Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12

May 30– June 5 2011 Volume XVII Issue 12

Get to the Point: The NCCC News

An NCCC Atlantic Region Publication

Perry Point Maryland

 Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12 2

Featured on the Cover- Upper left clockwise: Elisabeth Valdez looking at the flood waters in Alabama while
Isaac Winant helps with burns on Phoenix 2. Raven 1’s Ryan Hatem works on the island, and Raven 6 shows the
city all while members of Raven 7 assist with a clean up. TL Matt assist CM Laura letting a fish go into the
streams. Center: Raven 7 with UL Jen Horan and the Mayor of Buffalo after a street clean-up.

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

Inside Issue 12:

Raven 3 Update 3-4

AmeriCount 4

AmeriGourment 5

Brain Food 6

Alumni Spotlight 7-8

Alums 9

Bursting the Bubble 10

Disaster Summary 11
Thank You 12

Socializing 12

Move of the Week 12

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 12 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 12 3

Raven 3: Starting Left– Erin Bruhn, Kyle Lauchmen, TL Leeann Sudol, Melanie Fuqua, Aurora White, Stephen Drieze,
Ben Pritchard (currently on Thunder 1) Elizabeth Foster (not pictured Peter Donovan and Jasmine Thomas)

Raven 3: Do-Gooders
Once upon a time at a VA Hospital far-far away, a group of young eager Americans came together to get
things done. Raven 3 came from both coasts and everything in between to build houses, plant gardens, and stop
shoreline erosion. Even though they were all very different they learned to utilize their differences and become
productive N-Trips while following their fearless leader, Leeann Sudol.
This vagabond of do-gooders was sent on their first mission to the land of Jazz Music, Cajun Cuisine, and
free thinking, otherwise known as New Orleans, Louisiana. Here they partnered with Habitat for Humanity and
many volunteers to construct houses, organize the donation center, and distribute new appliances. While on this
mission Raven 3 realized how much strength and courage it takes for a community to come
together and rebuild after a natural disaster. Although they are glad they were able to help rebuild this
amazing community they know that there is still so much work to be done.
For Mission 2, headquarters at B15 sent the magnificent members of Raven 3 to the
Urban Jungle of Camden, New Jersey. Raven 3’s main sponsor was in the magical
playhouse of the Camden Children’s Garden. With the Camden Children’s Garden,
they brought fresh produce and education on horticulture to the residents of the “food desert.”
Unfortunately, this mission was cut short because of shoreline erosion on the Indian Head,
Maryland Naval base!!! Raven 3 rushed to help the Maryland Conservation Corps
(MCC) and the Baltimore Aquarium to plant 835 trees and 20 thousand
marshland grasses. It was a week of hard work, sunshine and hotel living. Halfway
through this endeavor, disaster struck!
Aurora White &
Stephen Drieze (Continued on page 4)
 Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12 4

The authorities of B15, Mother Nature, and FEMA showed how

quickly plans can be twisted. Raven 3’s new mission for round 2 was to
go to Alabama and help fellow Corps Members provide shelter and
debris removal for tornado victims. After driving back to Camden from
Indian Head, to gather their belongings and much needed equipment,
Raven 3 is now preparing for their second 16 hour southern
road trip from home base in Perry Point, Maryland. It sure
has been a whirlwind of an experience!
Jasmine Thomas, Melanie Fuqua, Erin Bruhn, & Peter
Donovan
MOOSE 5 SHOUT OUT: Black fly season is in full

swing in New Hampshire! On the plus side, we now Want to be a Team Leader?
have lightning-fast bug squishing reflexes. On the

negative side, between the 11 of us we have 237 black fly

bites. (Yes, we actually counted).

Shoutouts for the Week: Dear FS1: Do you know how hard it

is to come up with these witty shoutouts every week, with no

reciprocation? We can’t keep it up! –Kate and Kat Fuz-

MOOSE 2 SHOUT This Could Be You!

