Bavarian Times Magazine - Edition 04 - September/October 2017

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Edition #04| October 2017

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Bavariantimes News & Magazine for Grafenwoehr | Vilseck | Hohenfels | Garmisch

What to do when wildlife shares your home William L. Gardner II is the new 7 ATC Command Sergeant Major

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Dangerous caterpillars discovered at Grafenwoehr Training Area //Page 8

Bavarian Times | 2

index & imprint Page 6

Wolf at Hohenfels same as one roaming Graf, evidence suggests

Page 10 USAG Bavaria, partners weather storm together Page 15 Community member returns to Garmisch after 55 years Page 18 Internet connected toys could present privacy, contact concerns

for children

Page 25 If modern life causes headaches Page 27

Page 39 Bavarian traditions:

What is the “Kirchweih” in the Oberpfalz region?

Page 42 German holidays in October and November Page 44

Page 20 Your suicide prevention resources at USAG Bavaria

When your car starts floating

Deutsches Museum Munich

Page 46 The Berchtesgaden area offers diversity and variety

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First responders in front of the on-site command post on Netzaberg.

From left: CSM William L. Gardner II, Brig. Gen. Toni A. Aguto Jr. and the outgoing command sergeant major, CSM Robert G. Todd.

William L. Gardner II is the new 7 ATC Command Sergeant Major

Photo Credit: Gerald Morgenstern (2)

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — William L. Gardner II is the new Command Sergeant Major (CSM) of 7th Army Training Command (7ATC). Brig. Gen. Antonio A. Aguto Jr. passed the guidon on to him vice CSM Robert G. Todd who returned to his former position as the CSM of U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria. Soldiers and civilian employees, mayor of the surrounding communities and representatives of the German Army, Police and other host nation administrations attended the ceremony at the physical fitness center on Tower Barracks. Passing the colors by the 7ATC commanding general, signifies the transfer of authority from Todd to Gardner.

Aguto thanked Todd for his work during the past seven months and welcomed the new command sergeant major to the “best training command” in the U.S. Army. Gardner is no stranger to Germany and 7ATC. He was previously stationed in Babenhausen, Garlstedt, Heidelberg and Hohenfels. There, he served as trainer for senior fire support observers at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center.

Force Protection Exercise at Grafenwoehr Training Area Netzaberg/Grafenwoehr, Germany -- Securing the health and safety of its soldiers and civilians and the entire military community is one of the U.S. Army’s top priorities. During a multi-day force protection exercise, the U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria (USAG Bavaria) practiced its emergency and catastrophe response skills.

The scenario for the main part of the exercise was a shooting rampage at Netzaberg Middle School resulting in deaths and injuries. Military and German police, U.S. and German soldiers, firemen, medics, the Bavarian Red Cross and other first responders are needed to help, clear the situation and prevent further damage. This year’s force protection and emergency response exercise ran for more than five days and focused on leadership structures and communication. Role players at the school provided the U.S. Army’s first responders with a realistic training scenario.

“

“We are well-prepared and enjoy a high operational readiness.” -- Col. Varney

His last duty station was Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. Gardner is accompanied by his wife Julie and his children Kara and Ryan. In his welcome remarks, Gardner focused on his intent to support the vision of the commanding general which is to provide the hardest and most realistic training possibilities in the command. “My other goal is to be a good neighbor to our German hosts, allies and friends,” said Gardner.

German first responders and contact personnel were portrayed by members of the U.S. fire department. Emergency vehicles and personnel were also provided by the Bavarian Red Cross station in Eschenbach. An on-site command post coordinated all response operations and evaluators provided feedback. The emergency operations center was located at headquarters, USAG-Bavaria on Tower Barracks. Garrison commander Col. Lance C. Varney personally led the operation and was also responsible for the simulated communication with host nation authorities and mayors. “The cooperation between the American and German first responders and the local mayors has the highest priority regarding rescue mechanism. We are well-prepared and enjoy a high operational readiness,” said Varney who was very pleased with the course of the exercise. He pointed out that the goal of such exercises was to learn from them and to keep improving.

| by Gerald Morgenstern

| by Gerald Morgenstern Bavarian Times | 4

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Hohenfels

Wolf at Hohenfels same as one roaming Graf, evidence suggests

GRAFENWOEHR/HOHENFELS Germany — A male wolf last reported in the Grafenwoehr Training Area February 2017 has moved to the Hohenfels Training Area, according to evidence retrieved by the Bavarian Ministry for Environment (LfU).

A genetic test of wolf excrements found at the HTA indicate this is the same wolf spotted at the GTA earlier this year.

This was the third verification of a wolf at the HTA. In January 2017, an adult female red deer was found dead inside the HTA. The Bavarian Ministry for Environment (LfU) took DNA samples of the deer and determined that it was killed by a wolf of the central European population, but the DNA samples weren’t good enough to identify the gender. In April an environmental contractor took a photo of a wolf in the “box”.

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock_Xaver Klaussner

“If it was the same wolf in all three cases, that can’t be verified,” said Stefan Haertl of the USAG Bavaria Environmental Division.

The first wolf sightings were reported September 2016 in the expansive training area of Grafenwoehr, prompting immediate garrison response measures. No injuries or contact have since been reported, but community members are reminded to remain calm and stay clear of all wildlife.

Environmental officials have picked up nearly 100 instances of wolf evidence, such as sightings, wolf excrement and carcasses left behind by wolves.

“We know of at least one wolf pair in the center GTA, but without any evidence of offspring or baby wolves — so far” said Haertl.

Germany’s Federal Agency for Nature Conservation announced that numbers from April 2016 indicate that 46 packs, 15 pairs and 4 sedentary individuals reside in Germany — primarily in the states of Saxony, Brandenburg and Lower Saxony.

Since 2006, numerous wolves have been spotted by wildlife cameras or found dead by the side of the road throughout parts of Bavaria. These wolves are likely young males from northeastern Germany or the Alps searching for new territories to call their own.

A wolf pair lives in the Bavarian National Forest with at least three babies — the first wolf pack reported in Bavaria in more than 150 years, said Haertl.

Since the renewed presence of wolves in Germany, no attacks on humans have been reported.

Wo l ve s are naturally cautious and try to avoid humans. Opportunistic eaters, wolves eat whatever is most easily accessible, such as boar and deer — both of which are abundant in the Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels Training Areas. Conflicts can arise when wolves have easy access to unprotected livestock and trash.

Bavarian Times | 6

Wolf photographed with a trail camera in the Grafenwoehr Training Area Sept. 5, 2016.

“There are a few things we can do to ensure we live in harmony with wolves and other wildlife,” Haertl said.

Soldiers and people out in the training areas can help by properly disposing of food wastes or wrappers and not feeding wildlife or stray animals.

For those living on or off post, Haertl recommends securing pet food. Leaving pet food unattended on the porch or patio can attract wildlife and stray animals. Wildlife, such as wolves and foxes, might start to associate humans or human facilities with food and lose that natural timidity, possibly leading to dangerous situations.

It is extremely unlikely that you will encounter a wolf, but if you do, follow this safety advice from the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN):

Photo Credit: Federal Forest Service Grafenwoehr

• • • •

Do not run away. Do back away slowly and calmly if you feel you are too close.

Do attract attention to yourself. Talk loudly and gesture to make yourself noticeable.

Do not run after the wolf. It could see this as aggression and attempt to defend itself.

Do put a leash on your dog and keep it close at hand.

The safety of our community and our animals is our top priority.

If you see a wolf — or if you accidentally hurt or kill one on the road — notify the MP front desk or German Polizei and stay clear.

Contact the MP front desk at DSN 476-3398/3397, CIV 0966283-3398/3397. Contact the German Polizei at 110. | by Andreas Kreuzer 7 | Bavarian Times

tower barracks

Dangerous caterpillars discovered at Grafenwoehr Training Area

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — A potentially dangerous caterpillar species was recently discovered by garrison cleanup crews in heavily forested areas of the Grafenwoehr Training Area, according to reports from the public works division.

Following the devastating August storm that blew through Vilseck and much of the surrounding training grounds, workers with the U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Directorate of Public Works and Environmental Division responded in a rapid collaborative cleanup initiative, thrusting teams of experts into damage sites.

Shortly after clearing debris from a storm-ravaged portion of the training area, two DPW workers developed skin rashes along their arms, said Jeffery Heath, Operations and Maintenance Division manager, DPW, USAG Bavaria. The workers had just finished removing pieces of broken and decaying old oak trees from remote wooded areas.

Health officials from both the Vilseck Army Health Clinic and the clinic at Sulzbach confirmed that the skin irritation was caused by direct exposure to residual hairs of a common caterpillar species present across most of southern and central Europe: the Oak Processionary Moth, or Eichen Prozessions Spinner in German.

Photo Credit: Jackie Pennoyer, USAG Bavaria Public Affairs (3)

These hairy oak-residing caterpillars are a native of the Mediterranean region. But in recent years, they’ve steadily begun migrating north to take advantage of Europe’s temperate climate and have become increasingly common in areas with a substantial oak tree presence.

Oak Processionary Moths are most dangerous during the species life stage as caterpillars, which typically occurs between mid-April through July, according to U.S. Army environmental and health experts. During this stage, the caterpillars are covered in long, fibrous hairs composed of thaumetopoein, a toxin that can cause adverse reactions in humans and animals if touched or inhaled.

The spiny caterpillars are not a particular concern, however, in their latent larvae or final moth stages from the end of the life cycle in August through the beginning of April, according to U.S. Army Public Health Command Region-Europe.

DPW and Environmental crews regularly undergo extensive survey efforts to locate and manage the population of these caterpillars throughout all four the installations, said Heath.

“Our guys are out there cutting grass, trimming trees. Playgrounds, parks — those are the first place they look,” Heath said.

“Each tree in the cantonment area has a nail in it with a number.

We know where all the oak trees are. We can pull up an overhead with geographical information, and it will note every oak tree,” Heath said.

Still, caterpillar nests sightings can still surface, particularly in outlying regions of the Grafenwoehr’s expansive training area.

Community members should remain vigilant and understand health concerns associated with exposure, Heath added.

Not everyone reacts to the toxins contained in Oak Processsionary Moth caterpillar hair. The most common symptoms of direct contact is an itchy or painful rash composed of several red spots along the affected skin and dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition. Symptoms usually begin two to 12 hours after exposure and go away within three to six days.

In some instances, the caterpillar hairs can cause severe allergic reactions. Exposure to eyes or mouth may cause conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the eye, or irritation of the throat. In addition, accidently inhaling the toxin and exposing it to the lungs may induce severe reactions and asthma attacks for asthmatics. These sorts of reactions may warrant immediate medical attention.

In the event of exposure to thaumetopoein, it is critical to shower and wash clothes immediately. Over-the-counter medication, such as anti-histamine creams, may help reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. If symptoms persist or are concerning, contact the on-post health clinic or a local veterinarian clinic.

Severe allergic reactions and asthma attacks warrant immediate medical attention.

Oak Processionary Moth caterpillars reside in the upper branches of oak trees commonly found in relatively isolated areas at the edge of a forest or parks and playgrounds. They are often found wrapping in bundles around tree trunks and trailing in long lines or processions — hence the name — to and from their nests.

Removing Oak Processionary Moth caterpillars and their whitegray weaved nests require the use of special equipment and safety gear. Do not touch or attempt to remove the caterpillars, their nests or eggs. Report sightings to the Environmental Division immediately, and provide as many precise details as possible.

During peak maturity from April and July, community members should refrain from picnicking, playing and walking near oak trees, and wear appropriate outdoor clothing in wooded areas.

Keep children and pets away from caterpillars and nests.

| by Jackie Pennoyer, USAG Bavaria Public Affairs Bavarian Times | 8

tower barracks

Army recognizes Garmisch employees for length of service GARMISCH, Germany — Fifteen German and American civilian employees were honored for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 45 years of service to the U.S. Army in a ceremony here Aug. 29.

In total, the honored employees — coupled with those not present at the ceremony — have racked up 325 years of service.

Col. Lance Varney, commander of the U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria, in his remarks highlighted the importance of the civilian workforce in supporting the Soldiers’ missions, and what they have done in the past and will do in the future.

Nine German and American civilian employees were honored for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 45 years of service to the U.S. Army in a ceremony here Aug. 29.

In addition to the length of service awards, Varney presented certificates of appreciation to Preston Lee for his support to the chaplain, and to Andrea Griesser for her support to motorcycle safety day.

45

Years

Dagobert Gruenberg

Photo Credit: USAG Bavaria Public Affairs

The Garmisch mayor Dr. Sigrid Meierhofer was also in attendance to honor the employees’ dedicated service.

Wolfgang Pauls-Polch

To view photos of individual awardees, visit our Garmisch Length of Service Award Ceremony photo album at https://flic.kr/s/aHsm24S287.

30

Years

35

Andreas Strobl

Years

25

Angelika Stengel Debora Guglhoer

Bernhard Schreglmann

Angelika Reinisch

Sharon Hawkridge Adrian Grice

20 Years

Bernadette Houston

15

Years

| by USAG Bavaria Public Affairs

Years

Joseph Vallinas Liston Paul Wakolbinger Stefan Neuner Sonja Hoehn

10

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tower barracks

USAG Bavaria, partners weather storm together GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — An unusually devastating storm blew through the Rose Barracks community of U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria last Thursday, shocking community members into swift action in what also emerged as a spirited testament to the garrison’s equipped readiness and strong network of community partnerships.

“I think what we saw here over the last few days is critical,” said USAG Bavaria Garrison Commander Col. Lance Varney. “We saw people coming together and doing exactly our core mission: maintaining the integrity of garrison security and preserving life, health and safety, no matter what, with regards to outside threats and — every once in a while — natural events.”

Weather forecasters from Detachment 2, 7th Weather Squadron at Tower Barracks sent routine alerts to the garrison installation operations center, the 24/7-run epicenter of garrison operations, early Thursday afternoon warning staff of severe evening weather formations for Tower Barracks, Rose Barracks and the outlying areas.

As the clock approached midnight, the late-summer thunderstorm moved into an area where conditions forced the storm into a sudden collapse, creating destructive downdrafts — what meteorologists call “microbursts” — just over Rose Barracks and the Grafenwoehr Training Area, said Air Force Cpt. Mitch Westlund, Detachment 2, 7th Weather Squadron.

