ANACORTES SISTER CITIES ASSOCIATION

 GENERAL MEETING MINUTES

August 7, 2003

PRESENT: 25 Members and 4 guests.

The vice president, Don Lapworth, in the unavoidable absence of the president, called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm. He introduced the guests and welcomed all. He welcomed new patron member, Lois Worthington, though she was not present.

SECRETARY’S REPORT: The president called for a motion to approve the minutes as recorded and distributed. Ralph moved and John seconded the motion. Motion carried.

TREASURERS REPORT: Mark Lijek, treasurer, reported: Checking acct. balance $5904.48 Scholarship acct. 1725.22 Kisakata acct. 6403.64

Significant Events included: Our second “Patron” member, Lois Worthington. Ways & Means committee raised about $980. at the garage and Shipwreck Day sales. These funds have been allocated by the Executive Board to help defray the expenses of the Taiko drummers. We received reimbursement from the City in the amount of $738.38 under the Tourism Contract for the Town Crier.

The Taiko Drummer concert at Brodniak Hall was very successful with ticket sales of $3375. (not reflected in above balance since the concert occurred in August.

VICE PRESIDENTS REPORT: Don reported that the he received a certificate from Vela Luka, Croatia which is the agreement to establish a Sister City relationship with Anacortes. This certificate will be presented to the City Council for ratification on August 11, 2003. Don and Joyce Lapworth will then take the signed certificate to Vela Luka, Croatia, leaving September 3, 2003. All members are encouraged to be present at 7:30 pm.

Don recognized the admirable work of the Ways and Means Committee and expressed our deep appreciation to: Joy Walker and Renate Staab (as well as their hard working husbands, Gary and Harold) and all the workers.

SIDNEY REPORT: Judy Jewell introduced the guests from Sidney, BC: Hewitt Helmsing, Chairperson of the Sidney Community Development Board of Directors; Susan Simosko and Graham Debling. Mr. Helmsing, Ms. Simosko and Mr. Debling will “take the reins in hand” to make the Anacortes – Sidney Sister Cities a stronger entity.

Ms. Simosko encouraged members to go to Sidney and participate in the many events scheduled, i.e., Arts show, walking tour, summer theatre, shopping and to be sure to visit the Marine Ecology Center as well as Buchart Gardens.

Judy spent the weekend, July 25-27 at the North Kitsap Arts Festival and August 1 and 2 at the Anacortes Arts Festival. Her next scheduled event is in October when she will represent Anacortes at the 250th anniversary of Sussex County in New Jersey. Judy has found the new “summer” weight costume that she has been wearing as a dramatic improvement over her winter weight costume worn previously.

Judy passed a sign-up sheet for anyone interested in going to Chester, England for the LORD MAYOR OF CHESTER’S WORLD TOWN CRIER TOURNAMENT, June 11-18, 2004. Five people indicated interest. Any other members interested should call Judy and let her know.

LOMONOSOV: Ralph expressed gratitude to all those who have contributed to the care, comfort and experiences of Maria Kirjaeva during her stay in Anacortes.

The Framingham, MA group has inherited funds that will be transported by Margaret and Ralph Frey to Lomonosov. The funds will be used on a much needed concert piano enabling students to prepare for performances, contests, etc.

The Frey’s will be returning to Lomonosov in Sept. 2003 to explore aspects of service that we can provide.

A FAREWELL/HAPPY BIRTHDAY potluck will be held on August 24th, 5:30pm, at the Cabana in Skyline. This event will be an opportunity to say “good-bye” to Maria as well as express our appreciation for her coming via a MONEY TREE. Please place any contribution that you want to make to Maria in an envelope (include a message if you want) and it will be hung on the MONEY TREE!

(Luggage room is limited so we felt this would be a welcome way to honor Maria as she celebrates her 19th birthday and leaves Anacortes on August 27th.

We need to know how many people to expect, so if you did NOT SIGN UP at this meeting, please call: David – 588-8781 or Jo – 293-6923 or e-mail: fuqua4@comcast.com David will provide the entrée and dessert…guests will bring a veggie dish or salad. “YOU ALL COME”!

Maria Papritz presented a lovely quilted wall hanging to Maria to take with her to Lomonosov as a gift from the Fidalgo Island Quilters of Anacortes.

JAKOBSTAD, Finland: Margo reported last month that Jamestown, NY is changing the Jakobstad/Jamestown relationship to “Emeritus” status. As soon as the details have been worked out with the Sister Cities International and Jakobastad has been notified, Margo will proceed with contacting Mayor Goran Honga in Jakobstad to establish our relationship with them. Since that report she has received a communication from Mayor Honga, in Jakobstad, stating “…I have not yet received the letter you mentioned from Jamestown but surely it will arrive soon…..(a committee has been) appointed …to evaluate our present sister city arrangements and possible expectations for future partners….” (Communication attached)

ANACORTES SISTER CITIES ASSO. WEBSITE: John reported that the website is in the development stage and can be viewed at: www.anacortessistercities.com
Please make any suggestions, comments, corrections to: JohnL@post.com. The committee welcomes all feedback.

Ralph introduced Maria Kirjaeva and provided background information about her (see attachment). Maria then took us to Lomonosov via Power Point presentation which was appreciated by all.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:33 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Jo Fuqua, Secretary ASCA