In case you were wondering where to send me stuff now.. I'm back in Sacramento, so use this address again!
Matthew A. Spears, Class 17 CM, Gold 4
AmeriCorps NCCC
3427 Laurel St.
McClellan, CA 95652
And, I just realized that I haven't made a post about what Gold 4 is doing next round, after Christmas break! I am really excited about this! We finally get trained for Red Card Wildland Firefighting Certification. This is going to last 2 (maybe 3) weeks in length, after which we are staying in Sacramento, and working in El Dorado, CA with the BLM (Bureau of Land Management). We will be working on fire lines (breaks in the forest to prevent the spread of wildfires if and when they occur). This work will include clearing brush, falling and chipping trees. I'm really excited to work with the BLM and start my networking, hoping for a job with either the BLM or the Forest Service after AmeriCorps.
El Dorado, CA is according to WikiPedia, is one of the most prestigious residential areas in Northern CA. Check it out online! The center of town looks like a castle!! We won't be working in town, but the area is settled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains... ie GORGEOUS country!!!!!!! YAY!!!!
More info to come, probably over break when I get time to look it up!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Home from Green River
Leaving Green River was more difficult than I had anticipated. Having grown up and lived most of my life in a small town, I have prior knowledge of how close people can become when placed in that type of setting. However, I wasn't ready for it to end! The friends I made in Green River: Jack, Aimee, Wes, Maria, Haley, Justin, and the rest of the PACT crew, made a huge impact on my time spent in Green River. They were not only very inviting, but they were supportive and encouraging, in that time, and for my life ahead of me!
The last week in Green River at the EpiCenter, was spent building, installing and painting the cornice- the top decorative piece (which you can see pics of and read about on the EpiCenter's blog... http://epicenter.tumblr.com/
I'm proud to say that Gold 4 finished all assigned projects at the EpiCenter, and then some! We went above and beyond, on all accounts!
There were parties, lots of parties during the last few days in Green River. From the EpiCenter Christmas Party, which included a "White Elephant"/"Dirty Santa" or whatever you call it. I ended up with this antique/old looking scale - which was fairly accurate! I left it at the EpiCenter for them to use!
The last week in Green River at the EpiCenter, was spent building, installing and painting the cornice- the top decorative piece (which you can see pics of and read about on the EpiCenter's blog... http://epicenter.tumblr.com/
I'm proud to say that Gold 4 finished all assigned projects at the EpiCenter, and then some! We went above and beyond, on all accounts!
There were parties, lots of parties during the last few days in Green River. From the EpiCenter Christmas Party, which included a "White Elephant"/"Dirty Santa" or whatever you call it. I ended up with this antique/old looking scale - which was fairly accurate! I left it at the EpiCenter for them to use!
Then there was the Community Center Christmas Party, where each of the members of Gold 4 was given a present from the Community Center and the kids in the after school program. Although I never worked with or played with the kids in the community center, I was treated as if they knew me well. The presents were partially the same for each one of us; which included a box of cereal, a tube of toothpaste, and a travel size thing of irish spring soap - it is definitely the thought that counts, when you're dealing with food bank presents! Anyway, the coolest part of each gift was the wrapping. Each member was given a pillowcase that was hand drawn on, and signed by each of the kids! The drawings were of something the NCCC member liked alot. They ranged from people dancing, to Rihanna (Adam really likes her), to mine, which was a picture of Eminem! Me, a country boy at heart... I do enjoy listening to Eminem, and it just seemed to stick especially during the numerous dance parties. It was funny, and I really appreciated it!
The drive home was full of excitement, mixed emotions, and bad weather! Everything from heavy dense fog, to near blizzard conditions with ice and snow. Overall, it was a boat load of fun! We made it back to Sac in one piece, and it was good to be back, and to sleep in real beds! And now I'm looking forward to Christmas break, where I'm heading back to CT for 2 weeks, to spend time with my family and friends! It's only been 3 months, but it will be really good to see everyone!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Thanksgiving, Vegas and my birthday = crazy awesomeness!!!
