HomeMy WebLinkAbout09242018 City Council Laydown - Adult Applications to Obihiro50th Anniversary Sister City
Adult Applicants for Visit to Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
(for council consideration on September 24, 2018)
DATE
TRAVEL
HAVE
RELEVANT COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF[ANGUAGE/CULTURE
GOOD SEWARD REPRESENTATIVE
CONFLICTS
FUNDING
PASSPORT
APPLICANT
WHAT ARE YOUR SPECIAL INTERESTS
I can talk to anyone and 1 am open-minded; 1 am open
1 have been a host family for t 2 years loved it);
y pas Ye (
Onlyknow what the girls from la an have explained
g p p
to trying new things as well (food, etc.); more than
No conflicts
Yes I am
Introduce myself and meet new people; try new foods; learn new currency exchange; how getting around is
donate my time [o American Legion Auxiliary; greeting
and shared over the past 2 years; we used software to
that, 1 enjoy traveling and I fit in easily; I also love
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Yes
Angela Schwertfeger
different from Alaska
and meeting and being open-minded
translate so we could play card, and games
people
[akin pictures
I would be a good representative because I am a
1 have attended several Seward Obihiro pirnics; I
I do not know the Japanese language, but I feel I do
people person and I love interacting with others; 1 am
I do not have any personal special Interests pertaining to Japan; however, the fact that we as a city have
thoroughly enjoyed our interactions and making our
have a fairly reasonable understanding of the
culturally sensitive and I have experience
No conflicts
Yes I am
Yes
Cathy Byars
maintained such a dose and enduring relationship with our Sister City fills me with a sense of pride
Japanese counterparts feel welcome; SIFA has done a
Japanese culture through reading and educational
communicating with people who are not native
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marvelous job of keeping our city relationship alive
opportunities
English speakers
In 2016, 1 began studying Tai Chi for health, and in
I know very little about the Japanese language, but
I would represent our community as a positive voice
Chi; last
feel comfortable learning a new language for travel; I
for Seward, promoting our community efforts that
became a certified teacher in Tai
was raised by parents who hosted foreign students
the my voice would
interested in the longevity of the Japanese people and how it relates to their culture; I have learned
summer I taught Tai Chi at AVTEC, and will continue
sum
teaching this fall and winter; I work with a local
throughout my childhood and I still keep in touch
support families throughout ages;
speak positive about our city government and how it
I am very
that diet and appropriate exercise play an Important factor
dietician to create enticing and healthy meals for our
with 2 Japanese and Chinese exchange students
supports our residents, our values, and provides us
No conflicts
yes 1 am
yes
Dana Paperman
throughout my years as a senior service provider
in staying healthy, engaged, and improves one's outlook on life; I am intrigued by robotic and support my
senior dolearning more about better eating
through Facebook; I am familiar with the Japanesezens,
in over the
with a democratic system reflecting our American
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children's' efforts in learning more about robotics in dubs and play time at home
habits; my community activities include volunteer
culture and their advancements robotics
past 40 years, the positive rebuilding of our countries'
culture; I am sensitive to other beliefs, religions, and
long term ombudsman, vice chair of Seward Nordic
relationships since WWII, and their cutting edge
cultures, and am intrigued on how other nations
Ski Club, and serve on Providence Seward Advisory
health exceptional education, and affordable,
support their people and the challenges they face
Board
core,
today
healthy food for a nation of 127 million
As a former council member, I am familiar with the
Planning committee for 50th Anniversary; helped
Pretty well on the culture; I traveled through all of
importance of our relationship; as a chef in Alaska, i
No conflicts
Yes I am
yes
Erik Slater
As a chef, food is g1; the culture equally
organize/cook and source food for the banquet
Hokkaido in Jan/Feb 2018 for 2 weeks; I am familiar
can represent on a culinary level, which Is important rtant
pr
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with astoms, traditions, and food
to the Japanese, as well as a business owner
I have participated in community theatre through the
I studied Japanese for 3 years in college; I have been
Ne lived in Seward for 11 years; I wasn't born here,
I have a degree in Theatre horn the University of Hawaii; during my theatre studies, I learned Bunraku
Port City Players; the last time Me Seward Arts
to Narita airport over 10 times; I look through my
rpo g
but I choose to be here year found; 1 own a house
No conflicts
Yes I am
yes
Hank West
(Japanese It has been my dream to see a performance; I would also love to bring it to Seward
Council went to Obihiro, I taught a workshop on