“Microbursts can get up to 120 miles per hour and essentially have the same effects as a tornado, but going the opposite direction: everything is going out, instead of going in,” Westlund said.

Following the devastating storm, garrison leaders called in a crisis action team of experts from emergency and mission-essential directorates to assess the extent of damages and initiate a community-wide cleanup effort rooted in restoring installation security and ensuring the safety of all community members, said USAG Bavaria Deputy to the Garrison Commander Annette Evans.

Emergency crews and repairmen from the garrison public works division were on the scene just after 2 a.m., clearing emergency access routes and addressing urgent repairs that pose immediate threats to community safety, said Lt. Col. William Burden, emergency services director, USAG Bavaria. The first responders prioritized surging water pipes, trees limbs hanging over homes and public spaces, and broken live power lines in neighborhoods.

It was not just garrison employees who were quick to respond.

Before dawn, members of the German Forestry Office, a host nation organization that helps maintain pristine natural habitats for native species in the Grafenwoehr Training Area and throughout Germany, were out in boots and rain jackets trudging alongside DPW crews through mud and dashing into damage zones to reduce danger and assist with the massive cleanup effort.

“I gave the forest meister a call early in the morning around 6:30.

He was on leave, but he came right away,” said Harald Mueller, chief of roads and grounds, USAG Bavaria. “His team was so fast. They were 100 percent professionals.”

In its most severe formation, the unpredicted microburst tore hundreds of trees to pieces, leaving vast stretches of aging forest mowed down.

Platoons from the 15th Engineering Battalion were called to make acute repairs at various locations with the most immediate risk to installation security, said Varney. The group of Soldiers, who spent the storm bunkered in tents for a field exercise, arrived the next morning around 9 a.m. and completed all repair work by mid-afternoon.

The sites — closely resembling the stunning aftermath of a tornado from the American mid-west — were toppled with centuryBavarian Times | 10

tower barracks Soldiers from the 902nd Engineer Construction Company, 15th Engineer Battalion repair construction elements just hours after a devastating storm ripped through much of Rose Barracks and the Grafenwoehr Training Area. The storm shocked community members into swift action in what also emerged as a spirited testament to the garrison’s equipped readiness and strong network of community partnerships.

“At first, we didn’t think it was much work, but when we started getting into it and looked down the line, we were all like oh man that’s crazy. That’s a lot of damage,” said Spc. Justin Foote, carpenter, 3rd Platoon, 902nd ECC, 15th En. Bn. Storms like these are very difficult to predict, Westlund said.

When the right ingredients are present, they occur almost instantly and can last up to several minutes.

Fortunately, he added, they are very rare for Bavaria.

“The chances of these happening in [this] area are about the same as being in the eye of a hurricane,” he said. “Not many people can say they’ve been in the eye of a hurricane. The conditions that you get with it are the exact same as the outer eye wall. You just hunker down and get somewhere safe. It’s difficult to forecast these.”

Garrison leaders anticipate an extended cleanup effort with projects stretching into the next several months. The ongoing effort 11 | Bavarian Times

will address minor, less urgent work orders and rehabilitate forests demolished by storm’s rampage, Varney said. Varney also added that the cleanup effort will continue to be one built on collaboration with garrison partners, a lasting tradition at USAG Bavaria.

“From the initial response and getting things back to where they need to be — making sure life and safety concerns are where the need to be — to now, the longer cleanup phase, I think is a great example of how one community can pitch in and help do the right thing,” he said.

As they worked alongside Germans from DPW, Soldiers on the ground recognized the significance of their impact on community safety and how it plays a role in continuing USAG Bavaria’s legacy of enduring and cooperative partnerships.

“It’s fun,” said Foote. “We watch what they do, and they watch what we do. We exchange ideas and are able to build a team. It’s nice to get out and do something really important.”

| by Jackie Pennoyer

Photo Credit: Jackie Pennoyer

old pines, each weighing about a thousand pounds, said Sgt. Joseph Worrall, squad leader, 3rd Platoon, 902nd Engineer Construction Company, 15th En. Bn., who lead the engineering response team.

tower barracks

Service Culture Initiative: How this affects Soldiers, families at USAG Bavaria GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — Hundreds of U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria employees from Tower and Rose Barracks gathered at the Reel Time Theater here for a garrison all-hands staff assembly July 27 to recognize team-led progress and reinforce the group’s enduring mission as leaders in Army community support.

“This garrison is always going to be busy. There’s always going to be something — that big-next-thing something — and we’re always going to be in a state of some kind of transition,” said USAG Bavaria Garrison Commander Col. Lance C. Varney. “But I believe we have a strong team, and if we put our heads together, we’ll figure out the best way forward.”

anywhere in the world, and this group deals with it and gets it done at a higher degree than ever seen before.”

At the last all-hands assembly, garrison employees from all directorates and levels of leadership submitted over 200 cards with recommendations on how to improve garrison services and productivity. Evans followed up on those suggestions and highlighted ten accomplishments the garrison organization made in the last six months.

• •

Following an all-hands meeting from January earlier this year, garrison leaders have led a charged community effort to help create a sustainable garrison battle rhythm and maintain positive, supportive work environments for a large and diverse workforce spanning five geographically separate communities, said Annette Evans, deputy to the garrison commander, USAG Bavaria.

The overarching effort to improve operations and strengthen team cohesion has used the garrison commander’s long range plan — published late last year — as a foundation and Installation Management Command’s guiding customer service mission, known as the Service Culture Initiative, to enhance the day-to-day workflow, she added.

“Several of our leaders have been through our areas in the last few weeks,” Varney said. “It didn’t matter if it was in the headquarters or if they met with folks taking care of the grounds, everyone they came in contact with had a positive, can-do attitude. They came away thinking, ‘Wow, we just visited the largest overseas U.S. Army garrison with one of the toughest missions

• • • • • • • •

Reduced mandatory annual training for general schedule civilian and local national employees.

Cut back the amount of short-notice taskers by requiring command group signature and approval.

Launched an automated and digitalized time card program for civilian employees.

Created IMCOM-Europe’s first Readiness Welcome Center for incoming Soldiers, families and civilians.

Initiated a quarterly command orientation for new employees.

Distributed ceremony administration with tenant unit leadership.

Redesigned the Soldier for Life Center, located at Bldg. 244, for better customer flow and productivity.

Trimmed down organizations’ tasks to prevent duplication of services.

Enhanced communication by installing digital phones across the footprint.

Extending the Civilian Fitness Program.

The garrison command group also stood up a workforce development team to bridge the gap between identified challenges and solutions and lead projects Evans hopes to implement in the near future, including minimizing signature authority for do-

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tower barracks

cuments, optimizing work hours, reducing paper use, consolidating administrative duties and the improving the background check process.

Garrison leaders called on the hundreds of employees to sign a pledge of commitment to IMCOM’s Service Culture Initiative — the “one thread” binding all of USAG Bavaria’s enduring values, and the Army ethic, together, Evans said.

“Ultimately, it’s about establishing an environment in which all employees feel valued and respected for the jobs we all perform,” she said. “It means you have caring and involved leaders, and you know where you fit and how important you are to USAG Bavaria.”

Varney and Evans mirrored this sentiment, extending thanks and all owed recognition to Bavaria’s ‘ready to fight’ workforce.

U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Commander Col. Lance C. Varney signs Installation Management Command’s Service Culture Initiative pledge following an all-hands garrison assembly. Hundreds of garrison employees from Tower and Rose Barracks gathered at the Reel Time Theater for an all-hands staff assembly here July 27 to recognize team-led progress and reinforce the group’s enduring mission as leaders in Army community support.

“We very much appreciate what you do on a daily basis,” said Varney. “You are part of one of the greatest teams in existence in the United States Army.” | by Jackie Pennoyer

Photo Credit: Jackie Pennoyer

The steady improvements and, in some cases, “astonishing” successes accomplished by the garrison are a product of the garrison’s committed, highly-capable team, said 1st Sgt. Michael Toolin, acting USAG Bavaria command sergeant major.

Hohenfels youth earn regional, national photo contest HOHENFELS, Germany — Several youth from the Hohenfels area recently placed in a national contest aimed at developing youth photography skills.

After local and regional competitions, the ImageMakers National Photography Contest yields national winners in four categories: Culture & Tradition, Portraits, Surroundings, and Photo with Essay or Poem.

This year the USAG Bavaria Hohenfels Youth Center is proud to announce its 2017 BGCA ImageMakers winners in the following categories: Regional Winners – Europe: Jasmine Martin • (Editing & Filter Category / age 10-12); Title: “Glowing Mary” • (Portraits Category / age 10-12); Title: “Parents’ Trumpet” 13 | Bavarian Times

Liam Lankford • (Editing & Filter Category / age 13-15); Title: “The Lonely Bench” • (Nature & Surroundings Category / age 13-15); Title: “December Frost”

National Winner: Liam Lankford • (Editing & Filter Category / age 13-15); Title: “The Lonely Bench” Liam’s entry was selected as one of only 20 national winners.

| by Christina Wilson

Photo Credit: Boys & Girls Clubs of America / Sony

Each year the Hohenfels Boys & Girls Clubs of America, or BGCA, celebrate the accomplishments of club youth as they learn the art and science of photography.

What to do when wildlife shares your home

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — Wildlife is fun to watch in its natural habitat, but the fun quickly disappears when wild animals decide to share your home with you.

Many bat populations are declining due to loss of roosting and hibernation sites — hence why they might choose your home as a roost — and lack of insect food due to pesticides.

Potential home visitors – or in some cases, invaders – like wasps, hornets, bats and birds are protected by law in Germany and require the help of experts to remove them from your home.

Due to their decline, they are specially protected under both Germany’s Nature Protection Law and the European Union’s Flora Fauna Habitat Directive and for good reason, as they provide numerous benefits to the environment and humans.

Who do you contact in case of an unwanted guest? The Environmental Division is here to help.

One benefit provided by all bat species here in Germany is that they are voracious insectivores, making them excellent pest exterminators. The common pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) can eat up to 3,000 midges in one night.

If you live in on-post housing or government leased housing, Environmental Division staff can come to your home and help remove the unwanted visitor. If additional expertise is needed, they will contact the appropriate county expert on your behalf. If you live in a private rental, staff can connect you with a county expert.

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock: tortoon; Bernd Wolter

Wasps and Hornets Wasps and hornets tend to be territorial roommates, because they invest a lot of time building their nests. They are very protective of their homes. But hold your horses before removing that nest. Wasps and hornets are protected by Germany’s Nature Protection Law, and it is illegal to kill them without reason.

If you find a bat in your home, call the Environmental Division immediately to help remove it. Please do not handle it, as bats can carry diseases. To prevent access into your home, carefully examine your home’s exterior for holes and seal any openings you find. If your bat guests are coming in through open windows, install window screens or rolladen. Adhesive window screens can be found at Self Help for those who lease government housing or in local hardware stores for private renters.

Due to fear of that nasty sting, you might not realize the benefits of wasps and hornets. These fierce predators feed their young insects, helping with pest control as many species prefer crop-eating and garden-damaging weevils and caterpillars. And to improve their reputation, they pollinate flowering plants.

You can help prevent nest construction around your home by checking the exterior for holes and cracks and patching any openings you find. Ensure that windows, doors and garage doors are properly sealed. Once a nest has been built, contact the Environmental Division, as an expert is needed to remove it.

Bats Bats are another animal species that might make a home visit through an open window or take up rental space in your attic.

Bavarian Times | 14

Photo Credit: Chris Oney, USAG Bavaria Environmental Division

Since swallows, house martins and their respective nests are protected by both Germany’s Nature Protection Law and the European Union’s Natura 2000 Conservation of Wild Birds Directive, removing nests during any time of the year is illegal.

Community member returns to Garmisch after 55 years GARMISCH, Germany — Kathy Leslie, who lived three years of her childhood in the Garmisch Breitenau Housing Area, took a trip down memory lane when she visited Artillery Kaserne with her husband, Ian, during a recent trip to Europe.

It was her first time back to Garmisch after 55 years. The couple, who now live in Thousand Oaks, California, was welcomed at the gate and escorted onto the installation.

Like wasps, hornets and bats, swallows and house martins dine on insects and help control pesky mosquitoes and midges.

“It was so nice to be able to come back and visit our old home” Leslie said.

A solution to their untidy housekeeping habits is to install boards on your building to capture droppings. If you need boards installed, please contact the Environmental Division for advice.

In 1958, then Capt. Bill Wilson was assigned to the Garmisch military community. He arrived with his wife Ethel and their three children, Martha, Bill and Kathy (another child, Rosemary, was born in Munich while the Wilson family was stationed in Bavaria).

Other Wildlife If unwanted guests in your yard is a concern, make sure to properly dispose of your trash by putting waste in its appropriate bin and not on the ground, closing trash bin lids and feeding your pets inside. Leaving pet food or an easily accessible trash buffet outside can attract potentially dangerous animals like foxes and wild boar.

The family lived in Garmisch-Partenkirchen for three years, departing in early 1962 when they moved on to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In 1965, Wilson retired from Special Forces at the rank of major.

While hedgehogs are cute, please do not try to attract them to your yard with pet food. Feeding hedgehogs is detrimental to their survival because they become dependent on humans for food and will stop foraging on their own. This can lead to starvation and death.

While they are not welcome guests in our homes, each of these species should be managed with respect. They provide significant benefits to humans, such as insect control and pollination, as well as significant environmental benefits, like being food sources for other animals and balancing our ecosystem.

If you have issues with unwelcomed wildlife guests in or around your home, please contact the Environmental Division at DSN 475-8222 or CIV 09641-83-8222. We’re always here to help. | by Christine Fox

15 | Bavarian Times

While assigned to Garmisch, the family lived in a duplex house in the Breitenau Housing Area adjacent to Artillery Kaserne. Coincidentally, the very same unit, 708 B, was temporarily vacant and the family was able to visit their old home accompanied by Gaby Furitsch, housing manager, Garmisch, who filled them in on the history and the development of the housing area.

“I am glad we could provide them the opportunity of visiting their old home” Furitsch said. “They are such a nice family.”

