At the Saratoga City Council meeting on Nov. 3, a commendation was presented to Marilyn White, founding member of the Saratoga Sister City program, to honor the 20th anniversary of this affiliation. White thanked the city for the years of alliance and said that she was looking forward to the celebrations in Muko. This month, 65 Saratoga Sister City members will travel to Muko, Japan, to take part in the Nov. 16 anniversary celebration.

Mayor Ann Waltonsmith read the commendation during the meeting before handing it over to White.

Waltonsmith will travel to Muko for the celebration, as will Don Morgan, president of the Saratoga Sister City program.

The affiliation has encouraged educational, cultural and business exchange programs over the years. "Muko and Saratoga have developed mutual understanding and respect for each other's individual cultures," said Waltonsmith.