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Friendship Connections

July 2009

Friendship Connections The Friendship Force of Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley Club of the Year — 2000

2009 Asia - Pacific Festival: An Unqualified Success Dear Friendship Force members,

Dancing at the Gala Farewell Photo by Joyce and Ed Dart

What a lot of time and energy you gave to make the Asia Pacific Festival a success! Yes, it was. I heard over and over again from various participants that they delighted in the various tour experiences. Some folks went into detail as to what they liked and why. We faced some challenges, but those involved took them in stride. For the most part, all of the impromptu problem-solving was so well managed that our guests never knew what was going on "behind the scenes." Over two years ago, when I brought the proposal to our membership, you rewarded me by jumping into the Asia Pacific Festival project. Our club never ceases to amaze me. The original committee stayed at it throughout. I thank you all so very much. My faith in our club's abilities has been validated, once again. I can't wait to see what we do next. Love to all of you,

Queen’s Proclamation

Floats in the Coliseum Floats in the Coliseum

Rita Powell Asia Pacific Festival 2009

Friends at the Thyme Garden Photo by Joan Rodgers

State Senator Frank Morse Presented beautiful Oregon using wonderful photos by Bob Ross

Virginia, Mary Lou and Karen at Edgefield before dinner

July 12, 2009 Gathering 3:00 pm at the home of Juanita and Lloyd Weigel, 3450 Emerald Dr. NW, Salem International potluck and program by Japan exchange ambassadors

CHANGING THE WAY YOU SEE THE WORLD

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Friendship Connections

July 2009

New Name Badges

President’s Greetings

Now Available The Asian Pacific Festival is behind us and now we must get ready for our guests from Vietnam. Louise Claassen has volunteered to be the ED. It always warms my heart when someone comes up to me and says "I will be an ED" as this shows what type of kind hearted members that we have in our club. Rita has been receiving many good reports on her Asia Pacific Festival from members who attended and it was due to the well organized program that she put together with her committee members. I hope that when Louise asks for help that we see people stepping up to help her as FFI and the Vietnam club have only given her 45 days to put her program together as they will be here August 1st. I am hoping that at the meeting on July 12 someone will step up to volunteer for our other exchanges. Being an exchange director is a lot of work but worth every penny of it when you see the joy in peoples’ faces when they get to meet new friends and see Oregon at its best. I know that we are all busy but I know that someone just wants to step up to volunteer but might need a little encouragement from a friend. Juanita

Friendship Force Pledge As a member of the Friendship Force, I recognize that I can make a difference. I recognize that I have a mission. That mission is to be a friend to the people of the world. As I embark upon this adventure, I know that others will be watching me. I know that through my example to my fellow citizens and the people of other nations, the cause of friendship, love and peace can be furthered. I can make a difference.

Membership Application, Renewal and Newsletter Subscription Annual dues cover the cost of the monthly newsletter and expenses for exchanges and activities of the Friendship Force of Oregon’s Mid -Willamette Valley, as well as membership in Friendship Force International, which provides discounted prices on exchange travel and other benefits. Annual dues: Individual: $27.00

I wish to receive the Friendship Connections, without joining_____ Name:________________________________________________ Name: _______________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________ City :____________________________State______ ZIP_______

Total amount enclosed:

If your name tag has disappeared, broken or if you’d simply like one of the very attractive new logo badges, now is the time to order a replacement. Place your order at the July 12 meeting. There will be a signup sheet for ordering. New members receive a complimentary badge. Replacement badges may be purchased for $8 plus shipping costs and come with magnetic, pin or gripper clips.

2009– 2010 Calendar July 12 - Gathering August 9 - Picnic and annual meeting August 1– 7 - Incoming exchange from Vietnam Jan. 20—31, 2010 - Outbound to Florida May 2010 - Outbound to Tbilisi, Georgia September 2010 - Inbound from Rijnmond, Netherlands

Friendship Force Gifts The following items are available from Dorothy Stewart, 503364-3969 [email protected] or at each monthly gathering. For more products with the new FFI logos, visit the FFI website and the new online store where you can order FFI products directly.

Couple: $50

This is a NEW_____ or a RENEWAL _____ Application

Dues enclosed:

Need a new name badge?

