1. Family April 2012
Times
April is Month of the Military Child
Growing up in a Military family offers some challenges,
but it also provides some special rewards and pride for
their parents’ service, she said. About half of Military
children, or 1.2 million, have had a parent deploy.
―It’s essential to recognize that Military children make
significant contributions for the country while their
parents are away on long deployments,‖ Arsht said.
―Despite multiple moves throughout their school years,
Military children are resilient and self-confident. They
have strengths admired by many – especially their
parents.‖
Kick-off ceremonies and special activities will be held
across the world at many Military installations, schools
The Department of Defense, Military services and and local communities throughout the April Month of the
communities around the world once again are set to Military Child. Arsht encourages families to participate.
recognize the importance of Military children whose
parents serve their country.
The month-long recognition, first celebrated in 1986, is
especially important today as resilient families manage
long separations, said Leslye A. Arsht, deputy under
secretary for Military Community and Family Policy.
―Our Military children are proud of their moms and dads
for their brave defense of our great country,‖ Arsht said.
―The Month of the Military Child events and activities let
us show the youngest members of our Military family –
the children – how proud we are of their contributions,
too. Our Military children are unsung heroes. This is our
chance to thank them for being so supportive of their
parents.‖
In This Issue
Director’s Corner…………………..……......…2
Newcomers’.....………………………..……….2
ACS Directory...…….….………………………2
AER Campaign….....…..…………...….............3
AFAP/ AFTB/Vets…...……..…………………..4
Diet/Sexting…..…..……………………………5
FAP/SOS………………………….....................6
AVC/ERP………...…….....................................7
SOS/EFMP.……………….................................8
Pets………….…………………………….........9
Relo/FRP …..…….……………………….......10
Calendar..……………………………………...11

2. Director’s Corner
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Fort Hamilton for showing your support for
the AER Campaign in the month of March by either participating in Karaoke Night at the Fort
Hamilton Community Club or for mailing in your monetary donation. You may continue to donate
throughout the month of April and through May 15 th.
To contribute to the AER campaign checks are being accepted at Building 137C, Suite 1C or
contact the AER Officer at 718-630-4462. Our goal this year is $20,000.00.
Please don’t hesitate to pay us a visit, if you have any Family concerns, our staff
is dedicated to assisting the Command with maintaining the readiness of
Soldiers, their Families and the Fort Hamilton Military Community. Carmen
Carmen E. Borrero, ACS Director
ACS PROGRAMS & STAFF New to Ft. Hamilton?
ACS Director Family Advocacy Would you like to learn more
Carmen Borrero Vincent DiMaira
718-630-4457 718-630-4460 about your new community?
Army Emergency Relief
718-630-4754
Financial Readiness
718-630-4754
Come to our
Army Family Front Desk/Information Newcomer’s Orientation!
Team Building & Referral
John Mapes Magda Lawrence
718-630-4498 718-630-4754
Army Family Action Plan Lending Closet
John Mapes Madeline Pastorella
718-630-4498 718-630-4754
Army Volunteer Corps Relocation Readiness
Joseph Gamez Madeline Pastorella
718-630-4756 718-630-4462
Deployment Readiness Sexual Assault &
Madeline Pastorella Victim Advocacy
718-630-4462 Vincent DiMaira
Employment Readiness
718-630-4460 April 26, 2012
Joseph Gamez
718-630-4756
Survivor
Outreach Services
Beginning at 8:30 a.m.
718-630-4754
Exceptional Family Held at the ACS Conference Room
Member Program Bldg. 137-C Poly Place, 1st Floor
Vincent DiMaira
718-630-4460
Call Maddy to Reserve Your Seat
(718) 630-4754

3. 70 Years of Helping the Army Take Care of Its Own
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL AER CAMPAIGN!
Donate today!
3

