Past Events
2023
July 4
At our table at the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum's first-ever Independence Day celebration, we sold brats, hot dogs, baked goods, soft drinks, and water, helping make this an enjoyable occasion for all who stopped by!
At our table at the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum's first-ever Independence Day celebration, we sold brats, hot dogs, baked goods, soft drinks, and water, helping make this an enjoyable occasion for all who stopped by!
2022
Museums by Candlelight, December 10 at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum
The FSCA hosted a table in the museum's Keller (cellar) where visitors could enjoy grilled sausages, Glühwein, and seasonal pastries. All proceeds from the sale of these items went to the support of our mission.
The FSCA hosted a table in the museum's Keller (cellar) where visitors could enjoy grilled sausages, Glühwein, and seasonal pastries. All proceeds from the sale of these items went to the support of our mission.
Oktoberfest at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum
After a 2-year COVID-induced interruption, the FSCA was happy to once again participate in the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum’s annual Oktoberfest, held on October 15 and 16. Fest attendance was high on both days, helped by the perfect fall weather. We answered many questions about our Sister Cities and the FSCA. There were also Germany-themed knick-knacks for sale, as well as our delicious Glühwein, a popular hit that we sold out of both days.
After a 2-year COVID-induced interruption, the FSCA was happy to once again participate in the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum’s annual Oktoberfest, held on October 15 and 16. Fest attendance was high on both days, helped by the perfect fall weather. We answered many questions about our Sister Cities and the FSCA. There were also Germany-themed knick-knacks for sale, as well as our delicious Glühwein, a popular hit that we sold out of both days.
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A visitor from Mörzheim
1. Welcome, Felix!
2. Mayor Michael O'Connor greets Felix.
3. Fritz, Felix, and Ronnie chit-chat in front of Trinity Chapel .
4. Fritz, Felix, Rick, and Ronnie cool off at Idiom Brewing Co.
5. Felix observes a moment of reflection at the Firefighters Memorial.
6. Ronnie and Felix enjoy the scenic setting of Harper's Ferry.
7. Felix and Rick relax at South Mountain Creamery.
8. Felix has made a new friend at South Mountain Creamery.
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On July 11 and 12, 2022, the FSCA was pleased to host Felix Mosbach as he visited Frederick from his hometown, our Sister City Mörzheim (photo 1). His visit was part of an extended trip abroad that he was taking during his break between receiving his undergraduate degree and starting work on his master’s degree.
Traveling by bus from New York City, Felix first arrived in Washington, DC, where he spent a night before hopping aboard Metro’s Red Line for a trip to the Shady Grove Station. There, he was met by FSCA member Rick Peters, who served as his informal host and guide during his 2-day visit. Because Felix knew little about Frederick other than that it was Mörzheim’s Sister City, the first stop of the day was the Frederick Visitor Center. There, he and Rick were met by FSCA member Ronnie Osterman. After viewing the orientation film and browsing the displays, the threesome adjourned to Frederick Coffee Co. & Cafe in nearby Shab Row for a bite of lunch. A highlight of the day was a meeting with Mayor Michael O’Connor (photo 2), whose warm welcome and friendly banter made for a memorable aspect of Felix’s visit. Following this, Fritz Buckingham, former FSCA president, joined the group for the rest of the afternoon. From City Hall the foursome took a short walk to the nearby Trinity Chapel and Church School of the Evangelical Reformed Church, founded in 1745 by John Thomas Schley, whose hometown was also Mörzheim (photo 3). Felix was most interested to learn that Schley, one of Frederick Town’s earliest settlers, built its first house (on the northeast corner of what is today East Patrick Street and Maxwell Alley) and went on to become a prominent member of his new home town, including serving as a schoolmaster and tavern keeper. Most of the afternoon was spent walking down Market Street and along the Carroll Creek Linear Park, followed by a leisurely respite from the heat at the creekside