Message From Your President THANKS TO THESE MEMBERS FOR A JOB WELL DONE:

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1 Capital Connections Newsletter of the Friendship Force of Ottawa, Canada January, Meetings Jan 16 - Pot Luck 5:30, Social 7:00 and GM meeting 7:30pm FFO Board 2017 President Wendy Adams VP Exchanges Eugenie Prevost VP Membership Lynda Heffernan VP Engagement Jennifer Rae VP Communication/Support John Cooke Treasurer Alain Dawson Secretary Heather Harrison Past President Donna Nicholson Other Positions Media Equipment Brian Ingham Archives Alain Dawson Assets Jan Sterling FFO Webmaster Bryan Horton Newsletter Editor Joanne Curran FFI web: friendshipforce.org Message From Your President January is the month for keeping those New Year s resolutions that were made with such firm determination. Two resolutions are front and center for FFO as the year begins. Resolution #1- EXCHANGES: Successful inbound and outbound exchanges are the mainstay of our organization. To that end, we want to encourage more members to travel on outbound exchanges and to participate as hosts/volunteers for inbound FF ambassadors is a busy year for our club and your active involvement will be greatly appreciated. Resolution #2 - COMMUNICATION: We are committed to increased communication to our members along with open, transparent decision-making and reporting. We welcome your ideas and suggestions and in return we promise to keep you well-informed about the club s new developments and various activities. The result will be an improved member experience and satisfaction in belonging to the club. Everyone wins when we support each other. Our 178 members are the strength of the club and each edition of the CapCon recognizes some individuals for their contributions to FFO. THANKS TO THESE MEMBERS FOR A JOB WELL DONE: KATHY HATHERILL for her expertise & guidance as VP Exchanges for the past 3 years. LEONARD BONNET for handling finances as FFO Treasurer for the past 2 years. CONRAD GREGOIRE for being the FFO webmaster since BRIAN INGHAM for continuing to be our tech guy at GM meetings. JENNIFER RAE, BARB LEWIS, THEIR COMMITTEE & VOLUNTEERS for organizing the AGM/year-end party for 87 people at Amberwood Golf Club on Dec 05. MERV & JESSICA SULLIVAN for organizing the Potluck dinner at the Jan 16 GM meeting. GOOD LUCK TO THESE MEMBERS WHO ARE EMBRACING A NEW CHALLENGE: HEATHER HARRISON (Secretary), ALAIN DAWSON (Treasurer) & EUGENIE PREVOST (VP Exchanges) as they assume their new roles on the FFO Board. JOAN GREGOIRE (ED) & JANET WILKINSON (ED), their planning committee and many hosts and volunteers as they prepare to receive ambassadors from Australia in February. JOANNE CURRAN who has volunteered to be the new editor of the CapCon. BRYAN HORTON who will be the new FFO webmaster. I look forward to seeing you at the January 16 th GM meeting at the Tom Brown Arena. Wendy FFO Capital Connections January 2017 Page 1

2 2017 Outbound Exchanges Schwerin, Germany May Hamilton/Burlington, ON 4-day mini exchange May 31 - Jun 03 Texas & N. Colorado September 27 - Oct Inbound Exchanges Sydney & Adelaide Australia February Memphis TN & The Villages, Florida May Guadeloupe Kids & Parents June Eastern Canada 5-Cities Exchange June 29 - July 02 Guadeloupe (adults) Jul 29 - August 12 Pikes Peak, Colorado 4-day mini exchange September TBD Hamilton/Burlington 4-day mini exchange October TBD FFI World Conference Manchester U.K Aug 25-28, 2017 See for details 2017 EXCHANGES VP Exchanges, Eugenie Prevost A VERY BIG THANK YOU to KATHY HATHERILL, our club s dedicated VP Exchanges for the past 3 years. Her success in the role, as all of us would attest to, has been very evident. Luckily she will continue to mentor and offer advice and wisdom to others including myself as we continue to fulfill the roles of organizing incoming and outgoing exchanges. Thank you Kathy! Inbound: 2017 IS GOING TO BE AN EXCITING, BUSY AND UNIQUE YEAR! WHY? Ottawa is THE PLACE to visit in part due to Canada s 150 th celebrations! FFO s & FARCC s (the French-speaking National Capital club) strong partnership has resulted in both clubs co-hosting the Sydney/Adelaide, Australia clubs, the Guadeloupe club plus an All- Canada 5-city exchange (National Capital Region). FFO has 2 reciprocal exchanges: a 3 to 4-day MINI exchange with the Hamilton/Burlington club and a unique PILOT project - the Guadeloupe Children/Parents - Reciprocal Pilot Project (June) involving the Ottawa Carleton District School Board, adults and children. Our first non-exchange (to be confirmed): a STOP-OVER from the FF Pikes Peak, Colorado club Last but not least, an incoming exchange from Memphis, Tennessee and The Villages, Florida in May! