1. Army Community Service (ACS) Fort Drum, New York January 2013
ACS Green Press
Direct questions / feedback To: Sarah Lynch : 772-5374 tree free newsletter
~A sarah.l.lynch@us.army.mil
New Year’s Resolutions with Army
Inside this issue:
Community Service
Regarding 2
resilience: Tips, The new year is upon us. It’s that If your resolution is to treat Maybe you want to volunteer
tools and tech- time again, when we spend New the people in your life or find employment? Come to
niques for practic- Year’s Eve reflecting on the past better or to build stronger ACS and meet with the
ing resilience and looking ahead to the future. relationships, ACS suggests Volunteer Corps Program
everyday On the new year, we traditionally attending resilience training. Manager to match your
make New Year’s resolutions. The Master Resilience particular skills with a volun-
Landing Your 3
We resolve to make changes such Training (MRT) is a teer opportunity. Often times
Dream Job
as spending more time with positive psychology that volunteerism leads to
Financial Stress 4 friends and Family, exercising teaches you how to be employment opportunities.
Effects the Whole more, quitting smoking or losing psychologically strong The Employment Readiness
Family weight. The common themes are during times of stress and Program, works diligently to
self improvement, better health adversity. The training helps help Soldiers and Families, as
and better relationships. While students understand how well as DA civilians, find
Spouse in the 5
we, at Army Community Service their thought processes employment now or upon
Spotlight-Monika
(ACS), can’t make you skinny drive their actions and separation of service. They
Flom
(even though we are located next affect the consequences of offer classes to improve
Army Family 6 to Monti Fitness Center and the their behaviors. It teaches employability and develop
Action Plan new Mountain Functional Fitness people how to skills needed to find
Center), we can help with self communicate effectively, employment.
Making New 7 improvement and mental well build better relationships Whatever your resolution is,
Year’s Resolutions being. and become more resilient Army Community Service
With Your in every day situations.
Have you noticed January is a would like to help you succeed.
Children
long and often dreary month? If, on the other hand, your If we don’t have what you are
ACS Calendar of 8 It can definitely challenge your resolution involves better looking for, chances are, we
Events motivation to get out there and money management, how know where you can find it.
achieve those resolutions. Army about a budgeting or TSP Happy New Year and best
ACS Contacts 9 Community Service would like to class? Financial Readiness wishes. Remember, to
empower you to come in and will also work with you Think ACS First!
check out what we have to offer. one on one to help you
reach your financial goals.
2. Page 2 ACS Green Press January 2013
Regarding Resilience: Tips, tools and techniques
for practicing resilience everyday!
By Jenn Eichner, MRT 772-2848
Have You Been Hunting the Good Stuff ?
I recently asked a few folks who have that does not let you off the hook either!
taken the MRT training if they are Find an avenue to record your good stuffStart a Good Stuff Bank: Drop spare
continuing to hunt the good stuff that works for you so that it becomes a change into a jar for each good thing
daily. Unfortunately the majority said habit. Here are a few creative ideas: that has happened in your day. At the
no. When I asked why, they end of the month/year treat yourself to
responded that it was hard or they Start a Good Stuff Jar. Start the year with something positive as a reward for
would just simply forget. I didn't let an empty jar and fill it with notes about training your mind to hunt the good
them off the hook very easily. We good stuff each day. Then, on New Year’s stuff.
have got to seek out, identify and Eve, empty it and see what awesome stuff
articulate the good happening in our happened that year. Good way to keep
lives on a daily basis. If we don't it isthings in perspective. So, hunting the good stuff does not
too easy to become immune to seeing need to be a challenge. As with all
it at all. Good is all around us, but we Start a Good Stuff Chain: Cut out paper change, it may take time to become a
tend to give the bad more of our strips and write some good stuff on one as habit. But if you will give it the time,
attention. Most of us spend far more often as possible. Each day link the paper you will increase your hope, your opti-
time worrying about what can go strips together to make a good stuff chain.
mism and your overall mental and
wrong or replaying setbacks than we Use your chain to brighten up your home,
physical health!
do noticing and enjoying what has office, and/or car.
gone right. In fact, we actually need to Happy hunting! Have a wonderful
teach ourselves to look for and Make a Good Stuff Ball: Start with a month – good luck and good thoughts!
acknowledge the positive things that small bouncy ball. Each day, wrap a
also happen every day. rubber band around the ball to symbolize
good stuff that has happened in your day.
An earlier article outlined how to start Make it as big as you and enjoy watching it
and what to write in a Hunt the Good bounce. Remember the more resilience
Stuff journal. But maybe keeping a you show the more you stretch and bounce
journal is not for you. Guess what – back!