$________________ $________________________

Phone: _____________________________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________________ (please print clearly) Mail To: Friendship Force, PO Box 1703, Albany, OR 97321

Friendship Force name pins Friendship Force aprons (one size fits most)

Zipper Pull with Celsius and Fahrenheit temps Friendship Force Story

Friendship Force note cards

Friendship Force mugs

Friendship Force luggage straps

Friendship Force tote bag

Friendship Force T-shirt Friendship Force Logo magnets Friendship Force ball point pens

Club lapel pins Tablecloths International Cookbook International Translator (pictures) Fabric for Vests

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Friendship Connections

July 2009

Welcome to Our New Members New Member : Evedene Bennett Through Fulbright teacher exchanges, I taught in England for a year. The summer before, I researched the beginnings of teaching reading in countries where we had AFS contacts - Switzerland, Germany, Holland, Belgium and Denmark. The people were always so genial, wanting to show me their area's special spots. It was all so wonderful that it seemed to me that people in all walks of life should have the opportunity to meet and even live with foreign peoples for a bit - there and here. Heading the Conversation Partner program for Crossroads at OSU as a volunteer for five years continued the interest. I first heard of Friendship Force when Graham Kislingsbury did those fine articles on teaching English to Russians, and joined as soon as I could. Teaching English in other countries is especially appealing. Besides my main interest in my four kids, three grandkids and three great-grandkids, I've been focused on finding what ancestors to thank for making that scary ocean trip so that I was fortunate to be born here. What a way to learn geography and history! A ground of my life is beauty in all senses - visual, auditory, aromas, sensing the inner beauty in persons which is so evident in Friendship Force people. New Member : ShellyAnn Lokan I love to travel, especially to do Christian Missionary work...my heart has been in South and Central America lately. I have had two Foreign Exchange teens that I stay in close touch with, Natalia from Bogota, Colombia and Andres from Amsterdam, Netherlands. Amsterdam is a bit too liberal for me, so I've resisted visiting there yet, but pressure from Andres is mounting. Just got back on March 12 from Honduras...went on a short term Mission trip for 10 days with my church and saw the poverty of the people and my heart again was broken. I will study Spanish and go back again and do what I can to help, my heart is especially broken for the women and children that are victimized by domestic violence on a regular basis and live in utter poverty and despair. They have generous and appreciative hearts and were so glad someone cared to come and try to help and I gave what I could financially, but mostly I gave of my heart and hugged and let them know I care. The country is spattered with garbage and signs of poverty and lack of jobs is so real, women work 12 hrs. a day -6 days a week IF they can find work and get paid $100 a month! Often raising 6-8 children! They are eager to escape this lifestyle, but have no means and we offered a glimmer of hope and God's love. I come from an intact farming family Montana and most of my relatives are in North Dakota. I am one of 13 children, the oldest girl and "sickening responsible", I tell my friends. (8 girls and 5 boys) My Dad was killed in a tractor accident on the farm 20 years ago and my Mom finished raising the last 3 sons alone or with some help from us grown children. We are quite close, staying in touch my email and getting together yearly. Since I am very new and have been very busy, I have not had the opportunity to get to know all of you personally yet and I'm so looking forward to this and bringing other friends to join also. I am a Certified Vocational Rehab Counselor with the State of Oregon and have been for past 13+ years, I help teen and adults with long term disabilities get training and get their dignity and obtain or maintain competitive employment...it has been very difficult in this downturned economy! I love what I do and hope you will all think of me with any job openings you hear...I have well trained, motivated, dependable workers you need for your business...sorry salesperson in me comes through!

Help Wanted Needed: Exchange Director for May, 2010, outbound exchange to Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia. Needed: Exchange Director for September, 2010, inbound exchange from Rijnmond, Netherlands. ED training and mentoring provided. Contact Juanita Weigel for an application form.

Board of Directors 2009 Officers: President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer:

Juanita Weigel 503-375-9967 [email protected] Marilyn Bervin 541-929-5633 [email protected] Carol George 503-5079966 [email protected] Van Nichols 503-581-1414 [email protected]

Standing Committees: Past Presidents: Kathy Butler 541-926-9897 [email protected] Dorothy Garrett 503-838-0274 [email protected] Activities: Sunshine: Sue Stein 541-928-4003 [email protected] Membership: Marilyn Bervin 541-929-5633 [email protected] Hospitality: Historian: Warren Harmon 503-3991654 [email protected] Archivist: Rosella Workinger 541-926-4105 [email protected] Newsletter/website: Marilyn Peterson 541-926-7431 [email protected] Projects: Merchandise: Dorothy Steward 503-364-3969 [email protected] Club Exchange Directors—Outbound July 2009 to Nara, Japan - Joan Rodgers January 20 -31, 2010 - Dorothy Garrett Club Exchange Directors—Inbound August 1 – 7, 2009 Vietnam - Louise Claassen

