Galveston Trip

Hello Everyone!
I hope everyone is doing well. Last Friday my team had the opportunity to travel to Galveston, TX, in order to gain a better understanding of the work we are doing with FEMA. I was very excited for this trip. Not only would I gain a better understanding about the work I have been doing, but because last year I wrote a thesis paper on the 1900 Galveston Hurricane. This was a great opportunity for me to see the history I wrote about in my paper.
We left very early Friday morning and arrived in Galveston at 11am. It was a four and a half hour trip. Our first stop was Port Bolivar, the area hardest hit by the storm. Everything in Port Bolivar lay in ruin; roofs were scattered across fields, house pilings were broken in two, cars were scattered through out the landscape, trash was everywhere, and the roads were still covered in sand. We met up with another NCCC and drove down to Crystal Beach, what used to be a tourist hot spot. It was my third time seeing destruction like that but it still took me off guard. We had about a half hour to walk around and see the rubble. I just walked off by myself and took a few pictures; for the most part I just took it all in. I still can’t comprehend how a hurricane can be so powerful.
We took a ferry over to Port Bolivar and on the way over and back there were dolphins in the water. It was my first time seeing on in its natural habitat. It was also the first time my teammate, Leah, road on a boat. That was a fun time for our team.
After Port Bolivar we went to a DRC (Direct Recovery Center). When I worked in PPI this was one of the places we sent people to in order to get some assistance from FEMA. It was nice to see the place where we sent hundreds of people.
We then went to Camp Tarmac. It is a major campsite on a runway in Galveston. Initially after the storm it was used to house refugees and now it is used to house Americorps NCCC members and other volunteers. It was nice to see our friends and it gave my team a greater appreciation for our nice hotel accommodations.
Our last destination was the one I was most looking foreword to. We went to the sea wall. This wall was build after the 1900 storm and I devoted a major section of my paper to it. This wall that was build over 100 years ago stood strong through out the storm and protected the city behind it. (Most of the devastation occurred where there was no wall) We spent about twenty minutes walking the beach and the wall. I was very impressed by it.
Overall the trip was a huge success. Other teams that went to Galveston did not have a good time. Going last gave my team an advantage because we had ample time to plan for it. Also I was able to give a lot of insight on the history of the island because I spent so much time researching the Island. I am hoping that I will have the opportunity to spend more time in Galveston, maybe helping with the rebuilding effort. Only time will tell.
This is our last week of work and things are defiantly winding down. There isn’t much work to do so a lot of our time is spent preparing for our trip home and planning out our last nights in Austin.
I will check in soon. Hopefully before I leave on Dec 17th.

Happy Thanksgiving!!! Sorry I missed everyone this holiday but I think I got to talk to most of you.  My team and I had 4 and 1/2 days off for Thanksgiving, a much needed break from FEMA.  We had our team dinner on Wednesday night because some of my teammates weren't going to be around on Thursday.  It was a delicious meal but didn't come close to a home made meal.  On Thanksgiving Day I ran a 5 mile Turkey Trot.  I ran through downtown Austin with 12,000 other runners.  I had such a good time.  My time was 43.44, not bad considering I haven't run/trained much since I've been in Austin (It's hard to go for a run when working 10 hr days).  It was a little unusual not being home for Thanksgiving but talking to everyone made me feel less home sick.  I spent the rest of the weekend exploring Austin.  Yesterday I went to the Austin History Museum.  Let me tell you...Texans are passionate about their self identify as the Lone Star State.  Today I get to watch the Patriots game, and I am excited because I missed last weeks game.  I have been able to watch the BC games and they have been exciting.  I'm hoping for an ACC championship next week.  I will be going to Galveston this Friday for a day trip.  It will be interesting to see all the devastation.  I'll check in soon.  

