ACS Green Press AUG 2012

Army Community Service (ACS) Fort Drum, August 2012

ACS Green Press
~A tree free newsletter
Direct questions / feedback To: Sarah Lynch : 772-5374 sarah.l.lynch@us.army.mil

Financial Readiness to Bring Thrift
Savings Plan Training to the Units!
long as you’re at least age 59 1/2 well as how to manage your
Inside this issue: or disabled and your withdrawal is TSP account.
made at least 5 years after the be-
Leaving Children 2,3 In addition to the TSP class,
ginning of the year in which you
Alone in Your Car- Financial Readiness offers
Never a Good Idea made your first Roth contribution.
classes on budget manage-
Back to School For 3,4
With the introduction of Roth, you ment, home buying, car buy-
Kids-What Does it will potentially have two types of ing, investing and more. The
Mean For Mom The Army Community Service balances in your TSP account. A Financial Readiness team
Financial Readiness Program is traditional (non-Roth) TSP balance also works one on one with
Regarding Resilience: 5 excited to announce that the
Communication and and a Roth TSP balance. Any individuals and case specific
Thrift Savings Plan will soon be agency contributions you receive financial needs. Financial
Saving Money on 6 offering active duty service will always be a part of your tradi- Readiness also provides sub-
Hotel Rooms When members the option to desig- tional (non Roth) balance. How- ject matter expertise for the
nate some or all of their contri- ever, you may designate your own
The Facebook Phe- 7
Chaplain’As Financial Peace
butions as Roth contributions. contributions any way you like de- University Seminars. The
nomenon The TSP Roth feature will give pending on your individual tax cir- next one starts 19 September
Spouse in the Spot- 8,9 participants flexibility in the tax cumstances. It is important to note 2012. Register at
light
treatment of their contributions that money already in your account www.daveramsey.com
Tips for Enrolling 9 now and in the future.
Your Military Child in when you begin making Roth con-
School You may be wondering how tributions will remain part of your
ACS Events and Con- 10, does Roth TSP compare to Tra- traditional balance. You will not If you would like TSP train-
ditional TSP? Roth contribu- be able to convert it to Roth. ing brought to your unit or
ACS Contacts 11 tions are taken out of your pay- any other training for that
Financial Readiness would like to
check after your income is matter or if you would like a
start taking their Managing Your
taxed. When you withdraw one on one appointment,
Thrift Savings Plan training to the
funds from your Roth balance contact Financial Readiness
units upon request as they believe
you will receive your Roth Con- at 772-0050/772-5196.
the Soldiers need to be educated
tributions tax free since you on how to take advantage of this
have already paid taxes on any great opportunity. Financial Readi- Remember think ACS First!
contributions. You also won’t ness will teach the difference be-
pay taxes on any earnings, as tween Roth and Traditional TSP as

ACS Green Press August 2012

Leaving Your Children Alone in Your Car– Never a
Good Idea, Not Even for a Second!
You're just running regulations on Fort Drum remain clearly within eyesight or hearing distance
into a store to grab pay for your gas, defined and are as follow: with the ability to respond within 30
dropping something off to a friend, seconds
grabbing a coffee. Your baby is asleep  Children in 4th grade and under  Children in 2nd-4th grade (seven
so there is nothing wrong with leaving will not be left alone in cars, trucks, to nine years of age) can be al-
them for just a minute...right? Wrong! or vans for any period of time re- lowed to explore their environment,
The truth is, Each year, hundreds of gardless of line of sight supervision but must also be afforded protec-
kids each year are involved in poten-  Children in 5th and 6th grades tion and, therefore, must have ac-
tially fatal accidents when left unat- may be left unattended in a vehicle cess to adult supervision. Note that
tended in a vehicle. only when the keys have been re- access is defined as having the abil-
moved by the driver and the hand- ity to contact a verifiable, prear-
Whether it's from gear-shifted crashes, brake applied. ranged, responsible adult in case of
sweltering temperatures, locking par- emergency and an adult supervisor
ents out of a car, trunk entrapments, or Fort Drum further imposes the following knowing the location of the child
playing with windows and getting limbs requirements with regard to child super-  Children in 5th - 9th grade (10-14
(or necks even) caught, horrific acci- vision and safety: years of age) must be in a desig-
dents can and do happen in the sec- nated neighborhood area estab-
onds you are away from your vehicle.  Newborns to three years of age lished by their parent or caregiver.
require close supervision and will be This area should be convenient for
It's easy to understand why parents feel under direct visual contact. The su- the caregiver to make regular checks
it is okay to leave a child alone in a car pervisor must be able to respond to on the child. Designated area
for a very small amount of time to per- any emergency or threatening situa- should be convenient for the super-
form a quick errand. These parents tion. Sleeping/napping children will visor to make regular checks on the
would never intentionally their child in be checked every 30 minutes (exempt child. Caregivers should have the
harm's way. Waking a sleeping baby during night sleeping hours), Chil- child check-in if the child is chang-
and taking your child out of their seat dren in this age group will not be ing locations. If the child is not
in freezing cold, rain or snow, is some- left alone at any time mature enough to check-in with a
times such a hassle, when the errand  Children through 1st grade (six supervisor, the standards for
can be done single-handedly within a years of age) may play in an appro- younger children will apply
minute or two. But, while the actions priately designated safe area in the  Youth in 10th-12th grade (15 to 18
can be explained, the consequences child’s neighborhood. This is al- years of age) may supervise them-
could never ever be undone if the un- lowed only if the child can under- selves. They must be mature
thinkable does occur. As a result, sound stand and follow rules and restric- enough to notify the contact person
parenting advice remains the same: tions that are set. A age appropriate in case of an emergency situation.
don't ever leave a child in a car alone, child supervisor must check the des- Parents are responsible for ensuring
even for a second. ignated area a minimum of every 20 the child knows proper emergency
minutes to ensure safety and where- procedures, to include contact per-
While the laws vary from state to state abouts of the child. The child must sons, telephone numbers, fire
regarding supervision of children, the have immediate access to a supervi- evacuation, etc.
sor. Immediate access is defined as  Children in 5th grade (11 years

