HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/15/2021 SCC AgendaMOUNT PROSPECT SISTER CITIES COMMISSION
Minutes: July 15, 2021
Farley Community Room
Attendees: Karen Agoranos, Christine Barr, Greg Bernert, Gissele Drpich, Mayor Paul Hoefert, Doreen
Jarosz, Arlene Juracek, Ed Juracek, Judy McGinnis, Mari Otto, Mary Beth Rankin, Denise Rano, Trustee
Colleen E. Saccotelli, Patricia Usnik, Robert Usnik, Barbara VanArsdale, Steve VanArsdale
Not Attendine: Evelyn Dorman; Gabriel Saintus
Guests: Skip Farley; Janice Farley
I. Call to order: Chair Bob Usnik called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
11. Citizens to be heard: None
111. Approval of the minutes — Steve VanArsdale moved to approve the minutes from May 20, 2021
and Christine Barr seconded the motion.
IV. Chair's Comments: Bob Usnik
a. Skip Farley's Birthday. This day, July 15, is Skip Farley's birthday and Bob asked the
members to join him in wishing Skip a very happy birthday.
b. July 4t' Parade. Thanks went out to everybody who participated. It was heartwarming
to see people applauding as the Sister Cities group passed = evidence that they
appreciate what the Commission is doing.
c. Creation of Contacts with Library. The Commission needs to secure contacts with the
Library because the two groups have events and/or displays in common. Doreen Jarosz
will help find someone from the Library who would like to become involved. To
familiarize newer Commission members, several members discussed our relationship
with the Library and the French -themed events.
V. Mayor's Comments: Mayor Paul Hoefert
a. Mayor Hoefert shared with the Commission that a young married couple attended Coffee
with Council earlier that week. The wife is from France, and the couple are interested in
becoming members of the Sister Cities Commission. The wife has already submitted an
application.
VI. Treasurer's Report: Greg Bernert presented the Treasurer's Report as of June 30, 2021. Trustee
Colleen E. Saccotelli moved to approve and Barbara VanArsdale seconded. Treasurer's Report
was approved.
VII. Committee Reports:
a. French Market — Judy McGinnis. Fifteen vendors have signed on to participate. The
crepes vendor, who was very popular with the attendees in the past, plans to participate
again. Commission members who have salable items can bring their items to Judy
McGinnis' house. Discussion ensued regarding the Library's involvement in the French
Market. Arlene Juracek offered to present this to the library staff to see if they can
contribute. Hopefully, someone from the Library may be able to read to the children a
story in French, or a French -based story.
VI 11. Open Discussion:
a. Gissele Drpich — New Endeavors. Gissele will be leaving the Commission by the end of
the year. She has been involved with French theatre, a non-profit organization in
Montreal and the University of Chicago. Their platform is for French teachers to teach
French through theatre by writing and presenting plays. There may be opportunities to
bring the French language and culture to students from Mt. Prospect via the
Francophone Youth Theatre on Facebook.
b. Denise Rano — French Events. Denise Rano discussed events sponsored by other
organizations, including Soiree en Blanc and the Hoffman Estates French Dinner and
Silent Auction. These groups are regular attendees at some of our events.
c. Mount Prospect Sister Cities Facebook Page. Trustee Colleen E. Saccotelli began a
discussion about resuming the Sister Cities Facebook page updates on events, activities
and general news about Sister Cities. Mary Beth Rankin volunteered to work with
Howard Kleinstein to make this happen.
d. Colleen E. Saccotelli —The Celebration of Cultures event will take place Sunday, August
29, 2021 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. This event is tagged onto the Block Party event.
The Sister Cities Commission will provide giveaways for the children, and it is estimated
that this would cost $500. Arlene Juracek moved to approve the $500 expenditure and
Judy McGinnis seconded. The motion passed.
IX. Adjournment: Greg Bernert moved to adjourn, and Ed Juracek seconded. The meeting was
adjourned at 6:55 pm. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 6:00
pm.
Submitted by Patricia Usnik, Secretary