Hello to all-

I. Update

Yesterday, March 6, the RPCV group of the Capital District celebrated by showing the wonderful film of the early volunteers in Afghanistan (see attachment) at the not-for-profit Crandell movie theatre on the main street in Chatham NY and followed up with a display of Peace Corps artifacts from various host countries at the local brew pub just down from the theatre. 

We had about 130 people attend (way beyond my hopes for our little town) and had two examples of serendipity:   

1. Unbeknown to us, a Afghani exchange student is a senior at Chatham HS and along with a visiting Afghani exchange student, joined the film maker, Jill Vickers and return volunteer from Afghanistan, John Flynn and President Joe Doherty, in the discussion following the film.
2. During the discussion, a man from the audience identified himself as someone who designed the training for the first volunteers from Afghanistan.

The film is terrific and captures the experiences of being a Peace Corps volunteer perfectly-- even for those of who served in a different part of the world.

A large number of attendees joined us in the donated upstairs space at the pub, and viewed artifacts from a number of host countries.  Lots of great discussion,  This was a great cooperative effort which included President Joe Doherty, Sue Senecah, the Thornhills, the Flynns, Bob Crowley and daughter, Jeanetter Gottlieb, Don Hegeman, and Mary Gail Biebel, of the Chatham Film Club,  (If I missed a name, I apologize!!!!)

II. Other chances to see film 

We will be showing the film again (along with a display of artifacts) at

• North Chatham Free Library on March 18, 8 PM
• New Lebanon Public Library on March 31, 7 PM 

III. Replicate this event

I will be happy to loan my DVD of the film to anyone who wants to create a similar event in their own public library, or other venue.  I am guessing (with confidence) that some other volunteers would join you in planning the event.
 

Best,

Carol Hegeman, RPCV Liberia