08/14/2007
SISTER CITIES ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 14, 2007
Present: Linda Damsky Chair
Robert Freedman Vice Chair
Carlen Petersen Councilmember
Nicole Scholet Youth Advisory Board Member
Lois Sewell Clearwater Sister Cities, Inc.
Absent: C.E. Snedeker Board Member
Also Present: Margo Walbolt Division Manager, Cultural Affairs
Marsha Beall Staff Assistant, Cultural Affairs
Richard Wisemiller Clearwater Sister Cities, Inc.
Chair Damsky called the meeting to order at 4:32pm at MSB.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
2 – Welcome – Lois Sewell
Ms. Walbolt introduced Lois Sewell, Clearwater Sister Cities, Inc. as a new member to
the board.
3 - Approval of Minutes of Sister City Board Meeting of May 8, 2007
Member Petersen moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 8, 2007
motion
as corrected (Vice Chair Freedman called the meeting to order…). The was duly
carried
seconded and unanimously.
4 - Old Business
a. June 2007 – Young Ambassadors trip to Nagano
In June, eight middle school students traveled to Nagano with 3 chaperones. Member
Sewell reported the trip went very well. The students were well mannered and no problems
were reported. Obtaining new passports and homestay families have been much more difficult
this year. The Young Ambassadors will be introduced at tonight’s City Council meeting.
b. June – July 2007 - Pinellas County Teacher Summer Exchange
Two teachers, Magen Studebaker and Melissa Anderson recently returned from their
four-week summer exchange in Nagano. Ms. Walbolt received an email from Ms. Anderson
expressing her positive experiences in Nagano and how she plans to incorporate what she
experienced in to her classroom lesson plans.
1
Sister Cities 2007-8-14
c. July 5 – 19: Clearwater High School Students to Nagano
This year four high school students (Lucy Feigel, Ben Popp, Joey Stokes and Zach
Tranter) took part in the annual High School Exchange Program along with an area teacher,
Stacie Little. Ms. Walbolt received an email from one of the students while in Nagano reporting
that Japan was just hit with a mild earthquake and tsunami waves. As a result, Nagano
received an incredible amount of rain, which curtailed some of their activities. Everyone
weathered it fine. Ms. Walbolt mentioned her concern was that there was no communication
from Nagano about this event. Also, feedback from Nagano regarding the visit was minimal. It
remains uncertain if the overlapping of the time the teachers and students spent in Nagano was
successful.
Due to the original chaperone (Jane Hayes) having to cancel her trip, an alternate
teacher was sent. Ms. Walbolt suggested having a meeting Chair Damsky and Jan Kucerik to
discuss the different aspects in the teacher selection’s process, including training for the
alternate chaperone. Member Petersen suggested the possibility of offering the alternate
chaperone the first consideration to go to Nagano the following year.
5 - New Business
a. Clearwater Sister Cities, Inc. report – Member Sewell
The Art of Sumi-e – Robbie Miles, artist, teacher and member of the Sumi-e Society of
America will demonstrate the art of black ink painting on Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at 7 p.m. at
the Clearwater East Library.
Student Presentations - the presentation program by summer exchange students
originally scheduled at MSB on September 18 will need to be changed to October 16. Member
Sewell suggests the location of this event be at the library or a recreation center.
Joint Sister Cities meeting – in effort to branch out in to the community, Clearwater
Sister Cities has arranged a joint meeting with the Largo and St. Petersburg organizations on
September 24, 2007 at 4 p.m. at the St. Petersburg City Hall.
Newsletter – Ms. Sewell distributed copies of the Clearwater Sister Cities, Inc.
newsletter. Please contact Carol Huber with any articles or news items. The newsletter is
distributed via email.
Sister Cities International Bazaar – plans are in the works to present an International
Bazaar event March 2008. The items sold at this event provide funds for the organization.
Donations of “International” items are welcomed. More information is forthcoming.
b. September Concert
Ms. Walbolt reported that the 2007 Clearwater September Concert will be held on
September 11 at City Hall steps (6:00 p.m.) and then conclude at Peace Memorial Church.
Contacts have been made to several groups and a number of churches in an effort to provide a
broader mix of participants this year. This year’s program will include: youth component-Life
Force Academy drummers and dancers, fire color guard; Restoration Village Ministry Choir;
Duncan McMillan, piano solo; choir performances. Rabbi David Weisman, who was part of the
Chaplin’s of the American Red Cross who bestowed support during the September 11 tragedy,
will give the message at this year’s program.
2
Sister Cities 2007-8-14
c. High School Student Scholarships/Application Process
Ms. Walbolt distributed the City's Sister City annual projected budget for 2007-2008. In
general, the Sister City budget maintains $3,000 to cover general expenses for the annual costs
of running all the various Sister Cities programs. The dilemma is how to cover the 2008 high
school student scholarship travel expenses which averages $3,500. Discussion ensued.
Members concluded that a request for supplemental funds to cover half the transportation costs
should be sought from outside organization or businesses, while the students would be
responsible for earning the balance through participating in special events, fundraising, and
personal funds. The application process will be determined once the criteria is established.
Member Sewell asked if the City could also provide some financial assistance for the
travel expenses of the Clearwater Sister Cities Young Ambassador middle school program.
Councilmember Petersen explained that under the current budget situation, there is no funding
available. Ms. Walbolt offered to assist the organization in exploring fundraising opportunities
through the city's special events.
6 - Items not on aqenda
Chair Damsky asked if anyone attended the recent Sister Cities International Annual
Conference held in Ft. Lauderdale this year from July 18-21. Due to the increased cost in
registration fees, many people did not attend.
Member Scholet submitted a tentative schedule for Countryside High School Guide for
Japanese Exchange visits. The schedule included possible school liaisons, classes and places
to visit, and a general schedule during the day.
Mr. Wisemiller commented on many of the changes occurring in Nagano. This year,
their program representatives consisted of a brand new interpreter and whole new international
relations staff. This makes communication and support ever changing. Mr. Wisemiller also
showed a 3-minute power point presentation on the recent middle school trip to Nagano. A
copy will be given to City Council.
7 - Adiournment
Members adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
The next Sister City Board meeting will be held Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at MSB,
Room 130.
~1~~~
Staff Assistant . \
Sister Cities 2007-8-14
3