CELEBRATE OUR BIRTHDAY

FABULOUS AFRICAN FABRICS IS 10 YEARS OLD!

Join us on July 22 at 1:00 P.M. as we visit the Michigan State University Museum's exhibit of African testiles,

eat at an Ethiopian Reataurant,

and tour the msu african studies progam.

The only cost will be for travel and dinner.

For those of you in the Grand Rapids area, we will carpool.

To register for the day, call Christine at 616-975-5590

or Laura at 616-735-4109 by July 15.

1:00  P.M. Meet at the MSU Museum.

1:30 P.M.  Threads of Change:  The Transformation of West African Textiles Exhibit.

      Chris Worland, exhibit curator will provide a tour.  Chris co-leads a MSU Study Abroad group to Mali and West Africa every other year with her husband, the Dean of MSU Residential College for Arts and Humanities.  Chris is a fabric artist and a retired Special Education teacher.  While at the museum, you will have an oportunity to tour Tanzania in deep Time:  A View from the Rift Valley Exhibit.  Thise exhibit documents ongoing research that has produced a series of exciting fossil discoveries from Rukwa Rift Basin of western Tanzania.

3:30 P.M.

     Tour the MSU African Studies Center and engage in an informal conversation with Dr. John Metzler, Outreach Coordinator for the Center.  John is also on the faculty of Teacher Education with specializations in South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

5:00 P.M.

     Dinner at Altur's Ethiopian Restaurant

This will be a busy summer for Fabulous African Fabrics, as we celebrate our 10^th year. We invite you and your friends to celebrate at one or more of the activities listed below.

June 14 and following Sundays 11:00 A.M. To 3:00 P.M. Through August:

FAF booth at Fulton Street Artisan's Market

Corner of Fulton and Fuller, Grand Rapids, MI

July 22 Tenth Year Celebration

You and your friends and family are invited to meet at the Michigan State University Museum,

East Lansing, MI to see an exhibit of African textiles. We will car pool from Grand Rapids

for those of you in that area. Lunch will be at the Ethiopian Restaurant in Lansing. Afternoon

program at MSU International Center's African Studies. Hostess, Betsy Knox, Michigan 4H

and FAF Secretary.

Laura Salazar will create an interactive banner to fly at events this year. Be looking for

how you can be a part of this project.

She will also write a history of FAF to honor our work.

August 1 8:00 A.M. Through 4:00 P.M: FAF Garage Sale

At Member Rose Stein's House, 1854 Leonard St, Grand Rapids, MI.

Donate clean useful items for resale. Drop off July 31 1:00-4:00 P.M.

To volunteer to work the sale, contact FAF at 616-735-4109.

Come to the sale and find treasures.

August 3 through 9: Schuler Books and Music Week:

Buy books at any of the three Schuler Books and Music stores in Grand Rapids and

FAF will receive 20% of your purchases..

Be sure to mention that it is Fabulous African Fabrics week as you check out so we get credit

for your purchase.

OTHER NEWS

At FAF's annual meeting, Sarah Butz was elected as Publicity Chairperson for FAF 2009-20012. Sarah has been on the Board for a year and designed and created the latest FAF brochure. She also was responsible for designing and making the banners featuring pictures by the Good Samaritan Homes children.

Some of pictures from the children are now being made into greeting cards. Laura has made a paper doll with four dresses. Both of these new items will be available on June 14.

THE CLOTH AND THE MUD #37

Spring, 2009

News from Fabulous African Fabrics

A 501 (c) (3) organization

727-946-5322 and This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

www.fabulousafricanfabrics.org

COMING EVENTS

FABULOUS AFRICAN FABRICS TURNS 10 YEAR OLD!

LOOK FOR CELEBRATION EVENTS

ANNUAL MEETING MAY 16 AT 2:00 P.M.

