Welcome To The Lienen Corner

Welcome To The Lienen Corner. S M L F O , St. Marys Lienen Friendship Org.. , Members-at-large: , Ray Barber . Wanda Dammeyer . Arnold Meckstroth . Ray Schmidt . Eva Sell . Elois Wierwille, Charter members of SMLFO: , Deanna Barber . Ray and Jan Barber . Patricia Barber . Dr. Paul and Holly Blaine . Mr. Larry and Dr. Leslie Brady . Beatrice Busse . Lois Cook . David Creech . Louis and Wanda Dammeyer . Chad and Tess Elshoff . Bea Glass . Ruth Hahn . Reuben Henschen . Elmer Henschen . Tom and Joan Hierholzer . Dave and Tracy Hierholzer . Robert Hirschfeld . Richard and Maxine Howell . Ruth Kettler . Johann and Mary Klein . Esther Kuck . Lee Kuck . Dave Kuck . Mrs. Bill Long . Teresa Meiring . Rev. Arnold and Martha Meckstroth . Al and Norma Mescher . George Neargarder . Allen and Kathe Sandkuhl . Ray and Marge Schmidt . Richard and Suzanne Schroer . Bill and Eva Sell . Roger and Ruby Settlage . Larry and Rhonda Shelby . Billy and Marilyn Slemmons . Earl and Virginia Sollman . Lender and Elodie Sollmon . Janie Southard, Exchange Students from St. Marys to Lienen , Year / Student / Family , 2002 Jennifer Blaine Corinna Holscher . 2002 Ashley Craft Kirsten Heindel . 2005 Eric Brown Christian Monka . 2005 Elizabeth Knous Lisa Kruse . 2008 Tika Rostofer Jasmin Widera, 1995 , On Saturday, September 16, 1995 everything was ready. The citizens of Lienen waited in front of the "Haus des Gastes" for the American guests and their first visit to Germany. Both were eager to meet each other, as their first contact had been by letter. The guests were welcomed with coffee and cake and a speech by the mayor, Horst Murken. Then they traveled to the homes of their hosts., During the days that followed, the group had a full program

. Low German service in the Protestant Church conducted by the Rev. Arnold Meckstroth , . A walk through the village with Hanna Schmedt , . A slide show from St. Marys with Arnold Meckstroth at the "Haus des Gastes" , . A covered wagon tour through the country around Lienen , . The farewell celebration at Baumkamp with the male voice choir, the music club, the folk dance group and the 1974 dance sport club , . The planting of an oak tree on the south side of the pond in memory of St. Marys' first visit to Lienen

