SCL Annual Membership Meeting held December 9

Twenty people attended the Sister Cities Lawrence annual membership meeting held virtually on December 9, 2020. After a welcome by Chairman Bill Keel and the acceptance of the previous minutes and financial report, all committees gave summaries of the year’s events, or lack thereof because of the pandemic.

All exchanges and delegation visits with Eutin, Hiratsuka, and Iniades were canceled this year. The exchanges are on hold through 2021, with one possible exception. The second half of the 2019 Iniades youth exchange could be rescheduled in April if it is deemed safe. A committee is working on what conditions must be met for that to happen.

In the meantime, new developments were reported: a new logo and new webpage (www.sistercitieslawrence.org). The new publicity committee reported on six marriages that have resulted because sister city relationships, several news releases, a radio interview, and four articles written for the Eutin newspaper about life in Lawrence during COVID.

Friends of Eutin reported that they have held Zoom chats with Friends of Lawrence leadership in Eutin. Four articles were written about life in Lawrence und COVID regulations and translated into German for the Eutin Newspaper. Friends of Hiratsuka reports staying in touch with officials there. Friends of Iniades have received a video greeting from the mayor of Messolonghi, where Iniades is located. It is now posted as “News” on the webpage.

Diane Carlin, Secretary, and Sheri Hamilton, Treasurer, were re-elected for 3-year terms. James Hilliard was elected as Chairperson for Friends of Hiratsuka for a 3-year term. Memberships are now due for 2021. Previous members have been sent both email and paper renewal reminders. There is a membership form and payment method on the website. Everyone in Lawrence is invited to become a member.