HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/18/2003 SCC minutesMembers Present:
Members Absent:
MOUNT PROSPECT SISTER CITIES COMMISSION
Minutes
September 18, 2003
Tokiko Blaine Melanie Karsen
Carole Bloomquist Dorothy Kucera
Janice Farley J.L. Scott
Mayor Gerald Farley Judy Thorne
Lil Floros Rachel Toeppen
Irvana Wilks
Larry D'Urso Adelaide Thulin
Mark Miller John Eichman
Paul Seils
Staff Liaison: Maura Jandris
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m.
Correction to Minutes of July 10
Mark and Judy Thorne passed out flyers at the 4th of July Parade.
Policy for Visits'
The Commission reviewed a changes to the draft policy for sister cities visits from Irvana Wilks. The
Commission voted to accept the policy. Melanie Karsen abstained - she did not approve of the wording,
specifically the use of "unofficial." It was explained that the policy was just for internal use - for the
Commission itself.
Thank You to the Chamber of Commerce and the Usders
Dorothy Kucera thanked the Chamber of Commerce and Jim & Kathy Uszler for hosting SSvres resident
Caroline LaPlace who interned with the Chamber for several months.
Quilt Exchange
Rachel Toeppen reported that she had spoken with Renee Quinn of the S~vres quilting group and that
they had discussed a quilt exchange between the two groups.
New Business
It was suggested that a new member information packet be prepared for new commission appointees to
educate them about the sister cities program and the history of our relationship with S~vres. Irvana Wilks
and Maura Jandris will work on this project. It was suggested that the following items be compiled:
articles from the Daily Herald about the first visit in 2000, speech by Barbara Persenaire at banquet in
2000, parade flyer.
Sister City Membership/Fundraising
The question was raised as to whether the Cornn~lssion can organize a "friends of' committee to provide
support (volunteers) and interested parties to attend functions. Members also discussed the pros and cons
being a stand-alone organization. It was decided that it would be of benefit to discuss this issue with other
commissions who had either been an official commission of a municipality and went independent or vice-
versa. Carole Bloomquist and Rachel ~'oeppen will contact Palatine and Hoffman Estates and possibly set
up a group of sister city commission to discuss such issues.
Commission members discussed holding an annual Thanksgiving in October event. Lil Floros expressed
concern that the date would be too close to the Celestial Celebration and an event in the Spring would be
better. The possibility of expanding the French Chef concept, or trying to incorporate something into the
Historical Society's 12a~ Night Potluck in January.
A few ideas were brought up - Patisserie/Dessert theme, French theme, May Day, April in Paris.
Dorothy, Lil, Carole, Janice and Maura will form subconurdttee to explore the annual banquet/event
possibility. Judy Thorne mentioned that there is a Community Band concert on March 14 at Prospect
High School and that it could possibly be incorporated in to that.
Report on Visit of Sgvres Conservatory
Approximately half of tickets for visitors had been purchased. Judy Thorne passed around folders she had
put together for visitors. The budget for the visit had been revised and was expenses were estimated be
around $6,125. Judy is continuing to work on housing assignments, and is also soliciting local businesses
for contributions or at least discounts on gifts for the visitors. Carole Bloomquist reported that the menu
for the banquet had been decided and the decorations were ready as well. Yngve Bloomquist will make a
new peace pole model to display at the banquet. It was requested that a banner be made welconfmg the
Orchestre and Conservatoire of Sbvres. French and American table Flags were requested. It was also
requested that the sister city streetpole banners be displayed during the visit. It was requested that the
invocation be ecumenical. Dorothy invited the French Consul. Judy Thorne had tickets for sale for the
concert performance on Oct. 26.
The next meeting was scheduled for Thursday, November 20 at 5:30 p.m. at Village Hall.
The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.