SISTER CITIES  ASSOCIATION
OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, INC.

President's Pen

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     Greetings to our members and friends in Volusia County and our international friends in Campeche, Mexico and Bayonne, France. Enjoy our Newsletter and special articles and photos contributed by our friends and members. We enjoy the memories and look forward to meetings and events in the coming months.

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     It has been a pleasure to share the history of the Sister Cities Association of Volusia County with local professional groups. I presented to Florida Retired Educators at the Deltona Regional Library on December 8, 2025. It was a pleasure to see educators I knew as an employee of Volusia County Schools.

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     An invitation to speak at the Volusia County Schools World Language Professional Learning Day at Deltona High School on February 5, 2026, was also an opportunity to revisit Deltona High School and the many teachers I have known. Special thanks to Board member Astrid Augat for developing a power point presentation about Sister Cities which was shared on February 5. Opportunities to share information about our Association are always welcome. Thanks to Len Lempel for hosting a table of information about Sister Cities at the New Smyrna Museum of History   Heritage Day on March 28, 2026.

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     Continued friendships and connections with our sister cities are important. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University faculty and students returned to Bayonne, France during their spring break. Great articles and photos from the faculty and students! We appreciate the continued support of ERAU and Stetson University. Stetson hosts our annual Poetry event. Dr. Melanie Smith, Stetson University International Learning Program, has helped reserve our venue each year.

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     We continued our tradition of a sponsorship awarded to a student at the Volusia County Schools World Language Festival held on March 28, 2026. Our mission includes promoting the importance of education in our community and awarding scholarships to local students. We are pleased that past recipients have been in contact with us to share their educational and life plans.

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     Our Association appreciates the continued support of friends and members who join us on our mission to promote international friendship, culture and understanding. Special thanks to our Board for the dedication and involvement in Sister Cities and community events. Join us on Facebook as we share photos and information and become a member! Save the Date, November 6, 2026, the Betty Nelson Scholarship Fundraiser/Dinner annual event. Details TBA.

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Dixie Blake, President

Volusia Sister Cities is proud to feature the three cities we have relationships with:

 

Campeche, Mexico (Established 1995)

 

Bayonne, France  (Established 1998)

 

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