Roanoke Valley Sister Cities, Inc -

Wonju, Korea Kisumu, Kenya Pskov, Russia Florianòpolis, Brazil Opole, Poland Lijiang, China Saint-Lô, France

RVSCI
501 c 3 Tax-deductible charity
Federal I.D. #510246592

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NEWSLETTERS

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LIAISON CHAIR PAGE

“There is a Right Time for Everything.”
Bob & Dot Roth

For two years, to say that we had no conflicts of mind, no major decision that increasingly needed to be made regarding coming years, is an “untruth,” is a gross understatement. This summer, in late July, we made a decision to relocate.

The jumble of issues that caused our consternation are: how to leave an always enlarging circle of warm, more than close, admired and loved friends; how to deal with our multiplying health problems, both of us at age 82; how to deal with a “recession,” which for us is closer to “depression”; how to maintain “Peace Pagodas of the Lake”---- a blessing to us which has been doubled by sharing it; how to find a new location closer to a growing family ---- daughter Lauran, Sloan & 2 yr. old “Gracie” Glover in Hampton, VA.; grandson Jason Charles, Melanie, 10 yr. old Briana, 3 mo. old great-grandson “Liam”; grandson Richard Keith & Lisa, great-granddaughter 2+ yr. old Andrea Marie; and how to sell a house in a sharply depressed market [www.peacepagodas.com]; how to pack-up, move, downsize, join a new community; and how to…..?!

August 28th, after informing Dr. Downs and Jack Tompkins of our decision during a luncheon about positive strategies for RVSC’s future, Dot & I announced and explained at the end of the Aug. 31st , RVSC Corporate Board meeting, “We will be relocating to a retirement community in Williamsburg, VA.”

Our decision was made naturally and positively because, through prayer, leadership of RVSC has risen in excellence. Dr. Charles Downs as Corporate President, James Robert “Jack” Tompkins as Executive Director, Will Andrews as Liaison Treasurer, and a new community-based corporate board of civic leaders leave us confident in the future of Sister Cities.

Within the last three years, the serendipity of three family nuclei moving to eastern Virginia, all within 1.5 hours drive of Williamsburg, has become a magnet drawing us to relocate there. Additionally, Thomas Franklin “Tom” Roth, our son, living in Nevada, and daughter, Joy Kimberley Roth, in Hiram, GA. (near Atlanta) can fly into Newport News at half the airfare to visit us in Roanoke. (Sorry to mention that!) It’s a right time.
Please review Jack Tompkins, Exec. Dir., “Speakers Bureau” page 10 Dr. Roth

"My Name is Tatiana Ryadova”
My nickname is “Tanya.” I was born and have spent all my life in Pskov. I started to learn English when I was five years old. Now I'm studying at the Pskov State Pedagogical University in the Department of Foreign Languages.

I hope to connect languages and art in my future life. (I am crazy about photography!) I am so excited about my semester in Ferrum College! I like it very much. Here I have great opportunity to improve my English skills and to participate in American culture. I can also see how the Russian language is taught to foreign students.

I am truly looking forward to meeting members of the Roanoke/Pskov Sister City. Until then, thank you for this wonderful opportunity.

With Warm Greetings to all of you from the students and foreign language faculty at the
PPU, and, of course, from me!

Tanya

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PAGE

“Tell Me a Story” Jack Tompkins, Exec. Director

“Sit down and tell me a story” was the wonderful relaxing invitation my
Father gave to friends as they approached the comfortable corner booth at
our family restaurant where he held court. He knew that everyone had a good
story to share. That remains true today. Just think about the myriad of
interesting sister cities experiences and the exciting expectations we have
looking forward. We all always want to share what we believe is important
and worthwhile with friends. It can be rewarding for everyone involved.

Cooperating with the RVSC “Public Relations Committee,” Dr. Bob Roth is
developing a “Speakers Bureau.” This will give us an outreach to the
community so we can share stories with old and make new friends. Be part of
the “Bureau.” Seriously consider agreeing to tell people our story.
Whether a new or longtime member, Dr. Roth can help refresh collective
memories of how/why each relationship was born.

