HomeMy WebLinkAboutYouth Commission Minutes 060823
City Hall 55 W. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-4181 www.ci.galesburg.il.us
Youth Commission Minutes: June 8, 2023
City Hall, Galesburg, IL
Meeting Called to Order: Eciel Burns called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
Attendance: Members Present:
Eciel Burns, Mia Haneghan, Chantiara Jackson, Andrew Jowers,
Zakary Warfield,
City of Galesburg:
Elizabeth Varner, Director of Parks and Recreation
Absent: Precious Dortch, Joy Basosa-Nzumba Courtney Wallace
Minutes: Minutes from April 2023 meeting were approved, with motions from
Mia Haneghan and Chantiara Jackson. The May 2023 meeting was cancelled due
to lack of a quorum.
GUEST SPEAKER:
Chairman Eciel Burns called on Tuesday Cetin to Speak. Elizabeth introduced her as the
Director of the Galesburg Civic Art Center. She spoke about the operations at the Civic Art
Center, performances, exhibits and classes. The Art Center has moved to the old antiques mall
at 349 E. Main Street with multiple floors of art. There is also a gift shop with over 100 artist
items of art from different medians. The Galesburg Civic Art Center has great events and
exhibits open to the public. June 16th there will be a Casey Foubert & AM Higgins Concert open
to the public for $5 per person with food and drinks. Other activities were provided on a flyer
with an artist workshop, art camp for middle schoolers, Senior Studios and other events in
June and July. There is a free Art Club for High School students planned for September and will
include working with clay. The 3rd floor of the new facility has permanent collections, Historical
Society and can be used as an event space. She discussed that volunteers are always needed to
assist if anyone is interested in helping at the Art Center. Volunteer opportunities include
cleaning up, sorting art supplies and assisting with shuffling rooms around. Tuesday also
informed every one of the June 17th Blick Sale at 8 a.m. on Linwood Road.
Tuesday then led the Youth Commission members in a Contour Line Drawing activity, which
was fun for everyone. Tuesday and Elizabeth were impressed with the artwork created by each
member. A picture was taken with Tuesday to share with others. Everyone had a great time.
City Hall 55 W. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-4181 www.ci.galesburg.il.us
Parks & Recreation Report:
Director of Parks and Recreation, Elizabeth Varner, provided flyers and a report of programs
offered by the City of Galesburg Parks and Recreation. There is a large variety of programs being
offered during the summer season. Programs included FREE Yoga in the Park, FREE Fishing
Derby that was in May, FREE Second Saturday Nature Programs, FREE Nature in your
Neighborhood and Mobile Playground. Additional programs include Kayak Nights, Volleyball,
Swim Camp and Lifeguard Training. Elizabeth also mentioned the special events held in city parks
such as the upcoming Railroad Days and Café in the Park. There is also a Farmer’s Market and
Horse Show this weekend.
Old Business:
Youth Commission Members: Chairpersons, Eciel Burns and Zakary Warfield, asked
for Youth Commission Member ideas. Elizabeth explained that there are youth
openings, and that there is an adult appointment by the Mayor. She stated there are 3
youth openings since Precious Dortch does not think she can find the time to attend
meetings. Elizabeth also mentioned that she shared the City Council liaison suggestion
with the Mayor and is waiting for an appointment. Elizabeth will submit a press release
on the Youth Commission openings.
Earth Day / Arbor Day: Elizabeth reported that the City of Galesburg had a
successful Earth Day event in April with trees being planted in the morning and a
cleanup day at Kiwanis Park with 61 volunteers. Arbor Day was equally successful with
a tree being planted at Steele School.
Youth Extra Effort Award: Elizabeth reported that the City Clerk is working on a
form to be on-line for Youth Extra Effort nominations.
Guest Speakers: Eciel and Zakary asked for Guest Speaker ideas Elizabeth could
contact in the future. Ideas included Gabe Quarterman (Food Truck), Children’s
City Hall 55 W. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-4181 www.ci.galesburg.il.us
Museum, Selfie Museum, Grateful Shed, and Percy Jackson (Construction with Hein).
The Beauty Bar was also mentioned since they have a June 24 Grand Opening on Main
Street. Past ideas were mentioned and included Steve Abron (Barber/Juneteenth),
John Asplund, Tracy Engstrom (CSC Professional), and the Galesburg Christian School
Director. Reverend Jowers mentioned that Juneteenth is being celebrated at CSC and
Steve Abron is an organizer. Reverend Jowers is also in the committee and invited
everyone to attend. He provided contact information to Tuesday.
New Business:
Adopt A Park: Youth Commissioners discussed setting up a date to clean at H.T.
Custer Park as part of the Adopt a Park program, and community service. Members
decided to pick a date in the fall and will discuss this at a future meeting.
Treat Street: Elizabeth asked if members were interested in participating in Treat
Street once again. They all agreed it was a good program.
Guest Speakers: Chairperson, Eciel Burns asked for a list of future guest speakers for
the Youth Commission. Ideas that were suggested included the Superintendent of
Schools, Steve Abron, Tracy Engstrom (Career Development Director of CSC on Public
Speaking) and Galesburg Christian School Director. Eciel asked members to email
Elizabeth with ideas and contact information.
Youth Commission Report: Eciel Burns agreed to present the Youth Commission
report at the June 19th, 2023 meeting.
Meeting was adjourned: 5:30 p.m.
Motions from Mia Haneghan and Reverend Andrew Jowers.
Next Meeting: Thursday, May 11, 2023
(Zakary and Chantiara will not be able to attend the July meeting due to
attending a TRIO Trip. Zack will be going to Memphis and Nashville, and
Chantiara is going to Kentucky and South Carolina.
They will both be touring colleges along the way. We look forward to
hearing about their trips.)
________________Elizabeth Varner
Director of Parks & Recreation, Elizabeth Varner