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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/10/2005 CRC minutes MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION Community Center, Village Hall Thursday, November 10, 2005 8] {DJ 1M R c;] L1l]L;{Jltu The Community Relations Commission (CRC) of the Village of Mount Prospect met Thursday, November 10, 2005, at the Mount Prospect Village Hall located at 50 South Emerson Street, Mount Prospect, Illinois. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:08 p.m. by Chairman Tolbert. ROLL CALL Present Chairman Tolbert Commissioner Hernandez Commissioner Muench Commissioner Fuller Absent Commissioner Parikh Also in attendance Michael Semkiu, Deputy Police Chief APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Hernandez made a motion to approve the minutes of October 13, 2005. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Fuller. The minutes were approved unanimously by the Commissioners present. OLD BUSINESS "Make A Difference Day" Update The Commission agreed the Make a Difference Day was a success. Commissioner Hernandez indicated additional musical instruments had been delivered to John Jay School. On Tuesday, November 15, 2005, representatives from school districts 21, 26, 57 and 59 will meet at John Jay School. In an effort to fairly and evenly distribute the instruments amongst the school districts, a lottery will be held to determine the order school representatives will choose instruments. Representatives will select instruments until all the instruments are distributed. Commissioner Hernandez is chairing the activity and invited those present at the meeting to attend. The Commission discussed the possibility of contacting the media to publicize the event. Commissioner Hernandez would attempt to contact the press. The Commission discussed their intent to support the event next year and anticipates starting to plan for the event earlier in the year. The Commission plans on inviting the Mayor to attend future event activities. The Commission discussed the possibility of holding a concert sometime in the future for students given musical instruments. The event can possibly be held at the Village Hall or library. Since there is currently no multi-school band, Commissioner Hernandez would speak to school representatives at the instrument distribution to determine interest in the activity and where a concert may be held. A concert might be used as a "kick-off' for next year's instrument collection. Commissioner Hernandez has the authority of the Commission to address how this can be accomplished, with the Commission deciding when and where the event will occur. Chairman Tolbert recognized Commissioner Hernandez's efforts on the project. Review Record of Forum on Racism & Ethnic Diversity 2003 This topic was included on the agenda at the request of Commissioner Parikh. Notes had been provided by Police Chief Eddington on the community program held through school district 214 over three (3) nights. The event was well attended with over 50 people attending. The Commission will hold the notes for the next scheduled meeting. Commissioner Fuller requested the Commission review the notes and discuss what actions to take. Chairman Tolbert and Commissioner Muench gave a brief description of the diversity program. The Commission indicated that program coordinator Mr. John Brennan would be contacted for additional information. Thanksgiving Program The Commission discussed the Thanksgiving Program sponsored by the Interfaith Council. The event is scheduled for November 20, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. The Commission expects a good turnout. Suburban Mosaic 2005 Chairman Tolbert spoke to Marilyn Guenther regarding the Mosaic program. A program is scheduled at the Mount Prospect Library where Japanese Americans will speak on their time in internment camps in California during WWII. The program will include a discussion on a book dealing with this topic. A large turnout is expected and the Commission was encouraged to attend. Tolerance Information Commissioner Muench inquired of Commissioner Fuller what activities have been done. Commissioner Muench expressed the importance of determining what issues of unrest exist. There are many things going on in the community the Commission is not aware of. Commissioner Muench expressed concern as to what can be done to help people heal. Commissioner Hernandez discussed the positive role schools have taken to assist students. Commissioner Muench looked for clarification as to what the role of the Commission was in the community. Commissioner Hernandez advised the Commission could look into what is happening in the community to address issues. Commissioner Muench indicated the need to reach out to the community. General Information The next scheduled meeting agenda will include a discussion on the Forum on Racial & Ethnic Diversity. Copies of the International Education Week materials are to be included with the meetings minutes and a planned discussion of the event. NEW BUSINESS Commissioner Muench requested the Commission's records be corrected to show her correct address as Ironwood Place instead of Ironwood. Commissioner Fuller discussed the International Education Week scheduled for November 14th through November 18th. Commissioner Fuller provided a pamphlet to each of the attendees at the meeting addressing this special week and suggested a celebration or recognition of the event next year. Commissioner Fuller indicated there was substantial information available on the event through the Internet. Commissioner Fuller described how the week is celebrated at Northeastern University, where she works. The university sponsors an international day of celebration for groups and clubs where ethnic foods are provided, information distributed and slide shows are displayed. Commissioner Hernandez indicated that John Jay School also celebrates the week with "bedtime with a book", guest book readers, and family activities. Chairman Tolbert remInded the Commission of the upcoming holiday reception and that all Commissioners were invited. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. with a motion by Commissioner Muench and seconded by Commissioner Fuller. Respectfully submitted, Michael Semkiu Deputy Police Chief