Family Matters December 2010

Family Matters

NCNG Family Programs

Volume 2, Issue 12

A Leap of Faith Fairway Ministries Supports Military Spouses & Children

Budgeting for the Holidays Unit Family Days

Happy Holidays DECEMBER 2010

| FAMILY MATTERS

FAMILY MATTERS December 2010 Diane Coffill

State Family Program Director diane.coffill2@us.army.mil (919) 664-6324

SFC Calvin Buchan

Family Program Assistant calvin.buchan@us.army.mil (919) 664-6124

SFC Ramona Scott

Family Program NCOIC ramona.scott1@us.army.mil (919) 664-6000 ext. 7005

SSG Kitange Jordan

Greetings, Happy Holidays! Only a few more days, and we’ll bring 2010 to a close and welcome in 2011.

What are your Families planning to do over the Holidays? Are you going to visit Family? We sincerely hope that you will have an enjoyable Holiday Season.

As we go through the final days of 2010, I am reminded of the many things that we’ve accomplished this year in Family Programs. And, it is my hope that we have been of some assistance to you. We are thrilled to once again have our Service Members and Military Families invited to the Governor’s Mansion for a Holiday Reception. It is so touching to see our Military Children’s ornaments adorning the Tree. We have such creative and talented children across the State, and we look forward to seeing their work.

Please remember during the busyness of this time of year to take care of yourself. If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of others. Remember we have people here for you during the ups and the downs. If you find it difficult to talk with others around you, talk with one of Military Family Life Consultants or our Behavioral Health Professionals we have on hand 24hours a day. Call 800-621-4136 and press #1 to be transferred to a health specialist.

Budget Analysis

kitange.n.jordan@us.army.mil (919) 664-7583

SGT Daniel Holland

Family Program Assistant/Warehouse dan.holland@us.army.mil (919) 664-6124

PFC Carrie Stevens

Family Program Assistant carolyn.stevens1@us.army.mil (919) 664-6000 ext. 6876

Lana Greer

State FAC Coordinator lana.m.greer@us.army.mil (828) 271-5029

Kathleen Flaherty

Airman & Family Readiness Program Mgr kathleen.flaherty.ctr@ncchar.ang.af.mil

(704) 398-4949

Pamela Hughes State FRG Advisor

Photo Courtesy of NC National Guard Public Affairs Office

Be safe and remember we wish all our Families a happy holiday season.

Sincerely, Diane Coffill State Family Program Director

pamela.hughes5@us.army.mil (919) 693-5016 ext. 11

Alice Dean

Follow us on

State Youth Coordinator

Twitter

alice.dean@us.army.mil (919) 664-7616

@ncngFamily DECEMBER 2010

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DECEMBER 2010

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A Leap of Faith Since 2003 founders of Fairway Ministries, Glenn and Keri Robertson, have given North Carolina National Guard Spouses and Children a special day of pampering and shopping. For one day spouses have joined together for massages, hair and makeup and lunch while their kids head off to Walmart for some Christmas shopping.

By Kathryn Jarvis, NCNG Family Programs Very little funds are used for administrative expenses. The Robertson’s have jobs and during their free time they work on Fairway Ministries and rounding up support. Glenn Robertson said, "We are doing what we are supposed to be doing." All the pieces to make Fairway Ministries work just fell into place; from its creation to finding support for their cause.

How it Started While living in Charlotte, the Robertson’s saw a news story about the Police Department taking kids shopping for coats. Glenn looked over at his wife and said, " You know, wouldn’t that be great to do something like that." As time went on, the Robertson’s relocated to Durham and again on the news was a story about the Police Department taking kids shopping for coats. Glenn said, "See we are supposed to be doing that. So we prayed about it." He had no idea how it was going to work but he was determined to make it come together. He knew with his skills as a veteran business man in the Golf industry he could host a Golf Tournament for raising funds but getting people to help was an obstacle. Until he met with Pastor Lynton Turkington and other staff from Celebration Family Church in Raleigh. Glenn explained his idea for Fairway Ministries and proposed to the church that they could help by providing people and spreading the word about the organization.

Community Cares | Volunteer Spotlight

All the pieces were coming together but there was still a big problem; who were they going to help? After a few minutes, the answer was clear. The North Carolina National Guard was deploying a large group of Soldiers to Iraq.

Glenn said, "The Associate Pastor mentioned he saw last night on the news that they (NCNG) are sending out 5,000 Soldiers on a deployment and they are wondering about the kids, the parents that are left behind, the spouses and I said Okay no problem. " Spouse Pampering Day and Christmas For Kids Through the help and support of church members, Walmart and friends, Fairway Ministries was able to kick off their first of many Spouse Pampering Day and Christmas for Kids events.

