January 2012 Meeting

Mary Ellen presiding

Ginny Describing South Africa

Margie Telling About Zimbabwe

The January meeting was held January 15 at Forno's Restaurant. President Mary Ellen Johnson presided.

Mary Ellen announced that Bob Anderson has agreed to be Newsletter editor. She is still working on recruiting an activities chairperson.

Robert Logan reported on the incoming exchange from Winnipeg. Click here for the information he proviced.

Huw Williams reported on the outgoing exchange to New Zealand. At this time, it appears that 14 ambassadors will be going. A few final plans are being made.

Mary Ellen announced that the February meeting would be combined with the farewell dinner for the Winnipeg club, to be held February 28 at 5:00 p.m. at the Canoe Lodge in Big Canoe.

Mary Ellen announced that the March meeting would be held at the home of second vice president Aime Baars.

The program consisted of a report on the exchange to South Africa, in the following parts:

  • Harry Yarbrough described the pre-exchange stop in Amsterdam, Holland.
  • Ginny Miller described the political aspects of life in South Africa.
  • Ches Tredway told about the exchange itself, concentrating on two visits to schools.
  • Tim Anderson told about the post-exchange photo-safari.
  • Margie Bowyer told about the visit she and Ray made to a friend in Zimbabwe.

 

 

December 2011 Meeting

The December meeting was a progressive dinner, hosted by several members who live in Big Canoe. There was no business meeting, and we failed to get any pictures.

November 2011 Meeting

Julie Fleming

Carolyn Pierra

The November meeting was held at Forno's Restaurant. President Ches Tredway presided.

Helen Wiltse reported on the incoming exchange from Winnipeg, Manitoba. This exchange is on hold, because the club is not sure they will be able to come.

Helen Wiltse reported for the nominating committee. The following officers were nominated:

  • President--Mary Ellen Johnson
  • First Vice-president--Fred Mullins
  • Second Vice-president--Aime Baars
  • Secretary--Margaret Logan
  • Treasurer--Robert Logan

The slate was elected.

reported on the outgoing exchange to Shelby, North Carolina. The program included lots of driving. Among other attractions, the club visited Grandfather Mountain, a railroad museum, and the Billy Graham Library. A lunch was held in a gift shop that served the lunches in straw hats, which the guests kept at the end of the meal.

Jobeth Yarbrough reported on the December meeting. It will be a progressive dinner, starting December 18 at 2:00 p.m. at the home of Bobbie Garner. (Click here for directions).

Huw Williams reported on the outgoing New Zealand exchange. We have been invited to extend the exchange with a week with the Thames club. The consensus was to accept this invitation. Sixteen members of our club have signed up. Huw is working on transportation.

Ches reminded everyone that the Shelby, North Carolina, and Pikes Peak Region, Colorado, clubs, still desire to hold exchanges with us.

The program consisted of a description of the Reinhart University foreign-student program by admissions director Julie Fleming (above at left), and a description of one student's experiences as a foreign student (from Brazil) by Caroline Pierra (lower at left).

 

October 2011 Meeting

Charlene and Her Medal

Michael Martinez

 

The October meeting was held October 16 at Forno's Restaurant President Ches Tredway presided.

Nancy Davis reported on the outgoing exchange to Shelby, North Carolina, November 3 to 7. The exchange begins with lunch on November 3. Six couples plan to go. A heavy schedule of activities is planned. The cost is $60.00 per person, which should be paid to treasurer Robert Logan.

Helen Wiltse reported on the incoming exchange from Winnipeg. This exchange is in a state of suspended animation because the outgoing exchange director had to resign because of family health problems, and so far has not been replaced. Our committee has been formed and is ready to proceed. The exchange is scheduled for February 22 to 29, 2012.

Huw Williams reported on the outgoing New Zealand exchange, scheduled for March 8 to 29. Eighteen club members have signed up. The estimated cost is $3300 per person, including transportation, fees, and insurance.

