HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/17/2011 SCC MinutesMOUNT PROSPECT SISTER CITIES COMMISSION
Minutes: November 17,2011
Attendees: Paula Randant, Maura Reschke, Judy Thorne, John Korn, Skip Farley, , Rachel Toeppen,
Tricia Fusilero, Lorrie Huber, John Sibrava, Mary Ann Sibrava, Irvana Wilks, Dorothy Kucera, and Maura
El Metennani, Ed Juracek, Gary Randant, Barbara Vanleesdale, Sue Minott.
Absent: Janice Farley, Paul Seils, Mike Karsen,
The meeting was called to order by Dorothy Kucera at 5:35 PM and guests were introduced.
II. Guest introduction - -Sue Minott, the State Coordinator for Northern Illinois for Sister Cities
International came to observe our meeting. She is also a member of Sister Cities of
Palatine.
III. Mayor Remarks - Irvana introduced Barbara Vanleesdale who is here to observe and learn
more about Sister Cities as she may join the Commission. There is currently a vacancy on
the Sister Cities Commission and interested parties should apply on line.
IV. The minutes of the previous meeting, November 17, 2011 were read and approved.
V. Chair Remarks: Dorothy Kucera
A) Paula won the competition! Paula Randant applied to be a delegate to the Chicago
Sister Cities Social Service Exchange to Paris, France. She is one of 8 delegates selected
to participate in the exchange in December 2011. Paula shared a copy of the exchange
agenda with Commission members.
B) ISCA Newsletter- Sue Minott produces the Newsletter for the Illinois Sister Cities
Association. Sue briefly shared information on the Newsletter. Submit information and
articles to share to Sue . It is a great and informative Newsletter.
C) National French week -Judy Thorne and Dorothy Kucera attended the Village Board
meeting on November 1, 2011 to accept the proclamation from the Board. The
proclamation was shared for review with Commission members.
D) Paula shared information on the ISCA Website. www.illinoissistercities . or She is the
web master and is happy for all information and pictures about anything related to
Sister Cities.
VI. Committee /Event Reports:
A) French Market: September 18, 2011 -Maura El Metennani submitted a report with
vendors and a time line for organization of the Market in conjunction with the Farmers
Market. See full report for details. It rained but was still a very successful event. Income
raised that day was $505.50. Last year the income was $536.00 with better weather.
Participation in the event was very good. It was noted that the Lions Club was great in their
help with the market.
B) 'Tea With Napoleon'- September 25, 2011 - Denise Rano chaired the event. Denise
submitted a full written report. The Tea was held at Denise's home. The cost was $15.00
and had 20 attendees. After expenses the proceeds were $163.00. The event was
educational and entertaining. Several community members and Commission members
donated food and gifts for prizes and decorations.
C) Wine Tasting at Vino 100 - November 10, 2011 -Maura Reschke. A final report is not
complete yet as donations from wine sales have not been received yet. 74 people attended
the event. The donation to participate was $10.00. General expenses were $100.00,
printing $221.00 the profit so far is $419.00. The event was publicized in the news paper
and on the Village sign. There was some discussion of inviting Service Clubs in town
specifically to increase attendance. It was suggested that Commission members attend
Service Club meetings to publicize our events. Maura will submit a written report when all
information is available.
D) French Trivia Night- February 10, 2012 - Tricia Fusilero. We would like to increase
attendance this year from about 80 to 100. 10 tables of 10 each attendees. Suggestions are
appreciated. Denise Rano will continue to be our Emcee. The Donation to attend is $10.00.
Food and wine will be the faire of the day. Plans to follow.
E) Community Pot Luck Dinner -Judy Thorne. The Pot Luck will be in April. A date has not
been selected yet. Judy will report as plans are developed.
F) Scout Exchange follow up -John Sibrava. John reported there had been no further
discussion, he will make a few calls to see if any plans had been made between France and
Mount Prospect Boy Scouts.
G) Official Visit in 2013- Paula Randant- Chair. Paula presented an outline /timeline for
organizing and developing plans for the visit from Sevres in 2013. A committee will begin
meeting in January 2012 to begin work on the visit. Several Commission members have
already volunteered to participate on the committee. Paula has been reviewing
information on past visits. One factor very different this visit is that the Village will not be
able to provide the funds it has provided in the past. Paula and Gary brought up budgetary
concerns and the need to formalize budgets for events including all costs as it appears there
are many costs that are not budgeted for and are paid by Commission members. We have
begun fund raising for events the past few years but the probable cost of a visit far exceeds
funds available. Fund raising in the community and getting sponsors for events will be
necessary to accomplish the visit. There was some discussion and further budgetary
discussion will continue at the January meeting. Dorothy and Paula and Gary will review
expenses of past events and look at budgets and suggest a process for all events each year
at the January meeting. A planning task report was presented and attached to the minutes
H) Book Crossings- Library -Mary Ann Sibrava. The Book Crossing was very successful. 50
people attended the event. 275 people participated in the Raffle. There was a display in the
Lobby of the Library about the event. A movie is being made of "Farewell My Queen" and a
film night could be a future event. Mary Ann submitted a written report of library activities
including the story time at the French Market. See report for further details.
VII. Discussions: Dorothy Kucera
A) Future cultural presentations - Several Commission members had ideas for partnering with
Village events like the 4 of July Taste of Mount Prospect, and other summer events like the
Block Party. Discussion will continue on how we might participate in these events to
provide public education about Sister Cities and possible fund raise.
B) Future fund raising- Dorothy brought in several suggestions: A French Film Festival, a
Cheese tasting and a Flag Flipping event. Some information was provided and Commission
members had ideas about how to partner with Businesses in town and community events.
Ed Juracek volunteered to look into getting films and partnering with AMC to possible start a
French Film Festival or even regular French Film night both for cultural awareness and
possible fund raising. Sue Minott brought up that Palatine Sister Cities has a monthly
French night that meets in member homes and attendees bring French food and games and
music to share. Anyone can attend. Lorrie Huber is going to check on a possible Cheese
event with Dave's catering. Possibly a combined Wine and Cheese event.
C) Open Discussion: there was further budget discussion and Dorothy and Paula and Gary will
bring a proposed budget for events based on past expenditures to the January meeting for
further discussion. Sue Minott shared some comments on our meeting. She noted we
seemed to be a fun working group. Irvana invited all Commission members to an Open
House at her home on December 9, 2011.
The next meeting will be January 19,2012.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
=1111MITITs M-1
Commission Member