05/20/2008
SISTER CITIES ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 20, 2008
Present: Linda Damsky Chair
Robert Freedman Vice Chair
Carlen Petersen Councilmember
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
Chair Damsky called the meeting to order at 4:35pm at MSB.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
2 – Election of Officers
The floor was open to elect a Chair and Vice Chair for 2008. Member Petersen moved
motion
to reelect Member Damsky as Chair and Member Freedman as Vice Chair. The was
carried
duly seconded and unanimously.
3 – Approval of Minutes of Sister Cities Board Meeting of August 14, 2007, October 23, 2007,
January 29, 2008.
Member Sewell requested amending October minutes Item 5b. to read “Member Sewell
distributed…” instead of Member Sachs; and January minutes Item 7 to read “In the interim…,
Member Sewell” instead of Mr. Raulerson.
Member Petersen moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of August 14,
motion
2007 as submitted; October 23, 2007 and January 29, 2008 as amended. The was duly
carried
seconded and unanimously.
4 - Old Business
a. Photo Galley of program highlights
Ms. Walbolt presented an overview of recent Sister Cities exchange programs.
Mr. Katayama, Nagano English Teacher visit: October 20 – November 18, 2007
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Mr. Katayama visited a variety of schools, including Chi Chi Rodriquez Academy
(formally Modesto Robbins School). The partnership school is a voluntary school for
fourth through seventh grade students. Chair Damsky mentioned the school’s
interest in having additional visitors next year and suggested the Nagano middle
school group. During Mr. Katayama visit to Clearwater he had an opportunity to golf,
attend a performance at Ruth Eckerd Hall and take part in a City Day.
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Sister Cities 2008-5-20
Nagano High School visit: January 30 – February 6, 2008
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Four students and a teacher from Satsuki High School, accompanied by a tour
escort arrived from Nagano on Wednesday, January 30. They attended classes at
Countryside and Clearwater High Schools, went to Disney World and visited City Hall
and local facilities. The Sayonara Party was held at Moccasin Lake Nature Park
where everyone enjoyed dinner and a drum circle performance around the campfire.
Nagano Middle School visit: March 21 – March 27, 2008
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Six girls, five boys, two adult chaperones and Mr. Koji Watanabe visited
Clearwater for one week. They attended Oak Grove Middle School, visited Disney
World and took a City tour. The Sayonara Party was held at Ross Norton Recreation
Center. Their were many close relations developed during the visit and are
continuing even after the visitors return back to Nagano.
b. Youth Board member vacancy
Due to Member Scholet’s resignation, the board has a Youth Board member vacancy.
Ms. Walbolt advised this position is available for students nineteen and under in age and a
Clearwater city resident. Discussion ensued. Members will pursue recruitment through local
schools, previous exchange program applicants, GOT Gov and Marcia P. Hoffman Performing
Arts Institute.
5 - New Business
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a. Discussion of 50 Anniversary Celebration in 2009
Ms. Walbolt has been in correspondence with Ashley, Nagano International Relations
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Section regarding the 50 Anniversary Celebration visit in 2009. Although there was a dialogue
regarding a citizen’s delegation visit, no clear resolution was obtained as to where it would be
held. Members reviewed the correspondence of May 12 and requested Ms. Walbolt respond
once again informally to Ashley and reiterate that based on past exchanges, typically Nagano
would plan on sending a delegation to Clearwater in 2009 and inquire if that is still their plans.
Also, inquire as to what time of the year this celebration should take place. After that is resolved,
a formal invitation may be initiated Mayor-to-Mayor.
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The key to a successful event will be early planning and budgeting. If the 50
Anniversary celebration is held in Clearwater, members suggested linking with some City
sponsored February-March 2009 events: the annual Sea-Blues Festival at Coachman Park,
“Focus on Japan” activities at the Clearwater Main Library; and Pinellas County Schools & REH.
As far as funding the event, some potential opportunities might be to partner with
Clearwater Rotary Club, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater Sister Cities, Inc., Pinellas Schools and
City Recreation Centers and local hotels.
b. Pinellas County Schools Exchange – July 10 – July 24, 2008
Darryl Schuster and Kerry Cunningham were chosen to travel to Nagano for one month
during June 26 – July 24, 2008 and return along with the four students. Plans are moving
along. They have secured Homestay families and have much of their paperwork completed.
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Sister Cities 2008-5-20
c. High School Scholarship program: July 10-July 24, 2008
Four students were chosen for the 2008 High School Scholarship program: Rachel
Canning, Clearwater High; Samantha Gray, Osceola High; Megan Hays and Katherine
Humberstone, Countryside High. Ms. Judy Barrett was selected to act as chaperone. They
have been actively working at City sponsored events and special projects in order to earn the
funds needed for the trip to Nagano. Chair Damsky inquired as the status of City support due to
projected budget cuts. Ms. Walbolt advised that there is an annual funding of $3,000
earmarked for this program. The service hours the students contribute at certain city activities
are supported with Special Events developmental funds. Additional expenses need to be
obtained thru donations or student earnings.
d. Clearwater Sister Cities, Inc. report - Member Sewell
Younq Ambassador Proqram - members of the Clearwater Sister Cities, Inc. selected
ten (10) students and three (3) chaperones for the Young Ambassadors Program. They have
had their final meetings and are ready for their trip. They will be traveling to Nagano June 9-
June 24, 2008.
Events - plans are in the works to sponsor a Sushi demonstration in August 2008.
Japanese Jazz Band - Mr. Raulerson is still in contact with his friend in Japan regarding
a Youth Jazz band from Tateshina coming to Clearwater to perform during the 50th Anniversary.
Of course, much depends on their finances.
Newsletter - the next newsletter will be emailedbyJune15.This issue will feature the
Nagano middle school visit. Continue to contact Carol Huber with any articles or news items.
50th Anniversary Booklet - research continues on the "50th Anniversary Booklet"
comprised of information gathered regarding the Clearwater Nagano Sister Cities Exchange
Program.
6. Items not on aqenda
Ms. Walbolt spoke about Matt & Suzanne Ruley's current adoption of two Russian
children. Ms. Walbolt is assisting the Ruley's in finding someone who may be able to help with
Russian/English translations and childcare. A young college student is preferred to help with
the transition. They will be returning home the first week of June.
Chair Damsky announced she has received an invitation from the Chinese Government
to participate in an educational delegation trip during June 23-July1, 2008. This program was
offered thru the "Chinese Language Bridge" scholarship program.
7 - Adiournment
Members adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
The next Sister City Board meeting wil
Room 130.
d T trtDst 19, 20 8 at MSB,
City Advisory Board - C
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