Lawrence Sister Cities Advisory Board
August 20, 2008 minutes
Approved October 7, 2008
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Bill Keel, Linda Hyler, Jon Josserand, Bob Moody, Bob Schumm, Andrew Tsubaki, Ken Albrecht, Michael Kennedy, Lynn Ground, Lori Hutfles, Kathleen Hodge, Gina Ross, Kelly Herndon, Bob Schumm, Stuart Boley |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
Lynn Ground |
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STAFF LIAISON PRESENT: |
Michael Tubbs |
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PUBLIC PRESENT: |
Christian Sachau, Eutin; Dimitra Piskou, Iniades, Greece; Professor Dennis Christilles |
Introduction of Special Guests (Baron)
o Frank Baron introduced Christian Sachau from Eutin. Christian is this year’s banking intern who is in Lawrence with the support of his banking employer in Germany. He will be leaving the US on September 10. A number of board members asked him questions about his visit to Lawrence. The KU Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) is helping with his visit as is the Max Kade center.
Introduction of Special Guests (Schumm and Tsubaki)
o Because of the fortuitous timing of her presence in Lawrence, Ms. Dimitra Piskou of Iniades, Greece was invited. She is involved with an international program with KU which dates back 22 years between the Theatre department and the local area of Iniades. Mrs. Piskou described her locale and gave some information about the KU program. The local residents have been so pleased with the KU Theatre program’s presence that they have converted a school facility to allow for the use of the KU students for group housing and cooking. The City continues to improve this facility. KU students typically stay for a six week time period. Iniades is an ancient city close to the Ionian Sea. It is now part of a six-town entity of small Greek cities who have banded together to advance their collective economic and political interests.
o Professor Tsubaki has a personal role in establishing this program at its beginning. The KU students have helped revive an ancient theatre location, and give a performance there every summer. Because of this, this presence of this theatre is more widely known in Greece, which is appreciated by the area residents.
o The area is reached by a flying to Athens and taking an inexpensive three hour bus ride. Another popular way is to fly in to Italy and take a 9 hour cruise.
o Professor Dennis Christilles of KU Theatre was introduced. Professor Christilles is deeply involved in the KU Theatre program and answered some questions from members of the Board about their program.
o Because of the potential of this program to support other exchange opportunities, Bill Keel recommended that Schumm’s Third Sister City Committee engage in additional research and study of this topic.
Finances (Boley)
Boley discussed the distribution of retained earnings issue. His work first reconciled accounts as of 12/06. He then reconciled transactions to bring balances forward to 12/31/2007. He will continue to work on 2008. He wants to reconcile physical accounts consistent with his 12/2007 methodology. In accordance with his suggestion, the Board authorized him to bring the balance to $ 23,518.08.
Other Financial reports received and approved.
Friends of Hiratsuka (Kennedy, Tsubaki)
18 students from Hiratsuka visited Lawrence. The board all agreed that the “send-off” party and performance at S. Junior High was a great success. Hyler thanked her committee for the good work done, and especially the great publicity including a photograph in the LJW. Thanks were expressed for Sue Hack’s attendance at this send off. Professor Tsubaki explained the background and significance of the gifts of dolls that the Japanese students made to the city.
Professor Tsubaki reminded the Board of the upcoming September 29 Japan Festival at JCCC.
Friends of Eutin (Keel)
Bill Keel made the following announcements and reminders:
o A Friends of Lawrence homepage is up for viewing: www.freundevonlawrence-kansas.de
o There is a Lawrence Arts Center exhibition currently: “Lawrence Eutin Sister Cities Metals Connection.
o High School students from Eutin (20th anniversary delegation) are expected on: September 30 – November 3
o There will be a visit by guitarist Andreas van Zoest & Julia Schwill-Engelhardt : October 10-25, 2008
o 20th anniversary delegation visit to Eutin is tentatively scheduled: May 29-June 3, 2009.
o Lawrence Guitar Quartet (Marc Greenberg) will visit Eutin for concerts: June 4-22, 2009. Several concerts will be given.
o 20th Anniversary visit of Guitar Orchestra with Andreas van Zoest: October 1-10, 2009
Kelly Herndon asked the Board about the issues encountered with having a Eutin student participate in Lawrence School Soccer program. The question apparently is one involving KSHAA certification.
Scholarship Event (Moody)
Bob presented three alternatives developed by the Committee for the Scholarship fundraiser and received informal feedback. The fundraiser will be held Thursday evening October 2. $50/person. A “save the date” email will be sent soon. The Board approved expenditures of $1,000 for advance expenses associated with the event.
Sister Cities Convention Report (several)
o A brief report was given by those attending the International Sister Cities convention in Kansas City. Linda Hyler distributed a brochure including a number of ideas for consideration by the Board. Others also submitted their written reports. In general, all members who attended this meeting thought very highly of the utility of attendance. Due to the lack of time in this meeting, it was suggested the next Board meeting allow for a more lengthy report.
Sister Cities Web Presence
o Josserand reported he has not yet convened a meeting of the two friends groups and the City web-staff.
The meeting was adjourned