On behalf of the International House Board of Directors and our 2011 Gala Committee, we cordially invite you to International House’s signature fundraising event, Great Britain- A Rock ‘n Royal Celebration, our 23rdAnnual Gala to be held on Saturday, October 22, 2011. The Gala is an elegant and much anticipated evening which raises funds for the unique programs and services we offer to the immigrant and international community here in Charlotte.

Each year, we highlight a different country or world region. This year we will celebrate all things British! Please join us for an evening of glitz and glamour which draws high profile members of the Charlotte philanthropic and corporate community. Best of all, you will be helping us support the good work we do every day in building international understanding and assisting Charlotte’s immigrant community.
Don’t delay; send us your RSVP today!

International House, in partnership with the Latin American Coalition, is holding a free, one-day, naturalization workshop. The workshop will give potential citizenship applicants an overview of the naturalization process, including a presentation from a local USCIS official and a mock interview. Following the presentations, qualified paralegals will review the participants’ applications to ensure that they are filled out correctly. Finally, the participants will have small consultations with an immigration attorney to determine if they will need further assistance with their cases.

International House is pleased to recognize Richard C. (Dick) Norman as Honorary Chairperson of the International House 2011 Gala. We are grateful for his longstanding service to International House. Dick served on the Board of Directors from 1998 to 2004, and as Board President in 2001 and 2002. He is currently a member of the International House Advisory Board.

Dick Norman directs human resources for Coats North America's operations in North America, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. He has also served as interim director of worldwide personnel for Coats plc in London. Prior to joining Coats North America, Dick served in various human resources capacities with Hoechst Celanese Corporation. Other civic and community activities include Partners in Space, Initiatives for Children, and the National Kidney Foundation. Although he is frequently in London, he, his wife Jill, and their four daughters call Charlotte home. Thank you, Dick, for your loyal support of International House!

International House’s English as a Second Language (ESL) classes have reached the midpoint of their semester. Our ESL classes serve 50 students ranging in age from 19 to 82, representing countries that span five continents. These diverse backgrounds create an environment for students to learn English as well as learn about countries and cultures that are very different from their own.
A typical day in the ESL program consists of activities that promote discussion and activate prior knowledge.  Some of the students are currently learning about family vocabulary.  In a seasonal Halloween twist, they participated in an activity where they analyzed the familial relations of The Addams Family.  Students watched a clip of the show and then were asked to create a family tree of the characters when given a series of clues.

Some of these ESL students are also participating in International House’s Citizenship class. Meeting for three hours every Sunday for five weeks, students are exposed to numerous methods of instruction and engaging interactive activities that help prepare them for the United States Naturalization Test. From planning road trips across the country reinforcing geography to watching YouTube videos for a discussion about the Revolutionary War, learning about American history and civics has never been more fun!

ESL classes are taught by Meg Gabbard, Gail Johnson, and volunteers Savannah Hicks, Jessica Tabler, and Howard Ross.

This past Saturday, October 1st, some of Charlotte's best High School Rugby players competed at the British American School of Charlotte at an event building up to our British themed 2011 gala.

Junior players also took to the field for a 7-a-side competition and a clinic, and the Charlotte Socialites took on the Charlotte Barbarians in the final game. There was British food (bangers & mash) and music by Frederic Ingram. Thanks to evenyone who helped to make this such a successful and enjoyable event.
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Location: Dana Auditorium in Queens University of Charlotte at 1900 Selwyn Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28274.
Date: Sunday October 23rd, 2011 3:30pm - 5:00pm.
Cost: $15 Regular admission, students free - Tickets sold at the door

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Sponsored by Queens University and The Friends of the Persian Arts in Charlotte.

TOP TEN REASONS TO COME TO THE GALA!

The time is fast approaching for the social extravaganza of the season, International House’s 23rd Annual Charity Gala! We are dusting off our dancing shoes and polishing the silver as we get ready for our signature fundraising event that raises almost $100,000 each year for International House programs and services. It takes a village to plan an event of this magnitude, and we couldn’t possibly have done it without the following key people: our fearless Business Manager and Event Planner Extraordinaire, Rusty Reynolds; Gala Committee Co-Chairs, Josane Calvert and Stefanie Staton; all the hard-working members of the Gala Committee; and a host of board members and volunteers. We also want to thank our corporate partners and the individual donors whose generous support sustains the important work that we do in the community.

Haven’t bought a ticket, yet? Let me offer 10 reasons why you won’t want to miss this year’s festivities!

1. An elegant meal, excellent wine, and great company

2. British entertainment- from folk dancing to rock and roll, and some surprises!

3. A great opportunity (or not) to wear your fascinator (those fetching British hats)

4. The chance you’ve been waiting for to don a kilt suitable for a black tie occasion (don’t forget your dress sporran!)

5. Dancing with the Stars (of International House, that is!)

6. Many great live and silent auction items, including: a Panthers autographed football signed by quarterback Cam Newton and wide receiver Steve Smith;

7. A vacation in a Miami Beach condo;

8. Tickets to the 2012 Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club;

9. Glittering pieces of jewelry, artwork, gift certificates, fabulous baskets and much more!

10. AND THE BEST REASON OF ALL: Your ticket purchase supports the programs and services that International House provides to Charlotte’s international and immigrant community. So, come and join us for a fun evening for a great cause. You’ll be glad you did!

The International House Book Club will meet again on Monday, October 17th at 7 p.m.

The book to be discussed will be "When the Elephants Dance" by Tess Uriza Holthe (the Philippine Islands). Inspired by her father, who grew up in the Philippines under the Japanese occupation during WWII, first-time novelist Holthe writes about the experience from a variety of civilian perspectives. More Info

Our next meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 2nd, from 10am to 12pm at International House.

'Doorways' is a women's group, with members from countries and cultures across the globe. The members are interested in meeting and making new friends and enjoy learning about the various subjects presented by the guest speakers.

For more information about our people, programs, or organization please email info@ihclt.org or call 704-333-8099.

www.ihclt.org