Get to the Point Vol. XVIII Issue 15 by AmeriCorpsNCCCAtlantic Region

Get to the Point August 15, 2012

An NCCC Atlantic Region Publication

Get to the Point GET TO THE POINT ATLANTIC REGION, PERRY POINT, MD VOL. XVIII, ISSUE 15

I’m an member of the National Civilian Community Corps, an AmeriCorps program. N-triple-C members are 18 to 24 and spend 10 months getting things done for America while developing their own leadership. We serve on teams to help communities to prepare for and respond to disaster, build homes and help the environment. To learn more, or apply, visit americorps.gov/nccc

The Macho Meerkats, led by composite TL Jessica Johnson, stand outside Project Crossroads, their project sponsor’s office

COVER: CENTER: R4, DIRTY AND DUSTY FROM A DAYS WORK IN CAMDEN TOP; LEFT, P3 , REBECCA CUDDLES WITH A PUPPY RIGHT, R5, (L-R) LEX AND DAN GO GOTHIC BOTTOM; LEFT, M2, IESHA PEELS BARK FROM A TREE JUST AS THE CCC DID IN THE 1930’S MIDDLE, M3, MAKES A CRAFTY “A” RIGHT, B1, (L -R) GRACE, HANNAH AND JEREMY CLEAR BRUSH ALONG THE WATER

3 KIDS BRING COLOR IN WORLD OF GRAY by Heather Mann

4 TRANSITION EVENTS by Ashley Peoples

ALUNMI SPOTLIGHT

GULF COAST RECOVERY INSPIRES LASTING SERVICE by Sam Cass

6 BEST PHOTOS OF THE OLYMPICS

FIND US ON FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/ NCCCATLANTICREGION Community Relations Office Sam McKenzie, Community Relations Specialist, SMcKenzie@cns.gov Tristan Fowler, Community Relations Support Team Leader, TFowler.Guest@cns.gov

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) is a full time team–based residential program for men and women ages 18 to 24. The mission of NCCC is to strength communities and develop leaders through direct, team-based national & community service. For more information about NCCC Visit www.americorps.gov/nccc or call 1 800 942 2677

QUICKIES SCOREBOARD

SHOUT OUTS

AMERIMAP

Get to the Point TEAM SPOTLIGHT—MACHO MEERKATS

KIDS BRING COLOR TO WORLD OF GRAY by Heather Mann In AmeriCorps NCCC, we as Corps members understand that life for us means packing up our red bags and traveling into the unknown, which could include anything from going to Delaware for a project with Habitat to a disaster recovery project in Alabama. We thrive on hard work and improving our leadership skills; we thrive on success and getting things done for America; we thrive on having an impact in this country. When I first heard of the composite with Project Crossroad and their summer-camp “Camp Activate,” I was excited at the prospect to work with kids, even if that only meant cleaning up around the camp facilities. So I applied, and waited.

Katee Moore of Buffalo 1. We were to be called the Macho Meerkats, lead by our weird and fantastic mama Jess. We were ecstatic, even though it meant missing transition (my second) and getting an alternate summer break. In the middle of second round we set up spike in the Village at Perry Point and commuted to Elkton every day for “Camp Activate.” The program was established to decrease the learning gap during the summer months when school is not in session. It was free and the kids were provided a free lunch, the only meal some of them would get. Some of these kids were going into 5 th grade and could not do math problems, like 2 x 3.

From top, Michael, Ishmel, Katee and Team Leader Jessica Johnson on the playground. tivate.” Nervous coughs and large gulps were taken, but we were still looking forward to camp starting the following week.

