BuralardaThe Newsletter of Arkadaşlar, Friends of Turkey Number 45 March 2017

A Tribute to Sandy Anderson

Sandy Comstock Anderson1943–2017

I suspect many Arkadaşlar members had the same reaction I did when I learned that Sandy is no longer with us. Her passing was quick and shocking; only a day before, she had been engag-ing via countless e-mails with your Buralarda co-editors, Dale Evans and me, on this very issue of the newsletter. Dale had just sent her the final copy for her to send to the printers, as she always did. He wondered why he had not heard back. In many ways, Sandy was the “den mother” of Arkadaşlar. She was in on its conception, along with Dave Weinman and Linda Scheffer and others. Sandy and Linda have represented the beating heart of the organization all these many years. Every event, every endeavor, has had Sandy and Linda’s stamp on it. Buralarda was one of Sandy’s special projects and she held us editors to the very highest standards on every dotted or undotted “i,” in addition to contribut-ing material herself. It is hard to imagine Arkadaşlar or Buralarda without Sandy. And yet we know she would insist we continue to do our best, as she always did. We have torn apart this issue as it was about to be printed in order to allow several people to pay tribute to Sandy. Her achievements are numerous; her energy was boundless. Farewell, Sandy Ander-son, the engine behind so much of Arkadaşlar. —Peggy Hanson

[Editors’ note: the following messages of tribute to Sandy and condolence to her family and friends were received, as of March 8, via the Arkadaşlar listserv, Facebook group, and email, after this issue of Buralarda initially had been finalized.]

It was with much sadness I learned of Sandy Anderson’s pass-ing. To function successfully, an organization needs quality organizers and performers. Sandy embodied these traits for Arkadaşlar exceptionally. Her contributions and spirit will be greatly missed.—Dave Weinman, Arkadaşlar co-founder, “amca” to us all

I did not know of Sandy’s passing until several days later, when Margaret Ha-mill Patterson, tracked me down. It is a good thing she asked me if I was sitting down before she gave me the news, as I surely would have fallen down from the total shock of hearing it. I was in total disbelief, as I had just talked to her on the phone Wednesday evening, going over some changes I found that needed to be made to the next issue of Buralarda. She had sent me a draft of the issue and I printed it off my com-puter and brought it with me. Sandy was working on her computer, at 2:00 a.m., when she told Charlie she thought she was having a stroke. Charlie called 911 and she was quickly transported to the hospital. Their daughter, Ashley, who lives in Seattle, and their daughter, Kate, who lives in North Carolina, were both able to get to the hospital to see her before she passed away. I, and Charlie, both believe she stayed alive until Ash-ley and Kate arrived. Sandy was one of the finest, most

caring, thoughtful, and committed persons I have ever known. Whatever she was involved in, she gave it her all. She and I worked closely together on Arkadaşlar activities, to which Charlie can attest! Oftentimes, we would be on the phone for hours. We wanted to be sure we had the most up-to-date and accurate information as possible, whether for the Membership Directory, the newsletter Buralarda, or for Global Reunions. Sandy was very much a family person. Her husband, Char-lie, was her soul mate. They did many things together, but also had their own interests. Charlie’s is woodworking, and photography, and Sandy’s was Arkadaşlar activities, writing a book about her ancestors, and taking Spanish classes. She was very proud of the accomplishments of their daughters, Ashley and Kate. She adored their two grandchildren, Anderson and Hunter, and looked forward to visits with them in Seattle. She was so looking forward to having the boys come visit in Maryland this summer. Not a day will go by that I will not miss her. She lived a

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good life, but an all too short one. Rest in peace my friend, you deserve it. To Charlie, Ashley, Kate, Mike, Anderson, Hunter, and her other relatives, my sincerest sympathies. My prayers are with all of you. —Linda Scheffer