4. Army Family Action Plan Fort Hamilton
Army Family Team Building
Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Army Family Team Building (AFTB) is a family
Is a program designed to give Soldiers, training and readiness program that provides
Family members, retirees, DoD civilians, and participants with an understanding of Army culture
teens an opportunity to voice their concerns and the skills and resources they need to become
and suggestions on how to improve life and self-reliant, self-sufficient members of the military
living conditions for all members of the Fort community. AFTB helps members of the Army
Hamilton Family. Family adapt to Army life, manage change and
embrace challenges.
AFAP…Voice of the Army Family
The AFTB mission is to educate and empower
members of the military community to develop
skills and behaviors that strengthens self-reliance,
promote retention and enhance readiness. AFTB
Army Community Service
strives to provide pro-active, forward thinking
Army Family Action Plan
support for today's families and ensure the
Bldg. 137C, Poly Place
strength of tomorrow's Army.
Phone: (718) 630-4498
Program Manager:
John Mapes To inquire about AFTB classes Please contact:
John Mapes at 718-630-4498
Felton Veterinary Services Ft. Dix Veterinary Treatment
www.feltonvets.com Facility
(718) 388-1172 (609) 562-6636
Hope Veterinary Services Pc Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital
www.hopevet.com www.bregmanvetgroup.com
(718) 852-4219 (718) 782-8387
Banfield the Pet Hospital Battery Park Veterinary Hospital
www.banfield.net www.dvmhospitals.com
(718) 448-5558 (212) 786-4444 (Manhattan)
Windsor Terrace Veterinarians Central Brooklyn Veterinary Center
(718) 431-8950 www.centralbklynvet.com
Carroll Gardens Vet Group Pc (718) 338-9600
www.thegardenvet.com Vincent George Veterinarian
(718) 875-7007 (718) 444-5151
Brooklyn Veterinary Group Veterinary Hospital
www.brooklynvetgroup.com www.fifthavenueveterinaryhospital
(718) 331-7775 (718) 748-1066

5. No Time to Cook
Article from www.jillianmichaels.com
JILLIAN SAYS: These suggestions depend a bit on what
type of oxidizer you are, but here you go:
Breakfast: Snack-sized containers of low-fat Greek or low- chance of getting this at a market like Whole Foods). Buying
fat plain yogurt (varieties with no high-fructose corn syrup!), food like this is a bit more expensive because convenience
a Health Valley Granola Bar, Arrowhead Mills Instant doesn't come cheap, but it's quick, easy, and healthy. If I'm in
Oatmeal, fruit, dry whole-grain toast, or high-fiber cereal a hurry, I like to pick up grilled chicken breasts, salmon or
with skim milk. Each of these ideas will take less than three halibut fillets, or turkey breasts, all precooked — I toss a
minutes of your time. portion in a plastic container and run out the door with it. You
can even buy veggie side dishes — grilled vegetables, for
Lunch: Ideally, you would take some time the night before or example — brown rice with shrimp, and so on.
on the weekends to prepare healthy foods to pack and carry,
but if that just isn't realistic for you, try the following options. At the end of the day, your choices are going to come down
Buy prepared salads at your supermarket. I like to get chicken to what is more feasible for you. I've given you many options,
Caesar, tuna niçoise, and seafood salads at Trader Joe's to involving varying amounts of money and time, but I urge you
have on hand when I need to run out the door. Another to find the time to plan your meals for the week and cook
thought is a sandwich — make sure the bread is whole grain healthy on the weekends. This way you will know
and the meat is organic and not processed (look for fresh, EXACTLY what is in your food — salt, fat, calories, and so
low-sodium deli meat). Avoid high-fat condiments like mayo; forth.
choose mustard (it's naturally low in fat) instead.
Frozen entrées are a quick and calorie-controlled option, but
Snacks: Try nuts, fruit, low-fat cheeses, whole-grain crackers the downside is that they're usually processed — meaning
like Kashi, low-fat yogurt, and hard-boiled eggs. You could they're FULL of salt and preservatives. If you absolutely can't
even buy a Kashi, Luna, or Clif bar to eat on the run. cook a meal and want frozen meal options, there are a couple
brands that do pass the health test for me — if you choose an
Dinner: This entails a similar effort as lunch, in that you need entrée from Amy's or Kashi, you know you're in good shape.
to buy precooked foods at the deli counter in the supermarket Both brands are much lower in sodium than others. I hope
— but always ask for organic meat (you might have a better this helps you make some healthy choices!
What Is Sexting & What Can Parents Do About It
Article from www.about.com
Sexting is sending sexually explicit messages via cell phone or instant messenger. As
technology has advanced and cell phones have the capability to record and send
photos and video, the practice of sending suggestive and explicit pictures has
increased, especially among teens. A joint study by The National Campaign to
Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and CosmoGirl suggests that 20% of teens
(ages 13-19) and 33% of young adults (ages 20-26) have shared nude or semi-nude
pictures of themselves either via text or by posting online. Teen girls are slightly more likely to do this than boys and 11% of the
young teen girls (ages 13-16) admitted to sending suggestive photos of themselves.
The best approach to talking about sexting is to take a non-judgmental and informational approach. Keeping the dialogue open
leaves room for your kids to talk with you rather than hiding things away. Remember that the word "sexting" was coined by the
press. Kids may have a different name for it. Try some simple conversation starters to break the ice:
•Have you heard about this sexting thing? Do you know anything about it?
•I was watching TV/reading the news the other day and saw a story about some kids who got in trouble for sending [use
your own word here - suggestive, sexy, naked, etc.] pictures to friends. Did you hear about that?
•Can we talk about the types of things you and your friends like to share online? I want to make sure you're taking care of
yourself and looking out for your friends, as well.
Rather than leading the conversation, make sure you listen to your tween/teen. They may not agree with you about what is and
isn't appropriate and may have some compelling reasons why. Helping them think about the possible consequences of their
behavior and also the type of image they'd like to represent to the world is one way to encourage them to come to their own
conclusions.