1158 KENSINGTON ST NW

GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49534

NEWS FROM AFRICA

In thanks for $750.00 sent in December to Women Fighting AIDS in Kenya, Charles Kaduwa, Program Officer wrote,

With Thanks, I write this mail with appreciation for the kind suport you have continued to provide to our work over the years. As we indicated in our last letter to you, hard economic times are geing felt ravagely in families affected by HIV and AIDS. Orphans are bearing the brunt, as their chances of a meal or schooling are diminshing everyday. This [is] the time when we really need the type of support you have given to intervene ad hoc, where a critical need arises.

On January 7 Mercy Thuo and Staff sent this item:

Happy new year, it is good news that the children have done better compared to last year in grade 8, girls are shining more than boys, it is a wonder though last year we were challenged by high prices of food and energy. We appreciate much for your helping hand and indeed it has a lot of impact toward raising underprivileged children my you keep up. The fund is in our account thanks.

We are now working hard to make sure they all join secondary school, we are appealing to our friends and partners to slip in so that we help this children to meet their objective

The following item are most needed

uniform

statonery [books,pens]

school fees

the number of children who are in grade 8 are 30

The children are happy for mosquito nets and they are frequently remembering you in their prayers

The February 2 New York Times reported on the death of over 100 people killed when a gasoline tanker exploded on a Kenyan highway as looters tried to scoop up the spilled fuel. 'The high death tolls seem to have been exacerbated by a mix of crime, poverty and questionable law enforcement.

The same paper reported on March 1 that 10 million people face starvation, partly because farmers had to leave their farms after the ethnic fighting the winter of 2008. The coalition government formed last year has been a disappointment. Kenya's safari business has not bounced back from last year's riots. “Many victims of last year's violence feel totally abandoned,” said Mary Macharia, one of those injured in the disturbances.

The Washington Post noted that the Pope may be right about condoms in Africa. While condom enforcement worked in such countries as Thailand and Cambodia, where AIDS is spread through commercial sex, in Africa high HIV rates are found in general populations where people may have 2 or more regular sex partners. What has worked in Africa is the encouragement to monogamy or reduction of the number of sex partners. The use of condoms there seems to suggest a lack of trust. Condoms do not address the challenges of cross-generational sex, gender equality, domestic violence, rape and sexual coercion—all problems that add to HIV infection in Africa.

A new website dedicated to increasing male circumcision, which has proved to lower HIV infections, started this winter. The World Health Organization created the website, www.malecircumcision.org to fight misinformation and the surge in complications from surgical caused infections.

In Nairobi, Kenya a partnership between Rotarians for Fighting AIDS works with young people to develop a smart campaign targeting teens. The partners hope to cut HIV rates in 10 to 24 year olds by 50%.through using grassroots volunteers, vocational counseling, and improving the quality of schools.

DEATH OF HUGO SALAZAR

Member Hugo Salazar and husband of founder Laura Salazar died on January 25, 2009. Hugo was a faithful supporter of Fabulous African Fabrics, Hugo accompanied Laura to most of the sales sites over FAF's nine and half years. His job was to help unpacked the van, read his book and hold down the booth when needed. At the end of the day he helped with the packing and celebrating high sales days. He proudly sported his FAF vest, tie, and shirt. It is fitting that his fatal fall took place at a FAF sale on January 24^th. He is missed and loved. Thanks to the members and friends who honored Hugo through donations to Fabulous African Fabrics.

FUNDS SENT TO AFRICA

No monies were sent to Africa this quarter, but we have $2000 in funds available to send next week It was a difficult time for FAF's sales this winter as the fates worked against us. In December our tent broke in a wind storm, and was fixed by FAF fan, Chuck Maready. FAF return to sales on January 24, was sadly cut short by Hugo's fall. Ironically, when Laura returned to sales in late March, she tripped over the tent, cutting her forehead and breaking her thumb. Is it time for FAF's tent sales to end? Fortunately FAF did well at its spring garage sale, winter donations, and occasional sales. FAF will continue to raise money for AIDS Widows and Orphans in Kenya through old and new means.

