Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 11

May 2011 Volume XVII Issue 11

Get to the Point: The NCCC News

An NCCC Atlantic Region Publication

Perry Point Maryland

 Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 11 2

Featured on the Cover- Upper left clockwise: Tiffany Taylor and Amanda Skalicky enjoy the water while on
disaster and Raven 7’s Ariel Keeton push the garbage while on street cleanup duty. Elisabeth Valdez works for
the Red Cross and Raven 1 shows off the island. And Shea Boughton pushes the tires out of the field. Center:
Mooose 4 & Raven 4 with Elisabeth Valdez in Alabama on Disaster with the Red Cross.

Strengthen communities
and develop leaders through
direct, team-based national
and community service

Inside Issue 11:

Moose 3 Update 3-4

AmeriGourment 5

AmeriCount 5

Disaster Summary 6-7

Brain Food 8

Alumni Spotlight 9-10

Alumns 11

Job Listing 12

Memorial Day 13

CAP & Media 14

Staff Service 15

I’m a member of the National Civilian

Community Corps, an AmeriCorps
program. N-triple-C members are 18 to
24 years old and spend 11 months
getting things done for America while
developing their own leadership skills.
We serve on teams to help communities
prepare for and respond to disasters,
build homes, and help the environment.
 Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 11 3

Moose 3: Back Row Starting Left– TL Jamie Inarda, Evan Owen, Nicholas King, Jared Robison (no longer in the program) Mark Hartman,
Naiemah Brown Front– Left to Right– Megan Hill, Alyssa Cobb, Bethany Fournier, Roxann Phelan

Moose 3: Disaster Relief

Moose 3 has begun their work doing tornado relief down south. It was bittersweet to leave Vacamas Camp in

New Jersey. The staff was amazing and the area was beautiful yet we were excited to be able to lend a hand in

Alabama! We are currently staying in Moundville, Alabama and staying with another team which now makes

us Moofalo 7. Figure it out!

We are working in a donation warehouse sorting clothes, toiletries, food, shoes, toys, etc. We are the

only warehouse in the area that is a distribution center meaning victims come and receive necessities. We are

able to talk to the clients and hear their stories which are humbling. It proves our work is truly impacting the

community and really shows us that what were doing here is making a difference.

For example one day a woman came in and her presence was one of fear, loss and confusion. She had

just moved from Colorado and was literally in Tuscaloosa for three weeks when the tornado hit. She lost her

house, furniture, clothes, everything dear to her and yet no child of Mother Nature, no matter how horrendous,
 Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 11 4

could take her genuine sweetness. She was so

grateful to receive even one outfit that when I

handed her a second pair of flip flops, she started

crying and pouring her praises and gratitude

towards us.

Helping FEMA and all those who have

lost even the least bit has forced us to re-evaluate

how we interact with others. No matter if we

come from the wicked North, the gnarly West,

Moose 3 at their past project with Girl Scout’s of America
folks from Mid-West, or ya’ll from the South, we

should all look out for one another with whole-hearted love.

MOOSE 1 SHOUT OUT:To all the GREEN LADIES- Jaquan will miss
you so much!
Moose 1 is excited for all the teams doing great work down
south- keep it up!

RAVEN 1 SHOUT OUT: To the whole Corps… stay strong

grasshoppers.
What up, Raven 264? You are missed!

T and Maddy miss all their Phoenix 6000 friends.

And KJ? Well, he misses Green Team and wants you to know that he
has continued to stay away from McDonald’s and “adult” beverages,
mainly because there are no such places on this island. And he has not
set his eyes on one piece of eye candy yet. This is “Maaatha’s” Vineyard
for Pete’s sake! Send the eye candy already! He’s going stir crazy and
These Moose Members show off
wants visitors and AmeriMail…soon!
their poses–
Take some pictures & post them to
your team’s Picasa site and maybe

“AmeriCorps Next Top Member”!