Since the start of Fairway Ministries more than 700 North Carolina National Guard children have gone shopping at Walmart. Glenn said, "That’s a lot of kids, a lot of gift cards and a lot of miles around Walmart." Chaperones from Fairway Ministries and the North Carolina National Guard Family Programs help the kids pick out what they want to buy with their gift cards and sometimes can be spotted playing in the toy isles right along with the kids. Children pick out things ranging from clothes to bikes but before they start on their lists of wants they pick out a gifts for others.

Glenn said, "Nobody has ever told them to do that, it’s just a natural thing that they do. It might not be anything but a little rose, it might not be anything but a little card, it might not be anything much at all. But the first dollars are spent on Mom or Dad; which is cool."

While the kids are out shopping, spouses get the chance for some "grown up time." Special guest speakers, like Pastor Lynton Turkington and his wife Judy or Miss America, provide words of encouragement and support. NCNG spouse, Mary Burton said, "…It gives us a chance to actually get out and do some things, to get away from just the everyday life, the worries that we go through with our Families being overseas, with our Families being out serving, it’s just a really wonderful thing that they could do this for us." It is the gift of giving that drives Fairway Ministries and the support staff from Celebration Family Church. Christmas for Kids Volunteer said, "All of us get together, as a group and kinda bunch these children up and just show them the love that our Family has that we can share with these children, and my girls look forward to this every year. They know that it’s not Christmas until we are able to give away Christmas like this." Many NCNG spouses agree "you just feel the love in the room."

Continued on next page

Glen Robertson (center) presenting care packages to deploying Soldiers.

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One NCNG spouse said, "Keri, Glenn’s wife, made little bags out of placemats for the spouses. They were all beautiful and each one was different. People that do things like this keep us going. Sometimes, being a military Family living in the civilian community, you can feel so alone ... like no one understands. It can feel like it only complicates your life, especially when you see other Families living a "normal" life without the absences and worries of your loved one’s safety or how you’ll juggle everything or, even how you’ll all fit back together. Knowing that there are people out there like the Robertsons who are thinking about us, and praying for us, and are on a mission to help us, makes you feel like you can go on. Like, I can do this, we can do this."

As a result of hard economic times, Fairway Ministries was at a loss for what they could do this year.

Glenn did not get the support from Walmart as he did in previous years but knew he just had to keep the program going. Glenn said, "I told Abby (Millsap, NCNG FAC Specialist) that even if I have to pay for it out of my own pocket we are going to have something." But he didn’t have to do that. The following Sunday a member of Celebration Family Church approached Glenn with a check and told him that for every donation made to Fairway Ministries he would match that amount this year. Glenn was floored and had the affirmation that this is what he is supposed to be doing. Glenn said, "This year we will still be having the spouses getting pampered and kids will still get gift cards but we won’t be going shopping."

While spouses are getting massages, manicures and catered lunch the kids will be busy doing crafts with NCNG Family Programs staff in another area at Celebration Family Church. Glenn says the success of the program is because of faith and prayer; he is just doing what needs to be done.

2010 Spouse Pampering Day & Santa’s Workshop Saturday, December 11 10am until 2pm Celebration Family Church 3209 Gresham Lake Road Raleigh, NC

Join us for a wonderful day to relax while being pampered with a massage and manicure. While you are being pampered, the kids will be busy in “Santa’s Workshop” – having fun and working on secret gifts just for you!

This event is FREE to our Military Families. Space is limited.

Please RSVP by December 3, 2010.

Directions, a map and additional information will be given at the time of confirmation.

To RSVP, contact Abby Millsap, FAC Specialist at abby.e.millsap@us.army.mil or (800) 621-4136 ext. 8611.

