Events & Activities
Prospective volunteers, returned volunteers, and parents and friends of volunteers are all invited to join us for our social / networking events. This year, we're attempting to schedule most of our events the third Sunday every other month. If you need more information, or if you would like to help plan or host an event, contact info@rpcvs.org. To receive regular email updates, join our email mailing list by sending a blank message to rpcvs+subscribe@googlegroups.com. Send us an email at info@rpcvs.org if you have suggestions!
Next Event
Sunday, October 2, 5:30pm: Dinner at "Saffron"
Date: Sunday, October 2
Time: 5:30pm
Location: Saffron, Westmont, IL
Questions? Contact Dave (dave@rpcvs.org)
Curious about what happened in DC for our 50th Anniversary and want to hear about Sierra Leone, then and now? Are you missing your RPCV community? Join us for dinner on October 2nd at 5:30PM at Saffron, 6020 S. Cass Avenue in Westmont (www.saffrondining.com). RSVP to Dave Gorman at dave@rpcvs.org by September 30th.
Sunday, July 10, 1:00pm: Kane County Cougars Peace Corps Day!
Date: Sunday, July 10
Time: 1:00pm
Location: Elfstrom Stadium, Geneva, IL
Questions? Contact Dave (dave@rpcvs.org)
Bring your family and friends to the Kane County Cougars’ “Peace Corps Day” on July 10th. The game will be at 1PM and if we get at least 20 people to reserve tickets by June 30th, our Regional Recruiter will get to throw out the first pitch and we’ll have an announcement to highlight our group.! Use this order form to reserve tickets in our seating area. Contact Dave Gorman at dave@rpcvs.org if you have any questions.
Other Past Events
Friday, May 20, 6:30pm: Dinner at Benihana Restaurant
Date: Friday, May 20
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Benihana, Lombard
Questions? Contact Dave (dave@rpcvs.org)
Join fellow RPCVs, family, and Peace Corps friends for an evening of Japanese dining entertainment. RPCV Laura Paunan will share about her time living and serving in the Philippines.
Sunday, September 19, 1:30pm: Potluck at the home of RPCV Nancy Horn!
Date: Sunday, September 19th
Time: 1:30pm
Location: Nancy Horn’s home, 77 Lake Hinsdale Drive, #312, Willowbrook
Questions? Contact Darren (info@rpcvs.org)
Nancy Horn has invited us to a potluck at her new condo! Bring a dish to share, and some ideas that we could undertake to celebrate Peace Corps’ 50th anniversary in 2011!
Directions:
Go south on Kingery (Route 83) to 67th Street.
Turn right, and then go the length of the gate.
At the entrance, go right again, and then take an immediate right into the complex.
Go forward a bit and you will see the small sign for building 77.
Park in the parking lot and then come in the entranceway.
After Nancy buzzes you in, take the elevator to the third floor, and go left down the corridor.
Nancy’s place is #312 at the end of the corridor.
Sunday, July 18, 2010, 1pm: Time for a Picnic!
All RPCVs and friends of the Peace Corps are invited to join host Tom Pulver and other fellow RPCVs for a leisurely lakeside potluck picnic at Lake Ellyn Park in Glen Ellyn on Sunday, July 18 at 1pm! Families and children are welcome, too.
Lake Ellyn sports picnic tables, lots of shade, a children's playground and a nice lake side setting. The park is located North of Glenbard West High School. We will gather at the picnic tables and grill just northwest of the park Boat House.
Tom will provide a charcoal grill in one of the park’s grills. Bring your own meat, or any other grillable item, and your own drinks (note that alcohol is not allowed in the park).
RPCVs who served in Africa are invited to bring a salad or appetizer to share with the group. Everyone else, please bring a dessert to share.
The best way to get to the park is to travel north on Park Avenue from Roosevelt to Hawthorne Blvd. Turn right on Hawthorne then left on Lenox and park on Lenox just beyond Linden St. You will see the Boat House. Tom will be in the picnic area to your left. Look for a Peace Corps sign. If you prefer to take public transit, the park is an easy walk from the Glen Ellyn Metra train station.
In the event of bad weather, we will meet at Tom’s home, at 748 Western Avenue in Glen Ellyn.
If you have any questions, send an email message to info@rpcvs.org. If you have questions about the weather / venue on the day of the event, call Darren's cell, 630-596-6486.
We hope to see you on the 18th!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010, 6:00pm: Annual Chicago Peace Corps Nomination & Send-off Celebration
Join the Chicago Regional Peace Corps Recruitment Office and the Chicago Area Peace Corps Association of returned volunteers to share in the spirit and pride of Peace Corps and excitement of new volunteers nominated and soon departing for international service.
Enjoy this unique chance to connect with others involved with Peace Corps – those recently nominated for service, invited to serve or have already returned, as well as family members and friends of nominees, invitees and currently serving volunteers.
