Thermal Belt Friendship Council, a nonprofit organization that promotes stronger relationships and diversity through social activities that set examples of harmony in the community, is currently seeking nominations for the offices of President, Secretary and Historian to serve 2014 to 2015.
Both Dr. Joseph Fox, who has served as President of the organization since October 2007, and Lynnea Stadelmann, who has served as Secretary since 2009, do not plan to run for their respective offices for the 2014 election this September. Donna Tatnall, the current Vice President, has agreed to conduct Friendship Council business as the Interim President and Stadelmann will continue as Secretary until new officers are elected. Tatnall and Meg Rogers, the current Treasurer, have agreed to remain on the ballot in their current positions and the Historian position is new to the Council.
Fox says he is looking forward to early retirement and plans to increase the client base for Fox Management Consulting Enterprises, LLC as well as to do adjunct teaching and write a textbook on contract negotiations. He also plans to become more active in racial and social justice issues in the Tryon Community.
“I will continue to work as a member and officer at St. Luke CME Church, Tryon, where my roots keep me grounded and to help move the community forward as the Vice President of Roseland Community Center and as a member of the Tryon East Side Advisory Committee,” says Fox.
The Friendship Council will welcome nominees at its annual community picnic on Saturday, June 7, at the Harmon Field Cabin. This event is free and open to the public with festivities beginning at 4:30 pm. There will be food, entertainment and raffle drawings for donated gifts. Tableware and beverages are provided and attendees are requested to bring a covered dish for at least seven other individuals.
There is no fee to belong to the Friendship Council and new members are always welcome.  Meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at Roseland Center in Tryon, on the corner of East Howard and Peake Street. Other programs that Council offers in the community include: a monthly group luncheon at various area restaurants; potluck dinners and social gatherings; Christmas caroling; and the annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday where they present a scholarship to qualified area high school students.
For more information about the Thermal Belt Friendship Council, go to http://friendshipcouncil.homestead.com or, for the annual picnic or upcoming elections, contact Donna Tatnall at dtatnall@yahoo.com.

– article submitted by
Lynnea Stadelmann