ACS Green Press August 2012 Page 3

Leaving Your Children Alone in Your Car... Continued from page 2
and younger) must be supervised local area is defined as an area or aware in order to protect those we hold
by a parent, guardian, a sibling at location that is no more than one dear to our hearts.
least in 7th grade (for a maximum of hour away by car
two hours), or a person outside the If you would like further details you can
Family in 8th grade or higher. Teen  Children in 5th and 6th grade (10 access the Fort Drum’s Policy Memo at
caregivers in 8th or 9th grade must -11 years of age) may be left alone http://www.drum.army.mil/
have completed an approved baby- for no more than three hours during
sitting course the day or evening
Children Left alone in quarters re-  Youth in 7th –9th grade (12 to 14
gardless of age, must have access to years of age) may be left alone for
“Children are not casual
a parental designated adult who is no more than six hours during the
guests in our home.
available in the event of emergencies. day or evening
They have been loaned to us
 Youth in 10th grade and above
temporarily for the purpose
 All children must have the super- (15 years of age and older) may be
of loving them and instilling
vising adult’s work, home and left alone overnight
necessary emergency phone
a foundation of values on
As loving parents, sometimes we don’t
numbers, and the sponsor must always consider how quickly accidents
which their future lives will be
be within the local area. Children can change our lives. Sometimes we are
built.”
who are not in direct supervision
-Dr. James Dobson
unaware of the laws from state to state.
should know, at a minimum what to We need to be vigilant in becoming
do in case of an emergency. The

Back to School for the Kids-What Does it Mean For Mom?
Summer, in the North Country, seems Parents spend the next few weeks pre- edged sword. To those of us who are
to pass by in a blink of an eye. Before paring children for reentry to school or “organizationally challenged” the busy
we know it, the long hot days of August for their first day of school by shopping new routines caused by school can in-
dissolve into a sense of urgency. The for clothes, uniforms, notebooks, sched- crease disorganization and stress leav-
fun filled, care free days of summer will uling extracurricular, arranging before ing us overwhelmed and feeling more
soon lend way to fall. And with fall and after school care and carpools. short of time than ever.
comes back to school planning. Aban- While this time can prove stressful, ex-
If you are one of the organizationally
doned routines of early bedtimes, pensive and overwhelming, it is what we
challenged” one of the biggest chal-
homework and morning bustle to catch as parents do to provide the best possi-
lenges for busy moms is not having
the bus are just around the bend. Au- ble opportunities for our children.
enough time in the day to get things
gust is when the students get their new
Many people view this as a time for done. Adding busy school morning
classroom assignments, school supply
Moms to focus on themselves. This new routines to the mix makes the challenge
lists and fall sports practice schedules.
found “time” can be viewed as a double seem to large too conquer.