It has been my pleasure recently to talk to some interested local civic
organizations, ie. Kiwanis, Rotary, etc. about what RVSC is and why our
mission is important. Explain that we are the local representatives of Sister
Cities International [SCI], a global organization of citizen diplomats, devoted
to serving the cause of world peace through person-to-person and city-to-city
relationships. I have gone on to tell personal individual cities’ unique stories.
With some practice you can do the same. I feel sure you have several good
experiences about friendships and activities involving your special sister city.
Personalize, name names, add humor --- invariably funny things happen!
You can also tell about exciting plans your city has and how they can become
involved.

Let Dr. Roth know [540-721-6200 or BobDotRoth@aol.com] you want to tell
meaningful stories of heart-felt experiences. We all have had’em! You may be
surprised by how good spreading the word makes you feel and how receptive
others are to the message. The more people know who we are and what we
do, the more people eagerly become active. Patrick Hughes & Michael Liew,
our IT gurus, will be researching a “powerpoint” to assist you. During a
speaking opportunity, be sure to share membership brochures, the RVSC
“Mission Statement,” some old and current AOW hard copies and recommend
our outstanding webpage for leisure review and even more
information about RVSC. Yes!

PRESIDENT PAGE

“Overview Report: August 2011 Meeting”
Dr. Charles L. Downs

The Roanoke Valley Sister Cities Corporate Board met again in a generously provided room by the South Roanoke Methodist Church on August 31 at 5:30 p.m. The main purpose of this meeting was to receive reports from three current working committees:

Mary Jo Fassie, Chair of Exchanges Committee - brought to the board the ‘final’ inclusive version of the “Guide to Domestic and International Travel.” The purpose: assist RVSC members who plan to travel under the RVSC flag to a sister city/cities. They provide guidelines for planning a trip abroad and for protocols while visiting overseas. The Board adopted the report with the understanding that any comments may be directed to the Committee Chair before the next Board meeting.

The challenges of this committee were tedious, time consuming. Special thanks go to its team of experienced international travelers : Mary Jo Fassié, Sandy Lyle, Cammie Williams, Nick Albu, Dr. Cynda Johnson & Dr. Kris Slowikowski. The next task will be to develop membership guidelines for hosting overseas visitors.

Mary Ann Conrad, - Chair of Resource Committee - was unable to attend this meeting. Vice- Chair, Patrick Hughes rendered the committee report: RVSC fiscal year will be changed to July 1 - June 30. Annual dues will be raised to $15 per individual, $30 per household beginning in 2012. The report was unanimously adopted by the Board. (These resolutions will require a change in by-laws and approved by a vote of the full membership at the annual meeting in March 17, 2012.) The Committee is also developing a business plan for the organization and is looking into several ideas for additional funding in the coming year.

Dr. Robert F. Roth – Chair of Public Relations Committee* - reported: membership, as of August 2011, has topped 300. The committee is looking for more volunteers for the new RVSC “Speaker’s Bureau.” Every member is encouraged to consider joining --- at least two per city committee. Patrick Hughes agreed to work on a RVSC (basic) PowerPoint presentation to assist speakers. City–specific PP can be tailored to speaker’s need. Contact Dr. Roth. Current speakers list: Mary Jo Fassie, Cammie Williams, Dr. Marylen Harmon, Dr. Diane Dorazio, Joslaine Austin, Pearl Fu; ex officio – Dr. Downs, Jack Tompkins, Dr. Roth.

Jack Tompkins, Executive Director, reported on the developing business plan and his speaking activities at local clubs and organizations. An important opportunity has presented itself for the RVSC to participate in the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra’s Star City Piano Competition to be held this fall for young piano students. Detailed information on this event can be obtained from Jack.**

Special thanks to all the Corporate Board members who have contributed their time, energy, and resources to help make our new structure work effectively. The next Corporate Board meeting will be at the same place [SRUMC] and time [5:30 p.m.] Wed., November 2.
CLD

Annual Meeting Photo Gallery