Mayor Pat McMahan declared December 2, “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women Day” in Mascoutah in a proclamation read during the meeting. (From left to right: Mary Price, Donna Mae Schlueter, Mayor Pat McMahan, Michelle Miller and Nicole Vernier

By Zachary Daum

mascherald@heraldpubs.com

The Mascoutah City Council met on Monday, December 2 at 6:30 PM for a public hearing on a proposed property tax levy increase for Mascoutah’s special service area, before meeting for their regular council meeting at 7:00 PM. There were no citizens in attendance for the public hearing.

Mayor Pat McMahan stated that this is done every year and that there is no reason not to move forward with it. This amount does not increase tax rates, but increases the amount of money captured by the tax rate as it stands.

Mayor McMahon read a proclamation in relation to the Zonta Club for their dedication to supporting women’s rights. December 2 was declared “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women Day.” The Zonta club also noted that they raised $155,000 for Zonta international since it’s inception in the Mascoutah area.

The following is the complete proclamation as stated and read during the meeting:

“WHEREAS. the crime of violence against women and girls

• Continues to be the most pervasive human rights violation and a global epidemic
• Is due to systemic use of physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, psychological and economic control and/or does not know any national nor cultural barriers and affects millions of women and girls of all races and abuse socioeconomic backgrounds, in peacetime and conflict
• violates an individual’s privacy. dignity, security, and humanity
• results in serious short-term and long-term physical, sexual and reproductive, and mental health problems, including increased vulnerability to HIV; and

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization estimates that one in three (30% of) women woridwide have

experienced physical and/or sexual violence; and

WHEREAS, according to UNICEF, “around 120 million girls under the age of 20 worldwide (about one in 10) have experienced forced intercourse or other forced sexual acts”; and

WHEREAS, more than 650 million women alive today were married as children and 12 million girls are married before the age of 18 each year, and

WHEREAS, according to the Global Report on Trafficking in Persons by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, `the most common form of human trafficking (79%) is sexual exploitation”; and

WHEREAS, more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation in the countries where the practice is concentrated, he World Health Organization estimates; and

WHEREAS, Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals with more than 26,000 members in 64 countries working together to make gender equality a worldwide reality for women and girls and has contributed to help achieve a world free of violence against women and girls for more than 100 years; and

WHEREAS, during the 16 Days of Activism, 25 N0vember-10 December, the Zonta Club of Mascoutah Area- along with all Zonta clubs-is encouraged to take part in the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign and to take local, national and international actions to influence the making and implementation of laws, as well as changing gender-based attitudes and behaviors to end violence against women.

THEREFORE, I, Pat McMahan, do hereby proclaim December 2nd as Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women Day in Mascoutah, Illinois and encourage all residents to prevent gender-based violence by educating the community on its harm, to advocate for survivors of gender-based violence and to act in service on their behalf,

IN -WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused a seal of the City of Mascoutah to be affixed, on this, the 2nd day of December, 2024.”

After the public hearing and proclamation reading for Zonta, the council began their regular meeting, with a first reading of the 2024 Property Tax Levy. The 2023 rate setting EAV was $160,311,430, with this year’s estimate sitting at $196,335,568 for an increase of $36,024,138. The tax levy amount is the estimated amount of dollars needed by the city to run operations and to pay general obligation bonds. This does not raise property taxes, but captures more of the tax funds already collected for city use. “It’s important for people to know that we are not raising taxes. This is something we do every year.”

The council unanimously approved a bid award for the purchase in the amount of $32,900 to Holzhauer Motorsports of Nashville, IL for an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) for use by Mascoutah Police and EMS. This vehicle will be used for both special events and for emergency operations as needed. The funding for this is within the 2024 budget. This also includes a medical skid unit for use with this vehicle in the amount of $4,090. This was the lowest bid out of 4, with the others being one from Polaris for $35,999, one from Oasis Powersports in the amount of $35,999 and one from Lou Fusz Motorsports in the amount of $35,999. Mascoutah Police Chief Scott Waldrup said that the ATV would also assist with drone use. It will be able to transport the drone to locations outside of more easily accessible areas. Councilman Nick Seibert requested where the vehicle would be stored with the electric shed being a temporary location for this, before finding another storage area.

