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 Martin Baier, VP, Program and Services
International Center of Indianapolis
Dear Friends of Cologne!
2010 was another great year for our sister city relationship with Cologne, Germany.
As it has been a custom for many years in the past, I would like to review some of last year's events.
The year began with the annual Cologne-style Karneval (carnival) at the Athenaeum. The tradition of Karneval in Indianapolis goes back to the 1880's, when German societies held lavish masked balls. It is a pleasure to report that this year's event was again successful in showcasing a German tradition to the people of Indianapolis.
In April, Mr. Jürgen Roters visited our city for the first time as the new elected Lord Mayor of Cologne. Mayor Roters, who first came to Indianapolis for a convention many years ago, was positively surprised by the major changes this city has experienced. Mayor Roters left with the impression that Cologne has a strong partner in Indianapolis, with more opportunities for future collaborations to come.
Our committee has been a proud co-presenter of numerous German guest speakers that visited our city. Back in May, our good friend Volkmar Schultz, chairman of our partner organization in Cologne and former member of the German parliament, provided us with an update on the current political and economic situation in Germany. Mr. Markus Meckel, also a former member of the German parliament, was our guest for a great discussion about the topic: "20 Years: Reflections of the Peaceful Revolution, the Fall of the Wall, and German Unification."
One of the highlights in 2010 was the exchange of fire fighters between Cologne's fire department and IFD, a program that is funded by the two partner committees from Cologne and Indianapolis.
Uwe Siemons, an experienced fire fighter from Cologne spent 3 weeks on duty in the Circle City. In exchange Mike Mullennax, one of Indianapolis finest fire fighters, was on call in Cologne for almost the whole month of October. Both men were able to make new friends, and gain valuable experiences they can share with their fellow comrades in their home departments.
Also in October, a group of 13 "friends of Cologne" flew from Indianapolis to Germany to visit our sister city by the River Rhine. The agenda was filled with highlights, like a bus trip to Bonn (former capital city of Germany), a visit to the "Bridge of Remagen" (a historic landmark from WWII), wine tasting, a guided tour of Roman excavations, and a reception with Vice Mayor Angela Spitzig at the Cologne City Hall.
October was also a month for major changes in our committee.
I was honored to follow Sven Schumacher as the next chairman. Sven served as chairman of our committee for over a decade.
On behalf of the Indianapolis-Cologne Sister-City Partnership Committee I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Sven C. Schumacher for his outstanding service, valuable leadership and superior dedication to our organization.
Vielen Dank!
I would like to thank Mayor Gregory Ballard and his wonderful staff, especially Jane Gehlhausen, Director of International and Cultural Affairs for the City of Indianapolis, for their interest and support over the last year.
As in every year, the committee would appreciate your financial contribution to help sustain our programs.
Please make your donation out to the "Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee".
Thank you for your help!
Auf Wiedersehen,
Martin Baier
Chairman
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more about Cologne, Germany at our Cologne page!
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