First and foremost, Sandy was a kind person and a wonderful friend. On the Board, she was modest and thoughtful in her views, always pursuing what drew us to the Peace Corps origi-nally. She was wildly successful in inspiring the transformation of Arkadaşlar from a “lets get together for old-time’s sake” group to one expanding friendships, outreach, and support for development projects. Whether from behind, creating and maintaining the list-serve, or out in front, as President, Sandy celebrated each achievement by proposing what we ought to do next. Her determined work and leadership resulted in Buralar-da, Member Directories, and Regional Bayram Dinners. Her last inspiration, Türkiye Through Our Eyes, produced a remarkable tribute to Sandy. A noted scholar, Kemal Kirisci, spoke at our reunion last September and was clearly impressed with us and thrilled when I gave him a copy of the photo book as we left. Within hours he tweeted me, very excited that one of the Gaziantep photos might include a long-ago corner shop that was owned by his father-in-law! I put him in touch with the photographer, Sandy. The two confirmed the shop’s loca-tion and together marveled at this half-century-ago connection. It also confirmed the value of building the capacity to bring about such moments. Eternal thanks, Sandy. —Mike Jewell

Sandy was my roommate in Gaziantep. I am shocked and deeply saddened with this news. Not much more to say right now. She was a crucial part of Arkadaşlar and our community. I hold her family and community in my heart. —Ann Ringland

When I first met Sandy at Nizam’s restaurant for a Bayram Dinner get-together almost twenty years ago, I mentioned how much I liked her email address “TurkeyDost.” The combina-tion of two words delivers a profound meaning, since “dost” has a deeper value than “arkadaş” and that’s how Sandy must have felt about our “memleket.” If you attended to a funeral in Turkey, you must have ob-served that the ceremony takes place in the courtyard of a mosque (usually after the noon or afternoon prayer) where the coffin rests on the Musalla Tasi. The Hoca asks those attending, “How did you know this person?” and everyone responds, “a good person”.... is the ultimate honor that is bestowed upon the deceased. Sandy’s sudden death is a huge loss for us all. I lost a good friend. Hosca Kaliniz, —Muharrem

So difficult to imagine life, and certainly Arkadaşlar, with-out Sandy. I remember so clearly the day she arrived at PC training—I was looking out the dorm window and here she came, tall and strong, as always. Gozlerinden operim. Such a good friend always, and such a steady hand and head guiding us all in Arkadaşlar. —Susan Holm

Impossible to imagine Arkadaşlar without Sandy.—Allan Gall

I’m sure those of us who were Turkey 13s took great pride that Sandy was one of us. She always projected such a wholesome outlook that it was impossible not to be uplifted when interact-ing with her. Her caring spirit touched us all in memorable ways, which makes her passing all the more painful as we acknowledge the scale of our loss. —James McHenry

Allah rahmet eylesin. Başın sağolsun. —Joan Weeks

I feel that Sandy had two families, and we in Arkadaşlar were so very lucky to be a part of one of them. As any exemplary mother, she gathered us together, nurtured us, and then kept us together. Even though I barely knew her, she always made me feel like a special part of the family, and as such, she will be missed terribly by us all. —Joan Keene Smith

R.I.P. to Sandy; it will take a while to believe that she is no longer with us. A dear friend, a founder and stalwart of Arka-daşlar. A lovely person! —Ken Hill

My condolences to Sandy’s family. Başların sağ olsun. We will miss her. The lesson for the rest of us is to keep busy do-ing what’s important to us and to remember to appreciate our family and friends all the time. —Colleen Clark

Oh no! I am shocked, and sad as well. A loss for us all. —Judie Jerald

Very sad news. R.I.P., Sandy. —Bill Reese

I’m still in a state of shock over her passing. We were in such frequent contact, even when one or the other of us was travel-ing. What an incredible loss! —Ellie LeBaron

Arkadaslarima, we are never ready for anyone’s sudden death, and I’m sure we will all need time to make sense of it and grieve in our own way. For me, Sandy epitomized the second goal of the Peace Corps, that is, “To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.” Her energy, her gentle persistence, her vision, and her plain hard work will not be forgotten. Hers was a life well lived!—Ken St. Louis

