ROCKY MOUNTAINHIGH Taking Friendship to New Heights

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ly 13 our annual picnic at Cindy & Mike Tanner s August is a down time in club activities Join us to hear Carl and Lynn Dawson sharing ROCKY MOUNTAINHIGH Taking Friendship to New

com/friendshipforceofdenver ABOUT THE CLUB Friendship Force Denver meets at South Suburban Christian Church 7275 S. Broadway, Littleton, CO.

CLUB OFFICERS President......... Carl Dawson CarlDawson@remax.net President-Elect..... Lynn Dawson lynnldawson@comcast.net NOV. PROGRAM...... 7 PM, TUESDAY, NOV.

They were part of a church group that visited the former capitals in order to learn about Ethiopian history and Christianity.

The area of Ethiopia is about the same as California and Texas combined. The population totals about 100 million people, almost a third of the United States.

Ethiopia has the most World Heritage Sites (ten) of any African country,and has been a Christian monarchy for most of its 2,000- year history.

1 ly 13 our annual picnic at Cindy & Mike Tanner s August is a down time in club activities Join us to hear Carl and Lynn Dawson sharing ROCKY MOUNTAINHIGH Taking Friendship to New Heights November, 2016 HIGHLIGHTS Nov. Program page 1 Holiday Social page 3 Exchange News page 4 Calendar page 9 ABOUT THE CLUB Friendship Force Denver meets at South Suburban Christian Church 7275 S. Broadway, Littleton, CO at 7 PM the second Tuesday of Sept. Nov., and Jan May, and also offers numerous social events throughout the year. Come join us and bring your friends! CLUB OFFICERS President Carl Dawson CarlDawson@remax.net President-Elect..... Lynn Dawson lynnldawson@comcast.net NOV. PROGRAM PM, TUESDAY, NOV. 8 THE HISTORY and HERITAGE OF ETHIOPIA Denver Friendship Force members Irene Ludwig and Gerry Forney traveled in Ethiopia for almost two weeks in September of They were part of a church group that visited the former capitals in order to learn about Ethiopian history and Christianity. Gerry and Irene will share some of their travels with us, and give us insight about the current situation in Ethiopia. Ethiopia is a land-locked country in east central Africa. The area of Ethiopia is about the same as California and Texas combined. The population totals about 100 million people, almost a third of the United States. The country is very poor, with a GNP per capita of $739 (compared to $53,000 for the US). Ethiopia has the most World Heritage Sites (ten) of any African country,and has been a Christian monarchy for most of its 2,000- year history. Three of the former capitals of the country (Aksum, Gondar, and Lalibela) are World Heritage Sites. Secretary Ilene Americus iamericus-denver@yahoo.com Treasurer Les Eckstat eckstat@gmail.com Articles of interest from our members are welcome, and must be submitted to the editor by the 24 th of the month for inclusion the following month. If you know of someone who would like to receive a copy of this newsletter, please send his or her address to carolcoriell@gmail.com Carol Coriell, Editor

