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2 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Our View: Protect pristine headwaters from nickel mining ... Bumper crop ... Growers and Crafters Market searching for new homes ... Our View: Protect pristine headwaters from nickel mining ... Bumper crop ... Growers and Crafters Market searching for new homes ... FROM THE COUNCIL From the council: Medford-Alba sister city bond is a special one Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Sep. 23, 2015 at 12:01 AM Posted Sep. 23, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News May of 1960 marked the official beginning of a very successful international partnership between Alba, Italy and Medford, Ore. It was on this day the sister city link was formed and the two cultures were molded into a “sisterhood” bond. From the very beginning of our relationship, both cities have enjoyed working to strengthen this bond. Through the efforts of many community volunteers in each city, as well as the wholehearted commitment by our city’s leaders, I believe we have truly become a family. Medford is proud to call Alba our sister city! With Medford and Alba having such a great deal in common, the relationship that was built between the two came naturally. The cities are comparable in size, geography, climate and economics. Both have strong local industries and are centered in areas that are primarily agricultural. They are both proud of their heritage and spirit of independence. Several other Oregon cities have ties with other European cities; however, for the past 55 years, even with all these characteristics in common, the importance in this Medford-Alba union has always been centered around the people. From the beginning, the goal has been to get the citizens of Alba and Medford together to experience another culture half a world away. This has been extremely successful in that it has not only promoted worldwide understanding, but has created lifelong friendships. People in both cities have come to truly share their lives with their friends across the Atlantic. In some Medford and Alba families, these bonds and friendships between Alba and Medford citizens have been drawn out to three generations! In 1985, after celebrating 25 years of being sister cities, The Sister City Committee started the very first student exchange project, where Medford students traveled to Alba in March 1985. This first exchange was so successful, the cities agreed to continue the amazing experience on a two-year cycle. This year’s group is the 17th to travel abroad. During these two- to three-week exchanges, Alba and Medford students and chaperones stay with their host families, attend school classes, tour the area and participate in a number of community events and after-school activities. This year the 30 Alba students, along with their chaperones, arrived in Medford on Aug. 31. During their stay, they joined their host families and enjoyed a day Rogue River rafting, a Shakespeare play in Ashland, a Britt Festival concert, a visit to Hanley Farms in Jacksonville, football, volleyball and soccer games, a visit to Crater Lake, City of Medford Day at City Hall, and a few other activities. Two lucky students even won a ride-along with the Medford police and fire departments. I would like to thank our Sister City Committee and everyone involved in this exchange program as we say goodbye to our Italian students and chaperones. We wish them safe travels back to their home. We sincerely enjoyed seeing and visiting with all of them. This is always a one-of-a-kind family reunion, and a true honor. I would also like to offer my gratitude to the citizens of Alba for graciously opening their homes and lives to Medford’s citizens. Alba is a beautiful city, rich with culture and traditions that have provided a wonderful place for creating lasting bonds of friendship for all who participate in this cultural exchange. I know that I speak for all of the City Council, citizens of Medford and all of Southern Oregon when I say that we can’t wait for another visit! Hundreds of Medford and Alba residents have signed the guest registers in their sister city’s city halls over the past 30 years, and hundreds more will leave their fingerprint in our sister city history for many years to come. Gary H. Wheeler is the mayor of Medford. The views expressed in this piece are the author's and do not necessarily represent the opinions or positions of the City Council. MailTribune.com Writer Posted Sep. 23, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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