The Concord-Nanae Network (CNN) thanks the community for supporting the recent delegation from our sister city, Nanae, Hokkaido, Japan. This was the second exchange since Covid, and, thanks to the efforts of many volunteers, it was a great success.
Special thanks go to Laurie Hunter, superintendent of schools; Brian Miller and Katie Stahl, co-principals of Concord-Carlisle High School (CCHS); Nouna Pinto (CNN-CCHS liaison); Chris Noce, Ned Roos, Sarah Chapman, Sarah Grina, Will Kemeza, Joshua Reed, and Dan McGrath, CCHS faculty; Justin Cameron and Dan Hausermann of the Concord Middle Schools (CMS); Justin Sparks, principal of the Thoreau School, and teachers Amelia Burns and colleagues; the Select Board, including Terri Ackerman and Mark Howell, who, along with Town Manager Kerry LaFleur and Town Clerk Kaari Tari, explained town government and the early voting process to our guests; Jan Turnquist of Orchard House, Joe Zellner of The Robbins House, and Victor Curran of North Bridge Visitor Center, for historical tours; and Steve Verrill, Jen Faddoul, and chef Kevin Carey of Verrill Farms for the delicious farewell dinner.
Without homestays, no exchange is possible. Deepest gratitude to the student host families: the McIlwains; the Danilchenko-Klimashovs; the Benners; the Chu-Lins; the Cornforths; the Clinards; the Cabreras; the Diaz-Ferreiras; and to the Carters and Reeds, who hosted the adults.
Concord and Nanae have a long tradition of international exchanges, sustained by dedicated school administrators and teachers, as well as committed residents and local interpreters. With Concord residents planning a return trip to Nanae in June 2025, we are confident this friendly relationship is on solid ground.
I am writing on behalf of myself and Susan Curtin, John and Holly Cratsley, Jack Nevison, Mike Lawson, Junko Kargula, Lee Flight, Bev Gauthier, Jim Terry, Miho Horikoshi, Liz Cobbs, and Court Booth for the Concord-Nanae Network.
Nancy McJennett
Thoreau Street
