April, 2017
EXPERIENCE DIFFERENT VIEWS.
DISCOVER COMMON GROUND.
Volume 59
2nd Quarter
Calendar of Events
April, 2017
April, 2017
www.friendshipforceofkansas.org www.friendshipforce.org
STEVE’S STANZA
19th-25th North Carolina
Domestic Exchange
29th 10:00 Quarterly meeting
at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
May, 2017
6th Prairie Rose Chuckwagon
dinner and show
June, 2017
Dear FFK members,
SHERRI’S SCOOP
Hope you are enjoying Spring in whatever extreme form it may be presenting
itself when you receive this.
I’d like to thank Hoyt Hillman, Susan Harrington, and Mohan Kambampati for the
excellent job they did in preparing a wonderful, interesting program for the 40th
Anniversary of FFI and for World Friendship Day. Our members (50+) and guests
(25+) really enjoyed the visit to the Buddhist Temple and Islamic Mosque and the
presentations. Thank you all for inviting so many guests. We gained at least two
new members and have several more interested in us.
Peace through mutual understanding!!!
I’d like to thank Sherri Lichtenberger for organizing the recent (2/11/17) “Guess
who’s coming to dinner”. Also thanks to the hosts (Dean/Rita Pressnall,
Steve/Kathy Smith, Harold/Linda Ralston, and Gloria Bonham). Every one really
enjoyed meeting each other and getting to know our fellow members better. We
are a very interesting group!!
Sue Harrington and Kathy Smith organized and hosted an activity for new
members and potential members at “R” Coffee Shop in Riverside on Wednesday
3/29/17. Several prospective members attended (3) and we gained 2 new
members, and some very interested. Definition of terms and activities were
reviewed with the new members (4). Total attendance was 14 including current
members.
As a reminder, FFI has changed several definitions:
1-9 Inbound with Taipei,
Taiwan
15th 10:00 Board Meeting at
Watermark
July, 2017
29th-Quarterly meeting at
University Congregational
Church…(Not the 22nd)
29th-Aug. 5-Inbound with
Xalapa, Mexico
August, 2017
19th Chisholm Trail
Celebration at Botanica
Lunch/Activities
25th-28th FFI International
Conference in Manchester,
England
September, 2017
7th 10 a.m. Board Meeting at
Watermark
15-23 Open World with
Kazakhstan (theme is Best
Media Practices)
19-30 Sister Cities trip to
France
30th Ethnic Dinner (TBA)
October, 2017
“Exchange” is now “Journey”.
28th 10 a.m. Quarterly
meeting at Gloria Dei Church
“Director” is now “Coordinator”.
November, 2017
“Inbound” or “Outbound Exchange Director” (“ED”) is now “Host
Coordinator (HC)” or “Ambassador Coordinator (AC)”.
Be on the lookout for upcoming July 29-August 5, 2017 Xalapa, Mexico Inbound
Journey (Sherri Lichtenberger); to Japan May 2018 (Lynn Harrington), and
Portland, Oregon Summer 2018 (Hoyt Hillman).
4th Cheese and Wine Tasting
December, 2017
2nd Christmas Party (TBA)
7th10 a.m. Bd. Mtg.
Watermark
Be on the lookout for upcoming July 29-August 5, 2017 Xalapa, Mexico Inbound
Journey (Sherri Lichtenberger); to Japan May 2018 (Lynn Harrington), and
Portland, Oregon Summer 2018 (Hoyt Hillman).
Life is good!!
Yours in friendship, Steve Smith, 773-0828
COURTESY REPORT
In the middle of January, we sent a card of sympathy to Martin
Mendoza whose father, Benito Mendoza, died. We hope Martin has
many cherished memories gained from his father's long life that
allowed the family many years to share with him.
Nadine Williams was sent a card in February after she had surgery to
replace her defibrillator with an improved one. As a result, she has
seen an improvement and is back to her volunteering and exercising
and is now feeling well enough to even take a day trip. She is
appreciative of the concern from her FFK friends.
