Indiana National Guard Family Programs Newsletter
November 2011 Volume 6, Issue 11
EFMP Forum and Resource Fair
Indiana National Guard State Family Programs
Physical Address:
3762 W. Morris Street
Indianapolis, IN 46241
Mailing Address:
JFHQ-IN-J9
2002 S. Holt Road
Indianapolis, IN
Toll Free Phone Number
1-800-237-2850 ext. 3192
State Family Programs Director
LTC Marcus Thomas
317-247-3300 ext. 85452
Family Assistance Coordinator Belinda Ireland belinda.r.ireland@us.army.mil Cell: 317-95-7623
Family Readiness Kimberly Goodin kimberly.goodin@us.army.mil
317-247-3300 ext. 85458
State Youth Coordinators Suzanne Dagley suzanne.dagley@us.army.mil
317-247-3300 ext. 85481
Ann Medford ann.e.medford@us.army.mil
317-247-3300 ext. 85428
Web Sites
www.in.ng.mil/FamilyPrograms
www.facebook.com/ IndianaFamilyPrograms
www.jointservicessupport.org
Register TODAY!!!!!!!!!
Save the Date March 9-11 2012
State Family Program Workshop and Youth Symposium JW Marriott, Downtown Indianapolis Registration coming soon!!!!
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Presidential Proclamation -- Veterans Day, 2011
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release November 03, 2011
VETERANS DAY, 2011
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION
Today, our Nation comes together to honor our veterans and commemorate the legacy of profound service and sacrifice they have upheld in pursuit of a more perfect Union. Through their steadfast defense of America's ide- als, our service members have ensured our country still stands strong, our founding principles still shine, and nations around the world know the blessings of freedom. As we offer our sincere appreciation and respect to our veterans, to their families, to those who are still in harm's way, and to those we have laid to rest, let us rededicate ourselves to serving them as well as they have served the United States of America.
Our men and women in uniform are bearers of a proud military tradition that has been dutifully passed forward - - from generation to generation -- for more than two centuries. In times of war and peace alike, our veterans have served with courage and distinction in the face of tremendous adversity, demonstrating an unfaltering commitment to America and our people. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the country they
loved. The selflessness of our service members is unmatched, and they remind us that there are few things more fundamentally American than doing our utmost to make a difference in the lives of others.
Just as our veterans stood watch on freedom's frontier, so have they safeguarded the prosperity of our Nation in our neighborhoods, our businesses, and our homes. As teachers and engineers, doctors and parents, these patri- ots have made contributions to civilian life that serve as a testament to their dedication to the welfare of our country. We owe them a debt of honor, and it is our moral obligation to ensure they receive our support for as long as they live as proud veterans of the United States Armed Forces. This year, as our troops in Iraq complete their mission, we will honor them and all who serve by working tirelessly to give them the care, the benefits, and the opportunities they have earned.
On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to our veterans, to the fallen, and to their families. To honor their contributions to our Nation, let us strive with renewed determination to keep the promises we have made to all who have an- swered our country's call. As we fulfill our obligations to them, we keep faith with the patriots who have risked their lives to preserve our Union, and with the ideals of service and sacrifice upon which our Republic was founded.
With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation's veterans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2011, as Veterans Day. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our vet- erans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I call on all Americans, including civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, and communities to support this day with commemorative expressions and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
BARACK OBAMA
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Indianapolis Children’s Choir presents
“CELEBRATE AMERICA” FREE TICKETS TO VETERANS
WHEN: Sat. November 12, 2011 7pm
WHERE: Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Free tickets will be offered for all veterans in a concert filled with performances from our unique American heri- tage. This will be a celebration of music from coast to coast in one of the most beautiful venues in Indy – the newly renovated Indiana Landmarks Center http://www.indianalandmarks.org/indiana_landmarks_center/ pages/default.aspx
Along with songs from the Heartland, Bloomington-based Fiddle N Feet http://www.fiddlenfeet.com/ will provide their special presentation of fiddle playing and that truly American dance form – clogging!
Two choirs will be featured: Cantantes Angeli, an advanced choir conducted by ICC founder and artistic direc- tor, Henry Leck and the Indianapolis Youth Chorale, (a choir comprised of all high school students) conducted by Cheryl West. Songs include Battle Hymn of the Republic, jazz song Lullaby of Birdland, Springfield Moun- tain (an early American folk song) and Happy Together, made popular by the Turtles. Truly an eclectic mix of American music!
