News
Stony Plain 2010 Conference Registration Package
Conference Registration information regarding the Alberta/Japan Twinned Municipalities Association Conference in Stony Plain (July 13 & 14) is now available for downloading on the main page.
Jasper/Hakone SisterCity Relationship
Twelve delegates from the Town of Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan will visit Jasper from June 29th to July 2nd as part of the Jasper/Hakone SisterCity Relationship. The delegation will be comprised of business people and other individuals. Plans are underway in Jasper to make the delegation's stay in Jasper a very memorable event. The delegation's visit coincides with the Jasper Canada Day celebrations,which include a pancake breakfast hosted by the Mayor and Council, a flag raising ceremony and birthday cake, parade, and fireworks.
Alberta/Japan Twinned Municipalities Association Annual Conference, June 19 - 20 at Whitecourt
June 19 & 20, 2009
Whitecourt Community Centre 4807—53 Avenue,
Whitecourt, Alberta!
Satya Das Whitecourt Presentation: http://www.ajtma.com/user_images/whitecourt_july2009/Satya_Das_Whitecourt_presentation.pdf
At the Annual General Meeting of the Alberta/Japan Twinned Municipalities Association (A/JTMA) June 19th and 20th in Whitecourt, Alberta, elections were held for the Executive. The results are as noted below.
* Harold Pereverseff - President
* Ian Duncan - Vice President
* Diane Harlton - Secretary
* Edie Yuill - Treasurer
* Robert Twerdoclib - 2010 Conference Host
Whitecourt Community Centre 4807—53 Avenue,
Whitecourt, Alberta!
Satya Das Whitecourt Presentation: http://www.ajtma.com/user_images/whitecourt_july2009/Satya_Das_Whitecourt_presentation.pdf
At the Annual General Meeting of the Alberta/Japan Twinned Municipalities Association (A/JTMA) June 19th and 20th in Whitecourt, Alberta, elections were held for the Executive. The results are as noted below.
* Harold Pereverseff - President
* Ian Duncan - Vice President
* Diane Harlton - Secretary
* Edie Yuill - Treasurer
* Robert Twerdoclib - 2010 Conference Host
2008 AJTMA Conference - Barrhead
Barrhead & District Twinning Committee were pleased to host the 2008 Alberta/Japan Twinned Municipalities Assocation Conference, September 12 & 13, 2008. If you would like information or photos from that conference, please contact Edie at bhd007@telusplanet.net
2009 A/JTMA Conference - June 19-20, 2009!
June 19 & 20, 2009 Whitecourt Community Centre 4807—53 Avenue, Whitecourt, Alberta!
The Town of Whitecourt and Whitecourt International Friendship Society is excited about the upcoming AJTMA Conference that we are proudly hosting on June 19 & 20 in our fine community. Registration brochures are in the final stages and will be ready for mailing shortly but before we send them out, we thought we would like to get confirmations from our contact list to ensure that the registration brochures are appropriately directed. If you are not the correct contact, please let me know so we can make the changes. We look forward to seeing you all in June!
Regards,
Wendy Grimstad Davidson & Patty Huber
The Town of Whitecourt and Whitecourt International Friendship Society is excited about the upcoming AJTMA Conference that we are proudly hosting on June 19 & 20 in our fine community. Registration brochures are in the final stages and will be ready for mailing shortly but before we send them out, we thought we would like to get confirmations from our contact list to ensure that the registration brochures are appropriately directed. If you are not the correct contact, please let me know so we can make the changes. We look forward to seeing you all in June!
Regards,
Wendy Grimstad Davidson & Patty Huber
Didsbury: twinning agreement with Miki Town on April 28, 2009
The town of Didsbury and Miki Town, Japan have a very successful relationship that has been active for approximately five years. "The Maple Leaf Program" has seen exchange visits between Didsbury and Miki Town, the next one being a group of students to arrive in Didsbury on March 20th to March 25th, 2009.
