2013-11-25 Sister City Commission MinutesEdmonds Sister City Commission
Meeting Date: November 25th , 2013
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:06pm
Attendance: Pos. 1 Michelle Van Tassell Pos. 2 Ray Olitt
Pos. 4 Marlene Friend Pos. 5 Kay Vreeland
Pos. 7 lyoko Okano Pos. 8 Kody McConnell
Pos. 10 Beth Fuhriman Pos. 11 Jill Van Berkom
Student Rep. Michelle Rockstead
Commissioners Absent: lyoko (excused), Kay (excused), Jill
Staff Liaison: Carolyn LaFave
Pos. 3
Pos. 6 Rita Ikeda
Pos. 9 Joseph Fletcher
Pos. 12 Paul Anderson
Guests / Public Comment: Michelle expressed gratitude to the Commission for the successful
hosting of the delegation from Hekinan. She introduced former commissioner Jeanne Mazzoni, who
coordinates the Friends of the Sister City Commission, 8 of whom were involved during the delegation
visit and enjoyed participating and assisting. Jeanne also attended the Sunday evening host family
feedback session and shared comments about that experience.
Administration
Agenda: Agenda was approved by the group.
Minutes: Minutes for Sept. 23 and Oct 28 pending approval. Joseph will bring to next meeting.
Treasurer's report: Kody provided via email; the end of Dec. statement will be more detailed and
substantive
Chair's Report: Michelle circulated a Christmas Card for commissioners to sign to send to AET Lauren
Price. A gift box will be mailed to Lauren after Dec. 5 Commissioners are invited to bring small, non-
perishable, not fragile items to Michelle's office at Coldwell, Banker, Bain by Fri., Dec. 5, and she will
package them to mail to Lauren as our expression of support for her work in Hekinan.
Ten host families attended a debriefing on Sun., Nov. 24, along with commissioners Michelle Van Tassell,
Joseph, and Paul. Halloween was a highlight, as was the ECA Culture Fair. Hosts would have liked more
time with guests, perhaps being able to attend an event with guests. Hosts offered to include hotel
guests for a meal or event. How to draw a larger audience for the ECA event was discussed .. maybe
with more advance notice. There was much constructive feedback received, which will help make
improvements for hosting future delegations.
Discussion continued on ways to recruit students for the 2014 exchange. Renting the Edmonds Theater
marquee to advertise the student delegation was suggested. Additional ideas: sponsor an "Anime Day"
at the theater, a taiko drum event, Boys' and Girls' Days celebrations, a tea ceremony as a cultural
event.
In December, the commission will discuss fund raising in more detail.
lyoko received some feedbacks from Hekinan, which was basically positive, along with other official
communications. Paul, Ray, and Beth each shared comments received in email from Hekinan.
Michelle will deliver a report to the Edmonds City Council on January 7t". All who can are asked to
attend in a show of support.
PR Report: -Kay was absent due to illness, so Michelle shared she had discussed with Kay publishing
a public "thank you" in the Edmonds Beacon, and a lookback to honor the founding commissioners of
ESCC.
Paul asked re "The Edmonds Patch", an online news source.
Carolyn has sent PSA's to the Beaon as well as to MyEdmondsNews.
Paul said that Facebook "likes" are increasing, including lots of reports from Hekinan delegates.
Staff Report: For the 2014 student delegation, 1 application has been received, and references
received for a second applicant. Marlene asked if a person living in Ballard could be considered for the
student delegation. Michelle recommended we wait to see what more local response is, but that such
an arrangement might be possible.
On Nov. 29, a PSA will go out regarding open positions on ESCC.
Student Representative Report: Michelle did not attend. However, it was reported that she is
working on a video -type presentation to be used for promotional and recruiting purposes.
Correspondence: Hekinan SCC has asked for a total of 12 delegates for the next exchange session (3
HS students, 2 Chaperones, 7 JHS students). A'thank-you' letter was received from Mr. Suzuki, the
Hekinan SSC president.
Old Business
Highlights / Suggestions for 2018: Ray reported that many positive comments were received about
the Halloween activity, time spent with families, and activities that did not require translation (physical
or demonstrative). The few negative comments were that too much time or too great detail was used
during some presentations. These included the medical facility tour, the Chihuly museum and outlet
mall shopping. The group will follow up on these comments in further meetings.
Follow up —Thank you letters: The group divided the list of'thank-you' and will endeavor to
complete and return this within a week to Carolyn and Michelle.
New Business
2014 Student Delegation Planning: A press release has gone out concerning the student delegation
in the summer of 2014. Ballpark dates are the latter half of July and the first two weeks of August. All
agree that the 'true exchange' model is best. Applications deadline has not been firmly set however it is
usually the end of February.
Items Tabled: New Business/Fund Raising/Community Event
Announcements: Beth has chosen to resign from the commission. This resignation will be effect at
the end of December. Jill has resigned effective immediately (resignation was email prior to the
meeting).
Next Meeting: Possibly December 16t", due to the proximity of the holidays.
Adjournment: 8:50