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Sister Relationships

25th Anniversary of the Sister Relationship of Minnesota and Shaanxi Province
Report on Activities
 
 
Congratulations and thanks to ALL who made the following successful
 
Hosting of a delegation of six from Shaanxi Province November 7-10
*      Focus was on Health Care with visits to Minnesota Department of Health, Boston Scientific, Minneapolis Children’s Hospitals, and Minnesota Trade Office
*      Attendance at Destination Shaanxi Opening Reception and Kathleen Ryor presentation  
*      Hosted by Mary Warpeha, Zheng Yang, Dong Li, Penny Zhang, Sun Hua, Linda Mealey-Lohmann, Li King Feng and Matthew Abbot, Dr. Walter Warpeha
 
Destination Shaanxi:  The Material Culture at the End of the Silk Road
*      Thursday, November 8 4:00-6:30pm, Elmer L. Andersen Library, U of M
*      Organized by Su Chen, Jesse Field of the University of Minnesota and CJ Liu
*      Generous gifts and loans from members of the Minnesota Chapter of USCPFA bring to life the twelve centuries of decorative arts from Shaanxi Province.  Highlights include a unique set of HuXian peasant paintings, ancient calligraphy commemorating Nestorian Christianity’s development in 8th Century China, and terracotta figures from the UMN Weisman Art Museum. 
*      Reading of Governor Tim Pawlenty’s Proclamation of the Month of November 2007 as Minnesota-Shaanxi Sister-State Month (a copy of the document was left for display)
*      Contributors:  Mary Warpeha, Barbara Harrison, CJ Liu
*      Sponsored by:  U of M East Asian Library and USCPFA-MN
*      Public attendance for Opening Reception:  100
*      USCPFA Board attendance:  CC Hsiao, Joyce Hsiao, Linda Mealey-Lohmann, Barbara Harrison, Mary Warpeha, CJ Liu, Walter Graff, Margaret Wong, Yang Wang
*      Light dinner, short program, and browse time over three floors of exhibits of Shaanxi artifacts and art
*      Continuing M-F 9-5 until February 2008
 
Chang’an:  The Cosmopolitan Capital of the Chinese Empire and Terminus of the Silk Road
*      Friday, November 9 6:00-9:00, Nolte Center, U of M
*      Presentation by Kathleen Ryor, Carleton College
*      Contributors:  Ann Waltner and Susanna Smith from the U of M and their staff, Mary Warpeha, CJ Liu, CC Hsiao, Joyce Hsiao, Yang Wang, Mary Voight
*      Grant secured by USCPFA-MN from Spectrum Trust of the St. Paul Foundation
*      Light supper and lecture
*      Public audience:  65 reserved for supper, 100 at presentation
*      USCPFA-MN Board Participation:  CC Hsiao, Joyce Hsiao, CJ Liu, Linda Mealey-Lohmann, Yang Wang, Mary Warpeha
 
Music from the Silk Road
*      Sunday, November 11 at 3:00, Coffman Theater, U of M
*      Presentations by Gao Hong and Carleton Ensemble, Robert Jamieson, Peter Arnstein, Arthur Maud, Alan Kagan
*      Contributors:  Ann Waltner and Susanna Smith and their staff from the U of M, CJ Liu, Mary Warpeha, Mary Voight, CC Hsiao, Joyce Hsiao, Yang Wang
*      Grant secured by USCPFA-MN from Spectrum Trust of the St. Paul Foundation
*      Public audience:  250
*      USCPFA-MN Board Participation:  Mary Warpeha, Linda Mealey-Lohmann, CJ Liu, Mistress of Ceremonies Mindy Ratner, Barbara Harrison, Yang Wang, CC Hsiao, Joyce Hsiao, Elise Lohmann, Betty Rasmussen
 
 
Governor Tim Pawlenty’s Proclamation of the Month of November 2007 as Minnesota-Shaanxi Sister-State Month
*      Contributors:  Tony Lorusso and staff
 
