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www.friendshipforcedenver.org December, 2017
HIGHLIGHTS President’s Letter Page 2 Exchange News Page 4 Regional Conf. Page 9
Dues Form Page 10
Social Activities Calendar www.Facebook.com/friendshipforceof Denver
Facebook.com/friendshipforceofDenver
DECEMBER SOCIAL SUNDAY, DEC. 3
Reception 11:45 am Performance 2:00 pm
Details on page 5
NEW YEAR’S DAY OPEN HOUSE
2:00 – 5:00 PM
SEE PAGE 3
ABOUT THE CLUB Friendship Force Denver meets at Calvary Baptist Church, 6500 E. Girard Avenue, Denver 80224 at 7 pm the second Tuesday of Sept - Nov, and Jan – May, and also offers numerous social events throughout the year. More information at www.friendshipforcedenver.org
Come join us and bring your friends!
CLUB OFFICERS
President . . . . . . . . . . Lynn Dawson [email protected] Vice President. . . . . . . . . . John Giles [email protected] Secretary. . . . . . . . . Ilene Americus [email protected] Interim Treasurer . . . . Jim Robinson [email protected] Newsletter Editor. . . . . . Carol Coriell [email protected] Newsletter submittals are due on the
24th of the month.
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Happy Holidays! It is hard to believe that we are coming to the end of 2017! It seems like just
yesterday that we were planning what Friendship Force Denver was going to do in 2017. Now, we are looking forward to 2018!
Having just celebrated Thanksgiving, I want to let you know how thankful I am for the great year that we had. I appreciate your letting me serve as your President! I believe that I did thank those who were major contributors to this
year’s accomplishments in the November newsletter and at the November meeting; however, a successful club is made up of all its members. If you have hosted this year either as a Home Host, Day Host, or Dinner Host
– thank you! If you served on a committee – thank you! If you brought refreshments – thank you! If you served as an Ambassador – thank you! If you helped set up, serve, or clean up – thank you! If you drove to assist on a
Journey or if you brought someone to or from the meeting – thank you! If you applauded our speakers – thank you!
I want to encourage all of you to become more involved in Friendship Force Denver in the coming year. Friendship Force does “work”. I think that it
is a fantastic organization; however, it needs the involvement and commitment of all its members.
As I have said, “Friendship Force Works!” It works for those of us who love to travel or host to learn more about and understand other cultures. It works
for those who like to make new friends. It works for those who want the comradery of other individuals who share similar values. It works for maintaining
life-long friendships made at conferences, on outbound Journeys, and on inbound Journeys.
Please continue to participate in our wonderful club. Also, please let your Board of Directors know what
is important to you, and where you would like them to focus in the coming year.
Carl and I spent Thanksgiving in California with my brother and his wife (in the picture with Carl, Paige, and me) and his four married children and nine
grandchildren. There were 20 of us with about 18 items on the menu! I am so appreciative of my family and so enjoy their company. We will be
spending Christmas in Venice, Italy, with our son and his wife. We will come home to participate in all the Friendship Force activities that we can.
Please do join us! Again, I hope that you enjoy the holidays with your
family and friends and pets! Thank you all again for this fantastic year!
In friendship,
Lynn Dawson
DUES ARE DUE ON DECEMBER 15TH.
PLEASE USE FORM ON PAGE 10
Dec 2017 page 2
NEW YEAR’S DAY 2018
Tenth Annual
FRIENDSHIP FORCE DENVER OPEN HOUSE
Mary Lou Bennington has offered to host. She has a special talent for decorating her home, and loves to share her creations.
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS TO HELP SERVE AND CLEAN UP
Monday, January 1, 2018 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Bring snacks and/or wine to share.
7464 S. Milwaukee Court, Centennial 80122
303-741-5265
Dec 2017 page 3
JOURNEYS
Dates May Be Subject To Change
July 2018 Domestic Inbound Journey, Dayton, Ohio. After our fun filled visit to the Dayton
club, they have requested a Journey to visit us next summer. Host sign-up sheets will be available at the next meeting. Co-Host Coordinators Anita Smith and Linda Lustig. Anita: [email protected] 619-894-9464 Linda: [email protected] 720-839-8562
June 13 - 27, 2018 International Outbound Journey, We will travel to Lübeck, Germany followed by a week in Limburg, Belgium. Lübeck is the only city in the north of Germany which
still has an extensive medieval old city, comparable to some in southern Germany. Though hit considerably by bombs in WWII, most of the old city has survived from medieval times, or was reconstructed. Currently all ambassador positions have been filled. To get on the waiting list,
contact Ambassador Coordinator John Giles, [email protected] Cell: 303-710-5405
September 13 – 20, 2018 International Inbound Journey, Vancouver, Canada. Sign-up sheets for both Home Hosts and Day hosts will be available at the next meeting. We need a Host Coordinator for this Journey.
