September 18th - 20th, 2026 - Great Falls, Montana
On September 18 through 20, 2026, LTS President Harold Pereverseff and his wife Cheryl travelled to our Sister City, Great Falls, Montana.
The narrative that "Canadians are not going to the USA" and that "Canadians should be wary of travelling to the USA as you will end up in ICE detention" is simply false. Our visit began, of course, with legally presenting at the USA Port of Entry at Sweetgrass, Montana. When we arrived there was a line-up of vehicles, including motor homes, cars and commercial transport trucks, awaiting entry at Customs. We waited our turn for about a half hour to 45 minutes. After we presented our valid Canadian passports, the US Customs agent asked us three questions: "Where are you going? For how long? Do you have any firearms, alcohol, tobacco or fruits and vegetables to declare?" After we responded, he gave us our passports back and said, "Y'all have a nice trip." With that we were on Interstate 15 heading south to Great Falls, travelling at the posted speed limit of 80 mph (130 km/h)!
Arriving in Great Falls, we decided to see if we could get an early check-in at our hotel, the Heritage Inn. We were told that they had been sold out and housekeeping had not yet finished with our requested room (a King bed suite), but that we could come back at 1:00 PM and it would be ready for us. Perfect. We went for lunch at "Buffalo Wild Wings", where they happened to have a BOGO "Smash Burger" special we couldn't refuse, and enjoyed the two-for-one delicious burgers.
We made contact with our friends and the Advisory Commission for International Relations (ACIR) and set up a supper with Jack and Jean Allen for 6:00 PM at Great Falls' newly opened "Texas Roadhouse".
City of Great Falls Mayor Cory Reeves is always welcoming. (Mayor Reeves was re-elected last November with practically 75% support.)
As we drove down 10th Ave we noticed a lot of construction and new business, including a sign stating "Chick-fil-A" opening soon. Supper was incredible. The meal was great and, wow, the food portions were huge — I think we had more to take home than we had eaten!
Saturday was filled with touring around, visiting with people and typical "hand shaking". Great Falls Airport is very busy and you see planes leaving or coming in throughout the day. Great Falls is served by four major airlines: United Airlines, Allegiant Air, Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
Great Falls also has a major health center. Great Falls Hospital's Heart and Vascular Center has been voted the Best Heart Center in Montana by Distinctly Montana magazine, in a record-setting year that drew 134,749 nominations and votes.
As we made our way around the city, we saw many vehicles with Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia license plates. Store parking lots were full with Canadian vehicles and in fact we ran into a family we know from Lethbridge at the "Hobby Lobby" store. The Holiday Village Mall flies the Canadian flag alongside the Star-Spangled Banner, and inside the shopping mall are signs welcoming Canadians. I was also impressed to see our Canadian flag raised at the Great Falls Civic Center, where the City Council Chambers and City Offices are located.
We enjoyed an authentic Mexican meal at "El Sabor De Jalisco" on Saturday evening. The food was definitely Mexican, heavy in cilantro and hot chile peppers. This was the only place we ate where the price was higher, but even so our meals totalled $25.00 for both of us.
On Sunday morning we attended Great Falls "New City Church", a Christian evangelical church, where the pastors opened in prayer for their president, government and the Great Falls community. Everyone was welcoming and pleasant.
Before heading home we stopped at "Applebee's" for lunch and then at "Sonic" for their iconic "triple thick milkshakes", which took us to Shelby before we finished them!
Arriving at the Coutts Border Crossing, we were again in a line-up and waited a half hour to get through. The Customs agent was friendly and we were processed in a minute.
Great Falls is just that: "Great"! We had an excellent trip and maintained key contact relations, so important for our "sister city relations" to move forward.
Line-up of vehicles going to the USA at the Sweetgrass border.
Great Falls Mayor Cory Reeves.
You choose your steak at the Roadhouse restaurant.
Cheryl getting ready to order.
The Canadian flag flies at the Great Falls Civic Center.
The Great Falls Civic Center.
The Holiday Village Mall welcomes Canadians.
Downtown mural.
Downtown mural.
LTS President Harold Pereverseff and Jack Allen (retired Great Falls Police Department detective).
Canada goose!
A very fitting picture in our hotel room.
A walk along the Missouri River in Great Falls.
New City Church, Great Falls.
Culver City, 2026
July 5th - 10th, 2026 - Lethbridge, AB
The Lethbridge Twinning Society had the pleasure of hosting five delegates from our Twin City, Culver City, California from July 5 to July 10, 2026.
The delegation was led by Craig SCHOENBAUM, President of the Culver City Sister Cities Committee (CCSCC). He was joined by Marla WOLKOWITZ, Co-Chair for Lethbridge Relations, and her husband, Edward WOLKOWITZ; Mara BOMMARITO, Co-Chair for Lethbridge Relations; and Iyob TESSEMA, CCSCC member.
Michael BENNETT, Lethbridge Twinning Society (LTS) Director for Culver City Relations, had prepared an extensive itinerary for the visit that included events and activities not only in Lethbridge but in and around Southern Alberta.