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Friendship Connections

July 2009

Exchange News Vietnam Inbound, August 1-7, 2009 - ED, Louise Claassen Our visitors will arrive late on August 1 and leave for Los Angeles early morning of August 7. We have made a tentative schedule which is as follows: Since they are arriving on August 1 late, we may not see them until August 2 Sunday, August 2 will be a welcoming picnic or afternoon potluck Monday, Aug. 3 - a day at the Oregon Coast Tuesday Aug. 4 - A day to tour local places or a day with Day Hosts Aug. 5 - Wednesday - A planned tour of Salem Aug. 6 - Thursday - Final day with hosts and a Farewell Party Aug. 7 - Friday - They leave for their flight to LA, possibly early morning We need volunteers to be hosts or day hosts for 10 to 15 guests. Application forms are available from Louise Claassen. Please fill one out and return to her by July 1. Needed: someone to help plan the Farewell Dinner. ED Louise has people working on the other days’ activities. If you can help, please contact Louise immediately by phone at: 541-928-8057 or e-mail: [email protected]

Outbound to Southwest Florida and Spring Hill, Florida—Jan. 20-31, 2010 - ED Dorothy Garrett Think bitter cold winter! Now, think sunshine, orange juice, palm trees, and beautiful beaches. That's Florida, where you could be next January 20-31. Keep reading your newsletters for the exact dates and cost. The Friendship Force of Southwest Florida (Ft. Myers to Naples) and the Spring Hill club are willing to host us for five days each and there is always the possibility of extending the stay privately. Florida is looking forward to our visit and they will be coming to visit us during their hot and humid time. If you want to be a part of this exciting exchange, contact Dorothy Garrett. The sooner, the better because the sooner we make our reservations, the less expensive it is, and we are limited to the first 20 ambassadors. Why not send Dorothy an e-mail right now at: [email protected]? Just mark your 2010 calendar with "Florida" from Jan. 20 to 31.

International Exchanges in 2010: ED’s are needed now for both exchanges. Contact Juanita Weigel at 503.375.9967 or [email protected] to apply for either exchange director position. The board approves all ED assignments. Training and mentoring are available. Transportation costs for outbound ED’s may be covered depending upon the number of ambassadors travelling. Outbound to Tbilisi, Georgia - May http://www.gefriendshipforce.org.ge Inbound from Rijnmond, Netherlands - September http://www.friendshipforce.nl/Club_gegevens.htm

From the Editor The editor enjoys receiving newsletter content from our members. Of course the easiest way to submit your ideas is via email either as an attachment or in the body of the email. Please no formatting such as bulleted lists or all capital letters. If you can’t send your article by email, a good quality printed copy can sometimes be scanned and used. The editor prefers not to type your submissions into the newsletter. Friendship Force is now active on Facebook. FFI has created a YouTube channel and a Flickr page. These are great ways to stay in touch with your friends and to share your photos with others. Have you visited our website lately? www.fforegon.org Contact the editor at: [email protected] or at 541.926.7431.

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Friendship Connections

July 2009

Lamphun, Thailand, will host the 2011 Asia Pacific Festival Plan now to join in the fun.

The Fairer Sax performed at the Gala Farewell. Many of the attendees guests danced to the music.

Toshiko played the ocarina while our Japanese guests sang

Dancing by our guests from Thailand was a highlight of the final evening

Farewell dinner MC’s Barb Callner and Kathy Butler

Louise and Noboru at the Farewell Gala Dinner

Lunch at the Thyme Garden was a feast for all the senses

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Friendship Connections

July 2009

July 12 Gathering, 3pm Home of Juanita and Lloyd Weigel 3450 Emerald Dr. NW, Salem Our next gathering will be at the Weigels’ and our topic will be our club’s recent exchange to Japan. This will be a potluck with everyone bringing an international delicacy to share. The ambassadors who went on the exchange are requested to bring a Japanese dish to share. Please consider labeling your potluck contribution with the name of the dish and the country of origin as well as your name. We have so many good cooks in our group that there will certainly be requests for recipes. If you went on the exchange, please contact John Stefan (541-791-1169) regarding photos you might want to share. Please be willing to give a short commentary to go along with the photos. Also, if you would like to give a brief talk about your experiences on this exchange, please call Joan Rodgers (541-752-4943). Directions to the home of Lloyd and Juanita Weigel. In Salem go west across the West Salem bridge; stay in the right hand lane and turn right onto Wallace Rd. Turn left on Orchard Heights. See map above. Stay on Orchard Heights Road (at the fork with Orchard Heights Place NW stay the right); go 2.9 miles to 38th, turn right.

to

Turn right on Echo. Go to end of Echo and turn left on Simmons (only way you can turn). Go to two story house on corner of Simmons & Emerald, right hand side. Explore Understand Serve http://www.fforegon.org

This Issue of Connections, and more information about our club, may be found on our website: http://www.fforegon.org Contact us at: [email protected] or PO Box 1703, Albany, Oregon 97321