, During this visit many new friendships developed, which were to remain in the future., After leaving Lienen, our American friends traveled to the Rhine and on to Heidelberg., Guests / Host families , Eva and William Sell-Angelika and Horst Murken . Arnold and Martha Meckstroth-Christa and Horst Gerseker . Ray, Deanna and Patricia Barber-Hanna Schmedt . Robert Hirschfeld-Waltraud and Reinhard Blomker . Louis and Wanda Dammeyer-Christel and Gottfried Hullmann . Ruth Hahn-Gaby and Friedrich Schmiemann . Reuben Henschen-Erika and Rainer Lutkeschumer . Maxine and Richard Howell-Elsbeth and Albert Pellemeier . Marjory and Ray Schmidt-Brigitta and Lothar Warnke . Suzanne and Richard Schroer-Hilde and Friedrich Beineke . Ruby and Roger Settlage-Gudrun and Willi Engels . Virginia and Earl Sollmann-Erwin Konig (Ladbergen) . Mary Tester-Fritz Grossmann . Clarence Tuente-Ekika and Rainer Lutkeschumer . Elois Wierwille-Gaby and Friedrich Schmiemann, Ken and Kim Strickland . Mildred Sudman . Mary Tester . Clarence Tuente . Bob and Barbara Vogel . Rolla and Pat Werts . Elois Wierwille, As was the wish of mayor Sell, a student exchange was discussed. Without young people, a long-lasting friendship is hardly possible. In 1995, Sister Cities President Bill Sell and St. Marys Superintendent of Schools Paul Blaine invited students to attend Memorial High School in St. Marys. Up to that time, students from Lienen had participated in the program of the Lengerich-Wapakoneta student group. In 1999, Tammo Ibershoff was Lienen's first student to attend Memorial High for 10 months. Due to the rising costs of the exchange, the program has been trying a 3-month program. Many students have been welcomed here in St. Marys for a four-week program during the summer. Close cooperation with Dr. Gaby Schmiemann, Dr. Alfred Wesselmann, and Mrs. Ursula Hohmann-Assig has made this a very successful program. Following is a list of the students who have been hosted in St. Marys., Exchange Students from Lienen to St. Marys. , Year / Student / Family , 1999 Tammo Ibershoff Ray and Jan Barber . 2000 Nando Ibershoff Ray and Jan Barber . 2000 Eva Becker Mark and Kathy Langsdon . 2000 Anke Hollenberg Terry and Dixie Moots . 2000 Kerstin Hulsmeier Kim and Mary Ann Klopfleisch . 2000 Anne Christin Grady and Diane Shaner . 2001 Andrea Hulsmeier Kim and Mary Ann Klopfleisch . 2001 Jan-Philip Kremer Ron and Ruth Langsdon . 2001 Nicola Schmiemann Grady and Diane Shaner . 2001 Jennifer Rustige Mark and Kathy Langsdon . 2001 Henrik Wesselman Ron and Ruth Langsdon . 2001 Christine Weniger Kim and Mary Ann Klopfleisch . 2002 Mark Aldrup Jim and Pam Schnarre . 2002 Gunnar Deske Ray and Jan Barber . 2002 Kirsten Heindel Mark and Kathy Langsdon . 2002 Corinna Hoelscher Terry and Dixie Moots . 2003 Simone Huelsmeier Kim and Mary Ann Klopfleish . 2003 Joana Rustige Mark and Kathy Langsdon . 2003 Sonja Schwarze Jim and Pam Schnarre, 2003 Daniela Peters Mike and Cindy Kuck . 2003 Daniela Suhre Dixie Moots . 2003 Christine Vogelpohl Kim and Mary Ann Klopfleisch . 2003 Christian Brix Jim and Traci Honeggar . 2003 Inez Naas Greg and Karen Muhlenkamp . 2004 Ramona Stehr Jim and Pam Schnarre . 2004 Nele Sundermann Dixie Moots . 2005 Vera Minneker Dixie Moots . 2005 Stephan Schmiemann Mark and Kathy Langsdon . 2005 Christian Monka Nick Tebbe . 2005 Florian Schmidt Nick Tebbe . 2005 Annika Suhr Kim and Mary Ann Klopfleisch . 2005 Kathrin Peters Ray and Jan Barber . 2005 Sarah Phillipp Kim and Mary Ann Klopfleisch . 2005 Nele Hubner Diane and Grady Shaner . 2005 Hanna Berlemann Kim and Mary Ann Klopfleisch . 2005 Lisa Kruse Ray and Jan Barber . 2005 Saskia Reuschel Kim and Mary Ann Klopfleisch . 2006 Pia Sundermann Mark and Kathy Langsdon . 2006 Gabrielle Kowalski Jim and Pam Schnarre . 2006 Annika Suhre Dixie Moots . 2006 Kathrin Peters Ray and Jan Barber . 2006 Sarah Phillipp Kim and Mary Ann Klopfleisch . 2006 Nele Hubner Grady and Diane Shaner . 2007 Jan Kohne Lori and Jim Karner; Mark and Kathy Langsdon . 2007 Jan Vogelsang Ray and Jan Barber . 2007 Nils Sundermann Lori and Jim Karner . 2007 Claudia Diekmann Bart and Darlene Beck . 2007 Juliana Strubbe Mary and Kathy Langsdon . 2007 Ellen Meier Pam and Jim Schnarre . 2007 Rebecca Kassling Steve and Kathy Frankenburg . 2007 Jannick Hassman Kim and Mary Ann Klopfleisch . 2008 Jasmin Widera Rostofer Family . 2008 Helmke Kalkmann Jim Karner Family . 2008 Jonas Assies Kim and Mary Ann Klopfleisch . 2008 Luisa Athanasia Muntzos Bart and Darlene Beck . 2008 Tim Ritche Kim and Mary Ann Klopfleisch . 2008 Patrick Hirsch Dave and Carol Lengerich . 2008 Ann Christin Heilmann Mark and Kathy Langsdon, 1996 , On July 20th, 1996 a group of 35 people set off on their tour to the USA. Tired, but in a good mood, the people from Lienen arrived in St. Marys after a 21-hour journey. Ray Barber picked up the group from the Cincinnati airport. The host families, Mayor Greg Freewalt, and former Mayor William Sell gave the travelers a warm welcome in St. Marys. After short welcoming speeches, everybody went home with their host families., In St. Marys, there were also many activities on the program:

