Marblehead recognizes French sister city

MARBLEHEAD-Myriam Zuber, who is working with a committee to reactivate Marblehead?s sister city relationship with the French city of Grasse, got the encouragement and validation she wanted from the selectmen Wednesday evening – but it took more time and discussion than she might have expected.Selectmen voted 4-0 to “recognize the relationship of Marblehead and its sister city of Grasse.” But the vote was only 3-0 “to encourage private funding” for a reactivation ceremony in Marblehead May 20, 2010 and in Grasse Sept. 26, 2010.Selectmen Chairman Jackie Belf-Becker and Selectmen James Nye and William Woodfin voted in favor of both motions. Selectman Judy Jacobi supported the first motion and voted “present” on the second after expressing concerns about selectmen lending the board?s name to private fundraising.Proposed ceremonial activities include an actor playing the Marquis de Lafayette, who visited Marblehead after the Revolution, an art exhibit featuring artists from both communities and historical lectures and presentations, including a dinner sponsored by Boston?s French consul.Zuber said her committee is looking into grant funding and fund-raising to underwrite the events and perhaps the travel expenses. The reactivation will focus on three factors: the town?s historical connection with the Marquis de Lafayette, the art exhibits and the commercial relationship between businessmen in both communities. Schools are also becoming involved.Committee member Catherine Doherty told the selectmen, “This is about cross-cultural exchange. It (the results) can?t be measured in money.”?I have no problem if a group of people ask for donations, if the selectmen aren?t connected with it (the fund-raising),” Belf-Becker said.?The less we?re involved the better,” Jacobi said. She said she had no objection to the ceremonies themselves, and she just wanted to make sure “There is no cost to the town whatsoever.”?This (reactivation) is bigger than I expected,” Jacobi said later.?We?re supported by the taxpayers and we don?t know whether they think this is appropriate or not,” Selectman William Woodfin told Zuber. He later made the motion to encourage private funding.Selectman James Nye, who made the motion to recognize the sister city relationship, reminded board members of Glover?s Regiment and other annual events that “started on a shoestring” and became popular.