HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/20/2018 SCC MinutesMOUNT PROSPECT SISTER CITIES COMMISSION
Community Room
Minutes: September 20, 2018
Attendees: Karen Agoranos, Christine Barr, Greg Bernert, Matt Bertke, Evelyn Dorman, Gerald "Skip"
Farley, Janice Farley, Mayor Arlene A. Juracek, Judy McGinnis, Denise Rano, Trustee Colleen E.
Saccotelli (sick, attended via phone), Paul Seils, Patricia Usnik, Robert Usnik, Barbara VanArsdale,
Irvana Wilks
Not Attending: Christina Haskell, Doreen Jarosz, Diana Sahakian, Rafi Sahakian, Elizabeth Theiss,
Steve VanArsdale
Guests: Gabriel Saintus, Jr. was introduced to the commission. He is a French teacher who opened a
language school in the space formerly occupied by Language Stars. The school teaches several other
languages in addition to French. Mr. Saintus would like to partner with the Sister Cities Commission to
assist with exchanges and any other ways his organization can help. He has also met with the French
teacher at Prospect High School.
L Meeting called to order: Chair Robert Usnik called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM.
IL Citizens to be heard: None
III. Motion to approve minutes: Barbara VanArsdale moved to approve the minutes from the July 19,
2018 meeting and Christine Barr seconded.
IV. Mayor's Comments:
a. There were unique offerings at the French Market this year and a lot of favorable feedback
from attendees.
b. Gabriel Saintus would be a welcomed addition; he will benefit the student exchanges.
Mayor Juracek also described some other projects that are coming up with Mr. Saintus'
organization.
c. Bob Usnik is currently working the Mt. Prospect delegation's visit to Sevres in 2019.
d. The appointments of Irvana Wilks and Skip Farley are coming to an end in 2018. Because
of their valuable contributions to the success of our commission, Emeritus positions will
be created for them. This will be addressed in November.
V. Chair's Comments:
a. France Visit 2019 — Christine Barr and her husband, Mayor Juracek and Ed Juracek, Bob
and Pat Usnik, Judy McGinnis, Denise Rano, Barbara VanArsdale and Elizabeth Theiss are
interested in traveling to France in 2019. Some members would like to stay in a hotel and
this will be presented to Assunta Mesmin from Sevres. Varying opinions were given
regarding the pros and cons to staying at a hotel rather than host homes.
b. French Dinner to Replace Pot Luck Dinner — Hoffman Estates is hosting a French dinner
for $45 per person. It was suggested that perhaps this commission can do something similar.
Denise Rano suggested that we attend other sister cities events.
c. Commission Pamphlets — This topic was postponed to a future meeting.
d. Flags and Banners — Reviewed where these materials would be stored for easiest access.
e. Celebration of Cultures, September 29 — Trustee Colleen Saccotelli (via phone) stated that
everything was set up for this to kick off September 29 at the Rec Plex. Hopefully it will
become an annual event. A citizens' group has been working on the event that will celebrate
all nationalities. The French teacher from Prospect High School will join us at the Sister
Cities booth. Printed information about the commission will be available and there will be a
TV monitor with a slide show featuring the activities of the commission.
VI. Treasurer's Report: Judy McGinnis presented the Treasurer's Report as of June 30, 2018.
Barbara VanArsdale moved to approve, and Matt Bertke seconded.
VII. Committee Reports
a. French Market, September 9 — Barbara VanArsdale, Judy McGinnis — The most
important people were the venders — they liked the location but were disappointed with the
attendance — most likely due to weather forecasts. Many of the vendors were happy with
their sales overall. Mayor Juracek stated that construction at Maple and Prospect Avenue
could continue into next year.
b. French Market Future — Barbara VanArsdale — Suggested replacing the flea market
with a wine tasting tent in 2019. It would run from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM with a
nominal fee to enter the tent. It was suggested that we hire a sommelier to speak of wine
pairings with foods to enhance the experience.
c. Student Exchange Meeting — Thursday, November 1— Elizabeth Theiss, Matt Bertke
— Matt Bertke stated there will be a meeting on November I and he will be publicizing to
the high schools to get the information out.
VIII. Open Discussion — Barb VanArsdale
a. We need to find a company to embroider the Sister Cities shirts. Karen Agoranos indicated
that she can see about using the same company that provides this service for the Village.
b. Denise Rano distributed cards regarding a performance by a French singer and historian
sponsored by the Palatine Sister Cities.
c. Gabriel Saintus announced that his center is starting Adult French lessons.
IX. Adjournment. The next meeting will be on Thursday, November 13, 2018 at 6:00 PM. Barbara
VanArsdale moved to adjourn, and Evelyn Dorman seconded. The meeting adjourned at 6:53 PM.
Submitted by Patricia Usnik, Secretary