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR INBOUND EXCHANGES!! PLEASE CONTACT EDS: ELAINE BRADLEY & HEATHER PETTIPAS Memphis, Tennessee/The Villages, Florida EILEEN HOWELL & ANDREW STIRLING Guadeloupe Children/Parents EILEEN HOWELL & ANDREW STIRLING Guadeloupe (Adults) PIERRETTE BENOIT Canada's 150 th Anniversary: All-Canada Exchange BARBARA STILES MINI Inbound: Hamilton/Burlington, ON Outbound: SPACES STILL AVAILABLE FOR UPCOMING EXCHANGES! Schwerin, Germany (May 16-23) one space Hamilton/Burlington, ON (May 31 - June 3) 8 spaces Northern Colorado (Sept 27 - Oct 4) 4 spaces. Details and contact information are listed in the sections EXCHANGES FFI will send to all clubs their 2018 exchange matches in mid-january. The deadline for exchange change requests is February 28. Eugenie FFO Capital Connections January 2017 Page 2

3 2017 EXCHANGES UPDATES Inbound: Adelaide & Sydney, Australia - EDs: JANET WILKINSON & JOAN GREGOIRE February 08-15, 2017 What an exciting adventure this exchange will be with 31 confirmed Ambassadors from Sydney, Adelaide and other points in AU. The Ambassadors are celebrating Canada's 150 th with a triple exchange to Ottawa, Winnipeg and Victoria. The exchange is jointly hosted by FFO and FARCC. Thanks to the wonderful membership of BOTH clubs, we are fully hosted with over 75 night, day and dinner hosts. With many common historical threads between the two countries, our program goes well beyond the expected! Tickets for the Welcome Brunch, Farewell Dinner and Sunday, Feb 12 th Fulton s Sugar Bush Experience will be sold at the January 16 GM meeting or through Janet or Joan! Memphis, Tennessee & The Villages, Florida - EDs: ELAINE BRADLEY & HEATHER PETTIPAS May 11-18, 2017 Memphis, Tennessee has confirmed 18 delegates and we are anxiously awaiting word from FF The Villages, Florida. Our Executive have an excellent program planned including the Tulip Festival and a Car Rally in Almonte. To volunteer for this fun exchange, please contact either Elaine or Heather. Guadeloupe Children/Parents - EDs: EILEEN HOWELL & ANDREW STIRLING June 03-17, 2017 Big Payback for Friendship Force, Kudos for FF Ottawa and relatively minimal outlay: At the age of 40, Friendship Force s survival depends on engaging a new generation of ambassadors. By offering an exchange for parents and their children, FFI anticipates attracting Gen X ers to the club. Ottawa and Guadeloupe (as a pair) have a unique opportunity to pilot Parent and Child Exchanges. Ottawa has children in French Immersion who want to find French-speaking friends while their parents are public servants who need to maintain their second language level. Combine that with an attractive March break destination (the Caribbean) and an interest on the part of the Caribbeans to forge educational links with Canada and you ve got a recipe for success! 25 ambassadors (parents, grandparents and children) have plane tickets to Guadeloupe in March The children will go to school and their parents will be day hosted by the older FF Guadeloupe members while their night hosts are working. The reciprocal exchange (June 3-17, 2017), will have the Guadeloupe children and their parents being night hosted by working parents of children at Ottawa schools. During the weekdays, children will attend school (this pilot project has been approved by the OCDSB) and it is our hope that their parents will be DAY HOSTED by FFO members. There will be no "Friendship Dinners" as we know them. Instead we will need many Meal on Wheels HOSTS who can take a prepared family-style main course to the night host family and join them and the ambassadors for dinner. Guadeloupe (Adults) (FFO Exchange, FARCC Assisting) - EDs: EILEEN HOWELL & ANDREW