February friendship force. March Quarterly Meeting FORT WORTH

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February 2018 For the latest information on Friendship Force of Fort Worth go to http://www.fffw.

world Published in February, May, August & November Volume 32 Issue 1 February March president@fwfriendship.org sharonj12257@yahoo.

org Secretary Sharon Jackson (972) 602-8792 Treasurer Myrtle McMahon (817) 294-1363 March Quarterly Meeting Friday March 2, 2018 6:30 pm Benbrook Public Library Our

International World Conference in Marrakesh. This should be an outstanding meeting especially for those of you planning to join the outbound.

Also, Sharon Jackson will talk about our next domestic journey to Ames, Iowa. Please plan to attend. hmmcmahon@aol.com CONTENTS Quarterly Meeting Notice - p.

1 February 2018 For the latest information on Friendship Force of Fort Worth go to President Dave Frick (817) friendship force FORT WORTH A Non-Profit Organization Promoting Peace Through Homestay Journeys Changing the way you see the world Published in February, May, August & November Volume 32 Issue 1 February March president@fwfriendship.org sharonj12257@yahoo.com Vice President Jerilyn Edmunds (972) vicepresident@fwfriendship.org Secretary Sharon Jackson (972) Treasurer Myrtle McMahon (817) March Quarterly Meeting Friday March 2, :30 pm Benbrook Public Library Our next international outbound this year is to Morocco so, Jeri Edmunds has asked Randy and Jo Thomson to provide us with a presentation, since they attended the 2016 International World Conference in Marrakesh. This should be an outstanding meeting especially for those of you planning to join the outbound. More on Morocco is included hereafter in the newsletter. Additionally, Jeri will tell us about the Day Trip to Dallas and our next Day Trip to Rusk and Palestine. Also, Sharon Jackson will talk about our next domestic journey to Ames, Iowa. Please plan to attend. hmmcmahon@aol.com CONTENTS Quarterly Meeting Notice - p. 1 President s Letter - p. 2 Morocco Outbound Report - p. 3 Day Trip to Rusk & Palestine - p. 3 Holiday Meeting Recap - p. 4 Domestic Outbound Ames, Iowa - p. 5-6 Ethnic Dinner - p. 7 FF Super Conferences - p. 8 Events Calendar - p. 9 Member Renewal Form New Member Form Hussan II Mosque - Casablanca Directions: From IH-20 take exit Winscott Road, turn south on Winscott Road and turn east on Mercedes. 1

Committee Chairs Past President Linda Doyle (254) 918-5211 ljdoyle@wildbird.net Membership Open Telephone Jo Burleson-Thomson (817) 292-6431 Jo@fwfriendship.

org Journey Developer Linda Doyle (254) 918-5211 ljdoyle@wildbird.net Email Communication Berry Bock (817) 924-4270 Jim_and_Berry@hotmail.

2 Committee Chairs Past President Linda Doyle (254) Membership Open Telephone Jo Burleson-Thomson (817) Newsletter Editor Ed Vaughn (817) Webmaster and Database Manager Randy Thomson (817) Journey Developer Linda Doyle (254) Communication Berry Bock (817) Ethnic Dinners Don and Betty Mappes (817) Hospitality Paula Thomson Publicity Gwen Genius (817) Historian Open Friendship Garden Open The President s Letter As we start a new year and I begin a new role with Friendship Force Fort Worth as your President, it is a time to reflect on the past and look to the future. I have set two fundamental goals for this year. First is to solidify the membership of FFFW. Not just to add members to boost the number, but to attract individuals that will add to the strengths of the club. Second, we need to provide opportunities for the members to become involved with the club. We have a great base to work from with the monthly Ethnic Dinners. These provide a way to socialize with fellow members in a relaxed manner. Along with this we have added Day Journeys to our activity schedule. The first of this year was a trip to Dallas and a visit to the Holocaust museum. Future trips may include a drive to some of the attractions nearby, but too far to include in an inbound journey schedule. This may range from a trip like the one to Dallas to one similar to last year s trip to Jefferson. If you have an idea or suggestion, drop Jeri a note. Another activity that is just in the startup stage is the FFI suggested Photo Cluster. This is designed to bring together club members to share experiences and raise questions concerning photography. Most of us take pictures, some with their cell phone and some with more elaborate equipment, but all have some basic principles to getting a good picture. When this becomes a reality we will advertise it and call for members to become involved. Well, here is to a fun filled and active year ahead. Dave 2

INTERNATIONAL OUTBOUND TO MOROCCO Journey Developer Linda Doyle is currently coordinating with FFI for an outbound Journey to Morocco in November 2018, final date yet to be determined.

Enjoy two Home Stays and fabulous local cuisine. Visit the market places, trek sand dunes, overnight in a Berber s tent and ride a camel (naturally!

pdf Morocco Journey.pdf Morocco Pricing.pdf Our last dinner is in Casablanca at Rick s Café? Wow! Play it again, Sam! See ya there!

