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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/19/2007 SCC minutes MOUNT PROSPECT SISTER CITIES COMMISSION Minutes Julv 19. 2007 Members Present: Janice Farley Skip Farley Cindy Kiel John Korn Dorothy Kucera Mary Ann Sibrava John Sibrava Felicien Sirois Judy Thorne Rachel Toeppen Irvana Wilks Members Absent: Mike Karsen Gary Randant Paul Seils Adelaide Thulin Guests: Denise Rano Lori Huber Staff Liaison: Maura EI Metennani The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairperson Dorothy Kucera. Dorothy Kucera introduced two guests, Denise Rano and Lori Huber, who are candidates for appointment the Commission. They are expected to be approved at the August 7 Village Board Meeting. The Commission members present introduced themselves. Minutes Judy Thorne requested a correction to the draft of the May 17 meeting minutes. With that change, the minutes were approved. OLD BUSINESS Official Visit to Sevres It was reiterated that members traveling to Sevres should bring €150 cash when visitors arrive for the extension trip to Normandy coast. Locations of currency exchanges in the area were discussed. Judy Thorne suggested checking with banks, that they can usually do the conversion, but may need up to a week's notice. Janice presented a sample of the gift for the officials of Sevres involved in the visit. It is a navy blue jacket with the French and American flags embroidered on the front. The cost would be around $55 each. Members could also purchase jackets at their own expense. It was requested that staff obtain sizes from Arzelle. Mary Ann Sibrava mentioned that the Library had a book to present. Judy recalled that Tinley Park did not give individual gifts, but one big gift for the city. Members approved the purchase of the jackets for the Sevres officials. Committee Reports . 4th of July Parade Gary Randant was not present at the meeting to report on the parade. Several Commission members watched the parade and remarked how nice the float was, and always is. . French Festival - Library Event Mary Ann Sibrava reported on the event. She thanked the Commission members who helped with the event, especially Cindy Kiel who helped pull materials together for the activities. 110 people attended, 20 of which were senior citizens. Most were very happy, a few of the seniors felt that the advertising was perhaps a bit misleading, but most had fun nonetheless. Village of Mount Prospect July 19, 2007 Meeting Minutes Page 2 9/13/2007 The craft table was great, there was plenty to do for all levels. Thanks to Girl Scouts and Youth Commission who were there helping. Many in attendance commented on how much they enjoyed the event and hoped it would be repeated. Denise Rano suggested doing something similar during national French week, and that High School students would be interested in volunteering. Trustee Korn remarked on what a good turnout it was considering it was a summer evening. Mary Ann was appreciative of community support, and thanked Capannari's for being involved by supplying ice cream and developing a special flavor in honor of the event. Language Stars of Arlington Heights co-sposnored and were pleased with the outcome. They conducted a raffle for $100 certificate for a class. It was suggested that photos be submitted to the newspaper. The total cost of the event was $84 (ice cream). Other Programs . French Translator Felicien Sirois reported that a blurb was run in the Village newsletter requesting a native French speaker to translate documents for the commission from English to French. Several responses were received and there was one potential candidate. Dorothy mentioned that Denise Rano had offered to perform this function. It was decided it would be best to send Activity reports - short paragraphs about what the Commission is doing. . French Lessons Denise Rano has also volunteered to conduct a French Lesson for Commissioners who are traveling to Sevres in September. It will be a one-hour session held on September 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the Executive Conference Room on the third floor of Village Hall. It will be decided at that time if another session is needed. . Lecture Series Felicien has met with Marci Buerger at the Mount Prospect Public Library to discuss this possibility. The library is open to the idea, but indicated that it would be necessary to plan far in advance. The remainder of 2007 is already planned. Felicien mentioned that it could be a quarterly program and subjects could range from sports, to politics to arts, possibly pulling some speakers from academia. It was suggested that the consulate would be another potential resource. Judy Thorne raised the question of cost. Felicien responded that we would find people who would do it on a pro-bono basis. It was also suggested that sponsorships could be sought. . Downtown Block Party - July 28 Felicien reported that a table had been reserved for the Commission in the Expo Tent, and that he would be staffing it. Cindy Kiel said that she would be at the event as well and could assist intermittently. Felicien also mentioned the Chamber/Bogie's Bastille Day event that was held on the same day as the Library event. Many commented that it was a different crowd from the library event, so they were not taking people away from the other event. Supplies/Purchases . Letterhead has been updated and will be updated to reflect new appointments in August. . The Commission authorized the purchase of namebadges for Commissioners. If lost, must replace at own expense. . It was requested that lapel pins be ordered in advance of the trip to Sevres. . Brochures - once the new appointees are official, the brochures will be updated and printed. Judy Thorne offered to assist in updating. Village of Mount Prospect July 19, 2007 Meeting Minutes Page 3 9/13/2007 NEW BUSINESS Wheelchairs for Peace A video was shown about the Wheelchairs for Peace program. Rachel Toeppen will continue to pursue and the Mayor will bring to the Rotary Clubs to explore the possibility of partnering on fund raising. Revisit Commission Events Janice expressed the dismay of former Commissioner Carole Bloomquist upon hearing that the Thanksgiving Banquet would not be held this year. Members reiterated that it would be too close to the trip to pull everything together. And that attendance had been declining for several years and perhaps it wasn't the best use of time and effort. It was also mentioned that attendance was likely to be better if there was some attraction - French visitors, performers, etc. The thought was also that perhaps other events would attract a wider audience. Other Business Rachel Toeppen mentioned that Felicien had translated an article from Le Sevrien. It was asked that the new members of the Commission introduce themselves. Denise Rano speaks French fluently. She has been a French teacher for 30 years in District 214. Lori Huber works at Paradise Travel and helped arrange several trips to Sevres. She hosted a French Salon Event at her house and was a host family. She also traveled to Sevres to visit one of the families she hosted. She has attended many of the Commission events and enjoys them. The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.