Home for the Holidays -new time

                                            Don't forget to attend!

                                             Tuesday, January 7, 2014
 

You must RSVP to attend-if you had planned to attend the previous cancelled reception you must re-RSVP.  

                                     If you have a question please write FLOaskUT@state.gov

Expanded Professional Associates Program (EPAP)

The 2014 Open Season of the Expanded Professional Associates Program will begin in January 2014

EPAP provides 186 professional level Foreign Service full-time positions, funded centrally, primarily by the Department of State and some through ICASS, to AEFMs serving overseas.

EPAP positions are available in Political, Economic, Public Affairs, Management, Financial Management, General Services, Human Resources, Information Management, Office Management or Medical (physician or nurse) areas. Grades range from FP-07 to FP-04.

Details on how to register for the Business Writing Test and submit an application will be released in January 2014. 

FLO recommends the following actions prospective candidates should take now to prepare for the Open Season:

• For those prospective candidates who will take the test overseas, find out the name and email address of the Human Resources Officer or other U.S. citizen designated at post who will be responsible for proctoring the exam. You will need this information when you register for the exam.
• Create or update a USAJobs Resume. Include all relevant work experience you wish to be considered. You will have to first create an account and then create a resume at https://www.usajobs.gov/.
• Request your college/university transcripts.
• If you have Foreign Education credentials, request evaluation of your credentials through an organization that provides this service.
• Secure a copy of your sponsoring employee’s assignment cable/notification.

For additional information on the application procedure or the program, please see FLO’s website: www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/c41174.htm or contact FLOaskEPAP@state.gov.

Kids, Trying to Track Down Santa?

NORAD Can Help!

NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) conducts a special mission on Dec. 24 – tracking Santa across the globe! 

Live updates are provided through the NORAD Tracks Santa Web site (in eight languages), over telephone lines, by e-mail, and through social media to keep curious children and their families informed about Santa’s whereabouts and if it’s time to get to bed. 



Use the links below to track Santa:

Website: www.NORADSANTA.org 

YouTube: www.youtube.com/noradsanta

Google+: https://plus.google.com/

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/noradsanta

Twitter: www.twitter.com/noradsanta #NORADSANTA; @NORADSANTA

NTS Apps – available for Android, iPhone & Windows phones & tablets 

OnStar – available Dec. 24 to OnStar subscribers to ask Santa’s location

NEW DATE AND TIME FOR

DIPLOMACY AT HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

in honor of

UNACCOMPANIED TOUR FAMILY MEMBERS

The Secretary of State and Mrs. Heinz Kerry

request the pleasure of your company at a Reception

on Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Contact FLOAskUT@state.gov to be included in this special event.

We must hear from you no later than COB December 6, 2013to ensure a spot at this event.

This event is by invitation only. 

For security reasons, no walk-ins will be allowed

Sophia created the artwork for the Conflict Resolution Week Art Contest held by the Department of State.

Sophia is 8 years old and is the daughter of a Foreign Service Officer.

AAFSW - "Where the Foreign Service Becomes a Community"

AAFSW Playgroup  Children's Holiday Party Friday, December 20 4:00 to 6:00  p.m. Randolph Towers Community Room* 4001 N. 9th Street, Level G1 Arlington, VA 22203 Join us for an afternoon of holiday fun and holiday cheer! Sponsored by the AAFSW Foreign-Born Spouse Group Guests are asked to bring Finger food or snacks, and a batch of your favorite Christmas cookies or candies for a  "Holiday Treat and Cookie Exchange."   To add to the fun, bring along a small toy (value of $7-10) for a gift exchange.  RSVP by December 16th  to Barbara Reioux (703-820 5420 - office@aafsw.org) or Hellen Nicodemus (571-242-4504 - helkath@hotmail.com). *As you enter Randolph Towers, the elevators are located at the right:   go down to Level G1. The Community Room is to your immediate left. The Ballston Metro is only 3 blocks away. Metered parking is available on the   street, or inexpensive parking is available at Ballston Common Mall (mall parking   entrances are on N. Glebe Road and N. Randolph Street).

