Big Canoe-North Georgia Friendship Force Recent Meetings

The July meeting was the annual club picnic, held at the Talking Rock pavillion on July 18. An excellent historic talk on the one-room schoolhouse was presented by Georgia Cagle and Bobbie Edge.

In a shortened business meeting, it was announced that all scheduled exchances are on track. The only open item at this point is that we have not yet recruited an exchange director for the incoming exchange from Hawaii. Anyone interested in more information on this exchange should contact first vice president Ches Tredway.

Grillmaster Alan Johnson prepared hamburgers and hot dogs to perfection, and the dishes provided by other attendees added a delicious touch to the meal.

The May, 2010 meeting was held on May 16 at the Fireside Cafe. Ches Tredway presided.

Huw Williams reported that eleven people are going to Haliburton Highlands. The extra Toronto trip is full.

Alan Johnson reported on the exchange to the Pikes Peak Region. Four couples plan to go.

Mary Ellen Johnson reported that the exchange to Mispah, South Africa, will be in March.

Ches Tredway reported that the exchange from Kuai, Hawaii, will be in May.

The speaker was Rick Jasperse, former Pickens County Extension Agent and now state representative.

In place of a normal meeting, the activity for April, 2010, was a combined 25th anniversary celebration and World Friendship Day observation, held on April 18 at the Broyles Center of the Big Canoe Chapel. The keynote speaker was Tommy Dortch, chairman of the board of Friendship Force International.

Huw Williams was toastmaster.

Charlene Terrell gave a fascinating presentation on some of the early days of the club.

The March meeting was held March 21 at the Fireside Cafe.

Marie Williams reported that plans are complete for the Southeast President's meeting March 26-27.

Robert Logan reported on plans for the incoming New Mexico exchange April 13 to 20. Here are the costs for members of our club for the various events:

• Indian Mounds $4.00
• Booth Museum $7.00
• Lunch on April 14 $10.50
• New Echota $4.00
• Chief Vann House $4.00
• Roswell $18.00
• Lunch on April 16 $10.00

Huw Williams reported on the outgoing exchange to Haliburton Highlands, Canada September 30 to October 7. He would like more people to sign up for this exchange. He has decided to cancel the exchange to Northern Illinois because of lack of interest.

Margie Bowyer reported on International Friendship Day. She has sent out 200 invitations. Plans are complete.

Mary Ellen Johnson introduced our speaker, Denise Duncan, of the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce (shown above).

The February meeting was held February 21 at the Fireside Cafe.

Marie Williams reported on the Regional President's Meeting. We expect between 21 and 25 attendees.The meeting will be in the Broyles Center at the Big Canoe Chapel, beginning on March 26 at 2:00 p.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m. on March 27. All members are invited to attend, and we would especially like all members to attend the dinner on Friday evening.

Robert Logan reported on the New Mexico incoming exchange. The welcome party will be at his house April 13, including a barbecue dinner. We plan to go to the Booth Museum on Wednesday, to New Ecota on Thursday, to Roswell on Friday. Sunday will be the 25th anniversary celebration of our club. The farewell party will be on Monday.

Huw Williams reported on the fall outgoing exchange. We now plan to visit the Northern Illinois club September 23-30 and the Haliburton Highlands, Canada, club September 30 to October 7.

Margie Bowyer reported on International Friendship Day and our club anniversary celebration April 18 at 2:00 p.m. The featured speaker will be the chairman of the board of Friendship Force International.

Mary Ellen Johnson reported on the Pikes Peak Region outgoing exchange. Her husband, Alan, is exchange director. There has been a change in plans, and we will be the only club visiting the Pikes Peak Club at that time. The tentative dates are August 14 to 21.

Mary Ellen also reported on the following future programs:

• March--Denise Duncan
• April--International Friendship Day and Club Anniversary Celebration
• May--Nick Jasperse
• June--Linda Geiger, on the Trail of Tears
• July--club picnic
• September--Alan Johnson, on the Pikes Peak Region Exchange
• October--Huw Williams, on the Haliburton Highlands Exchange.

President Helen Wiltse reported that the proposed 2011 exchanges are outgoing to Mispah, South Africa, and incoming from Hawaii. The club agreed to the proposal.

