HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/18/2007 SCC minutes
MOUNT PROSPECT SISTER CITIES COMMISSION
Minutes
Januarv 18.2007
Members Present:
Janice Farley
Skip Farley
Lil Floros
Mike Karsen
Cindy Kiel
John Korn
Dorothy Kucera
Gary Randant
Maura Reschke
Paul Seils
Mary Ann Sibrava
Judy Thorne
Rachel Toeppen
Irvana Wilks
Members Absent:
Toikiko Blaine
John Sibrava
Adelaide Thulin
Guests:
Felicien Sirois
Staff Liaison:
Maura El Metennani
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairperson Dorothy Kucera.
It was requested that items be added to the agenda. "Official Visit to Sevres" was added as item C under
Old Business. "Report on Hoffman Estates Events" was added under New Business.
Dorothy introduced Felicien Sirois, who generously volunteered to translate articles for the Commission.
Corrections to minutes of November 16: Rachel did not attend the performance of the barbershop quartet.
It is not the responsibility of the Programming Subcommittee to explore establishment of the "Friends of
Sister Cities" group.
OLD BUSINESS
Winter Parade
Cindy Kiel provided a report on the Winter Parade participation (see attached). Rachel Toeppen also
assisted and passed out brochures. They met a woman who was very interested in getting involved.
Harris Wofford Award
Dorothy reported that the commission's nominee for the Sister Cities International Harris Wofford Youth
Leadership Award did not win.
Official Visit to Sevres
Mayor Wilks reported on email she received from Mayor Kosciusko-Morizet. He suggested September as
the best time to visit. French presidential elections will be held April 22 and May 6, 2007. Their next
local election is in March 2008. The Commission came to the decision to go the first week of October. It
was suggested that Mayor Wilks propose this to Mayor Kosciusko-Morizet and explore the matter further.
He also offered day trip options such as a trip to the Normandy Coast.
The following members expressed interest in going on the trip:
Gary Randant - Maybe
Judy Thorne -Yes (2)
Mike Karsen - Yes (1)
Village of Mount Prospect
January 18, 2007 Meeting Minutes
Page 2
2/5/2007
Maura Reschke - Maybe (2)
Sibrava - Yes (2)
Rachel Toeppen - Yes (2)
Farleys - Yes (2)
Wilks - Yes (2)
Dorothy- Yes (1)
NEW BUSINESS
Sister Cities International Report
Judy provided an update from Sister Cities International Quarterly Newsletter:
III The organization is pursuing legislation to obtain funding from Congress for exchanges.
III Young Artist Showcase - will be on exhibit in Union Station, DC
III Gathering of the Youth - Youth Conference/Summit
Materials were distributed for both State and National Conferences.
2007 Programs
( see attached)
The subcommittee discussed the following activities/events:
III Thanksgiving in October Banquet - October 25
Community Band is willing to perform.
III
Potluck Dinner - April 19
Chef Charles - Dessert?
Community Center Room is available.
"
Capannari's - French Movie Night, Bastille Day
Would need to find sponsor
Lil Floros expressed concern at this idea.
Felicien suggested Language Stars Program in Arlington Heights as potential sponsor.
Another alternative would be the Library.
iii
Wine Tasting
Maura Reschke contacted new wine shop, Vino 100 about wine tasting. They are not scheduled to
open until March, but are interested in working with us.
iii
Young Artist Showcase (SCI)
New original art
Entry Fee - $30
Top 10 displayed at National Convention
"
Pen Pal Program
Nancy Lee, French teacher at Lincoln Junior High is willing to participate - Classroom to
Classroom, not individual.
Rachel suggested an art exchange for elementary schools.
Village of Mount Prospect
January 18, 2007 Meeting Minutes
Page 3
2/5/2007
III Musical composition collaboration with HS and Christopher Beckett, of SEL.
III Humanitarian - Wheelchairs for Peace
Judy moved that the following events be considered for 2007:
· Thanksgiving in October (one more time)
" Potluck Dinner (one more time)
III Movie Night (if we can find sponsor)
III Wine Tasting
The motion was seconded by Rachel Toeppen.
Irvana moved, seconded by John Korn to add to the motion:
Participation in the 41h of July Parade, Winter Parade.
The motion, including the amendment passed.
Mike Karsen expressed concern that Commission could manage all of these events/programs.
Mayor Wilks will explore Young Artist Showcase.
Judy moved that the Commission pursue the following Youth Projects:
Art Exchange
Musical Composition
HS Exchange
Pen Pal if possible - (difficult to coordinate)
Motion passed.
Wheelchairs for Peace was table to the next meeting until more information could be obtained.
Rachel stated that there was a need for more publicity for the Commission and events. She asked if there
were more places the brochure could be displayed and made available to the public. She suggested
including a tear off in the brochure that people could send in for more information. It was suggested that a
press release go out concerning projects for 2007.
Rachel announced Sister Cities events in Hoffman Estates for March 2. The event will be held at their
Village Hall from 7-9 p.m., the cost was $30. They would be having chefs visiting from their sister city
and Harper students would be in attendance as well.
Meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.