Dear Friends,

A lot has been going on since our last newsletter. Our Journey assignments for 2023 have been awarded from Friendship Force International. We have received two Outbound and one Inbound Journey. Our international outbound is to Taiwan. Our Domestic Outbound is to Dayton, Ohio. Dayton is also our Domestic Inbound. We are very fortunate to receive all of these. Since the COVID pandemic the number of Journeys available has decreased because of COVID restrictions, especially internationally. Friendship Force International provides us with a list of available openings for 2023 travel and the number of requests for each country. Here are a couple of extreme examples: Sweden hosting capacity 1 – requests received, 29; United Kingdom hosting capacity 4 - requests received 41. So, as you can see, we were fortunate.

Our club will be hosting Cedar Rapids from Sept. 21-27th. This is our first hosting opportunity in three years. Our club has changed a great deal in
the last three years. We have members who have never had the opportunity to participate in a Journey outbound or inbound. We are requesting that every member participates in the incoming Journey in some way. There are only 12 ambassadors visiting, so not everyone can host. But there are many other opportunities to participate and we need all of your help to make this a really special week for the ambassadors from Cedar Rapids.

We realize that since it has not been possible for many of you to participate because of lack of Journeys, you most likely do not know about the many ways you can help. And what volunteering for that opportunity would actually mean. Please feel free to contact me or one of the other board members with any questions you might have. Remember that all members are invited to all events. The Cedar Rapids reservation form for Journey events will be coming out later.

Please remember that I am available to answer questions and concerns at coachsandykaiser@gmail.com.

We hope that you enjoy your summer and we look forward to seeing you at club meetings and events.

In Friendship,

Sandy Kaiser, President

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Meetings coordinator – Paula Rose, paularose2000@hotmail.com

Past Meetings Viewable Online

Were you unable to attend a past meeting? Want to "re-attend" a past meeting? You can view recordings of our prior meetings at our club's YouTube webpage (click on "Videos" or "Playlists"). Recordings run between 50 minutes and just over an hour. You can always "rewind" or "fast forward" sections. You can watch them on your computer, tablet, smartphone or smart TV. ....

FF Dallas' YouTube Channel at https://tinyurl.com/FFD-YouTubeChannel...
Or search YouTube for "FFDallas Texas" (include the quotation marks!)

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April - Southwest
On Apr 23, Gerry Arens gave an interesting presentation on a tour
that he and Isabella took through
 the US Southwest, including New
Mexico, Arizona, and Texas.

You can view his presentation & subsequent discussion on our YouTube channel via this link (it's about 50 mins long).

... https://ff-dallas.tiny.us/FFD-USA-Southwest-2022-04-23

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May – Iceland

On May 14, Don Wolman and Brenda Nibert gave an interesting presentation on a trip that they took to Iceland. We learned a bit about Icelandic history, volcanoes, Vikings and more.

You can view their presentation and subsequent discussion on our YouTube channel via this link (it's about 50 mins long).
... https://ff-dallas.tiny.us/FFD-Iceland-2022-05-14
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June – A Little Known Scandal in Dallas

On Jun 11, Sally Rodriguez (retired from Dallas Parks & Recreation Dept), gave an interesting presentation on the history and background of the Dallas Parks and "scandals" sometimes hidden in Dallas' history.

You can view her presentation on our YouTube channel via this link (it's just over one hour long).
... https://ff-dallas.tiny.us/FFD-DallasHistory-2022-06-11

      

          

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Business Cards

Remember - you can order your own FFD business cards from Mary Williams. Give them to people who ask about Friendship Force. This service is free.

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Facebook
Like our page and follow what is going on with FF Dallas.                           

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Shuttle Rides
Shuttle Coordinator Aurora Madrigal - aurora487@sbcglobal.net

For those of you doing some traveling or for running errands, remember, use our volunteer shuttle service (see page 45 in your yearbook). Make a new friend or learn about a friend's journey/trip during that ride to/from the airport. Send an email to ffdallas-shuttle@googlegroups.com with info on date, time, and place for pickup and/or drop-off.

Want to become a shuttle driver? Send an email to Aurora Madrigal for more info. If you use this service, remember to send a donation to the club treasurer (Leslie Parker) after your ride and pay your driver $5 for his/her expenses.

