ANACORTES SISTER CITIES ASSOCIATION

General Membership Meeting

January 6, 2005

 

The meeting was called to order by president, Duane Clark. 

 

Duane reviewed the plans for a memorial service for former president of ASCA, Doyle Geer.  Services begin at 3:30 pm on January 7, 2005.  A Power Point presentation will review the many contributions Doyle made to the Sister Cities Asso. and its growth.  Duane will read remarks from various members as well as a letter from Mayor Tadanaga Yokoyama of Kisakata, Japan.

 

Minutes:  No business was conducted at the December 10 th, 2004 Holiday Dinner.

 

Correspondence:  David Rapella and Duane read Christmas greetings from Vela Luka, Croatia.

A message from Soroptomist International was read by Duane.  In addition to their Business Membership, they included money towards the Doyle Geer Memorial.

 

Duane reminded the membership that 2005 dues are now due.  He cautioned the members to make their checks out to: “ASCA – People to People.”

 

New Business:  “Local Starz”a business owned by Jane Albee and Frank Layden, is a new Business Member.


Treasurer’s Report:  In the absence of Mark, Duane reviewed the treasurer’s report, as follows:

            Checking                                  $1673.86

            Savings Accounts:

                        Scholarship Fund          $  984.81

                        Kisakata Exchange             85.00

People-to-People Fund:

                        Checking                      $2784.48

                        Savings                 100.52

Significant Events:

            The Christmas Dinner resulted in a net profit of $94.95, pending any outstanding expenses.

            We received $475.00 in dues income, which was deposited into the People-to-People Fund, and a $100.00 donation from Vlatko Kolega.

 

Vice President:  John Lovric, newly elected Vice President, reviewed the dedication of the flagpoles and the raising of the Sister City country flags.   Among the attendees were: Mayor Dean Maxwell, County Commissioner, Don Munks and many members.  James Rivera, who grew up in Anacortes and is now a soldier on leave from Iraq, was also honored.  John further reported that when our sister city flags arrive we will again ceremoniously raise them.  Some seeding and raking will be needed as time goes by.

 

All flags were lowered to half-mast from Dec. 30th to Jan 7th to recognize the passing of Doyle Geer.

 

Sidney:  Judy reported that a “good time was had by all” at the Sidney parade in which

Members of the Anacortes Sister Cities marched.  All enjoyed the Rotary dinner.

Condolences were sent to the Carriers, of Sidney, BC, for the loss of their son.

Duane reported that the ASCA received a ribbon for their participation in the parade.

 

Kisakata:  Anne Martin reported the committee’s plans for an Adult trip to Kisakata this spring.  A meeting for all interested members will be held on Jan. 13th, 7pm, at the Davidson’s, 4308 Bryce Drive, Skyline.

Cora announced the student interviews for the Kisakata Student Exchange program will be held on January 8, 1:00-5:00, at the Library.  She announced the four chaperons, two teachers and two parents whose children had participated in previous years.  Cora also plans on going to Kisakata with the students in 2006.

Cora urged support of the Anacortes Youth Sports Coalition auction to be held this spring.  Cost is $35.00.  The AYSC is a contributor to the Anacortes student exchange to Kisakata.  There is a need for the ASCA members to help fulfill the duties previously handled by Doyle Geer.  Please call Cora Lijek and volunteer your time and/or an auction item and plan on attending the auction. 

 

Vela Luka:  Nikki announced that we are still waiting for word from Kumpanija regarding their coming to Anacortes Arts Festival, 2005.  The committee is working on fundraisers.  They are developing plans for High School student exchange. Duane reported that the Olive Oil harvest was especially good this year. The quantity and quality were equally excellent.  Does anyone have an idea about a way to import their delicious oil??  Talk to Duane.

 

Lomonosov:  In the absence of Suzanne, Duane reported that she sent New Years greetings to Lomonosov and also requested recipes from them – with cook’s name attached.  Maria displayed a full page Lomonosov report written by Tatyana about her recent visit to Anacortes – with pictures.   Hopefully, the article can be translated soon.

 

Program:  David Rapella presented an excellent program, with pictures, of his recent trip to Vietnam (July, 2004).  The pictures clearly showed the great need for medical/dental attention needed by the Vietnamese (both North and South). 

 

Announcements:  Duane encouraged all members to select a committee, or committees, on which to serve.  Make your request to Duane or a Committee Chairperson:  Sidney, BC – Judy Jewell; Lomonosov – Suzanne Harris; Vela Luka – Nikki Lovric or Kisakata – Anne Martin McCool and Cora Lijek, Co-chairpersons.

 

The Anacortes Museum is raising funds to install a wheelchair lift at the museum.  A Multicultural Event will be held on February 5, from 2-5pm at the Senior Center.  Pre-Tickets are $5.00 each and $7.00 at the door.  Please call or see Setsuko Amburn or Maria Papritz for tickets.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Jo Fuqua, Secretary