Spring

2010

From the RPCV/w President...

Dear friends,

The sun is shining and RPCVw has been busy, busy, busy!
Whether you joined us for potato salad and chicken at the
cherry blossom picnic, attended a self-defense workshop, or
took part in the Peace Corps Open mini-golf tournament, you
have inevitably seen the energy and enthusiasm that makes our
community so extraordinary. As a community, we have taken
on some exciting initiatives and formed new, valuable partner-
ships.

At the RPCVw Holiday Party, we named Congressman Sam

The winning photo from this Spring’s RPCV/w photo contest submit-
ted by Saira Amir, Honduras ‘06-’08: Donkey Polo
Your 2009-10 RPCV/w Board of Directors
Farr our Peace Corps Champion, and celebrated his long fight
to increase the Peace Corps budget. Due to his leadership, the
Peace Corps budget was increased from $340 million in FY 2009
to $400 million in FY 2010. The $60 million funding increase
was the largest single dollar increase since 1961.

President: Tamar Schiffman Earlier this year, our members voted and chose the Latin
Vice President: Bea Tijerina American Youth Center as RPCVw’s charity of the year. We are
thrilled to be working together with such a vital organization
Secretary: Joe Ford
that is working to bring dignity, hope, and joy to marginalized
Treasurer: Kristina Owens youth in DC. Already, RPCVw efforts have raised substantial
Membership: Doug Trapp funds for the organization, and we are actively involved in
New Members: Nicholas Brown providing community service to LAYC through the efforts of our
Communications: RaeJean Stokes members.
Web: Robert Proudfoot
Memorial Day weekend, RPCVw took part in a tradition that
Development: Trish Calamari
our community has lead for years. We honored the legacy
Special Events: Allison Francis of President John F. Kennedy and his commitment and pas-
Social: Arvis Layton sion for service by laying a wreath at his gravesite in Arlington
Community Service: Corey Taylor Ceremony. We heard from Ambassadors whose countries were
Programs: Liza Cushion positively affected by the hard-working and motivated Peace
Corps volunteers who served there. So often we talk about how
Peace Corps affected our lives and experiences, and I look for-
ward to hearing from the perspective of our host countries, how
Save the Date: Kennedy’s dream has made a difference for them.

Join us July 10 for our annual picnic at the Capitol Yacht Club
where we will finalize our new board. I encourage anyone with
Annual Picnic & Board Election a passion for service and a desire to give back to their commu-
Saturday, July 10, 2010 nity to consider serving on the RPCVw board. We are looking
for dynamic leaders with diverse opinions and new ideas to lead
12:30-4pm us ahead into 2011 and Peace Corps’ 50th anniversary year.
The Yacht Club, Washington, DC
My best to you,
Tamar Schiffman
President – RPCV/w
RPCV/w Reveals Photo Contest Winners
RPCV/w is pleased to announce that the following photos took top honors in the first ever RPCV/w Photo Contest.

Overall Winner (not featured here; it’s on the front page): Donkey Polo by Saira Amir

Top left: Latin America and Caribbean Regional Winner: Modern Inca Foot Plows by Mahlon Barash
Top right: East Asia and Pacific Regional Winner: Ghost Mask Festival - Thailand by Paulo Couto
Bottom left: Africa Regional Winner: Argan Oil by Leslie Andrus
Bottom right: Eastern Europe and Central Asia Regional Winner: Picnic Song by Chris De Bruyn

You can see all the photos at www.thirdgoal.info.

Website Update - Transition to New Service

RPCV/w has decided to switch our Website Service to Wild Apricot after using Memberclicks since 2006. Wild Apricot has similar
functions to Memberclicks but is much easier to manage and will have RPCV/w paying roughly 75% of what we are paying now.
The change was brought on by a desire by the Board of Directors to simplify the web management functions and reduce costs.