OUT: I just want Applications close August 1st
to say…Jamie Those selected start January 2012
and Caleb, you
are my favorites. BUFFALO 7 SHOUT OUT: JPo says “What’s up
Also that we miss
Bradley and Jamie!”
Brooke a lot…

BUFFALO 2 SHOUT OUT: Christine- WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? We miss you.
Moose 7’s Timothy Eldridge & Moose 2’s
Melissa Kleppinger are prefect example Moose 3- It’s been a blast working with y’all. As Ms. Karen would say,
for YouTube videos: “What happens in Moundville stays in Moundville”…and BREAK.
What do you like to do on your free time?
& Team Builder and Team Actives

AmeriCount Down
24 26 30 169
Days Until Days Until Days Until Days Until
Return to the Point Transition Summer Break Graduation
 Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12 5

AmeriGourmet: The Cooking Corner

This week we are in the AmeriKitchen with Laura Mack CRSTL

This past weekend was Memorial Day weekend and I, Laura

Mack, was fortunate enough to be able to go home for this blessed
occasion. As I was driving back stuck in traffic, being frustrated
by the cars packed high with coolers and staring longingly at the
homes with smoke billowing out of their grills, I remarked at how
much our food always seems to taste better in the summer.
Maybe it’s because of the fact that everything is fresher and can be
enjoyed outdoors. From this conversation it sparked an idea...the
AmeriGourment Corner should be a meal of summer (that you
can wear white at, get it since it’s past Memorial day) So invite the
team outside, make a team builder out of it and enjoy the tastes of
summer!

Black Bean Burger: These easy-to-assemble burgers can be

shaped ahead of time and cooked off when
you’re ready to eat.
Ingredients: Decorated as Wanted (serving size 6)
1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained
1 egg
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
1 teaspoon dried oregano & basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt& Pepper / Hot Sauce for taste
1 to 2 tablespoons olive or canola oil
Directions: Put beans in a large bowl and mash well with a fork. Add egg, yellow onion, bread crumbs,
oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, pepper and hot sauce. Mix well to combine then shape into 6 patties. Heat oil
in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange patties in a single layer (working in batches, if needed) and cook,
flipping once, until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 10 minutes total.

Potato Salad: Just a good old fashioned, down home potato salad recipe that brings back memories of picnics
in the park and family gatherings. Wonderful as it is or make it your own by adding additional ingredients of
your choice.
Ingredients
5 pounds red potatoes
6 eggs
2 cups mayonnaise
1 onion, diced
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 small green bell pepper, seeded and diced
3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add potatoes, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender but
still firm. Drain, cool and cut into cubes. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a
boil and immediately remove from heat. Cover and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove
from hot water, cool, peel and chop. In a large bowl, combine chopped potatoes and eggs. Mix together
mayonnaise, chopped onion, green onion, green pepper, and celery. Season with salt and pepper, then mix well.
 Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12 6

Brain Food: L&M Trivia

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

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

Congratulations to the NCCC Activities Past Winners:

Buffalo 7 & Moose 5 & Raven 2

Can you move just one match to leave a

square?

RAVEN 1 SHOUT OUT: Shoutout to Raven 1 Pod. Mail coming

soon so watch out for that! Other than that, he downloaded
Born This Way by Lady GaGa & is thoroughly
impressed. Sad news – he missed Oprah’s farewell
show! Waahh! L
PHOENIX 2 SHOUT OUT: Not letting the
Thanks Jake (R4) for coming to the island to visit Raven One!
Swamp life bog us down! ;c) Miss you Leeann! Thank you for keeping me together this past
Moose Caboose! Pinkies up! – Beth! week. It means a lot! -KJ-
Hey B7 keep doing it big in Mass! –
Preston Moose 2
thinks you
M2 – Friday’s aren’t the same without should check
you…. out videos on
YouTube:
BUFFALO 5 SHOUT OUT: Buffalo 5 scaled New Jersey’s High Point
Teams are
Monument this week, it’s just a little bit shorter than Mt. Everest. No big answering the
deal. questions:
What do you
Also, fun fact: the best way to defeat a black bear is to tickle fight it. like to do in
Donkeys, on the other hand, not so much. your free time?
And show us
Liz came back to us this week!!! Will and Isaac, to quote Phil Collins, “You’ll
some of your
be in [our] heart[s], yes you’ll be in [our] heart[s]. From this day on, now team builders!
and forever moooooooooooore!”
 Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12 7

Alumni Spotlight: Evan Marie Allison

Evan Marie Allison , served as a Corps Member in Class XVI at the
Atlantic Region. Recently, we were able to catch up with her to find out
her impressions on her service year and what she is doing currently.
Allison served as a Corps Member on Raven 2 in Class XVI.

How did you find out about AmeriCorps NCCC?

AmeriCorps NCCC came to me in a dream where I ate peanut butter &
jelly sandwiches seven days a week and lived in a gray T-shirt and a dirty
pair of construction boots. Seriously now, after I graduated from college
I wasn’t quite satisfied with the idea of jumping right into grad school for
another 3 to 4 years to receive my master’s degree. I have always enjoyed
Evan Marie Alison, Class16 Raven 2 & Phoenix
community service and was yearning for an opportunity to get my hands
dirty and out of a stuffy classroom. Before continuing with my education and settling down, I
wanted to travel while helping disadvantaged communities. When family and friends suggested
considering an AmeriCorps position, I knew NCCC was the opportunity I was looking for.

