Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 6

April 2011 Volume XVII Issue 6

Get to the Point: The NCCC News

An NCCC Atlantic Region Publication

Atlantic Region Perry Point

 Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 6 2

Featured on the Cover- Upper left clockwise: Members of Phoenix 1 preparing for fire, while mem-
bers of Raven 4 become bee charmers. Buffalo 4’s Joseph Ijams shows us how you really use those
power tools. Carolanne Fernandez of Buffalo 7 uses the pitchfork to get the job done right. While
Raven 5 gather in for group bonding ( Ella Chambers, Dennis O’Madigan, Josh Romero, Kiera
Westfall, Rodneisha Smith & Matthew Malech). Plus Raven 1 Madeline Gribbon paints the VA to
perfection. Center– Upper left clockwise: Buffalo 2, Raven 6, Raven 7, Group (Raven 4, Buffalo 6 &
Moose 7), Phoenix 1, Moose 5, Raven 3 & Buffalo 4 (Post more photos on Picasa!)

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

Inside Issue 6:
Buffalo 2 Update 2-3
Back left to right: Angela Morabito, Tomoyo Kuriyama, Aaron Brown, Benton Holmes, Andrea Zeritis, Briana Courchesne-Owades &
Trivia & Food 4 Christine Reynolds Front left to right: Patrick Skovira, Kendrick Nicholas, TL Constantino Rago

Alumni Spotlight 5 Buffalo 2 & Simon Says: Flexibility

By Andrea Zeritis & Kendrick Nicholas
Hulk it Up 6
Since starting our first round spike Buffalo 2 has learned all about one of
Gospel of Dernard 6 AmeriCorps most valuable lessons: FLEXIBILITY. We originally thought
we were coming here to work on the camp grounds doing maintenance work
AmeriBubble 7
and general upkeep for Camp Vacamas and Trailblazers camp to make sure

AmeriCount Down 7 they are ready for the kids come summer time. The camps serve inner city
youth predominantly from New York and New Jersey. During the first week
Specialty Roles 8
that’s just what we did, we moved an entire library of over 4,000 books,
Calling all Marchers 9 cleared camp sites, did demolition work, and other camp related tasks. Then,
on a fateful day our second week, everything changed in an instant. The
Ruminations 10
camp we are serving runs several after school programs in Newark and New
Shout Outs 11-13 York City and during our second week here the staff at one of the schools
resigned. So the next day we were out of the frying pan and into the fire,
I’m a member of the National Civilian Buffalo 2 had the daunting task of staffing the entire after school program
Community Corps, an AmeriCorps
program. N-triple-C members are 18 to with little to no experience with children. The kids are from grades K-8,
24 years old and spend 10 months get-
ting things done for America while
developing their own leadership skills. and they are a handful.
We serve on teams to help communities
prepare for and respond to disasters, (Continued on page 3)
build homes, and help the environment.
Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 6 3

Every day from 9-12 we do

camp ground work, we’ve built
12 picnic tables in total and we
just finished up an awesome
ditch to help one of the houses
from eroding. After that it’s a
lunch break and we’re off on
our hour long drive to Newark
to start our afternoon with the
munchkins. The day consists of
homework time & two activities
(Chappy is our resident arts and
crafts guru & Benton has found
his calling as a middle school
drama teacher) and not a minute Starting left: Kendrick Nicholas, Briana Courchesne-Owades, Tomoyo Kuriyama, Andrea Zeritis, Christine
Reynolds, Benton Holmes, Aaron Brown, & Patrick Skovira; Buffalo 2 minus Angela Morabito (with Phoenix 1)
goes by that we don’t have to be on our toes. As much as these kids test us, we are coming to
love them all. They force us to be resourceful in ways we never thought possible and even
the bleakest of days can be cured when a kindergartener gives you a drawing with your
name on it. The bottom line is that no matter how hard they push us, these kids are the rea-
son that we’re here.
Throughout our adventure we’ve learned a few funny things about New Jersey: their
highways are beyond ridiculous (just ask Brie and Benton) and you aren’t supposed to burn
ANYTHING (including leaves and cardboard, which is something you think our firefighter
Pat would have known). Speaking of firefighters, as much fun as we are having bonding and
going through crazy growing experiences together, we miss our better tenth Angela and we
can’t wait to steal her back from Phoenix 1 during transition.
So that’s it for us folks, after our next week at the school we’ll spend our last week in
New Jersey (pronounced joy-zee) back at Trailblazers. Then we can’t wait to see your lovely
(grownup) faces back at the Point.
Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 6 4

Brain Food: L&M Trivia

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

1. Why is it better to have round manhole covers than square ones?

2. Can you place six X's on a Tic-Tac-Toe board without making three-in-a-row in any
direction? Try it, there are few here in case you mess up!