A get well card was sent to Hoyt Hillman in March after he had a
significant shoulder surgery. Many saw him at the tours of the
Buddhist Temple and the Mosque and know he has a protective splint
and will be receiving some intensive physical therapy. We wish him a
full recovery and as much comfort as possible with his aftercare.
Georgia Deatrick, Courtesy Chairperson
INCOMING JOURNEY
Friendship Force of Kansas will be host to Xalapa, Mexico from
July 29 to Aug. 6. Xalapa (also spelled Jalapa) is the capital of the
state of Veracruz. We will be looking for host families, day hosts
and dinner hosts for this exchange, so please check your
calendars and see if you will be able to help out with this
exchange! Contact Sherri Lichtenberger ([email protected], or 7297028) if you think you might be able to help. Thanks, Sherri
Page 2
Officers
President:
Steve Smith
316-773-0828
[email protected]
Vice President:
Hoyt Hillman
316-686-7105
[email protected]
Past President:
Sherri Lichtenberger
316-729-7028
[email protected]
Secretary:
Jo Hillman
316-686-7105
[email protected]
Treasurer:
Dean Pressnall
316-265-7472
[email protected]
Board Members
Social:
Marie Riggs
Publicity:
Pauletta Raines
Program:
Shirley Wilson
Membership Chair:
Susan Harrington
Kathy Smith
Merchandise:
Ronda Holmes
Courtesy:
Georgia Deatrick
Asst. Judy Dyer
Website
Coordinator:
Alice Kreissler
Newsletter Editor:
Lottie Miller
Bylaws
Linda Ralston
AC for North
Carolina Exchange
Lynn Harrington
ED for Sweden
Exchange
Lottie Miller
ED for Wichita Air
Power-In War and
Peace Global
Exchange
Karen Warner
HC for Taipei
Incoming
Steve Smith
HC for Xalapa
Sherri Litchenberger
Open World Coord.
Ronda Holmes
2018 AC Outbound
Japan Lynn
Harrington
Page 3
Prairie Rose Celebrates Chisholm Trail Anniversary
Friendship Force Kansas members are urged to send in reservations soon for the
Saturday, May 6, Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Supper and Dance at their facility, 15231 NW Parallel
St., Benton, KS. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. and dance music will be provided by Rusty
Rierson and the Forever Young Band beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Checks for $40 per person should be made payable to FFK, and mailed to Dean Presnall,
1401 N. River Blvd. #A-3, Wichita, KS 67203.
But you don’t have to wait until Saturday night to get in on the fun! Prairie Rose activities
celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Chisholm Trail will be featured in all-day events May 5
and 6.
May 5 will be a cowboy festival tailored especially for school children. Events will be
duplicated on May 6, but will also be geared toward adults as well. Gates open at both days at
9:00 a.m. with events to begin an hour later. Admission for daytime events is $3.00 per person.
On-site lunches will be available for $2.00-$5.00, or you can bring your own lunch.
Visitors can enjoy firsthand experiences that include a gunslinger shootout, a chuck
wagon cooking demonstration, a mountain men camp with black powder shooting, tomahawk
throwing and long bow shooting demonstrations in a Native American camp, plus a dancing
demonstration, cowboy poetry reading and roping demonstrations with crowd participation.
In addition, there will be photo opportunities with longhorn cattle and buffalo on site, plus
a showing of the 1948 movie “Red River,” an adventure story of the first cattle drive from Texas
to Kansas along the Chisholm Trail starring John Wayne and Montgomery Clift.
For more information, contact Hoyt Hillman at 316-686-7105, or
[email protected]
Page 4
NOTICE OF NEW POLICY
The board of FFK has passed a policy setting up guidelines for naming
a member as a “Life Member”. Details are below and have been
incorporated into the club’s Policies and Procedures.
The board also passed a resolution naming the following still-living
charter members as “Life Members” without their having to be
nominated per the guidelines set out. The people so honored are:
Sherri Leonard, Genevieve Aikens, Rosalie Summers, Betty Johnson,
Ike Albright, Guelda Chism, Georgia Deatrick, and Nadine Williams.