ICC accompanist Martin Ellis will also perform on the organ. Ellis, who performs frequently with the Indian- apolis Symphony Orchestra, will play the newly restored Thomas Sanborn & Son pipe organ, one of only two known to be still in existence.
TICKETS – On sale now
$12 in advance, $13 at the door
Veterans are FREE, but must reserve tickets
CONTACT: Laura Neidig, Marketing Director
work: 317-940-8069 cell: 317-514-9459 lneidig@icchoir.org Purchase tickets at www.icchoir.org or 317-940-9640
Or at the ICC office located in Lilly Hall, next to Clowes Hall on the campus of Butler(HOURS: Mon. – Thurs.
9am to 7pm Fri. 9am to 5pm)
~ ~ ~
In its 26th season, the Indianapolis Children’s Choir has grown to one of the largest children’s choirs in the world. Founded by Artistic Director Henry Leck, the ICC serves nearly 2,500 central Indiana children from pre- school age through high school. (The Indianapolis Youth Chorale is the choir comprised completely of high school students.) The Indianapolis Children’s Choir has performed in a wide variety of professional settings, helping set a standard of excellence in children’s choral music. The organization is comprised of 17 choirs, many which rehearse on the campus of Butler University as well as several regional locations. A non-auditioned preparatory choir program for grades 1 – 3 is offered as well. www.icchoir.org
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Financial Tip of the Week - Talking with Your Kids about Money
In some families, talking about money can be a very uncomfortable conversation. Many parents don’t know how to approach the topic of money, and some avoid it altogether. By starting the discussion early, you can make it easier to talk about this tough topic later, when your child is making larger purchases, thinking about getting a job, or beginning financial planning for college.
Every Day Steps:
Practice Smart Spending: Talk with your children about how you make spending choices based on more than
just affordability. Use language like ―We’re not going to spend our money that way because…‖ or ―It’s not a good value because…,‖ rather than just saying, ―It’s too expensive,‖ which may give the impression that you would buy it if you could afford it.
Do: Bring your kids with you to the bank. If you’re making a deposit in a savings account, talk about the impor- tance of saving ―for a rainy day.‖
Create Learning Opportunities: If you’re refinancing your mortgage, you have an opportunity discuss the con- cept of interest and the importance of paying off loan balances quickly. When you’re taking out a car loan, talk about how loans allow you to pay for things that you don’t have the money for, but you end up paying more in the long run.
Honesty as the Best Policy: If you are facing financial difficulty, be honest with your children. You don’t need to worry them with all the details, but it is helpful for them to learn that money isn’t magical — it doesn’t just ap- pear when you need it.
Stress Wants vs. Needs: Many kids — especially young ones — have difficulty differentiating between wants and needs. When your child says she ―needs‖ something, ask if she really needs it, or if she just wants it. Make sure your child understands the difference, and start paying attention to what you’re saying and the example you’re setting — for example, do you really need an expensive cup of coffee to get you through the morning?
Keep an Open Dialogue: When you’re out shopping, talk with your kids about why you make the purchases you do. Are you influenced by advertising? Pricing? The quality of the product? How do you choose one product over another? Help your child start thinking carefully about making purchases.
Highlight the Positive: Many financially savvy practices, such as buying secondhand, donating old clothes to a thrift store, and reusing and recycling goods, are also good for the environment. Point out that not only are you saving money by doing these things, but you’re also taking action to help preserve the environment.
Cynthia
Cynthia Gatto l IN MOS Joint Family Support Assistance Program Consultant
Employment Coordination Program
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White House Request - Children Holiday Cards
The First Lady is asking military children from around the globe for some personal contributions to the finish- ing touches on the White House decorations this holi- day season. The request is for military children to sub- mit 5x8" handmade holiday cards with words of appre- ciation for their military parents, as well as pictures and drawings. The White House will display as many of the cards as possible.
Participants are asked to send holiday cards to the fol- lowing address along with information from where they are sending it by November 16, 2011:
Reservation 1
Attn: Social Office
PO Box 8070
Washington DC, 20032
Please spread the word to your units, Family Readiness Centers, and whatever means you can think of to best advertise this opportunity for military children to ex- press love, admiration and appreciation for their military parents this holiday season.