Her sister, Martha, visited Garmisch in the 1990’s and refreshed Leslie’s memory, but there has been more renovations done since, including the addition of another room.

Leslie took pictures for her family, and her husband remembered a few things he’d seen in an old family video.

“I remember well how we’d set up our furniture and who slept in which bedroom,” Leslie recalled.

After a windshield tour of the installation, Leslie said “Auf Wiedersehen” once more to Garmisch. | by Andrea Griesser

Photo Credit: Andrea Griesser, USAG Bavaria Public Affairs

Birds Birds are not usually deemed a nuisance, but in some cases, conflicts arise when sharing space. Swallows and house martins build unique nests with mud, plants and saliva under building overhangs and roofs. Depending on nest placement, droppings can create an unsightly mess.

Garmisch

House martins are great neighbors because they consume flying insects but they can create unsightly messes under their nests.

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Exceptional Family Member Program: Meeting the needs of families GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – Located at Army Community Services, Bldg. B322, on Rose Barracks the Exceptional Family Member Program is an Army- wide program designed to assist individuals who have a family member, regardless of age, with a disability of any kind that requires special treatment or services.

EFMP Program Manager Monique O’Neil has been at USAG Bavaria for a year and a half. Her background includes time with the Marines, where she worked in a similar program designed to help Marines with exceptional family members.

EFMP is tailored for dependent family members of Active Duty, Army Reserve and Army National Guard personnel, as well as some civilian employees.

For family members with children school age and younger, EFMP works closely with Educational and Developmental Intervention Services; Child and Youth Services; and the school system to assist parents or guardians in finding the best options for their child. This begins with a team approach to evaluating health, behavioral and/ or learning issues which could impact the child’s success.

The same program can be run differently, depending on what branch of the military is administrating that program, so O’Neil’s goal was to learn how EFMP was ran in the Army.

O’Neil is passionate and knowledgeable about helping families. Monique O’Neil can be contacted at DSN 476-2758, CIV 09662-83-2758.

“

Ten questions for Monique O’Neil: 1. How can you explain what EFMP does?

The services are for anyone, as long as they are military affiliated, we will help them with a referral. However, they must be command sponsored in order to utilize the medical, housing and school services. Command sponsorship means that the family is endorsed by their command to be in Bavaria. Before they come, we ask ‘Do we have the services to support them?’ Without command sponsorship it’s like being here unauthorized,

and it causes a lot of problems. A child can’t go to school, a person can’t use the health clinic. We help with housing, if there is a need for specialized housing, for handicapped plaques for a car, anything they need.

2. What is the hardest part of your job?

The honest answer, is the red tape, when you are trying to get the commanders to understand the importance of these programs. Once you get through the red tape, it’s such a good joy.

3. What is the best part of your job?

Doing my job. I love working with families. I love to see the families light up when it works. That’s the fun part.

4. What is your ultimate goal at your position?

My over-arching goal is to help families know how EFMP can help them. A long- range goal would be to do a sensory room, like a discovery center, a small rock climbing wall, water tables, and a place where kids can go to discover and learn.

5. What is Child Find?

Once a quarter we have Educational and Developmental Intervention Services, which is geared for families of infants and toddlers, come to ACS. Parents can bring their child to see a physical therapist, occupational therapist, and speech therapist for evaluation. In some instances, we can also have a developmental pediatrician. It is designed to help parents. The professionals will look for bench marks, to see how the child is doing developmentally. In some instances, the parents are first time parents, and they are far from home. No family member is available to help out with recognizing the developmental stages. It’s good for the parents to be connected. If we can catch the child at 2, we can start putting services in place.

6. What is your educational background?

I have Bachelors of Science in Speech Communications with a minor in Education and Psychology from Texas Southern University. I also have a Masters Certificate in Human Relations. I am also MRT Certified, which means I am a Master’s Resiliently Trainer, and am also MTC Certified by the Office of the Secretary of Defense., which means that I am a master trainer.

7. What is one thing you would like people to know about EFMP? EFMP has 2 components. ACS is the first component. This component offers educational classes, and support groups, referrals, PCS assistance, and the Lending Closet. Also, ACS Bavarian Times | 16

tower barracks Photo Credit: Juanita McLellan

Monique O’Neil sits with a group of children after they collaborated on a quilt for international AIDS day.

9. What is your favorite time of year in reference to your job?

Summer, even though it’s a busy time. I get to see the families more and have more interaction with them.

helps with housing support and referral. The medical component is the second component. Medical helps with enrollment in EFMP, updating status, command sponsorship, and the screening packet that has to be filled out as part of obtaining command sponsorship.

10. What is the most rewarding part about your job?

When I see a child, and they smile and say ‘Let’s go to Miss Monique’s office.’ When you get the trust of a child, they know it’s safe.

8. What would you recommend for parents?

Be engaged with EFMP – the different workshops. I just don’t want them to be successful at USAG Bavaria, I want them to be successful throughout life. It’s about learning to do this themselves. I want to teach them how to advocate for their special needs family member.

| by Juanita McLellan

www.bavarian-times.com www.bavarian-times.com

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Internet-connected toys could present privacy, contact concerns for children

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock_Rawpixel.com

The FBI encourages consumers to consider cyber security prior to introducing smart, interactive, internet-connected toys into their homes or trusted environments. Smart toys and entertainment devices for children are increasingly incorporating technologies that learn and tailor their behaviors based on user interactions. These toys typically contain sensors, microphones, cameras, data storage components, and other multimedia capabilities – including speech recognition and GPS options. These features could put the privacy and safety of children at risk due to the large amount of personal information that may be unwittingly disclosed.

Why Does This Matter to My Family?

The features and functions of different toys vary widely. In some cases, toys with microphones could record and collect conversations within earshot of the device. Information such as the child’s name, school, likes and dislikes, and activities may be disclosed through normal conversation with the toy or in the surrounding environment. The collection of a child’s personal information combined with a toy’s ability to connect to the Internet or other devices raises concerns for privacy and physical safety. Personal information (e.g., name, date of birth, pictures, address) is typically provided when creating user accounts. In addition, companies collect large amounts of additional data, such as voice messages, conversation recordings, past and real-time physical locations, Internet use history, and Internet addresses/IPs. The exposure of such information could create opportunities for child identity fraud.

Additionally, the potential misuse of sensitive data such as GPS location information, visual identifiers from pictures or videos, and known interests to garner trust from a child could present exploitation risks.

Consumers should examine toy company user agreement disclosures and privacy practices, and should know where

their family’s personal data is sent and stored, including if it’s sent to third-party services. Security safeguards for these toys can be overlooked in the rush to market them and to make them easy to use. Consumers should perform online research of these products for any known issues that have been identified by security researchers or in consumer reports.

What

Makes Internet-Connected Toys Vulnerable?

Data collected from interactions or conversations between children and toys are typically sent and stored by the manufacturer or developer via server or cloud service. In some cases, it is also collected by third-party companies who manage the voice recognition software used in the toys.

Voice recordings, toy Web application (parent app) passwords, home addresses, Wi-Fi information, or sensitive personal data could be exposed if the security of the data is not sufficiently protected with the proper use of digital certificates and encryption when it is being transmitted or stored.

Smart toys generally connect to the Internet either: • Directly, through Wi-Fi to an Internet-connected wireless access point; or • Indirectly, via Bluetooth to an Android or iOS device that is connected to the Internet.

The cyber security measures used in the toy, the toy’s partner applications, and the Wi-Fi network on which the toy connects directly impacts the overall user security. Communications connections where data is encrypted between the toy, Wi-Fi access points, and Internet servers that store data or interact with the toy are crucial to mitigate the risk of hackers exploiting the toy or possibly eavesdropping on converBavarian Times | 18

sations/audio messages. Bluetooth-connected toys that do not have authentication requirements (such as PINs or passwords) when pairing with the mobile devices could pose a risk for unauthorized access to the toy and allow communications with a child user. It could also be possible for unauthorized users to remotely gain access to the toy if the security measures used for these connections are insufficient or the device is compromised.

What Consumer Laws Exist to Protect My Children?

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) imposes requirements on Web site and online service operators directed to children under the age of 13 and on operators of other sites and services who knowingly collect personal online information on children under 13 (for further details on COPPA and protecting children online, refer to https://www. consumer.ftc.gov/topics/protecting-kids-online). On 21 June 2017, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) updated its guidance for companies required to comply with COPPA to ensure those companies implement key protections with respect to Internet-connected toys and associated services, to include the use of mobile apps, Internet-enabled location-based services, and voice-over IP services (https://www.ftc.gov/ news-events/blogs/business-blog/2017/06/ftc-updates-coppa-compliance-plan-business). In addition, a manufacturer’s failure to implement reasonable security measures for data collected by its Internet-connected toys could subject that company to an FTC enforcement action under Section 5(a) of the FTC Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive practices in the marketplace. The FBI is encouraging all consumers to research areas and circumstances concerning the toys and Web services where laws may or may not provide coverage.

What Should I Do? The FBI encourages consumers to consider the following recommendations, at a minimum, prior to using Internet-connected toys.

• Research for any known reported security issues online to include, but not limited to: • Only connect and use toys in environments with trusted and secured Wi-Fi Internet access • Research the toy’s Internet and device connection security measures • Use authentication when pairing the device with Bluetooth (via PIN code or password) • Use encryption when transmitting data from the toy to the Wi-Fi access point and to the server or cloud 19 | Bavarian Times

• •

•

•

•

• • • • • •

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Research if your toys can receive firmware and/or software updates and security patches If they can, ensure your toys are running on the most updated versions and any available patches are implemented Research where user data is stored – with the company, third party services, or both – and whether any publicly available reporting exists on their reputation and posture for cyber security Carefully read disclosures and privacy policies (from company and any third parties) and consider the following: If the company is victimized by a cyber-attack and your data may have been exposed, will the company notify you?

If vulnerabilities to the toy are discovered, will the company notify you?

Where is your data being stored?

Who has access to your data?

If changes are made to the disclosure and privacy policies, will the company notify you?

Is the company contact information openly available in case you have questions or concerns?

Closely monitor children’s activity with the toys (such as conversations and voice recordings) through the toy’s partner parent application, if such features are available Ensure the toy is turned off, particularly those with microphones and cameras, when not in use Use strong and unique login passwords when creating user accounts (e.g., lower and upper case letters, numbers, and special characters) Provide only what is minimally required when inputting information for user accounts (e.g., some services offer additional features if birthdays or information on a child’s preferences are provided)

If you suspect your child’s toy may have been compromised, file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center, at www.IC3.gov. | by Federal Bureau of Investigation Public Service Announcement

Photo Credit: Federal Bureau of Investigation; myfriendcayla.com

In Germany the doll "My Friend Cayla" was classified 2016 by the „Bundesnetzagentur“ as a hidden espionage device and found it illegal.

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Your suicide prevention resources at USAG Bavaria

Army Senior Leaders are committed to building a ready and resilient force by sustaining personal readiness and mitigating highrisk behaviors that run counter to the Army profession.

Those who serve our great nation pledge to treat themselves and others with dignity and respect and expect others to do the same.

The Army values are what Soldiers, and Army civilians and family members who support them, employ in everything they do.

Mitigating high-risk behaviors, fostering a climate of trust, dignity and respect, maintaining personal readiness, and optimizing performance are all shared responsibilities among leaders, Soldiers, Army civilians and family members. Take action!

USAG Bavaria Suicide Prevention Resources Suicide Prevention Hotline • DSN 118, CIV 09641-83-118 Local Emergency Resources • CIV 112 Suicide Prevention Program Manager • Tower Barracks, Bldg. 621, DSN 599-7906, CIV 0964170599-7906

Military & Family Life Counseling (MFLC) Program • Tower Barracks, CIV 0152-0293-4290, 0152-0241-5226 • Rose Barracks CIV 0152-0294-0761, 0174-147-6846 • Hohenfels, CIV 01522-422-1454, 0170-290-8219 • Garmisch, CIV 0170-7080-744 Bavaria Medical Command Behavioral Health • Tower Barracks, Bldg. 507, DSN 590-3000, CIV 063719464-3000 • Rose Barracks, Bldg. 260, DSN 590-2300, CIV 06371-94642300 Army Community Service • Tower Barracks, Bldg. 244, DSN 475-8371, CIV 09641-838371 • Rose Barracks, Bldg. 322, DSN 476-2650, CIV 09662-832650 • Hohenfels, 466-4860/3686, CIV 09492-83-4860/3686 • Family Advocacy Program Master Resiliency Trainers Financial Readiness • (The Military & Family Life Counseling Program is for Soldiers and their family members only.)

Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention • Tower Barracks, Bldg. 533, Room 217 • DSN 475-8149/8148, CIV 09641-83-8149/8148 American Red Cross • Tower Barracks, Bldg. 150, DSN 475-1760, CIV 09641-831760 • Rose Barracks, Bldg. 162, DSN 476-1760, CIV 09662-83-176 U.S. Army Suicide Prevention Resources • U.S. Army G-1 Suicide Prevention Program (https://goo.gl/1rvXFe) • Suicide Prevention Training (https://goo.gl/aRJb1K) • Army Public Health Center (https://goo.gl/1bHGxg) • ACE Suicide Intervention Program (https://goo.gl/N3rAEg) | by Andreas Kreuzer

Army Substance Abuse Program • Rose Barracks, Bldg. 217 • Employee Assistance Program (TB) DSN 599-7907, CIV 09641-70-599-7907 • ASAP Prevention Coordinator DSN 599-7905/7906/7910, CIV 09641-70-599-7905/7906/7910 Army Wellness Center • Rose Barracks , Bldg. 168, DSN 476-4795, CIV 09662-834795 Staff Judge Advocate • Tower Barracks, Bldg. 106, DSN 475-7114, CIV 09641-837114 • Rose Barracks, Bldg. 245, DSN 476-2289, CIV 09662-832289 • Hohenfels, Bldg. 313, DSN 520-5565, CIV 09472-83-5565 • Artillery Kaserne, Bldg. 203, DSN 520-5565, 09472-83-5565 Family Life Chaplain • Tower Barracks, Bldg. 142, DSN 475-1570, CIV 09641-831570 • Rose Barracks, Bldg. 218, DSN 476-3276, CIV 09662-833276 • Hohenfels, DSN 466-4794/3473, CIV 09492-83-4794/3473 • Garmisch, Sheridan Barracks, Bldg. 127, DSN 440-2819, CIV 08821-750-2819 Bavarian Times | 20

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Edelweiß march by German and American soldiers in Berchtesgaden Grafenwoehr, Germany -- Several American and German soldiers from Grafenwoehr are now entitled to wear the Edelweiß badge on their field caps. Soldiers from the 702d Explosive Ordnance Company, C Company, 214th Medical Detachment and the German Army’s Office of the German Military Representative in Grafenwoehr completed the Edelweiß march with the German Army’s Mountain Infantry Battalion 232 in Bischofswiesen near Berchtesgaden.