Ches announced that the election of officers for next year will be held at the November meeting.

Jobeth Yarbrough announced that the December meeting will be a catered lunch December 18 at 2:00 p.m.

Maria Williams reported that we have 50 members.

The club voted on outgoing exchanges in 2013. The result was that we will request Scotland, Turkey, or Quebec.

The Greater Hamilton club would like to have an exchange to our club in 2013. The club voted to accept.

Ches reminded us that we have agreed to host an incoming domestic exchange from the Pikes Peak Region club in the fall of 2012.

Ches awarded the Wayne Smith memorial medal to Charlene Terrell (pictured at left above).

The program was a presentation on "The Year of Ireland" at Reinhardt University by Michael Martinez (pictured above). "The Year of ..." program has been held at Reinhardt for ten years, and he has been chairperson for the last four years. The program consists of speakers, story-tellers, singer, films, and other activities to widen the students' knowledge of the particular subject.

September 2011 Meeting

Huw Williams

Harry Yarbrough

June Tredway

Mary Ellen Johnson

The September meeting was held September 18 at The Ridge Restaurant in Cumming. President Ches Tredway presided.

Marie Williams reported we now have 50 members.

Helen Wiltse reported on the incoming Winnipeg exchange, scheduled for February 22 to 29, 2012. A planning committee has been formed, with the following members:

  • Robert Logan--activities
  • Harry Yarbrough--transportation
  • Nancy Davis--exchange booklet

Ches reported that the incoming Pikes Peak Region exchange has been scheduled for fall 2012.

Huw Williams reported on the outgoing New Zealand exchange. We plan to depart Atlanta April 3, 2012, with the exchange beginning April 5. Three clubs will be visited, each for one week: Wairarapa, Hamilton, and Otago. We will return on April 26. So far 16 ambassadors have expressed interest.

Ches announced that Nancy Davis will be the exchange director for the outgoing North Carolina exchange.

Ches reported that the board approved proposing Charlene Terrell to receive the Wayne Smith Medal. The application has been submitted to Friendship Force International.

The program consisted of the following reports on potential locations to request for 2013 exchanges:

Huw Williams Scotland and Romania
Harry Yarbrough Turkey
June Tredway Quebec
Mary Ellen Johnson New Caledonia
Helen Wiltse Russia

Ches announced that we would have the opportunity to vote on locations of our choice at the October meeting.

 

 

August 2011 Meeting

Carolyn Smith

Bobbie Garner

Charlene Terrell

The August meeting was held at Forno's Restaurant on August 21. First vice president Mary Ellen Johnson presided.

Membership Chairperson Marie Williams reported we have 45 members.

Activities chairperson reported on upcoming meetings. Click here for a list.

Mary Ellen reported on the outgoing exchange to Shelby, North Carolina. The tentative date is November 4 to 6. She is in the process of recruiting an exchange director.

Helen Wiltse reported on the incoming exchange from Winnipeg, scheduled for February 22 to 29, 2012. Fourteen ambassadors are expected. They will be arriving here from Orlando. Helen requested volunteers for a planning committee.

Huw Williams reported on the outgoing exchange to New Zealand. The tentative date is April 1. We will be visiting two clubs in the north island and one in the south island. The first club will pick us up at the Auckland Airport. The first two clubs will jointly transport us between their clubs. The south island club is near Dunedin, and we expect to fly there from Wellington. Huw requested an expression of interest.

The program consisted of three talks on the early days of Friendship Force by Carolyn Smith, Bobbie Garner, and Charlene Terrell (shown at left).

 

July 2011 Meeting

The July meeting consisted of attending the play, Big River, at the Cumming Playhouse, followed by dinner at The Ridge Steakhouse in Cumming. Jobeth Yarbrough reported on upcoming meetings (see the Calendar page). Huw Williams reported on the outgoing exchange to New Zealand. We will be visiting three clubs, one in the north island and two in the south island.

May 2011 Meeting

The May meeting was part of the incoming Hawaii exchange. Click here to learn about it.