 
Previous highlights honoring the relationship included:
*      Complimentary advertising of events in China Insight and Minnesota China Tribune newspapers
      Contributors:  Greg Hugh, David Ruzhao Cheng, Mary Warpeha
*      The New Silk Road:  Lecture by Robert Jacobsen of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, co-sponsored by USCPFA-MN
Contributors:  Robert Jacobsen, Mary Warpeha, Chen Zhou, Rhonda Fox
*      Hosting of a delegation of eight government officials from Shaanxi Province in September co-sponsored by USCPFA-MN and Shaanxi Association of Minnesota
      Contributors:  Barbara Harrison, Mary Warpeha, Dong Li, Joyce and CC Hsiao
*      Chinese New Year Celebration sponsored by USCPFA-MN
      Contributors:  Margaret Wong, Linda Mealey-Lohmann, Mary Warpeha, Jim Swiderski, Mistress of Ceremonies       Mindy Ratner, CJ Liu, Gao Hong and Carleton College Ensemble
*      Shaanxi and Its Glories in Chinese History and Culture Lecture by Professor Yali You at Hamline University co-sponsored by Shaanxi Association of Minnesota, October and November
*      Donation by BestBuy of $50,000 in computer equipment to Global Volunteers for An Shang Village Elementary School in Shaanxi Province arranged by Tony Lorusso and given in a ceremony by Governor Pawlenty in Shanghai in October
*      Travel by a delegation of nine by Lt. Governor Carol Molnau to Shaanxi in April 2006 which included Tony Lorusso, Mary Warpeha and Dong Li
*      Xian and Rural Southern Shaanxi Tour sponsored by USCPFA-MN and led by Mary Warpeha in September
*      Acceptance of Shaanxi and China themed books donated by Shaanxi Provincial Government
*      Acceptance of photos of Shaanxi Province donated by Shaanxi Provincial Government
*      First Annual Chou Chin Arts and Crafts Festival in An Shang Village - participation of Mary Warpeha including award of Honorary Villager
*      An Shang Village award of Honorary Villagers to Global Volunteer and USCPFA-MN members, Lewis and Virginia Pierce, for their contributions to the people of China
*      Contribution of maps and paper cuttings for USCPFA-MN Chinese New Year by Shaanxi Province Office of Foreign Affairs, Sino-American Society and An Shang Villagers of Shaanxi
*      Events of the Shaanxi Association of Minnesota
*      Visits by St. Cloud State University and Mankato State University to universities in Xian
*      2008 visit to Xian by High School for Recording Arts

 

 
 
 
 
A presentation given at the Minnesota - Shaanxi
25th Anniversary Event
September 10, 2007
by Linda Mealey-Lohmann 苗丽莲
I am very pleased to represent the Minnesota Chapter of the US-China Peoples Friendship Association (USCPFA-MN)  on this very auspicious celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Minnesota - Shaanxi sister relationship.  Our Chapter President Mary Warpeha regrets that she cannot be here today -- she is in Xi’an leading a USCPFA-MN tour, but she sends her warmest greetings.
Minnesota and Shaanxi have a long and wonderful relationship.  We have so much in common -- both are unique cultural centers, expanding industrial centers, important agricultural areas, and both have prestigious large universities - Xi’an Jiao Tong Da Xue and University of Minnesota.  We appreciate Xian's long, rich history as the ancient cultural capital of China and its many historical and famous sites, such as the Terra Cotta museum, the restored City wall, Hua Shan, etc.  We also appreciate the people we’ve met and the deep relationships we’ve developed there.  In fact, the former National USCPFA President and Minnesota Chapter member Barbara Harrison said it best in describing her experience on the National USCPFA “Silk Road” Tour in 1990; she said that after traveling along the old Silk Road in Western China for many days, when she finally arrived in Xi’an, it “felt like home.”  And that’s true for many of us - Xi’an feels like “home” to us.
It is important on occasions like today to remember those extraordinary individuals who made this relationship happen.  USCPFA is an all volunteer group that was founded in 1974 as a national organization with a mission of working on people-to-people diplomacy between the people of the US and the people of China.  The Minnesota Chapter of USCPFA was the driving force that brought about the sister relationship between Minnesota and Shaanxi in the early 1980s. 
USCPFA-MN has had many wonderful members who worked tirelessly over many years to foster, create, and sustain this relationship: Joyce & CC Hsiao, Fred & Millie Ptashne, Bill and Garnett Kirchner, Barbara Harrison, past President of USCPFA National, Fred & Jennie Hsiao, CJ Liu, Ming and Jim Tchou, Jolie Klapmeier, Howard Knutson, Larry Coleman, and Charles Petersen. 
On the China side, we recognize Ms. Liu Xianlian’s long-standing friendship with uand are grateful for the support from her and the entire staff of the Shaanxi Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries in working with USCPFA-MN to promote the sister relationship.
 