German and American soldiers from Grafenwoehr, Bischofswiesen and Munich participated in the Edelweiß march. They were awarded their Edelweiß badge on Kehlstein mountain near Berchtesgaden.

of Austrian military heritage and the insignia of the German Army mountain division. Further information was provided about the “Eagle’s Nest”, built in 1937/38 on Kehlstein mountain as part of the facilities on Obersalzberg. The multinational training was planned and organized by the German Army’s Office of the German Military Representative in Grafenwoehr. The bus was provided by the U.S. Army’s 1st Squadron, 1-91 CAV. | by Gerald Morgenstern

Participants bivouacked at the training area below the Watzmann mountain. March participants were awarded the Edelweiß badge on the 1,834 meter-high summit of the Kehlstein mountain which the soldiers immediately sewed on their caps. The soldiers were also informed about the origin of the Edelweiß badge as a part

More information about nature, history, sightseeing, leisure and culture in the Berchtesgaden area near the GermanAustrian border, can be found on page 44 of this edition.

Photo Credit: Gerald Morgenstern

The training focused on physical strength, camaraderie and fostering international and multinational cooperation between the U.S. and the German Army. Also participating were soldiers from the German Army’s Military Police Regiment 2 and students from the German Army University, both located in Munich. In the indoor climbing center at Jaeger Barracks in Bischofswiesen, trainers from the 5th Company, Mountain Infantry Battalion 232, explained and familiarized the march participants with climbing gear and equipment, and pointed out the dangers of the mountainous terrain. The several hour-long marches took place on two days at the Jenner and Kehlstein mountains, negotiating a difference in altitude of up to 1,000 meters. Temperature of up to 34 degrees centigrade, baggage and climbing gear posed additional challenges. Climbing over a rope-secured rock at the Jenner and independently rappelling over two rope lengths was the highlight of the training.

Grafenwoehr, Germany -- “Veterans help veterans” is the motto of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. The U.S. veterans and motorbike lovers met for their big bikers’ meeting at Elisabeth and Fred Winters’ Schlosshof in Hütten.

They had organized the meeting for about 100 bikers and their families together with Matt Bryant and biker commander Ryan Dudley. The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is an association of retired and active duty U.S. soldiers whose hobby is riding a motorbike. The association’s goals are to foster camaraderie, help veterans and support charitable organizations.

21 | Bavarian Times

The meeting in Hütten was part of a bike ride to Pilsen, organized to celebrate the Bavarian group’s first anniversary. The polished Harleys and other bike were put on display at the Schlosshof. A corn hole tournament was held, delicious food and beverages were served and certificates awarded to bikers. A jumping castle and an ice cream truck were also there to provide entertainment for the kids.

| by Gerald Morgenstern

Photo Credit: Gerald Morgenstern

Veterans help veterans: Motorbike meeting at the Schlosshof in Hütten

history & today

history

&

today

In 1926, Bleidorn Tower was built on Schwarzen Berg mountain to observe the shooting of the artillery.

Today, the old Bleidorn Tower stands in the shadow of the new steel tower.

Bleidorn Tower on Schwarzen Berg mountain

Steel tower a big brother In 2001, the U.S. Army built the current observation tower at a cost of nearly 450,000 D-Marks next to the Bleidorn Tower. The steel tower is 27 meters high and replaced a smaller predecessor made of steel and wood. The tower’s centerpiece is the observation pulpit made of glass on the top level. It is mainly used to observe the air space and guide the missions of the Air Force.

Therefore, the room is filled with electronic instruments, radios, and antennas. In 2009, a second, stand-alone antenna was built east of the two towers on Schwarzen Berg mountain.

View of the Nürnberger Land region The tower does not only offer an excellent view to the military. The view from the upper level of the new tower is excellent when the weather is good. Located to the north, behind the Rauhe Kulm

mountain, are the Fichtelgebirge mountains with the Ochsenkopf and the Schneeberg mountain. Across the Parkstein mountain to the east, the Czech border near Eslarn comes into view. To the south, you can see Maria-Himmelfahrts-Church in Amberg and to the west you can see the television tower near Betzenstein in the Nürnberger Land region. | by Gerald Morgenstern

From the book: Grafenwoehr Training Area, Yesterday – Today “Grafenwoehr Training Area, Yesterday – Today” is the title of the bi-lingual book written by Reserve Sergeant Major Gerald Morgenstern. On 288 pages with more than 800 photos, he does not only tell the history of the training area since 1910 but also covers the development of the training area in recent years.

The book also includes a chapter about Bleidorn Tower on Schwarzen Berg mountain. “Grafenwoehr Training Area, Yesterday - Today” is available in bookstores and at various locations on post.

For more information, go to www.grafenwoehr.trainingareabook.com or visit us on Facebook.

Bavarian Times | 22

Photo Credit: Gerald Morgenstern (4)

Grafenwoehr, Germany -- Bleidorn Tower, a 21 meter-high tower made of so-called Reichsformat bricks with a concrete observation pulpit, was built on Schwarzen Berg mountain in 1926 to observe the shooting of the artillery. It was named after Gen. Rudolf Bleidorn, the Inspector of the Artillery during the so-called Reichswehrzeit period, who retired in November 1927. Schwarzen Berg mountain, the second highest elevation in the training area, is located at 563 meters above sea level. It offers artillery and fire observers an excellent view across the impact area. But this “commander’s hill” did not only offer the armies and soldiers from various nations a good overview. When the Erzhäusl, located at the foot of the hill, was still a forest house and restaurant, guests also came up the mountain to observe the live shooting of the artillery. Today, the old Bleidorn Tower only houses the relay stations of the German Army’s radio system and, like a monument, stands in the shadow of a new steel tower.

health If everybody on the train or in the office is sneezing and suffering from a running nose, you should take measures to prevent an infection.

Preventing colds and Co. organically The best tips on how to strengthen your immune system and care for your mucous membranes

(djd). When everybody around you is sneezing and suffering from a running nose, it is important to protect yourself to make it through flue season without suffering from severe infections.

Many simple and organic methods have proven to be very effective.

Photo Credit: djd/Functional Cosmetics Company AG/Panthermedia

•

Strengthen your immune system: Hot and cold showers, going to the sauna and hot and cold footbaths stimulate blood flow and strengthen the immune system. Taking a walk every day, regardless of the weather, also helps to fend off the attacks of the common cold viruses.

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Warm up: Hot water with the juice of a fresh lemon, a freshly cooked chicken soup, elderflower, ginger, lime blossom or green tea, provide vitamins, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients that strengthen the immune system. Additionally, they warm you nicely, make the nose run and, thus, stimulate the secretion of viruses.

•

Keep your mucous membranes moist: Dry air in heated rooms and cold temperatures dry up the mucous membranes in the nose and throat. As a result, they are no longer able to keep up their cleansing and protective functions and they become an easy target for viruses. To keep the mucous membranes moist, an organic nasal spray such as Otosan is helpful. It is an hypertonic saltwater solution with herbal extracts and essential oils which cares for the mucous membranes, cleans the nasal cavity and reduces swelling, inflammation and the frequency of infections. For more information, go to www.otosan.de.

23 | Bavarian Times

•

Keep a distance: If you do not want to infect yourself, you should keep away the viruses. That means avoiding large crowds during a flu epidemic, trying to touch as little as possible in the bus, train or office and touching your face with your hands. Additionally, it is recommended to not to sneeze or cough into your hands but into the bend of your elbow and to wash your hands several times a day for at least thirty seconds with soap.

•

Get enough sleep: While you are sleeping, your body goes through a number of important regeneration processes. Strengthening and rebuilding the immune system is one of them. Therefore, sleeping seven to eight hours per night at a temperature of 17 - 19 degrees centigrade is recommended.

Prof. Dr. med. Theodor Klotz, MPH Clinic for Urology, Andrology and Pediatric Urology Kliniken Nordoberpfalz AG

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health New clothes should always be washed before wearing them for the first time.

Treating irritated skin

(djd). If your skin is healthy, you feel well. However, if this sensitive system gets out of balance, it can lead to unwelcome reactions such as itching, redness and swelling. All year long, there are irritants out there that may cause skin inflammation.

Intensive UV-radiation during outdoor activities can cause hurtful sunburn, or cause a sun allergy. During warm nights, blood-sucking insects attack unprotected skin causing itching blisters. And during the winter season, the extreme differences in temperature between the cold weather outside and the warm, dry heat inside foster winter eczema and can even cause neurodermatitis. Additionally, your skin might be prone to contact allergies. In Germany, 15.5 frames of glasses and belt buckles can cause an itchy skin rash. Additionally, scent contact suffer from a nickel allergy. Fashion jewelry containing nickel, buttons on jeans, allergens are often contained in cosmetics or chemical cleansers.

circle can only be with ointments from the pharmacy that alleviate the itching, allowing the rash and the swelling to go away.

Protect yourself from contact allergies The most important measure to avoid contact allergies is to avoid the contact allergen. A medical test tells you which substances cause the allergies. People who are allergic to scents should pay attention to the ingredients of cosmetic and medical skin creams. If it’s time to clean the house, it’s worth abstaining from aggressive cleaners, or wearing the right type of protective gloves. By the way: Heavy sweating additionally aggravates skin suffering from eczema. If your skin is easily irritated, people with allergies should wear breathable clothes made of cotton, silk or micro fibers. The seal “Oeko-Tex Standard 100” identifies non-toxic clothes and new clothes should always be washed before wearing them for the first time.

Alleviating the symptoms If you have suffered from itching skin before, you know that you can hardly stop yourself from scratching which then releases additional irritants and neurotransmitters. This vicious

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If your skin is healthy, you feel healthy.

Photo: djd/Fenistil/Shutterstock/sirtravelalot

Photo Credit: djd/Fenistil/Shutterstock/VERSUSstudio

How to stop the itching and soothe the skin

If modern life causes headaches

Constant availability is a given these days. However, it can also cause stress which can then lead to headaches.

How to handle stress-related headaches (djd). Modern daily life offers us many possibilities but is also very demanding. Often, deadline pressures and pressure to perform dominate our work environment. At the same time, we have to try and find enough time for family, friends, sports and hobbies. Additionally, there is a vast amount of information that we must process, the continuous need for availability and multitasking due to digitization. Our lives constantly become faster and more complex, resulting in more physical and psychological stress.

Especially women suffer from stress related to having multiple responsibilities such as job, household and family

Photo Credit: djd/Sanofi/Thomapyrin (3)

Fast aid in acute cases The above mentioned combination stimulates headaches and migraine. A recent study has shown that every fourth person suffering from headaches or migraine stated that stress at work or at home is one of the main reasons for their illness. And if you suffer from a pounding, thudding and jabbing headache, fast and dependable aid is important. The most popular over the counter medication and the only one highly recommended by the German Migraine and Headache Association (DMKG) is the three-part combination of acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol and caffeine. This medication works very quickly and efficiently because of its special mixture and mainly due to its caffeine content. Another advantage is that it can be used for regular headaches and for migraine. That’s ideal in case of doubt.

Try to prevent attacks However, if you frequently suffer from stress-related headaches, you should do everything to try and prevent them. It is important, for example, to ensure that you get enough rest and recuperation. Try and take little breaks and find some time to relax, for example while taking a short walk during your lunch break, a relaxing bath in the evening, reading a book with your kids on the couch, or a relaxing yoga lesson. Additionally, headache patients should drink a lot, get a sufficient amount of fresh air and abstain from using their smart phone, computer or tablet for two hours each day.

Headache patients should take time to relax and recuperate.

Dr. med. Tobias Riedl Obstetrics and Gynecology Prenatal Care / Prenatal Diagnosis

www.facebook.com/riedl.obgyn 25 | Bavarian Times

Tricare Provider

Rossmarkt 13 92224 Amberg www.dr-riedl.com mail@dr-riedl.com Phone 09621/ 23915

cars & Traffic

A traffic jam also causes physical stress because stop-and-go traffic is nerve-wracking. To avoid additional stress, just accept the delay.

When the Autobahn turns into a parking lot How to behave correctly in a traffic jam or in a stop-and-go situation

Approaching the tail end of a traffic jam: Keeping a safe distance saves lives If the traffic jam is directly in front of you, you should slow down in time and turn on your emergency lights.

You should also check whether other drivers also noticed the traffic jam and are also slowing down as well. At any rate, you should keep a sufficient safety distance at the tail end of a traffic jam so you can swerve to give the driver behind you additional room to break. A traffic jam also causes physical stress because stop-and-go traffic is nerve-wracking. To avoid additional stress, just accept the de-

lay. In most cases, changing lanes frequently does not make a difference. On the contrary: Others are forced to slow down and extend the traffic jam.

Emergency corridor only for police and emergency vehicles Once a traffic jam has formed, an emergency corridor for emergency and police vehicles must be formed. This is the law in Germany.

On two-lane Autobahns, the corridor must e formed in the middle; on three-lane Autobahns between the left and the center lane. Often, however, the emergency corridor isn’t formed until emergency or police vehicles are approaching with flashing blue lights and sirens.

This is not only a waste of time, it may also result in a fine. It is strictly prohibited to follow any emergency vehicles in order to get through the traffic jam more quickly.

To pass an obstacle that is blocking one or two lanes, drivers must apply the so-called “zipper method,” i.e. merging in an alternating fashion: Merge in-between the vehicles traveling in the unobstructed lane shortly before the obstacle. This is the most efficient method for vehicles to pass an obstacle.