Alan Gibson (shown above) gave a speech on events of World War II.

The January meeting was held at the Fireside Cafe on January 14.

Marie Williams reported on the Southeast President's meeting, to begin March 26 at 2:00 p.m. at the Broyles Center in Big Canoe. There are seven confirmed attendees, and will probably be more. The meeting will end at 5:00 p.m. on March 27.

Huw Williams reported on the exchange to Haliburton Highlands, Canada. It is expected to be in September.

Margie Bowyer reported on International Friendship Day, to be recognized April 18 at 2:00 p.m. in the Broyles Center at Big Canoe.

Membership chairperson Margaret Logan reported we have 37 members.

Helen Wiltse announced that the February program will be presented by Alan Gibson.

The program was a presentation on the exchange to Shizuoka and Mie, Japan, by Ray and Margie Bowyer (see picture above).

The December meeting was held at the Clubhouse at Lake Sconti at Big Canoe on December 13. The meal was provided by the Clubhouse staff.

Program chairperson Huw Williams presided, and expressed appreciation for the efforts by officers and others who served in some capacity in the last year.

Outgoing president Ray Bowyer passed the responsibility of the office to incoming president Helen Wiltse. He urged club members to support Helen, just as they have supported him in the past year.

Officers for 2010 were recognized (see picture at left). Secretary Nancy Davis was unable to attend.

Membership Chair Marie Williams introduced our guests, Lauria Silva and Clelia Luca.

Activities Chair Huw Williams announced the Christmas luncheon will be Dec. 13th at Mountains Grille at 1 pm, $24.00/person, payable to our Treasurer.

ED for the Southeast Region Presidents' Meeting March 26-27, 2010, Marie Williams asked that we bring a covered dish to the Big Canoe Lodge for the dinner for the visitors and our Club.

Robert Logan reported the exchange from New Mexico will take place April 13-20, 2010, to include International Friendship Day.

ED for the incoming exchange from Queanbeyan-Canberra in June 2010, Mary Ellen Johnson, reported that the Club has not yet chosen an ED, and has opened the Exchange traveling to Germany and Big Canoe to clubs all over Australia and New Zealand in order to increase the number of people on the Exchange. She will be looking for volunteers as this exchange moves forward.

Helen Wiltse reported for Tom Eubanks about an exchange to Colorado Springs in August.

ED for Haliburton Highlands, Huw Williams reported the exchange would be in September. The Club's co-EDs were currently on an exchange. Huw has asked Friendship Force about the possibility of being home hosted the second week by another club in Canada or New York.

Helen Wiltse announced that Margie Bowyer had fallen in Japan, but was fine to continue on the Exchange.

Helen Wiltse reported the second reading of the revised Bylaws. Harry Yarbrough moved for acceptance, and Huw Williams seconded the Motion. Monte Davis asked if there were a quorum present, and since 2/3 of those present represent a quorum, Helen replied there was a quorum. A voice vote approved the Motion.

Nancy Davis announced that Tom Carlson's program on a riverboat cruise on the Danube River was being put on a Power Point program in order to be set up for viewing on our website.

Huw Williams introduced Charlotte and Floyd Hale, speaking on their Friendship Force Eco Exchange to Illinois and Wisconsin.(shown above).

The October meeting was held at the Fireside Cafe on October 18.

Membership Chaiperson Marie Williams welcomed two new members--Mike and Catherine Poirer.

Huw Williams said everyone planning to attend the Christmas luncheon on December 13 should let him know, so he can provide a count for the restaurant.

Helen Wiltse reported on the proposed bylaw change. It will be voted on at the November meeteing.

Ray Bowyer reported that we submitted the following requests for outgoing international exchanges in 2011: Europe, Latin America, France, and South Africa. They are all given equal weight by Friendship Force International.

Margie Bowyer reported that everything is on track for the outgoing exchange to Shizuoka and Mie, Japan. There will be seven ambassadors the first week and ten the second week.

Maria Williams reported that plans are being made for the president's meeting, to be hosted by our club March 26 and 27. She stressed that everyone should attend the dinner on March 26. A few more hosts are needed.

Robert Logan reported the the incoming exchange from New Mexico has been rescheduled to April 13-20. He is looking for a few more committee members.

