1. Army Community Service (ACS) Fort Drum, New York December 2012
ACS Green Press
~A tree free newsletter
Direct questions / feedback To: Sarah Lynch : 772-5374 sarah.l.lynch@us.army.mil
Inside this issue:
How Far Does a Skein of
Regarding Resil- 2 Yarn Reach?
ience: Tips, tools
gin to measure the joy so many baby bundles are given to E-5
and techniques for
new Fort Drum moms have ex- and below or to those expect-
Networking 3 perienced from getting a baby ing the birth of multiples re-
Through LinkedIn bundle with these finely crafted gardless of rank.
blankets inside. So many new par- While the ladies were here, Sgt
Financial Tips for 4 Recently, Eloise Kimpland of ents have been touched by the Jaime Rivera of 2 BCT HHC,
The Holidays-a the North Syracuse American generosity of these ladies. It is a took a moment to say thank
Little Budgeting Legion Auxiliary unit 1297 and warm fuzzy feeling to wrap your you and paused for a picture
Goes a Long Way Rose Garlick of the Liverpool new baby in the warmth of a with them. Army Community
American Legion Auxiliary unit handmade blanket and know Service also wants to thank
188 delivered a donation of the there are people out there that
Spouse in the 5 these women and all of those
hand knitted baby blankets that give their time freely to honor our
Spotlight-Rachel who donate their time and skill
ACS gives away to new mothers Soldiers and Families here at Fort
Lee to make the baby blankets for
in our baby bundles. Drum. our Families.
Army Family Ac- 6 While talking with the ladies, we The ladies use donated yarn to Have you ever wondered just
tion Plan began to consider how far they knit blankets for our baby bundles how far your charitable dona-
traveled to bring their blankets as well as lap robes for the VA
Creating Family 7 tion could reach or who it
to Fort Drum. We joked that if hospital. The baby blankets are
Traditions touches? For more informa-
we were to pull yarn from Syra- crafted by women like Kay Root tion or to register for a baby
cuse to Fort Drum, it would and Betty Brown who live in the
ACS Calendar of 8 bundle, please call Army
take 628 skeins of yarn to travel county.
Events Community Service at
and reach one way! That is a lot
of yarn. Did you know, to make The delivery on this day was quite 772-8876 or 772-6556/6557.
ACS Contacts 9 timely as Theresa Victor arrived to
one blanket, it takes a little less
than one skein (1 skein is made pick up her baby bundle. Theresa
up of 190 yards of yarn). and her husband SPC Daniel Vic-
tor, of 1-71 Cav, are celebrating
The thing is, you can’t even be- the birth of their fifth child! The
“ And in the act of making things, just by living their daily lives,
they also make history. Knitting is clothing made in spare
moments, or round the fire, whenever women gathered together...
It’s something to celebrate-clothes made in love and service,
something women have always done.” Anne Bartlett, Knitting

2. Page 2 ACS Green Press December 2012
Regarding Resilience: Tips, tools and techniques
for practicing resilience everyday!
By Jenn Eichner, MRT 772-2848
Resilience-is There a Time To Coast?
Over the past several months each of  Be optimistic: Hunt the good stuff Your Resilience lunch group. This is
the Regarding Resilience articles have everyday! for anyone who has taken all or the
focused on a particular resilience skill majority of the Master Resilience mod-
 Apply mental agility: Problem solve
and/or competency. As of last month ules and would like to spend some time
and run some real time resilience.
we have covered them all. So, time to practicing and refreshing your skills.
stop to coast right? Wrong!  Know your strengths and get to The group will meet every other month
know the strengths of others. on the last Tuesday of the month.
