Family

Article from www.onboardnewyorktours.com Information & Referral Program

Times
December 2011

Holiday Season in New York City

New York City is the quintessential location to experience the holiday spirit. Ice skating, Broadway shows, shopping, crowds bustling with excitement for the season. It is the perfect city to feel the great Holiday joy. It is definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Here are a few things you might want to put on your to-do list: The Holiday Lights! Tour See the Holiday Lights during Christmas in New York City. Just book a NY SEE THE LIGHTS! Tour during the holidays and you will see New York City at its finest. Get more information about NYC tours at www.onboardnewyorktours.com. Radio City Christmas Spectacular The Rockettes kick up their heels this year to a fresh routine of The Twelve Days of Christmas and audience members get the full effect with a flying LED screen. (Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10020. Winters Eve at Lincoln Square Sidewalks come alive with street performances by musicians, jugglers, stilt walkers, and much more. (Lincoln Square- Broadway from Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle to 68th Street). The Nutcracker Angels, snowflakes and fairies galore prance delicately across the Lincoln Center stage in a show that delights children and adults alike. (New York State Theater, Columbus Avenue & 63rd Street, Lincoln Center, New York, NY 10023). Grand Central Station Holiday Fair Kicked off on Monday, November 14 and runs through December 24th. It is an amazing Holiday experience, with over 76 vendors selling one-of-a-kind gifts. In addition, the station is an amazing sight to behold. See this on the NY See The Holiday Lights! Tour. (Grand Central Terminal, E 42nd St at Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY 10017). Winters Eve. The West Side Lincoln Square The neighborhood changes drastically during Christmas in New York City into a gorgeous winter wonderland with a tree lighting in Dante Park, activities for children and adults alike, street performers, music, food and more. (Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts; 70 Lincoln Center Plaza (at Columbus

Ave. and W. 63rd St.; www.winterseve.org). Holiday Window Displays See the 5th Avenue Window displays on the NY See The Holiday Lights! Tour. Lord & Taylor Holiday Window Displays (424 Fifth Avenue at 38th Street); Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Window Displays (Fifth Avenue and 57th Street); Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Displays (611 Fifth Avenue);Barneys New York Christmas Window Displays (660 Madison Avenue at 61st St.); Bloomingdales Christmas Window Displays (Lexington Avenue between 59th Street and 60th Street); Macys Christmas Window Displays (Herald Square, between 34th and 35th on Broadway). Central Park Take a stroll through Central Park today. Consider donning a pair of ice skates and hitting the rink here for the worlds best ice skating view. (Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center are two other NYC areas to ice skate).

In This Issue
Directors Corner........2 Newcomers.............2 Financial Readiness...........3/13 AFAP...4/5 AFTB..........................6 Veterinaries.........7 ERP/AVC...................................................8 FAP/EFMP...........9/10/11 SOS...........................................11 I&R.......12 Relo/Mob/Dep......14 Calendar...................................15

Directors Corner
The Holidays are upon us, do take advantage of the Holiday Season in New York City. The City turns into a winter wonderland and is filled with many fun Holiday activities. Such as, ice skating at Rockefeller Center, Holiday lights tours, viewing of the Holiday Window displays, the Rockettes Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, watch The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center and much more! On December 8th ACS is hosting the 2011 AFAP Conference, held at the Fort Hamilton Community Club between 0800-1630 hrs. Its not too late to submit an AFAP Issue by filling out the AFAP Submission Form attached to this newsletter and drop off in an ACS, AFAP box or by visiting the Army OneSource website! The Childrens Holiday Party will be held on December 10th, from 1500-1730 hrs at the Sports and Fitness Center (Bldg. 402). The Teenager Party will be held at the Youth Center (Bldg. 125). Please dont hesitate to call us, if you have any concerns regarding your familys needs. Have a wonderful Holiday Season!! Carmen E. Borrero, ACS Director
Carmen