STIRLING July 29 - August 12 (Two Weeks) This exchange differs from the usual in that one club is coming to the same city for two weeks, hosted by FF Ottawa and FARCC. Guadeloupe has 32 ambassadors aged 25 to 69 with plane tickets. Ten of the Guadeloupe club wish to stay both weeks with unilingual Anglophones so there is no need to speak French to be fully involved. This offers us the opportunity to seek some hosts in the workforce to pair with the younger Guadeloupe members. FARCC will partner with us, but can only host 20 ambassadors therefore we need FFO hosts. Guadeloupe has asked for a program that emphasises interaction with Canadians in daily life rather than tourism. The program will include participation in meetup.com events, church, and community activities as well as some standard Ottawa tourist activities. Hospitality with you at your cottage will be welcomed, as there is no need for all 32 ambassadors to be together every day. Some of the younger night hosts we recruit will need help with day hosting as they will be working. Meals on Wheels hosts who will take a prepared main course to the night host s home and join them and their ambassadors for dinner are also needed. FFO Capital Connections January 2017 Page 3

4 Canada's 150th Anniversary: All Canada 5-City Exchange - ED: PIERRETTE BENOIT June 29 - July 02, 2017 What an exciting time to be hosting 20 friends from across Canada! This is a unique exchange as ambassadors will have visited with FF clubs in Québec, Sherbrooke, Montréal and FARCC prior to their visit with us - an Eastern Canada adventure. Of course the crowning day will be Canada Day when we'll be joining the downtown grand party yes, it will be crazy fun!!! While our friends will only be with us for 3 nights, it brings them to the end of a 16-day adventure - something to be celebrated. Don't miss out on the fun...sign up as a night host or day host. Hamilton/Burlington, ON - Reciprocal Exchange ED: BARBARA STILES 3 to 4 Days, October - TBD After FFO Ottawa has been hosted by these clubs (see Outbound Hamilton/Burlington, Stratford, ON below) our club will reciprocate by welcoming them to Ottawa. Day and night hosts are needed. STOP OVER Inbound: Pikes Peak, Colorado UNCONFIRMED Sept TBD 2017 EXCHANGES UPDATES Outbound: Schwerin, Germany - EDs: PIERRETTE BENOIT AND FAY MCNEIL May 16-23, 2017 There is one space still available (maximum number is 16). If interested, contact either ED. Two meetings have now been held for this exchange and participants are currently planning pre and post-exchange travel. Hamilton/Burlington, Stratford ON - Reciprocal Exchange - EDs: CLAIRE FORTIN & BARBARA STILES May 31 to June 03, 2017 Spaces are still available for this MINI Exchange which promises memorable experiences exploring the Niagara Escarpment and the hidden gems of Lake Ontario, a wonderful lunch at Stratford s Queen s Inn, followed by your choice of two matinee Stratford Plays either Gilbert and Sullivan s HMS Pinafore or Shakespeare s Twelfth Night. Register by the Jan. 16, 2017 GM to qualify for the discount theatre ticket prices. Northern Colorado & Georgetown, Texas - EDs: JOHN COOKE & DANIELLE ALLARD Colorado: Sept 26 - Oct 04; Texas Oct or Oct Four spots are still available for the Northern Colorado exchange while the Georgetown, Texas exchange is fully booked. Confirmation is pending for the Georgetown, Texas dates. (Left) N Colorado (Fort Collins, Loveland & Greeley) - 50 mi from Denver. (Right) Georgetown, TX with population of 50,000 - ½ hr from Austin, TX. FFO Capital Connections January 2017 Page 4

5 2016 EXCHANGES REPORTS INBOUND Helsingborg, Sweden - EDs: IAN WILSON & LINDA STEINGARTEN Sept FFO welcomed 15 of our friends from Helsingborg, Sweden, a club that had hosted us in June 2012, with a delicious breakfast/brunch at Temple Israel. The week that followed was filled with activities showcasing our city and the Ottawa area including a tour of the Parliament Buildings, a car tour of Gatineau Park and picnic lunch that introduced them to the history of the national capital region and visits to several museums as well as the National Art Gallery. The highlight of the week was a guided bus tour of the Ottawa Valley with stops in