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Albuquerque Sister Cities Foundation
Fall 2007
One trip - Two Sister Cities: ASCF Visits
Helmstedt and Ashgabat Chihuahua
In October, a delegation Ratsaal (Council Cham- By: Dave Bagley
representing Albuquerque ber.) In his welcome
Sister Cities flew to Frank- speech, Mayor Eisermann Alma Solis, ASCF Chihuahua
furt, Germany. From there, outlined the history of Chair, put together a wonder-
they traveled to their Sister Helmstedt. He mentioned ful trip introducing us to the
City, Helmstedt, Germany. that the former University culture of the city and state of
Here they were warmly of Helmstedt was founded Chihuahua. We began our
greeted by their hosts and in 1576. Its buildings still journey with Los Limousines.
members of the Helmstedt stand today as well as the Their coach carried us south
Sister Cities Organization. professors’ residential from Albuquerque through the
Mr. and Mrs. Hagedorn houses where students miles of New Mexico desert to
greeted the delegation with came for lessons. The El Paso. We changed buses in
an American flag, and for- chapel in St. Ludgeri’s El Paso, passed smoothly
mer longtime Mayor, Hans Benedictine Monastery across the border, and contin-
Otto Kieschke, gave a (founded about 1000) is the ued through similar Mexican
speech of welcome. Time oldest building in Helmst- landscape into the bustling city
was spent getting ac- edt. The settlement of Chihuahua, population of
quainted with their hosts “Helmonstede” can be 750,000. The city provided us
and their surroundings. traced back to the year 952, with a nice, new van, which
Then on Monday, October when it was first mentioned was waiting for us at the bus
22, 2007, all gathered at the in an official document, and station. Here we stayed at the
Rathaus (town hall), built was awarded its town char- Palacio del Sol (Palace of the
1904-1906, for an official ter in 1247. After World Sun), conveniently located in
welcome by Mayor Heinz- War II, Helmstedt was the the city center and nicely
Dieter Eisermann in the biggest transition point to equipped with everything we
West Berlin. It housed the needed. Chihuahua’s climate
military garrisons from is similar to Albuquerque, and
USA, England and France at 4,600 feet, it’s dry and has
who were responsible for similar temperature. During
keeping the land corridor the next few days, we had an
(the Autobahn) to West evening recption with Mayor
Berlin open at all times. It Juan Blanco, lots of sightsee-
is now a symbol of German ing, and a visit to the nearby
reunification, which took Mennonite community which
place in 1989. Helmstedt’s manufactures much of the
open pit mining operation cheese that Chihuahua is fa-
has been closed and the mous for. We also visited
company is now recycling Luis Urias Elementary School,
materials for the nearby where we donated a nice sel-
power plant of Buschhaus. cetion of books for their bilin-
Mr. & Mrs. Hagedorn welcome ASCF President The pits are to be filled gual library. (*)
Dave Bagley to Helmstedt. with water and the new lake Cont’d page 3
formed will be used for
recreation. Cont’d page 3
1
ALBUQUERQUE SISTER CITIES
cities.org/Calendar.htm for the next time we
From the President’s Desk can kindle your appetite for adventure. You
can also enjoy culture right here by home-
We’ve had several wonderful to welcome us in their homes. hosting guests from our Sister Cities when they
cultural visits to our sister cities Wolfram’s counterpart, Karin visit Albuquerque. All you need is a spare
during the past few months. Cyrol put together a wonder- bedroom and the desire to show our guests a
You can read articles about ful itinerary for us, with many sample of our life and cultures. It’s as easy as
each of the following trips in different views of German cul- a quick phone call to the Chair of that city.
this newsletter. tures. Helmstedt is also one of Want more copies of this newsletter?