2 FROM THE PRESIDENT, seated on a Shinkansen (Bullet Train): So, we are traveling at over 120 MPH between Tokyo and Sendai. There is no sensation of speed until you look outside at the trees flashing by. It is quiet, clean, and on time, which seems to be the hallmark of the Japanese people. This has been a tremendous trip. Les Eckstat, our ED, has done a terrific job pf planning. I wish that we had been able to get across to more people in our club how wonderful the people in this country are. We started in the City of Shizuoka, south of Tokyo, where many of us first time visitors wondered what the people would be like, what their homes were like, would we sleep on the floor, and how would we get up after sitting on the floor to eat? Lynn and I experienced them all with a couple who could not have made us feel more welcome and at home. There was only one bathroom, down the stairs from the bedroom, but the wonderful Japanese toilet that is heated with a washer and dryer (!) helped make up for it. The club members were warm, courteous, generous, gracious, accommodating, friendly, organized, and fun. They shared great food, taught us how to use the 2 pairs of slippers in the house, a tatami floor, a futon, and took us to beautiful scenery and shared their rich and long history. Their cities were extremely clean with no graffiti; however, they do drive on the other side of the road. After a week in Shizuoka, we spent 7 days on a guided tour of Kyoto, Kanazawa, Takayama and Tokyo. We saw many of Japan s great wonders, and checked off most of the top things to do in the country. Though there were many early mornings, we traveled well and enjoyed the trains, subways and buses. Well, the train got to Sendai way too quickly. Now, several days later, I am back to writing this letter. We have gotten to know the Sendai FF Club. They are everything that I said above. We had a marvelous welcome dinner and entertainment, have been filmed for TV, ridden through one of the 3 most beautiful bays (Matsushima) in the world, had 6 th graders teach us games in an elementary school, and took a train and met with the Yamagata FF Club (all 12 members) in the mountain town of Yamadera. WOW, all the people were warm, courteous you get the message. This has been the true meaning of Friendship Force. Getting to know people of different cultures and traditions and celebrating, together, those differences and commonalities. There have been many evenings talking about family, school, work, politics, religions and caring about people. Right now, we are in a home with four generations: grandma, mom, dad, older brother and his wife and three children, younger brother and our delightful hostess. The most important thing that I am taking away from this trip is that I know why I joined Friendship Force! Do not miss the next opportunity to participate in an exchange. There is no better way for us to learn more about the culture than staying with a family. Come to the January program, and hear all about Japan, as the Ambassadors share their stories and experiences from the trip. Gerry Forney has been on this trip with us and shared a lot with the group, including his cold. He and Irene Ludwig have an interesting program, The History and Heritage of Ethiopia, for us at the Membership Program on November 8 th. We will get you home in time to watch the election results. We still have a few tickets to the December 4 th play at the Town Hall Arts Center in Littleton. We need to have a final count right after the November meeting. I hope that you can join us. In friendship, Nov 2016 Page 2

The New York Times review of A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL said, You d have to have a Grinch-sized heart not to feel a smile spreading across your face. So don t be a Grinch!

Main Street, Littleton Time: Reception in lobby from 12:00 pm 1:15 pm, performance at 2:00 pm Further details: Final date to purchase tickets the November 8 th general club meeting Cost of each

3 The New York Times review of A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL said, You d have to have a Grinch-sized heart not to feel a smile spreading across your face. So don t be a Grinch! Come join us for our annual holiday party and theater outing!! Date and place: Sunday, December 4 th, at Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 W. Main Street, Littleton Time: Reception in lobby from 12:00 pm 1:15 pm, performance at 2:00 pm Further details: Final date to purchase tickets the November 8 th general club meeting Cost of each ticket -- $23 (tickets are non-refundable) Payment due at time of purchase cash or checks made out to Friendship Force Denver. Please Note: Ilene Americus will have all remaining tickets available for purchase at the November 8 th meeting, because Luree Miller is traveling out of the country in November. Contact Carl Dawson ( ) for any immediate questions. After November 18 th, please contact Luree ( ) with any questions PUZZLED ABOUT WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN ED? EXCHANGE DIRECTOR TRAINING Joint Exchange Director Training with Northern Colorado FF Club Saturday Nov 12, 2016, 8:00 1:00 PM Location: REA Community Room, 7549 REA Parkway, Fort Collins (exit 1-25 at Windsor East exit, CO 392). Start between 8:30 to 9:00 am, with early coffee/tea, snacks later Sign up at November program Open to current EDs, new EDs, potential EDs, and members who want to learn more about the exchange process. We can carpool from Denver. If you would like to participate, contact: Lynn Dawson at LynnLDawson@comcast.net; Cell: Nov 2016 Page 3

