Frequently Asked Questions:
The
Medford-Alba link established in 1960 was one of the earliest such unions and
was indeed unique. While many American cities were pairing up with Pacific Rim
cities with the intent of promoting commerce, Medford’s mayor, John Snider,
took a very different approach. Tasked
with choosing which foreign city among several candidates would be Medford’s
partner, he based his choice on factors that he believed would lead to deep and
lasting bonds between the two communities and promote personal and family friendships
which would become the heart of the union.
Alba and Medford shared some essential traits. Both cities had nearly the same population
and both were the centers of flourishing agricultural regions. Both cities enjoyed remarkably similar
temperate climates due to their proximity to the sea. The two cities were similarly located in
large river valleys surrounded by scenic foothills and the mountains beyond
them. Their differences in language,
culture and history were not barriers but gifts that they would come to share
and appreciate. The city councils of
both cities agreed with the pairing and Medford and Alba were officially sister
cities.
The
special connection between Medford and Alba is something that belongs to
the people of both cities. It is not a club. It is not an ethnic
organization. It is a wonderful way for people of two different countries
and cultures to share the best they have and to foster understanding
among the world’s citizens. The student exchange program offers students
from both cities the life changing experience of world travel in the
setting of host families and friends. Medford is looking for even more ways
to involve more people in this bridge across the globe. When visitors
from Alba are in our community, Medford has public events to welcome them
and introduce them to their sister citizens.
The Medford-Alba Sister City Association has participated in bi-annual student exchanges since 1985. It sponsors and facilitates outbound exchanges of local high school juniors and seniors and arrange host families and activities for the incoming students from Alba. (Note: This site is not connected in any way with the Medford Alba Sister City Association.)
- Alba,
originally called Alba Pompeia by the Romans, was the birthplace of Emperor
Elvio Pertinace (Pertinax). Pertinace,
also known as the original Elvis, ascended to the throne in 193 A.D. Because he was intent on reforming a very
corrupt system, he was assassinated after only a few months in office. He is believed by many to be the inspiration
for the character Maximus in the movie, “Gladiator”.
- Alba was
a center of the resistance against the Nazi occupation during World War
II. It declared itself to be the “Free
Republic of Alba” and withstood a fierce German siege and bombardment for
twenty three days. Arterial shells were
fired into Alba from the nearby hilltop village of Santa Vittoria, the town
that was the subject of the film, “The Secret of Santa Vittoria”. Following the
war, the city was awarded the Gold Medal of Military Valor by the Italian
government for its heroic stand against the German occupiers. One of the partisans, Beppe Fenoglio,
chronicled his experiences in the resistance and became one of Italy’s most
heralded novelists. His daughter has
been a frequent participant in sister city events.
- Alba is
home to Ferrero SpA, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of chocolates and
confectionery products. Noted for its Nutella
and TicTac brands, Ferrero was named the Most Reputable Company in the World in
the 2009 survey by the Reputation Institute.
Billionaire owner Michele Ferrero is now Italy’s richest man. The Ferrero family got the enterprise started
during World War II creating products that substituted hazelnuts for cocoa that
was at that time a very scarce commodity.
The Ferrero Foundation is one of Alba’s greatest civic benefactors and
members of the Ferrero family have been actively involved in Alba’s sister city
program.
- Alba is
famous for its White Truffle of Alba, a pungent subterranean fungus used for
seasoning that is unique to the countryside around Alba. Truffles have commanded prices as high as
$4,000 per pound. The highest price ever
paid for one of these prized delicacies was $330,000 in 2007. In Italy, they are found by highly trained
dogs who locate them underground near oak and hazelnut trees. Every October Alba holds the Fiera Nazionale
del Tartufo Bianco d’Alba, an internationally acclaimed festival celebrating
the annual truffle harvest.
- Alba is
the geographic and cultural center of one of Europe’s most prestigious wine
producing regions. Barolo and Barbaresco
are two of the most sought after premium wines made from the Nebbiolo grape. The
zones where these two distinguished wines can be produced are very tightly
defined and the regulations for vinification of Barolo and Barbareso are some
of the most stringent in the world. Wine making in Alba and the surrounding
hills of the Langhe dates back to Roman times when the region provided wines
for the empire’s most privileged citizens.
Today Alba and its surrounds have become a Mecca for wine loving
tourists from all parts of the world who come to enjoy its wines with its
equally delicious cuisine.
- Alba has
been at the crossroads of history. Its
original inhabitants were neolithic tribes who hunted and practiced agriculture
along the banks of the Cherasco River.
It has successively been under the control of the Roman Empire and
several European dynasties. Among Alba’s
least welcomed visitors were the Gallic invaders from the north, Lombards,
Burgundians and Franks who arrived after the fall of the Roman Empire. Napoleon Bonaparte arrogantly quartered his
horses in the city’s cathedral. Hannibal is believed to have camped near Alba
after crossing the Alps in 218 B.C. The
architecture and archaeological sites in and around Alba attest to its rich
history. The local dialect is flavored with French words and pronunciations and
the local cuisine is heavily influenced by its French roots.
- Camillo
Benso the Count of Cavour was Italy's first prime minister and had held several
high offices before the unification of
Italy. He had been the mayor of the town
of Grinzane a few miles from
Alba. Today the Castle of Grinzane
Cavour is a noted center for wine and
food. Its grounds are graced by a stand
of Douglas firs donated by citizens of
Medford.
|
|