ACS PROGRAMS & STAFF

ACS Director Carmen Borrero 718-630-4457 Army Emergency Relief 718-630-4754 Army Family Team Building John Mapes 718-630-4498 Army Family Action Plan John Mapes 718-630-4498 Army Volunteer Corps Joseph Gamez 718-630-4756 Deployment Readiness Madeline Pastorella 718-630-4462 Employment Readiness Joseph Gamez 718-630-4756 Exceptional Family Member Program Vincent DiMaira 718-630-4460 Family Advocacy Vincent DiMaira 718-630-4460 Financial Readiness 718-630-4754 Front Desk/Information & Referral Magda Lawrence 718-630-4754 Lending Closet Madeline Pastorella 718-630-4462 Relocation Readiness Madeline Pastorella 718-630-4462 Sexual Assault & Victim Advocacy Vincent DiMaira 718-630-4460 Survivor Outreach Services 718-630-4754

New to Ft. Hamilton? Come to our Newcomers Orientation

January 26, 2012 Beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Held at the ACS Conference Room Bldg. 137-C Poly Place, 1st Floor
Call Maddy to Reserve Your Seat! (718) 630-4754

ID thieves target your child's identity

It's a growing crime and one that often isn't revealed until it's far too late
Article from www.moneymanagement.org Financial Readiness Program

Part of growing up is developing a sense of self. Unfortunately, thieves are stealing childrens identities long before they are fully formed. Recent research by All-Clear ID found that over 10 percent of the children scanned from their data were victims of identity theft. This 10 percent rate of child ID theft equates to children being victimized by identity thieves at a rate 51 times greater than adults. This happens to children at such an alarming rate because child ID theft is a unique and different crime than adult ID theft. Most children are issued Social Security numbers when theyre born or at a very young age. But, children dont need to use their Social Security number until theyre older, many not until theyre 18. In the meantime, a thief can take a stolen Social Security number and attach a different name to it to commit ID fraud for years. Employers, banks, retailers, and other organizations processing credit and employment applications expect to see new Social Security numbers entering the system each day as children grow up and take normal life steps: open lines of credit, apply for a job, apartment, mobile phone, student loans, a car, and the list goes on. To protect your child's identity, Jamie May, chief investigator at All-Clear ID, offers the following four tips: 1. Watch for mail in your childs name. Pre-approved credit offers or other unsolicited financial offers are a key indicator that your child may have an open credit file. Teach your children about privacy online. Children begin using the internet at a very early age. It is important that parents actively teach children how to responsibly share and manage information online. Ensure that your children always ask permission before submitting personal information online, and always explain why they should or should not disclose the information. Also, make sure they know not to open emails from people they do not know. By doing so, you can ensure that your children grow to be responsible with their information as teenagers and young adults. Dont give away your childs information if you dont have to. You will receive countless requests for your childs SSN on anything from soccer registration to medical forms. Always ask why the SSN is needed; often times youll find that the information is unnecessary. If so, dont disclose the information. Additionally, be sure to tell to your older children not to freely provide their SSN on forms. When the time comes to apply for their first jobs, applications will frequently ask for your childs SSN, only to be left in an unsecure location. Tell your child it is ok not to provide this information until they are actually hired. In all cases where this information is required dont be afraid to question how it will be stored and protected. Check your childs identity early dont wait until its too late. Parents need to check their children as early as possible, complicated cases can take many years to resolve. Several cases of child identity theft have resulted in children unable to secure college loans and internships, delaying their future plans and costing them time and huge opportunities.

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Army Family Action Plan

Fort Hamilton

2011 AFAP Conference

December 8th, 2011, 0800-1630
at the Fort Hamilton Community Club

Its not too late!

If you have an idea which you believe would be beneficial, submit your AFAP issue, by filling out an AFAP submission form attached to this newsletter OR you may submit an AFAP issue electronically via Army One Source Website! Army Family Action Plan strives in making a difference in the lives of Service Members, Families, Survivors, Retirees, and DoD Civilians If you would like to participate as a Delegate, Facilitator, Recorder, or Transcriber, please contact 4 John Mapes at 718-630-4498

2011 Army Family Action Plan

Issue Submission Form

Fort Hamilton

Do you want to change, improve or fix something in the Army or maybe, just here on Fort Hamilton? If you do.. Submit an ISSUE via the issue form below and drop it off in one of the many AFAP boxes on Fort Hamilton. Or fax it to 718-630-4473. AFAP Box locations: ACS (Bldg 137C), Commissary, PX, Visitor Control Center, CDC, Housing, Bowling Center, Fitness Center Issue: What is the problem?