So very, very sad, and what a loss for all of us.—Margaret Hamill Patterson

What devastating and sad news about Sandy. Lynn, I really want to reach out to you because you have been working so closely now with her and the Arkadaşlar team, and this kind of news somehow hits even harder when you have had such a wonderful ongoing relationship with Sandy. We, of course, all appreciate what a stalwart she has been for ALL of the Turkey RPCVs: the heart and soul of the organization. We are all sure going to miss her. My sincere condolences to her family and friends. —Suzanne Grelson Rom

I have known Sandy for many years, as she has been extremely giving in support of Turkey PC and its volunteers. Specifically, I have been serving with her on the Arkadaşlar Board for the last three years, where we have turned to her for kind, rational

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insight on all decisions of significance. I know you join me in our condolences to her family and many close friends—may she rest in peace. —Doug Shifflet

Sevgili Sandy Hanım, İnsanlık güzel bir evladını, Türkiye büyük bir dostunu kaybetti. Arkadaşlar artık biraz daha eksik, biraz daha yalnız. Ne mutlu ki sizi tanıdım. Sizin çalışkanlığınız, iletişim becerileriniz, idealizminiz ve sabrınız bana hep örnek oldu Kitabımın yazılması süresince bana duyduğunuz güven, verdiğiniz destek ve sabrınız için size minnettarım. Mekanınız Cennet olsun. Allah size rahmet eylesin. Dear Sandy Hanım, Humanity has lost a beloved child, Tur-key has lost a great friend. Arkadaşlar are now more incomplete without you, and we are more lonely. I am so happy I have had the honor to meet you. Your working habit, commmunicative skills, idealism and patience have always been a lighting house for me. I am grateful for your trust in me and for your support for my book project. May the Heaven be your eternal resting place. Rest in Peace. Selam ve sevgilerle.... —Zafer Parlak

A terrible personal loss for her family and our Peace Corps family. —Gerry Karey

Devastating news…Sandy is irreplaceable, a fine writer and a great friend. Heartbroken condolences to her family.—Joanne Omang

Arkadaşlar, hepimizin başi sağolsun. Sevgiler, —Bülent Atalay

Sandy was and will always be a beacon of goodness, gracious-ness along with unequaled heart and soul. She really worked with love in Arkadaslar and everything she put her mind and hand to: it was evident, in plain sight, the dedication and quiet (and sometimes not so quiet ) passion she wove into her work, but even more so into all the person-to-person relationships that made her a joy to work with. She was that kind of woman! I found Zafer Bey’s eulogy so eloquent. I’m so glad he wrote it in Turkish too. That made it very meaningful. Sandy is the kind of person, and brought with her the kind of beautiful memories, I want to stay close with all my life. She was good-ness and a true friend. —Ephraim Frankel

Such sad news. Sandy was well loved by our T-13 (Texas) PC team and many other RPCVs. I was able to meet her in Seattle several years ago, lunch at a Turkish restaurant, and reminisced about our PC experience. My condolences to Charlie and fam-ily. —Lillian Morse Crotteau

I never met Sandy, but over the past five years, hundreds of emails passed between us as we collaborated on the T-13 memory book, the Arkadaşlar photo book, and most recently this and the previous issue of Buralarda. Those publications each owe their existence to Sandy’s inspiration and dedication. She was organized and exacting in bringing them into being; I’m grateful to have made a small contribution to her legacy. —Dale Evans

Tony and I are so saddened by the news of Sandy’s passing. She was a great friend. Our condolences to her family. —Rita Carey

So sad that the inspiration that has kept Arkadaşlar as an important part of our lives has passed. Charlie, Ashley, and Kate, please know what a wonderful person Sandy was to us; dedicated to sustaining the love we have for our PC experience and our fondness for the people of Turkey...our condolences.—Paul and Magali Kirwan

