Rambling Rita

I spent a good deal of time trying to decide on a subject for my contribution to the newsletter this month. I just could not get past the big problem I see the club facing. That is the lack of interest in traveling to the destinations being assigned to us by Atlanta.

I do not see this as a lack of interest in traveling, just as a lack of interest in traveling to the regions assigned to us.

I must go directly to the reason for me not traveling with the club. It is very simply "Been There Done That". I sincerely do not believe that was the spirit in which the club was founded.

Referring to the Friendship Force pledge, the mission is to be friends of the people of the world. If we achieve the mission, we will be promoting the cause of Friendship, Love and Peace.

We are reminded to set an example for our fellow citizens as well as the people of the world. Making a choice as to where we extend our hand in friendship is just not an option.

If we do not see fit to travel with our local club, we would be supporting the cause by traveling with other clubs. The majority of the Outbound Exchanges do not travel at full capacity.

I am asking that you think about traveling to England in 2007. We turned down a trip to Australia in 2006. It is not advantageous for our club to decline 2 outbounds in a row. This will seriously tarnish our reputation in Atlanta.

              Rita Stoll
              President

FFC and the JAG School

The relationship between Friendship Force of Charlottesville and the U.S. Army's Judge Advocates General (JAG) School is now in its fourth year. The JAG school, located adjacent to UVA's Law School, is the largest of the three military law schools with 6500 students attending the various programs annually. This includes a number of guest students from other countries.

FFC has undertaken to "host" the international students who enroll in the 10-month Graduate Program with the objective of showing them a bit of American family life while they are with us. A host family assigned to each student is expected to arrange contacts with the students by inviting them to dine with them at their home, attend events such as Friday's After Five or visit historical sites in the area. Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas are especially good times to host. The JAG School itself has a program to visit Washington, DC, Monticello and other sites within a 250-mile radius.

Those of us who have served as hosts in the past have found the experience to be very rewarding. This year, there are three international students enrolled, Captain Ella Varytska from the Ukraine (who is here with her 9-year old son), Lieutenant Damian from Romania and Captain Youn Suh Kee from Korea. For the 2007-8 school year, seven guests are expected and thus the opportunities to host will be increased.

If you are interested in hosting an international JAG student, please call Chuck Johnson at 589-5245 or e-mail to Lyndamj@adelphia.net

              Chuck Johnson

Shutterbugs Shine at Friendship Force Photography Show

There were 145 entries, 32 photographers and six categories at the International Photography Show "Visions of Peace and Friendship" hosted by The Friendship Force Club of Charlottesville on October 27. All the photos were of high quality, each a Kodak moment, and a few were taken by young people who were entering their first show. Color, lighting, mood, theme, and content were outstanding.

Prize ribbons were awarded to the following photographers in each category. Friendship Moments Category: Lillie Orlovsky, first place for "The Dancers"; May Guenin, second place for "Friendship in the Park"; Lisa and John Vanden Bos of Paris, France, third place for "Zula Smiles". People Category: Lillie Orlovsky, first place for "The Park Bench"; Peggy Birdsall, second place for "Paraguayan Woman"; Don Whipple, third place for "Ukraine 2004 (3)". Architecture Category: Cel Ziemer, first place for "Tuscan Ruins"; Lisa and John Vanden Bos, second place for "Atlantic Extremity Light"; Nadine Jackman, third place for "Columns". Nature Close-Ups Category: Ben Farmer, first place for "Red Lobster Claws"; John Webster, second place for "Rock Hopper"; John Porter, third place for "Friendship Adds Beauty". Landscapes Category: Elyse Smith, first place for "Shack"; Gary Ziemer, second place for "Garden in Burgundy"; Bruno Peronne of Paris, France, third place for "Matin de Creuse". Eclectic Category: Michelle Kerr of Colorado, first place for "Out to Dry"; Theresa White, second place for "Stones Collection", Maggie Stultz, third place for "Apples on Checkerboard". Beryl Solla, PVCC Art Dept. Chair and Gallery Curator, who juried the show, was impressed by the quality and talent of all the photographers who entered.

Overview of Show	Darryl Viewing Pictures

To view some of the winning photographers and their photos, visit www.avenue.org/ffc.

Holiday Dinner Plans

The Annual Friendship Force Holiday Dinner will be held on Monday, December 4th, 6:00 PM, at the Lake Monticello Clubhouse. Please hold the date. Menu selections and full details will be mailed to each member early in November. There will be an optional exchange of gag gifts - bring one to receive one. We are looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Next Meeting

The November meeting will be held at the JAG School on November 7 at 6:30 PM. To get to the JAG School, go to Emmet Street and turn onto Arlington Blvd., just behind the McDonalds at the Barracks Road Shopping Center. Proceed to a stop sign at Massie Road and turn right. The JAG School is on your left. Parking is past the school on your left. OK to park anywhere since this is after normal "business" hours.

Some us will meet for dinner at Carmelo's on Emmet Street. We can take advantage of their earlybird special if we get there before 5:30. No reservations needed.

              The Social Committee

FFI General Meeting Minutes, Sep. 7, 2006

The Friendship Force of Charlottesville meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm at the Jefferson Heights Apartments, by President, Rita Stoll.

Over 60 people attended the dinner meeting, catered by Scott Spencer.

Rita led the group in the Friendship Force pledge. The following guests were introduced: Bill & DeeDee Greer, George & Jill Brown, Audrey & Gerald Gottlieb, Joy & Pete Cross, Morgan Rohrhofer, Bev & Ray Vanausdal, & Linda Vargas. Also, new members, Patsy and Walt O'Connell were welcomed.

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as they appeared in the last newsletter. The treasurer's report was given by Rita as Bev Hankins was not present. We have a balance of $5100.

Committee Reports:

Fund Raising - Cheryl Kasper. We have new FFI bookmarks for promotion. They were designed by artist, Coy Roy. The photos were by Rita and Darrell Stoll and May Guenin.

Promo flyers for the juried photography contest are available to be put on public display. Also, advertising will appear in local newspapers. The event will be from 6:30 to 8:30, October 27th at the Charlottesville Tourism and Convention Center on the Mall. Wine and cheese will be served during the show. Advance tickets are now available for $6.00. The maximum size for a photograph is 11" X 14", including the mat. All photos must be matted but not framed.

Social Committee - Shirley Webster. The Christmas party will be at the Lake Monticello Ashlawn Grill, at the clubhouse, on Monday, Dec. 4. More information will be available later.

JAG School - Chuck Johnson. Chuck explained our relationship with the JAG School for the benefit of new members and guests. There are 3 students this year who are here for the long program, 9 months. He asked for volunteers for members to "adopt" them. Many members volunteered.

Exchanges, inbound - Bob Schwagerl. He announced that Louise Dixon has returned to France and will pursue trying to form a club with the group that hosted us in May.

Exchanges, outbound - Frank Saurman. The exchange to Leistershire, England will be in May. They will be able to host only 15 people.

Membership - Arlene Bandy has applications in case anyone else would like to join this evening.

Nominating Committee - The following slate of officers was presented and approved unanimously for the year 2007:

     President:  Mark Dryer
     President Elect:  Arlene Bandy
     Vice President:  Brian Bouton
     Treasurer:  Bev Hankins
     Secretary:  Barbara Kelshaw

The next general meeting will be on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 6:30pm at the JAG School.

Meeting was adjourned.

George Brown, President of Friendship Force International, addressed the group, informing us of the history of FFI, its progress and the new programs that are being introduced to expand the organization's influence around the world.

              Respectfully Submitted,
              Lynda Johnson, Secretary