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Social Activities

BARPCV organizes various social and sports activities for the RPCV community. If you have a suggestion or want to organize a team or start a new activity (film series, art outings, or whatever), contact our events team at events@barpcv.org.

Social Events Welcome Back/Send Off BARPCV collaborates with the New England Regional Peace Corps Office to welcome back and send off the newest members of the Peace Corps family. All RPCVs are invited to these events, as well as friends and families of Peace Corps. There is a featured guest speaker and a short ceremony to Welcome Back those recently returning from service and to Send Off those about to embark on "the toughest job you'll ever love." These gatherings take place twice a year in early May and late Fall. The WB/SO Committee includes a Co-chair from BARPCV and a Co-chair from the Peace Corps Boston Regional Office. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers help prospective Volunteers and their families with current information about countries of service. In addition, the event helps to answer questions that families or future Volunteers might have. The Committee plans and implements a collaborative reception. This is a great event to meet new people, exchange information and share experiences.For information on helping out with the committee, contact events@barpcv.org.  

TGIF On the final Friday evening of each month, RPCVs converge on local watering holes to hang out, kick back a frosty pint, and reminisce about their time abroad. It's a great chance to get involved with the local Peace Corps community in a casual and fun atmosphere. We go to a different establishment in the Boston area each month, and we send out an e-mail a few days beforehand to let everyone know where we'll be. If you'd like to know where we'll be this month, just contact Adam Rosenberg or Michael Vivaldi at bostonrpcvs@yahoo.com.

Annual New Members Party In September (changed from the traditional June to get new members coming to the area for school) BARPCV hosts a party for new (and not-so-new) members. Besides a fun time, the goal of the party is to welcome new RPCVs to the Boston area, allow members a chance to meet other members and to learn more about what BARPCV is doing and how they can get involved. Board members and activity heads attend and make a short presentation on their activities and needs. For information send an email to events@barpcv.org and put New Members Party in the subject line.

Sports

Softball

The BARPCV softball team plays through the Spring and Summer at the very-fan-friendly playing field on the Cambridge Common, just north of the Harvard Square stop on the Red Line. The game is in a slow pitch coed softball league. Contact David VanHoven, dvanhoven@hotmail.com, with questions.

Basketball

Historically we have had a basketball team and would like to start it up again if there are enough people interested.  Please contact Kendra (Sports@barpcv.org) if you would like to play or organize the team. If interested in starting a BARPCV team in a different sport (volleyball, bowling, basketball, whatever---kickball, anyone?), contact the BARPCV Sports Guru at sports@barpcv.org with questions and to get details.

Book Club The BARPCV Book Group is an informal group of RPCVs and friends that meet on a monthly basis to discuss books that provoke thought, pathos, laughter and good conversation. The group's eclectic readings cover a wide spectrum of fiction and non-fiction works, local and international authors and reflect the broad taste and experience of the group members. In addition to reading and discussing books, the group has also done a play reading and gone to the movies to see film versions of past best sellers. This current book group iteration has been meeting since 1995 and usually includes 6-10 people each month. The monthly meetings take place on a weekday night at members' homes or occasionally at a local restaurant. Participants bring their perspectives and refreshments to share. Refreshments sometime reflect the theme of the book-- for example, champagne and oysters for The Great Gatsby. You're invited to join in any month (whether you've read the entire book or only part) and are encouraged to bring your insights and opinions. Contact Mary Knasas at (617) 282-3013 for more details about the group. All are welcome!

Other Ideas? If you have other ideas you would like to suggest and/or help organize, please let us know. We are always looking for new ideas and voluteers to help participate in our social events. Send an email to events@barpcv.org.