HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/18/2019 SSC Minutes MOUNT PROSPECT SISTER CITIES COMMISSION
Executive Conference Room
Minutes: July 18,2019
Attendees: Karen Agoranos, Christine Barr, Greg Bernert, Christina Haskell,Mayor Arlene A. Juracek,
Judy McGinnis, Denise Rano, Trustee Colleen E. Saccotelli, Gabriel Saintus,Patricia Usnik, Robert
Usnik, Barbara VanArsdale
Not Attending: Evelyn Dorman, Doreen Jarosz, Mari Otto,Paul Sells, Steve VanArsdale
Guests: None
L Meeting called to order: Chair Robert Usnik called the meeting to order at 6:03 PM.
IL Citizens to be heard: None
III. Motion to approve minutes: Trustee Colleen E. Saccotelli moved to approve the minutes from the
May 16, 2019 meeting, Christine Barr seconded, and the minutes were approved
IV. Mayor's Comments:
a. In Mari Otto's absence,her report on the Bastille Day Dinner was read. Mayor Arlene A.
Juracek commented that the event was a success, and even though the Deputy Consul and
his family were detained a bit,the venue was able to adjust seamlessly. Mayor Juracek
stated that the publicity for the Bastille Day event was impressive and congratulated the
committee on a job very well done.
b. Mayor Juracek thanked everyone who took part in the July 4th parade.
c. The Public Relations person from Sevres requested the Mt.Prospect Village crest for a
banner that they are having made.
d. Mayor Juracek opened a discussion about a potential gift to be presented to Sevres by our
delegation.
V. Chair's Comments:
a. Plans are moving along nicely for the trip to Sevres.
b. Bob Usnik commented on this year's Family French Festival, saying that he believed the
presenters in previous years did a much better job engaging the children,noting that many
people did not stay until the end.
c. Bob thanked Doreen Jarosz for her work in ordering the members' logo shirts as well as the
new banners.
d. Regarding the Bastille Day dinner, a review was presented outlining the costs, expenses,
income and net cost for the event.
e. Bob also thanked the people who attended the July 4th parade and encouraged more
participation for next year.
VI. Treasurer's Report: Greg Bernert presented the Treasurer's Report as of June 30, 2019. Trustee
Colleen E. Saccotelli moved to approve the report and Denise Rano seconded.
VII. Committee Reports
a. French Market—Barbara VanArsdale and Judy McGinnis. The date and time for the
French Market is September 8, 2019 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Both the United States
and French flags will be used at the Sister Cities'booth. It appears that there will be fewer
vendors this year. Twelve vendors have signed on. A chart was passed around for the
Commissioners to volunteer for shifts during the event.
b. July 4th Parade. Bob Usnik spoke about the many times people along the parade route
would applaud when our delegation passed. It was gratifying to know that the Sister Cities
Commission has visibility in the community. Denise Rano presented some unique and fine
ideas to be used in the 2020 parade.
c. Bastille Day Dinner. An invitation was extended to the French Consul's father and sister
since they happened to be in town at the time. We learned that the Consul's sister is a
gifted pianist and treated attendees to an impromptu concert after dinner.
VIII. Open Discussion.
a. The Celebration of Cultures event is scheduled for Saturday, September 14. Trustee
Colleen E. Saccotelli passed around sign-up sheet for volunteers to represent the Sister
Cities throughout the event. The idea of sending a live or recorded video from Sevres was
suggested since our delegation will already be in Sevres on the day of the event.
b. The possibility of a wine tasting event was discussed. Another idea was suggested whereby
we sponsor a beer tasting in conjunction with a local venue that may have beers from
France's Alsasian region.
IX. Adjournment. The next meeting will be on September 5, 2019 at 6:00 PM. Barbara VanArsdale
moved to adjourn, and Greg Bernert seconded. The meeting adjourned at 6:45 PM
Submitted by Patricia Usnik, Secretary