Jaslo, Poland
In the fall of 2023, we hosted our first SSCA Member event at Vino Di Sedona. Early in the evening we were greeted by Edyta Wieczorek, a new SSCA member. Edyta was full of enthusiasm about sister cities and was excited about the possibility of having Sedona become a Sister City with her homeland community of Jaslo, Poland. Six weeks later, Edyta brought three council members to Sedona to see the town and to meet with SSCA board members. This exploration has continued and this summer an SSCA delegation will travel to Jaslo to meet with city leaders, explore the wine country and discover potential common ground for becoming Friendship Cities. Since Edyta’s initial request to explore this possibility, we have discovered several Sedona residents with family roots in Poland. A Jaslo Cultural Exchange Team has been formed that will guide the exploration process and participate in the initial exchange this August.
Picture: Jaslo Town Square
In the Beginning
Edyta Wieczorek and Carol Myers with Sister City members Katarzyna Betlej and Sylvia Gladkowska-President of the Polish American Congress of Arizona.
Maryla Kluz, Krzysztof Czelusniak, Edyta Wieczorek, and Robert Hap.
Carol Myers, Chuck Marr and Edyta Wieczorek at SSCA Member Event October 25, 2023.
Fara Roman Catholic Parish Church from the 15th Century in Jaslo.
17th Century Sroczynskich Palace in Jaslo
Jaslo News
Edyta Wieczorek
The Sedona Sister Cities Association proudly announces that Edyta Wieczorek has been appointed as the Sister Cities International representative to Poland.
A native of Jasło, Poland, and an active member of the Arizona Polish American Congress, Edyta has long championed cultural exchange and international friendship. Her leadership was instrumental in initiating the outreach between Sedona, Arizona, and Jasło, Poland, paving the way for a formal Sister City relationship.
Edyta serves on the Board of the Sedona Sister Cities Association and is Chair of the Jasło, Poland Committee. Dividing her time between Arizona and Jasło, she was inspired by the mission of Sister Cities International — to build people-to-people relationships that foster peace and understanding among nations. Her appointment recognizes her dedication to these ideals and her commitment to strengthening ties between Poland and the United States.
“We are honored to have Edyta representing both Sedona and Sister Cities International in Poland,” said Chuck Marr, President of the Sedona Sister Cities Association. “Her deep roots in Jasło, her tireless commitment to international friendship, and her leadership within our organization make her the perfect person for this role.”
Jaslo Delegation Journey 2024
Introduction/observations/conclusion
Introduction:
The Sedona/Jaslo Sister City delegation, led by Chuck Marr, President of the
Sedona Sister Cities Association, and Edyta Wieczorek, Chair of the Sedona Sister Cities Jaslo Committee, embarked on an unforgettable journey to Jaslo, Poland. The delegation also included Sister City members Dick Weisbaum, Miki Dzugan, Donna Foreman, and Danusia Szumowski. This narrative chronicles our experiences, the rich history we encountered, and the bonds we strengthened during our visit.
Observations:
Resilience and Love in Jaslo. Throughout our visit, we were struck by the Jaslo
community’s unwavering passion for family, history, and their city. Despite the near-total
destruction at the end of World War II, the residents chose to rebuild on their historic land rather than relocate. This determination was captured beautifully by the director of the cultural center, who said, “Jaslo was destroyed by hate; it rebuilds with love.” This sentiment reflects the resilience and enduring spirit of the Jaslo community, a spirit that continues to inspire us in Sedona.
Conclusion:
Our journey to Jaslo was more than a cultural exchange; it was an opportunity to
build deep bonds between our communities. Each place we visited, each person we met, added to the rich tapestry of friendship that can connect Sedona and Jaslo. As we return home, we carry with us the memories of a resilient, welcoming community and a renewed commitment to our potential sister city relationship.