Where to start... The past few weeks were full of first-times for me. All of which involved not being at home! First thanksgiving and first birthday away from my home, my family, and my friends! It's not like I was worried or too terribly sad about it, because I knew I was spending the holiday and my birthday with some amazing people I am lucky enough to call friends. First off, Thanksgiving dinner was mostly prepared for us by the local Coffee Shop. It was a potluck dinner, where we brought mashed potatoes and two pies. There were probably 50 people from the community attending the dinner. The food was amazing and the comoradorie between everyone was equally amazing. People from different backgrounds and cultures getting together over dinner, and talking as if we were all family, it was truly something I was thankful for!
After dinner, Kate, Lara, and myself took a 1984 Toyota Tercel (with 274,000 miles on it, a backseat made of plywood type material, sticky doors, and a drivers door that doesn't unlock {as we soon found out}) to LAS VEGAS, NV. We were hoping to get out of the cold and windy weather of Green River UT, and head to the warmth of Las Vegas. hmm... well, it was cold and windy there too! But it sure was fun! I met up with my friend from CT who moved to Vegas 5 months ago, and we had some fun on the Strip! I can proudly say I did not gamble tho!!! I'll post the picture album from facebook as a link below, but between the red rocks hike, the nights out on the strip, and the hanging out with some good friends, my best memory will be the ride home! What was supposed to be a 6 hour ride, took 9.5 hours! Apparently people from UT and NV do NOT know how to drive in the snow! It was only a few inches, but the wind was blowing hard and it was COLD COLD COLD out! Travelling as slow as 5 mph at times, "Phyllis" was a champ. We powered through blizzard passing newer cars and SUVs with ease! Maybe it was my superb New England driving coming out, or maybe it was "Phyllis" and a lil luck... we will never know the truth! All's that matters is that we made it out, safe and sound, and with some pretty hilarious stories!!!
My birthday was truly amazing as well! Like I said before, it is my first one I have spent away from home. I really wasn't expecting much of anything, but what I got was shocking! Working at the EpiCenter in the morning, Adam and I left to go to the Medical Center to help out for a few hours. After 5 hours of tediously boring filing medical records, we left to go back to the EpiCenter. On my arrival was a surprise birthday party, with cupcakes that had trick candles on them, balloons, streamers, and noise/streamer poppers (which taste like gunpowder by the way)!!! It was more than I ever anticipated, especially from people I literally met 3 weeks before! The party continued back to the house where later that night I was surprised again with two apple pies (my favorite!), and more wonderful singing... it had to be the 3rd or 4th time I was sang to that day! I loved it!!! Finally, my birthday ended with a trip to Ray's Tavern (the only watering hole in Green River). Ray's serves food, and only beer.. and it's Utah beer (which has to be under 3.2% alc by vol.)... damn Utah laws. Nonetheless, we had fun! (as we always do). We closed down Ray's (at 8:30 or 9:00 - yea, everything closes really early around here), but the party continued at Jack's house (an EpiCenter employee), probably until 2:00am. I will truly never forget this birthday, and am greatful for all those who made it amazing!!
Oh and one more thing, by far the best present I received... I'm going to be an uncle to Sara and Eric's lil' baby girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lots of love,
Matt
After dinner, Kate, Lara, and myself took a 1984 Toyota Tercel (with 274,000 miles on it, a backseat made of plywood type material, sticky doors, and a drivers door that doesn't unlock {as we soon found out}) to LAS VEGAS, NV. We were hoping to get out of the cold and windy weather of Green River UT, and head to the warmth of Las Vegas. hmm... well, it was cold and windy there too! But it sure was fun! I met up with my friend from CT who moved to Vegas 5 months ago, and we had some fun on the Strip! I can proudly say I did not gamble tho!!! I'll post the picture album from facebook as a link below, but between the red rocks hike, the nights out on the strip, and the hanging out with some good friends, my best memory will be the ride home! What was supposed to be a 6 hour ride, took 9.5 hours! Apparently people from UT and NV do NOT know how to drive in the snow! It was only a few inches, but the wind was blowing hard and it was COLD COLD COLD out! Travelling as slow as 5 mph at times, "Phyllis" was a champ. We powered through blizzard passing newer cars and SUVs with ease! Maybe it was my superb New England driving coming out, or maybe it was "Phyllis" and a lil luck... we will never know the truth! All's that matters is that we made it out, safe and sound, and with some pretty hilarious stories!!!
