German Sister City ties Explored
by Bill Goodman

Sixteen years after the Reunification of Germany, the former East Germany historic city of Glauchau is exploring the possibility of becoming Lynchburg's next sister city. Glauchau which has seven sister cities is a gem set in central Saxony, surrounded by the jewels of Leipzig, Zwickau, Chemnitz and Dresden, all closer to Glauchau than Charlottesville is to Lynchburg. Prague and Berlin are a couple hours drive away. Manfred Mibus, President of Lynchburg Sister City Plus, Bill Goodman, Board Member and his wife Martha were the guests of the Glauchau City Council, the Lions Club and the Friends of the United States association for four days in September.

Glauchau, the district town of the district Chemnitzer Land is situated at an altitude of 283 m on the river Zwickauer Mulde in the administrative district Chemnitz of Germany's state of Saxony. Its origins go back to the castle of the lords of Schönburg (later counts of Schönburg-Glauchau), which was built around 1170/1180. The town church St. Georgen was first mentioned in 1256. By 1335 Glauchau had obtained the status of a town. Since the early 15th century clothmaking and weaving were important economic factors for the town. The first spinning factory was opened in 1846, the first factory with mechanical looms opened in 1864.

Many of the people we met were interested in friendship exchanges with their counterparts in Lynchburg. During the visit the Lynchburg delegation met with Karl-Otto Stetter, the Lord Mayor of Glauchau, who welcomed the delegation at City Hall with a champagne reception followed by a presentation describing services which the city provides its citizens. The mayor then led the group on a tour of the greater Glauchau area for which he is responsible as the Oberbuergermeister of the city.

Prof. Dr. Manfred Hübsch, director of the University of Cooperative Education, hosted a meeting and luncheon during which areas of cooperation in higher education were explored.

The delegation was given a tour of the police station and the fire station and were treated to lunch afterwards during which gifts were exchanged. Mr. Uwe Clemens, Fire chief and Mr. Olaf Mueller, Police Chief would like an exchange with their Lynchburg counterparts.

Another highlight was a visit to the Georgius Agricola High School talking to students studying English. Three of the students served as guides for a walking tour of the historic section of Glauchau.

Count Georg von Schönburg-Glauchau, also a member of City Council, gave a personal tour of several family castles in the Mulde River Valley and was a co-host with Mayor Stetter of a gala dinner in the Knight¹s Hall of the Schönburg Castle in Glauchau itself. The Count, whose family holdings in Saxony go back to 1100 A.D, is very interested in helping develop a sister city relationship with Lynchburg and would be a part of a delegation from Glauchau to Lynchburg in the next step toward effecting a "twinning" of the two cities.

The American Consulate in Leipzig has been instrumental in furthering talks between the two cities. Beate Renker in charge of the program and publicity for the Consulate visited the delegation in Glauchau for a dinner and is enthusiastic about the plans. Mr Marco Wanderwitz, a member of the German Bundestag (Parliament), also attended the dinner and is enthusiastic about the relationship.

Dancers from Rueil-Malmaison, France spend summer in Lynchburg with VSA 
by Martha Faesi

Young French dance students from Rueil-Malmaison, Lynchburg's sister city, spent the summer training with their peers at the Virginia School of the Arts, and enjoying the hospitality of American families.

Karine Chatellier-Ferniot, the guest teacher from the Centre Culturel Edmond Rostand, was charming and very knowledgeable in dance. Initially she was hesitant about teaching, worried that her limited spoken English would not allow her to communicate well with the students. But she discovered that she could manage quite well and fell in love with her VSA students and classes. She was accompanied by her husband, Benjamin and their son Remie.

We housed them in a VSA apartment close to campus, so transportation was Not a great issue. Karine taught for only 2 of the 3 weeks, as she and her family had planned an excursion in Virginia for the 3rd week. They returned to Lynchburg in time for the final performance at E.C. Glass High School on Friday, August 6. They were very impressed with the results.

The seven students who accepted the challenge of the great adventure to VSA Also faired well. They too were hesitant in the beginning, but soon came to feel comfortable with the routine of classes and rehearsals. They were graciously housed by host families, Angela and Manfred Mibus, Lynn and Jon White and Melanie and Lynch Christian as well as mini-stays with the Echols and the Midkiffs. They participated in some of the VSA extracurricular Summer activities with all of the other students, putt-putt, swimming at RMWC, outings to the Mall or movies to name but a few as well as special excursions with their host families.

WWII veterans invited to France

Lynchburg's French sister city, Rueil-Malmaison invites World War II veterans of Lynchburg and the surrounding areas, for a special visit to France in their honor, November 29-December 4, 2004.

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

October 21,  from 6 PM to 9 PM: Oktober Fest, an evening of fine German Cuisine in celebration of our next sister city. Main Street Eatery- 907 Main Street. Chose your meal from a menu of traditional German favorites. For reservation call Mary Babbitt at 384-0959 no later than October 19

November 9, 7:30 PM at R-MWC: French filmmaker Olivier Ciappa: movie, discussion and reception. Co-sponsored by the Alliance Francaise and R-MWC. For more information contact Francoise Watts at 947-8557

November 18: The Alliance Française invites members of sister City to the annual

  Beaujolais Nouveau party at the home of Polly and Wayne Roakes, 105 St. Paul Drive, off 501 past Boonsboro shopping center. Bring appetizer/ hors d'oeuvre or $5 donation

November 19 through 21: 2nd Annual Festival of Trees at historic Villa Maria, sponsored by Forest Rotary and Amazement Square: Sister City of Lynchburg will feature its own decorated tree: come and enjoy a wide range of activities for families to include a magnificent display of Christmas trees and greenery, an afternoon tea, breakfast with Santa, open house and a silent auction.