HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/21/2015 SCC Minutes
FINAL
MOUNT PROSPECT SISTER CITIES COMMISSION
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1floor Village Hall Community Room
Minutes: May 21, 2015
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Attendees:Evelyn Dorman,,Judy McGinnisColleen Saccotelli,Paul SeilsMary Ann
Mayor Arlene Juracek
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andJohn Sibrava,Marianthi ThanopoulosElizabeth Theiss,Judy Thorne, Rachel Toeppen,Robert and Pat
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UsnikBarbaraand
Steve VanArsdale
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Paulaand Gary RandantTricia FusileroLorrie Huber, Diana and Rafi SahakianJanice and
Not attending–
Skip Farley.
Guests:none
I.The meeting was called to order at 6:02p.m. by Chair Judy Thorne.
II.The minutes of the March 13, 2015 meeting were approved by consensus on a motion by John Sibrava,
seconded by Bob Usnik.
Citizens to be heard
III.: None.
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Mayors Comments
IV.:Mayor Arlene Juracek presented Chair Judy Thorne a plaque commemorating her
years of service on the Commission. Thorne, who has served since 2003,is stepping down to spend
more time volunteering for the Mount Prospect Community Band. A new chair has not been appointed.
Elizabeth Theisswill be filling the spot vacated by Thorne and Colleen Saccotelli has been appointed to
the position formerly held by A. John Korn.
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Chairs Comments
V.Chair Judy Thorne reported that she attended the Sister Cities state convention in
Naperville this April. Sister Cities representatives are encouraging members to attend national events to
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help promote the organizations mission and cause. Thorne also thanked Brian Hammof Edward
Jones for supporting the Commission at recent events. She also said she was honored to have served on
the Commission and plans to stay involvedwhile she devotes more time as a volunteer for the Mount
Prospect Community Band. The Mount Prospect Community Band is currently seeking host
families for Italian guests Aug. 4-11.
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Treasurers Report
VI.Bob Usnik reported that the cash balance as of April 30 was $16,639 and
includes a $25 donation from the Potluck Dinner. The report was approved by consensus on a motion
by Judy McGinnisand seconded by Paul Seils.
Committee Reports
VII.
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April 23 Pot Luck Dinner FINAL
a. Judy Thorne reported that the annual event serves to bring
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awareness of the Sister Citiesactivities to the community and as a fund raiser to support them. This
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years event showcased the Prospect High School exchange students who shared their experiences
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on their recent trip to Svres, France. Total attendance increased to 93 participants because of the
exchange students, their families and teachers. The eventreaches seniors primarilyand attendees must
register for the event. Only 13 of the 100 post cards mailed out to publicize the event accounted for
people who actually attended. Bob Usnik added that how people are registered needed to be
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reconsidered since many seniors think they are calling a Villageoffice number. In the past, Mount
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Prospects Human Services accepted calls for Reservations. This year, Usnik said some residents either
hung up on himor were confused as to why a male voice was on the other end. MarianthiThanopoulos
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confirmed with the Human Services director that they would accept next years Pot Luck reservations.
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May 14 Wine Tasting FINAL
b.Paula Randants report stated that the event would most probably
be held at another venue as the Fresh Thyme location has been exhausted. In general, the event was
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disappointing,the report stated. Fresh Thyme was not prepared for the event at its startand the
vendor was unaware it was a fundraising event. In all,ticket sales netted $170 and $125 was collected
for raffle tickets. No decision has been made on the next date or location of the wine tasting event.
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July 4 Parade
c.Gary Randantvolunteers are needed to march in the Mount Prospect 4of July
Parade with the Sister Cities Commission float.
July 6-13 Book Crossing
d.–Mary Ann Sibravareported that there are five reader levels for the upcoming
Book Crossing/Lectures croisées at the Mount Prospect Library beginning July 7 with adults. Discussions about
French and English-language books will also be added to the Library’s Facebook page. Concurrent events in
Sèvres, France are on hold as that library still undergoes construction.
July 8 Family French Festival –
e. Mary Ann Sibravaannounced that Language Stars will return for
this free language immersion event for children and parents at the Mount Prospect Library. She asked
for Commissioners to attend a meet-and-greet for participating families. The event is slated for children
four years of age and above. In addition, the Library will promote the Mount Prospect Sister Cities
relationship in a lobby display from July 6-14.
September 13 French Market
f. –Judy McGinnis, Barb Van Arsdale–Plans are underway for the next French
Market. Retro Bistro is willing to chairs for the event, but is not sure it will attend. Currently Judy McGinnis is
seeking items to sell at the Marché aux Puces(Flea Market)and asks that Commissioners consider donating
items such as wine glasses, jewelry, candle sticks and other boutique items to the sale. Approximately 23 new
vendors have been added to the roster.Signage in the form of banners that advertise the Mount Prospect Sister
Cities Commission are also being considered.
Communications
g. –Mayor Arlene Juracek expressed the need to further study the website, Facebook page and
relevant links. She said there needs to be a design that one can view on a variety of devices.
German Sister Cities Subcommittee
h.–Mayor Arlene Juracekreported more progress has been made to pair
with a German Sister City. Out of five possibilities, three stand out as good candidates as they have direct ties to
Bosch facilities. A letter of introduction is being composed to be sent with an information packet to these three
possible candidates as the Commission works with the U.S. Consul General in Germany in its quest for a
partnership. A new Sister City would mean a new ordinance, however, Juracek said.
Fall Events Schedule–
VIII.Judy McGinnis isresearching whether to try another French Cooking demonstration. At
issue is whether this should be made into more of a profitable or cultural event. Marianthi Thanopoulos suggested
showing French film shorts as a possibility.
Open Discussion-
IX .none
Adjournment
X.:John Sibravamoved and Bob Usnikseconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:15pm. All approved.
Submitted by Evelyn Dorman, secretary