Per Year Costs:

Memberclicks: $1,920 + 1% of all internet sales
Wild Apricot: $540 + No charge on Sales

After selecting Wild Apricot as our new service provider, we imported all user information to the new database and updated the
current webpages. The method for making payments through the website (dues and event fees) is completed through Paypal.
com for a 3% fee (industry standard). Hopefully, the membership management and website upkeep for RPCV/w will now be
easier with a 75% reduction in cost ($540 vs $2,000).
 RPCVw Financial Update: Where
does your $$ go?!
When you buy a $15 membership this is how we spend your
hard-earned cash:
Ev ents
$10.50 is used to pay for or subsidize events such as the holiday
W ebs ite
party, picnic, programs, Thanksgiving, and Partnership for
Inv es tments
Peace
Board
$2.80 is used for website maintenance and other overhead
$1.00 has been invested
$0.70 for Board planning retreats & holiday dinner

A worthy investment? We think so and hope you think so too.

You can buy a membership at www.rpcvw.org.

HELP WANTED!
New Web Director for RPCV/w Needed

Robert Proudfoot, RPCV/w’s Web Director, will

be leaving Washington, D.C this June to move
to Lexington, Kentucky where he will study law
at University of Kentucky. Anyone interested in
taking on a greater role within RPCV/w as Web
Director should contact Robert Proudfoot atweb@
rpcv.org. Robert Proudfoot is available to teach
the Wild Apricot software in person until May 30,
2010. Afterward, he is available for online tutori-
als until August.

RPCV/w Honors JFK’s Memory

More than 30 Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) from the past 50 years laid a wreath at the
grave site of President John F. Kennedy on Saturday, May 29th at Arlington National Cemetery. The
gesture, which took place on President Kennedy’s birthday, honored the former Commander-in-Chief for
forming the Peace Corps through Executive Order 10924 in 1961.

In attendance at the event were Ambassador Daniel Ohene Agyekum of Ghana, and Ambassador Ombe-
ni Sefue of Tanzania, who represented two of the first Peace Corps Countries. Both dignitaries gave per-
sonal tales about their exposures to Peace Corps volunteers during their youth. Leading the invited speak-
ers was National Peace Corps Association President Kevin F. F. Quigley, who discussed the significance of
President Kennedy creating the Peace Corps. Quigley also paid homage to Peace Corps Volunteers who
died in the line of service. Representing the federal agency of Peace Corps was Director of Intergovern-
mental Affairs C.D. Glin, who expressed the current administrations plans and support for Peace Corps.

After statements from each of the invited speakers, there was a procession of RPCVs to President Kenne-
dy’s grave site, and a laying of 13 roses, which represented the first 13 Peace Corps Countries: Brazil, Chile,
Colombia, Ghana, India, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, St. Lucia, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and
Thailand.

LAYC’s Fiesta a Great Success
RPCV/w supports a hometown cause
The Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) is
happy to report that its recent Fiesta 2010
was a huge success. The evening was filled
with dinner, dancing, a silent auction and
the voices and stories of LAYC youth past
and present.
“It was a great night and one of LAYC’s best
events ever,” Executive Director Lori Kaplan
said. “The staff, our board of directors and
the LAYC youth pulled together to make the
night very special.”
Highlights of the evening included a silent
auction filled with rare sports memorabilia
and local crafts and artwork; salsa lessons
on the main dance floor and the wonderful
stories of LAYC youth, who recounted the
effect that LAYC has had on their lives. A
video featuring more stories was shown dur-
ing the program.
“LAYC was tremendously helpful in helping
me attain my GED,” Cinthia Manzano told
the audience. “Now that I have it, I feel like
I have more to offer my son.”
In addition to fun, dancing and good food,
LAYC is happy to report that the night
raised a significant amount of unrestricted
dollars that are critical to LAYC’s continued , Pabst Blue Ribbon, The Hamilton Crowne Plaza Hotel, Capitol
growth.
RPCVw is Linked In and Up
Find us online in oh so many places!
We Tweet!
We Facebook!
We’re LinkedIn!
RPCV/w Kickball Team
RPCV/w organized a WAKA kickball team for the
Spring of 2010 after a survey of membership. After
five games, RPCV/w had been enjoying the wonder-
ful weather and new friendships from the league.
Although RPCVs are not as competitive or cut-throat
as some other league teams, we’ve enjoy playing and
drinking a beer or two afterward. Anyone interested
in hosting a sports league (or that needs more players)
should contact RPCV/w to get on our weekly emails.
Thank you to everyone that has been able to come
out to the games!
The spring 2010 kickball team in all its glory
RPCVw would like to thank its gracious sponsors
and supporters!
UN Foundation, The Global Fund for Children, City Staff, The-
resa Immordino, Real Estate Agent, Long and Foster Real Estate
Yacht Club, Recessions, Haydees, Marx Cafe, Potbelly in Columbia
Heights, Los Hermanos Dominican Restaurant, H Street Country
Club, PBR, and Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority.
New Board Members Needed
Do you want to get more involved in your local RPCVw community? Do you have great ideas? Do you want to build your lead-
ership skills? Join RPCVw’s board of directors!

