March 29, 2024

January is sister city month for OPEN

Jane Ann Cotton
Newton

January has been designated “Sister City Month” and OPEN (Organization Promoting Everlasting Neighbors) is proud to have been active in the Newton and Jasper County area since designation by a City Council Resolution in 1991. In honor of “Sister City Month,” OPEN prepared a display for the Newton Library and it can be viewed during the entire month of January. Smila, Ukraine and WuChi, Taiwan, our two sister cities, are featured in the display.

Our focus for more than 23 years has featured projects dedicated to education, the arts, business, culture, history and humanitarian efforts. Two examples of recent activities that represent business and education focus are: April, 2014, we hosted an Open World group of Business Entrepreneurs and many Newton business groups graciously responded to our request that they share business practices and organizational information with our guests. In October, 2014, we hosted another Open World group, educators from our sister city area of Smila, Ukraine and western Ukraine. The Newton Community School District’s cooperation and expertise was primary to the success of this delegation.

An important area of OPEN’s focus since 1993 has been the student program. Area residents have opened their homes to 39 students, who have spent an academic year at Newton High School or other Jasper County schools. Currently, OPEN is enjoying student number 39, GiGi Chen. GiGi is from Taiwan and when she returns home in June, will complete her high school requirements at her home high school in WuChi, Taiwan. She currently is home hosted by Mark and Judy Monroe. OPEN is grateful for the willingness of many Newton and Jasper county host families that have contributed to the success of the student program by their expression of welcome to our students.

We currently have 15 dedicated members of our Board of Directors, they are: Sheri Benson, Warren Erickson, Larry Hesson, Jane Johnson, Frederick Kramer, Mary Beth Lawson, Kate Malott, John McNeer, Sveta Miller, David Pitz, Jeff Price, Tori Reynolds, Angie Taylor and Joan Tyler. Marvin Campbell is board member emeritus.

Our sincere thanks to all of the interested citizens, contributors, and supportive business and education friends, host families for hundreds of foreign guests as well as 43 student host families. We appreciate all of your support during our 23 years of service.