Proud To Be German - American Stolz Deutsch - Amerikaner Zu Sein Visit us at www.DANK.org
Volume 61 Number 3
2013 June - July
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Contents Of This Issue 4
From the President’s Desk by Beverly Pochatko
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Letters To The Editor
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Konrad Zuse - Inventor of the First Working Computer
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German American Friendship Garden
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Volunteering - What do you have to offer?
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Chapter Chatter (Chapter News and Updates)
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Welcome DANK Chapter Great Lakes Bay Region!
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Summer Membership Drive
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Germany Humor - Sehr witzi by Francine McKenna
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Kurznachrichten
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Trends
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Fun Facts
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Calendar of Events
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The Largest Ethnic Group? Germans!
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Odds & Ends
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Welcome New Members & Donations
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Kinder Ecke Cover Design By Beverly Pochatko, Eve Timmerhaus
Editorial Staff Beverly Pochatko Eve Timmerhaus Eva Timmerhaus George Nagata Correspondents Anne Marie Fuhrig Christa Garcia Francine McKenna Desktop Publishing and Design George Nagata Advertising and Classifieds Eve Timmerhaus
General Information
German American Journal -ISSN 1086-8070 is published bi-monthly and is the official publication of the German American National Congress. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago IL. and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER� Send address changes to: German-American Journal 4740 N. Western Avenue Suite 206 Chicago IL. 60625-2013 Annual Subscrition Rate $15.00 www.dank.org/news.html
DANK does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information published herein. DANK preserves the right to change or amend submissions for any reason without prior notice.
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From The President’s Desk Beverly Pochatko, National President Liebe Mitglieder und Freunde, Dear members and friends of DANK , In April, we bid a sad farewell to a longtime National Board member, Hildegard Schloesser who waged a courageous battle with cancer. For more than 20 years, I knew Hilde (and Rudy) as members of our Executive Board. Soft-spoken, Hilde had a contagious smile that endeared her to many. She will be deeply missed by all. I thought that June would never arrive! Along the Erie Lakeshore, we can experience all seasons within two days. But as the song goes “June is busting out all over”! We all have summer routines, be it family picnics, vacations, or just staying home and enjoying life. The DANK office certainly has routine activities as well; dues reminders, membership cards, raffle tickets, and the list goes on. In addition to all the routine day to day work, Eve manages to keep on top of current news, as well as finding articles of interest; editing the Journal before it goes to print; and responding to the many requests our office receives. She is ‘my girl Friday’ and I appreciate all she does for DANK! Sometimes we forget to take the time to acknowledge those members of our organization who work hard behind the scenes on any level, be it chapter or national. She had a great teacher, her mother (Eva) who continues to work one day a week and adds volunteer time in the office as well. Thanks Eve! (and Eva)! Our Summer Membership Drive has begun with special prorated dues! Join any time between June 1st and October for a pro-rated fee of 50% for 2013. Dues for 2014 will be billed in November at full price. How many new leaves will be added to our DANK Family Tree? The early bird raffle drawing will be held on July 1st. Get your tickets in early to increase your chances of winning! Your support is greatly appreciated. DANK has, for more than 50 years, grown into an organization with a mission to celebrate and foster the rich culture, musical heritage, language and history of the German people. Our Oktoberfest and Volksfest Festivals across the country feature authentic German music, food and beverages for all to enjoy, as well as activities for the kids. These events provide an opportunity for local groups to generate revenue which is used to help sustain them throughout the year and assist in sponsoring future events celebrating our German heritage. But most importantly, these festivals introduce our German heritage to the general population. Support DANK! Support your local chapters! I will be at the Germanfest in Milwaukee (July 25th-28th), along with other volunteers and I hope to see you there! Enjoy these early days of summer – the changing winds of fall are not far behind. Plan now to attend our National Convention and Election of Officers in Chicago November 1st-3rd.
DANK seeks to bring together Americans of German descent in the pursuit of cultivating and presenting their heritage and interests on local, regional and national levels. These were the primary reasons that the German American National Congress was founded in 1959 and they are still among the organization’s primary objectives today.
