07/26/2005
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SISTER CITY ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
July 26, 2005
Present:
Linda Damsky
Robert Freedman
Carlen Petersen
c.B. Snedeker
Richard Wisemiller
Chair
Vice Chair
Councilmember
Board Member
Board Member
Also Present:
Margo Walbolt
Marsha Beall
Division Manager, Cultural Affairs
Staff Assistant, Cultural Affairs
The Chair 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.
ITEM #2 - Approval of Minutes of Sister City Board Meeting of April 5. 2005 - Member Freedman
moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 5, 2005 as submitted. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #3 - Old Business -
a. April 26-29 Nagano Delegation Planning - Ms. Walbolt mentioned the names of many of the
local businesses who participated in the 45th Anniversary Nagano visit. The event was a great
success. Ms. Damsky was delighted the delegation had an opportunity to go to Largo Middle
School and visit the classes, lunchroom, and see a performance by the Largo High School
Jazz band. Later they toured the Administration Building and met with Dr. Clayton Wilcox,
Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Freedman mentioned the staff at Ruth Eckerd Hall enjoyed
hosting the group and spoke of their continued interest in the cultural opportunities future
exchanges could offer. Ms. Walbolt suggested utilizing the experiences of the American
teachers who are in Nagano. Ms. Walbolt reported the budget has been depleted due to back-
to-back expenses. New funds will become available in October. Ms. Walbolt suggests
reviewing ways to increase funds for future events.
b. Young Ambassadors trip - Clearwater Sister Cities, Inc. sponsored the 2005 Young
Ambassador's trip to Nagano, Japan. This summer, eight middle school students and three
chaperones traveled to Nagano for a week. During their time in Nagano, they spent three
days visiting schools. Mr. Wisemiller reported the program went very well. The only issues
that came about were getting back and forth to the schools and meal planning due to
vegetarian requests.
c. Clearwater Nagano Sister City Student Exchange Program - In July 2005 Nagano, Japan
sponsored a student exchange trip. This year, four high school students were invited to visit
Nagano for two weeks. Ms. Damsky accompanied Karen Dillie, Alice Feigel, Alexis Neu,
and Kaitlin Reif. During their stay, the group resided with homestay families and visited
junior and senior high schools. Ms. Damsky and the students made numerous presentations
during these school visits, attended school daily and actively participate in educational
exchanges. Ms. Reif sang the American National Anthem at a school assembly. The girls
created a wonderful pictorial scrapbook reflecting life and culture in the United States. Ms.
Damsky was extremely impressed with the accomplishments and professionalism the girls
Sister City 2005-07-26
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displayed. The students will continue to share their experiences with their school and
community throughout the year.
d. Pinellas County teachers in Nagano - Ms. Damsky reported two teachers would be leaving
August 24 for a ten-month teaching opportunity in Nagano. They are actively processing
necessary paperwork for the trip. Their work visas must be secured prior to their leaving.
The homestay families are in place. Ms. Damsky suggests reviewing the current program and
re-evaluating the length of time teachers spend in Nagano, home stay issues, and teacher
utilization.
e. Nagano Middle School visit Aug. 8-14 - Ms. Walbolt distributed a schedule of the upcoming
Nagano visit of twelve students and two teachers. Efforts are in place to find sufficient
home stay families and transportation during this visit. The challenge arises from the visit
being so close to the start of a new school year and the additional students visiting. Ms.
Walbolt is working with Oak Grove Middle School for additional support.
ITEM #4 - New Business-
a. Future Sister Cities - strategic planning - Ms. Walbolt disseminated information for
consideration regarding adding another Sister City. After initial investigation, Ms. Walbolt
discovered a list of available cities actively seeking a new sister city relationship. This list
profiles various communities and the area of interest they are looking for. Ms. Walbolt
consulted with Carole Ketterhagen, of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Mike Meidel,
Pinellas County Economic Development Director. Both recommended considering a
northern European or Scandinavian country. Discussion ensued. Ms. Walbolt suggested
members review the list and come back with recommendations at the next meeting.
b. 2006 Sister City Advisory Board meeting schedule - Meeting dates were discuss for 2006.
The following were decided upon: January 24, April 25, July 25, September 26.
ITEM #5 - Ad;ournment - Members adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
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Sister City Advisory Board - Vice Chair
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