3. Nine dots are arranged in a three by three square. Connect each of the nine dots using
only four straight lines and without lifting your pen from the paper. Go crazy, there are
extras to stump your team mates!

AmeriGourmet: The Cooking Corner

This week we are in the AmeriKitchen with Buffalo 2 in Montague NJ

Lentil Soup
1 onion, diced
2 lbs lentils
4 tomatoes, crushed
3 peppers, diced
2 cups olive oil
4 bay leaves
16 cups water

Add all ingredients to a large thick-bottomed pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 1½
hours until water is mostly gone. Stir frequently and remember to remove bay leaves before
serving!

Individual portions can be seasoned with vinegar, garlic, salt, or pepper as desired.
Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 6 5

Alumni Spotlight: Sadie Stone

Class XV as a Corps Member & Class XVI as a Team Leader, Wolf 3

How did you find out about AmeriCorps

NCCC? A friend of mine from college was a
Corps Member out in Sacramento Class XIII &
a Team Leader of Class XIV & told me all
about the program. She encouraged me to look
into it, & when I did, I was hooked! I applied
that day & the rest is history.
Sadie Stone (Team Leader) is featured above with her team Wolf 3

What was the best part of your year? I’m way to indecisive to choose just one part of
AmeriCorps as the best! When I was a Corps Member I was also on a fire composite team
& after weeks of trail clearing in Maryland we finally got the call-up! We were sent of
Maine to work with The Nature Conservancy to do some prescribed burning throughout
Maine & New Hampshire. Being a part of such a close-knit team was incredible & the work
was unlike anything I had ever done before. As a Team Leader, my team had a lot of ups &
downs, tough projects, tough situations-but they persevered through it all. Seeing them band
together & grow closer throughout everything was incredible. They were each others biggest
supporters & encouraged each other to be the best they could. Seeing them grow together
the way they did was inspiring. Watching them walk across the stage at graduation is a
moment I will never forget. I was so proud of them & will forever admire each & everyone
of them.

What are you doing now? After finishing my Team Leader year I
went on a 3 month backpacking trip through Europe with 2 other
fellow Team Leaders. We travelled through 14 countries & 38
cities. Coming from an experience like NCCC & doing a whirlwind Wolf 3, Sadie is the Team Leader

adventure through Europe was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done! Now I’m running a
landscape crew to save some money so I can go to graduate school for a Master’s in
Environmental Conservation; but luckily I was able to pay off all my college loans with my
educational award!
Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 6 6

The Hulk Training

Brought to you by: Hulk, need I say more?

Hulk: Move- Basic One Leg Squat & Reach

• Place an object on the floor about 2-3 feet in front & to the left
of your left foot.
• Balance on your left foot; raise your right foot off the ground.
• Slowly bend your left knee and lower your torso.
• Reach forward with your right hand & touch the object.
• Maintain your balance by extending your right leg slightly.
• Be sure to keep your left knee over your left foot.
• Touch the object, pause, and return to the start position.
• Maintain a slow & controlled movement throughout
• Repeat the exercise 5-10 times
• Switch feet & repeat on the other side.
• Complete 2 sets.

Dernard’s Doggone Too Easy Vehicle Tips: Air

Brought to you by: Dernard Williams Support Service Specialist

All the Air Checks:

1. Air Cleaner Check – A regular check of air cleaners
keeps your van in the best spirit. This is under the
hood, not the air inside the van.
2. Air in the Tires Check-Find the tire pressure level
required for your van. Unscrew the valve cap and set Timothy Eldridge M7 knows how to treat the van
properly
it to the side or in a pocket where you won't lose it.
Press the tire gauge onto the valve stem. Read the tire pressure on the van’s gauge.
You might consider writing down the pressure of the tires as you go around the car.
3. Air Inside Check– First, wash your nasty bodies, then make sure all trash is out of the
van, as well as it be fully cleaned on a weekly basis. Also after a drive back from work,
Febreze might be helpful.
Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 6 7

