Mailing Address: Sister City of Lynchburg-Plus, P.O.Box 3104, Lynchburg, VA 24503 USA

January, 2010:

Sister City elects new officers and board members, by Manfred Mibus

On January 25th, Sister City of Lynchburg-Plus held its Annual Meeting at the Old Court House museum in downtown Lynchburg. There were about 45 members and guests in attendance who also enjoyed the delicious cheese, hors d'oeuvres, and wine provided.

Elections were held for new officers and board members. The following slate of officers was elected: Hermann Ulrich, president; Lynn Dodge, vice president; Dana Wright; and, Wendy Counts, treasurer. New board members elected to serve three year terms: Judy Ayler, Bert Dodson, Jr., Tina Johnson, Kelly Mourtemousque, Adelheid"Polly" Roakes, and Françoise Watts.

A report was given on the highlights from the past year which included:

• Student exchange with Glauchau during June
• Bert Dodson's and wife Theresa's trip to Glauchau in September
• Oktoberfest celebration at estate of Fuzz Sanders on September 20

Sister City looks forward to upcoming events in 2010 which include another student exchange with Glauchau scheduled for September 24-October 6 (this time students and a chaperone from Glauchau will be hosted in Lynchburg), and two possible exchanges with Rueil-Malmaison, a student exchange in the spring and an adult exchange in the fall.

September, 2009:

Lynchburg Vice Mayor Bert Dodson visits Glauchau

On Monday, September 15th, Vice Mayor Bert Dodson and his wife Theresa left for a week's visit to our German sister city, Glauchau at the invitation of of the Lord Mayor Dr. Peter Dresler. Before he left, WSET, Channel 13 interviewed Bert about his trip.

Their week in Germany was filled with many activities including an arranged flight over the State of Saxony as well as a visit with the Count Georg Schoenburg-Glauchau at the castle of Glauchau. There were meetings with Mr. James Seward, the U.S. Consulate General, Leipzig, the Lord Mayor Mr. Dresler, Mrs. Ines Springer, member of the Saxony Parliament, other government employees, police officers, firefighters, hospital personnel, teachers, and school administrators. Arrangements were all made by Thomas Schreiter, vice president of “Friends of Lynchurg” in Glauchau, whom Bert and his wife had met before during Thomas's visits to Lynchburg in 2007 and 2008.

For more news and to see photos from Bert Dodson's trip, you may visit the Friends of Lynchburg, E.V. blog written by Thomas Schreiter of Glauchau. Thomas also has a slideshow of photos from Bert's visit.

Sister City holds Oktoberfest celebration

On September 20th, Fuzz Sanders hosted a Sister City Oktoberfest celebration at his estate. Those attending were treated to music and games, and wonderful food provided by the members, including authentic German bratwurst and beverages. Students who visited Glauchau in June gave a report on their trip and shared their memorable photographs. Guests also enjoyed the hiking trail and ended the evening with a bonfire at dusk.

June, 2009:

Lynchburg area high school students visit Glauchau June 15-29

Another group of area high school students visited Glauchau from June 15-June 29. The students each live with a host family during their visit which allows the students to learn more about the ways of life for families in Glauchau.

Monica Romine, one of the students who traveled to Glauchau, shared these comments about her experience:

My trip to Glauchau was amazing! The people were very hospitable and patient, always willing to help. The day trips to other cities were fun, both in the van and while walking around the city. My favorite city was Dresden. I found the architecture of the buildings to be absolutely breathtaking. I saw Latin on some of the older buildings, which alludes to the age and prestige of the buildings. Therefore, I was shocked to hear that so much of the historic district was destroyed after World War II. The Germans obviously have a very strong sense of heritage. I hope when the German students come to America next year, they will have all the experiences and memories, and perhaps, even more during their two week stay.

I had a BLAST with my host family. I wish the entire family could come and visit next year. My student was absolutely fabulous. She spoke really great English and she was really patient and thoughtful. She was always learning and teaching. I feel that Theresa was my Glücksgrift.

For more photos and information about the trip, visit the Friends of Lynchburg, E.V. blog where Thomas Schreiter uploaded some photos and news during the students' visit.