Those applying for service and interested in serving are encouraged to attend to hear personal stories and learn more about the diversity, benefits and impact of Peace Corps. Help us celebrate our new partnership with City Year, and hear about the exciting future of Peace Corps as we prepare to kick off the 50th Anniversary year in 2011!
Please RSVP to the Chicago Peace Corps Office by Friday, May 15, at chicago@peacecorps.gov or call 312.353.4490. We look forward to seeing you there!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.
Harold Washington College downtown Chicago
Washington Hall Room 103, off the main lobby
30 East Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60601
Sunday, May 16, 2010, 5pm: Dinner at Priscilla's Ultimate Seafood
Enjoy fantastic Southern cooking at Priscilla's Ultimate Soulfood in Hillside! Tom and Karen Pulver will share some stories from their time in Sierra Leone, too! Priscilla's has a kid-friendly menu, so bring your family. Please RSVP to Dave Gorman at dave@rpcvs.org by Friday, May 14.
Priscilla's Ultimate Seafood
4330 W. Roosevelt Road
Hillside, IL
http://www.priscillasultimatesoulfood.com
February 23 - March 3, 2009: Peace Corps Week
February 23 through March 3 is National Peace Corps week! Celebrate the 48th anniversary of Peace Corps by committing to share your Peace Corps experience with your community.
- Contact a local school and let them know that you are available to share your Peace Corps experience with their students sometime this year.
- Visit the Peace Corps "Third Goal" website to find ideas and resources to help you more effectively share your Peace Corps experience.
- Register your name with the Worldwise Schools Speaker Match database.
Sunday, March 15 2009: Dinner at the "Himalaya Nepali & Indian Restaurant"
Join fellow RPCVs for lively conversation, samosas, tandoori, naan, curry, and other Nepali and Indian favorites at the recently opened "Himalaya" restaurant in Bloomingdale!
| When: | Sunday, March 15, 2009, 1pm-3pm |
| Where: | Himalaya Nepali & Indian Restaurant 398 W Army Trail Rd Bloomingdale, IL 60108 (630) 523-5100 Directions |
| Cost: | $12 includes the lunch and dessert buffet, tax, and gratuity. Beverages of your choice may be purchased from the servers. |
| RSVP: | Please RSVP to info@rpcvs.org on or before Friday March 13 to reserve your spot! |
Saturday, April 25: Prairie Path Cleanup Project
The Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Northeastern Illinois will participate in the Spring cleanup of the Illinois Prairie Path on Saturday, April 25th. Early risers are invited to join us for breakfast at Grove Family Restaurant at 7:45am. Others can join us at 9am at the Lombard Common Park (Grace Street and St. Charles Road). Please bring your own gloves and garbage bags. Coffee and donuts will be provided. Don't miss this opportunity to spend some with time with fellow RPCVs and serve our community! Contact Dave Gorman at dave@rpcvs.org for more information.
| When: | Saturday, April 25, 2009 7:45am Optional breakfast at The Grove restaurant 9:00am Prairie Path Cleanup begins |
| Where: | The Grove Restaurant 2 W. St. Charles Road (corner of Main and St. Charles) Lombard Lombard Common Park 433 East St. Charles Road (corner of Grace and St. Charles) Lombard |
| Cost: | Breakfast at The Grove: Order from the menu and pay your own way Prairie Path Cleanup: Free! Donuts and coffee provided! |
| RSVP: | No RSVP required, but you can contact Dave Gorman (dave@rpcvs.org) if you have any questions. |
Sunday, May 17, 1pm: Lunch at "La Playa Mexican Cantina"
Tom & Karen Pulver invite you, and other fellow RPCV friends, for an authentic Mexican meal and lively conversation at La Playa Mexican Cantina in Glen Ellyn!
| When: | Sunday, May 17, 2009, 1pm-3pm |
| Where: | La Playa Mexican Cantina |
| Cost: | We will order off the menu. Meals run $12-$15. |
| RSVP: | Please RSVP to info@rpcvs.org on or before Friday May 15 to reserve your spot! |
Wednesday, May 20, 6pm: Annual Peace Corps Nomination Party
Please join us to share in the spirit of Peace Corps and the excitement of new volunteers departing for international service. The Chicago Peace Corps staff and recently returned volunteers will address topics important to volunteers and their families, answer questions, and share from their personal experiences. In addition, the Chicago Area Peace Corps Association of returned volunteers will be on hand to talk about the resources and network they provide for volunteers both in service and returning from service. Enjoy this unique chance to connect with others who have been recently nominated for service, invited to serve or have already returned, as well as family members of nominees, invitees and currently serving volunteers.
| When: | Wednesday, May 20, 2009, 6pm |
| Where: | The Ralph Metcalfe Federal Building Room 331 77 W. Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60604 (enter on Jackson Blvd., pass through security, take elevator/escalator to third floor) |
| Cost: | Free! |
| RSVP: | Please RSVP to info@rpcvs.org on or before Friday May 15 to reserve your spot! |
| Note: | Want to carpool in or out of the city for this event? Send me your name, phone#, email, and address and I’ll distribute a list of others interested in ridesharing. |
Sunday, July 19, 2009: Pool Party & Picnic at the Schumann's!