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Board

Board meetings are being held via Zoom on the second Tuesday of each month. All members are welcome to attend. Please contact our president, Sandy Kaiser (coachsandykaiser@gmail.com) for dates, times and a link to Zoom if you wish to attend. In July, the Board meets on July 11 at 1:00 pm.

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The Travel Book Club
Chair: Barbara Taylor - be_taylor@verizon.net

Barbara Taylor just returned from three weeks in Central/Eastern Europe, Prague - Bucharest with Marie Beck, our book club associate from
Sarasota. It was a wonderful trip: great photos and happy memories.

Our June book was The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux. A big thanks to our Knoxville member, Janis Robinson for being discussion leader. This was our smallest group at five, but we had a good discussion about the book and our personal rail travel throughout the years and around the globe. The book was not highly favored and that led to comparisons between what was in the book and what we found when we traveled in the same or similar countries. We all shared stories of good (and bad) train trips.

The next meeting is July 26 when Marie Beck, our Sarasota member, will take us to Australia with the book Follow the Rabbit Proof Fence by Doris Pillington. This is based on true adventures of three half-caste girls taken from their family by government soldiers to be trained as domestics. The story details their dangerous escape to get home - along the rabbit proof fence. The oldest was the author's grandmother. There is a movie that was made about their story and is available through YouTube to buy or rent.

Call for Books

Heads up - we will be selecting books for at least six months in August!! I have sent the selection list from last year to those on my book club mailing list for your perusal. And if you have suggestions for the coming year, please send them on over. I will add them in and send a final copy out in July.

Remember, FOURTH Tuesday of the month at NOON. Great reading ahead!.

[If you would like to be on Barbara's list and discuss some travel books, let her know at the email address above.]

TITLE	AUTHOR	LEADER	DATE
Notes from a Small Island	Bill Bryson	Sandy Kaiser	22-Mar
Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane	Lisa See	Diana Behannesey	26-Apr
Come, Tell Me How You Live	Agatha Christie	Mary Williams	26-May
The Geat Railway Bazaar	Paul Theroux	Janis Robinson	28-Jun
Follow the Rabbit Proof Fence	Doris Pillington	Marie Beck	26-Jul
TBD			23-Aug

We’d love you to join us at one of our Zoom meetings (even if you haven’t read the book for that month). If you’re not on the email list to receive the link, simply contact Barb Taylor at the above email address.

Thanks, Barb Taylor

Mary Latham shared a link for free e-books:
https://lifehacker.com/how-to-read-e-books-for-free-without-pirating-them-1847187739

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Newsletter Apprentice Wanted

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP FRIENDSHIP FORCE DALLAS AND LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CLUB FROM YOUR HOME? DO YOU HAVE WRITING, COMPUTER AND ORGANISATIONAL SKILLS?

Then you might like to apprentice with Felicity as editor of this newsletter sent to members every other month. The role of editor involves:

- Attend the board meeting each month via Zoom
- Keep up to date with club activities
- Obtain email updates for the upcoming newsletter
- Transfer this information to the newsletter template

If you’re interested in learning more please contact Felicity Sentance at fsentance@gmail.com.

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Vice-President Membership - edward perez, erperez54@gmail.com
 
Welcome to Summertime, Summertime, Sum-, Sum- Summertime!

From what I've heard, several members have either gone on or are going on journeys organized by other clubs or by FFI (Festival at Sea). In addition to visiting the destination, you get to meet FF members from far and wide. Perhaps making a connection for a future journey? Other members have gone on their own trip to parts of the USA as well as Europe. Regardless, I hope you can get out, visit the world and make friends!

For the time being, we'll be meeting at the Forest Green Library, broadcasting on Zoom as well. Invite your friends to learn about Friendship Force, meet other members, and enjoy the various presentations given by members and invited presenters. Afterwards, we go to a local restaurant for a meal and continued conversations. See you there!

With a break in May, we continued 3rd Thursdays in June at a great Mexican Seafood restaurant. Ten-20 members and guests normally attend these luncheons. Because these are smaller and more informal gatherings, these are a great way to meet and learn about other members. Hope to see you at an upcoming gathering!

