Proud To Be German - American Stolz Deutsch - Amerikaner Zu Sein Visit us at www.DANK.org
Volume 61 Number 4
Westerhever Lighthouse Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
2013 August - September
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Contents Of This Issue 4
From the President’s Desk by Beverly Pochatko
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More Life Members for DANK!
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National Convention
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Bern E. Deichmann to be honored
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Chapter Chatter (Chapter News and Updates)
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St Nikolaus Project
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Teach your children German!
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Sigel Township in Minnesota
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Lueftlmalerei – Bavaria’s Frescoed Buildings by Francine McKenna
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Milwaukee’s Germanfest
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Kurznachrichten
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Eiderstedt
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Pick Up Your New Car in Germany by Robert Steine
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Calendar of Events
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Aus Oma’s Küche!
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Darum ist Deutschland das beliebste Land der Welt
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Kinder Ecke
Editorial Staff Beverly Pochatko Eve Timmerhaus Eva Timmerhaus George Nagata Correspondents Anne Marie Fuhrig Christa Garcia Francine McKenna Desktop Publishing and Design George Nagata Advertising and Classifieds Eve Timmerhaus
General Information
German American Journal -ISSN 1086-8070 is published bi-monthly and is the official publication of the German American National Congress. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago IL. and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER” Send address changes to: German-American Journal 4740 N. Western Avenue Suite 206 Chicago IL. 60625-2013 Annual Subscrition Rate $15.00 www.dank.org/news.html
DANK does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information published herein. DANK preserves the right to change or amend submissions for any reason without prior notice.
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From The President’s Desk Beverly Pochatko, National President Liebe Mitglieder und Freunde, Dear members and friends of DANK, The weather this year has certainly been unusual, breaking record high temperatures across the country and lots of rain! As we break into the ‘dog days of summer’, our activities are winding down. September with the dwindling days of summer brings on the celebration of Oktoberfest everywhere! Beer, brats and music! Mean while, go out and experience the ethnic festivals in your region and you will see how much alike we all are! It was great being at the German Fest in Milwaukee again this year. Sincere thanks to Chapter Milwaukee who made it possible, once again, for DANK to participate in this huge event celebrating everything German. Volunteers once again manned our booth on the midway to promote DANK. I met many new people and enjoyed talking with many of our members who attended. The festival is really something to see. I wish I had more time to spend in the culture tent as there was so much to see and learn. Your DANK Raffle response with its early bird drawing has been great! Congratulations to Elle Schulke of Chapter Benton Harbor who won $150! The main drawings will be on November 2nd at our National Convention in Chicago. As National President, one of my goals was to raise sufficient funds to keep us financially sound and to continue to bring in new members in 2013. With a little effort on everyone’s part, we can maintain and grow our membership numbers! It’s up to each of us to do our part. Donations, selling our raffle tickets, bringing in a new member or two will help. “Together, we can accomplish great things!” Our summer membership promotion is ongoing and we have had a nice response to that as well. We often ask you to consider Life Membership. As your National President, I believe that I can’t ask others to do what I myself have not. It took me a while, but in July, I officially became a Life Member because I believe in DANK, its goals and its future. Can’t pay the $500 all at once? Contact Eve at the office and arrange to make payments. Do it now as the time is not far off when the Life Member dues may go up. In November, we will be holding our National Convention in Chicago. Information packets have been sent to all the chapters. Plan to attend, if not as a delegate for your Chapter, and then come as a member – you are more than welcome. But as always, be sure to send your intention to participate to Bob Miske. There will be new ventures in the fall for us to enjoy. So, right now, sit back and sip your lemonade or beer and enjoy these remaining lazy, hazy days of summer as you gather your energy to fully celebrate the 26th Anniversary of German American Day in October.
Beverly A Pochatko DANK National President
DANK seeks to bring together Americans of German descent in the pursuit of cultivating and presenting their heritage and interests on local, regional and national levels. These were the primary reasons that the German American National Congress was founded in 1959 and they are still among the organization’s primary objectives today.
DANK National Executive Board President: Beverly Pochatko Vice President : James Dombrowski Treasurer: Bob Miske Secretary: Linda Voit Membership: Erik Wittmann DANK National Executive Office 4740 N. Western Avenue Chicago IL. 60625-2013 Phone: (773) 275-1100 Toll Free: 1-888-USA-DANK Office Hours: 9am - 4pm Monday, Wednesday-Friday Executive Secretary Eva Timmerhaus Office Manager Eve Timmerhaus
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More Life Members for DANK! Many of you have read articles in the Journal about the benefits of Life Membership. Well I am happy to say that we have four new life members who joined since the beginning of the New Year. They are all are smart people who put their money where their pride is – and that is in their German heritage and the only national organization who represents that heritage. Maria Thompson, from Fox Valley Chapter and a long time DANK member decided to make that commitment at the beginning of the year. Maria has been very active on both the National and Chicago area level. A newer member of DANK, Magdalena Eisenloeffel (pictured left), sister of Pittsburgh Chapter President Erik Wittmann, but a resident of Cleveland, Ohio joined the organization after attending the Convention held in Pittsburgh in 2011. She accompanied her brother to the
opening of the Bay Region Chapter, and found not only the Bay Region members a wonderful and hospitable group but in spending time with Bob and Christel (Milwaukee Chapter) Miske as well and Benton Harbor members Dave and Mary Ann Hintz, who also attended the founding ceremonies decided she also would take the plunge and become a Life Member. She is already looking forward to attending the National Convention to be held in Chicago. Our National President, and founding member of DANK Chapter Erie, PA, Beverly Pochatko (pictured right) , has added her name to the list of Life Members. We also welcome Daniel Boelle, and Michael and Sandra Ruddick from Chicago’s Northern Suburbs. •
Life Members Bryan Belcher Daniel M Bolle Thomas A Bowen JR Linda E Crouch Katharina Drotleff Magdalena Eisenloeffel Siegfried Endlichhofer Eric Geissler Walter Geissler Karl H Geissler Ralph Graczyk Lillian Hauser Daniel Keefer Bloom Victor Kordas Bert Lachner Edward Andrew Leddin Gerald J Lepinske Reinhard E Lippert Donna Jean Lippert
Karl G Lohrmann Josef Matuschka Thomas Mauermann Rita Mauermann Martin C Miller Judith Miller Bela Mohapp Alfred M Mueller SR Karen O’Connell Ernst Ott Dennis R Ott Judith A Panyk Adolf Pelzer Harald Pitz Beverly A Pochatko Michael Ruddick Sandra Ruddick Ilse Scharpenberg Andrew T Scheid
Martin R Schloesser Gayle Schloesser Raymond Schmidt Helmut Schrant Bernard G Seewald Christina L Spa Anthony R Spa Austin J Spa Edward Sutter JR Maria Thompson John M Umland Heidi Vincent Insa Von Kiel Jack Williams Erik R Wittmann Hans Woerner Anita Woerner
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Biennial National Convention Here is information for those eagerly awaiting participation in the biennial convention being held on November 1-3, 2013 at the Holiday Inn Express located at 6600 N. Mannheim Rd. in Rosemont, Illinois. The festivities begin Friday evening with a get-together in the Hospitality Suite at the Holiday Inn Express. Here is your opportunity to renew old friendships, meet new members and look forward to a weekend spent with old friends. The hospitality suite closes at 11PM. Saturday morning begins with registration followed by the biennial meeting complete with elections of a new Executive Board. Following lunch, there will be an opportunity to air chapter grievances and learn from the experiences of different chapters. Following the afternoon meeting, the entire group
will head over to the new Hofbräuhaus for the evening banquet. The King Ludwig Room has been reserved for our use. We must be registered in the room by 5:30 PM with the buffet beginning at 6 PM. Sunday morning’s meeting will resume with a look to the future. The expectations of the new Executive Board will be clarified for all those who attend. The meeting winds down with the selection of a host chapter for the convention of 2015. Then it’s time to say “Auf Wiedersehen”. I hope to be able to greet as many old friends as I can. Sincerely, Robert Miske, Convention Chair
Thanks to the generous donation from DANK Chapter Milwaukee complimentary transportation will be provided to and from the Hofbräuhaus and the Holiday Inn Express for Saturday evening’s banquet. If intertested please complete the form below. Seating is limited.
National Convention Ticket Order Form Quantity Event Friday Evening Hospitality Room Saturday Morning Breakfast Saturday Lunch Saturday evening @ the Hofbräuhaus
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Sunday Morning Breakfast
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Sunday Lunch
Price per person
Total
Complimentary
0.00
Complimentary
0.00
Own Expense
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$50.00 per person Complimentary
0.00
Own Expense
-
Delegate Fee (Must be approved delegate by local chapter board)
$30.00
Guest
$10.00
Transportion to the Hofbräuhaus Mail payment to: German American National Congress Attention: National Convention 4740 N Western Ave., Suite 206 Chicago, IL 60625
Complimentary
0.00
Total Amount Enclosed: Name: Chapter:
TICKET DEADLINE OCTOBER 12, 2013
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Holiday Inn Express 6600 N Mannheim Rd • Rosemont, IL 60018
National Convention Hotel Information
The Holiday Inn Express, Rosemont, Illinois The Holiday Inn Express in Rosemont, Illinois has made the following rooms available to us under the terms of the contract for the weekend of the convention: Room Rates • Standard King $89.00 • Standard Double/Double $99.00 • Junior Suite $129.00 • Executive King Suite $149.00 The rooms can be best described as: • Standard King is exactly what it says, one king size bed. • Standard double is double queen size beds. • Junior Suite is a room with a king size bed and includes additional furniture such as a sofa, coffee table, wardrobe and wet bar. • Executive King Suite is a large room with the additional furniture with adjoining rooms on both sides of the suite. You can view these rooms and make your reservation online at: http://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/rosemont/chir i/ hoteldetail?groupCode=DAN You must use the following code to reserve rooms at the convention rate: Please use the code DAN when reserving rooms by
calling 877-408-9681 Rooms must be reserved by October 11, 2013 or they will be released to the public and those delegates who do not reserve them by then will be charged the regular rate. The complimentary breakfast will be served on the first floor from 6:30 am to 10:00 am. Free wireless internet is available in all areas of the hotel. The pool is open from 6 am -11 pm. The airport shuttle offers free transportation between the airport and the hotel every half hour. There is free parking for all hotel guests in the adjoining lot.