Austin Update

Hello All!
Sorry it has been so long since I have updated my blog, I have been having issues with my internet at the hotel. Things are going well here in Austin, Tx. I spent the last three weeks working in the PPI department. I was calling applicants in the disaster area and inquiring about their housing situations. I have to say that the majority of the people I talked to were in good spirits and were very grateful for all the help FEMA has provided. There were a few people that disliked FEMA and felt obligated to share there feelings with me. I had the privilege of talking to one woman who strongly disliked Americorps (I enjoyed hanging up on her). I have met a lot of amazing people that work here. Most the people that I work with aren’t from Austin. They are deployed to the JFO for the disaster and remain there for months at a time. Most people here are extremely grateful for Americorps help. They all chip in weekly to provide snacks for us and occasionally cooked hot lunches for us. I sat next to a man named Jim and he is from North Carolina. He was a great help when I was trying to get accustomed to work. He had a lot of great advice about the area and he is writing up some BBQ tips for me.
Last week I was moved from the PPI department to the IA department. I am now working in the RRPP program (Rental repair Pilot Program). It is an experimental program that FEMA is experimenting with. I like it a lot better than PPI because I get to use more creativity because it is a new program. My supervisor is a young guy who got his masters from BU. Together we have come up with a lot of great ideas to make the program better. He has also given me a lot of great information about future FEMA employment. (I might apply for a FEMA job after Americorps).
There isn’t much life outside of work. My days off are spent recuperating from a long work week. I have gone out downtown a few times. Austin has so much live music I like it a lot. Saturday night I went to a Country Bar. In the middle of the bar was a huge dance floor and a lot of people were out dancing. I danced a few times but its a little harder dancing to country music. There are a lot of steps and spinning involved. I had a fun time and I hope to go back. I hope to see more of the city this week. I have a ½ day Wednesday and I am off until Monday the next week. I am running a Turkey Trot downtown on Thanksgiving; it should be interesting seeing that I haven’t been running.
I hope everyone is doing well, and I will be home in les than a month!

AUSTIN!!!!

Greetings from Austin!!!  My team and I arrived safely on Tuesday night.  We left Denver Monday morning and stayed the night in Amerillo, Tx.  All together the trip was 17 hours.  I enjoyed looking at new landscape, the flat plains and farmland is very different from the New England hills and pine trees.  

I am working with FEMA in the JFO (Joint Field Office).  Basically when a state declares a state of emergency FEMA creates a headquarters in the capital of that state.  After hurricane Ike Texas declared a state of emergency and FEMA set up shop in a vacant JCPenny building.  I will be working in the JFO for the next 6 weeks in the PPI (pre placement interview) department.  My job is to contact people in the disaster area and ask them about there housing situation and offer them FEMA aid.  It isn't the job I would of picked for myself but I do like knowing I am helping someone get a roof over their head.  Because Texas is still in a "disaster' state I will be working 60hr weeks.  (I work with people that work 7-7 7 days a week, they get a day off every two weeks)  I am hoping that the majority of my calls are to people that have already received some aid (the storm happened two months ago) and may or may not need more assistance.  

My team is staying in an extended stay hotel.  Bill is my roomie and we share a room with a king size bed, a pull out couch, 2 tv's and a mini kitchen.  I got the bed because I am older than Bill...gotta love seniority.  The team is optimistic about the work and we are all very excited to be in Austin.  Last night I had the chance to explore 6th street and see a couple live bands.  

I will try to keep you all updated what's going on even if it isn't exciting.  I hope all is well and I will check in soon!!!

Hey!

Today I officially became a member of Americorps NCCC class XV.  We had an induction ceremony and I was given a certificate.  I am getting a little more excited about Austin because it is a fun and young city.  I'll put up with the office work and hopefully join a Habitat build on weekends.  I am also going to try to volunteer on an ambulance corps once or twice a week (I had to get permission from the Unit Leader, and he was very supportive of my goals)  I just got back from downtown Denver, I went in to watch the BC game but didn't have much luck finding it.  Tomorrow I will finish packing and then we leave Monday morning.  Take care and GO PATS!!!!