Join fellow RPCVs for a Sunday afternoon BBQ and pool party at the home of Martha Schumann (RPCV, Thailand). Bring your family, swimsuit, towel, chair, and a dish to share. The Schummans will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, and cold beverages. Volleyball and bocci ball will also be available (it's a big backyard!). Non-swimmers are welcome to chat and enjoy cool drinks by the pool.
| When: | Sunday, July 19, 2009, 3pm-7pm | ||
| Where: | The Schumann's Home 9S111 Skylane Drive Naperville, IL 60564 | ||
| Cost: | Please bring a chair, plus a side dish, or snacks, or a dessert to share. The Schumanns will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, and cold beverages (juice, soda, homemade wine, and water). Beer always welcome. | ||
| RSVP: | RSVP to Martha Schumann (martha@rpcvs.org) | ||
| Directions: | Take Route 59 south of the Fox Valley Mall. Go past Calvary Church, to 83rd Street/Montgomery Road. Go left (east) on 83rd Street/Montgomery Road. Take the third left (only cross street), Skylane Drive. Go left (north) on Skylane almost to the north end. Look for the stone & cedar ranch on the right side. |
Sunday, September 20 2009: Middle Eastern Feast at "Naf Naf Grill", Naperville
Take a look at the many favorable reviews of Naf Naf Grill on yelp.com and you'll understand why this restaurant had to be on our calendar this year. Naf Naf Grill, owned by the son of an RPCV, serves some of the best Middle Eastern food in the suburbs. Join fellow RPCVs for great conversation and a feast of hummus, shawarma, kababs, felafel, homemade pita bread, and other middle eastern specialties on Sunday, September 20th! Seating is limited, so please be sure to RSVP by Friday, September 18th.
We will also be selling the new 2010 Peace Corps calendars, so bring your checkbooks and do some early holiday shopping!
| When: | Sunday, September 20, 2009, 1pm-3pm |
| Where: | Naf Naf Grill |
| Cost: | $10 includes lunch, soda, and tax. |
| RSVP: | Please RSVP to info@rpcvs.org on or before Friday September 18 to reserve your spot! |
Sunday, November 15, 2009: Authentic Thai Dinner at Thipi Thai in Glen Ellyn
Our group returns to Thipi Thai in Glen Ellyn for a pre-holiday gathering. Reconnect with fellow Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. Bring along your family and friends and experience a variety high quality Thai dishes prepared especially for our group.
We’ll be meeting in the upstairs semi-private dining room. Treat yourself to fresh seafood dishes, or stick to the basics with chicken and beef. Be adventurous and try tofu, duck, or pork. There is also a variety of curry dishes. Add a dessert to top off your meal.
This year we will most likely be ordering from the menu. Entrée are between $10 & $16. Join fellow RPCVs for great conversation and excellent Thai food. RSVP by Friday November 13th.
We will also be selling the new 2010 Peace Corps calendars, so bring your checkbooks and do some early holiday shopping! Income from our calendar sales will support a Peace Corps Partnership project.
| When: | Sunday, November 15, 2009, 1pm-3pm |
| Where: | Thipi Thai Save energy and take the Metra Union Pacific West Line to Glen Ellyn or bike the Prairie Path to Glen Ellyn. Thipi Thai is just steps from the Metra station! |
| Cost: | Check out the menu and bring enough cash to cover your meal, drinks, tax, and a tip for our server (please, checks only for calendar sales). |
| RSVP: | Please RSVP to info@rpcvs.org on or before Friday, November13th to reserve your spot! |
Sunday, January 17, 2010: Annual Potluck at Jan Mortensen's
Shake those post-holiday blues by joining us for an afternoon of good food and
conversation at the home of the Mortensen's. If your last name begins with
A-I, bring a main dish; J-R bring a salad or side dish; S-Z bring a dessert.
Jan will provide coffee and sodas. BYOB if you want something stronger. We
hope you will join us! Please RSVP to info@rpcvs.org if you plan to join us, or if you have any questions.
| When: | Sunday, January 17, 2010, 1pm-3pm |
| Where: | The Mortensen's |
| Cost: | Free! |
| RSVP: | Please RSVP to info@rpcvs.org on or before Friday, January 15th |
Our group will be meeting and eating at the Viceroy of India beginning at 1:30 PM on Sunday, March 21st. Join us and reconnect with fellow Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. Bring along your family and friends and experience an extensive and extraordinary buffet of fine Indian cuisine. RPCV and group board member Dave Gorman will give a brief talk about Lesotho, his country-of-service.
The nearly all inclusive buffet is $11.95 per person plus tax & tip (soft-drinks and bar items priced separately). Please RSVP by Friday, March 19th. Hope to see you at the Viceroy!
Viceroy of India
233 E. Roosevelt Road
Lombard, IL 60148
630-627-4411
Fore more info go to http://www.viceroyofindia.com.