Get to the Point August 22, 2012
An NCCC Atlantic Region Publication
Get to the Point GET TO THE POINT ATLANTIC REGION, PERRY POINT, MD VOL. XVIII, ISSUE 16
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
COVER: CENTER: R5, FEELING FANCY IN A FIELD OF FLOWERS TOP; LEFT, P3 , BEN DILLON IN THE MOUNTAINS OF IDAHO RIGHT, R54, (L-R) AKALIA, MILLENA, MARY, AND EMILY AFTER A WATER FIGHT
The Mighty Mystical Moose FICTION CORNER
3 THE MYSTICAL MOOSE—A LESSON OF ―A‖ MOOSE
BOTTOM; LEFT, M3, LENA MAKES A DENT IN THE WORKLOAD MIDDLE, SANDY “A” RIGHT, B2, ALEX RAKES THE GARDEN TO PERFECTION
by Benjamin Tripoli
4 STL COMPOSITES FOR ROUND 4 5 DONATE YOUR HAIR FOR CHAIRITY
SCOREBOARD
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ALUNMI SPOTLIGHT
AMERIBUBBLE
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FROM FIRE TO FEMA by Mike Rood
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
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QUICKIES
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
SHOUT OUTS
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AMERIMAP
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Get to the Point FICTION CORNER
The Mystical Moose A Lesson of “A” Moose by Benjamin Tripoli This story begins on a snowy excitable morning for most. Upon this anticipated, February day, many folks between the ages of 18 and 24, had gathered at a rendezvous known as ‗Cherry Point‘ in Maryland, USA, a secluded, desolate piece of land that is headquarters for a secret agency known as The ‗A‘ Team. Many have told stories of this ‗A‘ Team being a group of humble, young adults who maintain our nation‘s well-being by penetrating small communities, gracefully ridding the evil and chaos with a swift delivery of love and well-being. It is a heavy position to withhold, for the world these heroes are permeating into is on The Mystical Moose, savior of broken communities, gives wisdom to the new Corps the verge of atomic destruction due to global warming, and a very possible, was only a made-up fairytale figure, with this room at one another. You all hold zombie apocalypse. a sole manifestation to bring inspiration the ‗metaphorical‘ key to unlocking your to everybody who played a role in the own destinies. You all have the power to As the last 15-passenger van dropped off upbringings of the ‗A‘ Team. Once again, stand-up and stand-out! Against the lack the final recruits, they were quickly asa hush fell over the room. Even little Be- of hope, and lack of security sembled into the bullet proof, sound atriz was frozen in her movements, not you humans are supposed to be impleproof, and fool proof secret lair, known sure if she should welcome the fourmenting. How long must the sacrifice of as the Chesapeake Day Conference legged, antlered guest or run away in few Moose inspire many men? How long Room… After The ‗A‘ Team was set into sheer terror. Teyshaun Robertson, the must the few Moose give so much and their appropriate units and briefed on captain of the ‗A‘ Team, thundered from receive so little? MLK, John Lennon, their missions, a luminous shadow apthe back to break the hush. both Moose. From Nelson Mandela, to peared outside the door. A silence William Shakespeare and Mozart to Eindrowned the little noise. This shadowed ―Behold! What stands before you all is The stein, all of them, held the strength of the mirage didn‘t appear to be a man, nor a Mystical Moose! The lone mammal lumiMoose within them…‖ lady. It‘s stature was seeming to appear a nary! The savior of broken communities, medium height, but a very massive figwho has graced us with his presence to The crowd of young men and women unure, to say the least. A strong knock deliver a very important message.‖ derstood. Many nodded, and remained broke through the silence. A shy girl, focused on the eyes of their speaker. A few whispers snuck through, ―It can‘t Beatriz, was sitting nearest the door. Bebe true‖ and ―What a beautiful Moose,‖ ―So go forth into the world, and become ing nudged towards the figure, she finalBeatriz quickly squeaked. the great Moose. Go forth and soar like ly got up and timidly approached the the Ranging Ravens! Stampede like the As this Moose approached the head of door to reveal the faceless guest. Then Beautiful Buffalo! Live well, live lively, the crowd, the anticipation rose within something happened that no one could and always remember to keep the heart the room. With the clear of his throat, he have ever expected as possible. of the Moose inside you.‖ quickly cocked his head and faced the As the door opened, it revealed what crowd of young adults. He surveyed the Authors Note: The moral to this ridiculous, some had only heard about in farfetched group he had in front of him and sized spontaneous, and hopefully familiar story stories. There it stood, the Mystical them up as much as he could. is that we may all look different, act differMoose, an angelic interpretation and ently, and work diversely, but with a sinembodiment of what the ‗A‘ Team stood ―I‘m sure that my appearance is quite gle goal at hand, we can all go on to tridistracting to you all, yet, my appearance for. It was a character of strength and umph over adversity, evil, and a possible solidarity. Most believed that the Moose holds the message I must bring forth in zombie apocalypse, together. Namaste. this moment of obligation. Look around 3
Get to the Point SPECIAL COMPOSITE
FOURTH ROUND STL COMPOSITES Attention Corps Members: We have exciting news for you! We have several composite team opportunities available during the first half of the fourth round. Below you will find short summaries of these composite teams. Each will be three weeks long and lead by a Support Team Leader.
