Sacramento RPCV

Sad abandoned Christmas lights

2011-04-03T23:07:00.000-07:00

Elvis fan

2011-03-31T23:18:00.001-07:00

A letter thanking us for a donation

2010-08-14T22:02:00.000-07:00

Click on an image to enlarge it.

More pictures from Ashley Kissinger

2010-04-03T07:34:00.000-07:00

Ashley Kissinger pictures

2010-03-31T17:12:00.001-07:00

Letter from Ashley Kissinger

2010-03-31T17:10:00.000-07:00

Please click on the image to read it. See pictures here.

Chalk It Up!

2009-09-07T06:50:00.000-07:00

Karen Jetter applies the finishing touches to our square at Chalk It Up!, the annual food, music and chalk painting festival at Fremont Park in Sacramento (15th & P Streets). The festival raises money to support school art programs.

Cafe Morocco

2009-05-15T23:06:00.000-07:00

Seventeen people showed up at Cafe Morocco for this month's Adventures in Dining. Liz and John said that this was their favorite restaurant. Everyone seemed to like it.

Midwinter Dinner

2009-01-25T22:10:00.000-08:00

...with music by the Sacramento City College World Music Ensemble.

Adventures in Dining at Kathmandu Kitchen

2009-01-17T06:29:00.000-08:00

We had our largest turnout since... the last time we went to Kathmandu Kitchen!

Letter from READ

2008-12-17T00:07:00.000-08:00

Click on the image to read the letter.

Letter from Friends of Yimbo

2008-10-08T13:18:00.000-07:00

October 1st, 2008
Sacramento Valley Peace Corp Association
Dear Friends of Yimbo:
We wanted to extend our thanks for letting us be a part of your annual gathering and giving us the pleasure of outlining the goals of our non profit organization, Friends of Yimbo (FOY). We particularly thank you for your generous contribution of $250 toward the multipurpose project.
The response from friends has been great and humbling at the same time. This has been a very personal endeavor for us because of what it meant to our community but also shows us how much we all have in common. We all know and appreciate how education transforms lives and we get to give someone else that chance in a small way.
Our goal is aimed at making an impact, especially, the orphans, youth and women by empowering them with opportunities in education and healthcare. FOY is mainly sponsored by individuals who desire to bring relief to the people of Yimbo, and who share the belief that by changing one life at a time in specific communities, we can in turn empower them to change the world. Additionally, FOY is mobilizing a network of compassionate individuals interested in humanitarian work, cultural exchange and travel expeditions. Please visit the website at http://www.zoomindesign.net/foy for the 2009 humanitarian travel update.

Project Update
Our first project with the community was to help build the local primary school a multipurpose center that can serve as a library for the school/community, a teacher’s room and future computer lab. We broke ground July 2008 and the library is already half way completed. The look on the faces of the kids was priceless. One little girl said, “I have never seen a library or had text books.” The library will give them a chance to compete for quality high school education and possibly college. FOY believe in educating and empowering local populations in order to achieve long-term positive change.
We really appreciate your contribution and look forward to future partnerships.
Warm Regards,
Charles Odipo
Ben Odipo
Co-Founders
Charles Odipo
Ben Odipo
Co-Founders
Kaye Ekstrand
Treasurer/Secretary

What You Can Do
There are several ways to get involved in FOY activities:
• Host a fund raising event in your home,
• Tell your friends and colleagues about our work in Yimbo; forward them our e-mail and direct them to our website.
• Keep us in mind when you hear about funding opportunities that might be relevant o our work in Yimbo, Kenya.
• Help Sponsor a child by paying a semester of tuition for secondary/High school ducation, not currently subsidized by the Kenyan government
• Donate a solar Flashlight. You can purchase one at www.bogolight.com
Make a donation! FOY is a 501(c)(3), your donation is tax deductible! Go to the “Contribute” page on our website: http://zoomindesign.net\foy To be updated soon!!!
Or mail a check to our treasurer at the address below: Kaye Ekstrand, 802 Groveton Ave Glendora, CA 91740

Adventures in Dining at Taste of Brazil

2008-07-18T23:53:00.000-07:00

We had a good turnout. Most of the people ordered the barbecue, which involved waiters constantly bringing skewers of meat from which they would carve you a piece. The waitress gave you a disk that said YES (more meat, please) on one side and NO (I'm stuffed) on the other. You put it next to your plate to tell the waiter what to do.