Scope: Why is this a problem? (tell us about it - why is this a problem & who does it affect)

Recommendation (s): What do you think could be done to solve the problem? (how should we fix it) Name, phone number and/or e-mail address (optional)

Fort Hamilton Army Family Team Building

Military Family Team Building Level 2.1 Communication

Date: Dec 20 2011 Time: 1100-1200 Location: ACS, Bldg. 137C
New to Military Life? Learn about:
Community Resources The Chain of Command & Ranks How to read an LES Acronyms Financial Readiness & More!! AFTB Classes are open to ANY ID Card Holder! Soldiers, DoD Civilians, Contractors and Family Members! Any Branch of Service is also welcome!!!!

Call John Mapes at 718-630-4498 or email: john.e.mapes2.civ@mail.mil to sign up!!

Holiday Travel Tips for Your Pets

Article from petflight.com

Are you planning on traveling with your pet this holiday season? Traveling during the holidays can be a stressful event, even for a seasoned traveler, but a few extra minutes of planning can help make it more comfortable and safer for your pet. Below are some tips you can use to make holiday travel with your pet a success. 1. Many airlines limit the number of pets they allow on each flight. Make sure your airline has a reservation for your pet. Direct flights are always best when traveling with your pet. 2. Arrive at the airport with extra time. You should expect to spend a few additional minutes going through security. Traveling at off-peak times or days can help make this step easier. 3. Be sure and use an airline approved kennel or carrier. Carry-on bags for your pet must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. (If you will be checking your pet as baggage there are a few special things you will need to do: Bring a few zip-ties with you to secure the kennel halves together where possible, and once your pet is in the kennel, zip tie the kennel door closed. Security will need to inspect the inside of the kennel so save this for after the security check.) 4. If you are traveling from or to cities where the temperature is lower than 45 degrees, you will need a certificate of acclimatization from your vet showing the lowest temperature that your pet will be safe traveling in.

5. Check with your host. Whether you are staying at a hotel or your sisters, make sure you know the rules and that they are expecting your furry friend. 6. Make sure your pets tags have current information and your mobile phone number. If your pet becomes lost while you are away, do the tags provide enough information to reach you? Temporary tags with your holiday destination are also an option. 7. Traveling with a full stomach can be uncomfortable for your pet. Withholding or underfeeding the last meal before your trip can help. 8. Bring enough pet food for the trip. A quick change to your pets diet can cause them problems. 9. Never give your pets tranquilizers or sedatives unless under a veterinarians direction. Sedatives lower your pets breathing rates which can cause issues in regulating your pets temperature. 10. Not all pets should travel. You know your pet best, so make sure you think they are up for the stress of a holiday trip. They might just do better staying at home or with a sitter. 11. And finally, whether you decide to travel with your pet or leave them with a sitter be sure and relax. Pets are able to pick up on your emotions and taking a deep breath will be good for both of you.

Felton Veterinary Services www.feltonvets.com (718) 388-1172 Hope Veterinary Services Pc www.hopevet.com (718) 852-4219 Banfield the Pet Hospital www.banfield.net (718) 448-5558 Windsor Terrace Veterinarians (718) 431-8950 Carroll Gardens Vet Group Pc www.thegardenvet.com (718) 875-7007 Brooklyn Veterinary Group www.brooklynvetgroup.com (718) 331-7775

Ft. Dix Veterinary Treatment Facility (609) 562-6636 Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital www.bregmanvetgroup.com (718) 782-8387 Battery Park Veterinary Hospital www.dvmhospitals.com (212) 786-4444 (Manhattan) Central Brooklyn Veterinary Center www.centralbklynvet.com (718) 338-9600 Vincent George Veterinarian (718) 444-5151 Veterinary Hospital www.fifthavenueveterinaryhospital (718) 748-1066

Childrens Holiday Party

December 10th, 2011 at 1500 1730 hrs Children & Youth Party held at the Sports & Fitness Center (Bldg. 402) Teenager Party will be held in the Youth Center (Bldg. 125)
Open to all Branches of Service, including the National Guard, Reserve, DoD Civilians and their Families. Employment Readiness Program 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?
Find out more information about the Fort Hamilton Volunteer Program, including: How to add your agency so you may use volunteers How to search and apply for positions How to register as a volunteer

Army Volunteer Corps

Volunteer Orientation

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 and appointment, please call Joseph Gamez at (718) 630-4756

