December 2011 Newsletter

rotocall

Washington DC at this time of year is full of wonderful events and sights to see. I hope you all have the opportunity to experience some of these fantastic events. We are keeping our fingers crossed that our White House Tours will take place. It is beautifully decorated for the holidays and a must see on the list.

If you missed our New England Tag Sale/Purse Auction, you missed a GREAT time! Many of you left with some new treasures and 10 lucky ladies went home with a new handbag filled with surprises! We were able to raise $1800 from this terrific event. Our membership continues to grow as we welcomed more new members looking to connect with AFOWC. Our Zip Code Groups and Special Activities offer many ways to be active in the DC area. A special thanks to our Programs gals and the rest of the board and volunteers who made this a very FUN day!

As the year comes to an end, it’s time to reflect on the past year’s events. AFOWC has gone through many changes in the past year…..all have proven to be beneficial and have helped us to grow in many ways. Thanks to Deb Arquiette for her energy and drive in implementing lots of new ideas into AFOWC. Many ladies have come and gone, which is always the norm for AF life. Some friends we will have for life, others for a season, but always a reason why we had the friendship.

I wish every one of you a very blessed time with your family, friends, and loved ones over the holidays.

Happy to Serve,

Linda Nicolas

From the President

May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!

- Author Unknown

Issue 4December 2011

A publication of the Air Force Officers’ Wives’ Club of Washington DC Since 1923P

2 PROTOCALL December 2011 www.afowc.com

2011-2012 BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Advisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cindy Breedlove . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda Nicolas . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Vice President . . . . . . . Annisa Chesnut . . . . . . . [email protected] Vice President . . . . . . Elizabeth Devereaux . [email protected]

Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cynthia Lord . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Treasurer . . . . . . . . Mary Ann Cotton . . [email protected] Treasurer . . . . . . . Megan Bird . . . . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . Holly Jones . . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katie Pritz . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] co-chair . . . . . . . Marci Angelella . . . . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . Joni Kwast . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] co-chair . . . . Marianne Williams . . . [email protected] (Newsletter) . . . . Kara Humphreys . . . . . . . . [email protected]/Facebook . . . . . . Katarina Zuber . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katarina Zuber . . . . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sally Gummel . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . Shelley Loving . . . . . . . . [email protected] co-chair . . . . Donna Sylvester . . . . . . [email protected] Activities . . . . . . . . Bev Pitts . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Activities co-chair . Sherry Cornelisse . . . [email protected] Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tina Flack . . . . . . . . . [email protected] & Means . . . . . . . . . Gloria Robb . . . . . . [email protected] & Means co-chair . . Mary Heathman . . . [email protected] Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelly Sheehan . . . . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . Sue Brown . . . [email protected] co-chair . . . . Selena Gillian . [email protected] (publicity) . . . . . . Sue Hoppin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Liaison . . . . . . . . . Jeanne Goldfein . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Ladies . . . . . . . . Jean Anderegg . . . . . . [email protected] Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl Roberson . . . . . . . [email protected] Scholarships . . . . . . . . . . . Wendy Linehan . . . . . . . [email protected] co-chairs . . . . Gretchen Elameto & Ann WeissHospitality . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl Mahoney . . . . . . . [email protected] co-chair . . . . . . Tiffany Kalin . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Suzie Schwartz Cindy Breedlove Honorary President Honorary Vice President

From the EditorThe Protocall deadline is the 15th of every month.

Articles and information may be submitted on or

before the deadline date by an e-mail to protocall@

afowc.com. The Protocall is published by and for

the members of the Air Force Officers’ Wife’s Club

(AFOWC). The opinions expressed herein are

those of the writers, and are not to be considered

an official expression of the AFOWC nor the

Department of the Air Force, and neither parties

are responsible for any misrepresentation which

may be made by advertisers. The information

contained in the newsletter is intended for the use

of the AFOWC members only, and is not to be used

or distributed for mailing lists or other commercial

purposes. Reprints by written permission only.

