Thanks for welcoming Nanae guests
This was our third exchange visit since Covid, and thanks to so many, it was again highly successful.
The Acton-Nanae Connection (CNN) would like to thank those in our community who supported the recent visit of the delegation from our sister city, Nanae, Hokkaido, Japan. This was our third exchange visit since Covid, and thanks to so many, it was again highly successful.
We particularly want to shout out to the following: Dr. Laurie Hunter, superintendent of schools; Brian Miller and Katie Stahl, co-principals of Acton-Carlisle High School (CCHS); Nouna Pinto (CNN liaison), Chris Noce, Ned Roos, Sarah Grina, and Radka Grein, CCHS faculty; Justin Cameron, principal, and Dan Hausermann, assistant principal, of Acton Middle School; Justin Sparks, principal of Thoreau Elementary School, and teachers Amelia Burns and others at Thoreau; members of the Select Board, including Mary Hartman, Wendy Rovelli, and Mark Howell, who, along with town administrators Alan Cathcart and Megan Zammuto, met with our guests to explain town government and the early-voting process; Jan Turnquist of Orchard House, Joe Palumbo of the Visitor Center and The Robbins House, and Doug Ellis of the Visitor Center, who provided historical tours; Steve Verrill, Jen Faddoul, and chef Kevin Carey of Verrill Farm for a delicious farewell dinner; and the host families who welcomed our guests: the Booths, Fuller Greens, Kewleys, Fortiers, Jaffes, Kamons, Kokoszkas, Ligo Filhos, McIlwains, and Rovellis.
Acton and Nanae have enjoyed more than 25 years of successful international exchanges. In addition to dedicated school administrators, teachers, and host families, CNN relies on committed residents and local interpreters, including Junko Kargula, Kimiko Furutani, and Miho Horikoshi. With a CCHS band, orchestra, and chorus trip to Nanae planned for April 2026, we know this friendly relationship will continue.
Nancy McJennett
Thoreau Street
John Cratsley
Edmonds Road
Acton-Nanae Network