Offered at Army Community Service Building 137-C, 1st Floor, 3:30 4:30 on the following date:

December 7 & 21
Only four seats available per class. Due to limited space for registered students ONLY.
TO REGISTER please call (718) 630-4756 or email joseph.gamez1.civ@mail.mil

Beating the Winter Blues

Article by Dr. Robi Ludwig Family Advocacy Program

Its definitely that time of the year again when the days get short, dark, dreary and cold. If that weren't bad enough, this type of weather change can also affect our mood. (Besides leaving you chilled, this type of weather change can also affect your mood.) For example, do you find yourself feeling a little more lethargic, hungry and down than usual? If the answer is "yes," dont fret; you certainly have company. You may be experiencing a very common condition called the winter blues. The winter blues, and their more serious counterpart, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), tend to affect four times as many women than men. The condition is a mild form of depression brought on by a decrease in the amount of sunlight. It starts to impact people during the fall, lasts throughout the winter, and then starts to subside during the spring. According to the research, the winter blues are more often than not caused by unstable melatonin and serotonin levels. Melatonin is a hormone produced during sleep, and serotonin is the neurotransmitter responsible for mood, hunger and sleep. Although the winter blues are not as severe as some long-term depressions, the disorder can still affect the way a person thinks, reacts and deals with his or her everyday life. Drinking heavily, overeating, isolating yourself and lack of exercise only increase the intensity of the winter blues. So, how do you know if you have this condition? If you suffer from two or more of the following symptoms, youre probably at risk:

Increased feelings of exhaustion and sluggishness Difficulty thinking creatively and concentrating, compared to the summer months Trouble waking up in the mornings, especially as the days get shorter Wrongly blaming oneself when things go wrong Problems with performing tasks that usually seem easy and enjoyable. But here's the good news: You can definitely take control and do things to brighten up your mood. Perhaps the best place to start is with your perception. Focus on whats positive and right around you. See each day as having the potential to be a good one. This emotional shift can add to an instant "feel good" state of mind. Let the sun shine in lift those blinds and enjoy the sunlight while you can. Vacation in the Caribbean. Connect with positive people. Do volunteer work. Use that extra indoor time to clean out your clutter and simplify your surroundings. Take care of yourself by getting a massage, exercising regularly and eating sensibly. For the more severe forms of winter blues, speak to your physician about other options like anti-depressant medication, light box treatment and other forms of therapy. Finally, remember that the winter blues are only temporary.

The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) is established to prevent spouse and child abuse. a. Promotes awareness of domestic violence within the Army community and coordinates professional intervention at all levels within Military and civilian communities. b. Strives to break the cycle of abuse by identifying abuse as early as possible, providing intervention, and coordinating treatment for the offender and affected Family members.

c. Recognizes that many incidents of domestic violence constitute violations of the law and that a commander has authority to take disciplinary or administrative action in such cases.

The goal is to prevent spouse and child abuse, to encourage the reporting of all suspected or known instances of such abuse, to ensure the prompt assessment and investigation of all abuse cases, to protect victims of abuse, and to treat all Family members (victims and offenders) affected by or involved in abuse.

For assistance, please contact: Vincent DiMaira, FAPM at 718-630-4460

Manage stress for a happy holiday

Article from www.safety.army.mil Family Advocacy Program

The holiday season is a time you want to share with friends and Family. But an unwanted problem may come through the door at the same time: stress. We know the holidays can be stressful, even for Family members who normally get along well, said Dr. Patricia LeDuc, U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center Human Factors Task Force director. Too much traveling, too much shopping and too much celebrating can make for an unhappy holiday. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you can recognize stress, you may be able to manage it. The following three topics can be a hotbed of holiday stress: Relationships. Relationships can cause turmoil, conflict or stress at any time, but tensions are often heightened during the holidays. Family misunderstandings and conflicts can intensify especially if you're thrust together for several days. On the other hand, facing the holidays without a loved one can be tough and leave you feeling lonely and sad. Finances. With the added expenses of gifts, travel, food and entertainment, the holidays can put a strain on your budget and your peace of mind. In addition, overspending now can mean financial worries for months to come. Physical demands. Even die-hard holiday enthusiasts may find extra shopping and socializing leaves them wiped out. Being exhausted increases your stress, creating a vicious cycle. Exercise and sleep good antidotes for stress and fatigue may take a backseat to chores and errands. To top it off, burning the wick at both ends makes you more susceptible to colds and other unwelcome guests. The Mayo Clinic offers these tips to help everyone have a pleasant holiday: Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can't be with loved ones, realize it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events for support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others is another good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships. Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As Families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can't come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together such as sharing pictures, emails or videotapes.

