Oberhavel, Germany – In a digest of local news from Oberhavel, several stories are making headlines, ranging from a local resident’s encounter with Pope Francis to a unique fundraising effort by high school students and a search for the region’s “coolest” driving instructor.
Local Woman Recalls Meeting Pope Francis
The unexpected reports of Pope Francis’s death on Easter Monday prompted reflection from Birgit Bunk,a resident of Hennigsdorf and employee of the Märkische Allgemeine Zeitung (MAZ). Bunk recalled her visit to the Vatican in April 2024 as part of a tour group, during which she witnessed the Pope.
“His sudden death caused great grief worldwide,” Bunk said. She described the Pope as an unusual man.
Arrangements are reportedly underway to transfer Francis’s body to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday,where mourners will be able to pay their respects. The funeral is scheduled for Saturday morning.
Hennigsdorf Students Donate Blood to Fund Graduation Expenses
Seniors at Puschkin-Gymnasium in Hennigsdorf, along with teachers and parents, participated in a blood donation drive to raise funds for their graduation activities. The initiative, which generated 700 euros, aims to offset the costs associated with graduation, including the customary graduation books (“Abibücher”), class sweaters, spirit week, and the “Abistreich” (senior prank day).
According to school officials,the graduating class needs to raise a total of 3,100 euros to cover expenses for all 100 students. Along with supporting their graduation, the blood donations will contribute to medical research and possibly save lives.
“With the help of the donated blood,laboratory tests can be quality tested and further developed,” a school spokesperson said. “This means that diseases can be better detected, and earlier.”
Organizers expressed hope that the blood donation project will become a tradition among future graduating classes.
Search Underway for Oberhavel’s Coolest Driving Instructor
With 27 driving schools operating in Oberhavel, the MAZ has launched a survey to identify the region’s “coolest” driving instructor. Among those nominated is Thomas nickel from Oranienburg, who has garnered attention for his dedication to his students. One notable instance involved guiding a heavily pregnant woman through her driving exam.
The selection of a driving instructor is a major step for students. Most learners spend more than 40 hours of practice next to their driving instructors so finding the right fit is extra important.
As of Tuesday, Nickel had received eight nominations, placing him in second place in the poll. the nomination period closes on April 27th, after which the MAZ will conduct a formal voting process to determine the winner.
“Koofen and Schwoofen” shopping night Planned in Oranienburg
In other local news, bernauer Straße in Oranienburg will be transformed into a pedestrian zone on Friday evening for the “Koofen and Schwoofen” shopping night, organized by the City Community.
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