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Bern E. Deichmann to be Honored as the 2013 Distinguished German-American of the Year™ Bern E. Deichmann will be honored by the GermanAmerican Heritage Foundation of the USA® as the 2013 Distinguished German-American of the YearTM. The 27th Annual Award and Fundraising Gala will be held on Saturday September 28, 2013 at the Cosmos Club, 2121 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008. Since 1987, the award has provided national recognition for outstanding leadership and achievement by Americans of German-speaking ancestry in business, the arts, education, science, politics, and society. Bern E. Deichmann served as president of the German-American Heritage Foundation of the USA® for ten years, from 2002 through 2012. He is now President-Emeritus of the Foundation and a current member of the Board of Directors of the organization. Bern is widely credited and recognized for providing the leadership which directed the Foundation into acquiring Hockemeyer Hall, a townhouse built in Washington D.C. by a successful German merchant, John Hockemeyer, in 1888. Bern worked tirelessly and unfailingly on behalf of the organization to acquire the facility, renovate it, and ultimately establish the Foundation Headquarters and the German-American Heritage Museum of the USA™ in the nation’s capital. It is therefore thanks to Bern’s direct efforts and unwavering dedication that the Foundation was finally able to establish a first-rate museum and headquarters in the nation’s capital. Bern’s experience in industry, both domestically and internationally, and his broad educational background served the organization well. When Bern became president of the Foundation in 2002, he was serving as President & CEO of Schulmerich Carillons, Inc., a designer, manufacturer and marketer of handbells, electronic carillons, and melody chimes in Sellersville, PA. Bern served in that capacity for ten years until his retirement. Prior to that, Bern E. Deichmann served at Transamerica-Delaval, Inc. and its successor companies for over thirty years in numerous senior level positions. This included Vice President-Marketing of the machinery business with a worldwide sales force
Bern E. Deichmann, President-Emeritus, German-American Heritage Foundation of the USA ®
of over 90 people operating several divisions with a total of $235 million in sales. Subsequently, he served as Vice President-Commercial Operations of the company’s largest division, the Delaval Turbine Division, Trenton, NJ representing $100 million in sales. Bern was responsible for Marketing and Sales, Contract Management as well as the Repair Parts and Service activities. He and two other Americans were sent to the Netherlands in 1971 to build a rotating machinery business, known as Delaval-Stork, in a 50/50 partnership with a major Dutch manufacturing company. For the last five years of Bern’s nine-year stay in the Netherlands he was the Managing Director of a $40 million operation with over 300 employees. The businesses that Bern was associated with are now all owned by Siemens. Bern was born in Willoughby, Ohio. He and his family lived in northern Schleswig-Holstein during World War II. Bern and his father returned to the United States at the end of 1946. He went on to graduate from Princeton University with a BSME degree, and he also earned continued on page 37
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Chapter Chatter Milwaukee Honors German Teachers By Jane Nacker DANK Chapter Milwaukee celebrated their Chor’s 30th anniversary on April 20, 2013. A dinner, concert, and dance were held at the Richfield Chalet in Hubertus, WI, with proceeds going to support German teachers and German education programs. Approximately 200 people were in attendance, including representation from many of the GermanAmerican societies in the greater Milwaukee area. All guests received a program booklet introducing DANK Chapter Milwaukee and the Chor. It demonstrated the support of many individuals and organizations in and outside the state of Wisconsin. The events of the evening were announced by Master of Ceremonies, William Bessa. DANK Gruppe Milwaukee Präsident Ronald Kabitzke thanked the guests for showing their support of not only the DANK Chor, but also the German teachers and students who would benefit from the proceeds of the evening. Chor Präsidentin Kathleen Kabitzke introduced presidents of German-American societies who were in attendance. Under the direction of Dr. James
Norden, the Chor performed a half hour concert of singing music from the homeland. Dance music was performed by the Blaskapelle Milwaukee, one of the newest and youngest performing groups in Milwaukee. The band took a break from dance music to play for a sing-a-long with the crowd, led by Dr. Norden and the Chor. Everyone received a song sheet of the German and American words to join in. The evening was considered a success, especially by the adults and children who won door prizes that were included with the dinner ticket. The next big event for our chapter is our annual picnic on June 30 at the Sacred Heart Parish, 917 N. 49th Street. We will have a pig roast and the board members are bringing side dishes with desserts provided by our DANK Chor singers. There will be children’s activities and the adults will find plenty of time to meet old friends and make some new acquaintances. DANK Chapter Milwaukee is on Facebook! “Like” us at www.facebook.com/dankmilwaukee. •
2013 National Sängerfest
sung by all of the choruses on Saturday; and a Frühschoppen and church service Sunday morning. Approximately 1100 singers from choral groups around the nation gathered in downtown Milwaukee and the surrounding area to celebrate German Song with the theme, “Where Tradition Sings.” DANK Chapter Milwaukee Chor members on the Sängerfest Committee were Ronald and Kathleen Kabitzke who were responsible for developing the program booklets, and Jill Shearer’s husband, Michael who designed the 2013 National Sängerfest logo.
DANK Chapter Milwaukee Chor participated in the 2013 61st National Sängerfest of the Nordamerikanischer Sängerbund (NASB) held in Milwaukee, June 20-23. The NASB, with all of its member districts, has helped to keep German Song alive in the United States for over 165 years. The Wisconsin District Sängerbezirk hosted the festival with four days of events, Dämmerschoppen on Thursday; a Welcome Empfangskonzert with songs sung by choral District on Friday; the main Hauptkonzert with songs from each of the German states
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Chapter Chatter DANK School Chicago Northern Suburbs – Chapter 26 German Language Schools in Arlington Heights IL and Palatine IL
A Combined Twenty-Five Years
Saturday, May 18 was a big day for our German Language Schools. Not only did we celebrate the many achievements of our excellent students at our Year-End-Program such as AATG, A2, DSD1 exams, but also the retirement of our directors Frau Gertrud Golsch and Frau Astrid Herod. Together they served a combined twenty-five years with outstanding leadership. Mr. Golsch, our DANK Chapter 26 President, congratulated them for their effort and remarkable service. Frau Golsch started as a teacher in 1985 when her children started as students. In 2001, Frau Golsch took on the co-directorship which makes twelve years as director and twenty-eight years of service at DANK
altogether. Frau Herod came to DANK as a teacher in 1989, when her children enrolled in classes. In 2000, Frau Herod became the co-director, serving thirteen years as director and at DANK for twenty-four years. The two directors (twelve plus fourteen years equal twenty-five years) could not be more different in personality and opinion which made their teamwork dynamic and inspiring. They complemented each other well, worked hand in hand, and in moments of disagreement they used it as strength and an opportunity to move the school forward. continued on page 35
Laurel Highlands Sub-Chapter participates in Laurel Festival Pittsburgh’s Sub Chapter, Laurel Highlands participated in the Laurel Festival which was held on June 21st in the city of Brookville, Pennsylvania. Organized by William Russell, Sub-chapter President and fellow members of the German Club of Brookville, a booth was set up to recruit new members on the main street of Brookville. In addition to recruiting new DANK members the sub chapter sold raffle tickets, and other items provided by Chapter Pittsburgh. Chapter President Erik
Wittmann joined the group for the day to show support for the effort by this wonderful group of sub chapter members. Two new members were signed up plus approximately 50 membership applications with copies of the Journal were distributed to persons who stopped at the DANK Booth. Thanks to Bill and Erik for organizing the effort but the real thanks goes to those local members who came and manned the booth. Danke Viel Mals! •
National Convention November 1-3 in Rosemont, IL See page 6 for ticket information!
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Chapter Chatter DANK Chapter Lake County, IL On June 28, members of our Chapter met at the SC Johnson Corporate Headquarters in Racine, Wisconsin for a guided tour. While it was great to see many of our "regulars," we enjoyed meeting Life DANK member Judy Panyk, as well as John Pieger and friends Cathy and Ted who accompanied his mom, Hildegard Pieger, and Christopher who was visiting from Arizona and came with his grandmother, Hella Goering A highlight of the tour was the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Administrative Building, famous for its unique tree shaped columns, open half-acre of workspace, circular "bird cage" elevators, and windows and skylights constructed of 43 miles of glass tubing. Equally impressive was the award-winning Foster & Partnersdesigned Fortaleza Hall where a full-size replica of Johnson's twin-engine S-38 amphibious plane, the Carnuba, is suspended in the circular all-glass main hall to simulate the plane in flight. Our tour also included the exhibit Usonia: Frank
Lloyd Wright's Vision of the American Home, featuring Wright designs and artifacts rarely seen by the public. Especially interesting were plans and models of compact, practical houses that Wright designed for the middle-class, known as Usonian homes. They included solar heating and natural cooling, and made use of natural light, ahead-of-their-time concepts considering that Wright designed them in the 1930s. It turns out that the term "carport" was coined by Wright, who used it to describe an overhang, part of his Usonian design, intended to shelter a parked vehicle. After the tour, we enjoyed a delicious lunch – and lots of conversation – at a lovely restaurant overlooking Racine harbor. Plans were already being made for our next Chapter outing, as well as for our Volkstrauertag observance at the Fort Sheridan, Illinois cemetery on November 17. Ursula Hoeft
Erie’s Grand Patriotic Parade of 2013 Chapter Erie was proud to take of all wars of the US); flanked part in the celebration of the with red poppies made from Perry Bicentennial commemoratfencing material and strips of ing the War of 1812 on Saturday plastic from tablecloths. The DANK logo was flanked by the May 25th. The big parade is but a American and German flags. memory now, but those who put our float together will remember ‘Flower’ makers were Margaret it for a long time to come. We atPotocki, Carol and Kim Snippert, Bev Pochatko and Luise tended a ‘Float Building Seminar” to learn how to construct and Dudkiewicz. Thanks also to Rich Hartman, Margaret Potocki, Carol Snippert Martin Pochatko (Bev’s son) carry out our theme. The theme “Remember freedom comes with and Rich Hartman for building a price” and the design for the float was conceived the float, and to Jeffrey Chase who picked up by Beverly Pochatko. The overall design included the sign “German Americans proudly served in the (listing Continued on page 36
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Chapter Chatter DANK Haus German American Cultural Center Opens Doors to St. Matthias Grade School DANK Haus German American Cultural Center is pleased to announce that it will welcome St. Matthias Grade School as a tenant beginning Fall 2013. In 1887, St. Matthias was established as a national parish to serve German-speaking immigrants who had settled in great numbers in what was then a relatively rural area on the northern most outskirts of Chicago. Their responsibility was to serve German-speaking families regardless of wherever they might have been living. The parish demographics have changed over the years in line with the neighborhood. Lincoln Square is now home to a great deal of young families from varying backgrounds. In collaboration with Alderman Patrick O’Connor and the St. Matthias School Board, the grade school has signed an agreement to lease the third floor of the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center Mondays through Fridays during the school year to support its robust enrollment. St. Matthias’s candidacy for the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Middle Years Programme, which is expected to be confirmed in 2014, is a main driver behind the school’s growing enrollment. IB World Schools share a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education – a philosophy that St. Matthias School believes is important for its students. As part of its IB programming, St. Matthias will explore German language classes and after school programs as part of its curriculum.
