This Week's Top Stories

The week's top Peace Corps news stories posted here every Sunday.

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August 28, 2004: This Week's Top Stories David Magnani rallies RPCVs behind Kerry 26 Aug Schwarzenegger launches California Service Corps 26 Aug RPCV calls for action in Sudan, Congo, and Afghanistan 26 Aug Bellamy warns about Water Crisis 26 Aug Schneider says Afghanistan not getting enough help 26 Aug Ken Hill to lead National Peace Corps Association 24 Aug Defeated RPCV considers return to Africa 23 Aug Taft's low standing limits ability to help Bush 23 Aug GOP complains of Doyle's anti-Bush statements 23 Aug RPCV accused of sex abuse in Colombia 21 Aug Mark Shriver rumored for Kerry's PC Director 20 Aug Correction: PC Applicant on TV's "Survivor" 18 Aug more top stories...

RPCV creates sustainable vineyard
Guatemala RPCV Ames Morison creates sustainable vineyard 27 August 2004


Kerry encourages Peace Corps service
Kerry would like to get young people involved in service to their country, in various ways, including the Peace Corps when the stability and security of foreign soil again presents the opportunity 27 August 2004


PCV in Fiji Re-Entry Group 1
Janessa Stream is one of only a handful (twenty-five or so) Peace Corps Volunteers in Fiji Re-Entry Group 1 27 August 2004


David Magnani rallies RPCVs behind Kerry
Sierra Leone RPCV David Magnani rallies former volunteers behind Kerry Campaign 26 August 2004


Schwarzenegger launches California Service Corps
Schwarzenegger, Shriver to launch Service Corps in California 26 August 2004


California Service Corps features "Sarge the Bear"
Maria Shriver launches California Service Corps Web Site featuring a logo of a cartoon bear, dumbbell in hand, nicknamed "Sarge the Bear" - a tribute to Shriver's father 26 August 2004


PCVs introduced softball in Botswana
In 1963, American Peace Corps volunteers introduced softball in Botswana 26 August 2004


RPCV calls for action in Sudan, Congo, and Afghanistan
Congo Kinshasa RPCV Michael O'Hanlon says in Sudan, Congo and Afghanistan, the imperative for urgent action is clear 26 August 2004


Bellamy warns about Water Crisis
"Around the world, millions of children are being born into a silent emergency of simple needs," said UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy. "We have to act now to close this (health) gap or the death toll will certainly rise," she added. 26 August 2004


Schneider says Afghanistan not getting enough help
Former Peace Corps Director Mark Schneider -now a top official of the International Crisis Group says Afghanistan is not getting enough assistance 26 August 2004


RPCV discusses Al Jazeera and public media
Kazakhstan RPCV Kevin Marousek says he was watching C Span and the Washington Bureau Chief of Al Jazeera, Hafez Al-Mirazi, was speaking to a committee on public diplomacy and the media 24 August 2004


PC hosts Kids for Peace Camp
Peace Corps Hosts Kids for Peace Camp 24 August 2004


RPCV holds 7-vote lead in Colorado Primary
El Salvador RPCV John Kefalas holds seven-vote lead in Colorado Democratic Primary 24 August 2004


Ken Hill to lead National Peace Corps Association
Ken Hill to lead National Peace Corps Association 24 August 2004


Tom Petri charges Edwards wrong on overtime
US Representative Tom Petri said " As John Edwards travels through Wisconsin today, people may hear the false charge that their overtime is at risk," Petri said. "The truth is that President Bush is absolutely committed to putting more money in the pockets of working people — both through good pay and less taxation." 24 August 2004


Malkin accuses Chris Matthews of Ambush Journalism
Michelle Malkin accuses Chris Matthews of Ambush Journalism 24 August 2004


Carl Pope on Levels of Mercury Pollution
Statement of Carl Pope, Sierra Club's Executive Director on Increasing Levels of Mercury Pollution 24 August 2004


