Newton’s sister city group plans another trip to Ukraine

John Jennings/Daily News Members of Newton’s sister-city group O.P.E.N are planning another trip later this month to with Smila, Ukraine. This time, O.P.E.N. member John McNeer will be taking his grandchildren. Pictured with Ukrainian mementos are, from left, John, Andrea and Johnny McNeer and Marvin Campbell.

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When members of O.P.E.N., Newton’s delegation to its sister city, Smila, Ukraine, leave for an official visit next week, they will be taking a couple members of the next generation with them. It’s a matter of passing the interest on. “We’re trying to get the new generation to follow the old men to The Ukraine,” said O.P.E.N. member Marvin Campbell. “We’re sowing the seeds and see what happens.” Campbell was last in The Ukraine in 2004 to observe the country’s presidential election, and this will be his 23rd trip. John McNeer, who has been to Newton’s sister city five times, will be taking his grandchildren this time, Andrea McNeer, who just graduated from Newton Senior High School this spring, and Johnny, who will be a sophomore this fall. “We hope to understand the culture and meet the people and get some history,” Andrea McNeer said. “And we’ll be renewing some friendships.” Andrea plans to spend a day or two with one of the exchange students from The Ukraine who attended Newton High School. In fact, reuniting with former exchange students is one of the major projects on this trip, Campbell said. The delegation has sent word to Ukrainian officials that they would like to meet with the 34 Ukrainians who have attended school in Newton or Jasper County since the sister city relationship began in 1993. Also on the agenda during this trip will be a visit to Smila’s boys’ home. Campbell said the O.P.E.N. delegation has provided the home with a tractor and other farm equipment, in order to get the boys involved in contract farm work, and previous trips included gifts of clothing for the boys as well. The delegation will arrive in Kiev on Saturday, August 2 for a 12-day visit. Campbell noted that Newton’s connection with Smila is one of the few sister city relationships that has endured the test of time. McNeer added that this trip would be about the youngsters. “This trip is as much for Andrea and Johnny, because we’ve been there,” McNeer said. “We’re building for the future.” The men promised a report on the trip when they return. John Jennings can be contacted at 792-3121 ext. 425 or via e-mail at jennings@newtondailynews.com.