Chicago City Wire

City of Wheaton Community Relations Commission met Dec. 12

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:06 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, Kathy Bushong, Scott Chedister, Andrea Clayton, Yvette Diericx; Erica Nelson, Laura Peccarelli, David Sohmer, Shauna Thorson, and Ben Waterman

Absent: Mike Hodel and Andrew McGady

IV. 2025 Planning Workshop

a. Festival of Cultures

What worked: Art project; art submissions from students; passports; music; student volunteer; engaging new organizations and groups; expanding to include more organizations; social media blasts; and venue

What changes should we make?

Two events emerged from a post-event conversation:

Wheaton as the focal point to unify community around shared culture and history (possibly tie into Good Citizens Awards) focus on something that unites us all. Why did we all choose Wheaton? Celebrating those in community who contribute. Contributors of past and present. Community becomes focus.

Ethnic cultures represented in Wheaton. Direct people to diverse restaurants in town. Leverage cultural diversity in town, which increases engagement, and participation in local events. Art project, student artwork with a focus on people and ethnic groups within our Wheaton community to highlight the variety of people and backgrounds not always seen. Leverage the French Market audience.

Directive from the city in 2022: Mike Dzugan directed by council to reset pillars (annual report - we are accountable to meet that expectation). Following this directive, programs were updated. Part of that purpose is to develop better relationships in a diverse and inclusive community.

-Include less visible people within the community. Encourage residents to be service oriented. Support initiatives with other organizations. (Seven purpose statements reiterated)

-Identify opportunities to partner with the Wheaton Police Department and their community outreach initiatives. Build good will.

What is our direction moving forward?

One example of an effective program that engaged the community and included many paths for involvement was the Frida Kahlo exhibit. It was more than an event; it was an experience. (Frida Fridays. widespread education about her art.

Latin Music. Window painting. Student artists.)

Cultural Food perspective (downtown Wheaton, Wheaton History Center) - samples (WCRC pays for appetizers)

Celebrate Wheaton - honor Good Citizens Awardees. Honor people in service industry as well.

Highlight unique restaurants

Focus on community building.

Highlight some of the not-for-profits and local agencies that have presented to WCRC. Share their volunteer opportunities. Try to mobilize volunteers, perhaps through a volunteer fair.

Focus on all residents of Wheaton - without competing with current events such as the Cream of Wheaton

Highlight local artists (Jerry Evans, West Suburban Music, Wheaton Gospel Choir, high school groups, etc.)

Answer the question: what makes Wheaton special?

Service is the heart of Wheaton

- “Carefest” local businesses that support not-for-profits

-“Communityfest – Celebrating people, businesses and organizations that make Wheaton special.”

- Food as a draw

- Music and bands

- Highlight GCA and Wheaton Gives Back/Make a Difference Day

- We are all residents.

- There is a whole community of people who have been served by local agencies.

- - New residents to Wheaton, DuPage County and those who may need support from the community.

- Commonality is that we are all neighbors.

- Make community as a place that is welcoming to all.

 Utilize personal stories. Possible partners are Wheaton Drama. Wheaton History Center. DWA. Storytellers. School involvement. Chamber of Commerce.

(Reach out to Ann Wheaton Wanzenberg - family history 3rd great grandfather.)

Why Wheaton is…

Great

Welcoming

Cultivating community pride

Safe in community and we watch out for each other

Sense of belonging

Questions to answer:

How is our theme represented?

Is this enough to bring people in?

ROSE Awards (Recognition of Service Excellence) recognizing the contributions of service-industry workers – Is this something we suggest to the Downtown Wheaton Association or Chamber?

Next step:

Need to have a structure by March to develop and organize an event by September

b. 2025 Calendar outlined (February: African American History; March - Women’s History, May: Good Citizens Awards, September: Festival of Cultures,

c. Next meeting will take place on

i. January 8th meeting (check with Andrea)

ii. Good Citizens Award chair

1. Coordination of outreach for nominations to be determined

V. Public Comment

None

VI. Adjournment meeting was adjourned by consensus at 8:23 pm.

https://www.wheaton.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12122024-2694