FRED is pleased to announce the launch of the NEW www.fred.org. FRED has redesigned its website to make it more user-friendly and easier to navigate, while promoting its efforts to help OPASTCO communities.

New to the website are the quick links that take you directly to the four FRED Programs, as well as a image gallery that showcases FRED Programs and Events. This gallery will continually expand to show the Faces of FRED.

To contribute images for the gallery please e-mail images to Stephanie Patton, FRED Program Coordinator, at sap@opastco.org. Please make sure you include names of those people in the photo, where to photo was taken, and the date (at least the year).

Only have original printed photos? Send them to FRED, 21 Dupont Circle NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036. We will scan them and return originals to you. Please be sure to provide a return address so we can send the photos back to you.

On Monday, January 14, 2008, FRED will have exclusive access to the entire Arizona Science Center. Located in downtown Phoenix, the Arizona Science Center features more than 300 hands-on exhibits, a five-story giant-screen theater, live demonstrations, traveling exhibitions, and exciting science programs for people of all ages.

Help support FRED by signing up to be a Sponsor! Sponsorships range from $500-$2,000, so there is something to suit all price ranges. Associate members and Telephone members are encouraged to support this event.

Reasons to become a FRED sponsor:
~ Great publicity for your company-over 550 people are expected to attend this event!
~ Sponsorship donations are tax-deductible
~ Show your support of OPASTCO's charitable foundation
~ Help defray costs so that more funds can go directly to rural communities served by OPASTCO members

For more information about OPASTCO's 45th Winter convention in Phoenix please visit the convention brochure.

FRED and the National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA) are providing an opportunity for students from rural communities to travel to Washington D.C., for a week long program to learn more about the government, civic affairs, and telecommunications regulations. This year, the program runs from March 9- 15, 2008. Students will have the chance to tour historic landmarks, attend seminars, and meet members of Congress, journalists and other Washington insiders. The program is open to high school juniors and seniors who live or attend a high school in an area that is served by a nominating OPASTCO Telephone Company Member. Brochures with the applications and additional information are available online at FRED's Leadership Through Learning. Hard copies of the brochures were mailed out to members in October. This year's Leadership Through Learning Program application deadline is December 11, 2007.

FRED is gearing up for the start of the 2008 programs, and encourages all members to contribute to FRED's Annual Giving Campaign.

The Annual Giving Campaign runs through the end of March 2008 and benefits the Ethyl Grant or Scholarship Program. This campaign also allows you the option to make a donation in honor or memory of someone special.

The more you give...the more FRED gives back to OPASTCO Communities.