Download - Get to the Point, Volume XIX, Issue 9
GET TO
THE POINT T H E N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E N C C C A T L A N T I C R E G I O N
T H U R S D A Y , M A Y 9 , 2 0 1 3
V O L U M E X I X , I S S U E 9
Alumni Spotlight Laura Rosenthal, Corps Member
Western Region, Class III
Team Leader Spotlight What Does a Support Team
Leader Actually Do?
Photo Gallery Week One of
Round Two Projects
2 MAY 9, 2013 / GET TO THE POINT
I’m a 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 prepare
for and respond to disasters, build homes,
and help the environment.
To learn more, visit AmeriCorps.gov/NCCC or call 1.800.942.2677
CONNECT WITH AMERICORPS NCCC ATLANTIC REGION
Sam McKenzie, Community Relations Specialist (CRS)
Phone: 202.528.3755 ● Email: [email protected]
Mona Hillstrand, Assistant Community Relations Specialist (ACRS)
Phone: 202.815.4259 ● Email: [email protected]
Ben Dillon, Community Relations Support Team Leader (CRSTL)
Phone: 443.995.7940 ● Email: [email protected]
facebook.com/ncccatlanticregion
twitter.com/americorpsnccc
americorps.gov/nccc
03 Gallery Images from the first week of
Round 2 projects
05 Bulletin Board A Reminder for Project
Outreach Liaisons
& An Update of ISP Hours
06 Alumni Spotlight Laura Rosenthal, Corps Member
Class III, Western Region
08 AmeriStars Get to know Class XIX members
09 Team Green What does an STL do?
10 Corps Contests
Class XIX Photo Contest
A Crossword Team Builder
11 Shout Outs
12 Project Map
About the cover
Moose 4 Team
Leader Ryan
Abdelnour places a
fence post at
Franklin Square’s
Sunflower Village in
Baltimore during the
Mayor’s Day of
Service on April 26.
ISSUE IN THIS
CONTENTS
↑ Raven 3
member Kris Hall
displays the
day’s work on
his uniform.
GET TO THE POINT / MAY 9, 2013 3
GALLERY
↑ Raven 2 members Lewis Cuthair and Jeremy Flores construct a green
house for The FARM Institute in Edgartown, Mass.
→ A Phoenix 2 member patrols the fire line during a prescribed burn in
Virginia.
↓ Buffalo 4 member Courtney Amburg replaces insulation under a trailer
home in Moonachie, N.J., that was damaged by floodwaters during
Hurricane Sandy.
4 MAY 9, 2013 / GET TO THE POINT
GALLERY
↑ Moose 3 members set up scaffolding at a Habitat for Humanity work
site in York, Pa.
→ James Hubbard and Gaby Gardose of Raven 4 pause for a picture
while spackling a home near Tom’s River, N.J. The team is working
with Jersey Cares to renovate homes that were damaged by
Hurricane Sandy.
→ Corps Members joined hundreds of volunteers for Rebuilding Day, a
day of service hosted by Rebuilding Together Baltimore.
→ Laura Mahoney of Moose 5 serves on Vermont Green Up Day near
Brattleboro.
↓ The Raven 3 team meets family members of Wiz Khalifa, hip-hop artist
and Pittsburgh native, while working with Rebuilding Together.
GET TO THE POINT / MAY 9, 2013 5
“I start with the premise that the function of
leadership is to produce more leaders, not more
followers.”
-Ralph Nader
Members of composite team Patriot 1 pause for a group
picture while touring Boston. The team is serving with
Cardinal Cushing Centers in Braintree, Mass., to improve
recreation areas for people with intellectual disabilities.
Two weeks into Round 2, the
Buffalo Unit remains ahead of the
Raven Unit with more than one
third of the required Independent
Service Hours completed.
ISP Hours Complete
Buffalo: 36%
Raven: 34%
Moose: 29%
Attention: Project Outreach Liaisons!
Day of Service Snap Shots are due
Friday, May 10
BULLETIN BOARD
Alex Slater, a member of composite team Peter Pan 1,
constructs a primitive bridge at a Girl Scout Camp in
Northeastern New York. The team is led by Raven Unit
Support Team Leader Stephanie Ferguson.
6 MAY 9, 2013 / GET TO THE POINT
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
How did NCCC impact your life?
NCCC provided me with direction. I knew that I wanted to
do something to give back, but I wasn't sure what. After
graduation from college, NCCC gave me an opportunity to
try on some different volunteer opportunities (with police
setting up a neighborhood watch, with veteran's groups in
LA, with environmental kids camps in San Diego, with
community organizations in Alaska), and see what fit best
with my skills and interests. NCCC also got me up to
Alaska, which was a hugely formative place for me. After
two months up there, I knew that I wanted more time to
experience such a raw, natural beauty and work with a
unique community.
