HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/14/2000 SCC minutesSister Cities Commission Minutes Page I Meeting of September 14, 2000
MOUNT PROSPECT SISTER CITIES COMMISSION
Minutes
Thursday, September 14, 2000
ATTENDANCE: Tokiko Blaine, Carole Bloomquist, Yngve Bloomquist, Larry D'urso, Janice Farley,
Skip Farley, Lil Floros, Manta Jandris, Melanie Karsen, Mike Karsen, Barbara Persenaire, Adelaide
Thulin, Fred Thulin.
The meeting was called to order by Barbara Persenaire at 5:15 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the meeting of June 8, 2000 were approved. A report on the Banquet provided by
Carole Bloomquist was distributed.
Old Business
Carole Bloomquist passed around pictures from the 4th of July Parade. Members of the
Commission and some school children participated in the parade by riding on a trolley.
Lil Floros reported that their daughter had recently been to France and visited with the Chavattes.
New Business
Staff member Jandris reported that according to the resolution which established the Commission,
they were required to prepare an annual report for presentation to the Village Board. Chairperson
Persenaire asked the Commission to consider what the next steps should be, and what the
Commission should be involved in. The Commission also discussed possible subcommittees, and
how they should be structured. The following committees were decided upon:
1) Service Clubs
2) Commercial
3) Special Events
4) Municipal
5) Schools
6) Churches
7) Seniors
Melanie Karsen suggested putting a notice in the Village newsletter to clubs encouraging them to
get involved in the Sister Cities program.
Barbara Persenaire raised the issue of fonuing a scholarship sub-committee. Carole Bloomquist
suggested that rather than actually raising the funds fur visits to S~vres, the Commission could
serve as an informational clearinghouse. The Commission members discussed relations and
acquaintances that were traveling to France over the summer, and how they were going to try to
get to S~wes.
Mayor Farley presented the preliminary budget amount for FY 2001, which was $2,500. The
budget for 2002 (expecting a visit) will be $6,000.
ister Cities Commission Minutes Page 2 Meeting of September 14, 2000
Guest Speaker
Martha Atherton of the Des Plaines Sister Cities organization spoke about experiences that their
had encountered. Des Plaines has two Sister City relationships - Cremonia, Italy and Fiji. The
purpose of the Cremonia relationship is to provide a cultural exchange and understanding. The
purpose of the Fiji partnership is to provide assistance to an underdeveloped community.
Ms. Atherton stressed the importance of getting involved in the national and state sister city
organizations. She suggested having events to get people to come together and learn about the
Sister City program. Des Plaines has pot luck dinners with speakers to create a cohesiveness
among the group.
The Des Plaines group is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, and they raise their own funds, They
currently have $50,000 in scholarship money. They host guests from their sister cities - for
example Cremonia is a violin capitol of the world. They recently hosted a concert at Oakton
College featuring a Cremonian violinist. Ms. Atherton said that many exchanges have taken
place.
The next meeting date was set for November 9, 2000.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:48 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
MAURA JANDRIS
Secretary