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.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2096724&id=45404814&l=ba9fd5ac99

 

 

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!

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

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!!!

Address

Fyi... my address is as follows below:

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!