MARLBORO WELCOMES WUJIANG CITY, CHINA AS SISTER CITY

Marlboro has signed an agreement with Wujiang City, China to formally establish an association between the two cities to allow an exchange program for teenagers from the two municipalities to experience life in another country, under the supervision of their host family.

The agreement which took nearly 3 years, was signed on December 9, 2011.  Marlboro Mayor, Jonathan Hornik, explained that the details of the program have not been outlined yet, however, said the planning process will not take much time.  Hornik commented, "We have opened up the sister city to allow our residents to go over and learn about the Chinese culture, the Chinese experience and to see what it's like on the other side of the world."

Both cities share similar climates so the exchanges will probably take place in the warm weather.  The signing of the agreement was celebrated by exchanging of gifts with delegates from China.  The mayor was given a silk portrait and a silk woven sign, which is a common product in China decorated with characters for harmony and cooperation. Members of the Marlboro Township Council presented Wujiang with a commemorative plaque and bottles of liqueur shaped in the image of the Statue of Liberty.  

This is a wonderful opportunity for Marlboro Township - it is an opportunity for students to benefit in ways a classroom cannot provide.  Although Wujiang has similar arrangements with cities in Australia, France, Japan and South Africa, Marlboro is the first and only American city to partner with Wujiang.