MOOSE 2 SHOUT OUT: To Brooke: Headed to Alabama.
Wes got a ukulele. Happy Memorial Day!
To Buffalo 7: Mack 10, you guys!!!
 Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 11 5

AmeriGourmet: The Cooking Corner

This week we are in the AmeriKitchen with Nick Hagerl Alumni from 2011 Phoenix 1 & Raven 6

The Classic AmeriCorps Tacos with a Twist

Mexican Breakfast Tacos
Serving size:10

•15 ounces chorizo sausage (or vegetables)

•20 (6 inch) corn tortillas
•15 eggs
•1/2 cup and 2 tablespoons milk
•1-1/4 teaspoons pepper
•1-1/4 teaspoons salt
•2-1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
•2-1/2 dashes hot pepper sauce (e.g. Tabasco), or to taste
•1-1/4 cups salsa

1.Crumble the sausage into a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until
evenly brown. Set aside.
2.Heat one skillet over medium heat, and heat another skillet over high heat. The
skillet over high heat is for warming tortillas. In a medium bowl, whisk together
the eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Spray the medium heat skillet with some cooking
spray, and pour in the eggs. Cook and stir until almost firm. Add the sausage, and
continue cooking and stirring until firm.
3.Meanwhile, warm tortillas for about 45 seconds per side in the other skillet, so
they are hot and crispy on the edges, but still pliable.

Sprinkle a little shredded cheese onto each tortilla while it is still hot.
Top with some of the scrambled egg and sausage,
then add hot pepper sauce and salsa to your liking.

Nick & his 2 different teams

AmeriCount Down
Brought to you by: Old Man Time

30 32 36 175
Days Until Days Until Days Until Days Until
Return to the Point Transition Summer Break Graduation
 Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 11 6

Disaster Summary
The NCCC Atlantic Region is in disaster relief
mode, using the training we received at the
beginning of the year to work in the relief efforts.

The tornadoes that ripped through the South are

some of the deadliest in 37 years, causing
more than 300 deaths and billions dollars of
damage. They came as communities in other
states are reeling from the effects of flooding and
severe storms. The tornado reduced many
businesses, government offices, churches, and
Raven 4’s Jake Biddlecome residences to rubble. The surviving structures
maintain varying levels of damage. The deadly storms killed more than 200 in Alabama, destroying
buildings and homes along its path.

AmeriCorps NCCC teams have quickly moved into affected areas and are providing critical
support to local officials and faith-based organizations, doing everything from search and recovery to
deploying volunteers to work sites.

For you knowledge/an update: “There have been nearly 1,200 tornadoes in the U.S. so far
this year. That's nearly twice the usual number of twisters, and it comes as something of a surprise
to the scientists who study them. A tornado season can change dramatically in just a few days if the
conditions are right. The right conditions usually involve severe thunderstorms in an area where warm and
cold air are colliding. Near Joplin yesterday, the conditions also included a type of thunderstorm called a
supercell, which has a powerful, rotating updraft. This year, conditions like that produced more than 300
tornadoes in just three days at the end of April.” (npr.org)
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Disaster Summary: Team Deployments

AMERICORPS NCCC ATLANTIC REGION’S TEAMS ASSISTING IN DISASTER RELIEF:

Bay Area Food Bank: Theodore, AL

Deployed: May 18, 2011
One team has been deployed to work on food donation management
in Theodore, Alabama.
Temporary Emergency Services: Tuscaloosa, AL
Deployed: May 16, 2011
Two AmeriCorps NCCC teams were deployed to work with
Temporary Emergency Services on
organizing donations, loading and unloading trucks, client
assistance, clerical duties, and other
general disaster relief tasks.
Alabama Service Commission, Hands On Disaster Services
Deployed Thursday, May 5, 2011
One AmeriCorps NCCC team from the Atlantic Region has been
deployed to Tuscaloosa, AL
teams to help support the Tuscaloosa Volunteer Reception Center
and run a donations
warehouse.
Temporary Emergency Services: Tuscaloosa, AL
Deployed: May 17, 2011
Four AmeriCorps NCCC Teams from the Atlantic Region deployed to
work with Temporary
Emergency Services setting up warehousing operations for up to 12
different warehouse locations
COMPLETED-Alabama Service Commission, Hands On
Disaster Services: Tuscaloosa, AL
May 5-23, 201
COMPLETED-Delmarva American Red Cross: Jackson &
Clinton, MS
May 10-23,201
Georgia Commission for Service & Volunteerism &
Spalding County Emergency Management Agency
One team was deployed to help with the debris clean up from the
Tornados on April 27.
 Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 11 8

