RSNH Minutes - April 2, 2003

The meeting was held at Pinkerton Academy at 7:00pm. Steve Upton called the meeting to order. Also present were J Gross, Treasurer, John Barry, John Windhausen, Kevin Yahnian and Barbara Coish, Secretary.
Barbara announced that Bruce Flanders had returned to his home that day from several months in Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital. Bruce still has much outpatient rehab but is anxious to get back to work. He has volunteered to do a newsletter once again when we are ready.
J and John are working on setting up a new checking account.
Steve announced that Roberta Gran is hosting another Russian artist Maria Vasilieva. Maria will only be in the area until April 11 and that will be too short notice to do a presentation with her. This artist is most famous for her landscapes and still lifes.
Steve has spoken with Kathy Frierson who with a colleague Buzz Sherr will be  potential speakers for our group. They will speak on a project in Russian which taught law universities how to revamp curriculum and rules of law concepts. If everything can be coordinated an event will be held on Wednesday, May 7 at 6pm. Kevin will secure the meeting space. If this is a definite program more will be advertised about it. John suggested putting it in the papers to perhaps gain new interest for our group.
Kevin mentioned State Treasurer, Michael Ablowich as a possible speaker and perhaps member of RSNH. He has worked in Russia for the Treasury Department. Russia needs to cut taxes and increase enforcement of laws.
Steve mentioned the funds set up by Japan and Russia after the Portsmouth Treaty. Russian Bonds were worthless after 1917. This money gives small grants to this day. There has been some suggestion to try to get Russia to reinstitute their bonds.
Steve suggested that we perhaps should have a link on our site to www.portsmouthpeacetreaty.com.
Steve brought two items for show and tell. One was a copy of Naturalist of Manchuria which may be an only copy of this document and also a wedding invitation to the wedding of Nicholas I.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00pm
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Coish, Secretary