In July, the City sponsored a our Sister School locations, www.albuquerque-sister-cities.org/Newslet-
trade mission to Lanzhou, and is planning to host a group ter.htm
China. David Hsi and Jian from Albuquerque Academy
Zhu were asked to assist the in June 2008; then send stu-
city in making arrangements for dents to Albuquerque in Octo-
the trip and providing cultural ber 2008.
assistance during the various Oguljan Young led six of our
stops in China. In Lanzhou, the members to Ashgabat, Turk-
city signed a memorandum of menistan during October.
understanding for student, Their trip began in conjunc-
tourism and commercial ex- tion with Helmstedt; and they
changes. were treated to several days in
Alma Solis led a visit to Chi- Germany before continuing to
huahua, Mexico in August, with Turkmenistan. Oguljan and
six Sister Cities members ac- her counterpart, Maya Mere-
companying her. During their dova, arranged a superb
visit, all were treated to several itinerary that included a visit
unique cultural opportunities, with Ashgabat’s mayor, home- Dave and Chemen Young
including a reception with hosting and a trip to Central and a Berlin “Buddy Bear.”
Mayor Juan Blanco and a meal Asia’s largest bazaar.
with residents in their homes. All these trips might make you
Wolfram Krank led a delega- ask if you’re really experienc-
tion of ten to Helmstedt, Ger- ing the cultural opportunities WANTED: YOUR EMAIL
many in October. Our contin- of our Sister Cities. If not, ADDRESS
ued close relationship with then watch our newsletters and Send to Nathan Young at
Helmstedt was warm and web site calendar - http:// nathaneyoung@gmail.com
friendly, with several new hosts www.alb uq uer q ue-sister -
Meet Your Board: Bob Montoya
The Chair for the Guadalajara, students, parents, teachers and community
Mexico committee is Bob Montoya. leaders in Latin America and in Asia. It
His interest in the Sister Cities pro- became apparent to him that our needs,
gram began many years ago when beliefs, interests, aspirations and all that
the Albuquerque Public Schools we value in life are more alike than differ-
Administration and the mayor be- ent. Becoming sisters and brothers of the
gan to explore the idea of sister people of other cultures is essential not
cities. Although the interest has only to peace but to survival. Sister Cities
remained, it wasn’t until recently can be a catalyst for achieving that end.
that he had the time to become ac- On a personal level, Bob is most involved
tively involved. He feels that sister with his family. His wife, Delores shares
cities has the potential to bring his vision They have two daughters who
about positive relationships with are also educators and three grandchildren.
people from other parts of the Enjoying the pleasures of retirement, Bob
world. In his career as an educator/ likes to observe nature, read, do photogra- Bob Montoya
administrator, he has worked with phy, and collect “stuff.”.
2
ALBUQUERQUE SISTER CITIES
with an engraved piece of Nam- only remaining site where the ex-
Helmstedt Cont. beware, which read, “In recogni- tensive barrier systems intended to
tion of our continued mutual prevent citizens of the GDR from
friendship, October 22, 2007.” crossing into the Federal Republic
This project is due for comple-
After lunch, all gathered at the of Germany (West Germany) can
tion in 2015. A large energy
Zonengrenzmuseum (Zonal Bor- be seen in their original condition.
company is now located in
der Museum) - a museum in com- A 350-meter long section of the
Helmstedt. Mr. Eisermann has
memoration of the history of the border control system has been
been to Albuquerque twice and
former Inner-German border preserved. It includes a 3.2 meter
hopes to return soon. He noted
from its beginnings until reunifi- high reinforced-concrete wall,
that next year , 2008, is the
cation in 1989. In 1952, the Ger- metal alarm fence, a concrete ob-
25th anniversary of Helmstedt
man Democratic Republic (GDR) servation tower and observation
and Albuquerque becoming
officially closed the border and shelter for vehicles, the patrol path
sister cities. He then explained
started to build fences. While of perforated concrete plates and
the symbols in the beautiful
West Germany had stone markers the vehicle obstacles known as
stained glass windows in the
identifying the border, East Ger- dragons’ teeth.” We then went to
room - they represent various
many had fences and watch tow- the former GDR checkpoint on the
guilds - blacksmith, salt miner,
ers. About 1,000 people died Autobahn to Berlin. Located at
tanner, fur trader, plumber,
trying to escape the GDR. The Marienborn, it was in operation
carpenter, locksmith, tailor,
museum has an impressive model from 1974 to June 1990. Pass-
glass maker, doctor, com-
of the barrier installation, show- ports were inserted in holders and
merce, butcher, baker and bar-
ing original warning signs, land- traveled via conveyor belt to the
ber. ASCF President Dave
mines, uniforms, metal fencing processing building. Large in
Bagley thanked him for his
and a handmade ladder used for a size, the building was actually
hospitality and presented him
successful escape. An exhibition fairly empty. The lengthy pro-
of photographs portray the dra- cessing time and size of building
matic opening of the border in were there for intimidation pur-
1989. We then rode to the village poses. There was also an auto
of Hotensleben which was inside inspection area where car parts
the ‘forbidden zone.”(5 km inside were removed and even gas tank
the border). Here is located the size was measured.
