Community Cultural Celebration
Gathering meeting minutes
July 8, 2006

Gathering opened at 10:05 am, Karen Hawkins (recording secretary)
Attendees:
Mody Botros, Sally Chappell, Rev Chong Choi, Kyung Choi, Joan Emerson, Ruth Glantz, Karen Hawkins, Janet Jones, Bev Larimore, Chief Dave Lyons, Joanne Morse, Virginia “Jinx” Staples, Nancylou Stiles, Fern Twitchell
Rev Chong and Kyung sang a Korean folk song for us “Please Don’t Go”, Ruth read a Native American poem and Janet said a prayer

Introductions were made, Sally made a birthday cake for Joanne, we sang to her and wished her a Happy Birthday, and the last gathering’s minutes were accepted as read
Questions & Concerns
* Nancylou asked if a tv with a vcr would be available, yes there is
Discussions
* Joan accepted the position of “door prize” coordinator
* Janet submitted a “Event Coordinator Responsibilities” guideline, she did a great job, including many important details, It was voted on and passed that we use the guidelines as a guide, it was voted on and passed that Nancylou be Event Coordinator, she accepted the position
* Publicity – brochures need to be placed in high traffic areas (town hall, chamber of commerce, library, campgrounds as examples), info to LRTV, TV news stations (on their calendar of events), Bridgton Newspaper, flyers need to be developed and distributed (schools, police dept, community center)
* Mody contacted the high school jazz band – they will perform Sept 22 & 24, he was asked to organize games, suggested he speak with Glen Garland about helping, also Joanne’s husband
* Sally read a letter from Sister Rose Patrick and showed us beautiful samples of handcrafted items made by people living in the Marshall Islands, it was suggested food made of pumpkin, rice and coconut milk be made to reflect what they use for cooking, Sally mentioned shipping is sporadic as the airstrip is not always open, Dave suggested taking pictures of the crafts
* Joanne said the Germans would like details and logistics to help them prepare their demonstrations, she will get verification about a China presentation
* Ruth brought a proposal from Gary Whitewolf to do a Native American presentation, the cost is $300, Ruth and Karen will do a fundraiser for this (it was voted on and passed that we invite Gary Whitewolf at the cost of $300), Ruth said the Homeless Players’ program is now $1000 for a 45 minute production (this was tabled), Ruth will make an appointment next week to see Adama about an African American presentation
* Nancylou contacted the African American Museum about a presentation, will get more information as they request $500 for a presentation
* the brochure needs some editing, Karen will make edits and send to all participants of the gathering to review and approve before making more of them
* the signup sheet is fine
* discussion about a checking account, needs BUMC church council approval
* Mody suggested door prizes with CCC on them
* Bev said she needed bills to reimburse with UMW money
* Rev Chong offered to do a presentation on Korea on Sept 17

* schedule of events to date
Sept 15 – Shakers
Sept 16 - Irish
Sept 17 - Korea
Sept 18 – Marshall Islands, Arctic People (Gwich’in)
Sept 19 - Juliet presentation on Uzbekistan
Sept 20 – Henry and Shirley Hamilton on Afghanistan
Sept 21 – Native American
Sept 22 – American Melting Pot – Turkey supper by UMW (for a nominal fee)
Sept 23 – Germans
Sept 24 – Folk Dancing and Wind Up with info from each previous presentation

People were reminded that the Presenter’s contracts need to be in ASAP so they can be included in the publicity!

Gathering closed at: 12:00 pm            Next Gathering – August 12 from 10:00 am - noon