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NEW President's Message

Published on 1/2/2017
Happy New Year 2017 San Diego Friendship Force Members, 
We had a very successful year, thanks to "out-going" president Tom Schulz and the faithful board members. The incoming Costa Rica and Northern Colorado exchanges were fabulous, as well as the out-going exchanges to Austin, Texas and Freiburg, Germany and Leuven, Belgium. As usual, many friendships were made domestically and internationally, the goal of Friendship Force.   

I humbly accepted the position of president for the New Year with the promise that the board and all the members would help me navigate through 2017 with many wonderful activities ahead. My husband Stan and I have been active in the club since 2008, with our 1st exchange being a trip to New Zealand. Since then, the club has been a top priority in our lives. We have enjoyed home-hosting, day-hosting, opening our home to four farewell parties, and organizing the Summer Pops picnic and concerts every year.   

Our final event for 2016 was the Christmas/Holiday luncheon held at Casa De Pico Restaurant, Dec. 17th. Forty two members were present to enjoy a terrific menu and camaraderie! Thanks to Pat Rudner for planning a successful event. In fact, she was asked to repeat that same venue for next December's party. Also thanks to Judy Anderson for organizing the Installation luncheon (AGAIN) at the Chula Vista Golf Club. Kudos go to Lauren Beaudry for her ongoing WEO's, and Brenda Pearson for the Culinary Dinner/Play nights at Grossmont College. Special appreciation goes to Mike Brown for publishing the monthly newsletter as well as event booklets for exchanges. We encourage all our members to volunteer for committees and of course, for exchange responsibilities. Please sign-up for committees and pay your dues, (if you haven’t already). Thanks also to Bob and Paula Traber for their work on that Website and our finances. Also watch for FFI News, such as their new Website, the Manchester 2017 World Conference sign-ups, and the March Friendship Force Anniversary Dinners initiative.    

Sandra Williams graciously accepted the position as President Elect for the year, after being unanimously voted in by the club. She will be in charge of the monthly programs and assist the President. The next board meeting will be at my house January 9th at 1:00 PM.  All board members will be welcomed back and two new members will be chosen. Any interested parties are invited to attend for that first meeting of the year.   

Our first General meeting for 2017 will be Saturday, Jan. 21st  at Joyce Beers Community Center at 1:30 PM. Carol Tatum, one of our dedicated members, will give a slideshow presentation on "Mexico City & the Federal District". Looking forward to seeing you all there.

In Friendship,                                                   
    Your NEW President,
                Carol Babbitt