Barrett Named Sailor of the Year

SAN DIEGO/YORK—

A Fleet and Industrial Supply Center (FISC) Norfolk Sailor from York has been named Sailor of the Year (SOY) for 2009 by Commander, Fleet and Industrial Supply Centers (COMFISCS).
Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Korilyn C. Barrett (Aviation Warfare) was recognized by Rear. Adm. Mark Heinrich, COMFISCS, for her outstanding achievement as the leading petty officer for FISC Norfolk’s Logistics Support Center New London, in Groton, Conn.
“I am very proud of LS2 Barrett and congratulate her on receiving this well-deserved award,” said Heinrich. “Under her leadership, FISC Norfolk’s New London site has earned the reputation for being one of the best full service logistics centers in the Navy.”
“Winning this award is such a compliment. I have worked hard all year not for an award, but because I had goals I wanted to accomplish before I go back to sea duty at the end of 2010,” said Barrett. “I am just speechless that my efforts are recognized with such a prestigious award. Wow!”
Barrett was recognized for leading a team of 25 logistics specialists and two civilians in providing logistics support to 15 nuclear submarines and 10,000 personnel from 57 tenant commands on board Naval Submarine Base New London. Under her supervision, her team processed more than 15,000 requisitions with a 99 percent on time rate, which had a direct impact on submarine mission readiness.
“There are people I work for as well as those who work for me that I had to set a good example for and, most of all, I have to be a great role model for all three of my children,” Barrett said.
The FISC Norfolk Sailor, who received a Navy Achievement Medal in 2009 for her performance coordinating logistics services for the Italian submarine Scirè, is highly praised by her chain of command for her professionalism and management qualities.
“Petty Officer Barrett is a brilliant, hard-charging and consummate professional who epitomizes all that the Navy is looking for in leaders,” said Capt. Ruth Christopherson, FISC Norfolk’s commanding officer. “She combines that perfect blend of exceptional leadership and superior technical talent to accomplish any assignment given to her.”
Off duty, Barrett is just as committed to serving her fellow shipmates and the community. She was the driving force in developing the Groton Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions, a program which is spreading throughout the Navy. She also helped raise $18,000 through the Caring and Sharing program to feed needy Sailors and their families, and is a volunteer reader for youth at the base Child Development Center. Among other community involvement activities, she participated in the New London County Earth Day event and Multiple Sclerosis Walk-A-Thon.
“It’s amazing what a person can accomplish when you have an incredible support system—God, my family, my chain of command and my military and civilian co-workers,” said Barrett. “Cmdr. [Steven] Hartzell and Chief Logistics Specialist [Michelle] Skilbred have taught me to never be satisfied with (mediocrity) and always believe that you can do better. They have shown me that with great leadership and support, self-determination and dedication the sky is the limit.”
LS2 Barrett is the oldest of five children and daughter of Kevin and Lori Barrett of York. She is a 1999 York High School graduate and has been serving in the U.S. Navy since 2002.
Photo caption: York Native Korilyn Barrett has been named Sailor of the Year for her work in Groton, Conn. (Courtesy photo)

