Friends of Fiji Celebrates and Elects Board of Directors January 12, 2008
The evening concluded in a wonderfully familiar way – around a tanoa filled with yaqona (and emptied several times), with children running around and with laughter and song – at the Friends of Fiji Annual General Meeting and Potluck Dinner on Saturday evening, January 12, 2008. Hosted by Fiji I RPCVs David and Willa Downes at their home in Fairfax, VA, the evening once again brought together many generations of Fiji RPCVs, with members of the Fiji community in the Washington, DC area, others with a Fiji connection and their families. Although no awards were given, if there had been, RPCVs Alyson Venti from Narragansett, RI, and Lew Jones (and his granddaughter Heather) from Surray, VA, would have won 1st and 2nd places for traveling the farthest.
While most of the evening focused on eating, socializing, talanoa and grog, during the brief general meeting, outgoing interim President and Treasurer David Downes welcomed everyone, especially Penijamini Ravulolo Tuikubulau Lomaloma, Charge d’affaires of the Embassy of Fiji, members of his staff and their families. Mr. Lomaloma was invited to say a few words and spoke briefly and warmly about the strong ties and mutually supportive relationship between the Embassy staff and the Friends of Fiji, and his hopes and confidence that this would continue.
During his brief report, Downes thanked other members of the past year’s Board of Directors for their service: Jim Reierson (Webmaster, and President until his resignation due to family health issues), Robert Reid (Vice-President), Beth Shearer (Secretary, who also hosted Board meetings throughout the year), Cynthia Grant (Membership & Newsletter Managing Editor), Anne Baker (NPCA Liaison), Linda Ayres, Ben Bryan, Carol Reeder, Daniel Schmidt and most recently, Jim Reynolds.
He also expressed FoF’s appreciation to Fred Mosher (FoF co-founder, long-time Treasurer and Board member who stepped down this year, but who attended the meeting with his wife Alice Alexander, the first President of FoF and their children), John Smallwood (former Board member who has agreed to help with incorporation and with leadership for the Fall 2008 Fundraiser), Willa Downes (newsletter layout and publishing), Dana and Becky Trytten (FRE in-country PCV Liaisons), friends at the Fiji Embassy (especially former Amb. Jesoni (Vitu) Vitusagavulu, Peni Lomaloma, Sala Sucu and Cheryl & Larry Irava) and friends in Viti DC.
In reviewing highlights of FoF’s past year, Downes noted that the group had updated its by-laws, started the process of incorporation, funded two PC Partnership projects in Fiji, published two editions of the Friends of Fiji newsletter, participated in several Fiji Embassy events, moved its cash surplus to a high yield money market account, wrapped up the finances of the Fall 2006 Fundraiser, and began planning for the Fall 2008 Fundraiser.
The group also planned and conducted a successful Annual General Meeting & Potluck Dinner, reaffirmed its 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status with the IRS, bid a fond farewell to Ambassador Vitusagavulu upon his recall, developed new mechanisms for reconnecting with current Fiji PCVs, and began consideration of future uses for the Wainiu Fund which is no longer needed for nursing scholarships (its original purpose) now that tuition for nursing education in Fiji is free. Putting on his Treasurer’s hat momentarily, Downes also noted that the financial position of the group remains strong and that funds continue to be available for development projects involving current Fiji PCVs through the Peace Corps Partnership Program.
The brief meeting concluded with the re-election of all current Board members (named above) and the election of two new members – Fiji RPCV Rob Bartel and Former U.S. Ambassador to Fiji, Edward Dillery. That’s when the tanoa came out and the fun really began…
Friends of Fiji Pot Luck Dinner and Annual General Meeting
Saturday, Jan 12, 2008 at 5:00 PM
at David & Willa Downes’s
3327 Mantua Dr. Fairfax, VA 22031
Please bring food and drink to share.
Program: Having fun, with a short break to elect next year’s Board.
Directions can be found here. Any late-breaking news can be found on this website.
or email downesdd@aol.com or call 703-641-0517
Nominations/suggestions/questions? Contact David Downes at email/ phone above.