Joan Keene Smith’s words ring very true of the family-like bond Peace Corps service creates. Sandy was honored by Arkasdaşlar publicly on several occasions for her work and contributions, but we are also now noting the contributions of her heart, her generosity of time given for a cause she believed in. Kulakların cinlasinlar! (may her ears ring with joy from the praise for her). Two weeks ago she wrote me in response to my New Year’s letter that ends with a poem written earlier, but read to our Turkey 10 group at the reunion last fall to honor the death of one of our members (Steve Poppick). In 2011 and in 2016, our group and Sandy’s group joined together because we had many friendships between us. My purpose in writing the poem was to put loss of a loved one in a more positive perspective, part of the cycle of life that continues in a different manner. Sandy had written in her last letter to me how much she loved the poem. I was touched by her praise, but now it is even more poignant since her passing. I’ve shared the poem with her family, and am including it here [see p. 6]. Nur içinde yatsın. May she repose in the light. —Cathryn Goddard

Such sad news re the sudden passing of Sandy Anderson. Along with Dale Hultengren, two of the hardest working Arkadaşlar supporters around, gone within such a short time. Sandy worked so hard on our PC Turkey book—even within the last month closing out her to-do list by returning my me-dia. My thoughts are with her family and with the D.C. Peace Corps family as well. —Gretchen LaTurner

Very sorry to learn of Sandy Anderson’s passing. She provided such warmth and constancy to our efforts to stay current with each other and the PCVS Turkey experience. She will be missed, but also remembered by so many. Sandy was a living example of Voltaire’s advice: On doit cultive sa jardin (One must cultivate her garden.) —Warren Master

Condolences to her family. She was a star all the way.—Mary Gillespie

Dear Arkadaşlar, I was deeply saddened by the news of Sandy’s passing. In my limited interactions with her, whenever I needed her help, she was always ready with excellent advice. I will always remember fondly the time she visited me at my house and shared some of her memories of Turkey. My sincere con-dolences to you and to her family. —Yıldız Yağcı

For me, Sandy was the keeper of the flame. Her leadership was steady and reasoned and clear. —Chris Lair

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Bayram Dinners and Other Gatherings

On Sunday, November 6, 2016, Zeynel Uzun, owner of Kazan Res-taurant in McLean, VA, prepared the Cumhuriyet Bayram dinner, for the 31st time, for the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. We had a medley of mixed appetizers, döner kebab, a plate of assorted desserts, soft drinks, wine, tea, and coffee. It was çok lezzetli! We had 59 people in attendance. Honored guests included the First Counselor, at the Turkish Em-bassy, Aydan Karamanoğlu; Vice President of the American Turkish Association of D.C., Sitki Kazancı, and his wife, Jackie Kazancı; and President and CEO of the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA), Glenn Blumhorst. John Wintrol (T-2), Arkadaşlar President, provided welcoming remarks, and Mike Jewell (T-1), introduced the honored guests. We did not have a silent auction this year, but Yıldız Yağcı, of Anatolian Artisans, sold lovely handmade Turkish items created by women artisans of Soma, the town that ex-perienced the mine disaster in 2014, as well as Syrian artisans displaced

Sandy Comstock Anderson, T-13, Linda Scheffer, T-8, and Elaine Jones, T-8.

Zeynel Uzun, owner of Kazan’s, and Mugs Mast, T-2, who won the raffle for a plane ticket to Turkey donated by Türk Hava Yolları.

L to R: Mustafa Soykan, Post-Secondary Scholarships Sponsor, his wife, Mariette, their friend, Cynthia Hund. In back are Amca Dave Weinman and his wife, Pat Schoeni. (Washington, D.C. photos by Peggy Hanson)

by the fighting in their country. A sample of the items being sold were purses, oya necklaces and bracelets, scarves, and hand puppets (donkeys and elephants). As usual, we raffled off baskets of Turkish goodies, bottles of wine, etc. However, thanks to Zeynel, we had a special prize to raffle off: a free air-line ticket to Turkey on Türk Hava Yolları! The owner of THY, a friend of Zeynel’s, graciously offered this prize when he heard that Arkadaşlar was holding a Cumhuriyet Bayram dinner at Zeynel’s restaurant and were raffling off various items. Thanks to the persuasive efforts of the raffle ticket sellers Margaret Patterson (T-4) and Peggy Hanson (T-1), and the chance to win a free airline ticket to Turkey on THY, we made $480! The winner of the free airline ticket to Turkey was Mugs Mast (T-2). İyi yolculuklar Mugs! Dave Weinman, (amca), con-cluded the evening’s events with some fond memories of Peace Corps Turkey, and thanking all of us for our service and sticking together as a group for all these years (54) since Peace Corps Turkey started in 1962.