Children’s Musicians Celebrate The Power of Music in Children’s Lives

By Jim Kanak
Staff Columnist
SOUTH BERWICK—
Like many young mothers, South Berwick’s Sammie Haynes started to create songs to entertain her son when he was born in 1989. Little did she know at the time that her song writing would lead to a life long pursuit of children’s music. Nor did she realize that it would expose her to a nationwide network of people, many like herself, that devote themselves to creating children’s music and supporting the wide range of people that use it. That group is known as the Children’s Music Network.
“Many of us started doing children’s music when we had kids,” Haynes said. “I would sing to my son at night before bed. I started making up short, little songs. Later, when he was in school, I ‘d go to his classroom and sing.”
Eventually, Haynes produced a CD. That’s when she got involved with the Children’s Music Network, a group whose membership includes musicians, teachers, librarians, song leaders and choral directors, social workers, parents and others who care about kids’ music.
“I joined in 2005 because I had just released a second children’s CD,” Haynes said. “Someone from CMN wrote to me. She said she liked my new CD and I should become a member. I did. Soon thereafter, they had a regional gathering in Amherst, Mass. I instantly felt that I belonged to this fabulous group of people. They were very positive and welcoming. It was a wonderful experience.”
Haynes estimated that about 100 people in New England belong to the network, which has its headquarters in Evanston, Ill., near Chicago. Liz Buchanan of Massachusetts is a representative on the national board. She said the network is driven primarily by volunteers.
“There’s one staff person,” Buchanan said. “Otherwise it’s all volunteer run. People do it out of the goodness of their hearts.”
Buchanan got involved with CMN around 2000, after following a path into children’s music that paralleled Haynes.’ “I started when my kids were little,” she said. “They grew up but I kept making music.”
She said the network serves an important function. “It’s a great resource for anything related to children’s music,” she said. “It’s a national network that has great gatherings, with singing and workshops (on a variety of topics). It benefits children because it helps provide support to people who work with music and kids.”
Buchanan and Haynes have been involved recently in helping to plan the network’s regional conference, which will be on March 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Lesley University in Cambridge, Mass. The program is titled The Power of Music in Children’s Lives and features Ruth Pelham, a noted singer and songwriter from Albany, N.Y. Pelham will offer the keynote address. “Ruth is an icon in children’s music,” Buchanan said. “She’s a fabulous talent and individual.”
There will also be several workshops available to attendees, and the day will end with a CMN tradition, known as the Round Robin, where attendees have a chance to share a children’s song or musical activity with the group.
“The Round Robin is the highlight for me personally,” Haynes said. “I get all charged up to try new songs.”
That, Haynes said, is the essence of the network. “It enables people like me to get together and learn more and share more,” she said. “People come of all grades of performing and teaching. I’ve learned a lot. It’s a vital force for me.”
For more information, email Haynes at sammiekids@aol.com.

New Rules for Credit Card Companies Take Effect

WASHINGTON, D.C.—
Every Maine family with a credit card will be protected by new rules that went into effect Feb. 22, according to Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. The rules are designed to stop the worst practices of the big banks and credit companies and give consumers more control over their finances.
“These big credit card companies have been running roughshod over consumers for too long,” Pingree said. “These new rules are going to give card holders the protections they deserve.”
The rules will ban rate increases on existing balances in most cases, require 45 day advance notice of future rate increases, make it more difficult for credit card companies to charge “over the limit” fees and prohibit credit card companies from charging card holders when they pay online or over the phone.
Pingree was the first to speak on the Credit Card Holders Bill of Rights on the floor of Congress last year, saying that credit cards have become a necessity for most Americans, and at the same time the playing field has been tipped in favor of the credit card companies.
“Everywhere you turn, it seems the credit card companies have dreamed up a new fee or another clever scheme to raise your interest rate,” Pingree said. “Basic fairness has been replaced by deception and greed.”
“These days, using a credit card is like going to a Las Vegas casino—no matter how clever or responsible you are, 9 times out of 10 you’re going to lose and the company is going to win,” Pingree said. “Managing your finances shouldn’t be a gamble. The deck shouldn’t be stacked against you.”
During her speech, Pingree said the tough economy has forced more people to turn to credit cards to pay for basic necessities. “Last weekend in Maine I was talking with one of my constituents who told me a credit card is the only way she can pay her medical bills,” she said. “And last winter, with skyrocketing heating oil prices, a credit card was the only way many people in my state were able to stay warm.”
Some provisions of the bill: (more details available at www.pingree.house.gov)
Bars rate increases on existing balances unless the cardholder is at least 60 days behind in paying the bill. If a person does fall behind and the rate on past buys is increased, lenders must restore the lower rate after six months if the cardholder has paid monthly bills on time. Requires that customers receive 45 days notice before rates are increased. Prohibits over-the-limit fees unless a cardholder signs up for them in advance. Requires lenders to apply payments to highest interest-rate balances first. Requires lenders to say how much time it would take and how much money in interest would be paid if only the minimum monthly payments are made. Bans “pay-to-pay” fees, which are charged when someone pays the bill by phone or on the Internet. Requires lenders to post their credit card agreements on the Internet. Require banks to give customers a reasonable time, such as 21 days, to pay the bill before it is considered late.