Final Destination

Hey! I just found out where I will be for the next two months.  My team will be staying in Austin Texas.  We are going to be working in the FEMA office working in rental resources.  (It sounds like a cubicle job)  We will be living in an extended stay hotel.  I am excited to go on my first service trip but I am disappointed that I will be stuck in an office, I joined Americorps because I wanted to do manual labor.  It is only the first trip, I will have 3 other opportunities to do the work I want to do.  Hope everyone is doing well!

Week 3

Hey everyone!

Sorry it took me so long to update you on what's going on in Denver.  It has been a crazy weekend!  On Friday I was put in my permanent team and given my assignment.  I am in Sun 2 and my team leader is Nichole, and she was the leader I wanted.  Next Monday (Nov. 3rd) my team is leaving for Austin, Texas along with 14 other teams from the Denver campus.  We will meet up with 16 other teams from the Sacramento campus.  We are going to be training with FEMA for the first week and then sent out to our final location (I have no idea where that will be for me).  All I know about my job is that it involves disaster response.  The job isn't what it sounds like.  I will most likely be working in a FEMA call center answering phones, working in a FEMA warehouse distributing supplies, or working a FEMA shelter.  There is a small chance I could be working construction, but it's a very small chance.  This 6 week trip will be very trying for me because I joined Americorps to do physical labor, not office work.  I was told in training today to put myself last and to look at the big picture and that every little job effects the entire disaster response.  Well see how it goes.

My team is great.  As I mentioned above Nichole is my team leader and she has a great personality (I compare her to the cool Aunt).  I had a feeling I was going to be put in her group because she is a first time team leader and I have a lot of leadership experience to offer incase she gets stuck in a sticky situation.  My teammates are great, everyone has a different personality but we work together well.  Yesterday we went as a team to a ropes course at the Air Force Academy.  My team completed all the challenges and a few people left their comfort zone and completed tasks they had no idea they could do.  For example, Becky, climbed a 20 foot wall even though she is afraid of heights.  It was also great to see my teammates assist other teammates with tasks they had difficulty with.  

This morning we assigned team roles.  I am the equipment manager.  My job is to take inventory of our tools and keep them in working condition.  I am also in charge of the van, checking the fluid levels, tire pressure, etc.  I am also in charge of safety, making sure the work site is clear of all dangers.  Lastly I am the emergency care giver in case of emergency.  I don't know how much my role will come into play on disaster...we will just have to wait and see.

Lastly before I forget, on Saturday my team volunteered at a gorilla race.  A gorilla race is a 5k road race where the participants wear gorilla suits and all the proceeds go to saving the silver back gorilla.  It was a great time.  A lot of the participants dresses up in a costume on top of their gorilla suit.  My favorite was a lady wearing a Tom Brady jersey and a ace bandage on her left knee.  There were also a newlywed couple wearing a wedding dress and tux.  I think a group of individuals won best group costume wearing prom dress.  Over 700 people participated in this race and that broke the world record for participants in a gorilla race.  I am thinking about running in it next year.  There  were too many volunteers so my team just ended up watching the race and getting to know each other.  It was sponsored by Wynkoop Brewery, which has a great atmosphere and it located in a great part of town, the LoDo District.  I ended up taking the train into Denver Sat night with a few of my friends and we had dinner there, it was delicious.  

I will learn more about my project as the week goes on and I will be sure to keep everyone up to date.  I hope everyone is doing well.

Weekend Fun

Hello Everyone!!!!!

This weekend was very busy for me.  The entire Corps left campus at 6:15am (it was still dark!) and headed to Denver City Park.  We teamed up with the VOC (Volunteer Outdoor Colorado) and 700 other volunteers to make a 5K running path through the park.  The purpose of creating a running path was to get people to use the city park.  It was the job of the corp members  to manage a group of 10 volunteers and help them build 20 feet of the path.  I was looking forward to leading a group until I found out that my team was in charge of handing out water to all the volunteers.  I did not want to be a glorified water-boy, but I have to be flexible and willing to do the job given to me.  I got lucky when a group of volunteers didn't show up and I was put in a group of other corp members and instructed to work on the trail.  