Didsbury will officially make their twinning agreement with Miki Town on April 28, 2009 when the Mayor of Miki-Town and other delegates from Miki Town visit Didsbury.
Didsbury will officially make their twinning agreement with Miki Town on April 28, 2009 when the Mayor of Miki-Town and other delegates from Miki Town visit Didsbury.
2008 visit to Japan of A/JTMA president
In November, 2008 A/JTMA President, Harold Pereverseff attended Twin City, Towada City, Japan along with his son, Warren Pereverseff. They met His Worship, Mayor Bob Tarleck in Tokyo and along with Alberta/Japan official, Mr. Kenji Makise they traveled by shinkensan (bullet train) to Towada City. The three day visit was exceptional, visiting with many city officials and seeing many of the cities amenities and sites.
Harold delivered the following speech to a representation of Towada City Chamber of Commerce and City Officials:
http://www.ajtma.com/user_files/Speech_of_Harold_Pereverseff.pdf
Harold delivered the following speech to a representation of Towada City Chamber of Commerce and City Officials:
http://www.ajtma.com/user_files/Speech_of_Harold_Pereverseff.pdf
Japanese Memorial Garden Dedication - Legislature Grounds, Edmonton, Alberta - October 08, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
EDMONTON -- The 17 Downy Cherry shrubs planted this week on the east grounds of the Alberta Legislature are just babies, each about a foot tall.
But in a few years, the saplings will grow up to 10 times their size, and springtime blooms will fragrance the air, bringing a touch of Hokkaido to Alberta.
The ornamental trees, native to Japan, represent the 17 Alberta municipalities and 15 high schools twinned with Japanese counterparts in the prefecture of Hokkaido.
Centred around a stone lantern, the garden was officially unveiled at a ceremony Wednesday celebrating the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Canada .
"One of the unique things about Japanese culture is the importance of gardens," said Ken Kowalski, Speaker of the legislative assembly.
"Japanese gardens are designed for a variety of purposes such as providing a tranquil sanctuary that allows individuals to escape from the stresses of daily life, or it could be a place for recreation or a place for celebration."
This part of the legislative grounds, he said, will become a "garden of friendship and co-operation. Just as this garden will grow with attention ... so will our partnership."
"It's an honour because it's going to be part of our history," said Cameron Doerr, a ninth-grader at D.S. MacKenzie junior high who planted a tree with Lethbridge Mayor Bob Tarleck.
Doerr visited Japan last summer as part of his school's exchange program with its twin, Fushimi junior high in Sapporo. He hopes to one day return to Asia as an English teacher.
Besides opening doors for youth, the twinning program also encourages a sharing of culture, language and trade between the two countries, said Harold Pereverseff, president of the Alberta/Japan twinned municipalities association.
"We have 17 trees here now, but as we encourage more municipalities to come onboard, more twinnings, there's lots of room. I'd like to see 34 trees in the next couple of years."
jfong@thejournal.canwest.com
© The Edmonton Journal 2008
Link to the full story by Jennifer Fong, Edmonton Journal:
http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/lifestyle/story.html?id=666806c7-d27e-4f58-bb25-0fdc51cb3574
EDMONTON -- The 17 Downy Cherry shrubs planted this week on the east grounds of the Alberta Legislature are just babies, each about a foot tall.
But in a few years, the saplings will grow up to 10 times their size, and springtime blooms will fragrance the air, bringing a touch of Hokkaido to Alberta.
The ornamental trees, native to Japan, represent the 17 Alberta municipalities and 15 high schools twinned with Japanese counterparts in the prefecture of Hokkaido.
Centred around a stone lantern, the garden was officially unveiled at a ceremony Wednesday celebrating the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Canada .
"One of the unique things about Japanese culture is the importance of gardens," said Ken Kowalski, Speaker of the legislative assembly.
"Japanese gardens are designed for a variety of purposes such as providing a tranquil sanctuary that allows individuals to escape from the stresses of daily life, or it could be a place for recreation or a place for celebration."
