March 2, 2006

The meeting was called to order at 7:02pm by president Duane Clark.

Duane reviewed the letter received from the mayor of Nikaho, Japan (formerly Kisakata, Japan) and made it available for all to see.

MINUTES:  Jo reported an error in the February 2, 2006 minutes as:

“John Baker volunteered to bake the bread”…should have read, “John Baker volunteered to cook pancakes”…for the Vela Luka fundraiser breakfast. A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes as corrected.  Motion carried. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:  To celebrate the JAPANESE DOLL FESTIVAL, a display of two sets of Japanese dolls will be presented by Setsuko Amburn, at her home on March 5^th from 1 pm to 5 pm , for members enjoyment. If you would like to see the dolls but cannot come on that date, please call Setsuko to arrange another time.  (ph: 299-9434).

      Don introduced guests/new members: Wayne and Gladys Phillips; Wanda Johnson and daughter, Hanna; Nancy Andrich and Zachery; and Nora Elsner.  He reviewed the names of the 20 people planning to go on the trip to Romania in September 2006. The date of departure is September 5, 2006 and return on September 19, 2006.  The total cost for the trip is $2090.00 (plus $44.00 for singles) for all travel, meals, bus and tour guide and United Airlines Frequent Flyer Mileage can be used.  The down payment is due by March 15^th  and final payment by June 1^st.  Robert Geczi has made the arrangements and will be the guide. 

TREASURER:  In the absence of the treasurer, Duane reported:  We continue to receive funds and expend them.

VICE PRESIDENT:  John Lovric reported that items now displayed in the City Council hall will remain there and new items will be added. John received a phone call asking if the items were going to be auctioned off…TO CLARIFY, any item in the current display will NOT be auctioned off.

ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT:  Don reported that the Ferry Advisory Committee is planning a special ferry trip on April 2^nd to Sidney to advertise that the ferry is on “summer schedule” between Sidney and Anacortes.   They are inviting people to bring their RV’s and make the trip.

Please plan on arriving at the ferry terminal by 7 am for 7:30 am sailing.  The ferry will have a 1&1/2 hour layover in Sidney and then return to Anacortes by 3 pm.  There will be no charge for the trip.

Duane reviewed the history of the establishment of Sidney, BC as a “sister city” which resulted from the state’s threat to drop the ferry run to Sidney.

SIDNEY, BC:  David reported that the Sidney “folks” are still involved in organizing and are not ready for a Barbeque at this time.  They further pointed out that the Sidney Town Crier Program is not a part of the Sidney Sister Cities Asso.  More news next month.

KISAKATA:  In the absence of Cora, Duane reported that tickets for the AYSC Dinner/Auction are sold out.  Members have contributed “auction items” and ASCA will be well represented by our attendance.

VELA LUKA:  Nikki encouraged all members to visit the special website: www.kumpanija.org to keep abreast of the progress of the group’s arrival in Anacortes on September 28^th. 

LOMONOSOV:  The next committee meeting is March 15, 7 pm at Cap Sante Court. All members are welcome to join this committee, if interested.

MEMBERSHIP:  Membership renewals are now due.  We are anxious to renew all memberships and update our e-mail addresses.  Renewal checks may be sent to P.O. Box 1464, Anacortes, WA 98221…and if you have changed your e-mail address please let Jo know so that she can keep the information flowing to you.  Her e-mail address is: fuqua4@comcast.net 

PROGRAM:  Don and Sam gave a Power Point Presentation and description of the Romanian trip.

Nikki and John Lovric gave a Power Point presentation of Croatia with history, culture & tourism.  Including the following cities; Split, Korcula, Dubrovnik & Brac.  Nikki also encouraged all to attend the Croatian language classes at the Senior Center, starting Monday March 13^th.  There will be 10 classes from 5:30 pm-7:30pm.  including, language, culture, and history, plus 2 extra dance & 2 cooking classes.

 The meeting was adjourned at 8:43 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Jo Fuqua

Secretary