Community Relations Commission

Wednesday, May 7, 2025 7:00 to 8:30 pm Gamon Room, Wheaton City Hall (In-Person or Virtual Attendance) I. Call to Order Meeting was called to order at 7:08 pm. II. Welcome The Community Relations Commission's purpose is to foster and promote understanding, mutual respect, cooperation, and positive relations in a diverse inclusive community. The Community Relations Commission also promotes increased participation in all aspects of community life and a sense of shared community among all residents. III. Roll Call In Person: Meg Beasley, Scott Chedister, Andrea Clayton, Andrew McGady, Erica Nelson, Laura Peccarelli, David Sohmer, and Shauna Thorson Absent: Kathy Bushong, Yvette Diericx, and Mike Hodel IV. Approval of Minutes a. Approval of minutes from March 5 meeting and April 28 special meeting. Laura motioned to approve March 5 minutes with formatting changes; Shauna seconded. Laura motioned to approve March 28 minutes with formatting changes. Scott seconded. Minutes approved. V. Old Business a. Women’s History Month recap - partner program i. Library Programs on March 12 and 26 1. Bertha Palmer event - 31 in person and 103 virtually a. Positive feedback shared by the WPL i. “The speaker was well-informed, and proceeded in a logical, organized manner. I learned a lot about Bertha Palmer’s life. ii. “I didn’t know she was such an astute businesswoman and had a social conscience.” iii. “Good women’s month program!” 2. Women Astronomers presentation - 40 in person and 90 virtually a. Positive feedback shared by the WPL i. “I would actually give this presentation 6 stars!” ii. “Very interesting but also disheartening to learn that the contributions of such talented women were disregarded because of their gender.” COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES May 7, 2025 3. Meg attended and promoted commission, other Women’s History month programming, and Good Citizens Awards ii. We Are Women Art exhibit 1. 34 works of art displayed throughout Wheaton during month of March (8 artists from WNHS, 5 from WWSHS, 9 from STARS Family Services Art Studio, and 12 from DuPage Art League). 2. Erica gauged feedback from businesses displaying art and was asked how others in the community could submit their artwork for display. b. Good Citizens Awards, commission program i. Nomination total: 8 student and 10 adult nominees 1. Selected award winners: a. Student recipients: Hunter Cole, Erin Dearie, Caroline Dickinson, Kate Reidenbach, and Calah Strong b. Adult recipients: Susan Anderson, Greg Biziarek, Jayne Boyle, Jeff Crowley, and Mark Taylor ii. Reception 1. Breakdown of commissioner responsibilities a. Awards are done (12 were ordered, so CRC has credit for two awards for 2026 awards) b. Yard Signs are done - Laura c. Meg will created bio handout d. Reception i. Food will be the same as the 2024 reception (My Half of the Sky and the Ivy) - Andrea ii. Laura to bring tubs for drinks iii. Ice, ice bucket, water, sparkling water, and flowers (Kathy and Yvette) e. Greeters - lower level by door, Scott and upstairs, Mike f. Nametag distribution (recipients and nominators) Andrew 2. Council Presentation a. Yard signs placed in front of room b. Table with awards and certificates c. Erica will introduce commission and its purpose d. Shauna will announce recipients e. Dave will pass out awards to the mayor for the presentation and direct recipients for photos i. Students and adults f. Laura will give recipients the yard signs g. Laura will coordinate group photo with city comms staff 3. Arrive by 5 pm iii. Sister Cities (Karlskoga , Sweden and Wheaton Aston, England) - Shauna 1. Shauna met with former Mayor Michael Gresk, who has been to Wheaton Aston, for his feedback 2. During her visit in August, Shauna will bring a video greeting, watercolor, a card with the two city seals, a photo of our commission, and other city items 3. Mayor Phil Suess is also going to the area in August 4. Need to arrange for printing of cards 2 COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES May 7, 2025 5. Shauna to make a brief presentation about her visit at September City Council meeting 6. c. Festival of Cultures i. New event: “Wheaton Block Party: Celebrating Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” 1. Sue Huang, a resident came before the meeting and was hoping to learn about volunteering for the Festival. 2. Laura, Dave, Shauna, Andrew, and Kathy will lead the committee to plan and organize the block part event 3. Vision Summary (see attached recap) d. Commission vacancies i. We have three openings 1. Erica is meeting with the mayor on May 9 and will talk about openings ii. Erica announced that she is not serving for a third term on commission 1. She plans to help launch new block party event 2. June will be her last meeting a. May have to reschedule meeting VI.Public Comment VII. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 8:10 pm. David Sohmer 7/10/2025 Vice Chair WCRC 3