Howell becomes 'sister city' of Mongolian district
HOWELL – The Township and a district in Mongolia signed a memorandum of understanding to create sister cities between Howell and the Sukhbaatar District on Tuesday.
The program was aimed at opening up talks on how each can benefit from one another, Mayor William Gatto said.
"Howell Township is a very diverse city and they've taken the relationship with the Kalmyk community here in Howell and expanded it to a country where they have had no relationship in the past," Gatto said.
Sister cities program will allow both Mongolia and Howell to "exchange ideas and come up with new and better ways to do things that benefits both cultures." Outside of Mongolia, Howell has the largest population of Kalmyks in the world, with many living in the Freewood Acres section of the township, Gatto said.
Some of the goals of the agreement including promoting a common prosperity and development for both parties, an electronic pen-pal program and education opportunities for exchange students.
"This agreement allows us to have those conversations about what's in their best interest and our best interest ... and bring more attention to that culture," Gatto said.
Bob Taunov, president and chairman of the Kalmyk Three Jewels Foundation, brought the idea up to mayor several months ago.
"This is truly a wonderful opportunity for both cities to learn from each other," Taunov said.
Through a translator, Baljinnyam Gan-erdene, of the Citizens Representatives Council of Sukhbaatar District, said he came to Howell to see how democracy works in the United States.
"I'm really glad and hope that this unforgettable and successful visit opens the door to our friendship and prosperity between our residents," Gan-erdene said. "And opens the door our cultural and education exchange between us, our youth and children."
Gatto gave Gan-erdene a Howell flag and throw blanket created by the Historical Society depicting the history of the township. Gan-erdene also gave Gatto several items, including a bronze piece of art.
The program was aimed at opening up talks on how each can benefit from one another, Mayor William Gatto said.
"Howell Township is a very diverse city and they've taken the relationship with the Kalmyk community here in Howell and expanded it to a country where they have had no relationship in the past," Gatto said.
Sister cities program will allow both Mongolia and Howell to "exchange ideas and come up with new and better ways to do things that benefits both cultures." Outside of Mongolia, Howell has the largest population of Kalmyks in the world, with many living in the Freewood Acres section of the township, Gatto said.
Some of the goals of the agreement including promoting a common prosperity and development for both parties, an electronic pen-pal program and education opportunities for exchange students.
"This agreement allows us to have those conversations about what's in their best interest and our best interest ... and bring more attention to that culture," Gatto said.
Bob Taunov, president and chairman of the Kalmyk Three Jewels Foundation, brought the idea up to mayor several months ago.
"This is truly a wonderful opportunity for both cities to learn from each other," Taunov said.
Through a translator, Baljinnyam Gan-erdene, of the Citizens Representatives Council of Sukhbaatar District, said he came to Howell to see how democracy works in the United States.
"I'm really glad and hope that this unforgettable and successful visit opens the door to our friendship and prosperity between our residents," Gan-erdene said. "And opens the door our cultural and education exchange between us, our youth and children."
Gatto gave Gan-erdene a Howell flag and throw blanket created by the Historical Society depicting the history of the township. Gan-erdene also gave Gatto several items, including a bronze piece of art.
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