MAY FOOD HOSTS

Margo Carey

Paula and Pete Chambers

Pat and Tom Christman

The South Sydney exchange is fast approaching and almost all of the plans are in place.  Thank you to all who have volunteered.  If you are not part of the exchange yet and would like to get to know our ambassadors, you can call me or Bill at (706) 356-7045.  We will be doing a sort of boat float on Saturday, May 16th and could us some more support if you haven't already mentioned to me that you could help.  Also if you haven't been to the Biltmore, we have a great price on the tickets ($38) and will have a bus for easy, carefree transportation.  The maximum cost for the bus is $35 but will be lower if we can get more people to join in. 

 There are six FFOLH ambassadors going to Montreal with the Australians (Pursell, Brister, Schafer) and we are using their ED as ours (although I have been doing all the organizing for our part of the exchange).  The exchange is 7 days from 5/20 to 5/27.  I am attaching the itinerary that was sent to us so you can have an idea as to the plans.  This might give some of you that have not been on an exchange an idea of what they could expect. 

Susan Schafer....ED

 DING-A-LINGS Need Help!!

The DING-A-LINGS need volunteer bell ringers for the upcoming exchanges. Please let Candy know if you will be able to volunteer (mcpufall@comcast.net) and then meet at 6:30 next month so that we can run through DIXIE and SMALL WORLD.

Your club thanks you!

Candy Pufall

Southern Sydney and Lake Hartwell Exchange to Montreal – May 20^th to 27^th

Schedule of events for the South Sydney Exchange to FFOLH May 13^th. to 20^th.

 VP NOTES
Many thanks to Pete Chambers, our Brazil Exchange Director, for his leadership of our first 2009 exchange! Sounds like everyone had a great experience with many heart-warming stories to tell.
While we are still working on exchanges for 2009, we have received an invitation from FF of Napa-Sonoma, California for our club to come to them in the Fall of 2010 and their club will visit us, probably
in June of 2010, on their way to an exchange in Canada.  Our Board voted unanimously to accept their proposal. 
In Skip's absence, I attended the FF Southeast Regional Conference in Florence, SC last month.  Twelve clubs from AL, GA, KY, SC and TN were represented and held discussions on increasing club membership, community outreach, using the FFI website and a special session on handling an emergency during an exchange. Kathy Thomas, staff member from Atlanta, was there to update us on the latest news from FFI.
See you in May!

Bobbie Jones

SUNSHINE

Not much news from the Sunshine Girl which is Good!!!  We did learn that Gloria DeMetrotion's mother died April 4th.  We have sent a card.   For those of you who know this former member, her address is: 1722 Renwick Way, The Villages, FL 32162 if you wish to contact her.

Sandy Martin

MEMBERSHIP BY MERILEE 

The new Membership Directories & cell phone numbers were distributed at the April meeting.  We still have new badges that have not been picked up by new members.

The directories were prepared by Mary Lou Leverette the same person that issues our newsletter each month. When you see Mary Lou, please let her know how much

we appreciate her performing these important tasks. In friendship,

Merilee & Richard Brister, Membership Chairpersons ml7777@yahoo.com  or merilee@ffolh.com 706-376-7618, or cell 678-491-1164

New Zealand Exchange:
Howick and Auckland North Shore Clubs
Monday, June 22 - Monday, June 29
Tentative Schedule:
Monday, June 22 -
afternoon arrival at GSP - drivers needed to pickup ambassadors and luggage at airport
Welcome Dinner at Founder's Hall , meet host families and dine - need chair and committee
- all club members welcome
Tuesday, June 23 -
Morning - relax with hosts
Lunch at ......... TBD........
Afternoon - local sightseeing in Georgia
Evening - Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? - hosts needed, contact Kay Cleveland
Wednesday, June 24 -
Day trip to Biltmore Estate
- capacity available for FFOLH members, admission charge only, transportation provided - need chairperson
Thursday, June 25 -
Breakfast at the Walters
Mid morning Dam tour
Lunch in Anderson
Afternoon - Visit Anderson - Quilt exhibit, Museum, Arts Center, and Visitors Center
Dinner - opportunity for ambassadors to treat their hosts
Downtown Sounds - evening of outdoor music
- all club members welcome to evening program - a chair person would be helpful
Friday, June 26 -
Day hosting - chair and day hosts needed

- evening suggestion - Dancing at the Depot, downtown Hartwell
Saturday, June 27 -
Morning - free time with hosts
- suggest pre-fourth activities downtown Hartwell
Afternoon - BBQ at the Leverettes
Evening - fireworks at the dam!
Sunday, June 28 -
free time with hosts - church, boating, relaxing, etc.
Afternoon - Farewell Party - Sacred Heart Camp - chairperson and volunteers needed!