Operation We Care A few years ago Glenn and Keri Robertson discovered there was a need for care packages for Soldiers overseas and again felt compelled to do what needed to be done. Glenn said, "My wife Keri and I were in a meeting with Alice Dean about another situation. We were sitting there and I noticed on her desk was a list of items that the National Guard had approved for care packages to be sent over. She (Alice) explained what that was and that not always do they (Soldiers) have everything they need right at hand such as toiletries, snacks, reading materials. Stuff they can get but they might not have the money to get it." Glenn knew he could do something about it. The next few days he worked to start another program "Operation We Care." The program was launched first at Celebration Family Church where they collected 200 boxes which were immediately sent to Soldiers overseas. Over time, Glenn and Keri rallied other churches in the "box effort." Glenn said, "We have had churches do 20 to 1,000 boxes. We go and pick these boxes up and we’ve had the joy of personally handing some of these boxes to the guys getting ready to leave. What a joy that was, to stand there with some of our partners and personally hand these boxes to these Soldiers as they get ready to go." Fairway Ministries and North Carolina communities have stepped up and supported their state’s fighting force. Over the years, Fairway Ministries has collected over 6,500 boxes. This year they were able to give more than 1,000 boxes to be sent to Soldiers overseas through NCNG Family Programs and State Employees Credit Union. The Robertson’s dedication and support to the NCNG Families has brought together North Carolina communities for one goal and purpose. Helping when help is needed.

Fairway Ministries’ hopes to be able to branch out and support more efforts such as single mothers and homeless children and shelters.

The future of the program is not something they can predict. Glenn said, "It is just in the Lord’s hands and wherever he wants to take it that’s where we’ll go with it. It’s not ours, it’s His and we are all about doing things for the kingdom and getting the kingdom going. So wherever He wants to take it then that’s where we’ll go with it ... we just continue on with it and keep it going doing what needs to be done in the community, in the state."

Sometimes it takes a leap of faith to get things done. □ DECEMBER 2010

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Budgeting and Basic Money Management The average American spends more than $1,000 during the holiday season. And much of that spending is on credit cards, which means that many people face big bills in the New Year.

The key to keeping holiday spending under control is budgeting.

Below you’ll find tips for setting and sticking with a holiday budget.

Setting a Holiday Budget The first step in getting control of holiday expenses is deciding exactly how much you can spend. There are four main areas in which most people spend: gifts, entertaining, travel, and decorating. And each of these areas comes with hidden expenses. For example, gift-giving costs much more than the price of each gift. You also have to consider the cost of wrapping and shipping gifts.

Making a Gift List Take the time to make a list of everyone for whom you’d like to buy gifts. Include teachers, the mailman, co-workers, newspaper delivery people, and anyone else you usually end up giving something to. Then consider your list. Are there people who could get a card rather than a gift? Then, set a price limit on each gift. For example, you might decide that you’ll set a $30 limit on immediate Family members, $20 on children in your Family, and $10 on acquaintances like co-workers or teachers. Don’t forget to add in the cost of wrapping paper and shipping -- including shipping costs from a catalogue or Web site to you, and from you to the recipient.

Entertainment Costs Many people forget to factor in the cost of holiday entertaining. Even if you aren’t having a party, providing snacks for neighbors or friends who drop by and serving the holiday meal can be expensive. Try to think of ways in which you can cut back in this category. For example, consider inviting friends and neighbors over for a cookie swap rather than baking batches to give away. Or ask Family members to contribute a dish to your holiday meal instead of supplying all the food yourself.

Travel Costs If you’ll be traveling during the holidays, even if it’s by car, be sure to include these costs in your budget. The tips in the next section of this article can help you trim your travel expenses.

Speak with a Personal Financial Counselor Today!

David Porter Personal Financial Counselor (704) 280-9555 Decorating Costs Estimate how much you’ll spend on holiday decorations.

This is often an easy area to cut back in. Think about what you did last year and determine whether you can reuse any decorations. You’ll find more tips below for saving money on decorations.

Adding it All Up Finally, add up the estimates from all four areas. If the total amount is more than you can afford, go back to your lists and the tips in this article to see where you can cut back. Ideally you’ll have done this early enough in the year so you can slowly set aside money to cover your holiday expenses or shop for reasonably priced gifts throughout the year. But if you haven’t, you can look for even more ways to trim your holiday budget while cutting back your regular expenses and putting money away for the holidays.

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Many people blow their holiday budgets because they get carried away by the excitement and spirit of the season. It’s important to remember that you can still have a joyous holiday season without going over your budget. Try to focus on the true spirit of the season rather than the more commercial aspects.

Also, try to avoid feeling pressure to give expensive gifts. The best gifts are those chosen with an eye toward what’s personal and meaningful to the recipient. These kinds of gifts don’t have to cost a lot.

Ways to $pend Le$$

Here are Some More Ways to Save Money during the Holidays Look for Ways to Cut Back on the Number of Gifts you Buy. There are many ways to shorten your gift list. If you have a large Family or group of friends, ask if they’d like to draw names out of a hat and give one gift per person. Or give Family gifts, such as a board game, a "movie night" with gift certificates to a video rental store and snacks, or a pass to a local museum rather than individual gifts.

