Newton’s sister city group plans another trip to Ukraine

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.