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Hoosier Youth Challenge Open Enrollment
The Hoosier Youth Challenge Acad- emy is currently accepting enrollment applications for its next class which starts 14 JAN 2012.
If you have or know any 16-18 year old at risk teens who have dropped out of High school, been expelled, or who are just struggling to keep up the Hoosier Youth Challenge academy can assist them in becoming successful young adults.
The academy is a 5.5 month voluntary in residence course followed by a 12 month mentorship period that provides life coping skills, academic instruction towards GED testing, and quasi-military discipline to foster a more confident and success based attitude in becoming a productive citizen in the community.
If someone you know can use this pro- gram do not hesitate to contact MSG Kelly at (812)725-2745 or via e-mail at tony.kelly@us.army.mil
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The average American spends more than $1,000 during the holiday season. And much of that spending is on credit cards, which means that many people face big bills in the New Year. The key to keeping holiday spending under control is budgeting. Below you'll find tips for setting and sticking with a holiday budget.
Setting a holiday budget
The first step in getting control of holiday expenses is deciding exactly how much you can spend. There are four main areas in which most people spend: gifts, entertaining, travel, and decorating. And each of these areas comes with hidden expenses. For example, gift-giving costs much more than the price of each gift. You also have to consider the cost of wrapping and shipping gifts.
Making a gift list
Take the time to make a list of everyone for whom you'd like to buy gifts. Include teachers, the mailman, co -workers, news- paper delivery people, and anyone else you usually end up giving something to. Then consider your list. Are there people who could get a card rather than a gift? Then, set a price limit on each gift. For example, you might decide that you'll set a
$30 limit on immediate family members, $20 on children in your family, and $10 on acquaintances like co-workers or teachers. Don't forget to add in the cost of wrapping paper and shipping -- including shipping costs from a catalogue or Web site to you, and from you to the recipient.
Entertainment costs
Many people forget to factor in the cost of holiday entertaining. Even if you aren't having a party, providing snacks for neighbors or friends who drop by and serving the holiday meal can be expensive. Try to think of ways in which you can cut back in this category. For example, consider inviting friends and neighbors over for a cookie swap rather than baking batches to give away. Or ask family members to contribute a dish to your holiday meal instead of supplying all the food yourself.
Travel costs
If you'll be traveling during the holidays, even if it's by car, be sure to include these costs in your budget. The tips in t he next section of this article can help you trim your travel expenses.
Decorating costs
Estimate how much you'll spend on holiday decorations. This is often an easy area to cut back in. Think about what you did last year and determine whether you can reuse any decorations. You'll find more tips below for saving money on decora- tions.
Adding it all up
Finally, add up the estimates from all four areas. If the total amount is more than you can afford, go back to your lists and
the tips in this article to see where you can cut back. Ideally you'll have done this early enough in the year so you can slo wly set aside money to cover your holiday expenses or shop for reasonably priced gifts throughout the year. But if you haven't, you can look for even more ways to trim your holiday budget while cutting back your regular expenses and putting money away for the holidays.
Once you've reached a reasonable budget limit, you need to commit to sticking to it. The tips below can help.
Ways to spend less
Many people blow their holiday budgets because they get carried away by the excitement and spirit of the season. It's im- portant to remember that you can still have a joyous holiday season without going over your budget. Try to focus on the true spirit of the season rather than the more commercial aspects. Also, try to avoid feeling pressure to give expensive gifts. The best gifts are those chosen with an eye toward what's personal and meaningful to the recipient. These kinds of gifts don't have to cost a lot.
Here are some more ways to save money during the holidays:
Set expectations with friends and family. If you're worried about your finances this holiday season, talk about it with friends and family. Let them know if you'll be cutting back on the number of gifts or how much you plan to spend.
This is especially important for children, who often have unrealistic expectations about gifts and don't fully understand the cost factors. Also consider price-limited charitable donations in the family's name.
Look for ways to cut back on the number of gifts you buy. There are many ways to shorten your gift list. If you have a large family or group of friends, ask if they'd like to draw names out of a hat and give one gift per person. Or give family gifts, such as a board game, a "movie night" with gift certificates to a video rental store and snacks, or a pass to
a local museum rather than individual gifts.
