German Dignitary Attends Foley Sister Cities Global Leaders Advisory Council Meeting
Melanie Moltmann, the German Consul General, was the special Guest of Foley Sister Cities Global Leaders Advisory Council Annual Meeting. She addressed the audience and talked about the importance of Sister Cities and how they build friendships and partnerships across the world. Sister Cities are not political but an opportunity to learn about other cultures and exchange ideas. She addressed the importance of educational exchanges and the importance of building partnerships and friendships around the world.
Foley Sister Cities also presented their annual report which gave an oversight of “A Year in Review” with a “Glimpse to the Future”. To date Foley Sister Cities has had three successful Oktoberfest 5 K runs, wrote, edited and published an international intergenerational cook book in English and German, have had two educational exchanges, have had 100 5th grade pen pals write over 500 letters, participated in three holiday parades and Christmas tree decorating, held holiday Galas of wine tasting and silent auction, held restaurant spirit nights, met with civic, business and community leaders in both cities. Foley Sister Cities unveiled their newest adventure, an Oktoberfest Golf Jamboree, October 23, 2026. This is not just a golf tournament but a full-blown, authentic Oktoberfest.
Foley Sister Cities is preparing for its second educational exchange of teachers and students with Hennef, Germany. During Mardi Gras week 2026, Foley will host teachers and students from Hennef who will stay in the homes of Foley host families. Then in June, Foley students and chaperones will travel to Hennef, Germany, for an exchange. At the end of the meeting, families and students involved in this program expressed their thoughts to the Advisory Council Members, City Council, and Commissioners.
Chad and Jennifer Watkins have had their two sons participate in the Foley Sister Cities educational exchange. Jennifer said, “As a two-time parent of a student participating in FSC, I couldn’t be more excited to have two more families that will become friends in Germany. It’s really been fun chatting with the new students online and meeting the families virtually. I’m also looking forward to my youngest son to experience Germany when they travel this summer. His brother’s stories won’t just be stories; they will be new experiences for him.”
Linda B. Spangrud, Executive Director, ended the meeting with these words, “All of this could not have happened without your support. All of you, our City Leaders, our Advisory Council members, our commissioners, our committees, our sponsors, our civic and business leaders, our teachers, our parents, our students, are very important to the success of this program. You all have helped to build friendships across the world. Friendships are the Heartbeat of Peace.”
The Foley Sister Cities Commission exists to promote cultural, educational, and commercial relationships through international leadership, friendship and understanding. Ultimately, “Building Peace Through People”.
For more information about Foley Sister Cities or its Commission, please visit www.foleysistercities.com or contact us at foleysistercities@gmail.com.
Media Contact:
Linda B. Spangrud, Executive Director
Foley Sister Cities Board of Commissioners
Foleysistercities@gmail.com
815-978-5976
Foley Sister Cities Commission, Inc.
-
Linda B. Spangrud
- January 27, 2026
- 815-978-5976
- Send Email
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