Bursting the AmeriBubble

Brought to you by: Laura Mack CRSTL & Multitudes of Media Sources

•Combine a teen singing sensation and Mideast politics and you get a
media feeding frenzy. News outlets in Israel are reporting that pop idol
Justin Bieber was supposed to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu in Jerusalem. Bieber tweeted this comment on this news: "i
want to see this country and all the places ive dreamed of and whether its
the paps or being pulled into politics its been frustrating" (Paps would be a
Talk about Bieber fever
reference to the paparazzi) (npr.org)

• Egypt's prosecutor general said ousted President Hosni Mubarak and his two sons have
been held for questioning over accusations of corruption, abuse of authority and the
killings of protesters. Mubarak had fallen ill hours earlier and was rushed to a hospital.
His sons were interrogated and transferred to a Cairo prison. (npr.org)

• Jennifer Lopez, who’s gone from being a background dancer on “In Living Color” to
one of the most successful women in the entertainment industry, now has another honor
for her resume — the most beautiful person in the world. (people.com)

• An international conference on Libya's future is set,

especially since witnesses reported even more carnage and
dire circumstances in western Libya. A delegation from the
United Nations, will attend the first meeting of the Libya
Contact Group in the Qatari capital of Doha. The group in-
cludes officials from the European Union, the Arab League,
NATO, the African Union & several countries; members from the Libyan opposition's
Transitional National Council is set to appear. (cnn.con)

AmeriCount Down
Brought to you by: Old Man Time

9 10 17 218
Days Until Days Until Days Until Days Until
Return to the Point Spring Break Round 2 Deploy Graduation
Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 6 8

Specialty Role Updates

Brought to you by: Members of B-15

CAP: End of the Round Evaluations for CAP (located on the Portal Site) is DUE
8AM THURSDAY APRIL 14th!

Reminder once they complete the application it is not considered ACTUALLY completed
until it is submitted:

Step 1:From the applicant home page click on “Search Listings” in the column on the left. This
will take you to the “Advanced Listing Search” page where you will select AmeriCorps NCCC in
the “Program Type” drop down menu and click the big red “Search” button.
Step 2: On the “Search Results” page select AmeriCorps NCCC – example-Fall 2010 listing.
Step 3: Click the “Apply Now” button.
Step 4:Complete the application certification. If you are under 18, please select the PRINT link,
have your parent/guardian sign the form and mail it to:
AmeriCorps NCCC at 1201 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20525

Note: The “Apply Now” button will not appear if you do not have a complete application

Congratulations to Moose 1, Buffalo 3 & Moose 7 for being the first teams to complete the
Round Evaluations!

MEDIA: End of the Round Evaluations for Media (located on the Portal Site) is DUE
8AM THURSDAY APRIL 14th!
Congratulations to Moose 1 for being the first team to complete the end of the Round
Evaluations!

POL: Congratulation Moose 5 for being the first to submit both Potential Sponsor Con-
tacts. Also to Moose 6 for turning in the Project Summary and Evaluation form.

As a reminder as you complete your Day of Service please fill out the Project Summary and
Evaluation form. (We want to hear about how amazing your day went.)

SLI: All SLIs just a reminder the Portfolio Progress Report is due Monday the 18th or a
draft of your portfolio. Make sure to schedule time with your team to work on this. Portfo-
lios can sometimes take a bit of time to complete and transition is a hectic time to try and do
that.

Also remember to keep up with your formal service learning. We have read about some
amazing activities you and your teams are doing. Keep up the good work and remember to
have 3 completed before the end of the round.
Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 6 9

Composite Team Opportunity

The Marchers- Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route
3 composite teams of 6 members (including a Team Leader)

Team 1-[approx 3 weeks]

Round 2 - June 12 or June 16 to July 7
(note—break will be delayed by a couple of days)
Start in Providence, RI - ends in Philipsburg, NY
Team 2- [approx 4 weeks]
Round 3 – August 14 to September 9
Start in Philipsburg, NY - ends in Perryville, MD
Team 3-[approx 6 weeks]
Round 4 – September 6 to October 20
Start in Perryville, MD - ends in Yorktown VA

Skills Needed:
~ Verbal and written communication (Media press releases, contacting local media
outlets and blogging)
~ Desire to walk multiple (5-15) miles a day for 3 to 6 weeks on a daily basis
~Desire to live in a camping environment for 3 to 6 weeks (Little access to regular
showers and laundry facilities)
~ Time off will be sporadic
~ Team will wear historic uniforms/outfits—will not wear NCCC uniform
~Team may be taking NCCC flag to carry with the March
~ Team may also be driving support vehicles (theirs, not ours); all must be drivers.