Idiom Brewing Co., whose refreshing craft brews further enlivened the conversation (photo 4). At this point, Ronnie and Fritz took their leave for the day, but there was still time for more sightseeing. While at the Visitor Center, Felix had taken note of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial on the campus of the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, so a trip there set the agenda for the rest of the day. Upon seeing both the Firefighters Memorial and the 9/11 Memorial (on the same campus), Felix remarked that it was sobering to realize how many brave individuals had sacrificed their lives in the line-of-duty (photo 5). Before arriving in Frederick, Felix had arranged for accommodations at a close-in Airbnb, where Rick left him for the night and also picked him up the next morning. Tuesday’s plan of the day started with breakfast at Frederick’s Ibiza Cafe, a coffee shop on W 4th Street owned and operated by Fritz and his wife, May. From there, after picking up Ronnie, it was off to the Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park. Despite their historical significance, however, the park’s offerings were eclipsed on what was a very hot day by its location at the scenic confluence of the Potomac and Susquehanna rivers (photo 6) and the coolness inside the Coach House Bar n’ Grill, a spot for a tasty lunch up the hill from the park site. The day’s excursion into the country ended with an impromptu visit to Middletown's South Mountain Creamery (photo 7), whose farm smells and rural setting reminded Felix of the countryside around his home. Despite the threat of rain, there was time to visit the calf barn (photo 8) after enjoying a dish of the creamery’s original Snallygaster flavor, a delectable blend of peanut-butter flavored ice cream with caramel swirl, peanut butter cups, and pretzels created especially in honor of Frederick’s very own mythological beast. Back in town, after saying good-bye to Ronnie, Rick and Felix were joined by Fritz and FSCA member Rosemary Orthmann for a farewell dinner for Felix at Brewer’s Alley. Although Felix had initially planned to leave Frederick on Tuesday, Fritz had graciously offered him a night’s accommodations so that he could instead catch a MARC train into DC first thing Wednesday morning in time to catch an Amtrak train to his next destination. In addition to treating Felix to dinner at Brewer’s Alley, the FSCA also paid for his Monday-night Airbnb accommodations as well as sending him off with a complimentary Frederick ball cap as a souvenir, along with the hopes that we will see him again – perhaps in celebration of his master’s degree! An interesting addendum to this story is that Felix’s grandfather was mayor of Mörzheim at the same time that Ron Young was mayor of Frederick. It was Mayor Young who, in 1959, established Frederick’s Sister City connection with Mörzheim. The two mayors corresponded, and Young visited Felix’s grandfather during a trip to Mörzheim. This was all new news to Felix and only served to strengthen his regard for Frederick, his hometown's American Sister City. |
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German-language Movie Night
at Grace United Church of Christ Our first event of 2022 was a showing on Friday, June 10, of the 1931 film Die Dreigroschenoper (The Three-Penny Opera), a classic adaptation of Bertolt Brecht's 1928 theatrical sensation. Set in London's back alleys, the story unfolds the woeful tale of Mackie Messer (a.k.a. Mack the Knife). The restored HD digital transfer B&W film was in German with English subtitles. Admission was free, and German-style baked goods and sodas were available for purchase. |
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Frederick Mayor O'Connor issues Sister Cities 40th Anniversary Proclamation
At the ceremony were, from left, Rosemary Orthmann, Historian, FSCA; Richard Peters, Acting President, FSCA; Mayor O'Connor; Ronnie Osterman, Events Coordinator, FSCA; and Jennie Russell, President, FCLF.
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April 2022 marks the 40th anniversary of Frederick and Schifferstadt becoming Sister Cities. To celebrate this milestone, Frederick Mayor Michael O'Connor issued a proclamation inviting "all citizens to acquaint themselves with our sister city and the cultural influences that distinguish our home." Mayor O'Connor also sent a copy of the proclamation, along with a letter of greetings, to his counterpart in Schifferstadt, Bürgermeisterin Illona Volk.