Consider homemade gifts. There are many heartfelt, thoughtful gifts that don't come with a sales receipt. You could cook some treats; put together a photo album; make a themed gift basket full of smaller items, like tea, paperback books, or gardening tools; or give the gift of your time by making homemade coupons or certificates.
Make a shopping plan. Don't head out to the mall without a specific list of gift ideas. This is how you end up spending more than you budgeted for. Look through catalogues or on Internet sites for ideas and develop a list before you even step foot in a store.
Look for bargains. Take the time to look for ways to save money on gifts. Try to buy several things from one catalogue or Internet site to save money on shipping, or better yet, look for sites that offer free shipping. Comparison shop using the fl i- ers that come in the weekend papers to find the best deal around or use sites like Google Product Search at www.google.com/prdhp or PriceGrabber at www.pricegrabber.com. Consider buying gifts on sites like eBay at www.ebay.com or at Overstock.com at www.overstock.com, both of which offer many new, high-quality items at discount prices.
Be sure to use your Exchange. In addition to the usual tax savings and price-matching benefit, you'll find special holiday discounts.
Cut back on mailing expenses. If you always send boxes of gifts or holiday cards to loved ones far away, think of ways to save on or eliminate shipping costs this year. Buy magazine subscriptions or send online gift certificates instead of shipping gifts. Send holiday postcards or even e-cards instead of regular cards. If you've already bought cards, cross some names off your list and save the leftovers for next year. And be sure to mail things early so you don't have to pay extra for fast shipping.
Make careful travel plans. If your holiday plans include a trip, be sure to investigate all of your options as early as possible.
For example, could you drive instead of fly? Stay with a friend or relative instead of in a hotel room? Make do without a rental car? If you need to travel by air, be sure to spend time looking for the lowest price ticket. If possible, be flexi- ble about dates. You could save a lot of money by flying immediately after the holidays rather than before.
Keep it simple. Focus on enjoying the simple pleasures of the holiday season, like spending time with friends and family or taking a walk to see the holiday decorations in your neighborhood. These kinds of activities often capture the spirit of the season better than expensive gifts or elaborate celebrations.
Use your credit card wisely. Finally, be very careful about using your credit card to pay for holiday expenses. Don't use your card unless you know you can pay if off right away. If possible use a card that you're not already carrying a bal- ance and making payments on. Remember, buying a sweater on sale with a credit card and making monthly payments could change the sale price to double the price. You don't want to start the New Year off with an oversized credit card bill.
Other resources Your military support services
Each service branch sponsors information and support programs for service members and their families. You can call or visit any installation Army Community Service Center, Marine Corps Community Services, Fleet and Family Support Cen-ter, or Airman and Family Readiness Center regardless of your branch affiliation.
If you aren't near an installation, National Guard Family Assistance Centers are available in every state. The Local Commu- nity Resource Finder on the National Guard Family Program at www.jointservicessupport.org will identify your closest center.
Cynthia Gatto l IN MOS Joint Family Support Assistance Program Consultant l cynthia.gatto@militaryonesource.com l
317.432.5538
The winter holidays can be stressful for anyone, but when your loved one is deployed, they can be especially difficult. You may experience a range of emotions, from worry to loneliness -- even anger and disappointment. The holidays may magnify those feelings, but they can also be a time to strengthen your emotional commitment to your service member and your fam- ily.
Plan ahead for the holidays
If possible, sit down with your deployed service member before your separation to talk about how you will mark the holi- days. If you are already apart, discuss your plans through letters, e-mail, or telephone calls.
Get an early start with gifts and cards. Depending on where your loved one is stationed, it can take a week or more for a package to arrive from the U.S. Give yourself plenty of time to make or purchase and send your gift so your service member will receive it in time for the holiday. If you have children, ask them to write their gift lists early to avoid last - minute purchases that may put you over your budget.
Record a holiday message. Borrow a video camera or tape recorder if you don't have one, and record yourself and other family members wishing the service member a happy holiday season. Do this far enough in advance so your loved one receives it in time for the holiday. Include a "Do not open until . . ." note on the package asking your service member
to wait until the day of the holiday to view or listen to the recording.
Take lots of pictures. Take pictures of you and your family decorating for the holidays, celebrating, and on the holiday itself, opening gifts. Send these to your service member so he or she will feel included in the festivities.