THE CLOTH

Since President Barak Obama's election, there has been a new interest in high end African art. African textiles are being seen in high couture shops in New York and Washington DC.

THE BOOK SHELF

Continuing arguments found in Giles Bolton's Africa Doesn't Matter, Bolton entertains the whys of Africa's poverty. He contends that day to day poverty is fueled by Africa's misrule, corruption, and instability. In addition, Africa suffers from endemic diseases such as malaria and AIDS, difficult geography, environmental degradation, and climatic vulnerability. He notes that Asian countries have done better than African countries in moving out of poverty because they have had long histories of nation-statehood before they became colonized.

FAF HEROS FOR WINTER, 2009

The Anthony Salazar Fund for Emergencies in Kenya raised $1000 this winter. Twenty people, including two new families donated to the fund.

Paul and Hilary Stratford have joined Fabulous African Fabrics. In their home church in Whitechurch, England, Hilary raised $150 in scarf sales this winter. Hilary and Paul have been great boosters of FAF over the years, and plan to spread the word with talks about how FAF came into being.

The good people of First United Methodist Church, Dunedin, FL raised over $100 by donating their coins to FAF this February.

Approximately $400.00 was donated to honor Hugo Salazar.

This quarter's donors include Gwendolyn Betts, Arthur and Pat Callan, Jane Campbell, John and Margaret Carlson, Lora Lee Dole, Rose and Roger Ellis, Pat Forrest, David Gardner, Tara Jacobsen, Curtis and Connie Jones, Elizabeth Knox, Joni and Carl Kobernik, Jennifer Militzer and Benjamin Kopperl, Bryant and Lanyce Mills, Tom and Jo Obenberger, Charles and Lucy Ramshaw, Hugo and Laura Salazar, Kiri and Alexei Salazar, William and Mary Seeger, Elizabeth Segal, Brian and Britta Smith, Rose Stein, Amy Tetzlaff, June Williams,

MEMBERSHIP

Members are the life blood of this organization. Do you know someone who might like to join our work? Pass on a brochure or this membership form; or e-mail Laura at our website www.laurafabulousafricanfabrics.org or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or Christine Coggins at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it with the name of the potential member and we will do the rest.

I WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A MEMBER OF FABULOUS AFRICAN FABRICS

Annual Membership: Individual $20.00 Family: $30.00

NAME _______________________________ PHONE________________________

ADDRESS____________________________________________________________

E-MAIL ADDRESS _____________________________________________________

I would like to receive my newsletter

_____ on the website

_____ at my e-mail address

_____ delivered by the US Mail

Mail this with your payment to

Fabulous African Fabrics

1158 Kensington St. NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49534

THE CLOTH AND THE MUD #37

Spring, 2009

News from Fabulous African Fabrics

A 501 (c) (3) organization

727-946-5322 and This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

www.fabulousafricanfabrics.org

COMING EVENTS

FABULOUS AFRICAN FABRICS TURNS 10 YEAR OLD!

LOOK FOR CELEBRATION EVENTS

ANNUAL MEETING MAY 16 AT 2:00 P.M.

1158 KENSINGTON ST NW

GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49534

NEWS FROM AFRICA

In thanks for $750.00 sent in December to Women Fighting AIDS in Kenya, Charles Kaduwa, Program Officer wrote,

With Thanks, I write this mail with appreciation for the kind suport you have continued to provide to our work over the years. As we indicated in our last letter to you, hard economic times are geing felt ravagely in families affected by HIV and AIDS. Orphans are bearing the brunt, as their chances of a meal or schooling are diminshing everyday. This [is] the time when we really need the type of support you have given to intervene ad hoc, where a critical need arises.

On January 7 Mercy Thuo and Staff sent this item:

Happy new year, it is good news that the children have done better compared to last year in grade 8, girls are shining more than boys, it is a wonder though last year we were challenged by high prices of food and energy. We appreciate much for your helping hand and indeed it has a lot of impact toward raising underprivileged children my you keep up. The fund is in our account thanks.