Life Member committee
Page 5
World Friendship Day
Dr. Ahn Tran gave a warm welcome on a chilly Saturday when a group of 70 Friendship Force
Kansas members and guests gathered at the Buddhist Association of Wichita March 11. Dr. Tran shared
not only her personal story of immigration with her husband, but also the establishment of the Buddhist
Association on North Arkansas Avenue.
The group was shown into the vividly decorated prayer space where Dr. Tran explained that the
best way to understand Buddhist culture was to engage in its practice. She then instructed the group on
the physical posture, breathing, and mental techniques for a brief period of meditation so central to
Buddhist philosophy.
Before the group departed, Dr. Tran issued an open invitation to attend future morning prayer
services on any Sunday morning and join the congregation afterward for lunch.
At the Wichita Islamic Center, Waric Jeffrey welcomed the group in the dining room before reciting
an Islamic prayer and its English translation to bless the food and the gathering before a delicious lunch
from Meddy’s Café.
Past FFK president, Lynn Harrington, gave a brief talk on the establishment of Friendship Force
International and its growth to more than 60 countries over the past 40 years. President Steve Smith
followed with a history of Friendship Force Kansas. Jeffrey and a panel of three other Muslims gave a more
detailed explanation of Islam, it’s culture and religious practices, followed by a long question and answer
period on a wide range of subjects.
The group was then shown into the large prayer space for an extended Q&A. At the end, FFK
members were invited to remain and observe as Muslim congregants gathered for their mid-afternoon
prayer service.
Page 6
SISTER CITIES ORLEANS, FRANCE TRIP
The plans for the Sister Cities trip to Orleans, France, Wichita's sister city, are progressing. We
will be leaving Tuesday, Sept. 19, and returning Saturday, Sept. 30. The itinerary includes the
Festival of the Loire in Orleans, Sept.20-24, and then an extended trip to the Normandy
beaches, Bayeux, Monet's garden at Giverny, and 2 1/2 days in Paris. There are some optional
garden excursions for those who are interested. A deposit of $500.00 is due to Sunflower Travel
by April 15 to secure your place on the trip. This trip is being advertised to Sister Cities,
Friendship Force and Botanica members. Contact Sherri Lichtenberger, 729-7028, for more
information.
April 29 Quarterly Meeting Speaker
Yu Ting “Tammy” Huang will be guest speaker at the April 29 quarterly
meeting of Friendship Force Kansas. The group will meet at 10 a.m. at Gloria Dei
Lutheran Church.
Huang, an international Wichita State University graphic design student, will
speak of customs and culture of Taiwan. The information should be helpful as FFK
prepares for an incoming Journey group from Taiwan June 1-9.
Incoming Taipei, Taiwan Journey Friday June 1 through Thursday June 9, 2017
Steve Smith will be Host Coordinator and Shirley Wilson is Assistant Coordinator.
We will have sign ups at the Saturday 4/29/17 10:00 AM meeting if you wish to
assist. There were sign ups at a previous meeting.
The Ambassadors arrive on Thursday, June 1, 2017, at 5:05 p.m. before the opening
day of River Festival. The River Festival is happening all during their visit, and there
will probably be some Chisholm Trail 150th anniversary events while they are here.
They leave Friday, June 9, 2017 at 5:35 p.m. for an exchange in Olympia, WA.
We are expecting five couples and one single and will need 6 homes.
SPOTLIGHT ON MEMBERS
Page 7
Martha Fair, retired Human Resource Specialist
with the Wichita Public Schools. Graduate of
Wichita State University. Currently, substitute
teacher, contract translator/interpreter. Native
Spanish speaker. Born in Managua, Nicaragua.
Member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church,
Wichita, Kansas and ordained Elder. Volunteers at
the Lord’s Diner, Assistance League of Wichita, church, Love Wichita
and Big Brother/Big Sister. Loves meeting new people and traveling.
