Community Relations Commission

Wednesday, March 6, 2024 7:00 to 8:30 pm Gamon Room, Wheaton City Hall In-Person or Virtual Attendance I. Call to Order a. Meeting was called to order at 7:08 pm. II. Welcome III. Roll Call In person: Meg Beasley, Andrea Clayton, Sam Hardy, Mike Hodel, Laura Peccarelli, David Sohmer, Shauna Thorson, and Ben Waterman Via Zoom: Erica Nelson Absent: Kathy Bushong, Scott Chedister, Saleha Jawaid, and Angela Welker IV. Approval of Minutes Laura motioned for the minutes to be approved with minor changes, Ben seconded. Minutes were approved as amended. V. Old Business a. Black History Month - Partner program i. Fruteland Jackson recap - Laura Attendance: about 120 (standing room only) Origin of blues music in the United States. Jackson is a musician and storyteller who has traveled globally. Good questions from the audience and several children attended. b. Wheaton Boards and Commissions luncheon - Erica, David, Meg, and Kathy attended and commended the city on the program VI. New Business a. Treasurer and Secretary i. Erica motioned that Mike Hodel serve as treasurer for a year-term; Laura seconded. Mike will serve as treasurer for a one-year term. ii. Erica motioned to retain Meg Beasley as secretary for a year-team; Ben seconded. Meg will serve as secretary for another year. b. Good Citizens Awards update - Angie, Scott, and Ben (WCRC program) i. Nominations received so far - seven (two youth and five) ii. Outreach efforts 1. Reached out to 27 not-for-profit groups 2. Meg will ask the city to continue to publicize the call for nominations iii. Award presented at the May 20 City Council meeting (note the date change) iv. Reminder that next month’s meeting is moved to April 10 for the GCA selection c. Women’s History month update - partner program i. We Are Women art exhibit - Andrea (partners are Downtown Wheaton Association and DuPage Art League) ii. Art walk is mainly set up and map is live COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES March 6, 2024 1. Shauna, one of our commissioners, is one of the featured artists. Her art work is on display in the new Wildflower Mercantile shop 2. DWA has been contacted by a jazz radio station to feature artwork at Notable Notes and Wildflower. (Shauna and her art will be included.) 3. Erica recognized Andrea for her work on the event iii. Women in Art profiles - Erica 1. Called for profiles from local partners. The WCRC has received six so far. iv. Partner program with the library and League of Women Voters of Wheaton - Megan Wells will portray Clara Barton on March 21 at 7 pm - Meg 1. 45 registered for in-person 2. 140 registered for virtual attendance d. Sister Cities - WCRC program - Erica i. Karlskoga, Sweden - https://www.wheaton.il.us/306/Karlskoga-Sweden ii. Wheaton-Aston, England - https://www.wheaton.il.us/307/Wheaton-Aston- England iii. Erica asked commission to think about how we can expand efforts 1. She will reach out to the Illinois Sister Cities organization to see what other cities and towns do iv. At a minimum will plan to have a table at Festival of Cultures and identify representatives for each city e. Festival of Cultures (FOC) - WCRC program - Erica i. Date request submitted to Wheaton Park District: either September 15 or 22 ii. Cultural and Fine Arts Commission - Erica attended meeting 1. Chair Lewis Auberach is a musician and artist 2. Hoping to connect and find a way we can partner for FOC (Fine Arts Commission has been a paid sponsor in past years) iii. Will start dividing up program responsibilities among commissioners in April 1. Need to address transition time for music groups; may need to cut a group 2. Breakdown subcommittee structure f. D-Day Event i. David, Erica, and Laura are meeting with Paul Bischoff and will update at next meeting. VII. Public Comment a. Community Presentation i. Megann Panek of the Mary Lubko Center ii. Senior center is housed in the 1880 coach house of Judge Elbert Gary. When constructed, plans included a provision that the building could not be torn down. With a fireplace and comfortable seating, its homey feel encourages recreation and connection. The center is open M-F - 8:30 am until 3 pm and offers classes, day trips, extended travel programs. There are no membership fees, and any resident of Wheaton can utilize the building. About 40% of those using the center are non-residents, and they pay a nominal fee to participate. The programming is usually themed, and wellness is the current focus (creative, mental, physical wellness). The center welcomes drop-ins. There are game groups, a Quilting group (the quilters donate the quilts to the Ronald McDonald House) yoga and fitness classes, sports leagues, and walking group and “Pedal Pushers” a biking group. Crafts started during pandemic. A variety of dance lessons and performances are offered. There are two choral groups: Silvertones and Beyond Glee. In addition the center hosts special events, luncheons, a 2 COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES March 6, 2024 holiday gala, picnics in the park; provides services, including tax appointments at no charge, driving programs, tech support; health programs; and downsizing tips. Once a week, there are scheduled trips to theaters, museums, neighborhoods, food tours, boat cruises, sporting events, or a nearby Reindeer ranch. Extended travel destinations have included Spain, Italy, Fiji, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. The facility may be rented and it seats between 75- 100 people. The average age of those who use the center is 60s-70s, but also skews younger for some activities. Other facilities usually draw older participants in their 70s and 80s. In the past year, the center served 14,000 people through its programs and classes. The center is named after its first director, Mary Lubko. iii. Ideas for connections: Talk to Susan about including info about center events. Ask Andrea Rosedale to connect Bicycle Commission with April 28th riding event at 9 am. Include the center in flyer distribution for Festival of Cultures and Good Citizens Awards. b. Bari Ericson, of the Wheaton Public Library, announced that the library and Cantigny will offer a D-Day program on June 4. It will highlight six soldiers who contributed significantly to the operation and later became athletes, actors, a civil rights advocate, Hollywood director, and a bestselling author. VIII. Adjournment a. Meeting adjourned at 8:12 Laura moved to adjourn; Andrea seconded. April 11, 2024 Signature Signature Date 3