Kara HumphreysPROTOCALL

PO Box 8490

Washington, DC 20032

AdvertisingWould you like to give your business a higher

visibility in the D.C. community? Maybe you should

consider advertising in the PROTOCALL. It is a great

way to give discounts to new customers and let

others know about upcoming items and open house

events. Please contact Katarina Zuber for further

information at [email protected].

AFOWC Scrapbook http://afowcofdc.shutterfly.com

PUBLICATION OF THE AIR

FORCE OFFICERS’ WIVES’

CLUB OF WASHINGTON,

D.C. THIS IS A PRIVATE

ORGANIZATION.

IT IS NOT PART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

OR ANY OF ITS COMPONENTS AND IT HAS NO

GOVERNMENTAL STATUS.

See pictures from the New England Tag Sale and other events!

Come back each month as we upload new pictures!

http://afowcofdc.shutterfly.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Air-Force-Officers-Wives-Club-Of-Washington-DC/159780757367671


MOUNT VERNON INN

Thursday, December 15th

10:30 am Check In

11:30 am Martha Washington

12:00 pm Lunch

MENU SELECTIONS1. CHICKEN VIRGINIAN

2. BROCCOLI & CHEDDAR QUICHE

3. COLONIAL BEEF PYE

Photo courtesy of Visit Fairfax

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22309 | www.mountvernon.org

$27 per person - AFOWC Members only RSVP and prepay by December 1st.Seating is limited. Contact Shelley at [email protected] or 703-690-4860.

Martha WashingtonAFOWC Members are cordially invited to lunch with

WE WILL BE HONORING OUR HONORARY PRESIDENT, MRS. SUZIE SCHWARTZ, WIFE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE AIR FORCE

find us on facebook! December 2011 PROTOCALL 5

Afternoon TeaDec 12th at 10:30AM

Department of State Diplomatic Reception Rooms Tours & Tea Nearby2201 C St, NW, Washington, DCwww.state.gov/m/drr/

For more info contact Tracey at [email protected].

Antiques Group“Dreaming of a White Christmas” Christmas Exchange LuncheonLinda Eggars’ Home

For more info contact Linda at 703-323-0214 or Beverly Rouge at 703-913-6128 or [email protected].

Book ClubDec 2nd at 7PMWe will discuss Still Alice by Lisa Genova at Suzette’s house. RSVP by Nov. 26th or for more info contact Suzzette MacKenzie at [email protected].

Bowling GroupWednesdays at 10AM

Bolling AFB Bowling Alley 3 games and shoes only $7.50! Beginners welcome, we play for fun! For more info contact Cindy Breedlove at 703-789-1810.

Deployed SpousesDec 6th at 11AM

Card Making for the TroopsLunch will be provided. Just bring a side dish or dessert to share. RSVP by Dec 1st or for more info contact Lorna at [email protected].

Hometown Tourists awaiting confirmation & schedules

White House Tours1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC

If you were unable to sign up with us in Sept., it’s easy to request a tour on your own. The Christmas decorations are spectacular! For more info contact Bev at [email protected].

Mah JonggThursdays at 9:30AM - 2PM The Mah Jongg group plays by Wright Patterson rules. New players are always welcome. For more info contact Theresa Fraser at 703-347-7914 or [email protected].

Mom’s Playgroup - JBAB TBD

Clemy jontri Park6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VAPack a picnic lunch too!

For more info contact Alison White at [email protected].

Mom’s Playgroup - JBAB & VAJoint Events (RSVP ASAP!)

Dec 4th at 2PM

Mom’s Holiday Tea The Pink Bicycle Tea Room303 Commerce St, Occoquan, VA

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

Bev PittsSpecial Activities

[email protected]

Dec 14th at 10AM

Tiny Tots Nutcracker Fantasy The Puppet Co at Glen Echo Park7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD

Quilt Club All sewers are welcome – finished quilts are donated to Quilts of Valor. For more info contact Patricia Bolton at 703-347-6822 or [email protected].

