20161202 - Sister City Betz (HRB)

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H. Rick Bamman - hbamman@shawmedia.com Crystal Lake residents and small business owners Al and Karin Betz, originally from Germany, look over some of their collection of art on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 from Crystal Lake’s sister city Holzgerlingen, Geremany. The pair were a big part of Crystal Lake’s decision 20 years ago to enter a sister city agreement with the German town.

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H. Rick Bamman - hbamman@shawmedia.com Crystal Lake residents Karin and Al Betz with the sister city declaration signed by members of each community. The Betz family, originally from Germany, were a big part of Crystal Lake’s decision 20 years ago to enter a sister city agreement with the German town of Holzgerlingen.

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H. Rick Bamman - hbamman@shawmedia.com An etching by W. Rombug depicts a pre WWII Holzgerlingen is part of the Betz's collection. Crystal Lake residents Al and Karin Betz, originally from Germany, were a big part of Crystal Lake’s decision 20 years ago to enter a sister city agreement with the German town of Holzgerlingen.

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H. Rick Bamman - hbamman@shawmedia.com Crystal Lake resident Al Betz holds a Commemorative Bell celebrating the 1000 year anniversary of the German town of Holzgerlingen.