Amy Hatrak, President, and Marty Litchman, Exchange Coordinator, of the Friends of Barnet, are excited to announce several openings for the upcoming adult exchange journey, to London, that will take place beginning on May 19 and continue through May 28, 2006.

Interested individuals, or couples, who might wish to join the exchange, are encouraged to contact Marty Litchman by phone at 973-736-8089 or email at Litchm@aol.com to complete an application and/or obtain further information.

It is anticipated that the spots will fill rapidly, the group number is limited, and interested persons should apply immediately. Individuals who wish to participate in the exchange do not need to be prior members of the Friends of Barnet, but will be required to become members, with annual dues of $25, should they be selected to fill the open spots.

The group from Montclair will cross the “Pond” to spend ten days in the homes of their British counterparts in sister-city, Barnet, a suburb of London, and in turn, the Montclair members will host the Barnet group when it makes its journey to Montclair in October, 2006.

The sister-city adult exchange is a bi-yearly program that dates its origins to the early years of World War II. At that time a contingent of Barnet children, evacuated from the “blitz” that threatened their lives, were shipped to America to spend the war in safety in the homes of families in Montclair. The Friends of Barnet, and its sister-city organization, The Friends of Montclair, formed several years ago to keep the memory of those events alive and to perpetuate the special relationship that exists between the two communities.

Past exchanges have been highly successful and personally rewarding. Those involved are treated to a program of special activities, in and around the home city, and all involved have come away with a fresh awareness of the unique social, historical and cultural ties that join the two communities. Most have created life-long friendships.

Personal trip expenses include round trip airfare and any individual purchases or expenditures. Housing, most meals, local travel expenses, and most event admission fees are supplied by the host organization and host families in both sister cities. Final plans for the exchange are currently in progress, and those who might wish to fill the remaining spots should not delay in making application.

Posted January 18, 2006