The campout

2008-06-30T22:48:00.000-07:00

Although I hope to have more photos uploaded in the future, I’ve uploaded this year’s group pic.

The same campground site has been reserved for our 13^th annual rerun for four days/three nights starting 18 June, 2009.

We foothill folks are having our breakfast this coming Saturday morning at Trolley Junction in Nevada City at 9:00AM should there be anyone who wishes to join us. Also, mark your calendars for 17 August for our annual Picnic in the Foothills at Foresthill.

See you in August, if not this Saturday,

Howard

Adventures in Dining 6/20/08 - Mehran

2008-06-21T07:22:00.001-07:00

Kiva update on your loan to Shazia M.yahya's Group

2008-06-20T07:27:00.001-07:00

From: Kiva <contactus@kiva.org>

To: sacrpcv@gmail.com
Date: Jun 19 2008 - 2:06am

Dear Sacramento RPCVS,

This is an update on your loan to Shazia M.yahya's Group.

Thank you for your loan. It has been disbursed to the group, consisting
of Shazia M.yahya, Bashiran Baji, Ghulam Baji, Rukhsana Baji, Rani
Baji, Nusrat Baji by Asasah in Pakistan. We are excited to watch this
business grow. Over the next 12 months, Asasah will be collecting
repayments from this entrepreneur and posting progress updates on the
Kiva website.

Kiva very much appreciates your responses online. You can read and
respond to this journal online at:

http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=comment&id=50278&ent=59355

Returning Peace Corps Volunteer Mentor Program

2008-06-20T07:25:00.000-07:00

If you just returned from overseas, you may be finding it hard to readjust to life in the US. The Returning Peace Corps Volunteer Mentor Program can help.

Letter from Kiva.org

2008-05-31T06:18:00.001-07:00

Dear Sacramento RPCVS,

This is an update on your loan to flor de ventiila Group.

Thank you for your loan. It has been disbursed to the flor de ventiila group, consisting of Claudia Flores, Fidelia Condori, Celestina Mamani, Sofia Mamani, Lucia Posto, Adolfo Escalante, Maritza Morales, Rosa Carvajal, Elga Mamani, Veronica Pinaya, Dilma Mamani, Luisa Carvajal, Bacilia Carvajal, Virginia Gutierrez, Orfa Ramos by Pro Mujer Bolivia in Bolivia. We are excited to watch this business grow. Over the next 6 months, Pro Mujer Bolivia will be collecting repayments from this entrepreneur and posting progress updates on the Kiva website.

RPCVs needed for panel

2008-05-19T16:11:00.001-07:00

We are looking for RPCVs to represent Peace Corps at a Community, National & Global Service Panel Thursday, June 26^th from 6:30-8:00pm at the Arden-Dimick library in Sacramento. Interested RPCVs will have the opportunity to share for approximately 15-20 minutes about their Peace Corps experience and how it has shaped their life in service.

Please contact me if you can make it.

Arden-Dimick Library
891 Watt Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95864

Nicole Voorhees

Peace Corps Regional Recruiter

San Francisco Regional Office

RPCV Eastern Caribbean 05-07

nvoorhees@peacecorps.gov

(510)-452-8451
1301 Clay St., Suite 620N

Oakland, CA 94612

Shannon Coe in Cuba

2008-05-19T06:19:00.000-07:00

Shannon Coe in Cuba
Click on the picture to see the whole album

Dear Sacramento Valley Return Peace Corps Volunteers,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank SVRPCV for allowing me to sell raffle tickets at one of the adventures in dining and the Goat Roast 2007 events to fundraise money for my work in Cuba. I went with a team of professionals to donate 400 wheelchairs and about 100 walkers to people with disabilities in Santa Clara, Cuba. I am attaching some photos for the group to see. If anyone from the group would like to discuss with me about my experience in Cuba, please contact me at (530) 750-0629. Thank you so much for your support.