What was your most interesting project in NCCC?
We worked with a number of NFPs in Fairbanks, including
a Boys and Girls Club, and other community
organizations. We built a playground, ripped out a gym
floor, and were so welcomed in the community—we were
invited to be in a parade, we were invited to go camping
with an Athabascan gentleman and clear their summer fish
camp, we went camping in Denali, and we went white
water rafting. It was an experience that has never been
equaled in my life and led to my staying in Fairbanks as a
VISTA the next year.
Can you tell us a story in which you learned
something about yourself through service?
I gained confidence in myself, and learned to be a bigger
risk-taker in life. I was always interested in service and
giving back, but the experience in NCCC showed me that I
was stronger and more capable than I'd realized. I could
be responsible for a full team traveling from San Diego to
Alaska. I could learn construction skills. I could safely
supervise a group of young kids, even when a rattlesnake
showed up on the trail. I had confidence to tell our
sponsoring director that I wanted to stay in Alaska, and I
could start up a Boys and Girls' Club, and then, I did
it. That confidence has followed me through life, and I'm
grateful to my time in NCCC for helping me develop it.
Continued on page 7
Laura Rosenthal Class III Corps Member, Western Region
Interview by Ian Slingsby Raven 3 Member
GET TO THE POINT / MAY 9, 2013 7
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
What was the best part of NCCC?
I loved my team. It was an amazing group of
diverse people, committed to service and joy.
How have you continued your
commitment to service?
After founding and running a Boys and Girls'
Club in North Pole Alaska (immediately after
NCCC), I went back to graduate school to get a
Master in Public Administration. I've since
been working at New York State, managing
the budgeting and financing for community
programs (child welfare and mental health
programs, specifically).
What advice would you give to current
Corps Members?
Embrace the challenges, stay flexible, and
have fun! You are doing things that can
dramatically impact peoples' lives, and that's a
gift that gives to both you and those that you
help.
Where are you now in life and how did
AmeriCorps affect your life path?
I'm an upper-level manager for New York
State's Budget Division, and I have budgeted
child welfare and mental health programs.
There is no question that my experiences with
NCCC led me to my career. My areas of
expertise and interest are all based on
community service, and I have brought my
passion for helping people to my role in
budgeting for social programs.
How did your experience as an NCCC
member affect your reaction to
Hurricane Irene?
I believe that I was probably more prepared,
as I'd been trained in disaster preparedness
while in NCCC. After the emotional punch of
losing the first floor of our house, I knew how
to reach out to state, federal, and community
resources for help.
Are there any other fun facts or "words
of wisdom" you would like to share
with Class XIX?
I'm still in touch with people from Class III. I
still think about the experiences of my NCCC
year. I am who I am today because of those
people and experiences. Embrace your
experiences and live them fully. Giving back
to others will give to you. Thank you all for
your service to our communities.
“Embrace your experiences and live them
fully. Giving back to others will give to you.”
← Laura Rosenthal was
a Corps Member with
Class III in the Western
Region (now called the
Pacific Region)
between 1996 and
1997. During her service
term, she served on
projects in Alaska and
had the opportunity to
go white water rafting
with her team.
8 MAY 9, 2013 / GET TO THE POINT
AMERISTARS
SIERRA TAYLOR MOUNT HOLLY, N.J.
BUFFALO 1
How old are you?
19 years old
What is one thing you miss?
I miss being a regional gymnast.
What is your favorite food?
Tacos.
What is your biggest fear?
Death.
Why did you join AmeriCorps NCCC?
To give back to the community.
DENASIA AVERY ROCKY MOUNT, N.C.
MOOSE 4
What is one thing you miss?
My family.
What is your favorite quote?
“Don’t let the fear of the time it will take
stop you from doing it, because the
time will still pass.”
What is your biggest fear?
Going bald.
Who is one person who changed your
life for the better?
Ms. Thompson, who believed in me
when I didn’t have the strength to
believe in myself.
What is favorite AmeriMemory thus far?
Mini-spike, when we almost completed
our task.
CARSON SCHERER RICHMOND, TEX.
RAVEN 2
What is your most prized possession?
My most prized possession is the road
bicycle that I bought while I was
studying abroad in the United Kingdom.
It took me wherever I needed to go
and I have a lot of memories tied to it,
both in the U.K. and the U.S.
