PAPCA Newsletter Summer 2010
9
PHILADELPHIA AREA PEACE CORPS ASSOCIATION SUMMER 2010 PAGE 1 SOJOURNERS Philadelphia Area Peace Corps Annual Summer Picnic at Lemon Hi! What a turn-out for the annual summer picnic at Lemon Hill Pavilion in Fairmount Park! For those of you who weren't able to make it, you missed a great PAPCA tradition. Over 45 RPCVs, family members and friends-of-Peace Corps braved the threat of thunderstorms and shared a great summer afternoon together. RPCVs representing each decade of the Peace Corps came out to share summer faire like burgers, dogs, and watermelon with no shortage of sweet desserts! Sweetest of all is of course, the sense of camaraderie that binds us all together at these events. We played volleyball, ate good food, exchanged stories, and even professional networking opportunities abounded. As Peace Corps nears its 50th anniversary, it was fascinating to note that RPCVs from the last FIVE decades were present! Familiar faces such as Kitty Kitzmann (Peru, 1964-67) and Elaine Lander (Nepal, 1990-92) were able to reconnect with longtime PAPCA friends. Elaine’s kids and a few other RPCV children amused themselves by drawing and playing games. We also had a handful of next -generation PCVs including baby Samantha Jane, granddaughter of Jane Behnke (Afghanistan, 1970-72). Moreover, the annual picnic is a fantastic opportunity to meet others who served in the same host country! This is what happened between Bill Haynes (Ukraine ‘01, Kenya ’01-03), and Elaine Blackstone (Ukraine, ’98-00), who realized they lived in the same town Simferopol on peninsula in the Black Sea. It’s great to see our Peace Corps family continue to expand and extend! GOAL! This year's World Cup in Johannesburg was a very hot topic at this year’s picnic. Many current and former Peace Corps countries played in the World Cup - Honduras, Mexico, Ghana, Uruguay, Nigeria, Cameroon, Brazil, and the host country, South Africa. Country of service pride definitely was in the air! Kim Weaver (Ghana, 07-09) was elated to hear that Ghana won their game that afternoon against Serbia. Ayekoo, Ghana! (Well done, Ghana!) If we didn’t see you at this year’s picnic, there’s always next year! See you at Lemon Hill!
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PAPCA Newsletter Summer 2010
Transcript of PAPCA Newsletter Summer 2010
PHILADELPHIA AREA PEACE CORPS ASSOCIATION SUMMER 2010
PAGE 1
SOJOURNERSPhiladelphia Area Peace Corps
Annual Summer Picnic at Lemon Hi!
What a turn-out for the annual summer picnic at Lemon Hill Pavilion in Fairmount Park! For those of you who weren't able to make it, you missed a great PAPCA tradition. Over 45 RPCVs, family members and friends-of-Peace Corps braved the threat of thunderstorms and shared a great summer afternoon together. RPCVs representing each decade of the Peace Corps came out to share summer faire like burgers, dogs, and watermelon with no shortage of sweet desserts! Sweetest of all is of course, the sense of camaraderie that binds us all together at these events. We played volleyball, ate good food, exchanged stories, and even professional networking opportunities abounded. As Peace Corps nears its 50th anniversary, it was fascinating to note that RPCVs from the last FIVE decades were present! Familiar faces such as Kitty Kitzmann (Peru, 1964-67) and Elaine Lander (Nepal, 1990-92) were able to reconnect with longtime PAPCA friends. Elaine’s kids and a few other RPCV children amused themselves by drawing and playing games. We also had a handful of next-generation PCVs including baby Samantha
Jane, granddaughter of Jane Behnke (Afghanistan, 1970-72). Moreover, the annual picnic is a fantastic opportunity to meet others who served in the same host country! This is what happened between Bill Haynes (Ukraine ‘01, Kenya ’01-03), and Elaine Blackstone (Ukraine, ’98-00), who realized they lived in the same town Simferopol on peninsula in the Black Sea. It’s great to see our Peace Corps family continue to expand and extend! GOAL! This year's World Cup in Johannesburg was a very hot topic at this year’s picnic. Many current and former Peace Corps countries played in the World Cup - Honduras, Mexico, Ghana, Uruguay, Nigeria, Cameroon, Brazil, and the host country, South Africa. Country of service pride definitely was in the air! Kim Weaver (Ghana, 07-09) was elated to hear that Ghana won their game that afternoon against Serbia. Ayekoo, Ghana! (Well done, Ghana!) If we didn’t see you at this year’s picnic, there’s always next year! See you at Lemon Hill!