What was the best part of your year? This is a difficult question to answer because I was fortunate
enough to encounter many great experiences throughout my service year. Participating in the Jimmy &
Rosalynn Carter Work Project with Habitat for
Humanity in Washington D.C. was hands down my favorite
project. I learned an incredible amount about construction
and had the privilege of networking with amazing
individuals of whom I still keep in contact with today.
However, as a round as a whole, serving as a wild land
firefighter with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was by
far the most exciting and challenging experience of my life.
A tent pitched under a walnut tree in The Great Dismal
Swamp become home for the duration of the round. As a
member of Phoenix One, we saw 10 prescribed burns
Above: Alison with Raven 2 Below: Allison with Phoenix teammate
igniting over 1,000 acres of various State Forest
ablaze, setting a new Atlantic Region record for a sole fire
team. The days were long and hot, the nights were frigid in
the tents, and I definitely ate more peanut butter & jelly
sandwiches than I cared to. Carrying a 45lb bladder bag for
8 hours wasn’t any picnic. Singeing your eyebrows isn’t sexy,
yet the camaraderie and work ethic of Phoenix One is
unforgettable. My body wanted to give before my spirit did
but with the encouragement of my team, I was somehow
able to push myself beyond what I thought physically and
emotionally possible.
 Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12 8

The best part of the round was walking away with a better sense
of my capabilities and knowing that I am much stronger than I
thought. A quotation from Tony Robbins comes to mind, “What we can or
cannot do, what we consider possible or impossible, is rarely a function of our
true capability. It is more likely a function of our beliefs about who we are.”

What are your current plans? I currently work for a non-profit

called the New Orleans Women’s Shelter. NOWS is a transitional
shelter dedicated to providing the resources homeless women and children
need on their path to independent living. The shelter provides housing, food,
intensive case management, as well as employment and academic guidance. As their Employment Program
Coordinator, I assist the residents with obtaining and maintaining full-time employment, resume building,
cover letter writing, and academic opportunities. Previously serving as my AmeriCorps team’s Team
Trainer, the experience provided me with resources and knowledge I utilize on a daily basis
within my current position. Aside from serving in that capacity, I am also in the process of facilitating
the shelter in applying for an AmeriCorps grant. In the near future, I am considering taking on a part-time
AmeriCorps position with the St. Bernard Project (SBP) , in addition to working with NOWS. The SBP is
building a movement to solve the affordable housing crisis in Greater New Orleans and has contacted me
regarding a volunteer coordinator position.

Do you have any advice for Class 17?

Challenge sows patience, gratitude, and
above all resilience. When you are
dirty, tired, emotionally drained
and you just feel like giving up, be
humbled by the thought that the
harder the struggle, the more
rewarding the triumph. I find this to
be true in all aspects of my life.

Volunteers from across the United States will convene

in New Orleans June 6-8 for the 2011 National
Conference on Volunteering and Service. Moose 6
will be there representing the Atlantic Region NCCC!

Follow @NCVS on Twitter for all the conference

tweets. Additionally, follow the conversation by
searching the #NCVS Twitter hashtag.

Follow on Facebook: Like" the Conference

Facebook page so that the official wall posts show up
in your Facebook news feed.
http://www.facebook.com/NCVSpage?ref=ts
 Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12 9

Weekly Installments: Alums Leading the Way

About: AmeriCorps Alums represents over 700,000 alumni of AmeriCorps and guides a vibrant network of
leaders and change makers. Join today:www.americorpsalums.org

Overview: AmeriCorps Alums represents over 700,000 alumni of AmeriCorps, a vibrant national
network of individuals who spent a year or more in national service. Bound together by a commitment to
service, AmeriCorps alumni are leaders who share a common belief that civic engagement is an essential
American ideal. Together, these leaders constitute a powerful force for transformative change.

Mission: AmeriCorps Alums inspires, equips, and engages national service alumni to fully realize their
potential as change agents and civic leaders in communities.

AmeriCorps Week in Review: AmeriCorps Week 2011 has come to close and what a week it was!
AmeriCorps was center stage the nation over and, in many cities, Alums was in the spotlight. There were
over 330 projects registered online, leveraging over 2,200volunteers who served near-
ly 10,000 hours. Almost 300 alums served with pride along side 1,200current AmeriCorps mem-
bers. National AmeriCorps Week was officially proclaimed in 7 states.