Set Expectations with Friends and Family. If you’re worried about your finances this holiday season, talk about it with friends and Family. Let them know if you’ll be cutting back on the number of gifts or how much you plan to spend. This is especially important for children, who often have unrealistic expectations about gifts and don’t fully understand the cost factors. Also consider price-limited charitable donations in the Family’s name.

Consider Homemade Gifts. There are many heartfelt, thoughtful gifts that don’t come with a sales receipt. You could cook some treats; put together a photo album; make a themed gift basket full of smaller items, like tea, paperback books, or gardening tools; or give the gift of your time by making homemade coupons or certificates.

Look for bargains. Take the time to

look for ways to save money on gifts. Try to buy several things from one catalogue or Internet site to save money on shipping, or better yet, look for sites that offer free shipping. Comparison shop using the fliers that come in the weekend papers to find the best deal around or use sites like Google Product Search at www.google.com/products or PriceGrabber at www.pricegrabber.com.

Consider buying gifts on sites like eBay at www.ebay.com or at Overstock.com at www.overstock.com, both of which offer many new, high-quality items at discount prices.

Make a Shopping Plan. Don’t head out to the mall without a specific list of gift ideas. This is how you end up spending more than you budgeted for.

Look through catalogues or on Internet sites for ideas and develop a list before you even step foot in a store.

Cut Back on Mailing Expenses. If you always send boxes of gifts or holiday cards to loved ones far away, think of ways to save on or eliminate shipping costs this year. Buy magazine subscriptions or send online gift certificates instead of shipping gifts.

Send holiday postcards or even e-cards instead of regular cards. If you’ve already bought cards, cross some names off your list and save the leftovers for next year. And be sure to mail things early so you don’t have to pay extra for fast shipping.

Use your Credit Card Wisely. FinalBe Sure to Use your Exchange. In addition to the usual tax savings and price-matching benefit, you’ll find special holiday discounts.

Make Careful Travel Plans. If your holiday plans include a trip, be sure to investigate all of your options as early as possible. For example, could you drive instead of fly? Stay with a friend or relative instead of in a hotel room? Make do without a rental car? If you need to travel by air, be sure to spend time looking for the lowest price ticket. If possible, be flexible about dates. You could save a lot of money by flying immediately after the holidays rather than before.

Keep it Simple. Focus on enjoying the simple pleasures of the holiday season, like spending time

ly, be very careful about using your credit card to pay for holiday expenses. Don’t use your card unless you know you can pay if off right away. If possible use a card that you’re not already carrying a balance and making payments on. Remember, buying a sweater on sale with a credit card and making monthly payments could change the sale price to double the price. You don’t want to start the New Year off with an oversized credit card bill.

with friends and Family or taking a walk to see the holiday decorations in your neighborhood. These kinds of activities often capture the spirit of the season better than expensive gifts or elaborate celebrations.

Article by MilitaryOneSource

DECEMBER 2010

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Take time to learn the tools for a stronger more resilient relationship for you and your Family. “Laughing Your Way to a Better Marriage” seminars help couples deal with tough issues in a way that is fun and non-threatening.

Marriage Enrichment Retreats

Single Soldiers Retreats “How Not to Date a Jerk”

2011 Dates

February 11-13, 2011-Raleigh March 25-27, 2011-Atlantic Beach April 29-May 1, 2011Location TBA July 8-10, 2011Location TBA July 29-31, 2011Location TBA August 12-14, 2011Location TBA August 26-28, 2011Location TBA

Visit www.nc.ngb.army.mil/index.php/fp/marriage-enrichment/ for more information and Registration Forms. Contact PFC Carrie Stevens with questions at carolyn.stevens1@us.army.mil or 919-664-6000 ext. 6876.

FAMILY RETREATS June 24-26, 2011 August 12-14, 2011 Raising a military Family is a little more complicated when challenged with Family life changes. Chaplains and Family Programs are bringing military families training relevant to the special dynamics of military Family life during the North Carolina National Guard’s first Family Retreat.

For Registration Forms and additional details, visit www.nc.ngb.army.mil/index.php/fp/singles/.

Contact PFC Carrie Stevens with questions at carolyn.stevens1@us.army.mil or 919-664-6000 ext. 6876.

Gain the tools for weeding out the ones that are not right for you.

NCNG Family Programs and Chaplains are bringing single Service Members the 2011 “How Not to Date a Jerk” Retreat to the beaches and mountains of North Carolina. Not all people are “cut out” to date someone in the military. In August, you can join other military service members for a weekend to hone your skills and knowledge on dating the right person for you. Our “How Not to Date a Jerk” Retreat focuses on teaching you how to recognize compatibility.

