HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Sister City Committee - 09/12/1994 474
SISTER CITY STEERING COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1994,6:00 P.M.
MEMBERS ATTENDANCE ABSENT STAFF
Drue Combs Johnnie Norman Ramon Lopez Yvonne Haag
Fernando Iglesias Michael Flores Rose Gunji Ava Wright
Christina M. Tinning ,Adrian Dansby Mary Saenz
Joe Garcia .Sam Polk Allie Young
Jose Luis Aparicio Dolores DeLeon Humberto Tijerina
Toni Medina John Marez , Rudy Delgado
Elida Gonzalez Jose Torres Mary Saenz
Fred Hoffmann (Advisory)
I. CALL TO ORDER-The Monday, September 12, 1994 meeting of the Sister City Steering
Committee was held in the Committee Room of City Hall. The meeting was called to
order at 6:00 p.m. by Drue Combs, General Chairperson.
II. ROLL CALL - Attendance was taken and a quorum was present.
III. ACTION ON AUGUST 1, 1994 MINUTES - The following changes were made to the
minutes of the August 1, 1994 meeting: Section VI. Michael Flores noted that it was
Christina Tinning that expressed concern on behalf of the Spanish students; and under
Attendance - Fernando Iglesias' absence was excused as Sister City business. Sam Polk
motioned to accept the minutes of the August 1, 1994 meeting as corrected. Dolores
DeLeon seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous.
IV. TREASURERS'REPORT-Yvonne Haag reported that there was $20,000 in the General
Fund and $2,386.07 in the Trust Fund.
V. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. EVALUATION OF THE 1994 STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM - Student
exchange representatives were present to share their experiences, observations and
recommendations on the 1994 student exchange program.
TOLEDO, SPAIN - (Tad Cleaves, Brigid Tinning, Anita Benner, and Trent Peterson)
Each student representative expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to travel to
Toledo, Spain. All students agreed that experience gave them a new understanding of
the Spanish culture and people.
YOKOSUKA, JAPAN - (Rhonda Horton, Emily Towers, and Jesse Elizalde). Each
student representative shared memorable experiences,and agreed that they all came back
with a better appreciation of their own lives and that of other cultures.
VERACRUZ, MEXICO - Mrs. Elida Benavidez, represented her family and son, student
representative, Trey Benavidez. Mrs. Benavidez reported that the Mexican students
enjoyed themselves immensely. She expressed her enjoyment and pleasure in hosting two
Mexican students and volunteered to host next year. Ms. Benavidez announced that one
of the Mexican students will visit Corpus Christi for Christmas vacation.
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All students agreed that the program should be extended to at least a one month
exchange. The students also agreed to share their experiences and assist with the
promotion of the program in their schools.
B. PROJECT COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATION FOR THE SALE OF
ENTERTAINMENT COUPON BOOKS AS A FUND RAISING PROJECT
Discussion was held regarding the legalities, invested time, goals, prices, and profit
involved with the sale of the Entertainment coupon books. Johnnie Norman motioned
that the Sister City Committee sell the Entertainment coupon books as a fund raising
project. The motion was seconded by John Marez. A vote was taken with four members
approving and ten against. The motion was defeated.
VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. TOLEDO, SPAIN - No report given.
B. YOKOSUKA,JAPAN-Johnnie Norman reported that the Volunteerism Internship
Program was underway with the subcommittee meeting on a weekly basis in preparation
for the exchange. Ms.Norman announced that Vicky Villarreal,volunteer representative,
is scheduled for the exchange in Yokosuka, October 1 - 29. Ms. Norman requested the
committee's assistance in securing two or three host families during October for the
Yokosuka representative.
C. AACHEN, GERMANY- Drue Combs reported that the German Heritage Society
confirmed that Aachen, Germany has an established affiliation with Arlington County,
Virginia, and has no interest in a second U.S. Sister City. Ms. Combs also announced
that the German Society is interested in investigating an affiliation with Bremenhaven,
Germany.
D. ISRAEL - Drue Combs reported that she met with the local Jewish Community
Center regarding their interest in and support for an Israel affiliation.
E. EVALUATION- Drue Combs, reporting for the Evaluation Committee, presented
a summary of the student exchange program.
F. SPORTS - Jose Torres reported that the soccer team enjoyed participating in the
Sister Cities International Soccer Tournament. Mr. Torres reported that the team did
not win the tournament, but they were presented with a special sportsmanship award.
VII. CURRENT CONCERNS: Drue Combs announced that a goal setting workshop will be
held at the Multicultural Center on Saturday, October 8th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
(Please note: The workshop has since been rescheduled to Saturday, October 15,
1994 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Multicultural Center.)
Drue Combs suggested a quartz watch with the committee logo as a possible gift for
visiting exchange students and dignitaries. Further discussion and action on the watch
will be held at the October meeting.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
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Marion Loucks, Staff Liaison
Sister City Steering Committee