workbooks every couple of months stay sharp; I
and I would love to continue to build the bridge from
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capable
puppetry);
language and culture, and would love to do
Japanese Ian
in study Japanese history and theatre n my spare time
Seward to Japan
it again
1 participated in a few events this August when their
My youth and enthusiasm are positive strengths that
Since I was young. I have always been fascinated by Japanese culture; their artwork, cinema, and deep
delegation was visiting; I have been a staff member
I have read much fiction and non-fiction books on
would continue to build the great relationship
No conflicts
yes I am
yes
Jeremy Horn
history are so unique and compelling
for SMAF which is umbrellaed under the Seward Arts
their history, culture and artwork
between the two does
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Council
I am a regular volunteer with Sources of Strength, an
upstream suicide prevention program, both at the
I'm far more familiar with Korean culture, from having
I am about representing Seward and
I would be honored to represent the City of Seward to our Sister City of Obihiro; while an undergraduate at
middle and high schools; this involvement has kept
interests of 1
attended graduate school with many Korean
passionate
making connections with people wherever I travel; I
g CO
the University of Montana, one of my housemates was from Japan; she Introduced me to Japaneseculture
me familiar with the concerns and youth;
regularly with Seward Arts Council events,
students; while these are not the same culture, they
am comfortable staying In the homes of new people; I
No conflicts
Yes I am
yes
Kelley Wiley lane
and food; I have been curious about visiting since then; I am happy that Seward has a Sister City and would
volunteer
do share similarities, such as the focus on communal
delight in seeing how other people and cultures live
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love to help nurture this relationship through visiting and meeting residents of Obihiro
Chamber of Commerce events, and other
opportunities as they arise; I was briefly involved in
values as opposed to individualism; I do not know the
their lives
Japanese language
welcoming the Japanese students in 2017 when they
visited Seward
50th Anniversary Sister City
Adult Applicants for Visit to Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
ifor council consideration on September 24, 2019)
My mother always had a love for Japan, Asian an and furniture. She had the only house in our tiny, California
peninsula community surrounded by the ocean & bay with black living room walls in the SO's highlighting her
Asian on and furniture. All my friends thought our living room was very strange. 1 was delighted when we
caved to Seward in 1990 & discovered SIF A & the long-standing Obihiro-5eward, sister -city relationship &
exchange. Our young family hosted young boys during the Wings of the World Exchange & participated in
Many directly related are mentioned above.
many of the events & activities. All four of our children, the first I believe in 1996, the last probably in 2004,
Currently, I'm your elected school board member. I'm
participated in the program all benefiting greatly from their exchanges & the off -years hosting more Obihiro
a charter (1990) & continuous member of Seward PTA
of the top of my head: arigato (thanks), sayonam
students & participating in events & activities. I was the SIF A membership chair for a number of years. We
serving on the executive board. I'm co -president of
(goodbye). I do have dictionaries, Japanese in Ten
also once hosted students from Korea when the city & high school principal Malcolm Fleming were involved
Sea View Community Services Governing Board. I'm a
Minutes a Day & Google Translate. Whatever I
in a short-lived exchange. Hosting enriched our whole family. I would love to see any of the students we
member of the Seward Prevention Coalition &
learned about the culture is from movies, books, the
hosted & their families, especially the young man who's family ran a dairy farm. He was the only student we
Resurrection gay Lions. I'm a past: Girl Scout Leader,
news&,most importantly, what I remember from the
While someone else might be the best Seward
hosted who did not live in urban part of Obihiro. 1 would also love to see the Seward mural at the Obihiro
Seward Little League president, Catechism teacher,
students we hosted &the experiences of our kids. I
representative, 1 believe I would be a very good
No conflicts
Yes I am
yes
lynn Hohl
p city, N accomplished g g an gifting a
Zoo. With the het of then the Seward Mural Sore cam lished an amazing hat creating d kin
Anchors Montessori School board member, Denali
Anchorage
would like to relearn the Japanese card game we
representative. I'm very familiar with Seward, our
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beautiful piece of Seward an to the people of Obihiro & teaching their artists how to create community
Montessori founder, etc. In addition to Obihiro
played so I may bring back the special deck & teach
schools & our sister -city relationship with Obihiro.
