Left, Don Venturini, from Saxonburg Sister City Society, meets with right, German Consul David Gill on Thursday on Aug. 18th at Mingle on Main. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle.

Shane W Potter

Thanks to the wonders of technology, a German journalist and group of officials met with Saxonburg’s mayor and the Butler Eagle to further enhance relations between Germany and Western Pennsylvania.

Translation was necessary at times as the Zoom meeting progressed Wednesday afternoon, which equated to sunset in Muhlhausen in central Germany.

Muhlhausen is the birthplace of John A. Roebling and sister city of Saxonburg, which German Consul General David Gill visited for the first time in August.

On Wednesday, Gill extolled the warm welcome he received from Saxonburg officials, business people and citizens.

“I was overwhelmed by my great hosts. It was almost like a homecoming,” Gill said. “I met so many committed, warm people.”

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