Friendship Force New Mexico

Virtual July luncheon

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June 29, 2020

Friends!
How is everyone?! We are practically strangers; haven’t seen any of you since March!!! That’s 4 months!!!
Most recently I and several of our members who home hosted the Australians from the Sunshine Coast met virtually!!! It was incredible! We spent an hour “zooming.” Much information was exchanged and I was so disappointed I couldn’t come close to all of the gatherings their Club has had!
They have had virtual happy hours, teas, and most recently they were working on how they could actually get together for a picnic!! My apologies to you for not having encouraged meeting virtually any sooner!! Y’all surprised me when only 1 asked for assistance in preparing for the Zoom meeting!
I need your support, your enthusiasm, your determination to make our first virtual gathering a success. A few weeks ago, I asked who had an interest and about 15 replied. Friends, there are over 70 members! I thought we had a “captured audience” for Zoom events!
We have Joseph Badal, an author of 16 award-winning suspense novels, including Payback, which was released May 12 as our guest speaker!! He is an Amazon and Barnes & Noble Best-Selling Author, a two-time winner of the Tony Hillerman Prize, a three-time Military Writers Society of America Gold Medal Winner, an Eric Hoffer Prize Winner, and a two-time “Finalist” in the International Book Awards competition.
He must be good!!!
Mr. Badal will be talking about his most recent book, Payback, and how his characters evolve in his award-winning suspense novels!! Join us for a Virtual Luncheon!!!

Please make your reservations no later than Tuesday, July 7, 2020, by calling or texting Berta Wagstaff at 505-710-4448 or emailing her at vets4vets@aol.com.

PLACE: In the comfort of your home!

DATE: Saturday, July 11, 2020

TIME: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

COST: FREE!!!

LUNCH: Whatever you have been craving for!

Notification of the Zoom link will be sent out to all who have RSVP’d.

I look forward to virtually seeing you! Let’s make our first virtual gathering a success!

Berta

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July and August events

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June 8, 2020
Friends!
It seems like a loooooong time since we have made contact!
No doubt there have been changes in all of our lives. I’m known to have a black thumb; however, I have a beautiful blooming garden and green grass! No doubt you have an idea of where I have been spending some of my down time!!!
We have 2 events scheduled for the months of July and August. The success of these events are dependent on the participation of our members. We would appreciate knowing whether you would support the events. Your feedback is needed!!!
The Board would like to offer a Zoom Luncheon Meeting:
Date: Saturday, July 11, 2020
Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Guest Speaker:
Our anticipated guest speaker is Joseph Badal, a published author who recently had his 16th novel released, Payback, a suspense novel. He is a two-time winner of the Tony Hillerman Prize.
1. How many think they would be available for the July Zoom Luncheon?
2. How many need instruction in setting up the computer for the Zoom meeting?
PLEASE reply to Berta Wagstaff, by Saturday, June 13.
August is our social event and a progressive brunch.
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2020
Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Place: Appetizers & Main Entree’ at Ginger Grossetete’s home
Dessert at Judith Mead’s home
A limit of 24 members would be necessary and preventive measures would be applied regarding Covid-19. RSVP will be on a first come basis.
PLEASE let Berta Wagstaff know whether you would have an interest in participating by June 13.
Currently we need a TENTATIVE headcount. Your replies will determine whether the July and August events will occur.
Any questions, please contact Berta Wagstaff by text/phone – 505-710-4448 or reply to the email.
Friendship Knows No Distance! Remain healthy & safe!
Berta Wagstaff

FFNM members — Help

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Friendship Force International is asking all members of all clubs to help at this time. Because of the COVID-19 almost all activities have been cancelled or put on hold. Please take the time to read the following letter.

Friends, 5/7/2020

Each of you have received several e-mails from Friendship Force International (FFI) stating that FFI has been significantly impacted financially by the global pandemic. Its life support is dependent upon Membership dues and journey fees. With cancellation of the majority journeys this year, FFI is striving for sustainability and is hoping the Fundraising Campaign will help. Their goal is $340,00.00 and thus far they have collected $184,456.00 as of 5/2/20.

All clubs affiliated with Friendship Force International are encouraged to make a donation to help FFI continue to operate and function as the point of contact in coordinating and assisting in all upcoming and future journeys.

The Board is asking all members to participate in this campaign. Please donate (any amount is appreciated), recognizing how important FFI is and has been to you as a member. Several members have already sent their contribution directly to FFI (thank you) and these will be individually acknowledged by FFI.

For those of you who wish to donate and have not yet done so, Berta Wagstaff has offered to collect your donations, consolidate them and mail one check to FFI indicating that this a gift from FFNM members towards your fund-raising campaign. Please be advised that a check written to FFNM is not tax deductible but one sent directly to FFI is. I am requesting that any donation be made on or before May 25, 2020

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

In Friendship

Bill Bertenshaw, President