I want to thank all of the members of our club for allowing me to serve you as President this past year. In many aspects it has been both exciting and productive as we searched together for new ways to interact with each other and to reach out with our message to the larger community. I would hope that we could expand on that base and continue with similar programs.
Many of you worked so very hard, I cannot thank everyone individually for fear of a sin of omission. I do however want you all to know how appreciative I am of your hard work and the wonderful contribution you have made to the club.
On the exchange front, 2002 looks to be a special year in our history. Unfortunately, we have had to cancel the Japan trip. It is possible this may turn into a postponement rather than a cancellation. Atlanta is looking into alternatives and will provide us with a program to consider, perhaps later this year. In the meantime, we will have a full schedule with Cairo, Cornwall and Ottawa.
When we began this past year, we faced two major issues as a club, i.e., money and membership. I believe these will continue to be issues for each administration. While we made some progress on the money side as we accepted a dues increase, membership is an on-going concern. I would encourage each of you to devote every effort towards bringing the Friendship Force experience to more friends and neighbors.
Finally, let me offer a word of congratulations to Cheryl Kasper and the officers. And I offer every good wish for their success and the continued growth of the club. Bob Schwagerl, Past President
I am looking forward to serving as your President during the year 2002.
It is an awesome and exciting responsibility and I hope to do the best
that I am able. Many thanks for Bob Schwagerl's leadership, for our
wonderful Board, and to all who worked so hard to make 2001 a successful
year for our club.
In the wake of 9/11, we have much to ponder and also much for which to give thanks. I give thanks that I belong to an organization called Friendship Force whose motto is "a world of friends is a world of peace". Now more than ever, our presence is needed in the world. As Jimmy Carter stated, "There is no nobler calling on this earth that the seeking for peace." Whether we serve as ambassadors or hosts, let us remember that we are called to become friends with those who WERE complete strangers. As we embark on our exchanges this year, Inbound from Cairo, Egypt in May, Outbound to The Canadian Capital Region in June, and Inbound from Cornwall, England in Sept.-Oct., let us reach out our hands in friendship across cultures which may be quite different from our own. Let us build bridges of understanding and global goodwill through our personal friendships. Let us have a wonderful year together! Cheryl Kasper, President
Dates for the Outbound Exchange to the Ottawa area have been agreed to with the hosts, the Canadian Capitol Region. We will arrive on Saturday, June 29 and depart on Saturday, July 6. This will give us the chance to experience Canada's National Day on July 1 and bring with us some of the spirit of the Fourth of July.
According to Exchange Director, Jocelyne Tessier, the host region is a French-speaking group in this multicultural area. A newly established Region, we will be their first inbound exchange. They will go all out to show us a good time.
Since the driving distance from Charlottesville to Ottawa is about 650 miles and can be driven in one or two days, several potential ambassadors have expressed interest in driving. Carpooling is also a possibility.
If you are interested in being an Ambassador, please contact Exchange Director Chuck Johnson by phone at 589-5245 or e-mail at Lyndamj@cstone.net. Please indicate whether you would prefer to fly or drive. No need to call again if you signed up at the Christmas Party.
We will have a brief meeting of all potential Ambassadors during the General Meeting on January 15. Chuck Johnson, Exchange Director
Immediate Past President Bob Schwagerl President Cheryl Kasper President Elect Patricia Travers Vice-President Chuck Johnson Secretary Cathy Wallace Treasurer Trudy Baroncelli
Get on the telephone! Call everybody you know and tell them about the great activities available with the Friendship Force of Charlottesville.
January 2002 Calendar
January 9 - Board Meeting -7 pm
Chairperson's Meeting -7:30 pm
Cheryl Kasper's home
19 Chatham Lane
January 15 - General Meeting
(Note change in date)
Dinner: 5:30 pm;
Meeting 6:45 pm
Ponderosa Steak House
Pantops Shopping Center
January 28 - Board Meeting - 7 pm
January 30 - Newsletter Deadline
At the January meeting, come and find out all the exciting plans our club has for the year 2002. Updates on committees, exchanges, budget, and MORE! Be there and be a part of the action! Cheryl Kasper, President
The good news is that our cookbook is in the hands of Morris Press, our publisher. With any luck, we hope to have it available at our March meeting. We hope you will consider buying multiple copies after you see how interesting and exciting it is. Details will be announced. Many thanks to the hardworking Cookbook Committee: Babs Fickes, Joanne and Dennis Rawls, Kathy Saurman, Peggy Smith, Joan Sours, Cathy Wallace, and Cel Ziemer. Cheryl Kasper, President
New Members
Lindsay and Jane Dorrier have joined with us in the effort to bring friendship to the World. Join me in welcoming Lindsay and Jane to the club!
Joan Sours and Peggy Smith are Co-Exchange Directors for this May 2002 exchange. They are seeking committee chairs to assist with the preparation for the exchange in the following areas: Welcome & Farewell; Home & Day Hosting; Small Dinner Parties; and Activities. Please call Joan (589-1925) or Peggy (589-4426) right away.
Please fill out the following information and send your dues payable to "The Friendship Force of Charlottesville". Dues may be mailed to Trudy Baroncelli, 10 Tobacco Tr., Palmyra, VA 22963 or given to her at the January 15 meeting. Deadline is Jan. 15, 2002.
NAME(S) __________________________________________ ADDRESS __________________________ _________________________________________ CITY/STATE _______________________ PHONE No ________________________ EMAIL ___________________________ _____ COUPLE @ $50.00 _____ SINGLE @ $30.00 (Please disregard this notice if you have already paid your dues.)