University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill's Dr. James Johnson, Kenan Distinguished Professor Entrepreneurship and Strategy, Kenan-Flagler Business School and Director, Urban Investment Strategies Center,  describes the demographic impact immigration is having on North Carolina. 40 members and guests of the Carolina Friends of the Foreign Service (CFFS) gather for lunch at the Prestonwood Country Club in Cary, NC, Friday, October 18, 2013, to listen to Dr. Johnson present data on the browning and graying of the population and the practical effects these changes will have on the economy and society.  Here's a website in which Dr. Johnson gives a 15-minute presentation similar to the one he gave to the luncheon group:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vNgKtCFUKk  

Summer Potluck - 2013

On a bright and warm day, our summer potluck was held on June 1st in the beautiful home of Ambassador Gwen Clare and her husband Dan.  This annual event, casual, without a guest speaker, focuses on socializing and delicious food.  Starting at 11:30 am, 44 members and their guests nearly flooded the amble kitchen area with FOOD.  Everything from sliced ham, authentic Carolina Barbecue, a fantastic shrimp dish, chicken legs, a ham and potato casserole, sweet and sour meatballs, meatloaf and an artichoke chicken casserole along with many, many salads were later topped by homemade desserts galore.  What a feast.  Thanks again to our gracious hosts, the day was a huge hit.  

May 13, 2013

Paula Jakub, the CEO of AFSPA presented a special meeting on Monday, May 13th for CFFS members at the Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at 4907 Garrett Road in Durham.  The meeting convened at 10 am with coffee and light refreshments.  Nearly thirty people came to hear her speak of medicare and the FEHB program, and how the Affordable Care Act will effect the FEHB premiums.  Paula used the more than one hour to enlighten everyone, taking numerous questions from the floor.  At the end, she spent a few minutes providing an update on the Senior Living Foundation of which she is also a part.  Paula suggested she could make this meeting in the Triangle an annual event if there was continuing interest.  Judging from the enthusiastic response,  It's likely she will return in 2014.

Carolina Friends of the Foreign Service member and author, Michael Sulick talks about his book Spying in America: Espionage From the Revolutionary War to the Dawn of the Cold War at the CFFS April Luncheon at the Governors Club in Chapel Hill.   Former director of the CIA's clandestine service, Michael wrote this book to introduce the early history of espionage in America.  Sixty-one members and guests attended the luncheon.  After the presentation, Michael signed copies at a table that McIntyre Books from Fearrington Village set up for selling the book.  His second volume, American Spies: Espionage Against the United States from the Cold War to the Present will be coming out in 2014.

Diplomat in Residence Julie Ruterbories speaks at the January CFFS Luncheon at North Carolina State University Faculty Club in Raleigh, NC.  She details her most recent tour in Amsterdam, specifically how the Dutch are taking the international lead in developing important and advanced techniques to address rising sea levels, a consequence of climate change.  Sixty four members and guests attend the luncheon.