Included in the packet to Frau Volk was a print of a painting of the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum by newly retired U.S. Senator Ron Young, whose ancestry is linked to the Brunner family of Schifferstadt. As Frederick's mayor in 1982, Ron Young was instrumental in establishing the Sister Cities connection between the two cities. |
2021
FSCA garners mentions in local publications
Although COVID-19 and dwindling FSCA membership combined punches to knock out the FSCA's activities this past year, you will be happy to learn that, thanks to the enthusiasm of long-time FSCA member and booster Ronnie Osterman, we have started taking steps to become active once again in 2022 (see Upcoming Events page). In the meantime, due to Ronnie's efforts, we garnered mentions this year in two local publications: The Frederick News-Post and Frederick magazine:
Although COVID-19 and dwindling FSCA membership combined punches to knock out the FSCA's activities this past year, you will be happy to learn that, thanks to the enthusiasm of long-time FSCA member and booster Ronnie Osterman, we have started taking steps to become active once again in 2022 (see Upcoming Events page). In the meantime, due to Ronnie's efforts, we garnered mentions this year in two local publications: The Frederick News-Post and Frederick magazine:
- The Frederick News-Post: Last July, Ronnie inserted an FSCA meeting notice in the News-Post that led to her being interviewed by staff reporter Ryan Marshall, whose resulting article was published in the paper's August 20 edition: Group looks to preserve connection to Frederick's sister cities. This, in turn, led to our plight becoming a "Nay" in the News-Post's August 21 "Yeas and Nays" editorial column: "Nay: Is Frederick's sister cities program in trouble? Well, we sure hope not."
- Frederick magazine: More recently, Ronnie had an opportunity to talk about the FSCA and how her participation led to some wonderful experiences and fond memories from her visit to our two German Sister Cities: Mörzheim and Schifferstadt. Ronnie's interview appears on page 34 of the magazine's December print edition (article not available online).
2020
City Awards Grant to FSCA
The FSCA is pleased to announce that we are the recipient of a City of Frederick Community Promotion Grant. The City’s website states that “The Community Promotion Grant program awards funding to nonprofit charitable or civic organizations in order to supplement existing funds that either create or enhance services that positively impact the greatest number of City residents.”
When we submitted our application at the end of 2019, the City was busily engaged in planning and coordinating events to celebrate its 275th Anniversary throughout 2020. In applying for the grant, we indicated that we would use the requested funds to help pay for our monthly operating expenses, thus freeing up funds that we could put to better use to further our Sister Cities activities in conjunction with the City’s anniversary celebration.
Even in the best of times, the FSCA’s income from our membership fees and fundraising activities is unpredictable. Now, with COVID-19 halting or postponing not only the City’s anniversary events, but also our regular fundraising activities, we are gratified that the City values our mission to facilitate mutually beneficial and enriching relationships between Frederick's citizens, schools, civic and social clubs, and other organizations and their counterparts in our Sister Cities, Mörzheim and Schifferstadt, Germany. The grant funds we have received during these lean times will most certainly help us to be ready when it is appropriate for us to once again actively promote Frederick's German culture and heritage.
The FSCA is pleased to announce that we are the recipient of a City of Frederick Community Promotion Grant. The City’s website states that “The Community Promotion Grant program awards funding to nonprofit charitable or civic organizations in order to supplement existing funds that either create or enhance services that positively impact the greatest number of City residents.”
When we submitted our application at the end of 2019, the City was busily engaged in planning and coordinating events to celebrate its 275th Anniversary throughout 2020. In applying for the grant, we indicated that we would use the requested funds to help pay for our monthly operating expenses, thus freeing up funds that we could put to better use to further our Sister Cities activities in conjunction with the City’s anniversary celebration.
Even in the best of times, the FSCA’s income from our membership fees and fundraising activities is unpredictable. Now, with COVID-19 halting or postponing not only the City’s anniversary events, but also our regular fundraising activities, we are gratified that the City values our mission to facilitate mutually beneficial and enriching relationships between Frederick's citizens, schools, civic and social clubs, and other organizations and their counterparts in our Sister Cities, Mörzheim and Schifferstadt, Germany. The grant funds we have received during these lean times will most certainly help us to be ready when it is appropriate for us to once again actively promote Frederick's German culture and heritage.