- Low Country Boil, party, party, party!
- all club members welcome
Monday, June 29 -
Late morning departure from GSP

THE FOLLOWING REQUIRES THE ATTENTION OF EVERY CLUB MEMBER

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ so you are prepared for an informed discussion at the May meeting

 Updated FFOLH Bylaws 

The Bylaw Review Committee has completed the draft of our new Bylaws which are included below.  The Board has reviewed the changes and voted.  In all but two areas the Board was in unanimous agreement with the Committee.  These areas are the change in term limits for Secretary, Treasurer and Historian and reimbursement for the Officer that attends the FFI Annual International Conference.  The majority approved the clauses printed below.  Our Bylaws have not been updated for at least 10 years and the current version is in your Membership Directory.  A lot of work by a lot of people has gone into this change that defines and prepares our club for the future.  Please read the new version below and then compare it to the one you already have.  Pay particular attention to the two areas mentioned above.  We will have a discussion and membership vote at the May meeting.  We need your input to finalize our report.

Thank you. 

Dave Pursell, Chairman Bylaw Review Committee

FRIENDSHIP FORCE OF LAKE HARTWELL

BYLAWS (Revised ??/??/2009)

ARTICLE I NAME AND ADDRESS

The name of the organization shall be FRIENDSHIP FORCE OF LAKE HARTWELL (hereinafter referred to as FFOLH) with the name being written in proper sequence with no deviations. This name shall not be changed unless permission has first been obtained from Friendship Force International, hereafter referred to as FFI. The address of the Club shall be at the address of the incumbent President who will hold the original copy of these Bylaws.

ARTICLE II MISSION

The Mission of FFOLH is in accordance with the ethos of Friendship Force International which is to create an environment where individual friendship can be established across the international barriers that separate people.

ARTICLE III PURPOSES

The purposes of FFOLH shall be:

(A) To provide leadership and support the cultural exchange program.

(B) To provide continuity of the activities of The Friendship Force through educational and cultural means.

(C) To increase program awareness by disseminating information to FFOLH members and to interested persons in the community.

(D) To recruit members and maintain an active membership file.

(E) To provide orderly means of assembling and retaining pertinent records for use in establishing and assisting Exchange Directors.

FFOLH is not organized and shall not be operated for pecuniary gain or profit. No part of the property of FFOLH and no part of its net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any private individual. FFOLH club shall never be authorized to engage in a regular business of a kind ordinarily carried on for profit or in any other club activity except in the furtherance of the purposes stated above for which FFOLH is organized. FFOLH shall never engage in propaganda, attempt to influence legislation, or participate in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office, nor shall any part of its property or any part of the income there from be devoted to such purpose. FFOLH shall not be affiliated with any religious organization nor engage in any religious activity.

ARTICLE IV MEMBERS

Section 1

Any individual who supports the goals and purposes of The Friendship Force and is willing to pay the required annual dues and to abide by the bylaws and standing rules as established by the Club is eligible for membership.

Section 2

A member is in good standing after having completed an application form, paying the annual dues and being apprised of the obligations of membership. Only members in good standing shall be entitled to vote and participate in club meetings.

Section3                                                                                                                   Membership does not confer any right to participate in a Friendship Force exchange as an Ambassador or Host. Exchange participants are selected by the Exchange Director in accordance with procedures established by The Friendship Force, Inc. through its headquarters office.

Section 4

The Officers have the right to refuse to accept the membership dues of any applicant for membership, or to refuse to accept the renewal dues of any existing member who has demonstrated by his or her statement or behavior that he or she is not supportive of the rules goals and ideals of The Friendship Force. Upon taking such action, the Officers shall give written notice thereof to such member or applicant and return any money tendered as dues, whereupon that person shall no longer be considered a member. The decision of the Officers in taking such action shall be final and conclusive.

Section 5

Changes to any rules of FFOLH, other than the Bylaws (discussed in ARTICLE XII Amendments) may be proposed by any member in good standing at any Board meeting. Any discussion and decision to amend the rules will be made at the next Board meeting. Passage will require greater than 50% of the Board members present. This vote will be reported in the Newsletter and voted on by the general membership at the next regular meeting.