On the last day of life skills class with Ms. Cindy, she told us something that has always stuck with me. “You have five weeks to make The composite was selected. an impact in these kids‟ lives,” she Jessica Johnson of Buffalo 4 was to Our training consisted of playing said after explaining how these be our green-shirt, as the kids football, soccer, volleyball, and wiffle kids are considered “at-risk,” which would later call her; the Corps ball, playing Minute-to-Win-It means they live below the poverty members included myself of Moose games, learning and re-learning algeline, and sometimes have difficult 3, Tracy Tran of Moose 1, Laura bra, geometry, and the parts of the backgrounds. They could come Hazeltine and Justin Brammer of body, and life skills with Ms. Cindy. from homes ranging from very lovMoose 5, Ishmeal Mitchell of Raven Through our training, we realized we ing to very violent. We were told to 3, Mike Fernandez of Raven 2, and would be the only staff at “Camp Aclook for signs of neglect, abuse, any kind of harm that would be caused from their home environment. The pressure of impacting these kids in a positive way and still maintaining a professional relationship with them was enormous. When camp started, our wary eyes watched. Some of these kids never got the love and support they needed at home, so they would latch onto us, asking for hugs and playing with our hair. Some kids lashed out in violent rages against other children and against us. We never had a moment to think for ourselves. We planned the lessons; we implemented the rules; we played football with them in the midst of the Maryland heat; Each Friday, Macho Meerkats played water games at “Camp Activate” in Elkton, MD. The sponsor also assisted the team with service learning events and weekly PT.

KIDS—CONTINUED PG. 4 3

Get to the Point KIDS—CONTINED FROM PG. 3

CCR UPDATE

we grew to care for their little hands and feet and look out for the well-being of those little hands and feet.

TRANSITION EVENTS by Ashley Peoples, CCR Secretary

As we all know, transition can be a time filled Although we weren‟t shov- with mixed emotions. You‟ve been sleeping eling manure or hammer- on a cot all round and looking forward to ing nails, our job was hard sleeping in your own bed. Your clothes are in and stressful and reward- the same place you left them in, it‟s relatively quiet, and you look forward to catching up ing. By the middle of the with your roommates. In this Ameri-life, the summer camp, campers only thing that is consistent is change and the were already asking us if we were coming back next only familiar place we have is our rooms. year, begging us to move Buuuut…I encourage all of you, to find the to Maryland so they could extra energy (hidden somewhere) to get out see us again. “But that‟s of your room, put on your best looking not the nature of our pro- „civvies‟, walk around, talk to people, and gram,” we said. “Others participate in any Corps events! will be back next year, and you‟ll forget all about us.” “You’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did” But we may never forget them, those kids whose Fun is contagious, and I can guarantee you that this advice will put an extra pep in lives we were supposed to your step during the specialty role meetings and those brief/debriefing practices. Your have an impact on but in- Community Council Representatives look forward to seeing you there! stead they impacted ours. When the program ended, Editors Note: Staff and Team Leaders present terrific meetings. That extra pep is 98% of the campers‟ math merely to add to a greater experience and level of engagement. Right, Ashley? skills improved. They learned science lessons like the weight and density of blood. And they Thursday, August 30 learned that drug free is In the VA gym - 7 pm the way to be. They learned how to “bump” a volleyball and “spiral” a football. They learned how to maintain a healthy Wednesday, September 5 diet and work as a team. In the VA theater - 8 pm And we learned with (Pictured left) them. Our impact was felt, though in a small way through small people. The kids were grateful; and we few Corps members will Thursday, September 6 forever be grateful for On the 9h lawn - 7 pm Project Crossroad and Sprout ball is like dodgeball, but it’s individual. If “Camp Activate” for their positivity and that splash you get hit, you sit. When you have the ball, you of red they gave us in a can take three steps and toss the ball to someworld of gray. one sitting, run where you need and shout

MOOSE EVENT Basketball

RAVEN EVENT

alter-ego fashion show

BUFFALO EVENT sprout ball

“sprout me” and they throw you the ball. Last person standing wins! 4

Get to the Point Alumni spotlight

Gulf coast recovery inspires lasting service by Samantha Cass, Buffalo 2 Tiffany Zapico was a Corps Member on Red 4, Class XIII, and also a Team Leader for Blue 4, Class XIV at the Pacific Region. She currently lives in Montclair, New Jersey, right outside of New York City.

