International Cultural Exchange Committee

International Cultural Exchange Committee A Subcommittee of Geneva’s Strategic Advisory Committee SPAC Geneva City Hall – Date: July 14, 2015 Minutes 1. The meeting was called to order at 5:16 p.m. Members present: Albright, Cabeen, Krause, Snyder. Members absent: Alderfer, Bald, Pool. SPAC liaisons present: Backus, Cassin. 2. The May minutes were approved as submitted. Kraus moved, Snyder seconded. 3. Treasurer’s report – In Angela’s absence, Cynthia reported on the Wildwood fundraiser. Approximately 55 people show up and we raised about $1500, breaking even on our expenses. Two $50 Wildwood gift cards were door prizes 4. Media –Thanks to Jim Alderfer our mailing list is up to date. We will continue to update our mailing list going forward. (GoDaddy) Pam will forward the ECI Geneva host families’ e-mail addresses to Jim to be added to our list. 5. ECI/GHS Exchanges – The July session French students have arrived. 5 Geneva families are hosting. Pam attended Sunday’s picnic at Pottowatamie Park and met the students and host families. There are two Croissy students. Annie Creteaux’s granddaughter, Maelys, is staying with the Trout family in Geneva and Maxime (boy) is staying with a family in Park Ridge. Maxime is interested in visiting Geneva if it can be arranged. Pam will try to arrange this. Possibly to include Maelys. Monday, the 13th, was the “get to know Geneva” starting with a tour of GHS. The students enjoy seeing and discussing the cultural differences in the two very different school systems and facilities. Then on to Graham’s for ice cream. Pam will send a thank you note to Graham’s to thank Bob for his generosity and support as all of us were treated to ice cream cones! 6. Greater Geneva Art Guild Festival - The “en plein air” painting (May 19 and 20) was challenged by the weather. Due to the rains, the outside painting was cancelled on Saturday, May 20; however, Cynthia did give the afternoon presentation on “The Tale of Two Cities” at the Chamber of Commerce. This event is in its infancy but definitely worth nurturing. Suggestions were made for improvement, e.g., volunteers to relieve the artists, better communication. 7. Croissy Delegation Visit September 11-15 - Currently, there are 5 people coming from Croissy. Host families are set. We hope to see an increase in numbers. For planning purposes, expect ~25-30 people to attend the activities (except when extending outside invitations). We reviewed the itinerary-to-date. Members can expect to receive the itinerary via e-mail from Cynthia. Discussions and negotiations with Penrose, Riverside Receptions, St. Charles Belle, Ball Seed have been successful and are set or moving towards finalizing. We, also, discussed having an ICEC booth/banner at events open to the community to prospect for new members. Loose ends: 1) Progressive dinner – Host for dessert course is confirmed. Still need host homes for 1st course and main meal. 2) Finding drivers. 3) Library program is still a go. Kari will join David and Pam in working out the details. 8. For Board approval: Cynthia brought up 2 items which were voted on and approved: 1) $50 non-refundable deposit to the St. Charles Belle (guarantee of 30 people). 2) $100 non-refundable deposit to Riverside Receptions (guarantee to spend $800). Denise motioned to accept, Kari seconded.  9. Kari is working with a friend to design/create a meaningful souvenir for the Croissy guests. She also is looking forward to seeing and connecting with Croissy’s Pascale, who will be coming in Sept. Kari is interested in returning to Croissy in the coming year to bring an art program to an elementary school. This would be a wonderful way for ICEC/Geneva to stay connected with Croissy during the “down time.” 10. Next meeting – August 11. 11. The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Pam Cabeen (interim Secretary)