State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU):  Making the most of your membership

Looking for a credit union?  Already a member of SDFCU?  Learn how to maximize your bottom line and also save time with this free 'Making the most of your Membership' webinar offered by SDFCU.

An overview of products and services designed to save you time and money will be presented in this hour long informative webinar. Find out how SDFCU products and services can provide you with the convenience and savings you deserve. Learn TOP 12 user tips and much, much more. 

**This webinar is open to both members and non-members of SDFCU.** 

Please register for Making the Most of Your Membership on Dec 17, 2013 12:00 PM EST at:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5159011166990600450

Financial Independence: 

 A guide for Twenty-somethings

Join State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU)  for a one hour presentation that will guide you through the fundamentals of financial independence. Hear top tips on money and checking account management, ways to start or boost your savings, how you can use credit to your advantage and the traps to avoid. 

They'll also cover the most important things to know while you rent, and smart strategies for buying a car. Whether you’re just starting out or would like a refresher on the fundamentals, plan on spending about an hour with these experts for a valuable and informative webinar.

**This webinar is open to both members and non-members of SDFCU.**

 Please register for The Road to Financial Independence: A Guide for Twentysomethings on Dec 17, 2013 8:00 AM EST at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1697308758186066946

Weather update!

Due to inclement weather and the closure of Federal offices, Diplomacy at Home for the Holidays scheduled for today, Tuesday, December 10th has been postponed. The event will be rescheduled for January. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to being in touch soon. Thank You, Office of the Chief of Protocol

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The Secretary of State and Office of Protocol

invite all current Unaccompanied Tour Families

for a Holiday party

Tuesday December 10, 2013

Contact FLOAskUT@state.gov to be included in this special event.

We must hear from you no later than COB December 6, 2013

to ensure a spot at this event.

This event is by invitation only. 

For security reasons, no walk-ins will be allowed

Coping with the Stress of Change

  Wednesday December 4, 2013 @0930-1030

  

S – T – R – E – S – S….it comes at all of us in one form or another.  However one of the greatest sources of stress is change! 

The FLO Unaccompanied Tour Support Team knows all about change.

Change of location, change of routine, change of lifestyle, change of parenting skills, changes in relationships due to separation, and the list goes on.  

We hope you’ll join us to discuss coping skills in dealing with change and the stress that comes along with it at our next (virtual) conference.

You can join us two ways:

·       in person in the FLO Conference room or

·   virtually via telephone – see “attendance directions” below.   

There’s no need to RSVP, just mark your calendars and join us for some stress relieving tips.

No matter what kind of change you’re dealing with there’s no reason to let it get the better of you.  

FLO UT Team is here to help!  Conference session will be led by our partners at MHN.

Any questions please contact us at FLOAskUT@state.gov or call 202-647-1076 or 1-800-440-0397.

“Attendance” Directions:

In person:  FLO Conference room 1239 of the Harry S. Truman Building.  If you do not have a state badge or diplomatic passport, please let us know and someone will be available to escort you.

Virtual participation:  Call in from wherever you are by following these instructions:

To call in, dial 1-800-531-3250 and enter 9690198 for the conference code when prompted.  The orientation session will begin promptly at 0930 am EST.

The handbook and powerpoint presentation can be found by following these instructions:

1.      Go to https://members.mhn.com and use 'unaccompaniedtour' as the company code.

2.      Under "Work & Life" tab, click "Unaccompanied Tours"

3.      Download, bookmark, or print the presentation.

AAFSW

AAFSW cordially invites  you and your spouse to join us  to celebrate this special holiday by sharing your customs, traditions, and food Please come to a fun Christmas party  and bring a small gift of $10.00 to exchange with other guests  Friday, December 6 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM Randolph Towers Building Community Room  4001 North Ninth Street, Arlington, VA 22203   Directions:  As you enter Randolph Towers, the elevators are located at the right:   go down to Level G1. The Community Room is to your immediate left. Transportation/Parking:  Ballston Metro is 2 blocks away. Parking is available on the   street, or inexpensive parking is available at Ballston Mall (mall parking   entrances are on N. Glebe Road and N. Randolph Street). Please RSVP to Sheila Switzer (sswitzer9@verizon.net 703-623-6695) or  the AAFSW office at office@aafsw.org or 703-820-5420  and let  us know what food you are contributing to the party.  We look forward to  seeing you!

