FREDERICKSBURG SISTER CITY ASSOCIATION, INC.
A 501c3 non-profit Organization

The Fredericksburg Sister City Association, Inc. is a part of Sister Cities International, an organization begun in 1956 during the Eisenhower administration. The primary purpose of the organization is to link American cities to cities of similar interest throughout the world and thus promote global peace and understanding through person-to-person contact. Today, over 1200 American Cities participate in this program. The profound friendship between Frejus and Fredericksburg is the Sister Cities movement at its best.

In 1980, Fredericksburg became a "sister city" with Frejus, France a small city located on the French Riviera between Cannes and St.Tropez. Founded by Julius Caesar in 44 B.C. Frejus (Forum Julii) became a major Roman naval base. Vessels built there were used to defeat the Egyptian fleet of Antony and Cleopatra, and Roman ruins and remnants of the city's Roman past abound. In addition to its ancient ruins, Frejus now is a European tourist attraction, famous for its beaches, its restaurants, its Provencal cuisine, and its museums.

Activities sponsored by FSCA cover a wide variety of subjects as outlined below. In recent years, trade and tourism have become an increasingly important segment of the Sister City program.

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES, PURPOSES AND ACTIVITIES

The objectives and purposes for which this corporation was established shall be exclusively educational and charitable in furtherance of the following objectives:

1. To cause the people of the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia and the people of similar cities of foreign nations, particularly the City of Frejus, France to acquire a consciousness of each other, to understand one another as individuals, as members of their community, as citizens of their country, and as part of the family of nations.
2. To foster a continuing relationship of mutual concern between the people of the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia and the people of similar cities of foreign nations, particularly the City of Frejus, France.

