In 2024, Albi and Palo Alto celebrated 30 years as Sister Cities. The party kicked off in July when Albi hosted a delegation from Palo Alto, including Mayor Greer Stone who enjoyed meeting his Albi counterpart, Mayor Stéphanie Guiraud-Chaumeil. Demonstrating typical French hospitality, the Albi team planned a robust schedule of activities to showcase their picturesque, red-brick city. The group made stops at the Sainte-Cecile Cathedral, said to be the largest brick building in the world, as well as the world-famous museum dedicated to Albi native son and world-renowned artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. A ceremony in a local park included the placement of a plaque honoring the relationship between the two cities.
A few months later, in October, Palo Alto marked the occasion with a tree planting at JLS Middle School, where our teacher-partner Jacqui Kandell teaches 7th and 8th grade French. Again, Mayor Stone honored us by helping with the tree planting and offering a few words about his appreciation for our French Sister City. We planted a silver linden tree, similar to the linden trees found in the Albi region. Among the attendees were Carol Stevens, a former Neighbors Abroad board member who helped launch the Albi relationship; members of the Aurora Singers, which has a decades-long relationship with a chorale group in Albi; and various past and current city officials and teachers. Albi VP Jennifer Kleckner organized the event and baked several heavenly French cakes and tarts that would have impressed our friends in Albi. Read coverage in the Paly Voice here.
A few months later, in October, Palo Alto marked the occasion with a tree planting at JLS Middle School, where our teacher-partner Jacqui Kandell teaches 7th and 8th grade French. Again, Mayor Stone honored us by helping with the tree planting and offering a few words about his appreciation for our French Sister City. We planted a silver linden tree, similar to the linden trees found in the Albi region. Among the attendees were Carol Stevens, a former Neighbors Abroad board member who helped launch the Albi relationship; members of the Aurora Singers, which has a decades-long relationship with a chorale group in Albi; and various past and current city officials and teachers. Albi VP Jennifer Kleckner organized the event and baked several heavenly French cakes and tarts that would have impressed our friends in Albi. Read coverage in the Paly Voice here.
On the move in Albi: Left to right, Serge Labordère (Chief of Staff to the Albi Mayor), Palo Alto Mayor Greer Stone, and Jean-Luc Dargein-Vidal (Albi's City Counselor for International Affairs). (Looking sharp, Mayor Stone, but still, as usual, the French win the fashion game).
Albi Mayor Stéphanie Guiraud-Chaumeil (center) and Palo Alto Mayor Greer Stone, among others, at the 30th anniversary celebration in Albi, July 2024.
Albi Mayor Stéphanie Guiraud-Chaumeil and Palo Alto Mayor Greer Stone with the plaque created for the anniversary.
In October 2024, Neighbors Abroad arranged for the planting of a silver linden tree at JLS Middle School in Palo Alto. As Mayor Greer Stone explained to the gathered group of dignitaries, Neighbors Abroad board members, students and others, the tree is meant to be a sustainable and enduring symbol of the friendship between Albi and Palo Alto.
Albi VP Jennifer Kleckner organized the tree planting--while also creating cakes and galettes that would hold their own in any patisserie in Albi!
Just one of Albi VP Jennifer Kleckner's culinary works of art!
Following the tree planting, the group joined JLS Middle School French teacher Jacqui Kandell for a family potluck at which her husband, Paul, left, kept the crepes coming, along with French teacher Kristen Tasker.
Planting and blessing the tree!
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When in Albi, the food, drink, and company is, bien sur, world class!
Former Palo Alto Mayor Liz Kniss at the October tree planting at Palo Alto's JLS Middle School.
Mayor Greer Stone is interviewed by a member of the local student press who covered the tree planting.
Neighbors Abroad President Sarah Burgess
Members of the Aurora Singers, a Palo Alto-area chorale group that has collaborated with the Chorale Assou-Lézert from Albi for more than 30 years. Cynthia Mahoud-Levin, right, travels frequently to Albi and has forged many friendships over the years. With her is Aurora Singers board member Thomas Zumsteg.
Carol Stevens, center, was instrumental in creating the Sister City relationship, along with her husband Noel. They are pictured here with Monica Schreiber.
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French teachers hard at work!