Washington, D.C. Area

As always, everyone had a great time, meeting old friends, and making new friends, sharing stories, reminiscing about the good ol’ days in Turkey, and dining on the delicious Turkish food. We are looking forward to next year’s dinner.—Linda M. Scheffer (T-8)

Valerie Olson, wife of C. Erik Olson, T-1, Car-mel Thompson, wife of Allan Gall, T-1, Sandy Pfunder, T-9, and Julie Evans, a friend of Linda’s.

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Oregon–Southern WashingtonEighteen people gathered to eat and talk about Turkey and our youth. As usual, excellent Turkish food was served, home-cooked by attendees. A Portland State University Turkish teacher (who, with her husband, left before our picture was taken), commented that the food was authentically delicious. We are looking forward to our annual non-bayram dinner in the spring.

In the front, Steve Katz and Jan Bergman Katz (T-14). Stand-ing from left to right: Larry Yerkes (friend), Sylva Staab (T-9), Nene (exchange student from Senegal), Joe Christy (T-16), Barbara Yerkes (friend), Bob Staab (T-9), Virginia Janzig, Doug Pachico (T-16), Dick Janzig (T-15), Linda Harris Budan (T-13), Melissa Stewart (T-2), Corinne Merkel Christy (T-16), Mimi Jones Sanders (T-3). Photo by John Budan. —Jan Katz

OhioArkadaşlar met at the Anatolian Cafe in Cleveland Heights, OH. Shown, left to right are Bill Fuller (T-13), Ron and Cathy McCutcheon (T-12), and Joanne and Michael Bailis, Peru RPCVs.

New York–New Jersey AreaWe celebrated the Cumhuriet Bayram dinner at Peri Ela Res-taurant in Manhattan on October 30, 2016. Janet O’Hare said a few well deserved words to honor our good friend, Barbara Bryan, who had just passed and had a memorial service the same day. Joining us was Deputy Consul General Mrs. Ayten Eler, who was delightful and genuinely interested in speaking with every one of us. We were pleasantly surprised when she joined in the introductions and remarked about being a representative of the country of Kemal Atatürk. Each of us had an opportunity to say a few words about our time in Turkey and a fond memory of our recollection of the people or the jobs we did. A thank you to Dan Callahan for bringing a copy of the newly minted photo book.—Janet McNulty McAveeney

1st row, seated: Tom Bock (FOT), Elaine Levy, Janet O’Hare (T-6). 2nd row, standing: Mike Green (T-4), Hank Levy (T-8), Deputy Counsel General Ayten Eler, Shelly Bock, Dan Cal-lahan (T-16), Janet McNulty McAveeney (T-6), Cathy Handy, Al Handy (T-12).

FloridaOne of our most vibrant and timely Bayram luncheons for Turkey RPCVs living in Florida was held at Istanbul Cuisine Restaurant in Lake Mary, Florida, on Nov. 6, 2016.—Warren Master (photographer)

Counter-clockwise from Hank Webb (T-5, in black vest on the left): Kevin McCarthy, T-2; Carolyn Bridge, T-15, and her husband, Phillip; Kevin’s wife, Karelisa; and Jean Webb, T-5.