2020
Spring or Fall: Outbound Journey to Oregon's Mid-Willamette Valley FF Club. Visit www.friendshipforce.org/Journeys to see the complete range of Journeys offered by clubs
throughout the world.
Experience Different Views.
Discover Common Ground.
Sneak Peak: Hear about the Africa Journey at the January program!
Dec 2017 page 4
SOCIAL COMMITTEE BULLETIN Check this site in each month’s newsletter for current planned activities that all members are welcome to participate in – as long as
space is available and you have RSVP’d. Here are the current happenings:
DECEMBER SOCIAL – Sunday, December 3rd. There are no more tickets being sold by our club for the 2 pm performance of “Seussical: The Musical.” If you still want to go, please contact the
Town Hall Arts Center in Littleton to see about availability (303-794-2787). There is also a club-sponsored holiday reception in the Stanton Art Gallery at the theater from 11:45 am to approximately 1 pm. Please join us for that festive kick-off to the holiday season!
NEW YEARS DAY – Monday, January 1st. If anyone would like to volunteer to organize and oversee the New Year’s Day open house, please contact a member of the Social Committee. We are happy to help with
advertising the event, but we will not be planning it ourselves. See details on page 3. MUNCH LUNCH BUNCH – Wednesday, January 24th. Save the date! Details to come!
THIS WAS AN MLB OVER-LOAD OUTING!
18 FFD friends and one adorable child (thanks, Neve, for joining us!) gathered at Crave Real Burgers in
Highlands Ranch for the November 11th Munch Lunch Bunch outing. And what an outing it was! Ice cream sodas and burgers piled high with ingredients like garlic cream cheese, candied bacon, tempura-fried cheddar or tempura-fried jalapeño poppers, coffee-dusted onion rings, poblanos – even a burger topped with green
chili over a grilled cheese sandwich. What a great time we all had sharing a sunny Veterans Day with other BFFs (burger fun fans)!!
Dec 2017 page 5
MORE PICTURES FROM CRAVE BURGER
Dec 2017 page 6
FOR FUTURE MUNCH LUNCH BUNCH OUTINGS! We are looking for suggestions of fun, tasty,
reasonably priced ethnic and/or neighborhood restaurant
jewels that you have been to, have had recommended, or simply have been dying to try with your friends and family. It is so helpful to have other ideas so that the brain doesn’t
dry up! Thus, if you have some, please let me know. Luree Miller – [email protected] or 415-215-3770 (cell).
by Sandy Villarreal
For their 30th anniversary, FFI asked members to
tell their Friendship Force stories. Among the stories
that appeared in the magazine is the Friendship
Force story of Ralph and Roberta Pippitt, members
of our club. (Ralph has since passed away but
Roberta was until recently a member.) Their story
was reprinted in one of our 2007 newsletters with
the permission of FFI. It is worth reprinting again.
“My husband Ralph and I knew that we had entered
a new season in our lives, but little did we know that
we were about to embark on an entirely new career.
During a Friendship Force exchange to South Africa,
we saw incredible poverty. We also learned of a
school in rural Zimbabwe that was to be condemned
because the buildings were unsafe for the 600
children who lived there. The possibility of going to
see the school in Zimbabwe consumed us over the
next six months. Finally in August 1996 we began
to make serious plans. Our church sponsored
fundraisers to provide us with money for
construction once we arrived in Zimbabwe.
During that first trip, the money raised by our local
church allowed us to drill a well for safe drinking
water, build four toilets for the staff, and to re-roof
a building that had been damaged in a recent storm.
We spent a great deal of time doing construction
work and assessing the needs of the entire area.
The needs were overwhelming and the conditions
the people lived in were heartbreaking.
Over the past ten years and with the support of
churches and friends around the world, funds have
been made available that have enabled us to
renovate and build many school buildings, libraries,
administration buildings, and countless teacher
houses. While many retired couples have a second
home in Arizona or elsewhere to spend their winters,
we have a second home in Zimbabwe and we spend
six to nine months a year there. It all began with a
Friendship Force exchange that changed our lives.”
Dec 2017 page 7
RECAP OF NOVEMBER MEETING
FRIENDSHIP FORCE WORLD CONFERENCE
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND
by Roy Cohen
Scott and Luree Miller, Kim Means and Carl and Lynn
Dawson presented their views of the conference.
Scott said that the new president of FF, Jeremi
Snook, talked about getting younger and more
energetic people to join FF. He said that FF is
starting to plan ahead two and a half years, and are
continuing to work on creating a more user friendly
and updated FF web site. The nature of FF journeys
will gradually change in the next several years and
will aim to be more physical and multi-generational,
with less tourism and more humanitarian work.