4 2016 CLUB EXCHANGES November 12, 2016: Joint Exchange Director Training with Northern Colorado club. This is open to current EDs, new EDs, potential EDs, and those members who want to learn more about the exchange process. If you would like to participate, contact: Lynn Dawson at Cell: PROPOSED EXCHANGES FOR 2017 DATES MAY BE SUBJECT TO MINOR CHANGE The following are the proposed exchanges for 2017: May 10 21, 2017: Outbound Back-to-Back Domestic Exchanges May 10 14, 2017: Outbound Domestic Exchange: Western Michigan May 15 21, 2017: Outbound Domestic Exchange: Dayton, Ohio [Exchange Directors: Carl & Lynn Dawson at and Carl s Cell: : Lynn s Cell: ] June 21 28, 2017: Inbound Exchange: Orlando, Florida [Exchange Director: Milton Stockmyer at mstockmyer12@gmail.com; Home: ; Cell: ] August 24 28, 2017: Friendship Force 40 th Anniversary World Conference; Manchester, U.K. [There will be pre- and post-conference homestays and tours in the U.K. and in Europe.] October 1-7, 2017: Inbound Exchange: San Francisco, California [Exchange Directors: Luree and Scott Miller at lureemiller@mac.com and rscotty@msn.com; Home: ; Luree s Cell: ; Scott s Cell: ] October 14 28, 2017 (these are the dates that work for both clubs in Africa): Outbound Back-to-Back International Exchanges to Africa: October 14 21, 2017: Outbound International Exchange to Kampala, Uganda October 21 28, 2017: Outbound International Exchange to Nairobi, Kenya [Exchange Director: Open - Please contact Lynn Dawson if you are interested in applying to serve as the ED or as a Co-ED] 2018 Spring, 2018: We are working on a possible exchange to Lubeck, Germany. Nov 2016 Page 4

From (1) a wine tasting party hosted by Bob Matzen and Marilyn Larkin, where a hearty group of 12 cheered Melody Henson on in blind-tasting three red varietals to (2) a huge Peaks to Plains gathering

5 SOCIAL COMMITTEE BULLETIN Check this site in each month s newsletter for current planned activities that all members are welcome to participate in as long as space is available and you have RSVP d. Here are the current happenings: MUNCH LUNCH BUNCH Please note there will be no MLB outings in November or December. They will resume in January See the December newsletter for details of January outing. ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY Sunday, December 4 th. Our annual holiday reception (12:00 pm) and matinee theater production (2 pm) at Town Hall Arts Center in Littleton. This year: A Christmas Story: The Musical. Details on the club website and in the newsletters. Tickets ($23 each) Purchase deadline: November 8 th at the general meeting. BIG GROUPS. SMALL GROUPS. IT MATTERS NOT WHICH. ALL ARE FUN TIMES TOGETHER! The autumn months have brought Friendship Force friends together in various (and sometimes hilarious) ways. From (1) a wine tasting party hosted by Bob Matzen and Marilyn Larkin, where a hearty group of 12 cheered Melody Henson on in blind-tasting three red varietals to (2) a huge Peaks to Plains gathering for taco salad at Kim Means party room, where the birth of new friendships, both domestic and global, took place to (3) a Munch Lunch Bunch at Acorn, one of Denver s Top 25 restaurants, where Ilene Americus plowed into one of their prize-winning burgers while her fellow FF diners watched in awe to (4) two small group October/Oktoberfest dinners hosted by the Wells and the Millers, where a dirndl skirt and lederhosen shirt might or might not have been spotted (although everyone was having so much fun at both dinners that no one thought to take any photos!). But here are a few photos to illustrate some of the other wild and memorable times this autumn has so far brought to Friendship Force: Nov 2016 Page 5

IN MEMORY OF ROD GREINER Rod Greiner was a wonderful friend to many, and a great asset to our club.

And typical Rod, he offered to be personally involved by hosting the teas in his beautiful century-old mansion.

On this occasion, he was wearing his Kyrgyz hat, given to him by our Open World visitors.

6 IN MEMORY OF ROD GREINER Rod Greiner was a wonderful friend to many, and a great asset to our club. He created the special Afternoon Tea program for new and prospective members to explain what Friendship Force was and the many ways that members can benefit by participation in our club. And typical Rod, he offered to be personally involved by hosting the teas in his beautiful century-old mansion. Each event began in the Drawing Room where members and guests introduced themselves to each other. Rod greeted us as he tinkled his small attention bell. On this occasion, he was wearing his Kyrgyz hat, given to him by our Open World visitors. Rod began with a brief historical talk about the location of the mansion on Capitol Hill, when there were no buildings between it and Cherry Creek, five blocks away. He continued with an invitation to the formal Dining Room. How impressive; a table seating 19 set with matching china and crystal! As we enjoyed the Afternoon Tea, Rod told us about the history of English Tea before giving us more history about the mansion. One of our longtime members then followed this wonderful beginning with an introduction to Friendship Force and specific information about the many opportunities for members of the Friendship Force of Denver. Rod s Teas began modestly in 2010 and became a valued invitation in The next four years, , eighty-five new members joined our club! And in 2014, we were recognized as New Member Club of the Year by Friendship Force International. Thank you, Rod. Farewell, good friend. May your light shine as brightly in the heavens as it did here on earth. Dave Bentzin Nov 2016 Page 6