PHILADELPHIA AREA PEACE CORPS ASSOCIATION SUMMER 2010
PAGE 2
LETTER FROM OUR PAPCA PRESIDENT
It’s less than a year until the Peace Corps (PC) turns 50. There are many events and commemorations in the planning throughout the US and overseas. The National Peace Corps Associ ation (NPCA) website has postings of events. NPCA was started by RPCVs to promote Peace Corps and to continue to ‘bring the world home’. PAPCA is a groupmember of NPCA.
I’m amazed at the strength and support Peace Corps has had from such varied administrations. I think it proves the value and contribution all PCVs make to this country and the countries of service.
The Philadelphia Area Peace Corps Association (PAPCA) is working on ways to share the celebration of PC with the Philadelphia community. We are planning to march with country of service flags in the 2011, 4th of July parade. We’re contemplating the planting of country of service trees in Fa i r m o u n t Pa r k a n d p o s s i b l y sponsoring a mural to celebrate the role Philadelphia has played with PC and volunteerism. The theme for the 50th is community enrichment and education. I hope that all of you will contribute to and participate in the events. Drop me an e-mail with ideas and interest in participating.
Join PAPCA for a Second Saturday Supper at a local restaurant or an up-coming service activity.
Paula Larson, PAPCA presidentThailand ’83-‘85
Top: PAPCA President Paula Larson at Lemon Hill Summer Picnic
Bottom: Lemon Hill Summer Picnic with up & coming volunteers!
PHILADELPHIA AREA PEACE CORPS ASSOCIATION SUMMER 2010
PAGE 3
NPCA PRESIDENT KEVIN QUIGLEY MEETS WITH PAPCA BOARD
On Wednesday, June 1st, 2010, a few board members (Sandy Voge, Kimiko Doherty, and Alicia DeMarco) had the great pleasure of meeting National Peace Corps Association president Kevin F.F. Quigley (Thailand, '76-'79) and RPCV Mary Payne (Guatemala ‘66-‘68) for dinner at the famed Continental in Olde City Philadelphia. We discussed at length two main topics: 1) events for the 50th anniversary of Peace Corps happening next year, and 2) the "third goal" of Peace Corps throughout the U.S.
Who, you ask, is Kevin Quigley? Great question! The name may sound vaguely familiar to some of you. Kevin is the president of the National Peace Corps Association, one of the largest RPCV nonprofit organizations that works to promote and advocate for the Peace Corps and returned volunteers (www.peacecorpsconnect.org). In his role as president of NPCA, Kevin and others on staff at NPCA, publish Worldview Magazine (a quarterly magazine of news and commentary related to Peace Corps), coordinate the Africa Rural Connect initiative (an online community to discuss agrarian challenges in rural, sub-Saharan Africa) and launched the More Peace Corps Campaign that helped secure continued funding for the Peace Corps program. What Kevin is NOT is an employee of the U.S. Peace Corps - NPCA is completely separate from the government agency, which occasionally causes a bit of confusion. Another one of Kevin's roles is to communicate with NPCA member groups, which is why PAPCA board members met with him back in May.
Kevin explained to us some of the large scale initiatives NPCA is undertaking over the next few years. For the past five decades, the main directive of the Peace Corps has been on volunteer recruitment, training, placement and volunteer support - or, the first two goals of the Peace Corps. Now it's time to bring attention and resources to
the third mission - “…to help promote … a better understanding of other peoples on the part of American people,” in other words, bring the world back home.
How does he suggest we bring the world back home?
One ambitious idea NPCA is promoting is to create a new post-service commitment for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPVCs). Upon completion of service, an RPCV would be required to complete an activity to share their experience with others. In education circles, this is known as ‘beginning with the end in mind,’ and planning for this begins before the volunteer finishes their in-country service. This requirement would help Peace Corps bring the world back home through reporting on completed activities. Kevin said RPCVs would have nine-months upon completion of service to fulfill this requirement and would also receive some sort of financial incentive. I'm sure they'll be an email from Kevin if this idea is adopted!