2011 Dates April 29–May 1, 2011 ~ Myrtle Beach August 26-28, 2011 ~ Raleigh Visit www.nc.ngb.army.mil/index.php/fp/ singles/ for more information.

Contact PFC Carrie Stevens with questions at carolyn.stevens1@us.army.mil or (919) 6646000 ext. 6876.

Reindeer Dash For Cash December 5, 1 p.m.

Greenville Town Square Follow the Road to A Good Cause

The Reindeer Dash for Cash is a fundraising event to benefit the Cpt. Christopher Cash Memorial Foundation of NC, Inc. All proceeds are awarded as college scholarships at East Carolina University, Pitt Community College, NCNG Association Educational Foundation, and NC Wesleyan College.

Each year, the foundation offers deserving students the financial assistance needed to pursue a higher education and the accompanying rewards of learning and character development achieved through hard work and dedication of earning a professional degree.

For more information, visit http://reindeerdashforcash.org/.

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2025 National Guard Drive—Morrisville, 27560—FAX: (919) 664-6156

The Holidays are a wonderful time to begin or continue a tradition with your child.

Alice Dean

State Child and Youth Coordinator (800) 621-4136 ext. 7616 (919) 664-7616

Create a Chain of Thankfulness Children understand abstract concepts like giving thanks better when you can turn it into some tangible item. A great idea for teaching your child about giving thanks is to work together with them to construct a thankfulness paper chain. We have all made paper chains in school, mostly at Christmas time.

First, cut strips of paper about one half inch wide. Then have your child write one thing that they are thankful for on each paper strip. Discuss your child’s choices with them. You may have to write for younger children. Then connect the strips together to form a chain. See how long you can make your paper chain. This would be fun to do anytime of the year, not just during the holidays.

alice.dean@us.army.mil Bridgette Carroll KOG Coordinator (800) 621-4136 ext. 8820 bridgette.carroll@us.army.mil Kristi Wagner Youth Coordinator (800) 621-4136 ext. 8820 kristi.wagner@us.army.mil

Shelton Leadership Challenge Institutes Space is limited for the 2011 Shelton Leadership Challenge Institutes happening next summer.

This is a fabulous opportunity for our youth. The Shelton Challenge is a six day residential experience to help students expand their knowledge and skills of what it takes to be a leader. The cost to attend the weeklong program is $575. A limited number of scholarships are available. Families that have a Servicemember deployment could use the Our Military Kids Grants for this camp.

The Shelton Challenge Programs will be offered In North Carolina at the following locations below for Summer 2011.

First Year Shelton Challenge June 19-22, 2011 - Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville June 26-July 1, 2011 - UNC-Charlotte, Charlotte July 10-15, 2011 - NC Wesleyan College, Rocky Mount July 10-15, 2011 - NC State University, Raleigh July 24-29, 2011 - NC State University, Raleigh

Shelton Challenge (TAKE II) Dates NC State University - TBD

DECEMBER 2010

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FAMILY READINESS GROUPS

Hello, my name is Pam Hughes and I was born and raised in Henderson, N.C. My husband Lee is a recruiter for the NCNG and we have four grown children. We are proud grandparents to our 14-month-old granddaughter, Amelia Skyy Wade. We are expecting a new grandbaby in March from the youngest of our children. My Family is my world and I do my best to spend as much time with them as I can. I thought I loved my children the most, but Grandbabies have a way of turning that around.

I have been fortunate to be a part of the NCNG for most of my life. My father is 34 years retired, my husband has been in now for 12 years and has been a Recruiter for the last four years. I was a Volunteer Leader with his unit even before we actually had titles. I have been through deployments with my husband’s unit.

My oldest son, who was in the Army active duty, was injured twice while deployed and medically retired in 2007. He is now a disabled veteran at the age of 33.

I share this with you so that you will know that I can relate to what many of you are going through. The ups & downs of the Military Family are so many. Sometimes it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But guess what? There is light at that end.

At this time of the year, I am thankful to God for my Family, Friends, Church Family and the Volunteers. I thank you so much for allowing me to share my military journey with you and I “Thank You” for sharing yours with me.

From the Volunteer group with my husband’s unit, to all of you across the state that serve other units and work with our children I say “God Bless You All.” I have been on Staff now for four years as the State Family Readiness Assistant for the Volunteer Program. I am so proud to say that I work with NCNG Family Programs, and I look forward to continuing to serve you, the Volunteer and your Unit Command. May God Bless You and your Families this Holiday Season and greatest wishes for a Happy & Peaceful New Year!

