01-12-2005 Minutes of the January 12, 2005 Southlake Sister Cities Meeting
The meeting was called to order by President John Terrell at 6:30 p.m.
Minutes of the previous meeting were not read. (In December, in lieu of the usual
business meeting, attendees enjoyed Japanese fare at Kobeya Japanese Restaurant in
Southlake Town Square, followed by a PowerPoint presentation on the Southlake
delegation's September 15 —20, 2004 trip to Toyoma.)
The treasurer's report was read by LouAnn Heath. We've had good response on 2004
membership dues, taking in$1505 to date, for a present balance of$7800. Ralph Evans
moved to approve the treasurer's report and Liz Durham seconded the motion.
Old Business
Toyoma: Continuation of Sister Cities relationship with Toyoma was discussed in the
context of Toyoma's change in municipal status. Gifts received from Toyoma were
highlighted at the last City Council Meeting, and will be displayed in the Toyoma Room
at City Hall. Discussed inviting an adult delegation from Toyoma to come for the 50th
anniversary of Southlake. The opening of a hotel,movie theatre and other new concerns
on Grand Avenues is reportedly scheduled for May 2006.
Membership: Collection of membership dues for 2005 will commence in May, as has
been customary in the past. Since the collection of 2004 dues is just coming to
completion,there was discussion as to whether the timetable for collection of 2005 dues
should slide. Liz Durham suggested that May would be a good time for the membership
drive, coming on the heels of the spring visit by the Toyoma youth delegation. Liz
asserted that the enthusiasm and publicity generated by the visit would present an
excellent marketing opportunity for the membership drive. Liz further volunteered to
serve as the Membership Chairperson.
Japanese and Mexican Gardens: Liz Durham has met to discuss layout and
composition of the labyrinth. Liz reports some interest in the Noble Oaks area
(Continental and South Carroll) in the Japanese garden. Native Japanese plants, such as
hydrangea,that would fare well in this climate are under consideration.
El Fuerte: El Fuerte seems interested in the Sister Cities relationship with us, and it was
suggested that Southlake representatives visit El Fuerte to gauge the overall level of
interest. Ralph Evans volunteered to visit in the January/February/March timeframe.
Toyoma Youth Visit: March 26—29, four high school girls and two junior high boys
will be accompanied by 2 adults. Members and youth representatives provided input on
activities that the whole group—all the visitors and host families - could enjoy together.
Ideas discussed: a block party with a band, a public party at Town square with the band
performing in the band shell,karaoke, use of a local sports center for a party with sports
figures on hand, visits to Six Flags,the Ballpark at Arlington, Grapevine Mills, or a
popular shopping and dining area in Dallas. The school visit will be March 28th, and the
evening of the 29th will be the SAYONARA party, leaving the 26th and 27th for some of the
aforementioned group activities. Concern was expressed about factoring in adequate
shopping time for the visitors to buy the obligatory OMIYAGE(souvenirs.) There was
discussion about the timing of this visit,which may not seem optimum due to its brevity
and its coincidence with Easter and spring break. It was explained,however,that as of
April,the municipality of Toyoma, as such,will cease to exist, and therefore, the monies
allocated to this visit have to be used prior to April first.
Southlake Youth Visit to Toyoma:
Dates for the trip are July 19—26, and there is an abundance of interest and enthusiasm!
A tentative list of aspiring travelers includes Bradley Alviz, Tim Hultgren, and Marie
Sanders. It is anticipated that other students will soon be added to the list. Dan and
Robbi Sanders have expressed interest in accompanying the students.
Prospective Sister Cities:
We have not yet received a response to our query for a new Sister City somewhere in
Europe. Countries of interest that were discussed include the United Kingdom, Germany,
Greece, and Sweden. John Terrell will seek out Southlake-sized cities in Greece, and
LouAnn Heath will investigate possibilities in Sweden.
New Business
Japan in a Box:
There is interest in re-instituting the portable cultural familiarization program that was
presented in the past,primarily by Meredith Sigler and Alex McQuade, at local
elementary schools. An adult has volunteered to serve as the program's support person,
while continuing to utilize student instructors. Further discussion to ensue.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 by President John Terrell.
The next meeting will be held February 9th at 6:30 p.m. in the Toyoma Room at
Southlake Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Robbi Sanders
Secretary