October 1, 2020 Newsletter
|
 |
| |
Jane Lee
|
Dear Friends,
Thank you to those who have sent in their dues already. This is the second year in a row that we have begun to collect it a month early, and it helps our treasurer and the directory and membership team leaders, all whom are responsible for our membership drive. Now they don't have to deal with dues during the December holidays. I hope that you liked our ZOOM meeting with Ruth Whitney and the information that she gave us on Women's Suffrage. I sincerely apologize that the meeting was on a special holiday for our Jewish friends. As a club, we will need to be more sensitive for meetings on holidays in the future.
You are in for a treat for another talk by one of our members on October 17 at 2:30 pm. Sharon Swallwood did a presentation on photography for FFI in August. Few of our members were able to join in, so Sharon will give a different talk on how to take photos when traveling. One trick that I learned from Sharon was to use sunglasses to cover your lens if the sun is too bright. If you are not able to use ZOOM, see if you can join another member who does have it. As many as three people have been in one home, taking part in the meeting. For those of you who don't like ZOOM, Betty Oldanie and I have put together a meeting on November 21 at the Botanical Gardens in Largo. Yes, you can socially distance, and, of course, you will wear a mask and your FF name tag. This will be a scavenger hunt for those who like to walk a lot, and for those who would rather sit on a bench and watch others. You will need your phone or camera, and besides finding certain items on a list, you will also take pictures of the members you meet along the way. Snacks will be provided at a given spot, and you will meet our new VP/Membership, Betty Oldanie. Look in the November newsletter for more information.
If you have any suggestions or ideas or ways that you would like to help our club stay active, please contact me. I would love to talk to you over a cup of coffee or lunch.
Jane Lee, President
|
 |
|
|
You might have noticed that we have recruited some of our members to write articles and columns for our newsletter. We are grateful for their contributions and their willingness to take the time to educate and entertain us. We welcome any news or articles that would interest our club members. We need to work together to keep everything up to date and timely.
|
|
|
Although we have not been having face-to-face meetings, your club officers and committee chairs have been working together to conduct business as usual with our club.
- Gena Cameron is our President-Elect, and she has been helping Jane Lee, the current President.
- Teresa Farr-Klinger took over the Treasurer position from Petra Gonzalez. Teresa is collecting dues and keeping track of membership renewals.
- Betty Oldanie is the new Membership Chair. She is busy collecting dues and helping to recruit new members. Talk to Betty if you know someone interested in our club.
- Sue Olnick is the new Directory Chair, and she is in the process of updating information for the 2021 directory.
- There is a small committee of members updating our club bylaws.
Planning meetings has been particularly challenging currently. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Let us know if you would put some activity or program together. Some of you might like to work on this together. If so, contact Jane Lee at [email protected]. |
|
|
Next Meeting - Sat., October 17 at 2:30 pm
|
|
Join Us on ZOOM
Club Updates * Announcements * Program
Join ZOOM Meeting Invitation (hosted by Bill Lee)
Meeting ID: 997 835 4337 Passcode: FFFS One
Composition 'Rules' and Other Ideas to Improve Your Travel Photography
|
| |
Sharon Swallwood
|
You don't need a high-priced cell phone, tablet, or camera with a lot of lenses and accessories to take great pictures. What you do need is a basic understanding of composition. Join us as Sharon reviews some of the more common 'rules' and teaches some lesser known, but equally effective techniques, to take beautiful pictures. Some tips about gear and some DIY ideas will also be presented. Q&A after the presentation. No knowledge of aperture, shutter speed, or ISO needed!
|
|
Virtual Experiences From FFI
by Sue Olnick
|
Every month, FFI sends an email entitled Journey Catalog, and members have the opportunity to learn about upcoming Journeys and register for a selection of virtual experiences, hosted by a variety of club members, at no cost. Kathy Hart from the Sacramento Club hosted a "Let's Paint Party!" as part of the Virtual Experiences program on Saturday, September 12. It was so much fun, and she has promised to host another paint party in the near future. Kathy will also be hosting a Soups and Stews experience in October, and she will talk about and share recipes for two of her favorites. Kathy is neither an artist nor a chef, but has volunteered to host theses ZOOM events to help keep us all active and interested in the organization. Twenty women from all over the country and one from BC painted together and chatted before and after the meeting. Go to
https://youtu.be/DKnGLo0ZAUo or click the video below to see the Let's Paint Party and learn how to make your own water color greeting cards.
