Family Matters March 2015

Family Matters

Vol. 6 Issue 3 March 2015

In this issue:    

How to Stay a ‘Family’ Over Long Distance 1450th Trans Co Send Off Spring Cleaning Tips And more….

Family Matters March 2015 Diane Coffill State Family Programs Director diane.l.coffill.civ@mail.mil (984) 664-6324 MSG Ramona Robertson State Family Programs Specialist ramona.k.robertson.mil@mail.mil (984) 664-7005 SSG Tammy Fowler State Family Programs Assistant tammy.l.fowler.mil@mail.mil (984)664-6876 Lana Greer State FAC Coordinator lana.m.greer.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-1667 Jason Pleasant Senior FRSA matthew.j.pleasant.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-7017 Alice Dean Lead Child and Youth Coordinator alice.c.dean.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-6676 Terry Henderson Airman & Family Readiness Program Manager terry.henderson@ang.af.mil (704) 398-4949

About Family Matters

Family Matters was created to provide Service Members and Families the most up to date information and services available. If you would like to contribute to future issues, please contact SSG Tammy Fowler at tammy.l.fowler.mil@mail.mil References in this newsletter to specific commercial products, processes, services or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name does not constitute endorsement, recommendation or favoring by NCNG Family Programs.

A Message from the Director Spring is in the air and I am ready for it! It seemed like winter didn’t start until January and February, so I guess you could say we had a short winter (maybe!). With spring drawing near, I know that everyone will get very busy.

Not only will you be doing some spring cleaning (we have some handy tips for you) but your calendars will be filling up very quickly as well.

When you take a look at this month’s Family Matters, you will notice some very special events such as “A Night Under the Stars” sponsored by NC Operation Military Kids. This event would be a great time to “unplug” and spend some quality time as a Family while camping under the stars.

Most of us have some type of modern technology to “stay connected” which can be very beneficial when we aren’t in the same town or at times, even the same time zone as our loved ones. In this issue, you will find some useful tips on how to ‘Stay a Family’ over these long distances. Do remember though, to use caution and common sense when communicating through social media.

I hope that everyone remembers that April is the Month of the Military Child. To help you celebrate, we’ve got a few events that are coming up very soon that I want to HIGHLIGHT. On 4 April, Family Programs staff are hosting two events– one in Raleigh and the other in Lenoir– to celebrate your military child.

We also will be letting you know about other events coming up in April very soon. We are planning new and exciting events for you and your child so keep an eye on our website, Facebook page and also, look for them in the next issue of Family Matters.

In this issue, you will also see some photos of the 1450th Transportation Company's “Send Off” as they say their “farewells” to their Families. Please remember to keep all of our Service Members and their Families in your thoughts and prayers as they travel away from their Families to complete their missions.

As always, we want to tell you about other NCNG resources that are available to you and your Family. Please look for the information about the Education and Employment Center. You will notice they have representatives across the state to assist you and your Family.

Don’t forget, we still have our 4 Teen Council Meetings around the state. These Teens are really learning some great things! If you have a Teen who may be interested in joining our Teen Council, please contact one of our Child & Youth team members.

Remember, our Family Assistance Centers Specialists are always available to assist you with your needs, answer any questions you might have and provide you with information on any upcoming events.

Stay safe and enjoy the 1st day of Spring!

Diane

2

Table of Contents

4

How to Stay a ‘Family’ Over Long Distances

12

1450th Trans Co Send Off

14

Spring Cleaning Tips

3

How to Stay a ‘Family’ Over Long Distances Just recently, I found myself looking at a national  Snail mail may be slow, but one thing remains weather map to note the conditions in four different constant—everyone likes to get a package. If locales: my own; my husband’s, who is currently you receive one—respond promptly with a working in another state; and my two daughters, “thank you.” who are both at different universities. It’s a small thing, but knowing what each of them would face in Be Available the way of weather made me feel a bit closer to their day-to-day lives.

Don’t wait until a reunion to share feelings. If you hear a song, and it reminds you of the person, let him know. Is something bothering you? Tell her Using Technology to Connect You while it’s on your mind. Don’t let it build up until Many families face similar circumstances. it’s a bigger problem. Here are some other tips: Fortunately, technology has made staying in touch relatively cheap and easy. Regular communication is  Respond promptly to emails. key, but it needs to be quality communication. How  Send instant messages—but only if you like to to do that? Find interesting, up-to-date things to talk do it. Don’t let it become an annoyance about. A few simple tricks:  Help “nontechie” relatives get online. Libraries offer free courses and Internet access. Facebook or Pinterest is a great way to share posts,  Bookmark online versions of your loved one’s local newspaper, school or place of business so pictures, articles and ideas with each other. you can discuss current news.  Get a PDA (a personal digital assistant) or Smartphone. That way you can send e-mail from  Schedule times for unhurried conversations.

