HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/17/2007 SCC minutes
MOUNT PROSPECT SISTER CITIES COMMISSION
Minutes
REVISED -Mav 17. 2007
Members Present:
Janice Farley
Skip Farley
Mike Karsen
Cindy Kiel
John Kom
Dorothy Kucera
Mary Ann Sibrava
John Sibrava
Felicien Sirois
Judy Thome
Rachel Toeppen
Irvana Wilks
Members Absent:
Gary Randant
Paul Seils
Adelaide Thulin
Staff Liaison:
Maura El Metennani
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairperson Dorothy Kucera.
It was observed that the letterhead used for the agenda was incorrect. Staff will make sure it is updated.
OLD BUSINESS
Official Visit to Sevres
Dorothy Kucera distributed information and tickets. Rolande requested E150 cash when visitors arrive for
the extension trip to Normandy coast. Dorothy explained that the Commission will bring gifts for the
City, and visitors should bring gifts for their host families. Suggestions included books, cds, Fannie May
candies. Currency exchange was also discussed.
Potluck Dinner
See attached report from Rachel Toeppen. Rachel read thank you note from Girl Scout group that
attended. Note for next year - notify Environmental Health Department of potluck.
State Convention
Dorothy Kucera and Judy and Mark Thorne attended the State Convention in Belleville, Illinois.
Approximately lOO people were in attendance. Next year, the convention will be held in Palatine and will
be regional including Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri and Wisconsin. Dorothy said she attended a very
interesting session on "Women in Faith" which featured speakers from different faiths. She felt that this
was an important topic to put on our agenda.
New Resident Open House
Felicien Sirois attended on behalf of the Commission. He said that while the turnout wasn't great, those
who did stop by the table did seem very interested. Four people signed up to be on the Commission's
mailing list. One was a guidance counselor at Rolling Meadows High School. Another couple was very
interested in exchange students and hosting.
Sevres Festival
Mary Ann Sibrava reported that the festival will take place on July 12 at the Library. The planning
committee is meeting on Monday, May 21, consisting of Mary Ann, Cindy, Felicien and Dorothy. The
festival will include songs, movement, books, videos, displays decorations, a craft, stories about life in
Sevres.
Village of Mount Prospect
May 17, 2007 Meeting Minutes
Page 2
7/20/2007
It was suggested that the Girl Scouts be contacted to help. Mayor Wilks also suggested the Youth
Commission. Publicity will include the Village Newsletter, Library Calendar, posters, handouts, flyers.
Mary Ann also contacted Capannari's about providing ice cream for the event.
Meeting Minutes - Email
Dorothy announced that draft meeting minutes would be made available via email within a week of the
regular meetings.
Sister Cities International
Dorothy reported that she had brochures for the Sister Cities International convention in Ft. Lauderdale,
Florida if anyone was interested.
Dorothy requested that the Sister Cities International 50th Anniversary book be placed in the Sister Cities
display case.
NEW BUSINESS
Translator into French
Felicien asked if the Commission was interested in finding a native French speaker to translate documents
from English to French for Sevres on a pro bono basis. The Commission concurred. Felicien volunteered
to pursue the subject.
French Lessons
Felicien asked if there was an interest among Commission members for French lessons. He said he was
willing to research what was available either through District 214 Community Education, Harper
Community College others. There was a strong interest from the Commission, especially those who are
traveling in the Fall. It was suggested that an hour-long session be held after the next regular commission
meeting to start with. Denise Rano, French teacher at Prospect is retiring at the end of the year and
expressed interest in assisting the Commission. Maybe she would be interested in helping.
Other Possible Activities
. Lecture Series at Library - topics could include music, theater, poetry, economics, politics,
sports, art, etc. Could find other organizations to co-sponsor. Also could find business sponsors.
Mary Ann Sibrava also mentioned the Library has a cultural month in the fall featuring a specific
country, and maybe this year it could be France.
. Partnering with restaurants - Vino 100, Retro Bistro.
Brochures
Staff expressed the need to order additional brochures. Mike Karsen moved and Skip Farley seconded that
staff be authorized to have 500 brochures printed.
Other
John Korn offered a Com Roasting booth at the Lions Fair. There would be no booth rental cost to the
commission and they could keep the money they received minus expenses. The consensus was to check it
out this year, and consider it for next year.
Gary Randant is coordinating participation in the 4th of July Parade.
Meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.