La Libertad Exchange  

Ray Enstam and his committee are busy putting the finishing touches on plans for the inbound Peruvians, who are due to arrive on October 15. We are looking forward to a really fun time!

Paula Rose, Home Hosting chair, has the following hosts and ambassadors matched up:

Ray/Elizabeth Enstam - Floriza Ferrer 

Paula Rose and Edward Perez - Graciela and Sarita Regalado 

Wanda Hamilton - Aurea de Arrias 

Betty Mayeur and Pat Peters - Maria Verasteugi 

Martha and Leo Durst - Kelly Ferrer Ruiz 

Susan Cooper - Marzita Diaz 

Kathy Morris - Juana Morales 

Mary and Lee Latham - Jamie Rodriguez and Lucia Arias de Rodriguez 

There will be a meeting for all hosts at the home of Paula Rose on Thurs. Oct. 2nd at 7 PM. 

Mary-Helen Lyons is getting small group dinners arranged for Saturday and/or Sunday 10-18/19. If you can host a dinner please let her know ASAP at MHLTX@mymailstation.com. 

Please click on Libertad for a reservation flyer. You can print it and sign up to participate in the exchange, whether they are hosting or not. So please complete and return the tear-off portion to Ray Enstam as soon as possible so we can finalize our counts for these events. Please keep the rest to refer to your schedule for the week. 

The complete schedule is also posted on this webpage and will be updated if changes are made.  For more information on schedule, click on Libertad. There is also information on Peru and the Trujillo area in the April newsletter. 

Schedule:

NOTE: See detailed schedule on Libertad page.

Club News

BOARD MEETINGS

The Board now meets the third Monday of each month (with exceptions during exchanges) from  7-9 pm at the Richardson YMCA, 821 Custer Road in Richardson. These meetings are open to anyone who wishes to attend. The next meetings will be September 29 and November 17.

NEWSLETTERS

Thanks to all contributors to this issue. Send information about club news and members to Mary Williams at  txtravel@flash.net. Because of an early December meeting and Thanksgiving, please have December news in by November 20.

OUTBOUND EXCHANGE ACCEPTED FOR 2004

We have accepted our outbound for June 2004 to South Flanders, Belgium and to Kiel, Germany. They have accepted us as ambassadors. If you are interested in applying for Exchange Director, please talk to Ray Enstam or Jim Bourn. We will also need an ED for inbound Cleveland County, UK in September 2004 if they accept the exchange.

UPDATES

Welcome new members

Charlotte Hudgin of Richardson

Jim and Patricia Vincent

patriciaevincent@msn.com 

Welcome back:

Mick and Maureen Smith

Mimos1963@yahoo.com

Error:

Diane Hultquist was listed as a new member; she did not become a  FF member

Changes:

Ray Enstam: enstam@sbcglobal.net

Martha and Leo Durst’s fax number is the same as their phone number.

Margie Tareilo has moved to Lufkin.

Please contact airbourn@comcast.net for new addresses and phone numbers.

by Paula Harkey, Exchange Director

The Inter-Club exchange of Dallas to Asheville, NC and Lake Hartwell, GA was a truly wonderful experience for all of us.  The clubs were most hospitable and I am sure we have made many lasting friendships. Attending were 25 Dallas ambassadors: Zia Shamsy, Mary Suther, Susan Cathcart, Susan Cooper, Ana Marie Lee, Jim Bourn, Lilliana Hollister, Angelina Zarate, Angel Waldron, Jean Griswold, Elizabeth and Bob Umana, Nancy and Jeff Monson, Mary and Lee Latham, Ed and Dora Stahl, Lillian Fipps and Charles Anker, Chris and Rudy Michalek, Lanell Koch, and Paula Harkey and Wayne Garrett.  Nancy and Al Hicks (who live part-time in Dallas and part-time in Hendersonville) went with us to Lake Hartwell, GA.  

Pictured above are Wayne Garrett, Dallas ED Paula Harkey, Asheville ED Nancy Hicks, Al Hicks

Jean Griswold, Susan Cooper, Carol Mullen (host for Susan and Ana Marie), Nancy Monson, 

Ana Marie Lee, Lanell Koch

We arrived in Asheville mid-afternoon on the 14th of August, and started with a welcome dinner that evening, hosted by Al and Nancy Hicks.  A whirlwind of events started that moment, and we did not slow down until we left North Carolina on the 19th.

Some of the events included a sunset celebration, with a bagpipe player, dressed in kilts, and playing Scottish tunes; a visit to Chimney Rock, and lunch at the historic Esmeralda Inn; ice cream at Piggy’s, and a band concert in downtown Hendersonville, NC.  We had a guided walking tour of Asheville, and attended Shindig on the Green, where we heard blue grass music and saw some great cloggers. We did pot luck suppers, and saw the beautiful Biltmore estate. Our farewell party was dinner and entertainment at the Renaissance Hotel where the view of the city was beautiful.  We finished our week at Connemara, Carl Sandburg’s home. We were able to visit this home and the goat barn (yes, I said goat barn).  Mrs. Sandburg raised prize-winning goats. We had a picnic lunch and then a hike up to see Parsons Falls. The waterfalls were fantastic. Our hosts in Asheville were most gracious, and helpful, and as we shared our many individual stories, many friends were made.