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March 7, 2 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.:
German Movie Event at Urbana Library In collaboration with the Urbana Library, the FSCA hosted a German movie event. Featured was the acclaimed black-and-white German tragicomedy “A Coffee in Berlin,” which was shown with subtitles. The film was originally released in Germany in 2012 under the title "Oh Boy” and subsequently released in the US under “A Coffee in Berlin.” As part of this event, FSCA members who have spent time in Berlin shared some of their experiences of life in this vibrant city. All attendees also engaged in a lively discussion of the film itself and the story it was telling. |
February 1, noon – 5:00 p.m.: Winterfest at Grace United Church of Christ
The FSCA and Grace United Church of Christ collaborated on this event held at the church edifice. Themed like Fasching or Mardi Gras, the festivities included a performance of German songs by local group Frederick Stimmung. FSCA provided our famous Glühwein and Warsteiner Bier, and Grace United provided Würsts, Rotkohl (red cabbage), and donuts. Altogether, an enjoyable afternoon for all attendees!
The FSCA and Grace United Church of Christ collaborated on this event held at the church edifice. Themed like Fasching or Mardi Gras, the festivities included a performance of German songs by local group Frederick Stimmung. FSCA provided our famous Glühwein and Warsteiner Bier, and Grace United provided Würsts, Rotkohl (red cabbage), and donuts. Altogether, an enjoyable afternoon for all attendees!
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FSCA’s display at the Winterfest
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Regina Schwab says, “Glühwein makes the day better."
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Frederick Stimmung members (from left) Shawn McDermott, Steven “Fritz” Buckingham, Reiner Prochaska, and Grace UCC Pastor Rob Apgar-Taylor entertain attendees (photo below) with a round of German folk songs.
2019
A Festive Luncheon to Celebrate an Active, Successful Year
On December 15, FSCA members gathered together at the local Manalu Italian Restaurant to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate our many successful activities this past year, which you may read about by scrolling down this page.
On December 15, FSCA members gathered together at the local Manalu Italian Restaurant to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate our many successful activities this past year, which you may read about by scrolling down this page.
Enjoying a gemütlich celebration of the year’s successes are (from left) Rosemary Orthmann, George Albrecht, Regina Schwab, Brian Guenther, Rick Peters, FSCA President Steven “Fritz” Buckingham, Ruth Heflin, Ronnie Osterman, Ken Poisson, and Sybille Faucette.
Museums by Candlelight, December 14
Once again, the FSCA hosted a table at the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum. There, in the museum's Keller (cellar), visitors had the opportunity to talk in person to FSCA members while enjoying tasty Bratwursts, Glühwein, Stollen, and Lebkuchen. Also on hand for purchase were clever German-themed refrigerator magnets/Christmas tree hangers and Bavarian-style felt hats. All proceeds from the sale of these items go to the support of our mission. A new addition to the festivities this year were German Christmas songs sung by Frederick vocal group German Stimmung: |
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We also had an information table at the C. Burr Artz Public Library. A new venue for this event this year, the library table was an unstaffed spot where we could publicize the FSCA via printed materials, including our new rack card, that interested passersby could take along with them.
Oktoberfest at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum
We once again participated in the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum’s annual Oktoberfest, held this year on October 19 and 20. Saturday was a beautiful day, with lots of foot traffic past our new booth location next to the herb garden. We answered many questions about our Sister Cities, handed out all of our newly minted rack cards, and sold a fair number of German-related items. Sunday, however, the weather was unfriendly, and we struck the tent early. Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this a successful event!!
We once again participated in the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum’s annual Oktoberfest, held this year on October 19 and 20. Saturday was a beautiful day, with lots of foot traffic past our new booth location next to the herb garden. We answered many questions about our Sister Cities, handed out all of our newly minted rack cards, and sold a fair number of German-related items. Sunday, however, the weather was unfriendly, and we struck the tent early. Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this a successful event!!
From left, FSCA members Regina Schwab, George Albrecht, and Sybille Faucette were on hand to greet the many passersby on Saturday.
