Community Relations Commission

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 7:00 to 8:30 pm Gamon Room, Wheaton City Hall In-Person or Virtual Attendance I. Call to Order a. Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm. II. Welcome Mission: 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: Kathy Bushong, Scott Chidester, Andrea Clayton, Laura Peccarelli, Mike Hodel, Erica Nelson, Shauna Thornson, Ben Waterman, and Angela Welker Absent: Meg Beasley, David Sohmer, Saleha Jawaid Motion was made by Angie to move community presentations up to the top of the agenda. Ben seconded. Community presenters will speak for approximately 20 minutes before the general business of the CRC meetings is conducted. IV. Public Comment a. Community Presentation - 6000 Moms 6000Moms is a 501 c3 organization that started in 2018 on Facebook as a group focusing on immigration. Its mission is to help immigrant and refugee families thrive by connecting them to care, advocacy, support and community. The Vision of 6000 Moms is a society where immigrants and refugees are welcomed, empowered, and treated as equals with kindness, dignity and respect. i. Families at FOC? 6000 Moms inquired about getting one of the families it supports to participate in the FOC. V. Approval of Minutes Approval of minutes from April 10, 2024. Angie moved that the minutes be approved as presented; Shauna seconded. Minutes were approved. V. Old Business a. D-Day Update - Partner program - David, Laura, and Erica i. Dick Rung-D Day Vet.-Highlight life, Interview with CNN ii. Promote Cantigny event on social media iii. Erica Q & A with Paul Bischoff as to his interest in and connection with D- Day. iv. Dave is reaching out to Midwest Veterans Home here in Wheaton v. Not a Wheaton Event-but we can promote Cantigny COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES May 1, 2024 vi. June 4th “Celebrity D-Day Servicemen” Wheaton Public Library presentation b. Good Citizens Awards (WCRC program) - Angie, Scott, and Ben i. May 20th reception ii. Food - similar to the food served during 2023 reception iii. Flow of Reception iv. Commissioner responsibilities (Greeters on both levels, name tags) 1. Assign a commissioner to coordinate a table highlighting WCRC program 2. Presentation Flow a. Introduction (Erica and Meg) b. Work with the mayor to hand out awards c. Pass out yard signs d. Ensure all are present for group photo e. World Squishy balls in a bowl with a FOC flyer VI. New Business a. Festival of Cultures (Sunday, September 15) - WCRC event – Erica i. Memorial Park, Band Shell ii. Subcommittee overview and assignments iii. Suggestion to look at the cost of a postcard to be mailed to Wheaton residents to publicize FOC iv. Discuss ideas for this year’s festival based on October 2023 debrief b. Commission Resignation – Sam Hardy has resigned due to increased job duties i. Erica encouraged commissioners to think of others in the community that could be a benefit to the commission. VII. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 8:36 pm by consensus. June 6, 2024 Signature - WCRC Chairperson Date 2