Sister Cities

Idaho Falls Sister City Meeting Minutes Monday, October 1, 2018 Members in Attendance: Cal & Cindy Ozaki, Paul & Sheri Hansen, Brian & Julie Wartchow, Edward & Cheryl Zaladonis, Val Haddon, Jim & Nancy Thorsen, Nan Hong, Bill Toth, Reggie & Isoke Fuller, Kevin & Joan Fuhrman, Lisa & Jerry Sehlke, Kris & Chelsea Schneider, Kirsten & Bryce Shurtliff, David & Carole Walters, Kay Rohrdanz, Lynda Ulschmid, Linda Milam, Clark Kido, Brad Cramer, and Litton Power Guests in Attendance: Tom Hally, President of the City Council – will represent the city at the Welcome Reception Minutes: Approved as amended. Treasurer’s Report: Beginning Balance $13,678.44. New Balance: $15,712.20 Approved. Business:  Events: Cindy sent around invoice sheets for member meals for the visit. All members participating should complete a sheet and submit a check for the total to Sister City.  Lisa passed out signup sheets for the events that our members want to attend. ACTION –please notify add your name to events you will attend. Also please indicate if you can act as a driver for delegation members for events you will attend.  Clark Kido gave an update on the friendship garden. He indicated that several organizations that had previously borrowed Japanese Koi flags will make a $50 donation each time they use them. The Ski Patrol will donate $200 for 4 events. Reminder regarding JACL Bento Box fundraiser.  Edward Zaladonis reported that he has secured a lovely Bonsi tree from his brother to display in the Pavilion. He also indicated that he has been working on a back-door entrance.  Cindy reported that the Japanese display in the Library needs attention prior to visiting with delegates (during home stay weekend). Edward volunteered to check and make improvements as possible.  Media: Litton reported that he has been working on publicity for the visit. He is working to get the Idaho Falls Sister City page linked to several Idaho Falls organizations’ pages (Downtown Development, Japanese Pavilion, etc.) During the visit, be sure to post pictures and tag participants and friends, this is a good way to elicit interest in Sister City membership! Dave Eaton is working with Discover Magazine to include both adult and youth sister city organizations in the listing of cultural activities in the magazine. We also discussed the lack of signage for the friendship garden. Tom Hally offered to talk to the Parks & Recreation director to see if the Friendship Garden can be included on City/Park signs.  Cindy and members reviewed Japanese customs and simple language phrases. Members are encouraged to have fun interacting with our guests, and not to stress too much about language barriers.  Delegation Visit/ Schedule was reviewed and refined. Watch for Cindy’s email with an updated schedule: o Arrival: The delegates arrive on Friday, Oct. 5th. We will greet them at the airport and meet their homestay families. The potluck Turkey dinner has been moved to the Senior Citizen’s Center. Nancy sent out signup sheets for the pot luck. Sister City will purchase whatever members are not able to contribute. Home stay begins Friday. o Saturday, Oct. 6th - Tailgate Party and ISU/UI Football game: Remind delegates to bring the ISU swag from the gift bags. Plans for a tour are still tentative. Chris sent out a flyer with  pertinent information regarding timing and location for parking and tailgate party. While the stadium is covered, it may be a good idea to bring stadium blankets, set pads, etc. Talk with members to arrange carpools and designated drivers. o Sunday and Monday homestays. Home stay hosts are responsible for ensuring their guest(s) have transportation to all activities (even if you cannot attend) – Paul Hansen will help make alternate arrangements if you need them. Members can coordinate with each other on doing group events if they desire. Edward has arranged for pistol shooting on Sunday if your delegate is interested. Please have delegates checking into the Hilton Garden Inn there Monday by 7pm after feeding them dinner. The interpreter is staying with Paul and Sheri Hansen if you need help. o City Day, 9 Oct: Business dress. Please meet at the hotel by 8:15am (punctuality is a must!) the schedule includes the following: (1) We will start with a picture at 8:30 then a meet and greet with the Mayor and City Council Members in the Council Chambers from until ~9:30. (2) Fire Station 1 Tour 9:45 to 10:45, (3) Broadway Tour 11:05-11:45, (4) Lunch-. (5) a tour of the Friendship Garden and the Visitor’s center. The Community Reception will be that evening at 6:00 pm at the Art Museum (Dress is Business). Bring umbrellas if the weather will be cloudy. o Wednesday 10 Oct will include the INL tour (IF members attending include Cal, Litton, Carole, Lynda, Kirsten, and Nan), Lunch at Frosty Gator, visit to the Humanitarian Center, Teton Toyota, and Mexican dinner with the youth group (at the Skyline Activity Center)  Bus Trip: Thursday, 10 Oct – Meet at the Hilton Garden Inn at 6:45am (Cindy is checking to see if it is ok to leave vehicles parked there all day). We will visit Grand Teton park -stops will be determined based upon the weather– Brian Wartchow has a recommended itinerary.  Friday, 12 Oct – Home tours, Thunder Ridge High School and College of Eastern Idaho. Evening event pizza dinner at Lucy’s and IF Symphony Rehearsal.  Farewell Brunch: Idaho Brewing Company.  Farewell Party: Cindy has booked the Sandpiper for Saturday, Oct 13th, 5:30. (Dress is Business Casual)  Farewell Departure Breakfast: Their flight leaves on Sunday at 7:29 am. We will have a small breakfast in the small meeting room by the departure gate consisting of coffee, tea, juice. Great Harvest has offered to donate muffins etc. to share.  General reminders: o Perhaps we can get shoe covers for the home tours. o Home stay hosts are responsible for ensuring their guest(s) have transportation to all activities (even if you cannot attend) – Paul Hansen will help make alternate arrangements if you need them. o Sheri has been working on Name badges and a phone list. She will provide them before the visit. o If your plans change, and you will not be able to attend as planned – Please send the event coordinator a text, email or phone call. o This should be a great visit. Thanks to everyone for pitching in to get things done! The next time we get together will be to greet our guests on Friday, October 5th!