Dear Friends of International House,

Greetings! I am pleased to unveil the 2007 International House Gala "Autumn Splendour: The Colours and Flavours of Canada."

Since 1989, the Benefit Gala has celebrated the culture, arts and cuisine of different countries, raising over $375,000 to fund the programs and services of International House.

This year's 19th annual Benefit Gala will showcase Canada, the vast and diverse "True North." The black- tie event will be held on September 29 at the Westin Charlotte Hotel. With the support of the Canadian Consulate, the 2007 Gala will feature an authentic Canadian dinner, live auction and entertainment and dancing until midnight.

As a fellow Canadian, I would like to invite you to join this unique experience celebrating the culture and beauty of Canada.

Sincerely,
David Stewart
Executive Director

On April 16 the International Book Club will discuss "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri (India). From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "Interpreter of Mala Dies", Jhumpa Lahiri's critically acclaimed first novel is a finely wrought, deeply moving family drama that illuminates her signature themes: the immigrant experience, the clash of cultures, and the tangled ties between generations.

*** International Book Club is an open invitation for anyone who is interested in dialogue on good books by international authors and themes. The club meets the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 PM at International House.***

The Citizen Diplomacy Programs of International House design and implement international exchange programs in collaboration with the U.S. State Department and the National Council for International Visitors; the United States Agency for International Development and World Learning as well as other National Programming Agencies.

Community Connections Program

This program offers home-stay based practical training opportunities in the U.S. for entrepreneurs, local government officials, legal professionals, non-governmental organization leaders and other professionals from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Ukraine and Russia. The 3-5 week program includes professional meetings and business internships for participants based on their career interests and experience.

The goals of the Community Connections Program are:

• to provide participants with professional training and exposure to day-to-day functioning of a free market system;
• to encourage public-private partnerships in Europe/Eurasia by including private sector and government participants on U.S. visits;
• to create links between U.S. and Europe/Eurasia regions and communities.

International House is looking for a:

The volunteer Gala Committee has been working hard since January on planning the 2007 Canadian Gala. Under the leadership of Mrs. Jennifer LeBlanc, Gala Chair and a native of Ontario, and in close collaboration with the Canadian Consulate, the committee has already identified several subcommittees in charge of organizing the event:
 

Interested in becoming a supporter of International House?

All persons are required to present a valid passport for international travel. A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer.

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports.

As of January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, travelling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-55, if applicable.

For travel by land or sea, as early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.

Travel Tip: The U.S. Department of State has indicated that it would give ample advance notice to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.

If you are applying for the first time, you will need to apply in person. There are over 8000 passport acceptance facilities and 13 regional passport agencies located throughout the U.S.

Apply early if you do not have an U.S. passport. The processing times have increased due to the high volume of Americans planning for overseas spring break and summer trips.

Information retrieved from public sources

International House appreciates ALL contributions to our organization. Your in-kind donations to International House are tax-deductible.

We are currently looking for:

• Projector and retractable screen
• Upholstery for the parlor sofa and armchairs