These photographs are from an AmeriCorps Roundtable during AmeriCorps Week (Atlantic Region NCCC was represented )

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
 Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12 10

Bursting the AmeriBubble

Brought to you by: Laura Mack Community Relations STL & a Multitude of Media Sources

Bosnian Serb genocide suspect Ratko Mladic will make his first appearance at the U.N. war crimes
tribunal in The Hague. Mladic remains in isolation after his extradition to the Hague. The onetime
Bosnian Serb commander faces war crimes charges, including genocide, his lawyer says Mladic would not
be able to participate in a trial. (cnn.com)
In Japan, public distrust of the government is growing following the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear
crisis that began in March. The country's prime minister is expected to face a no-confidence motion in
parliament. (npr.org)
Fire crews and police could only watch after a man waded into San Francisco Bay,
stood up to his neck and waited. They wanted to do something, but a policy
strictly forbade them from trying to save the 50 year old. A witness finally pulled
the apparently suicidal man's lifeless body from the 54-degree water. The man
spent nearly an hour in the water before he drowned; according to reports, first
San Francisco Bay Area
responders and about 75 people watched the incident from the shore. Budget
cuts forced the department to discontinue water rescue training and stop maintaining rescue gear .
(msnbc.com)

Endeavour touched down on the runway a final time under the cover of darkness,
just as Atlantis, the last shuttle bound for space, arrived at the launch pad for the
grand finale in five weeks. After logging 122 million miles during 25 spaceflights,
Endeavour touched down at Florida's Kennedy Space Center. The landing closed out
the next-to-last shuttle mission in NASA's 30-year program. Endeavour was the last
space shuttle to join NASA's fleet: It was built to replace the shuttle Challenger,
Space Shuttle Endeavour which was lost in an explosion shortly after launch in 1986. (npr.org)
Kim Kardashian is engaged! After getting engaged on May 18, Kim & Kris Humphries touched down in
Monaco for a planned family vacation with the basketball star and his family. (people.com)
Unborn baby Marriah Greene has a lot to say, at least according to her Facebook profile.
The child attends Tummy University, enjoys soccer and swimming and talks in first
person. And her friends talk back to her– in baby-speak, naturally. Of course, it’s really
her mother, Ellie Greene of Whitehouse, Texas, updating the page, but the fetus already
has more than 260 friends. (cnn.com) Greene’s Facebook

Mexican drug cartels are expanding into Central America, seeking new markets and smuggling routes
for their products. In El Salvador, there's fear the cartels are aligning themselves with the country's
ubiquitous street gangs. And gang members say they're welcome. (npr.org)
The National Hurricane Center is predicting that the season that begins on Wednesday will be busier
than normal, with as many as 18 named tropical storms, 3 to 6 of them major hurricanes. (msnbc.org)
 Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12 11

THUNDER 1 (DISASTER) SHOUT OUT: M1- Hope you're having a blast with
Ronald McDonald! -MJ
M6- NOLA better be treating you well! And Brie's elbow misses you
Tommy! -MJ
When Ben heard that R3 was coming down to AL with him, he was like
Jigga Jigga What?!
Morgan! I got your Wendys napkin and I miss you too! Logan-wherever
you are, I do love you. Hope those letters found you. -Aja
Buffalo 1! Welcome to the South! Please don't touch the snakes. -Justin

You can find the
“A” everywhere!
RAVEN 6 SHOUT OUT:
Darren- Hi, everyone…
MOOSE 7 SHOUT OUT: We met some
awesome people experiencing new
independent service at Black Rock
Forest.
Joke of the Week: Q. What is a
mummy’s favorite pizza place?
A. PIZZA TUT.
RAVEN 2 SHOUT OUT: Raven two is
finishing up at Camp Grove Point
and headed to Scranton PA! Raven
7, we hope you’re taking care of
Josh we miss him already.
Images from Disaster
Teams:

Disaster Summary:
Buffalo 1 and Raven 3 just deployed to provide
assistance with the disaster relief.
Raven 1 and Support Team Leader Lia Daniels
will also be joining the teams in Alabama working
with logistics.

Teams currently involved in Disaster Relief:

Buffalo– 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6
Moose– 2 & 3
Raven– 3, 5 & 6
 Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12 12

Our appreciation goes out to those teams who have already assisted or are finishing up their time
with Disaster Relief! NCCC wants to recognize you for all the wonderful work you’ve done
and thank you for helping so much during this time of need!
Moose 4, Raven 4, Moose 6 & Thunder 1

Thunder 1 has done a remarkable job down in Alabama, they will be returning to the Point this weekend
and will be joining there teams shortly after.
Moose 6 is currently representing Atlantic Region NCCC at the National Conference.
Moose 4 and Raven 4 served in Alabama assisting with warehouses and shelter and now are onto
another project site.
Again thank you so much for doing a terrific job within every aspect
of disaster relief.