Defeated RPCV considers return to Africa
Shaun McNally has told some people he is considering a return to Africa, where he worked as a Peace Corps volunteer for two years 23 August 2004


RPCV invents cheap design for potable water
Fred Stottlemyer's experience with creating regional water and sewer systems like those in Putnam County, and the time he spent in Pakistan and Bangladesh in the Peace Corps helped him come up with a simple, cheap design for potable water 23 August 2004


RPCV says One Billion Dollars needed to Fight Fat
Bolivia RPCV Sky Davies says : One Billion Dollars needed to Fight Fat 23 August 2004


Ecuador RPCV is Artist-In-Residence
An Atascadero State Hospital Artist-In-Residence, Janine Kirkpatrick discovered fiber nearly 40 years ago while working for the Peace Corps in Ecuador. She helped a women’s cooperative in the Andes Mountains make shopping bags out of straw 23 August 2004


Taft's low standing limits ability to help Bush
The low standing of Ohio Gov. Bob Taft limits his ability to serve as a political surrogate for President Bush. Taft has seen his approval rating dip because of the state's lagging economy and a sales tax increase he approve 23 August 2004


Shays says too much Intelligence classification
"We have too much overclassificaiton; it's an outrage," Subcommittee Chairman. Christopher Shays, R-Conn., told Government Executive. "I will get classified briefings that are silly. They tell me nothing I don't already know, but then they prevent me from discussing what I already know." 23 August 2004


GOP complains of Doyle's anti-Bush statements
GOP complains about Doyle administration's anti-Bush statements 23 August 2004


Shays wants 911 commission to continue
Chris Shays, R-Conn., would allocate $15 million over the next five years to allow the panel to continue to monitor the progress of its recommendations 23 August 2004


RPCV to speak on female genital cutting
RPCV Molly Melching to speak on female genital cutting in Senegal 22 August 2004


RPCV writes "Earthquest Hawaii 2054"
Richard Ziegler writes "Earthquest Hawaii 2054" about global warming and sea level rise and said while serving in the Peace Corps, he lived on an atoll in Micronesia where the highest point on the island is 5 feet, "a mound built up." 21 August 2004


RPCV is first woman consul general in Saudi Arabia
Oman RPCV Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley is the first woman to serve as U.S. consul general in Saudi Arabia 21 August 2004


UN Staff say Afghanistan too dangerous to work
The United Nations should withdraw all its personnel from Afghanistan as the country has become too dangerous to work in, the UN staff union has said 21 August 2004


RPCV accused of sex abuse
RPCV James Mitchell who has sponsored Colombian students accused of sex abuse 21 August 2004


RPCV has fond memories of Afghanistan
RPCV Larry Wonderling says Afghanistan was the worst to live in and the best for fond memories 20 August 2004


Parents use Satellite phones to talk to PCVs
Cathy Lewis speaks with her son, who serves in the Peace Corps in a remote locale in the tropical rainforest in Ecuador, every week with satellite phone 20 August 2004


Mark Shriver rumored for Kerry's PC Director
If Kerry Wins, Mark Shriver, who lost a congressional primary in Maryland to Chris Van Hollen, might succeed his ailing father, Sargent Shriver, who headed the Peace Corps years ago 20 August 2004


Guinea RPCV translates Pular in Court case
Judge Joan V. Churchill questioned RPCV Herbert Caudill, a Peace Corps volunteer who spent three years in Guinea and wrote a training manual for learning the Pular language spoken there 20 August 2004


Correction: RPCV Applicant on TV's "Survivor"
Julie Berry on Television's "Survivor" - In December, 2003, Berry was accepted into the Peace Corps but did not serve 18 August 2004

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August 21, 2004: This Week's Top Stories PC Jamaica swears in 75th group 21 Aug Peace Corps reopens Haiti Program 20 Aug Gaddi Vasquez in Africa for CD Conference 18 Aug RPCV on Television's "Survivor" 18 Aug RPCV writes about eastern Congo Situation 17 Aug New PC Masters in Geological Natural Hazards 17 Aug RPCV visits where Che Guevara was captured 16 Aug PCV finds her Hmong roots 15 Aug Sargent Shriver visits Opportunity Council 14 Aug Wisconsin-Madison wins first PC group award 14 Aug Abroad Magazine looking for PCV stories 13 Aug Paul Tsongas' Widow May Run For Senate Seat 10 Aug more top stories...