. Official welcome of the visitors from Lienen in Memorial Park , . Bus tour through St. Marys and to the neighboring towns, New Knoxville, New Bremen, Minster, and Wapakoneta. , . Boat tour on the Grand Lake St. Marys , . Service at St. Paul's United Church of Christ with lunch afterwards

, At the Grand Opera House, the heads of the German and American groups signed a special contract about the formal appreciation of their friendship. Willi Engels (2nd deputy mayor of Lien) and Hanna Schmedt represented the German side, and Greg Freewalt (mayor of St. Marys), Arnold Meckstroth, William T. Sell, and Marge Schmidt from the sister city organization of St. Marys, signed the certification., Afterwards, the group started their tour through the western states., They visited the gambling paradise, Las Vegas, and San Francisco and Los Angeles on the California coast., Guest / Host Families , Gudrun and Willi Engels-Eva and William Sell . Gerhard and Gaby Schomberg-Rolla and Pat Werts/Mary Tester . Gabi and Friedrich Schmiemann-Elois Wierwille/Ruth Hahn . Britta and Claudia Driemeier-Tom and Joann Hierholzer . Hanna Schmedt-Arnold and Martha Meckstroth . Horst, Christa, Tanja, and Hendrik Gerseker-Ray and Jan Barber . Christel and Gottfried Hullman-Louis and Wanda Dammeyer . Fritz and Marianne Alteholz-Clarence Tuente (Maria Stein) . Hilde and Friedrich Beineke-Richard and Susie Schroer . Werner Ahlert and Ilse-Lore de Convenent . Barbara Havermann/Simone Lagies-Rueben Henschen/Ruth Kettler . Petra Mindrup-Mildred Sudman . Sonja Ortmeier/Janette Remme/Astrid Spanhoff-Bea Glass . Walter Remme-Rhonda Shelby/Kathe Sandkuhl . Ewald and Marianne Schneiders-Ray and Marge Schmidt . Hans and Barbara Spanhoff-Johann and Mary Klein . Freidel and Jorg Stegemann-Robert and Barbara Vogel . Tammo Ibershoff-Earl and Virginia Sollmann . Roger and Ruby Settlage, 1997 , On Sunday, August 3rd, 1997, Lienen welcomed a group of 18 people from St. Marys for the second stay. In the evening, everyboty met at the farm of Gaby and Friedrich Schmiemann for a cozy get-together., The following two days included tours to Kattenvenne, Ladbergen, Lengerich, and Tecklenburg, as well as a visit to the flower farm, Heuger, at Glandorf and to the Vinnenberg cloister., In the evenings, everybody enjoyed a barbecue at the "Rieterkrug" (family Beineke), and a grand evening at the restaurant "Jagerhof". The group left Lienen on August 6th to continue their European tour, including stops in Zurich, London, and Paris., Guests / Host families , Ray, Jan and Deanna Barber-Christa and Horst Gerseker . Evelyn Hirschfeld-Hilde and Friedrich Beineke . Robert Hirschfeld-Christal and Gottfried Hullman . Ruth and Kathy Langsdon-Gerhard and Gaby Schomberg . Beth Kennedy-Claudia Driemeier . Dennis Long-Achim Gischas . Alex Pittman-Annedore Dolling . David, Marsha, Kari, and Nate Sandkuhl-Gaby and Friedrich Schmiemann . Reuben and Roger Henschen-Werner Ahlert and Ilse-Lore de Convenent . Allen and Kathe Sandkuhl-Willi and Gudrun Engels, 1999 , A group of 42 people traveled to St. Marys for the second visit in July 1999. The welcome was again friendly and warm. Many new friendships were made and old friendship deepened. The St. Marys-Lienen Friendship Organization (SMLFO) insisted on planning a varied program for the five-day stay:

. A barbecue with hosts and friends at the International Friendship Center , . A church service at Zion Lutheran Church , . A boat tour on the Grand Lake St. Marys , . Tours together with the host families, including visits to the Bicycle Museum in New Bremen and the St. Charles Monastery in Carthagena , . A visit to Amishville , . Company tours in St. Marys, including visits to BRW Tool (Ray Barber), GSW (German company from Witten), OMNI (Greg Freewalt), and Fluidpower Assembly (Mark Langsdon) , . A grand farewell party at the International Friendship Center, complete with entertainment