2013
ACS Master Resilience
Training Schedule
11 February Module 3 9:30am-2:30pm
4 March Module 4 9:30am-2:30pm
All classes held at ACS Building call 772-0470/2848/0509 to make a
reservation
Refrigerators are available for use if you wish to bring a lunch!
3. Page 3 ACS Green Press January 2013
Landing Your Dream Job
Looking for employment is not an easy for a job that involves doing you see an area where you can make a
task, and at times landing a job may something you like using the skills you difference. By expressing your passion,
take weeks or even months. Why not are strongest in. If you're stuck, Army you'll have built an above-average
land your dream job this year? By using OneSource has a great career résumé that shows potential
an efficient process of setting goals, assessment tool that can help you get a employers how hiring you will benefit
identifying what you need to accom- sense for what’s out there. Visit their their company.
plish to meet those goals, and acting on website www.myarmyonesource.com
your objectives, you can land the job of and look under the careers tab. Build a Strong Network. In finding
your dreams. any job, knowledge and experience can
Build A Plan. You have now only take you so far-- "It's not what
What Do You Want? Studies have identified your dream job, but what do you know, it's who you know.” Having
shown you’re more likely to be you need to do to get there? Most a strong social network can open
successful if you enjoy your work. Goal careers require a specialized skill set so opportunities for you and help you
setting expert Adrian Loncraovich think about what you need to do to get enter into your dream job. Maybe you
advises job seekers to visualize your that knowledge, if you do not already know a friend, who knows a friend,
dream job and start by listing the things possess. Do you need to go back to who works in the industry you are
you like to do. “The easiest way to school? Do you need to attend training trying to enter into. You can also meet
pinpoint your dream job is to use visual seminars and get certified? The first people within the field of your dream
aids, like a list or a mind map. It doesn't goal you will set to achieving your job by joining associations or attending
matter whether you use a pen and dream job will be related to obtaining conferences in the field. Consider the
paper or a computer program -- getting these training and skills you need to be internet for expanding your social
everything written down where you can successful. network. You can set up your own
see it will help you get a clear picture of webpage, blog, or even create an
your job goal and what you need to do Take Action. The next set of goals to account on social networking sites (i.e.
to get there.” achieve your dream job involves Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter). The
creating a résumé. Start working in internet offers unlimited social
Recognize Your Skills? Next, your field as early as possible, even if networking potential, but it's up to you
identify the things that you're good at. it's only part time or volunteer work. to take advantage of it.
Are you good with numbers? Are you The more experience you have when
the person people call when their you apply for your dream job, the Love Your Job. The most important
computer breaks down? Everyone has more successful you will be in achiev- thing to remember about getting your
their own personal skill set. Start ing your goals. dream job is that it won't happen
making a list of all the things you do overnight. Plan for the long term, but
well. Don't forget to include skills that Stand Out From The Crowd. Start don't procrastinate when it comes to
you've developed in your work creating a demand for yourself as soon getting started. The first steps you take
experience and/or volunteer activities, as you can to stand out amongst your toward your goals are often the
but do not limit yourself to only skills competitors. If you're working part hardest, but if you don't start moving,
you have had formal training in. Once time or volunteering, make yourself you'll never get anywhere. So, what are
you have a list of skills, identify which stand out from the crowd by doing an you waiting for? GO!
of the skills you are best at, and num- above-average job. Whenever you are
ber them using "1" for your strongest given an assignment, complete it to the *Information adopted from Adrian
skill and go from there. After you’ve best of your ability, and do not be Loncarovich, co-author of
made your list, you can start looking reluctant to take on additional work if GoalEnforcer
Look Who’s On The Payroll!!!!!
Congratulations to the following Employment Readiness clients who have
recently landed a job!
Kristen Dickerson DFAS
Kelly Geagan Fairgrounds YMCA
If you are an Employment Readiness Client, please let us know when you are offered
a job so we can salute you!
4. Page 4 ACS Green Press January 2013
Financial Stress Affects the Whole Family
Financial stress is a leading cause of problems and often can add to them. Work together: Couples need to
stress on marriages and ultimately the The strain of parenting alone after the strengthen their bonds and remember
Family as a unit. In marriage, divorce can lead to further stress from that marriage is a partnership. ACS
whenever there is a lack of financial problems. offers couples communication classes
communication about finances and the chaplains frequently offer
combined with differences in So, what’s the bottom line? Stress can marital retreats. The best part is they
spending and saving habits, things can be damaging to all of those involved. don't cost you anything.
go bad quickly. Stress over finances is extremely
common among married couples. Get help if you need it: If you feel
In a relationship, financial stress can Army Community Service (ACS) always overwhelmed and are in crisis, you can
lead to increased fighting between suggests a preventative course of talk to one of the Military and Family
husband and wife. Children pick up action. Here is a list of ways you can Life Consultants with assurance that it
on the stress their parents are feeling alleviate the negative effects of stress will remain confidential. You can also
as well as the strain on the Family. caused by financial concerns: take a stress management class through
our Family Advocacy Program.
