September Meeting

Brazil

When: 

Sunday, September 10th at 5:00 PM

Where: 

Brazil Brasileiro Restaurant, 518 Arapaho Road, #133, Richardson. Just west of Custer Road (west of N. Central Expwy) in strip shopping center on north side of Arapaho. See: www.BrazilBrasileiro.com

Food: 

An excellent buffet including traditional Brazilian entrees, salads, and killer desserts; includes gratuity and coffee. You may purchase soft drinks, tea, beer, wine, or mixed drinks from the cash bar.

Cost:

$12 per person

Program:

Speaker from Brazil 

Short business meeting, including election of next year's officers (see below)

Reserve: 

Top

Check for $12 per person payable to Friendship Force of Dallas; 
send to Wendy Whaley:  whwhaley@yahoo.com 

Deadline: Check at Wendy’s by September 4

October Meeting

Sun October 8 at 5 PM

New New Buffet (Chinese buffet)
3822 Belt Line Road, Addison 75001
Going west on Beltline from Midway turn left at the traffic light on Business Ave (look for Office Depot sign) and restaurant is at far end of shopping center between Office Depot and Babies R Us. The turn is before Marsh Lane, so if you get to Marsh Lane, you have gone too far.

$7.99 per person plus your drinks; everyone pays separately

Ken Walker and Peggy Benton will do a special presentation on their recent Friendship Force trip to Jordan, a very current topic with all that is going on over there.

Reserve:

Top

UPDATE: Tell Paula Rose you're coming so we can set aside enough tables; pay after you eat.  Deadline: Contact Paula by October 4.

The main item of business at the September meeting will be the election of officers for the 2007 Board of Directors. Ed Edgren, nominating committee chair, reported that he, Pam Varney-Terrell, Chris Michalek, and Ann and Brud Kisner as well as many other volunteers did a great job in finding members for the 2007 Board of Directors. 

At the August board meeting, he presented the following slate:
President - Edward Perez
1st Vice President - Mary Williams
2nd Vice President (membership) - Ann and Brud Kisner
Program Coordinator - Paula Rose
Treasurer - Wendy Whaley [2nd term]
Secretary - Lillian Fipps [2nd term]

From our bylaws:
Article VII Nomination and Election of Officers

Section 1
" ... The duties of [the nominating committee] shall be to make nominations, with the consent of those nominated, and present the nominees to the membership in writing within fifteen (15) days before the annual meeting. Nominees will be reported to the general body at the annual meeting. At the annual meeting, the President shall receive from the floor any further nominations with the consent of the nominees."

Section 2
"The election of officers shall be held at the annual meeting. Voting for officers shall be by ballot. Each member shall have one vote for each office. Only members present and in good standing may vote. ... If a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present and voting shall be required to elect each officer. If there is only one nominee for an office, voting for that office may be by voice vote."

Article X Meetings

Section 4
"A quorum for the Club meetings shall be twenty percent (20%) of the Club membership with at least two (2) being board members."

Hello FFD.

Our inbound exchange from Fortaleza, Brazil is happening Oct 4-11 even though the number of ambassadors will be small. Plan to join us in any or all of the activities and events [see page 4]. We’re hoping some FFers from our region or beyond will join us. So, if you have FF friends elsewhere that would enjoy a visit to Dallas, please invite them – the fee is only $100/person for the home stay and all activities [contact Gary Paramore for details]. Regardless of the number of ambassadors, let’s plan on showing the intrepid Fortalezans, who have braved all sorts of obstacles, our famous Texas hospitality. Many thanks to Gary and his committee who have worked and are working hard on this exchange. 

UPDATE: The Fortaleza group has canceled due to low number of people coming.