There will be more themed journeys, and more use
of social media.
Luree talked about the history of FF. In 1993, FF was
nominated for the Nobel Peace prize. In 1977
Muhammed Ali gave funding to help the organization
grow. Ted Turner gave free office space to the new
organization. Luree commented on the morning that
everyone was given an African drum to use; a real
ear-opener! Seeing the Concorde jet at the farewell
party was a major treat.
Three hundred and twenty-five delegates attended
from countries such as Korea, Brazil, Australia,
Thailand, Nepal, Austria and the US. After the FF
meeting, Scott and Luree traveled to Scotland,
specifically the Scottish Highlands. They also
traveled to Biarritz, France, to spend time with old
FF friends, Bernard and Michelle.
Kim got a kick out of dressing in attire from 1977 for
the welcome party. She met Rod Stewart, the
musician. She got to do drumming with large drums.
She did a walking tour of Manchester which included
a Pride parade, and loved that there were lots of
younger people doing “street” skits on the streets of
Manchester. She went to a musical which featured
the music of The Hollies, and Davey Jones from the
rock group, The Monkees.
Lynn and Carl also attended the Manchester meeting
and enjoyed the atmosphere, and learned a lot.
Next, they departed and drove to a small town near Exeter (in the county of Devon) by way of the Cotswolds, where they spent a couple of days in
Shakespeare’s territory. They then spent all of September in a home owned by parents of one of their son’s friends. They loved all the lush green land
and the many beautiful houses. They also went to several homes, castles, mansions and gardens that were all part of the National Trust of England. They
saw Stonehenge and Windsor Castle. They said that they were pleased with the food of England and loved that dogs are invited into pubs. They also saw
Plymouth and from where the Mayflower sailed. They found the British to be lovely and friendly people. They spent time with and visited the homes
of several wonderful people who had been members
of the Friendship Force Club in Devon.
Dec 2017 page 8
SOCIAL COMMITTEE NEWS by Luree Miller
We have organized our Social Committee for 2018. Nancy Crocker and I will continue as co-chairs for this next year (but will probably be looking for relief the year after that!). The other committee members will
be Pam Comello, Ilene Americus, Arlene Casabona, and as board liaison, Jackie Goreham. Marion Trummer, who was on the committee the past 2 years, has chosen for understandable personal reasons to rotate off the committee. She hopes to be able to attend some club meetings, MLB luncheons, and socials
as circumstances allow. Thanks to each of you for being willing to serve the Friendship Force club faithfully in this coming year!!!
FRIENDSHIP FORCE
WESTERN REGIONAL
SUPER CONFERENCE
May 3 to 5, 2018
Holiday Inn Express & Suites 9175 W. Stockton Blvd. Elk Grove, CA 95758 Call 916-478-9000 for Reservations
Participating clubs from the Pacific North West, Rocky Mountain, West Coast, and Western Canada Regions including clubs in: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah Washington, British Columbia and Alberta. All Friendship Force members are invited. Hosted by the Friendship Force of Sacramento.
Schedule of Events: Thursday, May 3rd 1:00 pm President’s Meeting
7:00 pm Welcome Reception Friday, May 4th 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Conference
Keynote speaker; panel discussions; workshops Presentations by Friendship Force International Staff
Saturday, May 5th 9:00 am - 4 pm Conference Workshops, panel discussions and wrap up 6:00 pm Gala “Cinco de Mayo” Dinner, speaker and entertainment Participate in fun, stimulating workshops for all members whether you are a new member, club leader, journey coordinator or just an enthusiastic member. Topics include Travel Insurance, New Member Q and A, Planning Global Journeys, Multi-Generational Journeys, Membership Concerns, Future Planning, Vetting Ambassadors, Websites and much more.
Registration Fee if paid by February 1, 2018 $ 125 Registration Fee if paid between Feb. 1 and April 1 $ 150 Gala “Cinco de Mayo” Dinner (not included in registration) $ 45
Join a post- conference Journey for 3 or 4 days sponsored by one of these clubs: Las Vegas, San Francisco Bay Area, Reno-Tahoe or Sacramento.
To register go to www. thefriendshipforce.org/westernconf
More questions? Contact Pat Ghiglieri at [email protected] or 916-212-7111 or Marty McKnew at [email protected] or 916-709-1347.
Dec 2017 page 9
Theme: Citizens of a Global Community Keynote speaker: Joy Justus World Relief Sacramento
FRIENDSHIP FORCE OF DENVER
2018 Membership Renewal Form due 12/15/17
Feedback to Friendship Force Denver Comments: _________________________________________________________
Questions: __________________________________________________________
REPLACEMENT NAME BADGES: $12 each.
