ANACORTES SISTER CITIES ASSOCIATION

GENERAL MEETING

 

May 6, 2004

 

The meeting was called to order by president, Duane Clark, at 7:06 pm.

He introduced members Evelyn and Reesa Compton.

 

MINUTES:  Don moved that the minutes be accepted as published.  Motion seconded by Cora.  Motion carried.  Jo requested members to sign “Thinking of You” card for a member.  She also presented complimentary tickets from John Bishop of the Northwest Ballet Theatre for performances on May 8th or 9th. 

 

TREASURER’S REPORT:  Mark reported:

          Checking Account Balance:        $8785.83

          Savings Accounts:

                   Scholarship Fund                  946.74

                   Kisakata Exchange Fund   14239.68

          Significant Events:

                   Garage Sale earnings were just over $250.00

                   The dinner at the Croatian Club earned a net of $1404.80 (of which $670.00 was “raffle” earnings).  We also received a donation of $300.00 from the Rotary Club to assist with the visit of the three students from Vela Luka.

                   The Anacortes Youth Sports Coalition gave us a check for $3000.00 to underwrite the Golf Tournament.  (This is double the amount that was provided last year.)

                   The Bowling Tournament earned $839.60 for the Kisakata Exchange Fund.

                   We reimbursed Judy Jewell $792.07 for the Town Crier expenses.  We will, in turn, request reimbursement from the City for $528.00 of this amount. 

        The Audit Committee met and reviewed the 2003’s financial statement.  A report has been submitted to the President and will be reviewed at the next Executive Board meeting and then presented to the General Membership.  Mark thanked the Audit Committee: Suzanne Harris, Virginia Haywood, Sharon Alban and Sharon Horak for their work.

 

SIDNEY:    Judy reported that the Sidney group continues to strengthen their Sister City organization by developing processes to better organize and find funding.

Judy will go to the Victoria Day parade at the end of May and participate in their parade.

Town Criers from various cities in the US and Canada will arrive in Anacortes July 3rd to participate in the 4th of July festivities.  They will participate in the parade starting at 11 am. Following the program in Causland Park they will participate in a Town Criers competition in Causland Park.  A barbeque/Potluck will follow at 5 or 6 pm (whenever they finish the competition) at Waters Edge Park hosted by the ASCA and the Croatian Club.  (Cost - $5.00 to purchase main entrée).

Housing is needed for visiting Town Criers on the night of July 3rd and 4th.  Please call Judy, ph: 293-8903, if you are willing to home-stay a Town Crier.

The Town Criers will also participate in a La Conner competition while they are in town.

 

 

VICE PRESIDENT:  Don reviewed the Vela Luka trip plans.  He announced that Mayor Dean Maxwell and Councilman Nick Petrish will accompany the 18 participants that

have signed up. The trip is scheduled for September 19 – October 5 and includes side trips to Korcula and Dubrovnik as well as an optional trip to Montenegro.  The Vela Luka Dancers will also be in Croatia, arriving September 21st. 

Those attending this tour will meet May 25th, at the Lapworth’s to see pictures of Vela Luka and discuss preparation plans.  Don’s address is: 1806 39th Court, Anacortes.  Phone: 293-2439.

 

 

KISAKATA:  Cora reported that the students have raised almost all of their airfare - $900.00 per student.  They need $1100.00 per student.  The chaperones are busy raising money for their fare.  One chaperone has been given a $1500.00 grant by the Fidalgo Island Education Foundation.  The other four are fundraising, and have about $700.00 –

$800.00 towards their tickets. The Anacortes Youth Sports Coalition donated $3000.00, which is “seed money” for the golf tournament.  The students are holding a car wash on March 23, at the Whidbey Island Bank parking lot.  Time:  10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  All students have been matched up for their Kisakata home-stay.  She reported that, as is the custom, the students will perform while in Kisakata and want to learn “swing dancing” therefore Cora is looking for a teacher. If anyone knows someone, please call Cora. 

                    Anne Martin McCool and Cora, co-chairs, held a committee meeting on Tuesday, May 4 to plan events for the future.  Discussion included a future adult trip.

                    Evelyn Compton displayed the quilt that her mother, Reesa, made.  The quilt is being raffled to raise funds for Evelyn’s trip costs.  Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00.

John Rooney discussed the Golf Tournament being held June 27th.  Players are needed.  Cost:  $55.00 per person.  David Rapella will prepare lunch, Andy Hanson, the town crier for La Conner, will “cry” and some students are acting as caddies.  Sponsorships are available.

                    All funds raised from the Golf tournament go to the ASCA General Fund, Kisakata Student Fund and the Scholarship Fund.

Duane commended John Rooney for “stepping up” to take over the Golf Tournament for Doyle who is greatly missed.  Doyle Geer has conducted the Golf Tournament for some 10 years. 

John Rooney also reported on a successful Bowling Tournament and indicated that there may be some changes in the future.  He commended the Bowling Alley for their fine cooperation and assistance.

 

VELA LUKA:  Nikki discussed the Seattle CroatiaFest that will be held in October 2004 and the need to raise funds for expenses.  There will be a 10’ X 10’ booth, equally

chared by the Anacortes Sister Cities Assoc and the Anacortes Croatian Club.  The proceeds from the dinner being held May 8 will be earmarked for those expenses.  Honored guest will be the second highest-ranking person in the Croatian Embassy, Washington, DC.

                    Nikki encouraged all to mark their calendars and attend the July 4 barbeque/Potluck at Waters Edge Park. 

                    Croatian Language Lesson:  Dobar Dan (“Good day”), Dobro (“good”), Molim (“excuse me”– or “please” – or “thank you”).

 

LOMONOSOV: Maria communicated with Marina (chairperson of Kalinka) who sent her warmest regards to everyone.  She was expressing her sorrow that she would be unable to

come to Anacortes on the trip to Framingham, MA.  The Lomonosov city flag design will be provided. Ralph and Margaret Frey will depart for Lomonosov on May 17th.  If you have letters, etc. that you wish them to deliver, please let them know.

            

Duane reported that while he was in Jordan last September he met some people who were working on a playground installation in a  community near Petra.  Years ago Bedouins had been moved to the settlement of Um Sayhoun. A group of folks developed a playground for the many children of Um Sayhoun.  With the help of 2 ASCA members playground equipment has been purchased and is being installed.

 

Don reminded the Committee Chairpersons that the Newsletter deadline was May 7.  The Newsletter will be out shortly.  He also reported that the flagpole project is in process.  We need to get a licensed commercial electrical contractor to install lighting for the American and flag and ASCA sign.

 

Vera Oakes presented a delightful power point presentation on her visit to Cambodia and Thailand.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Jo Fuqua, Secretary