PC Jamaica swears in 75th group
Peace Corps swears in 75th group of its volunteers to serve in Jamaica 21 August 2004


Peace Corps reopens Haiti Program
Peace Corps reopens previously suspended Haiti Program 20 August 2004


Tom Petri wins 13 consecutive House races
U.S. Rep. Tom Petri, R-Fond du Lac, has won 13 consecutive House races and has now held the job for a quarter century. Now a pair of challengers vie for his seat in Congress 19 August 2004


RPCV on Television's "Survivor"
Julie Berry on Television's "Survivor" - In December, 2003, Berry was accepted into the Peace Corps and worked with youths at risk. Anybody know where she served? 18 August 2004


Gaddi Vasquez in Africa for CD Conference
Peace Corps Director Gaddi H. Vasquez traveled to Africa this past week, visiting South Africa and Botswana. Director Vasquez attended the annual Africa Region Country Directors' Conference in Johannesburg, followed by meetings with volunteers, foreign officials, and Peace Corps staff 18 August 2004


Hungary RPCV expands Adult School Program
Hungary RPCV Pam Garramone works to expand Adult School Program 17 August 2004


RPCV writes about eastern Congo Situation
Congo Kinshasa RPCV Learned Dees talks about eastern Congo Situation 17 August 2004


RPCV worked in Costa Rica National Parks
Steve Cornelius got his initial experience in Latin America as a Peace Corps Volunteer where he helped in the establishment of the Costa Rica National Parks System in 1970 17 August 2004


Staffer Ellen Field named to Advisory Committee
Peace Corps Director of Communications Ellen Field named to Parent's Advisory Committee 17 August 2004


New PC Masters in Geological Natural Hazards
The National Science Foundation has provided funding of $96,000 to support the first students entering the new Masters International Peace Corps program in Geological Natural Hazards 17 August 2004


Eunice Shriver released from hospital
Eunice Shriver released from hospital after treatment for hypothermia 16 August 2004


RPCV visits where Che Guevara was captured
Emily George visited Vallegrande where Che Guevara was captured in 1967 after finishing a Peace Corps stint in Bolivia. "Che embodied a lot of what my generation is lacking," George said, citing his idealism and concern for social justice in Latin America. 16 August 2004


RPCV Jim Doyle still making his own name
Tunisia RPCV Jim Doyle still making his own name 15 August 2004


RPCV directs NC Regional Arts & Culture Council
RPCV Eloise Damrosch is new director of the Regional Arts & Culture Council 15 August 2004


PCV finds her Hmong roots
Peace Corps Volunteer May yer Ly finds her Hmong roots while assisting resettlement in Thailand 15 August 2004


Sargent Shriver visits Opportunity Council
Sargent Shriver visited the headquarters of the South Middlesex Opportunity Council, telling the employees and supporters who gathered for a luncheon that he "admire(s)" them for all they do to advance the cause of others. 14 August 2004


Wisconsin-Madison wins first PC group award
Wisconsin-Madison RPCVs win first national recognition award 14 August 2004


Schneider says ICG involved in ending wars
Over the past two decades, peace negotiations around the world have succeeded only when rebel forces are allowed to come in from the cold, says Mark Schneider, vice president of the International Crisis Group in Washington, which has been closely involved in ending wars from Latin America to Africa to the Balkans 14 August 2004


RPCV builds bridges of understanding in DR
Through the work of Peace Corps volunteer Justin Overdevest and regional and non-profit groups, new bridges of understanding and collaboration are being built over old rivers of distrust in the Dominican Republic 13 August 2004