|
|
|
Become a Pen Pal to Meet a New Friend
by Jane Lee
|
|
When I was in high school, my English teacher suggested that each of us communicate with another high school student in another state. A few of us took up her suggestion, and she matched us up with a pen pal. It was a good way to learn about others and to make friendships. Friendship Force International has set up a program for us to get to know others through this method since our traveling has been halted so much. I just filled out a form, and I am anxiously waiting to meet my new friend. If you are interested you may go to the FFI site and check out pen-pals.
|
|
|
Dues and Membership Directory
Dues:
Your annual dues are $35. They must be paid by November 30th for you to be included in our Directory. Mail your check (payable to Friendship Force Florida Suncoast) to:
Teresa Farr-Klinger
8318 78th Avenue N
Seminole FL 33777
|
|
|
Answer Your Phone ...
It Might Be Me!
Hi,
|
| |
Helen Retter
|
I am Helen Retter, one of the many callers in our club who have the opportunity to talk and write to you every month to remind you to read our great newsletter which always contains wonderful information about our future activities, members' adventures, etc. My telephone conversations with you all are so interesting. They give us the chance to get to know each other on a more personal level as there are times we cannot be with each other at our monthly meetings or get-togethers. Unfortunately, at this time ZOOM is our only contact for many of us. By the way, there is a fantastic ZOOM teaching video in the box below.
As I have said previously, being a caller gives me the chance to stay in contact with you all. We can always use the services of callers. Why not consider being one? Simply email Jane Lee for more info. Stay well and KEEP SAFE. ����
|
or play this YouTube video.
|
|
|
|
The Friendship Force Connection
|
|
Missing The Performing Arts?
by Jean Pellegrini
The Tampa Bay performing arts theatres and local community theatres have been hit hard by the pandemic, but the show will go on eventually! Some local theatres have started opening with limited audiences, and others have announced their plans.
Click here for an update I've written about what and when the theatre groups in our community will be offering performances.
|
|
Do You Know Our
Mystery Member?
 I was born and raised in Texas but have moved a lot in and around the West and Southwest, mainly California, Oklahoma and Colorado, before moving to Tampa Bay. In Oklahoma I worked for Chevron Oil Company as a geological technician helping to prepare maps, charts and gathering data from and for the geologists and geophysicists. I was transferred to Denver, Colorado to do the same. I loved taking some field trips to different parts of Colorado, hiking, skiing, and just exploring because there is such a diversity there, such as The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. I didn't know there would be sand in Colorado. And, of course White water rafting in the mountains was one of my favorite pastimes. My love for adventure started when I was young, and water skiing, boating, skiing, camping were what I loved to do. After my move to Clearwater, I became a title researcher/examiner for different title companies back when records weren't computerized, but on microfilm/microfiche. So, I traveled around Florida researching real estate records for deeds, mortgages and liens in different county courthouses. I became a licensed title insurance agent in Clearwater, and conducted closings for several years, before retiring. Travel was beckoning me, and I found Friendship Force, fortunately. Since then, I have traveled to several different countries and look forward to doing it again soon. I also became an avid sailor and was part of the Clearwater Coast Guard Auxiliary.
|
Meet Catherine Conover
A Member Profile by Sue Olnick
|
| |
Catherine Conover
|
Catherine believes there are two things in life where the ends justify the means: one is pregnancy/labor and the other is traveling to Australia. And traveling to Australia is exactly where she would like to be right now - visiting family and spending the Australian money she has and is not willing to exchange at the current rate! However, like most of us, she is currently stuck in Florida. Catherine is spending her days writing a memoire that she plans to share with her family and ZOOMing with her play reading group where they assign parts and read modern and old plays. Catherine loves the theatre, and this is a way to keep involved. She also writes for her community newsletter and enjoys interviewing and writing about the people who live there.
