ANACORTES SISTER CITIES ASSOCIATION

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
April 5, 2007

Theda Morton moved to accept the minutes of February 1, 2007 as published.  Anne Martin McCool seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

PRESIDENT:  Duane reported that the April 1^st Ferry crossing to Sidney was very successful.  He read an e-mail from the Washington State Ferry officials and reviewed the experiences of the trip.  Dean Maxwell spoke, briefly, about the group waiting to meet the ferry in Sidney and the pleasant crossing.  Duane spoke about the Sidney Town Crier and the informal meeting with the Sidney group. 

Duane announced that the Ice Cream and Cookies being served tonight is courtesy of the ASCA Board. He suggested that all continue to enjoy the ice cream/cookies while we \ RETURN TO BUSINESS.     Duane announced the newest PATRON members and, in their absence, looks forward to recognizing them at the May meeting.

TREASURER:  Mark Lijek reviewed the accounts for February and March, 2007, as follows:

Significant Events: We wired Klapa $1138.00, representing the funds we were holding from sales of their CD as well as a small advance on the remaining CDs which we anticipate being able to sell.
The Board voted to move an additional $500 into the Official Travel Reserve, bringing the balance up to $1000.
We spent $425 to purchase the Non-profit version of Quick books as well as a handbook to help me utilize the software.
Quick books is basically designed for small business and the non-profit edition leaves much to be desired.  Still, I am hoping that it will be an improvement over the previous, largely manual, system.  At this point I have completed entering all data for 2006 and am working on inputting 2007 so that I don't get too far behind while preparing the financial reports for 2006 and then the IRS reports that we will have to file for the first time because of the amount of money we grossed.
The Cookbook Reserve increased by $100 due to continuing sales.
We received $395 in dues income.

I opened a new checking account which will be used exclusively to hold funds deposited by members for their travel expenses.  Since this is not revenue to ASCA, putting it through our regular books creates problems for the new software.

VICE PRESIDENT:  John Lovric reported that a five foot sign with the ASCA logo will be placed over the ASCA display case in City Hall. The Nikaho city flag will be placed in the City Hall to recognize the reorganization of the three Japanese cities under one city name:  Nikaho.  The Kisakata flag will remain.

ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT:  Don Lapworth, being ill, was not in attendance.

ANACORTES ARTS COMMISSION:  Anne Martin McCool, ASCA Representative to the Arts Commission, reviewed the visitation of the group from Sidney, BC on April 21 and 22.  They will visit various art galleries, starting with the McCool Gallery.  There will be a potluck, at _______________, on Saturday evening, at __________pm, to welcome the 10 guests (and possibly two more).  IF YOU WANT TO HOMESTAY GUESTS, PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL DUANE.
She reported that the Arts Commission has many ideas that include all aspects of the arts (intergenerational): culinary, music, literature, etc. for the months of July through November. 
Duane reviewed the Sidney groups anticipation of a student exchange with Anacortes.  Nikki and Cora will help to facilitate their program plans. 

KISAKATA:  Cora Lijek reported that the Taiko Drummers will perform at the Arts Festival at 11 am, main stage, on Saturday and Sunday.  Space is being determined for the Kyudo group to demonstrate.  They need a space 80’ X 90’.  The dock is being considered in the interest of safety.  Tamaki Ito and a friend will be visiting Anacortes in April.  They are staying with Jim and Marcia Hardy.  Cora will set up a meeting for them with the Mayor.  The student exchange fundraisers are going well.  The students have raised about $1300.00 for the tulips they paint on businesses around town.

VELA LUKA:  Nikki Lovric reported that Sister City International is seeking HOMESTAY for a 17year old Croatian student from Montenegr.  If interested, please call Nikki.

VERY SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT WILL INCLUDE GUEST ARTISTS FROM VANCOUVER, BC AND SEATTLE.

The menu will include:  Appetizers, Roast Pig, Roasted Lamb, Port, Rosotto, Vegetable, Green salad, Dessert; No-Host Bar.  There will be a SILENT AUCTION/LIVE AUCTION that will include a case of Grgic Hills Cardonnay, valued at over $500.00.  “Silent Auction”

Items will be of European origin.  Please call Nikki if you have a silent auction donation.

DUANE reviewed the member support needs:

                   Attendees
                   Auction Items
                   Member sign-up to help set-up, clean-up or assist in any aspect of the SPRING ZABAVA.

Nikki reported that two students are coming from Vela Luka for the summer and three Anacortes students are going to Vela Luka.
She is continuing to work on transportation for the Lomonosov, Russia/Vela Luka, Croatia trip – proposed for September 5 – 17.

DISCUSSIONS FOLLOWED:  

          DUANE REVIEWED THE GOLF TOURNAMENT:  NEEDS:  SPONSORS, GOLFERS AND WORKERS!  Don Lapworth is in charge of SPONSORS.  As you get commitment for sponsorship, please advise him (as well as Duane).  FORMS are available that are for gofers AND sponsors SIGN-UPS.  Forms are available from Duane or Don.  If you know someone who wants to SPONSOR, please call Duane to check if they are already on the list and may be contacted by someone else.  REMEMBER:  There are two levels of SPONSORSHIP – business and personal.  All HOLE SPONSORS will be provided a picture (as was provided for 2006) and MAJOR SPONSORS will receive an 8 X 10 picture.

          THE 2007 DOYLE GEER GOLF TOURNAMENT IS JUNE 23^RD, 7 am at Similk Beach Golf Course.  128 golfers can be accommodated (we had 106 golfers in 2006).  THE DOYLE GEER GOLF TOURNAMENT IS THE MAJOR FUND RAISER FOR ASCA….

          Duane announced that the ASCA Board is considering how to replace Judy Jewell as she retires July 1^st as Town Crier.  She will remain “Honorary Town Crier” and therefore can compete in national/international events.  Hopefully, good news will be forthcoming SOON.

On July 4^th at Causland Park we will celebrate Judy’s retirement and recognition of the new Town Crier.

          ASCA STUDENT TRAVEL ASSISTANCE:  The Foundation that makes annual contributions to ASCA, in 2006 requested that $1000.00 of the donation be set aside and used for student scholarship which was set up last fall.  The board has discussed the idea of a STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP and the advisability of using this fund as “seed money” for STUDENT SCHOLARSHPS – not confined to Sister City travel.  If you have any ideas about aspects of criteria for setting up such a scholarship, please call Duane.  It has been suggested that one criteria should be that the grantee be required to report to ASCA about the trip for which funds were supplied.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Jo Fuqua, Secretary