Wishing you a safe and sunny summer!

 edward perez

vice president, membership 


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New Members

Welcome to our recent members:
Paula Knarr - kpknarr2@gmail.com
Randy Carsch - randyCarschdvm@hotmail.com
Beverly Webber - txWebb3@gmail.com

Paula lives in Columbia MO and was introduced to FFD by member Marcia Walker. Randy and Beverly live in Fairview and rejoined, initially being introduced to FFD by members Roger and Sandy Kaiser. Please extend your hand of friendship to them (or give them a virtual wave) at an upcoming meeting or event!

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Membership Anniversaries

Thanks to all who attended the May meeting and helped Mary Jane Wilson celebrate her 25th anniversary with FF of Dallas. Congratulations Mary Jane.

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Membership Connections

Third Thursdays / Saturdays
On June 16th, ten of us gathered at Anaya's Seafood in North Dallas for great conversations and delicious seafood.

For July and August, we will meet for fellowship, field trips, and/or more. Look for announcements in your email for upcoming "3rd Thursdays/Saturdays." Due to the inbound in September, we may not hold a 3rd Thursday then.

Know of a great restaurant for lunch or a great place we can visit?
Have ideas for Membership Connections topics and/or locations?
Like to volunteer to organize and/or host a gathering, field trip, picnic, tasting, etc.?
If so, let me know so we can plan a Membership Connections event!!

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Changes and Updates - Keeping in Touch

If you move or change your contact information (phone number, email address(es), etc.), let eward perez know.

If you did not get a Member Directory Update in late June that you can print out and add to your yearbook, contact edward perez for one.

Our telephone tree, led by Patty Niemeyer, contacts members prior to monthly events. If you haven't been receiving calls, contact me (edward perez) so I can make sure you are on the calling list.

Also, if you know a member who has not be attending recently, please give them a call and invite them, perhaps offering to carpool with them. Pages 21-24 of your yearbook lists members by zip code.

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Let People Know About Friendship Force Dallas!!!

THANKS to those members who have invited your friends, family, and members of other clubs to our meetings and events. Please continue to share with your friends about Friendship Force and invite them to our meetings and events - just forward club emails to them. If you know of a group that might be interested in learning about FF, please contact me.

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Replacement Badges

Do you need to replace a lost or damaged badge? Need a replacement magnet? If so, please contact edward perez who will order a new one. Replacement badges are $14 (mailed to your home) or $11 (pickup in Richardson). Magnets are free.
    
edward perez
vice president, membership:
erperez54@gmail.com

                              
                    
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Remembering Martha Durst

The club gave a donation to the Richardson Public Library as a memorial for Martha Durst. Our Treasurer, Leslie Parker, received this thank you:

Dear Ms. Parker,
Thank you for your generous donation of $50 in memory of Martha Durst. Ms. Durst was a cherished friend of the Richardson Public Library and
the BOOKBabble Book Club. With your gift, we will purchase extra copies of popular non-fiction books and new summer titles.

I am enclosing a copy of the book plate that will be placed in each book.

We offer our condolences for Ms. Durst's passing.
Sincerely,
Vrena Patrick,
Directory of Library Services, Richardson Public Library







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Remembering Ed Edgren

Mary Williams attended the military service for Ed Edgren on June 24th at the Military Cemetery in south Dallas. The Edgrens lived in one of the "villas" at Presbyterian Village for the past several years and were active in events there. Contact the webmaster for Marge's address (change from originally stated due to post office renumbering). Her email: texmared1@gmail.

This is the obituary for Ed:

Ed Edgren, 88, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2022 in Dallas, TX. He was born January 4, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois to parents Walfred and August Edgren.

Ed graduated from Hirsch High School in 1952 and served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956 with assignments in Austria and Italy. Upon discharge from active duty, he returned to Chicago. At church one Sunday, Ed spotted an attractive woman in the choir and, after asking a friend her name, Margaret entered his life. Ed and Marge married a little over a year later on November 30, 1957.

