From the classic Rome and Paris relationship to the more modern Osaka and San Francisco one, many countries around the world are developing ties with one another. These ties, called Sister Cities, are designed to build feelings of fellowship among different nations of the world.
Students in Noblesville, however, may not be aware of the Sister Cities program and how close to home it is. Noblesville itself is involved in a Sister Cities relationship and has been for more than 30 years.
Beginning in 1994, former Mayor Mary Sue Rowland worked with Henry Cole, the Indiana State Chairman of Sister Cities, to seek out a partner for Noblesville. Once they found that Nova Prata, Brazil was in search of a Sister City in Indiana, Rowland and Cole immediately jumped at the opportunity. An agreement was made in 1996, linking the two communities as Sister Cities.
The journey did not stop there, however. Soon, Cole discovered that many of the citizens of Nova Prata were actually of Italian descent. After making this discovery, Cole set out to find an Italian Sister City. In July 2006, both Noblesville and Nova Prata were connected with their new Italian Sister City of Cittadella, Italy. It is the only trilateral partnership in Sister Cities International. Currently, Noblesville, Nova Prata, and Cittadella take turns every year hosting student and adult delegates from the other cities for a chance to foster long-lasting relationships— and this year, it’s Noblesville’s turn.
Kim Ghrist, a resident of Noblesville, has participated in hosting families in previous years, and she is excited to be welcoming guests from Italy this summer.
“This is a unique opportunity to get some cultural experience and develop meaningful relationships across the world,” Ghrist said. “There are a lot of fun things that are planned [for when the students and chaperones arrive].”
These activities are thanks to countless businesses and corporations that have stepped in to help make this summer a special time for those visiting. From dining at local restaurants, to touring the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the visiting students and their chaperones will be able to get a taste of what the Midwest has to offer. In turn, Noblesville residents will get to learn about the other cultures and develop lasting relationships.
Recent NHS graduate Sophie Carmosino is one individual who established friendships that would last for years to come after her involvement with the Sister Cities Program.
“My experience hosting gave me lifelong friendships that I still maintain to this day,” Carmosino said. “I gained [a] valuable perspective on cultural differences as well as an appreciation for Noblesville.”
The Sister Cities program has been able to strengthen Noblesville’s residents’ global relationships, which Michelle Busalacchi, president of the Sister Cities program in Noblesville, has seen firsthand.
“If I ever go to Nova Prata or Cittadella, I have numerous homes to stay in, and they just welcome me with open arms,” Busalacchi said. “Same thing here— if any of them came here, they could stay at my house. It’s just really neat.”
