The meeting was held at 7pm at Pinkerton Academy. Present were Steve Upton, J Gross, John Barry, Kevin Yahnian, Dick Talleur, Michele Dimes and Barbara Coish.

President Steve Upton opened the meeting which was an informal general discussion of issues.
Steve commended J on the development of the website. J asked for input regarding the site from the members. Members are encouraged to forward ideas to J. J asked Dick Talleur if he would allow his Russian language book to go on the site. Dick and J will arrange this.

John Barry announced that Pinkerton is going to begin a cultural exchange with China and that he will be attending several seminars as this is set up. Exchanges will be happening within the next year.
Officials from Cherepovets, Russia  may be coming to Derry in April. Mr Carnovale had just recently announced this to John and Kevin. A group from Pinkerton is scheduled to visit Russia in the summer with Mr. Carnovale.

The members shared some thoughts and feelings about the present unrest in the middle east.

Ideas for upcoming programs were shared. Steve has contacted Kathy Frierson at UNH as a possible speaker. He is waiting for information back from her.
Kevin mentioned State Treasurer Michael Ablowich as a possible speaker.
Barbara received an email from Peter Schlesinger a Research Associate at Woods Hole Research Center, Woods Hole MA. He will be going to Russia and visit Suzdal in April. He is involved with many projects of an ecological nature in Russia. In email Barbara has suggested that he could be a future speaker. We'll wait for an answer.
Steve suggested that RSNH plan an event around the 2005 anniversary of the Russo- Japanese Treaty.
J brought up the subject of dues and questioned when the dues should be paid. Discussion decided that we should go on the calendar year and that we will start from scratch with the dues being collected as of January 1, 2003.

The next meeting will be at Pinkerton on April 2, 2003 at 7pm.

Respectfully submitted,  Barbara Coish