GFLSCI NEWS

Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International Monthly Newsletter

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January 2009 Edition

Mingle, Network and Meet our New Board Members at 
THE MEET BOARD EVENT-FEBRUARY 9th 

For more information, click here 

Top Stories

GFLSCI Celebrated the Beginning of Another Great Year at the 2009 Annual Meeting

It was that time of the year again as Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International hosted their Annual Meeting on January 12th at Cinema Paradiso in Fort Lauderdale. This year, GFLSCI celebrates 23 years of dedication to creating and strengthening partnerships between Fort Lauderdale and cities around the world in an effort to increase global cooperation on many levels and promote cultural understanding, humanitarian programs and stimulate economic development.

The evening started with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres served in the lovely courtyard of Cinema Paradiso and was followed by a presentation underlining Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities' accomplishments for the year 2008 and previewing the activities and events to come for the year 2009. The evening ended with a complimentary screening of an award-winning Italian movie. The evening was highlighted by several dignitaries including our Mayor, Jim Naugle.

Annual Meeting Reception at Cinema Paradiso

The Annual Meeting is very important for our organization, as it is the time for our members to voice their decision as they participate in the annual elections to decide on next year's leadership.  This year, we congratulate Marianne L. Winfield, as the new President of Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International. Many Board Members were re-elected. While some kept their roles, others assumed new positions. We also welcomed many newcomers to our team. Here is a current list of board members for 2009:

GFLSCI 2009 Board of Directors 

GFLSCI is currently seeking to fill some vacant positions on their board. Interested candidates should email their bio to Marianne Winfield, President and Chair of the Nominating Committee at mariannewinfield@aol.com.

We would like to thank Cinema Paradiso for the wonderful venue and Tedesco's Restaurant for the tasty catering.

Looking back at the GFLSCI 2008 Highlights 

What another great year we had filled with constructive and rewarding activities, great events and cultural, humanitarian and educational programs that made a difference for our local community and for our sister cities' communities throughout the world. Here are some of the GFLSCI 2008 Achievements:

Humanitarian & Environment

• Combating Deforestation in Haiti and Ghana with tree nurseries
  and biofuel solutions
• Fish farm and water management in Ghana
• IT Center in Ghana
• Haiti School Furniture Project
• Promoting Peace with the
  September Concert
• Hurricane Relief Fund in Haiti
• Fundraiser and Tool Donations for Haiti and Costa Rica
• Funds delivered to Hospital de Ninos, Argentina

Combating Deforestation in Ghana

Solutions to Deforestation from India

Economic Development

• Sustainable Agro-Forestry, Ghana
• Doing Business in Ghana Event

Education and Culture

• Principal Exchange Program in Gold Coast, Australia
• Youth Ambassadors Program with Rimini, Italy
• Events to Promote Turkish Culture
• Haitian Opera
• Funds for After School Educational Programs for children in poor neighborhoods in Argentina
• Promoting Science & Mathematics in Haitian Schools

New Affiliations

• Kaohsiung County, Taiwan

Special Events:

• Dinner on the River
• Annual Boat Parade Celebration
• Italian Evening at Cinema Paradiso
• Costa Rica Fundraising Event
• Doing Business in Ghana Event
• September Concert
• Sponsor Appreciation Party
• Olympic Opening Ceremonies Event
• Meet the Board Events

 A Preview of GFLCSI 2009 Calendar of Events

Here is a preview of some of the events that we have in store for you in 2009:

• Annual Meeting
• Meet the Board Events
• Membership Networking Events
• Brazilian Event at the Broward Center for Performing Arts
• Lectures Series for Kaohsiung County
• Venetian Event
• SCI Conference in Ireland
• Exchange Student Event
• International Boat Show Event
• Annual Boat Parade Event

 Upcoming Events

MEET THE BOARD - Mingle, Network, Meet the 2009 Board Members!

When :     February 9^th, 2009, 6pm-8pm (Registration at 5:30pm)

Where :   Mai Kai Restaurant, 3599 North Federal Highway,
                 Fort Lauderdale, 33308

Cost :       Members: $10
                  Non-Members: $15 
                

Note :       Light hors-d'oeuvres and 2 for 1 special on drinks

This reception is a great opportunity to meet the GFLSCI's Board of Directors, network with other members and learn more about our upcoming activities and programs. The Haiti Committee will also talk about their latest campaign to conquer deforestation in Haiti and how you can participate in helping save the trees. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT

Heritage Fort Lauderdale presents "Wheels" - A party among the cars of the 50s and 60s

When:    Friday, February 6, 2009, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Where:  The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.

Cost :     Individual Weekend Ticket - $150

The event will kick off the opening of RM Auctions' weekend, Collector Cars of Ft. Lauderdale. Heritage Fort Lauderdale includes four museums: The Fort Lauderdale History Center/Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, Inc., the Historic Stranahan House Museum, the International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum and the Seminole Ah-Tha-Thi-Ki Museum. Its shared vision and mission aim to bring the history of Fort Lauderdale/Broward County to life and preserve it for the enrichment of present and future generations. For more information and RSVP, please contact The Stranahan House at 954-524-4736