The trail is made up of pressure grinds, a by product produced when crushing large rocks into gravel.  I just think it's glorified dirt.  There were piles of this pressure grinds about every 10-15 feet on the trail and it was the job of the volunteers to evenly spread it out about 3 inches thick then pack it down and then add another layer and pack it down.  After 3-4 layers a top layer was applied raised in the middle in order for the water to drain to the side.  It was simple work, but it was very tiring.  At noon everyone finished working and went to the center of the park for a free lunch and some live music.  The entire path was finished in 4 hours with the help of 700 volunteers.  It was a major project that was organized perfectly.  The mayor spoke and thanked the volunteers after lunch then we all walked the path for the first time afterwards.  It was a great day.

Sunday was supposed to be my day off but I decided it would be a good day to start working on my independent service hours (I have to do 80).  Earlier in the week I worked at the Denver Indian Center and I started a relationship with the owner, Jay.  I arranged for him to open the center on Sunday in order for me and 18 other corp members to do some work around the center.  It was a lot of fun, he gave me a list of 5 tasks that needed to be completed and put me in charge of getting everything done.  I broke up the group into 5 sections and gave each group a task on the list.  I spent the rest of the day going between groups making sure they had no questions and getting them supplies if they needed them.  The list was completed in 4 hours and Jay was very grateful that we helped out.  Afterwards I asked a few of my friends how I was as the leader and they all said I did a wonderful job and didn't think I should of done anything differently.  That was good for me to hear because I am used to working hard not delegating.  It is also good that I have such a good working relationship with Jay because he is a good contact to have in order for me to get some of my ISP hours done in Denver.  I have set up a few opportunities for others to go back this week to work in the after school program.

Ok my internet time is up for tonight.  Take care!!

Week 2

Hey Everyone!

First off I want to apologize about the pictures, the Arizona pictures aren't mine and it might be awhile until I can post pictures.  That being said week 2 is well underway, a teammate told me that today was Thursday and I had to check my phone because I didn't believe him.

Sunday I went to the Bronco's vs. Jacksonville game!  It was awesome even though it was raining.  Mile High Stadium is an amazing place (I would know because I was sitting at the top and could see the entire stadium). The atmosphere was great!  A lot of Bronco's cheers and pyrotechnics.  Jacksonville won by a touchdown.

On Monday and Tuesday I had meetings/lectures about safety and tomorrow I have to sit through a CPR and First Aid class even though I am a certified EMT.  The classes are a little dry but I can see their importance.

Yesterday, Wednesday, I got a break from the meetings.  My team went to the Denver Indian Community Center.  It is a meeting place for the various Native American tribes in the area.  It is in an old elementary school then needs a lot of repairs.  The leader or the group is a Navajo named Jay.  He is a great guy and has a lot of ideas to improve the center.  Over the years many toys and beauty products have been donated to the center and they were put in storage in the stage along with old paperwork.  Jay wanted to clear off the stage and donate the toys and other products.  He wants to use the stage for battle of the bands, plays, and other activities that will bring the community together.  My team of 11 people cleared the stage off in 4 hours.  That included over 2,000 boxes of hand cream that were stored above the stage.  I came up with the idea to use an old carpet as a slide in order to transport the boxes to the ground instead of carrying them down one by one.  Earlier in the week Jay had arranged for various nursing homes to come by and pick up the lotion.  He is very good at what he does.  The rest of the day was spend sorting old paperwork and removing paperclips and other things in order for the paper to be shredded.  I am required to do 80 hrs of independent service on top of my regular volunteer work.  This Sunday I am going back to the center to help Jay out with some painting.

