Community Relations Commission

APPROVED MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS March 7, 2013 The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m., in the Civic Room, at the Northbrook Public Library, by Chair Ray Wehr. Members Present: Elliot Bruckman, Nafisa Choudhury, Bruce Doughty, Dale Duda, Scott Gertz, Linda Goldsher, Sue Huang, Chris Kosla, Alice Lonoff, Robert Lozaro, Ron Mantegna, Rochelle Singer, Nancy Stoddard, and Chair Wehr. Excused Member: James Hyun. Also Present: Guest Aleem Khalid, Liaison Kendal Maltas, and Recording Secretary LeeAnn Artstein. Welcome Chair Wehr welcomed everyone to the meeting. It was noted that the February 7, 2013 meeting had been cancelled due to a snow storm.  Chair Wehr welcomed Guest Aleem Khalid, a De Paul U. student majoring in journalism, who is a graduate of GBN. He thanked the commission for allowing him to sit in to observe local government.  Chair welcomed Alice Lonoff, representative of Northbrook United Methodist Church, located at Western and Cherry. Approval of the Interfaith Walk Meeting Minutes February 5, 2013 Member Lozaro moved, seconded by Member Bruckman, to approve the minutes of the February 5, 2013 meeting, with the following revision:  Absent line: Correct spelling of name should be: “Ron Mantegna”. On voice vote, the revised minutes were approved. Approval of the Interfaith Sunday Meeting Minutes February 19, 2013 Member Lozaro moved, seconded by Member Mantegna, to approve the minutes of the February 19, 2013 meeting, with the following revision:  Page 1, 5th para. strikes the name “Betsy”. On voice vote, the revised minutes were approved. Approval of the Asian Heritage Subcommittee Meeting January 10, 2013 Member Singer moved, seconded by Member Doughty, to approve the minutes of the January 10, 2013 meeting. On voice vote, the minutes were approved. Approval of the Asian Heritage Subcommittee Meeting February 5, 2013 Member Doughty moved, seconded by Member Singer, to approve the minutes of the February 5, 2013 meeting. On voice vote, the minutes were approved. Approval of the Black History Month Subcommittee Meetings Nov. 27, 2012 & Jan. 3, 2013 Member Bruckman moved, seconded by Member Doughty, to approve the minutes of the November 27, 2012 and January 3, 2013 meetings. On voice vote, the minutes were approved. Approval of the January 3, 2013 CRC Meeting Minutes Member Lozaro moved, seconded by Member Bruckman, to approve the revised minutes of the January 3, 2013, meeting with the following revision:  Black History Month, page 2, 2nd Para., 3rd sentence, change “participants” to “panelists”. On voice vote, the revised minutes were approved. Black History Month Wrap-Up Member Singer reported that the Black History Month program, “The Black Experience in Chicago’s North Suburbs” on Wed., February 13, was very successful. The event was held at the North Suburban YMCA, in the ABC Room. Four panelists gave presentations followed by interactive discussions with the audience. The event was well received. A survey taken after the program received many positive comments which included “best one ever attended”. Publicity was well covered. Northbrook Tower wrote a nice article. Northbrook Star also attended and had a nice write up. The turnout of 50 – 60 people was less than in past years when the event had been held at the Northbrook Public Library on Saturday afternoons. It was noted that there was a nice diversity of community in attendance, which included GBN students. CRC members commended Members Singer, Duda and Mantegna for their excellent work to take over the event, find a good mix of panelists, pull in a diverse crowd, and have it turn out so well. They received compliments with their new approach to discuss history and to include what is currently going on today. Chair Wehr thanked the committee for doing a great job. NCRC Award Update Member Singer gave an update on the NCRC Award by first reading the March 6, 2013 subcommittee meeting minutes. Subcommittee Members Gertz, Goldsher, Kosla, Singer, and Stoddard met on March 6 and then included CRC Member Huang to help with the final review process. In summary, the subcommittee reviewed three nominees for the award. One nominated candidate was eliminated as they had been compensated for the project. The subcommittee then had an in depth discussion regarding the two remaining candidates. Although the two candidates did very good volunteer work, their contributions did not match the criteria for the award. The subcommittee had taken a straw vote which was a majority, but not a consensus vote, which was needed. The subcommittee finally concluded on consensus that neither candidate’s contributions met the criteria that was needed for the award. In conclusion, the subcommittee recommended to the CRC that the award not be given out this year. After hearing the subcommittee’s review and then discussing the subcommittee’s conclusion, the CRC was comfortable with the subcommittee’s decision. Chair Wehr thanked everyone for doing a great job. Asian Heritage Month Planning Member Huang reported on the 2013 Asian Heritage event, “Taste of Asia”. It will be held on Sunday, May 5, at the North Suburban YMCA, 12:30 – 3:30 pm. Admission is free and there will be door prizes. This year everything will take place in the gym, which will help create a lively Taste of Asia atmosphere. The focus will be on music and to have children involved. There will be Chinese, Korean, Thai, Indian, Russian and Filipino music and dance. There will be cultural and artifacts displays. There will be Chinese, Russian, Thai, Indian, and Korean food vendors. Member Hung is still waiting for confirmation from many of the groups. Storytelling will not fit into this year’s program as it is considered more suitable for a quiet setting. There are no plans for trivia questions this year. The subcommittee has two new members, Wileen Hsing, a teacher at Niles West, and Judy Kim, President of Maple School’s Korean American Parents Org. They are working on plans to attract more students to participate in the program. The budget request this year is $2,100 which is $300 more than last year. As it turned out, last year’s event used only $1,600 of the budgeted $1,800 .This year the budget will include $450 to rent 22 tables and 150 chairs, which includes delivery and pick up. Approximately $650 has been budgeted to pay performers who need reimbursement for expenses. Member Lozaro made a motion for a $2,100 budget 2 for the 2013 Celebration of Asian Heritage, and it was seconded by Member