DANK National Executive Board President: Beverly Pochatko Vice President : James Dombrowski Treasurer: Bob Miske Secretary: Linda Voit Membership: Erik Wittmann DANK National Executive Office 4740 N. Western Avenue Chicago IL. 60625-2013 Phone: (773) 275-1100 Toll Free: 1-888-USA-DANK Office Hours: 9am - 4pm Monday, Wednesday-Friday Executive Secretary Eva Timmerhaus Office Manager Eve Timmerhaus
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Letters To The Editor Hilde Schloesser. What can we say about a very special lady who everyone knew as "Mutti" to all her kids friends? She was truly a blessing to her husband and children Martin, Regina and Christina and very devoted to her grandchildren and great grandchildren who loved their Oma dearly. She went out of her way each holiday to bake something special for her family and we were all so very lucky to enjoy her contagious smile! I was truly blessed to know Hilde for almost 20 years and she will be missed by my husband Reinhard and other DANK members as well as her special family which I consider my very own. Rest in peace my dearest Hilde! Bis später mein Liebling! Donna J. Lippert DANK Benton Harbor. We like the new format and it is very well written. Otto Kitzing, Peoria, AZ I like the new format very much.
Dear Friends, It blew me out of the blue Florida sky to receive your beautiful magazin, the new German American Journal. Even my wife read it, cover to cover! I remember changing the newsletter of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest to a colorful magazine of 48 pages. Immediately, we received advertising from major German American Companies. And it raised the image to the outside world, a step in the right direction. Sincerely, Your lifetime member Bert Lachner Thank you for sending the raffle tickets. It is something pleasant to look forward to - someone is going to win! Brigita and Gerhard Roth Brookfield, WI
Our readers are invited to share their thoughts with the German American Journal by submitting Marie Abelkis a letter for possible publication in the Letters to the Editor section of our magazine. We reserve the right to edit and shorten the text. Anonymous letters and letters using a pseudonym will not be published.
Cover: Dresden's Zwinger Palace is famous around the world for its beautiful baroque architecture. It was built in 1709 during the reign of Augustus the Strong. The remarkable sculptures adorning the gallery walls are by various artists and help make this one of the main attractions in Saxony's regional capital. The Zwinger Palace in Dresden was built in 1709. It was originally an open area surrounded by wooden buildings which was used by the Saxon nobility for tournaments and other courtly pursuits. The sandstone palace was built between 1710 and 1719. Today, various museums are to be found inside the Zwinger Palace. The Dresden porcelain collection is one of the largest ceramics collections in the world. Another highlight is the armory with its exquisite collection of weapons, suits of armor and ceremoni-
al garments. It's also well worth visiting the Semper Gallery, which was built between 1847 and 1854 to plans by Gottfried Semper. To this day, the gallery contains the world's most important collection of paintings dating from the baroque to the Renaissance period, including the famous Sistine Madonna by Raphael. Another near neighbor to Zwinger Palace is the Church of Our Lady. First erected between 1726 to 1743, this baroque masterpiece was destroyed during the Second World War before being rebuilt from 1994 to 2005, thanks to a combination of public funds and donations. In architectural terms, it is one of the finest church buildings in Europe from this period. Still in Dresden, Grosser Garten park covers a total area of 147 hectares and is perfect for leisurely strolls and breaks from the hustle and bustle. •
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Konrad Zuse
Inventor of the First Working Computer
The German civil engineer Konrad Zuse is considered the inventor of the first digital and programmable computers – a feat he first accomplished in 1938, long before anyone else. Engineer and inventor Konrad Zuse Zuse was born in Deutsch-Wilmersdorf, now part of Berlin, on June 22, 1910. Two years later, his family moved to Braunsberg in eastern Prussia, where his father Emil worked as a postal clerk. Later Konrad attended high school in Hoyerswerda. After graduating, he studied at the Technische Hochschule Berlin-Charlottenburg, where he obtained a degree in civil engineering in 1935. The artistic engineer also designed advertisements for Ford during his university years. Bored by having to do routine calculations, at the age of 28, Zuse (TSOO-zuh) invented the world’s first mechanical binary digital computer, the Z1 in Berlin during 1936-1938. After that, he went on to develop three more improved electronic models before 1949, culminating with the Z4, considered the world’s first programmable, digital computer. Later Z-series devices went all the way up to the Graphomat Z64 punchcard-controlled plotter, Zuse’s last machine in 1961. Much like the founders of Apple Computer many decades later, Zuse put together his first computer in the kitchen of his parents’ Berlin apartment. Among its remarkable features, the Z1 had a keyboard for data input and flashing lights to indicate results. A restored