Participants will drive to Palestine, Texas on Thursday, March 22, 2018 where we will tour the Museum of East Texas Culture and the Davey Dogwood Park.

3 INTERNATIONAL OUTBOUND TO MOROCCO Journey Developer Linda Doyle is currently coordinating with FFI for an outbound Journey to Morocco in November 2018, final date yet to be determined. This is a fantastic, once in a lifetime opportunity. See Casablanca, Rabat, Volubilis, Meknes, Fes, Azrou, Erfoud, Todra Gorges, Dades, Quarzazate and Marrakech. Enjoy two Home Stays and fabulous local cuisine. Visit the market places, trek sand dunes, overnight in a Berber s tent and ride a camel (naturally!) Linda has generated more information than can be included in the newsletter so Randy has uploaded all to the website. They can be viewed here by clicking Discover Morocco.pdf Morocco Journey.pdf Morocco Pricing.pdf Our last dinner is in Casablanca at Rick s Café? Wow! Play it again, Sam! See ya there! NEXT FORT WORTH FF DAY TRIP Jeri Edmunds has planned our next Day Trip and will present more at the next Quarterly Meeting. Participants will drive to Palestine, Texas on Thursday, March 22, 2018 where we will tour the Museum of East Texas Culture and the Davey Dogwood Park. In the evening we will attend the Dulcimer Concert Festival at the East Texas Museum of Culture. It is on to Rusk on Friday, March 23rd for a ride on the Texas State Railroad through the Piney Woods and Dogwood blossoms with lunch at the Palestine Depot. Total cost for the concert and train ride is $74.95 (meals and hotel not included). Deadline for reservations is Noon, Sat. March 3, Call Jeri Edmunds for your reservations ( ). 3

4 2017 FRIENDSHIP FORCE HOLIDAY PARTY The Holiday Party evening was fun for all as we enjoyed entertainment by Maricela Carelock. Maricela sang, played guitar and introduced us to some of her interesting friends. She is a highly skilled ventriloquist and even put words into the mouths of Dave Frick and other members. Who knew they could sing too! Mary Williams from the Friendship Force Dallas club attended as a guest and was accompanied by very special guest Isaac Teye. Isaac is vice president of the Volta Lake Ghana Friendship Force club. He spent 6 weeks in the US on his own - two weeks with Mary, two weeks at Christmas with his brother in Houston and two weeks with a FF host in Florida. 4

Roger Bertelsen, the Ames Host Coordinator has offered fantastic suggestions for us to consider.

5 This is a fantastic year for Travel Opportunities for FFFW members!! We have a Domestic Journey to Ames, Iowa in August during the STATE Fair. Flying out on the 15 th and returning on the 20 th (Unless you prefer to drive). Sharon Jackson is Ambassador Coordinator for this excursion. Roger Bertelsen, the Ames Host Coordinator has offered fantastic suggestions for us to consider. A day at the Iowa State Fair - made famous in numerous movies; entertainment, attractions, competitions, rides and displays of everything from livestock to quilts to hot tubs; and incredible food such as salad on a stick, pork chop on a stick, fried butter! Tour of the Iowa State University - ISU is a public, land-grant school founded in 1858, 36,000 students 1,900 acre campus ranked among the most beautiful in the U.S., a large public art program, ranked #1 scholastically this year by U.S. News and World Report. Reiman Gardens - 17 beautiful acres that include a rose garden, herb garden, children's garden, learning center, butterfly house with up to 800 butterflies, unique art and architecture, and more. Ames Main Street Farmers' Market on Saturday morning. Vendors, food trucks, and live music in our Main Street Cultural District. FORT WORTH JOURNEY TO AMES, IOWA Tour of the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in Des Moines. Iowan Dr. Norman Borlaug, known as the Father of the Green Revolution, received the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in global agriculture. He is credited with saving "... more lives than any other person who has ever lived..." through the development of disease-resistant wheat varieties with high yield potential and crop management techniques in Mexico, Asia, and Latin America. Since visiting this site would take us to Des Moines, we would also include another activity or visit to another location, such as the Pappajohn Sculpture Park or Des Moines Art Center, with its noteworthy art collection. All this, a senior variety show, a nature walk, touring a modern Iowa farm and much, much more. Sharon Jackson will provide more information and hopes to see you at the Quarterly Meeting. 5

6 A Few Interesting Facts About Ames Ames was platted as a city and was established in 1864 to serve the Cedar Rapids and Missouri River Railroad. Cynthia Duff, an early Ames settler, was instrumental in helping to secure land for the railroad. Throughout the year 2014, the Ames community celebrated its 150th anniversary with festivals, speakers, events, and activities. The railroad president, John Blair, named the town after his friend Oakes Ames, a railroad promoter and congressman from Massachusetts, who never lived in Ames. MORE ABOUT AMES, IOWA Our Ames Ambassadors at Pioneer Park, Dallas - November 2017 In 1870, the town was incorporated with a population of 844. It was platted by Charles Irish, a railroad engineer. Ames consisted of 12 blocks and extended from the railroad right-of-way north to Ninth Street and was bounded on the east by Duff Avenue and on the west by Burnett Avenue. That year also began the establishment of the first of the state and federal institutions which have influenced Ames growth. Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm was established as a Land-Grant College. The first term enrollment included 77 men and 16 women. Today, as Iowa State University of Science and Technology (ISU), it serves over 36,000 students from all over the world. The Iowa Department of Transportation, formerly known as the Iowa Highway Commission, was created in Ames has a Partner City agreement with Koshu City, Japan, which was established by resolution number on September 14,