My birthday was truly amazing as well! Like I said before, it is my first one I have spent away from home. I really wasn't expecting much of anything, but what I got was shocking! Working at the EpiCenter in the morning, Adam and I left to go to the Medical Center to help out for a few hours. After 5 hours of tediously boring filing medical records, we left to go back to the EpiCenter. On my arrival was a surprise birthday party, with cupcakes that had trick candles on them, balloons, streamers, and noise/streamer poppers (which taste like gunpowder by the way)!!! It was more than I ever anticipated, especially from people I literally met 3 weeks before! The party continued back to the house where later that night I was surprised again with two apple pies (my favorite!), and more wonderful singing... it had to be the 3rd or 4th time I was sang to that day! I loved it!!! Finally, my birthday ended with a trip to Ray's Tavern (the only watering hole in Green River). Ray's serves food, and only beer.. and it's Utah beer (which has to be under 3.2% alc by vol.)... damn Utah laws. Nonetheless, we had fun! (as we always do). We closed down Ray's (at 8:30 or 9:00 - yea, everything closes really early around here), but the party continued at Jack's house (an EpiCenter employee), probably until 2:00am. I will truly never forget this birthday, and am greatful for all those who made it amazing!!
Oh and one more thing, by far the best present I received... I'm going to be an uncle to Sara and Eric's lil' baby girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lots of love,
Matt
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Arches National Park
Today, we went to Arches National Park, just outside Moab, UT. Well known for it's natural beauty, it was truly amazing. We attempted to complete a 7 mile circular hike around Devil's Garden, but we decided to turn around after exploring about 5 miles of "off-shoots" of the main trail. The landscape was some of the coolest and most inspiring I've ever seen. I took a boat-load of pics and put them online already... so the link to that is below!!!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Green River EpiCenter
For those of you still wondering about the EpiCenter that I talk about so much in my blog, they have a blog of their own!!! You can read their daily posts, as well as read the about, projects and other sections on the blog. You can also purchase things from their store, which will GREATLY help them!!!
http://epicenter.tumblr.com/
Most lately, we burned goat heads!!! "Goat heads" are these pricker type plant that are ALL over green river, maybe UT (not sure). But the plant drops these small (dime sized) pieces that have two or three spikes about 1/8 inch sticking out of any side.. they're nasty little buggers, especially if you walk around barefoot! Only happened once for me!!! But they were no match for fire!!!!!! The playground is now safe again to play on!!!!!!
http://epicenter.tumblr.com/
Most lately, we burned goat heads!!! "Goat heads" are these pricker type plant that are ALL over green river, maybe UT (not sure). But the plant drops these small (dime sized) pieces that have two or three spikes about 1/8 inch sticking out of any side.. they're nasty little buggers, especially if you walk around barefoot! Only happened once for me!!! But they were no match for fire!!!!!! The playground is now safe again to play on!!!!!!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Lil bit of everything that's been happening!
The team has been divided into smaller groups, and assigned to different jobs around town. There is a group at the Thrift Store, sorting goods and changing out the summer/fall inventory to the winter goods. There is a group at the community center, where they work with kids after school, planning events and fun activities for the kids. Both of those groups also may work in the public schools around town whenever needed. That schedule is still being worked on. Then there is my group, at the EpiCenter. My group consists of Zak, Kate, and myself. We are the group who gets dirty, does manual labor, and has a lot of fun doing it! The EpiCenter is a non-profit started by a group of former AmeriCorps VISTA's, who came back (or never left) to better the community and it's citizens. The EpiCenter is crucial to the survivability and sustainability of life in Green River, where most of the townspeople are living under the poverty line. Currently, the EpiCenter is working with many families and townsfolk getting them HEAT assistance, for the upcoming cold months (and it gets cold here!).