but non-functional Z1 is on display in the German Technology Museum (Deutsches Technikmuseum) in Berlin. A restored model of Konrad Zuse’s Z1 computer (1938) at Berlin’s German Technology Museum. Zuse’s Z2 (1940) was the first fully functioning electro-mechanical computer. The more advanced, programmable Z3 followed the next year. The Z4 was developed between 1945 and 1949. Replicas of Zuse’s Z3 and Z4 computers can be found at the Deutsches Museum in Munich. The Z3 of 1941 is considered the world’s first programmable computer and predates the ENIAC in the US by many years. It used punched tape (actually old film) to store its program. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in the war. Had it not been for the adverse war conditions and the lack of material support in Hitler Germany, one can only imagine what else Zuse might have produced. The Konrad-ZuseZentrum für Informationstechnik Berlin (ZIB), founded in 1986, is a working memorial to the German inventor of the computer. Zuse could also be considered the world’s first founder of a computer startup company. In October 1946 he established the Ingenieurbüro Hopferau. According to his son, Horst, the venture capital came from a contract with IBM and the rental of the Z4 computer in Switzerland. Later Zuse would found Zuse KG in Neukirchen (1949), which was bought up by Siemens AG in 1966. •
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German American Friendship Garden: Restoration Started German Ambassacurullo were joined dor Peter Ammon and in the signing by “One magnificent symbol of the bonds Gerhard National Mall Deputy Meinzer, that tie our two great peoples together is Superintendent Karen president of the AsCucurullo launched the German-American Friendship Gar- sociation of German the restoration of the den. This symbol of eternally renewing American Societies of German American Greater Washington growth and strength will be dedicated D.C. (AGAS), and Marc Friendship Garden by this autumn here in the Capital. In its J. Wheat, president of signing a memorandum together with the German-American growth, our own commitments to the presidents of GermanHeritage Foundation well-being of American and Germany American associations of the U.S.A. (GAHF). shall be cultivated and nurtured.” on April 17 at the GerThey were symbolically man Embassy in WashPresident Ronald Reagan, representing the many ington, D.C. The event October 6, 1988 groups and societies in also marked the actithe United States that vation of a dedicated bring together a share $100,000 trust fund in the National Park Foundation of the 50 million Americans claiming German descent. whose future income is intended for the upkeep of the At the closing of the ceremony, Deputy SuperintenGarden. dent Cucurullo presented Ambassador Ammon with The German-American Friendship Garden is located a symbolic key to the National Mall with the words: in a prime location on the grounds of the Washington "Now you have a key to our hearts." Monument at Constitution Avenue on the direct sight The Embassy is providing approximately $30,000 in line between the White House and the Thomas Jef- this project, which the partners commit to implement ferson Memorial. It was created 30 years ago in 1983 and publicize. While the Garden is featured on the following the initiative of US President Ronald Reagan map of the National Park Service, it still needs support and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl for the German- to be "put on the map" in many guidebooks and in the American Tricentennial, "as a symbol of the friendship planning of tourists' visit to Washington as a unique between our two countries", as President Reagan not- feature symbolizing the close relations between the ed. two countries. In the signing ceremony's opening speech, AmbassaThe garden was designed pro bono by the late Gerdor Ammon underlined the symbolic meaning of the man-born landscape architect Wolfgang Oehme with garden's horticultural design: "Using only plants that planting beds filled with a selection of plants that exist in both the United States and Germany high- thrive in both countries' weather conditions: perenlights the common elements and traditions in our cul- nial trees, flowers and shrubs, interspersed with fountures, and stands for unity." tains, benches, and cobblestone terraces in a style The words of President Reagan in the formal dedi- called "The New American Garden." In the spirit of the cation 1988 still hold true today. He called it a “mag- original architect, Oehme van Sweden Landscape Arnificent symbol” of the bonds that tie Germans and chitects supports the activities to restore and improve Americans together. “In its growth, our own commit- the German American Friendship Garden in an adviments to the wellbeing of America and Germany shall sory capacity. • be cultivated and nurtured.” (© Germany.info) The Ambassador and Deputy Superintendent Cu-