Pam Hughes

State Family Readiness Assistant

Take the Hassle out of the Holidays!

Tips for Managing Holiday Stress Wed., Dec. 22, 2010—3 p.m.

The holidays are an exciting time of the year to celebrate shared values with loved ones and enjoy the simple pleasures of winter activities.

Our expectations, festivities, children’s holiday schedules, and holiday budgets can contribute to the excitement of the season, but they can also trigger stress if we don’t control them.

Join us to share how you avoid holiday stress, and learn how others cope with the demands of the holiday season. To learn more, please visit www.militaryonesource.com/MOS/ OnlineCommunity/ModeratedChat.aspx.

For local assistance with Military OneSource, please contact April Prout at (919) 745-0929 or april.prout@militaryonesource.com.

Pamela Hughes State FRG Advisor 105 West Spring St. Oxford, NC Email: pamela.hughes5@us.army.mil Office: (919) 693-5016 ext. 11

Family Readiness Support Assistants Charlotte: Donna Gosney donna.gosney@us.army.mil (704) 359-5707 Clinton: Sarah Strickland sarah.r.strickland@us.army.mil (910) 299-5466 Goldsboro: Greg Smith gregory.paul.smith@us.army.mil (919) 739-5319 Jacksonville: Judy Richardson judy.r.richardson@us.army.mil (910) 347-4352/line 11 Morrisville: Jim Roberson james.roberson@us.army.mil (919) 664-7655 Oxford: Norman Dean norman.dean@us.army.mil (919) 693-3651 x. 27

MILITARY FAMILY LIFE CONSULTANTS Military Family Life Consultants are able to be onsite at your event to meet with Families and discuss any questions or concerns.

Scheduling/availability will apply.

John Alleman Adult & Family Specialist (919) 745-9635 Betty Steelman Child & Family Specialist (919) 665-9178

DECEMBER 2010

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~~EVENTS~~

Fill your Holiday Season with Lots of Good Cheer!

Family Days & Christmas Parties

December 5

Dates and Times are Subject to Change.

December 4 105th MP Family Day, 5-8 p.m.

Trinity Baptist Church 216 Shelburne Road, Asheville 210th MP Family Day, 1-4 p.m.

Franklin Armory 106 Industrial Park Road, Franklin Det 1 875th EN

HQ—113th Sust Bde Family Day/ Events Christmas Party, 9 a.m.—3 p.m.

Greensboro Armory 110 Franklin Blvd., Greensboro Det. 1 210th Family Day, 1-4 p.m.

Balsam Mountain Inn 68 Seven Springs Drive, Balsam 211th Family Day, 10 a.m.—1 p.m.

Clyde Armory 1824 Jones Cove Road, Clyde

Annual Christmas Party, 6-10 p.m.

B Co. 1/252 CAB Family Day/

Lexington Armory

Christmas Party, 10 a.m.—4 p.m.

201 W. 9th Ave., Lexington

Smithfield Armory 406 Hospital Road, Smithfield

882nd EN Family Day/ Christmas Party, 10 a.m.—3 p.m.

Mocksville Armory Hwy 64 E., Mocksville HHC 1/120th CAB, Family Day/Christmas Party, 8 a.m.—4 p.m.

Wilmington Armory 2412 Infantry Road, Wilmington HHC 230th Christmas Dining Out Banquet, 6-10 p.m.

Shriner’s Club 3706 US Highway, Dudley

A Btry 5/113th FA Family Day/ Christmas Party, 10 a.m.

High Point Armory 3315 Armory Drive, High Point B Btry 5/113th FA Family Day/ Christmas Party, 10 a.m.—3 p.m.

Winston Salem Armory 2000 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston Salem 630th HHC Family Day/ Christmas Day, 12—2 p.m.

Lenoir Armory 15335 Beecher Anderson Road, Lenior

December 5

732nd FSC Family Day/

A Co. 30th STB

Christmas Party, 10 a.m.—2 p.m.

Christmas Dinner, 11 a.m.—2 p.m.

Burlington Armory 1935 N. Church St., Burlington 113th FA Family Day, 8 a.m.—3 p.m.

Louisburg Armory 301 S. Bickett Road, Louisburg A Co. 230th BSB Family Day/ Christmas Party, 11 a.m.—4 p.m.

Benson Armory

Reidsville Armory 252 NC Hwy 65, Wentworth 1450th TC Family Day/ Christmas Party, Time TBA Lenoir Armory 1535 Beecher Anderson Road, Lenoir 1451st TC Family Day/Christmas Party, 12—2 p.m.