My group's job at the EpiCenter is somewhat random, doing things that need to be done to better the building, and make it last. The first few days we were working in the basement, cleaning it, organizing it, and mortaring the walls to prevent leaking and deterioration of the walls. Then we did some demolition of walls, to open it up a little more. So, history of this building is somewhat mysterious.. being that it is really old! It is known to have been a speakeasy, and a bar later on. Butch Cassidy (I think) is said to have been in it. It's really old and really cool!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2097470&id=45404814&l=fcfa6f2ada
Other jobs we have done include making a bocci ball court in the backyard! I've never actually played an entire game before, but I think the EpiCenter crew is going to challenge NCCC to a game before we depart Green River! Should be fun!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2097472&id=45404814&l=418a8f8a15
Veteran's Day we went on a hike to Black Dragon Wash, in the San Rafael Swell. Dad, look up this swell online! Recognize it from the new Star Trek movie? It is where Planet Vulcan was filmed!!! Anyway, the hike was really cool! We explored a cave, and saw some really old Native American drawings on the rock walls!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2097473&id=45404814&l=bb8b27e55b
Just yesterday, we worked on a farm down the road from the center of town. A 55 acre farm, the owner organically raises cattle, horses, chickens, ducks, and goats, along with growing hay for feed, and a large garden my grandfather would be envious of! Our job there was to clear a pasture of all sticks, logs, and this pricker bush type plant, that was EVERYWHERE! We finished our tasks by lunch and after a quick walk around the land, we were made lunch consisting of fresh veggies, and Elk burgers! YUM!!!!
Ok, off to Moab to go grocery shopping!! Talk to you all soon!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
New Address
Unfortunately, I only have time to do a small post right now.. A lot has been going on and we've been really busy lately!
My new address, if you wish to send me stuff before I come home in 5 weeks is as follows
For letters: Matt Spears
PO Box 344
Green River UT 84525
For packages: Matt Spears
c/o Green River Community Center
155 South Broadway
Green River UT 84525
My new address, if you wish to send me stuff before I come home in 5 weeks is as follows
For letters: Matt Spears
PO Box 344
Green River UT 84525
For packages: Matt Spears
c/o Green River Community Center
155 South Broadway
Green River UT 84525
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Green River, UT
November 4 started out with no PT (Yay!) followed by a small ceremony officially inducting all 280 young men and women into the AmeriCorps NCCC. After about 4 weeks of training, we were finally ready to go do work for America, to make the lives we touch a little easier and better off.
Leaving Sacramento on Thursday, November 4, my team and I made the trek through the mountains into the lovely (gambling friendly) state of Nevada! The scenery was amazing as you can see in the first picture album link to facebook. I was fortunate enough to drive the second leg of this journey, as we have rules where a driver can only drive for two hours before they must switch. And the team as a whole can only drive 10 hours before stopping for the night... busch league! Anyway, I drove the second part of the three part journey that day... it consisted of desert, followed by more Nevada desert, followed by MORE Nevada desert!!! It was alot of straight driving with a 75 mph speed limit!!! Rowan drove the third leg, luckily, because this was as the sun was setting and I was able to get some really cool pictures of it over the mountains in the distance!!!
We stayed in a small city called Elko, NV at a Super 8 motel... interesting is the only word I can use to describe this small "city". It had Wal-mart, and all the major stores and food chains, but it had this odd vibe to the whole place. We ate at an all you can eat chinese buffet joint, because after all the government only allows $10 per person for dinner. So it was quite the deal! It didn't really sit too well three hours later, if ya know what I mean!
Leaving Elko at 5:40am, my safety Adam, and I drove out into the dark desert, seeming to be the only none 18-wheeler on the road. I felt lucky again to have been given the chance to drive in the am meant I would be awake for the sunrise!! It was AWESOME!! Adam took some good pictures of it, but they do no justice! Trust me! Then we hit the salt flats in UT and I gave up the drivers seat.
We stopped in Salt Lake City to see the Mormon Tabernacle. It was interesting in that it's old with a lot of history and extremely gorgeous architecture. Other than that, I wasn't that interested in it, no more than the last time I saw it!
Finally, Green River UT!!! See the second photo album link to facebook for some pics of it! If you blinked on the highway, you would miss it! Luckily, we found the exit, and a carovan of former-VISTA volunteers found us wondering the streets of Green River in our 15-passenger van. I really don't know where to start about Green River. It's population is 970ish.. and with our arrival, we increased it by 1%... scary fun-fact!
Our pictures with our names under them are hung up all over town, so the people act like they already know us!! They are all very friendly! We went down to the Green River that night for a bonfire/bbq, put on by the former VISTAs. The stars at night here, especially when we got out of town, are AMAZING. Dad, I wish I could've taken a worthy picture, but it was unlike anything I can recall seeing. More stars in the sky than dark places between them (somewhat of an exaggeration, but not really!!!).