Frederick’s Oktoberfest, September 27 & 28
This year, FSCA members participated in the Oktoberfest’s opening keg-tapping ceremony on Friday evening and co-hosted a German Spelling Bee on Saturday (with Heritage Frederick).
This year, FSCA members participated in the Oktoberfest’s opening keg-tapping ceremony on Friday evening and co-hosted a German Spelling Bee on Saturday (with Heritage Frederick).
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Keg-tapping Ceremony Kicks Off Oktoberfest
In longstanding tradition, Germany’s famous Oktoberfest in Munich is officially kicked off when the mayor opens the first beer barrel by inserting a tap with as few blows as possible. So what better way to start the festivities here in Frederick? This year, after FSCA member and local MET actor Reiner Prochaska (photo right) extended “ein herzliches Willkommen zum Oktoberfest!” (a hearty welcome to the Oktoberfest), Frederick Mayor Michael O’Conner successfully inserted the tap with just four blows (photo below left). Ausgezeichnet!! Afterward, opening ceremony participants (photo below right), including Mayor O’Connor (third from left) and County Executive Jan Gardiner (fourth from right) enjoyed a libation from the freshly tapped keg. |
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German Spelling Bee Provides a Fun Challenge
FSCA, co-hosting this year with Heritage Frederick, held its third annual German Spelling Bee on Saturday. Moderator Brian Guenther was assisted by judges Marty Lapera, Ruth Heflin, and George Albrecht. Three prizes were generously provided by the Rotary Clubs of Carroll Creek and Southern Frederick County. The top spellers were: 1st Place, Hermine K ($100 Gift Certificate); 2nd Place, Ethan M ($50 Gift Certificate); 3rd Place, Ryan L ($25 Gift Certificate).
FSCA, co-hosting this year with Heritage Frederick, held its third annual German Spelling Bee on Saturday. Moderator Brian Guenther was assisted by judges Marty Lapera, Ruth Heflin, and George Albrecht. Three prizes were generously provided by the Rotary Clubs of Carroll Creek and Southern Frederick County. The top spellers were: 1st Place, Hermine K ($100 Gift Certificate); 2nd Place, Ethan M ($50 Gift Certificate); 3rd Place, Ryan L ($25 Gift Certificate).
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Sommerfest
Despite unseasonably hot July weather, members and invited guests enjoyed an afternoon of brats, beer, and Gemütlichkeit, both outdoors and indoors in air-conditioned comfort. To their delight, guests were also entertained by the voices of Frederick Stimmung, raised in boisterous song. The highlight of the gathering was the visit by a former FSCA member and her husband, who were in Frederick from Florida. Also, there was a surprise visit by a couple from Schifferstadt, Germany. The husband had been to Frederick 17 years ago through an FSCA program and is accompanying his wife while she works temporarily for her company in the US. The four were welcome guests to meet and catch up with over the course of the afternoon. Everyone shared many laughs and “Prosits.” |
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The New Paltz Band performs before an attentive audience at Hood College on July 5.
Left to Right: Adelheid Hillner (mandoline, mandola, akkordeon), Michael Werner (gitarre, banjo, mandoloncello, Irish bouzouki), Uwe Volk (konzertina, bandoneon, gitarre, cachon), Josef Rill (kontrabass, cachon) 
Flanked by FSCA President Steven “Fritz” Buckingham on his left and New Paltz Band member Adelheid Hillner on his right, Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor shares some thoughts about Frederick’s Sister Cities activities.