Abroad Magazine looking for PCV stories
Abroad Magazine looking for stories about the Peace Corps 13 August 2004


RPCV writes on Japanese human rights worker
Zimbabwe RPCV Matthew Rusling writes on Japanese human rights worker Takayki Noguchi who has finally been released after being jailed for helping North Koreans in China 13 August 2004


Paul Tsongas' Widow May Run For Senate Seat
Paul Tsongas' Widow May Run For Senate Seat 10 August 2004

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August 14, 2004: This Week's Top Stories RPCV arrives in Korea as Ambassador 14 Aug Eunice Shriver hospitalized 13 Aug RPCV helps absentee voters 13 Aug Director Chao to address Republican Convention 12 Aug Psychologist studies motives of PCVs 11 Aug RPCV says Georgia going through turbulent period 11 Aug RPCV says Choke off Sudan's weapons 11 Aug Tamulonis, Madison Group win PC Awards 11 Aug Colin Powell will skip GOP convention 10 Aug RPCV John Kefalas draws fans back to politics 8 Aug RPCV suing the Massachusetts Lottery 8 Aug RPCV directs Greensboro Natural Science Center 8 Aug more top stories...

RPCV arrives in Korea as Ambassador
Korea was a whole different world in the early 1980s when Ambassador and Cameroon RPCV Christopher Hill was last posted here 14 August 2004


Eunice Shriver hospitalized
Eunice Shriver, 83, hospitalized after chilly sailing trip 13 August 2004


RPCV helps absentee voters
Four years ago, Peace Corps Volunteer Steve Elmore opened an envelope of documents in the crowded, smoke-filled teachers' lounge of a school in Balchik, a Bulgarian town on the Black Sea 13 August 2004


Director Chao to address Republican Convention
Director Chao to address Republican Convention 12 August 2004


Kenya RPCV heads University Press
Kenya RPCV Ivar Nelson's extensive experience will help shape the future of Eastern Washington University Press 12 August 2004


Psychologist studies motives of PCVs
Psychology Professor Joseph Ferrari studies motives of Peace Corps Volunteers 11 August 2004


McNally loses in 2nd District Primary
Sullivan Beats McNally In 2nd District Primary 11 August 2004


Ukraine RPCV files for Tahoe City Council
Ukraine RPCV Ted Long files for Tahoe City Council 11 August 2004


RPCV says Choke off Sudan's weapons
Azerbaijan RPCV Mark Lenzi says Choke off Sudan's weapons supply from Belarus 11 August 2004


RPCV John Kefalas holds lead in primary
El Salvador RPCV John Kefalas held a two-vote lead Tuesday night in the Democratic primary election for state House District 52 11 August 2004


Tamulonis, Madison Group win PC Awards
Tamulonis, Madison Group Honored with First Returned Volunteer Recognition Awards 11 August 2004


Bobby Shriver runs for Santa Monica City Council
Bobby Shriver joins race for Santa Monica City Council 11 August 2004


RPCV says Georgia going through turbulent period
RPCV John Mackedon says Georgia's Rose Revolution is going through a turbulent period 11 August 2004


Colin Powell will skip GOP convention
Colin Powell will skip GOP convention, will not take part in “parochial debate" 10 August 2004


Students says PC can restore US image
Many American University students believe that restoring the image of the United States abroad is a top priority -- and it will be a key issue in the election 10 August 2004


John Fry asks if we should send PCVs to Iraq
John Fry asks if we should send PCVs to Iraq 10 August 2004


RPCV travels to Mexico with Baby on board
RPCV Virginia de Leon travels to Mexico with Baby on board 10 August 2004


Peace Corps Volunteers sworn in for Cameroon Service
Peace Corps Volunteers sworn in for Cameroon Service 9 August 2004


Russia RPCV writes own obituary
Russia RPCV Dave Musante writes own obituary 9 August 2004


Nigeria RPCV criticizes foolishness of leaders
Nigeria RPCV Charlotte Murphy criticizes foolishness of religious leaders 9 August 2004