On July 5th, LTS President Harold PEREVERSEFF and his wife Cheryl, together with Michael BENNETT, travelled to Calgary where they met with the CCSCC delegation for a lovely supper at the Calgary Keg Restaurant.
On July 6th the CCSCC delegation arrived in Lethbridge via "Flix Bus". Homestay accommodations were provided by Carol and Garry PICKETT, Dr. Gary and Kathy STAUFFER, and Harold and Cheryl PEREVERSEFF.
LTS members were on hand at various times to join in with the delegation visit. The City of Lethbridge not only contributed financially to make the engagement successful, but a number of City Council members also participated in the welcome reception. Our appreciation goes out to Acting Mayor Jenn SCHMIDT-REMPEL and Councillors Ryan WOLFE, Al BEEBER, Mark CAMPBELL and Rufa DORIA.
The welcome reception was held in the Culver City Room at Lethbridge City Hall. It was appropriately initiated by the saying of grace by LTS member Barry EWING. "Mary Brown's" chicken and refreshments, including Tim Hortons "Timbits" and coffee, were served. Formal introductions followed, along with a welcome message presented by Acting Mayor Jenn SCHMIDT-REMPEL on behalf of the City of Lethbridge. Benita HIRSCH (an Aboriginal performer) presented a number of songs that were enjoyed. Professional Toastmaster Chuck LeBlanc gave an entertaining message. Mix and mingle opportunities made for an enjoyable and meaningful evening. Of course, there was the "ceremonial cake" adorned with a freshly minted celebration logo that was "officially cut" by Michael BENNETT, Marla WOLKOWITZ and Mara BOMMARITO.
Barry EWING commenced the dinner reception by petitioning our Lord Jesus Christ's blessing over the visit of our guests and over our meal.
Activities and events in Lethbridge, Fort Macleod, Waterton and Raymond were ideally organized by Michael BENNETT. Although some days were long due to the itinerary, we ensured that our guests were well taken care of, with plenty of time for breaks, lunches and relaxation.
The weather cooperated fully to make the five-day visit all the more enjoyable.
We were very pleased that Lethbridge Herald reporter Alexandra NOAD was able to attend the welcome reception and that she published two very nice articles in the Lethbridge Herald on July 7th and 8th.
LTS member Terri DeMerchant greets Edward and Marla Wolkowitz at their hotel upon their arrival in Calgary.
Welcome arrival of CCSCC guests at the Keg Restaurant in Calgary.
Iyob, Craig and Michael at the Keg Restaurant.
Saying of prayer and grace by LTS member Barry Ewing at the City Hall reception.
Greeting on behalf of the City of Lethbridge by Acting Mayor Jenn Schmidt-Rempel.
Greeting on behalf of the Lethbridge Twinning Society by LTS Director for Culver City Relations, Michael Bennett.
Chuck LeBlanc (Toastmaster) presents an interesting speech.
Benita Hirsch (Aboriginal artist) entertains the guests.
Benita Hirsch explains her Aboriginal heritage to the guests.
Members of the CCSCC delegation (L-R) Ed Wolkowitz, Marla Wolkowitz, Mara Bommarito, Iyob Tessema and Craig Schoenbaum.
LTS members join the CCSCC guests.
The ceremonial cake (logo designed by LTS member Joseph Palate).
The official cutting of the cake.
At CASA.
Mara and Marla "horsing around" at Fort Whoop-Up.
Overlooking the coulees.
Outside of the Galt Museum.
Downtown Lethbridge.
Craig and Harold socializing over a beer at the Blanco Cantina Restaurant.
A wonderful supper reception hosted by Gary and Kathy in their home.
Gary and Kathy Stauffer with their two homestay guests, Iyob and Craig.
At Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (World Heritage Site).
At Waterton (Cameron Falls).
Windy Waterton!
More socializing at the Twin Butte Restaurant.
At the University of Lethbridge (yes, a rattlesnake was seen).
At the Lethbridge Military Museum.
In front of our "Friendship Tree" (L-R) Craig Schoenbaum, Mara Bommarito, Kyle DeGroot and Iyob Tessema.
Craig presents one of his incredible photographs to LTS President Harold Pereverseff and a set of greeting cards to Cheryl Pereverseff.
Chef Kristy welcomed us to the Eden Restaurant 186 in Raymond, where she prepared a gourmet 5-course meal for us.
LTS member Tasma Wall shared a "true" story with the guests at the Eden Restaurant 186.
At the supper table at the Eden Restaurant 186.
Final supper at the Eden Restaurant 186, Raymond.
Iyob and Craig offer their final "good bye" as they depart Lethbridge. (Come on back real soon, folks!)
Lethbridge welcomes sister city delegation from California
July 7th, 2026 - Lethbridge, AB
Lethbridge is welcoming a delegation from its sister city, Culver City, California, this week as part of a four-day visit aimed at strengthening cultural ties and sharing ideas between the two communities. The itinerary will highlight local arts, Indigenous history and some of Southern Alberta’s most iconic attractions, while reinforcing a partnership that has connected the two cities for nearly four decades.
