Time to get out your calendar and that big ol’ red marker – you have something big to note. Turn to the golden month of October and circle Saturday, October 20 with a heavy hand. You sure don’t want to miss an afternoon delight, coming in the shape of an international wine tasting and auction sponsored by Big Canoe/North Georgia Friendship Force International (FFI). 

For those of you not yet introduced to this worldwide organization, FFI members have a strong vision, which simply put proclaims, “A world of friends is a world of peace.” Their mission is to create global goodwill through friendship. 

Friendship Force International was established in 1977 with the support and endorsement of President Jimmy Carter. Now more than 60 countries have FFI clubs (members are called “ambassadors”) seeking to foster positive relations between diverse peoples and cultures. The way it works, when you home-host FFI visitors from other countries, you can then travel as an ambassador to foreign countries as part of the FFI network.  Ambassadors pay their own travel expenses, but stay without charge in homes, enjoying local culture and experiences. 

The Big Canoe/North Georgia branch of FFI is going strong and has regular meetings where members learn about other lands and travel opportunities. They also support charitable projects around the world. 

To raise funds for their programs, Big Canoe/North Georgia FFI will host Travel Treasures, an afternoon wine sampling and auction from 2:30 – 6:00 p.m, Saturday, October 20, 2007 at the Georgia Mountain Hospice, 70 Caring Way, Jasper, Georgia 30143. Tickets are just $5, payable at the door. 

Advance tickets are available at Jasper Drugs and Gifts, 1 North Main Street, Jasper and Starlight Video, 110 Foothills Parkway, Marble Hill. For additional ticket information or to donate an auction item, contact Margie Bowyer (706) 268-3913 or Sue Hauseman (706) 268-1191. 

 For additional information about Friendship Force International, check out www.thefriendshipforce.org.