Join DANK at the Hofbräuhaus Saturday, November 2 in Rosemont, IL. Enjoy a specialized Bavarian menu and fresh microbrewed beer! Live entertainment from Germany! See order form on page 6
“In recent years, many schools have removed German from their language programs, so we are especially proud to support St. Matthias as it further promotes the German culture to its students. This arrangement is a natural fit,” said Nicholle Dombrowski, Executive Director of the German American Cultural Center. DANK Haus is also developing a partnership with Loyola University, who is creating a German minor in which practical experience at DANK Haus will be integral. In July, Loyola University held a graduate level course in Applied Linguistics at the Center exploring the role of culture and language in education, specifically focusing on languages and linguistic assets in homes and communities. “I like to hold course sessions at cultural centers who are already doing the good work of heritage language instruction - so they have a model to work from on projects in other communities,” said Dr. Heineke. Currently, the third floor of the center is used to host DANK Haus’s German language programs for children and adults. To prepare for the St. Matthias 2013-2014 school year, DANK Haus will begin upgrading the space immediately. Both parties will benefit from shared access to new equipment in the space, such as interactive white boards, ELMO projectors and modernized wireless fidelity networks, which will greatly support technology-driven educational opportunities for all students. •
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Chapter Chatter Pittsburgh Chapter loses one of its strongest supporters! John F. O’Connor, a true Irishman, and a great supporter of the Pittsburgh Chapter passed away May 13, 2013 regrettably at a very young age. A member of the Chapters Social Committee by way of the Heritage Society, he worked hard on behalf of the Chapter over the last 15 years. Our Christmas Program will miss his hard work and donations which made up the core of our Christmas baskets. John, who loved to travel, would scour every shops across the country to find those perfect gifts to be incorporated into the baskets. Through John’s leadership and the effort of our Christkindle Markt sales staff our Christmas basket raffle would bring in several hundred dollars
ARIZONA Phoenix IOWA Quad Cities ILLINOIS Chicago Chicago South Chicago West Fox Valley Lake County Northern Suburbs Peoria Springfield
every year. We will miss you John!
Greetings from Chapter Erie Some years we would have complained about the weather being too hot and not enough rain. This year, it has been both hot and rainy on the Pennsylvania lakeshore, and across the country. But, we are not letting the weather interfere with having a good time. Even though we endured ‘cool winds’ off the lake when we built our float for the Perry 200 Parade, we didn’t mind it when we proudly walked with it in the 2 mile long parade. Okay, so that was the end of May. Comes June, and three of our members traveled to Milwaukee to participate in the NASB’s National Sängerfest (June 20-24th) and it was rain by night and hot& muggy by day! Bev Pochatko, Car-
DANK Chapter Listing
ol Snippert and her two sisters and I still enjoyed ourselves and highly recommend the ‘Old German Beer Hall’ for really good tasting food in Continued on page 35
INDIANA Indianapolis LaFayette South Bend MICHIGAN Benton Harbor Great Lakes Bay Region NEW JERSEY Pascack Valley OHIO Cleveland PENNSYLVANIA Erie Philadelphia Pittsburgh Uniontown WASHINGTON DC Washington DC WISCONSIN Milwaukee
Bev Pochatko, Carol Snippert and Margaret Potocki with the Fonz!
www.dank.org
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St. Nikolaus Project Challenge Re-issued Beverly Pochatko
In 2010, first year of the St. Nikolaus Project, sixteen organizations collected 40,692 lbs of canned goods and $1,435 in cash donations. We often forget that many people need help throughout the whole year and not just at the holidays. Hunger is not just seasonal, but is on-going. We chose to name our sharing program after St. Nikolaus who was known for his generosity to the underprivileged. The Food Pantry that receives your donation will send you a letter thanking you for your support, and we ask that you forward a copy to Eve at the National Office. . A big thank you to the following for their donations to the St. Nikolaus Project in 2012: Germanfest Milwaukee; DANK Erie and the German Heritage Fest, and DANK Chicago South. If you collected and didn’t record it, let Eve know and we will give you credit in the next Journal. THE CHALLENGE: Our goal is to of collect a minimum of 40,000 lbs for 2013. Start working on your St. Nikolaus Project now. While many do not want the task of collecting canned goods, etc.,
why not ask members at a meeting or event to make a cash donation to be given to a local food bank. That money can enable them to purchase even more items for the food pantry. (In some areas, your $1 donation will help the food bank purchase $17 worth of canned goods.). Give a discount to an event with the donation of canned goods. To get started again, call the office (1-888-USA-DANK) or send a note to the national office (office@ dank.org) and Eve will forward the St. Nikolaus info to you. Everyone asks “What’s in it for us?” A personal feeling of being thankful that we can share – no matter how little because every little bit counts!; of helping others who have come on hard-times; pride in the fact that we as Americans of German heritage do care about our neighbors. So when you go shopping, and there is ‘bogo free’, put that one aside or buy an extra item or two when you do your weekly shopping and put them in a bag /box to donate. The success of this Project is up to you both individually and as an organization. •
This is a Great Time to be German American! This is not a statement that one would have made in the years during and following WWII. Anyone of German birth was ‘suspect’ of being a spy and some of the naturalized German Americans were placed in ‘camps’ in the early years. Yet, no one pointed out how many of these naturalized citizens who came from Germany joined the American armed forces and gave their lives in the name of democracy. But this is another story. Today, more and more people are trying to learn more about their ancestral roots and they find themselves bound in an intrigue that makes life more interesting. While researching and understanding your German heritage, it is not unusual to connect with others who share your family tree via marriages, etc. It may inspire some to get involved in an exciting world of music, dance, traditions, food and drink, but just knowing the rich soil from whence your ‘roots’ grew
can be exciting. This is why I am involved in the German American culture! While some may say that interest in our Germanic culture is dying, I disagree! All too many times I have heard “Get with it, these are modern times and we don’t want or need to dwell in the past.” Again, I disagree! Unless we know and understand the past, we can not appreciate our cultural heritage. I truly believe we are in the midst of a generational gap. The older generations who came to America following WWI and WWII wanted their children to become totally assimilated into the American culture, to affirm their loyalty to their adopted homeland. To shed that dark cloak of suspicion they changed their names to a more anglicized version (Weisskopf to Whitehead; Braun to Brown, etc.) All this the results Continued on page 24
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Teach Your Children German! Book Review by: Leo Gruber, Associate Professor World Languages Edinboro University Specialty: German B.A., Southwest Texas State University, 1990 M.A., Texas Tech University, 1995 Ph.D., University of Nebraska, 2001 A book that might be of particular interest to DANK members is The Bilingual Edge: Why, When, and How to Teach Your Child a Second Language answers many of the questions that parents have been asking for years. This is a handbook written especially for parents that demystifies the widely misunderstood topic of bilingualism. The authors, Kendall King and Alison Mackey, are both linguistics professors at Georgetown University and have published widely on the topic of bilingualism and language teaching methods. Equally as importantly, however, they are both mothers who have hands-on experience of teaching children a second language. As mothers, both women understand the advantage that bilingualism offers in today’s world. There are so many ways that children benefit from being able to speak another language: “enhanced creativity and flexibility, increased test scores, improved literacy skills, greater cross-cultural understanding, adaptability, and increased competitiveness in the job market.” King and Mackey provide a parent-friendly explanation of how children learn a second language and offer practical, research-based strategies which fit into busy modern lifestyles. The authors guide parents in choosing which second language might be suitable for their child and finding an appropriate time to start. q The book also tackles topics such as promoting a second language in the home, second language learning programs for children, and edutainment products designed for learning second languages. Finally, the authors reassure parents who are concerned about the possibility of bilingualism negatively impacting skills in the first language. I was particularly fascinated by the ‘Top Ten Myths’ related to bilingualism. I was surprised to read that, according to the authors, you do not have to be a native speaker or an educator in order to teach your child another language. A German speaker and educator myself, I feel confident that I would be able to teach at least some German to a child, although my confidence starts to waiver if I consider teaching or exposing a child to a wholly different language. I read the book with an open mind, however, and am optimistic that motivated mono-
lingual parents could indeed find success if they follow the advice of the authors. The book is very well-organized, and really, after the initial reading, parents only need look back to refer to the various captions and wrap ups to refresh their memories. There are numerous sections in this book that are packed with useful tips and information labeled with the captions: “Fast Fact, Spotlight on Research, Quick Tip, Points to Remember,” and most importantly the “Wrap up,” which succinctly summarizes each chapter. Additionally, the References and Resources section of the book provides excellent web-sites and details pertaining to the following resources for parents: Foreign Language Books, Parent Guidelines Concerning the Impact of the Media on Child Development, Resources for Foreign Language DVDs, Resources for Heritage and Immersion Camps, Books for Parents with Special Needs, and not least, the authors’ own web-site www.thebilingualedge.com. •
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DANK Executive Office Update by Eve Timmerhaus
Time to recover from this year’s Germanfest in Milwaukee. Beverly Pochatko, National President, Margaret Potocki President DAK Chapter Erie, PA , and Gerhard and Brigita Roth from DANK Chapter Milwaukee helped man our booth on the midway. Thank you Bob Miske, Albert Schafer and George Nagata for setting up the booth Thursday afternoon before the opening ceremonies. George was also our roving photographer, taking pictures of the fest goers throughout the weekend. You can see his pictures on pages 20 and 21. Check out our Facebook page where we have even more pictures posted!