April 2011 Meeting

The April meeting was held on April 17 at Forno's Restaurant. Ches Tredway presided.

Ches reported we have five new members, and welcomed them into the club.

Jobeth Yarbrough reported the following activities:

  • The May meeting will be an introduction to bocce and a picnic. The picnic will be provided, at a cost of $5.00 per person.
  • We will not have a June meeting.
  • The July meeting will be the play "Big River" at the Cumming Playhouse. The cost of $15.00 per person should be paid no later than the May meeting, in order to get a group rate.

Harry Yarbrough reported on the incoming exchange from Kawaii, Hawaii. All club members are invited to the welcome and farewell events, to be held on May 17 and 24, respectively. We are expecting 16 ambassadors, and all hosts have been recruited. Margie Bowyer is working on arranging some day hosts and dinner hosts.

The proposed incoming exchange from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in February has been approved by both clubs.

The proposed outgoing exchange to New Zealand has been partially approved. We hope to visit three clubs, and so far one has accepted.

The Shelby, North Carolina, club proposed an exchange in November, 2011. The club agreed to propose that we go there, and Ches will discuss this proposal with the president of the Shelby club.

The program was a presentation by Tom Alexander (shown above) on how to take better photographs.

March 2011 Meeting

The March meeting was held on March 20 at Forno's Restaurant. Mary Ellen Johnson presided.

Marie Williams reported that we now have 45 members.

We should make our reservations in April for the play in Cumnming in July.

Mary Ellen Johnson said she would make arrangements for a new banner, since our existing banner has been lost.

The speaker was Jane Waller (shown at left), who organized the first Master Gardener Club in Jasper, and served as its president. She gave an interesting program on gardening, with an emphasis on using heirloom seeds and plants.

February 2011 Meeting

The February meeting was held at Forno's Restaurant on February 20. President Ches Tredway presided.

Jobeth Yarbrough reported on the following meeting plans:

  • March--Master Gardener program
  • April--Randy Lewis on photography
  • May--bocce ball and picnic (with Kawaia exchange)
  • July--Cumming Playhouse and dinner
  • August--favorite exchanges, by Bobby Garner, Caroline Smith, and Charlene Terrell
  • October--national student programs
  • November--report on South Africa exchange
  • December--progressive dinner

Ches reported on the outgoing Mispah exchange. Sixteen plan to go--nine from our club and seven others. The incoming exchange director is a professional tour guide, and she will function as our guide for the exchange. We will visit a school one of the days.

Robert Yarbrough reported on the incoming Kawai, Hawaii, exchange. Eleven people have signed up, with a chance for three additional. He is short three hosts. Here are some of the activities planned:

  • Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
  • Governor's Mansion and History Center
  • Big Canoe Tour of Homes and Banks & Shane concert.
  • Bocce
  • Dahlonega gold mine and mining museum

Ches reported on the regional meeting April 1 to 3. He encouraged more people to attend than the number signed up so far.

Ches reported on 2012 exchanges. We anticipate an outgoing exchange to New Zealand in April and an incoming exchange from Winnipeg.

Ches reported that Frank and Bobby Garner have been named honorary members of our club.

John Willhelm (shown above), our regional director, gave a report on what is happening. He said there are 19 clubs in the region. He encouraged attendance at the regional meeting.

 

January 2011 Meeting

Christian Speaking

Ches Presiding

The January meeting was held January 16 at Forno's Restaurant. President Ches Tredway presided.

Ches announced the following appointed officers:

  • Activities--Jobeth Yarbrough
  • Publicity--Charlene Terrell

Treasurer Robert Logan reported that we have sent in our annual fees to Friendship Force International, based on 15 individual members and 18 family members, for a total of 51 people.

Marie reported that we now have 36 members. She is working in encouraging others to continue their membership in the new year.

Ches reported on the exchange to the Mispah club in South Africa. Fifteen people now plan to go.