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Palm Springs Get-TogetherLast year, I spent two weeks in Palm Springs, CA, and met with two other Turkey PCVs, Melissa Stewart and Marianne Kane Bartin, both T-2s. Before I went to Palm Springs, I looked in the Arkadaşlar Membership Directory to see if there were any other Turkey PCVs in the area. There were four others. I sent them emails and asked if they were interested in all of us getting together for lunch or dinner. They emailed back that they would like to get together, so we met for lunch at a Greek restaurant. It was a lot of fun finding out where everyone’s site was, what they did back then, and what they were doing now. They said if we were going to be out there next year that we should let them know so we could get together again. Melissa and I went to Palm Springs again this year. I emailed everyone out there about when we would be in town, and we agreed to meet for lunch again. Katie Ahearn, T-12, made res-ervations at the Escena Country Club for eight of us (see photo). We enjoyed the location overlooking the manicured greens of the golf course, with lovely mountains in the background. The food was delicious, and we had a great time catching up with what was going on in everyone’s life. We agreed to meet again next year—İnşallah. I encourage anyone traveling to another city to look in the Directory to see if there are any Turkey RPCVs in the area and contact them ahead of time to see if they would be interested in getting together. The Directory is not only good for looking up long-lost friends; you may find you make new friends, as well. We are, after all, ARKADAŞLAR!—Linda M. Scheffer

At a February 2017 get-together in Palm Springs, California: In the front row are Carl Nelson (T-13), Melissa Stewart (T-2), Linda Scheffer (T-8), and Gloria, Joan Elliott’s wife; in the back row are Dick Denda (T-13), Katie Ahearn, and Joan El-liott (T-8). Photo by Katie’s husband, Frank Schulder.

In MemoriamIn addition to Sandy Anderson, those that we heard have passed away in the last year were David Bringe-dahl (T-2), a career teacher and community leader; Dale Hultengren (T-15) who, along with his wife, Ruth, stalwartly hosted the Washington state Cumhuriyet Bayram dinner every year; Robert Baum (T-8), who was a respected collector of over 800 antique kilims; Bar-bara Bryan (T-13), who was good at keeping the T-13s together and who helped prepare the T-13’s bio-book, There and Back Again; Pınar Arcan (Friend of Turkey), whose father, Necati Bey, taught Turkish to some of us when we returned from Turkey (she became good friends with Arkadaşlar and attended the Washington, D.C. bayram dinners); and Phil Konkel (T-15), who was a mainstay among the Washington state Arkadaşlar and at the Washington state bayram dinners.

Sandy Comstock Anderson, T-13, March 4, 2017

David Bringedahl, T-2, February 20, 2017

Dale Hultengren, T-15, February 14, 2017

Robert Baum, T-8, May 17, 2016

Barbara Bryan, T-13, October 17, 2016

Pınar Arcan (Friend of Turkey), September 17, 2016

Phillip Konkel, T-15, May 31, 2016

Ebbs, Flows and WavesWe seem to glide through life while on a path, a moving river of relationships, so when those waves that gave us momentum rise humbly and then bow into the sea, we pause to honor what they meant to us.

We have not lost them nor have they lost us:The essence of the wave is in the sea, its earthly home to which it must return.Their crests and foam that once delighted us give way to joy for deep peace they have found— still in our memory though gone from sight— just as we will return and slip from view, engraved within the hearts of those we love as bits of time that glimpse eternity.

—Cathryn Goddard(April 26, 2009, revised January 25, 2017)

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Arkadaşlar President’s Message and Board Meeting Notes

Attending the recent board meeting were President John Wintrol (T-2), Treasurer Linda Scheffer (T-8), Ken Hill

(T-9), Doug Shifflet (T-5), Jill Diskan (T-4), Sandy Anderson (T-13), Amca Dave Weinman, and Secretary Lynn Maichle (T-16), who recorded the minutes. The treasurer reported cash on hand of $4,729.37. This reflects income from the Global Reunion registration, Arkadaşlar’s photo book, and dues and contributions from members. Expenses included contributions made in 2016 to