This part of the legislative grounds, he said, will become a "garden of friendship and co-operation. Just as this garden will grow with attention ... so will our partnership."
"It's an honour because it's going to be part of our history," said Cameron Doerr, a ninth-grader at D.S. MacKenzie junior high who planted a tree with Lethbridge Mayor Bob Tarleck.
Doerr visited Japan last summer as part of his school's exchange program with its twin, Fushimi junior high in Sapporo. He hopes to one day return to Asia as an English teacher.
Besides opening doors for youth, the twinning program also encourages a sharing of culture, language and trade between the two countries, said Harold Pereverseff, president of the Alberta/Japan twinned municipalities association.
"We have 17 trees here now, but as we encourage more municipalities to come onboard, more twinnings, there's lots of room. I'd like to see 34 trees in the next couple of years."
jfong@thejournal.canwest.com
© The Edmonton Journal 2008
Link to the full story by Jennifer Fong, Edmonton Journal:
http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/lifestyle/story.html?id=666806c7-d27e-4f58-bb25-0fdc51cb3574
Delegation from Towada City, Japan
On October 27, 2007 a group of 17 students and 3 chaparones arrived in Lethbridge from Towada City, Japan. The Students were guests of teachers, parents and students from Wilson Middle School. As a continuation of student visitations from Towada City, this delegation was represented the third visit.
This year the weather cooperated and we did not have snow or extreme cold weather. The students were excited to meet their host families and to participate in the activities. The chaparones were busy as well.
The Lethbridge Twinning Society were able to present gifts to each student, and this year we presented warm touques, as we expected the weather to be much colder. We were able to spend time with the students and chaparones and on Halloween evening we met the chaparones and took them out for the evening. We made a stop to "Red Dog Diner" where we enjoyed some fresh hot dogs before embarking on our journey to the "Haunted Mansion" in Stirling, Alberta. A town approximately one half hour away south from Lethbridge. After being scared to death in the "Haunted Mansion" we made our way back to Lethbridge where we had a pizza party dinner and exchanged gifts and became better acquainted.
The Lethbridge Twinning Society appreciates the student visits that have been taking place on a bi-annual basis. We hope to further support these visits in the future.
The Photo album of the visit:
http://lethbridgetwinningsociety.com/content/English/album-October2007.php
This year the weather cooperated and we did not have snow or extreme cold weather. The students were excited to meet their host families and to participate in the activities. The chaparones were busy as well.
The Lethbridge Twinning Society were able to present gifts to each student, and this year we presented warm touques, as we expected the weather to be much colder. We were able to spend time with the students and chaparones and on Halloween evening we met the chaparones and took them out for the evening. We made a stop to "Red Dog Diner" where we enjoyed some fresh hot dogs before embarking on our journey to the "Haunted Mansion" in Stirling, Alberta. A town approximately one half hour away south from Lethbridge. After being scared to death in the "Haunted Mansion" we made our way back to Lethbridge where we had a pizza party dinner and exchanged gifts and became better acquainted.
The Lethbridge Twinning Society appreciates the student visits that have been taking place on a bi-annual basis. We hope to further support these visits in the future.
The Photo album of the visit:
http://lethbridgetwinningsociety.com/content/English/album-October2007.php
Twinning Activities in Barrhead
2006 was a very busy year for our Committee. At the end of February, Mr. Abe (Tokoro-cho) and Mr. Suzuki (Tokoro Board of Education) visited Barrhead to let us know about the imminent merger of Tokoro-cho with Kitami-shi. An interpreter and friend of theirs from Calgary came to visit with us as well. We were informed that even though Tokoro would be merging with Kitami City that our twinning activities would be supported and encouraged by Kitami. We were very relieved to hear that as we have quite an active relationship and wanted it to continue.