WorldView is the magazine of the National Peace Corps Association
PHILADELPHIA AREA PEACE CORPS ASSOCIATION SUMMER 2010
PAGE 4
NPCA PRESIDENT KEVIN QUIGLEY MEETS WITH PAPCA BOARD
We also talked with Kevin about the 50th Anniversary that is on all on our minds! PAPCA plans to work in conjunction with NPCA's scheduled events to bring the world back home and celebrate the 50th. Here's a list of major events NPCA is planning to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Peace Corps:
1. Now through Sept 30th – My Piece of the Peace Corps video competition. Share with others a short 2 minute video about how Peace Corps changed your life. Prizes will be awarded. For more information and to enter, visit PeaceCorpsConnect.org/VideoContest.
2. Oct 13th National Symposium: The Future of International Service at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. The location of the symposium is where candidate John F. Kennedy’s made a campaign speech launching the idea of the Peace Corps back in 1960. Go to http://peacecorps.umich.edu/ for more information.
3. March 1st, 2011, Birthday Parties All the World Over. This day marks the day President Kennedy signed the Executive Order that created the Peace Corps. NPCA is asking member organizations to host house "birthday"
parties. We'll host a party here in Philadelphia area - stay tuned for more details.
4. June 30th – July 11th, Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC. The Folklife Festival is an annual exposition on the National Mall that celebrates community-based traditions, including music, food, storytelling and crafts. Peace Corps and the many ways their Volunteers promote peace in the world, will be one of three main features of the Festival, along with Colombia and Rhythm and Blues music. See www.festival.si.edu for more details.
5. July 4th, 2011 – Welcome America Parade, Philadelphia. Kevin was extremely supportive of PAPCA's idea to march in next summer's 4th of July parade here in Philadelphia. Even though it coincides with the Folklife Festival in D.C., we hope many of you will be able to carry your host country's flag in the parade. See next page for more information.
6. Sept 22nd – 25th NPCA Weekend in Washington, D.C. The weekend will be filled with reunions, advocacy work, service events and a gala. Details on all the events are still being worked on - Kevin promised us it'll be a weekend worth going to.
We are grateful for Kevin's time with us and for explaining all the work NPCA is doing on behalf of us RPCVs. We look forward to seeing him again the next time he swings through town!
PHILADELPHIA AREA PEACE CORPS ASSOCIATION SUMMER 2010
PAGE 5
PAPCA PREPARES FOR THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
PAPCA is starting to organize a delegation to march in Philadelphia's annual Welcome America Parade next July 4th. The executive director of the parade has been extremely supportive and looking forward to seeing a sea of international flags march down Chestnut and Market Street near Independence Hall. The annual parade is a celebration of what makes the United States - past and future - great; and what a fantastic opportunity for us to locally bring the world back home by carrying your host country's flag next summer and sharing with others our Peace Corps pride.
Stay tuned for more information - we'll send out details later this fall about flag carrying responsibilities and sponsorship opportunities. If you're ready to commit to marching in the parade with us next year, contact Kimiko Doherty at [email protected].
Highlight: 4th of July Parade March
We need YOUR PRESENCE!!
