstring) If you can't reach, wrap a towel or belt around the balls of your feet. 5. Strap Series (Central, Inner, Outer Hamstring) Bring one leg straight back. Hold. Move it right, hold. Then left, hold. 6. Legs Up The Wall (Central Hamstring) Get your glutes as close to the wall as you can.
RAVEN 3 SHOUT OUT: Ben – we are coming for you! RAVEN 7 SHOUT OUT: The 7-10 became 7-11 with the addition of New Guy. It was
great talking to you Zac—with you, we’ll be 7-A Dozen. Nicole Sunshine’s parents hosted the team for a wonderful holiday weekend of baby chickens, delicious food, burning furniture, oversized marshmallows, murderous Mayan plants, a tent-flooding thunderstorm, and Gillian’s first game of Womblebat!
STL SHOUT OUT: Melissa and Laura, well actually all Melissa, are making a song up about Bradley… while she learns to play the guitar Laura is preparing for Freedom 1 by marching in B15 Again Allen your welcome