2009-04 Minutes
Linkages Board Meeting
7 P.M. April 6, 2009
Rochester City Hall
Room 300A
Attendance: Ruth Rosenberg-Naparsteck, Tanya Schueler, Barbara LeSavoy, Jed Metzger, Joe Gersitz, Roger Young, Paul Caccamise, Shae Hanford, Walter Boston.
The meeting was called to order by President Paul Caccamise at 7:10.
Photographs of Novgorod taken by several photographers for the exhibit were passed around.
Paul presented the financial report: Citizens Bank checking: $4,378.11; Citizens Money Market: $35,865.59; Vanguard Account: $11,933.25.
Paul said he will check with “Young Professionals” to seek a volunteer to serve as Treasurer.
Committee Reports:
Business: Walter Boston arrived later in the meeting. No Business Committee report.
Communication: Howard was absent.
Membership: Joe reported nothing new.
Education: Tanya reported that the NYSAFLT teacher candidates will be oriented for the teacher exchange. Candy will purchase the air tickets after the visas after processed. The committee is waiting for the invitations.
Program, Culture: Paul suggested that a program should be held. The Board discussed talks on Russian life, teaching and changes over time. Several names of speakers were suggested. A venue and time will be discussed at a later time.
Partnership for Children: Jed reported that possibly 12 students will travel to Novgorod June 13 or 14 to 22 to visit an orphanage and see some sights. Air fare was discussed as well as home stays and land transportation.
Partnership for Eldercare: Joe reported there is nothing new.
Partnership for Prevention of Substance Abuse: Jack was absent but Paul reported that there are five Russian candidates from Novgorod who will come to Rochester for a week in November as part of the Open World Trip.
Women’s Issues: Barb reported that she has been having difficulty with emailing, but hopes to have details on the September celebrations by the May meeting.
Newsletter: Roger (Corky) distributed the Newsletter. It was well received. Barb suggested that the Board members be listed on the front of the newsletter in the blank space available. That will be considered.
1150th Anniversary: The group discussed ideas for a public program in honor of the 1150th anniversary of Novgorod in Rochester this season.Tanya suggested a musical performance by monks from the monastery at Jordanville near Syracuse. That idea was well received. Tanya will follow through on exploring the possibility of a music program this spring.
President’s Report: Paul reported that three Rochester people have been invited to Novgorod in September. Novgorod will pay the land expenses while in that city. Mayor Robert Duffy cannot attend because it is an election year. It was suggested that his assistant Jean Howard or Councilwomen Elaine Spaull and Carolee Conklin may travel. Joe suggested Elaine for her demonstrated support and interest in the activities of Linkages. Daan Braverman, president of Nazareth, was also suggested by the city.
Shae reported the costs of travel to Novgorod and possible itineraries from Gate 1. She needs more accurate land costs before advertising the trip.
Paul said he would ask Bill about convening a Nominating Committee to put together a slate of candidates for a June election.
There was no new business.
GVCO: Walter reported that VDK Russ temporarily suspended business according to a letter received. He is not sure what the disposition of the GVCO equipment is. He has not been able to get answers to some of his questions. The company was invoiced $400 in back taxes. There is also a debt estimated to be $25,000. There was discussion about closing down he American corporation at this point. A motion to that effect was carried unanimously by the Linkages Board members present.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:10.