6. Master Resiliency Training for Families
MRT for Families will provide the missing link, teaching Soldiers and Families to become more resilient in
five aspects of total fitness: physical, emotional, social, spiritual and Family strength.
MRT promotes an Army of balanced and healthy Soldiers, Families, and DoD civilians whose total fitness
will help them thrive in a high-tempo era of persistent conflict. Army leaders believe an emotionally and
physically healthy force will result in a reduction in rates of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder,
anxiety, indiscipline, domestic violence, alcohol abuse, suicide and absences without leave.
MRT marks a new era for the Army Family by comprehensively equipping and training our Soldiers, Family
members, and Army Civilians to maximize their potential and face the physical and psychological
challenges of sustained operations. We are committed to a true prevention model, aimed at the entire force,
which will enhance resilience and coping skills enabling them to grow and thrive in today's Army.
Resiliency Training helps families plan for challenges
to inquire about Resiliency Training for families, call
John Mapes at 718-630-4498

7. FAP Program Survivor Outreach Services
Sexual Assault Prevention
Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) is an Army
program developed to better serve the Surviving
Families of the Fallen by keeping them connected to
Sexual assault is a crime. Sexual the Army for as long as they desire. SOS provides
assault can happen to males and long-term support, resources and emotional
females of all ages. Sexual assault is connections.
intentional sexual contact, SOS is available to all Survivors, Survivors being
characterized by the use of force, the spouses, children, parents, siblings, and friends
physical threat of force, or the abuse of grieving the loss of a Soldier. SOS coordinates with
Military, Non-Governmental Organizations and the
authority when the victim does not or local community to create a support network.
cannot consent. Rape, nonconsensual
sodomy, and indecent assault are all In order to provide continued support and better
understand the concerns and experiences of our
forms of sexual assault. Surviving Families of the Fallen, we reach out to
Families through support care meetings, phone
If you are a victim of a sexual assault, calls, and letters to capture those concerns and
experiences to assist our service delivery.
please contact the ACS assault
response coordinator at 718-630-4460 If you would like more information or need
or 347-452-4302 24/7 assistance, please call 718-630-4754
Military & Family Life Consultant
Family Advocacy Program
The Family Advocacy Program
provides education and awareness
trainings on family violence, child
abuse/neglect, spouse/partner abuse, NEED TO TALK?
reporting procedures, and available Military and Family Life Consultants
resources & services on and off the Help with the Stress of Military Life
installation.
Deployment  Relocation Adjustment 
To access the Reintegration Concerns  Loss or Grief
 Parenting Challenges  Financial Management
Family Advocacy
 Relationship Issues  Workplace Stress
Program please
contact: Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs)
Vincent DiMaira are mental health specialist who
at 718-630-4460 provide confidential, short-term, non-medical
counseling to Military Families.
To access MFLC services please call:
(718) 757-9408