SkylarksDeck the halls with sounds of SKYLARKSTRA la la la la la la la la!Come sing and dance with us!!! For more info contact Cheryl Mahoney at [email protected].

Supper ClubDec 10th at 6PM

Uncle Julio’s14900 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge, VA

A time for AFOWC members and spouses to meet for food and friendship. RSVP by Dec 7th to Pat Johnson at 703-417-9009 or [email protected].

JOiN THE FuN! Sign up for some great adventures while you are here in DC. Either contact the group leader directly or email [email protected]. Many of our groups still need a leader. If you are looking for a way to get involved in AFOWC, this is a great way to begin.



Zip Code Group Coordinator Tina Flack . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Alexandria Lisa Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]/DC Jennifer Wilder . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] AFB/MD Wendy Linehan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]/Herndon/McLean and beyond

Mary Ann Cotton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]/Fairfax Station/Lorton

Linda Byers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Mastrangeli. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Prince William County and beyondValerie Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Felman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Springfield/Burke/Annandale Angie Basham . . . . . . . [email protected]

Please RSVP to your POC for these fun events!—

Alexandria

Glitz BunkoHosted by Theresa Fraser & Sheila Gavin

at Lisa Thomas’s home Dec 7th at 12pm

—Arlington/DC

Lunch at Cheesetique in Del Ray2411 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria VA

Dec 9th at 11:15AM —

Bolling AFB/MD

Ornament & Cookie ExchangeBronwyn Fillion’s home

Dec 4th at 3PM—

Centerville/Herndon/McLean and beyond TBD—

Fairfax, Fairfax Station, Lorton

Appetizer Potluck Valerie Cohen’s home

Dec 8th at 11AM—

Prince William County and beyond

Ornament ExchangePamela Felman’s home

Dec 7th at 11AM —

Springfield/Burke/Annandale

Potluck & Cookie Exchange Sue Lackey’s homeDec 13th at 11AM

Zip Code Groups

Join Our Team at the AFOWC Thrift Shop…we are always looking for volunteers for even an hour or two. We need you!! You get first dibs on anything that is donated, and anything you buy is 50% OFF. Have kids? We will reimburse child care! Stop by or call for more details on being a volunteer!

We work solely off of donations. Please drop off your donations during business hours.

Look for us on the Thrift Shop Facebook page to see what “sales” are going on.

OPEN

TU-TH

10AM-2PM

Springfield/Burke/Annandale Zip Code Group at Paint Your Own Pottery

CLOSED

DEC 20TH-

JAN 5TH

Thrift Shop proceeds for October were $4, 499.30. Way to Go Thrift Shop!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Afowc-Thrift-Shop/161125307241002


The Arlington Committee

International SpousesRhonda Davies from Australiaby Sue Brown, International Spouses Committee Chair

Rhonda Davies was born in “Wild and Wonderful” West Virginia, USA where she also received her nursing degree. After working in Intensive Care for several years in West Virginia, she moved to Charleston, South Carolina to work in the Burn Unit at the Medical University Hospital. She loved Charleston and had no plans to leave. She confesses she hoped to meet a man with a southern accent and eventually live on an island in the South Pacific...she met her husband Gavin (then Flight lieutenant) in Charleston while he was participating in a 3 week course with the American Navy. After a bumpy start with calling him the wrong name, wrong country, and wrong service, they agreed to keep in touch long distance. Eighteen months later, he was posted to Cannon AFB in Clovis, New Mexico on exchange and

asked if she would consider moving there. She went to Santa Fe instead and worked with the American Indians. Eventually she went to Clovis, got married and moved to Brisbane, Australia in January 1993. Their home has been in Australia since then, mostly bouncing back and forth between Brisbane and Canberra until Gavin’s posting to Washington D.C. in July 2010 as the Australian Air Attaché. Having not lived in America for many years, it felt a bit foreign to be back. Her teenage son Jacob was terrified the first time she got behind the wheel, for fear of veering off the road into the Potomac! She has particularly enjoyed the green trees and rolling hills. Australia has been hard hit with drought and floods in recent years, and Rhonda wishes that all Australians could once again see grass as green as in Virginia. She always misses the Appalachians while in Australia and the beautiful beaches of Australia while living here.

