February is a Lovely Month

In America, no month reminds us of love more than February. After all, it is the 'host' of St. Valentine's Day-a day to remember love and romance. Therefore, it seems like a natural to adopt the St. Valentine's Day theme for the February Saturday Club Social. As you know, Saturday Club Socials are held on the last Saturday of each month. Our clients, alumni, and invited guests will have the chance to celebrate St. Valentine's Day on the traditional date of February 14th and once again on Saturday February 22!

This month's Saturday Club Social of love will be hosted by a new member of Encounters International, Dr. Richard Wilder. Richard is a medical doctor at the prestigious Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. He has kindly opened the doors of his home to host this special February event.

February 22, 2003
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: 8105 Tomlinson Ave.,
Bethesda, MD 20817
Contact: 301-229-5070

Map and driving directions to Rick's house

Directions: The house is located a few blocks east of the western portion of the Capital Beltway (495) and 1/2 mile north of the Potomac River.

To get there, take the River Road (190) exit off of 495. Go west on River Road 1 short block and make a left turn at the first light onto Seven Locks Road. Head south for almost a mile to the end of Seven Locks Road. Make a right onto MacArthur Boulevard. Go west 5 short blocks on MacArthur Blvd. and make a right onto Persimmon Tree Road. Go north on Persimmon Tree Rd. 3 blocks up a hill and make a right onto Tomlinson Avenue (this is not the Tomlinson off Seven Locks Road; its just south of the 495 overpass). Go east on Tomlinson Ave. for 2 1/2 blocks. 8105 Tomlinson Ave. is a 2-story stone house on the left (its the first house on the left in a new development called Endicott Hill). You can park along Tomlinson Ave; there's plenty of space.

On a related Saturday Club Social note, I have discovered a wonderful problem - enthusiasm! When I decided to ask for hosts for the events, I did not expect so many positive and warm responses. I have received offers from alumni couples, current clients, and Get To Know Us members. I certainly did not anticipate a 'hostess' response from some of our available ladies! It must be the unique 'aura of love and romance' along with some surprise encounters that prompts singles and couples alike to travel from far off destinations to attend a Saturday Club Social.

Here is an example of a 'host' offering from Bill in Colorado. "As I was closing out of your site just now, I noticed newest Saturday Social update. Let me know when the gang wants to have one in my tiny condo in Telluride!"

'Expecting' Some Good News

Every month since 1994, I receive news from many of my 250 plus couples. Some contact me to send a formal "thank you" note. Some share continued feelings of happiness. Others seem to be struggling with problems and are seeking help form me. My emotions literally run the gamut from elation to tears.

I am always proud to be in this business when a letter like the following arrives. The subject was simply, "We are expecting a baby!"

"Dear Natasha,

I write to you and Inna to let you know that me and Vernon are expecting a baby in February. My due date is Feb. 19. This is going to be a baby girl, and we decided to name her Natasha-in your honor. Vernon likes this name very much. So, you will be able to add another little one to your "byproduct" list. We still live in Naples /Neapol/, Italy and will stay here for another 2 years. We'll send you the pictures of the baby, when she is born. When we come back to US, we would love to come to Washington DC and to visit with you. It has been forever since we saw you last time. Hope, your business is doing good.
We are very happy together and get happier every day. Thank you again for helping me and Vernon to find each other in this big and often not very friendly world. We both are forever grateful for this."

Tatiana and Vernon were married February 23, 1997. I am very glad that their family is growing. On behalf of the Encounters International "Family of Clients," I want to congratulate these soon-to-be parents. We all wish them much happiness in this new stage of their life together. This is only example that makes me feel proud. It gives me a tremendous charge to work harder in my chosen path - romance, love, and happiness.