2009-12 Minutes
Linkages Board Minutes
December 7, 2009
Rochester City Hall, 30 Church Street
Attendance: Ruth Rosenberg-Naparsteck, Tanya Schueler, Walter Boston, Barb LeSavoy, Roger Young, Jed Metzger, Paul L. Caccamise, Jack Schottmiller, Joe Gersitz, Shae Hanford.
President Paul Caccamise opened the meeting at 7 p.m.
Joe reported that the Linkages credit card was denied because they have no credit history though there is more than $29,000 in money market and checking account. He will recontact the Citizens Bank.
Paul reported that $1,650 has been received from the fundraising campaign. He read a letter of appreciation from a former board member, Marian Nelson, included in the donation from her and her husband.
Some budgets were proposed and discussed. Tanya discussed the budget she proposed for the teacher exchange. The visa process for the two exchange teachers who will be going to Russia in June was discussed. Joe said with enough lead time, the mail-in application directly to the Russian Embassy/Consulate could be successful (without using a visa agency.) She priced airline tickets at about $1,000.
Jack reported on the Open World delegation visit. The visit was considered very successful. The cooperation of many Board members as a team was key to making it a success. Some of the delegates expected an event every night. Because the host families are spread out throughout the area, that was difficult to plan but the delegates participated in a number of impromptu activities. Shae pointed out that shopping and other plans the delegates had made meal planning a challenge. These considerations will be taken into account next year. This year Open World sent a student intern to observe the program.
Committee reports:
Business: Walter reported that Galina is interested in bringing women in business to Rochester for an internship. He and Barb are meeting to arrange Asya’s visit which has been postponed.
Education: Tanya said they are planning a full calendar for the Russian exchange teacher (Natalya) who will visit in March. She will give a more full report next month.
Paul reported that Vladimir Yarish, the birch basketmaker, may visit Rochester next year on his nationwide workshop tour. Paul suggested that his baskets may be displayed at the Center at High Falls or the Rochester Public Library. Ruth suggested that Ganondagan may be a good location because of the similarities between the Russian baskets and those of Native Americans.
Partnership for Children: Jed reported that his students have developed a relationship with a Russian camp and will be sending a donation. There was discussion on preferred ways to send monetary donations.
Partnership for Eldercare: Joe reported that he and Debra will meet later in the week.
Partnership for substance Abuse: Jack said a final report will be completed this week.
Women’s Issues: Barb reported that Asya was planning to come in March, but if she comes in June or July she could remain until October for special women’s events in Seneca Falls. In addition, a letter was sent to Michelle Obama inviting her, her daughters and mother to Seneca Falls. She has not had a response and may follow it up with an electronic invitation. She may include a communication received by President Obama that may show his approval for the events.
President’s Report:
The Novgorod television team expects now to come in May during lilac time. They will do segments on the Rochester cuisine, history and life.
Novgorod high school students will visit in January/February 2010.
Dick Fitts is researching the regulations for sending Rochester lilacs for the Rachmaninov Memorial.
New Business: The 20th anniversary of Linkages founding may be celebrated next year. It was suggested that maybe it could be celebrated at the ISCOR annual meeting to give added recognition.
Paul suggested that two or more of Jed’s students should be invited to join the Linkages Board. The Board agreed that Jed should explore their interest and encourage them. Paul will also follow up with them.
The meeting was adjourned at 9 P.M.
