LICOS

Place of Meeting: The Home of Mr. and Mrs. Emmanuel Tambah

Address: 423 S. Alvord St. Syracuse, NY

Date: June 20, 2009

Attendance: 13

Mr. Emmanuel Tambah called the meeting to order and asked for God’s blessings upon the meeting. Mr. Caleb Gbarjolo did the invocation. Mr. Tambah then read the agenda items which included  minutes of the previous meeting on May 16, 2009. He also gave room for questions and point of corrections regarding the previous meeting minutes that was read. The Agenda was moved by Mr. Leo Dossen and was seconded by Mr. Jacob Saywon.

The three major topics that were discussed are: Graduation ceremony, July 26 celebration and the need of a Cleaning Committee. On the topic Graduation, the Liberian Community of Syracuse (LICOS) INC. had deemed it necessary to have a joint ceremony with The United Happy Family Club for the upcoming 2009 Liberian Graduation program for Liberians coming out of  high schools. A Delegation of the Liberian Community of Syracuse was set up. The three person Delegation are: Mr. Caleb Gbarjolo, Ms. Rachel Sarpee and the President, Ms. Pauline Collins. The Delegation met with the “The Happy Family Club (another based Liberian Organization in Syracuse, NY) for discussion about a joint graduation ceremony.  According to Mrs. Rachel Sarpee, a member of the Liberian Delegation that met with the Club said, the Club did not support the idea of a joint ceremony due to the fact that they have muti nationalities among them and has promised to continue with its previous plan having their ceremony on the 27th of June, 2009 separately.

Meanwhile, the Liberian Community of Syracuse had concluded to have its Graduation Ceremony on the 28th of June 2009 at the hour of 5:00 P.M based on the above reason. When asked about the venue of the Ceremony, Mr. Caleb Gbarjolo spoke confidently and promised to hold talks with the head Pastor of the Trinity Lutheran Church (Liberian’s Church) in order to allow the Liberian Community to use the Church Basement for the program. Mr. William Fannoh had voluntarily pledged to decorate the venue of the program.

Discussion of the July 26 celebration was also highlighted in the meeting. Mr. Jacob Saywon, the Chairman of the Planning Committee gave his July 26 Celebration Planning report. Mr. Saywon indicated T-shirts were printed for the Celebration and the cost for each is Ten United States Dollars ($10.00). He encouraged all Liberians to buy the shirts and to fully participate in the celebration process. Mr. Saywon stressed out that the Liberian’s Flag will be raised on that day. The Planning Committee Chairman also included Ms. Rachel Sarpee on his Committee and indicated to the body that the Community will be inviting friends from other nearby cities and towns as well as Syracuse. Among those that will be invited are The United Happy Family Club and the Sierra Leonean Community.

Ms. Zarkpa Glotto raised a concern that the July 26 Celebration T-shirts prints should include the year on it and suggested not to use the old style at all times. Ms. Glotto point was well considered and the Planning Committee Chairman, Mr. Jacob Saywon promised to make the changes. Concern about the cost of a D.J was also discussed. Mr. Junior Yaryee and Emmanuel Tambah suggested, it is in the interest of the Community for members (ourselves) to undergo D.J training if possible to save the Community some amount of money. Mr. William Fannoh recommended Mr. Appleton who was not in the meeting to be the D.J for the program. According to Mr. Fannoh, he thought of Mr. Appleton because he (Appleton) already has a set of D.J equipments. Meanwhile, the issue of D.J did not come to conclusion at the meeting.

Mr. Gbarjolo told the Community about progress made by the soccer team so far. A test match was played in Buffalo, NY on June 6, 2009 (Syracuse V.S Buffalo soccer and the female kick- ball teams). Buffalo Soccer team lost to Syracuse team 3-2 while the female’s game resulted to 0-0. Mr. Gbarjolo also stated that another game was scheduled to take place in Ohio but due to financial problems, the game was canceled. On behalf of the Community, the President, Ms.Pauline Collins gave the amount of $200.00 and water to the team. Other members of the Community also contributed financially in order for the team to have a successful trip to Ohio. According to the Sport Director report, Ms.  Lydia Tarley did request back her money since the game was no longer scheduled to be played. The amount of $50.00 was immediately returned to her by Mr. Caleb Gbarjolo.

Lastly on other matters, the former president of the Liberian Community of Syracuse, Mr. Abednego Johnson and his wife Mrs. Annie Johnson thank the Community for standing with them during the time of mourning. Mr. Abenego Johnson lost his Father in-law in Liberia Last Month. “The United Happy Family Club” also extended an official invitation to the Liberian Community of Syracuse, LICOS INC. to join them in their June 27, 2009 High School Graduation Ceremony. The location is at 1606 S Salina St. #1 Syracuse, NY 13205 at the hour of 7:00 P.M. It was seconded and moved that the meeting be adjourned and just before adjournment, Mr. Ernest Collins said the benediction and the meeting was adjourned.