murals, thus their gift to us at IMS. I would love to learn more about the Obihiro city government & their
exchanges, our four kids also did year -long
my grandchildren & any others who might be
f
school system. I would delight in visiting Kushiro & learning how their schools & government might differ
exchanges: Matt with ASAA to the Netherlands,
interested. I love American Japanese food the items
from Obihiro's. I'd be especially interested in Kushiro's commercial port & marine environment. 1 would love
Christie with Rotary to New Zealand, Shannon with
shared by the students who stayed with us..
to be able to add a few extra days to try to find an old friend from grade school who's lived in Japan for
Rotary to Germany & Corbin independent to
many, many years. it's impossible to list all i would love to do, & there surely will be insufficient time to do
Germany. Shannon also spent a summer college
even what I've noted. Be assured I would be pleased with whatever opportunities present themselves while I
semester in Germany.
focus on and fully enjoy representing the city & participating in required & optional events/activities. There
will be no regrets except that my mother passed away a number of years ago so I won't have the delight of
finding her a particular treasure. 1 always found it interesting that she, as the only member of her family not
born in the Swiss Alps, loved Asian an & furniture.
Most events and exchange students - fishing trips, pot
I know how to communicate and make them enjoy
No conflicts
yes I am
Michael Meeks
Have worked with these groups for 10 years: exchange students for 30 years, VIP groups for the past 5 years
luck award ceremony, wildlife center tours, Alyeska
Language Is very little, but culture I do understand
everything we do; I have promoted Seward as a great
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Yes
r more
tram and lunch
city
I think I would be a great Seward representative
Some of my special interests that relate to Japan are the country's cultural focus on both the health of body
because I like to practice one of my favorite things
and of mind. I own a company teaching yoga classes outdoors mostly in remote areas and In the mountains
about Seward, which is being kind and caring part of
surrounding Seward, focusing on mind -body awareness and appreciation of the outdoors. Japan's dedication
our community. I think that I show kindness and
to mindfulness, not just in meditation privately but utilizing meditative practices in their daily life and
respect to everyone I encounter (though there are
focusing on the immediate moment is something that fascinates me. 1 think that some of the Japanese
community
d'shave
Though I love participating in Sewtime
nights bartending at Tony s where that patience is
practices of mind and body awareness is something that could greatly benefit the American lifestyle and I
I
this be the first time have ever
I do not know the Japanese language and only know a
tested) which is one of my favorite pans of Seward.
No conflicts
Yes I am
Rachel Gordon
would love to be immersed in the culture in Obihiro to learn more about those practices and to possibly
events would
in or anything
few thins about the culture but would be VERY
g
We care deeply about each other and are an
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Yes
utilize them in my outdoor yoga business and personal life. I'm also interested in the food culture in Japan as
participated an exchange program
excited to le
incredibly tight community showing love in all the
I have worked in restaurants for years but know very little about Japanese food and nutrition. I know that the
quite
quite like this.
small favors and helping hands we give each other. If I
Japanese are considered some of the healthiest people in the world with much longer fifespans than the
were to go to Obihiro I would be respectful, kind, and
average American and 1 would love to learn more about Japanese food and nutrition in regards to eating and
appreciative of everything from my host family. Also,
living a healthier life. And finally, I think visiting Japan would be AMAZING in order to experience a culture so
because I am a small business owner I would be a
different from Seward's and to get to stay with locals to understand a deeper what living in Obihiro is like.
great representative of all the small businesses that
Seward is comprised of.
I am currently a commissioner cn Planning and
Zoning. 1 also spent 9 years on the Historic
Well, I think it would be quite bold of me to think of
Preservation Commission which I Chaired for three
myself as the best representative of Seward.
years. I have been a Chamber member for 17 year,
However, as a team member I believe I have some
did 1 or 2 terms on that board plus 4 or 5 years on the
1 only know a few words of the language. As for the
good qualities to offer. Along with my business and
Both my wife and I enjoy the experience of visiting and living in different cultures. Japan with its long history
experience
Mt Marathon Race committee. I have also operated a
Japanese culture, my undergraduate studies was in
civic activities, I have a good understanding of
outo rselves
lisof places to visit for many years. Immersing ourselves in a culture, is
and unique culture has been on our visit
small business in Seward for the past 16 years .
