HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/17/2016 SCC Minutes MOUNT PROSPECT SISTER CITIES COMMISSION
Executive Conference Room
Minutes: November 17,2016
Attendees: Evelyn Dorman, Janice Farley, Skip Farley, Christina Haskell,Judy McGinnis, Denise Rano,
Trustee Colleen Saccotelli, Diana Sahakian, Rafi Sahakian,Paul Seils,John Sibrava, Mary Ann Sibrava,
Marianthi Thanopoulos, Elizabeth Theiss,Patricia Usnik, Robert Usnik, Barbara VanArsdale,
Steve VanArsdale
Not Attending: Mayor Arlene A. Juracek, Gary Randant,Paula Randant, Irvana Wilks
Guests: None
L Meeting called to order: Chair Robert Usnik called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM.
II. Citizens to be heard: None
III. Motion to approve minutes: Barbara VanArsdale moved to approve the amended minutes from
the September 15, 2016 meeting, and Paul Seils seconded.
IV. Mayor's Comments: None
V. Chair's Comments: Robert Usnik said that we will reserve planning for the French visit for the
next meeting at which time we will go over the Centennial activities as well. He further stated
that during this meeting we will concentrate on planning the Commission's activities for 2017.
VI. Treasurer's Report: Skip Farley presented the Treasurer's Report. Judy McGinnis stated that
the funds received from the Marie Antoinette event should be listed as ticket sales and not
donations. It was agreed that this will be amended. John Sibrava moved to approve the amended
Treasurer's Report and Denise Rano seconded.
VII. Committee Reports
• French Market September 18—Barbara VanArsdale and Judy McGinnis. Judy
McGinnis thanked everybody who worked on the market. This year's event had a large turn
out, and sales totaled $1,010.00. The items in our flea market sold very well with only a few
items left over. The only downturn was that the crepe and waffle vendor had to cancel.
Marianthi Thanopoulos stepped in and manned the Barefoot Book stall due to a medical
emergency. Black Finn,who previously committed, did not show.
• Marie Antoinette Night—October 13 —Judy McGinnis. We received great feedback on
this event, and ticket sales exceeded the expenses, so we will consider it a success.
• Student Exchange &Pen Pal Exchange—Mary Ann Sibrava and Elizabeth Theiss Mary
Ann and Liz visited all of the junior high schools and talked about Sister Cities in general as
well as the Pen Pal Exchange. They also contacted Rolling Meadows and Hersey High
Schools,both of which have students who are Mount Prospect residents. The French teachers
at Prospect High School continue to be very supportive, and the French teachers at the other
schools were contacted, seeking their support as well. Marianthi Thanopoulos helped to
promote throughout the Village, the November 3 Information Meeting at the Library, and
Rafi Sahakian promoted the event online. Turnout included 9 interested families—5 for the
Pen Pal program from Lincoln and 4 for the Home Stay program, all from Prospect High
School. The next step will be to contact those who have not responded directly. There were
2 firm applications for Pen Pals, and work is underway to touch base with the rest of the
students. Applications will be sent to Sevres and they will match them with families in
Sevres. The French teacher at Lincoln Middle School is interested in doing a class pen pal
project. Mary Ann and Liz will reach out to Assunta Mesmin at Sevres to determine how this
would work from their end. Robert Usnik said that he received an email from Sevres about
enhancing digital fluency of our children and our adults,which might tie in with the Pen Pal
and/or Student Exchange programs. Sevres is promoting tech careers, so the link between the
programs would most likely be through computer classes rather than French classes.
• Wine Tasting Event—Gary and Paula Randant—Absent,no report.
• Planning 2017 Activities Calendar
i. Centennial reenactment of the signing of the Village Incorporation followed by a
Gala—February 3
ii. Trivia Night—Friday March 10
iii. Sister Cities Display at the Library—Saturday, April 1
iv. Pot Luck Dinner—Thursday April 27, or April 20 (2nd choice)
v. July 4 Parade
vi. Book Discussion—Monday, July 10
vii. Family French Festival—Wednesday, July 12 (tentative)
viii. French Market—Sunday, September 10
ix. French Visit—October 21 through October 24 (tentative dates, subject to change)
x. Student Exchange Information Meeting—Thursday,November 2
xi. Wine Tasting—Thursday,November 9
VIII. Open Discussion.
• Robert Usnik gave the annual report to the Board of Trustees on Tuesday,November 15.
• Regarding the subcommittee for the German Sister City, Skip Farley said that there is
potential to review information from someone who has a business in Germany. On
November 28 they will meet again to discuss this potential.
• John and Mary Ann Sibrava announced that they will be leaving the Commission as of May,
2017. Both are now retired and will be moving closer to their children and their families.
They are grateful for the experiences they have had with the Commission. Liz Theiss and
Christina Haskell will be taking over the Student Exchange.
IX. Adjournment. Rafi Sahakian moved to adjourn. Paul Seils seconded and the meeting was
adjourned at 7:00 PM.
Submitted by Patricia Usnik, Secretary