Regards,
Shannon Coe
Ms. Wheelchair California 2008
http://www.mswheelchairca08.blogspot.com/

Adventures in Dining 5-16-08

2008-05-16T22:29:00.000-07:00

Apartment available

2008-05-06T22:31:00.000-07:00

Mark:

If there was some way to forward this Craigslist ad on your Sacramento Peace Corps list, I would be much appreciative.

I am leaving Memorial Day and am still trying to find a reliable tenant for the 27 months I will be gone.

Thanks for whatever you can do.............someone may have a friend that is going through one of those "life transitions" (divorce, losing their home, etc) and could use a quiet place to move into for the immediate future.........

Jack Garvey (916) 601-6631 cell

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/apa/666042087.html (apts/housing for rent)

Goat Roast

2008-04-28T06:26:00.001-07:00

Once again, Howard Koons created a great event in his capacious backyard, featuring tons of food, live music, fascinating people, and horseshoes.

Nom party

2008-04-22T22:46:00.001-07:00

We had a tremendous turnout for this year's Nom Party. It almost burst out of the room we had rented.

Waffles of the Andes

2008-03-22T23:43:00.000-07:00

March's Adventures in Dining was at the Waffle King, a Peruvian-American restaurant. Many of those present had never had Peruvian food before. Fortunately, we had an RPCV on hand who had served in Peru and helped to explain the dishes to everyone. Really unusual and delicious. Many of the dishes featured potatoes.

Adventures in Dining January 18, 2007 — Greek Village

2008-01-20T06:59:00.000-08:00

Midwinter Dinner 2008

2008-01-13T06:41:00.000-08:00

The Sacramento City College World Music Ensemble played at the Midwinter Dinner. We had an incredible turnout. So many people came that we ran out of chairs and people had to sit on the floor.
As always, one of the highlights was when we passed the wireless microphone around and had everyone introduce themselves. A couple of the older RPCVs claimed that they had met Sargent Shriver. Someone else said, "I never met Shriver, but I knew a guy who slept with Lillian Carter."

October Adventure in Dining: the Oak Doll

2007-10-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

Thirteen of us went to the Oak Doll, a Korean place. They put out a buffet for us. Outstanding!

La Flor de Michoacan

2007-08-17T22:12:00.000-07:00

Our August Adventures in Dining was at La Flor de Michoacan in Natomas. Great papusas! If you go there, we strongly advise you call in your order in advance.

Photo album of Arts in River Park 2007

2007-06-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Arts in River Park

Music Video at Queen of Sheba restaurant

2007-05-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

Adventures in Dining at Queen of Sheba 5/17/07

2007-05-18T21:22:00.000-07:00

5/17/07 Adventures in Dining at Queen of Sheba

Setting up the Internation Taxi at Arts in River Park

2007-05-12T14:56:00.001-07:00

International Taxi

2007 Campout

2007-05-04T19:10:00.000-07:00

Let it rain. It’s hard to believe that we enjoyed such a beautiful, sunny day at the Goat Roast. By mid-June wildflowers should be abundant at Stampede Reservoir for our next campout. Trout will be awakening from winter’s nap and the sun shall shine upon us all.

When: We have reserved the evenings of Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 14, 15 and 16,2006. We’ll leave on Sunday, the 17th.

Where: Stampede Reservoir, Emigrant Springs Group Camp in Woodsman Loop

What to bring: Potluck in the evenings; on your own for breakfast and lunches except Sunday breakfast at which time I'll provide pancakes. If you'd like something else to go with the pancakes bring it along to share.

Bring several logs for the campfire. Don't forget lawn chairs, your camping hat, bug juice, fishing rod and reel and angry but sweet talking worms.

As at the Goat Roast, we will probably do stenciled t-shirts. I solicit anyone to come up with a design for our 11th Campout. Please do so soon as I have to make the stencils.