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New Paltz Band
at Hood College’s Brodbeck Music Hall The four-member New Paltz Band from Schifferstadt and vicinity entertained an attentive audience of about 75 on Friday evening, July 5, with their singing of original and traditional "pennsylvaanisch-deitscher” lyrics set to folk melodies from the Pfalz region of Germany as well as to familiar American folk melodies. Between songs, which they explained in English, the band members also told about some of the historical and cultural differences and similarities between “old” and present-day life in the Pfalz region and shared interesting Amish and Mennonite customs that have developed in America over the years. Frederick’s Mayor Michael O’Connor was in attendance and spoke to the value of Frederick’s Sister Cities program and activities. The FSCA would like to thank Dr. Scott Pincikowski, Hood College’s Professor of German, who arranged for the event’s venue and also helped kick off the evening’s program. By the time it was over, everyone surely felt an affinity for the lyrics of one of the songs: “Mei Vadder un Mudder sinn Deitsch un ich bin Deitsch aa.” Thanks are also due to the Maryland Ensemble Theatre for the sound system and to the Frederick County Landmarks Foundation for opening the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum for a private tour by the band. The band’s visit to the US was sponsored by the German Embassy and the Goethe Institute in Washington and was one of more than 1,000 events taking place as part of Deutschlandjahr USA 2018/19 under the motto, “Wunderbar together.” We hope to see them in Frederick again on a future return visit! To sample the New Paltz Band's music, visit their website (newpaltzband.wordpress.com/) or check them out on YouTube (just type in New Paltz band). |
FSCA VP Rick Peters captures ideas during the Kraftung’s brainstorming session.
First Frederick German “Kraftung”
Convened by the FSCA, representatives from several local community organizations that engage in activities related to Germany met on Saturday, June 15, at Heritage Frederick. The purpose of this 2-hour Kraftung was twofold:
Attendees included representatives from the FSCA, Frederick County Landmarks, Heritage Frederick, Visit Frederick, Grace United Church of Christ, Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ, and various guests. Alderman Roger Wilson stopped by briefly to show his support and to inform us that the city of Frederick would be celebrating the 275th anniversary of its charter in 2020 and hopes to partner with us in several events.
Based on the success of this first meeting, the FSCA hopes to make the Kraftung an annual workshop.
(Thanks go to Baltimore Coffee & Tea for donating the coffee that kept us alert and up-to-speed!)
Convened by the FSCA, representatives from several local community organizations that engage in activities related to Germany met on Saturday, June 15, at Heritage Frederick. The purpose of this 2-hour Kraftung was twofold:
- Afford the attendees an opportunity to get to know each another and to learn what others are doing
- Explore the possibility of establishing an ongoing cooperative interaction among the various local entities already individually engaged in fostering and maintaining Frederick’s German heritage
Attendees included representatives from the FSCA, Frederick County Landmarks, Heritage Frederick, Visit Frederick, Grace United Church of Christ, Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ, and various guests. Alderman Roger Wilson stopped by briefly to show his support and to inform us that the city of Frederick would be celebrating the 275th anniversary of its charter in 2020 and hopes to partner with us in several events.
Based on the success of this first meeting, the FSCA hopes to make the Kraftung an annual workshop.
(Thanks go to Baltimore Coffee & Tea for donating the coffee that kept us alert and up-to-speed!)
Maifest
On Saturday, May 4, the FSCA and Grace United Church of Christ collaborated to help the community and visitors to downtown Frederick welcome in spring with a Maifest. In acknowledgement of this first-time event in Frederick, Mayor Michael O’Connor officially proclaimed the day as Schifferstadt Day 2019. Those attending the celebration had an opportunity to listen to German folk songs appropriate to the season and to join in dancing around a maypole. And what would a German-themed event be without brats, pretzels, and beer? Also available to taste was an authentic Maibowle. This festive, herb-infused wine punch, a traditional German way of celebrating spring, also proved quite popular to those who tried it. All-in-all, the pleasure experienced by everyone who stopped by has set the tone for what FSCA and Grace UCC hope will become an annual springtime celebration! See you next year! 
Maifest goers were entertained with German folk songs celebrating spring.
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Grace UCC Pastor Rob Apgar-Taylor listens as Reiner Prochaska reads Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor’s proclamation declaring May 4, 2019, as the city’s Schifferstadt Day in recognition of the Maifest celebration.
Great fun was had by the participants in a Maypole Dance.
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Select Events from 2018
In addition to Museums by Candlelight at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum and Oktoberfests at Frederick Fairgrounds and Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, 2018 FSCA highlights included the following activities.
TJ HS student visits Frederick's sister cities
With the help of an FSCA-provided airfare grant, Zachary Klug, a student at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School, visited Frederick’s sister cities from July 28 to August 11, 2018.
