Kitakata Sister City Advisory Board
About the board:
The Wilsonville Kitakata (Key-tah-kaw-tah) Sister City Advisory Board was adopted by City Council on December 7, 2020, to support activities that sustain and advance the long-standing cultural relationship between the City of Wilsonville and Kitakata, Japan. Members, who are recommended by the Mayor and appointed by City Council vote, serve in an advisory capacity, recommending policies and activities to support the program’s success.
The board is to include at least five members, and no more than nine. Participants meet quarterly, and typically serve three-year terms. No Board member shall be appointed for more than two full consecutive three-year terms (not counting a partial term served), but any person may be appointed again to the Board after one year.
Board members serve as program ambassadors, advocating for and supporting program activities, maintaining strong relationships with delegates from Kitakata and promoting a positive image of the program locally and abroad. The Board participates in the cross-cultural exchange of ideas and information, also plans itineraries and identifies host families for visiting delegations, recommends annual program budgets and performs community outreach to support the program.
Applications are accepted year-round so that candidates may be considered as positions become available.
Current Board Members:
- Michael (John) Bohlen- Member
- Karen Kreitzer - Member
- Jenelle Reid - Member
- Aaron Reyna - Member
- Sammy Scarpone- Vice Chair
- Adrienne Scritsmier - Chair
- Seiji Shiratori - Member
- Ashleigh Sumerlin - Member
- Masaru Yatabe- Member
- Erica Behler - City Staff Liaison
History
Wilsonville has enjoyed a sister-city relationship with Kitakata since October 1988 “to deepen the understanding and friendship between the two cities through programs in such fields as education, culture and economy.” The cities participate in a student exchange; local high school and middle school students from Kitakata stay with families here in Wilsonville, and students from Wilsonville stay with host families and participate in local activities in Kitakata. These exchanges have nurtured and increased understanding of different cultures, while creating wonderful memories and new friendships. The program was long sustained through the dedication of the Wilsonville Sister City Association, a volunteer group that organized, raised funds and documented cultural exchanges prior to the establishment of this City board.
ABOUT KITAKATA:
Kitakata is located about 4 1/2 hours northwest of Tokyo, within the Fukushima prefecture of Japan. The climate is warm in the summer and usually receives heavy snowfall in the winter. The population of Kitakata is approximately 52,000. Kitakata is well known for its delicious ramen and beautiful lacquerware. Visit the Kitakata tourism website here.