It is important to realize that financial Don’t panic: For every financial
stress affects the whole Family either problem there is a solution, even if it Remember, everyone experiences stress
directly or indirectly. When left seems impossible. in one form or another, the difference
unaddressed, financial problems can is, some people take actions to prevent
cause children to act out in school, Set goals: Financial goals keep you stress from damaging the wellbeing of
regress to behaviors from a younger focused, with an end in sight. You can themselves and those they love. ACS
age, have trouble eating and difficulty see your progress and celebrate your has many resources to promote a
sleeping. accomplishments. Ask Financial healthy well balanced lifestyle. Come in
Readiness how to set financial goals and discover how we can benefit you.
In fact, financial stress is one of the that will work for your individual
top ten factors contributing to situation. Contact Financial Readiness
divorce. Worrying and arguing over to discuss ways to get on track.
Think
money can be emotionally trying.
Many couples have sited money Think positive: ACS offers ACS
problems as a contributing factor to resilience training to teach you
their decision to divorce. Most often techniques for changing the way you
think about a situation as well as how
First!
divorce does not alleviate the financial
you react to the situation.
Start the new year with a financial plan
and
Tools to managing stress!
Call 772-6556/6557
Make an appointment with a financial counselor or sign up for one of the
classes that help alleviate stress and promote overall well being
Army Community Service has your tools for success!
5. Page 5 ACS Green Press January 2013
Building Community: In the Spotlight
ACS Introduces Monika Flom
quickly formed friendships with the Monika is a valued addition to ACS
tour participants and it became evident and the Fort Drum Community as a
to the staff that she had a knack for whole. Her dedication to the Families
talking to people and making them feel of Fort Drum is apparent to all. She
at ease. really believes in the value of ACS
programming and services and how
Monika has a passion for people! She they benefit our Soldiers and Families.
explained that she went door to door She cares deeply about our Fort Drum
with her friend Suzette Zehler to invite community and understands the
spouses within their neighborhood to unique opportunities as well as the
come to a meet and greet at the challenges that come with the life of a
community center to get to know each military spouse and Family member.
Monika came to Fort Drum in August of other. Well it didn’t take long for ACS
Outreach to ask Monika to join the Monika is a wonderful person. If you
last year from Fort Bliss. She and her
effort of reaching the community. see her out and about in the
husband SGM Brian Flom, assigned to
Since then, Monika volunteers an community, introduce yourself. She is
1st Sustainment Brigade, 91st MP’s,
average of five days a week for always looking for ways to enhance
along with their daughter Alexandra
Outreach. the life of a Family member and make
stayed at the Fort Drum Inn while they
new friends. Chances are, she proba-
awaited housing. Monika decided that Together we have been taking a grass bly knows of something you might be
she wasn’t going to wait for housing roots approach to making contact with interested in hearing about.
before getting involved in the Fort Drum the Fort Drum community. We often
Community. Instead, she began to travel off base to housing communities
network with other spouses and introduc- to set up meet and greets in an effort
ing herself right away. to educate the Soldiers and Families “Without a sense of
It didn’t take Monika long to visit Army who live off post and may not be caring, there can be no
aware of the services ACS has to offer
Community Service and set herself and
them. sense of community”
her daughter up to go on the
Newcomer’s Tour with Relocation ~Anthony J. D’Angelo
Readiness. While on the tour, Monika
Looking for ways to get involved? Wanting to make
friends? Why not join one of these ACS groups?
International Spouse Club (meets the third Friday of the month)
Hearts Apart (deployment support group meets the first Friday of the month)
SELF (women’s empowerment group meets the first Tuesday evening and the first
Wednesday morning of the month)
ACS offers a variety of other groups based on time of the year and community
feedback. Stop by and see what is going on today.
6. Army Family Action Plan (AFAP)
Conference 28-29 January 2013
Submit Your Issues
ISSUE
For information or to sign up to be a
SUBMISSION delegate, call 772-6710 or 772-2933
Delegate training will be held on
FORM 16 January 2013
If it’s a program or service, an
ISSUE: What is the issue/problem?
AFAP issue can improve it!
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________ If it’s a policy or regulation, an
______________________________________ AFAP issue can change it!
SCOPE: Why is this an issue/problem? If it’s a law, an AFAP issue can
______________________________________
______________________________________ amend it!
______________________________________
______________________________________ If there’s a low-cost, creative
solution, you should pursue it!
RECOMMENDATION: Possible solutions?
