June 15

INTERLAKEN

Our most recent efforts were focused on several activities associated with Interlaken’s celebration of the 100^th Anniversary of the Interlaken Tourism Organization.  Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane has sent a special proclamation for the Anniversary event held in Interlaken on April 23, 2010, and letters of congratulation were also sent from SSCA and Scottsdale CVB.  Sibylle Andres, President of the Interlaken Sister Cities Association, informed us that our congratulatory messages and the proclamation were received with a great sense of pride and appreciation for our continuous relationship.

Christoph Wyss, Director of the Jungfrau Region Historical Museum in Interlaken, has agreed to transfer portions of the Tourism exhibit to us after it closes in October 2010 to show in Scottsdale.  The SSCA Interlaken Committee is beginning the process of identifying possible locations for the Scottsdale exhibition, as well as exploring timing options. 

10:25 PM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

HAIKOU - Scottsdale's Gateway to China

Haikou is now Scottsdale's newest sister city. The mayors of the two cities signed a sister city agreement in Haikou on March 20, 2010.

Haikou is the capital of China's island province of Hainan. It is located just south of mainland China in the South China Sea.  Scottsdale and Haikou have many similarities.  Both have extensive resort, spa and golf properties, are premier tourism cities and are warm weather destinations for winter visitors.  Haikou is Scottsdale's Gateway to China. The sister city relationship will be mutually beneficial to both cities with medical technology, educational, cultural and student exchanges under discussion.

High interest in our newest sister city was evident at Scottsdale Sister Cities’ celebration event on Tuesday, May 11. The room was full, and excitement was high. Mayor Lane shared highlights of the trip; one of the upcoming delegations expected in Scottsdale is a medical group in late September or early October. SSCA President Max Rumbaugh explained the reasons why Haikou will make a great sister city for Scottsdale. Dr Althe Allen described plans by Scottsdale Unified School District to initiate Mandarin language classes in the high schools and Mandarin cultural awareness in four middle schools next school year. Joe Brett described the efforts underway to begin economic develop exchanges and a possible sister cities golf “Shoot Out.”

10:24 PM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

MARRAKECH

The Marrakech committee is putting together a promotion plan, directory of important dignitaries and an action list of things to accomplish in the near term in preparation for a signing ceremony later this year. Our first priority is to confirm that the Mayor of Marrakech and her entourage will be our guests for a visit to Scottsdale. The dates suggested are October 19-22. Several events will be scheduled including a reception and festive meal prepared by the Scottsdale Community College Culinary School on Friday, October 22. 

10:23 PM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

ALAMOS, SONORA

At this time, the new mayor of Alamos has not yet appointed a new a representative or president for their sister cities organization.
By mid-May we will have completed a second round of educational exchanges between Pueblo Elementary School and Batolome M. Salido: The First Graders a Treasure box exchange, Second Grade an Art Exchange and Third Grade, Pen Pal letter exchanges.
We are also working with the Pinnacle Peak Rotary Club to create a webcam system (Skype) for students in Alamos to see and communicate with students in Scottsdale. The principal of Pueblo Elementary School is very excited about this possibility.
Tom Chault of the Pinnacle Rotary Club is preparing for Max Rumbaugh and two guests to fly to Alamos by private plane May 29 – 31. During this visit, they hope to meet with Mayor Navarro, the elementary school principal, the medical director for the hospital and the representative of the Rotary Club in Navojoa.

10:23 PM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

KINGSTON, ONTARIO

We are working with Jeff Garrah in Kingston on a gift suitable for the new display case in Scottsdale’s City Hall. Focus is on continuing the interest for student exchanges by Notre Dame Prep and Chaparral High School with Kingston schools.

10:22 PM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

YOUTH

We have moved forward with the plans for Academic World Quest (AWQ) as we have received a positive response from the SSCA International Club Sponsors and from the Junior Board. This will be a great opportunity for any high school in Scottsdale, since our city is the only one piloting the program for Arizona.  One of the local high schools will have the opportunity to send one team of four with a sponsor to Washington, D.C. next spring to compete for a National Title.  That is great publicity for our schools, and a great opportunity for not only the five people attending, but any student who gets involved and increases his or her global intelligence!