Things to do: Swimming for polar bears, relaxing under the pines, talk to friends, fishing, boating (bring it if you have), hiking, and explore the wonders of wildflowers.

Where, again: Go toward and past Truckee. Turn off at Hirshdale exit, crossing the highway, pass Boca Reservoir and follow signs turning left where it says Stampede. The Group site is the first camping area after you pass over the Dam on the right side of the road.

Of Note: You will find ample parking, plenty of places to pitch a tent, some RV parking and a close proximity to the lake.

Please RSVP ASAP. As we near the time, emails will only be sent to those who do.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Picnic in the Foothills, August 19. Again, it will be in Foresthill.

Howard

530 888-7335

A great photo from the Goat Roast by Heidi Steger

2007-05-02T14:09:00.000-07:00

To see more of her photos, click here.

2007 Goat Roast

2007-04-30T22:57:00.000-07:00

Adventures in Dining at Kathmandu Kitchen 4-20-07

2007-04-21T09:33:00.001-07:00

April enews is up

2007-04-08T22:17:00.001-07:00

Read it here.

Important matters for the Goatroast

2007-04-08T14:21:00.000-07:00

How ‘bout a Goatroast 2007 tee-shirt?

Marlene and I will make up the stencil. The image attachment will give you a close proximity as to how it will look. All black lettering will show as transparent on the stencil and colored fabric paint squeegeed over a silkscreen will fill it in. We’re presuming that it will take little time to dry; afterwards splashes of colors applied with a paintbrush will provide the fill-in colors, e.g. pick body, red hat and purple fluff.

This is intended to go on the back of a tee shirt (sweat shirt or whatever) and is approx 8x10.

If you want one, just bring a tee shirt with you and one for each of your kids. Wash and dry your tee shirt before you bring it to rid the fabric of any sizing residue from the manufacturer. I would you suggest a colored tee shirt just in case we decide on white as the first color application.

Lastly, raise your hands if you think that this is a winning idea and you’re going to bring a shirt for stenciling. This will help us in preparations. And, if you’re forgotten to let me know that you’re coming to the Goatroast, SHOUT!

Last note: It is time to make sure that the Campout is on your calendar for 14-17 June (rsvp). The last email from Sac Val RPCV indicated that “reservations required”; Not true. Reservation was made 9 months ago. Just rsvp and come!

Howard 530 888-7335

Pictures from last year's Goat Roast

2007-03-30T22:26:00.000-07:00

Goat Roast 2006

If this whets your appetite, contact Howard at hkoons@infostations.net to sign up for this year's Goat Roast.

Music video from the bar television at Habibi

2007-03-17T17:15:00.000-07:00

Adventures in Dining at Habibi 3-16-07

2007-03-17T12:17:00.000-07:00

Adventures in Dining at Habibi 3/16/07

Current enews

2007-03-13T22:11:00.000-07:00

Read the March enews here.

Next Adventures in Dining

2007-03-06T22:49:00.000-08:00

March 16 7 pm Adventures in Dining: Habibi Cafe 7336 Fair Oaks Boulevard in Carmichael, (916) 979-9400 Email Audrey to tell her you are coming.

Volunteers Needed to Host International Visitors

2007-03-06T17:36:00.000-08:00

The Northern California World Trade Center is applying to be the local host for the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The IVLP is a State Department-funded program that brings future foreign leaders to the United States. We are seeking to develop a list of volunteers in the Sacramento region who are interested in promoting citizen diplomacy - improving international relations "one handshake at a time." The international visitors spend two to three weeks in our country, visiting various cities in the U.S. They learn about a variety of topics, depending on their professional experience and interests. The goal of the program is to promote improved relations between the U.S. and our overseas partners. Volunteers are needed to provide "home hospitality" to international visitors. This means inviting visitors to your home for a meal, or inviting them out to dinner, or taking them to a concert, art gallery event, or a Kings or Rivercats game. You will be helping the visitors get to know Americans on an individual basis. For more information, please visit http://exchanges.state.gov/education/ivp/. For information on the Northern California World Trade Center, please visit http://www.norcalwtc.org. If you are interested, please call or e-mail Michele Gault and provide your name, e-mail address, and phone number. See contact info below.