RPCV directs Greensboro Natural Science Center
Eastern Caribbean RPCV Glenn Dobrogosz is Director of the Greensboro Natural Science Center 8 August 2004


RPCV John Kefalas draws fans back to politics
El Salvador RPCV John Kefalas draws fans back to politics 8 August 2004


RPCV suing the Massachusetts Lottery
RPCV William J. Horan is suing the Massachusetts Lottery 8 August 2004


Brian Moore is candidate for U.S. House
Brian Moore is candidate for U.S. House, Florida Dist. 5 8 August 2004

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August 7, 2004: This Week's Top Stories JFK encounter was inspiration to RPCV 7 Aug Iran RPCV sees world faiths up close 7 Aug PC names Nine New Country Directors 6 Aug PCV helps Open Source in Philippines 5 Aug Ted Kennedy's Peace Corps 4 Aug Tom Petri introduces bill to benefit newborns 3 Aug Vasquez to speak at National Press Club 3 Aug Phil Lilienthal's passion for children's camps 2 Aug RPCV takes children up for their first flight 2 Aug RPCV helps Haiti Orphanage 2 Aug Maureen Orth helps IWDC 2 Aug Chris Shays leading trip to Middle East 2 Aug more top stories...

JFK encounter was inspiration to RPCV
JFK encounter proved inspiration to Liberia RPCV Shaun McNally 7 August 2004


Iran RPCV sees world faiths up close
Iran RPCV Gordon Morrison sees world faiths up close 7 August 2004


Philippines RPCV runs for re-election as judge
Philippines RPCV Paul Czajka is running for re-election as as Judge of the County, Family and Surrogate Court 7 August 2004


PC names Nine New Country Directors
Peace Corps names Nine New Country Directors 6 August 2004


PCV helps Open Source in Philippines
The Open Source Computer Security Laboratory is now getting help from Peace Corps information technology (IT) consultant Justin Wiley 5 August 2004


Ted Kennedy's Peace Corps
If Ted Kennedy has his way, the Peace Corps will be pushed to center stage as representing what America stands for 4 August 2004


RPCV learned vipassana meditation in Thailand
Joseph Goldstein went to Thailand with the Peace Corps in 1965, met teachers of vipassana meditation in the Theravada tradition, and spent most of the next eight years in Asia 3 August 2004


Tom Petri introduces bill to benefit newborns
U.S. Rep. Tom Petri, R-Fond du Lac, recently introduced an ambitious bill that would give a $500 grant to all newborn children born in America after Dec. 31, 2005 3 August 2004


Matthews really dug being at the convention
You could tell Matthews really dug being at the convention—gassing on about JFK and LBJ, comparing Teresa Heinz Kerry to Anouk Aimée and Jeanne Moreau, and (sheer ecstasy, this) being able to cut off his more vaunted NBC archrival, Tim Russert, marooned up in a FleetCenter skybox. Take that, Little Russ. 3 August 2004


Vasquez to speak at National Press Club
Peace Corps Director Gaddi Vasquez to speak at National Press Club on October 14 3 August 2004


Phil Lilienthal's passion for children's camps
Phil Lilienthal said he has wanted to take his passion for children's camps to Africa ever since he and his wife volunteered with the Peace Corps in Ethiopia during the 1960s 2 August 2004


RPCV takes children up for their first flight
RPCV Hank Eng takes children up for their first flight as a participating pilot in the EAA’s Young Eagles program 2 August 2004


RPCV helps Haiti Orphanage
RPCV Wendy Goodman helps children for a future that may never come in Haiti Orphanage 2 August 2004


Maureen Orth helps IWDC
Cohosted by Nantucket residents Suzanne Wright, wife of NBC/Universal honcho Bob Wright, and Vanity Fair writer Maureen Orth, the night benefited the International Women's Democracy Center 2 August 2004


Chris Shays leading trip to Middle East
Shays leading trip to Middle East 2 August 2004