This Buralarda is com-ing out as Arkadaşlar is

grieving for one of its pillars, Sandy Anderson. It will take some time for the board and for the organization as a whole to adjust to this very sad loss. As Amca Dave reminds us, onward! Sandy would expect nothing less. As of the recent board meeting, we are seeking three new members to serve on the board while saying a

grateful goodbye to Valerie Olson. It takes every dedicated volunteer to make Arkadaşlar what it is today, one of the most vibrant groups in the Peace Corps family. We will welcome the new board members and we appreciate what the board does generally. The very successful reunion last September will not soon be forgotten, for example! The photo book project, coordinated by Sandy Anderson, has brought old memories into our living rooms—our Turkey, as we remember our introduction to it. Once more, a tribute to Sandy’s tireless work for the organization. Let me remind you once again that when you send in your dues to Linda, you also have the opportunity to add some support for our projects, which have made a big difference in a number of Turkish lives over the years – lives of students, women, children, families. Our donations now add up to well over $100,000 and that assistance has never been more im-portant than it is now. Unhappily, in addition to Sandy, we continue with each issue to have to say goodbye to those members who are no longer with us. We as a group miss each one and send our sympathies to all the bereaved families of our fallen members. Nur içinde yatsınlar, may they rest in heavenly light. With warm regards and all best wishes for a peaceful and rewarding spring,—John Wintrol

the projects we support, costs for the reunion and photo book, and operating expenses. Profits came from the Washington Bayram Dinner, the reunion, and sales of the book. Dues receipts from 2017 have not yet been included. S. Anderson stated that the Arkadaşlar photo book (175 books) generated a total income of $5,794.50, with expenses of $4,708.46. The Board felt it was a great success and thanked the team who worked on it. Terms for five Board members are ending this year. Four of them, Peggy Hanson (T-1), J. Diskan, D. Shifflet, and Elliot Eisenberg (T-12), agreed to continue for terms of three more years; Valerie Olson (FOT–T-1) has regretfully resigned due to the long commute from Baltimore for meetings. The Board will need two to three replacements; members are asked to send suggestions. Officers J. Wintrol, L. Scheffer, and L. Maichle are willing to continue in those roles. K. Hill agreed to serve as Vice President. Vote for all was unanimous. S. Anderson stated that the Buralarda committee includes P. Hanson (T-1), Dale Evans (T-13), L. Scheffer, and herself. S. Anderson reported that Louise Duesing McMaster (T-16) represented Arkadaşlar in the Group Leaders Forum at the NPCA Annual Meeting (items noted in the next three paragraphs). We have had a representative at the most recent meetings. Beverly Ausfahl (T-13) will represent us this sum-mer at the meeting in Denver. The Arkadaşlar Board discussed what members might do with their artifacts from Turkey. In addition to the Kennedy Collection and American University, RPCVs in Oregon are establishing a Museum of the Peace Corps Experience, which has a travelling exhibit and wants to establish an exhibition center. They seek volunteers to help in any aspect of leadership or implementation. Email to peacecorpsmuseum@gmail.com or see www.museumofthepeacecorpsexperience.org. Refugee support in the U.S. is being addressed by NPCA. See www.peacecorpsconnect.com/cpages/committee-support-refugees. An NPCA-sponsored Internet platform, Silkstart, is avail-able to member groups. An example is at www.norcalpca.org/cpages/home. Our own website may be more keyed to our interests. Inquiries can be sent to www.norcalpca.org/cpages/home. Elliot Eisenberg (T-12) has been invited to join the HasNa board. He asked to put a notice in Buralarda requesting con-tributions to HasNa projects. The Arkadaşlar Board did not support the idea but had no objection to putting this request on the listserv. S. Anderson pointed out that our website al-ready has links to all the organizations, such as HasNa, that we support. The next Board meeting will be on Tuesday, May 30.

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“Buralarda” means “hereabouts” or “somewhere around here” in Turkish.It comes from an exercise in some of our “mim-mem” Turkish language lessons:

“Buralarda bir benzinci var mı?” (“Is there a gas station somewhere around here?”), repeated with different vocabulary nouns substituted for “benzinci.”( )