We arrived in Lake Hartwell on the 29th of August to open arms and many new friends. What a beautiful area and what wonderful hospitality. Our hosts were so much fun and friendships were made that will last forever.

    Parson's Falls, NC

More photos

Our welcoming party was a luau - with dancers in grass skirts, roasted pork, and all the trimmings.  The luau was at one of the homes on the lake, and many of our Dallas ambassadors came by boat with their hosts. We did a walking and shopping tour of Hartwell. and also visited Helen, GA, a quaint German village with many shops and a fun grist mill.  We had a great German lunch of bratwurst, potato salad and apple strudel. Some of our ambassadors visited the Babyland General Hospital where the cabbage patch kids are born.

We enjoyed a “guess who’s coming to dinner” party, which was great fun.  We visited the South Carolina Botanical Gardens and the Geology Museum at Clemson University. One evening we had a “cook out” on the lake, went swimming and had a boat float. On our last night we were entertained by the “bluegrass express” - a night of bluegrass music and a live radio show.

All in all, it was a most successful exchange.  The people of North Carolina, Georgia and South Carolina are truly great new friends.  We now share a bond of true friendship - and that’s what Friendship Force is all about.

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Jim’s Jewels

It’s a match! The outbound exchange to South Flanders, Belgium and Kiel, Germany in June 2004 has been approved. The trip is to two beautiful areas and out of the Texas heat. We now need an Exchange Director and will be discussing it at the next Board meeting on Sept 29. Please submit your application if you are interested. You can get one from Ray Enstam. We will also need an ED for the inbound from Northern England.

We will soon welcome 12 inbound visitors from Peru. Ray Enstam has done a yeoman’s job getting this one completed. Thanks again Ray.

We need someone to take the Third VP Programs position. I would like to request that two or three people get together so it is not such a big job. Please contact me if you are interested or willing to share this position with someone. Also please contact me with your ideas for programs and/or locations for next year. We have several good ideas already. For example, we may have some short trips in good weather to local lakes with cookouts or picnics; we can continue to eat at local restaurants to keep the theme for outbound, inbounds and programs; I can get tickets for Titas so we can sit together, possibly combining that outing with an early dinner and question and answer sessions after the show.  Be on the alert for other movies and events in Dallas or Fort Worth where we could meet. I will keep the supplies and bring as needed.

Thanks again to everyone for all the hard work this year and welcome to the new officers for next year.

By this time you probably know Mac was elected to the International Friendship Board. Congratulations! Now we know who to contact when we want to praise FFI or complain! I met with FFI President Susie Smith while in Atlanta. She was very excited about the International Convention in Budapest, Hungary. Let me know if you have anything you want me to find out or discuss while I’m over there.

We are all delighted to hear about the great progress Ann Kisner is making after her fall. Thanks to Brud for keeping us informed. It was good to see Lee Schomer helping at the inbound meeting. We are all wishing the best for Lee and hold him in our prayers.

I got an e-mail that our Japanese friends may want to come in 2005.We also have requests for inbounds from Lake Hartwell and Asheville. You can see we have a full year ahead with lots of good ideas. Tell your friends about us and bring them to the next meeting or to some of our exchange events.

Jim  

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Member News

CONGRATULATIONS

Former Dallas Club President Mac McKenzie (now of Tampa) was elected to the Board of Trustees of Friendship Force International for a three-year terms beginning January 1, 2004.  Our congratulations to Mac, and thanks to Jim Bourn for making the nomination. Mac, we’re so proud of you

Congratulations to members Eleanor Roylance and Jim Ewing, who were married on August 23. On August 25th, Jim had heart surgery and is doing well. Eleanor is now Eleanor Roylance Ewing.

DOWN BUT NOT OUT

Ann Kisner was hospitalized after a fall for a hematoma on her brain. She is now home after a long stay in ICU and a brief stay in rehab and is doing better every day. She is now attending outpatient rehab at Medical City.  Brud says she is still a little unsteady in walking so she uses a walker for now, but walks at normal speed. They are working on their second bushel of greeting cards and haven’t received a duplicate yet.  Ann cherishes each one and reads e-mails daily.  Brud has lost track, but suspects they are pushing two hundred.  “Bless you all,”  he says. Ann, we wish you a speedy recovery.

Our condolences to the Bluhms on the death of Jackie’s nephew in early September.

Remember Lee Schomer in your prayers, and also Lou who is taking care of him and her mother. He has had radiation on his pelvic area and is feeling better, but there will not be any treatment for his lung cancer.

Marilyn McRae has had a rash of problems: Her computer died and she is looking for a new one. She was recently rear-ended by a City of Dallas sanitation truck at Valley View, which pushed her into an SUV.  Her car was totaled and the insurance settlement will not cover the cost of a new car; her air bag deployed and burned her neck turning her black and blue. She remarked that she got the injuries from the air bag, but without it, she might be dead. We’re glad you’re safe, Marilyn.

