Sedona Welcomes Exciting Meetup with Canmore and Jasło!

The Sedona Sister Cities Association (SSCA) hosted a town hall at Sedona City Hall on Saturday, February 22, featuring notable presentations from international representatives. Jeremy Elbourne, the executive director of artsPlace in Canmore, Alberta, Elwira Musialowicz-Cozzi, director of the Jasielski Dom Kultury in Jasło, Poland, and Lukasz Zyra, chairman of Jasło’s sister city team, shared insights on their respective communities.

In a significant development, Canmore and Sedona formalized a friendship agreement on May 19, 2023, paving the way for a more extensive sister city relationship. SSCA President Chuck Marr aims to solidify this partnership with Canmore by June and establish a friendship agreement with Jasło by August. Vice Mayor Hooli Ploog anticipates that the Canmore proposal will reach the City Council by May 27.

Elbourne provided a historical overview of Canmore, recalling its transformation from a mining town to a thriving community. “July 13, 1979, is marked as Black Friday when the coal mines closed,” he noted. This event transformed Canmore, which has now blossomed into a destination for both residents and visitors, particularly after the 1988 Winter Olympics, which brought international attention to the area.

With a population nearing 17,000, Canmore is committed to environmental sustainability, having declared a climate emergency. Elbourne emphasized the town’s dedication to preserving wildlife and enhancing local housing, as affordable housing has become a significant issue. The community is currently exploring plans to increase housing density, potentially adding units above a new arts center.

In Jasło, Poland, a vibrant partnership is also taking shape. Residents will soon encounter displays highlighting “The Beauty and History of Sedona” in their town square. The SSCA aims to foster STEM education through collaborations between the Jasło Gen Science Center and the Science Vortex of the Verde Valley.

Danusia Szumowski, a member of the Verde Valley Wine Consortium, proposed a delegation exchange with Jasło to promote local wineries. “Climate change is very real,” she stated, underscoring the importance of shared experiences between the regions to address agricultural challenges.

SSCA Treasurer Winifred Muench announced a musical exchange, set for September 17 or 18, that will feature young artists from Canmore and Arizona. “We’re going to have a free concert for Sedona, celebrating these talented musicians,” she revealed, also mentioning plans for a fundraising VIP event.

Marr articulated the essence of sister city relationships: “The purpose is to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.” This initiative, rooted in the vision of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, aims to foster global connections among communities.

Mayor Scott Jablow praised the collaborative spirit of the SSCA, expressing admiration for their dedication and impact. “It’s fantastic and very inspirational,” he remarked.

For further details about the Sedona Sister Cities Association, visit their website at sedonasistercities.org.