Margie reported on plans for International Friendsip Day on April 18. Three other clubs will be joining us: Greater Atlanta, Lake Hartwell, and Central New Mexico. She is pleased that the speaker for the event will be the president of Friendship Force International.

Tom Eubanks reported that he is still working at recruiting an exchange director for the outgoing exchange to the Pikes Peak Region.

The nominating committee nominated the following for office in 2010:

• President--Helen Wiltse
• First vice president/president-elect--Ches Tredway
• Second vice president--Mary Ellen Johnson
• Secretary--Nancy Davis
• Treasurer--Robert Logan

The officers were elected unanimously.

The program consisted of a report by Tom Carlson (shown above) on a recent river trip through central Europe. Click here to see a selection of the pictures taken on the trip.

The September meeting was held on September 20 at the Fireside Cafe.

Harry Yarborough reported for the nominating committee that they have had good luck in obtaining nominations for officers for next year. There are only one or two positions still being worked on.

Margie Bowyer reported that everything is on track for the exchange to Shizuoka and Mie in November. Seven ambassadors will participate the first week, and ten the second week. Several ambassadors attended the Japan Festival at the Gwinnett Conference Center on September 19, to absorb some Japanese culture.

Marie Williams announced the southeast region president's meeting will be March 26 and 27. She has found good interest in people willing to host and to participate in planning.

Margie Bowyer reported that plans are well along for our celebration of International Friendship Day on April 18. The chairman of Friendship Force International will be the keynote speaker. Two other Georgia clubs will be invited to join us.

Robert Logan announced the incomng exchange from New Mexico will be April 20 to 27. He is forming a planning committee.

The club voted to accept two weeks of incoming international exchanges in 2011.

The club voted that the highest-interest location for an outgoing exchange in 2011 is France. This will be proposed to Friendship Force International.

The program consisted of a talk by Huw Williams (shown above) describing at trip he and Marie took earlier this year to southern France.

The August meeting was held August 17 at the Fireside Cafe.

Margie Bowyer reported she is making good progress in creating scrapbooks of our 25-year history.

Margie Bowyer reported that we have ten ambassadors going on the exchange to Shizuoka and Mie, Japan.

Helen Wiltse said she is activively recruiting an exchange director for the Southeast Region president's meeting.

Margie Bowyer reported that plans are being prepared for the International Friendship Day celebration on April 18. We are planning to invite the Lake Hartwell and Greater Atlanta clubs to join us in this celebration.

Ray Bowyer reported for Mary Ellen Johnson that we are still working at making contact with the Quenbeyean-Canberra, Australia, club, to start making plans for this incoming exchange.

Robert Logan reported that he is searching for the best possible date for the exchange from the New Mexico club. The members provided him with some suggestions.

Huw Williams reported that he is searching for the best possible date for the outgoing exchange to Haliburton Highlands, Canada.

Charlene Terrell (shown above) provided the program--a presentation on her pilgrimmage to Isreal with a group from the Big Canoe chapel.

The June meeing was held June 28 at the Fireside Cafe.

Membership Chairperson Carolyn Smith reported one new member, Nylic Copelan.

Activities Chairperson Huw Williams reported that we will have a talk by Charlene Terrell in July.

Harry Yarbrough reported that the incoming exchange from Zeeland, Netherlands, went well, and he thanked everyone who played a part in the exchange.

Margie Bowyer reported that the exchange to Shizuoka and Mie, Japan, is on track. We have room for more ambassadors.

Margie Bowyer reported on the International Friendship Day celebration next April. She is planning a significant celebration.

Mary Ellen Johsnon reported on the incoming exchange from Quenbeyan-Canberra, Australia. She has initiated contact with the outgoing exchange director.

Helen Wiltse reported on the incoming exchange from New Mexico. She is actively recruiting an exchange director.

Huw Williams reported on the outgoing exchange to Haliburton Highlands, Canada. He has initiated contact with the incoming exchange director.

The program was presesnted by Jean Ficht (shown above), on the subject of a recent trip to India she had taken with Tom.

The May Meeting was held May 17th at the Fireside Café. President Ray Bowyer presided. Twenty-three members and six visitors were present.