______________________________________
______________________________________
Some of the changes that resulted
______________________________________
______________________________________ from past AFAP issues include
Pay increases
Military Savings Plan
POINT OF CONTACT: (Optional)
______________________________________ Youth Initiatives
______________________________________ Tricare for Life
Return your form to an Issue Box Location: Household Good Weight Allowances
Army Community Service, Monti Physical Fitness Center, Increase for junior enlisted
Magrath Sports Complex, BOSS, Education Center, Clark
Hall, The Commons, Fort Drum Inn, Hays Hall, Guthrie Permissive TDY
Clinic, and FRSA offices (call for specific locations) Let YOUR voice be heard today! Sumbit
your issue before 18 January 2013
7. ACS Green Press January 2013 Page 7
Setting New Year’s Resolutions with Your Children
New Year’s resolutions are an cheering team, a short term goal Monitor Progress. Children might
excellent opportunity for parents to might be to achieve a backhand- feel like failures if they don’t achieve
teach children about the value of spring in three the goal they
goal setting as well as an weeks. set before its
opportunity to foster self discipline. deadline. It is
Good goals are
important to
Setting goals can be a daunting task sincere. Your child
encourage your
for many adults not to mention should set their own
child and
children. There is a process to goal goals, not goals you
reassure them
setting to increase the likelihood of think they should
that the only
successfully reaching the goals we have. If they don't
way to truly fail
set. pick their own, they will not be
to reach a realistic and specific goal is
One important part of setting goals motivated to reach them.
to give up on it completely. If your
is determining a goal and deciding Goals should be written down. child’s goal to make the school play
whether it is reasonable and When your child writes down the wasn’t realized for this year’s
achievable. Goals can be short or goal, they are forced to really think production, encourage him or her to
long-term but either way, goals have about it and it becomes tangible. try harder next time and to continue
the same characteristics in common. Plan the steps to achieve the to work toward that goal.
Goals are specific. For instance, if goal. Listing the steps needed to
your child sets a goal to be a good achieve the goal. This is the
Remember, setting and working
student. The goal is vague and not planning process. Sometimes with a
toward a goal is a positive way to
easily measured. A better goal to set long term goal it means breaking the
learn self discipline. When you teach
might be for your child to get an A goal into short term, middle term
your child how to set goals properly,
in all of his or her classes. and long term goals to make the
you will be setting them up for suc-
Goals should have deadlines. If a goal process more manageable. If
cess and teaching them a valuable
goal has no deadline, it is easy to your child wants to become an
skill that will benefit them through-
ignore and eventually forget your actor, start with taking an acting
out their lifetime.
goal. Long term goals may have seminar over the summer or signing
lengthy deadlines and therefore up for voice lessons. Then perhaps
might be better broken down into joining drama club or trying out for
small term goals. For instance, if little theater. Each goal achieved
your child sets the goal to be on the builds toward the long term goal.
Recently, Children from the Chapel Drive
Annex Child Care Center, held a winter coat
drive. The children donated coats to Army
Community Service (ACS) to give out to
Families in need of a warm coat for the
winter.
ACS would like to say thank you to Chapel
Drive Annex and CYSS for taking care of
our Soldiers and Families!
From left to right,
Cadence Fox, Maggie Jansen, and Alexander Erb
8. Page 8 ACS Green Press January 2013
Note: Italics indicate class is located outside of ACS
ACS Contact information on page 8
9. Army Community Service
P4330 Conway Road
Fort Drum, New York
13602
Army Emergency Relief 772-6560, 772-8873, 772-2855
Army Family Team Building/Army Family Action Plan 772-6710, 772-9229
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000122037720
Army Volunteer Program Coordinator 772-2899
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-Army-volunteer-
Corps/13651504365912
Exceptional Family Member Program 772-5488, 772-0819, 772-0664
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-FMWR-Exceptional-
Family-Member-Program /104951319542718
Employment Readiness Program 772-9611, 772-2737, 772-1090
http://www.facebook.com/fortdrumemployment
Family Advocacy Program 772-4244, 772-6929, 772-2279
(New Parent Support Program)
SAPRP 772-0596, 772-4070, 772-0748
772-5605, 772-5914
Financial Readiness Program 772-0050, 772-5196, 772-8526
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-financial-Readiness-
ACS/1956662120473
Information and Referral 772-6556, 772-6557
Military & Family Life Consultants 212-6919
Mobilization and Deployment 772-2848, 772-0470, 772-2919
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-Mobiliztion-and-
Deployment/178420512193448?ref=ts&v=wall
Outreach 772-5374
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-ACS-
Outreach/180373271991692
Relocation Readiness 772-5475, 772-6553, 772-6902
http:// www.facebook.com/pages/Fort -Drum -Relocation -Readiness
Program/171335822906429 772-6566
Soldier Family Assistance Center 772-7781
http://www.facebook.com/Fort.Drum.FMWR/SFAC
Survivor Outreach Services 772-6357
http://www.facebook.com/fortdrumsurvivoroutreachservices