Martha Durst [Small Dinners chair] has enough volunteers; Ed Edgren [Day Host chair] would like a few more day hosts. I have enough Home Hosts, unless some US FFfers attend, then I’ll be calling for more home hosts. Pam Varney-Terrell [Gift Bag chair] is doing a fantastic job obtaining and assembling goodies for the ambassadors. Ana Marie Lee [Exchange Treasurer] is working with Gary on finances, while Mary Williams [all-around Publications Wizard] is producing the exchange booklet. Ray Enstam [all-around Exchange Helper Extraordinaire] is coordinating the farewell party and will need lots of volunteers to help set up before and clean up after the party [please call or email him].

Don’t forget that during the Sept 10 meeting we will have our annual business meeting, including election of 2007 officers [see list on page 1]. If elected as Program Coordinator, I will need assistance. If you would like to help plan one or two meetings during 2007 or have ideas or meeting places, please contact me.

A big WELL DONE and THANK YOU to Myrna Ridings who wrote the great article that was published in the FFI 2005 annual report. If you have not received a copy, you can obtain one free of charge from FFI. Our Bridge Builder project [placing specially equipped computers for the blind in schools in many countries] is the subject of Myrna’s article [without a byline, unfortunately]. The work of Bob Langford, Ray Enstam, Ed Edgren, myself and FFers in other clubs is beautifully praised.
One more “Paula’s Roses” to go and I will be outgoing President. It has been a good two years. I am looking forward to helping orient the next president and continuing to serve FFD in other capacities. See you Sept 10th!

In Friendship, 

Paula

Inbound: Fortaleza, Brazil - October 4th through 11th, 2006

UPDATE: This exchange has been canceled.

Plans are well underway for the inbound exchange from Fortaleza, Brazil taking place in early October. Approximately 10 ambassadors will be visiting with us, ranging in age from 48-69.

Mark your calendars now for two of the most important events: 1) the welcoming continental breakfast at the home of Paula Rose and Edward Perez the morning of Thursday, October 5th and 2) the farewell dinner party at the home of Darwin and Myra Smith the evening of Tuesday, October 10th. Other events include: Dallas Arboretum & White Rock Lake, Dallas Arts District, and Ft. Worth Downtown Museums & Stockyards.

We need additional volunteers to help with the farewell party and with day hosting. The best way to learn more about the plans for the exchange is to attend the September 10th monthly meeting at Brazil Brasileiro where we will review the detailed schedule and begin signing up for the week's events.

If you have questions or want to get involved as a volunteer, please contact Gary Paramore [Exchange Director] at gazzapazza@mindspring.com

Inbound: Medicine Hat, Canada, February 2007

Gary Paramore was recently elected to be the ED for the Inbound Exchange from Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. If you want to host or volunteer, please contact Gary Paramore [Exchange Director] at gazzapazza@mindspring.com

Inbound: Romania, Spring 2007

Ed Edgren was recently elected to be the ED for the inbound exchange from Romania in March or April of 2007 [their very first, thanks in part to Ed’s work on the mission trip last year].

Outbound: Bogotá, Columbia, June 2007

Ray Enstam was recently elected to be the ED for the Columbia outbound exchange with FF Houston. Ray has been in contact with the ED from Houston who will make arrangements for the week with FF Bogotá. Ray will make the arrangements for a tour the 2nd week.

August meeting

About fifty members and guests participated in a number of small group dinners in members’ homes. Ed Edgren reported that, at his home, one guest joined the club and two people volunteered to be day hosts. We will hold at least two small dinners/meetings per year in the coming years.

Name Badges, Yearbooks

If you have recently joined but forgot to order a name badge or if you need a replacement name badge, please send your name and $5.50 per badge to Juli Ziev, our Membership Co-Chair.

If you need a yearbook or want the recent updates, please contact Lee Latham.

Treasury

Wendy Whaley reported at the August board meeting that our finances are looking better this year than in recent years. We have maintained positive income over expenses and have good balances in our operating, bridge builders, and savings accounts. The exchange account is also in good shape.

Speaker's Bureau

In July, Ed Edgren gave a one-hour presentation on Friendship Force Dallas to 23 members of the International Travelers News Club at The Central Market in Plano. As this club is made up of individuals who travel with tours or alone, the concept of staying in foreign homes or hosting international guests was novel to them. A good question and answer followed; FF Dallas brochures were distributed.

