CHS Peace Corps 1997-1998 Newsletter

These articles were all written for our newsletter by various members of the Corcoran High School Peace Corps team. The newsletter was assembled by CHS PCP Member Sara McManus and placed on the web by CHS PCP member Mike Lamb.

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New Notecards

A newly printed set of 1997 notecards; Medicinal Plants of Africa, is now available! Click here for a large image of the notecard set, a small image of the notecard set, a large close-up of one notecard, or a small close-up of one notecard. The notecards are drawn by two-dimensional art students at Corcoran High School.

The IRC at the New York State Fair

This year, in hopes of raising new funds, our International Relations Club decided to have an exhibit at the New York State Fair. The booth cost $1400, but having received a $800 grant, we felt we could easily make up the difference. People go to the State Fair to shop, right?

Unfortunately, things were not as easy as they seemed. First of all, not being in the Center of Progress Building (where people buy anything under the sun) made it a lot harder to sell our products. Instead, we were in the international Food Pavilion, where most people wanted to buy food and nothing else. Secondly, we were not on a major aisle, so most people would pass through the building without even knowing we were there. Lastly, we were soon to find out that we are not super salespeople; and that, at the State Fair, is the means of survival. With two weeks of working the Fair, we just barely broke even.

Nevertheless, it was a learning experience, although we will probably not return.

Cara Killian-Benigno

Medicinal Herb Quiz

Over the centuries, the inhabitants of West Africa have used medicinal herbs to treat every disease and ailment imaginable. Although some of these remedies have since been disproven, many others do have positive effects. Some of Mali's most important traditional treatments have been planted in our garden. See if you can match the name of the herb with its traditional use. [Answers Here]

Owen Robinson

Club Members Present for Sorority

On Thursday, September 25th, members of the International Relations Club (IRC) visited Baldwinsville to speak at a meeting for the Delta Kappa Gamma sorority. The sorority members were extremely attentive and supportive. After the presentation we received a generous donation on behalf of the Delta Kappa Gamma sorority. Our thanks to the members for the opportunity to tell them about our club and for their kind donation.

Looking for a Different Holiday Gift?

You've heard the saying, "they grow things big in Texas" before, but recently the IRC members found out just how big that means. A few days ago we received an order from a woman in Texas for $1000. She said she wanted to use our notecards and T-shirts as Christmas presents (which, by the way, is a very good idea, though you don't have to match her proportion) and, thoughtfully said we could freely substitute designs we were out of. We are very grateful.

It is getting to that time of year when we are finishing fundraising for the current project. Since our products make great presents, please consider buying some for your loved ones this holiday season.

Cara Killian-Benigno

Beautiful New T-Shirt

The International Relations Club is introducing our new "Making a difference" T-shirt. This shirt features the medicinal plant; drawn for our 1997 notecards and has the phrase, "Making a Difference, One Village at a Time." On the back is a listing of all our projects to date. This T-shirt, and all of our other designs, are available in sizes M, L, XL, ($15) or XXL and XXXL ($17). For links to see all of the shirts, stop by our Order Form.