Michele Gault

Executive Director

Northern California World Trade Center

One Capitol Mall, Suite 300

Sacramento, California 95814

Direct: +1 916 319-4276

Fax: +1 916 443-2672

mgault@norcalwtc.org

www.norcalwtc.org

Take Your Business Global! Learn about opportunities for selling your products or services internationally at the NCWTC's "Exporting Fundamentals" seminar, March 8, 2007 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. More info

Final Two Peace Corps General Information Meetings of Winter Quarter

2007-03-06T17:30:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, March 7^th 5:20 pm

Soc Sci 1100 (Auditorium)

Wednesday, March 14^th5:20 pm

Soc Sci 1100 (Auditorium)

RPCVs are always welcome to attend and discuss their experiences with the guests.

Jack Knettle

Peace Corps campus coordinator

Internship and Career Center, 230 South Hall

Telephone: 752-8234

jknettle@ucdavis.edu

Winter Quarter office hours:

Tuesdays 11-3 and Thursdays 1-3.

Peace Corps is a 27-month commitment that gives the volunteers
international professional experience, a substantial benefits
package, and the adventure of a lifetime. Our volunteers provide
technical development advice and efforts to their communities;
create a good image of Americans in foreign lands; and return to
the United States as part of a body of citizens versed and skilled
in cross-cultural relations.

The Goat Roast

2007-03-04T12:24:00.001-08:00

That's G-O-A-T R-O-A-S-T, as in PIG.

It's hard to shed our earlier vision of the sub-terrain, roasting goat with a ring of salivating, hungry RPCVs and families awaiting excavation. So, we'll retain the "Goat Roast" vision but most likely substitute pig for goat. Perhaps we should more appropriately be calling it Luau. Pork may be the carnivore's choice of the two, but for those adverse to all meat there will be plenty of dishes from which to choose. Was there ever a RPCV potluck where this was not true? One thing for sure that RPCV-training, or in-country service accomplished is the production of great international cooks! I will also be repeating last year's smoked turkey. It had the strange phenomenon of completely disappearing by the time I had finished carving.

This email is your second reminder. Set Sunday, April 29, aside, two months from today. It's Goat Roast, Pig Roast, Luau Day at my house. You may invite friendly friends and family. It starts at 5:00AM when the pyre is lit and progresses throughout the day until bodies full bellies barely navigate back home.

Those not wanting to miss the initial phase are invited to spend the night Saturday. To help in preparations, please RSVP with the number in your party as soon as you know who's coming.

Hope to see you. (And, don't forget the 3-night, 4-day RPCV Campout at Stampede Reservoir starting 14 June! Again, open to all.)

Howard Koons

Malaysia in the 60's

530 888-7335

Faith shows how to wear a sari

2007-03-01T17:54:00.000-08:00

For Peace Corps Day, Faith Boucher and Mark Stivers went to St. Francis Elementary. Here Faith shows how to put on a sari.

Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Poster Day at UCDavis

2007-02-17T22:00:00.001-08:00

Friday, February 23, is Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Poster Day at UCDavis. Jack Knettle, PC Campus Coordinator is seeking RPCV's to participate in this event. He would like to have posters with pictures of your PC experiences, as well as how their PC experiences have led to other opportunities in your lives. Other possibilities include power point presentations, slide shows, and displays of artifacts from your PC experience. Other ideas are welcome.

The show runs from 11am to 3pm, and he will appreciate any amount of time you can give. If you can contribute, or know of someone who can, please contact Jack Knettle at jknettle@ucdavis,edu His phone number is 530-752-8234.

February enews

2007-02-17T17:59:00.001-08:00

Click here to read the full text.

2007-02-17T16:59:00.000-08:00

Adventures in Dining at Symposium

For a change, we went to a restaurant in Davis and thereby got some Davis people who we hadn't seen before. Big fun!