Cont. page 4
ASCF President Dave Bagley, NOTE: Readers may be inter-
Burgermeister Heinz-Dieter Eis- ested in the article “Free At Last”
ermann and Wolfram Krank, in the ASCF newsletter of Decem-
Chair of Helmstedt Committee ber 2005 on page 9.
community where it is cool and dry at from Plaza Mexicana Margarita met us at the
Chihuahua Cont. 7,800 feet. There we boarded “El train & shuttled us to their hotel. Spending 2
This school is the only public Chepe,” the state-operated train that nights here, we visited the Cusarare Mission
school in Chihuahua state that of- runs from Chihuahua to Los Mochis, and Loyola Museum. We met several Tarahu-
fers classes in English. The par- on the Gulf of California. It’s a re- mara children (indigenous people) at the mis-
ents donate funds needed for the laxed way to travel - you can walk sion and gave them Tee shirts, pens and tennis
English teacher. There is no around, enjoy the scenery, read a book balls, which they bounced against the church
shortage of good food in the city, or eat a meal. We rode some 165 side like a team of pro jai-alai players. On our
and we found that Mexican cui- miles during our 5 hour trip, in and out way back to Chihuahua, we stopped in Cu-
sine is not as “hot” as New Mex- of rainstorms, through seemingly end- atomec for food, fuel and visit with Alma’s
ico’s. Alma also arranged for a less green forest to El Fuerte (The family, who own a restaurant there. We ar-
delightful cultural visit in the Fort), a quiet old city of 45,000, al- rived back in Chihuahua late afternoon. Our
homes of several Chihuahua city most at sea level. Here we spent the last dinner in the city was at a marisco, a
employees, where we shared an night at Hotel La Choza (The Hut). seafood restaurant, where we enjoyed a tasty
afternoon meal. With very comfortable accomoda- meal and some margaritas.
After a few days in Chihuahu, we tions, including a lovely new swim-
packed up the van and headed ming pool, we relaxed until bedtime. * Want to donate some books to the school?
west to Creel, a mountain resort The following morning we headed call Alma Solis at 804-5471.
back to Creel on “El Chepe.” The bus
3
ALBUQUERQUE SISTER CITIES
Helmstedt Cont. ing an individual experience. A
stop at the Brandenberg Gate -
maining in Germany had another free day to enjoy
Berlin. Several visited Ka De We, a famous
After a pleasant evening with the royal entrance into the city. department store. Returning to Helmstedt that
our hosts, all assebled at 8 am We too, like Napoleon, had a night, the group departed for the Harz National
for the trip to Berlin. Fond chance to proudly march Park the next day. Riding to the top of the
farewells were exchanged be- through it. The Column of mountain on a steamtrain was most pleasant.
tween those traveling onto Ash- Victory marks the wars of the However the fog limited the scenic viewing. So
gabat, Turkmenistan and their 2nd German Empire. The bear they went inside and enjoyed a hearty bowl of
new-found friends. is the symbol of Berlin. It was split pea soup and some wurst. Back to Helmstedt
Berlin with its population of 3.5 once thought that Berlin meant for some more quality time with their hosts and
million has 1/3 of its area set small bear. However, it really then a wonderful farewell party attended by the
aside for forests and water means dry spot in a muddy former Mayor of Helmstedt. A boat trip down the
parks. Here a tour guide joined area. There are “buddy bears” Moselle with a stop at Boppard was their final
the group and pointed out the throughout the city. The 1,200 activity. On Thursday, November 1, 2007, they
various city sites. The separa- foot high TV tower has a reconnoitered in Frankfurt with those returning
tion between East and West restaurant at the top that takes from Turkmenistan and home they all flew. Fond
Berlin was in the middle of the 28 minutes to completely ro- memories include warm and gracious hosts and
river. At 6 feet deep, many tate. The Culture House has a German beer and bakeries. An appreciation for
drowned trying to swim to free- unique shape. Once it was freedom and true democracy came through.