So, how did this great sister relationship begin?  Between 1979 and 1981, the Hsiaos and Ptashnes, and other dedicated USCPFA-MN volunteers, spent countless hours to make this dream a reality.  Joyce & CC initially proposed the idea for a sister relationship to USCPFA-MN and Fred Ptashne, as Chapter President, enthusiastically approved the idea. This was followed by an official trip to Shaanxi by Joyce & CC Hsiao to meet with Vice Governor, LI Lian Bi to discuss details about creating the sister relationship and a letter of support from Governor Al Quie to Governor Yu Mingtao suggesting the formation of a “Friendship State-Province Relationship.”   USCPFA-MN played a vital role in helping Gov. Quie develop the Friendship Agreement.  In September 1982, Joyce Hsiao took the lead for USCPFA-MN in hosting the advance delegation from Shaanxi, including Mr. He Ke Jing, who traveled to MN to make arrangements for the formal signing ceremony.
All of this ultimately led to the one-week visit by Governor Yu Ming Tao and 5 other Shaanxi dignitaries to Minnesota in October 1982 for the official signing of the Friendship Agreement.  This delegation was one of the highest level delegations to ever visit the U.S. at the time.
The signing ceremony took place in the State Capital on October 19, 1982.  The official document was signed by Minnesota Governor Al Quie and Shaanxi Governor Yu Ming Tao.  This photo shows the members of the Shaanxi delegation, which included LI Lian Pi, HE Ke Jing, SHEN Xi Bang, ZHU Jing Qi, and YU Zhi Zhong.  USCPFA-MN members who were present included CC & Joyce Hsiao, CJ Liu, Jennie & Fred Hsiao, Ming and Jim Tchou, Meiling Hsu, and Meiling Saunder.
USCPFA-MN helped co-sponsor a banquet at the Radisson South Hotel to celebrate the delegation’s visit and the establishment of the sister relationship. Governor Yu presented a beautiful handmade embroidered scroll made in Xi’an to Minnesota and Minnesota presented Governor Yu with a hand-carved wood Loon, Minnesota’s state bird.  Chapter member CJ Liu wrote a poem for the occasion titled, “On Minnesota-Shaanxi Friendship.”   In turn, Governor Yu wrote a poem for CJ Liu later that week in appreciation of his stay in Minnesota and the new Minnesota-Shaanxi relationship.
In their speeches that evening, the Governors expressed their hope for future trade, education, technology, and sports exchanges, and asked USCPFA-MN to play a key role in those efforts.  LI Lian Pi invited “Minnesota” to visit Shaanxi
Well, USCPFA-MN has taken its role seriously these last 25 years.  We have sponsored innumerable tours to China, including Xi’an.  In fact, the first USCPFA tour to China after the signing was led by Bill and Garnett Kirchner and it went to Xi’an.  The Kirchners went on to lead 17 tour groups to China, often to Xi’an.  I have traveled to China 18 times, nearly half of them to Xi’an, including a trip this June when I got to introduce Xi’an to 16 family members.  Mary is there now - her second trip to Xi’an this year.  Barbara Harrison, who served as USCPFA National President for 14 years, traveled to Xian many times and was honored in 2001 with an engraved Special Envoy Award plaque at a banquet in Xi’an in recognition of her many years of work with Shaanxi.  Many, many other members have led tours or traveled to Xi’an as well.
USCPFA-MN has also initiated many exchanges from Shaanxi to Minnesota over the years, including bringing Terra Cotta horse and warrior figures to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts in 1985 - the most visited exhibit at the Institute at the time; helping to bring a Huxian Peasant Painting Exhibit to the Weisman Art Museum; and helping to bring over and host 2 peasant painters (Zhang Qing Yi) for the summer of 2002 to name a few.   We have hosted important Judicial delegations from the Shaanxi Branch of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.  We have also hosted many delegations from China, including the Shaanxi Governor in 1985, who attended the USCPFA National Convention, and more recently business delegations through the Minnesota Trade Office. 
And then there was the memorable surprise Halloween snow storm in 1991 that greeted a high level delegation led by a Shaanxi Vice Governor to Minnesota -- 28 inches of snow in 3 days.  The delegation did not have boots, hats, or mittens for such harsh weather and we did our best to protect them while they were here.  When they visited the State Capital, then-Governor Arne Carlson joked that Minnesota would have lots of “water” to sell to China in a few months.  USCPFA-MN has also helped other organizations make contact with Xi’an, such as the Songs of Hope group, which promotes bringing children from all over world to sing together.  We helped bring children from Xi’an to come for several summers in the 1990s.
And now we look to the future.  We are working on building a Minnesota China Friendship Garden in Minnesota, in cooperation with Shaanxi and its famous architect Ms. Zhang Jin Qiu.  This will be the first Northern-style China garden in the U.S.  Once build, this world class China Garden will be a remarkable legacy to the Minnesota - Shaanxi relationship and a symbol of our continued commitment to collaboration.  We look forward to working with you on this project.
As we celebrate this anniversary today, the most important thing to remember is that many individuals in both Minnesota and China have worked selflessly for many years to create and nurture this sister relationship.  It is very rewarding today to see how that relationship has blossomed.  We value this relationship very much and look forward to continuing the Minnesota - Shaanxi relationship for many years to come.  Thank you.
Mme. Wang Xia,  Senior Adviser of  Shaanxi Provincial Government
Mr. Yang Zhigang, Deputy Secretary General of Shaanxi Government
Mr. Liang Baolin, Deputy Director General Of Public Health Dept
Mr. Zhang Xiongqiang, Deputy Director General of the Education Dept
Mr. Gao Heyuan, Secretary General of Xian Yang City
Mr.Zhou Shuhong, Secretary of Yu Lin City
Ms. Kang Hong, secretary of Mme. Wang Xia
Ban Hui, interpreter and coordinator
 