Letters home from the Peace Corps

2007-02-13T15:34:00.000-08:00

Peace Corps Writers has agreed to edit a collection of Peace Corps letters to be published as part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps. We are happy to say we will be advised in this project by Andrew Carroll, editor of the best selling books of “war letters,” featuring the extraordinary correspondence of American soldiers from many eras. Andrew Carroll is the Executive Director of the American Poetry & Literacy Project, a nonprofit organization he co-founded with the late Nobel laureate Joseph Brodsky, which distributes free books throughout the country to promote literacy.
read more...

Brenda Jew Waters' pictures of Midwinter Dinner

2007-01-27T22:40:00.000-08:00

Brenda's Midwinter Dinner pictures

Kiva.org

2007-01-25T19:20:00.000-08:00

I just made a loan to a small Third World business using a website called Kiva.

You can go to Kiva's website and lend to someone in the developing world who needs a loan for their business - like raising goats, selling vegetables at market or making bricks. Each loan has a picture of the entrepreneur, a description of their business and how they plan to use the loan so you know exactly how your money is being spent - and you get updates letting you know how the business is going.

When the entrepreneur pays back their loan you get your money back - and Kiva's loans are managed by microfinance institutions on the ground who have a lot of experience doing this, so you can trust that your money is being handled responsibly.

Photos from Midwinter Dinner

2007-01-21T06:54:00.000-08:00

2007 Midwinter Dinner

Midwinter Dinner

2007-01-20T23:06:00.000-08:00

The midwinter dinner had even better food and entertainment than last year. The latter was provided by the Sakura Minyo Kai dance group (see video below).

RPCVs wanted for Peace Corps Day

2007-01-18T16:22:00.001-08:00

Hi there,

My name is Kim Frisella (Guatemala 98-2000) and I teach at St. Francis Elementary School in Midtown Sacramento. I am hoping to post a message in the next SacValley RPCV newsletter. I am looking for about 6 RPCVs to speak to grades 3-8 on Peace Corps Day. I have hosted this day the past few years (not last year as I had just had a baby!) and would like to continue the tradition. I don't have a date yet, but if the message can be posted, I will organize with the speakers and find a good day we can all agree on (end of Feb./beg. of March). Hope this all makes sense.

Thanks a lot,

Kim

nopetsx2@yahoo.com

Christmas promise 2006

2006-12-09T17:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas promise

Click on the small picture to see an album of Sacramento RPCVs wrapping presents for Christmas Promise.

2006-11-17T23:32:00.000-08:00

Click on image to see photo album

Tonight's Adventures in Dining was at Vientiane Restaurant at 2480 West Capitol Avenue in West Sacramento. Outstanding Laotian/Thai food and our best turnout all year!

Adventures in Dining video

2006-10-20T23:01:00.000-07:00

Adventures in Dining

2006-10-20T22:16:00.000-07:00

Click on image to see other photos

This month's dinner was at the new Tacuba restaurant at 5452 Auburn Boulevard in Sacramento. It's the proverbial hole in the wall — many people got lost trying to find it. But the food (Salvadorean and Mexican) is outstanding and unlike anything I've ever had before.

Doo-Wop at Faith’s House

2006-10-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

This is from Faith Boucher's end-of-summer party.

Joseph Kauffman, 84; Helped Develop the Peace Corps Program - Los Angeles Times

2006-10-04T21:33:00.000-07:00

From Times Staff and Wire Reports

October 3, 2006

Joseph Kauffman, 84, one of the architects of the Peace Corps in the early 1960s, died Friday of cancer... read full article

Peace Corps seeing resurgence, new chief says | naplesnews.com | Naples Daily News

2006-10-04T16:28:00.000-07:00

By Amie Parnes (Contact)

Monday, October 2, 2006

WASHINGTON — To all those who say the Peace Corps is a sleepy, outdated organization with little purpose, Ronald Tschetter has a story for you... read full article

Welcome!

2006-10-04T16:17:00.000-07:00

This is the blog for the Sacramento RPCVs. I will be posting pictures from our events as well as Peace-Corps related news articles. If anyone else wants to post to the blog, email me at mark@markstivers.com and I will make you a team member on the blog.