Harry Yarbrough reported on the incoming exchange from Hawaii. The exchange is scheduled for May 17 to 24.

Ches reminded everyone of the regional conference April 1 to 3.

Ches reported that the Shelby, North Carolina, club would like to schedule a pair of reciprocal weekend exchanges. There was a consensus that we would like to do this.

Ches reported that Friendship Force International is proposing our outgoing international exchange should be to Brazil. No action was taken on this proposal.

The program consisted of a report by Christian Dickenson, an exchange student from Wales (shown at left). He provided an entertaining story on his life in Wales, and the changes he has observed since he came to this country. This reporter's favorite observation was that, in Wales, the number 10 has only one syllable, but that in Georgia it has two.

December 2010 Meeting

The December meeting was the annual Christmas brunch, held December 19 at the Canoe Lodge in Big Canoe. President Helen Wiltse presided.

Helen reported that there will be a region meeting April 1 to 3, to which all members are invited. The meeting will be in Black Mountain, North Carolina. North Carolina has recently been added to our region, which brings some new people who haven't been in our region before.

Huw Williams reported that the January meeting will be at Forno's Restaurant in the Foothills Shopping Center, about halfway between the IGA grocery store and Fireside. We will have a private room, although the doorway to the main dining room cannot be closed. The program will be presented by Chris Dickenson, a student in this country from Wales.

The February program will be presented by John Willhelm, the new region director for the Southeast Region.

Ches Tredway reported the following appointed chairpeople:

  • Marie Williams, membership
  • Margie Bowyer, historian
  • June Tredway, newsletter

Other appointments will be announced later.

Harry Yarbrough announced that the incoming exchange from Kauai, Hawaii, will be May 17 to 24. The Kauai club will go to Ottawa, Ontario, from here.

Helen Wiltse announced that our preferences for 2012 outgoing exchanges are Europe or Central America.

Treasurer Robert Logan reminded everyone that dues are payable now for 2011.

The program, presented by Cathy Poirier (shown above), consisted of singing Christmas carols.

November 2010 Meeting

Business Meeting

Fred Presenting Program

The November meeting was held November 21 at the Canoe Lodge in Big Canoe. President Helen Wiltse presided.

Ches Tredway reported on the exchange to South Africa, scheduled for March 19 to 26, 2011. At this point 15 people have signed up, and there is room for more.

Margaret Logan reported we currently have 53 members.

Margie Bowyer reported on the December meeting. It will be a catered brunch on December 19 at 1:00 p.m., at the Canoe Lodge. The price is $20.00 per person. Anyone interested in attending should contact Ginny Miller at 706-579-1781 by December 9.

The people who attended the Friendship Force International Conference in Washington, D. C. reported on some of the things they learned.

The following officers were elected for next year:

President Ches Tredway
First vice president/president-elect Mary Ellen Johnson
Second vice president Fred Mullins
Secretary Margaret Logan
Treasurer Robert Logan

Huw Williams reported for the committee on finding a meeting place, since the Fireside Cafe has closed. They recommended either the 19th hole restaurant in Bent Tree or Forno's restaurant in the Foothills shopping center. The consensus of the membership seemed to favor Forno's.

Harry Yarbrough reported on the incoming exchange from Hawaii. It is scheduled for late May, 2011. We have an offer of a location for an arrival party. Not much more is known.

The program consisted of a report on an exchange to South Africa by Fred Mullins, assisted by Floyd and Charlotte Hale.

October 2010 Meeting

The October meeting was held at the Fireside Cafe on October 17. Second vice president Mary Ellen Johnson presided.

Margaret Logan reported that dues for the coming year have been set at $20.00 for singles and $40.00 for families. Dues should be paid now.

Ginny Miller reported on the Christmas meeting. The Christmas meeting will be a brunch at the Canoe Lodge in Big Canoe December 19 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be catered. Members should inform her of their intention to attend this meeting no later than December 9. The cost will be approximately $20.00 per person.