Other than her husband, John, her son and three grandchildren, Catherine's closest family and friends are in her homeland, Scotland. Being from the UK, she has traveled all around there and much of Europe.Catherine has also been to New Zealand, China, and Japan, and while on a trip to Southern Africa, Catherine had the unusual experience of being sprayed by a lion as he circled the Land Rover where she was observing the pride. Catherine has been a member of FFI for about 15 years, and she traveled to Turkey and Peru with the club. Catherine is ready to get traveling again and dreams of cruising the Norwegian Coast and crossing the Arctic Circle on the old mail boat route. Catherine is swimming every day and exercising, so she will be physically fit for her next adventure wherever that might be.
|
|
|
Recipe of the Month
by Bob Lehner
|
My Favorite Restaurant
by Linda Mills
|
|
|
| |
Bob Lehner
|
This is a recipe for kale, which is very nutritious but can have a strong unpleasant taste. This recipe makes kale look more appealing, and gives it a neutral, palatable taste.Sauteed Kale
Use a large bunch of kale (bagged up to 16 oz., pre-washed and pre-shredded is best). Remove heavy stem pieces. Chop up a bell pepper (any color except green is okay). Finely dice 3 to 4 cloves of garlic. First, put 1.5T olive oil in large skillet. Add the garlic. Saute over medium heat for about 1 minute. Add the kale to the skillet little by little and stir. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add 1/2 cup of white wine or vegetable broth. Add the chopped bell pepper. Cover and saute for at least 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, uncover, mix in 1 to 2 tsp. lemon juice to personal taste (be cautious), and serve. Leftovers store in refrigerator for several days and can be reheated in microwave.
|
|
| |
Linda Mills
|
First Watch
Multiple locations in Pinellas
First Watch is my favorite place for breakfast. It is not a greasy spoon. If you like something other than the traditional breakfast, then this is the place for you, although First Watch does serve a traditional breakfast. Menus are on the healthy side. Healthy does not mean bland here at First Watch, quite the opposite.....tasty and delicious. Some of my favorite items for breakfast are Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, The Elevated Egg Sandwich comes with sliced avocado - this sandwich is very filling. The "Power Wrap" and "The Healthy Turkey " are dishes that are low in calories, delicious and filling. Avocado Toast you must try if you like avocados. And do try the Million Dollar Bacon, not so healthy but delicious.
First Watch is open for breakfast and lunch only.
|
|
|
Self Care in 2020
by Rita Becchetti, BSN
|
|
|
|
| |
Rita Becchetti, BSN
|
2020 has been one challenging year. In many ways it has turned the world upside down -- no Friendship Force Journeys, limited travel everywhere, limited social activity, mask-wearing, social-distancing. No one likes these changes, but the world is pretty topsy-turvy right now because of the global pandemic around coronavirus (COVID-19). If you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed by it all, be reassured that this is a very normal response. You are NOT alone. However, it's important to go easy on yourself and to take time for self-care. Remember the basic:
* Fuel your body by eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water.
* Keep a regular schedule. Aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
* Exercise every day.
* Take deep breaths and stand, and stretch often.
* Remember to wear a mask when in public.
* Wash your hands often.
* Avoid large crowds and gatherings.
* During these times of social distancing and isolation especially for those at higher risk, it is important to check in on those friends and family members that may be isolated and living alone. Even just an occasional phone call may make a world of difference. So dial-up.
 And Don't Forget - Get a Flu Vaccine Now
* Since a Covid 19 vaccine probably won't be available for most of us until next Spring, it is important to protect yourself from the flu this fall and winter. Getting a flu vaccine is an essential part of protecting your health and your family's health this season. To protect your health when getting a flu vaccine, follow CDC's recommendations for running essential errands and doctor visits. Continue to take everyday preventive actions.
* The CDC recommends: It's likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both spread this fall and winter. Healthcare systems could be overwhelmed treating both patients with flu and patients with COVID-19. This means getting a flu vaccine during 2020-2021 is more important than ever.
* While getting a flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19 there are many important benefits, such as:- Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and deaths.
- Getting a flu vaccine can also save healthcare resources for the care of patients with COVID-19.
- Most insurance covers your flu vaccine for $0 Copays. Publix even offers an additional $10 Publix gift card.
- Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health department if they are following CDC's vaccination pandemic guidance. Any vaccination location following CDC's guidance should be a safe place for you to get a flu vaccine.
- Don't wait, get one in October. If you still aren't sure if you should get a flu shot, check with your doctor's office.
|
Club Leadership & Click On Links
|
|
President
Marilyn Whelan
VP/Programs
Betty Oldanie
VP/Membership
Teresa Farr Klinger
Treasurer
Connie Dubois
Secretary
|
Gena Cameron
Board Members
Geri Espy
Chris Michalek
(Past President)
Betty Oldanie
Sue Olnick
Art Worth
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
