HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/15/2016 SCC Minutes
MOUNT PROSPECT SISTER CITIESCOMMISSION
First Floor: Community Room
Minutes: September 15, 2016
Attendees:
Evelyn Dorman, Janice Farley, Skip Farley, Christina Haskell, Mayor Arlene A. Juracek,
Judy McGinnis, Gary Randant, John Sibrava, Mary Ann Sibrava, Marianthi Thanopoulos, Elizabeth
Theiss, Patricia Usnik, Robert Usnik, Barbara VanArsdale, Steve VanArsdale, Irvana Wilks
Not Attending:
Paula Randant, Denise Rano, Trustee Colleen E. Saccotelli, Diana Sahakian, Rafi
Sahakian, Paul Seils
Guests:
None
I.Meeting called to order:
Bob Usnik called the meeting to order at 6:09 PM.
II.Citizens to be heard
:None
III.Motion to approve minutes:
Steve VanArsdale moved to approve the minutes of the July 21
meeting; John Sibrava seconded.
IV.Mayor’s Comments:
Mayor Arlene A. Juracek welcomedthe newest member of the Sister
Cities Commission, Christina Haskell. Mayor Juracekthen reviewed highlights of ameeting
betweenthe French American Business Council from Chicago,andthe Metropolitan Mayors
Caucus. These groups werealready aware that the Village ofMount Prospect had a French Sister
City.To help establish a better opportunity forFrench business, packets of information about
Mount Prospect were distributed to the attendees. Mayor Juracek believes that there is a potential
for a closer businessrelationship with French companies.The Mayorreminded everyone about
the Centennialsignsthat are currently on sale for $15, andsuggested that the Commission could
tailor some of the2017 activities to the Centennial theme.
V.Chair’s Comments:
Bob Usnikstated that hehad been to the French Market at Cantigny, and
metwith Jean-Christophe Paris, the Deputy French Consul. Mr. Parisisbeing transferred back to
Franceto assume other responsibilities. Bob saidthat hewill connectwith thenewDeputy
Consul beforethe Sèvres delegationarrives.
VI.Treasurer’s Report:
Skip Farley presented the Treasurer’s Report.Gary Randant moved to
approve; Mary Ann Sibrava seconded.
VII.Committee Reports
French Market September 18.
a.Barbara VanArsdalereported a shortage of workers in the
early morning. In response, John and Mary Ann Sibrava and Christina Haskell volunteered
to work between 7:00 and 9:00 AM.Judy McGinnissuggested thatwe slash prices in the
last hour of the market in an attempt to sell more, toavoid having to storeso manyleftover
items from year to year.
Marie Antoinette NightOctober 13.
b.Judy McGinnis reportedthat an email blast would
soonbe going out about this event.Admission is $10 and will be held atthe VillageHall
Community Room. After the presentation by “Marie Antoinette, cake and coffee will be
served.
Student Exchangeand Pen Pal Exchange
c..Mary Ann Sibrava distributed a report on the
exchange programs,which includedboth thesummer exchange and pen pals. Sèvres has
several students who are interested in the exchange. We would like to expand publicity for
the summer exchange and not focus only on Prospect High School, but reach out to middle
school students to let them know that there is a Sister City. Middle school students have
opportunities for exchanging –pen pals now, and summerexchanges later on.By
September 16, Liz Theiss and Mary Ann Sibrava will have visited all three middle schools
in Mount Prospect presenting information on the pen pal exchange program. There will
also be a meeting at the Library on November 3 at 7:00 PM to encourage students and
parents to get involved in the program.
Wine Tasting November10.
d.The venue for this event was such a successin 2015 that it
will againbe held at the Wild Bird Shack. The wine supplier that we had last yearwill
again present a variety of quality wines at good prices.
VIII.Open Discussion.
Bob Usnik thanked Mary AnnSibrava, Barbara VanArsdaleand Judy
McGinnisfor all their hard work on the events. Bob said that at the next meeting he would like to
start planning for 2017. He would like the members who went to France last yearto prepare a
plan for activities with the French delegation and then present the planto the rest of the
Commission.
IX.Adjournment.
Irvana Wilks moved to adjourn; Gary Randant seconded. The meeting was
adjourned at 7:00 PM.
Submitted by Patricia Usnik, Secretary