Sister Parish Committee meetings are held the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 7 pm. in the school. Newcomers are always welcome. If you have questions, please contact any of the members of the committee.

What follows are the minutes of the Wednesday, October 3, 2001 meetings.

Wednesday, October 3, 2001

Present: Karen Dalebroux , Joel Papa, Susan Sell, Bob Heberle, Mindy Ahler Olmstead, Trina Kuriger

Spanish Class
The first Spanish class was held on Saturday, September 29th. There was a total of 18 students who attended - great turnout. It was a very fun and enthusiastic group. Depending on how this six week session goes we may continue the class after the first of the year. Tristara, the instructor would be interested in teaching add'l sessions. Karen is going to draft up a survey to distribute to the class on November 3rd to get feedback from the students as to how to improve and continue future Spanish classes. Karen will also distribute an invitation inviting Spanish students to the Sister Parish Open House.

Meeting
Susan brought up the question as to whether or not it was necessary to meet as often as we do (1st and 3rd Wednesday's of the month). It was decided that we would loose momentum if we didn't meet on the current schedule and it was a majority consensus that it was necessary to continue meeting as we do.

Delegation
Dan Chouinard cannot go on the delegation in August but would be willing to go with the Youth group. Susan also has a problem with August. Mindy will check with Lisa as to whether or not the adult delegation could possibly be scheduled to go the last week in July.

Does anyone have the photo album of past delegations???!!!!
It is missing and filled with many photos and items from the past. If so, please return it to the Parish Center ASAP! If you have any photos from past delegations please get the to Mindy so that they can be included in a presentation for the Open House . Karen may have access to an LCD and will check into its availability. Mindy and Karen will work on the slide presentation for the Open House. October 24th is slotted as the date when we would meet if we need to firm up plans for the Open House.

Candles
November 18th is the scheduled date for the candle and card sale. Louise will bring cards to the meeting on October 17th and Karen will take home to bundle/ribbon accordingly.

Brochure
Mindy and Joel have been working on updating a brochure to have available as an informational piece to hand out to those inquiring about Sister Parish. Mindy will continue moving forward with the brochure.

Resource Center Visitor
Manuel Zetino Ibarra will be in the Twin Cities from Guatamala October 27-29. Manuel is in charge of education and training for FESTRAS (Federation of Food and Allied Workers Unions) in which he facilitates and coordinates trainings for FESTRAS unions. Manuel was instrumental in the preliminary research and strategic analysis of the maquila sector to determine which factories would be best targets for organizing. Are we interested in having him come to St. Joan to speak? As the group tossed around the idea it was thought the timing may not work to gather an sizable group for Manuel.

12th Annual Guatemalan Benefit Dance and Concert
This event will be held Saturday October 13, 2001 at the Minneapolis Convention Center 8pm-12:30am. There will be dance instruction from 8-9 by Roberto Colon & Natalie Hart (the same ones who gave the lesson at SJA). Live music will be provided by Orquestra Sabor Tropical (Trina says they're very good - one of the two leading salsa bands in the Twin Cities). Funds raised benefit the Library at San Lucas Toliman mission in Guatemala and El Fondo de Nuestra Comunidad- a local latino philanthropic organization. For tickets and information contact Emiliano Chagil & Gale Mason-Chagil at 651-645-5840 or galemilo@tc.umn.edu Tickets are $14 or $10 for students and low income.

Agenda Items for Meeting on October 17th