Bob Miske, Convention Chairman and the National Office are making plans for the Biennial National Convention November 1-3 in the city of Rosemont, IL, and we enthusiastically invite you to join us. The most important part of our Convention, however, is you – the members of DANK from around the country and your commitment to our organization and our German heritage. We are expecting you! If you cannot attend the meetings celebrate with us Saturday, November 2nd at the Hofbräuhaus in Rosemont! Convention details and order form are on pages 6-7.
Congratulations
Ella Schulke
Winner of the Early Bird Raffle Drawing
Exchange Rates
1 USD = 0.76 EURO 1 EURO = 1.32 USD
7-25-13
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Sigel Township in Minnesota Named After Civil War General By George L. Glotzbach
Brown County's Sigel Township in Minnesota is named after Franz Sigel, a famous German-American who served the Union during the American Civil War. Sigel was a German military officer, a leader in the German revolution in 1848, and an immigrant to the United States who became a teacher, newspaperman, politician, and served as a General in the Union army. Franz Sigel was born November 18, 1824 in Sinsheim, Baden, Germany, about 80 miles northwest of Ulm. He graduated from Karlsruhe Military Academy in 1843. In 1848 he became a Colonel of the Baden revolutionary forces, and led the "Sigel-Zug" (Sigel-Platoon) recruiting 4,000 volunteers in a siege against the city of Freiburg. His army was annihilated by Prussian and WĂźrttemberg troops. Sigel led the retreat of his remaining revolutionarys to Switzerland. Along with many other '48ers he emigrated to the United States in 1852. In America Sigel became a professor at the German-American Institute in St. Louis, Missouri. He was influential in the German-American community and attracted Germans to the Union side. He was commissioned Colonel of the 3rd Missouri Infantry May 4, 1861. Because Sigel was popular with German immigrants he was promoted to Brigadier General, one of President Lincoln's "political" generals. In 1862-63 Sigel commanded the XI Corps consisting primarily of Ger-
man immigrant soldiers. A humerous song was written in his honor "I GOES TO FIGHT MIT SIGEL", which pokes fun at the German accent as well as their eating and drinking habits. It begins: "Ven I comes from der Deutsche Countree, I vorks somedimes at baking, en I runs a beer-saloon, und den I tries shoe-making; But now I march mit musket out to safe dot Yankee Eagle, Dey dress me up in soldier's clothes to go and fight mit Sigel. CHORUS: Yah, das is true, I shpeaks mit you. Ve goes to fight mit Sigel." Sigel was not successful militarily, but his ability to recruit and motivate German immigrants kept him alive in a politically sensitive position. He was relegated to light duty and resigned his position in May of 1865. Sigel Township, Brown County, Minnesota was settled in 1856 and organized March 17, 1862 when General Sigel was at the peak of his popularity. Many of the organizers family names still appear in the township today: Brandt, Forstner, Guggisberg, Hillesheim, and Kuehn. In 1954 the New Ulm Review published an article reporting "The Visit of General Sigel" by an anonymous author. Some excerpts: ...it must have been in the fall of 1879, that General Franz Sigel...came to
New Ulm to renew some wartime friendships... During the General's stay at New Ulm it was suggested that he call on his name sake, and a group of men brought him out to the school at Clear Lake. It was a great day for the school. Some of the older girls went down to the trees near the lake and made a wreath of oak leaves. Callie Brandt presented it to him and he put it around his hat. Our teacher, Mr. Velikanje was happy to greet such notable guests. Of course the General spoke to us...There were other short speeches, some in German. Even some of the children were called upon. We watched the two carriages drive away and then we all returned to 'readin, 'writin, and 'rithmetic." Thereafter Sigel worked as a newspaper editor and in a variety of political positions. He published the New York Monthly, a GermanAmerican periodical. Franz Sigel died in Morrisania, New York August 21, 1902. •
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Lueftlmalerei – Bavaria’s Frescoed Buildings by Francine McKenna, Staff Columnist
Lueftlmalerei, literally 'air paintings', decorate many walls in Upper Bavaria and the Austrian Tyrol, from huge villas to village shops, a colorful and eyecatching combination of a folk art version of trompe l'oeil, (trick of the eye), with painted illustrations. All cultures and their painting in particular have been influenced by this type of art, from the time it was done on rocks or cave walls, but these frescoes are a particularly Germanic tradition and art trend with a long history, but one which didn't aquire a 'label' until the 18th century. A theory being that it might have been named after a renowned Lueftlfacade painter of the time Franz Seraph Zwinck, from Oberammergau home to the Passion Play, who had named his home “Zum Lueftl”. "Lüftlmalerei" was used originally for decorating baroque facades in Italy and Southern Germany, however at the beginning the 18th century it became the fashion for rich traders, peasants and craftsmen living around the foothills of the Alps to display their wealth by commissioning unique and extravagently painted facades for their homes. Even King Ludwig's fairytale castle Schloss Neuschwanstein has brightly colored paintings on its outside walls. Most of the original mural paintings from the 17th and 18th century had three-dimensional religious motifs, many set in a frame and centered around the crucifixion, and often including cherubs sitting on clouds which floated outside the 'framed' picture. Others were based on the lives of patron saints, myths or folk stories such as Red Riding Hood, Rotkäppchen, or Hansel and Gretel, Haensl und Gretl. Scenes featuring hunting and the local scenery were also popular, however these days the facade design will often have some connection with the everyday life of a family. Either one who lives in the building or has done in the past, while if it is a store or business the fresco quite often illustrates its trade. A Sports Shop in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a snow sports area, decorated with skis and sleds, a Shoe-
maker fitting a client, an Apothek with pestle, mortar and old fashioned medicine bottles, Violin Makers depicted as the cottage industry they once were in Mittenwald, where much sought after violins are still being made. For an inn it might be a festive scene with everything that belongs to it. Tables covered with good food and drink, and by faces obviously enjoying something we can only imagine.. Sundials are very popular. As the oldest of scientific instruments, needing no power but performing an uninterrupted service and for centuries an irreplaceable time piece, the sundial is heavy with cultural and religious meaning and apart from the cross is probably the symbol most often seen on a Lueftmalerei. Often in combination with a saint or two. Marble pillared arches, painted mouldings around a window or door, faux brickwork, recesses, eves, all appear to be part of the architecture, blurring the lines as to where the architecture of the building and the painted architecture begin and end. Sometimes only getting really close or touching the painting breaks the illusion. Real windows can also become part of a fresco. Perhaps as a window, sometimes as a door. Framed with one artistic technique or another and included in a scene with painted figures appearing to look through them, or surrounded by climbing plants which will never lose their leaves. The wall paintings are created using a special technique and it is necessary to work very quickly. Water colors with a mineral base are applied to freshly prepared wet plaster, and as this dries the fixed layer of color formed is insoluble to water. Colors lasted for three generations on these painted house facades, but now modern paints are used on Lueftmalerei they will remain true for longer before fading, while, as they are under the care of the Denkmalschutzamt, monument preservation office, any 'running repairs' are dealt with at once so there
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is no chance of them deteriorating. Upper Bavaria is the region's heartland, filled with forests, lakes, meadows, twisting roads and jagged cliffs, and surrounded by mountains the Garmisch-Partenkirchen region is a treasure trove of beautifully painted buildings. Some facades more whimsical or extravagent than others, but all illusionistic paintings which not only deceive but also bring enormous pleasure to the weariest of eyes. •
Schuhhaus Buchwieser (above) - An upmarket shoe shop which has been in the same family for over 125 years in Garmisch, and of course originally made their own shoes. The Lueftmalerei shows a customer trying on a shoe which has Schuhhaus Berwein (above) – The door been made for her, while the shoemakers sit at their work to a Schuhhaus Berwein, a shoe shop in bench and behind them is an additional three dimensional Partenkirchen which first opened 190 years perspective giving the impression of entering further into ago and concentrates on shoes to be worn the building. with Tracht, the regions traditional outfits as well as shoes for outdoor sports and activities, such as hill walking. The family owners continue to make these specialist shoes 'in house' as well as sell branded names.
All photographs are all courtesy of: Markt Garmisch-Partenkirche - Garmisch-Partenkirchen Tourismus Marketing & Public Relations (above) A “modern” painting from 1989 symbolizing Garmisch-Partenkirchen, its winter sports and activities.
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Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth! See more pictures on our Facebook page.
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Kurznachrichten Attraktivste Großstadt Deutschlands
Nach Hamburg (17 Prozent) folgen München (15 Prozent) und Berlin (11 Prozent) in der Beliebtheitsliste. Den geringsten Zuspruch bekam Essen. 28 Prozent der Deutschen wollten jedoch in keiner der zur Wahl stehenden Großstädte leben. Oh, wie schön ist Hamburg - 18 Prozent aller Deutschen würden hier gerne wohnen. Berlin und München sind bei den Deutschen aber nicht nur beliebt - sie werden gleichzeitig auch als Wohnort verschmäht. Als die Befragten angeben sollten, in welcher Stadt sie am wenigsten gern leben würden, wurde Berlin am häufigsten genannt (15 Prozent). Nach Frankfurt am Main und Leipzig folgte München auf Rang vier - jeder Zehnte will demnach nicht in der bayerischen Landeshauptstadt wohnen. Unterschiede gab es bei den Altersgruppen. Bei junDie Hamburger Landungsbrücken in der Abenddämmerung: Hier lässt sich's leben. gen Erwachsenen ist demnach die Hauptstadt ang(Foto: dpa) esagt - hier liegt Berlin bei unter 25-Jährigen auf Platz "Schönste Stadt Deutschlands" - das reklamieren viele eins. Bei den Älteren wechseln sich jeweils Hamburg Orte gern für sich. Aber stimmt es auch? Eine neue und München auf den ersten beiden Plätzen ab. Umfrage zeigt nun immerhin, in welcher Großstadt Zudem sind Deutschlands Einwohner heimatverbundie Deutschen am liebsten leben würden - unabhän- den: Am beliebtesten ist meist eine Großstadt in der gig vom eigenen Wohnort. Nähe des eigenen Wohnorts. In Nordrhein-Westfalen Unter Deutschlands größten Städten ist Hamburg etwa ist Köln nach Hamburg am beliebtesten, in Bayals Wohnort am attraktivsten. Mehr als jeder Sech- ern steht München ganz oben. ste würde gerne in der Hansestadt wohnen, wie eine Ob die Deutschen nicht viel lieber in den etwas repräsentative Umfrage des Meinungsforschungsin- kleineren Großstädten oder auf dem Land wohnen stituts YouGov ergab. In der Umfrage standen die 14 wollten, wurde nicht gefragt. In die Kategorie der deutschen Städte mit mehr als einer halben Million Städte mit weniger als 500.000 Einwohnern fallen zum Einwohnern zur Auswahl. Befragt wurden online 1034 Beispiel Bochum, Bonn, Wiesbaden oder Mannheim. • Menschen über 18 Jahren.