I have made a lot of friends so far.  Matt my roommate is from LA and we are the same person except we hale from different coast.  Leeann is from Jersey and she played soccer at Iona College.  We talk a lot about how we miss college athletics.  Nichole is from Michigan, Leah is from Arizona, Monica is from Virginia, Peter is from Georgia, Kate is from Florida, and Mike is from the Bronx.  We are switching teams every 5 days and our group keeps growing.  It is so nice to meet people from all over the country and I get a kick out of making fun of their various accents.  

Ok Dinner is calling my name, it won't be as good as mom's cooking, but it will have to do. Take care and I miss you all!

DENVER!!!!!

Hey Everyone!

I finally got some free time to sit down and update you on what's going on.  

I didn't have any problems flying out here other than the fact that the plane was crowded (every seat was occupied).  There were about 12 people on my flight that were joining Americorps with me so I started making new friends on the tar mat in Boston.  Landing in Denver was amazing!! The view out my left window was of flat farm land and the view out my right window was of the rockies...Two extremes!  I had no problem finding the Americorps leaders and 45 mins later I arrived in Englewood.  That is the town where my campus is located.  

Americorps NCCC central region campus is located at Teikyo Loretta Heights University.  It is a College/ High School for foreign students.  It was once a Catholic Woman's College.  Loretta Heights it the highest point of Denver, about 2 miles high.  I have a spectacular view of the rockies from the dining hall.   

My roommate's name is Matt and he is from LA.  We get along great except for the fact that he is a Chargers fan.  

On arrival day we were put into 1 of 4 units, Fire, Earth, Water, and Sun (I know it sounds like Captain Planet).  I am in the Sun Unit with 59 other people.  Within my unit there are 6 teams.  For the first couple weeks of training the teams change weekly in order for everyone to get to know one another.  I started out in team 6 and made a lot of friends and this morning I was put in group 4.  At the end of training we will be put in our permanent teams for the remainder of our service.  So far everyone is nice.

Day 1 consisted of an introduction to Americorps by the Head of our Campus.  After that we had some team building activities.  My team played 2 truths and a lie.  After that we received our uniforms.  They are comfortable, but I am told it will shrink.  

On Day 2 my unit had driver training.  We watched 2 hours of video's about driving vans and then we each had to take an hour driving test with a unit leader.  I passed with flying colors (Thanks to Charles River, we drove the same vans).  During the training we drove through Denver and into the Rockies.  We ate lunch at a place called Red Rock Theater.  It was beautiful (I hope to post pictures soon). 

On Day 3 my unit had to go over the Member Handbook.  That took 4 hours and was very boring!  Afterwards we went into Denver and had a few hours to walk around and see the sights.  It's weird to be in a city that is organized on a grid system, unlike Boston.  I think I am going back this weekend to spend a day getting aquatinted with the city.

Today, Day 4, my unit had our physicals and drug tests.  I passed both (Don't worry Mom!).  I need to get going to my next meeting, I think its about Residence life...some people don't know how to live in a dorm.  

I hope everyone is well and I will post again soon.  I miss you all very much!!

Arrival

Hey Everyone!

I arrived safely yesterday around noon my time.  My roommate is named Matt and is from Southern California.  He is really nice and we have a lot of things in common.  There is little access to the internet right now but I am told that we will be able to use the computer lab soon.  I will have a more detailed post then.  I hope all is well and I miss you all.

First Post

Hey All!

I wanted to create a blog in order to stay in touch with everyone while I'm in Americorps NCCC.  I am leaving first thing tomorrow morning and I expect to be in Denver by 10 a.m. central time.  I plan on updating this blog throughout my 10 months of service to let everyone know what I'm doing and where I am.  If anyone is interested my address in Denver is : 

Dan O'Hara - Class 15

Americorps NCCC

3001 S. Federal Blvd.

Walsh Hall, Rm 136

Denver, Co 80236

I will miss you all very much and I look forward seeing everyone at Christmas.