Town of Cary, North Carolina
SISTER CITIES COMMISSION
Minutes of June 20, 2002 Meeting

Present: Barry Mitsch, Chair to the commission, Nadette Welterin-Hugg, Steve Morrison, Ildiko Trombitas, Sharon Hanigan Jinnie Davis, Mary Lou Addor, Sarah Sheffield and Samuel Fudzie, Secretary to the commission.

The meeting was called to order at 7.35 pm.

Previous Minutes: The minutes of the May 16^th, 2002 meeting were read. It was pointed out that Janice Stolzenberg was also at the May 16^th meeting. The minutes of the May 16^th meeting to be corrected by adding Janice Stolzenberg the names of members that were present at the May 16, 2002 meeting.

Treasurer’s Report: The treasurer was not present at the meeting to give the balance in the Association’s bank account. However Barry informed the members that twenty-one hundred dollars (US$2,100.00) has been paid as the down payment to the travel agent towards the bookings for the proposed Ireland trip.

Markham: Barry informed the members that three Regional Councilors from the Town of Markham will be visiting the Town July 14th and 15th. Barry will pick them up from the Airport. He will show them around in Cary. Barry further informed the members that the sister cities relationship between the two towns (Cary and Markham) is off to a very good start.

Le Touquet: Nadette informed the members that she has sent information to some of the Cary Elementary, Middle and High Schools informing them of the visits of the students from Le Touquet and also asking the schools if they have any interests and/or activities in which the French students could be engaged in during their visit with the Town.

Two families working with SAS will be host families respectively to the two students (a young man and a young lady) who are coming from Le Touquet.

Nadette informed the members that another young lady, sister to Buba, one of last year’s students who visited with the town from Le Touquet, was not able to conclude her arrangements in time to be able to come during this summer or with the above two students. The young lady will work towards coming during the summer of 2003.

Nadette further requested Steve Morrison to be the Cary Sister Cities Commission’s co-liaison member for Le Touquet. The members of the commission unanimously approved the request.

The members were informed that Steve and Nadette have had discussions on how awareness of Le Touquet in particular and French culture in general can be created. Among possible events and/or activities that were discussed as tools can be used to generate such awareness and interest among the citizens of Cary are organizing an activity or event for July 14, which is France’s Independence Day, a scavenger hunt involving some Cary local stores and merchants, and requests to the counter-part liaison in Le Touquet for postcards, T-shirts and souvenirs.

As part of the 10th anniversary of the sister cities relationship with Le Touquet, members discussed arranging a video conferencing between the Town of Cary and Le Touquet. Bell South, MCI and Worldcom were mentioned as possible providers to be contacted to arrange for the video conferencing.

Meath: Sharon informed the members that the travel agent is still working out the details of the proposed visit to Meath. At least 10 people are needed to have a group to make the trip to Ireland. The Association had up to July 7, 2002 to cancel the plans for the trip in order to be able to receive a refund of the funds deposited with the travel agent towards the trip. Considering the limited time available to the Commission and the Association to market a trip and to get people to sign on to go on the trip to Meath, members expressed dissatisfaction and disappointment in not having the expected cooperation from the travel agent in terms of scheduling and the itinerary planning for the proposed trip. Sharon, the commission’s liaison for Meath was asked to send an e-mail to the travel agent reminding them of the time constraint the association has and as such a prompt feedback with regards to the planning and the scheduling of activities as expected from the travel agent.

Sharon informed the members that she is not planning to be part of the group to go on the trip to Ireland, hence she will prefer a co-liaison who will be involved in the planning of the trip.

Lazy Daze: Steve Morrison informed the members that La Farm is considering engaging the Sister Cities Association to sell their bread at this year Lazy Daze. The Association will be paid a commission on the sales. Steve will liaison with La Farm on the details of the Association selling La Farm’s products at the Lazy Daze. Steve to email the members any agreement reached with La Farm to enable members to decide on when and how to assist in the selling of the bread.

Other Matters: Jinnie suggested the Association solicit for coupons from area restaurants. The coupons to be used in fundraising activities of the association.

Mary Lou Addor informed members of her meeting with a mayor from the town in Bulgaria. The Mayor expressed interest in their town establishing a sister city relationship with the Town of Cary.

The meeting was adjourned at 8.40 p.m.

Next Meeting: The association’s next meeting is July 18, 2002.