With his host family in Mörzheim, Zachary toured many famous sites, including the Old French Gate and scenic mountains. He visited with Ortvorsteherin Dorothea Mueller and was invited to add words to the Mörzheim “Golden Book.”
Zachary spent his second week in Schifferstadt, where he was able to join the city’s 1,150th anniversary celebration.
"While I was there the biggest things that I loved was the language, talking to the people...seeing how...although we speak a completely different language we're very the same at heart,” said Klug.
With the help of an FSCA-provided airfare grant, Zachary Klug, a student at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School, visited Frederick’s sister cities from July 28 to August 11, 2018.
With his host family in Mörzheim, Zachary toured many famous sites, including the Old French Gate and scenic mountains. He visited with Ortvorsteherin Dorothea Mueller and was invited to add words to the Mörzheim “Golden Book.”
Zachary spent his second week in Schifferstadt, where he was able to join the city’s 1,150th anniversary celebration.
"While I was there the biggest things that I loved was the language, talking to the people...seeing how...although we speak a completely different language we're very the same at heart,” said Klug.
Schifferstadt gets more visitors from Frederick
July 6, 2018. During Sebastian Buckingham's summer vacation at his grandmother’s house in Germany, he did not miss visiting Frederick's sister city Schifferstadt. Mayor Ilona Volk met him and made sure he enjoyed his time in Schifferstadt while staying with the Imo family. Frederick's strong ties to our sister cities should encourage every traveler visiting Germany to pay a quick stop to receive a warm welcome.
July 6, 2018. During Sebastian Buckingham's summer vacation at his grandmother’s house in Germany, he did not miss visiting Frederick's sister city Schifferstadt. Mayor Ilona Volk met him and made sure he enjoyed his time in Schifferstadt while staying with the Imo family. Frederick's strong ties to our sister cities should encourage every traveler visiting Germany to pay a quick stop to receive a warm welcome.
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Frederick celebrates sister city's 1,150th anniversary
On Friday, May 18, 2018, the Frederick Sister Cities Association (FSCA) held a celebration at the Schifferstadt Architectual Museum in honor of the 1,150th anniversary of Frederick Sister City Schifferstadt. Proclamations were presented from the City of Frederick by Mayor Michael O'Connor and from the state government in Annapolis from State Senator Ronald Young, who is a descendant of Joseph Bruner from Schifferstadt, the original owner of the farm house that now is the Schifferstadt Architectual Museum. 
Rick Peters, FSCA VP, joins in the toast to Schifferstadt.
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FSCA 2018 travel grant recipient announced
APRIL 30, 2018: The FSCA is pleased to announce that Thomas Johnson High School senior Zachary Klug is the recipient of this year’s travel grant to visit Frederick’s two sister cities, Schifferstadt and Mörzheim, this July/August. Congratulations, Zachary! And thank you to the other applicants; we encourage you to apply again the next time.
The FSCA grant will cover the cost of Zachary’s round-trip airfare to Germany. The FSCA will also provide contact with host families for a stay of five days in each city. Zachary will spend his first week in Mörzheim, then travel to Schifferstadt for the second week.
(To make a tax-deductible contribution toward supporting this and other FSCA activities, please go to our Contact page.)
APRIL 30, 2018: The FSCA is pleased to announce that Thomas Johnson High School senior Zachary Klug is the recipient of this year’s travel grant to visit Frederick’s two sister cities, Schifferstadt and Mörzheim, this July/August. Congratulations, Zachary! And thank you to the other applicants; we encourage you to apply again the next time.
The FSCA grant will cover the cost of Zachary’s round-trip airfare to Germany. The FSCA will also provide contact with host families for a stay of five days in each city. Zachary will spend his first week in Mörzheim, then travel to Schifferstadt for the second week.
(To make a tax-deductible contribution toward supporting this and other FSCA activities, please go to our Contact page.)