OCTOBER PROGRAM REVIEW by Debbie Murdoch GOVERNOR RALPH CARR, PRESENTED BY JIM WILKINS In a very interesting, entertaining and educational presentation Mr.

Governor from 1939 to 1943, Governor Carr shared his story of growing up in several different Colorado towns, graduating from high school in Cripple Creek, and then from college and law school at the

7 OCTOBER PROGRAM REVIEW by Debbie Murdoch GOVERNOR RALPH CARR, PRESENTED BY JIM WILKINS In a very interesting, entertaining and educational presentation Mr. Jim Wilkins, a local retired real estate professional, appeared as former Colorado Governor Ralph L. Carr. Governor from 1939 to 1943, Governor Carr shared his story of growing up in several different Colorado towns, graduating from high school in Cripple Creek, and then from college and law school at the University of Colorado Boulder. After working as an Assistant US Attorney, he was appointed US Attorney for Colorado in 1929 by President Herbert Hoover. He was a reluctant politician, agreeing to run only if he would be allowed to govern following his own principals and moral compass. To his surprise he was elected. While reversing a deficit budget and huge state debt he was presented with the additional challenge of the federal government s dictated order to accept several thousand displaced Japanese- American citizens into an internment camp in SE Colorado. In the face of widespread anger and unease Governor Carr energetically spoke out against this unfair and unconstitutional action by the government, which assumed these people were enemies of the country, without any evidence of such. It proved out that not only were there no reports of traitorous acts by any Japanese-Americans, but a battalion of their sons fighting valiantly in the European Theater of Operations won more Congressional Medals of Honor than any other battalion. After the internment order was lifted, President Roosevelt apologized for the mistreatment of these Americans. In 1942 Carr unsuccessfully ran for the US Senate. It s generally thought his narrow defeat was a direct result of the very unpopular stance he took regarding the unfair treatment of the west coast Japanese- Americans. His story of courage and good character during a time of fear and bigotry was uplifting. WEBMASTER WANTED The Friendship Force Denver s website is undergoing a change to modernize Hamilton, Ontario the look & make it easier for users to find information. Would you like to be trained in our new design and learn to maintain & update our information? This is a great opportunity to use your creativity and make a very important contribution to the club. Contact Anita Smith anita.smith22@gmail.com Nov 2016 Page 7

8 THE FRIENDSHIP FORCE OF DENVER Membership Form September, 2016 December, 2017 MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS ARE DUE BY 12/15/2016 Membership dues for 2017 (includes FFI dues and one free name badge for each new member) Individual Membership $40 or Household Membership $60 Printed & Mailed Newsletters $15 Add l Name Badges $12 each Total Enclosed $ $ (All members residing at the same address) $ (No charge for ed Newsletter) $ (Complete Name Badge section below) $ Payable to Friendship Force Denver Members: Last Name First Name Middle Name Address Home Address City, State, Zip Last Name First Name Middle Name Address Please list additional household members on the back of this form and check this box Home Phone ( ) Cell Phone ( ) Cell Phone ( ) It takes a lot of people to keep all of our club s activities running smoothly. So please indicate how you would like to participate in Friendship Force Denver - please check all that apply: Inbound Exchange Director Outbound Exchange Director Exchange Home Host FFD Board Member FFD Club Officer Social Committee Membership Committee Newsletter Committee Program Committee Refreshments Committee Facilities & A/V Committee Website Committee Exchange Committee Help as Needed Please bring your completed form and check to the FFD Meeting, or mail them to: JOHN GILES 5613 S. PAGOSA COURT CENTENNIAL, CO Contact: jgiles_911@hotmail.com NAME BADGES: One free for each New Member. All others are $12 each. The name on your FFD name badge will appear exactly as you PRINT it below: Magnet Back or First Name or Nickname Last Name Magnet Back or First Name or Nickname Last Name Please list additional name badge requests on the back of this form and check this box Pin Back Pin Back