Back To School For Kids-What Does it Mean For Mom? …
Continued from pg 3
and time management skills. gram to help you be all you can be!
What’s for Lunch? If your child For instance, if you plan to get involved
brings in a packed lunch to school, but are not interested in joining the
you can prepare it the night before. workforce, we have volunteer opportu-
Sandwiches can be made ahead of nities, book clubs, spousal groups and
time and sealed in plastic wrap or classes that promote community, net-
sandwich bags. If you are making the working and friendships.
sandwich more than one day ahead, On the other hand, if you are planning
double bag it into a zippered bag be- to enter the workforce, we have pro-
fore refrigerating grams to build computer skills, resume
Jacquie Ross Maven suggests the
following tips to help ease the chal- I’m Starving! If your child comes and interviewing skills, job searching
lenges of the new back to school rou- home immediately after school, have techniques as well as one on one job
tine and help your mornings run a some snacks ready. You can prepare searching assistance.
whole lot smoother. your own or purchase items from Maybe you would just like to explore the
your local supermarket latest parenting techniques and philoso-
Just Ten More Minutes...Waking up a
few minutes earlier is one of the most My Mom Forgot to Put My phies or take a class in communication,
under utilized time management tips Homework in My Backpack!! stress management or resilience. ACS is
today. Set your alarm clock 10-15 min- Have each child place completed the ideal place to start.
utes earlier before you go to bed, when homework assignments into their
your child asks for ten more minutes-he ACS is constantly adjusting our curricu-
backpack. Remind them that it’s their lum, programming and services to meet
or she will actually be getting up on
responsibility! 2. Check to see if you the ever changing needs of our commu-
time.
have any forms to sign and give to nity. Stop by and see what we have to
I’ve Got Nothing to Wear! For each your child to place into their back- offer you.
child, select up to 5 outfits for each day pack.
of the week while taking into considera-
By taking care of routine tasks the Remember -
tion the forecast. You can do this on
night before, your mornings will be
weekends. You can include your child in
less stressed and you will be far more
Think ACS First!
the process giving them a sense of
choice and independence. Remind productive for the remainder of the
yourself to do this the first few weeks day.
and it will soon become habit. Once the routines have been estab-
Can I Take Your Order Please? Set lished, then what? Your new found
the breakfast table the night before, time might be the ideal time for self
involve your children. Setting the table development. Maybe you want to
can be their chore. Set it on a rotating join a club, take a class or even go to
schedule. By involving your children, work. Whatever your endeavourer,
you will be teaching them organizational Army Community Service has a pro-


Regarding Resilience: Tips, tools and techniques for practicing resilience
everyday!
By Jenn Eichner, MRT 772-2848

Owning Your Strengths and Recognizing Others
When you meet new people, what do can know who to call on. Maybe your strengths? The following are instructions
you lead with? Do you openly tell challenge is sewing a child’s costume for a to the online Strengths in Action survey.
them what is good about you, what school play. If you are like me, the needle The site also provides more insights on
talents you have and what you have to and thread are not part of our character resilience and your personal resilience fac-
offer them? Or do you feel like you strengths – but no doubt it is for someone tor.
shouldn’t be too forward in leading you know from work, the neighborhood Take the online Values In Action (VIA)
with your personal good stuff? I am or your FRG. The great things about Survey of Character Strengths to find out :
guessing many of you hold back. It strengths are that people are normally go to http://
seems that if we talk about ourselves in eager to use them. And don’t worry - www.authentichappiness.sas.upen.edu
a positive way, we can be seen as arro- you can easily return the favor by sharing /default.aspx
gant or annoying. It goes back to that one of your strengths with them. Maybe In the blue box under Engagement Ques-
negativity bias we discussed earlier. We you can bake some wonderful homemade tionnaires choose: -VIA Survey of Charac-
are drawn to imperfection and calamity. brownies and drop them off to say – ter Strengths
Perhaps it is the broad scope iceberg thanks! But none of this happens if you
belief that, “the squeaky wheel, gets the aren’t willing to share your strengths and So, this month, please make a point to
grease”. But what if we could look at be open to learning about the strengths
learn your strengths and about the
the more positive side and flip that be- that other hold. This, you see, is a key
lief to think more along the lines of, “I ingredient to remaining resilient. strengths of others and take note on how
am ok, and you are ok , but together we doing so increases your energy, motivation
are terrific.” and success!
Your resilience factor has a lot to do with
We all have unique talents and the connections you have. Knowing and Have a great month – good luck and good
strengths that we need to recognize in using your strengths and the strengths of thoughts!
ourselves so that we can share with others will reinforce your relationships in
others. This is especially true within many positive ways. Let people know
our military community. You see, one how you can help them by advertising
day you may need to connect with your strengths and be willing to get to
someone to help you through a chal- know others in that way as well. Re-
lenge. Often that is your spouse or member, resilience is not about going it
another family member and often they alone and doing for yourself. It’s more
are not readily available due the mission about recognizing when you need to reach
requirements or distance apart. You out to others and accept the strength of
need to have a little strengths bank their support.
stowed away in your memory so you Want to learn more about your character

Upcoming Master Resilience Training Dates:
August 20 Module 5 9:30am-12:30 pm at ACS
FALL MARATHON 17-20 SEPTEMBER
Workforce Development Bldg 2-19 Nash blvd
Time includes 1 hour lunch break
Refrigerators available for use.