Set aside differences. Try to accept Family members and friends

as they are, even if they don't live up to all your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion, and be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend and stick to your budget. Don't try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Try alternatives like donating to a charity in someone's name, giving homemade gifts or starting a family gift exchange.

Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and make a shopping list to help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. Also make sure to line up help for party preparation and cleanup.
Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity. If it's not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time. Don't abandon healthy habits. Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so you don't go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Continue to get plenty of sleep and physical activity. Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Listen to soothing music or find something else that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm. Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless or unable to face routine chores. If these feelings continue, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. If the holidays are something you dread, take steps to prevent stress and depression. With planning, you may enjoy the holidays more than you thought you would.

Our Purpose: Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) is an Army Community Service program designed to provide shortterm and long-term support to the Survivors of Soldiers who die while on active duty. Our Vision: Compassionate and determined outreach to Survivors. Our Goal: To be intentional yet noninvasive in extending the hand of support to the Survivors of fallen Soldiers at their point of need with meaningful programs and caring counsel resulting in Survivor Families knowing that others are concerned for their well being during their journey through grief.

What We Do
Facilitate support groups where Families and individuals can share feelings, burdens, thoughts, resources and information in a safe and understand setting. Provide care for Survivor Families beyond what Casualty Officers and Unit Care Teams can offer. Offer on site financial counseling to assist Families in adjusting to their unique monetary circumstance following the loss of a loved one.

For more information on the SOS Program, please call 718-630-4754

Exceptional Family Member Program Vincent DiMaira, Program Manager Bldg 137C (718) 630-4460

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory program designed to meet the needs of Family Members with physical, emotional, developmental, or learning difficulties, that require special medical treatment, therapy, or education. 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, Occupational Health Nurse at Ainsworth Clinic, phone number 718-630-4907/4417/4611.

Take 5 for Safety

Fall/Winter Safety
Article from www.safety.army.mil Information & Referral Program

OCTOBER 2011-MARCH 2012

The cool days and cold nights of fall and winter are here, and the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center wants to help you keep your Soldiers safe in all their seasonal activities. This year's Safe Fall/Winter Campaign, themed around "Take 5. By choosing the Take 5 campaign theme, we're asking all Soldiers to take a few momentswhether five seconds, five minutes or even shorter or longerto think about their plans and how they can make safer choices. Fatal accidents are often the result of unwise split-second decisions, from choosing to drink and drive or ride unbelted to crossing the street against traffic signals. By taking just a little time to think through their actions, Soldiers and their Family members can make better choices and stay safe in everything they do. Safety Begins at Home Ah, fall theres nothing like crisp, cool air, the first months of school and luscious foliage to build excitement about the changing seasons. Many of us are welcoming a break from hot, sticky weather, but we must be aware that fall is also a time of lurking dangers. From carbon monoxide poisoning to fire hazards, the season can be a minefield. By following a few simple tips, however, we can keep our homes and Families safe and healthy during the coming months. Fire safety Whether youre a homeowner, rent from a landlord or live in base housing, you should have a qualified technician clean and inspect your fireplace, furnace and/or central heating system annually and make necessary repairs. Remember to open flues when using a fireplace and burn only wood. Burning trash, cardboard boxes and Christmas trees in a fireplace increases the risk of uncontrolled fires. Its important to give space heaters space. Keep the area around space heaters at least three feet on all sides free from other objects and debris. Unplug space heaters when not in use, and always use proper fuel in kerosene heaters. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Joseph Reese, senior maintenance/logistics officer at the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center, suggests a two-pronged approach to reduce fire-related injuries: install and test smoke alarms on every level of your home, and then create and practice a fire escape plan for your household if the smoke alarm goes off. Other fire safety tips include: Clean and/or replace furnace filters on a regular basis. Clean dryer exhaust ducts and surrounding areas regularly. Remove all lint, dust and other materials.