In 1959 Ed earned a mechanical engineering degree at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Throughout his 38-year career in manufacturing, he held various management and executive positions. After living in Illinois, Ed moved Marge and their sons to Indiana, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. After the four boys were grown, Ed and Marge moved to Kuwait for another work opportunity and then retired to Richardson, Texas in 1995 to be near family.

In retirement, Ed developed an interest in international relations. This led him to volunteer work with USAID companies in Colombia, Mexico and Romania. He volunteered for disaster relief work with FEMA. Ed was also in Dallas nonprofit organizations including the Human Rights Initiative of North Texas, Neighborhood Service Council, VASA Swedish Fraternal Organization and Friendship Force of Dallas.

Ed was recognized by Friendship Force International as the International Volunteer of the Year in 2008. He led a group that founded two new clubs in Romania and delivered computers that were reworked for blind students in Peru, Romania and Jerusalem.

Ed and Marge enjoyed many travel adventures together including most of the United States and six of the seven continents. Ed was a Christian and attended Lutheran services throughout his life.

Ed is survived by his wife of 64 years, Margaret; son Jeff and his wife Debbie; son Mark and his wife Elsa; son David; son Jon and his wife Cally. Ed was also blessed with nine grandchildren.

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Don’t forget to check the FFI website for other possible adventures for 2022. They are a tremendous (and sometimes underutilized) resource for our clubs. You can get information at https://www.friendshipforce.org
Click on "News & Updates" for the Blog page and "Virtual Experiences" for the Virtual Experiences page.

Here's a direct link to the FFI Blog which has links to the Friendship Connection newsletters.
https://blog.friendshipforce.org/.

Next World Conference

* Save the date for the Friendship Force World Conference 2023: October 2-5, 2023
* Our host will be Dubrovnik, Croatia, on the beautiful Adriatic Sea.
* Plans are underway, including pre- and post-conference tours in the region
* Registration will open at the end of 2022

   
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Friendship Connection

If you’re are not receiving the FFI Newsletter or other emails from FFI, you can go to the FFI home page https://www.friendshipforce.org/  then go to the bottom, put your email address in the "email address" box under "Newsletter," then click Subscribe.

Remember, FFI hosts Virtual Experiences presented by FFI staff and members of clubs around the world. There are several "Faces and Places" events.
 
You can see all upcoming events at the FFI blog  webpage. Toward the bottom of that page is a list of previously recorded events. ....
https://blog.friendshipforce.org/virtual-experiences/

Here's a direct link to the FFI Blog which has links to the Friendship Connection newsletters.
https://blog.friendshipforce.org/.

Don’t forget to check the FFI website for other possible adventures for 2022/2023. They are a tremendous (and sometimes underutilized) resource for our clubs. You can get information at https://www.friendshipforce.org
 
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Journey to Oman

**Only 10 spots available** - Journey #23076

Are you looking for an adventure, off the beaten path? Join our Journey Coordinator Vicki Coulson Vance, on the adventure of a lifetime. "Come experience the fascinating world of wadis (valleys), historical ruins, desert camps, mosques, souqs and stunning seasides of ancient Oman via a 12 night tour. Home hosting is not in common in the Omani culture, but this unique experience will give us a perspective into the local culture by visiting several off the beaten track sites. We'll also enjoy a dinner in an Omani home"

Oman was listed in the top 10 countries to visit in 2022 by Lonely Planet, for its "low-rise towns that retain their traditional charms, and Bedouin values that remain at the heart of an Omani welcome. With an abundance of natural beauty, from spectacular mountains, wind-blown deserts and a pristine coastline, Oman is the obvious choice for those seeking out the modern face of Arabia while wanting still to sense its ancient soul.”

Find out more about this journey here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D6Fik1mNl8zxCh0VKm2T-gHGdg4WeuRW/view?
fbclid=IwAR36fL1DkfKvxADGrJQX5QJexfgEhenh9GY62MXDwKX-9csFZMxXlpDXvzM

From Vicki Vance: Hey friends - if you've ever wanted to explore the Bedouin lifestyle, sleep out in the Empty Quarter desert to see the amazing night sky and sunrise, swim in the clear waters of a desert oasis, share dinner with an Omani family and much more, then check out this new adventure! I guarantee it will be an unforgettable journey! Jan 29 -Feb 10, 2023.



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