dom. A cobblestone line in the nicknamed the pregnant oyster Walls to keep people in or out are not necessarily
sidewalk marks where the wall but now it is called the Jimmy a good idea. We all look forward to a return visit
once stood. A collection of Carter smile. The linden trees from our friends in Helmstedt.
white crosses is a memorial to that line the main street in East
the victims who died trying to Berlin are numbered and regis-
cross the wall. We paused in tered. We stopped at our hotel
front of the Reichstag. Burned - Movenpick and settled into
when Hitler was in power, it our rooms. With the afternoon
was reopened in 1999. Since free, the group split up to ex-
then it has had more than 12 plore the city - Checkpoinbt
million visitors. The Holocost Charlie was within convenient
monument of 2,711 concrete walking distance and a must
blocks stands on top of where stop for many.
the WW II bunkers once were.. The next morning those bound
One can walk the narrow path- for Turkmenistan departed for
Hotensleben Border Zone
way among the blocks, provid- the Berlin airport. Those re-
ASHGABAT energy, they traveled “home.” (several young ladies and a gentleman) proudly
Ah, a warm cup of tea to cheer walked among us. To add to the festivities, Leili
their hearts. But not just tea - had an accordionist and a famous artist who drew
Eight members of ASCF headed a wonderful spread of bread, several caricatures. Back to our hosts’ abodes
for Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. cheese, meats, and exotic for supper and friendly conversation.
Ashgabat, the capital, has borne fruits! (Note: Pomegranites Cont. page 5
this name since 1881. The city are great!) A sample of the
distinguishes itself with its own wonderful Turkmen hospital-
style, harmoniously combining ity! A long rest and now re-
the best traditions of its own freshed, the group met at the Sally Alice Thompson
national architecture and the home of Ensi Gallery owner, sporting the jacket she
achievements of a modern town. Leili Khaidova. Leili has ex- purchased from Leili’s
Arriving at the Ashgabat airport hibited her fashions at the fashion show.
at 2 am, the weary travelers Santa Fe International Folk Art
faced passport control and cu- Festival. As we sat under the
toms - but then, in the waiting lattice work in her backyard, at
area, were their hosts!! What a little tables with gaily covered
warm and excited greeting wel- chairs and savored refresh-
comed the group. With renewed ments; the lovely models
4
ALBUQUERQUE SISTER CITIES
with the size of 14 x 21 1/2 After the Carpet Museum, the group headed
Ashgabat Cont. meters is also on display. It for the Hippodrome. Akhalteke horses are
weighs over 1 ton. Taking 40 bred here. Akhalteke or Turkmen species is
The next day started with a people (39 women and 1 man) 8 the most ancient among all other horse
tour of the Carpet Museum. months to make, it celebrated species. They were bred by Turkmen more
Turkmen place the highest im- the 10th anniversary of Turk- than 5,000 years ago. Preserving the purity of
portance on carpet making. It menistan’s freedom. If a carpet the Akhalteke breed was a matter of honor
is said water is the life of the is purchased in Turkmenistan, it among the Turkmen people that was passed
Turkmen; horses are the wings must be certified by the Carpet down from generation to generation. These
of the Turkmen and carpets are Museum before it is allowed to horses have a rare type of thin, short irides-
the soul of the Turkmen. One leave the country. Carpets pro- cent hair. They have a majestic swan neck,
of the oldest arts in Turk- duced before 1975 may not be small and pretty head and perfectly-formed
menistan and the region, arche- exported at all. The Turkmen legs. Yanardag, an Akhalteke horse, famous
ological data places carpet are very protective of their na- as the first world champion in the Moscow
making as early as the 6th Cen- tional treasures. bench show in 1999 is a symbol on the Turk-
tury BC. Taking centuries for menistan national emblem. The group got to
the carpet designs to develop, first mingle with the mares and their foals and
the decoration of the carpet is then were treated to viewing some magnifi-
extremely original. The love cent and stately stallions. A picnic lunch in
of deep, rich red is an artistic the foothills of Ashgabat followed, hosted by
tradition of the carpets. The Chary Shirliyev, Turkmen Heritage Chair-
five traditional designs form man. He presented each group member with
part of the country’s state em- The flag of Turkmenistan photos of award-winning Akhalteke stallions;
blem and flag. Turkmen use photos of award-winning Alabey dogs, bred
natural dye and Saryia sheep by Turkmen more than 4,000 years ago; and 2
wool and sometimes silk in DVD’s - one of the Museums of Turk-
making the carpets. At the menistan and the other of scenic places in
Carpet Museum, we saw a rich Turkmenistan.