Jim Bourn’s car on the Asheville exchange had its own itinerary in mind when his engine failed and had to be replaced, making him a day late for the exchange. On his way back through Atlanta he delivered our International Conference trophy to FFI so it can travel to the Budapest club.  

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TRAVELERS

Marilyn Wilson-Allen’s son-in-law (Rob Kessler, Sarentha’s husband) has been named the new Camp Director of the Texas Baptist Encampment in Palacios. Since their family is still living in a garage apartment since The Storm, they are pleased to be moving into a nice large four-bedroom house furnished by the Camp.  Marilyn is thrilled that they will be staying in Palacios since she moved there this year. Marilyn will be leaving for a tour to the New England states to see the beautiful fall colors for 14 days.

If you can’t find Lillian Fipps, it’s because she is traveling in Eastern Europe.

Ed and Marge Edgren are back in Romania. Ed recommends this Romanian  web site - http://students.missouri.edu/~romsa/destinations/index.html for Touring Attractions - Destination Romania.  There is a “sensitive map” option on that page so you can follow their trip after they leave Craiova (Ed’s working there  for 2 weeks - 9/19 to 10/4). They travel by 4-wheel drive to Sibiu, Cluj,  Bara Mare, Suceava, Sighisoara, Brasov and Bucharest.  Just before Bucharest they will visit a school for the blind where several groups in Texas have assisted in sending computers converted for the blind. 

“La revedere.”  

Marge and Ed

Ed’s e-mails, as he is able to find Internet cafes, are posted in the Articles section of our webpage: Romanian Visit 9-10/2003 

Things To Do, Places To Go  

MEETINGS

October - exchange farewell party 5 PM Wed October 22 at the home of Darwin and Myra Smith. Contact Ray Enstam for reservations: enstam@sbcglobal.net or call Dale Yost.

November meeting

Time: Sunday, November 9 - 5 PM

Place: Chimneyhill Clubhouse - 9223 Emberglow

Program: Potluck dinner

            Ed Edgren will speak on his recent trip to Romania

Cost:  $5 to cover drinks and paper goods

Reserve: Paula Rose – please send your check by Nov 6

December meeting

Time: Thursday December 4 - 5:30 PM

Place: SMU Legacy Center in Plano - 5236 Legacy Dr.

Program: A catered dinner will be served.

            Mary Notes Chorus will perform Christmas carols

Cost:  $15

Reserve: Lilliana Hollister – please send your check by Dec 1

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Friendship Force 27th International Conference - Budapest, Hungary

October 30 – November 2, 2003

The Conference Keynote Speaker will be Mr. Jakob Finci, a founder of The Friendship Force in Sarajevo, Bosnia.  Mr. Finci has extensive experience in humanitarian and inter-religious issues in Bosnia Herzegovina and is also a recognized expert on peace and reconciliation. 

Parliament, Budapest

New!  Just added to the program - join a four night post-conference tour, November 2-6, to four different cities in Hungary - only $325 per person!  If you are already registered for the conference and want to add this tour, just e-mail FFI at conf@friendshipforce.org.  If you are a new registrant, this option is available online, or add it to the printed form.

Registration materials contain information not only on the conference program and optional activities, but also details on wonderful pre-conference tours to Prague, Vienna and Bratislava and to Croatia and Bosnia.  Post-conference homestays have been filled and are no longer available. 

Registrations are now accepted on a space-available basis only. All registration materials can be downloaded or printed out from the FFI web site, www.friendshipforce.org. 

OTHER EXCHANGES

Southwest Regional Conference

President Gerhild Rogers of the Austin Club writes:

Dear Friends, 

2004 is the year Austin, Texas will host the Southwest Regional Conference.  It is scheduled for January 23 and 24 and will take place at the Drury Inn and Suites at I-35 East and 290, for those who are familiar with Austin.  It is a good location and easy to find.  We have been well into planning for some time and we look forward to welcoming old friends to Austin and getting to know new ones.

DALLAS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

Nov. 8 and 9 at St. Mark’s School of Texas on Preston Road

Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus

October 2  - 7 PM  Custer Road. Methodist Church  in Plano. Call 972-867-6704 for tickets.

October 5 - Highland Park Presbyterian Church. Call 214-526-7457 for time and tickets.

Founded in 1993 by American conductor, Roger McMurrin, for the specific purpose of performing of Western Classical masterpieces which were forbidden during the Soviet era, the Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus is the largest private musical ensemble of its kind in Ukraine.  

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Youth Achievement Foundation needs mentors to work with “at-risk” students in the Garland ISD.  Volunteers agree to work with one student (grades 3-8), one night a week, for a semester—elementary level on Mondays and Middle School on Tuesdays.   All sessions are supervised and most of our students come from Spanish speaking homes.  For more information:  www.youth-achievement.org   Contact Joe Walker at jwalkeratplano@prodigy.net.