2017 Club Activities
FFBR Celebrates Friendship Force International's 40th Anniversary
March 8, 2017, at EBRP Main Library
Members and guests of Friendship Force Baton Rouge gathered at the East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library on Goodwood Boulevard, March 8, 2017, to celebrate the founding of Friendship Force International. The Piano Man, Clay Boudreaux, entertained over 135 guests as they tasted wines and international cuisine provided by many local businesses and restaurants. A continuously-running slideshow displaying over 500 photos compiled by FFBR photographer, Thornton Cofield, showed members participating in domestic and international exchanges. Members and guests traded hats and costumes from different countries inside an automated photo booth, manned by FFBR Vice-President, Trudy Ivy. A table covered with historical travel memorabilia was organized by founding members, Darwin and Linda Knochenmus. Baton Rouge's award-winning volunteer, Frances Bennett, ensured that members and guests were properly introduced and photographed.
Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome was given a warm introduction and welcome by committee chairman, Mary Doerner. The Mayor-President presented the FFBR club with a certificate proclaiming March 8 as "Friendship Force International Day." In turn, FFBR President Karen Vingiello, greeted the Mayor-President, and gave her one of FFBR's pins in the shape of Louisiana. The Mayor commended Friendship Force of Baton Rouge members for their service as ambassadors within the United States and abroad. She asked members to assist her in building a bridge between people in our community and state.
FFI Board President, Bob Duncan, described the goals of the organization, showed a film entitled "Just A Week" depicting ambassadors on journeys around the world. Several current members were asked to tell personal stories of what Friendship Force has meant to them: founding member Linda Knochenmus, longtime member Vicki Vance, recent member LaDeta Crawley, and founding member Dotty Stubbs. Oksana and Serhiy Matviychuk, a husband and wife team from the Ukraine, entertained the group with their violins, while guests originally from India, the Middle East, and Croatia mingled in the crowd. The evening was brought to a close by the traditional formation in a circle to sing "Let There Be Peace on Earth," led by Past-President Sheila Melancon. Several Chinese lanterns were released outdoors, symbolizing wishes of peace to friends far and near.
Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome was given a warm introduction and welcome by committee chairman, Mary Doerner. The Mayor-President presented the FFBR club with a certificate proclaiming March 8 as "Friendship Force International Day." In turn, FFBR President Karen Vingiello, greeted the Mayor-President, and gave her one of FFBR's pins in the shape of Louisiana. The Mayor commended Friendship Force of Baton Rouge members for their service as ambassadors within the United States and abroad. She asked members to assist her in building a bridge between people in our community and state.
FFI Board President, Bob Duncan, described the goals of the organization, showed a film entitled "Just A Week" depicting ambassadors on journeys around the world. Several current members were asked to tell personal stories of what Friendship Force has meant to them: founding member Linda Knochenmus, longtime member Vicki Vance, recent member LaDeta Crawley, and founding member Dotty Stubbs. Oksana and Serhiy Matviychuk, a husband and wife team from the Ukraine, entertained the group with their violins, while guests originally from India, the Middle East, and Croatia mingled in the crowd. The evening was brought to a close by the traditional formation in a circle to sing "Let There Be Peace on Earth," led by Past-President Sheila Melancon. Several Chinese lanterns were released outdoors, symbolizing wishes of peace to friends far and near.
Mason's Grill, February 2017
Mason's Grill was the site of February's Meet N Greet when 27 both new and seasoned members enjoyed lunch.
Londoner, January 2017
Each month -- on the third Thursday of the month -- we meet for a Dutch treat lunch.
Anyone is welcome to come and learn more about Friendship Force Baton Rouge.
In January we met at The Londoner on South Sherwood Forest Blvd.
There were 23 members of FFBR and 3 future members (grandchildren).
Anyone is welcome to come and learn more about Friendship Force Baton Rouge.
In January we met at The Londoner on South Sherwood Forest Blvd.
There were 23 members of FFBR and 3 future members (grandchildren).
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