The Coronado International Film Festival was a smashing St. Patrick's Day success!!!  Over 60 students came, representing Coronado, Saguaro and Chaparral.  It was the first time many students had watched a movie with subtitles, so they got to do lots of reading.  Some students commented that after awhile, they forgot they were reading. Attendees were treated with chips and salsa, cookies, coffee and water.

Fifteen Swiss students and two teachers were in Scottsdale from April 10-24^th. From the great welcoming party at the home of Doris Torres to the farewell party at the home of Max and Elsbeth Haechler, the exchange was a huge success. Four schools hosted the students with a half day experience, tour and chance to be on the video announcements at all four schools. The principals, Annie Preston, Mary Lou Muccino, John Biera and Greg Milbrandt greeted the students and welcomed them, along with the International Club sponsors. The students visited the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Desert Botanical Gardens, Heard Museum, Downtown Scottsdale, Camelback Mountain and even line danced at Handle Bar J’s. They had an opportunity to see the best of Scottsdale, plus got in some serious shopping!!! The parents were great hosts, and helped with transportation and hosted extra gatherings. Thanks to all.

Because of the success of this trip, there is a renewed interest in the teacher exchange to take place in the fall and spring of 2010-2011. More to follow.

Albuquerque International Youth Conference applications:  We have four students ready to go to the conference. Last minute applications from juniors or seniors from NDP, Basis and Chaparral will be considered. The conference is from July 26-Aug. 1. Students from around the world will be attending.

The Junior Board meeting was held April 6th at 4:00 at Scottsdale Community College. They discussed the elections to next year’s board and Academic World Quest. A new meeting is scheduled for May 20^th.

All student members and faculty advisors area were reminded of the Student Leadership Award Conference at SCC, August 28^th from 8:30-2 p.m.

10:22 PM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Following up on the recent trip to Haikou, Joe Brett and Chris Petroff of GPEC are in contact with Jim Cook at Sky Song for the purpose of planning for and responding to the economic development items from Haikou. The plan is also to prepare for planning activities with all of our sister cities on economic development opportunities.

10:21 PM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

CITY HALL

Scottsdale Sister Cities Association is pleased to announce that a new display case has been installed in the Scottsdale City Hall to feature gifts that SSCA has received over the years from our sister cities. Many thanks are due to the City of Scottsdale and Mayor Jim Lane for facilitating the display case ordering, erecting, funding, display setup and signage placards of this long desired item. The City staff and SCCA volunteers will continue to change the case displays and rotate the various gifts as they are received. The actual all-glass case is about 2’ deep x 5’ width x 7’ tall, has glass shelves, lockable and is internally lit to feature the pieces. Actual artifacts in the case are framed photographs, minerals, a cow bell, proclamations, gold plates, traditional hat and much more. Complementing the case in the same space are larger two dimensional art pieces and documents received as gifts that are mounted on the adjacent walls. This new material can be shared with various sister city delegations that come to visit Scottsdale and specifically our Mayor’s and City Council offices at City Hall. When you visit City Hall, please be sure and look at it. SSCA looks forward to a dedication ceremony in the next few months, so key your eyes open for this announcement.

10:19 PM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

April 26

Youth Committee

Packets for the National Sister Cities Conference in Albuquerque have been distributed to all of the international clubs. The Sister City International Youth Conference will be from July 27^th through August 1^st. SSCA will be providing six scholarships for support to students. Applicants must be members of Scottsdale Sister Cities and members of the International Clubs in their high school.

8:30 PM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

2010 Young Artists and Authors Showcase

 

 

A Reception and Awards Presentation on April 8, 2010 was held at the SUSD Education Center at 3811 North 44^th Street, Phoenix, Arizona. The attendees included SSC Board Members; SUSD teachers from Saguaro, Chaparral, Desert Mountain and Coronado High Schools; students; parents; Janet Blum of SUSD and SSC Members. Doug Sydnor, chair of the event, noted “This was the best participation we have ever had for the Young Artists Program.”

Art

A local professional art jury was assembled and charged to select the award winners. We were honored to have an outstanding local jury composed of Kathy Duley, owner of Duley-Jones Gallery in downtown Scottsdale, Bob Martin, fine artist and Michael Goodwin, fine artist and architect.

