2017-07 Friendship City MinutesRichfield Friendship City Commission Minutes
July 20, 2017 @ 7PM
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ahmad Ansari . Members in attendance
were Mary Olafson, Pixie Pixler, Marty Kirsch, Dave Delzer, Cynthy Mandl and Jim Topizhofer
(staff liasion). JoAnn Boraas, Rori Coleman‐Woods, Hadiya Bakar and Sharon Amegee were
not present but were excused.
The minutes for June 15, 2017 were amended, i.e. adding to line 19 of the paragraph
Sculpture Dedication Ceremony as follows: “Cynthy will introduce Sofia and her family”, and
approved .
The treasurer reported expenses for the Dedication Ceremony totaling $1283.77. This
included $354.66 in addition to $929.11 previously presented. A motion was made for
approval. Receipts were presented to Jim Topizhofer to present to the City. The City will
reimburse $500, leaving a Friendship City Commission balance of S2124.03.
Old Business: The Sculpture Dedication Ceremonies and related activities were
reviewed. The sculpture is of a young girl playing soccer located in Heredia Park close outside
the Heredia room where we meet. Guillermo Hernandez donated his expertise and time.
Cynthy Mandl hosted Guillermo and his son. She gave a report on his visit. We are grateful for
his artistic contribution and were glad to hear of the activities and hospitality provided. Thanks,
Cynthy! One of the activities of importance to this commission were the efforts of the sculptor
and his hosts to provide some much needed maintenance for his sculpture “Allianzia” which
resides in Kirchbak Gardens. Jim Topizhofer will check to see who should be let know of our
concerns in that area.
Compliments are in order for Jim, Ahmad, Cynthy, Mary, Joann, Rori and Marty for the smooth
organization of the dedication events and for their efforts in conducting the ceremony in spite
of the weather. John Evans efforts were also appreciated. We were glad that the ceremony
was well attended and that of our city councilmen were there. Hadiya and Sharon did well
greeting folks, the dual language kids did an excellent job of singing and the rain stopped just in
time for Guillermo and Sofia to unveil the sculpture. Cake and refreshments were served and
enjoyed. Pixie and Dave did what they could. Sofia and her mother and brother came from
Texas as did Guillermo’s son Guillermo. We even had attendees from as far away as Tianjin,
China. Ahmad’s invitation to his uncle’s hospitality at the Mediteranean Cruise Café for the
sculptor, his son, Sofia & her mother and brother, and members of the Friendship City
Commission were appreciated. In other words, the event went well.
New Business: It was decided to participate in Pennfest September 17th. We will work with
the other city commissions as in the past. It is an event where we can exhibit items that
illustrate our relations with our Friendship City, Heredia.
It was also suggested that our inventory be gone through and consolidated as possible.
A sub committee will be set up for this purpose.
Next Meeting: There will be no meeting in August. Our next meeting will be September 14th,
one week earlier than usual but just before Pennfest.
Respectfully Submitted
Dave Delzer