Brain Food: L&M Trivia

Brought to you by: Laura Mack Community Relations STL & Melissa Jabat Programming Office STL

This famous river has a number of cities

along its course. What is its name?

What is NCCC-Activity:
First team to get back to CRSTL Laura Mack
will win a prize...trust us you want this prize!

What are the NCCC project focus areas?

Keep Your Van Interiors Clean: Use a vacuum
cleaner to regularly clean the inside of your van. You
can use different attachments to easily clean the floor
mats, under the seats, around the pedals, on the
dashboard and inside any compartments.
Keep a container inside for trash and empty it
every few days.
RAVEN 4 SHOUT OUT: “Hi Aja, I miss you! And I guess I miss Loagan a little
too. XD” - Morgan
“Raven 1- can’t wait to get things done with you all on the island!” – Jake
“To Sweet tooth and marbles, what it do?” - Adeliah
Danielle, thanks for giving me the opportunity to wear yet another hat. Our interactions
with the Rev are something that I’m sure will make us laugh for many years to come.
“Why isn’t my bed made?”
Darren Steptoe, CEO Patrick Corvington & Warren Leath at a
Conversation on Service in Washington DC
RAVEN 7 SHOUT OUT: Rain has descended on the city of Buffalo
and Raven 7 this past week, but it hasn’t kept our spirits down. We
continue to get treated to free food on a daily basis it seems. We watched
many movies and Season 4 is almost complete. You all better be prepared
for a crazy junk art piece; junk is kind of our specialty here in Buffalo. Oh
and in case you didn’t know…we love a parade.
Griff- I should have woken up a wee bit earlier
this mornin’
Caleb and Allen- The beard is getting a little
ridiculous, but is still very symmetrical
All TLs-I love you
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Alumni Spotlight: Jimmy Kelly

Jimmy Kelly served as a Corps Member and Team Leader at
Perry Point in Classes XII and XIII. He is now the Maple Unit
Leader at the North Central NCCC campus in Vinton, Iowa.

What were some of your favorite projects?

One of my favorite projects was working with Camp DREAM.
Our project was in Fletcher, VT and we worked for their camp
for six weeks building a tree house that would house 10 to 12
campers. We also helped construct a garden and doing some of
the grounds-work. It was a composite team, so we had a bunch
of people from different teams together. We all slept in tents, Team Leader Jim Kelly and his team
cooked our food over a camp fire and would only go into town
once a week, on weekends. No cell phone reception. Just us, the team, and the work. The work was
extremely physically demanding – every board for the tree house had to be carried uphill a quarter of a mile.
As a team leader I had a few projects I really enjoyed. The first one, we worked at Camp Hope kitchen
preparing dinner for 200 to 400 people every night. So our team got to develop and plan the recipes, and
because so many people connect deeply through food, it was a really good way to serve volunteers and
Corps Members from every campus. Denver, Sacramento… we would dress up as KISS to serve the food, or
have “criss-cross” nights where we wore our uniforms backwards.

What is one memory that sticks out for you?

I got the chance to do some wild land fire fighting which was pretty amazing. It was something I had
planned to do, set it as a goal for the year. We were on a crew of about twenty people, fifteen of which had
never been on a fire before. Nine of the fifteen NCCC members were female. We were monitoring the fire,
not really doing much the whole day, so another crew on the fire challenged us to the “Four at Four Thirty”:
if you can drink 4 quarts of water in 4 minutes and not puke for 30 seconds, you get a pot of money. Anyone
who wanted to watch had to pay in. These guys on the Hot Shot crew, they made tons of money, so the pot
got up to almost $350. So me of the hot shots and a few of us started drinking water. My team leader was
acting as my coach, cheering me on. It got down to me and another guy on our last bottle and he started
throwing up. I finished, slammed down the bottle, and held it in for 30 seconds. I was crowned victorious.
More than the money, it was the accomplishment of proving to this crew that we could step it up alongside
them... plus I got almost $350.

