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European professionals tour Winchester

October 30, 2006|Mike Wynn

Before Marcin Bosacki came to America, he always thought of American food as nasty and fattening. But after staying in Winchester for several days last week, the Polish journalist called the local food "wonderful.""I even had lamb's fries," he said.

Bosacki was one of six European professionals who visited Winchester and the Bluegrass area last week as part of the German Marshall Memorial Fellowship Program - an exchange program that allows young community leaders from across Europe to experience the culture, politics and structure of various regions in the United States.

The group of six also included travelers from Greece, Slovakia, Hungry, Italy and Portugal.

"This is a dynamic group of individuals, and I think it is a distinct honor for Winchester to participate," said Mayor Dodd Dixon, who helped lead the group along with other local officials. "We do not take that honor lightly, and it's a responsibility that we embrace."

Now in its 24th year, the German Marshall Program awards fellowships to more than 100 leaders each year from several European countries and the United sates for a three-to four-week trip. The groups usually visit about six cities and meet with policy makers from both the government and business sectors from different regions.

Winchester represented the southern portion of the trip.

"It's been absolutely wonderful. Everyone has been a great host for us," said Maria Gropa, an advisor to the Grecian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "Everyone says this is a small town, but when you compare it to small towns back in our countries, it's really impressive what people have achieved."

While here, the group met with farmers and small industry owners, and received policy briefings from various businesses such as the real estate developers.

In the interest of cultural experiences, the group also visited the home of Henry Clay in Lexington, Fort Boonesbough State Park and ate southern cuisine at Boone Tavern and Cracker Barrel.

"We take them at 8 o'clock in the morning and at midnight drop them back off at the hotel to experience the full gamut," Dixon said.

Dixon said locals involved with the program also exposed the visitors to the different types of political philosophies in America.

"That is what we are trying to introduce them to, that give and take, that exchange so that they can learn about the broad spectrum of political views in the United States."

As for Bosacki, he said he was overwhelmed by how he was hosted in Winchester.

"Now we can connect the place, the state even with real people, real achievements, a real dynamic which we see here," he said.

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