collection. There were two The Independence Day Festival Show was
sided carpets where the sides held at the Olympic Stadium. Promptly start-
differed by color and pattern. ing at 6 pm, we viewed the extravaganza from
There were special carpets for our special seats. The highly choreographed
when a wedding occurs. Sev- traditional dancing terminated in a spectacular
eral carpet makers were pre- fireworks and laser light display. We were all
sent, working on one. We had in awe! To end the day, we dined at a private
our photo taken in front of the apartment, eating Turkmen style (sitting on
5th largest carpet in the world; the floor) - another lavish feast!
and the biggest carpet in the Guide at Carpet Museum point-
world (certified by Guinness) ing out carpet with the State Cont. page 6
Emblem of Turkmenistan.
Chinese-American Group Honors
David Hsi
On August 4, 2007 at the 49th Olympian, and volunteer. As
biennial National Convention Chair of the ASCF Lanzhou
of the Chinese American Citi- committee, he recently accom-
zens Alliance, its highest panied Mayor Martin Chavez on
honor was presented to David an economic exchange tip to
Ching Heng Hsi, PhD. He was China.
honored for a lifetime of dedi- Independence Day Festival Show
cated service and leadership - NOTE: See Spring 2006
as a pioner agricultural scien- newsletter, page 4, for an in
tist, educator, senior depth interview with David Hsi.
5
ALBUQUERQUE SISTER CITIES
hosted a wonderful dinner party. time. The floor of the mosque is covered by an
Ashgabat Cont. Here we met with those who had enormous eight-sided carpet. Having four
come to Albuquerque last sum- minarets and a golden dome, the mosque is
Up early the next morning to mer - Svetlana Naubatova and surrounded with fountains and gardens. There
meet the mayor’s aide, Mo- Avez Rizaev. It was a great is a mausoleum of the first President of Turk-
hammed Yusupov. He escorted night of comaraderie - friend- menistan and his family located next to the
us to our seats on the parade ships, toasting, feasting, and mosque. Cont. page 7
viewing stand. But first a little dancing!!!
breakfast al fresco - coffee from Another early-rising day. We set
a street vendor and goodies off for the Tolkuchka bazaar. Enjoying Lunch at “Turkmenistan Restaurant”
brought with us compliments of This is the largest bazaar in Cen- are Kim Buckler & Raisa Amirdjanyant
our hosts. The Independence tral Asia. Tarlan met us and we
Day parade was held at the State first went to his shops that sell
Square in front of the Presiden- silk scarves. Then we went off
tial Palace. Of particular inter- exploring - there were vendors
est was that each group (i.e. of Turkmen carpets, Turkmen
university students, power work- jewelry, national clothes, craft-
ers) had its own backdrop float works. Everything was unique
and group of dancers who and original. We heard that even
paused to perform for the Presi- camels were sold there but didn’t
dent. A handsome Akhalteke get to that section. So much
was presented to the President. shopping to be done and so little
We then walked to the elegant time! Back to the bus and off to
“Turkmenistan Restaurant” Chuli. Here we spent a delight- Sally Alice Thompson (center) and friends
where the Mayor of Ashgabat ful afternoon on the grounds of a in front of Turkmen State University
hosted a luncheon for us. Al- lovely resort facility. A wonder-
though the Mayor could not join ful lunch was prepared. After-
us, his aide, Mohammed and a wards, we were free to wander
city minister were present. Off the beautiful grounds and just
to the Ruhiyet Palace where we relax! In the summer the resort
saw a concert in honor of Inde- becomes a camp for honor stu-
pendence Day. In a magnificent dents. On our way home, we
setting, there were traditional stopped at Ruhy Mosque, the
and modern songs as well as biggest mosque in central Asia.
dancing and comedy routines. Twenty thousand men and
That evening, Tarlan Mirzaliyev women can pray at the same
Urique where the Tarahumara indigenous people
Computers for Chihuahua live; and a horsebasck ride to the beautiful water-
fall outside Cerocahui. They fell in love with
Vic and Carol Dawley jour- his school, many supplies - Chihuahua - the people, the food, the scenery.
neyed to the state of Chihuahua, crayons pens, pencils, protractors, Return they will!!!