Resilience is a skill and like all skills it  Strive for good connections through
will become weak and obsolete if not active constructive responses, assertive Have wonderful month – good luck
practiced and made a priority. Going communication and effective praise. and good thoughts!
back to the basics often is so vitally
important. Much like a professional You are worth the time and effort. But
soccer player takes the time to practice please be conscious that your practice will
her dribbling or the professional pian- only be as beneficial as the effort you put
ist sits and practices his scales over into it. Do not stress if you occasionally
and over, resilience must be practiced. take a step backward – maybe you over
react to a particular activating event or “A man is but the product of his
What are the resilience basics?
maybe you jumped to the wrong conclu- thoughts what he thinks, he
 Be self aware: Avoid thinking
sions. Remember with practice you can becomes.”
traps, detect iceberg beliefs, and
always get back on track!
identify areas of control. ~Mahatma Ghandhi
 Practice self regulation: Practice The ACS MRT team wants to help you as
energy management and keep well. Beginning November 17 from 11:30
things in perspective. am – 1 pm, in ACS, we will hold a Refresh
3 December Module 2 9:30am-2:30pm
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 December 2012
Networking Through LinkedIn
profiles already. After uploading your con-  Join groups related to your
tacts and identifying who you know that is chosen career field.
already utilizing LinkedIn, you should next  Follow the pages of compa-
determine who you should send an invita- nies you’re interested in
tion to connect with. Start by sending working for.
them to people whom you would actually
help professionally or recommend to a How do you turn a LinkedIn con-
LinkedIn is a social business network- prospective employer if asked. Judge invi- nection into an actual job oppor-
ing platform currently used by 175 mil- tations that are sent to you as well, don’t tunity? Never ask directly about a
lion members to meet others who work just accept them blindly. Consider whether job, this puts the person you’re
in the same industry, develop new pro- you want to be professionally linked with asking in an awkward place and it
fessional relationships, and search for that person. may taint that connection. How-
new jobs. It’s a great way for you to Next, consider the following points when ever, asking for that person’s ad-
connect with people in your field. creating your profile and beginning to net- vice and guidance can help you
However, as with any great tool, it is work: build a relationship with them that
important to know how to use it prop-  Do a detailed profile. may eventually lead to a job. Even
erly in order to be effective.
 Highlight all of your skills. if you're not actively looking for a
 Do you volunteer? Don’t forget to new job, potential employers may
As a professional, the first thing one
include it as a work experience. be checking out your profile. It's
should consider is when to utilize
 A professionally appropriate photo- very important that you keep your
LinkedIn and formulate a plan to do so.
graph of yourself helps others feel profile up to date and well pre-
Don't wait until you need a job to begin
connected with you. sented.
building your network. Start right now–
 Begin by connecting with people
by making a few connections and your
you already know. For more information on
network will begin to grow. The easiest
 Once you have begun your net- LinkedIn or any other job seeking
way to make these connections is to
work, start including professional resource, contact Employment
find people you already know who may
contacts. Readiness at 772-9611/2737/7987
be on LinkedIn. To do this, upload
 Send a message introducing your- or 1090.
your contact list from your email. The
LinkedIn site will show you which of self when you ask to connect with
your friends and acquaintances have someone you don’t actually know
Look Who’s On The Payroll!!!!!
Congratulations to the following Employment Readiness clients
who have recently landed a job!
Auzinda Mendes Memorial CDC
Celina Quintero Sovie Law Firm (Watertown)
Wesley Grinstead Freeman Bus
If you are an Employment Readiness Client, please let us know

4. Page 4 ACS Green Press December 2012
Financial Tips for the Holidays - a Little Budgeting goes a Long
Way
Consumers Cut your gift list. The easiest way to Avoid buying unnecessary warran-
spend more reduce spending is to exchange gifts ties. Often extended warranties dupli-
money dur- with fewer people. This might mean cate existing product warranties.
ing the holi- talking to people in advance and agree-
day season ing not to exchange gifts, arranging Pay by cash, check or debit card.
than any with Families to draw names or only The best way to avoid finance charges
other time buy for the little ones. Some Families is to not charge.
of year. agree to limit the dollar amount of the
Presents, Pay off your credit card bill quickly.
gift exchange. If you use your credit card, pay off the
travel and
entertaining Find an alternative to purchased purchase and don't carry a balance.
are added gifts. Be creative, homemade gifts, Transfer balances. If you have already
to the usual treats, photos all make wonderful and used your credit cards, consider trans-
monthly thoughtful gifts during the holidays. ferring balances to a card with a lower
expenses interest rate.
causing financial hardships for many Make a budget. Once you have fig-
Families. When the expenses out- ured out who you are buying for, deter- If you are already in credit card debt,
weigh the income, many people com- mine your overall budget and decide don't wait until the new year to make
pensate by paying with credit at high what you can afford to spend on each changes, contact Financial Readiness to
interest rates which lead to ringing in person and stick to it! This helps you discuss ways to get out of debt.