We are looking for talented people to shape the future of the organization. As an RPCVw board member, you can be the face
of the organization, create and plan events and programs for our diverse membership, listen to the needs of the community and
create a fun and exciting space for returned Peace Corps volunteers in the Washington area.

Terms are for just one year and are volunteer, unpaid positions. Board members attend monthly board meetings and are ex-
pected to be present at most RPCVw events. We have two planning retreats throughout the year to strategize and plan for the
year ahead. There are many positions available, each highlighting different skill sets. Please keep in mind that position write-ups
are only broad outlines. RPCVw encourages board members to pursue their interest and contribute new ideas and programs.

President: The president is responsible for giving strategic direction to the board. He/she runs board meetings, co-facilitates re-
treats, and serves as the face of the organization for media and events. The president maintains partnerships with NPCA, Peace
Corps and other peer organizations in the region. Candidates should have leadership and management experience, patience,
and rapport-building skills.
Vice President: The VP is responsible for coordinating and co-facilitating strategic board retreats. In the President’s absence,
the VP runs board meetings and fills in as board leader. The VP runs and implements the Partnership for Peace program, linking
RPCVw with local community non profits. Candidates should be well organized managers with excellent people skills.
Treasurer: The Treasurer is responsible for managing RPCVw’s finances and cash flow. The treasurer manages membership dues
and event revenue, writes checks for all expenses, and provides monthly budget summaries for the board. Candidates should
have basic knowledge of Quicken or similar finance software, be detail oriented, trustworthy, and organized.
Secretary: The Secretary is responsible for keeping the minutes of each board meeting and retreat, as well as compiling the
annual report at the end of the year. The treasurer should distribute minutes in a timely manner and keep detailed records of
board decisions. Candidates should be organized and available to attend meetings regularly.
Membership Director: The Membership Director is responsible for guiding RPCVw’s membership strategy and work plan,
managing RPCVw’s membership database, and coordinating with NPCA for membership dues. The Membership Director Chairs
the Membership Committee, a group of board members dedicated to increasing membership and ensuring member satisfaction.
Candidates should be strategic thinkers and organized managers.
New Members Director: The New Members Director is usually a recently returned RPCV, responsible for reaching out to
recently returned volunteers. He/she coordinates events and gatherings for new members to meet each other, network, and con-
nect. Candidates should be energetic, full of ideas, and ready to meet new people.
Development Director: The Development Director is responsible for keeping RPCVw funded through non-dues revenues.
He/she works with sponsors and donors, and runs the silent auction at the Holiday Party. The Development Director chairs the
board’s Development Committee, thinking creatively about new revenue opportunities. Candidates should have basic fundrais-
ing or networking experience, have great people skills, and creativity.
Program Director: The Programs Director plans and executes programs for the RPCVw community. From film screenings, to
lectures, to cooking classes, he/she responds to the needs of our members with new and exciting opportunities to participate.
Candidates should be well organized, social, and creative.
Special Events Director: The Special Events Coordinator is responsible for the coordination of RPCVw’s two signature events:
The Annual Holiday Party and the Annual Summer Picnic. He/she works closely with venues, catering, and the Development
Director to secure sponsors and donations. Candidates should have event planning experience, be able to delegate responsibili-
ties to the board, and have a sense of humor!
Community Service Director: The Community Service Director is responsible for integrating the service component to RPCVw.
He/she identifies local opportunities to engage in service projects. In addition, the Community Service director plans and coor-
dinates the annual wreath laying in honor of President Kennedy at Arlington Cemetery. Candidates should have a passion for
service and be able to bring diverse groups of people together.
Social Director: The Social Director is responsible for coordinating social events for RPCVw members, including happy hours,