We are now working hard to make sure they all join secondary school, we are appealing to our friends and partners to slip in so that we help this children to meet their objective

The following item are most needed

uniform

statonery [books,pens]

school fees

the number of children who are in grade 8 are 30

The children are happy for mosquito nets and they are frequently remembering you in their prayers

The February 2 New York Times reported on the death of over 100 people killed when a gasoline tanker exploded on a Kenyan highway as looters tried to scoop up the spilled fuel. 'The high death tolls seem to have been exacerbated by a mix of crime, poverty and questionable law enforcement.

The same paper reported on March 1 that 10 million people face starvation, partly because farmers had to leave their farms after the ethnic fighting the winter of 2008. The coalition government formed last year has been a disappointment. Kenya's safari business has not bounced back from last year's riots. “Many victims of last year's violence feel totally abandoned,” said Mary Macharia, one of those injured in the disturbances.

The Washington Post noted that the Pope may be right about condoms in Africa. While condom enforcement worked in such countries as Thailand and Cambodia, where AIDS is spread through commercial sex, in Africa high HIV rates are found in general populations where people may have 2 or more regular sex partners. What has worked in Africa is the encouragement to monogamy or reduction of the number of sex partners. The use of condoms there seems to suggest a lack of trust. Condoms do not address the challenges of cross-generational sex, gender equality, domestic violence, rape and sexual coercion—all problems that add to HIV infection in Africa.

A new website dedicated to increasing male circumcision, which has proved to lower HIV infections, started this winter. The World Health Organization created the website, www.malecircumcision.org to fight misinformation and the surge in complications from surgical caused infections.

In Nairobi, Kenya a partnership between Rotarians for Fighting AIDS works with young people to develop a smart campaign targeting teens. The partners hope to cut HIV rates in 10 to 24 year olds by 50%.through using grassroots volunteers, vocational counseling, and improving the quality of schools.

DEATH OF HUGO SALAZAR

Member Hugo Salazar and husband of founder Laura Salazar died on January 25, 2009. Hugo was a faithful supporter of Fabulous African Fabrics, Hugo accompanied Laura to most of the sales sites over FAF's nine and half years. His job was to help unpacked the van, read his book and hold down the booth when needed. At the end of the day he helped with the packing and celebrating high sales days. He proudly sported his FAF vest, tie, and shirt. It is fitting that his fatal fall took place at a FAF sale on January 24^th. He is missed and loved. Thanks to the members and friends who honored Hugo through donations to Fabulous African Fabrics.

FUNDS SENT TO AFRICA

No monies were sent to Africa this quarter, but we have $2000 in funds available to send next week It was a difficult time for FAF's sales this winter as the fates worked against us. In December our tent broke in a wind storm, and was fixed by FAF fan, Chuck Maready. FAF return to sales on January 24, was sadly cut short by Hugo's fall. Ironically, when Laura returned to sales in late March, she tripped over the tent, cutting her forehead and breaking her thumb. Is it time for FAF's tent sales to end? Fortunately FAF did well at its spring garage sale, winter donations, and occasional sales. FAF will continue to raise money for AIDS Widows and Orphans in Kenya through old and new means.

THE CLOTH

Since President Barak Obama's election, there has been a new interest in high end African art. African textiles are being seen in high couture shops in New York and Washington DC.

THE BOOK SHELF

Continuing arguments found in Giles Bolton's Africa Doesn't Matter, Bolton entertains the whys of Africa's poverty. He contends that day to day poverty is fueled by Africa's misrule, corruption, and instability. In addition, Africa suffers from endemic diseases such as malaria and AIDS, difficult geography, environmental degradation, and climatic vulnerability. He notes that Asian countries have done better than African countries in moving out of poverty because they have had long histories of nation-statehood before they became colonized.

FAF HEROS FOR WINTER, 2009

The Anthony Salazar Fund for Emergencies in Kenya raised $1000 this winter. Twenty people, including two new families donated to the fund.

