HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM
In 1972, Japan's World Youth Exchange contacted John Bilafer, the Treasurer of Arlington. Mr. Bilafer created the Youth Exchange Committee and received Japanese youth from various parts of Japan. In 1975, the city of Nagaokakyo took notice, and expressed interest in forming a Sister City program with Arlington. Led by Dick Smith, the Arlington Youth Group visited Nagaokakyo. This was an annual occurrence until 1984.
In 1984 the Sister City relationship was officiated. The Mayor of Nagaokakyo visited Arlington to sign the official document, which are stored in Town Hall. The annual exchange continued for youth and adults. In 2004, the towns celebrated the twentieth anniversary. The celebration was attended by Mayor Oda. Sue Shefler and Sonoe Toyama created the middle school exchange. This allowed students from Nagaokakyo to come spend time in Arlington, and students from Arlington to spend time in Nagaokakyo.
In 1984 the Sister City relationship was officiated. The Mayor of Nagaokakyo visited Arlington to sign the official document, which are stored in Town Hall. The annual exchange continued for youth and adults. In 2004, the towns celebrated the twentieth anniversary. The celebration was attended by Mayor Oda. Sue Shefler and Sonoe Toyama created the middle school exchange. This allowed students from Nagaokakyo to come spend time in Arlington, and students from Arlington to spend time in Nagaokakyo.
"As chair of the Arlington School committee I am so happy to see the student exchange program between Arlington and Nagaokakyo continue to warm the hearts and enrich the minds of students. There is nothing so wonderful as making a new friend or as interesting as learning of another culture firsthand. The sister city and student exchange program is one way to help our cultures better understand each other and the world in which we live."
-Cindy Starks, Chair of the Arlington School Committee
-Cindy Starks, Chair of the Arlington School Committee
"I am very proud of our sister city students from Arlington and Nagaokakyo. With their commitment to ambassadorship they have lain the groundwork for a friendship that will last for generations. This illustrates the deep learning that has occurred for all involved. I myself will long remember my trip to Nagaokakyo, the openness and generosity of Mayor Oda and the Japanese people, and the many celebrations of our connection. May our relationship bloom for years to come."
-Kevin Greely, Arlington Board of Selectmen
-Kevin Greely, Arlington Board of Selectmen