Check electrical outlets for potential fire hazards such as frayed wires or loose-fitting plugs. Be sure not to overload electrical outlets, fuse boxes, extension cords and other power sources. Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible, filled and ready for operation. With heating units running at full blast, carbon monoxide poisoning is a real threat. CO is an odorless, colorless gas formed by the incomplete combustion of organic substances such as fuels. Its dangerous because it interferes with normal oxygen uptake for humans and other oxygen-breathing organisms. Simple measures can prevent CO poisoning. Ensure all fuelburning appliances and heating devices are vented and maintained properly. Know the symptoms of CO poisoning and install and maintain CO alarms in your home, testing them every six months. Slips, trips and falls According to the Home Safety Council, slips, trips and falls are the single-greatest hazard causing injuries and deaths at home each year. Autumn is a good time to look closely around your property and take care of maintenance problems that could cause slips in the winter months. Make sure outdoor lighting is adequate, repair porches and steps and store summer items that could trip you or your guests. Household poisons National Poison Control records show more than a million American children under the age of 5 are exposed every year to potential poisons like medications and typical household chemicals. Simple steps using child-resistant packaging as instructed and locking medicines and household chemicals in cabinets and cupboards, among other measures will safeguard children from accidental poisoning. Many adults and elderly citizens are also involved in potential poisoning situations that can be avoided with education and preventive measures. The national poison hotline, (800) 222-1222, is free, can be reached from anywhere in the United States and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

FAP Program

Financial Readiness

Sexual Assault Prevention

Sexual assault is a crime. Sexual assault can happen to males and females of all ages. Sexual assault is intentional sexual contact, characterized by the use of force, physical threat of force, or the abuse of authority when the victim does not or cannot consent. Rape, nonconsensual sodomy, and indecent assault are all forms of sexual assault. If you are a victim of a sexual assault, please contact the ACS assault response coordinator at 718-630-4460
For Confidential Reporting of Sexual Assault, please call the USAG Victim Advocacy Hotline at (347) 452-4302 available 24/7

Planning for Retirement December 14, 2011 @ 1730-1830 Refinancing, Home Equity Lines of Credit & Loans January 18, 2012 @ 1730-1830 All classes will be held at the ACS Conference Room, Building 137C

Please call to register Madeline Pastorella 718-630-4754/4462

Waiting Families
Have a Deployed Service Member? Join Waiting Families Support Group for fun, outings & support!

Military & Family Life Consultant

Holiday Party @ Chuck E. Cheeses!! December 17, 2011 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm Meet at ACS, Bldg. 137 C, 1st Floor

Military and Family Life Consultants Help with the Stress of Military Life
Deployment Relocation Adjustment Reintegration Concerns Loss or Grief Parenting Challenges Financial Management Relationship Issues Workplace Stress

Please call to reserve your seat!! Contact: Madeline Pastorella Phone: 718-630-4754 ACS Bldg. 137C, 1st Floor

Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) are mental health specialist who provide confidential, short-term, non-medical counseling to Military Families.

To access MFLC services please call: (718) 757-9408

Healthy Holiday Travel Tips

Article from military.com Relocation Program

The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years Day can be the most damaging and unhealthy time of the whole year. While Thanksgiving is behind us, Christmas and New Years weeks are upon us, and its never too late to get on top of your nutritional game! There is no better time than right now to make yourself and your health a priority. Since so many people will be traveling over the next couple of weeks, I wanted to provide you with a toolkit to take with you on the road, plane, or train (or even to use at home) during this challenging time of year. Before you leave the house Start the day with a healthy breakfast. This will help you to get your metabolism going and begin the day on the right foot. Eating something with fiber and/or protein (like oatmeal, low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese with fruit, or egg whites and whole wheat toast) will keep you satisfied for a few hours so youre not scrounging for a bagel, doughnut, muffin, or pastry when you get to the rest stop, station, or airport. Pack healthy foods/snacks for the road. Stock your bag with nutritious choices so that you will be equipped with options when you get hungry in between meals. Avoid the chips, candies, and cookies and reach for the snacks you packed nuts and sunflower seeds (in the shell if possible), soy crisps, turkey jerky, fruit, crackers or rice cakes with peanut butter, or carrot sticks and veggies. Dont drink your calories. Many people grab high calorie, sugary beverages while on the road, without even realizing what they are consuming. Some drinks are obvious poor choices, while others can be loaded with sugar and fat although they appear harmless. If you are going to consume a coffeebased beverage, like a latte choose wisely and treat it as a snack. Request a small size and fat-free milk, and say no to the whipped cream, chocolate, and caramel sauces! Choose: water, tea, coffee, seltzer/club soda, diet soda, diet iced tea (like Snapple), Vitamin Water Zero, G2, Crystal Light, etc. Avoid: regular sodas, juices, sweetened iced teas (regular Snapple), sweetened sports drinks (regular Vitamin Water, Gatorade, etc), and sugary/fattening coffee-based or beverages like