International Management with special interest in the
Seward's current and past history. These thinks lend
No conflicts
Yes I am
the type for travel we enjoy most. The opportunity with a family and getting w the people is
opportunity
Communities do not just happen. It takes a lot of
Pacific Rim countries. At that time Japan and China
themselves to the ability to exchange ideas with the
dates
capable
Yes
Tom Swann
they exciting. Student exchange programs like have with our Sister City is of the utmost Importance
work from dedicated community minded people to
were the dominant countries. This is still true toda
le that I will come in contact with. Being part of
with
when it wines to developing our youth into future leaders. Being part of this years exchange would be a
make a community. I believe in our community and
Japan has a unique culture . One I would very muchh
an an exchange program means participating. I speak
tremendous honor.
have always participated. 1 also believe business
enjoy learning more about.
well in both individual and small group settings. Also,
owners have a greater responsibility to contribute to
with my years on the hospitality industry 1 have
the community that provides the opportunity to be in
learned to communicate well even when there are
business. I believe these ideal directly relate to
language barriers. I also just like people
participation with our Sister City.
.
i A
50th Anniversary Sister City
Adult Applicants for Visit to Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
(for council consideration on September 24, 2018)
I am currently a commissioner on planning and
Zoning. 1 also spent 9 years on the Historic
Well, I think it would be quite bold of me to Mink of
Preservation Commission which I Chaired for three
myself as the best representative of Seward.
years. I have been a Chamber member for 17 year,
However, as a team member I believe I have some
did 1 or 2 terms on that board plus 4 or 5 years on the
I only know a few words of the language. As for the
good qualities to offer. Along with my business and
pan with
Both my wife and 1 enjoy the experience of visiting and living in different cultures. Japan with its long history
a and I
Mt Marathon Race committee. 1 have also operated a
Japanese culture, my undergraduate studies was In
civic activities, I have a good understanding of
has been on our list of places to visit for many years. Immersing in a culture, is
and unique h , i
small business in Seward for the past 16 years .
International Management with special interest in the
Seward's current and past history. These thinks lend
No conflicts
yes I am
w
enjoy most. The opportunity of living with a family and getting to know the people
the type for travel opportunity
Communities do not just happen. It takes a lot of
pacific Rim countries. At that time Japan and China
themselves to the ability to exchange ideas with the
dates
capable
Yes
Lori Swann
imbe portance
x have with our Sister City Is of the utmost importance
very exciting. Student exchange programs like
Student
work from dedicated community minded people to
were the dominant countries. This is still true today.
people that I will come in contact with. Being part of
with
when it comes to ping our youth into future leaders. Being part of this years exchange would
make a community. I believeour community and
Japan has a unique culture . One 1 would very much
an exchange program means participating. I speak
tremendous honor.
have always participated. I also believe business
enjoy learning more about.
well in both individual and small group settings. Also,
owners have a greater responsibility to contribute to
with my years on the hospitality industry 1 have
the community that provides the opportunity to be in
learned to communicate well even when there are
business. I believe these ideal directly relate to
language barriers. I also just like people
participation with our Sister City.
I am currently president of the Seward Arts Council
and was privileged to host several Obihiro citizens on
I do not speak or know Japanese; I did spend a couple
I love Seward and would be proud to represent our
I love to travel experience other cultures; in February, I took my first, but certainly not last, trip to Asia; I
their recent visit; It was a delightful experience and I
days earlier this year in Tokyo visiting a good friend,
lovely town in another country. It would be nice to
No conflicts
Yes I am
Yes
Vanessa Verhey
and
for
would love to get to know Obihiro better; I enjoy
and feel like 1 got to experience some of life there, but
reciprocate the kindness and warmth 1 received as a
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traveled around a month
volunteering and playing sports in this great city of
I'm sure it was the tip of the iceberg
host to the citizen guests.
Seward