OPEN celebrates 25 years

A large group gathered to celebrate 25 years of OPEN, the Organization Promoting Everlasting Neighbors. A variety of food, many speakers and two performances highlighted the event held Sunday at the DMACC conference center.

OPEN was established in 1990 to implement community-wide programs supported by Byrd the Newton City Council. In 1991, additional support was given to establish sister city relationships with Smila, Ukraine and Wu Chi, Taiwan.

The mission of OPEN is to strive to strengthen the global outreach of Newton and Jasper County in ways that increase peace and understanding, promote democracy and citizen participation and recognize mutual benefits of education, culture, agriculture and trade.

“We are so pleased here in this city to continue those relationships,” Newton Mayor Mike Hansen said. “I truly understand that those types of relationships spread understanding throughout our world and also serve as an education piece for us to learn as well as those coming to our country. Despite a lot of our differences, we really have a lot of things in common.”

At the event were two guests who were instrumental in the formation of the student program that started in Ukraine. Vladimir and Irina Bassis first came to Newton in 1992 and eventually became teachers of the Russian language and Ukrainian culture in the Newton school system, as well as board members of OPEN.

“It is nice to be back in Newton, and it is nice to see so many people that have become part of our family history,” Irina said. “It has been such as wonderful 25 years because we can look back and look in this room from people who have hosted to those who have come to study.”

OPEN has been a driving force behind a strong student exchange program with more than 35 students coming to Jasper County to study from the Sister Cities. Taiwanese student Andy Kuo is currently studying in Newton and spoke about differences in the education systems in both countries.

“I am very lucky to be here, it is a dream come true,” Kuo said. “The biggest difference is the school and the education. Here it is a lot easier. The school in Taiwan starts at 8:15 a.m. but we have to come to school at 7:30 a.m. because we have to clean up the environment.”

He also spoke about how he stays in the same classroom for the entire day in Taiwan and also has a school day that lasts until 5 p.m.

To demonstrate aspects of each culture, a dance performance and original songs were performed for the crowd. Lion dancers from Valley High School performed a lively dance in full costume accompanied by traditional drumming for the Taiwanese example. For a sample of Ukrainian culture, Vera Babich and Sergiy Nagorny performed several traditional and contemporary songs, even inviting those in the crowd to sing along, which many did.

During the event, traditional foods from each country were served including homemade chicken sausage from Ukraine, crab rangoon, egg rolls and a stew from Taiwan and cake from the United States.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com