USCPFA-MN: Fred and Jennie Hsiao, Linda Mealey-Lohmann
Poldi Gerard
Minnesota Trade Office:  Tony Lorusso and Li King Feng
 
China Peoples Friendship Association of Minnesota
25th Anniversary of the Sister Relationship of Minnesota and Shaanxi Province
Report on Activities  
Congratulations and thanks to ALL who made the following successful
Hosting of a delegation of six from Shaanxi Province November 7-10
*      Focus was on Health Care with visits to Minnesota Department of Health, Boston Scientific, Minneapolis Children’s Hospitals, and Minnesota Trade Office
*      Attendance at Destination Shaanxi Opening Reception and Kathleen Ryor presentation  
*      Hosted by Mary Warpeha, Zheng Yang, Dong Li, Penny Zhang, Sun Hua, Linda Mealey-Lohmann, Li King Feng and Matthew Abbot, Dr. Walter Warpeha
 
Destination Shaanxi:  The Material Culture at the End of the Silk Road
*      Thursday, November 8 4:00-6:30pm, Elmer L. Andersen Library, U of M
*      Organized by Su Chen, Jesse Field of the University of Minnesota and CJ Liu
*      Generous gifts and loans from members of the Minnesota Chapter of USCPFA bring to life the twelve centuries of decorative arts from Shaanxi Province.  Highlights include a unique set of HuXian peasant paintings, ancient calligraphy commemorating Nestorian Christianity’s development in 8th Century China, and terracotta figures from the UMN Weisman Art Museum. 
*      Reading of Governor Tim Pawlenty’s Proclamation of the Month of November 2007 as Minnesota-Shaanxi Sister-State Month (a copy of the document was left for display)
*      Contributors:  Mary Warpeha, Barbara Harrison, CJ Liu
*      Sponsored by:  U of M East Asian Library and USCPFA-MN
*      Public attendance for Opening Reception:  100
*      USCPFA Board attendance:  CC Hsiao, Joyce Hsiao, Linda Mealey-Lohmann, Barbara Harrison, Mary Warpeha, CJ Liu, Walter Graff, Margaret Wong, Yang Wang
*      Light dinner, short program, and browse time over three floors of exhibits of Shaanxi artifacts and art
*      Continuing M-F 9-5 until February 2008
 
Chang’an:  The Cosmopolitan Capital of the Chinese Empire and Terminus of the Silk Road
*      Friday, November 9 6:00-9:00, Nolte Center, U of M
*      Presentation by Kathleen Ryor, Carleton College
*      Contributors:  Ann Waltner and Susanna Smith from the U of M and their staff, Mary Warpeha, CJ Liu, CC Hsiao, Joyce Hsiao, Yang Wang, Mary Voight
*      Grant secured by USCPFA-MN from Spectrum Trust of the St. Paul Foundation
*      Light supper and lecture
*      Public audience:  65 reserved for supper, 100 at presentation
*      USCPFA-MN Board Participation:  CC Hsiao, Joyce Hsiao, CJ Liu, Linda Mealey-Lohmann, Yang Wang, Mary Warpeha
 
