WONJU NEWS

From August 2011 Newsletter:

"Wonju Mayor Won's Whirlwind Visit”
Sandy Lyle, Wonju Chair.

Our Wonju Committee & friends were delighted to host the Honorable Won, Chang-Mug during a May 19-22nd visit to Roanoke. The Mayor and his delegation included: Mr. Bo-Gyeong, Chairperson of Wonju City Council--- Mr. Hui-Un Gwak, Wonju City Councilor and Vice-Chairperson of Construction &Urban Planning Committee --- Mr. Man-Jeong Huh, Head of Administrative Public Relations Office --- and Mr. Ji-Won Gang, Personal Secretary of Mayor Won, and our dear friend, Ms. Eun-Suk Jeong, Interpreter/Coordinator, who was ever-helpful to everyone during the visit. Noteworthy, the delegation stopped for this whirlwind visit in Roanoke en route to Brazil where there are many successful expatriate Koreans and a dynamic economy.

After a quick stop at Hotel Roanoke, the first event was the “Salem Red Sox” baseball night game. Mayor Won threw out the first pitch with gusto, and Council Chair. Bo-Gyeong threw out the next to ceremonially start the game. At Friday’s breakfast-welcome, Drs. Cynda and Bruce Johnson hosted Wonju and local guests from Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Research Institute and members of Wonju Committee. At the School of Medicine ---finishing its first academic year! --- Dr. David Trinkle led a tour, stopping for gift exchanges and photos. In the Research Institute, Senior Dean Dr. Michael Friedlander showed incredible work being done there.

Wonju administrative officials were keenly interested in learning more about day-to-day operations of our city government. To accommodate, a stop was made at the Municipal Building with Assistant City Managers, Brian Townsend and Sherman Stovall. Mayor David Bowers officially welcomed Mayor Won in his office. In a brief walking-tour-downtown, Roanoke Architect Danny Goins pointed out special architectural sites for Mayor Won, an architect himself. Danny and Mayor Won had met and developed mutual respect during Won’s 2002 visit, when he was a councilman. Incidental point: Danny is Jack Tompkins’ brother-in-law. The walking tour dallied with lunch at Metro, hosted by City of Roanoke, followed by more walking and browsing.

To satisfy taste buds and slake thirst, a sumptuous Korean buffet dinner at Roanoke’s only “Wonju Korean Restaurant” (Lamplighter Mall – Tel. 206-3453) was enjoyed by all 34 guests flavored with lots of laughter. It was a real celebration with many old and new friends. An unforgettable evening! A drive up Mill Mountain to the Star was a perfect way to end the evening.

Saturday, and it was time for Local Colors. First, though, breakfast on the market at Thelma’s Chicken and Waffles! On to Century Square to see the Sister Cities Columns and a chance for Mayor Won to meet some of the Roanoke students and parents who were host families in January for the Wonju students. It was obvious from the enthusiastic comments about the Student Exchange Program that it is an invaluable part of the Sister Cities.

The Local Colors Parade of Nations was led by Mayor Bowers and Mayor Won followed by Roanokers in colorful clothing, flags and smiling people waving. Mayor Won was the guest speaker at this celebration. He emphasized the friendship that has existed between Roanoke and Wonju since 1964. Mayor Bowers presented the Key to the City of Roanoke to Mayor Won. Wonju City Council Chairperson, the Honorable Bo-Gyeong, also spoke at the festival.

Lunch in the park was a time for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful weather with friends before heading to the airport. This was a whirlwind visit, but we were still able to get to know our new friends a little better and they were able to know something about Roanoke.

Much of the credit for the successful visit goes to Exe. Dir. Jack Tompkins, who worked long hours, kept the visit running smoothly. Assisting Jack : Will Andrews, RVSCI, Liaison Treasurer, Moon Kim and Sandy Lyle, Wonju Committee Chair. Thanks also to our hosts/ sponsors, Ameriprise Advisors, Debbie & Danny Goins, Architect, Dr. & Mrs. Roth, Dr. & Mrs. Kye Kim, Drs. Cynda & Bruce Johnson, City of Roanoke and Faye Gilchrist. Thanks also to Dr. Jong Ra for special arrangements and to Dr. Jennifer Mulligan for well crafted special ceramic gifts.

Sandy

May 19th - “A Banner day” --- Dr. Kim, Jack & Sandy welcomed Mayor Chang-Mug Won and his delegation.	Mayor Won and Eun-Suk Jeong embraced the Roanoke host family students in Century Square by the Wonju column
Honorary citizen certificates were presented by Mayor Bowers.	Dr. Cynda Johnson of VTCSOM exchanged memorable gifts with Mayor Won
City of Roanoke Vice-Mayor & Asst. Dean of Medical Education at VTCSOM, Dr. David Trinkle shared a warm handshake with Mayor Won.	Jack Tompkins, RVSC Exec. Dir., Dr. Roth and Dr. Jong Ra, Prof. of Political Science, Hollins Univ., shared in a welcoming party.