Alexandria-Sweden Sister City Connection Comes to Life

Alexandria, VA Sister Cities Committee and @Office of Historic Alexandria hosted students from @ProCivitas Privata Gymnasium ( High School) in Helsingborg, Sweden , one of Alexandria’s Sister Cities. The event was held at the The Lloyd House 220 N. Washington Street, for a cultural exchange and dinner reception. Several students from Alexandria Schools attended. A Museum Educator provided an Office of Historic Alexandria presentation for the students, highlighting Alexandria’s history and connections to Sweden. Board Chair Eric Compton and Vice Chair Paul Anderson (TCW1972) helped organize the event which included guest speakers Councilman John T. Chapman, and City Manager Jim Parajon.

Vice Chair Paul Anderson had several connections to Alexandria, VA Sister Cities Committee as his parents, Dr. Bob Anderson and mom Val, ( who had visited all 3 Sister Cities) had hosted @Katharina Nobs, the Teacher / Group leader from Sweden in their home 30 years ago.

During the event, Paul Anderson discovered that one of the Helsingborg, Sweden, teachers (not present) had played clarinet in the marching band in 1971-1972 T.C. Williams High School ( now Alexandria City High School.) Paul Anderson recalled his last name on the spot, @Craig Steffensen.

The Alexandria Sister Cities Committee provided a wonderful Mexican Food buffet from District Taco and found a local candy company to provide authentic Swedish candy.