If you could travel anywhere for free,
where would you go and why?
If I could travel anywhere for free, I
would go back to the United Kingdom
so I could visit my friends again and visit
Wales and Northern Ireland.
If you were an animal, what kind of
animal would you be?
If I were an animal, I would be a fox.
Foxes are cunning, resourceful, nimble,
and individualistic—qualities that I find
useful in life.
To allow Corps Members to better know their peers, Get to the Point will periodically feature three members of Class XIX.
Each team’s Health and Wellness Liaison has been provided with AmeriStar questionnaires, which should be completed by
each team member and returned to Laura Tuck. Selected answers from these questionnaires are used for the AmeriStar
spotlights.
GET TO THE POINT / MAY 9, 2013 9
TEAM GREEN
What Does A Support Team Leader Do? Amidst many discussion items in meetings
with the Region Director over Round 2
transition, Community Council
Representatives expressed the Corps’
general bewilderment about one thing:
What does a Support Team Leader
actually do at the Perry Point campus?
The answer: A lot of things. To diffuse
some of the mystery, the next few issues
of Get to the Point will feature profiles on
Support Team Leaders that explain how
and why they do what they do.
General Duties of Unit Support Team Leaders (USTLs):
Meet with Unit Leaders (ULs) and STLs to ensure
communication and collaboration across Units
Assist the UL in maintaining TL/CM
accountability by tracking member absences
and Independent Service Project forms
Support the ULs in gathering, tracking, and
routing weekly reports from the field
Assist ULs in trainings, team meetings, and
overall unit readiness for service
Assist ULs in coordinating transition week
schedules with TLs and teams to include all
Corps activities
Provide support for CM team specialty roles, as
assigned
When possible, join the Unit Leader on site visits
Work alongside local teams at least twice a
month.
STEPHANIE FERGUSON
RAVEN UNIT SUPPORT TEAM LEADER
Why did you want to be a Unit Support Team Leader (USTL)?
Last year, I served as a Field Team Leader (FTL) for the North Central
Region. Although it was a challenging experience, I knew I wanted to
serve as a Team Leader again. I wanted something different out of this
year, however. With the STL position, I am able to utilize things I learned
last year to really be a solid support for the FTLs. I also am able to see
this organization from a different point of view, which will be beneficial
for my career, since I want to work with NCCC after my term of service.
What is your favorite part your position?
I love that I get to be part of everything in a way and I feel that I can
really support my fellow TLs. I also enjoy working closely with the staff in
other departments, which is something I didn't get as much experience
with last year. And although I don't get to live in a new city every five
weeks, I get to travel around visiting teams, so I get to see a lot.
Why are STLs important?
There is always so much going on within the Corps that it is difficult for
staff members to handle everything on their own. STLs act as liaisons
between staff and FTLs. For the USTL position, I am able to help clarify
details about a particular team or project. I also assist with planning
meetings and staying connected with Raven Unit teams.
What is one of your responsibilities that Corps
Members may not know about?
As the Raven USTL, I coordinate the disaster
availability list that is sent to the American Red
Cross every week. I basically assist with all
aspects of ARC since Jen Horan (Raven Unit
Leader) is the main point of contact from our
campus. If a disaster happens this year, you will
hear from me a lot!
10 MAY 9, 2013 / GET TO THE POINT
CORPS CONTESTS
c r o s s w o r d c
n t e s t
CLASS XIX
PHOTO CONTEST
Teams can email their best
photos to Ben at
a chance to be featured in
Get to the Point and win a
prize. Staff members and
Support Team Leaders will
select one photo from each
category at the end of
every project round.
Directions: All members of the team must participate to create a crossword with answers to
the following questions. First team to create*, complete, and send back to campus—
attention to Megan, either by mail or email attached with a picture—wins a laminated
certificate that can be proudly displayed on the dashboard of their 15P a.k.a. bragging
rights. Good Luck!
*Statements and numbers can be switched around as needed, but each question must be
addressed.
ACROSS
1. TL: Positive characteristic of the Sponsor
2. SLI: New term learned, related to work
3. Media: Name of newspaper in area
4. CAP: Recruitment Tool
5. POL: Need fulfilled of team’s last ISP
DOWN
1. HaWL: Favorite Team Builder
2. FT: Team’s Favorite PT activity
3. ATL: Newly learned responsibility
4. CCR: Activity to do in the area
CATEGORIES:
Van vs. Mini
Team Meetup
“CAPture the Moment”
(Best CAP Event Photo)
Alumni Engagement
(Working with alumni)
On the Job
(Action/Working Photo)
Unit Pride
Team Meals
GET TO THE POINT / MAY 9, 2013 11
SHOUT OUTS
The Buffalo Unit warmly
welcomes the new Buffalo 1 Team
Leader, Rico!