Membership Chair Carolyn Smith introduced five guests: Laura, Lauren, Dennis, Carmen, and Bob.

Ray reported three important actions the Club's Board took at its meeting: we plan to apply for 501(c)(3) Classification with the IRS, the celebration of International Friendship Day in March, and the formation of a Bylaws Committee chaired by Helen Wiltse.

Robert Logan spoke about a most successful outgoing exchange to Albuquerque; Fred Mullins also spoke and concurred.

Harry Yarbrough reported on the Zeeland, Netherlands, exchange. JoBeth discussed some of the activities. The Club will be coming to our Club from Charleston, West Virginia. Ray stressed members attending the Welcome and Farewell Dinners.

Margie Bowyer reported on the exchange to Shizuoka and Mei, Japan. She needs a commitment for the Exchange in June from any ambassadors. Homestays are also available after the International FFI Meeting in Okinawa.

Helen Wiltse announced that an ED was needed for the June 2010 Incoming Exchange from Australia.

Huw Williams reported on the October 2010 outgoing exchange to Haliburton Highlands, Canada. Haliburton Highlands is 120 miles northeast of Toronto.

Maryam Jordan, Program Services Coordinator, FFI (shown at the left), spoke on news from FFI and on customs and considerations for ambassadors traveling to Japan.

Ray reported that he and Margie attended theSoutheast Region Presidents' Meeting. Friendship Force International reported a deficit last year for the first time, and for that reason the budget was decreased for this year by eliminating some staff and decreasing salaries for others. There will be a new exchange format, in which the number of ambassadors from a sponsoring club can be only half the total, with the other half from other clubs.

Nancy Davis reported for Helen Wiltse on the Exchange from Medicine Hat, Canada: twelve ambassadors from Canada participated. Day hosting worked out really well. There is a need for after-dinner entertainment. Robert reported a positive balance of $152+.

Robert Logan asked that Albuquerque ambassadors meet at 2 p.m. at the baggage claim area of the airport upon arrival. Sixteen ambassadors are participating.

Harry Yarbrough, Exchange Director for Zeeland, Netherlands, reported ten ambassadors from Zeeland would be coming. Margie will be working with Day Hosts. The Goggins are hosting the Welcome Dinner on Friday, May 22nd, and club members are bringing vegetables and salads, in addition to other contributions. The Farewell Dinner will be at Ryan's on Georgia 400 May 28. RSVP to Jean Goggin. Ginny and Marie are working with Activities, Robert with Finances, Margaret with Photographs, and Tom with Welcome Bags.

Margie Bowyer, exchange director for the Shizuoka and Mei, Japan exchange, is working on a timetable for a two-week exchange in November (Shizuoka Nov. 4th - 11th, and Mie Nov. 11th - 18th), and then an optional addition to coincide with the International FFI Meeting in Okinawa.

Ray reported that the Haliburton Highlands, Canada Exchange in 2010 has been accepted. Huw Williams is the ED.

The Hales reported on an Eco Exchange in September to Chicago and Wisconsin they are considering, and an exchange to South Africa.

Huw introduced our speaker, Martha Poole (shown above), accompanied by her son William Poole, speaking on the beautiful country of Thailand.

The March 2009 meeting was held March 15 at the Fireside Cafe. President Ray Bowyer presided.

Jim and Helen Wiltse reported on the Medicine Hat incoming exchange. Plans are made, and hosts are assigned. The farewell dinner will be at the home of Bob and Nancy Ayres.

Robert Logan reported on the New Mexico outgoing exchange. Plans are made. Everyone is planning to meet at the baggage-claim area at the Albuquerque airport.

Ray reported on the Zeeland incoming exchange. Harry Yarbrough is forming the planning committee, and everyone is encouraged to call him to volunteer for the committee.

Margie Bowyer reported on the Shizuoka-Mie outgoing exchange. There are openings for additional ambassadors, who should call Margie.

Ray reported on the outgoing exchange to Colorado Springs next year. The Colorado Springs people are planning on us coming.

Ray reported on the Albuquerque incoming exchange next year. The club is planning on coming.

The program was a presentation by Lisa Schnellinger (shown above) on Afghanistan, and the challenges the country faces.