Bruckman. A discussion followed regarding the most economical and best way to obtain tables and chairs, have them delivered, set up, taken down, and returned. It was noted that sponsors are being sought to help with the expenses. Seeing no further discussion, on voice vote the motion was approved to have a budget of $2,100. Interfaith Sunday Planning Member Goldsher reported that the new name Interfaith Sunday is now official and replaces Interfaith Walk. The event will be held on Sunday, April 21. The theme this year is “Dispelling Myths”. The kick off will start at 12:30 pm, in the Gazebo and the Community Room at the Village Green. Entertainment is in the works. The houses of worship will be open 1 – 4 pm. Passports will be used again. At 4 pm, The Village Hall will be open to serve pizza, provide a discussion, and have trivia questions on “myths”. Make sure information is in the April Village newsletter and any updates are entered on the Village website. Member Goldsher stated that she is looking at a budget of $1,200 for this bi-annual event. The clergy has about $200 to help with costs. The estimated costs are: t-shirts, $500; pizza, $200-$300; some signage and giveaways, $200. Member Lozaro made a motion for a budget of $1,200 for Interfaith Sunday. The motion was seconded by Member Goldsher. Hearing no further discussion, on voice vote, the motion passed. Flamingo Friday/Welcome to Northbrook Planning Members Duda and Gertz have not yet met to discuss the combined event, but plan to do so in the near future. Member Gertz stated he liked the way the combined event was done last year. Member Duda stated that Sunset Foods has a new policy regarding use of the popcorn wagon which they have valued at $750. Their new policy requires us to send a letter to justify their spending $750 to send the wagon to our event. The letter must explain how the event will benefit Sunset Foods. As a result of the change, Sunset may not make it available for our event. Member Duda indicated we may have to re-think what we are going to do this year if Sunset Foods is not there. A discussion followed regarding possible changes to the event, such as scheduling a date and finding new ways to draw people to attend. Member Duda provided information regarding Glenview’s large Welcome event for its residents which is something we might want to consider. A discussion followed with suggestions. It was felt that the CRC should avoid the duplication of some things that are already being done at other events in Northbrook by the Police Department, the Park District and other community groups. The CRC would like to continue to have the Village President, Fire Department and Police Department, Park District, Library, and Chamber of Commerce on hand to greet and talk with all the residents who attend our event. Members Duda and Gertz will have an update on plans at next month’s meeting. News from Clergy Association and Houses of Worship Member Goldsher reported that the meeting was held yesterday, March 6, at the Village Presbyterian Church. Police Chief Wernick and Counselor Nancy Vicarro gave a lively and interesting discussion. Northbrook is a wonderful community. The Police Dept. has seen an increase in crime and domestic problems most likely due to the economy. The Police Dept. is there to help the clergy when they have people who need assistance. There are a lot of resources out there that the people need to know exist. Everyone noted that the Police Dept. has been doing an exemplary job. House of Worship Member Lonoff reported that the Northbrook United Methodist Church is excited to be hosting a Teach- in on Marriage Equality to be held on March 19, 7-8:30 pm, at the Northbrook Public Library. It will provide insight into issues related to marriage equality and legal rights. There are handouts and information available on the church website. 3 News from Schools Member Doughty gave an update on District 225. The students continue to excel in academics, sports, and the recent variety show. Ryan Goldsher, Ramsay Wehr and Austin Doughty all participated and did wonderful. The District is consistent with national standards. This Sunday, both schools will be involved in an annual music festival at Techny Towers. In about two weeks the students will have a chance to participate in Spartans Connect. Spartans Connect allows students to celebrate and participate in a variety of interests and hobbies found in the GBN community. Old Business a. Meeting Location Update Liaison Maltas reported that the Library construction project will not begin until September. The CRC will continue to hold meetings at the Library until that time and are looking to meet at the Village Hall until the construction has been completed. b. Senior Services/CRC sub-committee resolution presentation CRC Chair Wehr and SSC Chair Wax attended the February 12 Village Board meeting and presented their findings to the Board. The Board unanimously approved it. The Board fully endorsed our findings and supported the work of Chair Wax and his commission. The Northbrook Tower wrote a nice article. New Business a. Martin Luther King Jr. Day-Resident Request Liaison Maltas reported that a resident had sent a letter to the CRC, Arts Commission, Public Library, Park District and Senior Center wanting everyone to consider having local programs leading up to the actual Martin Luther King Day. Liaison Maltas indicated she had replied to the resident informing her of the programs that already exist in the community, including our celebration of Black History Month. Member Lonoff stated that over the past few years Northbrook United Methodist Church has been involved with coordinating a volunteer day with an ever growing number of churches. Liaison Maltas indicated she will pass this additional information on to the resident. Eyes & Ears on the Street  Check out Ryan Goldsher’s Variety Show Celebrity Impression Act on You Tube  Arid Choudhury’ finished producing a movie. He is currently working on other projects.  St. Norbert will have its annual St. Pat’s Party tomorrow. Everyone is invited.  Catholic Cardinal George will be the guest speaker at Temple Beth El on March 22.  Village Presbyterian Church will host a music event with 4 saxophone players on March 15. Next Meeting – April 4, 2013 The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 4, 2013. Adjournment At 8:49 p.m., Member Gertz made a motion to adjourn, and it was seconded by Member Lozaro. On voice vote, the motion passed. Respectfully Submitted, /s/LeeAnn Artstein Recording Secretary 4