The Road to Financial Independence:

 A Guide for Twentysomethings

Join SDFCU for this one hour presentation that will guide you through the fundamentals of financial independence. Hear top tips on money and checking account management, ways to start or boost your savings, how you can use credit to your advantage and the traps to avoid. We'll also cover the most important things to know while you rent, and smart strategies for buying a car. Whether you’re just starting out or would like a refresher on the fundamentals, plan on spending about an hour with us for this valuable and informative webinar.

**This webinar is free and open to both members and non-members of SDFCU.**

Please register for the session on Nov 21, 2013 12:00 PM EST at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5402395761934767362

Please register for the session on Nov 27, 2013 8:00 AM EST at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/9061197724733124354

                             

 "TWO-FER"

  Everyone loves a deal and     AAFSW (Association of      American Foreign Service  Worldwide) is offering up a    great “two-fer” this coming:

 Tuesday, November 12th from 6-9 p.m. 

 in the Capitol Room of Oakwood Apartments at 501 Roosevelt Blvd., Falls Church, VA 22044

The always fun and popular AAFSW Happy Hour is combining with an EFM Art and Business Fair to showcase the creative and professional talents of EFMs. 

The evening will be all about show casing the talents of the EFM while enjoying some fun with friends.

It will be a great opportunity to welcome new spouses/partners to the Foreign Service community, Network with EFM artists and entrepreneurs, shop for holiday gifts and great services from EFM businesses, enjoy wine, tapas and great conversation and learn more about useful Foreign Service groups and resources.

For more information or to RSVP, ask questions, or sign up as an exhibitor, please contact office@aafsw.org or (703) 820-5420.  www.aafsw.org/

We want YOU

TO

https://hrex.state.gov/flo

Just a few minutes of your time to help us, help you better.

The results will help us identify your needs, prioritize our resources, and shape better programs for YOU.
 All Eligible Family Members, Members of Household, US Government direct-hire employees and

 non-State employees and family members are encouraged to take the survey.

Survey closes soon so don’t miss the opportunity to make your voice heard!

Curve Ball….

  

Sometimes life throws us a curve ball.  We rarely see them coming and even when we do, they always seem to catch us not quite ready.

Divorce and death are two of the biggest curve balls life throws.  As well as the very obvious grief that we go through, we need to financially prepare for the changes that these curve balls bring. 

State Department Federal Credit Union has designed a seminar to address the challenges faced when you get hit by a curve ball and you find yourself single again.

Don’t miss their upcoming seminars, held conveniently at either Main State or FSI.

Financial Planning if Single Again

Through Loss or Death of a Spouse

·        Wednesday, November 13th - 12pm-1pm - Main State Room 1205

·        Thursday, November 21st - 12pm-1pm - Foreign Service Institute Room C-3114

E-mail seminarquestions@sdfcu.org for more information and to register

FINANCIAL KNOW-HOW

FINANCIAL KNOW-HOW

Slowdowns, shutdowns, sequesters.   Doesn’t matter the name, they are all affecting us.  We’re all in cutback mode trying to stretch our dollars and invest wisely during these scary economic times.

However, the best way to feel in control is to empower yourself with information. 

State Department Federal Credit Union has created some seminars to help you do just that.  And they’ve made them convenient by offering them at Main State or FSI.

If you are a member, or thinking about becoming a member, of State Department Federal Credit Union, you won’t want to miss these upcoming seminars:

Get the Most Out of Your TSP 

·       Thursday, November 7th - 12pm-1pm - Foreign Service Institute Room C-3114

·       Thursday, November 14th - 12pm-1pm - Main State Room 1205 

·       Wednesday, November 20th - 12pm-1pm - Foreign Service Institute Room C-3114

E-mail seminarquestions@sdfcu.org for more information and to register

Making the Most of Your Membership 

·       Tuesday, November 14th - 12pm-1pm - Foreign Service Institute Room C-3114

E-mail jbell@sdfcu.org for more information and to register