Schedule a once-a-week family teleconference anywhere. call. Consider videoconferencing.  Learn to send photos and text messages with your cellular phone. Instagram is a fun way to  Start an online book, movie or music club.

Share favorite Internet sites. Use a scanner to share instant photos/comments with loved ones. share interesting articles or book excerpts  Nothing beats face time. Schedule as many visits as your budget will allow. Meet at in-between  Make a big deal out of birthdays and holidays. E-cards are fun, but they can get old spots. after awhile. Create personalized emails instead.

Jazz them up with different fonts, backgrounds and images.  Find an online easy-to-use photo-sharing format for your digital photos. You can look through someone’s slide show as quickly as you can fan through a stack of “real” photos.  Start a family group at a social-networking website or create a family blog (your own personal website). Ready-to-use formats make

By Amy Fries this easy. © 2006 Achieve Solutions  Invest in a digital video camera or Web www.militaryonesource.org camera. But don’t burden people with long, boring videos.

4

The EEC also has locations across the state to better serve the needs of you and your family!

7

1450th Transportation Company Send Off Family members and friends of the Soldiers of the 1450th Transportation Company out of Lenoir gather to show love and support as these Soldiers prepare to head out on deployment.

Photos courtesy of Frances Johnson: Lenoir FAC Specialist

8

9

Spring is in the Air! That means it is time for some spring cleaning, which you either love or hate!

No matter how you may feel about it, we all know that it is something that eventually must be done so here are some tips from the people at Good Housekeeping that may help!

First let’s talk about some DIY cleaners. These mix-it-yourself cleaners use environmentally friendly ingredients-like baking soda and vinegar– and are quite inexpensive. If you’ve run out of your favorite cleaning solution, don’t run to the store; try one of these instead.

1. Glass Cleaner-Great for windows and glass Ingredients  2 cups water  1/2 cup white or cider vinegar  1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (70% concentration  1 to 2 drops of orange essential oil (optional) How to use: Combine ingredients and store in a spray bottle. Spray on a paper towel or soft cloth first, then on the glass. Hint: Don’t clean windows on a hot, sunny day because the solution will dry too quickly and leave lots of streaks.

2. Heavy-Duty Scrub- Rust stains on porcelain or enamel sinks and tubs Ingredients  Half a lemon  1/2 cup Borax (laundry booster; find it in the detergent aisle) How to use: Dip the lemon into the Borax and scrub surface; rinse (not safe for marble or granite) 3. Grease Cleaner– Great for oven hoods, grills Ingredients  1/2 cup sudsy ammonia mixed with enough water to fill a one gallon container.

(Sudsy ammonia, which has detergent in it, helps remove tough grime.)

How to use: Dip sponge or mop in solution and wipe over surface, then rinse area with clear water.

4. All –Purpose Cleaner and Deodorizer– Great for kitchen counters, appliances and inside the refrigerator.

Ingredients  4 tablespoons of baking soda  1 quart warm water How to use: Pour solution on a sponge and wipe.

By Heloise www.goodhousekeeping.com

10

Everyone knows that spring cleaning can be a headache and a rather grueling task. Here are 6 mistakes to avoid that will help take the headache out of spring cleaning and sidestep some common slip-ups.

Mistake #1: Not getting organized Write down a game plan to help you prioritize and stay on task. Start with the rooms that typically take the most work like the kitchen and bathrooms. Then, gather your supplies in a bucket and carry them with you from room to room so you don’t waste time running back to the cleaning closet.

Mistake #2: Going at it alone Doing the brunt of the work by yourself can lead to a long day and sore muscles. Delegate simple tasks, such as dusting, shaking out rugs, and clearing clutter to children. Call on teenagers and your husband to do some heavy lifting, such as moving furniture or cleaning the garage. If you live by yourself, invite a good friend over so you can chat and drink coffee between tasks. If your friend also lives alone, offer to visit while she’s cleaning.

Mistake #3: Not having the right equipment Cleaning often takes a long time because people tend to use the wrong tools. Stock up on four must-haves: microfiber cloths, steam, extension wand, and a vacuum with attachments. Try using steam, especially on floors, as steam requires no chemicals or products and helps surfaces stay cleaner longer. Meanwhile, an extension wand helps you reach high ceilings and hanging light fixtures, while a vacuum with attachments allows you to clean upholstery and tight spaces.

