Sister Cities Commission

SISTER CITIES COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026 AL LARSON PRAIRIE CENTER FOR THE ARTS / CONFERENCE ROOM A NOTES MEMBERS PRESENT: Caren Chisesi Tom LaMantia Kazuko Mino Annie Miskewitch Kiran Nuthulapaty Suzanne Poeschel Bob Schmidt Vandana Jhingan Ally Zinck MEMBERS ABSENT: Jose Skrobot Neil Khot STAFF PRESENT: Tiana Weiler, Director of Cultural Services Katie Langston, Assistant Event Coordinator CALL TO ORDER: Suzanne Poeschel called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Annie Miskewitch to approve the Sister Cities Meeting Minutes from March 10, 2026. Kiran Nuthulapaty seconded. MOTION CARRIED. NEW BUSINESS: A. Germany Subcommittee Report - SDAG visit to Schaumburg, IL No report. Caren Chisesi will follow up with Dr. Steinbeck to see if we can get more information about the “Tracht Cultural Dresses” for display purposes. Ms. Poeschel proposed we give Dr. Steinbeck date suggestions as he would still like to have three Germany mayors visit in October. The committee decided on either the first or third week of October. Tiana Weiler reported that Dr. Steinbeck has mailed a gift to Mayor Daily to celebrate the Village of Schaumburg’s 70th year anniversary. The mayor should be receiving this gift within the next week. B. Japan Subcommittee Report No report. Ms. Mino reported Mr. Niwa sent over a 5-day itinerary of events to do during the proposed 2027 visit to Namerikawa. Ms. Mino also shared that Mr. Niwa would like us to come after May 5th to avoid the “Golden Week” celebration as most businesses will be closed. Tiana Weiler and Suzanne Poeschel will touch base with the travel agent to coordinate a zoom meeting in order to confirm travel dates for the visit. Ms. Weiler will also touch base with the Mayor and Tustees to confirm who has interest in visiting Namerikawa.  C. South Asia Subcommittee Report No report. Vandana Jhingan reported that she was unsuccessful in meeting with Vadodara leadership due to the holidays celebrated in Indian. Ms. Jhingan will write an email to Vadodara leadership to confirm their interest in becoming a Sister City. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: CONTINUING ITEMS: 1. Sister City Facebook Page Ally Zinck will reach out to Jose with information about Japan’s Golden Week to make a post about it on facebook. Once the Mayor has received his gift from Dr. Steinbeck, we will make a facebook post as well. 2. Proposal for Use of Sister City Funds The application deadline for the Sister Cities Scholarship has been extended to April 30. Ms. Weiler reported that we have received one student application so far. Ms. Weiler was also happy to report that she heard back from the farmers market, and the Sister Cities will get a booth one Friday between June-October. Ms. Weiler will share which day that will be once she hears back and will make a signup sheet via email so that committee members can work the booth in 2-hour shifts. 3. Brochure Katie Langston reported that the brochures have been ordered and will be arriving next week. Once we have the brochures, Ms. Langston will give a small stack to Kiran Nuthulapaty for the Japanese Cultural Night on April 24. DEFERRALS: No deferrals. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE: No Comments. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made at 6:11 pm by Caren Chisesi to adjourn. Vandana Jhingan seconded. MOTION CARRIED. NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 5:30 pm