Today, Sunday, we went down to Moab, UT. The closest large town which is an hour away. It would be a really fun town to hang out in or live in, except for the lack of liquor or heavy beers. But we still had a few, and had some fun!!! We went grocery shopping, which was fun, because with 2 vegetarians, 1 vegan and 1 lactose on my team, we have chosen to go vegan for a week! We are paired into groups, for cooking and cleaning. My partner, Adam, is a very good chef and is also vegan. I'm hoping to learn alot from him over the next 5 weeks!
Yea, so tonight or tomorrow morning we find out what our jobs actually are going to be in Green River. So I'll let you know as soon as I do!!! But check out the links below for some pics!!!
Leaving Sacramento on Thursday, November 4, my team and I made the trek through the mountains into the lovely (gambling friendly) state of Nevada! The scenery was amazing as you can see in the first picture album link to facebook. I was fortunate enough to drive the second leg of this journey, as we have rules where a driver can only drive for two hours before they must switch. And the team as a whole can only drive 10 hours before stopping for the night... busch league! Anyway, I drove the second part of the three part journey that day... it consisted of desert, followed by more Nevada desert, followed by MORE Nevada desert!!! It was alot of straight driving with a 75 mph speed limit!!! Rowan drove the third leg, luckily, because this was as the sun was setting and I was able to get some really cool pictures of it over the mountains in the distance!!!
We stayed in a small city called Elko, NV at a Super 8 motel... interesting is the only word I can use to describe this small "city". It had Wal-mart, and all the major stores and food chains, but it had this odd vibe to the whole place. We ate at an all you can eat chinese buffet joint, because after all the government only allows $10 per person for dinner. So it was quite the deal! It didn't really sit too well three hours later, if ya know what I mean!
Leaving Elko at 5:40am, my safety Adam, and I drove out into the dark desert, seeming to be the only none 18-wheeler on the road. I felt lucky again to have been given the chance to drive in the am meant I would be awake for the sunrise!! It was AWESOME!! Adam took some good pictures of it, but they do no justice! Trust me! Then we hit the salt flats in UT and I gave up the drivers seat.
We stopped in Salt Lake City to see the Mormon Tabernacle. It was interesting in that it's old with a lot of history and extremely gorgeous architecture. Other than that, I wasn't that interested in it, no more than the last time I saw it!
Finally, Green River UT!!! See the second photo album link to facebook for some pics of it! If you blinked on the highway, you would miss it! Luckily, we found the exit, and a carovan of former-VISTA volunteers found us wondering the streets of Green River in our 15-passenger van. I really don't know where to start about Green River. It's population is 970ish.. and with our arrival, we increased it by 1%... scary fun-fact!
Our pictures with our names under them are hung up all over town, so the people act like they already know us!! They are all very friendly! We went down to the Green River that night for a bonfire/bbq, put on by the former VISTAs. The stars at night here, especially when we got out of town, are AMAZING. Dad, I wish I could've taken a worthy picture, but it was unlike anything I can recall seeing. More stars in the sky than dark places between them (somewhat of an exaggeration, but not really!!!).
Today, Sunday, we went down to Moab, UT. The closest large town which is an hour away. It would be a really fun town to hang out in or live in, except for the lack of liquor or heavy beers. But we still had a few, and had some fun!!! We went grocery shopping, which was fun, because with 2 vegetarians, 1 vegan and 1 lactose on my team, we have chosen to go vegan for a week! We are paired into groups, for cooking and cleaning. My partner, Adam, is a very good chef and is also vegan. I'm hoping to learn alot from him over the next 5 weeks!
Yea, so tonight or tomorrow morning we find out what our jobs actually are going to be in Green River. So I'll let you know as soon as I do!!! But check out the links below for some pics!!!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Bret Harte Elementary School
Last Thursday, my team and I, went to Bret Harte Elementary School in Sacramento to do a service project. The project involved moving concrete masonry blocks to form retaining walls for the garden the school was installing. The garden, when finished, is to teach the kids at the school about plants, nature, and the importance of the environment and it's role on the production of food! The school wants to use the food produced from the garden in it's daily lunch program, so the kids eat healthier and grow up to live healthier lives!
The actual project was harder than anticipated due to the level of the ground. But we got a lot done in one day, and the garden is that much closer to completion.
For those of you who don't have facebook (ie Mom), check out the photos from the day at this link.