Mexico at the end of September. flash cards, glue. They then trav-
Traveling with another couple, eled on to the City of Chihuahua
they first visited the rural village where they enjoyed the Quinta
of San Lorenzo. Here two com- Gameros and the Plaza de Armas
puters were given to the high with its Chihuahua dog statues.
school. These computers were From here they rode the train
donated by Armando Mayor, an through Copper Canyon; disem-
ASCF member and Jason Wertz. barking at Bahuichivo. Two de-
A hard drive was donated by lightfully peaceful nights were
Sandia Labs Credit Union. The spent at the Mission Hotel in Ce-
preschool children each received rocahui. The day trips included
a baggie containing 8 new an outing to the highest lookout in
crayons. The elementary school Copper Canyon and then down to Standing next to donated computer is Vic Dawley.
principal received,on behalf of the bottom to visit the village of Principal David Arroyos Moreno sitting.
6
ALBUQUERQUE SISTER CITIES
and parks. When asked what he school for hearing impaired children. The head-
Ashgabat Cont. liked best about his job, he im- mistress/director, appointed by the Minister of
mediately responded, “the work.” education, met with our group. The children were
He finds his job interesting but on holiday but we were able to tour the facility.
October 29th, the group for-
difficult. Although his staff The government assisted boarding school has 164
mally met with the mayor of
works long hours, there is joy and students and 100 adults working there, including
Ashgabat, Deryageldy Orazov
satisfaction in what is being ac- 36 teachers. The students are artistically talented,
and his 2 deputy mayors. A
complished. Richard Buckler and their work being displayed throughout. In fact,
lawyer and an economist, the
the mayor discussed ideas for fu- the Ministry of Education made a calendar using
mayor was appointed by the
ture exchanges - particularly in the pictures the children had done. Each Satur-
President of Turkmenistan last
the area of sports, a healthy gen- day, they go to the Hippodrome where they are
May. He said that he was
eration is a healthy future. Some becoming good horseriders. The school teaches
most happy to host our delega-
sports the Turkmen excel in are sign language (different from our American sign
tion and that we were able to
wrestling, kickboxing, judo, soc- language) as well as lip reading. The head-
participate in the Independence
cer, volleyball, field and track, mistress said that she dreamed of being a teacher
Celebration. Richard Buckler,
basketball and gymnastics. Ogul- since childhood. She wants the children in her
ASCF 1st Vice President, gave
jan Young, ASCF Chair for Ash- school to receive what others have - not just a
a letter to Ashgabat’s mayor
gabat, presented the mayor with diploma, but the knowledge and education that
from Mayor Chavez of Albu-
an engraved Nambeware piece. they need. We gave them some school art sup-
querque. We all introduced
The mayor gave each delegation plies - crayons, markers, glue.
ourselves and shared our posi-
member a piece of Turkmen car- That night the USA Ambassador Richard E.
tive impressions of Ashgabat -
pet, an embroidered hat (similar Hoagland hosted a reception in our honor. What
the hospitality, the beautiful
to what all Turkmen school chil- a special treat! Afterwards, Aygozel Bekmiyeva
new buildings, the many lovely
dren wear); an embroidered doi- hosted a dessert gathering. Aygozel works for
fountains, the pride the citizens
ley and a huge book, “Nature of Turkish Airlines and was with the group that came
take in their city. The mayor
Turkmenistan.” to Albuquerque last summer. It was good to visit
spoke of the new buildings be-
Off to meet with the students of with her again. And so all good things must come
ing erected. Priority is being
Turkmen State University, to an end. Early the next morning the plane
given to assisting the residents
founded in 1931. The Director of departed, leaving good friends behind!
of Ashgabat. The apartment
the University welcomed us and
buildings are not just a building
we shared some thoughts with
but a complex which has ASCF
students of the English Language
schools as well as other facili- group and
and International Relations de-
ties. Other new buildings con- Ashgabat’s
partments.
sist of workplaces for minister- mayor (3rd
After a wonderful lunch hosted
ies, new sports and cultural cen- from left)
by Tarlan, we went to visit a
ters as well as more fountains
ico, David Cargo, gave his greetings. Yu-Lin
Taiwan’s National Day of Celebration Shen introduced honored guests and the delega-
tion from the Taipei Economic and Cultural
October 10 is the National Day those present. Mrs. Hui-Chun Office in Los Angeles. The cake cutting cere-
Celebration for the Republic of Lin sang the national anthems of mony followed with Mr. Morgan Chao and Mr.