Music from the Silk Road
*      Sunday, November 11 at 3:00, Coffman Theater, U of M
*      Presentations by Gao Hong and Carleton Ensemble, Robert Jamieson, Peter Arnstein, Arthur Maud, Alan Kagan
*      Contributors:  Ann Waltner and Susanna Smith and their staff from the U of M, CJ Liu, Mary Warpeha, Mary Voight, CC Hsiao, Joyce Hsiao, Yang Wang
*      Grant secured by USCPFA-MN from Spectrum Trust of the St. Paul Foundation
*      Public audience:  250
*      USCPFA-MN Board Participation:  Mary Warpeha, Linda Mealey-Lohmann, CJ Liu, Mistress of Ceremonies Mindy Ratner, Barbara Harrison, Yang Wang, CC Hsiao, Joyce Hsiao, Elise Lohmann, Betty Rasmussen
Governor Tim Pawlenty’s Proclamation of the Month of November 2007 as Minnesota-Shaanxi Sister-State Month
*      Contributors:  Tony Lorusso and staff
Previous highlights honoring the relationship included:
*      Complimentary advertising of events in China Insight and Minnesota China Tribune newspapers
      Contributors:  Greg Hugh, David Ruzhao Cheng, Mary Warpeha
*      The New Silk Road:  Lecture by Robert Jacobsen of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, co-sponsored by USCPFA-MN
Contributors:  Robert Jacobsen, Mary Warpeha, Chen Zhou, Rhonda Fox
*      Hosting of a delegation of eight government officials from Shaanxi Province in September co-sponsored by USCPFA-MN and Shaanxi Association of Minnesota
      Contributors:  Barbara Harrison, Mary Warpeha, Dong Li, Joyce and CC Hsiao
*      Chinese New Year Celebration sponsored by USCPFA-MN
      Contributors:  Margaret Wong, Linda Mealey-Lohmann, Mary Warpeha, Jim Swiderski, Mistress of Ceremonies       Mindy Ratner, CJ Liu, Gao Hong and Carleton College Ensemble
*      Shaanxi and Its Glories in Chinese History and Culture Lecture by Professor Yali You at Hamline University co-sponsored by Shaanxi Association of Minnesota, October and November
*      Donation by BestBuy of $50,000 in computer equipment to Global Volunteers for An Shang Village Elementary School in Shaanxi Province arranged by Tony Lorusso and given in a ceremony by Governor Pawlenty in Shanghai in October
*      Travel by a delegation of nine by Lt. Governor Carol Molnau to Shaanxi in April 2006 which included Tony Lorusso, Mary Warpeha and Dong Li
*      Xian and Rural Southern Shaanxi Tour sponsored by USCPFA-MN and led by Mary Warpeha in September
*      Acceptance of Shaanxi and China themed books donated by Shaanxi Provincial Government
*      Acceptance of photos of Shaanxi Province donated by Shaanxi Provincial Government
*      First Annual Chou Chin Arts and Crafts Festival in An Shang Village - participation of Mary Warpeha including award of Honorary Villager
*      An Shang Village award of Honorary Villagers to Global Volunteer and USCPFA-MN members, Lewis and Virginia Pierce, for their contributions to the people of China
*      Contribution of maps and paper cuttings for USCPFA-MN Chinese New Year by Shaanxi Province Office of Foreign Affairs, Sino-American Society and An Shang Villagers of Shaanxi
*      Events of the Shaanxi Association of Minnesota
*      Visits by St. Cloud State University and Mankato State University to universities in Xian
 
