SONOMA-ASWAN SISTER CITY COMMITTEE

"Letter from Casablanca - Update on the AUPAP Egypt Grant"

Feb 11, 2011

It has been a remarkable day for Egypt. The Egyptians are now free. Being In Morocco with Soad Karmy and Magdy Rabie has given this revolution added meaning, not only because we were together in Egypt during the Mubarak regime and share that history, but because we are now together in Casablanca during this momentous time in their history when voices for democracy won over the status quo of a repressive regime. Our Egyptian friends could hardly contain themselves they were so joyful. They have been respectful of Mubarak but I would say embarrassed by living in a dictatorship while presenting their country as a democracy to the world. It was a sham. They are so excited about their future and proud of their people. With all the unknowns, they are confident about a future which promises a better life for everyone. Everyone that I met in Morocco is happy for the Egyptians, too.

While it was hard to focus on our project proposal, we got our draft sanitation project proposal tentatively approved and our medical project concept approved. We have to write a formal medical project proposal but George and I will be able to get that in draft form in one day. It has been exciting to see all of the Sister City Committees here complete their project proposals and learn what they are doing. Project by project, I can see how we will alleviate poverty in Africa. We are working at the level that makes a difference. They energy here has been contagious and we have worked hard. All in all, this has been a week well spent during a momentous week in the history of Egypt and the Muslim world.

With all good thoughts from Casablanca and Soad, Magdy and me.
Farrel Beddome

Left to right: Farrel Beddome of Sonoma; Magdy Rabie and Soad Karmy of Aswan
Message from Sherri Ferris I would like to note how much Sonoma Sister Cities Assn. appreciates the sacrifices made by Farrel Beddome and all of the grant committee members but especially Magdy Rabie and Soad Karmy of Aswan. They left Egypt and their families knowing that their country was in crisis, choosing instead to continue our important dialogue in Casablanca regarding the AUPAP projects. Thanks so much to everyone and safe travels, Farrel. You've done a yeoman's job!!

Launch Event

The Committee launched its initial and very successful fundraising event on August 4, 2008,
"Midnight at the Oasis" featuring live camels from Lyon Therapy Animals and Maria Muldaur and her band, performing her Grammy nominated signature song by the same name.

The event also honored H.E. Ambassador Abderahman Salaheldin & Dr. Thoraya Elkhadrawy. Ambassador Salaheldin founded the relationship between Sonoma and Aswan,the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Maria Muldaur	Lyon Ranch Therapy Animals	George Webber as Sonoma historical figure, General Vallejo (1807-1890)	"Hearts of the World" by Potenza

Second Annual Fund Raising Event

"King Tut Returns - A Taste of Egypt", June 15, 2009.

This was the second annual fund-raising event benefiting the ongoing exchange programs in the areas of arts and culture, education, the environment and medicine, between Sonoma, California, USA and Aswan, the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Super volunteers: Andy Turnauer, Joyce Millet, Susan Veresh, Saliou Diaw and Evren Sarac Essner	Three Sisters bellydancers	Mayor Ken Brown is greeted by Kazi and Humphrey of Lyon Therapy Ranch
Guest of honor, Consul Khaled Elshazly of the Egyptian Consulate General in San Francisco and his family and Mayor Ken Brown	KRON TV Anchor-Reporter, Catherine Heenan, MC with Mohamed Elsherbini and other guests	Guests enjoy entering the costume contest

Sonoma July 4th Parade

The Sonoma Aswan Sister City Committee and the Sonoma Sister Cities Association tied for first prize based on best theme float at the Sonoma July 4th Parade.

Our float was called, "Our Shared Heritage - Our Shared World", featuring the "Three Sisters" belly dance troupe. Special thanks to Cline Cellars for providing the parade truck and driver and all those who helped to make it a great success.

The Three Sisters belly dancers were a popular addition to the July 4th parade.	Annie and William H Paynter are wonderful supporters of the committee. They look quite authentic in their Egyptian attire!	Kaniv, Ukraine members Unmi and Toay Yank, dress in national costume next to SSCA board members, Farrel Beddome of the Aswan committee and Patrick Garcia of the Patzcuaro, Mexico committee.	Sonoma-Aswan committee members worked very hard to decorate our float: Annie Paynter, Donna Turnauer, Farrel Beddome and Joyce Millet