Community Relations Commission

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 7:00 to 8:30 pm Gamon Room, Wheaton City Hall I. Call to Order - Meeting was called to order at 7:11 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 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: Meg Beasley, Andrew McGady, Yvette Diericx, Mike Hodel, Erica Nelson, Laura Peccarelli, David Sohmer, Zoom: Scott Chedister Absent: Kathy Bushong, Andrea Clayton, Shauna Thorson, and Ben Waterman IV. Approval of Minutes a. Approval of minutes from November 6, 2024. Dave motioned for approval minutes as presented; Laura seconded. Minutes were approved. V. Old Business a. Poinsettia gifts to WCRC partners update - Ben i. Flowers were delivered and commission members took flowers to deliver to WCRC partners after the meeting adjourned b. DWA Christmas Tree Walk update - Meg i. WCRC Giving tree is located at the corner of Hale and Front streets. Meg and Erica assembled ornaments and Meg and Kathy decorated the tree, which will benefit Abundant Family and Children Services. VI. New Business a. Women’s History Month - WCRC Program with Partners i. Women of Wheaton Profiles - Not- for- Profit 1. Discussed ideas for women to profile and how to reach out a. Profiled women should either live in Wheaton or work at a Wheaton-based not-for-profit b. WCRC members are tasked with coming up with outreach steps and some ideas included: STARS Disability Ministry. Bridge Community, Naomi’s House (Simone), People’s Resource Center, Love Your Neighbor (Nancy Shepard), My Half of the Sky (Renee), COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES November 6, 2024 Education Foundation (Katie Sivak), etc. Members will continue to generate ideas during the January meeting. c. Meg to come up with the questions for the profile; will also include a request for the link to not-for-profit and a photo ii. Reminder of Festival of Cultures workshop meeting on December 12 b. Good Citizens Awards (WCRC program) i. Identify a commissioner to take the lead on the event. Angela Welker was the project manager for the past two years; her notes and event recap are available. ii. Solicitation for nominations begins in February iii. We discussed program and responsibilities of WCRC commission members iv. Will make sure that our flyer is posted at council meetings (reach out to Andrea once it’s printed) VII. Public Comment VIII. Adjournment Meeting was adjourned at 7:48 by consensus. January 9, 2024 Signature,Chairperson Date 2