Community Relations Commission

Meeting minutes of the Community Relations Commission Asian American Heritage Committee January 20, 2014 7:00 to 8:30 PM – NSYMCA In attendance: Sue Huang, Robert Lozaro, Nafisa Choudhury, Nancy De Jesus, Howard Schultz, Don Moy, Margie Heisler Thai Thai Restaurant announced they will not be participating in the 2014 event. Sue announced the Russian Singing Group, Campanella Children’s Choir, will not be participating in the event this year. Nancy announced Sariling Atin Filipino Restaurant confirmed they will be participating this year. Bob obtained four bids for staging, tables and chairs. Pro-Tech was again the least expensive. It was agreed to hire Pro-Tech for the event. Sue announced the Russian Dance Group needs a place to practice. Howard suggested they contact him to see if the YMCA can accommodate their needs. It was agreed food vendors should begin serving food at 12:30 PM and stay to the end (3:30 PM). The Committee would like to obtain at least one more restaurant. Preferably Vietnamese (Sue is looking into one) and/or Thai (Dan will check on one). Sue handed out a list of tentative performers, display vendors, food vendors and other activities. A discussion followed. Sue handed out a list of activities and Committee responsibilities. A discussion followed. Sue stated the vendors performing flower arrangements and brush painting have requested a room separate from the gym. Howard indicated the Y should be able to accommodate their needs. Bob informed the Committee they cannot solicit donations from businesses. The three banners used last year will need to be updated with the date for this year’s event. The Y has two of the banners and Sue will look for the third banner. The banners were used throughout the community to announce the event. Bob agreed to take responsibility for obtaining prizes. Sue volunteered to obtain fortune cookies to be distributed by the Y before the event as a means of promotion. Dan also agreed to obtain some fortune cookies. Howard will look into obtaining an Asian artist for the Y’s art gallery. There is a need for a graphic artist to help design our program and flier. This year is the Year of the Horse. Bob will check with the library to see if we can use their services. A discussion revolved around the need to keep people through the last event. Several suggestions were discussed but nothing was agreed upon (i.e., a special performance such as what you see in Chinatown; requiring attendees to be present for prizes handed out at the end of the event; etc.). Dan volunteered to check with Mary Richards Jewelry for a prize. Next meeting is scheduled for February 27, 2014 at the NSYMCA at 7:00 PM. Meeting ended at 8:30 PM. Bob Lozaro Member of the Asian Heritage Celebration Sub-Committee