During March 18 to 26 we were fortunate enough to host a delegation of five students (three girls and two boys) plus their chaperone/interpreter, Ms. Miwako Nakadai. We arranged billets with various Barrhead students and planned various activities to include all of the students, not just our Tokoro visitors. It turned out to be another great student exchange and upon leaving, many a Canadian and Japanese tear was shed.
In August we planned activities to celebrate our 15th Anniversary of twinning with Tokoro. We coordinated the visit and re-signing ceremony with the opening of our new Japanese Park. We had the honor of hosting Mr. H. Ihara, Deputy Major, Kitami, Mr. M. Sawaai, Council Chair, Mr. Suzuki, Tokoro office, Mr. and Mrs. Kuse, Tokoro and Ms. Miwako Nakadai, interpreter. Included are some photos of the entire group, our visitors and Committee Chair in a portion of our new park plus the signing ceremony.
This November we will be sending a delegation of students and chaperones to visit Tokoro for 10 days. Our students will also get the opportunity to attend school and tour around the area with their host families.
During March 18 to 26 we were fortunate enough to host a delegation of five students (three girls and two boys) plus their chaperone/interpreter, Ms. Miwako Nakadai. We arranged billets with various Barrhead students and planned various activities to include all of the students, not just our Tokoro visitors. It turned out to be another great student exchange and upon leaving, many a Canadian and Japanese tear was shed.
In August we planned activities to celebrate our 15th Anniversary of twinning with Tokoro. We coordinated the visit and re-signing ceremony with the opening of our new Japanese Park. We had the honor of hosting Mr. H. Ihara, Deputy Major, Kitami, Mr. M. Sawaai, Council Chair, Mr. Suzuki, Tokoro office, Mr. and Mrs. Kuse, Tokoro and Ms. Miwako Nakadai, interpreter. Included are some photos of the entire group, our visitors and Committee Chair in a portion of our new park plus the signing ceremony.
This November we will be sending a delegation of students and chaperones to visit Tokoro for 10 days. Our students will also get the opportunity to attend school and tour around the area with their host families.
Alberta Twin Town Conference 2007
The Lethbridge Twinning Society is excited to be the host of the 2007 Alberta Twinned Municipalities Convention. On September 14th and 15th of 2007, representatives from Alberta ’s 18 municipalities that enjoy twinning relationships with municipalities in Japan will visit our city. In addition, many representatives from Alberta ’s sister cities in Japan are expected to attend.
During the conference, delegates will discuss the past, present, and future of our twinning relationships. Topics will include current exchange programs, student exchanges, cultural exchanges, and the development of increased economic ties between the cities. Lethbridge, Alberta enjoys a twinning relationship with Towada city in Aomori prefecture Japan .
In addition to meetings, the two-day conference will be packed with local entertainment, social events, and a chance for people from all over both Alberta and Japan to get to know one another. As host, Lethbridge has an excellent opportunity to showcase the city to the nearly 100 delegates. The Lethbridge Twinning Society’s Japanese Taiko drumming group, Kaze no Rhythm, is one of the expected highlights.
During the conference, delegates will discuss the past, present, and future of our twinning relationships. Topics will include current exchange programs, student exchanges, cultural exchanges, and the development of increased economic ties between the cities. Lethbridge, Alberta enjoys a twinning relationship with Towada city in Aomori prefecture Japan .
In addition to meetings, the two-day conference will be packed with local entertainment, social events, and a chance for people from all over both Alberta and Japan to get to know one another. As host, Lethbridge has an excellent opportunity to showcase the city to the nearly 100 delegates. The Lethbridge Twinning Society’s Japanese Taiko drumming group, Kaze no Rhythm, is one of the expected highlights.
Lethbridge Twinning Society Meeting
On September 26, 7:00PM at the
Culver City Room, Lethbridge City Hall we will have our regular Lethbridge Twinning Society meeting. Please come and invite a friend who may be interested in becoming involved with the Society.
Culver City Room, Lethbridge City Hall we will have our regular Lethbridge Twinning Society meeting. Please come and invite a friend who may be interested in becoming involved with the Society.