In their overall summary of the work they judged, the jury noted: “Incredibly good work. It makes it very clear that the creative side of our educational system needs to be nurtured as this show reflects. We commend the teachers for encouraging this fine work.”

This year’s winners of the art competition were:

Honorable Mention: Photograph “Life in the Act of Living,” by Megan Collins, Desert Mountain High School / Teacher: S. Pearce.

Jury comments: “There is something about the character with his impish look. He is holding up the item for a reaction and to possibly scare you. It is an inviting composition. They liked his face, and he is a guy you would like to know. It is a strong photograph with the natural light washing across his face.”

Honorable Mention: Painting “Our World,” by Natasha Wilson Desert Mountain High School / Teacher: S. Pearce.

Jury comments: “Captures an energy and chaos of the world through a filtered prism. Isolation is portrayed, and it’s a somber piece. It draws you in and makes it you think about our world.”

3^rd Place with a $50.00 cash award: Photograph “Chateau de Chillon” by Mackenzie Hagen, Desert Mountain High School / Teacher: S. Pearce.

Jury comments: “Composition is compelling. Photo tells you she is traveling and not sure where it is and is not her own culture. View is a gentle observation, and there is a sensitivity to pick it out. Form shapes are like a gentle painting.”

2^nd Place with a $75.00 cash award: Photograph “The Long Road” by Carson Adkins, Chaparral High School.

Jury comments: “Lovely composition and expresses what we don’t get do often outside. Love the textures and vertical/horizontal lines. Image is very simple and complex. It keeps you in the photo and draws you across the room.”

1^st Place with a $125.00 cash award for the drawing “Untitled” by Laurel Ohlinger, Desert Mountain High School / Teacher: J. Pearce. Jury comments: “This is a very strong composition, and has visual depth with animal profiles layered over the portrait. It is extremely well drawn with a mixture of the environment carried into a new depth. Beautifully executed and provides an invitation to visit a different culture.”

 

Writing

This year’s writing jury included Joan Fudala (author/Scottsdale historian), Betty Webb (former newspaper columnist/author) and Joanne Hamilton-Selway (former Scottsdale Library Collections/Cable author interviewer).

The winners were:

2^nd Place with a $75.00 cash award: Poem “The Star Girl” by Marni Wasserman, Chaparral High School.

Jury comments: “Poem is multilayered and poignant. It was very worthy and showed a great deal of thought.”

1^st Place with a $125.00 cash award: Essay “Escargots and Elephants” by Andrew J. Daliere, Chaparral High School / Teacher: Kenneth A. Van Buren.

Jury comments: “Well written story about being forced to travel with the family to Europe and discovering a new longing to travel and learn more. This led to hosting a French student who had great anxieties of coming to the United States. As Andrew concluded, ‘We were both changed forever because we had both accepted the challenge to leave our comfortable worlds and explore another.’ Good grammar, sentence structure and smooth transitions throughout.”

Entries for the 2010 Young Artists and Authors Showcase were solicited from SUSD Fine Arts and English Directors, SUSD International Clubs, Notre Dame High School, Basis High School and charter schools within Scottsdale. Chairman Doug Sydnor was responsible for selecting juries for the judging, coordinating the contest, planning the entire event and largely leading a very successful effort.

SSCA has shipped the 1^st Place writing and art pieces to Sister Cities International for a jury and potential inclusion in a worldwide traveling exhibition for the next year.

President Max E Rumbaugh, Jr presented a special ‘President’s Commendation’ certificate and a gift certificate to Janet Blum, the current Scottsdale Unified School District Fine Arts Director. Janet is retiring shortly after a career with the district. She has consistently provided encouragement to our Scottsdale high school students to express themselves through the visual arts. She was instrumental in doubling the number of art submissions from last year to this year. It has been Janet that has supported the Scottsdale Sister Cities Association Annual ‘Young Artists Showcase’ program for the past 18 years. With the ‘President’s Commendation’ for outstanding service to our community Janet also received a gift certificate to ‘Arizona Arts Supply.’

7:55 PM GMT  |  Read comments(0)