Socializing NCCC Style

Brought to you by: Sam McKenzie Community Relations Specialist

10 Social Media Rules to Socialize By:

Here below are ten rules to follow if you are using social media related to
AmeriCorps NCCC. AmeriCorps NCCC is a program of a federal agency which is an en-
tity. You must remember at all times while using social media that represents NCCC that
you are representing the program and not yourself.

Therefore:
1. Do not follow or like and/or make status updates & posts about political parties,
political commentators, political candidates, state & local officials, celebrities, athletes, sports teams,
musicians or public figures
2. Do not follow/like any brands, any products to include books/movies, etc, companies or enti-
ties other than project sponsors and recruitment partners
3. Do not post or upload pictures/videos with any brands or products visible
4. Do not post pictures/video with Members not in uniform- no casual photos, no casual videos
5. Do not post pictures/videos of Members not in full proper uniform at all times - no backward
hats, shirts not tucked in, etc.
6. Do not disregard the privacy and personal information of your Team Members
9. Do not make posts/status updates related personal/individual opinions about anything
non service related
8. Do not post videos or pictures of any behaviors or activities not permitted while in service
9. Do not make posts/status updates related to any religious or spiritual subjects/issues
10. Do not post gripes or negative content about the program, projects, the team, the staff or Mem-
bers
 Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 12 13

MOOSE 1 SHOUT OUT: Shoutout to The Physical Move of the Week:

10-Minute Hamstring Routine
Beth Stolz on P2- Saoirse loves you! Stretching all your hamstring muscles. From Runner’s World

BUFFALO 1 SHOUT OUT: Lauryn, PLEASE BE SAFE AND SMART

please don’t ever leave me again!! WITH ALL YOUR PT ACTIVITIES
Aubrey
Aubrey, I’m so sorry I left you! I Your hamstring may feel like 1 big knot, but it's actually 3
separate muscles. Keeping each equally flexible is key because
won’t let it happen again! Lauryn muscle imbalances lead to injury. Hold each pose for 30 seconds.
Shout out to the Corps! Good job to
all of the teams on disaster, keep 1. Rishi Fold (Outer Hamstring)
up the good work! Devon Keep feet about 12 inches apart in a loose T shape.
Bend until you feel slight tension. Repeat on the other side.
2. Standing Forward Fold (Central Hamstring)
MOOSE 6 SHOUT OUT: To our fellow To make it easier, bend your knees.
3. Wide-Legged Forward Fold (Inner Hamstring)
moose: MOOOOOSE! To make it easier, bend your knees.
JJ: Allen, the time was now…and then 4. Seated Forward Fold (Central Hamstring)
a gun went off…no, seriously… If you can't reach, wrap a towel or belt around the balls of your feet.
JJ has a new tattoo (It’s pretty BA) 5. Strap Series (Central, Inner, Outer Hamstring)
Bring one leg straight back. Hold. Move it right, hold. Then left, hold.
Josh: Hailey & Jalissa – I miss you
6. Legs Up The Wall (Central Hamstring)
sisters Get your glutes as close to the wall as you can.
Harley: Rebecca – I will see you again
one day
Josh & Harley: Rebecca – Momma
Choo Choo/Momma No Choo Choo
Josh: My hair will always grow for Jay
(Moose 1 Retired)
JJ: Chappy, I miss falling asleep to your
sleep talking at night
Tommy would like to shout out to the
shout out component of GTTP…
Without you, I wouldn’t be able to
say, “I wrote that!” While pointing at
the page.

RAVEN 3 SHOUT OUT: Ben – we are

coming for you! STL SHOUT OUT: Melissa
and Laura, well actually all
Melissa, are making a song up
RAVEN 7 SHOUT OUT: The 7-10 became 7-11 with the addition of New Guy. It was about Bradley… while she
great talking to you Zac—with you, we’ll be 7-A Dozen. Nicole Sunshine’s parents learns to play the guitar
hosted the team for a wonderful holiday weekend of baby chickens, delicious Laura is preparing for
Freedom 1 by marching in B15
food, burning furniture, oversized marshmallows, murderous Mayan plants, Again Allen your welcome
a tent-flooding thunderstorm, and Gillian’s first game of Womblebat!