City of Woodstock Cultural and Social Awareness Commission met Dec. 5.
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
A Special Meeting of the City of Woodstock Cultural and Social Awareness Commission was called to order at 4:17 PM, by Chairperson Juanita Vega.
A roll call was taken.
COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Joe Starzynski, Crystal Squires and Chairperson Juanita Vega.
COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Jose Rivera and John Kendall. Jose Rivera joined the proceedings at 4:27 PM.
STAFF PRESENT: Human Resources Director/Staff Liaison Deb Schober and City Clerk Cindy Smiley.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
Motion by J. Starzynski, second by C. Squires, to accept the minutes of the October 11, 2021 and November 8, 2021 meetings as presented.
Ayes: Starzynski, Squires and Chairperson Vega. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: Rivera and Kendall. Motion carried.
4. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A general discussion took place of the various agenda items.
Postponed Religions Event
Discussion ensued of the postponed Religions event, including possible rescheduling. Ms. Schober stated Commissioner Krandel has resigned from the Commission because she is not comfortable with in-person meetings or events, nor are the people who were scheduled to appear as presenters and/or on the panel for the Religions event.
In response to suggestions for others who could serve on the panel, Ms. Schober noted the idea was to bring people in from religions which were largely unfamiliar to people so they may learn about them.
Noting the Commission now has only five members, Commissioner Squires suggested changing the project to include only four or five events next year, concentrating on less busy months which may increase attendance and the ease with which the Commission could find panelists. She stated the Commission must be realistic, opining having an event every month is too much. Chairperson Vega agreed, suggesting the Commission re-evaluate the number and timing of the events.
Understanding Race Event – November 14
Chairperson Vega stated this was the most well-attended event in the series thus far. She opined it was motivating with the panelists being right on topic representing the different races well. She stated the African American community, Asian Pacific Islander community and Latino community were represented.
Commissioner Rivera entered the Chambers and joined the proceedings at 4:27 PM.
Chairperson Vega opined if the Commission presents these events where people can learn about others they will be more accepting of each other, noting this is something the Commission is providing to the community.
Chairperson Vega stated Representative Sue Ness was present and knows what the Commission is trying to do, which is good for the Commission and for Woodstock. She opined this event was the best so far because everyone collaborated, putting a lot of effort into it.
Councilman Starzynski stated he was surprised the attendance was so good. He stated even with events that are not so well attended, they have to start somewhere to engage people.
Commissioner Squires agreed the event was well-attended, stating she loved the diversity of the speakers.
World Holidays – December 12
Ms. Schober stated panelists are still needed for this event, including for Hanukah. Chairperson Vega noted she has not heard back from the individual concerning Kwanza. Discussion ensued, with Chairperson Vega stating the panelists would talk about their holiday, including the traditions and how they celebrated the holiday. In response to a suggestion that the challenges involved, particularly religious, should be discussed, Ms. Schober stated that would be part of the Religions event which was postponed. She opined the World Holidays event was designed to be a light-hearted holiday event, which would show the diversity of holidays and how they were celebrated. Chairperson Vega noted the Commission has already successfully presented events that presented deep conversations about Race and the LGBTQIA+ communities, giving people an understanding of the topics so they can accept each other better. She stated at this time of year, everyone is celebrating, so it was felt that would be a good time to present how people can celebrate together.
When no one was able to suggest panelists for specific holidays, it was suggested to look at how countries around the world celebrate with Ms. Schober, noting this event has already been advertised. Discussion ensued of possible panelists for this type of event. Commissioner Squires suggested putting a deadline on this. It was the consensus of the Commission that members will continue to try to find panelists, but if not successful by the end of the day Wednesday, the event will be cancelled.
Ms. Schober shared information about the Facebook page, noting a page has been created for the events and explaining how it works. She stated people are able to place comments on the event page. A brief discussion ensued of how to comment and share on the page, with it being noted one can comment on the event page, but not post, with only administrators having that ability. Commissioner Squires suggested all Commissioners invite friends to “Like” the Diversity Celebration Sundays’ page, providing information on how to do this. Ms. Schober stated anyone wishing to get pictures or information posted on the page should contact Jill May in Human Resources.
Following a brief discussion, it was the consensus of the members that the Commission will meet on the following dates in 2022:
• Monday, January 24 at 5:00 PM
• Monday, April 4 at 5:00 PM
• Monday, July 11 at 5:00 PM
• Monday, October 3 at 5:00 PM
ARP Funding
Ms. Schober noted the City is holding meetings to solicit ideas from the public regarding possible uses for COVID-19 funds being provided to Woodstock. She stated the Commission may attend these meetings or can let her know of any ideas they may have for the funds.
2022 DEI
Ms. Schober stated the ideas for 2022 events included Age Diversity and Environmental Diversity, noting none have been advertised.
Commissioner Squires again opined the project should be restructured for next year, as previously mentioned, suggesting postponing this discussion until the January meeting. She suggested in the meantime everyone should reach out to people who could help. Chairperson Vega asked that everyone reach out to anyone who might be able to participate in the Religions event, particularly regarding those who could help with Buddhist, Muslim and Hindu presentations.
Following a brief discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission to postpone discussion of the 2022 topics to the January meeting.
Other
Chairperson Vega asked everyone to think of people who might be interested in serving on the Commission. In response to a brief discussion, Ms. Schober stated an incomplete application was received, noting her office reached out to the applicant asking him to complete it. She stated people can give her information concerning potential applicants, but suggested they be directed to fill out the application on the website, which will go directly to the Mayor’s Office.
Public Comment
There was no comment forthcoming from the Public.
ADJOURN
Motion by J. Starzynski, second by J. Rivera, to adjourn this Special Meeting of the Cultural and Social Awareness Commission to the next meeting at 5:00 PM on Monday, January 3, 2022 in the Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall.
Ayes: Rivera, Squires, Starzynski and Chairperson Vega. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: Kendall. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 5:12 PM.
https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/cultural_amp_social_awareness_commission/meeting/45587/f_-_csa_12-05-21_meeting_-_part_1_of_1_-_minutes.pdf
Alerts Sign-up