Saving Money on Hotel Rooms When PCS’ing
One of the biggest expenses chiorri recently offered these money  Be flexible. While not always pos-
when traveling is staying in saving tips. sible for PCSing, shifting your trip
a hotel room. by one or two days can result in
 Follow the 14/3 rule. Reserve
For Soldiers and Families PCSing, your room more than 14 days in real savings
traveling from one post to the next, advance, when the hotel has plenty  Save on last minute travel. If you
can go one of two ways; it can either be of rooms, or within 3 days of your can’t follow the 14/3 rule you can
a costly expense or a great way to save trip, when they need to fill vacant still travel without breaking the
some of your per diem. The good news rooms bank. Hotel managers often
is you can avoid the expensive option dump empty rooms on sites like
by becoming educated on ways to save  Don’t look just online – call. The
lowest prices are typically found on Hotwire and Priceline. Deals of
money along the way. 60-75% off can be had but reser-
the web, but call the hotel anyway-
Rather than leaving you wondering and you might still get in on a reward vation might be nonrefundable
making you do the research, Relocation program, plus you can ask whether Remember, for other tips on having a
Readiness thought we would share it offers special rates (for military smooth move, contact your Reloca-
what we found. The Travel Channel’s or AAA for example) or has deals tion Readiness Program at 772-
Hotel Impossible host Anthony Mel- on certain dates 6566/6902.

(The event formerly known as Super Sign-Up)

9 Looking for what the North Country
has to offer you?
Local Chambers
6 Tourism Councils
Employers
Clubs
2
Volunteer Opportunities
0 September 6, 2012
1 9 am - 2 pm
2 The Commons

ACS Green Press August 2012 Page 7

The Facebook Phenomenon and the Job Market
Hello Jobseekers! The staff of Army seems like an impossible feat – Face- months seminar, you will learn
Community Service Employment book has made this a reality. how you can use Facebook to
Readiness Program (ERP) hopes you With half a billion Facebook users increase your customer base, re-
have been enjoying your summer. comprised of thousands of online tain them and use them to gain
ERP has many exciting things communities, Facebook has brought access to other potential markets.
planned for you this August. potential customers much closer to As a marketing tool, Facebook is
Besides the monthly classes ERP you and opened up a wide market of here to stay. If you are new to
regularly offers such as the two Em- possibilities. Facebook, take this seminar to
ployment 101 classes (the 9th and It is no big secret that Facebook become educated so you are not
23rd from 0930-1130 this month) we brings people closer together and is left behind through the social me-
are excited to offer Facebook for used in online marketing. However, dia revolution. Many people give
Marketing Development on August just registering for a Facebook ac- up as they do not get the desired
15 as this months professional devel- count is not enough. If that is all you result immediately, i.e. a huge in-
opment seminar. Facebook is a great think it takes, your Facebook success crease in sales. However, consider
way to promote your business and story will end before it even begins! marketing on Facebook as a sys-
gain customer satisfaction. Knowing tematic process: you first build
how to utilize this powerful tool will There is much more to marketing on trust, traffic and eventually – sales.
make you a valuable employee or Facebook than just creating a profile.
Keeping your fans engaged is the key. Even if you do not own a busi-
business owner. ness, please come and join us on
Marketing through Facebook makes
The thought of free advertising seems you more than a brand. Facebook August 15, it will benefit you as a
to good to be true! Utilizing the inter- breathes life into your business mak- jobseeker and you can gain more
net as a place to display your prod- ing you into a community friends and knowledge about marketing.
ucts, services and websites for free in fans love being a part of. In this
a world where most sites are charging