Tiffany first learned about AmeriCorps NCCC while working at a restaurant. A co-worker‟s girlfriend, who was an NCCC member at the time, told Tiffany about her experience. Tiffany looks back at this moment as, “Just your random good luck.” As a Corps Member, Tiffany took on the role of Service Learning Coordinator. Much of Tiffany‟s AmeriCorps life consisted of projects along the Gulf Coast. There, she assisted in disaster recovery from the devastating Hurricane Katrina and in doing so learned quite a lot. She gained insight on her own leadership skills as well as the power of the community and that of her team. Her most inspirational moment was from a day of service named "The Pascagoula Service Blitz."

Team Leader Tiffany Zapico with her Pacific Region team Blue 4. for Independent Service Project hours. A total of 67 Corps Members showed up for the Day of Service, which made me feel supported by the Corps. I really enjoyed helping people and learning that we could bring people together.” NCCC allowed her the opportunity to meet new people, make new friends whom she now considers as her family, and she also enjoyed the road trips.

ums to bring them together for days of service and job opportunities. Buffalo 2 greatly enjoyed speaking with her. For me personally, her story really captivated me, and I really enjoyed talking with her. For all of you who ever get to meet her, she‟s a lot of fun. Lastly, here are some words of advice to all AmeriCorps NCCC Members, courtesy of Tiffany: “You all should take a lot of pictures and videos. You should write about your experiences, because you‟ll really look back on them in a different light someday. Everyone should enjoy every day for what it is. Stay positive and always think possibilities are endless in AmeriCorps NCCC.”

“My first round project as a Corps Member, we were at Community Center for a Day of Service. We wanted to help some homeowners in a neighborhood, so we invited other NCCC teams

“I seem to have caught the nomad bug,” she said. She likes to travel from place to place. But most of all, she greatly enjoyed seeing the appreciation of the people for her help, which in turn lead her to learn to really appreciate people.

An AmeriCorps tent in the Gulf region where Corps members would gather.

AmeriCorps really helped shape her career in non-profit management. After graduating from NCCC, she took on a position as a special education teacher through Teach for America. Today, she works for Reading Partners in New York as a Program Manager while devoting her time to volunteering with AmeriCorps Alums, the AmeriCorps NCCC Advisory Board and she is the chair of the AmeriCorps NCCC Alumni Tiffany preps with proper PPE before Leadership Council. Her involvement gutting a house in St. Bernard Parish consists of connecting with other Al5

Get to the Point

Clockwise from upper left: Britain's Andy Murray celebrates after defeating Switerland's Roger Federer in the men's singles tennis goal medal match.; Jamaica's Usain Bolt celebrates after crossing the finish line to win the goal medal in Men's 100m.; Bartosz Piasecki of Norway celebrates victory against Jinsun Jung of Korea in Men's Epee Individual Fencing Semi-Final; Opening Ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics; Gabriell Douglas performs on balance beam during the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x;s Individual event; America's Carli Lloyd, center bottom, celebrates with teammates after scoring against Japan during women't soccer gold medal match 6

Get to the Point CAP & MEDIA UPDATES

The Scoreboard Shout-outs, Tips and the weekly progress report. All the info you need to stay on top of your CAP and Media work.

Shout-Outs: Thanks to all reps and ATLs for their thorough WPRs this round. They are more detailed and give me a much better understanding of your work progress week by week. Keep it up! Great job to Anna and Dan for their 129 contact military job fair. Alix and I met the CEO of CNCS Wendy Spencer! Shout out to Moose 4 and Buffalo 4 for getting the Atlantic Region two media hits in the National Service Press Clips, a daily digest of the media hits for all AmeriCorps programs across the nation. Proud moment for this CRSTL.

