Economic Development
Quality of Life
Sister City Gotha Germany
Gotha 2006 Update
2006 Gastonia Sister Cities Student Ambassadors first day in Sister City, Gotha Germany, June 12. This year 13 students participated in the German Language classes since last October; they represented seven the Gaston County High Schools. Ken & Libby Todd were the chaperones (Hawaiian shirts and German lei around their necks). The group participated in school activities at the Arnoldischule Gymnasium, where the picture was taken. They also visited Dresden during their stay. The group returned on June 22.
About Gotha
- Located in the middle of Germany, in the "state" of Thuringia
- Town noted for:
- science and learning
- handicrafts and commerce
- home to the first fire insurance company
- first commercial college in Germany
- Town hall dates to 1572
- Market square dates from 1666
- Friedenstein Palace:
- overlooks the City
- now serves as a museum
- 17th century building
- 2000 windows adorn the palace
- slate roof
- Leina canal, built in 1369, brought drinking water into the town from nearby mountains.
- The Museum of Natural History, built in 1879, is located across the plaza from the palace.
Gotha - Germany Exchange
What a wonderful exchange! Twelve students from different Gaston County schools shared an adventure that will not be soon forgotten. This is the 2005 Language class; two of the members, Hannah Anderson and Christopher Dean are Rotary exchange students for the 2006-2007 school year. They are true ambassadors representing Gotha well!!
"It's not only the places you go to that make the trip so wonderful, it's the people. We (the students) go into Germany as friends, but come home as brothers and sisters." Hannah Anderson, 16 years old, rising 11th grader at Ashbrook High School
Young Artist Competition
Language Classes
Oktoberfest
Volunteer Opportunities
Membership
A message from the President
Visit Charlotte Sister Cities
Young Artist Competition
Each fall, Gastonia Sister Cities contacts
the area High Schools and Middle Schools with the opportunity
to participate in an art contest sponsored by Sister Cities
International. One winning piece is paired with a winning
piece from our Sister Cities and competes on an international
level. Look for information in your Art Classes
in late September. Top prize is $100 to the student and Art
teacher.
Contact Susan Hinley, 704.854.6602, if you do
not have an Art Class and want to participate.
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2006 Theme
"What Does Global Citizenship Look Like?" Information will be sent to all Gaston County schools and publicized through local media. Young artists must be ages 13 through 18. Contact the Sister Cities office for additional requirements and information.
Language Classes
Gastonia Sister Cities offers German language classes
- Classes meet once per week for the purpose of training 9th-12th graders to serve as student ambassadors.
- Applications to this class are competitive and are available through guidance counselors at area high schools. Applications are due by September 30th.
- Classes will begin in October.
- Trip to Germany will be in June.
- Cost is based on airfare and extra side trips.
For more information and an application,
call Susan Hinely
at 704.854.6602 or email susanh@cityofgastonia.com
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Volunteer Opportunities
Gastonia Sister Cities Needs You!
- Hosting Visitors
- Special Events
- Meal Hosts
- Photographer
- Clerical Help
- Transportation
- Translating
Call Susan Hinely,
at 704.854.6602 and volunteer today or email the following
information to susanh@cityofgastonia.com
Name
Address
Area of Interest
Phone or email
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Oktoberfest
For information or tickets, call 704.854.6602
Oktoberfest is a celebration of the German heritage of the Gaston County region celebrated in October
with German and American foods, beverages and music! Oktoberfest is sponsored by the City of Gastonia.
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Host Information
Host foreign visitors and see the world!
Gastonia Sister Cities hosts visitors throughout
the year from Germany and occasionally other foreign countries.
Usually, these visitors speak English, and want to experience
American lifestyles. If you would be willing to share your
home with one of our guests, we'd love to sign you up as
a host home! Hosting is an opportunity to experience another
culture from your own living room!
For more information, please contact
Susan Hinely
Phone: 704.854.6602
Fax: 704.854.6683
susanh@cityofgastonia.com
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Membership Information
Membership in the Gastonia Sister Cities
program is open to any person, business or organization
intrested in promoting and fostering the aims of the organization.
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