Forming to Plan for
Celebration of 25th Anniversary of
Shaanxi Province and the State of Minnesota
October, 2007 marks the 25th Anniversary of the signing of documents creating a sister relationship between Minnesota and Shaanxi Province.  In 1982, members of US-China Peoples Friendship Association of Minnesota were catalysts in creating this relationship and are honored to be able to initiate planning for a yearlong celebration in 2007.  Minnesota Governor Al Quie and Shaanxi Governor Yu Ming Tao signed these documents at the Minnesota State Capitol.
In an April, 2006 visit to Xian, Lt. Governor Carol Molnau, Minnesota Trade Office Director Tony Lorusso, USCPFA-MN President Mary Warpeha, and USCPFA-MN Shaanxi Committee Chair Dong Li opened the conversation regarding a yearlong celebration to which our Shaanxi counterparts agreed.  We will be working with Liu Xianlian and Qiang Haoli in the Shaanxi Provincial Foreign Affairs Office to coordinate activities.  As a follow-up, Mary Warpeha met with Liu and Qiang in Xian in September to brainstorm ideas.  We are intending to include cultural, educational, commercial activities in both countries.  We also felt the need for coordinated efforts and wide publication of our growing relationship within our Minnesota and Shaanxi communities.  We want to involve as many people and organizations as possible, and thus this invitation goes out to our Minnesota community.
Activities which have been suggested include – but are not limited to -
  • designating the theme of all Chinese New Year celebrations to our Shaanxi sister relationship
  • jointly sponsored Mid-Autumn Festival in October, 2007
  • involve Minnesota businesses through activities and opportunities for sponsorship
  • a major symposium on the Silk Road Its importance in the past, present, future
  • creating a lecture series highlighting people and culture, economic opportunities, passions of individuals, travel destinations
  • aggressive pursuit of sister relationships and exchanges between elementary, secondary and post secondary students and institutions
  • exchange of museum-quality cultural artifacts
  • exchange of photos of our respective people and places including nature photos from Changqing National Nature Reserve
  • exchange and participation of government officials including governors, legislators, commissioners, etc.
  • tour of Xian and Southern Shaanxi Province including ecotourism in Changqing National Nature Reserve
  • exchange of Chinese language teachers
    • To begin this planning process USCPFA of Minnesota is inviting you and your organization to join us in a working lunch or dinner.  See the detail below.  Please plan to attend one of the events to contribute your ideas and join a planning committee to make these events a highlight in the 25th Anniversary Year. 
    Lunch meeting
    Dinner meeting
    Please help us plan this event by making a reservation at uscpfa_mn@hotmail.com or calling Mary Warpeha at 651-638-0743.  If you are unable to join us but would like to participate in the activities, please send an email with your name, address, phone and email contacts.  We will include you.
    We encourage you to invite others who might be interested in celebrating the past 25 years or the next 25 years with our sister province, Shaanxi.
    We look forward to hearing from you.
    Harbin Delegation of Six Visitors
    October was a busy month with delegations from Harbin and Shaanxi.  The Harbin officials were hosted by Minnesota member Weiming Lu who introduced the Minneapolis Skyway System to the group.  We are grateful to the Minneapolis Foundation for hosting the group in their offices for the Lu lecture.  At the end of the day, members gathered at China Jen Restaurant in Roseville to enjoy a bountiful banquet arranged by Joyce Hsiao.  David Cheng arranged for hotel and transportation for the group.
    Members of the delegation included
    Mr. XU Desheng - Deputy Director of Harbin National People’s Congress
    Mr. MA Bin - Director of Harbin Municipal Facility Administration Bureau
    Mr. LI Xueliang - Deputy Director of Harbin Forestry Industry Bureau
    Mr. ZHAO Qingli - Deputy Director of Harbin Watery Bureau
    Mr. YU Xinguang - Deputy Secretary of Harbin Public Security Bureau
                Mr FU Gefeng - Interpreter of Harbin Foreign Affairs Office 
     
    Eleven Members of the Shaanxi Peoples Congress and Staff Visited in October
    The Minnesota Trade Office and USCPFA-MN hosted 11 delegates on an itinerary which included a visit with Minnesota Legislators, a presentation of the Minnesota-China Partnership given by Tony Lorusso, Director of the Minnesota Trace Office, and a tour of the proposed site for Bei Ming Yuan in Northeast Minneapolis.  The transportation was arranged by Larry Yan. The group enjoyed meeting with members for an evening dinner at the home of Chapter President, Mary Warpeha.
    Members of the delegation included:
    Mr. LI Dengwu, Member of Standing Committee of Shaanxi Provincial People’s Congress
    Ms. BAI Guilan, Deputy Director, Yu Lin City People’s Congress
    Mr. LI Runqian, Deputy Secretary General, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Congress
    Mr. HE Wuhua, Member of Election Committee, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Congress
    Mr. REN Yongge  , Director, Office of Financial and Economy Committee, Shaanxi People’s Congress
    Mr. LIU Jingan, Section Chief, Research Office, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Congress
    Mr. FEI Jianzhong, Section Chief, Administration Office, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Congress
    Mr. XIA Heping, Section Chief, Administration Office, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Congress
    Mr. DU Yongyong, Section Chief, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Congress
    Mr. WANG Wuxue, Section Chief, Administration Office, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Congress
    Ms. JIN Yuxin, Deputy Director, Office of Foreign Affair Office, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Congress
     
