Sister City visitors tour Elk Grove

Members of Elk Grove Village Sister City, Termini Imerese, arrived Oct. 11 for 10 days to work with their counterparts on economic, cultural and educational issues.

Many gifts were exchanged, including a quilt made by 20 children in Termini Imerese, illustrating "What Living in Termini Imerese Means to Me," along with pictures of the delegation from Elk Grove Village on their last trip to Sicily in 2005.

The delegation enjoyed a tour of the Elk Grove Fire Department's training facility.

Nancy Carlson, economic development director of Elk Grove Village, guided the tour of the Business Park.

The delegation also visited with the President of the Cook County Board, Commissioner Todd Stroger. They attended and participated in the Cook County Board meeting where Commissioner Stroger approved a resolution and declaration of friendship and exchange agreement between the Province of Palermo and the County of Cook.

The delegation separated into groups concentrating on the schools, hospital, business and government, in an effort to strengthen our cultural exchanges, international trade and economic development.

The delegation also participated in the annual Columbus Day Parade in downtown Chicago.

The gala dinner was the final celebration with the delegates. The theme of the gala was "Il Mondo" (the world), a cultural celebration of native dancing from Africa, China, Japan and Mexico.

The Elk Grove Village Sister City meets at the Municipal Building in Elk Grove Village at 7 p.m. the third Monday of the month. For information, call (847) 364-7000.