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Volunteering—What Do You Have to Offer? By: Donna J Lippert
When you visit the store, you don’t expect to be asked to work a shift on the register. When you visit a restaurant you don’t expect to spend time in the kitchen. When you attend a sporting event you don’t expect to stay after and clean up the bleachers. Yet, when you get involved in a club or organization, people EXPECT you to do SOMETHING. Why is that? Why can’t you just visit your favorite club and enjoy the music, eat the delicious food prepared by others and then just go home? Seems too easy right? Isn’t it enough that I/WE “just show up” and not do nothing at all? Have you ever had any of these thoughts? The average person just wishes to be connected to an organization that requires only a small commitment. We don’t want to have to spend all of our time volunteering; we don’t even want to commit “too soon” or “too long”. Many people find it very hard to become committed for any length of time, some only offer a few hours of help as it requires so little energy. Then there are the “verbal” people who complain about “this and that”, yet don’t become involved in an organization or volunteer or be elected to be on a board and help make decisions. I would love to see our chapter members what they CAN DO and when then CAN DO IT –remember, it is “your club/chapter” and everyone should be able to offer some time and energy otherwise those already doing all the hard work will become “burned out”. This is already happening at a few DANK chapters that I have visited lately and personally, don’t feel that the President and his Board of Directors should go around “begging” their DANK members for help, the DANK member should be the one stepping forth and signing up for events to help their fellow DANK members. Consider being the DANK member that initiates the call to your chapter to volunteer
as it can give a person of sense of “pride” when you ask to volunteer! Consider getting a batch of raffle tickets to see at your club and contact Eve Timmerhaus at the national office to secure some as she would be happy to mail them! To those chapters that have their own house it is the best opportunity to host many types of events like dances, holiday parties, festivals, blood drives, movie nights, rummage sales, car washes, teach German and the list can go on. Most of these events could be great fundraisers for the chapter itself. Encourage the local schools to visit your chapters, get them involved as they are the future leaders of DANK, especially if their parents and grandparents are current DANK members. Also consider having a clean-up day twice a year at your chapter as a good cleaning “inside and out” keeps your house in order and makes it presentable to those wishing to rent your facility for either a reunion or other type of party. It also makes all guests visiting seem so very welcome! Keep in mind that “TEAMWORK” is what this message is all about. Plan your activities today and get your volunteers to sign up months in advance in case someone cannot help out at the last minute. It is always better to have a few backups in place so that things won’t be too hectic for a handful of people when an event is being held. Keep in mind also that DANK was founded based on “volunteers”, so consider calling your local chapter today to help out! Thank you to all those past DANK members who have put in many hours and years at their chapters as it is so much appreciated by me as a past National Board member. Thanks also to the current board of directors that do a FINE JOB of keeping things going at DANK National and keep up the GOOD WORK! •
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Chapter Chatter DANK Chicago West Spring Dance On April 20th at the Alpine Banquet Haus in Westchester, DANK West Held its annual Spring Dance. There was plenty of Gemütlichkeit to go around for all! We had the pleasure of having many Elmhurst Männerchor members attend along with our friends from DANK South join us. The Egerlander Tanz-gruppe provided us with traditional folk dancing. • Fred Leinweber
Frauengruppe Presents Check to DANK Benton Harbor April 14, 2013 Ella Schulke presented Chapter President Bob Clark a check from the DANK Benton Harbor Frauengruppe, who for the last many years, with the Easter Egg hunts and children's Christmas parties and provided the delicious desserts at the DANK'S monthly fish fries. Thank you ladies for your support for the last 35 years as it has been so much appreciated!
Above: (ltr) Vice President Mike Boozer, Vice President Jennifer Swingler, Maria Bock, Else Baumann, DANK Chapter President Bob Clark, Ella Schulke, Treasurer-Ladies Group, and Miriam Bollweg.
DANK Chicago South
The National office came across these pictures on DANK South’s Facebook page from their German Heritage Festival May 4 in Frankfort, IL. Pictured left: Mike Konrath and Frank Janca. Right: Chapter President Gary Dietz. The chapter’s next event will be Armin Homann’s Summer Music Festival, June 23, 2013. For more information on the chapter’s activties visit: www.dankchicagosouth. org.