China (Taiwan). Here in Albu- the United States of America and David Cargo doing the honors. All enjoyed the
querque the 96th National Day of the Republic of China. Mr. delicious fruit and hot appetizers and the social-
Celebration was held on Octo- Morgan Chao, Deputy Director izing.
ber 11, 2007. The event, General of Taipei Economic and Sidney Yen,
hosted by the Taipei Economic Cultural Office in Los Angeles Chair of ASCF
and Cultural Office in Los An- greeted everyone and then gave Hualin Commit-
geles, was attended by ASCF two toasts - to Taipei and to the tee and Morgan
board members. Yu-Lin Shen, USA. Alberto Solis read a Chao, Deputy
President of the New Mexico proclamation from Mayor Director general
Chinese Association was the Chavez; and Sidney Yen read a of Taipei Eco-
master of ceremonies. After congratulatory letter from Rep- nomic & Cultural
his welcome, the Lion Dance resentative Heather Wilson. Office in LA.
was performed to the delight of Former Governor of New Mex-
7
A Meeting with State Senator Payne
About Turkmenistan by Richard Buckler
ASCF 1st Vice President Richard Buckler recently had the
chance to meet with State Senator William Payne (District
20) in order to discuss Payne’s recent trip to Turkmenistan.
Senator Payne had been invited to attend the August opening
of a new border crossing (Imannazar) between Turkmenistan
and Afghanistan for which the U.S. government had funded
the construction. Acting in his role as a rear admiral, Payne
was the senior military officer present. Overall, Payne ex-
pressed how warmly he was received in the country.
Senator Payne also confirmed the strategic importantce of
ongoing visits by Americans to Turkmenistan. Sister Cities
visits thus can help expose Turkmen to another way of think- Senator Payne and Richard Buckler
ing, different from the restrictive policies of the former Presi-
dent Niyazov, who died December 2006.
According to the U.S. State Department, the Turkmen people could experience increased prosperity and freedom, if re-
forms in economics and agriculture, democracy and human rights, education, security and energy are pursued. And Sena-
tor Payne agrees that organizations such as the Albuquerque Sister Cities Foundation can perform a valuable service in
helping the Turkmen people consider needed change. Even State Department spokesman, Evan Feigenbaum, sees the im-
portance of sister cities. Feigenbaum (Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of South and Central Asian Affairs) in a recent
speech given to the Carnegie Endowment singled out the importance of improving local city relationships in Turk-
menistan. Feigrenbaum expressed his hope that Ashgabat “explore cooperation on local government and reinvigorate
sister-city relations with Albuquerque, New Mexico.” The State Department has issued a formal invitation to Ashgabat’s
mayor to visit the United States and Albuquerque in the near future.
Ashgabat’s mayor -
Richard Buckler and
Oguljan Young
Richard Buckler - Oguljan
Young - USA Ambassador -
Sally Alice Thompson
In front of School for Hard of
Hearing - Richard Buckler -
Director - Oguljan Young
Friends: Aygozel Bekmiyebva -
Carol Dawley -
Enesh Tureshova (Carol’s host) -
Oguljan Young
8
Alma Solis
presenting:
L- books to
Luis Urias
School
R - gifts to
Tarahumara
children
Carol Dawley distributing crayons at
a preschool in San Lorenzo, Mexico
Chihuahua Dog
Cerocahui Waterfall
Vineyards of the Rhine
looking at Ludwigshohe
Checkpoint Charlie
Berlin, Germany Sign at entrance to Helmstedt
9
In This Issue... Three wonderful cultural trips - Chihuahua, Mexico; Helmstedt, Germany and Ashgabat, Tukmenistan
Albuquerque Sister Cities Foundation
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