MINUTES OF CHAPTER MEETING

Partners of the Americas

Colorado, USA – Minas Gerais, Brazil Chapter

Date: October 1, 2006

Location: Wardle residence, Denver, Colorado

Present: Francis Wardle (President) Roger & Betty Brown (Treas)

Steven Waechter (VP) Mike & Rhoda Rogers

Bryan & Carolyn Cooke (Sec) Jan Brummond

Meeting called to order by Pres. Francis Wardle. Minutes of the June 4, 2006 meeting approved.

Jan Brummond reported on her experiences with Character Counts ethics program training in Los Angeles and subsequent session with 140 school administrators in Brazil. September 7 was Brazil’s Independence Day.

Francis reported that Joao Meira’s son and another group are working on building the day hospital in Diamantina, as Joao had envisioned.

Roger Brown moved that we support Jan in reactivating the covenant between Univ of Northern Colorado and the Federal University in Diamantina.

Steven reported a possible music chamber group coming to Colorado next year.

Rhoda would like to do diabetes education in Brazil.

Coffee project: Francis noted that the owners of a Philadelphia coffee shop are interested. The grant proposal needs signatures from them. Starbucks is interested in helping with the education project in Bahia. Steve also reported a neighbor of his is involved in a coffee growing project in Bahia, and it was noted that Baldonedo, MG Partner, is in the coffee business. All are possible participants.

Teacher exchange program: Francis reported that in December three high school faculty and one interpreter may be visiting from Brazil. Final decision needs to be made by October 9. Mary Gershwin is the contact person. Jan Brummond knows of a possible home where all 4 can stay.

Betty and Roger have received travel grant approvals for attending convention in Nov. Roger = website; Betty = liaison. They will work on convention plans for Ouro Preto. Luzia Lusita, President of MG Chapter, has a schedule set up. All ideas for next convention are welcome.

International Partners office needs two letters of invitation for the Ouro Preto Convention. One from Governor Owens is awaiting signature.

Francis reported that he is the “technical expert” for a volunteer project to refurbish a Belize city playground in conjunction with the Belize convention in November.

Francis & Ruth (his wife), Roger & Betty will attend Belize convention. Mike & Rhoda have withdrawn due to Mike’s knee surgery.

Treasurer’s report: Betty reported $6038.31 in the treasury. Early convention registration fees will be reimbursed to convention attendees.

Francis reported that Partners is in financial trouble and is looking for sources of funds. Lilly and Kellogg have both withdrawn their support.

Francis acknowledged the service of Linda Nedved to the chapter with a certificate of recognition.

New business: Luzia wants to send 2 Brazilian dancers to Colorado in January, to perform in Denver, Boulder and Greeley. Mary Gershwin is the contact person.

Roger moved to elect Rhoda Rogers and Jan Brummond to the Board, to reelect Francis Wardle as President and Carolyn Cooke as Secretary. Motion seconded and passed. (Bryan and Ron go off the board.)

Next meeting will be December 10 at 3:00 pm at Steven Waechter’s in Greeley.

Meeting adjourned to social time.

Carolyn Cooke, Secretary