Packenham, Fitzroy Harbour, Pinhey s Point and lunch at the Galilee Centre in Arnprior. It was a beautiful day and some of our visitors even dipped their toes in the Ottawa River. We said goodbye to our Swedish friends at a lively and wonderful farewell dinner at the Britannia Yacht Club, complete with a fall sunset overlooking the Ottawa River. Metro Vancouver - EDs: LYNDA HEFFERNAN & CLAIRE FORTIN October The 12 ambassadors thoroughly enjoyed their tour of the Ottawa Valley and Gatineau Hills. This year s phenomenal fall colours did not disappoint. The group also visited many traditional Ottawa sites like Parliament Hill, the GG s residence, the RCMP Musical Ride stables, the War Museum & were surprised by the beauty of Beechwood Cemetery. Since this was a reunion of many FFO members who had been to Vancouver in May, friendships were quickly rekindled and flourished. The exchange finished up with great food and comradery at the Kanata Golf and Country Club. FFO Capital Connections January 2017 Page 5

6 OUTBOUND Fukuoka, Japan & Taipei Taiwan - EDs: DONNA & ANDREW NICHOLSON Nov 1-8 th and Nov th A weary but very enthusiastic and satisfied group of ambassadors returned home from Japan and Taiwan following what was for many, one of the richest and most interesting exchange experiences we have ever experienced. Ambassadors ranged from 5 first time exchange participants to some who have traveled on more than 15, so experience was varied, as was each individual s experience in each host s home. But all have returned home with a new perspective on two very different, intriguing cultures. We were treated with such generosity, enthusiasm, warmth and friendship by our hosts that many of us now have long-lasting relationships and the possibility of a reciprocal exchange to Ottawa in the future. Both exchanges focused on presenting each of their unique cultures through hands-on practical experiences such as calligraphy, soba noodle-making, origami, tea ceremony, dressing in kimonos, Zazen meditation, painting ceramics and wheel-throwing pottery, traditional games plus visits to a Kabuki Theatre performance, hot springs and many historical buildings, monuments, temples and shrines. Food was in great abundance, served often, always beautiful and often unusual, so we all had the opportunity to taste new delicacies such as fried eel, squid, sashimi (sushigrade raw fish of every colour and species imaginable), octopus, giant sea snails, etc. Bread and sweets were a rarity so some found themselves seeking out a corner grocer for their chocolate fix from time to time! Those who chose to join the in-between exchanges tour in Japan or visited family, friends in Japan or spent their time on a cruise or visiting Korea or hiking in the Japanese mountains, all reported unforgettable experiences. For many, this was a once in a lifetime adventure that provided much more than we ever imagined, made even more enjoyable by being together as a group of friends. FFO Capital Connections January 2017 Page 6

7 TRAINING FOR FFO MEMBERS (Submitted by John Cooke & Donna Nicholson) On Oct 20, 2016 seventeen FARCC and FFO members attended an informative half-day training session entitled Building Bridges between Cultures at CUSO International s Ottawa headquarters. The session began with small groups being asked to draw what the ultimate world traveller would look like in their minds - using no words. There was a wide variety of artistic skills at work! We all came out of the session better prepared for and more able to understand different cultural experiences. We recommend this educational and rewarding experience to all our fellow FFO members. Would this training interest you? If YES, contact John Cooke (VP, Communications) or Donna Nicholson (Past-President). Provided there is sufficient interest, FFO will contact CUSO to enquire about arranging another training session in FFI WORLD CONFERENCE Sept , 2016 in Marrakesh, Morocco (Submitted by Leonard Bonnet) I would highly recommend Marrakesh as a place to visit given its great culture and people. After Arabic, French is the second language in Morocco, but English is also quite prevalent. Marrakesh is renowned for the Souks district which offers a unique