Building Community: Spouse in the Spotlight
ACS welcomes Janie Diggs to Our Fort Drum Community
Janie Diggs is departments at Southern Star Group, such honors as the Hinesville Areas
a proud Inc., as well as Head Instructor for The 2006 REALTOR of the year, Georgia
mother of 2 Executive School of Real Estate. State REALTOR of the year in 2007,
daughters, Janie believes education is the lifeline and Liberty County’s Top 10 under 30
Mary (6) and of humanity and essential for the pros- Business Leaders in 2010.
Sarah (4). Her perity of mankind. “Never stop learn- Currently, Janie is looking for employ-
husband, ing.” and “It’s all about you!” became ment while volunteering at ACS. She
Shawn, is an her motto as she educated over 1500 says she is excited to see the snow,
aviator with people in financial success , relocation, and is trying to stay optimistic about
Task Force and real estate, as well as closing over the colder climate.
Six Shooters 400 real estate transactions, where over
2-10 and has just moved to Fort Drum in 75% were referred by past clients. Janie has certainly “bloomed where
July 2012.
She volunteered for many organiza- she is planted”. She is an example of
Janie learned the challenges and the bene- tions such as Relocation Educator for how special military spouses are. She
fits of ARMY early in life as her father the City of Hinesville and Fort Stewart has made many significant contribu-
served 14 years. They lived in the Fort ACS, Red Cross, Sunday School tions to the communities she has lived
Stewart, Georgia area for over 20 years, teacher, Super Yard Sales, Masonic in. We are happy to welcome Janie
where Janie received her Bachelor’s in Children’s hospital, and Habitat for and her Family to Fort Drum.
Business Administration, Associate Bro- Humanity. Janie also served as Presi-
ker and Instructors License with the dent of several organizations such as
Georgia Real Estate Commission, be- the Hinesville Area Board of RELA-
came a Certified Paralegal, and worked TORS and Habitat for Humanity. This
her way up to Office Manager over four lead to the community voting her for

“What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what
we have done for others and the world remains and is
immortal” ~Albert Pike


ACS Welcomes Gabriella Gayl Future Spouse in the Spotlight
She and Second Lieutenant Malloy got marriage to her Fiancé. In the mean-
engaged February 17 of this year. Sec- time she plans to prepare for the life
ond Lieutenant Malloy has been sta- of a military spouse by attending
tioned at Fort Drum for three months. Army Family Team Building and con-
They plan to marry on September 14th tinuing to volunteer for ACS when
of 2014. she is in the area.
Gabriella is currently studying commu- We welcome Second Lieutenant
nication with a concentration in jour- Malloy and Gabriella to Fort Drum
nalism at George Mason University. and congratulate them on their up-
coming nuptials!
For the Summer, Gabriella is staying
Gabriella has recently been volunteer- with her Fiancé in Watertown. While
ing at ACS while she is spending time he is working, she is keeping busy tak-
with her soon to be spouse 2nd Lieu- ing online summer classes, volunteer-
tenant Robert Malloy who is stationed ing at Army Community Service and “All have wishes, many have
at Fort Drum as the Battalion Medical babysitting. dreams, some have ideas, few have
Officer with 25th Field Artillery Regi- Gabriella loves to be active. She enjoys plans” -William Arthur Ward
ment. dancing and football. She looks for-
ward to completing her degree and her

Tips for Enrolling Your Military Child in School
Starting the new school year is difficult Here are some tips to help ease your Know how you would like things han-
for some children. The transition can child’s transition: dled with your child if he or she is hav-
be especially difficult for military stu- ing a rough day and discuss the plan
dents. The great news is that the Army Contact the Fort Drum School Liaison with your child’s teacher
recognizes the challenge as does the Officers at 772-3214 to find out what
public school system. Area schools the school requirements are for regis- You will find that the schools in the
have a large population of military stu- tering your child area are sympathetic to what a military
dents making up their student body. child goes through. The key to your
If your child is enrolled in the Excep- child’s success is for you to become
They are aware of the relevant things
tional Family Member Program and partners, with the school, in their edu-
that could affect your child’s school day
needs special accommodations in cation. The more proactive you are in
such as deployments.
school, contact your system navigators the beginning of the year the better the
In an online article written by Lissa at 772-5488 or 772-0664. school year will be.
McGrath addressing transitioning mili-
Talk to your child’s teacher and keep The good news is that children are re-
tary kids to a new school, pediatric them abreast of what changes may af- silient. Their innate ability to adapt
neuropsychologist, Dr. Jim Olsen fect your child. coupled with you and the school hav-
explained displacement of emotion
ing their best interests at heart, will be a
is completely normal. According to Utilize the military resources in your
recipe for success.
Dr. Olson, some children may re- school such as the Military Family Life
Consultants that are embedded within
gress, others become clingy or dis-
many of the local schools.
tant. Some children become angry
while others are overly sensitive.

Army Community Service
P4330 Conway Road
Fort Drum, New York
13602

Army Emergency Relief 772-6560, 772-8873 or 772-2855

Army Family Team Building 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

ACS Green Press AUG 2012

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ACS Green Press AUG 2012