Illinois State Sister Cities Convention

Cape Coast Ghana Sister City members posed in front of flags representing the various nations active in the Illinois Chapter.

Cape Coast, Ghana Sister City members dancing.

The Illinois State Chapter of Sister Cities International held its 2004 Annual Meeting and Convention in Hanover Park on April 23 - 25, 2004. Over 100 members, representing more than 30 alliances, joined together for this three day event.

Opening ceremonies featured the Parade of Flags representing the various nations active in the Illinois Chapter. Each flag was carried by local youngsters who are members of Northwest Suburban Boy Scout Council and Sybaquay Girl Scout Council.

Hanover Park's Sister City relationship with Cape Coast, Ghana in West Africa featured prominently in the activities, food, music and dance. Well known local artist and educator Samuel Akainyah gave the keynote speech, sharing many interesting details about his Fanti heritage. An Afternoon Tea and Silent Auction raised funds for the Children's Ward of Cape Coast Hospital. Activities surrounding the HIV/AIDS Awareness and Education grant included focus discussions on the pandemic, and a featured talk by grant director Rev Dr. K. Bentsi-Enchill, whose topic was "HIV/AIDS Orphans: The Next Crisis."

A municipal infrastructure tour highlighted Hanover Park’s waste water treatment plant and Mallard Lake Landfill. In addition, the Illinois Trade Office co-hosted a networking dinner for convention attendees, local business leaders and the Chicago-based Consular Corps.

The weekend's concluding event was the Globe Trotter 5K Run/Walk to raise funds for "Wheelchairs for Peace," which was held with the help of the Hanover Park Park District and generously sponsored by First Eagle National Bank.

I would like to thank all of the individuals who made the Convention a success. It provided a wonderful opportunity to learn and share information.

Sincerely,
Irv Bock, Village President

Past Photo Album

Below are some picture taken during our visit to Cape Coast, Ghana last year:

Hanover Park Deputy Village President Robert Packham and Cape Coast Municipal Chief Executive Arafat Nuhu exchange official gifts during a presentation at the Municipal Assembly.	Hanover Park Deputy Village President Robert Packham and Cape Coast Municipal Chief Executive Arafat Nuhu accept a certificate of appreciation during a special ceremony.
Cape Coast Sister Cities president, Dr. K. Bentsi-Enchill, addressing the US-Africa Sister Cities Conference. His topic was HIV/AIDS awareness and education.	The infamous "Door of No Return" at Cape Coast Castle.
Cannon, which once made Cape Coast Castle a fearsome fortress, point out into the Gulf of Guinea.	View of Cape Coast, taken from the Municipal building.
View of Cape Coast, showing the palm trees, beach, and Gulf of Guinea.	Scene of vendors carrying their wares along the road between the capital city of Accra and Cape Coast.
Outside view of the Hanover Park Primary School in Cape Coast.	View of classroom at the Hanover Park Primary School in Cape Coast.
In appreciation for her efforts in creating a long-term Pen Pal program, the school building was named "Bilski House" to honor Mary Ann Bilski, who taught for many years at Hanover Highlands School.
Hanover Park Village and Sister Cities officials present the Village flag to Mrs. Francisca Otoo (sister of Hanover Park Primary School founder, Mrs. Irene Johnson), as well as the Headmaster and the PTA president, in an open-air ceremony at the school.

Illinois State Sister Cities Convention

Past Photo Album

Hanover Park Deputy Village President Robert Packham and Cape Coast Municipal Chief Executive Arafat Nuhu exchange official gifts during a presentation at the Municipal Assembly.

Hanover Park Deputy Village President Robert Packham and Cape Coast Municipal Chief Executive Arafat Nuhu accept a certificate of appreciation during a special ceremony.

Cape Coast Sister Cities president, Dr. K. Bentsi-Enchill, addressing the US-Africa Sister Cities Conference. His topic was HIV/AIDS awareness and education.

The infamous "Door of No Return" at Cape Coast Castle.

Cannon, which once made Cape Coast Castle a fearsome fortress, point out into the Gulf of Guinea.

View of Cape Coast, taken from the Municipal building.

View of Cape Coast, showing the palm trees, beach, and Gulf of Guinea.

Scene of vendors carrying their wares along the road between the capital city of Accra and Cape Coast.

Outside view of the Hanover Park Primary School in Cape Coast.

View of classroom at the Hanover Park Primary School in Cape Coast.

In appreciation for her efforts in creating a long-term Pen Pal program, the school building was named "Bilski House" to honor Mary Ann Bilski, who taught for many years at Hanover Highlands School.

Hanover Park Village and Sister Cities officials present the Village flag to Mrs. Francisca Otoo (sister of Hanover Park Primary School founder, Mrs. Irene Johnson), as well as the Headmaster and the PTA president, in an open-air ceremony at the school.