ETHNIC DINNER FEBRUARY 16TH The February Ethnic Dinner was held at the Blue Mesa Grill at 612 Carroll

Ethnic dinners occur monthly, on the third Friday, except during quarterly meeting months.

If possible, please contact Betty Mappes 817-467-7039 by Wednesday prior to the dinner, unless otherwise

7 ETHNIC DINNER FEBRUARY 16TH The February Ethnic Dinner was held at the Blue Mesa Grill at 612 Carroll Street in Fort Worth. They serve a unique mix of southwestern Mexican dishes. Ethnic dinners occur monthly, on the third Friday, except during quarterly meeting months. Meeting time is 6:00 PM, unless otherwise noted. If possible, please contact Betty Mappes by Wednesday prior to the dinner, unless otherwise noted, in order to assist in determining a reservation count. Come join us for good food and great company. Bring a friend. Visitors are welcome to join us and find out what Friendship Force is all about. 7

8 U.S. FFI SUPER CONFERENCES There will be no FFI World Conference this year as it goes biennial. As a result two domestic regional super conferences fall into play to fill a void. Here is the opportunity for members and clubs to gather and learn through orientation, speakers and workshops while socializing and dining with members from other clubs. Unlocking the Future of Friendship Force Great Lakes, Midwest, and Southwest Joint Regional Conference April 20-21, 2018 Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront 668 West 5th Street, Covington, Kentucky Events include a workshop for strategies to re-energize and stimulate club growth, small group lunches at local restaurants and an evening banquet with entertainment. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early or stay afterward to explore the area which offers a variety of cultural venues, beautiful parks for hiking and biking and the Underground Railroad Freedom Center. For more information about the conference or to download a registration form, click here. Western Regional Super Conference May 3 to 5, 2018 Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Elk Grove, California Events include Insurance and Mobility Issues; Websites; Journey Coordinator Training; Multigenerational Journeys; Building and Maintaining Membership; Community Involvement. To download a registration form cut and paste the following. WesternRegionalConferenceFlyer.pdf FRIENDSHIP FORCE INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES The FFI website offers 19 international Journey opportunities in 2018, one as nearby as Dallas featuring area architecture. (not so international) You should check into these if travel and other cultures is important to you. Check it out. 8

Plan Ahead Further details are emailed each month, or can be found on the web page: www.fffw.org.

9 Plan Ahead Further details are ed each month, or can be found on the web page: Ethnic dinners are a great way to become better acquainted with members, and to introduce prospective members to The Friendship Force of Fort Worth March 2, 2018 April 15, 2018 April 20, 2018 May 18, 2018 May 20, 2018 June 1, 2018 June 17, 2018 July 15, 2018 July 20, 2018 August 17, 2018 August 19, 2018 September 7, 2018 September 16, 2018 October 18, 2018 October 21, 2018 FRIENDSHIP FORCE 2018 CALENDAR Quarterly Meeting, 6:30 pm Benbrook Library Ethnic Dinner TBD Ethnic Dinner TBD Quarterly Meeting, 6:30 pm Benbrook Library Ethnic Dinner TBD Ethnic Dinner TBD Quarterly Meeting, 6:30 pm Benbrook Library Ethnic Dinner TBD Ethnic dinners occur monthly, on the third Friday, except during quarterly meeting months. Meeting time is 6:00 PM, unless otherwise noted. Please RSVP if possible by Wednesday prior to the dinner with Betty Mappes (817) , in order to assist in determining a reservation count.!!!! IMPORTANT!!!! The FFFW Exchange Policies and Procedures are posted on the website: newsletters/fffw_exchange_policies_and_procedures.pdf. The Friendship Force is a non-profit organization whose goal is to establish an environment where seeds of personal friendship are sown across the barriers which divide the peoples of the world. As an ambassador you share lifestyles in a private home in other countries for a week, then you may home host to share your lifestyles. The Friendship Force was started in 1977 by Wayne Smith with the support of Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter. The organization has now become one of the largest exchange programs in the world. The Friendship Force of Fort Worth P.O. Box Fort Worth, TX

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Sample 2018 Events Database

Sample 2018 Events Database 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Top 10 Venues by Average Attendance.... 4 KPIs by Event Type... 5 Event Ranking by OCC.... 6 Event Ranking by ADR.... 7 Event Ranking by RevPAR.... 8 Market