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Pocatello Sister Cities group previews delegation, ISU exhibit and community events
Summary
The Pocatello–Iwamizawa Sister Cities Foundation reported a September–January exhibit at the ISU Museum, a July library display, a Japanese garden cleanup at the airport, youth delegates returning mid-July and visiting delegates coming July 28–August 10 with a mayor's welcome barbecue on July 29.
Representatives of the Pocatello–Iwamizawa Sister Cities Foundation briefed the council on a slate of cultural-exchange activities scheduled for the coming months.
"I'm Jody McHugh with Public Television Woman and Sister City Foundation," McHugh said, then outlined three items the group is managing this year: a multi-month exhibit at the ISU Museum, a Japanese garden cleanup at the airport that coincides with visiting delegates, and a month-long Japanese display at the Marshall Public Library held in July.
McHugh described the youth delegation exchange: Pocatello students are currently in Japan and the local delegation is scheduled to return Tuesday the 14th. The Japanese delegates will visit Pocatello beginning July 28 and will follow a Pocatello program that includes a City Hall tour, visits to the police and fire departments, an ISU day with a museum visit and an attempt to enter the ICCU dome, and recreational trips to Yellowstone and Lava Hot Springs. The mayor's welcome barbecue is scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, July 29 (dinner provided; host address shared in the meeting).
McHugh also described the host-family model, noting many delegations stay with families for two weeks and delegates both take part in daytime city activities and live with host families in the evenings. She said the Sister Cities program has been operating in Pocatello for about 41 years and emphasized the program’s value to youth: cross-cultural exposure, language practice and long-term relationships that sometimes lead delegates to return to Japan.
On staffing and succession, McHugh said applications for the next delegation cycle open in September and run through October for the 2027 delegation, and the committee sometimes fields adult delegations every fifth cycle. Council members thanked the volunteers and encouraged attendance at the mayor’s event.
The council did not take action; staff and the committee will proceed with the planned community events and hosting logistics.