Mary Ellen reported that we will elect officers at the November meeting. The nominees by the nominating committee are reported in the Septmeber meeting report below.

The program was on the subject of the Mountain Conservation Trust by its Executive Director, Liz Cole.

September 2010 Meeting

The September meeting was held at the Fireside Cafe on September 19. President Helen Wiltse presided.

Huw Williams reported on the exchange to Haliburton Highlands, Canada. Eleven members are attending, and several have already started their journey. Some members of the Hamilton, Ontario, club are also attending.

Ches Tredway reported on the exchange to South Africa. Ten members are signed up, and there is room for more.

Ches Tredway reported on the incoming exchange from Hawaii. The other club hasn't yet appointed an exchange director, so very few plans have been made.

Helen reported that dues for 2011 have been established at $20 for singles and $40 for families.

Margie Bowyer reported on the Christmas brunch. It will be held December 19 at the Canoe Lodge in Big Canoe. The cost is $20.00 per person. Everyone planning to attend should inform Ginny Miller.

Ray Bowyer reported the following slate of officers nominated by the nominating committee:

President Ches Tredway
First vice president/president-elect Mary Ellen Johnson
Second vice president Fred Mullins
Secretary Margaret Logan
Treasurer Robert Logan

The attendees submitted ballots for their choices for outgoing exchanges in 2012. Helen reported that we would repeat that process at the October meeting.

The program was a report on the recent exchange to Pikes Peak Region, Colorado, by Alan Johnson (shown above) and Margie Bowyer

August 2010 Meeting

The August meeting was held at the Fireside Cafe on August 15. Vice president Ches Tredway presided.

Margaret Logan reported that we now have 53 members.

Huw Williams reported that 11 members are planning to go on the exchange to Haliburton Highlands, Ontario.

Ches Tredway reported that the incoming exchange from Hawaii will be May 17 to 24. Harry Yarbrough is the exchange director.

Ches Tredway reported on the outgoing exchange to Athlone, South Africa. The best fares are on South African Airways. The exchange will be March 19 to 26, followed by an optional safari. The estimated cost for air fare, safari, fees, and insurance is $4050 per person. Anyone interested in going should contact Ches right away, because safari reservations are filling fast. Vee Thompson gave a report on safari options.

Ches and June Tredway (shown above) gave a report on their recent participation in an eco-exchange to Costa Rica.

July 2010 Meeting

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 exchanges 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.

June 2010 Meeting

The June meeting was held June 20, 2010. Mary Ellen Johnson, Second vice president, presided. There were approximately 34 attending.

Robert Logan reported that we have received approval from the IRS for 501(c)(7) status.

Outgoing Exchanges: Colorado Springs, August 17-23. Alan Johnson reported that four couples will participate.

Haliburton Highlands, September 30-October 7. Huw Williams reported that 11 (possibly plus 1) plus 8 from the Hamilton/Burlinton, Ontario club will participate. The Haliburton Highlands club says that they can take a few more.

Incoming Exchanges: Kauai, Hawaii, May 2011. An ED is needed. Please contact Ches Tredway if interested.

Program: July 18-A picnic at Talking Rock; meet at Talking Rock Schoolhouse Museum, across from the park. The club will provide burgers and hot dogs; Alan Johnson will be the grillmaster. Others are to bring side dishes and chairs. No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the park. RSVP to Ginny Miller, 706-579-1781.

August-The Tredways will present a program about Costa Rica.

September-possibly a speaker about South Africa.

Margaret Logan reported 14 singles and 18 families, for a total of 50 members.

Mary Ellen announced that former member and president of our club Nina Hill has died.

Mary Ellen introduced our speaker, Linda Geiger, a certified genealogist, who spoke about the Trail of Tears Association.

May 2010 Meeting

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.

25th Anniversary Celebration

(l-r) Event Chairperson Margie Bowyer, Tommy Dortch, Region Representative Jo Ann Schuetz

Charlene Terrell

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.

March 2010 Meeting

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).

February 2010 Meeting

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.