Sadly, their American tour has been cut short. After only 16 months they are returning to Australia in December, where Gavin will be promoted to Air Vice Marshal and become the Deputy Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force. The Davies family has thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this assignment and feels very privileged to have been given the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people. We will all miss Rhonda very much and wish the Davies family all the best in their next adventure.

Linda Willey Receives Chief of Staff of the Air Force Public Service Award by Jean Anderegg

On Tuesday, November 15, 2011 Linda Willey received the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Public Service Award from Lt General Janet C. Wolfenbarger in a ceremony at the Women’s Memorial.

In the 13 years she served as Chair of the AFOWC Arlington Committee Linda facilitated volunteers for over 12,000 Air Force funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. She has been an integral part of the Air Force leadership team at Arlington serving with 25 different Chaplains and dozens of Chaplain Assistants. She has personally represented four Air Force Chiefs of Staff and their wives. While numbers

astonishing, and her commitment to a volunteer position for 13 years is extraordinary, the real impact of Linda’s life of service is seen in the lives of tens of thousands of Air Force family members she has personally touched.

As the 20th Chair of the Arlington Committee, Linda Willey truly carries out Gladys Vandenberg’s vision that each Airman being buried at Arlington National Cemetery is honored and thanked personally for their service and sacrifice. She is deserving of all the honors and awards our Air Force can bestow for her unwavering patriotism, committed leadership, unceasing devotion, and unselfish sacrifice in support of our Air Force family at Arlington National Cemetery. Arlington Ladies’ 64th Anniversary celebration…laying flowers at the Vandenberg grave.



Ways and [email protected]

Our new 12”x 52” silk Air Force Wife Scarf: red, white, and blue, proudly made here in the USA, for $35 each. This is our unique, original design, and they’re selling fast!

Also new, available for sale, and unique to the AFOWC of Washington, DC, is our Air Force Spouse Coin! It’s a beautiful, 3-D design; an original design made exclusively for us! These made-in-the-USA coins sell for $10 each, and make great gifts!

NEW! Gail Pittman Handpainted Air Force Ornament created just for the DC area! We are taking pre-orders, price is $25.Limited supply, so be sure tosign up and get yours!

2011 White House Ornament The ornaments are here...order yours before they are all gone! $18 each. Contact Jeanne Goldfein at [email protected] to place an order.

Deck the Halls!

Reservations Policy If a member does not show for an event that they have RSVP’d to that member will be contacted via email to arrange payment. A member who owes for a past event will be considered NOT in good standing and will not be allowed to RSVP to another event or participate in AFOWC sponsored activities until the debt is paid.

AFOWC no longer has Permanent Reservations. Members and guests will need to RSVP for each event through the pingg email invitation, the AFOWC website, or by emailing the reservations committee directly at [email protected].

Thanks to those of you who used PayPal to pay for the October Let’s Make a Deal event! Please consider using this option for future events. It is fast, easy, and safe. Look for a “how-to” in this issue to answer any questions you may have concerning PayPal or feel free to send me an email.

Shelley LovingAFOWC Reservations

Payments Made Easy with PayPalGreat News! PayPal is now available as a payment option for AFOWC events. Your Pingg email invitation will have a link to paypal.

Notice there are two options to pay. One option says, “Have a PayPal account?” Use this if you are already registered with PayPal. The other option at the bottom says, “Don’t have a PayPal account? Pay with your debit or credit card as a PayPal guest.” If you use the guest option you will enter your payment information and email address. PayPal will not store your information. Your email address is needed just in case there is a problem with your card. Members are still able to pay at the door with cash or check.