Mistake #4: Working too hard To lighten the load, follow a few simple these simple tips. First, dust surfaces with a microfiber cloth so you don’t have to use cleaning solution. When cleaning tubs and sinks, apply the cleaning solution and let it soak for 10 minutes before wiping the surface. Remove baked-on food in your microwave by filling a glass with water and heating the liquid on high for one minute; the steam will loosen stains, making it easier to clean. To ease toilet-bowl scrubbing, drop two Polident denture-cleaning tablets in the bowl and let fizz for 10 minutes.

Mistake # 5: Overlooking grimy spots Dishwasher: Remove baskets and debris from the bottom. Spray a water and vinegar solution onto a cleaning cloth or clean sponge to wipe down the inside of the door and top and bottom racks. Run the empty machine on its highest temperature setting without detergent for a thorough rinse.

Window blinds: Shut blinds and use a microfiber cloth to dust them. Close blinds in opposite direction for a quick, complete wipe-down.

Trash cans: Remove the bag and sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the can before adding about two inches of water. Allow the mixture to sit and then swish it with clean water. Wipe down the sides and rinse. Dry it with an old towel or let air dry.

Mistake #6: Continuing to use the same dirty cloth If you wonder why you have streaks on surfaces, blame a soiled cloth. Keep a stack of clean cloths nearby and switch them out frequently. But you don’t need piles of microfiber cloths, as you can clean them. Just rinse in clean water and wring out. If you’re dusting, use a dry microfiber; then hold it inside a garbage bag and shake it to remove the dust.

By Karen Asp www.goodhousekeeping.com

11

Because Military Kids Serve Too! Our mission is to create and support dynamic, balanced programming for the North Carolina National Guard Child and Youth Program.

Our programs are designed to promote the cognitive, emotional, physical and moral development of the youth, as well as encourage personal responsibility and strength of character.

For more information, please contact our Child & Youth Staff: Alice Dean Lead Child & Youth Coordinator (984) 664-6676 alice.c.dean.ctr@mail.mil

Kristi Wagner Child & Youth Coordinator (984) 661-4761 kristi.l.wagner.ctr@mail.mil

12

13

15

Family Assistance Centers

Statewide Support

Family Assistance Centers are located across the State to provide assistance to ALL Military Service Members and their Families.

NCNG Service Members and Families’ First Line of Defense Call 1-855-322-3848

East Flat Rock Unit Family Contact Center 2025 Spartanburg Hwy. 28726 Rebekah Torres: rebekah.s.torres.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-0565 Charlotte Unit Family Contact Center 4240 West Blvd. 28208 Carry Bandy: carry.s.bandy.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-4573 Anthony Moore: anthony.r.moore8.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-4547

Military OneSource Here to help you with just about any need, by phone or online. The service is completely private and confidential with few exceptions. www.militaryonesource.mil 1-800-342-9647

Greensboro State Family Assistance Center 110 Franklin Blvd. 27401 Lynn Stenson: deborah.t.stenson2.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-5649 Greenville State Family Assistance Center 1401 N. Memorial Dr. 27834 Kyle Snyder: kyle.j.snyder.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-1150 Lenoir State Family Assistance Center 1535 Beecher Anderson Rd. 28645 Frances Johnson: frances.r.johnson28.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-1242 Raleigh Unit Family Contact Center 4105 Reedy Creek Rd. 27607 Lisa Faison: lisa.m.faison.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-7100 Mark Woolbright: mark.l.woolbright.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-7102 JFHQ Unit Family Contact Center 1636 Gold Star Dr. 27607 Wendi Bell: wendi.h.bell.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-6078 Smithfield Unit Family Contact Center 406 Hospital Rd. 27577 Abby Millsap: abigail.e.millsap.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-2784 Southern Pines Unit Family Contact Center 500 Morganton Rd. 28387 Earlene Capps: earlene.b.capps.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-2683 Wilmington Unit Family Contact Center 2412 Infantry Rd. 28405 Jim Marley: james.e.marley.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-6918 Winston-Salem Unit Family Contact Center 2000 Silas Creek Pkwy. 27103 Sandy Harrison: sandra.b.harrison2.ctr@mail.mil (984)-661-7131

Family Readiness Support Assistants

Raleigh Jason Pleasant matthew.j.pleasant.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-7017 Senior FRSA

Greensboro Gloria Fields gloria.d.fields.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-5620

Charlotte Nikkie Newsome genesia.k.newsome.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-4548

Morrisville George Lane george.w.lane2.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-6313

Clinton Sarah Strickland sarah.r.strickland.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-4735

Raleigh Norman Dean norman.g.dean2.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-6537

Goldsboro Darlette McCormick darlette.s.mccormick.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-5423