LYNCHBURG’S GERMAN SISTER CITY, GLAUCHAU FEATURED IN CITY HALL DISPLAY

Information on Lynchburg’s German Sister City, Glauchau, Germany, will be featured in the display case in the main lobby of City Hall, 900 Church Street, from Wednesday, July 7, 2010 until Sunday, August 1, 2010.  Lynchburg and Glauchau became sister cities in 2007.  The display will include flags of Germany, Saxony, and Glauchau, and photographs of castles and other notable sites. Also featured will be commemorative medals, textiles, toys and other items made in Glauchau.

Tina Johnson of the Sister City Board stated, “Citizens of Lynchburg and members of Sister City enjoyed the recent visit of Captain M. Urbansky and Lieutenant R. Haller of the Glauchau Police Department.  Informative international exchange is just one of the many opportunities available through the activities of Sister City.”

Anyone interested in becoming involved in the Sister City program is encouraged to visit “Sister City of Lynchburg Plus” and “Friends of Lynchburg”

Glauchau, Germany

Glauchau is a town in the State of Saxony, formerly part of East Germany. Today, its 25,000+ citizens play an important role in the German economy producing woolen goods, dye-works, paper, linen, thread, and machinery.

A pair of castles forms the historic heart of the community.  The 12^th century Forderglauchau Castle contains the town’s library, art gallery, concert hall and music school.  The neighboring 15^th century Hinterglauchau Castle is home to the Glauchau Museum and art collection. Another landmark is St. George’s Lutheran Church which houses a rare Silbermann pipe organ installed in 1730.

History of Sister City – Plus of Lynchburg

Sister City of Lynchburg – Plus is a volunteer, non-profit organization and an affiliate of Sister Cities International.  In 1992, a small group met to consider organizing a sister city.  Because of

Lynchburg’s strong business connections to France, it was decided that the first sister city should be in France.  In 1995, Sister Cities International notified Lynchburg – Plus that Rueil-Malmaison in France was looking for a sister city in the United States.  A delegation toured Lynchburg, and they were greatly impressed with the area and the hospitality.  In 1996, a group from Lynchburg traveled to Rueil, and by the end of their visit, they had a commitment for a sister city match.

After the success with Rueil-Malmaison, Sister City of Lynchburg – Plus began exploring a match with a city in Germany.  Manfred Mibus led the search, and after three years, learned that Glauchau was searching for a sister city. A delegation from Lynchburg visited Glauchau in 2004, and the two formally became sister cities on April 30, 2007.  The Sister City program provides opportunities for groups and individuals throughout Central Virginia to learn more about the world and its people and to foster friendship and understanding.

Travels Across the Atlantic

Since 2004, there have been several visits between the two cities.  In 2004, Manfred Mibus and Bill and Martha Goodman visited Glauchau as the guests of the Glauchau City Council, the Lions Club, and the Friends of the United States Association.  In 2005, Count Georg von Schonburg-Glauchau accompanied by his wife, the Countess Madeleine von Schonburg-Glauchau, visited Lynchburg.  A proclamation was signed during their trip announcing the intention of Lynchburg and Glauchau to become sister cities.

In 2006 and 2009, groups of Lynchburg students and parents traveled to Glauchau and stayed with several local families.  In 2006, Lynchburg hosted 12 Glauchau students and teachers. Following Vice Mayor Bert Dodson’s fall 2009 visit to Germany, Captain M. Urbansky and Lieutenant R. Haller of the Glauchau Police Department traveled to Lynchburg for a 10-day visit, and another German student group will visit Lynchburg this fall.  The City of Lynchburg is proud of the ongoing relationships with Glauchau and Rueil-Malmaison.