Buffalo Unit
Phoenix 2
B3 would like everyone to know
how classy we are.
Buffalo 3
Shout out to all the other teams
out there working hard these past
few weeks. Keep up the great
work and keep “Getting Things
Done!” Still looking forward to
meeting up soon with Moose 1 and
Raven 5 in the big city!
Buffalo 4
Moose up in this Rockaway
See them rock that work each day
“Thanks so much!” the people say
To Moose up in this Rockaway.
Moose go running on the beach
Run so fast they’re out of reach
Ain’t no buff could ever teach
Us Moose how to run on the
beach.
Moose be reppin’ A the best
Flyin’ high above the rest
Winning every challenge and test
‘Cause it’s Moosicorns that be the
best!
Moose 1
Moose Deuce is having a blast
learning about the species of
animals here on Martha’s
Vineyard and hanging out with
Raven 2!
Moose 2 Moose Force received a crash-
course in trail skills training by
professionals associated with the
SCA that have worked all over the
country. Shout out to Jessie, Rob,
and Jed for their detailed and
tactful instruction, easygoing
personalities, and for having a
great time with us this past week!
We highly appreciate the
techniques, insight, finishing
details, and laughter.
Moose 4
We are AmeriCorps Strong to
help keep Boston Strong.
Patriot 1
To the other composite team,
Patriot 1: Keep working hard and
we hope you are having as much
fun as we are!
From Peter Pan 1 ATL to Patriot 1
ATL: Hope you are succeeding as
an ATL, because I know I am!
Peter Pan 1
Everyday we put our lives on the
line... for the Woodpecker.
Raven 1
Get ready for an amazing recipe
book! We have been testing out
some of your entries and we are
VERY impressed!
Raven 2
We miss you guys, Carson and
Brad! Heck ya! Having a blast
catching chickens, cows and
building a green house on
Martha’s Vineyard!
Raven 4
May the Force be with all of you,
especially Amir, Sean, and Jared
on your composites and fire.
For Round 2, Class XIX teams are slated to complete 21
projects across 10 states. Seven teams will continue
hurricane recovery efforts in New Jersey, New York,
Rhode Island, and Vermont. Five teams will focus on
environmental stewardship in recreational
camps and conservation areas in
five different states. Four teams
will help better develop low
-income urban
communities through
housing and
facilities
improvements.
Lastly, one team will
improve energy
efficiency of homes
and another will
improve facilities
for youth
programs.
Where in the Atlantic Region Are They? Round 2, Week 2
BUFFALO 1
Bath, Me.
Habitat for Humanity – 7 Rivers
Energy Efficiency
BUFFALO 3
Wells, Me.
Wells NERR
Environmental Stewardship
BUFFALO 4
Hackensack, N.J.
Volunteer Center of Bergen County
Disaster Recovery
MOOSE 1
New York, N.Y.
St. Bernard Project
Disaster Recovery
MOOSE 2
Edgartown, Mass.
MA Audubon Society – Felix Neck
Environmental Stewardship
MOOSE 3
York, Pa.
Habitat for Humanity – York
Urban & Rural Development
D.C.
MOOSE 4
Claryville, N.Y.
Frost Valley YMCA
Environmental Stewardship
MOOSE 5
Brattleboro, Vt.
SerVermont
Disaster Recovery
PATRIOT 1 (BUFFALO 5)
Braintree, Mass.
Cardinal Cushing Centers
Urban & Rural Development
PETER PAN 1 (RAVEN 6)
Galway, N.Y.
Girl Scouts of Northeastern N.Y.
Environmental Stewardship
PHOENIX 2
Suffolk, Va.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Disaster Response
RAVEN 1
Middletown, De.
Boys & Girls Club of Delaware
Infrastructure Improvement
RAVEN 2
Edgartown, Mass.
The Farm Institute
Environmental Stewardship
RAVEN 3
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Rebuilding Together – Pittsburgh
Urban & Rural Development
RAVEN 4
Tabernacle, N.J.
Jersey Cares
Disaster Recovery
RAVEN 5
New York, N.Y.
New York Cares
Disaster Recovery
MAINE
VERMONT
NEW YORK
NEW HAMPSHIRE
MASSACHUSETTS
CONN. R.I.
PENNSYLVANIA
MARYLAND
VIRGINIA
WEST
VIRGINIA
NEW
JERSEY
DELAWARE