family events, and networking. He/she coordinates sign-up sheets and nametags at events, coordinates with local venues, and
encourages members to meet each other and establish connections and friendships. Candidates should be outgoing, organized,
and fun!
Communications Director: The Communications Director is responsible for sending out the weekly listserve to RPCVs mem-
bers and friends, as well as putting out a quarterly newsletter. He/she gathers all event information from board members for
compilation into the list serve. Candidates should have working knowledge of pagemaker or similar newsletter formatting
software, be extremely organized, and keep to deadlines.
Web Director: The Web Director is responsible for maintaining and updating RPCVw’s website, Google Groups, and other
applications. The Web Director works closely with the Membership Director on integrating the member database. Candidates
should have basic knowledge of website management and online applications.
 About the RPCV/w
The Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Washington, D.C. (RPCVw)
was founded in 1979 and incorporated in 1990 in the District of Colum-
bia. RPCVw is one of the largest organizations of its kind in the world.
RPCVw is a nonprofit 501c3 and represents more than 900 returned
Peace Corps volunteers, Peace Corps staff, and Peace Corps families
and supporters in the greater Washington, D.C. area. RPCVw is gov-
erned by an elected board of directors.
MISSION & VISION:
By fostering opportunities to share our unique experiences and com-
mitment to service, we create a community that celebrates the diver-
sity of the greater Washington area and world cultures.
GOALS:
* Undertake and sponsor educational and charitable activities in
support of the Peace Corps 3rd goal of “Helping promote a better
understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans;”
* Inform and educate members and the public on matters relating to
economic development and developing countries, including but not
limited to those countries which have been served by the Peace Corps;
* Support policies to maintain a strong and healthy Peace Corps;
Encourage continuing volunteer involvement of its members in serving
the needs of their local communities;
* Affiliate and strengthen other organizations with similar vision and
mission goals, such as the NPCA; and
* Provide the foundation of a Community of Returned Peace Corps
Volunteers to support all of the above activities.
Become a Sponsor
If your organization is interested in becoming
an RPCVw sponsor, please start by either log-
ging in to your existing account or create a new
account profile. You will then be directed to
a form where you will be asked to submit your
sponsorship proposal. Sponsorship proposals are
evaluated on a case by case basis by the RPCVw
Board of Directors. For questions please e-mail
development@rpcvw.org.
The Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
of Washington, D.C.
P.O. Box 66101
Washington D.C. 20035
Webite: www.rpcvw.org
Email: communications@rpcvw.org
Spring Recipe
Georgian Khachapuri (cheese bread)
Are you looking for a dish that will impress friends
and be sinfully delicious? This Georgian classic is
cheesy, comforting, and absolutely scrumptious. A
bit involved, but totally worth it.
What you will need:
1 package of dry yeast
2 TBSP and 1 tsp sugar
¾ cup milk
½ cup melted butter
1 tsp salt
3 ½ cups flour
8 ounces muenster cheese, shredded*
8 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded *
8 ounces white aged cheddar, shredded *
2 eggs, slightly beaten
2 TBSP parsley, minced
¼ tsp white pepper
*Feel free to substitute your favorite cheese – the
sharper the better. Roquefort works well too, but
doesn’t mix well with other cheeses.
Dissolve the yeast and 1 tsp sugar in 1/4 cup warm
water and let stand 5-10 minutes until it starts
to foam. Add milk, remaining sugar, butter, salt,
and enough flour to make a soft dough. Place in
greased bowl roll to coat all sides. Cover and let
the dough rise until it doubles in size. In a sepa-
rate bowl, mix cheeses and remaining ingredients.
Refrigerate.
Heavily grease a 9” pan. Punch down the dough
and shape into a ball. Roll it out into a big circle
and place gently into pan, letting excess hang over
the edge. Put the cheese filling into the dough
and bring dough up over the filling, securing with
pleats. Pinch ends together tightly. Cover with wax
paper and let sit until it rises again to double in
size.
Once it rises again, brush the top with some but-
ter and bake 40-50 minutes at 375 degrees, until
golden brown. Then, remove from the pan and
put directly on the oven pan for an additional 5
minutes until the bottom is crusted and brown.
Cool for 20-30 minutes before cutting in wedges
and serving. It will be HOT! Enjoy!