For more photos visit:AFOWC Scrapbook


November 15th, 2011New England Tag Sale & Purse Auction



Charity Ball Corner iNViTATiONS CHAiR PROFiLE

1. How long have you been involved with the Charity Ball?I was the Treasurer for the 2011 Charity Ball. This year I volunteered to continue as Treasurer as well as Co-Chair with Cheryl Roberson. In late August the Invitations Chair had to step down. There is a close relationship between duties as Treasurer and Invitations, so I resigned as Co-Chair and became Chair of Invitations, Co-Chaired by Laura Cichowski.

2. What prompted you to volunteer for the committee?We moved to the DC area from Patrick AFB in the spring of 2010. I am a new AF wife and did not know anyone here and thought it would be a great way to meet people. Cheryl Roberson sent out an email asking for volunteers to chair several open committees - so I replied last year. What a great experience! I had so much fun and met so many wonderful friends. I couldn’t wait to volunteer again this year.

3. What is your position and what exactly does it entail?At the end of last year, there was a decision to divide Reservations into two separate committees - due to the work load. Reservations is now all Corporate donors - and Individual reservations combined with Invitations.

Our job is to collect all current names and create the 2012 Invitations List. That list is populated into the software program Raisers Edge (R.E.) that AFAS uses to maintain their data base. That information remains fluid as guests PCS, promote, retire, move etc. We are constantly updating the program with the most current information available.

From there, we work with Printing to establish the quantity of Invitations we will need so they can begin the process of ordering all Invitations, envelopes, reservation cards and VIP cards. An Envelope Stuffing event is organized with our Volunteer Coordinator to stuff all the invitations so they will be ready to mail by the first week of January.

Reservation cards will then start to return. We enter the data into R.E., updating any changes, and turn over the checks to the Treasurer for deposit.

In February, we will collaborate with Reservations and begin the seating process.

If you know of someone who is new to the D.C area and would like to receive a Welcome to the Air Force Officers’ Wifes’ Club packet, please contact our Membership chairs Joni Kwast and Marianne Williams at [email protected].

Stacey AustinLisa BarberTerri BarnesKate BrownMichelle DeVoeGail Donley

Welcome New Members

Historically SpeakingEvery December the AFOWC membership honors the current Honorary President, traditionally the Chief of Staff’s wife. In the early years, a Christmas Tea was held.

In December 1970, the 18,000th baby was born to an Air Force family in the DC area. Traditionally, a silver cup was given to every 1,000th baby born at the hospital by the Chief of Staff and his wife. General & Mrs. Vandenberg originated this custom in 1947.

The Skylarks and the Singing Sergeants were quite popular at the 70’s December Socials with a great number of participants.

Pictured is Mrs. Mason Patrick, one of the originators of what is now known as the AFOWC. They say she started the Air Services Club with 50 of her flapper friends.

In December 1923, 19 members met and raised $10.50 in dues and paid bills that totaled $6.50.

Sally GummelHistorian

Alison ElySly HallmanMirja JunttilaSheila McCannStephanie RobinsonKelly Rupp

Patty StendahlTish StropesLandra Zamzow

Historically Speaking with Fun Facts of the AFOWC........by Sally Gummel

¥ In the early years of the AFOWC every December the membership would honor the current Honorary President, who was traditional the Chief of Staff!s wife, with a Christmas Tea.

¥ While reading some of the past Protocalls, every December there was a section called Fattening Favorites. Paula Dean would be proud of the amount of sugar and butter used.

¥ In December 1970, the 18,000th baby was born to an Air Force family in the DC area. Traditionally a silver cup was given to every 1000th baby born at the hospital by the Chief of Staff and his wife. General & Mrs. Vandenberg originated this custom in 1947.

¥ The Skylarks and the Singing Sergeants were quite popular at the 70!s December Socials with a great number of participants.

¥Pictured is Mrs. Mason Patrick, one of the originators of what is now known as the AFOWC. They say she started the Air Services Club with 50 of her ßapper friends.

