Peace Corps Community in the News (week of December 22)

Fred Lonidier’s casual photography: part I, by Nilo Goldfarb, University of California, San Diego— December 23, 2024

In 1967, Lonidier joined the Peace Corps in the Philippines with his first wife, Paulette Liang, but his time there was cut short by a presidential appeal denying his draft deferral. Prior to his departure, Lonidier successfully wrote and published a letter to the editors of the Philippine Free Press and Manila Times, presenting the American interruption of his service as a disproof of the nation’s claim to be “on the side of peace.” The letter landed him in front of the press on his return flight home, just two and a half months later…”

UK professor recognized with lifetime achievement award for decades of community development contributions, by Zoey Ortega, University of Kentucky—December 23, 2024

“This work feeds my soul,” Hustedde said. “What I love is seeing people transform and bringing out the best in them. That’s the heart of community development — helping people to become united, find a focus to act on their dreams and build capacity.” After enlisting and serving as a noncommissioned infantry officer in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era, Hustedde became a Peace Corps volunteer in Costa Rica where he learned to put those family farming skills to work.

Never underestimate what neighbors can do for neighbors: the small town that teamed up to take in two families, by David Wallis for The Guardian

The call to action inspired Susan Sprachman, 77, and her husband, Paul, 77, who had both served in the Peace Corps in Afghanistan from 1969 to 1971. “We said, ‘Aha! This is exactly what we’d like to do,’” said Sprachman, 77, a retired social policy researcher who became co-chair of the circle.

Port Townsend artist makes major gift to Northwind, by Peninsula Daily News | Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

Artist Sylvia White, who envisioned an arts center in Port Townsend some three decades ago, is contributing $100,000 to fund a new program at Northwind Art: an exhibit program that will add to the organization’s offerings to Port Townsend and the Pacific Northwest.

NFL’s cleats initiative benefiting Laurel grad’s nonprofit, by Renée Gendreau | New Castle News, December 27, 2024.

“To have our logo out there during an NFL game was nothing we ever aspired to or even thought about, but it’s an incredible opportunity for recognition and we’re so thankful to (Manu) for that,” Hassett said, adding that the selection was especially touching as “many of (the athletes) chose big-name nonprofits like the Red Cross or St. Jude’s. We’re a small, volunteer-lead nonprofit, so it really is an amazing opportunity for us.”

PeaceCorpsWorldwide.org