shopping experience. Conference Highlights: While there are usually attendees at international conferences, this conference had fewer than 200 delegates, causing some scheduling and planning challenges. The focus of Jeremi Snook s (President and CEO of FFI) speech was that the organization needs a clear, consistent message in multiple languages. According to Jeremi, that message IS FFI s mission! The message needs to be more widely spread to reach new audiences AND it needs to be targeted to specific audiences to allow data to be collected and analyzed. Current FFI Projects, primarily marketing and communications, focused on: multilingual marketing material; E-newsletter for membership; training material; a welcome kit for new clubs; website and database updates; stronger, effective, efficient and regionally sensitive communication strategies. Suggested Best Practices: a) Club Recruitment and Retention: Post a travel notice, e.g. Looking for ambassadors to go to. Phone contact is more powerful than s. Profile new members - Where in the world have you been? b) Marketing and Communications: Many FF clubs are into tourism and sightseeing that is NOT our market nor who we are! We are NOT cheap travel do not sell the wrong product! Market Friendship Force by inviting those who are interested in the club to join an activity or event. That experience will make them want more and they ll likely become long-time FF members. Identify your product, then your target markets (approachable groups) for that product and create material for each target market. Consider using key messages such as You can help FF make a difference. FF can help you make a difference. Club Promotion: This was an interesting workshop where people were encouraged to share ideas: FACEBOOK - Need multiple webmasters/administrators to share the load and an average of 2 to 3 posts per day shared among the membership at large. FFI news should be shared on the club s Facebook page. TWITTER is not effective. MEET-UPS - Organize a get-together or meeting to promote the club. Never at a house, always at a restaurant or another neutral territory. RELATIONSHIP BUILDING - Partner with university students and faculty through their international programs and clubs to get the message out. Cultivate a relationship with newspaper reporters who report on your subject and invite them to a dinner event. Have them write about the club based on information you provide, not simply publish an article you have written. Use a similar approach with blog masters. People need to hear a name 7 times, e.g. Friendship Force Ottawa, before it sinks in. FFO Capital Connections January 2017 Page 7

8 VP Membership, Lynda Heffernan At the beginning of 2016 there were 170 members and now, at the closing of this year, our membership has grown to 178. Since our Fall newsletter we have had four new members: Kate Innes, Susie Simpson, Barbara Stiles and Marcie McGarry. Each one of them has joined FFO for different reasons ranging from a desire to travel, encouragement from existing FFO members and even a conversation on an airplane. As you continue to spread the good word about Friendship Force, please remember that the January GM meeting is our annual potluck and it would be a terrific opportunity to invite guests to participate and get to experience the true spirit of FFO. Lynda VP Engagement, Jennifer Rae 2016 ended on a high note with a flurry of activity. AGM/Year End Party: This event set a high standard for celebrating a great year. 87 members were present at the Amberwood Lounge and Eatery in Stittsville on Monday, December 05 to attend the AGM, taste the appetizers prepared by the chef, sing Christmas carols along with the FFO singers, participate in a draw for door prizes and generally have a good time. Thanks to all of the volunteers who worked hard to make the evening a success. Solo: For the second time in just a few months, Barbara Stiles organized a great theatre event for Solo members. As a member of the Phoenix players, Barbara had a role in the play Welfarewell at the Gladstone. 16 Solos attended the Dec 03 play to cheer her on and most met afterward to have supper at the Caffe Italia. Barbara, as Judge Julius, is pictured above. Plans for 2017: The experiment to find ways to enhance member participation in FFO continues. More active participation means more fun for all and a deeper commitment to international friendship as a way to bring peace to the world. Your ideas are always welcome! Jennifer FFO Capital Connections January 2017 Page 8

