Beech Tree News Network

Exactly twenty years ago this month, then Judge Executive David Martin and program director Billie Clark traveled to Tatsurahama, Japan to officially sign a Sister City agreement, beginning a cultural partnership based on the foundation of our economic relationship (Sumitomo).  

Over the years, this relationship has grown and blossomed into a mutual respect and friendship between our two cultures.  Several students and their chaperones have made the long journey from Japan to spend time in host homes in Morgantown.  Some have visited Mammoth Cave, attended the Catfish Festival, toured the Corvette Museum, etc.  Despite the language barrier, most visiting students would agree their favorite thing to do was just hang out with kids their age, listening to music, playing basketball, riding horses, trying new foods, and just experiencing the culture.  The same is true for the teens and adults from Morgantown who have visited Japan, having an opportunity to completely experience another culture.  What a great chance to see so many cultural differences, and yet realize there are so many human factors that we share throughout the world.

(Former Judge Executive David Martin presenting a monument symbolizing our Sister City agreement to the city of Tatsurahama, Japan.  A similar monument was presented to Morgantown and proudly stands in the courthouse lawn.)
   
Sadly, our economic relationship ended, as Morgantown, along with hundreds of cities across America, lost manufacturing to other countries.  However, the original intent of the relationship has always been the same – a cultural and educational partnership encouraging both cities to learn more about the other, fostering a global view, especially for our young people.  Butler County Schools have always been involved in the program.  Former Superintendent Dr. James Carver traveled to our Sister City in the late 1990’s and spoke at an educational symposium of educators from around the world.  Students, teachers, and community leaders from Butler County have visited Tatsurahama (which is now part of the larger city of Nanao City), and returned with wonderful lessons, stories, and memories of their visit.

So, why is this relationship so important?  The young people of Butler County, like the rest of the world, are growing up in a global economy.  They need and deserve a global point of view, understanding how factors such as technology can open the door to new opportunities around the world.  We need to be exposed to cultural components that shape our world beyond our own experiences.  

In order to continue this important relationship, we must have a continued commitment and cooperation between the city of Morgantown, Butler County, and Butler County Schools.  We need people who are involved, excited, willing to host, willing to sponsor, willing to participate.  We have an excellent team working diligently in bringing industry to Morgantown, and this program can be the building blocks of future economic endeavors.  

For more information on how you can get involved in this important partnership, contact program director Kathern Jennings at [email protected].

 
(Visitors from Nanao City, Japan on the 20th Anniversary of our Sister City agreement, July, 2012.)