Bavarian Times | 26

Photo Credit: djd/HDI Versicherung AG

Photo Credit: djd/HDI Versicherung AG/Sigrun Bilges

(djd). Last year, 700,000 traffic jams made life difficult for drivers in Germany -- a new record. Road construction, accidents and too much traffic on some stretches of Autobahn are the main reasons for traffic jams. However, incorrect behavior can also lead to a traffic jam when there is a lot of traffic. One problem, for example, are drivers who suddenly reduce their speed significantly, or drivers who squeeze themselves between other cars. When traffic is heavy, they force other drivers to also slow down, causing a chain reaction that often culminates in a traffic jam.

cars & traffic

When your car starts floating ...

How to correctly react to hydroplaning When it rains heavily, large and dangerous sheets of water can form on the asphalt within seconds.

(dtd). The dangers posed by black ice in winter, are the same as the one’s resulting from hydroplaning in summer. Within seconds, the asphalt turns into a surface as smooth as glass and without any grip. If you do not react quickly and correctly, your are in severe danger. Following are the most important tips on how to safely overcome hydroplaning.

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Heavy rains are not the kind of weather one looks forward to anyway, especially not if you are driving. Not only does it dramatically impair your vision, it also turns the road surface into a malicious source of danger. If water does not run off the road, it forms a surface as smooth as glass that does not provide any grip for your tires’ thread. The vehicle starts to float and steering wheel get out of control. The danger of having an accident is extremely high.

Photo Credit: dtd/thx

Although hydroplaning affects almost every tire, you should make sure that your tires’ thread depth is sufficient . The less thread depth, the greater the danger. A test conducted by Autobild magazine showed that the braking distance at a speed of 120 km/h increases from 65 meters with a thread depth of eight millimeters to 120 meters with a thread depth of only 1.2 millimeters. Those numbers speak for themselves.

Driving with good tires is one of the most important safety measures. Additionally, you should reduce the speed when it rains heavily and drive in an anticipatory way. However, should you experience hydroplaning, the most important of all rules is to stay calm and keep the steering wheel straight. Additionally, you should not step on the brakes because that might cause a blockage of the wheels which increases the effect of hydroplaning.

Immediately take the foot off the accelerator once you lose control of the car to avoid break-away and skidding. If you react carefully, you increase your chance to overcome hydroplaning without skidding off the road and get home safely.

27 | Bavarian Times

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cars & traffic Dogs must be secured in the car as best as possible.

Dogs in the car: How to safely transport dogs Transport boxes are the safest option (dtd). No dog owner wants to go on a trip without his beloved pet. However, if the necessary safety precautions aren’t taken, fun can quickly turn into tragedy. Therefore, you should pay special attention to the safety of your pets when going on a trip, even if your pets aren’t excited about it.

Photo Credit: dtd/thx

If you still think it is good enough to put your dog on the blanket-covered back seat, you should watch the crash tests conducted by the German automobile club ADAC, described by the club as a “confrontation with drastic pictures.” Experts conducted the tests at a speed of 50 km/h with dog dummy weighing 22 kilos.

The results were impressive: The dummy multiplied its weight twenty-fivefold and hit the back of the driver’s seat and head rest with a weight of 500 kilos with dramatic results for the dog and the driver.

According to German traffic law, paragraph 23 StVO, dogs are considered cargo and have to be safely secured during the

entire time of travel. If you do not comply with that regulation, you do not only risk your own safety, you also risk being fined.

A well-secured transport box is still the safest option. It minimizes the space around the animal and prevents a heavy blow because the shorter the distance before impact, the lesser the force of impact. The next best choice is to put the dog in the trunk. If you choose that option, you must definitely install a dog guard above the back seat to increase safety.

If you do not own a transport box or a station wagon, can use a harness and a safety belt that were especially developed for that type of transport. You have to make sure, though, that the harness does not cut into your dog’s flesh. However, regardless of what you choose, the most important thing is to slowly and gently accustom your beloved pet to the situation with the help of lots of treats and by sitting close to him during the first trips. Petting and praising the dog also helps. Later, a T-shirt worn by the owner, gibing off his scent, can quiet down the dog.

Bavarian Times | 28

Summer of Audi Sales Event We will cover your first month’s payment on select 2017 models in stock*

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Contact Your Local Sales Representatives: GRAFENWÖHR | Im Gewerbepark 30 | D-92655 Grafenwöhr Office: +49 (0) 9641 929 6015 | +49 (0) 9641 936 7617 29 | Bavarian Times militaryautosource.com/mb

48 hour delivery is available once vehicle is paid in full and on working business days. Valid in Germany for local delivery on stock vehicles only.

Vehicle shown is for illustration only, and may contain optional equipment available at additional cost. Program and guarantees are subject to terms and conditions. Offered by Auto Exchange Kaftfahrzeug-Handels GmbH. (AX9823)

cars & traffic

New Ford F-150 Most advanced F-150 powertrain lineup ever enables best-in-class payload, towing and gas mileage

Ford’s new F-150 debuts for 2018 even tougher, even smarter, and even more capable than ever – with the most advanced F-150 powertrain lineup ever that delivers best-in-class towing, payload and efficiency for America’s pickup drivers.

The new F-150 has an EPA estimated rating of 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined which is best-in-class from the second-generation 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine, plus best-inclass towing (13,200 lbs.) and payload capacity (3,270 lbs.) from the 3.5-liter EcoBoost and enhanced 5.0-liter V8, respectively.

Photo Credit: Ford USA (2)

“The Ford F-150 lineup again delivers on its promise to give fullsize truck customers even more value, functionality and smart technology innovations, with engines with best-in-class towing, payload and fuel economy,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Our new F-150 highlights Ford’s commitment to its hardworking truck customers and how we listen to their demands for their new F-150 to be even tougher, even smarter and even more capable for work and play.”

Three years after introducing a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy-bodied F-150, a new truck arrives with bold new styling, advanced technologies, a segment-first 10-speed automatic transmission and F-150’s most advanced engine lineup yet, which includes the first available diesel ever for F-150. F-150 is part of Ford’s F-Series truck lineup – America’s best-selling truck for 40 consecutive years and its best-selling vehicle for 35 years.

New powertrain lineup for available best-in-class payload, towing and gas mileage The new F-150 offers the F-150’s most advanced engine offerings

ever – all to offer the right engine for every hardworking truck customer.

An second-generation 2.7-liter EcoBoost® V6 with segment-exclusive SelectShift® 10-speed automatic transmission has an EPA-estimated rating of 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined which is best-in-class. With advanced dual port and direct-injection technology, the second-generation 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine delivers a 25 lb.-ft. increase in torque – and at lower engine speeds compared to a traditional V8. Like the second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost, this 2.7-liter EcoBoost will be paired with Ford’s segment-exclusive 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.

An enhanced 5.0-liter V8 boasts a best-in-class payload capacity of 3,270 pounds. This normally aspirated engine features significant upgrades for 2018 including advanced dual port and directinjection technology for 10 more horsepower and an additional 13 lb.-ft. of torque. Spray-on bore liner technology also featured in the Shelby GT350® Mustang has been added to squeeze out even more weight from the aluminum block. For the first time, the V8 is paired with the 10-speed SelectShift automatic.

For best-in-class towing, the second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 delivers 13,200 pounds of towing capacity, thanks to its 470 lb.-ft. of torque that beats all diesel- and gasoline-powered competitors, including V8 engines with nearly twice its displacement. With dual port and direct-injection technology, the 375-horsepower twin-turbo engine provides ideal low-end and peak engine performance for hauling heavy payloads and towing heavy trailers.

Bavarian Times | 30

cars & traffic Even the all-new 3.3-liter V6 engine is more efficient, more powerful and delivers more torque to get the job done, compared to the previously standard 3.5-liter V6. Plus, the now standard 3.3-liter provides a 5 percent power-to-weight ratio improvement versus the 2014 F-150 featuring steel body and 3.7-liter V6 – with better fuel economy and performance based on EPAestimated ratings.

Designed, engineered and tested in-house, an all-new 3.0-liter Power Stroke® turbo diesel V6 paired with 10-speed SelectShift automatic joins the F-150 engine lineup for 2018. The first diesel engine offered for F-150 will be available next spring.

Raising the bar through segment-exclusive materials and technologies More than just styling that creates visually bolder and more planted stance, the new F-150 continues to offer a segmentexclusive combination of advanced materials that have proven durability through extensive real-world performance and inhibit corrosion. A high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy body and box that saves weight and adds capability coupled with a high-strength steel fully boxed ladder frame.

The new Ford F-150 further advances the light-duty pickup truck market with segment-first and class-exclusive technologies that improve productivity, efficiency and driver confidence, while keeping occupants connected to the world around them.

Technologies include: • New segment-first enhanced adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality is available to allow drivers to set a cruising speed. The system then uses radar and camera technology to monitor traffic ahead to maintain a set distance between vehicles – even following a vehicle down to a complete stop • New segment-first Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection is available to help drivers avoid or mitigate collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians • An available new embedded 4G LTE modem with Wi-Fi hotspot enables customers to connect up to 10 mobile devices at one time, virtually anywhere • New B&O PLAY audio system is available, offering high-end speakers, sound and tuning for a richer, more engaging listening experience Existing segment-exclusive driver-assist and convenience features include: • Available Pro Trailer Backup Assist allows F-150 drivers of various skill levels to steer a trailer instinctively using a center console-mounted dial to back-up a boat launch or park in a driveway • Available Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage technology is optimized for F-150 to include up to 33 feet of trailer length; BLIS® uses radar sensors in the taillamps to monitor areas that may not be visible to the driver around the truck and trailer • Available 360-degree camera technology helps improve driver confidence when parking and can help reduce stress when connecting a trailer – allowing customers to see more so they can focus on specific tasks such as lining up a hitch • Available lane-keeping system is designed to help reduce drifting of the truck outside its intended lane 31 | Bavarian Times

The new 2018 Ford F-150 goes on sale this fall. It will be built at Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, and Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri.

(Ford USA)

cars & traffic

2018 Chevrolet Traverse starts at $30,875 Redesigned SUV offers more standard convenience, storage and comfort features

Redesigned from the ground up, the new Traverse offers bestin-class maximum cargo space and more passenger space than Explorer, Pilot or Highlander. Traverse also offers seating for up to eight with an enhanced roster of standard convenience, storage and comfort features — with built-in connectivity working to put an end to the eternal question: Are we there yet?

The 2018 Traverse comes loaded with standard content: Convenience • Enhanced Smart Slide® seat to provide easy access to the third row, even with an empty forward-facing child seat in place using the LATCH system • USB charging in all three rows • Teen Driver technology • Rear Seat Reminder • Rear Vision Camera • Keyless Open and Start • 12-volt power outlet • Heated, power-adjustable outside mirrors • Capless fuel fill

“The all-new Chevrolet Traverse has a bold, new look that complements the full functionality our SUV customers demand. It’s designed to help make life on the road easier, and to look good while doing it,” said Steve Majoros, director of marketing, Chevrolet Cars and Crossovers. “With creature comforts, convenience features and technologies to entertain passengers, Traverse is the total package.”

Storage • Best-in-class max cargo volume of 98.2 cubic feet • Hidden underfloor cargo storage totaling 3.2 cubic feet • “Truck-sized” center console • Twenty-three storage spots throughout for passengers in all three rows • Dedicated storage for mobile phones

The 2018 Traverse lineup offers customers even more trim choices, featuring L, LS, LT, and Premier, along with the allnew sporty RS and top-of-the line High Country trim levels. A Redline package will also be available on Premier, featuring a blacked-out appearance with red accents.

Comfort • Active noise cancellation • Automatic tri-zone climate control • Humidity sensor that detects moisture and diverts air to the windshield to help prevent fogging

Photo Credit: Chevrolet USA

Chevrolet announced pricing for the all-new 2018 Traverse starts at $30,875. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price includes the destination charge, but excludes tax, title and additional dealer fees. Customers can visit Chevy.com/Traverse to build, configure and price the 2018 Traverse.

Bavarian Times | 32

Additional available features include: • Rear camera mirror provides a video view, displaying a wider, less obstructed field of view compared to a traditional rearview mirror • Surround Vision cameras provide a bird’s eye view of the vehicle to help make reversing, parking or trailering easier • A new, hands-free power liftgate that projects a Chevrolet bowtie emblem on the ground is standard on Premier and High Country

Featuring a bold and refined new look, the completely redesigned 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is built of style and purpose. The all-new Traverse offers customers best-in-class cargo space and convenience features that make loading and unloading a breeze.

• • • • • • •

Power-folding third-row seat is standard on High Country Heated and ventilated leather-trimmed front seats standard on Premier and High Country Heated second-row outboard seats are standard on Premier and High Country Heated steering wheel is standard on Premier and High Country Wireless device charging is standard on Premier and High Country Available hidden storage behind the articulating radio screen Power liftgate.

If you are interested in VOLVO, we are your partner of choice. As one of the largest Volvo dealers in Bavaria and the metropolitan areas of Munich, Regensburg and Nürnberg, we have a lot of experience!

Our modern repair shops and our highly qualified personnel guarantee first-class, fast and reliable service and repairs.

(Chevrolet USA)

Photo Credit: Chevrolet USA

Connectivity • Built-in OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot allows customers to connect up to seven devices, and customers in the U.S. are offered access to an unlimited prepaid Wifi data plan for $20 per month plus tax, enabled by AT&T • Standard support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Compatibility subject to terms, privacy statements and data plan rates, as well as a compatible smart phone • Steering wheel-mounted phone and audio controls • Chevrolet MyLink infotainment systems help keep passengers connected • Owners can manage their vehicle remotely and check diagnostics with the myChevrolet mobile app via their smartphone

Sales: • New vehicle sales / VOLVO contractual partner • Pre-owned vehicles (half a year- and one year-old, e.g. business vehicles from Volvo Car Germany) • VOLVO Select Vehicles -- premium pre-owned vehicles with extended warranty • Inspected pre-owned vehicles with warranty • attractivee finance and leasing offers • Trade-in of pre-owned vehicles

Chassis and car paint: • • • •

Chassis repairs Car paint work based on modern water-based paint techniques Small repairs of car paint damages NEW: Volvo-certified glass repairs

Repairs and auto parts sales: • • • • • • •

Air conditioning service Car wash Car interior detailing Professional automotive detailing Electronic chassis frame measuring Tire seervice Car parts sales

Volvo Zentrum Amberg

Mileage combined from 5,3 l/100km–10,7 l/100 km. C02-emissions combined from 139 g/km–249 g/km (IAW VO/715/2007/EWG).