     
    ZHANG Jinqiu
    Winner of the First Liang Sicheng Architecture Award
    Peoples Republic of China
    On April 6, 2006 in Xi’an 
    Shaanxi Governor CHEN Deming announced Provincial support for Bei Ming Yuan, a Northern-style China garden proposed by Minnesota China Friendship Garden Society.
    Support of the project was announced during an official visit of Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Carol Molnau and seven delegates from Minnesota.  The purpose of the visit was to explore
    options for increased interaction between sisters,  Minnesota and Shaanxi—a relationship initiated in 1982 through the volunteer efforts of members of the Board of Directors of US—China Peoples Friendship Association of Minnesota.
    US—China Peoples Friendship Association of Minnesota members participating in the delegation included President Mary Warpeha, Shaanxi Committee Chair Dong Li, and Chuck Nuckles. 
    In addition to support of development resources for this new Minnesota garden, Governor Chen agreed to participation in architectural and landscape design through donation of the talents of Shaanxi’s premier architect, Ms. ZHANG Jinqiu. The Minnesota Garden Society was first introduced to Ms. Zhang by Minnesota urban planner, Weiming Lu.  Mr. Lu had hosted Ms. Zhang at a professional conference held earlier in Minnesota.  Mr. Lu gracious introduced the garden project and the April travelers to Ms. Zhang - an introduction which was instrumental in the acceptance of the proposal by the Shaanxi government. 
    The Minnesota China Friendship Garden Society is most honored to be able to work with Shaanxi government officials and Ms. ZHANG Jinqiu.  This important agreement was made possible through the efforts of these members of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Peoples Government of Shaanxi Province:  LI Jianhua, Deputy Director-General, LIU Xianlian, Deputy Director General and Vice President, and QIANG  Haoli, Deputy Director of the Sister-City Divisio
    ZHANG Jinqiu
    Ms. Zhang was born in 1936 in Chengdu, Sichuan Province.  She is a graduate  of the Architectural Department and an advanced degree recipient in Architectural History and Theory of Tsinghua University in Beijing.  She currently holds appointments in two majors at her alma mater.
    Since 1987 Ms. Zhang has been the chief architect of China Northwest Architectural Design Institute.  She has presented her work and research in Bangkok, Taipei, Hawaii, Tokyo and Shikoku Japan, Paris, Boston.  She is an elected Standing Council Member of the Urban Planning Society of China and Vice Chair of the Architectural Society of China. 
    Participation in the design of Bei Ming Yuan in Minnesota will be Ms. Zhang’s first project in the United States.
     
    Sister Relationships are Official Links
     
    Sister relationships are important official links between similar government units.  They can be enacted by the top officials of the governments involved.  The endorsements of the local authorities and  support of volunteers empowers grassroots participation in the global community. 
     
    U. S. Sister relationships began after World War II and developed into a nationally promoted program when President Dwight D. Eisenhower proposed people-to-people diplomacy at a White House conference in 1956. 
     
    The Sister Program maintains diplomatic relations; encourages and arranges for exchanges of cultural groups, education groups and others.  It hosts and co-sponsors networking and informational events as well as serving as a clearinghouse for information and contacts of the Sister parties.  Increasingly,  there has been a movement to focus on economic development to ensure a well-rounded and active relationship. 
     
    Benefits of strong relationships include heightened cultural awareness, better understanding of democracy abroad, work in cooperation with government, grassroots volunteers, business professionals, non-profit organizations, and educators.  Economic benefits include increased tourism, heightened community involvement and awareness in international affairs, and creation of reliable business and trade partners. 
     
    In April, 2006 Lieutenant Governor Carol Molnau, USCPFA-Minnesota President Mary Warpeha, USCPFA-MN Shaanxi Committee Chair Dong Li, and USCPFA-MN member Chuck Knuckles along with 6 other Minnesotans traveled to Shaanxi Province with the goal of exploring potential activities to enrich the relationship established in 1982.
     
    This visit is part of the long term strategy of the Pawlenty administration to increase Minnesota's China interaction in business and non-business activities.  In November, 2005 218 Minnesotans traveled with Governor Pawlenty on the Mission to China 2005. The emphasis was generally focused on business and networking.  The April visit reinforced the fact that establishing long-term relationships and building trust is paramount to doing business - the world over.  Sister relationships formalized and supported by governments help to legitimize the efforts of the private sector and illustrate a commitment to long term relationships.  Business relies on relationships, and sister relationships provide companies with another way of establishing and strengthening their China networks.  When you travel to a sister region, you will be greeted as a friend and more doors will be opened to you.
     
     
    Shaanxi Government Officials Hosted in August, 2005
     
    Mr. Liu Hanxing, Chair of Yulin CPPCC headed a delegation of five which included Tang Qinghua, Chair of ShangLuo CCPPCC, Liu Shigui, Chair of Zhidan County CPPCC, Mi Hongle, head of Sister State and City division of the Office of Foreign Affairs of Shaanxi Province and Li Guanghui Interpreter.  The group discussed enriching the Minnesota-Shaanxi relationship as well as seeking assistance in creating new sister city relationships with the cities represented in the delegation.  
     