, The group then traveled from St. Marys to Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Niagara Falls, and Toronto, Canada., Guests / Host Families , Anne, Christine, Jutta and Rolf Barkmann-Mary and Phillip Maurer . Johannes and Maria Beermann-Millie Sudman . Reinhard and Waltraud Blomker-Robert Hirschfeld . Britta and Claudia Driemeier-Bea Glass . Tanja, Christa and Horst Gerseker-Ray and Jan Barber . Christel Hullmann and Niklas Schilling-Anne and Richard Hudson . Tammo Ibershoff-Ray and Jan Barber . Gertrud and Wilhelm Jasper-Ruth and Ron Langsdon . Karin Kalkmann-Larry Kuhn . Brigitte Kretschmer-Elois Wierwille . Waltraud Metger-Evelyn Hirschfeld . Angelika and Horst Murken-Chris and Greg Freewalt . Elsbeth Ridder-Ruth and Ron Langsdon . Ingrid Schiller-Larry Kuhn . Hanna Schmedt and Matthias Schwarz-Arnold and Martha Meckstroth . Annelie and Fritz Schmedt a.d. Gunne-Marge and Ray Schmidt . Gaby Schmiemann and Lisa Schmidt-Elois Wierwille . Nicola Schmiemann-Lindsay, Pam, and Ted Fox . Ewald and Marianne Schneiders-Mary and Johann Klein . Gaby and Gerhard Schomberg-Kathy and Mark Langsdon . Christof, Barbara and Hans Spanhoff-Barbara and Robert Vogel . Elmar and Heike Stegemann-Mary and Johann Klein, 2001 , The third visit by the Americans to Lienen was in July 2001. The members of the group were welcomed at Haus des Gastes, and during their stay, several trips were on the program. In Munster, they went on a sightseeing walk through the old town and also visited the old mill museum. The salt works at Bad Rothenfelde were also on the itinerary for the American guests. An official evening at Kruse farm was organized by the friendship committee, including entertainment., Before the Americans continued their tour through Germany and Europe, the committee prepared breakfast for them on the last morning at the sport center in Lienen. The group began the next leg of the tour well-fortified. They continued on to other parts of Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland., Guests / Host Families , Kathy Langsdon and Beth Kennedy-Gaby and Gerhard Schomberg . Michaela and Savannah Morgan-Renate Dolling-Lepper . Kelly Craft-Claudia Driemeier . Patricia Craft-Heike and Friedel Stegemann . Eva Sell-Angelika and Horst Murken . Joe and Ruth Oen-Christel and Gottfried Hullmann . Dorothy and Clarence Lesher-Annelie and Fritz Schmedt a.d. Gunne . Kim, Mary Ann, and Zach Klopfleisch-Huelsmeier Family (Lengerich) . Janelle Brown-Christel and Paul Kersten . Vera Fleagle and Mary Tester-Elsbeth and Albert Pellemeier . Barbara Lesher-Jutta and Rolf Barkmann . Carol McDonald-Gaby and Friedrich Schmiemann, 2003 , In August 2003, the next group from Lienen set off on its third visit to St. Marys. After a long flight via Atlanta to Dayton, the host families picked up the group at the airport. They had organized a welcome party at Grand Lake St. Marys., An extensive program was organized for the guests from Lienen:

. A trip to Archbold, approximately a one-hour drive from St. Marys , . A visit to Sauder Village, an open-air museum with old buildings such as a school, church, flats, etc. , . A Labor Day Weekend trip to Johnston Farm for the Piqua Heritage Festival , . Planting a fir tree at the International Friendship Center, with Kathy Langsdon, Mayor Greg Freewalt, Gerhard Schomberg, and Friedrich Schmiemann , . A friendship party with entertainment and a pleasant atmosphere.