Relations with Towada City are ongoing. The logistics are somewhat difficult to maneuver due to the distance between our two cities, however recently Bryan Pereverseff from Lethbridge (Leader and sensei of the Lethbridge Japanese Taiko group) was in Towada City where he met with representatives of the Towada City Association for International Relations (T-AIR).
Pictured at a Japanese dinner table are:
Ms. Murayama (T-AIR Member); Ms. Hirano (T-AIR Secretary); Mr. Shirayama (T-AIR President); Mr. Pereverseff (Lethbridge Taiko Sensei); Dr. Teiichi Arao (T-AIR Director for Lethbridge Relations)
Michael Bennett visit to Culver City
March 2nd, 2026
On Monday, March 2, Michael Bennett Director for Culver City relations with the Lethbridge twinning Society was invited to a meeting of the Culver City Sister City Committee (CCSCC) in Culver City.
He attended and was greeted by a number of CCSCC members, and the event was planned and coordinated by CCSCC Ed and Marla Wolkowitz. Marla is co-chair of the CCSCC Lethbridge relations.
As always Culver City welcome us and really treats our delegates royally.
Michael's visit to Culver City was timely and very strategic in that Culver City is preparing for a delegation visit to Lethbridge in July of this year. Casual discussions took place regarding their visit that they are planning and Michael was able to coordinate with the CCSCC to determine logistics and some initial planning. This is not the first time that Michael has been instrumental in coordinating a Culver City sister city delegation visit to Lethbridge and we can be sure that he will do another excellent job with this upcoming delegation visit.
Happy International Women's Day from the Lethbridge Twinning Society!
March 8th, 2026
International Women's Day is an annual celebration recognizing the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world. Today we honor the women who strengthen our communities, build bridges between cultures, and inspire future generations.
Join us in celebrating the spirit of connection and empowerment that unites people across cities and countries.
Reflections on Secretary Marco Rubio's Address at the Munich Gathering
February 2026
Following Secretary Marco Rubio's recent address at the Munich gathering, Lethbridge Twinning Society President Harold Pereverseff shared the following reflections:
“I listened once, then again — and yes, even a third time. Secretary Marco Rubio's speech is, I believe, right out of the heart of Sister Cities International. I, like many in attendance at the Munich gathering, wanted to stand and applaud.
He so eloquently defined the world's current posture — economically, politically, and spiritually — and acknowledged the reality of our unique cultural differences. These differences, rather than dividing us, must bring us back to being united and supportive rather than polarized.
He made no excuses for American proactive and necessary actions in protecting its borders and its citizens. As a Canadian, I now better recognize the absolute importance of the stance taken by the Trump administration and only wish that our nation were a more prepared and active ally to the United States, rather than the complacent and dependent one we sometimes appear to be.”
An Evening of Diplomacy and Culture: Celebrating the Emperor of Japan's 66th Birthday
February 20th, 2026 - Calgary, AB
On February 20th we were invited to celebrate the 66th birthday of the Emperor of Japan's birthday. The ceremony was hosted by a Consulate-General of Japan, Calgary, Mr. Takehiko Wajima. There were likely 300 in attendance at the venue, The Calgary Petroleum Club.
Carol Pickett (Lethbridge Twinning Society Director for Towada City, Japan relations), and her husband Garry along with Lethbridge Twinning Society President, Harold Pereverseff and his wife Cheryl also attended. Lethbridge City Council members, Jenn Schmidt-Rempel and Rajko Dodic were in attendance.
The formal proceedings were led by Honourable Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Honourable Ric McIver, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and Consul-General Takehiko Wajima.
Exquisite Japanese cuisine was served along with Japanese Sake and other beverages.
Calgary's “Midnight Taiko” performed during the evening.
L-R Garry Pickett, Carol Pickett, Cheryl Pereverseff & Harold Pereverseff (Lethbridge Twinning Society)
Honourable Speaker of the House, Government of Alberta, Ric McIver.
Calgary “Midnight Taiko”
Consul-General Takehiko Wajima.
Honourable Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta.
Sister Cities International Named Supporting Partner of America250 During Milestone Anniversary Year
December 19th, 2025 - Washington, D.C.
Since 1956, inspired by President Dwight D. Eisenhower's vision of citizen diplomacy,
Sister Cities International (SCI)
has fostered goodwill and municipal partnerships between communities in the United States and cities around the world. Today, those partnerships span more than 140 countries, strengthening global understanding through local connections.
This partnership highlights the enduring importance of people-to-people diplomacy — the founding principle of Sister Cities International — and recognizes the role that local communities play in strengthening international relationships.
For seven decades, SCI has empowered citizen diplomats to build bridges across cultures, promote educational and cultural exchanges, and foster economic and humanitarian cooperation. The America250 collaboration further underscores the organization's mission to connect globally while helping communities thrive locally.
As the nation approaches its semiquincentennial celebration in 2026, Sister Cities International continues to demonstrate that lasting international friendship begins at the community level.