however, we may allow members from outside the eligible range to participate. If you are interested in serving on a composite team, notify your Team Leader. Names and desired projects are due to the Unit STLs by NOON ON
Those within the *eligible range will be given priority;
*Eligibility is determined by travel logistics
MONDAY, August 27th.
NH FOOD BANK (NH)
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CAMDEN (NJ)
The New Hampshire Food Bank was founded in 1984 by New Hampshire Catholic Charities as a program designed to meet a critical need in the state and improve the lives of those who struggle with hunger. The mission of the Food Bank, the only food bank in NH, is to provide food and services that help the community address the root causes of hunger. Team will support the Food Bank‘s production garden to include weeding, watering, pest removal, harvesting, and leading volunteers. Team will work in the Food Bank in inclement weather, and for service learning opportunities.
Camden County Habitat for Humanity partners with people communities and organizations to foster economic empowerment and sustainable community revitalization by providing home ownership opportunities for those in need through housing construction and rehabilitation, discount home improvement retail outlets, financial education, job training and volunteer organization.
Teams Eligible: B1, B2, B3, B4, M1, M2, M5, R1, R4
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY NEW CASTLE COUNTY (DE) Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County exists to provide opportunity for lower income families to acquire homeownership through a combination of homeowner ―sweat equity‖, volunteer labor, and donated funds. AmeriCorps members will assist the Habitat staff each morning welcoming volunteers, addressing safety issues during the morning talk, and preparing the site for volunteers. Once divided into small groups, members will assist or lead groups of volunteers on the job site with various tasks that are needed in advancing the housing projects to get to completion. Members throughout the day will assist in keeping site safety, promote an active and fun worksite, and teach volunteers and prospective Habitat homeowners construction. At the end of the day, members will assist staff and volunteers by cleaning up and organizing the site. Teams Eligible: B1, B4, M2, M4 4
The team will be supporting housing construction and volunteer coordination on two houses that are being completely rehabbed. The team will start rebuilding in one of the rehabs that has already been cleaned out; framing walls, stairs, and installing windows. They will then work on the second rehab, demolishing exterior brick walls then framing interior/exterior walls and stairs. Teams Eligible: B1, B4, M2, M4
ABODE OF THE MESSAGE (NY) Have you ever been interested in learning more about the Universal Sufi community? It is a spiritual movement based on unity of all people and religions and the presence of spiritual guidance in all people, places and things. This project is located in beautiful New Lebanon, NY in an old Shaker Village. The team will be staying in cabins on top of the mountain next to the Retreat Center. There are several places to gather including a pavilion, the mountain tent and the Sanctuary. You can even try your hand at drum circles. The team will be helping to remove Bittersweet from areas along the path and from the community‘s Community Supported Agriculture site (farm.) Teams Eligible: B1, B4, M2, M3, M4, R1, R2, R3
Get to the Point
Wanted: Your hair From USTLs Love your long hair? Could you spare 8 inches of it to make someone very happy? During our close-out transition (Nov. 6-14) we hope to host a hair donation event. It takes at least 6 pony tails to make one wig. We are looking for at least four members to join Amelia Hansen and Brooke Gates in chopping off their locks and donating them to a woman in need. If you are interested please email unitslts18@gmail.com More details to comes soon. At least 8 inches long (no maximum length) - If you have wavy or curly hair, measure when straight Free of permanent color, bleach or other chemical treatments such as Japanese straightening - Vegetable dyes, semi-permanent dyes and rinses are acceptable, but ―virgin‖ hair is preferred No more than 5% gray Visit http://www.pantene.com/en-US/beautifullengths-cause/pages/donation-requirements.aspx for requirements.