, After a few wonderful days in St. Marys, the group traveled to Atlanta, where they set off on a 14-day tour of the South, including Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida., Guests / Host Families , Gaby and Gerhard Schomberg-Kathy and Mark Langsdon . Friedrich, Gaby, Hendrik and Stephan Schmiemann-The Shaner Family . Britta and Claudia Driemeier-Bea Glass . Christel Hullmann and Andre Schilling-Joe and Ruth Oen . Heike and Friedel Stegemann-Johann and Mary Klein . Rainer and Ute Holscher-Dixie Moots . Waltraud and Bernhard Elsler-Jan and Ray Barber . Waltraud Metzger and Annedore Schmedt-Ruth and Ron Langsdon, 2005 , In July, 2005, the next group from St. Marys left for its visit to Lienen. After a weekend in Amsterdam, the group was welcomed warmly by all of the host families. The welcome began with the viewing of the new signs at the edges of the town. All the store fronts were decorated in honor of the visit, and there was also a new St. Marysweg sign in the park. A new rock was unveiled that had both city crests, in honor of the 10th anniversary of the friendship organization. Stegemanns then hosted a wonderful barbecue for their visitors. How relaxing after a stroll on the Barefoot Park path!, The St. Marys visitors spent the next day with their host families, each taking separate trips around the area. They all then joined together that evening at the hall of the restaurant Wittman for a fond farewell party filled with food, drinks, and plenty of entertainment., The final day of their visit was spent in Papenburg, a port known for its cruise ships. The last evening in Lienen was a party at Drs. Gaby and Friedrich Schmiemann's home for all the exchange students who were hosted in St. Marys in years past. The party was a great success, with everyone having a chance to catch up with old friends., Following Lienen, the group continued on to Berlin, The Czech Republic, and Austria., Kathy Langsdon and Beth Kennedy-Gaby and Gerhard Schomberg . Leslie Karner-Gaby and Gerhard Schomberg . Andrew and Philip Langsdon-Friedel and Heike Stegemann . Nicholas Tebbe-The Ibershoff Family . Dixie Moots-Rainer and Ute Holscher . Ruth and Joseph Oen-Gottfried and Christel Hullmann . Grady and Diane Shaner-Friedrich and Gabi Schmiemann . Ray and Jan Barber-Horst and Christa Gerseker . Janet Nelson-Michael and Karin Weniger . Greg Freewalt-Horst and Angelika Murken . Sue Pittman-Waltraud and Bernhard Elsler, 2008 , On September 28, 2008, Lienen friends arrive in St. Marys with a welcome party at Mark and Kathy Langsdon's home. On September 29, we dedicated Heritage Park for our sister city and lunch at Ron and Ruth Langsdon's home. A relaxing, fun evening was spent at Ray and Jan Barber's ponds. Shrimp boil, fish fry, carry-in and homemade ice cream were enjoyed., On September 30, 2008 we boarded a bus bound for the Cincinnati area Union Station, Newport Aquarium, lunch, Verdin bell Company, Spring Grove Cemetary, and Arboretum finished our day., October 1, 2008 we roasted a hog and spent the day at Idlewild for our farewell time., 2008 Adult Visit - September 28 - October 2 / Hosted by: , Gaby Schomberg-Mark and Kathy Langsdon . Gerhard Schomberg-Mark and Kathy Langsdon . Friedrich Schmiemann-Grady and Diane Shaner . Gaby Schmiemann-Grady and Diane Shaner . Hendrik Schmiemann-Grady and Diane Shaner . Wilhelm Schmiemann-Kalkmann-Grady and Diane Shaner . Claudia Driemeir-Bea Glass . Ute Holscher-Dixie Moots and Bud . Rainer Holscher-Dixie Moots and Bud . Waltraud Metzger-Ron and Ruth Langsdon . Friedel Stegemann-Johann and Mary Klein . Heike Stegemann-Johann and Mary Klein . Heiko Kriege-Pam and Jim Schnarre . Anneliese Kriege-Pam and Jim Schnarre . Heinrich Fletemeyer-Ruth and Joe Oen . Inge Fletemeyer-Ruth and Joe Oen . Reinhard Blomker-Bart and Darlene Beck . Waltraud Blomker-Bart and Darlene Beck . Rainer Lotz-Jim and Pam Schnarre . Ellen Lotz-Jim and Pam Schnarre . Jurgen Wesselmann-Kim and Mary Ann Klopfleisch . Juri Jochim-Kim and Mary Ann Klopfleisch . Achim Gischas-Dennis and Sally Long . Marie Luise Knapp-Dennis and Sally Long . Horst Gerseker-Ray and Jan Barber . Tanja Gerseker-Ray and Jan Barber