HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/26/2009 SCC minutes
MOUNT PROSPECT SISTER CITIES COMMISSION
MINUTES
MARCH 26, 2009
5:30 PM
Village Hall- 3rd Floor Executive Conference Room
Members Present: Judy Thome, Gerald "Skip" Farley, Janice Farley, John Kom, Paul Seils, Irvana
Wilks, Felicien Sirois, John Sibrva, Mary Ann Sibrva, Maura Reschke, Rachel Toeppen, Dorothy Kucera,
Lorrie Huber
Members Absent: Cindy Kiel, Paula Randant, Gary Randant, Denise Rano, Mike Karsen
Staff Liaison: Maura EI Metennani
1. Skip Farley made a motion to approve the minutes ofthe regular January 21, the working
group meetings of February 11 and March 5 as well as the Treasurer's report for February.
Judy asked about $100 received from VinolO0. Maura R. responded that it was from the
fundraiser held there in October. It was the portion of the sales they were donating to Sister
Cities. The motion was seconded by John Kom. The motion carried and the minutes and
report were accepted.
II. State Convention
a. Dorothy, Denise and Rachel are registered for the State Convention in Springfield, April
17-18. Dorothy strongly encouraged any members who could attend any portion of the
convention including the dinner on Friday or the Sessions on Saturday. She also reported
that the state organization was looking for people to serve on its board.
III. French Market
The Market date is set for September 13. The Lions Club is on board and enthusiastic. Any
suggestions/recommendations should be forwarded to Maura E.
IV. Open Forum
a. John Kom raised the idea of adding additional sister cities. He used the example of
Sarasota, FL who has a much smaller population but several sister cities.
Mayor Wilks stated that she had been approached by the Turkish community who has a
Community Center in the Village.
Dorothy noted that there can be different types of relationships - humanitarian,
sustainable achievements, economic-business. Our relationship with Servres is purely
cultural.
Mayor Wilks noted that our Sister Cities group was different from others in that it was a
governmental entity; many others were not-for-profit stand alone organizations. Dorothy
stated that she believed that this was a plus, that it helped foster stability of our
organization. She applauded the commission for being stronger than ever.
Judy Thome mentioned a city in Italy - Olgiate Comasco - that the Community Band
does exchanges with. They may also interested in forming a relationship.
It was also mentioned that it may make sense to look at countries that the Village has a
large population of -like Poland or Mexico.
b. Rachel raised the idea of inviting small numbers of people from different groups to
events during the visit.
Felicien stated that he thought it was important for the Commission to have a presence at
community events like the block party. That a lot of people did not know about Sister
Cities and these events were a good way to reach them.
c. Felicien raised the idea of being more involved in study abroad programs. It was noted
that Rotary has programs.
At the end of the discussion it was decided that no action would be taken at this time. Irvana
will invite members of the VFWI American Legion to the Barbeque Event at Maura
Reschke's House following the Memorial Day Parade.
It was also noted that a group from Olgiate Comasco, Italy will be visiting Mount Prospect
August 19-26.
V. May Visit
It was decided that the trip to Springfield will not work out. It was too cost prohibitive and
the timing was bad as a lot of school trips would be there at this time.
The next option was a day trip to Milwaukee. Judy described the St. Joan of Arc Chapel,
located on the campus of Marquette University, that dates back to the 14th century. Joan of
Arc is believed to have prayed there - it was moved from France to the US and restored. The
art museum was another place to visit and other tour suggestions included breweries, Harley
Davidson Factory and the Public Market. Lunch was suggested at a traditional German
restaurant. A formal dinner could be held that evening for the visitors, commission members
and hosts and Village trustees at Victoria Banquets.
The schedule was reviewed. There was discussion of bringing them to Navy Pier on Monday
night. Paul Seils said he had a contact with a sailboat company. He would look into this. It
was decided that it would be best to use a bus to transport the group.
Irvana had attended the American Legion meeting and they were very excited about the
delegation's participation in the Memorial Day parade and ceremony. The specifics were still
being worked out. Mayor Franc;:ois will walk in the parade and will lay a wreath during the
ceremony. The ceremony will conclude around noon. Judy asked ifthere should be a reserved
seating section for the delegation. Maura R. will host a BBQ at her house following the
ceremony.
It was asked if the expenses for people hosting meals in their homes would be reimbursed.
Dorothy said that they would be, but an estimate should be presented to Dorothy and Judy
ahead of time so they know what expenses to expect. Tax exempt letter would be provided to
Commission members.
It was noted that Mike Karsen's phone number had changed to 847/682-1571. Staffwill
update the member listing and distribute.
Discussion followed about the visit in Mount Prospect. It was requested that the Library be
included. It was also suggested that the project at Randhurst be highlighted. It was also
suggested the Historical Society should be included, even though the schoolhouse is under
construction, it is still an important project.
Felicien is working on the welcome packet and Skip Farley asked about other "goodies."
Staff will explore.
John Sibrava is organizing a Schaumburg Flyers outing that will include dinner. The total
cost will be $1332.80. Dinner begins at 7:00 p.m.
Gifts - Janice has been working with Parenti Rafaeli - they are making wooden bowls for the
visitors. Irvana is working through Piccard to order other gifts. She will get pricing.
The next working group meeting will be held on April 9. Maura R. moved and Judy seconded
to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maura EI Metennani