Former Minister Of Turkish Foreign Affairs To Speak

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WILLIAMSTOWN - Hikmet Cetin, Turkish politician and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, will present a lecture titled "Turkey, the EU, and Islam" on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 8 p.m. in the Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall at Williams College.

Cetin has played an active role in the Turkish Parliament since the late 1970s. He was elected to Parliament in 1977, and served as the Minister of State and later as the Deputy Prime Minister.

In 1987, he joined the Social Democratic Populist Party after his former party, the Republican People's Party, was banned. He served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and in 1995 he was elected the Speaker of the Parliament.

From 2003 to 2006, Cetin served as NATO Secretary General's Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan, a high-level position that includes management of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

He received his B.A. from the University of Ankara in 1960 and after joining the State Planning Organization (SPO), he received his M.A. from Williams College in economic development. Cetin also did work on planning models at Stanford University.
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St. Stan's Students Spread Holiday Cheer at Williamstown Commons

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Students from St. Stanislaus Kostka School  in Adams brought the holiday spirit to Williamstown Commons on Thursday, delivering handmade Christmas cards and leading residents in a community caroling session.
 
"It honestly means the world to us because it means the world to them," said nursing home Administrator Alex Fox on Thursday morning. "This made their days. This could have even made their weeks. It could have made their Christmas, seeing the children and interacting with the community."
 
Teacher Kate Mendonca said this is the first year her class has visited the facility, noting that the initiative was driven entirely by the students.
 
"This came from the kids. They said they wanted to create something and give back," Mendonca said. "We want our students involved in the community instead of just reading from a religion book."
 
Preparation for the event began in early December, with students crafting bells to accompany their singing. The handmade cards were completed last week.
 
"It's important for them to know that it's not just about them during Christmas," Mendonca said. "It's about everyone, for sure. I hope that they know they really helped a lot of people today and hopefully it brought joy to the residents here."
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