The actual project was harder than anticipated due to the level of the ground. But we got a lot done in one day, and the garden is that much closer to completion.
For those of you who don't have facebook (ie Mom), check out the photos from the day at this link.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Green River, Utah
Big news!!! We found out last night where we are going for our first spike (project). My team, Gold 4, has been assigned to Green River, Utah. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_River,_Utah
In this small town of about 900 people, located in eastern Utah, we will be working with the Boys and Girls Club, primarily doing after-school activities. However, the rest of our time will be devoted to bettering the town of Green River and its citizens. Possible projects could include working/managing the thrift store, demolition of dilapidated buildings, rebuilding them, or really anything else the town needs. Once again, as appropriate with NCCC ways, we are kind of going into this blindly, it feels to me that way at least. I mean, there is plenty of work to do there, it is very possible for it to change daily, however. Which is awesome, because I don't want to be doing the same thing everyday.
Green River is located approximately 14 hours from Sacramento. NCCC regulations state that a driver can only drive for 2 hours at a time, after which they must switch to another driver. After 10 hours, the team must stop and rest for the night. So what could take one long day, will be broken into two shorter days... gotta love the government!! We are planning on stopping into Salt Lake City on our way down, for a tour of some sort; which will be cool! I'm still researching the area, but so far I found that Arches National Park is really close by, for some awesome hiking and maybe camping! Also, we will be going there at the beginning of winter, so winter sports are always a possibility!
Our living accomodations will be a 4 bedroom house, with laundry and small kitchen on site. Departure date is tentatively November 4 or 5, with a return on December 14 or 15. Internet accessibility in Green River is unsure, so we'll have to see about that one later on. Other than that, information is scarce, but I'll keep you informed as I find out anything.
Also! We were assigned team jobs tonight. Each team has a bunch of positions to fill, including things like media representative, community outreach liason, and peer helper. For the most part, on my team, each person was assigned two roles. I was given VST (vehicle, safety, and tools) as my primary job, with Photographer Rep as my second. I will be trained on the positions in detail tomorrow but for the most part I already understand the responsibilities. The VST is where I take care of the van (and cargo truck later on in the year), the tools that we carry with us, ensure the proper training is given to use all tools, and that proper safety is followed at all times. And the Photographer is obvious too. I take pictures of the team throughout the year, keep records and journal entries for the pictures and help make the yearbook at the end of the 10 months!
In this small town of about 900 people, located in eastern Utah, we will be working with the Boys and Girls Club, primarily doing after-school activities. However, the rest of our time will be devoted to bettering the town of Green River and its citizens. Possible projects could include working/managing the thrift store, demolition of dilapidated buildings, rebuilding them, or really anything else the town needs. Once again, as appropriate with NCCC ways, we are kind of going into this blindly, it feels to me that way at least. I mean, there is plenty of work to do there, it is very possible for it to change daily, however. Which is awesome, because I don't want to be doing the same thing everyday.
Green River is located approximately 14 hours from Sacramento. NCCC regulations state that a driver can only drive for 2 hours at a time, after which they must switch to another driver. After 10 hours, the team must stop and rest for the night. So what could take one long day, will be broken into two shorter days... gotta love the government!! We are planning on stopping into Salt Lake City on our way down, for a tour of some sort; which will be cool! I'm still researching the area, but so far I found that Arches National Park is really close by, for some awesome hiking and maybe camping! Also, we will be going there at the beginning of winter, so winter sports are always a possibility!
Our living accomodations will be a 4 bedroom house, with laundry and small kitchen on site. Departure date is tentatively November 4 or 5, with a return on December 14 or 15. Internet accessibility in Green River is unsure, so we'll have to see about that one later on. Other than that, information is scarce, but I'll keep you informed as I find out anything.
