In Europe the Sister City programs are sometimes called “Twinning”. It is an apt description in this case since we too have a new mayor. Both new administrations will, of course, review how they wish to best utilize their long-established Sister City relationships. It is now 20 years since it began.
CSCA has been told by mayor-elect Hall that he wishes to meet with us early in the new year.
Our namesake city in the Czech Republic, Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) completed elections in mid-November. Their newly elected Lord Mayor is Petr Kulhanek. Libuše Hanova , their head of International Relations notified CSCA of his election and his new deputies. She told us a letter
The previous Lord Mayor was Werner Hauptman. He brought a delegation to our city last December and visited several of our businesses and sites. Two directors of the Carlsbad Sister City Ambassadors (CSCA) escorted him and the delegation to Hollywood sites since Karlovy Vary hosts their annual International Film Festival and they were interested in seeing the legendary American home of the movies.
Lord Mayor Hauptman also hosted a visit by CSCA President Tom Hersant in 2009 during Karlovy Vary’s annual Opening of the Spa Season. We retain fond memories of his hospitality and graciousness.
Carlsbad Sister City Jr. Ambassadors, also members of Girl Scout Troop 1623, recently sold their handcrafted Christmas ornament hangers at this year's "Christmas at the Rancho.'' The girls, who are eighth graders at Calavera Hills Middle School, are raising money to help fund their summer 2011 trip to London, where they will visit one of the Girl Scout international centers, and Karlovy Vary. The troop has had the opportunity to participate in two unique friendship-fostering events with the delegations visiting Carlsbad from Karlovy Vary. The Jr. Ambassadors will hand-deliver "Carlsbad in a Suitcase,'' to city officials. The suitcase will be filled with items that reflect our seaside community and will be presented to schools, youth groups and other local organizations and will stay in the Czech Republic.
Founding directors of the newly formed Carlsbad Sister City Ambassadors. Pictured from left to right are Committee members Jacquie Thye, Harriet Norris,Edna Gibson, Tom Hersant and Kim Miller.
A NC Times article, 6/23/10, showing the Futtsu delegation with sister city rep Edna Gibson and City of Carlsbad Councilman Mark Packard last year.
Here is a photo of our committee presenting a painting from the City of Futtsu to the City of Carlsbad.