Chicago City Wire

City of Wheaton Community Relations Commission met Sept. 4

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

I. Call to Order

a. Meeting was called to order at 7:03 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 is also to promote increased participation in all aspects of community life and a sense of shared community among all residents.

III. Roll Call

In person: Meg Beasley, Kathy Bushong, Andrea Clayton, Yvette Diecrix Mike Hodel, Erica Nelson, Laura Peccarelli, David Sohmer, Shauna Thornson, and Ben Waterman

Zoom: Scott Chedister

IV. Approval of Minutes

a. Approval of minutes from August 7, 2024. Ben moved to approve the minutes as presented; Kathy seconded. The minutes were approved.

V. Old Business

VI.New Business

a. Festival of Cultures (WCRC program)

i. Committee Reports

1. Booths - Scott and Mike have Memorial Park map with booths designated

a. There are 19 booths so far

b. Some will not be in the program due to printing deadlines

c. We have both new booths as well as long-time participants

ii. Students; shifts 12 pm - 2 pm and 4 - 6 pm

1. Table set up (35 tables)

2. Art projects

3. Staging

iii. Performers are all set

1. Xillin group is featuring a performer for a 5-minute performance

2. Checks have been approved by council

iv. Interactive Art Project

1. Canvas will be on the tables (2)

2. Students will help with mosaic (squares are 3x3”)

3. 4:15 - Key Club members and WCRC finish canvas if squares not complete

4. Bring wipes and paper towels

v. Day of Plan/Logistics (September 15)

1. Karlskoga Avenue will be closed but will be available as a loading/parking area for booths and musicians to unload

2. No food trucks will be part of this year’s event

3. WCRC will arrive at 11 am

4. Tables delivered at 11:30 am

5. Participants begin arriving at noon

6. Bring chairs to sit in

7. WCRC purchased a canopy for Festival and other events

8. Need an ice chest with bottled water (Kathy will bring)

9. Rags and cleaner

10. First Aid kits

vi. Art Work

1. Winner Bela Roy, 5th Grader at Briar Glen Elementary

a. Will be at the festival 12:45 pm will be introduced by the mayor

b. Art competition - WCRC had 11 submissions this year

2. Andrea emailed those who submitted saying a winner had been selected

3. Artwork will be printed and featured at Festival

a. Last year, they were displayed on easels

b. Plan to string them along the fencing

c. Winning art will be on stage on easel (Erica will provide easel)

d. AlphaGraphics to print them out

e. Thanks to Yvette and Andrea helped select artwork

4. Volunteers

a. Two volunteers to pass out flyers on Saturday at French Market

b. 7 volunteers for each time block (12-2 pm and 4 - 6 pm)

c. Kids get meals (Shane’s and Kimmer’s)

5. Comms report

a. Programs are being printed

b. City has included in its newsletters and on social media

6. Passport prizes

a. Balls, stickers, buttons, bookmarks, key chains, dog tag necklaces, and other items for passport completion

b. Prizes will be at WCRC booth tables

7. Emergency plan for the festival approved by the city

a. Bring cell phones

vii. Budget review - All expenses are in line with budget, thanks to the sponsors that David and Ben worked to secure

b. Wheaton Gives Back (WCRC-led program with partners: Peoples Resource Center, Downtown Wheaton Association, and Wheaton Park District)

i. Stuff-a-Truck unloading is scheduled for Friday, October 25

1. Instead of an interactive form that WCRC monitors, a PRC volunteer email will be provided for sign ups

ii. Wheaton Gives Back runs from October 1-31

1. Meg has confirmed participation with our partners a. DWA locations should be provided by September 16

2. Identify a commissioner to take the lead on kicking off this program

3. Plastic bins to purchase varying by size (Yvette will look for bins)

a. Yvette and Shauna Thorson will oversee the program

i. Laura will help will delivery of boxes

c. Wheaton Police Department Chief Youker will be our community presenter in October

VII. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm by consensus.

VIII. Public Comment - Christopher Billingsley, Director of Engagement at DuCap DuPage County Area Project, attended the meeting. His nonprofit organization creates events for parents and students to be engaged and involved with schools and libraries and collaborate with them. Some examples include youth involvement, coat drives, food drives, etc. His office is within the Village of Bolingbrook office.

https://www.wheaton.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09042024-2619