¥In December 1923, 19 members meet and raised $10.50 in dues and paid bills that totaled $6.50. Yet the Yankees sold one of their pitchers for $85,000 to the Reds. It!s all relative.

Sue HoppinAir Force Charity Ball Publicity Chair | www.airforcecharityball.org

Do you like money, shopping and can balance a checkbook? We need help with Ways N Means.

We are also looking for someone with web and graphic design experience to assist with our numerous design projects!

Please contact Linda Nicolas at 703-347-9862 if you are interested.

WE WANT you!


Child CareDo you need child care to attend our functions? Great news! JBAB is here to help! There are three child development centers on JBAB.

Center 1 - 202-767-28904456 Tinker Road (Bolling side)

Center 2 - 202-404-80714455 Tinker Road (Bolling side)

Center 3 - 202-433-07712633 Robins Road SW (Navy side)

The CDC charges $5 per hour per child. Please call each CDCs a week in advance to see if space is available for your child. You will need to fill out a registration form and bring in a current shot record. Child care is available for children aged six weeks to 5 years of age at the CDC.

Another option is The Child Development Homes program. This is what used to be known as Family Child Care. Cora Dogan is the Director and she can be reached at 202-767-0951 or [email protected]. CDH also charges $5 per hour per child. She does have child care providers who can accommodate hourly care on the Bolling and Navy sides during the day.

Parents will need to call ahead and arrange a date and time through Cora. Parents will need to fill out some registration forms, food program form, and bring a current copy of their child’s shot record when dropping off their child/ren.

01 Bonnie Chambers01 Terry Johnston02 Sly Hallman02 Holly Jones03 Lisa Thomas04 Tish Stropes04 Susan Sanders05 Gloria Robb07 Sheila McCann09 Crystal DeJesus10 Katie Pritz11 Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims13 Kelly Stookey

14 Susan Humphrey14 Renee Kane16 Tunde Bone16 Sally Gummel21 Holly Brumbelow22 Katy Thorpe24 Nancy Collier24 Suellen Lansell27 Holly Knoss30 Sheila Guevin30 Beverly Rouge31 Mee Herman31 Bonnie Ramos

December Birthdays

Surfin’THEUSA

DEC 15thLunch with Martha Washington

at Mt. Vernon

JAN 17th

Bunko on Jersey Shore

FEB 21st

A “State” Dinner

MAR 20thInternational Showcase

APR 17thAntique Road Show Bingo

MAy 15tha fantastic function still TBD!

08 Stephanie Robinson14 Helen Caldwell19 Kelly Rupp

November Birthdays


PROTOCALLPO Box 8490Washington, DC 20032

Help spread the Holiday Spirit by preparing your favorite cookies

for our dorm residents!

Call or email your pledge donations to: MSgt Chris Spurrier

767-4994 or [email protected] CMSgt Trae King

404-6459 or [email protected]

Deliver cookie donations to JBAB: Dec. 13-14, 9AM-4:30PM at P-20, Suite 300

Dec. 15, 9AM-12PM at Bolling Club Wasp LoungeDeliver cookie donations in VA:

Dec. 13-14 to Sharon in Springfield 703-372-5658

JBAB HolidAy Cookie CAper

JBAB Tree Lighting Ceremony

AFoWC Scholarships for High School Seniors and Spouses

Applications Available online: December 12, 2011Application Deadline: March 1, 2012

$4,000.00 award for each scholarship category. Scholarship funds are raised through Thrift Store donations.

The Air Force Officers’ Wives’ Club will award scholarships in the following categories:

Category I

Eligible high school senior

Category II

Eligible Arts/Performing Arts high school senior

Category III

Eligible high school senior who attended two or more high schools

Category IV

Eligible non-military spouse Continuing EducationDecember 7th, 6PMNear the main gate

December 2011 Newsletter

Documents

Transcript of December 2011 Newsletter