HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/10/2016 SCC Minutes
MOUNT PROSPECT SISTER CITIESCOMMISSION
Third Floor: Executive Conference Room
Minutes: March 10, 2016
Attendees:
Evelyn Dorman, Skip Farley, Janice Farley, Judy McGinnis, Paula Randant, Denise Rano,
Trustee Colleen E. Saccotelli, Rafi Sahakian, John Sibrava, Mary Ann Sibrava, Marianthi Thanopoulos,
Elizabeth Theiss, Robert Usnik, Patricia Usnik, Barbara VanArsdale, Irvana Wilks
Not Attending:
Lorrie Huber, Mayor Arlene A Juracek, Gary Randant, Diana Sahakian, Paul Seils,
Rachel Toeppen, Steve VanArsdale,
Guests:
None
I.Meeting called to order:
Chair RobertUsnik called the meeting to orderat6:04 pm.
.
II.Approval of the minutes
:A misspelling was corrected in Section V. Rafi Sahakian moved
to approve; Irvana Wilks seconded.
III.Citizens to be heard
:None
IV.Mayor’s Comments:
Mayor Arlene A. Juracek stopped by on her way to another
commitment but could not stay.
V.Chair’s Comments:
a.Copiesof the Sèvresorganization chartwere distributed.
b.A newEvent FinancialReport, and a new Expense Reimbursement Formwere
introduced and Bob Usnikexplained the newprocess. Barbara VanArsdale suggested one
revision. Irvana Wilks moved to approve the new forms, Paula Randant seconded and
the motion passed.
c.The new Mount Prospect Sister Cities Commission letterhead was introduced and
samples were distributed.
d.CathyWilkins, French teacher at Prospect High School was receptive to the idea of the
French students interpreting certain articles of Le Sévrienfor extra credit.
e.Regarding the D-Day movie project, copies of quotes from various theatres in the area
were distributed.While all theatres were anxious to join in this project, costs varied
depending on offerings. AMC Theaterat Randhurst has the capacity to show the movie
in enhanced 3-D, and 3D glasses will be provided. The theatreis willing to do two shows
ifneeded for a low additional cost. The plan is to advertise by reservation onlyusing
Eventbrite,and it was suggested that the reception wouldbe for invited guests only. The
event is planned forMonday,June 6, 2016on the D-Day anniversary.The licensefee is
good for oneweekand will costapproximately $880 US.Opportunities to showthe
movieat different venuesand askingfor donations to benefit the Salvation Army or a
local charitywere discussed.Rafi Sahakian moved to accept the proposal to showthe
movie on June 6, 2106; Judy McGinnis seconded and the motion passed.
f.Robert Usnik thanked RaviSahakianand everybody involved in developing the new
Sister Cities Commission web site.
VI.Treasurer’s Report:
Skip Farley presented the treasurer’s report and added that the new
financial forms will be extremely useful to the chairs of the various other functions and to the
Commission as a whole. Skip Farley moved to approve, Mary Ann Sibrava seconded and the
motion passed.
VII.Committee Reports
Trivia Night–
a.Denise Rano reported that the Commission’s sixth Trivia Night winners were
from Alliance Françaisde DuPage. Three prizes were left over and will be raffled off at the
Pot Luck Dinner. Fifty-nine people participatedand the event was covered in the Suburban
Herald. Ticket sales totaled $593.00, and raffle tickets netted $110.00. Attendees provided
very positive feedback.
Student exchange
b.–Mary Ann Sibrava announced this year’s program to the high school on
thefirst day of the second semester. Cathy Wilkins,French Teacher at Prospect High School,
reported that 6 to 8 students per class were enthusiastic. One applicationhas been received so
far, and another family was interested, but had a lot of questions. Fewerare anticipatedthis
year. Two French studentswill be coming to Mt. Prospectthis summer. France tourismis
suffering after the attacks so this is most likely affectingdecisions on both sides.The
exchange will be addressed after spring break. In the meantime, a 14 year old boy from
Sèvresis interested in a pen pal from Mt. Prospect.
Library Displayin April
c.–Pat Usnik and Liz Theisswill be handling the decorations.
Book Crossing –MAS
d.–There has been no commitment from Sèvres.The event will be
July 11-16, 2016. The event will be renamed and will bemore ofa celebration of France,
featuring French books, authors, videos, slides, etc.One Book One Federationis promoting
the book Le Chapeau De Mitterrrand, and will involve AlliancesFrançaises, and Lycee
Français.The Family French Festival is scheduled for July 11, 2016, 6:30-7:30 PM and will
again feature Language Stars.
Pot Luck–
e.The annual Pot Luck will be on April 21, 2016 starting at 6:30PM with access at
5:30 PM to set up. Rafi and Diana Sahakian will be in charge. Three or four students will
share a video and talk about their experiences in France as exchange students. APiano Parlor
musician will entertain and talk about French composers. Paula and Gary Randant’s
grandson, Jake, will do magic tricks. The event has been advertised in the newsletter and
Eventbrite will be used to reserve a space. The Commission willalso begin using a Google
phone number that will forward calls to the committee person. Gift card donations from Mt.
Prospect restaurants will againbe obtained for raffle prizes.
French Market
f.–There is nothing to report yet, however Barbara VanArsdale proposed that
the Commission might like to purchase a tablecloth and bannerfor the event. Estimated cost
is$315.00 for a 6 ft. table dressing to $375.00 for an 8 ft. table dressing. Banners start at
$90.00 for a 3 ft. banner up to $300 for larger ones. Commission members showed a strong
interest in this.
VIII.Open Discussion-
Trustee Colleen Saccotelli suggested getting involved in other
community cultural eventslike Irish Fest or others. The idea to order specialSister Cities
shirts from Land’s End was discussed. Paula Randant provided information about the Illinois
Sister Cities Conference April 8-9, 2016 in Decatur, Illinois.Paula also distributed
information about Sister City of the Year, Annual Conference and media projects. Denise
Rano announcedAlliance FrançaisTrivia Night onFriday April 8, 2016and stated thatpre-
registration is required. Robert Usnikannounced the Spring Concert by the Mt. Prospect
Community BandMarch 13, 2016 at 3:30 PM.
IX.Website Presentation in the Board Room
–Rafi Sahakian gave a presentation on the new
Sister Cities Commission Website. On the public side he demonstratedhow to subscribe to
the E-Newsletter. The website also allows people toregister for events via Eventbrite.
Another feature, ‘Contact Us’, allowspeople toleave commentswhicharethen forwarded to
appropriateCommissioners. On the Commission side, eventswill be automatically be
advertised viamedia -Facebook, Civic Event Sign Postings, TV, Newsletter, etc.
X.Adjournment:
Judy McGinnis moved to adjourn; Barbara VanArsdale seconded. The
motion passed and the meeting adjourned at 831 PM.
Submitted by Patricia Usnik, Secretary