the new year with financial problems avoid impulse shopping. Remember, responsible spending helps
that can last for months or even years Get started early. Good deals are usu- make the holidays a little more enjoy-
later. ally available before the start of the able and the new year financially stable.
holiday shopping season. Look for Financial Readiness offers one on one
The fact of the matter is, Christmas
should never put you in debt. There good gifts that are good buys. Research budget counseling and will work with
are ways to participate in the spirit of the products you will buy and be aware you to get creditors off your back. To
of sales people out to make commis- find out more or to make an appoint-
giving without overspending and put- ment, call 772-5196/2919 or 8526.
ting your financial wellbeing in jeop- sion.
ardy. Look for bargains. Studies show that “Think ACS First!”
If you want to save money, why not sometimes price variations can be more
vow to do so before the new year than 50% in the same area for identical
rather than after? Here are a few tips products. Some stores offer price
you can put to use: matches.
Start the new year with a financial plan
Let Financial Readiness show you how!
Call 772-5196/2919 or 8526 to make an appointment
Happy Holidays From Army Community Service!

5. Page 5 ACS Green Press December 2012
Building Community: In the Spotlight
ACS Introduces Rachel Lee
Rachel designs clothing and costumes been making hand dyed costumes for
from hand dyed silk. “The first time I a little over 2 years and her experience
dyed a piece of silk in a costume class I will easily transfer into the custom
knew I had found my passion.” ex- formals market. It is her belief that
plained Rachel. Around the same time there is nothing more beautiful than a
she discovered medieval reenactment woman dressed in pure silk!
and a whole group of people who love
hand crafted clothing. Rachel wasted no time getting in-
volved here at Fort Drum. She is
Rachel, who is active in her FRG, came making new friends in the ACS
to ACS for the Informal Funds class Christmas Club and has agreed to be-
Recently, the staff at ACS got the pleas-
taught for FRG’s. According to Ra- come an instructor for the sewing
ure of meeting Rachel Lee. She comes
chel, what she received was more than classes offered through Relocation
from Idaho and enjoys the outside, cook-
just the class. “What I got was a bunch Readiness. When she is not volun-
ing and writing fantasy fiction. Rachel
of new friends and opportunities for teering, taking classes or designing
and her husband arrived here in August.
volunteering and learning.” clothes, she is working her seasonal
Rachel’s husband is stationed with 710
BSB. position at Bath and Body Works in
Because she plans on breaking into the
the mall. Stop in Bath and Body
business of custom formals, she was
Rachel explained that Fort Drum is her Works and say hi to Rachel. Maybe
excited to hear about the Build Your
husband’s first duty station. “I like to tell she will design your next ball gown!
Own Business Workshops offered by
people I’m so new I’m still shiny.” If
Employment Readiness. Rachel has “Think ACS First”
Rachel isn’t shiny, she sure does shine!
The Joy of Seasonal Employment
The holidays are nearly upon us, and ployers understand that seasonal conversational skills and making
they bring with them many temporary positions are short term; securing good connections at your seasonal
jobs as local retailers get ready for an seasonal employment shows you are job, you might find yourself a more
onslaught of holiday shoppers. For self-motivated and genuinely inter- permanent situation. This is an op-
those of you still looking for work, this ested in working. portunity to collect some more pro-
is the perfect opportunity to start bring- 3. Change career paths! Seasonal em- fessional references, as well as make
ing home a paycheck. Let’s count the ployment is a great way to learn new some new friends.
benefits! skills and try out different types of Restaurants and shopping malls are usu-
jobs to see if you enjoy them. ally open longer hours during the holi-
1. Practice makes perfect! Applying 4. Pad your wallet! You’ll be bringing
for a seasonal position gives you the day season, so it may be easier to fit a
in some extra cash at a time of year job into your busy schedule. Many local
opportunity to work on your resume when you really need it- whether for
and cover letter skills as well as your employers here in the Watertown area
gifts and vacations, or simply to pay are hiring right now, so dust off that
interview skills. the heating bills. If you’re working
2. Fatten up your resume! Every job resume and get ready to put your best
in retail, you may be able to snag an foot forward. Happy Holidays!
you have counts as work experience, employee discount which will make
even a seasonal one. Rather than that salary go farther.
have a gap in your resume, fill it 5. Network! By using your superior
with a seasonal job. Potential em-

6. AFAP Conference 28-29 January 2013
Submit Your Issues
Volunteer to participate
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 December 2012
ISSUE: What is the issue/problem? If it’s a program or service, an
______________________________________ 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
RECOMMENDATION: Possible solutions? solution, you should pursue it!