Also! We were assigned team jobs tonight. Each team has a bunch of positions to fill, including things like media representative, community outreach liason, and peer helper. For the most part, on my team, each person was assigned two roles. I was given VST (vehicle, safety, and tools) as my primary job, with Photographer Rep as my second. I will be trained on the positions in detail tomorrow but for the most part I already understand the responsibilities. The VST is where I take care of the van (and cargo truck later on in the year), the tools that we carry with us, ensure the proper training is given to use all tools, and that proper safety is followed at all times. And the Photographer is obvious too. I take pictures of the team throughout the year, keep records and journal entries for the pictures and help make the yearbook at the end of the 10 months!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
FMT Gold 4
I found out last night that I made the fire management team. Gold 4 to be exact. There's an FMT on each color unit: Gold, Blue, Green, and Silver. My team leader is Dani. My team consists of 9 people, none of who I know from my Pod. But I think I will have fun over the next 9 months with these guys and girls. We start actual wildfire training after xmas break, so as of right now, there is no difference between an FMT and a regular team. However, after xmas break, the FMT's go into training and do smaller local projects while the other teams go on their first actual spike. Not to mention as part of the FMT, we do physical training 5 times a week, instead of the usual 4... phsyched for that!!!
Coming up... tomorrow night I move into my new room with my new roommates - people from my team. I'm not sure yet who I'm moving in with yet, but i'll keep you informed. Saturday, I do driver training, so I can "learn" to drive the cool 15 person vans!!!
Then on Monday, the gold unit (my team along with 5 or 6 other teams) head up to Camp Mendocino. It is a summer camp for the financially less fortunate kids from the San Fransisco area. The camp is located 4 hours away, in the Sequoia National Forest, about an hour from any sign of life!!! So no electronics and no cell phone service!!! YAH!!! While at the camp, we could be doing anything from cutting and splitting fire wood, clearing brush to prevent wildfires, cleaning/painting the huts or any of the buildings, building playgrounds, or teaching and playing with the kids. We will be there from Monday after noon until Thursday, I believe.
Oh and now that I have my permanent team, my address has changed slightly. However, the old address will still work. The new one will just be easier for mail to reach me.
Matthew A. Spears, Class 17 CM, Gold 4
AmeriCorps NCCC
3427 Laurel St.
McClellan, CA 95652
Coming up... tomorrow night I move into my new room with my new roommates - people from my team. I'm not sure yet who I'm moving in with yet, but i'll keep you informed. Saturday, I do driver training, so I can "learn" to drive the cool 15 person vans!!!
Then on Monday, the gold unit (my team along with 5 or 6 other teams) head up to Camp Mendocino. It is a summer camp for the financially less fortunate kids from the San Fransisco area. The camp is located 4 hours away, in the Sequoia National Forest, about an hour from any sign of life!!! So no electronics and no cell phone service!!! YAH!!! While at the camp, we could be doing anything from cutting and splitting fire wood, clearing brush to prevent wildfires, cleaning/painting the huts or any of the buildings, building playgrounds, or teaching and playing with the kids. We will be there from Monday after noon until Thursday, I believe.
Oh and now that I have my permanent team, my address has changed slightly. However, the old address will still work. The new one will just be easier for mail to reach me.
Matthew A. Spears, Class 17 CM, Gold 4
AmeriCorps NCCC
3427 Laurel St.
McClellan, CA 95652
Sunday, October 10, 2010
PAC Test
I'm proud to say that I have passed the PAC test for the FMT (Fire Management Team). The test was a 3-mile walking timed test, with a 45 pound vest on. We had to complete the test in under 45 minutes. After about the first half mile, my shin-splints were killing me.. luckily, the pain faded and I was able to complete it in 43 minutes.
Now I just wait to find out if I get chosen to be on the FMT, which I believe is done by the application I filled out; which included answering questions like why I want to be a part of the FMT, and what can I bring to the team. It could be anywhere from days, to weeks, but I'll post as soon as I find out!!!
Now I just wait to find out if I get chosen to be on the FMT, which I believe is done by the application I filled out; which included answering questions like why I want to be a part of the FMT, and what can I bring to the team. It could be anywhere from days, to weeks, but I'll post as soon as I find out!!!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Address
Fyi... my address is as follows below:
Matthew A. Spears, Class 17 CM
AmeriCorps NCCC
3427 Laurel St.
McClellan, CA 95652
Matthew A. Spears, Class 17 CM
AmeriCorps NCCC
3427 Laurel St.
McClellan, CA 95652
Two days in...
It's been only two days and I'm having an amazing time, meeting some amazing people! Alot has been paperwork, and getting ready to start training, but overall it's been a lot of fun! We have been broken up into 8 person "pods", which are temporary teams until the permanent teams are formed. Coli is my team leader, and she is a fun individual who always has a smile on her face. But I don't want to be late to something, because I'm sure she has a mean side somewhere! I have two roommates. The second, Brandon, just showed up today, so I haven't really gotten to know him yet. But Nate is fun and exciting.
