HomeMy WebLinkAbout 01/19/2017 SCC MinutesMOUNT PROSPECT SISTER CITIES COMMISSION
Executive Board Room
Minutes: January 19, 2017
Attendees: Evelyn Dorman; Janice Farley, Skip Farley, Christina Haskell, Mayor Arlene A. Juracek,
Judy McGinnis, Paula Randant, Denise Rano, Trustee Colleen E. Saccotelli, Rafi Sahakian, Paul Seils,
John Sibrava, Mary Ann Sibrava, Marianthi Thanopoulos, Elizabeth Theiss, Patricia Usnik, Robert Usnik,
Barbara VanArsdale, Steve VanArsdale, Irvana Wilks
Not Attendine: Diana Sahakian, Gary Randant
Guests: None
L Meeting called to order: Chair Robert Usnik called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
IL Citizens to be heard: None
III. Motion to approve minutes: Steve VanArsdale moved to approve the minutes of the
November 16, 2017 meeting, Skip Farley seconded, and the minutes were approved.
IV. Mayor's Comments:
a. Mayor Arlene A. Juracek reminded everyone of the Centennial events coming up in
February including the gala at the Cotillion on February 4"'.
b. Efforts continue in making contacts in search of a German Sister City, including the
representative from the German subcommittee.
V. Chair's Comments: Bob Usnik announced that going forward, articles for publication in the
Village Newsletter must be given to him and he will pass them along to Howard Kleinstein. Bob
distributed the list of events for 2017.
a. French Delegation Visit — The dates of the French visit are now October 13-16, 2017.
Mayor Gregoire de la Ronciere prefers to stay at a hotel, while the others, including three
students, will be staying with commission members. The French will be here for the time
capsule event, so we plan to ask Sevres to send something ahead of time to put into the
time capsule.
b. Bob Usnik reviewed the Sister Cities' schedule of events and acknowledged that some of
them will need to be rearranged around the Centennial events and the French visit.
VI. Treasurer's Report: Skip Farley presented the Treasurer's Report through 12/31/16. Rafi
Sahakian moved to approve, Mary Ann Sibrava seconded, and it was approved.
VII. Committee Reports
a. Trivia Night — Denise Rano. Trivia Night is scheduled for March 10, and advertising is
already in progress. Denise Rano also provided posters that could be displayed around
town. A request was made for volunteers to assist with room set-up, starting at 5:30 PM
as well as volunteers to do reception at the door. Paula Randant will provide a wine
basket from the Sister Cities International that can be raffled off. We will also use Mount
Prospect Centennial merchandise for raffle prizes as well as Sevres merchandise still on
hand. Online signup will be available in advance of the event. Tricia Fusilero and Pat
Usnik will act as judges at the event.
b. Student Exchange and Pen Pal Exchange — Mary Ann Sibrava, Christina Haskell
and Elizabeth Theiss. Parents who attended the sessions in November were contacted.
So far, one summer home stay for 2017 (Prospect High School freshman); two junior
high 8"' graders from Lincoln have been matched; and one student signed up for two pen
pals. The committee will send one last reminder to the French teachers about completing
the applications for the summer program.
c. German Sister City Status — Skip Farley. A community photographer is of German
descent, and still has ties with the German community in which his family lives. He is
willing to help contact that city, Esslingen, which is approximately the size of Sevres.
Mayor Juracek stated that a person from MB Financial has connections at Heiligenhaus,
Germany, so she sent a letter to the representatives there, promoting a relationship.
a. Wine Tasting — Paula Randant. Paula reported a great turnout for the event. Attendees
liked the venue and were impressed with the knowledgeable sommelier.
VIII. Open Discussion.
a. Two items coming up in April are decorating the Library display and the Pot Luck
Dinner.
b. Mary Ann Sibrava stated that the Family Festival is set for July 12"'. Mary Ann spoke
with Judy Collins at the Library who said that they would like to have people who love
France staff some of the displays. It was suggested that Sister Cities Commission
Members do a meet & greet, as a connection between the Sister Cities and the Library.
Another suggestion was presented to have somebody from the Library become a member
of the Sister Cities Commission.
c. The Book Discussion is scheduled for July 10. The featured book will be My Wish List
by Gregoire Delacourt.
d. Fire Hydrant painting — 70-80 people participated. There will be a second phase because
more people are interested. The entry fee is $50 and proceeds go to the Centennial
Commission.
e. Illinois Sister Cities Commission elections are coming up in April. Paula Randant's term
ends this year and Mount Prospect will not have a representative on the Board unless we
can find somebody to run. The Illinois Sister Cities Commission meets four times per
year.
IX. Adjournment. The next meeting will be Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 6:00 PM. Rafi Sahakian
moved to adjourn, and Paul Seils seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 PM.
Submitted by Patricia Usnik, Secretary