An agreement of a bid award and expenditure in the amount of $54,000 for engineering service to prepare plans, specifications and construction documents for “Safe Routes to School” bump-outs on County Road was discussed and unanimously approved. The city previously applied for and received a grant in the amount of $250,000 for construction of measures to improve safety for students around the high school area. This proposal allows for the construction of bump-outs on County Rd.

The council then discussed and unanimously approved a resolution to apply for a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant. This grant money would be used to create a roundabout at West Main Street and County Road. The city believes that a roundabout at this location would improve safety and traffic speed at the location. This grant would pay for 80% of the costs for preliminary engineering. City Engineer Sal Eklott was asked about the timeline on this roundabout project, who stated that the earliest the city would see any construction of this roundabout would be 4 years. Mayor McMahan stated that with that timeline, TIF district funds could be used to help pay the cost of construction for the roundabout. Elkott was also asked by Councilman Jack Weyant about how this would affect nearby businesses. Elkott explained that because the construction is years down the line, concerns by nearby businesses and residents alike would be consulted. Mayor McMahan stated that this is currently only a rough concept.

The council adjourned at 7:22 PM. They will next meet for their final meeting of 2024 on Monday, Dec. 16 at 7:00 PM. All citizens are welcome to attend in person. Optional virtual public attendance is also being provided virtually through Zoom Meeting (https://zoom.us). Information on how to attend these meetings can be found on the Mascoutah City Council website at https://www.mascoutah.org/mayor-city-council in meeting agenda notes.

Mascoutah Council Passes Future Projects; Mayoral Zonta Proclamation Read

During the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Eskilstuna, Sweden, decorated a Christmas tree with a Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women message that has been placed at Retuna, the town’s large and popular recycling mall. The tree will remain on display until after Christmas. Its message will be seen by nearly all visitors entering the mall.

The club successfully published an article on violence against elderly women in the local newspaper on November 25th. One of the club members was also interviewed on local radio about this issue.

The Zonta Club of Colombo I, Sri Lanka, set up a stall at a popular pre-Christmas bazaar and pop-up sale. The stall featured banners and posters addressing gender-based violence to raise awareness about the need to end violence against women and girls.

All members dressed in orange and wore orange ribbons, distributing ribbons to other stallholders and attendees at the event. The club also sold baked goods and cards to raise funds for future programs, using the slogan “Your Purchase! Her Empowerment.”

Ten members participated in the event, and they passed out 125 ribbons to attendees throughout the day in support of the issue.

The club also held a gender-based awareness program at the Ma’s factory in Minuwangoda for staff.

The resource person Saama Rajakaruna addressed issues related to”

• Enhancing the understanding of concepts related to gender and
• Explored issues related to sexual and gender-based violence and the need for appropriate action by all at home, the community and the workplace.

On 25 November, the Zonta Club of Dhaka IV, Bangladesh, kicked off the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with great zeal and enthusiasm to say NO to violence against women and girls.

The club marched through the densely populated area of Mirpur, holding banners and placards with powerful messages. They also placed stickers urging an end to violence and raising awareness about gender-based violence on the backs of rickshaws, public toilets, public buses and other visible locations.

While the campaign will last only 16 days, the club’s unwavering commitment to this cause will inspire hope and action every day of the year.

On 25 November 25, Zonta Club of Dhaka III, Bangladesh, kicked off the 16 Days of Activism with a rally and a discussion focused on cybersecurity awareness and gender-based violence.

The rally was essential in drawing attention to the pervasive issue of gender-based violence. With a special emphasis on cybersecurity, the club highlighted modern forms of violence, such as online harassment and bullying, which mainly affect women and young girls. These efforts align with Zonta’s mission to advocate for women’s rights and eliminate violence while enhancing visibility to amplify its influence and reach.

Attendees and beneficiaries expressed, “We now have the knowledge and tools to confront online harassment.”

The club also held another event on 29 November at Insignia Resort and Hotel in Tongi, Dhaka, featuring several esteemed guests, including District 25 Governor Dr. Zareen Delawar and various district leaders from other Zonta Clubs. The primary focus of the event will be to raise awareness about gender-based violence, a critical issue in Bangladesh. The club also aims to reduce this violence through advocacy and community awareness programs, including rallies, seminars, webinars, edutainment and visual displays at key locations in Dhaka.