The name on your FFD name badge will appear exactly as you PRINT:
______________________________________________________ Magnet Back or Pin Back First Name or Nickname Last Name
______________________________________________________ Magnet Back or Pin Back First Name or Nickname Last Name
Dec 2017 page 10
Date: ___________________
Individual Membership $40 or $___________________
Household Membership $60 $___________________ (All members residing at the same address)
Replacement Badge $12 $___________________
Newsletter Mailed $15 $___________________
Total Enclosed $___________________ Payable to Friendship Force Denver
Members: Last Name First Name Middle Name E-mail Address
Last Name First Name Middle Name E-mail Address
Please list additional household members on the back of this form and check this box
Home Address
City, State, Zip
Home Phone (___) Cell (___) Cell (___) _____________
I agree to have my personal information published in our club directory, newsletter and/or
website. Y N
Please bring your completed form and check made out to FFD to a meeting, or mail them to:
LINDA LUSTIG 10123 NICKOLAS AVE. LITTLETON, CO 80130 [email protected]
2017 CALENDAR DECEMBER SOCIAL DEC 3 Littleton Town Hall Arts Center
Seussical – The Musical, details page 6 BOARD MEETING* DEC 5
Tuesday, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
2018
NEW YEAR’S DAY OPEN HOUSE Jan 1 Monday, 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Mary Lou Bennington’s home 7564 S. Milwaukee Ct., Centennial 80122 Details page 3
BOARD MEETING* JAN 2 Tuesday, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
JANUARY PROGRAM* JAN 9 Tuesday, 7:00 – 9:00 pm Program: Our Journey to Africa
BOARD MEETING* FEB 6 Tuesday, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
FEBRUARY PROGRAM* FEB 13 Tuesday, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
WORLD FRIENDSHIP DAY MAR 1 BOARD MEETING* MAR 6
Tuesday, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
MARCH PROGRAM* MAR 13
Tuesday, 7:00 – 9:00 pm BOARD MEETING* APR 2
Tuesday, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm APRIL PROGRAM APR 9
Tuesday, 7:00 – 9:00
REGIONAL CONFERENCE MAY 3 – 5 Elk Grove, California (near Sacramento)
Details page 9
*Board meetings and monthly meetings are held at Calvary Baptist Church, 6500 E. Girard Ave., Denver 80224
Frank and Kim Fong Sheremeta have volunteered
to regularly help with refreshment set-up. Thanks, Frank and Kim. Additional help from members who can arrive a bit early or stay a bit late is always
appreciated.
NEW YEAR’S DAY OPEN HOUSE
Mary Lou Bennington has opened her home to us, yet again. It’s always fun to be at Mary Lou’s. Help is needed to set up and clean up. Call Mary Lou to
offer.
ELDON LAIDIG, Past President (1997) and
longtime member of FF Denver passed away at his Arvada home on November 18. A Witness to the Resurrection service was held on November 27 at
the Arvada Presbyterian Church. More details about Eldon's life may be found on Page 13A of the November 21 Denver Post.
Dec 2017 page 11 Dec 2017 page 11
Carol Coriell, Newsletter Editor 7900 W. Layton Avenue, #846 Littleton CO 80123
Carol Coriell, Newsletter Editor 7900 W. Layton Ave., #846 Littleton CO 80123
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK I want to thank all of the members who are involved in the production of the newsletter. Many work
invisibly every month, such as the eagle-eyed proof readers, Dave Bentzin, Anita Smith, Peggy Morrison and Jim Robinson. Don’t even think of using a semi-colon where you should use a comma; you will be discovered! Anita Smith is also in charge of posting the newsletter on the website, and sending the link
each month. Mike Summers produces the beautiful printed issues that are available at each meeting, and also handles mailing to members who request it. Donna Robinson reports on members’ well-being, and sends cards to those who need some comfort; she would really appreciate being kept up-to-date on who
needs comforting. Linda Lustig sends letters to new members, requesting their biographies. Without members’ written contributions, there would be no newsletter! Lynn Dawson always produces an
interesting president’s letter, and keeps us amused with her choice of accompanying pictures. Luree Miller is a joy to work with, always producing attractive, carefully laid out articles for the social committee, and lots of nifty pictures! Several people have pitched in to write the re-cap of meetings: Debby Murdoch,
Ilene Americus, Luree Miller, Pat LaMoe and Roy Cohen have all contributed. Some of the Coordinators have been surprised to discover that newsletter submittals are part of the job,
but all have risen to the task. Roy Cohen, as program director, has been very helpful about getting information on speakers. Remember that articles and pictures of interest are always welcome from members. If any of these jobs
sound like fun to you, call me and let’s talk. If you don’t like to write, how about taking photos at events? I’m looking forward to working with everyone in 2018, and thanks again for all of your effort.
Carol Coriell, Editor