April 7, 2005

President Duane Clark called the meeting to order and welcomed members and guests. Don Lapworth introduced visitor, Jean Moore, who joined ASCA after the meeting.

MINUTES: Mark moved to approve the minutes of the March 3, 2005 General Meeting as published. Suzanne seconded the motion. Motion carried.

OF CONCERN: Duane spoke about two members who appreciate our meal assistance. Please contact Joyce Lapworth if you can assist.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Duane read a statement reviewing the unparalleled service of Jack and Ann Greenwalde. He displayed a special recognition plaque that was to be presented to Jack tonight. However, Jack did not feel up to attending. The plaque will be presented later.

TREASURER: Mark reported the bank balances as:

Checking $2755.10

Savings:

Scholarship Fund 984.81

Kisakata Exchange Fund 85.00

People to People Fund:

Checking 6163.46

Savings General Fund 100.77

Lomonosov Fund 50.00

Golf Tournament Reserve 50.00

Significant Items:

$709.98 was paid for new stationery.

The first check for the Golf Tournament was received and a special fund was set up to track the money.

VICE PRESIDENT: John Lovric had no special report, but continues with his usual duties.

SIDNEY: No report.

KISAKATA: Cora reported that the plans for the adult trip to Kisakata are completed except for transportation to/from Anacortes/SeaTac. She is waiting for the student exchange parents to determine if they might do this service as a fundraiser.

Duane reviewed the government’s decision to consolidate Kisakata with two other cities. The “new” city is Nikaho City with city offices in Kisakata. It appears that the three cities will maintain their individual “sister city” relationships, thus maintaining our sister city relationship with Kisakata.

VELA LUKA: Nikki continues to work on the student exchange and was most pleased to announce that 4 young ladies, ages 16 and 17, will be arriving in Anacortes (from Vela Luka) August 2005. The committee is busy planning home-stays and events.

The committee is expecting the Kunpanija Dance group to come to Anacortes in 2006.

Nikki reminded members to mark their calendars for CROATIAFEST, OCTOBER 2, 2005.

Nikki added the delightful news that she and John are expecting their first child July 18, 2005. CONGRATULATIONS JOHN AND NIKKI!!!

LOMONOSOV: The committee met to plan for guests from Lomonosov, September 2005. Suzanne read the list of those KALINKA members interested in coming to Anacortes.

She reviewed the plans for the production of a cookbook to raise funds to help pay for one-half of the airfare for those guests. The cookbook will contain recipes from our sister cities as well as other international recipes. The estimated earnings for the sale of 200 books are $1360 at $15.00 each. Various retail outlets are willing to sell the books. Willy Evans has volunteered to do the data entries and Anne Martin McCool volunteered to do the artwork. Suzanne asked the ASCA members to PLEASE send your favorite recipes for the cookbook by the end of April, if at all possible. Please e-mail the recipes to Willy Evans: info_asca@yahoo.com

PROGRAM: Duane explained that the speaker, Robert Geczi from Romania is ill with the flu and his presentation will be postponed until our May 5 Membership meeting.

GOLF TOURNAMENT: The chairperson of the Sidney Sister City notified Duane that they have members who would like to participate in the golf tournament. They are welcome!

Duane reviewed the Golf Tournament brochure and encouraged all members to familiarize themselves with the contents and to actively recruit participants. The Golf Tournament goal is:128 golfers, 36 hole sponsors and as many corporate sponsors as possible for a net of $10,000. If you need brochures, please contact Duane Clark at Cap Sante Court Retirement Community.

Prizes for the Golf Tournament include: 1^st Place team will be awarded: 18 holes of golf at Similk Beach, Skagit Golf and Country Club, Homestead (a PGA quality course). 2^nd place will be a $50.00 gift certificate. There are many additional prizes and gifts…..AND, the Two Ball Odyssey putter (value - $200.00) that Duane won in 2003, donated for the 2004 golf tournament, which Duane won, again…and will again be donated by Duane, as a prize, at the 2005 tournament. David and volunteers will prepare lunch and the “Kisakata bound” students will help in many ways. Duane reviewed the needs for volunteers. Anyone who has not signed up is encouraged to do so as soon as possible. THIS IS OUR MAJOR FUND-RAISER FOR 2005.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT:

Duane reviewed the Sister Cities International RESPONSE FORM. The areas for Anacortes Sister Cities Association participation are:

1. Attend SCI conference in Spokane, WA

2. Nominate an outstanding citizen

3. Contribute pictures and stories to the Sister Cities International’s 50^th Anniversary Circle of Distinguished Volunteers (will be published in 2006).

He reviewed the results/repairs from vandalism of the lights at the Flag Pavilion. He further discussed the proposed sign to be installed under the American flag on Highway 20 as well as a sign on Oakes Avenue near the ferry landing. He reviewed the agreement with the City regarding the landscaping of the Flag Pavilion grounds.

ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cherry Blossom Festival will be held at Seattle Center, Saturday and Sunday, April 22 and 23.

Respectfully submitted,

Jo Fuqua, Secretary