Community Relations Commission

APPROVED MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS January 3, 2013 The meeting was called to order at 7:08 p.m., in the Civic Room, at the Northbrook Public Library, by Chair Ray Wehr. Members Present: Nafisa Choudhury, Bruce Doughty, Dale Duda, Scott Gertz, Sue Huang, James Hyun, Kamyar Jabbari, Robert Lozaro, Ron Mantegna, Rochelle Singer, Nancy Stoddard, and Chair Wehr. Excused Members: Linda Goldsher and Chris Kosla. Also Present: Liaison Kendal Maltas and Recording Secretary LeeAnn Artstein. Welcome Chair Wehr welcomed everyone to the meeting. Approval of the December 6, 2012 CRC Meeting Minutes Member Lozaro moved, seconded by Member Doughty, to approve the minutes of the December 6, 2012 meeting, with the following revisions: Page 1, Black History Month:  Line 9, change event date to February 13, 2013  Line 4, change to five panelists  Third line from bottom, change to read: The Y staff will be housing the event and may do some publicity for the event. On voice vote, the revised minutes were approved. Senior Services/CRC Sub-Committee Resolution January 8, 2013 Chair Wehr reported that the resolution is all set. On January, 8, SSC Chair Mort Wax will present the resolution to the Village Board for review and passage. NCRC Award Planning Member Singer reported that the NCRC Award information is on the Village website. The mailing went out this week that included houses of worship, chamber of commerce, theatre groups, civic organizations, and schools. The mailing consisted of a letter, criteria and guidelines, and a nomination form. Member Singer asked commission members to follow up with phone calls next week to people who were on the mailing list. Callers should check to make sure the mailings were received and encourage everyone to give the award some thought. Callers should answer any questions that come up. It is important that there is no confusion regarding the qualifications for the nominees. Remind everyone that nominees cannot be nominated for something that they have done for monetary compensation. Also, be sure they understand that an institution or organization as an entity cannot be nominated. After the February 15th nomination deadline, the subcommittee will begin to review and select a winner. The budget for the event will be covered at next month’s meeting. Black History Month Planning The CRC is sponsoring The Black History Month event, “The Black Experience in Chicago’s North Suburbs.” It will be on Wed., Feb. 13, 2013, 7-8:30 pm, at the North Suburban YMCA, in the ABC Room. Five panelists will each give a presentation followed by an interactive discussion with the audience. Member Lozaro asked what the protocol is for us when we work on publicity through the Village Communications Manager Cheryl Fayne de-Persio. Liaison Maltas will contact Cheryl to discuss protocol with her for future events. Liaison Maltas suggested that the subcommittee have one spokesperson to contact Cheryl. Member Mantegna agreed to be the spokesperson and will contact Cheryl regarding publicity and distribution of the flyers. Liaison Maltas would like to be copied on all the communication that goes to Cheryl. Commissioners will soon receive e-mail copies of the flyers to distribute to family, friends, and to post at various locations. The Library will also help out with the event by posting the flyers and putting out a book display. The CRC discussed ways to show appreciation to the people who participate in our events. It was noted that the performers volunteer to be in the events and do not expect to be paid for their appearances. It was decided that the CRC would show its appreciation to the panelists by recognizing them with a certificate and possibly have it signed by President Frum. Member Singer made a motion for a Black History Month budget not to exceed $100, and it was seconded by Member Mantegna. Member Doughty asked if that amount would cover everything, including the flyers and certificates. Member Mantegna stated that the flyers would not be included in the budget as Cheryl would be taking care of the flyers for us. The certificates could possibly be made on Village letterhead. Chair Wehr called for a vote on the motion for a Black History Month budget not to exceed $100. On voice vote, the motion passed. Women’s History Month Member Duda stated that she appreciated that the Women’s History Month event was mentioned at last month’s meeting. Diane, the Glenview League of Women Voters spokesperson for the event, could not make it to our meeting tonight to discuss the event. The Glenview League had wanted us to collaborate with them on celebrating 100 years of the women’s right to vote. It appeared that at this time we are not in a position to get involved in this event. News from Clergy Association and Houses of Worship Member Jabbari reported in Member Goldsher’s absence, that there is no January report as the Clergy Association will meet next week. At the last clergy association meeting EASING, which serves Northbrook and Glenview, was low on resources and looking for some donations. The clergy association sent them a very generous check. The Interfaith Prayer Service for Collin Wehr on December 11 was very nice and was well attended. Thanks to St. Norbert for hosting the service. Chair Wehr noted that Member Goldsher was not at tonight’s meeting. Her mother-in-law passed away suddenly last weekend. Please keep Linda and her husband Steve in your thoughts. News from Schools Member Doughty gave an update on District 225:  Exams are coming up.  Sports are up and running  GBN Variety show is in February  GBN & GBS Musical will be in early May. Old Business Chair Wehr wanted to make sure that all CRC members had completed their on-line open meeting training and had sent their certificates of compliance to Liaison Maltas. 2 New Business Liaison Maltas stated that due to construction work at the Library starting sometime this spring, the CRC will have to switch its meeting location for awhile. She will check with the Village Hall, Police and Fire Depts., Covenant Village, and the Park District to find a conference room for us to use during that time. Eyes & Ears on the Street  Member Jim Hyun was recently featured in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, along with his photo on the front cover.  Northbrook Park District father/daughter dance on February 8.  December issues of Northbrook Tower recapped many 2012 events which included some nice publicity for CRC Asian Heritage Celebration, CRC Trivia Challenge, and the CRC Commission in general.  The Northbrook Star office in Glenview will be closing  Northbrook Farmers Market will be entering its fifth season this year and is looking for ideas.  Collin Wehr’s Interfaith Prayer Service at St. Norbert was very nice. Great turnout, including Chicago Bears administrative staff and staff from Chicago Bears Care.  Collin received an official Chicago Bears ball from the Green Bay Packers game which was signed by Brandon Marshall. Next Meeting – February 7, 2013 The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 7, 2013. Adjournment At 7:55 p.m., Member Gertz made a motion to adjourn, and it was seconded by Member Hyun. On voice vote, the motion passed. Respectfully Submitted, /s/LeeAnn Artstein Recording Secretary 3