WELLNESS CORNER
HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR—SEPTMEBER 5 CHAIR: COLLEEN SCHULTE, RAVEN 2 SPONSORS: HEALTH AND WELLNESS LIAISONS (HAWLS) AND TEAM TRAINERS (TT) AND HAWL ADVISORY BOAR
PHOTO CAPTION CONTEST Write in what you think Andre is saying here in this photo, send in your captions, and the best ones will be featured in Get to the Point! Any questions? Contact CRSTL Tristan Fowler at crstlatlantic@gmail.com
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Get to the Point Alumni spotlight
FROM FIRE TO FEMA by Mike Rood Alumni Mike Rood, Atlantic Region Class XVII, Moose 1, Phoenix 3, and Team Leader for Phoenix 4. He is now a Team Leader in Vicksburg for the inaugural FEMA Corps class. AmeriCorps NCCC opened my eyes to possibilities I did not realize were available to me. I now know that I am looking to secure a position at a non-profit or a government agency once my 2nd term of NCCC is completed next June. I also learned a lot of valuable lessons during my Corps member year. During a one-on-one with my TL. She told me I was a natural team leader but I had a habit of taking control in every situation (I was a control freak). That rang a bell in my head. I became more aware of my actions while on the work site. I learned to lead by my actions and work ethic rather than voice my opinion and tell others what to do. I know I have become a better person because of it. Thanks Katie!
Team Leader Mike Rood, back row far right, serve on two Phoenix teams Class XVII I joined because while I was looking to enter the Peace Corps I found this, and I‘m sure I‘m not the first person. I found that the commitment was more manageable and the timing worked out perfectly. Plus I was up for an adventure!
The only thing I can say is if you want to get the most out of NCCC, you have to While in NCCC, I learn so many skills. I give yourself to the program every day. Treat each day as if it were your last. was able to hone my carpentry skills, learn and develop wildland firefighting Don't hold anything back. Work hard techniques and write press releases and and stay upbeat. When else are you going Rood, does some service painting during garner media attention. My time in the to be living with 10 other people, driving Team Leader Training in Vicksburg, MS program enhanced my leadership and around in a 15p, performing service for interpersonal skills. It taught me a lot your country in a myriad of ways? Good about myself. Most of all, I was able to luck with the rest of your year and maybe open up and develop lasting relationI'll see you down south! ships with people I will never forget."
Rood, second from left, takes a group shot with his fellow team leaders in Vicksburg, MS. He will be a part of the inaugural class of FEMA Corps team leaders. 6
Rood got pretty dirty suppressing a 1.5-acre wildfire just south of the Dismal Swamp.
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: HUGE shout out to our CAP Coordinator Mickey McGlasson and ―CAP Consultant‖ Chelsea Pennucci. With their help we are making progress on saving this round. Their outreach and assistance has been beyond valuable for me. I hope they have been as helpful for you.
L-R, Dan, Sam, Chris, Lydia and Derek (B2 and B4!)
Thank you to all the CAP teams who have gone into hyper drive to save this round, specifically Buffalo 2, Buffalo 4, Moose 4, Raven 2 and Raven 5. When I need rock stars, I know I can turn to these teams for assistance, and you increase the creditability of our entire campus. Thank you. Congrats to Buffalo 2, and Raven 5 for their outstanding media round. These teams have brought in respectable numbers in the past but have skyrocketed this round bringing in 31 media hits between them. Best round of the year so far! Continue your pitching, follow-up calls, logging and make it an even better round! Also, shout out to Buffalo 1 and, our current media hit leaders, Moose 3, for having their best round of the year!
UPDATES: MAJOR TURNAROUND—Last week we had 11 events. This week we have 32 events! Last week we had 970 contacts. This week we have 1780! I knew this was the best CAPping Corps in the country, but I wasn‘t expecting this. BUT DON’T GET COMPLACENT. We still are very short on events for the round. Our event goal is a minimum of 45 events, and our contact goal is a minimum of 3000 contacts. CAP Media Alumni Elected Events Hits Events Officials GET ANY EVENTS YOU CAN—NO MORE Buffalo 1 0 3 0 0 Buffalo 2
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RESTRICTIONS. Reminder that all CAP Events are open to CAP, including project site and special events. As a reminder, end-of-round paperwork is due on August 27. Log all media hits, CAP events, submit your round evals, YouTube videos, yearbook articles, etc. You know the routine. 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.
