Burlington Mundialization Committee Meeting

Minutes

Meeting #:
Date:
Time:
-
Location:
Room 305, Level 3, City Hall
426 Brant Street, Burlington, Ontario

1.
Members Present:

Ed Dorr (Chair), Johanna Haan, Sabrina Yott, Rob Lyng, Mary Vuk, Bill Swybrous and Miles Ross

2.
Others Present:

Jash Jethoo (UN subcommittee member), Sasha Menezes (guest) and Jo-Anne Rudy (Clerk)

3.
Regrets:

Chuck Morris, Charles Minken, Bill Stafford, Peter Bridger, Rory Nisan, Hassan Raza and Councillor Blair Lancaster

4.
Declarations of Interest:

None

5.
Approval of Minutes:

6.
Delegation(s):

None

7.
Regular Items:

7.1
Apeldoorn subcommittee update

Johanna explained the importance of December 5 in the Netherlands. It's a big day of gift giving when children receive gifts from St. Nicholas (Sinterklaas) and his helper Black Pete (Zwarte Pieten). There are also many special foods associated with the day.

Miles shared that every Christmas Eve school children light candles and place them on the graves of the soldiers who are buried in Holten Canadian War Cemetery.

Miles provided the following update:

  • Participating in the Cultural Festival at Central High School on December 7 where there will be a display on Dutch culture, games and food.
  • Johanna and Ed were guest speakers at Pearson High School's Remembrance Day assembly. Ed noted that some students who participated in the exchange to Apeldoorn spoke at the assembly as well which was very touching. Arnold spoke at Pineland Public School and Miles spoke at New Street Christian Reformed Church.
  • The numbers for the Citizen Exchange to Apeldoorn (April 30 to May 10) are still low and committee members discussed placing an ad in City Update section of The Post to assist with promotion. In addition, Charlie did an interview with Cogeco regarding the trip.
    On motion, the committee approved placing two consecutive ads in The Post for December 14 and 21.
  • During the trip to Apeldoorn there is an opportunity for Burlington citizens to lay a wreath, on behalf of the City of Burlington, at  Oranje Park after the silent walk from the church on May 4. 
    On motion, the committee approved spending up to $300 on a wreath for this occasion. 
  • Pineland Public School is ready to send Christmas cards to Apeldoorn.
  • Started planning Canada Netherlands Friendship Day for May 5. Alexander Public School band will perform at this event.
  • Decision will be made in January as to whether Mayor Berends comes in May.
  • Poem from Dan Murray is coming to sub-committee meeting in January.

7.2
Itabashi subcommittee update

Rob provided the following update:

  • Shared highlights and photos of his recent trip to Itabashi and meeting with Mayor Sakamoto.
  • Received invitation from the Consulate-General of Japan to attend their National Day Reception (celebration of the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan) on November 24 at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre in Toronto. Chuck attended on behalf of the Committee.
  • Both the Madame Butterfly lecture and movie at Central Library held on October 24 & 26 were well attended. 
  • Had an Itabashi display at Central Library the month of November.
  • Hoping to have a Japanese movie during the Sakura Festival in May at Central Library.
  • March is Gardening Month - will be talking to staff to see about doing some talks about Japanese gardens.
  • Pen Pal program is going well. Letters have been received from Japan and M.M. Robinson students have sent letters back.  Teacher and students are very enthusiastic.
  • Participating in the Cultural Festival at Central High School on December 7.

7.3
United Nations subcommittee update

Sabrina provided the following update:

  • Model United Nations 101 held on October 24 was a huge success with approximately 200 students participating.  Planning on doing the same event next year. Thanks to all members who volunteered.
    On motion, the committee approved giving an honorarium of $100 to the tech crew at Central High School for their great work on UN Day.
  • Looking at a spring event - community outdoor festival focused on the United Nations and their achievements.

8.
Other Business:

  • Ed advised of the opportunity for the committee to once again place a listing in the 2018-19 Official Burlington Visitor guide to highlight Canada Netherlands Friendship Day and the Sakura Festival on May 5.
    On motion, the committee approved to spend $300 for an ad in the 2018-19 Burlington Visitor guide.
  • Ed thanked Mary, Bill, Chuck and Charles for their participation and work as their terms come to an end. Chuck and Charles will still participate on the subcommittees.
  • Jo-Anne advised that the twinning framework report and Itabashi Gardens capital budget item were approved at the Committee of the Whole meeting on November 27 and will go to Council for final approval on December 11.
  • Ed advised that interviews for new members were completed in November and the committee will have five new members and two alternates next year.

9.
Adjournment: 8:30 p.m.

Next meeting: Wednesday, January 10, 7 p.m., Room 247, City Hall

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