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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/15/2007 SCC minutes MOUNT PROSPECT SISTER CITIES COMMISSION Minutes November 15. 2007 Members Present: Janice Farley Skip Farley Mike Karsen John Korn Dorothy Kucera Gary Randant Denise Rano Maura Reschke Mary Ann Sibrava John Sibrava Paul Seils Felicien Sirois Judy Thorne Rachel Toeppen Members Absent: Cindy Kiel Staff Liaison: Maura EI Metennani The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairperson Dorothy Kucera. Chairperson Dorothy Kucera added several items to the agenda: . Congressional Regranting . Family French Festival . French Market/Lions Club The minutes of September 20,2007 were approved. Skip Farley noted that the jackets that he had ordered for himself and Janice had been paid for. Judy Thorne inquired about the amount of postage for October and asked that staff verify that amount. French Market Dorothy Kucera introduced Fred Steinmiller of the Mount Prospect Lions Club. He is the coordinator of the Mount Prospect Farmers' Market and gave the commission some background on how the market works and reported that the Lions were receptive to the idea of having a special "French Market" in conjunction with the Sister Cities Commission as a special event in 2008. The market will run from June 8 _ October 19, 2008. Some of the specialty items they have include: jewelry, pottery, knife sharpener, potpourri. There is a space restriction, he said that the best time to do the special market would be in the first three weeks, or at the end of September into October. One option is to have a raffle, fund raising event for Sister Cities at the event. Gary Randant has been asked to coordinate this project. Some ideas for vendors included: crepes cart (Retro Bistro??). Rachel Toeppen shared some of the vendors that were at the Wilmette French market - Provence Bakery, Creperie. She talked to both and they were both interested in participating in another event. Denise Rano mentioned Fraternie de Notre Dame. Savres Trip Dorothy reported that the trip to Sevres had been fabulous. The focus was on children, schools. They visited the porcelain manufacture, had dinner in Paris at the Eiffel Tower. The quilt exchange evening was very nice. Mr. Beckett hosted a dinner on his barge on the Seine River, which was very appreciated. The weekend excursion to Normandy and Omaha Beach was emotional and indescribable. Mayor Wilks laid a wreath at the national cemetery. Rachel Toeppen reported on the quilt exchange with the Sevres patchworkers. The quilt that they produced was made with antique fabrics. The City of Sevres absorbed the cost of the pavilion rental for the exhibition. They want to do another exchange. Village of Mount Prospect November 15, 2007 Meeting Minutes Page 2 1/9/2008 Wine Tasting Event Maura Reschke reported on the Wine Tasting event that had been held in November at Vin01 00. The event raised $1,003.02. There were 90 attendees. The owner of the shop, Jennifer was very pleased. The distributor donated the wines. After some discussion, it was determined that all proceeds had to go to Wheelchairs for Peace, as was advertised on the Vin01 00 web site. It was agreed that the Commission should continue to hold such events to build up a fund to help with visits, trips. etc. It was also noted by Felicien that we should not get into a situation where we are competing. A motion was made by Felicien and seconded Skip Farley that 100% of the profits would be donated to Wheelchairs for Peace. The motion carried. Library Conversation Event - March 4 Felicien reported that the Consul General has agreed to speak on March 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Library. He gave a presentation at the Northbrook library and it was a wonderful event, he was a very good speaker. We are trying to make arrangements for him to make an appearance at the Village Board meeting that same evening. It was suggested that a donation jar be out at every event the commission sponsors, including this one, but that no fee would be charged for the event. It will also be filmed for the "Library Life" program on MPTV. Pot Luck Dinner The student exchange with Sevres may not work this year, there is a new teacher in place and they are having trouble getting a response from them, the new teacher has not been receptive. Denise Rano will talk to Scott at Prospect High School to see if she can help. Rachel noted that it doesn't mean the potluck should be cancelled. Felicien inquired about the location (Community Center), that it limited the number of people that could attend. The main reason is because there is no charge to the Commission to use the room. It was noted that it would be necessary to contact the Health Department and make arrangements with them. Letters to Congress An email will be forwarded to Commission members regarding this request from Sister Cities International (SCI) to write to Congressional delegation asking them to continue funding for SCI. John Sibrava asked if form letters loose impact. Dorothy's belief was no that it did not, that it makes them realize that many people are concerned about an issue. Skip agreed. NEW BUSINESS Bastille Day Bastille Day is Monday, July 14 and the Community Band is having a Monday night concert in Lions Park. Judy asked if there was an interest in partnering. Commission members thought it was a great idea. Family French Festival Mary Ann Sibrava proposed dates for the Family French festival at the Library. The group settled on July 16. Mary Ann said that the evening would have basically the same format, but in promotion would emphasize more that it was a family event. There was some discussion of having it during the school year, but it was thought best to keep it in the summer. Conservetoire Visit The Conservetoire has proposed a visit. Gilbert, the conductor is working on a childrens' play and would like to perform it here. It would be a group of 9 for a 4-5 day visit. It was determined that we need more information. Judy will email Gilbert. Funding Discussion took place on how to raise funds. Need to determine how much total was spent on past visits. Need to increase budget. Need to reach out to Community. Felicien mentioned that in conversations he had with Retro Bistro that they are very interested in partnering. Meeting adjourned at 7:07 p.m.