Ethnic Community Committee

City of Sterling Heights ETHNIC COMMUNITY COMMITTEE Official minutes of the Thursday, June 6, 2019 regular meeting. MEMBERS PRESENT: Sharron Allen Mohammed Alomari Abbott Basal Willie Dechavez Kozeta Elzhenni Iqbal Singh Shawn Taylor Carmen Williams Stacy Williams MEMBERS ABSENT: Susan Kattula Abul Patwary OFFICIALS PRESENT: Community Relations Services Specialist Sue Giallombardo 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda: MOTION by Allen, SECONDED by Alomari. Approved 8-0 4. Approval of Minutes: MOTION by Taylor, SECONDED by Allen. Approved 8-0 5. Communication from Citizens:  Dechavez thanked everyone for coming to the Memorial Day Parade and participating with the Committee. He added that members should extend invites to leaders and presidents of organizations that they are affiliated with. Giallombardo stated that members could forward contact information to her and she will send out invites, adding that she does send invites to all groups that have participated in past Cultural Exchanges and Diversity Dinners. Allen stated that it would be nice if coffee could be served the morning of the parade; Giallombardo will look into it, however doesn't think it would be possible due to short staffing of the event. 6. Communications from the Sterling Heights Police Dept.-Sgt. Kevin Reese: None 7. Agenda A. 2019 Diversity Dinner  Giallombardo stated that the Diversity Distinction Award dinner will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 6:00, at the Century Banquet Center.  Dechavez reminded members that the Committee doesn't meet in July or August and proposed that a sub-committee be formed. The sub-committee would work together to secure the guest speaker, ticket prices, menu, etc. He asked for volunteers to be a part of the sub-committee and Allen, Elzhenni, Singh and Dechavez volunteered. All members are welcome to be a part of the sub- committee. It was decided that the sub-committee would meet on July 17, at 6:00 p.m. at Tim Hortons, located at 16 Mile and Mound.  Giallombardo stated that all members should start to think about securing sponsorships and nominees for the awards. Recipients of the award will be voted on by the entire committee at the September 5th meeeting.  Williams asked what the criteria is for the guest speaker. Giallombardo stated that the criteria for the guest speaker (as previously discussed by the Committee) states that he or she has an ethnic background, has a celebrity status if possible that can spark interest and attendance, and that his or her bio highlights cultural diversity.  Giallombardo stated that she will have the participation forms at the sub- committee meeting and will mail the forms to those not at the meeting.  Dechavez suggested inviting past award winners to the dinner. Details will be further discussed at the sub-committee meeting and shared with the entire group. B. Naturalization Ceremony/Sterlingfest Participation  Giallombardo reminded members that the Naturalization Ceremony will be held on Friday, July 26 at 10:00 a.m. at the Library Programming Center. The ceremony lasts approximately one hour, followed by a short reception outside with fruit and cake. Members are encouraged to attend.  Giallombardo has a sign-up sheet for members to volunteer their time at the Committee's table during the 3 days of Sterlingfest, from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm. This is a great way to promote the committee and the Diversity Dinner as well. If you are available and haven't signed up already, please contact her.  Dechavez stated that he hopes to have a group of ten volunteers for the weekend. C. Showcase at Library  Dechavez said that he tried to reserve a showcase at the library for the month of May for an Asian exhibit, however it was booked. He suggested reserving the month of February 2020 for Black History Month and encouraged all members to take advantage of the showcase to share their culture. Giallombardo reminded members that the Committee will have their own showcase in the new Recreation Center. Once the center opens, members will have to decide on a schedule. D. Food Tastings during meetings  Dechavez proposed the idea of taking turns bringing simple, finger foods to monthly meetings, to represent everyone's ethnic background. Dechavez brought Filipino pork eggrolls and stika rice as a dessert. Abbott and Giallombardo volunteered for the September meeting. E. Building Bridges programs  Singh stated that the committee members should try to support events sponsored by other cultural organizations in the area. Dechavez added that he and Sharron Allen attended an event in April sponsored by Welcoming Michigan. Taylor stated that he has also attended events when he is able, and is happy to represent the Committee. Giallombardo stated that she tries to forward along all invites to  various events, adding that several members recently attended the Breakfast of Nations. Alomari suggested that members forward items to Giallombardo and she will forward to the group. 8. Receipt of Correspondence: None 9. Old Business:  Giallombardo stated that she has submitted the requests for business cards; they will be printed in the next several days and will be ready before Sterlingfest. 10. New Business: None 11. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.