Boone Armory 274 Hunting Hills Lane, Boone

801 Susan Tart Road, Benson DECEMBER 2010

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Winter Wonderland

Winter Weather | Safety in the Season

We know that the safety of you and your Family is what matters most to you.

The Asheville Military Family Resource Center would like to offer a few reminders to keep in mind during this Holiday season.

Be Red Cross Ready Winter Storm Safety Checklist What should I do? What do I need? Do I have an evacuation plan?

Visit www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/ Preparedness/WinterStorms.pdf.

American Red Cross

Understanding Winter Weather Advisories, Watches, and Warnings Advisory Weather conditions expected to cause significant inconveniences, possibly hazardous; not life threatening.

Watch Winter storm conditions possible within next 36-48 hrs.

Review winter storm plans and stay informed on conditions.

Warning Lifethreatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. Take precautions immediately.

‘TIS THE SEASON

www.redcross.org (828) 258-3888

Let your Family Know You are Safe: If you are in a severe storm, or any disaster, register your status & location on the American Red Cross Safe and Well Website @ www.redcross.org or call 1866-438-4636.

REMEMBER: Emergency Management Offices Are In Each County Check your county website, example www.buncombecounty.org for ER Services, Safety Check Lists, Resources, or register special needs of Family members via The Vulnerable Populations Initiative or Disaster Planning/AUTO Preparedness. Information on shelters, warnings, updates over TV and Radio. Keep a battery-operated radio handy in case of power outage.

Auto Disaster Kit: nylon carrying bag, bottled water, non-perishable food, can opener, transistor radio with extra batteries, flashlight with spare batteries, first aid kit and handbook, gloves, prescription medication, regular blanket, "space blanket", or sleeping bag, small tool kit, toilet paper, sturdy walking shoes and an extra pair of socks, change of clothes, jacket, rain poncho.

Unfortunately, the LEADING cause of DEATH DURING SNOW STORMS is AUTO ACCIDENTS. Use extreme caution if you have to travel during severe weather.

Cars: Tires // Check tire pressure frequently; tires will lose about 1 lb per square inch (psi) of pressure every 10°F drop; do not exceed pressure limit (# is molded into the rubber sidewall) // Check tread in relation to its tread-wear indicator; rotate tires on schedule; replace bald tires // Drive at a speed that matches the prevailing visibility, traffic and road conditions

If you have a REAL Christmas Tree this season, take precautions:  Check all electric lights and connections before decorating.  Don’t use any lights with worn or frayed cords.  Never use lighted candles on your tree.  Don’t overload the electrical outlets.  Place your tree away from fireplaces, radiators, television sets, and other heat sources. These elements can prematurely dry out your tree.  Always make sure that your tree has plenty of water to prevent drying.

Turn off all decorations before going to bed at night, or anytime that you leave home.

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Dawn White

This month, we’d like to introduce you to Dawn White, FAC Network Coordinator at the Greenville State Family Assistance Center. Please feel free to contact Dawn with any questions, issues or concerns.

FAC Network Coordinator Greenville SFAC 1401 N. Memorial Drive Greenville, N.C. 27834 Office: (252) 551-5669 Fax: (252) 551-6136 Dawn White (left) with her children Amber, Elizabeth, and Philip Michael.

My name is Dawn White. I started working with Family Programs in April 2010, and I can say I have never had a more rewarding job.

I am a resident of Clayton, NC and I have three wonderful children. Amber is15, Elizabeth is10 and Philip Michael is 6. Our Family enjoys playing games, camping, swimming, movies, and just enjoying each other’s company!

I come from a long line of Service Members. My Grandfather served, my father served in the Marines and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and all of my brothers have served as well. This being said I understand the emotions that come with deployments and also the occurring stress as they are in a different country.

I was raised in the Amish country of Pennsylvania. Then, moved to Washington State for a year and finally came to beautiful North Carolina.

I want to extend a very personal and heartfelt thank you to all of our Soldiers and Families for their dedication and bravery. You do not hear it enough, but I do hope that you all know that you are deeply appreciated by me and my Family.

NC EMPLOYMENT READINESS PROGRAM Need tips on how to advance your career or revamp your

AFTERNOON WITH SANTA Saturday, December 11, 2010 10am-3pm Avoid long lines and Crowds. Santa is making a special stop

resume? Let our Employment

for National Guard Families at the Greenville National Guard

Readiness Specialist help.