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Get to the Point
TROPICAL STORM ISAAC BETTER ORGANIZED, STILL THREAT FOR S. FLORIDA BY CURTIS MORGAN Tropical Storm Isaac grew better organized overnight and continued on a track that potentially could put it some where off the South Florida coast by early Monday. The threat to Caribbean islands was clear and more immediate, with Isaac closing in on the chain of Leeward Islands. Warnings and watches were also posted for Puerto Rico to the Dominican Republic, which along with Haiti could see heavy rains, flooding and mud slides. At 5 a.m., the National Hurricane Center said Isaac was moving west at 18 mph with maximum winds of 45 mph. Forecasters said the conditions were favorable for continued strengthening. Forecasters expect the storm to reach hurricane strength by Thursday as it approaches Puerto Rico and continue west until Saturday, when Isaac would be near or crossing Hispaniola. From there, computer models predict Isaac will begin turning more to the northwest, with the timing of that turn dictating whether it will make landfall in South Florida or brush it on either side – a direction determined by the strength of a high-pressure ridge to its north and a trough digging down from the southeastern U.S.
TURTLE TAPED TO BALLOONS FLOATS OVER CALIF. OCEANSIDE, Calif. (AP) — Humane Society officials in a Southern California city are trying to determine who duct -taped a turtle to a bunch of balloons and sent it soaring Chanelle Wright told KGTV-TV Tuesday that she and her neighbors found the turtle taped to the green and blue balloons caught atop a eucalyptus tree in Oceanside on Sunday. Wright said she called the Humane Society and Fire Department, who arrived about an hour later. Firefighters were about to rescue the turtle with a ladder truck when a gust of wind came and blew it to the ground. Humane Society officials say they are keeping the turtle, which wasn't hurt, while they investigate. Wright says she was horrified by the animal abuse and plans to adopt the turtle if no one claims it. 8
AVRIL LAVIGNE & CHAD KROEGER NOT JUST DATING,BUT ENGAGED! Wow. And you thought Beyonce and Jay-Z did a good job of keeping their early courtship under wraps? Jay & Bey's dating years now seem as high-profile as Tom Cruise's Katie Holmes-inspired couch-jumping, compared to the surprising and seemingly sudden relationship of Canadian rockers Avril Lavigne and Nickelback's Chad Kroeger. The pair shocked their fans Tuesday by revealing that they have not only been an item for six months, but that they're actually engaged. While a 10-year age difference separates this unlikely pair, this will be the first-time marriage for 37-year-old groom Chad, while it'll be 27-year-old Avril's second trip down the aisle. Avril was married to another Canadian rock star, Sum 41's Deryck Whibley, from 2006 to 2009.
Get to the Point Raven 1: Moose four- we really appreciate you sharing your space with us dirty birds ; ) Raven 2: was happy to welcome back Michael Fernandez from project Crossroads this past week. We had a successful week working with SUNY-ESF and are gearing up for our last full week of work with the town of Newcomb. All the best to P3 and stay safe on the line. Raven 3: Wishing every team a productive last week, hang in there, “Winter is coming.” Buffalo 1: First of all: Thank you Sharon for getting us awesome round 4 projects. We are very excited about them. Thank you B15 staff and STLs for all you hard work getting 9H ready for the IPR. Greg wants to give a shoutout to Chris: What up cuz? Katee wants to give a shoutout to all her meercats. She says she misses you. Can’t wait to see people for transition, hang in there everybody!
Moose 1: Shout out to our firefighter Emily on P3!!! Hope you are having fun and being safe out West!!!!! We are all excited to hear about it and have you back for our final round in Portland, ME!!!!!!! Moose 4: Liz Fraley: we’re counting down the days until we can be reunited! Moose 5: Some of us hiked to the top of Mt. Sterling and marveled at a mountain pond. We also checked out a beautiful waterfall! We love Vermont, but can’t wait to see all of you wonderful people really really soon!
Buffalo 2: Buffalo 4 beat us in basketball… THIS TIME but they will not be so lucky next time!!!
Buffalo 3: All good things must come to an end: it was the last week of summer camp at Tanglewood… bittersweet but so much fun! Hope everyone enjoys their last week and a half of Round 3! Buffalo 4: The Gathering of the Herds was a great success—B4 ABSOLUTELY ADORES B2!! STLs: A big zipadee do to our favorite POSTL Michael Wessely on his Birthday! We love you! 9
Get to the Point
Buffalo 1 Taft— Breakabeen, NY Buffalo 2 Tomoyo— Torrington, CT
Phoenix 3 Ben— Featherville, ID
Buffalo 3 Tony— Linconville, ME 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
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