Has enjoyed traveling to China, Europe, Turkey, Greece, Israel,
Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Colombia, Caribbean
Islands, Baltic countries, New Zealand, Australia, Guatemala, Mexico,
Costa Rica, Belize, Nicaragua and to most states of USA.
Joseph “Frank” Fair, retired. University of Wyoming
aeronautical engineering graduate. Worked for
Cessna Aircraft for 36 years, retiring in 2009.
Member and Deacon of Eastminster Presbyterian
Church, Wichita, Kansas. Volunteers at Habitat for
Humanity, Westminster Woods Presbyterian
Campground, at church, Love Wichita and The Lord’s Diner. Member
of Wichita Area Sister Cities and Knife & Fork. Traveling in Europe,
Turkey, Greece, Israel, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Panama,
Colombia, Caribbean Islands, New Zealand, Australia, Guatemala,
Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, Nicaragua and in most states of USA.
EXPERIENCE DIFFERENT VIEWS.
DISCOVER COMMON GROUND.
Page 8
Curtis Zerr is 48 years old. He is single, a nonsmoker, healthy (other than high cholesterol), social
drinker and active individual.
He owns and operates Z Insurance Group, LLC in
Wichita, KS. It’s mission (as an independent
insurance agency) is to focus on providing the best
solutions, options and customer service to assist
individuals and business with their risk management and insurance
needs.
Curtis graduated from both Dodge City Community College and
Wichita State University. He was an Officer (1LT) in the Kansas Army
National Guard, and he enjoys any type of travel, camping,
exploring, volunteering, outdoors, horseback riding, sports
(especially the Wichita State University Shockers), home and yard
projects and living life to the fullest.
Curtis was raised on a mostly self-sufficient farm/ranch outside of
Grinnell, Kansas on the high plains of Northwest Kansas in a German
Catholic community/area. He was the youngest of 7 children who
learned to work hard, appreciate people and enjoy their passions of
labor and adventure.
Darrell Hicks is retired from both the US Air Force and
the VA (Veterans Administration).
He was born in Wichita, Kansas and moved as a young
boy to California and then to Seattle, Washington. In
1990 he and his family moved back to Wichita and
currently resides in Park City, (a suburb of Wichita).
Darrell is divorced and has 7 wonderful grandchildren,
and they have amazing parents too!
He enjoys gardening, movies, theatre, museums, travel, hikes, WSU
Basketball games and his dogs.
TREASURER'S NOTE
Page 9
In accordance with Club policies, members who have not paid calendar 2017 dues will be
deleted from the membership and mailing lists on May 1. Anyone in doubt as to their
status can e-mail me for verification of status at [email protected].
Send payments made out to FFK to Dean Pressnall, 1401 W River Blvd, Wichita, KS 67203.
If you have expenses to be reimbursed by FFK, please complete a request for payment
form and attach the receipts to the back. Mail the requests to Dean Pressnall or hand
them to him when you see him. The forms have not been widely available in the past, but
we hope to correct that. If you do not have forms, contact the President or Dean.
FRIENDSHIP FORCE OF KANSAS, INC.
MEMBERSHIP FORM
(Revised July, 2016)
Name______________________________________________New________Renewal_________
Address________________________________________________________________________
City___________________________________State______________________Zip____________
Home Phone_________________________
Birthdate-Whose?____________Mo____Day___Birthdate-Whose?___________Mo____Day___
Cell Phone Number(s)-Whose?___________________#_________________________________
Whose?___________________#_________________________________
Occupation(s)Current or prior______________________________________________________
Email address(es) Whose?______________________email______________________________
Whose?______________________email______________________________
Please deliver my/our newsletter: by email_________________Regular mail________________
Annual dues $30.00 per person
Recommended by________________________________________________________________
I/we will be interested in: Traveling____________Hosting______________
Serving on a committee – Social_____________Publicity______________Membership_________
Make checks payable to: Friendship Force of Kansas and mail to:
Dean Pressnall, treasurer
1401 W. River Blvd. #3A
Wichita, Kansas 67203