Rieben in transition: new mayor brings a breath of fresh air!

Rieben in transition: new mayor brings a breath of fresh air!

Rieben, a charming district of the city of Beelitz, is currently home to 286 residents who are dedicated to a variety of community activities. Sandra Haase, who has held the office of local mayor since January 2024, is open to citizens' concerns and knows the challenges that the village community is facing. Amazingly, Haase's election was unanimous and followed Armin Hilgers, who led the fortunes of Rieben for 25 years and had a significant influence on the development of the town from an official community to a part of the city of Beelitz.

Haase estimates that she invests up to ten hours a week in her volunteer work. Their goal is to strengthen the “we-feeling” in the village. The commitment of new residents to the community is particularly important. “There’s something there” – that’s the spirit that Haase wants to spread.

A colorful village life

The age structure in Rieben is diverse. The oldest resident is 99 years old, while the youngest only saw the light of day in August of this year. The residents are described as reserved but helpful. Popular meeting points in the village are the village green, the church and the picturesque Riebener See. This is also a great opportunity for visitors to enjoy nature while taking a walk around the lake.

The village church has established itself not only as a place of worship, but also as a cultural and social center. A notable project under Hilgers' leadership was the restoration of the church, which features a newly created space for community meetings. The multifunctional community room is used for various events, including the youth consecration, and thus has a permanent place in the hearts of the people of Riben.

Community projects and challenges

Some projects that need to be addressed in the near future are on the agenda: a missing cycle path to Zauchwitz and Dobbrikow, the redesign of flower beds and the speed problem on the L73. Haase sees a need for action here and wants to find solutions together with the citizens. The desire for more immigration and commitment from new families is also an issue that is important for the future of Rieben.

Traditional festivals such as the Knutfest, the Zempern or the Advent celebration promote togetherness in the village and bring people together. Haase himself organizes the Riebener Stammtisch, which had over 40 participants at the first meeting and now includes a WhatsApp group with more than 100 members. This shows that the villagers are interested in a lively exchange and are willing to actively participate in village life.

Overall, Rieben has a lot to offer: from the idyllic landscape in the Nuthe-Nieplitz Nature Park to active craft businesses and a charming village center. As maz-online reports, the asparagus farm at the Storchennest as well as the pasture farm is a highlight for local and national visitors.

With a committed mayor at the helm and an active community, Rieben has the potential to continue to develop positively and retain the charm of a lively village. But what about that? A walk around Lake Rieben and a visit to the local festivals could be the answer - and these are definitely worth a visit.