• Scholarships to exceptional French Language Students with financial needs: To date $9000.00 has been given to students from this region to travel to France in order to improve their language skills, interact with French people and to expand their knowledge of the country. The Alec Vitarius Memorial Scholarship, named for an exemplary French student, is given every two years. Scholarships are also given for work/study programs.
• Student Exchange groups: On even numbered years a group of French students visit here for two-three weeks. They live with area families, participate in local events and take trips to other areas to learn more about America and to improve their English. Since 1980 fundraisers have provided over $40,000.00 to cover 10 such visits. On odd number years a similar group travels to Frejus with the same agenda. Group size is usually 20-25.
• Work/ Study Programs: Work/study programs for French students to improve their English skills in an American work environment. The students do not receive a salary. Time spent is usually six weeks. We provide a home with a local family, educational trips and visits in the region. American students engage in the same program with the same agenda.
• Cultural Exchanges:Visual artists and performing artists have been invited to Frejus and we have reciprocated by receiving their artists here. The Mayor of Frejus proclaimed our 1993 Exhibition the most visited in the history of their cultural center. The exhibit, "Aujourd’hui encore, l’Esprit des Indiens d’Amerique" featured 100 works of two nationally know artist living here Sculptor Retha Waldon Gambaro (A Native American) and Photographer Stephen Gambaro - was a tribute to the Native Americans. The artist and curator are members of FSCA. Funding came from the artists, curator and grants (totaling $15,000) obtained by the curator. Frejus Sister City provided housing and an automobile for the entire month of the exhibition. Lectures were given to schoolchildren throughout the month.
• Scholarships for Cultural Exchanges: In as much as all artists who have exhibited or performed in Frejus paid their own transportation and shipping of works the Board of Directors have recently established a Scholarship fund for cultural exchanges. Guidelines are being developed for this activity.
• Assisting Frejus Sister City with Fundraiser: Ten local artists donated one of their works to Frejus to be used in a "lottery" as a fundraiser. Proceeds were used as a Scholarship for a Frejus student – an idea they got from their American Sisters.
• Celebrating Our French Connections: October 1998 the city issued a proclamation designating October "Celebrating our French Connections Month". The Mayor of Frejus and the President of the Frejus Sister City and a delegation of 16 people attended this celebration. FSCA co-sponsored with The Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts an exhibition of paintings by Frejus artist Thierry Winum. It was the most successful exhibition in the 35-year history of the art center. Art teachers brought students to the exhibition to learn about the artist, his work and his country. Other events included French films, lectures, and bus trips to Virginia Museum to learn more about their French collections. Our Annual "Evening in Provence" Gala/Fund raiser was a featured event. Area restaurants featured French foods and wines. Other businesses, colleges, museums, and civic groups also participated in this month long event.
• Annual Gala/Fund Raiser: An evening enjoying French foods, French and Virginia Wines, etc. while providing funds for scholarships, educational events, and cultural/educational excursions for visiting French guests. This is the major fundraiser each year.
• Economic Development: Economic development between the two cities is underway. City officials are actively involved in forging businesses ties between the two cities. Two businesses are now established. Feasibility studies for others are in progress.
• Assist with "Bluemont Series": Summer entertainment for area citizens where our group sells refreshments with proceeds going to our scholarship & general operations funds. We have also assisted other groups in exchange for assistance with visits of the French students.
• Ongoing Fundraiser: Products are sold for scholarships & operating funds such as T-shirts, Note cards, Logo watches, French textbooks.
• Conversational French Classes For Adults: Fees are charged. Teachers donate their time. Proceeds go to the scholarship fund.
• Seminars for French Teachers: Meetings are held to inform new teachers of our organization and to update all teachers on our activities and plans. Teachers are supportive of our organization. They are essential in recruiting hosting families and students for exchanges and many become active members. They are given complimentary membership.
• Presentations To Schools and Civic Organizations: These presentations increase awareness of our organization and often result in new members and /or financial support.
• Conversation Group for Adults: Interested people meet periodically to converse in French and improve their skills.
• "Bon Vivant" Group: This group meets periodically at French Restaurants for fellowship, to enjoy the cuisine and to practice speaking French.
• Membership Meetings: Meetings are held at least twice a year. Guest speakers, films, favorite French desserts and wine tasting are featured.
• Historic Celebration: August 15, 1994 was the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of Southern France in World War II/ The Mayor of Frejus (also the French Minister of Defense at that time) invited our Mayor, Sister City President and any area veterans of that liberation to the celebration. Nine veterans were located and two agreed to attend. The "red carpet" was out for the 10-day s the delegation was in France. One of our scholarship recipients, on a two-month work/study program in Frejus, had perfected his French sufficiently to join the group as translator for the veterans.
• Fredericksburg Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes: A house was decorated in the Provence fashion. Guides dressed in Provence costumes spoke of the various Christmas traditions of the Frejus region. A creche of Santon Dolls and other traditions were displayed. Traditional holiday foods were featured and a high school trio sang French Christmas songs. We worked closely with the Frejus group to assure authenticity. Approximately 2500 people toured the house.
• International Student Art Competition: A competition sponsored by Sister Cities International required both cities participate. The First Place winners of the local competitions were forwarded to the International Level. A Frejus student was one of the 10 winners. He received $300.00 and his painting was featured on the cover of the SCI Annual Report. Student works were displayed in Frejus and Fredericksburg where additional prizes were awarded. Some of our students were motivated by this event and have gone on to win awards in other competitions.
• Sailing Around the World to Frejus: Two members, Ward and Judy Lehardy recently completed a five year trip around the world in their own single mast boat. Their itinerary included a stop in Frejus where they presented their Mayor a proclamation from our Mayor and enjoyed a few days as guest of the Frejus Sister City group. The local paper carried their report of the visit to Frejus and an entire chapter in their book, "Once Around", was devoted to this visit.
• Black Image Awards: Sister City member, Johnny P. Johnson was nominated and chosen winner of the Black Image Award for Artist of the Year for his work and support of artistic endeavors in Frejus as well as Fredericksburg.
• Grand Marshall of Fredericksburg Christmas Parade: The local Jaycees invited the President of the Frejus Sister City, Mr. Gerard Ferraioli to be Grand Marshall of the city Christmas parade in 1995. He was honored with dinners, receptions and gifts.
• 20th Anniversary and Festival Francais: In July 2000 FSCA celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the twining with Frejus. Over 180 guests from France and across America join in the festivities. A French Festival was held in downtown Fredericksburg. It featured a French Marche au Puces ( flea market), food and craft vendors,games for children, with entertainment all day. The highlight of the event was the cooking of a 5000 egg omelette cooked by Chevaliers (chefs) from the Conferee of The Giante Omelette from Frejus and Bessiers,France and Abbeville, LA. Several local officials were made "Honorary Chevaliers". Over 5000 people attended the event. The City proclaimed it one of the most attended event in the history. The City received recognition for this event as part of their Homecoming 2000 Project. FSCA was selected from 1200 cities by Sister Cities International for a National Award for the Festival & Anniversary Celebration.

All of these activities have been initiated and implemented by volunteers. Our membership is currently 146 families. Also, fifty (50) receive complimentary membership such as government officials and area high school French teachers (non-dues paying). In addition to their time, the volunteers have generously contributed untold products and services and financial assistance for the success of the group.

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