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Appreciating the friendship between Modena, Italy and Saint Paul, MN.
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Whereas, the city of Modena, Italy and the city of St. Paul, Minnesota have a long history beginning with the sister-city relationship from 1989 established by then-mayor George Latimer that continues to this day; and
Whereas, Modena is known for balsamic vinegar, Luciano Pavarotti, and fast cars from Maserati to Stanguellini to Ferrari, this picturesque city even has a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Cathedral of Modena with the Ghirlandina campanile towering overhead. Modena is the culinary capital of Italy with such delicacies as tortellini, tortelloni, aceto balsamico (balsamic vinegar), nocino, prosciutto, parmigiano-reggiano, Lambrusco, tigelle (with pesto modenese), and zampone. St. Paul is honored to have such a historic, important city in Italy as a “sister” and welcome future exchanges in culture, education, and business; and
Whereas, Saint Paul is a vibrant city on the Mississippi ranked among the top cities for its parks, innovation, and quality of life. St. Paul is the capital of Minnesota and is therefore at the center of politics and culture in our state. Just as Modena is in the center north of Italy, so is St. Paul, Minnesota in the Upper Midwest of the United States. St. Paul is a city with the Como Zoo, numerous universities, a professional hockey team (the Wild), and the Minnesota United soccer team in the highest league in the U.S. (similar to Serie A in Italy). St. Paul is a creative capital with many museums, a vibrant music community (with the Minnesota Opera), and theaters (including the Ordway Center); and
Whereas, Professor Eric Dregni, Dr. Barbara Wissink and graduate students from Concordia University took a letter of greetings from Mayor Melvin Carter, City of Saint Paul to Mayor Gian Carlo Muzzarelli of Modena on 1 July 2019. Mayor Muzzarelli graciously received the group and gifts from Minnesota including wild rice and the book Never Trust a Thin Cook that references the sister-city relationship; and
Whereas, Mayor Muzzarelli and City Council of Modena presented to books to the group by photographers from Modena: Modena - St. Paul by Beppe Zagaglia and Modena effetto notte by Franco Fontana; and
Therefore, be it resolved that the City Council of Saint Paul, offer this resolution of appreciation, gratitude, and friendship for the people and leaders of the great city of Modena, Italy; and
Further be it resolved that the City Council of Saint Paul looks forward to visiting with Concordia Saint Paul leadership and students next spring.