Cincinnati Area Returned Volunteers

CARV manned a Peace Corps tent at the Cincinnati Earth Day festival on Sunday April 19th. The tent was packed with RPCVs and constantly busy with visitors interested in Peace Corps service. Over the 5 hours, more than 60 people came by to learn about the Peace Corps. A number of Cincinnati-area RPCVs who are not (yet) members of CARV also stopped by. Thank you Mike, Don, Katie, Pete, Maggie, and all the other RPCVs who helped!

On Monday, March 2, 2026 over 60 RPCVs from across Ohio, their friends, and invited guests gathered in the atrium of the Ohio State House to recognize the 65th anniversary of the Peace Corps. Ohio House Minority Whip Beryl Brown Piccolantonio presented the House commendation honoring Peace Corps to Carla Brown, the president and CEO of the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA). During the ceremony, Ohio RPCVs representing the seven different decades of PC existence reflected on their time in PC and how it has impacted their lives. Former Governor and RPCV Bob Taft, and current Governor DeWine, spoke on the importance of PC, its legacy and future impact. The two governors were introduced by CARV member, Congressman Steve Driehaus. The Central Ohio Returned Volunteer Association (CORVA) organized a dinner for CORVA, CARV and other attendees following the official event. Thanks to the dedicated group of CORVA and CARV members who met weekly over the past two months to make this event a reality.

SAVE THE DATE
What: 65th anniversary of the creation of the Peace Corps
Where: The Rotunda at the Capitol Building in Columbus, Ohio
When: Monday, March 2, 2026 at 3:00pm

The event will begin with a meet and greet over light refreshments. The official ceremony will begin around 4:00pm and conclude by 5:00pm.

More details to follow.

More than 15 CARV members gathered at Gilligan's Brewery in Wyoming for a happy hour on Sunday. We gathered several bags of canned/dry goods to donate to Catholic Charities. We also discussed a number of possible volunteer and other activities for the next few months. Look out for Pete Nerone's email and on this FB page for more details.

ALERT! Just a few days left to sign up. See info in original post.

Volunteer for the Queen Bee Half Marathon

The event will take place Saturday morning on October 11th. We will staff the finish line again. Please note that this event will be on the second to last day of the America's River Roots Festival, aka Tall Stacks. Come volunteer with us at the Queen Bee and stick around to see the river boats and local musicians.

You can use the link and password below to sign up.

Link: https://pigworks.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/

Password: peace

Mason Heritage Festival Parade, CARV/SORVO Walking Float

We had a blast at the Northside 4th of July Parade. Let's do it again.

Saturday, September 20th, from 3-5 pm, plan to arrive by 2 pm. Wear your best Country of Service/Peace Corps gear! Bring your Country of Service flag. Flags, friends, bubble guns, and heaps of giveaways are welcome. It's so much fun for kids, dogs, spouses, and friends so bring them along. Use the sign up link below and reach out to Mike Roman with any questions, [email protected].

Sign up link:

Mason Heritage Festival Parade Our 4th of July Parade was a blast! Let's do it again! Saturday, September 20th from 3-5 pm (arrive by 2 pm)! Wear your best Country of Service/Peace Corps gear! Bring your Country of Service flag! Be a hometown hero! Flags, friends, bubble guns and heaps of giveaways! Honestly, it is so much fun! K...

Over 20 RPCVs, family members, and friends met yesterday for the SORVO/CARV annual picnic at the Blue Ash Rec Center. In addition to lots of good food and discussion, CARV board members reported on recent and upcoming activities and other matters of import, especially the merging of CARV and SORVO (more on that later). Mike Roman also reported out on the NPCA Peace Corps Connect conference in DC that he had just returned from. Thanks to all who attended and who contributed food and drink. A special shout out to Mike and Nathan who ran the grill.