How did NCCC impact your Life After AmeriCorps?

First, from a mind-set perspective, it definitely slowed me down, chilled me out a little bit, and taught me
the different ways of communicating with people and how important that is. Bringing that communication
to them, if you’re having problems communicating with people, learning how to break that down. It taught
me patience as a communicator. It also set the stage for jobs that I would later have, highlighting the needs
we have as a country. I moved back to Iowa, and that summer there were massive record breaking floods in
Iowa and the Midwest. My girlfriend and I worked in a Red Cross that summer, responding to the floods,
 Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 11 10

then I saw a VISTA position that opened up. I thought, work-

ing with AmeriCorps – that’s something I get, there’s some-
thing I can bring to this position. I worked with that organiza-
tion for almost 2 years, and was able to work with NCCC
teams from the North Central region, established that per-
sonal relationships with the members and staff.
That in turn set me up to get a job with NCCC. Working with
the government and in public service is something I’ve
always been interested in, but working as a Corps Member in
NCCC really showed me a super effective and efficient way to
get involved. You can sit there and write policy or be Corps Member Jimmy Kelly (to the right of President Clinton)
involved on higher levels, but what’s really exciting is what’s with some of the other members of his team

happening on the ground. It’s not the funds from FEMA, but the people doing the disaster recovery and
rebuilding work on the ground, mucking and gutting. No national service programs does that better than the
National Civilian Community Corps.

What advice would you give to current NCCC members?

Just take the opportunity to test yourself. Whether it’s actively engaging in a difficult situation or
conversation, communicating with a person you view as difficult… test yourself because that will result in
the most growth, and that’s where you’ll see yourself and others around you benefit. Pushing your
boundaries is one of the underlying aspects of NCCC.
 Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 11 11

Weekly Installments: The Knowledge of AmeriCorps Alums

AmeriCorps Alums is a national network of civic leaders who are
actively engaged in shaping their communities and are bound
together by a commitment to service. AmeriCorps Alums represent the
nearly 550,000 alumni by helping them live out their "lifetime commitment
to service” through engaging their communities, supporting and advocating for
AmeriCorps programs and building the capacity of alumni to be agents of
change in their communities.

AmeriCorps Alums History: The first AmeriCorps members began their

service in September 1994. The Corporation for National and Community Service
(CNCS) conducted a study and lead the development of an alumni association
that was spun off to the "Partnership for National Service” which at that time worked under the
Points of Light Foundation (POLF).

AmeriCorps Alums was branded and eventually became an independent 501c3 nonprofit agency.
AmeriCorps Alums worked hard to secure benefits to members such as healthcare, an ex-
tensive job bank and schools that match the Education Award. They also advocated to not
tax the Education Award. AmeriCorps Alums, its network and brand has thrived under Points of Light
and Hands on Network since January 2005.

AmeriCorps Alums is a stand-alone operating unit within Points of Light Institute — an

organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes people to take action that changes the
world.

Connect & Network with Alumni (even while in the program), there are opportunities such as networking,
chapter involvement, job postings, trainings, etc…

Connect:
www.americorpsalums.org

Follow them on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/americorpsalums

Follow on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/#!/americorpsalums
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Job Listing:AmeriCorps Alums

It’s never too early to start Life After AmeriCorps plans, and if you love the AmeriCorps work why not think
about working with AmeriCorps Alums?

Please note AmeriCorps Alums is currently hiring for an External Relations Manager -
http://www.pointsoflight.org/jobs/external-relations-partnerships-manager-americorps-alums

Position Overview
The External Relations Manager is primarily responsible for communications and outreach to alumni
members and partners in addition to all media relations including social media platforms. This position
also manages certain contract and MOU partnerships, and will include limited fundraising and event
planning opportunities.