To Apply:
Submitted it to your Unit Leader by Close of Business Wednesday April 13, 2011.

Letters of interest will continue to be accepted with priority given to those

who applied by the deadline.

In the statement please include why you want to participate in the composite
team and any skills or areas of interest that you bring. Also please state which
round you would like to apply for, but know that you may be chosen for any.

You also need a recommendation from your Team Leader.

Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 6 10

Rod’s Ruminations:
Brought to you by: Rod Swain Raven Unit STL

Occasionally, Rod solicits hard hitting questions from the Green Team
in a segment known as…
The TL Mailbag

Chris Quirk (Operations STL)- Which armrest is yours at a movie theater?

This is a heated debate that has raged over the decades and even caused war in some
circumstances. I heard a rumor that the 1956 Suez Canal Crisis was actually triggered by
Egyptian President Gamel Abdel Nasser taking up both armrests at a movie theater, much to
the chagrin of Israeli Chief of Staff Moshe Dayan who was sitting next to him.
I feel like this is a sticky situation with many caveats. For example, if you get there
first and put your Coke in the cup holder, I think that clearly stakes your claim to that arm-
rest. However, I think that since you have clearly taken one armrest, you should graciously
leave the other one for the next patron.
There are also situations where an armrest can be shared. One person can lean back
and place their elbows on the rear portion of the armrest, leaving the front section for the
person next to them. This is the sort of teamwork and cooperation that we should all strive
for. Take note Arabs and Israelis…

Bradley Lehman (Moose Unit STL)- Is it true that the Team Leader of Raven 6 got a PhD
in chilling?
I can only speak for what I’ve heard “on the street,” but from what I know, Raven
Six’s own Griff-Ryan Roberts has an alter-ego named Dr. Chill. Honestly, I am not very
surprised by this. Exhibit A: Griff is from California. Exhibit B: Griff’s heart rate never
goes above 20 beats per minute. However, I do share the opinion of the Raven masses that
this degree must be honorary, because Dr. Chill would never go to class. He’s just too cool.

Griff Ryan Roberts (Raven 6 TL)- Why is Point Break the greatest movie ever made and
why do all other movies stink in comparison?
Why thank you for that question Dr. Chill. Point Break is the greatest movie ever
made. Where do I start…well, first of all this is just vintage Keanu Reeves at his finest. Sec-
ondly, it touts a solid supporting cast comprised of Swayze (sporting an incredible Swayze-
mullet), Gary Busey (at his craziest/best), and Red Hot Chili Peppers front man Anthony
Kiedis (seriously). It is also directed by Academy Award winner Kathryn Bigelow (who
helmed 2009’s The Hurt Locker).
This movie contains everything a guy movie needs: bank robbers posing as ex-
Preisdents, sky diving, shoot outs, beach football, setting cars on fire with a gas pump, FBI
agents, shoot outs, surfing, and more.
Finally, Keanu’s character is named Johnny Utah, a former Ohio State quarterback
turned FBI agent. Keen observers will note that Keanu also played a former OSU quarter-
back in 2000’s The Replacements.
I dare you to find a movie that brings more to the table than Point Break.
Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 6 11

Go Ahead Make My Day– Give Me a Shout Out

Brought to you by: You
BUFFALO 1- Shout out to the Point, thanks for having us! B1
To our sister family B6, keep your head up we are here for you. Much Buffalove to B16!
Raven 7 –just dink the blood. It will make you feel better (mainly just Julian).

BUFFALO 3-Enjoyed Delaware and all of its fine dining, and after spending a fleeting moment with friends back at the Point, they carry on
to Rebuild Baltimore, together…
B3!B3!B3!B3!B3!B3!....

BUFFALO 4-B4 spent a wonderfully relaxing day at the river this week. Kevin caught a cat-
fish. Joe and Kevante cuddled and watched movies together. It was cute. Oh and there

Hey-ohhh Shout-out to Raven 4 for an awesome bonfire!

