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June 7, 2017
Brodheadsville resident begins Peace Corps service
masters of history The Monroe County Historical Association held its third annual history challenge.
more on page 2
from helen’s Kitchen Try these tasty recipes. page 3
What’s happening See what’s happening throughout the Poconos with the region’s most comprehensive events calendar. page 2
behind the Wheel Columnist Greg Zyla test drives the 2017 Chevy Cruze. page 6
puzzling neW business A new “escape room” business opens in Honesdale. page 5
charitable giving Jersey Mike’s donated. page 5
presidents and alcohol Wine columnist Dave Falchek examines this relationship. page 4
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Yvette Betancourt, 21 of Brodheadsville has been accepted into the Peace Corps and was scheduled to depart for the Eastern Caribbean this week to begin training as an education volunteer. Betancourt will live and work in a community to help improve students’ English language and literacy skills. “The core principles the Peace Corps stands for attracted me to become a volunteer,” said Betancourt. “I get to dedicate an entire two years to teaching and trying to improve the lives of others.” Betancourt is the daughter of Yvette and David Betancourt of Brodheadsville and a graduate of Pleasant Valley High School. She then attended Shippensburg University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in international studies this year. Prior to joining the Peace Corps, she volunteered at a daycare center, served as an editor of the Slate, SU’s college newspaper, and worked as a peer mentor for three years on campus. During the first three months of her service, Betancourt will live with a host family in Eastern Caribbean to become fully immersed in the country’s language and culture. After acquiring the necessary skills to assist her community, Betancourt will be sworn into service and assigned to a community in Eastern Caribbean, where she will live and work for two years with the local people. “I was attracted to it because the Eastern Caribbean is often seen as a big tourist attraction and well off, but there are areas that significantly struggle and need assistance in various aspects,” Betancourt said. “By helping improve the education system, that is one step forward to helping improve
the country overall.” Officials say Betancourt will work in cooperation with the local people and partner organizations on sustainable, community-based development projects that improve the lives of people in Eastern Caribbean and help Betancourt develop leadership, technical and cross-cultural skills that will give her a competitive edge when she returns home. Betancourt joins the 300 Pennsylvania residents currently serving in the Peace Corps and more than 8,224 Pennsylvania residents who have served in the Peace Corps since 1961. In 2014, Peace Corps applications reached a 22-year high, with more than 17,000 Americans taking the first step toward international service. For more infomation, visit peacecorps.gov/openings.