Dinner for German visitors
On Wednesday, April 18, 2018, the FSCA hosted a dinner at Brewer's Alley in Frederick, Maryland, for visiting personnel from the German Schwarzwald National Park, the superintendent of Catoctin Mountain Park in Thurmont, his wife, and the US State Department’s Consul General for Germany. The visitors from Germany were here in connection with plans to sign a sister parks agreement between Schwarzwald National Park and Catoctin Mountain Park. Pictured from left to right: Dr. Thomas Waldenspuhl, Director, Schwarzwald National Park; Jim Herman, Consul General, US State Department; Dr. Simone Stubner, Public Relations and Management, Schwarzwald National Park; Rosemary Orthmann, member, FSCA; Sybille Faucette, secretary, FSCA; Ronnie Osterman, historian, FSCA; Rick Peters, vice-president, FSCA; Rick Slade, Superintendent, Cactoctin Mountain Park; and Ashley Slade, Rick Slade’s wife.
On Wednesday, April 18, 2018, the FSCA hosted a dinner at Brewer's Alley in Frederick, Maryland, for visiting personnel from the German Schwarzwald National Park, the superintendent of Catoctin Mountain Park in Thurmont, his wife, and the US State Department’s Consul General for Germany. The visitors from Germany were here in connection with plans to sign a sister parks agreement between Schwarzwald National Park and Catoctin Mountain Park. Pictured from left to right: Dr. Thomas Waldenspuhl, Director, Schwarzwald National Park; Jim Herman, Consul General, US State Department; Dr. Simone Stubner, Public Relations and Management, Schwarzwald National Park; Rosemary Orthmann, member, FSCA; Sybille Faucette, secretary, FSCA; Ronnie Osterman, historian, FSCA; Rick Peters, vice-president, FSCA; Rick Slade, Superintendent, Cactoctin Mountain Park; and Ashley Slade, Rick Slade’s wife.
FSCA president visits our sister cities
A quick 'Blitz-visit' took FSCA's president to both of our sister cities in Germany. On Friday April 20, a meeting with Schifferstadt Mayor Ilona Volk and Partner City Association (Freundeskreis Frederick) president Ursula Heberger was arranged, where the good relationship between the two cities was emphasized. Ilona could not hold back her joy about Frederick's participation in Schifferstadt's 1,150th anniversary. On the same day, a quick 40-minute drive from Schifferstadt took FSCA's president to Mörzheim to meet representative (Ortvorsteherin) Dorothea Mueller. The hospitality in both cities was overwhelming.
Tschüss und auf Wiedersehn, bis zum nächsten Mal!!!
A quick 'Blitz-visit' took FSCA's president to both of our sister cities in Germany. On Friday April 20, a meeting with Schifferstadt Mayor Ilona Volk and Partner City Association (Freundeskreis Frederick) president Ursula Heberger was arranged, where the good relationship between the two cities was emphasized. Ilona could not hold back her joy about Frederick's participation in Schifferstadt's 1,150th anniversary. On the same day, a quick 40-minute drive from Schifferstadt took FSCA's president to Mörzheim to meet representative (Ortvorsteherin) Dorothea Mueller. The hospitality in both cities was overwhelming.
Tschüss und auf Wiedersehn, bis zum nächsten Mal!!!
Frederick Sister Cities Association
meets the mayor
On Monday, January 22, 2018, representatives of the Frederick Sister Cities Association met the Mayor of Frederick and emphasized the importance of keeping the cultural exchange between Frederick and our sister cities Mörzheim and Schifferstadt (both in Germany) active.
Left to right: Steven Buckingham, aka Fritz (President, FSCA); Michael O'Connor (Mayor of Frederick City); Rick Peters (Vice President, FSCA)
meets the mayor
On Monday, January 22, 2018, representatives of the Frederick Sister Cities Association met the Mayor of Frederick and emphasized the importance of keeping the cultural exchange between Frederick and our sister cities Mörzheim and Schifferstadt (both in Germany) active.
Left to right: Steven Buckingham, aka Fritz (President, FSCA); Michael O'Connor (Mayor of Frederick City); Rick Peters (Vice President, FSCA)
