News

At our September board meeting, Mark Ippolito was nominated and unanimously elected as SPSCA’s new President, beginning his term immediately. Mark shared his focus with all members:

“In our ever-complicated and sometimes isolated world, the vision and mission of Seattle’s Sister City Program is more relevant than ever. Quoting from our charter document: ‘Our Vision: For Seattle to be a city where every resident understands their power and responsibility as a global citizen and has the tools to become globally engaged. Our Mission: Develop active and lasting cultural connections for the mutual benefit of the people of Seattle and its sister cities through educational, humanitarian, economic, and other endeavors.’

Since joining SPSCA in 2022 and serving as Membership Chair since 2023, I have seen firsthand how our work breathes life into our sister city vision and mission. Two powerful examples include welcoming delegates from Perugia to our 30th Anniversary Gala Celebration and witnessing the personal transformation of members who have been recipients of our annual scholarship program. I have also had the extreme pleasure of meeting and working with our members and board, all of whom bring a diversity of experience to our association and as a group are joyful and share a passion for deep, meaningful connection as global citizens.

With these examples in mind, I plan to build on our legacy of connection that delivers mutual benefit to our members in Seattle and Perugia. I’ve asked our board to help lead some key initiatives including expanding our scholarship program, creating more opportunities to foster and grow vibrant relationships between our Seattle and Perugia members, and engaging more deeply with the sponsors and partners who make our mission possible. Additionally, I will ask our board to be in direct contact with each one of our active members so we can better understand what our members want from SPSCA and find more opportunities for members to collaborate on our shared mission.

I am deeply indebted to German Rodriguez for his stewardship as President and, in his new role as President Emeritus, I will continue to rely on his deep knowledge and experience to help me and all of our board effectively deliver on our mission.

Thank you for your continued membership and support. None of our work is possible without our members by our side. I look forward to getting to know you at our next Seattle-Perugia Sister City event. Please say hello! If you have any questions or suggestions, please email me: [email protected].

Mille grazie, Mark”

We had a wonderful annual meeting at the beautiful Piazza Perugia, welcoming new SPSCA board members Kathy Hastings, Heather Battaglia, and Donna James. During the event we announced the calendar of upcoming activities and events. Attendees also enjoyed the stunning L'Antica Deruta ceramic adorning the Piazza symbolizing our strong sister city bond. Thank you to everyone who attended and made the day special – we look forward to a great year ahead!

Seattle, joined us in spirit as our sister city hosted "Gemelle Sotto le Stelle" (Twins Under the Stars) in our honor on Saturday, August 31 at Parco Aretino! If you were visiting Perugia, it was a beautiful experience living the magic of cinema under the night sky with a presentation of the sisterhood with Seattle, followed by a screening of the film “Chronicle” directed by Josh Trank.
Thanks to the Comune di Perugia, Cinema Teatro Zenith, and Quartiere Pallotta. Though miles apart, we celebrated together!

Our Serata Musicale di Canzoni Italiane was an enchanting afternoon filled with beautiful Italian songs on Saturday, June 8th, from 2pm to 3:30pm at Caffe Appassionato, near Fishermen's Terminal in Magnolia. Led by pianist Karin McCullough, we sang along to beloved classics like Funiculì Funiculà, O Sole Mio, and Volare. Some participants even brought their own piano scores to share in the joy of singing together. It was a delightful musical experience, and we are grateful to everyone who joined us for this memorable event!

Our second annual Spring Wine Tasting was the perfect occasion for our attendees to enjoy nine wines from Umbria and other Italian regions, available to purchase at discounted prices. Hosted by Karen Binder, past SPSCA board member, and former restauranteur, it was a fabulous event of fine Italian wines, delicious Italian antipasti, conversing and connecting in a beautiful location, seeing old friends, and meeting new SPSCA members.