2009 News

December 15, 2009

Commissioners Unveil “21st Century Alliance” Gift from Republic Of Korea’s Namdong District
Painting on Public Display in Doylestown Courthouse Rotunda

During an afternoon ceremony featuring members of the Bucks County delegation which visited the Republic of Korea’s Namdong District during mid-October, Bucks County Commissioner Vice Chairman James F. Cawley, Esq. unveiled a unique “21st Century Alliance” gift from that historic visit. The two-paneled, fabric painting, which was completed on a stage during the Bucks delegation’s visit to the Incheon Sorae-Port Festival, is the inspiration of award-winning fabric artist Yeo-song Seo.

“This very special work of art will be on public display as a symbol of the first international alliance of its kind in Bucks County’s 327-year history,” Commissioner Cawley noted. “Together, we are bridging international boundaries, while paving a partnership for progress and constructive citizen diplomacy. Like the tree in this painting, our alliance is rooted on a deep – and growing – foundation.”

On July 24, 2009, at the Pearl S. Buck Historical Site in Perkasie, Commissioner Cawley teamed with Commissioner Chairman Charles H. Martin and Commissioner Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW to sign the 21st Century Alliance agreement with Namdong District Mayor Yoon, Tae-Jin. At that time, Mayor Yoon extended the invitation for the Bucks County commissioners to visit the Republic of Korea for the purpose of exchanging ideas about economic development, cultural and educational themes common to both regions.

Commissioner Cawley thanked his fellow delegation leaders Tom Jennings, Esq., of the law firm Saul Ewing, and Dr. Vail Garvin, executive director of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, for their many contributions to the alliance. He also expressed his appreciation for former Commissioner Sandra A. Miller’s assistance in coordinating the unveiling event. “Our visit featured a very aggressive agenda,” Commissioner Cawley said of the five-day trip, which included a whirlwind itinerary.

In describing her affinity for pine trees, artist Yeo-song Seo explains that they “represent the steadfast and solid personality of the Koreans, and their distinctive features drove my brush to draw hundreds of thousands of the needle leaves.”

Commissioner Cawley also pointed to the 21st Century Alliance as an outgrowth of the Bucks County Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB), which he co-chairs with Congressman Patrick Murphy. EDAB was formed during February, 2009 with the state intent of exploring specific means to make Bucks County “more competitive in an increasingly global environment.” To that end, business owners from Bucks County and Namdong District are actively exploring ways to assist each other.

In addition to Cawley, Jennings and Dr. Garvin, the members of the Bucks County travel delegation included Falls Township Supervisor Robert Harvie; Robert Byers of Byers Choice; Korean War veteran Jerry Jonas; financial advisor David Werrett; Bucks County Herald founder Bridget Wingert; American Airlines pilot Ed Jasiewicz; Georgianna Coles of Coles Nursery; Incheon Trade Office USA Inc. Chairman Adam Kim; and Sky City Properties President Man Kim.

The unveiling ceremony included the singing of the Korean folk song Arirang and the attendance of Mrs. Stoudt’s 5th grade social studies class from Sol Feinstone Elementary School in Upper Makefield Township. The students have been learning about Korea while closely following the events of the 21st Century Alliance.

“It’s not about the past history; it’s history in the making,” Mr. Jennings told the students during his remarks. He urged them to “tell your friends” about the significance of the 21st Century Alliance and citizen diplomacy, adding: “You can make a difference.”