Viele wollen nach Hamburg
Bundeswehr kämpft mit Alkoholproblemen bei Soldaten in Afghanistan Die Bundeswehr kämpft mit Alkoholproblemen bei in Afghanistan eingesetzten Soldaten. Wie ein Sprecher des Einsatzführungskommandos Geltow bei Potsdam bestätigte, gab es allein seit Mitte Februar 14 so schwerwiegende Verstöße, dass die Soldaten vorzeitig nach Deutschland zurückgeschickt wurden. In drei weiteren Fällen habe es Disziplinarverfahren gegeben, die mit einem Verweis, teils aber auch mit Geldbußen geendet hätten. In einigen Fällen seien die Ermittlungen noch nicht abgeschlossen.
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Kurznachrichten Polizeiliche Kriminalstatistik München ist am sichersten Das Risiko, Opfer einer Straftat zu werden, ist in Deutschland höchst unterschiedlich. Relativ sicher ist es in München, im Norden sieht es schon deutlich schlechter aus. Frankfurt am Main bleibt die Großstadt Deutschlands mit der höchsten Kriminalitätsrate, während es in München am sichersten ist. Das geht zumindest aus der Polizeilichen Kriminalstatistik (PKS) für 2012 hervor, aus der die "Welt" vorab zitierte. In Frankfurt zählte die Polizei demnach im vergangenen Jahr 16.310 Straftaten pro 100.000 Einwohner. Auf den Plätzen zwei und drei folgen Düsseldorf mit 14.966 registrierten Straftaten pro 100.000 Einwohner und Köln mit 14.590 Taten. In Ostdeutschland ist Leipzig die unsicherste Stadt. Die sicherste Stadt Deutschlands bleibt wie schon in den Vorjahren München. Dort registrierte die Polizei nur 7153 Verbrechen pro 100. 000 Einwohner. Es folgen Augsburg (8156 Taten) und Wiesbaden (8288 Taten). Die Langzeitanalyse zeigt demnach, dass die Schere bei der Sicherheit in den vergangenen Jahren auseinander ging. Während die Häufigkeit der Straftaten in der Main-Metropole Frankfurt seit drei Jahren steigt,
ist sie in München seit vier Jahren deutlich gesunken. Allerdings steht die Kriminalstatistik immer wieder in der Kritik. So bemängelte in den vergangenen Jahren der Sicherheitsdezernent der Stadt Frankfurt, Markus Frank, dass viele weltweit begangenen Gelddelikte im Bankenstandort Frankfurt registriert würden. Neben den Banken würde außerdem der Flughafen mit jährlich mehr als 53 Millionen Passagieren die Statistik verzerren. So würden Verletzungen der Einreisebestimmungen oder Zollvergehen zu der Statistik hinzugerechnet. •
Neueinträge in der 26. Duden-Auflage In den „Social Media“ beschimpften die „Wutbürger“ den „Leserreporter“ als „Vollpfosten“ und „Spacko“. Von diesem „Shitstorm“ musste er sich erst mal erholen und ging deshalb „wellnessen“. Konrad Duden hätte wohl nur Bahnhof verstanden - seit heute aber immerhin die Möglichkeit, all diese Begriffe in dem nach ihm benannten Wörterbuch nachzuschlagen. Insgesamt 5.000 neue Einträge hat die Duden-Redaktion nach Angaben ihres Leiters Werner Scholze-Stubenrecht für die 26. Auflage aufgenommen. Maßgeblich sei dabei das „Nachschlagebedürfnis“ gewesen, man habe sich also an dem orientiert, was üblich und gängig sei. Aussortiert wurde übrigens auch. So wurde beispielsweise der „Buschklepper“ gestrichen - ein „Dieb, der sich in den Büschen versteckt hält“. - Was schade ist, denn mit dem ebenfalls neu aufgenommenen „Laubbläser“ wäre der „Leserreporter“ dem „Buschklepper“
sicher auf die Schliche gekommen. • Quelle: Deutschland-Radio
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This is a Great Time to be German American! Continued from page 14 of an emphasized political party rule for twelve years. It is difficult for many people to realize that not everyone belonged or believed in that political power – the same as not every American is a Democrat (or Republican). A generation of Americans is now questioning their family’s origins, where their family tree started, wanting to know more – not just that they have a German heritage, but where in Germany was their beginning. Those seeking to learn their family history without guidance from a genealogy group get frustrated because they really don’t know the history of Germany as we know it today. For instance, a considerable amount of German land was given as the spoils of war – making them part of another country. (i.e. The records of a person born in Posen Germany would be found in Poland because of the treaties of war border changes.) Certainly, one begins to learn more about history if they are truly interested in ‘finding themselves’. So why bother? We know that Germany is one of the most popular places on the planet for all the right reasons. Just look back at the great accomplishments and contributions that have benefitted mankind. Consider the popularity of Oktoberfest and the Christmas Markets that are popping up all over the country. For years, we have been in a cultural void and now, with the help of the internet, we are learning more than what is presented on the history channel. This is a great time to be a German American! As an organization, how can we continue to move forward? By connecting with these younger generations and channeling their energy to promote all aspects of our culture. As any promoter knows, good marketing is essential and this generation is our future. Think about this… We owe it to them to share our knowledge and let them build on it, bringing with
them new ideas on keeping our Germanic heritage alive; the great accomplishments benefitting mankind; and embracing all the contributions Germans have made not only to America, but to the whole world in all aspects of life. It IS great to be an American of German heritage! Think about our future and how to move forward. What can you do? 1. Promote; 2) Get involved: and 3) Remember German Americans outnumber all other cultures according to the US Census. Other cultural groups have managed to build up their cultural infrastructure…and where there is a will there is a way. DANK has for more than 50 years grown into an organization with a mission to celebrate and foster the rich culture, musical heritage, language and history of the German people. Our Oktoberfest and Volksfest festivals across the country feature authentic German music, food and beverages for all to enjoy, as well as activities for the kids. These events provide an opportunity for local groups to generate revenue which is used to help sustain them throughout the year and assist in sponsoring future events celebrating our German heritage. But most importantly, these festivals introduce our German heritage to the population. Encourage your family members and friends to join DANK during our summer membership promotion. We have many successful events run by a great group of volunteers among the organizations. However, we need your support as well. If you are interested in supporting any of these important pursuits with your time, talents or treasure, please contact your local DANK Chapter or our national office at (1-888-USADANK) or via email at office.dank.org. Remember…it is a great time to be American of German Heritage! •
On the Cover: Westerhever Leuchtturm (Light-
157 steps. From the top there are panoramic views of the Eiderstedt peninsula and the islands off the North Sea coas The beacon was installed in May 1908. After decades of employing lighthouse keepers to maintain the lighthouse, it is now automatically monitored from the town Tönning. The two former keepers house now hosts a conservation station of the Wadden Sea National Park, which is managed by the Nature Conservation Society Wadden Sea Conservation Station. •
house) , on the North Sea was built in 1906 on Westerheversand about 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) from the seawall on a 13 foot high mound heaped with pile foundation (127 thick, long oak piles) and concrete base. Today a popular landmark, it was built to guide shipping through the treacherous sandbanks off the Eiderstedt peninsula and into the Heverstrom. The red and white striped tower has
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The mainland of Schleswig-Holstein's North Sea coast has everything your heart could desire
Eiderstedt: The peninsula for nature lovers
Bicyclists near the lighthouse of Westerhever.
Wattwanderung (Mud hiking) at UNESCO- World Heritage site - Wattenmeer, © Ralf Niemzig
Many people are familiar with the lighthouse of Westerhever, but very few know where it is – it is the symbol of the peninsula of Eiderstedt. Striking buildings and an endless green world mark this region on the North Sea. Eighteen historic churches and about 70 of the originally 400 impressive farmhouses (haubargs) rise from the flat landscape. In the 15th to 17th century, the Dutch brought this architecture to the coast and the buildings are now protected monuments. The best known is the “Rote Haubarg” in Witzwort, which now is home to a restaurant. If you are looking for a quiet spot to enjoy the beauty of nature, Eiderstedt is ideal. A well-marked network
of bicycle trails facilitates biking tours from village to village. There are eight cultural historical theme routes on Eiderstedt. The beautiful scenery of the nature reserve attracts many hikers also. The clocks on Eiderstedt run at a slower pace and you quickly forget the hectic pace of your daily routine. Nature alone sets the rhythm. The endless sky stretches above the lush green polders, the sheep graze lazily, huge flocks of birds rest on their way south. There is vibrant life in the three main towns on the peninsula: Tönning, St. PeterOrding, and Garding. Vacationers can find attractive events here. •
Thatched roof house in Eiderstedt.