Paul and Hilary Stratford have joined Fabulous African Fabrics. In their home church in Whitechurch, England, Hilary raised $150 in scarf sales this winter. Hilary and Paul have been great boosters of FAF over the years, and plan to spread the word with talks about how FAF came into being.

The good people of First United Methodist Church, Dunedin, FL raised over $100 by donating their coins to FAF this February.

Approximately $400.00 was donated to honor Hugo Salazar.

This quarter's donors include Gwendolyn Betts, Arthur and Pat Callan, Jane Campbell, John and Margaret Carlson, Lora Lee Dole, Rose and Roger Ellis, Pat Forrest, David Gardner, Tara Jacobsen, Curtis and Connie Jones, Elizabeth Knox, Joni and Carl Kobernik, Jennifer Militzer and Benjamin Kopperl, Bryant and Lanyce Mills, Tom and Jo Obenberger, Charles and Lucy Ramshaw, Hugo and Laura Salazar, Kiri and Alexei Salazar, William and Mary Seeger, Elizabeth Segal, Brian and Britta Smith, Rose Stein, Amy Tetzlaff, June Williams,

MEMBERSHIP

Members are the life blood of this organization. Do you know someone who might like to join our work? Pass on a brochure or this membership form; or e-mail Laura at our website www.laurafabulousafricanfabrics.org or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or Christine Coggins at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it with the name of the potential member and we will do the rest.

I WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A MEMBER OF FABULOUS AFRICAN FABRICS

Annual Membership: Individual $20.00 Family: $30.00

NAME _______________________________ PHONE________________________

ADDRESS____________________________________________________________

E-MAIL ADDRESS _____________________________________________________

I would like to receive my newsletter

_____ on the website

_____ at my e-mail address

_____ delivered by the US Mail

Mail this with your payment to

Fabulous African Fabrics

1158 Kensington St. NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49534

THE CLOTH AND THE MUD #36

Winter, 2009

NEWS FROM FABULOUS AFRICAN FABRICS

A 501 (C) (3) ORGANIZATION

727-946-5322 and This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

www.fabulousafricanfabrics.org

COMING EVENTS

A FAFERWEAR PARTY: Sarah Butz is hosing a party in her home in Clearwater, FL for the public featuring and selling many of the textiles we are now holding. One large selection was donated by Dani Lyndersay, a FAF member who lived in Nigeria for many years. Look for an invitation in your mailbox or contact FAF for information. Date to be announced.

WINTER GARAGE SALE: FAF is planning its Florida Garage Sale. Start saving your good goods and pennies to buy the same. Date to be announced.

THIRD FRIDAYS: This arts event in Safety Harbor will host our FAF Booth hand painted silk scarves and original watercolors in February 20, March 20, and 17.

LARGO FARMERS' MARKET: Saturdays, Largo, FL. at Heritage Village. FAF is invited to participate in this market when there is an opening. Check the website for dates that FAF will be at the market.

NEWS FROM AFRICA

MOSQUITO NETTING: Here is a letter from Mercy, Staff and Children at the Good Samaritan Home on Nov. 11, 2008:

While all world is celebrating the new preident of American, we are also very happy that FAF donated mosquito net during wet season when they are needed most. It has been discoveed that most of the children under 5 years in Africa die due to malaria. With net the rate is reduced. We bought nets from Community Concern org at the rate of $10.00 perpcs, we bot 200 pcs=50 more discount. The seller promised to be treating nets after 3 months for a period of 2 years.

TEACHER GIFT: FAF member Amy Tetzlaff asked if she could send a gift specifically for teachers at the Good Samaritan Home. Amy is a tercher at a Waldorf School in California who has arranged for penpals between her students and the students at GSH. When Laura asked if this would be approtriate, Mercy answered: "We do appreciate gift and donations therefore teachers will be very happy for the gifts."

NEEDS: In the same letter Mercy listed some current needs at the orphanage.