8. Army Volunteer Corps
Lend a hand….make a difference
Why Volunteer?
Meet new people
Become Active in Your Community
Gain New Job Skills
Keep Busy
Feel Good About Yourself
Enhance Job Opportunities
Gain Experience
Learn New Skills
Explore New Interests
Network
Develop Essential Life Skills
TO REGISTER please call (718) 630-4756 or
email joseph.gamez1.civ@mail.mil
Adult Career Skills Training
 Are you looking for a Job?
 Do you want help preparing yourself against the competition?
 Do you need assistance in preparing your resume?
Sign up for the following classes:
 Making the most out of a Career Fair
 Translating Volunteer Experience into a Resume
 Secrets to Resume Success Workshop
 Federal Employment and the Federal Resume
 Networking 101
 Labor Market Information
 Interview Skills & Dress for Success
 Career Plan Development
To Schedule an appointment, please call
Joseph Gamez at (718) 630-4756

9. Toxic and dangerous foods for pets
Caffeine
Caffeine is generally highly toxic to pets, having negative
effects on both the cardiac and nervous systems. Side
effects can include vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart
rhythms, tremors, seizures, and possible death.
Grapes and raisins
An unknown toxin in grapes and raisins can cause kidney
failure and ultimately lead to death. Symptoms of this
poisoning can include hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea,
and irregular heartbeat.
Nuts
An unknown toxin in nuts can have negative effects on
the nervous, digestive, and muscular systems of your
Article from www.webvet.com pet. Symptoms can include muscle tremors, weakness, an
upset stomach, vomiting, depression, inactivity, and
stiffness. Particularly avoid Macadamia nuts.
Pets and poison is a growing concern among pet Onions
owners. Household poisons are not the only thing that Onions, along with garlic and chives, are all part of the
can harm your pets. Many common household foods and same species of plant—the Allium species. Allium
drugs can also be toxic to your pets. The following are species plants contain sulfur compounds that can cause
foods that can be toxic or poisonous to your pets. stomach irritation and possibly result in damage to red
blood cells causing anemia. This is referred to as Allium
Avocados poisoning.
Avocados contain a toxin known as persin. Persin is
found in various parts of the avocado and avocado trees Some human medicines
(eg, leaves, rind, etc). This toxin is known mostly to While some human medications are prescribed for pets
cause vomiting and diarrhea. Birds and small pets seem by veterinarians, others can be highly toxic and
most affected by the negative side effects of consuming fatal. Acetaminophen, which is contained in Tylenol and
avocado. other similar products, for example, can be fatal to
cats. Always consult with your veterinarian before giving
Beer human medication to a pet.
Not just beer…all alcohol. Depending on how much
alcohol your animal ingests, it can lead to vomiting, Xylitol (artificial sugar)
diarrhea, depression, difficulty breathing, coma, and Xylitol is a sweetener used in many products including
possible death. mouthwash, chewing gum, toothpaste, and various
foods. Because it is toxic to pets, products containing
Chocolate xylitol should not be given to your dog or cat.
Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine that
is toxic to pets. If enough is ingested, your animal can Lilly Plants
suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythms, All portions of the lilly plant are poisonous to cats when
tremors, seizures, and possible death. Cocoa mulch ingested. Just a nibble of the leaf, petal or stem can cause
contains theobromine; the ASPCA advises dog owners to irreversible kidney failure despite extensive medical
avoid using this fertilizer around unsupervised dogs, and treatment.
dogs with indiscriminate eating habits since it can be
toxic if ingested. Other foods that can be toxic to your pet:
Apple Seeds, Chives (see "onions," above), Fruit pits,
Candy especially those of apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines,
Chocolate is the most common candy that is toxic to pets, and cherries, Garlic (see "onions" above), Moldy foods
especially to dogs, cats and ferrets. Any candy Mustard seeds, Potato leaves and stems, Rhubarb leaves
containing the sweetener xylitol can also be toxic to pets. Salt, Tea, Tomato leaves and stems.