UPDATES: GET ANY EVENTS YOU CAN—NO MORE RESTRICTIONS. This will be the WORST ROUND for CAP ALL YEAR. We have only 12 days left this round! Less than two weeks. We have a pitiful 11 events out of 45, and 970 contacts out of 3,000. If we do not turn this around, FOURTH ROUND WILL BE VERY PAINFUL especially for teams with ZEROS! The priority CAP events for Round 3 are Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Hispanic Service Institutions (HSI), Community Colleges, Native Americans, and military veterans. CRS Sam Mckenzie will be on vacation from August 6 to August 27. As a reminder, end-of-round paperwork is due on August 27. CRSTL Tristan will be handling all matters related to CAP and Media specialty role work until Sam‟s return. CAP Media Alumni Elected Events Hits Events Officials LET THE SEARCH BEGIN! Sam and Tristan are looking for Buffalo 1 0 2 0 0 the next Community Relations Support Team Leader. Applica10 1 2 Buffalo 2 1 tions for ALL Team Leader positions are due Sept. 1. This has Buffalo 3 0 3 0 0 been an amazing experience for me and you will have many opportunities to customize your service year. Combined with manBuffalo 4 1 4 0 0 aging FEMA Corps, you‟ll have a prime paragraph on your reMoose 1 1 1 0 2 sume to boost your LAA. Sam and Tristan want STRONG Media and CAPRs to apply! Call Tristan for questions. Moose 2 3 0 1 0 Moose 3

Moose 4

Moose 5

Raven 1

Raven 2

Raven 3

Raven 4

Raven 5

Phoenix 3

Get to the Point Phoenix 3: Coming to a theater near you! An AmeriCorps Tale: Phoenix Goes West Buffalo 3: This week half of our team went canoeing down the St. George River and cut up trees that had fallen across it! We love Maine and are enjoying blueberry and blackberry picking!!! Raven 1: “There’s spiders in my cot, and chipmunks in my cot,and mold on my cot, and my cot just broke, Is that bad......?” Moose 2: Finished the fence. Taking the road for Charity Treks bike tour from Burlington, VT to Portland, ME!

Moose 5: Our team is LOVING Vermont- the stars at night are absolutely brilliant! Raven 3: Raven 1 - Have a blast at the garden! Say ‘hi’ to Moose 4, Jason, and our all VISTA friends they’re awesome. Also, you are all awesome. Phoenix 3 - Hey Bobby, call me maybe? Dear Fellow Corps Members - Y’all should take a sick day next week and go to New York with us next Friday! Wahoo! (Sweet -nothings, sweet-nothings)

Buffalo 2: B2 is fighting poison ivy while enjoying everything that Connecticut has to offer. Chris Mooreshout out to Greg hope all is well my brotha. Moose 1: We are Super Excited and Happy to have our favorite little <team member> back! Tracy Tran!

Buffalo 1: Thank you to Mike and Laura for helping us with the food pantry! Also, shout out to Lydia and John! Hope your projects are going well! Buffalo 3: Glad to have Jess back and looking forward to the gathering of the herds…CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU B2!! Good to see you Keiper…hope Case takes care of you up north!! Raven 5:  8

Get to the Point

Buffalo 1 Taft— Breakabeen, NY Buffalo 2 Tomoyo— Torrington, CT Buffalo 3 Tony— Linconville, ME

Phoenix 3 Ben— Suffolk, VA

Buffalo 4 Tiffany— Bridgeport, CT Moose 1 Patrick—Warwick, RI Moose 2 Megan— Rutland, VT Moose 3 Jami— Baltimore, MD Moose 4 Casey— Kingston, NH Moose 5 Toby— Franklin, VT

Raven 1 Keiper— Manchester, NH Raven 2 Davey— Newcomb, NY Raven 3 A.T.— Strousburg, PA Raven 4 Millena—Camden, NJ Raven 5 Dan— Bangor, ME