frappuccinos, full-fat lattes, hot chocolate, etc.

Rest stop rules. While most rest stop eateries offer many fried and fattening options, almost all of them have healthier options as well you just have to look for them! Avoid fried and/or cheesy foods and just say no to the Supersize. Best options: salad with grilled chicken and a light or low-fat dressing on the side, grilled chicken sandwich or plain hamburger with a side of fruit, turkey sandwich, or a low-fat yogurt parfait. If you must indulge, keep the portion small or share it with someone. Plan your splurges. Since you will likely be out of your home environment and faced with many temptations over the holiday season, you will have many opportunities to overindulge or splurge. If you give in at every chance, you can easily gain 510 pounds before New Years hits! To avoid the holiday weight gain, PLAN when you will indulge. Is there a special meal, party, or favorite restaurant you are looking forward to? What is the food you enjoy most this time of year? Think in advance about all of your social events and activities, and choose when and where it is most important to treat yourself. The rest of the time, choose smart! Keep a food log. It doesnt have to be anything fancy no online tracking or calorie counting is necessary but writing down what goes into your mouth is an excellent way to keep you aware and conscious of your food choices and portions. Its for your eyes only, but it serves as a good reminder of what you are doing and what you want to accomplish. Keep a small notebook or piece of paper and a pen in your purse or pocket, and write down what you eat right after every meal or snack. Following these simple guidelines will help you to look back on the holiday season with fond memories, and no regrets! Dont forget to get exercise in whenever you can to offset some of those extra calories!!
ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE 137-C POLY PLACE, 1st Floor FORT HAMILTON PHONE: 718.630.4754 MON-FRI 0800-1630

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday
1 ACS HOURS 0800-1630 Computer Lab 0800-1600

Friday
2 ACS HOURS 0800-1630 Computer Lab 0800-1600 3

Saturday

5 ACS HOURS 0800-1630 Computer Lab 0800-1600

ACS HOURS 0800-1630 Computer Lab 0800-1600

7 Volunteer Orientation 1530-1630 ACS Comp Lab

8 AFAP Conference 0800 -1630 FHCC ACS Closed

9 ACS HOURS 0800-1630 Computer Lab 0800-1600

10 Childrens Holiday Part y 1500-1730 Childrens Bldg. 402 Teenagers Bldg. 125

11

12 Financial Readiness 1st Term SM 0830-1500 Ed Center Bldg. 218A

13 ACS HOURS 0800-1630 Computer Lab 0800-1600

14 Planning for Retirement 1730-1830 ACS Conf Rm.

15 ACS HOURS 0800-1630 Computer Lab 0800-1600

16 ACS HOURS 0800-1630 Computer Lab 0800-1600

17 Waiting Families Day at the movies 1400-1700 Meet at ACS Conf . Rm.

18

19 ACS HOURS 0800-1630 Computer Lab 0800-1600

20 AFTB Level 2.1 Com 1100-1200 ACS Conf Rm. Financial Readiness 0830-1500 Ed Center Bldg. 218A

21 Volunteer Orientation 1530-1630 ACS Comp Lab Financial Readiness 1400-1500 ACS Conf. Rm.

22 ACS HOURS 0800-1630 Computer Lab 0800-1600

23 ACS Closed at 1200

24

25

26 ACS Closed Happy Holidays !

27 ACS HOURS 0800-1630 Computer Lab 0800-1600

28 ACS HOURS 0800-1630 Computer Lab 0800-1600

29 ACS HOURS 0800-1630 Computer Lab 0800-1600

30 ACS Closed at 1200

31

Happy Holidays!!