10. Relocation Program
eSponsorship Application & Training
Financial Readiness Program
Training Sponsors to Assist Relocating
Financial Education Seminars
Service Members & Their Families
Presented by CHASE
Finance Disaster Preparation Sponsorship Training Available
on the following dates:
April 18th at
1730 Hrs - 1830 hrs. June 20, 2012
Class held at the September 17, 2012
ACS Conference Room
Building 137C, 1st Floor Location: ACS, Bldg. 137C
at 1300 – 1400
To Reserve a Seat
Call (718) 630-4462/4754 For more information contact
Madeline Pastorella 718-630-4754/4462
Waiting Families Exceptional Family
Have a Deployed Service Member? Member Program
Join Waiting Families Support Group for
fun, outings & support!
The Exceptional Family Member
Prospect Park Zoo Program(EFMP) is a mandatory enrollment
April 21, 2012 program that works with other military and
civilian agencies to provide comprehensive
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
and coordinated medical, educational,
Meet at ACS, Bldg. 137C housing, community support, and personnel
services to Families with special needs.
For any questions concerning the Exceptional
Family Member Program, please contact
Vincent DiMaira, Family Advocacy Program
Manager at 718-630-4460
To enroll your Family Member in EFMP,
please contact Ms.Brenda Shea,
Please call to reserve your seat!! Occupational Health Nurse at Ainsworth
Contact: Madeline Pastorella Clinic, phone number
Phone: 718-630-4754 718-630-4907/4417/4611.
ACS Bldg. 137C, 1st Floor

11. April 2012
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
ACS HOURS ACS HOURS ACS HOURS ACS HOURS ACS HOURS
0800-1630 0800-1630 0800-1630 0800-1630 0800-1630
Computer Lab Computer Lab Computer Lab Computer Lab Computer Lab
0800-1600 0800-1600 0800-1600 0800-1600 0800-1600
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
ACS HOURS ACS HOURS ACS HOURS ACS HOURS ACS HOURS
0800-1630 0800-1630 0800-1630 0800-1630 0800-1630
Computer Lab Computer Lab Computer Lab Computer Lab Computer Lab
0800-1600 0800-1600 0800-1600 0800-1600 0800-1600
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
ACS HOURS AFTB Training Financial Disaster ACS HOURS ACS HOURS Waiting Families
0800-1630 1100-1230 Preparation 0800-1630 0800-1630 Prospect Park Zoo
Computer Lab ACS Conf Rm. 1730-1830 Computer Lab Computer Lab 1400-1600
0800-1600 ACS Conf Rm. 0800-1600 0800-1600 Meet at ACS Conf .
Rm.
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
ACS HOURS ACS HOURS ACS HOURS Newcomer’s ACS HOURS
0800-1630 0800-1630 0800-1630 Orientation 0800-1630
Computer Lab Computer Lab Computer Lab 0830-1130 Computer Lab
0800-1600 0800-1600 0800-1600 ACS Conf Rm. 0800-1600
29 30
ACS HOURS
0800-1630
Computer Lab
0800-1600
Happy Easter!!