33 | Bavarian Times

Autohaus Hofmann GmbH Kümmersbrucker Straße 6a, 92224 Amberg Phone: 09621-78230 info@autohaus-hofmann.org www.volvo-zentrum-amberg.de https://www.facebook.com/VolvoHofmann

cars & traffic Get ready to ghost your gas station. The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox offers an EPAcertified 39 mpg on the highway (FWD model) with the available 1.6L turbo-diesel engine, offering expected segment-topping highway fuel economy.

EQUINOX Diesel offers expected segment topping 39MPG HWY

Photo Credit: Chevrolet USA

New diesel completes 2018 Equinox trio of turbocharged propulsion choices Get ready to ghost your gas station. The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox offers an EPA-certified 39 mpg on the highway (FWD model) with the available 1.6L turbo-diesel engine.

fact, the engine delivers 90 percent of peak torque between 1,500 and 3,250 rpm. The strong torque provides the feeling of a larger engine, with exceptional smoothness and quietness.”

That number is expected to top the segment in highway fuel economy, with greater highway mileage than the 2017 Toyota RAV4 hybrid and Nissan Rogue hybrid. A 577-mile cruising range (FWD) also means the Equinox diesel can drive farther between fill-ups, such as Chicago to Memphis, Tennessee, or Boston to Richmond, Virginia.

The 1.6L is a clean-sheet redesign developed entirely within General Motors, including the engine control system. Development was driven from GM’s diesel product center in Torino, Italy, and involved more than 24,000 hours of computational analysis, while simulated and real-world testing totaled more than 4.35 million miles of driving.

“Chevrolet continues to lead with technologies that offer customers more choice,” said Steve Majoros, marketing director for Cars and Crossovers. “Our three-engine turbo-charged Equinox lineup means we can provide drivers more options for the performance and efficiency they desire.”

About the 2018 Equinox The all-new 2018 Equinox is a fresh and modern compact SUV featuring an expressive design, increased cargo space, the latest connectivity, expanded roster of available safety features and all-new range of turbocharged engines.

The new turbo-diesel engine is part of Equinox’s trio of all-turbocharged propulsion systems. It is SAE-certified at 240 lb-ft of torque (325 Nm) and incorporates a variable-geometry turbocharger that helps generate strong torque at low rpm and more horsepower at higher rpm. The engine also features stop/start technology to optimize efficiency in stop-and-go driving and it is compatible with B20 bio-diesel fuel.

Purposeful technologies are designed to help keep passengers safe, comfortable and connected. Teen Driver is offered along with safety features such as Safety Alert Seat, Surround Vision, Forward Collison Alert with Following Distance Indicator and more.

“It is very fun to drive, with torque on demand at all speeds,” said Dan Nicholson, vice president of Global Propulsion Systems. “In

The 2018 Equinox is on sale now, starting at $24,475 (including destination charge). Pricing for the turbo-diesel engine starts at $31,435 (including destination) when it goes on sale this fall.

Tax, title, license and dealer fees extra.

(Chevrolet USA) Bavarian Times | 34

The facility was built up to the latest technical standards to guarantee an environmentally friendly car wash

Environmentally friendly car wash guaranteed Car wash at Gründerzentrum now open – Featuring drive-in touch terminal Grafenwöhr. (rgr) After more than fours years of preparations and planning, “AutoWaschPark Dobmann” at Grafenwoehr’s Gründerzentrum is now open. For owner David Dobmann, the car wash is an affair of the heart. During his job training and subsequent course of studies, he developed the idea to open a car wash.

With his facility, the 25-year-old Grafenwoehr resident wants to provide local residents with an opportunity to clean and care for their cars and motorbikes in an environmentally friendly way and in a nice environment.

The facility was built up to the latest technical standards to guarantee an environmentally friendly car wash. Its intelligent water treatment procedures guarantee an environmentally friendly and sustainable car wash.

Three XL-self-service car wash boxes are located directly next to the roll-over car

35 | Bavarian Times

washing system. They are also equipped with the newest technology to include a power foam system, guaranteed to make your car shine. Cyclone vacuum cleaner islands with powerful 400 Volt

vacuum cleaners and cyclone pressurized air cleaners, which are available in the shop, are provided to clean the interior of your car, 97 percent of the water needed is treated and then recy-

cled to be used again for subsequent car washes.

The roll-over vehicle washing system offers many programs ranging from a regular car wash to car paint sealing. Additionally, the automated roll-over car wash is extra large in its dimensions, thus guaranteeing excellent cleaning results even for vehicles larger-than-average.

The icing on the cake, however, is the new drive-in touch terminal in front of the XL-car wash facility which allows you to simply roll down your window and directly choose whether you want to remain in the car while going through the car wash.

This guarantees maximum comfort.

Select cleaning agents, to include insect removers, polishes, wheel cleaners and much more, are available in the shop to perfect the result of your car wash. A Wash cards offer customers a bonus: selection of beverages and coffees-to-go 20 Euro equal 25 Euro; 50 Euro = 60 Euro; 100 Euro = 120 Euro; 200 Euro = 250 Euro. complete the pleasant service experience.

cars & traffic

Volvo Cars’ new XC40 delivers a confidence-inspiring SUV designed for city living Volvo Cars, the premium carmaker, will bring a new standard of safety and user experience to the small SUV premium segment with the launch of the new Volvo XC40 this autumn.

Photo Credit: Volvo Car Corporation (2)

Developed around the challenges of modern city life, the XC40 aims to make the daily urban commute less stressful and more enjoyable, as drivers in the segment can now rely on the awardwinning safety, connectivity and infotainment technologies known from Volvo’s acclaimed new 90- and 60 Series cars.

“The XC40 is our first car in this rapidly growing segment and has a clear focus on navigating today’s hectic city environments. Building on Volvo’s heritage as the leader in safety, the new XC40 will offer the best possible safety standards combined with an easy-to-use interface and convenient connected services,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive.

The new XC40 is Volvo’s first car out on its new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) and includes a range of groundbreaking technologies first introduced in its 90- and 60 Series siblings based on Volvo’s larger Scalable Product Architecture (SPA).

Volvo’s approach to safety and user experience builds on a philosophy it calls the Circle of Life: a constant improvement of standards and technologies, based on consumer insights and real life data.

Safety and driver assistance features offered on the XC40 include Volvo’s semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system, the latest generation of City Safety, Run-off Road protection and mitigation, Cross Traffic alert with auto brake and the 360° Camera that helps drivers manoeuvre their car into tight parking spaces. These and other technologies make the XC40 one of the best-equipped small premium SUVs. “Modern city life presents complex challenges for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. With the XC40, we aim to reduce the so-called cognitive load on the driver. While our safety and driver assistance systems actively identify and mitigate potential conflicts, you as a driver can relax more and therefore enjoy city driving,” said Malin Ekholm, Vice President Volvo Cars Safety Centre.

While the starting point for each new Volvo is the most advanced safety and driver assistance systems, the new XC40 also benefits from the high levels of safety and infotainment found in its larger stablemates.

“We built a confident, easy-to-use and convenient everyday user experience based on real-life interaction and research, starting from our foundation of leading safety. The XC40 is a car for a generation of consumers that expect full connectivity. All screens have been optimised for a safe, easy and efficient interaction, to support active city driving,” said Ödgärd Andersson, Vice President Vehicle Software & Electronics at Volvo Cars.

“Like the larger XC60 and XC90 SUVs, the XC40 features Volvo’s connected Sensus infotainment system, centred around the now familiar large, portrait-oriented touchscreen. Easy to use and intuitive, the Sensus interface allows drivers to access a host of functions and services,” concluded Ödgärd Andersson. (Volvo USA) Bavarian Times | 36

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Hyundai Elantra named best car for teens by U.S. News & World report The 2017 Hyundai Elantra has earned a spot on U.S. News & World Report’s “Best New Cars for Teens” list. In the crowded sedan market, the Elantra stands out for its advanced safety and driver assistance features, which keep teens safe.

U.S. News & World Report ranks vehicles based on reliability ratings, crash test scores, available advanced driver assistance features, and top critics recommendations in the U.S. News Best Cars rankings in its price point. The vehicles named as one of the Best New Cars for Teens have the best combination of all of those features.

“At Hyundai we pride ourselves on providing our customers with ‘better’ and the Elantra does just that with advanced safety technologies as well as Blue Link, which features technologies that allow parents to monitor their new drivers,” says Scott Margason, director, Hyundai Motor America. “We are happy to have secured a spot on this list by the reputable U.S. News & World Report by delivering the best combination of reliability, crash protection, and accident avoidance features.”

The award-winning Hyundai Elantra now has six different trims to fit every shopper’s personality and pocketbook. The Elantra has a slew of advanced safety technologies that encourage good driving habits such as Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist and Smart Cruise Control, and seven standard airbags including driver’s knee airbag. Hyundai is going above and beyond by offering three years of updated standard Blue Link services for available 2018 Hyundai vehicles. Blue Link Connected Care is a suite of safety and car care features providing Hyundai owners with services such as Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Monthly Vehicle Health Reports, and Maintenance Alerts. The Blue Link Vehicle Safeguards Alerts App allows parents to monitor and set limits on their Hyundai’s speed, hours of operation, and movements via text message, email, or both. This enhanced app helps parents reinforce safe driving habits for their children.

(Hyundai Motor America) Bavarian Times | 38

Photo Credit: Hyundai Motor America

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events

Bavarian traditions: What is the “Kirchweih” in the Oberpfalz region?

The German word “Kichweih,” or Bavarian “Kirwa,” means church consecration. In Bavaria, this fest is celebrated in most communities on the third Sunday in October. However, this is not the case in the Oberpfalz region and in Franconia. Here, Kirchweih is celebrated on the actual day on which the respective church was consecrated, or on the name day of the church’s saint.

The third Sunday in October was designated as Kirchweih day in 1866. It replaced the traditional village fair and was designed to control the amount of fests celebrated in the various towns and villages. The residents of the Oberpfalz and Franconia refused to obey that order. Instead, they continued to celebrate Kirchweih on their communities’ traditional dates but added the third Sunday in October on their calendars as yet another day to have another fest. As a result, Amberg-Sulzbach County, for example, celebrates more than 120 Kirchweih fests from April through November, including a dance around the Kirwa tree.

KIRWA dates Ehenfelder Kirwa 92242, Ehenfeld (14-Oct-2017–16-Oct-2017) Freihunger Kirwa 92271, Freihung (3-Nov-2017–6-Nov-2017) GroSSschönbrunner Kirwa 92271, Großschönbrunn (7-Oct-2017–9-Oct-2017) Kastler Kirwa 92280, Kastl (7-Oct-2017–9-Oct-2017) Kirwa Weiherhammer 92729, Weiherhammer (20-Oct-2017–22-Oct-2017) Louher Kirwa 92706, Luhe-Wildenau (10-Nov-2017–12-Nov-2017) Pfaffenhofener Kirwa 92280, Pfaffenhofen (14-Oct-2017–16-Oct-2017) Pursrucker Kirwa 92272, Pursruck (30-Sep-2017–2-Oct-2017) SchleiSSdorfer Kirwa 92272, Schleißdorf, Freudenberg (7-Oct-2017–9-Oct-2017) ThansüSSer Kirwa 92271, Thansüß, Freihung (25-Nov-2017–27-Nov-2017) 39 | Bavarian Times

The Kirwa tree is a fixture at every traditional Kirchweih. Often, it remains up until October. The tree is put up in the town’s central square in the afternoon of Kirchweih Saturday by the towns’ young men. It should have a length of about 30 meters and is donated by one of the local forest owners. In the morning, the tree is cut and afterwards, the Kirwa boys transport it into town with a tractor and trailer, singing. Before it is put up, which is not all that easy, it is decorated with ribbons, carvings and wreaths.

The Kirchweih dance takes place on Sunday. The Kirchweih couples dance around the tree, singing and dancing. One couple carries a bouquet of flowers which is passed on to another couple after each dance around the tree. After a while, an alarm clock rings. The couple carrying the bouquet of flowers at that times, is promoted to head couple (“Oberkirchweihpaar” or “Oberkirwapaar”). A beer mug for the boy and a shawl for the girl, or something similar, are hanging on a crossbar up in the tree. They have to be taken down by the boy with the help of a ladder. Needless to say, the other Kirwa boys will try to make it difficult for him!

Over the past years, Kirchweih clubs have formed in many villages to plan and put together the entire Kirchweih. In many towns, it is the youth that is keeping the Kirwa tradition alive. | by Editor

Photo Credit: Laura Wiesgickl; Adobe Stock: Dieter Hawlan; Miriam Model

For most village residents, Kirchweih is the most important fest of the year. Kirchweih traditions differ from region to region.

Most of the time, Kirchweih already starts on Thursday or Friday with the “excavation of the Kirwa” and ends on Monday with the “Kirchweih burial.” In the evenings, a traditional Kirchweih meal is served in the local guest houses, often there is music and dance.

But it’s not just folk or traditional music that is played on the Kirchweih fests. ‘Often, there a special dancing parties for young adults where rock and pop music is played.

events

Flea & Farmer Markets Regensburg: Flea Market Every Saturday: In 93059 Regensburg inside the building at Am Protzenweiher 27. The market will not take place on German holidays.

Weiden: Farmers Market Weiden Farmer's Market every Wednesday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. Market includes produce, breads, meat and more.

GPS Directions: Unterer Markt, 92637 Weiden.

Erlangen: Self-Harvest Field Tuesday–Sunday from 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Looking for a place to pick your own fruits and vegetables? The produce is always seasonal, and they offer a broad selection of wine, cheeses, baked goods, jams, fresh eggs, homemade yogurt, pumpkins and more. Don’t forget to bring euros. GPS: 30 Vacher Strasse, Erlangen 91056 (near Nuremberg) For more visit http://www.huckepack-ernte.de/.