Sea gulls enjoyiing the beach chairs along the North Sea in Eiderstedt © Ralf Wilken
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Pick Up Your New Car In Gemany. Like A Free Trip To Europe! By Robert Stine - DANK Chicago
If you plan to buy a new Mercedes Benz, Audi or BMW, consider having it made to order for pickup at the manufacturer in Germany. These manufacturers have a European Delivery program all with very appealing benefits. My wife and I recently picked up our new BMW in Munich and spent a week touring the autobahns and cities of Deutschland. It was the second time we picked up a new car in Europe. Both were amazing experiences! An important thing to know is that these manufacturers offer discounts ranging from 5% to 8% off base model MSRP if you pick up your car in Europe. This discount is more than can be negotiated at a local dealer and may offset the cost of the European trip. The manufacturers may add perks that include hotel stay, 2 for 1 airfare, 2 weeks of European auto insurance and a factory - museum tour. The delivery of your vehicle is a notable experience usually involving a personal introduction to your new car in a 5 star VIP setting. The process begins by going to your local dealer (we went to Motorwerks BMW of Barrington, IL)
and ordering your vehicle well in advance of your desired pickup date. After the European delivery and touring, you leave the car at a manufacturer’s representative and it is shipped to the US and your local dealer in 6 to 12 weeks (varies by manufacturer). The program does have challenges and we experienced some issues. Sources online explain that a reason such a significant discount can be given is that the local dealer who places the order receives lower sales commission. We had a ‘far less than premier’ local dealership sales experience. It would be beneficial to go to several dealers and interview the sales representatives in person to understand expectations beforehand to maximize local reliability. Each manufacturer also offer a range of countries and cities where the car may be dropped off in Europe after your post-pickup drive. It would be best for buyers to drop off at the firm’s main site in their home city. The ‘logistics firms’ used in other cities are subcontracted and the potential for problems increases. Our recent drop-off experience involved multiple manufacturer service issues that nearly resulted in us missing our flight home. BMW did little afterwards beyond admitting fault and apologizing. It is not worth the risk. To find specifics for the programs
of Mercedes Benz, Audi, and BMW, search the internet with the manufacturer name followed by ‘European Delivery’ and you can find their site dedicated to this program with all the details. The itineraries one could set for such a trip are endless. I’ll briefly share our 9 day vacation as an example. We experienced Munich including a visit to the BMW Welt (world) delivery center, factory and museum. After delivery, we drove to the Bavarian Alps for a couple of days seeing mountains, castles and picturesque towns and villages. Then it was off to beautiful Nuremburg with side trips to the historic and scenic medieval cities of Bamburg and Rothenburg. We proceeded to the far west of Germany and visited friends while touring the wonderful city of Cologne. The new car was ‘properly broken in’ on the Nurburgring, a famous 14.5 mile Formula 1 race test track south of Cologne that allows private drivers to take the curves and straight-aways at whatever speed they wish. It was quite an experience! We concluded with a visit to the German hometown of my mother’s family, Darmstadt in the southern Rhine-Main region and then dropped-off of the car in Frankfurt before flying home. It was quite a trip indeed. Consider European delivery next time you purchase a new German car! •
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Calendar Of Events www.dankchicagosouth.org. August 2 Benton Harbor, MI. Fish Fry. Doors open 6:00 pm. For more information: www.dank13.org 4 South Bend, IN. Annual Picnic at Kison’s Farm. 1:00 PM. Potluck. 63620 Maple Rd., South Bend, IN. 4 Springfield, IL. Cooking class with Fred Stachowiak in St. Agnes Hall 1 PM. 11 Benton Harbor, MI. Membership Meeting, 4 PM. 2651 Pipestone Rd, Benton Harbor, MI. 12 Springfield, IL. Board Meeting at Engel’s on Edwards at 6:30 pm. 13 Chicago, IL. Increase your German fluency using the content of interesting plays! For native speakers, as well as advanced and level 2 German students. Every second Tuesday of the month, each class $10 for materials. For more info:773 507 1300 or marbuchwald@gmail.com 16 Chicago, IL. Hawaii Stammtisch. DANK Haus, 4740 N Western Ave., Chicago IL. 7:30 pm - 11:30 pm. For more information: 773-561-9181 or www.dankhaus.org 21 Springfield, IL. SMBC 3rd Wednesday Meal with guest speaker: Lincoln Era Costumes/Singers. 6:30 PM 21 Milwaukee, WI. 21. Meeting 6:00 PM. Singing 7:30 PM. 21 Erie PA. 7 PM. Brief Meeting; Program: “German Musicians and their influence on Erie“. Open to the public. Join us for dinner at 5:00 at the Männerchor – reservations by Tuesday evening. 22 Chicago, IL. DANK Haus Bismarck Reception. 4710 N Western Ave., Chicago IL. 7:00 PM. Free and open to the public. 23 Chicgo, IL. Germany Now Cinema. Free Admission. Snacks and bar available for purchase. English subtitles. 7:30-10:30 PM. DANK Haus, 4740 N Western Ave., Chicago, IL. 24 Frankfort, IL. Alpine Music Festival. Music by Eddie Wagner’s Lustige Blaskapelle. Music starts at 7:00 p.m. Admission: $10 per adult, Children under 16 are free. RSVP no later than August 17th. DANK Chicago South , 25249 S Center Rd, Frankfort, IL. For more information: 815-464-1514.
24 Pittsburgh, PA. Germanfest! 2-11 PM at the Crown Plaza Hote. (See ad on page 2) 28 Milwaukee, I. Dancing 6:00 PM. Singing 6:00 PM. Aug 31-Sept. 1. Erie, PA 11-7PM. 17th Annual German Heritage Festival – St. Nick’s Grove 5131 Old French Rd. Erie, PA For tickets or more information please call 814-456-5300 or visit our website at www.DANK-Erie.org
September 4 Milwaukee, WI. Singing 7:00 PM. 6 Benton Harbor, MI. Fish Fry. Doors open 6:00 pm. For more information: www.dank13.org 8 South Bend, IN. Nature Walks at Bendix Woods. 2:00 PM. 32132 Indiana 2., New Carlisle, IN. Coffee and Cake. 9 Springfield, IL. Board Meeting at Engel’s on Edwards. 6:30 PM 11 Milwaukee, WI Dancing 6:00 PM Singing 7:00 PM. 15 Milwaukee, WI. Membership Recognition. 1:30 PM. 18 Milwaukee, WI. Singing 7:00 PM 18 Erie, PA. 7 PM . Brief Meeting; Program: “German Genealogy“ Open to the public. Join us for dinner at 5:00 – reservations by Tuesday evening. 18 Springfield, IL. SMBC 3rd Wednesday Meal with guest speaker at 6:30 PM. 20 Chicago, IL. Stammtisch. DANK Haus, 4740 N Western Ave., Chicago IL. 7:30 pm - 11:30 pm. For more information: 773-561-9181 or www.dankhaus.org 21 Benton Harbor, MI 1st Oktoberfest . The doors will open at 6 PM. $7 per person entrance fee. Food and drinks available for additional charge. Music by Eddie Korusa & The Boys from 7-11 PM for your dancing pleasure. 25 Milwaukee, WI. Dancing, 6:00 PM. •
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Darum ist Deutschland das beliebste Land der Welt Beer gardens, Bread and Sausages....? By Francine McKenna Facebook: German Culture
Some months ago the BBC ran a worldwide poll which came up with the result that Germany was the world's most popular country. Sueddeutsche Zeitung, one of the country's leading newspapers, responded with the question: "Is it real love?" The background being before others can love us, (people or countries), we must love ourselves. Mass circulation daily "Bild" then ran '100 reasons why Germans should indeed love themselves', and here are a few: 1. First spot went to Biergarten – Because the word "Biergarten" is so beautiful that it is understood across the world. 2. Because German cars can still be driven when others of the same vintage are already Coca Cola cans.
3. Because Germans take care of every thing............even Justin Bieber's pet monkey (Which he 'forgot' in a Munich animal refuge after arriving in Germany.) 4. Because children learn colors from the trash cans. (Trash is separated in Germany and put into different containers. A paper and cardboard container, is either green or blue, depending on the area. Then there is yellow, the plastic and compound materials container. A brown biological waste container, and gray for household waste.). Moving on to: 16. Because German Beer is simply super 17. Because the bread is equally as super 18. Because the Wuerst (Sausage and cold cuts) taste so good 21. Because no other language has a word like: “Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz” (63 letters). Which is literally, 'Cattle marking and beef labeling supervision duties delegation law' - a MecklenburgVorpommern law from1999 which dealt with labeling of beef and was repealed in 2013. No 25 is: Because in the USA alone there are 39 towns called Berlin So don't forget to visit the current multimedia "BERLIN'S Made
in the USA" exhibition at the German American Heritage Museum in Washington DC, if you are in the area.
Accompanied by movie programs and special events it tells the story of the towns, villages, and communities throughout the United States which were named after Berlin, the German capital, highlighting the contributions made by German-Americans to the USA's development and growth. • (Photo © courtesy German-American Heritage Museum of the USA) Facebook’s German Culture offers some views of German Life, Culture, People - ‘Past and Present - and all things German. Also visit: www.bellaonline.com/site/ germanculture “German Culture at BellaOnline” with Francine McKenna-Klein
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Aus Oma’s Küche! showing the beautiful rolling hills of eastern Germany behind him. The some lyrics of his praise for this dumpling goes: “For dumplings I go for miles. I am addicted to them, the dumplings are so important to me…” Thüringer Klöße Recipe Ingredients: Potatoes (about 3 lbs. of mealy cooking potatoes, such as Russet) Vinegar Salt White bread or roll Butter Family meal staples such spätzle, or nudeln has never risen to fame in the same manner as the Thüringen Klöße! Thüringia is often associated with dumplings, sausage, the Rennsteig, and water sports. A fourteen year old young lad, Fritz Wagner, of Zelle-Mellis, made a video of himself (“Fritz- Thüringer Klöße”) singing a fun song about his favorite dumplings, klöße! Fritz, who lives in the central eastern state of Thüringen, sings his tribute to his favorite dumplings in the classic German Schlager style, extolling the virtues of those huge potato dumplings. In his video, he takes a walk through the woods to a countryside restaurant where he is then shown in the kitchen lifting the lid off a kettle of water while the chef throws in the dumplings. He continues his praise of the traditional German dish in various locations around the countryside, including sitting in a restaurant with a family in traditional tracht eating their meal; at the top of a church’s tower
Grate 2/3 of the washed and peeled potatoes into a bowl filled with lukewarm water and a splash of vinegar, which will keep the potatoes from browning. Refresh vinegar water a few times, as needed. Roll the grated potatoes in a kitchen towel, and then twist the ends of the towel to squeeze out all of the liquid over a bowl. Retain this liquid for use later and let the potatoes rest in the towel. Meanwhile, to make the croutons for the filling, begin by cutting the rind off a few slices of bread or a roll and then cutting it into cubes about ½ inch thick. Melt a generous tablespoon of butter in a large frying pan and then add the bread cubes. While turning occasionally, fry these until golden brown and then remove from the heat.