Our Experience
Day 1 - Exploring Old Town Krakow
Our journey began in Krakow, a city steeped in history and culture. The picturesque Old Town, with its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere, offered a perfect introduction to Poland’s rich heritage. We visited iconic landmarks like Wawel Castle and St. Mary’s Basilica, immersing ourselves in the stories and traditions that have shaped this remarkable city.
Picture: Group standing in front of the National Theater in Krakow.
Left to right: Dzugan, Foreman, Wieczorek, Weisbausm (David Fowler),Szumowski, Marr
Day 2 - Offical Reception at Jaslo City Hall
Upon arriving in Jaslo, we were welcomed at City Hall by Mayor Adam Kostrzab, Deputy Mayor Przemyslaw Baciak, and City Council members along with various directors representing Jaslo departments and facilities. The reception was a testament to the growing, close ties between Sedona and Jaslo, and discussions focused on our shared goals for future collaborations. The day continued with visits to key sites, including the Generator Nauki (GEN), a center of innovation that embodies Poland’s forward-thinking spirit. It
is a modern science center with goal of inspiring young people to develop personally, engage in seeking answers to the most pressing scientific questions, deepen their scientific knowledge and acquire new skills.
Day 3 - Palace Sroczynskich and jdk cultural center
Day three began with a visit to Palace
Sroczynskich, one of the few structures that survived the near-total destruction of Jaslo during World War II. We learned about the city’s tragic history, where 95% of it was destroyed by the Germans as the Russians advanced. Residents were forced to evacuate with only what they could carry, and the city was stripped of anything valuable before its destruction. Our next stop was the JDK Cultural Center, a modern facility made possible by EU funding. Boasting a 400-seat
theater, the center is a hub of cultural activity, showcasing the resilience and creativity of the
Jaslo community. The evening culminated in the International Wine Festival, now in its 18th
year, which attracts winemakers from across Eastern Europe and celebrates the region's rich
wine-making tradition.
Picture: Group visiting Palace Sroczynskick
Left back to front: Weisbaum, Foreman, Szumowski, Dzugan, Matthew and Edyta Wieczorek, and David Fowler
day 4 - museum regionalne
A special visit at the Museum Regionalne. We explored a fascinating collection of items dating from the 13th century to today, providing a deep dive into Jaslo’s storied past. A special highlight of the day was an invitation to the home of Marie and Ted Piat, a couple with a beautiful vineyard in Jaslo who also spend half the year living in Arizona.
Their hospitality and shared connection to both Jaslo and Arizona were a poignant reminder of
the personal ties that underpin the goals of Sister Cities.
day 5 - karpacka troja, kosciol and mosir
day 5 - karpacka troja, kosciol and mosir
Our final day of exploration took
us to Karpacka Troja, a step back in time Karpacka Troja is a historic museum that took us even further back in time. This archaeological site, with its reconstructed ancient settlement, provided a fascinating glimpse into the early history of the region. The museum’s interactive exhibits and
knowledgeable guides made the experience both educational and engaging. Kosciol w Trzcinicy– our visit to the wooden church of Kosciol w Trzcinicy was a serene and spiritual experience.
This beautifully preserved 1,000 year old church, with its intricate woodwork and peaceful surroundings, offered a moment of reflection. It was a reminder of the deep spiritual roots that are an integral part of the Polish identity. We concluded our visit at MOSIR a modern sports complex that serves as a focal point for community activities. The facility, equipped with venues for judo, martial arts, volleyball, swimming, ice skating, and soccer, is a testament to the
community’s commitment to health and well-being. Notably, the complex includes a branch
library within the swimming facility, a unique feature that has proven popular among locals.
Additional photos of our Jaslo journey
Exploring Potential Friendship Cities in Ireland
Ireland
There is still a genuine interest in finding a city in Ireland that would be a great match for Sedona. We are working with staff from Sister Cities International to identify possible cities to explore further. There are two board members who will be traveling to Ireland this fall and we look forward to continuing this journey.