1 May–31 October, every Saturday, Sunday & Holiday. Adults €3.00, Children €1.00; Departures Schiffbrücke (Schiffgasse 19): 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00; Departures Drahthammerwiese (Drahthammerstr. 30): 14:30, 15:30, 16:30; For more, visit http:// tourismus.amberg.de; Adress: Schiffgasse 19, 92224 Amberg Nuremberg: Guided Tour Albrecht Dürer's House Sat, Oct 14, 2017 2:00pm–3:00pm; Albrecht Dürer is one of Bavaria's most famed painters. Born in Nuremberg during the German Renaissance, Dürer established his reputation across Europe when he was still in his twenties. He was a brilliant painter, draftsman and writer, though his first and probably greatest artistic impact was in the medium of printmaking. The Nuremberg Museum's Dürer House features guided tours in English every Saturday. The Dürer House is open every day. GPS Directions: Albrecht-Dürer-Straße 39, 90403 Nuremberg. More details in English at www.museums.nuremberg.de. Location Details: Albrecht-Dürer-Haus, Albrecht-Dürer-Straße 39, Nuremberg 90403

"Enjoy Art until Midnight" Weiden, Germany -- “Enjoy Art until Midnight” is presented again this year. On the evening of Oct. 27 2017, art lovers may visit various exhibitions and readings from 6 p.m. to midnight.

The locations are as diverse as the art they feature. Additionally, a large variety of musical entertainment with live music, combined with culinary delicacies, is offered.

To enjoy as much as possible of the event, a free shuttle bus is available to allow visitors to easily get to outlying locations.

And the best thing about the “WIES Cul-tour Bus” is that it also serves as a cultural meeting point. Come and be surprised! | by Andrea Schild-Janker

Bavarian Times | 40

Photo Credit: Stadtmarketing Weiden

Local event tips

More Events Plättenfahrten (Barge tours) on the Vils River Enjoy an Amberg barge ride on the Vils River, just like hundreds of years ago when these barges were used to transport goods in and out of the city. Barge Tour from Amberg's landmark bridge "Stadtbrille" (Town Spectacles) through the former Landesgartenschaugelände (State Horticultural Show Compound). This tour is especially exciting for families with children who can enjoy the Pirates' Playground. Starting in the 2016 season, there will be monthly special tours, such as a musical tour or a beer tasting tour, on the occasion of the Purity Law’s 500th anniversary.

Herrnstraße 2 - 4

Photo Credit: Kultur- und Militärmuseum Grafenwöhr

Elvis Presley attracts many fans to the museum

D-94224 Amberg +49 96 21 - 24 958

Grafenwoehr, Germany -- Even 40 years after his death, Elvis Presley is still unforgotten. Therefore, the Culture- and Military Museum is showing a special exhibition from Aug. 16 to Nov. 6. entitled “Elvis as GI - the King in Grafenwoehr.” The worldfamous singer came to Grafenwoehr twice to take part in training exercises. During that time, fans from the Oberpfalz region got to enjoy unique meetings and events. Both stays are presented in the exhibition, along with many collectors’ items from Wolfgang Houschka and Sandra Doß, as well as drawings by Marion Schmid. The permanent exhibition and Elvis’ grand piano from the legendary Micky Bar are also worth a visit. All exhibitions are presented in English and German. The special exhibition can be visited during the museum’s regular opening hours, Tuesday through Thursday and on Sunday from 2-5 p.m.

For more information, go to www.museum-grafenwoehr.de

Bulmare Midnight Sauna Enjoy a delicious welcome cocktail, special infusions every half hour and a large midnight buffet. A special atmosphere, a unique ambience, in short: An extraordinary experience that offers more than just an opportunity to sweat. Every last Friday of the month, Bulmare opens from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at night for all those who would like to spend a few relaxing hours in the warm, romantically lighted and quiet environment of our sauna.

Theme evenings provide diversion and, additionally, Dates & Themes 2017 many sauna users enjoy a special adventure: Swimming naked in the pool. A welcome cocktail, using the Fri, Sept. 29|Vacation entire facility naked, special Memories infusions every half hour Fri, Oct. 27|Viva Bavaria and a light midnight buffet are included in the 35 € adFri, Nov. 24|Fireplace mission fee.

Fri, Dec. 29|Winter dream

41 | Bavarian Times

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holidays

Reformation Day – Oct. 31 Reformation Day is celebrated by protestant Christians in Germany and Austria to commemorate the reformation of the church by Martin Luther. In Switzerland, Reformation Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in November and, despite slight differences in beliefs, it is also associated with Luther’s reformation in Wittenberg. This year, protestant Christian celebrate the 500th anniversary of Luther’s reformation. Therefore, Oct. 31 is a holiday in all German states this year and not only in predominantly protestant states.

All Saints’ Day – Nov. 1 All Saints’ Day is a Christian holiday which commemorates and celebrates all saints. Western churches celebrate it on Nov. 1, orthodox churches on the first Sunday after Pentecost.

All Saints’ Day is a so-called “festum sanctissimi,” i.e. a holiday celebrated in al dioceses of the Roman Catholic Church and a principal feast of the Anglican Church. The liturgical color is white. Lutheran and other Protestant Churches also celebrate it to commemorate the saints.

In the predominantly Roman-Catholic German states Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North RhineWestphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, All Saints Day is a so-called quiet holiday. That means that no public events with dancing are allowed and no loud music may be played. In Bavaria, dancing is forbidden between 2 a.m. and midnight on that day.

Other holidays in 2017 Dec. 25 and 26: Christmas.

Bavarian Times | 42

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock: Maridav; antoine-photographe; steschum

German holidays in October and November

German Unity Day – October 3 In 1990, Oct. 3 was declared German Unity Day in the Unification Treaty. As Germany’s national holiday it is supposed to commemorate German unification and the accession of the German Democratic Republic to German Federal Republic which became effective on Oct. 3, 1990. On that day, the East German states Brandenburg, MecklenburgWest Pomerania, SaxonyAnhalt, Saxony, Thuringia and Berlin new states of the Federal Republic of Germany.

After the Fall of the Wall, Nov. 9, the actual day on which the fall fell in 1989, had also been discussed as the new national holiday. However, it was decided that this date was not suitable because it is the date of the Reichskristallnacht in 1938.

events Travel The Oberpfalz region features a few strange museums ranges from the Medieval times, historic vehicles to – no joke – air! The Air Museum in Amberg has turned into one of the most innovative centers for modern art.

Temple Museum Etsdorf The central focus of the temple museum Etsdorf is the project “GLYPTOTHEK Etsdorf.”

For more information, go to www.tempel-museum.de

Oberpfalz Outdoor Museum Neusath-Perschen The outdoor museum shows the life and living conditions of the people in the Oberpfalz during recent centuries.

For more information, go to www.freilandmuseum.org

German Button Museum At the German Button Museum you can immerse yourself into the world of buttons.

For more information, go to www.deutsches-knopfmuseum.de

Maybach Museum Neumarkt The museum features a globally unique exhibition of the history and products of Karl and Wilhelm Maybach.

For more information, go to www.automuseum-maybach.de

Culture- and Military Museum Grafenwoehr At Grafenwoehr’s museum, scenes, documents and videos exemplarily present the development of the training area that was established in 1910.

For more information, go to www.museum-grafenwoehr.de

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock_ibreakstock

Museums in the Oberpfalz region

Volcano experience Parkstein Enjoy an explosive experience: At the volcano museum, you can learn everything you should know about the origin of volcanos and today’s life at the foot of the basalt cone.

For more information, go to www.vulkanerlebnis-parkstein.de Air Museum Amberg Just hot air? Not at the first and to date only air museum in the world in Amberg.

For more information, go to www.luftmuseum.de Concentration Camp Memorial Site Flossenbuerg The second Bavarian concentration camp is known as “the forgotten concentration camp.”

For more information, go to www.gedenkstaette-flossenbuerg.de Folklore Museum Oberpfalz Visitors gain detailed insight into the folklore and the way of life of the people in the Oberpfalz region from the 18th to the 20th century in the museum’s 36 departments.

For more information, go to www.burglengenfeld.de City Museum Neumarkt Impressive exhibits portray and allow you to experience the most important stages of Neumarkt’s history.

For more information, go to stadtmuseum.neumarkt.de Document snuff factory A fascinating part of Regensburg’s history has been made accessible in three original rooms of the former snuff factory in the heart of the old town.

For more information, go to www.regensburg.de

43 | Bavarian Times

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Deutsches Museum Munich One of the largest scientific-technological museums of the world

Established by Oskar von Miller more than 100 years ago, the Deutsche Museum is home to one of the largest and most important scientific-technological collections of the world. Laws of nature, instruments and technological procedures are explained at a high scientific standard, yet understandable and in an entertaining way.

Aircraft to board, mines deep down below the surface of the earth and artificial lightning - the Deutsche Museum (German Museum) in Munich explains science to visitors in a spectacular way. Bavarian Times provides you with all you need to know before visiting.

With its 66,000 square meters of exhibition space, the Deutsche Museum with its subsidiaries, is one of the largest scientific-technological museums in the world. The museum’s goal is to show scientific phenomena in a lively way.

Established in 1903, the museum has an immense collection of original exhibits. That is attractive: Every year, more than one million visitors come to the scientific museum which is located on the museum’s island on a former gravel bank of the Isar.

Directions S-Bahn to Isartor stop or streetcar line 16 to Deutsches Museum stop. Parking is available at the Böhringer parking garage (Baaderstraße 6) or at Gasteig parking garage (Rosenheimer Straße 3). Going there by car, however, can generally not be recommended.

Opening hours Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; last admission at 4 p.m.

For more information, go to www.deutsches-museum.de

30,000 exhibits from more than 50 subject areas 30,000 exhibits from more than 50 subject areas make it difficult for visitors to make a selection. It is practically impossible to visit the entire museum in one day.

Photo Credit: Deutsches Museum (2)

At the Deutsche Museum, a lot of emphasis is put on experiencing and touching: Visitors of the museum may climb through a long mine deep down below the museum, or board an aircraft.

Touching and trying out Another highlight is the department of power engineering.

Here, courageous employees of the museum show visitors what happens when lightning is simulated using a million volt.

And as always, visitors may push buttons, turn levers and switches and touch exhibits.

Admission and address Admission fees: Day pass 11 Euro, reduced fee day pass 7 Euro; visitors, ages 6 to 15, 4 Euro; free admission for kids up to the age of 5. Address: Museumsinsel 1, 80538 Munich.

Exhibits in hall I show a street scene that takes you from the present to the time around 1900.

Bavarian Times | 44

Skyscrapers for Legoland The holiday region in southern Denmark features new attractions for the entire families The area “World’s Tallest,” presenting five of the world’s tallest buildings made from a total of 830,000 bricks was newly added this year to Miniland.

Legoland Billund Resort: Discover the south of Denmark Many family-friendly offers of Denmark’s southern region are incorporated at Legoland Billund Resort which you can reach from Hamburg by car in three hours. The leisure park with its centerpiece, the Miniland, is certainly the most famous attraction. It features an entire world made of little colored Lego bricks. The area “World’s Tallest,” presenting five of the world’s tallest buildings made from a total of 830,000 bricks was newly added this year.

Lalandia, Scandinavia’s largest water park, is only a stone’s throw away from Legoland Billund. The newest attraction in the aqua dome is the wild water slide “Twister” with a total length of

102 meters. Water lovers are whirled around in a large funnel before they slide down into the pool at full speed.

The new museum and adventure center Tirpitz, newly opened this summer and located about an hour west of Billund by car, offers exciting discoveries for families. During World War II, the large bunker in Tirpitz was supposed to have become part of the so-called Atlantic Wall, but was not finished. Together with the museum, that is architectonically well-integrated into the dunes of Blåvand, kids can follow the paths of the “Smugglers from Ho,” visit the “treasure chambers with huge amber discoveries,” or get to know the region “from the ice age to today.”

Near Ribe, Denmark’s oldest town, nature lovers can discover the new “Wadden Sea Center - Gate to the UNESCO World Natural Heritage,” which opened in February. The adventure and nature centers features multi-media presentations about Denmark’s largest nature park, the Wadden Sea at southern Denmark’s North Sea coast. One focal point is the permanent exhibition “The Wadden Sea of migrant birds,” which explains this wonderful world to young and old.

And because southern Denmark is so popular, it also offers many places to stay overnight. “Holiday Village,” for example, is located directly next to Legoland Billund and was expanded by 50 new Ninjago huts and 30 new wilderness barrels.

Stop by!

At “Holiday Village,” located directly next to the leisure park, you can also spend the night in 30 so-called wilderness barrels.

45 | Bavarian Times www.tiergarten.nuernberg.de

Photo Credit: djd/Legoland Billund Resort (2)

(djd). Denmark is becoming more and popular with vacationers because the neighboring country to the north has a special charm: Endless sandy beaches, leisure opportunities for the entire family and the famous wellness concept of “Hygge.” The southern part of the country ranging from the east to the west coast is especially popular because of its diverse travel destinations for kids and adults.

To find out more about Königssee, read Tip #1.

The Berchtesgaden area offers diversity and variety In the Berchtesgaden area Bavaria often looks so idyllically, that you ask yourself: “Is that for real?” We took a look around and brought back ten tips for a perfect vacation in Bavaria.

Photo Credit: Berchtesgadener Land Tourismus GmbH; Adobe Stock_serkat Photography

Berchtesgadener Land County is located in the south-east corner of Bavaria, ranging wedge-shaped into Austria. In the east, south and southwest, the county border is also the state border to Austria.

The Berchtesgaden area can be divided into three geographic regions: The pre-alpine region around Freilassing, the alpine region around Bad Reichenhall and the high-alpine region around Berchtesgaden. Is highest location is the Watzmann summit at an altitude of 2,713 meters.

In 1990, Germany’s only alpine national park, also known as alps park, was named a UNESCO-biosphere reserve. The emeraldgreen Königsee with its half-peninsula St. Bartholomew and the hunting castle of the Bavarian kings is also world-famous. Germany’s cleanest lake covers an area of about five square kilometers, is eight kilometers long, up to 1.2 kilometers wide and up to 190 meters deep.