Armory, 1401 north Memorial Drive, on Saturday, December 11 from 10:00AM to 3:00PM. Don’t Forget your Wish Lists and Camer-

To learn more, contact:

as. Light Refreshments will be available.

David Ponder North Carolina Employment Readiness Specialist (828) 274-8571 david.ponder@us.army.mil

Please RSVP by December 3 to Dawn White at (252) 551-5865

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nce a t s i s s A y l i Fam Centers Asheville Military Family Resource Center 7 Yorkshire St. Suite C, 28803/Fax: (828) 274-8572 Debra Collington, FAC Network Coordinator debra.a.collington.ctr@us.army.mil, (828) 274-8571 Sue Bennett, FAC Specialist susan.j.bennett.ctr@us.army.mil, (828) 274-8571

Kinston Unit Family Contact Center 2875 Dobbs Farm Rd., 28504/Fax: (252) 526-2772 Earlene Capps, FAC Specialist earlene.capps@us.army.mil, (919) 334-9957 Gabrielle H. O’Flanagan, FAC Specialist gabrielle.h.oflanagan@us.army.mil, (252) 526-2711 Lenoir State Family Assistance Center 1535 Beecher Anderson Rd., Lenoir, 28645/Fax: (828) 757-4519 Nancy Davis, FAC Network Coordinator nancy.davis3@us.army.mil, (828) 757-4365 Frances Johnson, FAC Specialist frances.johnson3@us.army.mil, (828) 757-4365

Charlotte Unit Family Contact Center 4240 West Blvd., 28208/Fax: (704) 359-5759 Doretha McLaughlin, FAC Specialist doretha.mclaughlin1@us.army.mil, (704) 359-5769 Rachel Talbott, FAC Specialist rachel.talbott@us.army.mil, (704) 359-5756 Fayetteville Unit Family Contact Center

449 East Mountain Dr., 28306/Fax: n/a Amy Wallace, FAC Specialist amy.wallace3@us.army.mil, (910) 672-5125

Greensboro State Family Assistance Center 110 Franklin Blvd., 27401/Fax: (336) 691-7725 Katy Jones, FAC Network Coordinator katy.m.jones@us.army.mil, (336) 691-7712 Sandy Harrison, FAC Specialist sandy.harrison1@us.army.mil, (336) 691-7763

Greenville State Family Assistance Center 1401 N. Memorial Dr., 27834/Fax: (252) 551-6136 Dawn White, FAC Network Coordinator dawn.white@us.army.mil, (252) 551-5669

Kannapolis Military Family Resource Center 6001 Gateway Ctr. Dr., Suite 109, 28081/Fax: (704) 788-0550 Shane Judd, FAC Network Coordinator/Legal Assistant shane.judd@us.army.mil, (704) 788-4553 Sierra Johnson, FAC Specialist sierra.johnson@us.army.mil, (704) 788-4554 Lynn White, FAC Specialist lynn.white2@us.army.mil, (704) 788-4554

Raleigh Military Family Resource Center 130 Penmarc Dr. Suite 110, 27603/Fax: (919) 334-9971 Mark Woolbright, FAC Network Coordinator mark.woolbright@us.army.mil, (919) 334-9966 Earlene Capps, FAC Specialist earlene.capps@us.army.mil, (919) 334-9957 Lisa Faison, FAC Specialist lisa.faison@us.army.mil, (919) 334-0196 Elijah Fisher, FAC Specialist elijah.j.fisher@us.army.mil, (919) 334-0195 Smithfield Unit Family Contact Center 406 Hospital Rd., 27577/Fax: (919) 934-2901 Abby Millsap, FAC Specialist abby.e.millsap@us.army.mil, (919) 485-9565 Southern Pines Unit Family Contact Center 500 Morganton Rd., 28387/Fax: (910) 692-3659 David Butler, FAC Specialist david.earl.butler@us.army.mil, (910) 692-8747 Wilmington Unit Family Contact Center 2412 Infantry Rd., 28412/Fax: (910) 251-7130 Jim Marley, FAC Specialist james.marley@us.army.mil, (910) 251-7195 Wilmington Military Family Resource Center 3114 Randall Pkwy., 28403/Fax: (910) 343-1776 Judy Howard, FAC Network Coordinator judy.m.howard@us.army.mil, (910) 343-1775 Julie Rowe, FAC Specialist julie.b.rowe@us.army.mil, (910) 343-1775

To spend time with Family and Friends, NCNG Family Programs will be closed 25 December 2010. For 24/7 assistance, please call 800-621-4136 ext. 1. The Emergency Operations Center can be reached 365/year, 24/7 at (800) 621-4136 ext.

6394.

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