Be flexible with phone calls. Calls home are unpredictable, so it's best not to count on a phone call from your service mem- ber on the holiday itself. You might want to aim for a call during the week of the holiday instead.
Surround yourself with people
Look for opportunities to be with family and friends. Get together with others who are in your situation. Being with others who are going through the same thing helps prevent loneliness.
Plan to attend holiday events for families of deployed service members. You can find out about these by checking with your installation's family support center.
If you have school-age children, attend holiday school events. Volunteer to help your children's teachers. Even if you aren't able to attend the event, you can bake or help make decorations.
Help organize a holiday party or potluck for families in your loved one's command. This will help keep your mind off your loneliness and you will be comforted to be with others who are going through the same thing.
Visit friends or family on the holiday. If you live far away and funds are tight, ask those who would normally give you a
gift to chip in for an airline ticket instead. If you prefer to stay home, invite family or friends to spend the holiday with you.
Volunteer for a good cause. Collect coats for the needy; help stock shelves at the food pantry; serve a meal at a homeless shelter. Helping others less fortunate than you will keep you busy and will remind you of all you have. Ask your fam- ily support center staff about volunteer opportunities in your area.
Reduce holiday stress
It's easy to get caught up in all you have to do during this time of year, especially if you have always shared the work with your deployed service member. Tell yourself you don't have to do everything. It's more important to take time out to enjoy the season.
Find ways to have fun. Drive or walk with your family or friends to see the holiday decorations. Give yourself time for activities that make you feel good. Go swimming, sledding, ice skating, or skiing. Go on a nature walk or start a new project.
Get plenty of rest and exercise. Remember to take care of yourself and keep your energy level high by eating well, staying active, and getting enough sleep.
Prioritize. Make a list of all the things you need to do and decide which ones are the most important. Do those first. Then i f you have time, start on the others. You may not have time for everything on the list, but if you get the important things out of the way, the rest probably won't matter.
Ask for help. Many people in your life will want to help you during this time, but may not know what you need. Let people know exactly how they can support you. If hanging your holiday lights seems more than you can manage, ask a neighbor for a hand. If you have small children and need time alone to shop for gifts or just decompress, a friend may be glad to babysit. The support of friends, family, and others will not only lighten your load, but will help you feel less alone.
Be realistic about what to expect
As the family member of a deployed service member, it's important to be flexible, especially during the holidays. Here are some ways to do that:
Accept that this holiday season will be different. It's easy to fall into the trap of expecting everything to be perfect, especially around the holidays.
Do something you wouldn't ordinarily do. Instead of celebrating the holiday the way you have in years past, make an effort to keep busy in a memorable way. If you have always stayed home on the holiday, this year go to the movies, spend time with friends or relatives, or visit a museum that's open on the holiday.
Keep holiday decorations up until your loved one returns, if it makes you feel better. Or take them down and put them back up when your loved one returns. Some families celebrate the holidays twice: once on the actual dates, and again
when their deployed service member returns home. However, be aware that leaving decorations up long after the holiday has passed may be an unpleasant reminder of your separation and may make it more difficult to accept your situation.
Prepare yourself for a post-holiday letdown. Getting through the holidays may not be as difficult as you thought, especially if you keep busy and surround yourself with loved ones. Once it's over and things go back to normal, you may find it difficult to get on with day-to-day life. Prepare yourself for this possibility by keeping your support system in place in January and beyond.
Resources
Your military support services
Each service branch sponsors information and support programs for service members and their families. You can call or visit any installation Army Community Service Center, Marine Corps Community Services, Fleet and Family Support Center, or Airman and Family Readiness Center regardless of your branch affiliation.
If you aren't near an installation, National Guard Family Assistance Centers are available in every state. The Local Community Resource Finder on the National Guard Family Program at www.jointservicessupport.org will identify your closest center.
Military OneSource
This free 24-hour service is available to all active duty, Guard, and Reserve members (regardless of activation status) and
their families. Consultants provide information and make referrals on a wide range of issues, including those related to holi- day stress. Free face-to-face counseling sessions (and their equivalent by phone or online) are also available. Call 1-800-342-9647 or go to www.MilitaryOneSource.com to learn more.
Cynthia
Cynthia Gatto l IN MOS Joint Family Support Assistance Program Consultant l cynthia.gatto@militaryonesource.com l
317.432.5538
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