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
Korean AFTB Mini Level I
______________________________________
12-12-12
POINT OF CONTACT: (Optional)
______________________________________
______________________________________
Return your form to an Issue Box Location:
Army Community Service, Monti Physical Fitness Center,
Magrath Sports Complex, BOSS, Education Center, Clark
Hall, The Commons, Fort Drum Inn, Hays Hall, Guthrie
Clinic, and FRSA offices (call for specific locations)

7. ACS Green Press December 2012 Page 7
The Importance of Creating Family Traditions
As the holiday season ber events. Be sure to include lists of
draws closer, one can supplies, special foods and things
think back on the times easily forgotten.
spent with friends and Don’t be afraid to ditch traditions
Families years past. that don’t work. If no one is having
Many of us can recall fun, it’s time to reevaluate.
traditions our Families
Be on the look out for spontaneous
held dear and passed
traditions. If a particular event or
down from generations.
activity is exciting and fun, make it a
Being part of a military
tradition.
Family sometimes
means spending the holidays away form a sense of identity-Creating Here are some ideas for simple but
from home. Often we move away traditions while children are young meaningful traditions:
from our Families and start Families will build a strong lasting Family  Take your child’s picture each
of our own. Unfortunately, we bonds that lead to a sense of year on the first day of school
sometimes abandon Family tradi- “Family Identity” which is part of
tions. the puzzle of figuring out who they  Have a squirt gun fight on the
are. Through traditions, they get to last day of school each year
As Families become separated, frag-
mented and bogged down by every- see the roles, responsibilities and  Have upside down night once a
day responsibilities and busy rou- valuable contribution of each Family month when you have breakfast
tines, there seems to be less impor- member. This insight leads to a for dinner
tance placed on the observance or better understanding of themselves.
 Choose or create a birthday hat
establishment of Family traditions. Family traditions pass on cultural worn by each Family member on
The Family Advocacy Program awareness and values- For in- his or her birthday
would like to instill in everyone’s stance, holiday celebrations pass
 Family Olympics- a little Family
mind the importance of establishing along Family and culturally specific
competition with games like bean
Family traditions in today’s society. belief systems. Further, if it is your
bag toss, volleyball, swimming
Family’s belief that serving Thanks-
Traditions create stability-Family etc.
giving dinner in a homeless shelter
traditions can be a way to reconnect is a holiday tradition, it conveys the  Cooking together once a month
and or establish a sense of belong- importance of charity and commu-  Holiday traditions such as pump-
ing. For military children, this can nity involvement to your children.
sometimes be difficult since their kin carving, Easter egg coloring,
lives are often in a state of flux. Traditions can be simple and easy to Christmas cookies, and New
Frequent moves and dealing with establish. Family traditions do not Year celebrations as well as
deployments can leave children feel- have to involve the holidays, how- countless others traditions.
ing insecure and unsure of where ever the holidays make traditions The possibilities are endless and
they fit in. These feelings are exac- easier to remember year to year. should fit the values and beliefs of
erbated by typical changes in social, Traditions can be as simple as bak- your Family. The important thing is
emotional and physical worlds of ing Christmas cookies together or to remember the value of setting and
growing adolescents. By placing having a movie and pizza night once observing Family traditions. Remem-
importance on Family togetherness, a month. Keep the following in ber that establishing connections and
parents help their developing chil- mind when establishing traditions: a sense of belonging is crucial to the
dren feel grounded and secure in Avoid anything elaborate. This will well being of the child and Family
spite of the instability they feel ensure your tradition will be easy to unit as a whole.
around them. follow through on each year.
Creating traditions help children Keep a detailed calendar to remem-

8. Page 8 ACS Green Press December 2012
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 or 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