In a heartfelt gathering at Clearwater City Hall, members of the Sister Cities Advisory Board came together to honor the contributions of two remarkable women and discuss the future of their international exchange programs. The meeting, held on April 26, 2023, was marked by a blend of gratitude, remembrance, and anticipation.

The session began with a tribute to Candy, a dedicated volunteer who has played a pivotal role in the Sister Cities Inc. Young Ambassadors program. Her commitment to fostering international relationships and community engagement was acknowledged with warm words of appreciation from fellow board members. “She’s one of the kindest people,” one member noted, highlighting her willingness to help others and her significant impact on the board.

The tone shifted as the board paid tribute to Sally Parks, a long-serving member who passed away in November 2022. Parks, remembered for her adventurous spirit and dedication to community service, was described as a “one-woman United Nations.” Her legacy of kindness and commitment to civic engagement resonated deeply with those present, prompting a moment of silence in her honor.

As the meeting progressed, the board reviewed the budget for the Nagano Sister City program, revealing a fund balance of $206,337.46. This amount reflects years of accumulated funds, as official delegation trips to Japan have been postponed due to natural disasters and the pandemic. The last official delegation visit occurred in 2014, and the board expressed eagerness to resume these important exchanges.

Exciting news emerged regarding upcoming exchange programs. The high school trip to Nagano is set for June 22 to July 3, with four students and a teacher chaperone participating. Additionally, a middle school trip will take place from June 6 to June 20, involving six students and three adults. This year marks a significant return to international travel for Clearwater’s youth, fostering cultural connections and global understanding.

Looking ahead, the board discussed the 65th official delegation trip, originally scheduled for October 2023 but now postponed to October 2024. Clearwater will host delegates from Japan in February 2025, a milestone that promises to deepen ties between the two cities.

As the meeting concluded, members reflected on the importance of these programs in enriching the community and fostering international friendships. The Sister Cities Advisory Board remains committed to honoring the legacies of those who have served and to nurturing the next generation of global citizens.