Letter to the editor: Going strong

This journey would not have been possible without crucial assistance of many individuals and organizations.

I offer my personal gratitude, first, to the students and families of the July delegation, who committed their time and talents to the hard work of fundraising, studying and active participation in preparation for this experience.

I thank the City of The Dalles and Mayor Steve Lawrence, City Manager Julie Krueger, and councilor Linda Miller, for their on-going support; North Wasco Co. School District Supt. Candy Armstrong and education foundation president LeAnn Ellett for their organizational partnerships; our two chaperones for the July delegation, Cindy Miller and Katie Paul, who volunteered countless hours preparing for the trip and assumed responsibility for the well-being of our students during the journey; Dolores Habberstad of Hazel Phillips Travel and Helen Elsmore of The Dalles Kiwanians, who offered critical logistical support; and finally, the hard-working and highly organized volunteer officers of The Dalles Sister Cities Association board: treasurer Corliss Marsh, vice president Erin Long (who together with Ryan Long led the language and cultural training for our students) and our association’s dedicated board secretary, my wife and partner, Michele Spatz.

The Dalles Sister Cities Association has been going strong for more than 30 years. Continuing success will depend upon active engagement of a new generation of volunteers.

I invite past student delegates, host families and everyone interested in cross-cultural understanding to join us.

There will be ample opportunities this fall, with arrival of 14 middle school students, who will stay for a week, and three high school students, who will stay for nearly a month. And, next year we’ll send another student delegation from Wasco County to discover anew the welcoming peoples and ancient beauty of Miyoshi City, Shikoku Island, Japan.

For details, visit us on Facebook or check our website, www.thedallessistercities.org

Dan Spatz, President

The Dalles Sister Cities Association