Kenosha Reporter

The Sister Cities Association of Kenosha will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, October 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kenosha Emerging Leaders Academy, located at 2222 63rd St. The association connects Kenosha with four international sister cities: Wolfenbüttel in Germany, Cosenza in Italy, Douai in France, and Quezon City in the Philippines.

The event is open to prospective members who are interested in learning more about the organization and its activities. Membership applications for the new year will be available at the meeting. Individual memberships cost $10, couples can join for $20, families for $25, and youth (17 and under) for $5. A new online option allows people to join or make sponsorship donations through https://www.kenoshasistercities.com/membership.

An election for board seats will take place during the meeting. Attendees will also discuss several ongoing projects and initiatives:

- Completion of Phase 1 of the Sister Cities Mural Project involving UW–Parkside, an Italian mural artist, the Italian American Society, and Cosenza; plans for Phase 2 include fundraising efforts and a possible visit to unveil the mural in Cosenza in June 2026.

- A recent display at Union Park’s Oktoberfest celebrated Kenosha's relationship with Wolfenbüttel and featured a livestream with that city's mayor during a ceremonial keg tapping.

- A display was completed at Kenosha’s first Italian Fest to highlight ties with Cosenza and promote the mural project.

- Steps have been taken to connect with Quezon City and partner with Gateway Technical College on an exchange program planned for next year.

- There will be a report on a visit to Wolfenbüttel in June 2025 as well as discussion of potential mini exchanges in 2026.

- The group aims to reinvigorate its relationship with Douai, France.

- Plans are underway to restart youth exchanges.

According to the association: "As a member of the Sister Cities Association of Kenosha, WI, Inc., you can help strengthen the bonds of friendship and understanding between nations, their people and businesses."

The group adds: "You can also help the association establish relationships with other countries that desire cultural exchange. In addition, you may become involved in a variety of other areas with the association, including its public relations efforts, budgeting and fundraising, youth exchanges, or overall efforts to improve the exchange program with a particular Sister City."

More information about joining is available at www.kenoshasistercities.com or by contacting [email protected].