    Tony Lorusso, Director of the Minnesota Trade Office announced that the Shaanxi governor will be invited to participate with the Mission to China - 2005 delegation headed by Governor Tim Pawlenty.  Li King Feng, MTO China Representative, informed the group that unfortunately the Trade Mission's heavy schedule will not allow for a Shaanxi visit.  Other opportunities for involvement were discussed with the possibility of smaller, more directed trade missions in April and November, 2006.  This delegation was particularly interested in involving state government officials in an exchange.  USCPFA - Minnesota and the Minnesota Trade Office will be working together to implement these suggestions.
     
    Mr. Lorusso emphasized the important role USCPFA - Minnesota has in the sister relationships and designated our organization as the "executive agent" for all interaction with delegations from sister communities.  Our role will continue to be that of friendship, hospitality, communication on a people-to-people basis.  
     
    President Mary Warpeha, acting as Shaanxi Sister Province Committee Chair, planned and hosted the delegation during their stay.  Committee member, Jennie Hsiao, spent the morning sharing Minnesota information as we toured the Minnesota State Capitol and lunched together on a gorgeous Minnesota day.  
     
    This delegation is spreading the good news of friendship with Minnesota and making plans for a large delegation to visit in the early months of 2006.  Sign up now at uscpfa_mn@hotmail.com to participate with the next delegation.
     
     
    Third Harbin Delegation visits in July, 2005
    Photo from left:  Ji Ping, Cong Guozhang, Su Ye (Market Program Leader, MN Dept of Agriculture) Du Yuxin (Delegation Leader), Tony Lorusso (Director, Minnesota Trade Office), Ren Wenxia, Mary Warpeha (President USCPFA-MN), Han Ren, Li Zhiheng
     
    A Delegation of eight from Harbin, Heilongjiang, visited Minneapolis in July, 2005. Their visit was coordinated by the Minneapolis Sister City Committee which includes Ben Zhou, Lois Herman, Jennie Hsiao, and Mary Warpeha.
     
    The purpose of the Harbin Delegation’s visit to Minneapolis was promotion of business and economic partnerships, and support for the Sister City relationship of Harbin and Minneapolis. The Harbin Delegation was led by Mr. Du Yuxin: Secretary of CPC Harbin Committee. Participants included: Mr. Cong Guozhang: Deputy Mayor of Harbin• Mr. Han Ren: Director of Harbin Foreign Affairs • Mr. Li Zhiheng: Director of Harbin Development Zone • Mr. Song Xiangdong: Division Chief of Harbin ForeignAffairs • Mr. Ji Ping: Deputy Division Chief of the • Development Zone • Ms. Ren Wenxia, Interpreter.
     
    The Delegation from Harbin met with General Mills and Land O Lakes, Mayor R. T. Rybak of Minneapolis, Tony Lorusso and Li King Feng of the Minnesota Trade Office, and Dr. Hong Yang of the China Center at the University of Minnesota.
     
    USCPFA Directors hosted a dinner for the Harbin Delegation at the Peking Garden Restaurant.
    Photo l to r:  Li King Feng, MTO, Du Xin, Delegation leader, 
    Ren Wenxia, Interpreter, Tony Lorusso, MTO Director
     
     
    A Warm Welcome Was Appreciated
    by the  8 officials from Shaanxi Province 
    Visiting in January
    When delegates from Shaanxi arrived in Minneapolis on January 17, the thermometer had been holding strong at the below zero numbers for a week.  We tried hard to keep everyone warm as we visited legislative officials and corporations in the Twin Cities.  USCPFA-MN partnered with Global Volunteers to host the two day visit.  Arranged stops included a an interview with Legislators and tour of the State Capitol, visit and lunch with Hong Yang, Director of the China Center.   Tours and presentations of the Greene Institute and Clean Water Action Alliance were arranged by Board Member, Andy Edgar.  In the evenings, USCPFA Board Members hosted a 10 course banquet at the Szechuan Star Restaurant and Global Volunteers hosted dinner at the home of Director, Bud Philbrook and Michele Gran.  A shopping spree at Mall of American and a cold walk out onto a frozen lake to talk to ice fishermen completed this whirlwind chaufeered by David Cheng.  
    Mary Warpeha and Bennett Dy were  able to travel with the group throughout their stay.  
    Delegation members included
    Mr. Bai Haochen
    Vice Secretary General / General Office Director
    The Standing Committee of Shaanxi Provincial People’s Congress
    Mr. Zhong Gaoshi
    Director General
    The Environment and Natural Resources Protection Committee, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Congress
    Ms. Sun Guiran
    Vice Chairwoman