Tradition and culture Tradition and culture can be found every day, everywhere in the Berchtesgaden area, just as the honest, open, original and down-to-earth mentality of its residents. Being a guest in the Berchtesgaden area means experiencing a feeling of home away from home first-hand. Not many regions are as equally rich in nature and culture as the Berchtesgaden area. Every year on Bartholomew Day, the pilgrimage from Maria Alm to St. Bartholomew takes place. Another passed-down tradition is the famous Christmas and New Year’s shooting.

Onion domes are the landmarks of the Königssee – St. Bartholomew pilgrimage church is world-famous. Its architecture became the landmark of the town of Schönau at the Königssee.

Its oldest constructional elements date back to the beginning of the 12th century.

The salt mine near Berchtesgaden is not only an industrial enterprise, it has also been a popular tourist attraction for decades.

It’s been continuously in operation since 1517. Today, a part of the mine can be visited by all who are adventurous.

6 tips and trips for a vacation in the Berchtesgaden area Tip #1: Königssee Alpine lakes and rivers feature a particular color: A milky lightblue. However, no water looks as truly blue as the water of the Königssee. The reason for that is calcium carbonate, in short: Lime, namely the lime of which the Alps are mostly made. 135 million years ago, the former deep sea basin folded and lifted the lime shells of prehistoric marine organisms. Lime turns the water acid, nutrient-poor and, therefore, free of algae. The red portions of sunlight are absorbed by the clear water, only its blue color remains visible. The dissolved lime parts brighten it up and voilà: Done is the Königssee.

Bavarian Times | 46

travel

To find out more about Rupertus Thermal Spa, read Tip #3

To find out more about Obersalzberg, read Tip #5.

bathed in light and color. From there, a 34 meter-long wooden slide takes them deeper into the salt mine. In the so-called treasure chamber and the salt laboratory, visitors learn more about the history, formation and function of the white gold from the depths of the Alps. Afterwards, visitors ride on a float across an underground salt lake, the so-called Mirror Lake, impressively staged with lights and sounds.

Tip #5: Obersalzberg The Obersalzberg, located above Berchtesgaden, has been Adolf Hitler’s vacation residence since 1923. After the takeover in 1933, the Obersalzberg was declared a “Führer” restricted area and systematically developed into the second government seat of the Third Reich besides Berlin. The Obersalzberg documentation center presents the history of the Obersalzberg and National Socialism.

Tip #2: Rossfeldhöhenringstraße Germany’s highest panoramic road (B 999) meanders in serpentines through Berchtesgaden’s mountains to the summit of the Ahornbüchsenkopf. It’s most beautiful at night: Berchtesgaden shines in the west, Salzburg in the east and the stars above. A toll of 8 € is charged between Obersalzberg and Hallein. www.rossfeldpanoramastrasse.de Tip #3: Alpine sole: Rupertus Thermal Spa The spa and family resort Rupertus Thermal Spa is full of life and peace at the same time. Enjoying the soothing effect of warm, prehistoric alpine sole from Bad Reichenhall. A unique ambiance, in unison with nature, is waiting for you. With extraordinary offers such as sound and colored light pools, a whirlpool on the balcony, an 850-square.meter sauna scape, a healthand fitness center and much more, Rupertus Thermal Spa lives up to your highest expectations. Get pampered, be fascinated and inspired.

Tip #4: Salt mine Bad Reichenhall Here, you can follow the salt from the mine into the salt shaker.

During the SalzZeitReise (SaltTimeRide) in the adventure mine, miners take visitors through the salt world. With a “Glück auf,” the traditional miners’ greeting, the mining railroad takes you deep down into the mountain. Wearing warm clothes is recommended. Belowground, visitors step into a salt cathedral 47 | Bavarian Times

At this historic location, the Obersalzberg documentation center provides an opportunity to critically deal with the history of the Obersalzberg and the history of National Socialism at large. The multi-media exhibition documents the history of the Obersalzberg in connection with Nazi dictatorship.

The bus stop from which the busses leave for the Kehlsteinhaus, commonly referred to as the Eagle’s Nest, is located only a few meters away from the Obersalzberg documentation center. The house is the most prominent remnant of Nazi architecture in Berchtesgaden.

Tip #6: Trip to Salzburg and Munich The Berchtesgaden area is located conveniently close to Salzburg which is only 20 miles away and invites you to discover the old town, Mozart’s home, or Salzburg Castle. On the way to Berchtesgaden, it makes sense to stop in Bavarian’s capital Munich to visit the Allianz Arena, the stadium of FC Bayern Munich, or the Deutsche Museum, one of the world’s largest scientific-technological museums.

Travel information Königssee - Berchtesgadener Land Route: The Berchtesgaden Alps are located 150 kilometers away from Munich and about 380 kilometers away from Stuttgart. Take A8 from Munich and then turn onto the Bundesstrasse to Berchtesgaden shortly before reaching the border near Freilassing. Take the train from Munich into the direction of Salzburg. Near Freilassing, continue on with the Berchtesgadener Bahn (www.blb.info).

Photo Credit: Berchtesgadener Land Tourismus GmbH (2); Südwestdeutsche Salzwerke AG

A tour with a rowing boat can be highly recommended. Boats can be rented in Schönau am Königssee (left of the marina).

travel The Akropolis in Athens has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.

The Metéora monasteries, east of the Pindos mountains and near the city of Kalambaka in Thessaly, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Greece: Many myths and Gods

Photo Credit: Renate Gradl (2)

Most people spend their vacation enjoying sun, sand and sea and idleness to relax from daily stress. However, there are other alternatives, for example by taking a journey through time in Greece, or Hellas respectively.

You can follow the traces of apostle Paul when arriving in Philippi where he baptized the crimson merchant Lydia, the first Christian baptized on European soil, or go to Thessaloniki, Corinth and Athens. Discover antique Greece, the cradle of European culture in Mycenae, Delphi and Epidaurus. Mycenae impresses visitors with its “Lions’ Gate,” Epidaurus with its theater which is nothing less than an acoustic miracle. Clapping your hands in the center of the orchestra will surprise you. Due to the reflection of the sound, every spoken word can be heard all the way up to the top rows. The theater features 13,000 seats.

Epidaurus, since 1988 a World Heritage Site, was the medical and cure center of the ancient world, a place where body and soul were harmonized with theater, music and culture. Healing was based on the devotion of the God Asclepius, whose baton with the twisted snake has remained the symbol of all health professions until today.

Delphi is located near the quaint city of Arachova in a fascinating mountain region at the foot of the Parnassos mountains.

The oracle located there, which was consulted for thousands of years and existed until 391 A.D., is world-famous. According to Greek mythology, the mountain was dedicated to Apollo. The Metéora monasteries, located near the city of Kalambaka on mountains up to 500 meters high, are World Heritage Sites as well. Today, only six of the 24 monasteries are inhabited. The view to the Canal of Corinth is just as fascinating as the majestic mountains on which the monasteries were built. It separates the Greek mainland from the Peloponnesus peninsula. The 6,346 meter-long canal was built from 1881 to 1893.

You can visit the archeological excavation sites and museums and enjoy the beautiful Greek landscape and the ocean when taking a bus trip. If you have a good tour guide, you can immerse yourself in Greek mythology and the stories about the Gods Zeus, Hera or Demeter.

Visiting the Greek capital Athens is a must. It combines ancient and modern things and you can climb the city’s highest elevation, the Acropolis. | by Renate Gradl Bavarian Times | 48

Food & Drinks

Obazda is a cheese spread that that can be eaten at any time of the day. It tastes especially great on oven-fresh Brezen.

Cabin-wrap with Obazda: An especially tasty recipe tip using the Bavarian cheese spread.

Recipe tip: Cabin-wrap with Obazda:

Obazda – a trendy spread with a lot of tradition Tasty recipe tip: Cabin-wrap with Obazda (djd). Regional, organic food products are totally trendy. Obazda, the tasty Bavarian cheese cream, fully corresponds to that trend. The spread made from mild camembert has a spicy and savory taste and can be used in many ways, both traditionally and trendy.

Photo Credit: Photo: djd/Alpenhain (2)

Invented out of necessity The spicy cheese cream was invented out of necessity almost 100 years ago: In 1920, a Bavarian innkeeper living near Munich had a lot of cheese left over and had the idea to turn it into a tasty spread by mixing it with fluffy butter, salt, pepper, caraway seeds, peppers and a shot of beer. She "obazt" (Bavarian for ‘mixed’) the cheese and invented a Bavarian cultural asset that in 2015 was added to the European Union Commission’s list of geographically protected declarations, recognizable by the abbreviation “g.g.A.” Original Obazda may only be produced in Bavaria, following the original recipe.

One quality feature is its high camembert content of 53 percent.

Additionally, the producer only uses fresh, regional alpine milk and the best ingredients. The tasty organic product does not contain any flavors, preservatives, colorants or flavor enhancers.

A tasty treat for many occasions Obazda is a cheese spread that can be eaten at any time of the day. In Bavaria, it is favorably served in beer gardens, traditionally garnished with a few onion rings, chives or garden radish. It tastes especially great on oven-fresh Brezen. But it also tastes great on bread and rolls. If you like it more trendy, you can also put it on wraps or use it a dip. There are no limits to your imagination because countless variations are possible.

49 | Bavarian Times

Ingredients for two persons: Two wraps, a lettuce heart, two garden radishes, a cup of Obazda, chives, salad dressing.

Preparation: Wash the garden radish and the salad. Cut a third of the salad into long, wide strips. Cut the radish into small strips. Shortly heat the wraps in the pan before filling them.

Spread Obazda on the wraps and put salad and radish strips on top. Tightly roll the wraps and tie them with a long chive. Marinate the rest of the salad and put it on the plate with the wraps.

Bergwirtschaft Auf dem Mariahilfberg 2 · 92224 Amberg Telefon 09621-12248 www.bergwirtschaft-amberg.de

Home-style cooking e.g. Schnitzel, steaks, fish, asparagus and venison plus seasonal dishes upon request Home-made cakes, tarts and cream puffs, also to go!

Visit our patio with its beautiful view over the city.

Closed on Mondays.

Das Bier, das uns zu Freunden macht The Erras Family is looking forward to your visit.

food & drinks

Bratwurst from Franconia is available everywhere Franconia without bratwurst? Impossible! It is everywhere: You’ll come across it when you’re shopping, in a beer garden, on a market, or in a restaurant.

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock_Bernd Jürgens (2)

Crispy and brown on the outside, juicy on the inside, bratwurst attracts you with its unrivaled smell. In Franconia, it is served in a crispy “Weggla” (roll).

Nuremberg Bratwurst is traditionally served with sauerkraut. Those bratwursts are short bratwursts with a length of about 12 centimeters.

It is made from pork and beef, as thick as a thumb and 31 centimeters long when raw.

In Kulmbach, bratwurst is served in an aniseed roll. Bratwurst is also known as “Blauer Zipfel” (blue end), boiled in blue stock. It is cooked in a vinegar stock with onion rings, bay leaves, cloves, juniper berries, peppercorns and mustard for about 15 minutes and is then served with onion rings.

Restaurants traditionally serve sauerkraut or potato salad with it. Needless to say, there are other varieties: Asparagus with bratwurst, bratwurst in puff pastry, breaded bratwurst and even bratwurst cake. Another side dish is mustard which, however, is rejected by bratwurst purists.

Instead, they swear by spicy horse radish.

Long bratwursts with a length ranging from half a meter to a meter (meter bratwurst) are served snail-like on a plate with sauerkraut in the wine-growing community of Sulzfeld. A restaurant owner invented this bratwurst variant 50 years ago. It is served with a pint of wine.

Different types of bratwurst - depending on the region The smallest bratwurst is the “Nürnberger Rostbratwurst (Nuremberg roasted bratwurst),” which is protected by an EU policy and, as a result, is definitely produced in the Franconian metropolis. It is spiced with salt, pepper and marjoram, is made from pork, only seven to nine centimeters long and weighs no more than 25 grams when raw. “Three in a Weggla” are offered at every bratwurst booth.

Bratwurst ingredients and spices vary. Depending on the region, it is spiced with nutmeg, garlic, marjoram or ginger. The percentage of sausage meat also varies. The consistency of a bratwurst can be fine, semi-coarse or coarse.

In Coburg, bratwurst is called “Coburger” (resident of Coburg). It is grilled above pine cones and is especially long.

Nuremberg und die Bratwurst Nuremberg is said to be the center of the Franconian bratwurst. A recipe for bratwurst from Nuremberg’s butchers’ guild dates back to 1595. In 1313, the famous bratwurst kitchen “Zur blauen Glocke” (blue bell), was mentioned for the first time. Today, it can be found at Nuremberg’s Handwerkerhof known as “Bratwurstglöcklein.” Other traditional places are the “Bratwursthäusle (bratwurst house),” the “Bratwurstherzle (bratwurst heart)” and the “Bratwurst Röslein (bratwurst rose)” in Nuremberg’s old town.

BräuWirt Restaurant and Brewery in Weiden‘s Old Town!

Tradit Traditional dishes and typical Bavarian specialties served fresh from fr om the kitchen. The brewery offers high-quality, home-made Zoigl be beers, brewed following the Bavarian purity requirements.

Visit us at the BräuWirt!

In the Ansbach area, bratwurst is made from pork, 12 to 18 centimeters long and three centimeters thick.

Smoked bratwurst is called Bauernseufzer (farmer’s sigh), Schlot-Engele (chimney angel), or Kaminteufel (chimney devil) and served with hearty farmer’s bread.

The probably oldest preserved bratwurst kitchen can also be found in Nuremberg. It is called “Zum Gulden Stern (Golden Star)” and serves bratwurst since 1419. The restaurant was built around 1375 and first mentioned in a document in 1419. In 1640, it received the right to home slaughtering. To date, Nuremberg-style bratwurst is roasted on the old, historic fire pit.

Bavarian Times | 50 seit 1993 19 in Weiden/OPf.

www.braeuwirt.de Gast sthausbrauerei BräuWi äu rt · Unterer Markt 9 · 92637 Weiden/OPf. · Phone: 0961 481330 äuWi Gasthausbrauerei BräuWirt

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