Fairmount Park Cares Day, Philadelphia
Second Saturday Dinner, Taqueria Veracruzana
PHILADELPHIA AREA PEACE CORPS ASSOCIATION SUMMER 2010
PAGE 6
Meet the PAPCA Board of Directors for 2010 - 2011
Paula LarsonPresidentThailand ‘83-’85Medical Technology
Stuart JablonVice PresidentJamaica ’83 - ’85Fishing Cooperative
Sandy VogeTreasurerNepal ’90-’92Nursing & Education
Lisa GauslowSecretaryPoland ’94-’96TEFL
George O’SheaServiceNiger ’74 - ‘76Agriculture
Nino DeProphetisSpeaker’s BureauFiji ’68 - ’70
Kimiko DohertyNewsletterHonduras ’03-’05Municipal Development
Alicia De Marco NewsletterHungary ‘95 - ‘97 TEFL
Debbie CesarioMember at LargeUzbekistan ‘00-’01TEFL
Jane BehnkeMember at LargeAfghanistan ‘70-’72TEFL
Ari WeinerMember at LargeMoldova ’05 -’07 Business & Agriculture
Jessica Mc AtamneyCommunicationGuatemala ’97 - ’99Agriculture
Greyhound Dog Walking
Second Saturday Supper, Uzbekistan Delight
PHILADELPHIA AREA PEACE CORPS ASSOCIATION SUMMER 2010
E L O Q U E N T B O O K SFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IRACEMA’S FOOTPRINT
The mysteries of village life come into focus for a young Brazilian who ventures into the interior of northeast
Brazil to work at a federally funded health post. His relationships with his secretary and an American Peace Corps
Volunteer and the political intrigues surrounding a local election immerse him in interwoven trails of violence, love,
poverty, prostitution, and insanity.
The landscape becomes as much a character as the quaint villagers who flavor the action of this expansive tale.
The Amazon huntress, Iracema, for whom the village is named, is a vital presence in the folklore of northeast Brazil.
Working alongside Ben, the American, Marcus attempts to institute a health program in Iracema while slowly unraveling
the mysteries involving the life of his secretary, Maria. The trio of friends are thrown into a vortex spun from the mistakes
made earlier by Ben and the upcoming mayoral election. Threats, madness, and brutality are the stepping stones leading
to the outcome of the election and the fate of the three friends.
Author Bernard F. Blanche began writing while in college at Villanova University. Initially interested in writing
short stories, his stint in the Peace Corps has motivated some journal and diary writing. Now a retired high school
English teacher, he has penned newspaper and magazine articles, as well as written and presented motivational and
informative speeches. He is presently working on two forthcoming novels, Bonefish Bob and Black Dad/White Dad.
PAPCA supports literature that enriches and broadens our understanding of the world. This release was sent by RPCV and author
Bernard F. Blanche (Brazil 65 - 67), whose Peace Corps service prompted this first novel of his. Copies are available at Amazon.com or the publisher’s website: (www.strategicpublishinggrou
p.com/title/IracemasFootprint.html).
PHILADELPHIA AREA PEACE CORPS ASSOCIATION SUMMER 2010
A membership in the National Peace Corps Association entitles you to...(1) - membership with your local affiliate group (PAPCA-Philadelphia Area Peace Corps Association)(2) - a subscription to World View Magazine (3) - a subscription to the Peace Corps alumni newsletter 3/1/61(4) - discounts on travel and merchandise(5) - access to a number of members-only benefits such as NPCA's online directory. Your membership also supports legislative advocacy, global education, and more.
BY MAIL:
____ NPCA and PAPCA ($50.00) Make check out to NPCA.
Be sure to choose the Philadelphia Area Peace Corps Association as your affiliate group. Additional affiliate groups can be added on for $15.00 per group.
____ *PAPCA only membership ($15.00).
ONLINE:
peacecorpsconnect.org
Click “Support” in the green bar, then “Join/Renew Membership.” They have a form at the site which you can print and mail to them, or complete the form online and pay electronically.
TO JOIN OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP NPCA & PAPCA
MAIL TO:
SANDRA VOGE 1939 E Zabenko Drive, Wilmington, DE 19808. She will forward to NPCA as needed.
Make check out to PAPCA.
Please include: your address, phone number, email, country and years of service!
OR, for checks sent directly to NPCA:
National Peace Corps Association Group Affiliation
1900 L Street NW
Suite 404Washington DC 20036
PHILADELPHIA AREA PEACE CORPS ASSOCIATION SUMMER 2010
Contributors
KIMIKO DOHERTY
ALICIA DE MARCO
We would both like to thank all Board Members and surrounding RPCVs for
their continued contributions and support! Think Global, Act Local!
Calendar at a Glance 2010
September 11 - Second Saturday Supper
October 9 - Second Saturday Supper
October 16 - Philadelphia Cares Day
November 13 - Second Saturday Supper
December 11 - Annual Potluck Dinner
Please check our website for further details:
www.phillyrpcv.com
Please join us for a monthly dinner or a day of service!
We hope to see you!