ARTICLE V BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1

The Board of Directors shall consist of the elected officers of the club, the immediate Past President, Exchange Directors (while functioning as an ED), Standing Committee Chairpersons, and any additional members appointed by a majority vote of the existing Board. The members of the Board of Directors shall serve for a term of one (1) year.

Section 2

The duties of the Board of Directors shall be:

(A) To confirm the Chairpersons of the Standing Committees, and the members the Nominating Committee.

(B) To approve the official depository or depositories for FFOLH’s funds and designate persons to sign checks and withdraw funds.

(C) To elect a member of FFOLH to fill an unexpired term of an Officer or Director.

(D) To manage the affairs of FFOLH and establish operating policies.

(E) To authorize expenditures in excess of five hundred dollars ($500).

(F)  To approve a budget for the year and propose annual dues to the general membership for approval at the Annual Meeting.

Section 3

Board meetings shall be held when called at the discretion of the President. Any three members of the Board, including one Officer, may call a Board meeting with at least fifteen (15) days notice.

Section 4

The presence of no less than six (6) Directors, at least two (2) of which shall be officers, shall constitute a quorum.

Unless a higher vote is specified herein, the vote of majority of Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be necessary to constitute the action of the Board.

Section 5

In the best interest of FFOLH, any Board member may be removed from his or her post by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership in attendance at a legally called Board meeting where a quorum has been established.

ARTICLE VI OFFICERS

Section 1

The officers of this club shall be: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian (the immediate Past President), and Historian. All officers, except the Parliamentarian, shall be elected by the membership.

Section 2

The President shall:

(A) Preside at all meetings of FFOLH and the Board of Directors.

(B)   Serve as liaison with FFI other FFI international organizations.

(C)   Serve as official spokesperson for FFOLH.

(D)   Appoint the Chairperson of each Standing Committee and Exchange Directors, subject to confirmation of the Board.

(E)    Exercise all powers and perform all duties normally incident to such offices.

(F)    Be authorized to sign for withdrawal of the funds of FFOLH.

(G)   Prepare a year end report for submission to FFI that contains:

1- The names, offices, addresses and telephone numbers of the current or incoming Board of Directors.

2- The total of paid membership for the preceding year.

3- A full financial statement for the preceding year.

4- An annual report, listing the highlights of activities of FFLOH for the preceding year.

5- The FFI Club report form.

6- Club Charter renewal application.

Section 3

The Vice-President shall:

(A) Perform all duties and responsibilities of the President in the absence of the President.

(B)  Perform such other duties as the Board of Directors may authorize.

(C)  In case of a vacancy in the office of the President, the Vice-President shall become President and a new Vice-President will be elected.

(D)  Perform duties of Exchange Coordinator

1- Maintain an ED training program and provide guidance to Exchange Directors (ED) and Deputy Exchange Directors.

2- Serve as a resource to the ED throughout program planning and execution.

3- Monitor ED compliance with the schedule as outlined in the ED manual.

4- Ensure final reports are submitted to the club and FFI

5- Ensure that the balance of funds remaining after expenses is submitted to the Club treasury.

6- Review ED manual annually and recommend any necessary revisions.

Section 4

The Secretary shall:

(A)             Record the minutes of each meeting of FFOLH and the Board of Directors.

(B)             Send a copy of the minutes to the President within a week of each such meeting.

(C)            Send a copy of the Board minutes to all Board members within one week.

(D)            Publish the approved minutes of the meeting in the newsletter.

(E)             Keep records of FFOLH.

(F)             Handle correspondence of FFOLH as directed by the President.

Issue all official notices. Ensure that Notice of the Annual Meeting, together with slate of nominees for election, is published in the club newsletter distributed in October. If information is not made available for publication in the newsletter then the Secretary must send such notice to members at least fifteen (15) days prior to the Annual Meeting.

(G) Send the year End Report as defined in Article VI Section 2 Paragraph G, and the Club dues to FFI no later than February 1^st.

Section 5

The Treasurer shall:

(A)             Collect all monies due FFOLH.

(B)             Deposit FFOLH funds in the bank approved by the Board of Directors.

(C)            Keep the books of accounts of FFOLH.

(D)            Make a Treasurer’s report at all meetings of FFOLH and the Board of Directors, with a copy for the President and Secretary.