Cook the remaining 1/3 of the potatoes in salted water. Reserve some of the water and then drain. Mash the potatoes, using the reserved cooking water as needed to create a smooth puree. Using the mixer or your hands, mix the warm mashed potatoes bit by bit into the grated potatoes in a large bowl. To this, you can add potato starch or use the starch that has settled at the bottom of the liquid that has been pressed from the potatoes after draining off the water. Add salt to taste. Once it is thoroughly mixed, form the dumpling mixture into balls of equal size (approx. 3 inches across) in the palms of your hands. Make an indenture in the middle, place a couple of croutons into it and then enclose them in the middle of the dumpling with the potato mixture. Cook the dumplings in gently simmering water for approximately 20 minutes or until done. It is important not to let the water boil or the dumplings may fall apart. Use this time to get your accompanying sauce ready. Guten Appetit! (www.Germany.info)
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Odds & Ends German rail network to fight graffiti with drones
Deutsche Bahn reports its trains were defaced about 14,000 times in 2012, costing the operator almost $10 million annually in vandalism and vandalism related expenses. The company will start testing drones at large rail depots, where vandalism frequently occurs at night. The drones will be nearly silent and will have GPS tracking and sensitive infrared cameras to establish evidence for criminal prosecution. The drones will fly at altitudes up to 492 feet with a top speed of 33 mph and monitor rail yards for more than 80 minutes at a time. They can also fly on autopilot for up to 25 miles. "We must find new ways to fight graffiti," Deutsche Bahn security chief Gerd Neubeck was quoted as saying by Der Spiegel, quoting the newspaper Bild. The German media report that each drone costs 60,000 euros ($77,250), a figure neither Deutsche Bahn nor Microdrones, the drone’s manufacturer would confirm. Strict German laws on privacy, however, will mean the drones will only be used on company property and that buildings and people outside would not be filmed.
Germany’s Sabine Lisicki upset victory at Wimbledon
Despite being allergic to grass, Lisicki shocks Wimbledon champion Serena Williams on Wimbledon grass 6-2, 1-6, 6-4 on July 1.
Hollywood Filming in Germany
George Clooney and Matt Damon on the set of the movie “The Monuments Men”
The Babelsberg film studio in Potsdam, just outside Berlin, has already been booked for four major international film productions in 2013 alone. One of them stars George Clooney in “The Monuments Men”, a film set at the end of the Second World War which tells the true story of a spectacular treasure hunt. A team of experts is tasked with saving precious works of art before they can be destroyed by the Nazis. Matt Damon and Cate Blanchett co-star in the movie, which will be coming to cinemas in early 2014. Clooney, who not only plays the leading role in the film but is also its director, also used a historic backdrop in the North German Harz Mountains for his action thriller. The star, who frequently comes to Germany, celebrated his 52nd birthday in the small town of Wenigerode. English director Brian Percival (“Downtown Abbey”) also chose Germany for his latest project “The Book Thief”, a film adaptation of a novel by German-Australian writer Markus Zusak. The film, which stars Oscar award-winner Geoffrey Rush alongside the German actress Heike Makatsch, was shot in the studios in Babelsberg and in Görlitz. This town in Saxony right on the border with Poland boasts an impressive historic center and rose to fame thanks to the Hollywood production of “The Reader” which starred Kate Winslet. Görlitz also featured recently in scenes of “The Grand Budapest Hotel”, a comedy starring Jude Law and Ralph Fiennes.
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Odds & Ends The Longest Castle in Europe The Burghausen Castle is the longest castle in Europe (3,422 feet) With a length of over 3,000 feet and almost all of its medieval fortifications still intact, Burghausen is one of the most impressive and largest castle complexes in Germany and in all Europe. From 1255 on it was the second residence of the dukes of Lower Bavarian and the court of their consorts. In the late Middle Ages Duke Georg der Reiche (George the Rich) turned the castle with its six courtyards into the strongest fortress in the country. In the historic Great Hall (Palas) are the ducal apartments and the castle chapel dedicated to St Elisabeth. The art
gallery has a collection of late Gothic panel paintings and a monumental picture cycle illustrating the history of Bavaria. •
Spreuerhofstrasse - World’s Narrowest Street In Danger of Losing Record Status.
Spreuerhofstrasse - World’s Narrowest Street In Danger of Losing Record Status. Spreuerhofstrasse, a 12.2 inch-wide passageway between two houses in the small German town of Reutlingen, is in danger of losing the Guinness Book of
World Records distinction as the narrowest road in the world. The street, built in 1726, is growing narrower thanks to a leaning wall from of the neighboring houses. Spreuerhofstrasse is listed in The Guinness Book of World Records as the narrowest in the world since 2007 and is about the width of a small computer screen. Reutling, located in the heart of the Swabia region, is very proud of their small attraction, but feel it is an important one. ‘A street is no longer a street if no one can get through it. Then the fun would be over,’ said Tanja Ulmer, head of the city's tourism office. And Reutlingen would lose its record. •
Germany's most beautiful cow German cow Loh Nastygirl has been crowned the country's most beautiful bovine after charming judges in the northern city of Oldenburg. Nastygirl beat around 250 other candidates from Germany, Luxembourg and Austria to win the title of "Miss Germany" presented every two years by the German Holstein Association (DHV), an umbrella group representing 14 organisations dedicated to breeding the Holstein breed of cow.
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Odds & Ends Neptune Discovered Johann Gottfried Galle June 9, 1812 July 10, 1910 Johann Gottfried Galle was a German astronomer, who at the Berlin Observatory, with the assistance of student Heinrich Louis d'Arrest, was the first person to view the planet Neptune and know what he was looking at (September 23, 1846). Born in Radis Germany, Galle studied at the University of Berlin from 1830-33. He had started to work as an assistant to German astronomer Johann Franz Encke in 1835 immediately following the completion of the Berlin observatory. In 1851 he moved to Breslau (Wroclaw) to become professor of astronomy and the director of the local observatory. Throughout his career he studied comets and in 1894 (with the help of his son Andreas Galle) he published a list with 414 comets. He himself had previously discovered three comets in the short span from Decem-
ber 2, 1839 to March 6, 1840. In 1897 Galle returned to Potsdam, where he later died at the age of 98. Two craters, one on the Moon and one on Mars, the 2097 Galle, and a ring of Neptune, have been named in his honor. •
Germany and Russia at Odds Over New Museum Exhibit uters. Putin reportedly reA new exhibition at the Hermitage Museum in plied that it was time to St. Petersburg, Russia is stop making repatriation causing diplomatic fricclaims against each other. tion between Germany He said it didn’t matter to and Russia. "The Bronze the average citizen if art Age of Europe: Europe is displayed in Berline, St. Without Borders" feaPetersburg, Moscow or in tures some German Turkey. works of art that were "The Bronze Age of Eulooted by Russian solrope" features archaeologidiers at the end of World German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin s in cal bronze items from variWar II. St.Petersburg on Friday. (Dmitry Lovetsky/AP) ous periods in European German Chancellor Anhistory. The exhibition is scheduled to run to Sept. gela Merkel was in St. Petersburg for an international economic forum with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, 8, includes 600 hundred items seized by the Soviet and the two leaders were on hand at the Hermitage Union as war reparations, according to the German to open the exhibition. During the visit, Merkel report- government. The Hermitage's website states that the exhibition edly called on Russia to return the looted items. “It's our opinion that these exhibition pieces should features bronze weapons, tools, vases and other obbe returned to Germany," she said, according to Re- jects.•
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Odds & Ends Germany's Population Drops 1.5 Million to 80.2 Million
Germany released the results of its first census in nearly a quarter of a century and found 1.5 million fewer inhabitants than previously assumed. Most of them are foreigners who registered when they moved in, as required, apparently were leaving the country without ever unregistering from their apartments. In the process they created what statisticians refer to as phantom residents who lived on in the records long after having departed the country. The census news put Germany’s headcount at 80.2 million people rather than 81.7 million. The census was the first comprehensive population count since 1987, when Germany was still divided into west and east. The 1987 census was opposed by those who believed the government should not keep tabs on its citizens. The survey also showed a drop of about 14.9 percent, or 1.1 million, in foreigners living in Germany, according to the Federal Statistical Office, which presented the 2011 census results. The discrepancy was especially wide in Germany's largest cities. At the census reference date — May 9, 2011 — Berlin had almost 180,000 fewer inhabitants than expected and Hamburg had some 80,000 fewer residents. There were 15 million immigrants — both foreigners and German citizens with at least one parent who immigrated after 1955 — making up almost 19 percent of the population. Most came from Turkey, Poland and Russia and lived in cosmopolitan areas in western Germany. In eastern Germany the number of immigrants was below 5 percent. Women outnumbered men 41 million to 39 million. The imbalance can be explained by women's longer life expectancy and the effects of World War II, where millions of German men were killed. •
Germany Says Goodbye to Its Longest Word Germany's longest official word - Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz (usually shortened to RkReÜAÜG) - a 63-letter long title of a law regulating the testing of beef, has officially ceased to exist. A change to state laws in Mecklenburg-Western Pomeranian to conform with the curren EU regulations has caused an unexpected casualty to the German language. As the European Union has ruled that the testing is no longer needed, the word is no longer the official longest word, and the hunt is now on for a new official longest word. Dpa reports the longest word in the Duden, a German-language dictionary now falls to the 36-letter-long Kraftfahrzeughaftpflichtversicherung (which means “motor-vehicle liability insurance”).
