2010-03 Minutes
Linkages Board Minutes
March 8, 2010
Rochester City Hall, 30 Church Street, Room 309A
Attendance: Ruth Rosenberg-Naparsteck, Joe Gersitz, Paul Caccamise, Debra Fromm-Faria, Parker Moore, Cork Young, Nick Coulter, Tanya N. Schueler, Natalia Zhogina, Jed Metzger and Shae Hanford
The meeting was opened at 7:00 PM by President, Paul Caccamise. Cork moved. To approve the February minutes. Joe seconded the motion. The minutes were approved.
Natalia Zhogina, visiting exchange teacher, from Novgorod was introduced by Tanya. She spoke about her teaching experience in Russia and about her hopes for her five week stay in Rochester.
Joe discussed the 2010 budget. He distributed the expense report for the Open World Program. OW made $8,200 available to Rochester. The budget was exceeded by only $250.
Linkages has $28,990.25 in money market account and $2,915.60 in checking.
Funds marked for:
Substance Abuse Committee: $7,000
Eldercare- $2,500
A $3,000 anonymous gift was given to send two teachers from Rochester to Novgorod. The plan to send two ESOL teachers to Novgorod in June can now proceed. Tanya expects Natalia’s expenses to be less.
Joe is checking with Strategic Results Jane Ellen for her fee to raise funds for Linkages. Cork will set up a Facebook account for social networking.
Paul told Barb Linkages will underwrite her travel to Novgorod in May (airfare and visa expenses.) She will check on the necessary invitation. Barbara could be a good person to go to Novgorod because she can establish a new university relationship.
Eldercare funds are dedicated so that fund can be used as needed. Parker suggested that an action plan from needs assessment could make this trip very useful. Debra expressed concern about spending over budget. .Debra said few America eldercare in-home care models exist. She thinks it may be possible to conduct a needs assessment for the Partnership for Elder Services by e-mail.
Joe will develop the budget for a future vote. Paul will speak to Barbara on the proposed visit by two delegates from Novgorod to the Conference on Women’s Rights in Seneca Falls in October. That vote is on hold until further budget discussion.
Committee Reports:
Business- nothing new
Education: Karen Wagner and Pam Pruitt were selected from a list of seven applicants for the teacher exchange. Pam is a Chili teacher and is a TESOL adjunct at Nazareth College. Karen works in the Rochester City School District.
Communication: Cork accepted Paul’s assistance on the newsletter to raise money for Linkages. Fundraising was discussed. Nick described how not-for-profits raise funds by use of advertisers.
Open World budget is $5,400.59. Administration fee paid to Linkages is $2,900. Ruth suggested that the Russian children’s art be produced as blank note cards or post cards and copyrighted by Linkages. A follow-up on the artists could enhance those productions and make people aware of the outcomes of Linkages projects.
Programs: Paul said there are no programs planned. He requests ideas.
Partnership for Children: Jed reported that two camps for children will receive funding.
Eldercare: Deb repeated her report as above discussed in the budget.
Substance Abuse: No Open World this year.
Women’s Issues: Barb will travel to Novgorod. She is requesting the invitation.
President’s Report: Paul reported on plans for the 20th Anniversary of Linkages. ISCOR reception will be around the Novgorod visit and can do double duty as anniversary recognition. The visitors including the Mayor Bobryshev of Novgorod, may also go to the Culinary Institute in Canandaigua. Vladimir. Deb suggested building a fundraiser around the 20th Anniversary. Ruth suggested that Joe Gersitz and Dick Fitts could do a retrospective on where Linkages has grown since its birth.
Vladimir Yarish (basketmaker form Novgorod) will be in the US in the spring but his itinerary will not take him through Rochester this trip.
Tanya distributed invitations to a farewell party for Natalia on April 6 from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Brighton Memorial Library Community Room at 2300 Elmwood Avenue. Paul suggests that there be a reception for the Novgorod television group as well if possible.
Paul formed a committee including himself, Ruth and Shea to prepare for the working visit of the Novgorod Television project. Paul distributed the prospective plan suggested from Novgorod. It is expected to be adjusted for timing and efficiency at a meeting with Nora Brown of Visit Rochester.
Debra moved to adjourn the meeting. Barbara seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned by Paul at 9:05.