CALENDAR 2016 BOARD MEETING* NOV 1 Tuesday, 4:30 6:30 PM note time change Perrin Room, Englewood Library NOVEMBER PROGRAM NOV 8 Tuesday, 7:00 9:00 PM History and Heritage of Ethiopia by Gerald Forney

$Many thanks to Anita Smith for producing the October newsletter, while I was recovering from a fractured femur. Also thank you for all the notes and phone calls offering encouragement.$ All is well now, and I look forward to seeing everyone in November. Please send your good wishes to Anita, who is recovering from a knee replacement. Carol Coriell DO YOU KNOW THIS MAN?

All is well now, and I look forward to seeing everyone in November. Please send your good wishes to Anita, who is recovering from a knee replacement. Carol Coriell DO YOU KNOW THIS MAN?

9 CALENDAR 2016 BOARD MEETING* NOV 1 Tuesday, 4:30 6:30 PM note time change Perrin Room, Englewood Library NOVEMBER PROGRAM NOV 8 Tuesday, 7:00 9:00 PM History and Heritage of Ethiopia by Gerald Forney and Irene Ludwig REFRESHMENTS LAST NAMES BEGINNING WITH F - L DECEMBER SOCIAL DEC 4 Sunday, 12:00 PM - 4 PM see page 3 BOARD MEETING and 2017 PLANNING DEC 6 Tuesday, 12:00 5:00 PM Dawsons home MEMBER NEWS Remember that Membership Renewals for 2017 are due by Dec. 15 th. Please use the form on page 8, and bring to the November meeting, or mail to John Giles. Many thanks to Anita Smith for producing the October newsletter, while I was recovering from a fractured femur. Also thank you for all the notes and phone calls offering encouragement. All is well now, and I look forward to seeing everyone in November. Please send your good wishes to Anita, who is recovering from a knee replacement. Carol Coriell DO YOU KNOW THIS MAN? MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS DUE DEC Effective January, 2017, Board Meetings will continue to be held the first Tuesday of each month, but will no longer be at the Englewood Library. Locations will vary, and will be announced in the newsletter. BOARD MEETING JAN 3 Location/time TBD JANUARY PROGRAM JAN 10 Tuesday, 7:00 9:00 PM Japan Exchange President Carl Dawson, dressed as a Samurai, on the recent exchange to Japan. Good friends are like quilts they age with you, but never loose their warmth. November 6 th Nov 2016 Sunday, Nov. 6 Page 9

You are cordially invited to the Friendship Force 40 th Anniversary World Conference Manchester, UK Begins at 6:00 PM on August 24, 2017 Ends at 12:00 Noon

France, and, of course, the UK. Registration planned to open in December, 2016.

10 You are cordially invited to the Friendship Force 40 th Anniversary World Conference Manchester, UK Begins at 6:00 PM on August 24, 2017 Ends at 12:00 Noon on August 28, 2017 Pre- and post-conference homestays and tours will be provided throughout Europe, in Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Scandinavia, Croatia, France, and, of course, the UK. Registration planned to open in December, Please contact Debbie Powell to be personally notified on the day of the launch: org Start planning your 2017! FRIENDSHIP FORCE DENVER Carol Coriell, Newsletter Editor 7900 W. Layton Ave., #846 Littleton CO 80123

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH. Taking Friendship to New Heights SEPTEMBER PROGRAM...TUESDAY, SEPT.12 HIGHLIGHTS VOICES OF AFRICA REMEMBER!

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH. Taking Friendship to New Heights SEPTEMBER PROGRAM...TUESDAY, SEPT.12 HIGHLIGHTS VOICES OF AFRICA REMEMBER! ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH Taking Friendship to New Heights www.friendshipforcedenver.org September, 2017 HIGHLIGHTS President s Letter Page 2 Exchange News Pgs 3 6 Social Activities Page 7 Conference Pgs 9-10