9 Social Activities Conveners To join, simply contact the conveners FFO SINGERS Convener: John DuVernet FFO Singers John Duvernet Those who attended the Year-End Party were treated to Christmas Carols sung by Margie & Phil Bott, Jennie Rae, Barbara Lewis, Richard Mason, Pat Cianfaglione and myself. For the first time, Brian Ingham accompanied us on his guitar. Art Appreciation Group Janet Wilkinson Dinner Club Jessica Sullivan Bridge Club John & Louise DuVernet Friendly Wanderers Anna Rochon Walking Group Fay McNeil Jane Rau Upcoming Annual Events: 7th Annual Beat the Winter Blahs potluck supper & GM Mon Jan 16th We had a great time at all the practices under Jennifer Rae s leadership. I think we just might enjoy the practices as much as the gigs. We are thinking about having another get-together in the New Year because we like to sing and just in case we are asked to perform again. Welcome to Lynne Deachman. ART APPRECIATION Convener: Janet Wilkinson Many thanks to Laura Légaré for her MANY years of organizing the Art Appreciation Group Tours. The enjoyment we've had from her efforts are a testament to her dedication to the group. This Fall's two guided tour topics included "Fashion Statement" and "The Intimate World of Josef Sudek Cutline: The Photography Archives of the Globe and Mail". Not surprisingly, the insight we received into pieces from the permanent collection was very enriching. Two upcoming tours: Jan 26 - "Alex Janvier: Self-described as the first Canadian native modernist" and Apr 06 - Art: The Mirror of Society on Apr 06. Each event costs $7. DINNER CLUB Convener: Jessica Sullivan The Dinner Club is going very well with one group added this year for a total of 72 people. The groups of eight people are enjoying each other s dishes while also getting to know each other better. If you d like to join, I can add you as a spare. Otherwise, I will try to fit you in when the new groups are formed in September. Contact information: Wendy Adams, FFO President presidentffo@gmail.com FFO Capital Connections January 2017 Page 9

10 BRIDGE Conveners: Louise & John DuVernet The FFO bridge players are on their way to completing as many games as they can. We still have room for one more team, if anybody would like join and to play catch-up. THE FRIENDLY WANDERERS Convener: Anna Rochon FFO has many members that enjoy traveling and appreciate being given the opportunity to share their experiences with other members and the general public. The Friendly Wanderers, a free activity, is also a membership building opportunity and as such is advertised in the Ottawa Citizen 1 to 2 weeks before the event. Often members bring friends that share their passion for travel which generates a few new members every year. On December 12th Wayne Bennett, a relatively newer member of the club, shared with those that braved the elements, highlights of his travel to Honduras. The presentation focused on the small business stories of how micro-finance can help people out of poverty. We saw the beautiful landscapes and heard about the entrepreneurial skills of the local people. WALKING GROUP Conveners: Fay McNeil & Jane Rau On September 30, a group of 12 FFO walkers enjoyed a lovely fall hike (the colours were just starting to show) along the Lauriault Trail in Gatineau Park. At the Mackenzie King Estate, some of the group opted to tour the gardens while the rest of us decided to continue on to Mulvihill Lake where we spent a fair bit of time on a bench, basking in the warmth of the autumn sun and wondering where the others were. Turns out that they beat us back to the parking lot and were waiting patiently for us to appear. Our outing ended with lunch at the Chelsea Pub where we were joined by 2 additional members. As usual there was much merriment and interesting discussion. Thanks to Joanne and Fay for the great photos. FFO Capital Connections January 2017 Page 10