"Some German words are so long that they have a perspective." Mark Twain The World’s Most Powerful Women 2013
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has made Forbes 2013 list of The World’s Most Powrful Women. Merkel has earned a spot on this impressive list for seven of the past 10 years.
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Summer Membership Drive continues through October 30th! From June 1st to October 30th, DANK is offering a special pro-rated membership fee to new members who join during this time period only. The fee, $40 per single/head of household has been reduced to $20; spouses from $10 to $5. ($25/couple). This will cover membership dues for the balance of 2013. (Please Note: This rate also applies to new members joining in September to participate in German language schools. They will also renew in January at the new rate of $40/head of household for 2014.) As a new member, you will receive four issues of our German American Journal: June/July, Aug/Sept, Oct/Nov, and the Dec/Jan 2014 issues - (a $10 value); you will be joining the brotherhood of thousands of people who actively
acknowledge and preserve their Germanic heritage; meet other like members and share in the camaraderie of a chapter at special events such as German American Day, Oktoberfests, Christmas parties and more. Many chapters offer discounted prices to chapter members; opportunities to travel, language classes and more. Most importantly they will be helping us to preserve the heritage entrusted to us when the German immigrants gathered to lay the foundation of respecting and honoring our German heritage. To join or enroll a new member, use the application form in this newspaper; get an application form from your chapter to send in; or go to www.DANK.org and join on-line. •
Remember to use our Summer Membership Drive prices valid June 1 - October 30th!
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DANK Chapter Milwaukee Picnic DANK Chapter Milwaukee held its annual picnic on Sunday, June 30 at Sacred Heart Croation Parish in Milwaukee. While listening to German music, attendees enjoyed a meal of grilled meats including a pig roast, German potato salad, and an assortment of other salads and accompaniments. Delicious desserts, made by the DANK Milwaukee Chor members, provided more delights. German beer and wines and non-alcoholic beverages were available. Vicky Ohde organized the children’s games and the adults played lawn dice with the winners receiving a bottle of wine. •
Greetings from Erie... continued from page 13
a HofBrau setting. It was great meeting friends once again from across the country. Along comes July and our annual picnic and the weather still is either not typical but we dealt with it! Members and guests enjoyed a relaxing evening having ‘sampled’ the wide variety of dishes and desserts they provided to go along with John Lesniewski’s famous ox-roast for sandwiches! At the end of July, I volunteered to work at the Milwaukee German Fest and had a great time meeting with other members from other chapters that I only see at our National Convention! August will be a busy month again for our Chapter as we prepare to present our 17th annual German Heritage Festival on Labor Day weekend. Younger volunteers are always welcomed. Founded by our current national president, we have kept the festival priced to encourage young
families to attend; promote our St. Nik’s Project benefitting our Second Harvest Food Bank; free activities for our young guests; provide a Marktplatz and plenty of German food vendors. Promoting our German heritage is first and foremost and our DANK booth always attracts many people. (www.dank-erie.org) On September21st our DANK Chorus (The Erie Männerchor Gesangverein) is hosting a Sängerfest – a lot smaller scale than the national which featured some 1200 singers! As members of the Siebenbürger Sachsen Sängerbund (choruses from Cleveland, Erie and New Castle, PA) and the Pittsburgh District of the NASB (including the Teutonia, Bloomfield, the Liederkranz, the Eintracht Männerchor, and the Swiss Singers) join voices to present an afternoon of individual presentations and a massed concert of German music in the evening. Nick Lipnichan of Pittsburgh and Beverly Pochatko are coordinating this event. •
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Thank you for your donations Education Fund Pamela Dixon Hannelore Schoenauer Daniel Bolle
Ryan Thaller Julie Gould Contributions Michael Wolkov Lore Depenthal Otto Hartl Henry Dreisilker John Fluss
Newspaper Huenther Joerg Doris Hobel Sandy Cockrum
Wilbur Schneider Steve Nagel Raimond Cerbins Juergen Juffa Kathryn Ann Hebble Christiane Manko-Morgan Robert Brabender
We Welcome our New Members National Daniel Schwarz Troy Kaufman William Malcom Peter Wendler Chicago Natalie Seewald Thomas Reimer Scott Winterroth Joerg , Faith & Rosemary Guenther Martin and Donna Shula Eric and Christy Hebel Chicago-West Mackenzie Gratton Kate Leinweber Richard Maurer
Lake County, IL Linda Fraunhofer Springfield, IL Barbara Chesser Chicago Northern Suburbs Eva-Maria & Kai Hagen Sarah Fack Milwaukee, WI Bruce Cisler Elaina Meier Phoenix, AZ Gerda Brown
Pittsburgh, PA Lee Ann Kohler Lauren Highlands, PA Sharon Smith Erie, PA Randall Romine Bay City, MI Louise Kease Guillermo Castanon Nik Schulwitz Joseph Trischler Victoria Hessler Robert Czuprynski Kris & Nicole Neuhalfen Geoff & Heidi Cardinal
Erie’s Parade continued from page 11
the trailer from U-Haul and also drove his pickup hauling the float in the parade. Walkers with the float were: Margaret Potocki, Carol Snippert, Beverly Pochatko, Charlotte Chase, Brigitte Chase and Luise Dudkiewicz! Special thanks to ECGRA for the funding grant; Braendel Signs for the DANK logo sign; and Erie Beer Company who made the banners and the ‘sandwich’ board sign they so generously donated. Most of all, thanks to Ray Luniewski who encouraged us all the way. We will use the components of the float for a display at the German Heritage Festival ion Labor Day weekend. •
Rich Hartman and Martin Pochatko building the base of the float.
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DANK School Chicago Northern Suburbs – Chapter 26 - continued from page 9 During their tenure, they oversaw the building of the chapter’s website and adding a Facebook page; they had to move the entire school to a new rental location; they changed the direction of the school from a lowkey school to an excellent academic school; they hired highly qualified and motivated teachers; but most of all, they were interested in teaching and preserving the German language, its culture, and its heritage. Knowing the German language has opened many interesting doors to former students. Chapter 26 would like to compliment Frau Golsch and Frau Herod for their invaluable service they provided for their combined twenty-five years together. Congratulations, thank you, and best wishes for the new phase in your life! In retirement, Frau Golsch will serve as a substitute teacher. Frau Herod will stay on as a teacher for at least one more year to give the new directors, Frau Sabine Woerner and myself, support and advice. Dr. Silvia Schmid Co-Director DANK Chapter 26 www.chicagogermanschools.org facebook “Dank German Schools”
DANK Chapter Benton Harbor mourns the passing of longtime member
Helene Ruth Lucker,
of St. Joseph, MI who passed away , May 27th at Lakeland Hospital. Helene was born to the parents of Adolf and Olga Rapske on October 20, 1927 in Treuburg, Germany (East Prussia at that time). She immigrated to the United States with her mother Olga in 1952, and married Thomas Lucker in 1962. Helene will be remembered most as a thoughtful and caring person who had a wildly optimistic outlook on life, a generous heart, and a truly unshakeable faith. Her greatest love was her husband and children and her greatest inspiration was her mother.
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Bern Deichman - continued from page 8 an MBA degree from Drexel University. After graduating from Princeton, he was commissioned as an officer in the US Army Artillery and served a tour of duty in that capacity before starting his career with Delaval in Trenton, NJ. In addition, Bern is a member of many professional and fraternal organizations including the American Council on Germany (New York), Life Member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the German-American Chamber of Commerce (Philadelphia), AMVETS, the Cannstatter Volksfest Verein, the German Society of Pennsylvania, and a host of other GermanAmerican organizations. The German-American Heritage Foundation of the USA® (GAHF) is as an independent, 501(c)(3) taxexempt non-profit educational organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the accomplishments of Americans of German-speaking ancestry in building our great nation. GAHF was founded in 1977 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and chartered in 1978 as the United German-American Committee of the USA, Inc. Tickets for the Gala will be $175.00 per person, which includes a cocktail reception, dinner, and dancing. For more information please contact our National headquarters or visit our website at www.gahmusa. org. You can also find the GAHF on Facebook and Twitter. •
DANK Chapter Benton Harbor mourns the passing of longtime member
Wilbur H. "Bill" Schneider
Wilbur passed away June 15, 2013, at his home in St. Joseph, MI, surrounded by his loving family. Born Sept. 3, 1927, in St. Joseph to Herbert & Alma (Grunert) Schneider. He entere the United States Navy, serving his country during World War II at Pearl Harbor and later participating in the atomic bomb testing at Bikini Atol. On March 4, 1951, he married the former Nona Morten in St. Joseph. The couple recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. For many years he was an active member of DANK Chapter Benton Harbor. He will be greatly missed. Wilbur is survived by his wife, Nona; two daughters and one son; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
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Kinder Ecke Der Hahn "Ihr kennt mich doch, des Hofes Zier, Im bunten Federkleide hier? Der stolze Hahn bin ich, nicht wahr? Mir folgt die ganze Huehnerschar. Die Hennen scharren und picken fein, Die Kuechlein trippeln hinterdrein, Mein Vaterauge schaut auf sie, Und lustig kraeh' ich Kikeriki!"
Die Kuh "Muh - muh - muh! Ich bin die Mutter Kuh, Gehoere zur Familie Rind Und bin sehr wichtig fuer das Kind. Gaeb' ich die suesse Milch nicht her, So kriegte es kein Flaeschchen mehr. Nun trinkt sich's satt und lacht dazu, Ich aber freu' mich dran. Muh - muh!"
Die Enten "Wir drei Geschwister - pak, pak, pak Schwimmen im Wasser - nak, nak, nak! Wenn's Kind doch auch ein Entlein waer, Dann schwaemm' es mit uns hin und her. Das waer ein wunderschoener Spass Und wuerd's dabei auch pitschenass, Das schadet gar nichts - nak, nak, nak, Man trocknet wieder. Pak, pak, pak!"
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German American National Congress
National Convention 2013 Join DANK at the Hofbr채uhaus Saturday, November 2 in Rosemont, IL. Enjoy a specialized Bavarian menu and fresh microbrewed beer!
Live entertainment from Germany! See order form on page 6
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