Put knowledge into action: Join the Peace Corps

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With all the unrest in the world, perhaps you would like to take some time out of your life and work for peace in one of the best possible ways: by becoming a Peace Corps volunteer.

I spoke recently with Maine Peace Corps recruiter Josh Anchors, who provided me with helpful information for anyone wondering what to do with a recent college degree or “extensive work experience, a sense of adventure and a desire to help other people help themselves,” as he put it.

Since 1961, more than 160,000 people have spent two years in service with the Peace Corps, which, he explained, offered those individuals “the chance to re-examine their perceptions and redefine their goals and aspirations.”

You can also learn a new language, become immersed in a different culture and, perhaps, live in an exotic location, according to Anchors.

Positions are available in more than 70 countries, offering a variety of assignments.

You can choose to work in the fields of education, agriculture, health, environment, forestry, business or community development.

Anchors added that, “currently, there are many positions available” for people who speak French and would like to go to central Asia or Africa.

All Peace Corps volunteers work with “schools, communities or organizations that have specifically requested assistance through a Peace Corps volunteer,” he explained.

Since the application process is year-round, you can apply online at any time by visiting www.peacecorps.gov.

Anyone who would like to host a visit from a Peace Corps volunteer is invited to call Anchors at (800) 424-8580 or e-mail him at janchors@peacecorps.gov.

Brad Coffey of Bangor called to say he is working with a group of former Bangor YMCA Camp Jordan staff members from the ’70s and ’80s who are organizing a reunion planned for Labor Day weekend 2003.

And while the group has been able to locate many of those Camp Jordan staff alumni, “we have stalled a bit,” he said.

Anyone who was or who knows someone who was a member of the Camp Jordan staff during that time period is asked to call Coffey at 942-6341, or e-mail bcoffey@Maine.edu.

Chess lovers have a wonderful opportunity next month to not only compete in a tournament, but gain points, if you compete in the rated section, win trophies and help the John Bapst Memorial High School Chess Team at the same time.

John Bapst Friends of Chess is sponsoring the John Bapst New Year’s Chess Tournament, starting with registration at 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at JBMHS, 100 Broadway in Bangor.

For those in the rated sections who register by Wednesday, Jan. 1, the cost is $12 and $6 for those competing in the unrated sections.

Same-day registration is $15 for rated sections and $8 for unrated sections. All proceeds benefit JBFC.

If you are age 14 or under and are not a member, you can join the United States Chess Federation that day for $19. If you are age 19 or under, you can join for $25.

Snacks and lunch will be available.

Bob Solinger is the tournament organizer; Steve Wong the tournament director; and Mike Schaab the alumni section director.

And while it would be helpful to those organizing the tournament if you are registered in advance, Carol Solinger wants readers to know everyone is welcome, the tournament is open to all, and you can register the day of the event.

The tournament will be conducted in four sections, she explained.

The first is K-12 USCF-rated, and USCF membership is required; Section 2 is K-8, USCF-rated and membership required; Section 3 is K-8 nonrated, and USCF membership is not required; and Section 4 is alumni section, nonrated.

Trophies will be awarded the top three places and the top female in each section.

To register or receive more information, call Bob Solinger, 843-7462; Lori Trundy, 843-5175, or e-mail rgardens1@aol.com.

More than 27,500 trick-or-treaters collected nearly 200,000 pairs of eyeglasses across the United States when they participated in the “Sight Night” program sponsored by LensCrafters and Lions Club International.

The collected eyeglasses are recycled and delivered to people in developing countries through Give the Gift of Sight program.

If your old eyeglasses weren’t collected on Halloween, you are invited to drop them off at your nearest LensCrafters store or contact a local Lions Club member.

For more information about this worthwhile program to which you can contribute year-round, visit the Sight Night Web site at www.sightnight.org.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.