Contrary to what I was told before coming, I do NOT have wireless internet anywhere on campus, except a cafe, of which I haven't checked out. So as of right now, I don't have Skype capabilities. :(
After some careful deliberation, I have decided to apply for the FMT, the "fire management team". The application was simple enough, and there is a physical test consisting of a 3 mile walk, that has to be completed in under 45 minutes with a 45 pound vest on. The FMT is on call 24-7, after getting red-card certified, to respond to wildfires in our region when called upon. When there are no fires, or our assistance is not needed in the field, the teams will be clearing brush, cutting trees, and doing community education. The teams will work along side national agencies, like the the US Forest Service and the BLM of California. There is a very good opportunity for job-placement fighting wildland fires, after the AmeriCorps if I get accepted into the FMT!
Anyway, things are really fast paced here. Barely any down time. We go from meeting, to meeting, to meeting and eat (of which we will have to start cooking for out pods starting tomorrow). We received our uniforms today. They consist of khaki type cargo shorts and pants, with t-shirts and collared shirts. They are really picky on our appearance when it comes to our uniforms, which we have to wear every day. Physical training starts Tuesday 5:30 am.. fun fun fun!!
I've been too busy to take pics, but I will eventually. Have a good night!
Contrary to what I was told before coming, I do NOT have wireless internet anywhere on campus, except a cafe, of which I haven't checked out. So as of right now, I don't have Skype capabilities. :(
After some careful deliberation, I have decided to apply for the FMT, the "fire management team". The application was simple enough, and there is a physical test consisting of a 3 mile walk, that has to be completed in under 45 minutes with a 45 pound vest on. The FMT is on call 24-7, after getting red-card certified, to respond to wildfires in our region when called upon. When there are no fires, or our assistance is not needed in the field, the teams will be clearing brush, cutting trees, and doing community education. The teams will work along side national agencies, like the the US Forest Service and the BLM of California. There is a very good opportunity for job-placement fighting wildland fires, after the AmeriCorps if I get accepted into the FMT!
Anyway, things are really fast paced here. Barely any down time. We go from meeting, to meeting, to meeting and eat (of which we will have to start cooking for out pods starting tomorrow). We received our uniforms today. They consist of khaki type cargo shorts and pants, with t-shirts and collared shirts. They are really picky on our appearance when it comes to our uniforms, which we have to wear every day. Physical training starts Tuesday 5:30 am.. fun fun fun!!
I've been too busy to take pics, but I will eventually. Have a good night!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
T - 23 days
First post... here we go! Presently, time seems to be going by pretty slow as I await information on my plane ticket to Sacramento. However, looking back, it seems like it was just yesterday that I actually finished my application and sent it in. I guess it's just perspective. So why am I doing this!? Why am I making all these sacrifices (job, family, friends, home, etc) to go spend 10 months volunteering, without the definite outcome of a job or career?
Youth.. it's wasted on the young! NOT ME! I'm only 23, theoretically have no ties to really anywhere, and I want to do what I want to do! I want to help people. I always have, ever since being a Boy Scout or a cadet on the East Granby Fire Department at 16 years old. The AmeriCorps is a great way to help Americans who need it most! Just like with the fire department, the AmeriCorps will be helping people on what they might consider their worst day, EVER. I want to make a difference, in their lives, and mine.
As for the outcome of a job or career at the end of this adventure... well, I'll be working on that as time goes by. I know where I want to end up, career-wise, not location-wise. The path to get me there is what has to be determined. All I know right now is that it is going through AmeriCorps NCCC.
Youth.. it's wasted on the young! NOT ME! I'm only 23, theoretically have no ties to really anywhere, and I want to do what I want to do! I want to help people. I always have, ever since being a Boy Scout or a cadet on the East Granby Fire Department at 16 years old. The AmeriCorps is a great way to help Americans who need it most! Just like with the fire department, the AmeriCorps will be helping people on what they might consider their worst day, EVER. I want to make a difference, in their lives, and mine.
As for the outcome of a job or career at the end of this adventure... well, I'll be working on that as time goes by. I know where I want to end up, career-wise, not location-wise. The path to get me there is what has to be determined. All I know right now is that it is going through AmeriCorps NCCC.
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