Position Responsibilities
The External Relations Manager reports directly to the Executive Director and works closely with the
Alumni Mobilization Manager on a daily basis.
BUFFALO 6 SHOUT OUT: Shout out to FS 1
(don’t forget to leave a tip) and Buff One! We
AmeriCorps Alums advocate for
miss you Fee Fee and Billy… and now we
AmeriCorps Programs! Please be
would like to request a song to go out to
aware-Members are not permitted
Felicia… “Fee-Fee come back, you can blame
to engage in any advocacy work
it on the pot hole…”. B6 is enjoying the beach
during service hours or while weather in ‘Bama Bo)
representing the program. But if it
is something you’re interested in think
PHOENIX 2 SHOUT OUT: Our shoutout for get to
about connecting with Alumni and
the point: Our tick count is over 100 ticks!
drive them through your passion!
Whoop whoop.
RAVEN 2 SHOUT OUT: Raven 2 MOOSE 7 SHOUT OUT: M2: A mullet is a most have for the weenis rodeo.
enjoyed having the moosaravalo Beth! I fully expect all of you to be sporting one when I
Dani on our team for the day! return. Do work in Alabama! I hope you find
where the gold at!! -Brooke
Sean come back soon we miss R4 wherever you are, do you love me? –Old Greg
you J MOOSE 6 SHOUT OUT:
(I love you)
Gone Fishin’
Raven 264, I hope you’re enjoying R5 Good luck on disaster! -Wiley
your rounds!!

THUNDER 1 (DISASTER) SHOUT OUT: ...That’s Right. Diaster.

Rachel hasn't shown up for work in days...Thunder 1 won't be the same without her.
M1- Miss you guys! Can't wait to see ya'll, and Mike, that Gallon Challenge is ON! -MJ

Instant Rod’s Ruminations: I suspect that the people of Alabama may, in fact, be aliens. 1.) They are disarmingly polite. 2.) They put pickles on
everything. 3.) They withstand 90+ degree temperatures and 110% humidity and says its nice out. 3.) They put a disturbing amount of sugar in their
sweet tea. Seriously...enough to put any normal human into a diabetic coma.
 Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 11 13

Memorial Day Reflection

Brought to you by: Past Assistant Program Director Mike Kern

Memorial Day, which was originally called Decoration Day, is the federal
holiday dedicated to remembering those who have given their lives
in service to our nation. Congress passed a resolution in 2000 asking that
at 3:00 PM on Memorial Day Monday, each American “voluntarily and infor-
mally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect,
pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence.
One person I would like to remember this Memorial Day is Eli Segal. Though
he didn’t die in military service to our country, he gave much of his life to
public service, receiving the Presidential Citizen’s Medal for service to our
nation in 2000. None of us would be where we are today if not for Eli Segal. Members of Raven 7 have started
honoring Memorial Day
After helping Clinton become elected, he worked as an assistant to the
president where he shepherded the legislation through Congress to create
AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).
Due largely to his tireless effort and political savvy, AmeriCorps was born. He
turned down offers to be part of President Clinton’s cabinet so he could head
the newly created CNCS and later the Welfare to Work partnership. He died in
2006 of mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. He is the
namesake for our Eli Segal Education Award, so whenever you cash in that
$5,550 say a little thanks to Eli.

So on Monday at 3:00 PM, take a moment to reflect on the freedoms and privileges we enjoy as
Americans and say a little thanks to all those who have died serving this great nation.

MOOSE 5 SHOUT OUT:Moose Five had a great Day of Service at Want to be a Team Leader?
Camp Wilmot! Even though it was rainy, our alumni guests helped
us get a lot of work done and Haley made a fabulous rainbow cake
for everyone to enjoy at the end of the day.
-Kate and Kat are incomplete without the rest of FS1!
Hey my fire gals! Sam, Bethany, and Brooke! I hope you’re having
a blazing good time! Miss ya! Claire: Of all the things you wear,
your expression is the most important! Boston was fun and we
have the best sponsors! Love, Haley!

