August 2025
Dear Members and Friends,
I write to you as the new President of the Foreign Policy Association of Central Pennsylvania. After 10 years of steady leadership (6 years as President and 4 years as Vice President) and unwavering dedication, Howard Davison, has passed the torch. We all recognize the extraordinary legacy Howard leaves behind—his thoughtful stewardship, engaging vision, and tireless efforts have shaped this organization into the vibrant, respected forum it is today. I am honored to follow in his footsteps and very aware that I have big shoes to fill. And I am thrilled that Howard continues to support the FPACP as Treasurer.
As we look ahead, I’m excited about what this new chapter holds for our community. The world continues to change at a rapid pace, and the importance of informed, civil dialogue about foreign policy has never been greater. Our mission—to educate, to engage, and to foster deeper understanding of global issues—remains our guiding light.
This year promises to be one of the most stimulating yet. Our Program Committee, led by Alan Stolberg, is lining up a dynamic series of speakers, presentations, and discussions that will delve into critical topics shaping international affairs:
- September 25, 2025: “A Transformed Middle East”
- October 16, 2025: “The Impact of Overseas Port Investments on Chinese Foreign Policy”
- November 2025 (date TBA): U.S. Army War College International Fellows Event
- December 16, 2025: “The State Department for a New Administration”
- January 15, 2026: “NATO / Ukraine Update”
- February 19, 2026: “The World of International Finance and How it Influences Foreign Affairs”
- March 5, 2026: Keystone Speaker TBA
- April 16, 2026: “Foreign Policy Making: Engaging the American People in the Art of Diplomacy”
- May 2026 (date TBA): Embassy Trip to Washington D.C.
- May 21, 2026: “Canadian Foreign Policy”
These Dinner Meetings are held at the Susquehanna Club in New Cumberland on the U.S. Army Logistics
Center overlooking the Susquehanna River. There is no security check required to enter on event nights.
The U.S. Army War College International Fellows “Know Your World” Event- November 2025
We are invited as special guests again this year to the U.S. Army War College International Fellows’ Know
Your World Event. This event is held at the Carlisle Expo Center and is free of charge. At this event, over
70 International Fellows and their families display their home country’s culture in art, costume, food, and
drink. This is a very fun, casual affair where you can talk to the International Fellows and their families one on one. It’s a great opportunity. COME HUNGRY!
Keystone Speaker Series – March 5, 2026- Speaker and Topic TBA
Embassy Trip to Washington D.C – May 2026- Date TBA
This past year’s bus trip to Washington D.C. was outstanding. We took two busloads of members and guests to the Embassy of Finland. We met with Col. Juha Helle, Defense Attaché, and Päivi Nevala, Head of the Political Section.
Then we enjoyed lunch at Pikio Taco and had the opportunity to view a screening of the Joel Seidman documentary “Putin’s Endgame: The Stakes Beyond Ukraine,” followed by a Q&A with Joel and
Ambassador John Herbst from the Atlantic Council.
Following lunch we travelled to the Embassy of Estonia. We met with Ambassador Kristjan Prikk, the Defense Attaché, General Taivo Rõkk, the Cyber/ Digital affairs Counsellor, Ms Anna-Maria Osula.
Great Decisions,
Great Decisions is a discussion group promoting a respectful exchange of ideas focused on foreign policy articles contained in the FPA National Organization’s Great Decisions “Briefing Book”, published yearly. A group of 10-15 people meet at a member’s residence for the informal discussion and socializing. The Great Decisions group is interested in more members if you are interested.
JOIN US!
We in the Foreign Policy Association believe it is not only interesting, but our civic duty to be informed about what is going on around the world and how it affects our country and us as individuals. So why not join the FPA and have fun while learning?
To renew your membership, or to become a new member, please complete the form included with this mailing and mail it with your check to The Foreign Policy Association of Central Pennsylvania, Inc. P.O. Box 60665, Harrisburg, PA 17106. It’s that easy! While a variety of membership levels are available, we encourage you to consider showing your support for the FPA with a sustaining membership of $50 – $100 or more. This past year, we had 45 members who gave, on average, $75 for sustaining memberships.
Our website will be updated with the new 2025-26 programs including menus and directions to the venues in August. Please visit us at www.fpaharrisburg.org and pass the word to your friends! We look forward to seeing you in the upcoming FPA season.
Warm regards,
Patti Grady
President