The event will highlight the reality-based story of “Resilience and Hope,” showcasing the struggles of women in Bangladesh facing societal barriers due to gender inequality. It emphasizes not only personal empowerment but also the future of their children.

A key part of the event will be the inspiring story of a victim of child marriage and cybercrime. The audience will be encouraged to pledge to support Tamanna with medical care, childcare, training, and rehabilitation. The motto of all participating clubs is “Leaving No One Behind.”

Tamanna was married at the age of 15 and endured brutal abuse from her alcoholic and gambling husband. She faced physical abuse from her in-laws, who were upset that her father, a day laborer, could not meet the dowry demand. After escaping her first marriage, she was unfortunately victimized a second time by a scammer whom she married, only to be abandoned three months later while pregnant. She currently feels hopeless, unable to envision a future for herself and her unborn child.

This event aspires to inspire change and empower women, showcasing their resilience and hope.

On November 28, the Zonta Club of Kankaanpää, Finland, participated in the mummification of the Kaisa statue at the Kankaanpää market. This hat-making event was initiated 27 years ago by principal and artist Liisa Juhantalo. The Zonta Club has been involved in the event for 21 years, promoting the message of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign.

During the event, a song composed and arranged by music college instructors Eeva and Kaisa Kulhua was performed by the students of the music-oriented class.

In the evening, a parents’ meeting was held at the Kankaanpää hall, featuring Jenni Stubbe from the Sua for Sua Somessa team. Following a remote lecture, a panel discussion on digital harassment took place. The panelists included Tiia Rosnell from MLL, high school principal Mari Fabig, high school student Aliina Pirttikangas, and middle school student Liisa Keskinen. The parents’ evening was also available on the city’s YouTube channel.

Zonta clubs in Area 1, District 20, Finland, jointly organized a film screening and panel discussion on the themes of the film on the opening day of the Zonta Says NO campaign.

The clubs screened Niina Vuorisara’s documentary film, Only One of Us, followed by a discussion led by highly knowledgeable panelists. They explored the film’s focus on sibling violence and the broader theme of violence against women. The panelists were professionals experienced in crisis situations involving youth, women and families.

The film had a profound impact on the audience, poignantly showcasing a little girl’s experience of loneliness and insecurity. It illustrated how the violence directed at her went unnoticed for several years. Despite the heavy themes, the film carried a hopeful message: recovery from such harsh experiences is possible. While the topics were indeed tragic, there was also a sense of fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of not ignoring these issues. One panelist’s words were particularly memorable: “It is our duty to intervene in injustices when we see them, whether we are an aunt in the supermarket lobby, a neighbor, or a friend.”

On 25 November, the Zonta Club of Janesville, USA, accepted a Resolution from the City of Janesville that recognizes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign reached people in a variety of ways.

The City of Janesville lit the bridge in the Arise Town Square orange to bring awareness to the campaign; the club engaged in a social media campaign and posted an “Orange Lady” outside of the Womans’ Club on S. Jackson Street to bring awareness to the characteristics of Gender-Based Violence and the ways to help someone dealing with domestic violence.

“The Zonta Club of Janesville says NO to violence against women through its support of the YWCA, its work to make the world a better place for women and girls, and by bringing awareness to this important issue in our community,” said Club President Lori Hanewold. “There is no place in our society for violence.”

As Day 2 of its 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Zonta Club of Annapolis, USA, text messaged U.S. President Joe Biden to use his power to direct publication of the ERA:

Dear President Biden

Please use your power to direct publication of the ERA now before January. Thank you.

High above Schaffhausen, the Munot fortress lit up in orange on 25 and 26 November 25 to symbolize ending violence against women. The Zonta Club of Schaffhausen, Switzerland, is participating in two events in the varied program that will be held during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: A city tour on the topic “Ways out of violence” and a movie matinee.

The city tour takes interested participants to institutions that end violence and help victims: Police, public prosecutor’s office, court and child and adult protection authorities. The experts discuss their work at each location and show how women can be helped.

Two films dealing with different types of violence will be shown at the film event. One is about violence in romantic relationships, and the other is about structural violence in dealing with illegitimate children in Switzerland between the 1960s and 1980s.