(May 12, 2016) One week into a month-long visit, two visiting international environmental professionals, both charged with important work, seem to be having a blast in Berlin.
Zalikha Wan Zaharuddin from Malaysia and Crisanta Rodriguez from the Philippines are in town as part of a partnership with the International City/County Management Association and the U.S. State Department, to get a firsthand look at how the town is addressing its stormwater issues.
Rodriguez is the assistant regional director at the department of the environment and natural resources in the Philippines, while Zaharuddin is an environmental education program officer for the Malaysian Nature Society.
“The expectation is that our experience here would be good to implement in our countries,” Zaharuddin said. “We’re here to learn best practices of sustainable development and environmental sustainability.”
While here, the two young women have also been soaking up the local culture. On the town’s official Facebook page they can be seen speaking with Mayor Gee Williams in Town Hall, taking in an art show at the Globe, sharing a slice of Smith Island Cake and pirouetting on the front porch of the Atlantic Hotel.
“Maybe you have seen us around,” Zaharuddin said with a laugh. “We’ve been taking pictures of many things.”
“You have a very lovely town,” Rodriguez added. “The people are very welcoming and very warm. We’re loving it here.”
Managing Director Jeff Fleetwood, who has acted as a tour guide, has shared “lots of stories,” Zaharuddin said.
“He’s – what do you call him? Sir talk-a-lot,” she said. “He’s the best. We’re having so much fun here.”
The town held a reception last Wednesday at the Berlin Visitor’s Center in what Williams described as a “typical Berlin gathering.”
Several department heads attended, and Burley Inn Tavern and Baked Dessert Café cooked up favorite local dishes, including crab balls and Berlin’s official dessert, the infamous peach dumpling.
“We’re very glad that we’re here to honor and welcome two very special people,” Williams said, largely crediting Town Administrator Laura Allen with bringing Zaharuddin and Rodriguez to the town. “It you have any questions anywhere along the way and you want the right answers – ask Laura.
“We are so fortunate [and] we’re hoping that these young ladies … have a truly rewarding and memorable experience,” Williams added. “Over time, we’ll just be extending our family a little father than we have been.”
Allen said the two young professionals were asked to come up with recommendations for an educational program about stormwater and geared toward children. They have also been asked to create ideas for an ecotourism plan for the town.
On May 27, they will travel back to Washington, and then head back home.
According to a press release issued by the town, about 50,000 people take part in exchange programs managed by the U.S. Department of State each year.
Zalikha Wan Zaharuddin from Malaysia and Crisanta Rodriguez from the Philippines are in town as part of a partnership with the International City/County Management Association and the U.S. State Department, to get a firsthand look at how the town is addressing its stormwater issues.
Rodriguez is the assistant regional director at the department of the environment and natural resources in the Philippines, while Zaharuddin is an environmental education program officer for the Malaysian Nature Society.
“The expectation is that our experience here would be good to implement in our countries,” Zaharuddin said. “We’re here to learn best practices of sustainable development and environmental sustainability.”
While here, the two young women have also been soaking up the local culture. On the town’s official Facebook page they can be seen speaking with Mayor Gee Williams in Town Hall, taking in an art show at the Globe, sharing a slice of Smith Island Cake and pirouetting on the front porch of the Atlantic Hotel.
“Maybe you have seen us around,” Zaharuddin said with a laugh. “We’ve been taking pictures of many things.”
“You have a very lovely town,” Rodriguez added. “The people are very welcoming and very warm. We’re loving it here.”
Managing Director Jeff Fleetwood, who has acted as a tour guide, has shared “lots of stories,” Zaharuddin said.
“He’s – what do you call him? Sir talk-a-lot,” she said. “He’s the best. We’re having so much fun here.”
The town held a reception last Wednesday at the Berlin Visitor’s Center in what Williams described as a “typical Berlin gathering.”
Several department heads attended, and Burley Inn Tavern and Baked Dessert Café cooked up favorite local dishes, including crab balls and Berlin’s official dessert, the infamous peach dumpling.
“We’re very glad that we’re here to honor and welcome two very special people,” Williams said, largely crediting Town Administrator Laura Allen with bringing Zaharuddin and Rodriguez to the town. “It you have any questions anywhere along the way and you want the right answers – ask Laura.
“We are so fortunate [and] we’re hoping that these young ladies … have a truly rewarding and memorable experience,” Williams added. “Over time, we’ll just be extending our family a little father than we have been.”
Allen said the two young professionals were asked to come up with recommendations for an educational program about stormwater and geared toward children. They have also been asked to create ideas for an ecotourism plan for the town.
On May 27, they will travel back to Washington, and then head back home.
According to a press release issued by the town, about 50,000 people take part in exchange programs managed by the U.S. Department of State each year.