(E)             Sign for withdrawal of the funds of FFOLH and arrange for payment of accounts owed by FFOLH. Disbursements over $500 shall require prior approval of the Board of Directors.

(F)             Arrange for payment of accounts owed by the club.

(G)            Purchase supplies for the Club as authorized by the Club or the Board.

(H)             Prepare a Club budget by October 1^st for approval by the Board and membership.

(I)                 Prepare the books for an independent audit within fifteen (15) days of the end of the fiscal year (or as required by a vote of the Board or the membership.

(J)              Prepare a check for club dues to FFI to be submitted in accordance with Article VI Section 4 Paragraph G

Section 6

The Parliamentarian shall:

(A)             Be the Past-President.

(B)             When called upon, assist FFOLH in the method of transacting business.

Section 7

The Historian shall:

(A)          Keep the history of FFOLH meetings, activities and special events.

(B)          Take pictures at FFOLH functions.

(C)          Keep a scrapbook of pictures, news articles, newsletters and other pertinent information about FFOLH’s activities.

(D)          Display the scrapbooks at the annual meeting and at any membership function.

Section 8

One member of the Board should plan to attend the FFI Annual International Conference whenever possible. All conference fees will be paid by FFOLH with payment of other expenses voted on by the Board.

Section 9

All elected officers and chairpersons shall prepare a report for the annual meeting. An annual report shall be submitted to FFI at the end of the year.

Section 10

The President-elect shall verify that the annual report from the previous year is on file at FFI. Any property pertaining to an office or standing committee must be given to the incoming officer or chairperson within two (2) weeks of assuming office.

ARTICLE VII NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Section 1

Candidates for elective club offices in FFOLH shall be members in good standing and shall be elected for a term of one (1) year. The President and Vice-President may succeed themselves for 1 additional, consecutive term. Other elected officers have no term limits. The elected officers shall assume office at the beginning of the fiscal year on January 1^st.

Section 2

The election of officers shall be held at the annual meeting in November. Voting for officers shall be by secret ballot. Only members present and in good standing may vote. There shall be no voting by proxy. In the event of a tie vote, another ballot must be taken. If a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present shall be required to elect each officer. If there is only one (1) nominee for an office, voting for that office may be by voice vote.

Section 3

At least two (2) months prior to the date of the annual meeting, the Board of Directors shall appoint a Nominating Committee. This committee shall consist of three (3) members. This committee shall make nominations, with the consent of those nominated, and report these to the Club Secretary at least one month prior to the annual meeting so that notice can be sent to the Members with the notice of Annual Meeting. At the annual meeting the President shall receive from the floor further nominations with the consent of the nominees.

ARTICLE VIII COMMITTEES

Section 1

Standing Committees (and primary responsibilities) shall be:

A.     Publicity (external communications on Club activities)

B.     Ways and Means (fund raising activities for application to Inbound Exchanges, the general treasury and special expenditures as approved by the Board.)

C.    Newsletter (Newsletter and Club directory)

D.    Hospitality (meeting host schedule)

E.     Sunshine (Spread cheer to those in need)

F.     Web Coordinator (Change and update web site)

G.    Exchange Coordinator (Vice-President)

H.     Membership

(-Provide a guest book to record guest’s name, address and phone number.

- Receive and review all new and renewal applications. Forward all applications to Treasurer

- Maintain the Club file of Member Profile Forms

- Follow up with guests to encourage them to join and to attend Club activities.

- Provide each new member with a guide to Club activities and responsibilities.

- Introduce new members at Club meetings

- Report to the Board regularly on the number of guests and members)

Section 2

Each Standing Committee Chairperson may appoint members to their committee and give a list of such appointed members to the Secretary. An annual report for the committee shall be presented at the annual meeting. Additional standing committees may be created by a majority vote of a quorum of the board.

Section 3

Ad Hoc Committees may be appointed by the President, the Board of Directors or by a majority vote of the membership. They are automatically dismissed after the final report of the committee is submitted to the Board.

Section 4

The term of office of each Standing Committee Chairperson (Director) shall be concurrent with the term of office for elected officers of FFOLH.

ARTICLE IX EXCHANGE DIRECTOR

Section 1

Exchange Directors shall work closely with the Exchange Coordinator to:

(A)             Arrange for the visitation of groups coming to FFOLH and/or supervise the details and activities of members of FFOLH traveling to other countries.