An open question to all of our members: Does your homeowners' association or church have an organization that permits educational opportunities so that you could request someone from our speakers’ bureau? If so, contact Ed Edgren or Jim Bourn for details.

Publicity

The recent FFI Annual Report included an article written by Myrna Ridings and photos of several members.

Top

FFD Fun Fund Raisers

Mary Suther of the Ways and Means Committee reported that the door prize back in April and ongoing FFD Shuttle rides are bringing in funds. She is coordinating another fun fund raiser by obtaining free Discount Cards from Foley's/Macy's [recently merged] offering 1) $10 off a $20 purchase on Sep 16, 2) additional 10% or 20% off select merchandise purchased on Sep 16, and 3) a chance in the drawing for a $500 shopping spree. FFD members can sell the cards for $5.00 each; proceeds will go to our club. We will have cards available at the Sept 10 meeting. Contact Paula Rose if you would like to purchase and/or sell these cards. 

In addition, Foley’s/Macy’s Valley View store has given us a table on Sep 2nd and 9th where we can sell these cards to mall shoppers and, coincidentally, spread the good word about Friendship Force. Mary needs volunteers to staff the table on Sep 2nd from 10am-6pm, in 2, 3 or 4 hr shifts. Contact Mary Suther now to signup. If you have ideas for fun fund raisers or items for more door prizes, contact Mary Suther for details. 

FFD Shuttle

If you need a ride to/from Love Field or DFW [$30 each way, $40 if you live in or north of Plano], contact edward perez for details. The following members are ready and waiting to be your shuttle driver - Paula Rose, Lillian Fipps, Wendy Whaley, Mary Williams, Myrna and Dick Ridings, Ray Enstam, Ana Marie Lee, Ed Edgren, MC Meador, and Gary Paramore.

Top

Board Meetings

Board meetings are held at 7 p.m. on 2nd Monday of each month at the home of Paula Rose and Edward Perez. These meetings are open to any member or friend who wishes to attend. For a copy of past board meeting minutes, contact Lillian Fipps.
For information about our financial condition, contact Wendy Whaley or any board member.

Newsletter Deadline

We publish our newsletter bi-monthly. Please send all articles, news items, photos, etc. to edward perez by October 20th for the next newsletter issue.

Board and Committees

President: Paula Rose 
1st Vice President: Martha Durst
2nd VP, Membership: Herb & Juli Ziev 
Program Coordinator: Ray Enstam
Treasurer: Wendy Whaley 
Secretary: Lillian Fipps
Parliamentarian: edward perez 
Ways and Means: Mary Suther
Exchange Coordinator: Ray Enstam
Exchange Treasurer: Ana Marie Lee
Zagreb Croatia Outbound: Mary Williams 
Fortaleza Brazil Inbound: Gary Paramore
Newsletter: edward perez
Publicity/Communications: Myrna/Dick Ridings
Website/Yearbook: Mary Williams 
Telephones: John Funk
Speakers Bureau: Jim Bourn
Bridge Builders: Bob Langford/Ed Edgren 
Hospitality: Joan Nolan & Klostermans; BeHanneseys; Langfords; Wrights
Prospects/Member Packets: Lee Latham 
Sunshine: Susan Cooper
Historian/Photo Album/Scrapbook: Mary Suther

Condolences

Our condolences to Angel Waldron and family and to Maureen Smith and family whose mothers recently passed away.

Members

A BIG FFD WELCOME to our recent new members - reaching 130 strong. Be sure to say hello and visit with them at an upcoming meeting.

Also, several folks have changed their email and some folks have moved. See the yearbook update sent with the last newsletter for address and email details.

From Chris Michalek...
Rudy and I have had another major life change. We recently closed on the sale of our home and spent several weeks, "sorting, packing, moving" our belongings into three residences: 1) our winter planned retirement home in Florida, 2) our summer planned retirement home in Colorado, and 3) our temp (for 2 1/2 years) home, renting from our daughter, Alicia. You'll note on the latter, we're doing a "boomerang," but in reverse, that is, instead of the "adult kids coming back home" the "adult mom and dad are going home to the kid."