BUFFALO 5- Leo turned 19 on Sunday!!! Happy birthday Leo!!! Hope you enjoyed the tickle
fight!!!

BUFFALO 6-B6 is a deep dish pizza

Moose 1: Kickball…it’s on! – Moose Deuce

Bethany from Moose 3: I love you like an emo kid loves skinny jeans. – Michael
Caleb: I love you like a hobo loves his shopping cart. – Allen
Bradley: Let’s have a bean-off…

MOOSE 3-Keep up the good work everyone. Round 1 is almost over! Think about all the great work we have already done.
Green Team…Stay classy. To my Moose TLs:

and if you goin’ in put your hands in the air..”

MOOSE 4- Dear Mic, Moose 4 counts the days to be reunited with your face. 'Til then...
keep on, keepin' on!

MOOSE 6-Moose 6 has had one heck of an interesting week, but we’re still going strong! Love to Camden and the Corps! Can’t
wait to see everyone back at the Point in a couple of weeks!
Karla says: Shout out to Maria Medina…miss u! Cnt wait to see u! xoxo n Hi Niki! Luv ya! Miss ya! Wezzy ur gorgeous doll! Mwah!
Josh says: Tooo Moose 3 miss you haley and jalissa. Moose 1 “hi momma” cant wait to see 1103 once again!
(Continued on page 12)
Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 6 12

Tommy would like to give a shout out to his team because…well, its his team.
Warren says: Shoutout to M7! And all Phoenix unit members. Wat it do! ;-)
J’s Quote of the week: "And one by one the nights between our separated cities are joined to the night that unites us." ~Pablo
Neruda

MOOSE 7- We will always remember our tree planting buddies, Buffalo 6 and Raven 4, fondly in
our big, magnanimous moose hearts. Moobuffalaven!

anticipation of the return of the Corps! Can’t wait to see you all again soon!

RAVEN 2-What up all you Ravamoofalos!!

Miss you Raven 264!
We all miss Nathan!!

toilet paper to 1214 michigan….

Shout out to buffalo 5 from your honorary member (Foli)
I love you Laura Mack with all my heart J (Ambrosia)

RAVEN 3-With only a week and a half remaining, Raven 3 is anxious to

enjoy the beautiful weather, live music, and even livelier people
of New Orleans. As much as Raven 3 has enjoyed their stay here in
beautiful New Orleans, they cannot wait to be reunited with the
rest of their team that they have missed over the past 4+ weeks.

RAVEN4-We would like to reintroduce ourselves. The new Raven 4: Sweet Tooth (Aja), Stitches
(Hannah), Blades (Owen), Double D (David), Big-Guns McGee (Adeliah), Danimal the Manimal
(Daniel), Baby Face (Morgan), Low-down Logan (Logan), Big Daddy Webster (Heather), Pappy

Buffalo 4 Thanks for sharing a beautiful evening of campfire and s’mores with us! We think you’re
swell.

Volunteering should be left to the professionals.

Morgan says “Hi” to his peeps.

RAVEN6-Here is the latest song from Raven 6…(it’s a rap)

Welcome to the world of non-profits. You got everything you need? Oh stop it. So
that means you work for free? No, put that money in mah pocket.
Also: Ham. Git a Job. Huh? Nuff Said

clients on Saturday to put the finishing touches on the Drop-In Center. The team is headed off
to Vermont this week to get some much needed fresh air while planting trees and seeds, and
pulling garlic mustard (you can eat it too).

(Continued on page 13)

Get to the Point Volume XVII Issue 6 13

In case you didn’t know Raven 7 has been blessed with a twelfth member… the Crap Toast
Master. He has been seeing the sights of DC, reading a Walk in the Woods while drinking his
daily cup of coffee, practicing piano, watching the Wire with the team, and he came out to work
on Saturday! He has even found a raven to ride as his mode of transportation.

PHOENIX 1-This week we helped burn 200 acres of woodland. Burn baby, Burn!

STLS– Melissa and Laura have spent the past few days running up and down the halls of B-15 screaming 802!
802! In preparation for the upcoming alumni dinner in Vermont with Raven 7, however them doing this is

arrive here, so hurry up our brains can’t handle any more numbers.