Friendly T-Shirts "Serge" to the Volga

October 31, 2002

It's a long way from the Scenic Drive to Russia but thanks to Edie Shannon our t-shirts now being worn in Saratov, on the Volga River. According to Edie's e-mail, "the two young men, Serge and Serge founded a consulting company which is also a philanthropic organization, working primarily with young people in the area. The third young man is my translator, Alexi."  Edie is not wearing a Friends shirt in the photographs. She must have given it to a member of the previous session. 

Edie and B.J. Shannon, when they are not busy helping us keep Scottsdale Road free of litter, serve as volunteers for the International Executive Service Corps. The corps enlists retired business executives, public administrators, technical experts and academicians to stimulate the economies the world over.  They often give classes to business people and public officials while abroad. [Read More]

Friends has donated some of our shirts to the Shannons to use as prizes for the contests that they have incorporated into their training sessions.  B.J. and Edie report that the shirts are coveted by their "students". 

The shirts, designed by Marg Nelssen, that have found their way to Siberia, Nigeria, Russia and Ethiopia, spreading Scottsdale's reputation and our message of good will. Edie reports that in Ethiopia the people could not understand why anybody would pick up litter, especially "important" people from America. 

So Friends, be proud! A shirts are not only becoming prized possessions in far away places, they are helping to educate folks about the environment, American business practices and volunteerism here along Scottsdale Road.  

Finally, a note to Serge, Serge and Alexi. If you happen to read this and have any easy questions about the Scenic Drive, Scottsdale or Arizona, please e-mail them to Desert Les c/o Friends. If their difficult, send them to Edie. Incidentally, the shirts really look great on you. 

Thank you B.J. and Edie!