Friendship Force Ft. Worth celebrating 20 years!!

FF-Dallas members who joined FF before 1994 will remember that our present TWO thriving clubs in Fort Worth and Dallas were once ONE – the Friendship Force of Fort Worth Metroplex. We of FFFW can thank many current members of the Dallas club for their many contributions in our early days. The FF of FW Metroplex, chartered in early 1986, spread over a wide geographical area. In 1994, Fort Worth members cooperated with Dallas-area members in the birth of the FF of Dallas. At that time, Marcus Bryant was president of the FW club, and the first officers of the new Dallas club were Mary-Helen Lyons, Brud Kisner, Jackie Bluhm, and Dale Yost.

********

Friends and Former Members Are Invited to Celebrate With Us
The 20th Anniversary of the Friendship Force of Fort Worth!

Friday and Saturday, September 8-9, 2006

For our special weekend, we are planning a fun-filled time for all. We will be pulling up memories of all those 20 years of great exchanges and experiences! 

Friday 7 pm: at the Great Hall of South Hills Christian Church
3200 Bilglade, Fort Worth, TX 76133 in southwest Fort Worth

On Friday evening, September 8, we will enjoy interactive activities such as a “treasure hunt through our past,” sharing stories, and recognizing all those who have contributed to our success. And of course we will be cutting a big birthday cake and visiting with each other.

Saturday 10 am: a “ramble” in Overton Park (near TCU)
Our “ramble in the park” Saturday morning will be totally for fun and for visiting with each other on the trails through Overton Park. Suggestions will be given for places we might end up for lunch.

Sound like fun? Pull out your scrapbooks and photo albums and see who and what you especially want to remember of your years in Friendship Force. Invite your Friendship Force friends! If you have ideas for sharing, send them to our club.
Virginia Bryant and Dorothy Wicker
Chair for Celebrating the 20th
Please let Virginia or Dorothy know if you will be attending either event. 

Top

Friendship Force Southwest - Regional Conference

Mark your calendar for January 26-28, 2007. The next FF SW Regional Conference in, San Antonio, TX. More details when they become available.

Mark your calendar for March 1 – 3, 2007. The next FFI Conference will be celebrating Friendship Force’s 30th anniversary in Atlanta, GA. A gala celebration on Mar. 1 ($150/person), conference on Mar. 2 – 3 ($140/person), and homestays around the southeast US Mar. 3 – 7 ($160/person). More details when they become available.

Mystery Exchange - A very special exchange opportunity!

Are you willing to travel anywhere in the world to make a friend? Return to the early traditions of Friendship Force International, when Ambassadors signed up for exchanges without knowing the destination. Without knowing where they were going, they knew why – to reach out their hands in friendship to others. Even though we cannot tell you where you are going, we can tell you to expect mild weather in a safe place with open arms and hearts to welcome you. Your hosts are planning a full program of cultural activities and sightseeing and set aside plenty of time to spend with you in the comfort of their homes.

When: Mid-November, 2006 (you’ll be back home before Thanksgiving) Exact dates to be announced soon.
Cost: Estimated Cost from Lost Angeles $1,400 (includes roundtrip airfare and exchange activities)
Contact Ellen Simmonds, Exchange Director, for more details: ats@icofmaine.com

Top

Upcoming Exchanges

Looking for an outbound? For info on exchanges from other clubs in the SW Region and elsewhere, check out our Other Clubs section. 

For an entire list of FF exchanges through the end of 2007, checkout FF’s list [it takes a bit to load up all the info] -  http://ffido.friendshipforce.org/test/exchange/tabletest_exch.asp Or, go to http://www.friendshipforce.org and click on “Find an Exchange” for details on upcoming exchanges. To receive monthly updates about future exchanges, send your name, postal and/or email address to ffi@friendshipforce.org. Mention you'd like to receive the FF exchanges updates.