Honorable Mayor and Council Members;

Is the City of Menlo Park celebrating St. Patricks Day this year, particularly since one of our sister cities is GALWAY, IRELAND?

Several years ago the City helped form, and financially supported, the formation of the Menlo Park Sister Cities Association. If they are taking the lead, what do they have planned? Per their website, Clay Curtin is a Board Member thus you have a vote on their decisions and activities.

Possible City activities may include a display in the Library of books, CDs and other materials. The City Council can provide a Proclamation during a council meeting. A special meal for seniors has been provided in the past at the Senior Center.

The Mayor of Galway, Ireland generally flies to the USA for this event. Have they been cordially invited to visit Menlo Park, as they have been in the past?. Even if the current Mayor is unable to attend, its a nice gesture to be invited. Several of Menlo Parks mayors have traveled to Galway proudly representing our city (at their own expense), including Kirsten Keith, Catherine Carlton and Peter Ohtaki. Is this something youd consider this year? Ive been there and found it to be a wonderful, friendly and inspiring place.

Sister Cities represent an opportunity to be friends. Learning what they are doing on topics that Menlo Park is currently working on, such as Climate Change, Transportation and a host of other common topics can lead to a broader spectrum of choices and options to consider. Sharing is caring. Time permitting, you may find it worthwhile to take a look at their website or better yet, to say hello.

Respectfully, Jim Lewis
former co-chair, Two Menlos