BUFFALO 4 SHOUT OUT: If you wanna play in Texas you gotta have a
fiddle in the band. Welcome back Kevin to the Buffalo Force! This Could Be You!
My dearest B6, I miss and love you. Save me some gator. –Billy Applications close August 1st
Weasley Those selected start January 2012
Shoutout to Buffalo 5, Steve and Leo. TITLE –Ke’Vante
 Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 11 14

Members of
Moose 1 spent
a bonding day
with Dernard
Williams out
on the docks of
Perry Point.

Can anyone say

Mini-Dernard?

Check out Raven 7, LaQuine Roberson & CEO Patrick Corvington at Habitat’s Veterans Build

CAP & Media Reminders

Brought to you by: the Community Relations Office
CAP-
Special Thanks to the CAPs of Raven 7 and having completed a total of 8 applications this round already!
In addition to that completing 5 events and engaging 5 alumni!

Congratulations to Moose 2 for completing their 3 events already!

Media-
Moose 5, B15 loves all 22 YouTube videos keep it up they are so fun!

A HUGE Congratulations to Raven 4 for already having 27 media hits thus far!

Reminder-
You all have been doing a great job this round, keep up the great work!
And media don’t forget the YouTube question, CAP don’t forget those very important R’s!
Also if you do the work, get the credit– Fill out those forms on the portal within 48 hours (media & CAP)
RAVEN 3 SHOUT OUT: Raven 5 we are sad to see you go. We RAVEN 6 SHOUT OUT: Moose 6: Thanks for
are not happy that you are leaving us stranded in Camden but we adopting me! I know we’ll have a
are very excited for you to embark on such a stellar experience. great time and get lots done for
Ben … does Raven 3 ring a bell? You should probably return America!
soon, being that we are starting to forget what you look like. To all of Offspring 1, I will miss
you! –Dania

BUFFALO 1 SHOUT OUT: Aubrey I will miss you this weekend and A shout out to all the teams here in
just know the only reason I’m coming back is for you. Love, Lauryn Alabama!
We are going to miss you Glen! Good luck at your new job! Love, Shout out to FS1–Mia
Lauryn & Aubrey
Kudos Lauryn for being you! –Aubrey
Shout Out to Danni (Moose 4) our temporary Buffalo 1! We had fun
with you this week! –Michael
Good luck on disaster all of my fellow TLs I plan to join you very
shortly! Much love, Megan B1
 Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 11 15

BUFFALO 3 SHOUT OUT: B3!! Sends out much love from
the land of the peaches. As if hearing from tornado survi-
vors and filing out and completing work orders for
houses that need debris removed in the upcoming weeks
wasn’t enough, we are working vigorously on our shin
tans. B3 maintains our coolness and shows this part of
the south how we roll.
From this TL to the rest… from Georgia, ya’ll are “on
my mind”… get it Brad..get it..:) miss yous guys.
The Physical Move of the Week:
The long arm crunch is another way to strengthen
the rectus abdominis, the external
obliques and internal obliques.
STL SHOUT OUT: Melissa is running away, and Laura
is sad...luckily she made very fudge-y brownies to eat
while she sits on the couch watching VHS tapes miss-
ing Melissa. CTM (R7) Knoble is off traveling AGAIN,
way cooler than you.
Lia has moved into 9h,fire beware she was a
Corps Member last year– You can’t mess
Bradley runs….gross.
Rod is in OZ? Laura wants to know if you’ll bring her
back a Toto? Yes? thank you.
Allen...see where this shout out is– You’re Welcome.

This exercise is similar to the basic crunch and was Staff Day of Service
ranked on the list of the Best and Worse Ab Exercises.

How to Do the Long Arm Crunch

•Lie on your back with your arms over your head

with hands clasped and arms close to your ears.
•Keep your knees bent with feet flat on the floor.
•Contract your abs and lift your shoulder blades off
the floor.
•Lower and repeat for 12-16 reps.