(B)             Coordinate with other Exchange Directors, both within the United States and abroad.

(C)            Recruit and oversee qualified members of an Exchange Committee to insure that only suitable applicants become Ambassadors and Hosts; also recruit members to other appropriate committees (communications, finance, publicity, etc.) needed for exchange projects and coordinate their activities with FFOLH Standing Committees. Members of any such committee shall be listed and submitted to the Secretary.

(D)            Present a report of the exchange activities at a club meeting following the Exchange.

Section 2

There may be more than one Club Exchange Director at any one time.

Section 3

Exchange Directors, while functioning on an exchange project, will serve on the Board of Directors. When their duties are complete for that project, they drop off the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE X MEETINGS

Section 1

The annual meeting of the club shall be held during the month of November at a time and place to be designated by the President. The Notice of the Annual meeting will be distributed in accordance with ARTICLE VI Section 4 Paragraph F.

Section 2

Regular meetings of FFOLH shall be held as designated by the Board of Directors.

Section 3

A special meeting of FFOLH may be called by the President.

Section 4

A quorum for FFOLH meetings shall be one-half (1/2) of the membership. Unless a higher vote is specified herein, decisions or actions taken or adopted by majority of the members present and voting at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall constitute the action of FFLOH.

ARTICLE XI AMENDMENTS

The bylaws may be amended at any regular or special meeting of FFOLH. Provided prior approval has been obtained from FFI and notice about such an amendments has been given to the membership at least seven (7) days before the meeting, the bylaws are amended by two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present at such meeting having a quorum.

ARTICLE XII RULES OF ORDER

“Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised” shall be the parliamentary authority for all matters of procedure not specifically covered in these bylaws.

ARTICLE XIII DISSOLUTION

In the event of the dissolution of FFOLH, all of the assets of FFLOH shall be distributed to the extent allowed under applicable law, to FFI, Inc., a non-profit corporation, provided that the corporation is then in existence and is such a tax exempt organization. If FFI should not be in existence at the time of said dissolution, then the assets of the club shall be sold and the proceeds distributed to another corporation organized and operating exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes. Such corporation shall be selected by the Board of Directors of FFOLH. In the event that, for any reason, upon dissolution of FFOLH, the board of Directors shall fail to act in the manner herein provided, n arbitrator shall be appointed of no lesser standing than a Justice of the Peace in the community of Hart County, State of Georgia, who shall make such distribution referred to herein.

STANDING RULES

Revised ??/??/2009

MEETINGS

A.     Unless otherwise directed by the Board of Directors, general meetings for FFOLH will be held on the first (1^st) Monday of every month, except December.

B.    The Annual Meeting shall be at the regularly scheduled Club meeting in November.

DUES

A.     Annual dues of FFOLH shall be twenty eight dollars ($28) for a single membership, and forty five dollars ($45) for a family membership. Dues are to be paid by December 1^st for memberships the following calendar year.

B.     Members who have not paid dues by March 1^st shall be dropped from the membership rolls.

C.    Any change in the amount of annual dues must be approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Board of Directors attending a board meeting having a quorum. Notice of such change must be published in FFLOH newsletter and voted on by the general membership at the Annual Meeting with greater than 50% of the members voting to pass. It will be effective on January 1^st of the following year.

BYLAWS

Each member in good standing on February 1^st shall receive a copy of the Bylaws with their Membership Directory

Adopted 10/2/95

Anyone joining FFOLH on or after September 1^st of a current year shall be considered as fully paid for the following calendar year. Any financial problems with FFI because of this will be covered by FFOLH.

2009 BOARD MEMBERS

President……..Skip Walter

Vice Pres…..…Bobbie Jones

Secretary….....someone needs to volunteer!!!!!!

Treasurer….....Jerry Weber

Historian……...Marti Reckdenwald

Parliamentarian…Dave Pursell

Hospitality…... Judy Sanfilippo

Membership....Merilee & Richard Brister

Newsletter…...Mary Lou Leverette

Publicity………Jeanne Howe

Sunshine………Sandy Martin

Ways & Means………Susan Schafer

Web Coordinator….. Chuck Thorne

Exchange Directors

INCOMING

Sydney Australia

Incoming…Susan Schafer, ED

New Zealand

Incoming... Skip Walter, ED

OUTGOING

Montreal..........Susan Schafer assisting

the Australian ED