Submitted by Membership Chair Donna J Lippert and Haus Committee member. www.dank13.org
Left: Benton Harbor Fish Fry, March 2013. Reinhard and Donna Lippert with Congressman Fred Upton.
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Chapter Chatter DANK Haus, Chicago - German American Cultural Center Made in Germany: a Bilingual Summer Camp
Enroll your children in a 2 week Summer camp designed to provide an introduction to German language and culture with an emphasis on fun! Program is for children between 5 9 years old. Previous German experience is not required and program is fully bilingual. Children may enroll in one of two tracts: Kleine Künstler: Kinder will learn abut Germany's contributions to the Fine Arts. Germans in Motion: Kinder will experience Germany's expanse of sports and hobbies. Instructors are recent, native transplants, child to instructor ratio held 1:12. Convenient drop off and pick up zone in front of Center. The Office and Classrooms are on the 3rd floor of the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center. The building is elevator equipped. Lunch is not provided by Center. • German is the most widely spoken language of the EU - with 90 million people speaking German as their first language. • Germany is one of four primary trading partners of the United States, which has the largest concentration of German speakers outside of Europe. • Knowledge of German language and culture is personally rewarding and improves travel and employment opportunities • Preserving German culture and language enriches families and communities. For more information: 773-561-9181 or email: dankhauskinderschule@gmail.com
Elvis shakes his hips at the Haus for Hawaii Night
DANK Haus German American Cultural Center celebrates German American Elvis Presley at our Friday, August 16 Open House at 7:30 pm. Michael St. Angel, the Windy City Elvis, performs in the Skyline Lounge with no cover. All guests will receive leis and have the opportunity to purchase Toast Hawaii – a German sandwich created in the 1950’s when Germany and
the United States were gripped with Hawaii fever. Full bar available with Blue Hawaiis on special.
New Acquisition Reception - Bismarck & Prinz Eugen large scale models
For the 73rd anniversary of the German battleship Bismarck’s commissioning, the public is invited to view the recently acquired eight-foot long model and enjoy a lively historical presentation by Professor Thomas Hoff on Thursday, August 22 2013 at 7:00 om. Edmund Lindhardt, a long time member of several German American organizations and a carpenter by trade, meticulously constructed the model by hand. While beautiful to behold, the Bismarck model is also a fully operational, sea worthy vessel; its maiden voyage made at Lake Park in Des Plaines. Attendees will enjoy 360 degree viewing access of the Bismarck. Also on display will be the Preussen, the only five-masted full-rigged ship ever built until the year 2000 and the partially constructed model of the Prinz Eugen, the Bismarck’s heavy cruiser escort during Operation Rheinübung. The public is highly encouraged to attend this evening, as the models will be returned to archival storage until long-term exhibit space becomes available. The permanent collection of the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center serves as an educational resource for the preservation of German American culture for the general public. For more information on any activities please call: 773.561.9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com. •
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Chapter Chatter DANK Lake County, IL Spring Luncheon By Ursula Hoeft
Vera Schalk, holding her DANK pin, and Karl Schmidt.
DANK South Bend This year we all are saddened by the loss of two of our beloved members: Hilde Schloesser and Ron Szulczyk. Hilde was a positive, outgoing and down-to-earth person who always had a smile on her face. Born in Hanover Germany, she was a mother of three children and a terrific home maker. Hilde was active in her Church and community as part of the neighborhood association in La Porte, Indiana. As a 30 year member of DANK, she was Treasurer for Re-
DANK membership anniversaries were celebrated – a new Chapter member was welcomed. Members and guests of DANK Chapter Lake County, IL gathered at the White Deer Run Golf Club in Vernon Hills, Illinois on Sunday, May 5, for good food and good fellowship – maybe an adult beverage, too – organized by the Chapter's expert party planner, Board member Ludwina Homer. Vice President and Membership Chair, Karl Schmidt, recognized the following Chapter members
gional as well as active in the La Porte chapter. Cancer ended her life on March 22, 2013. I will always remember Ron with a handshake and smile on his face. Ron would help anyone. He worked to get me a job with a mail currier. Always a giving person, he was a long time member of the South Bend chapter. Each year Ron and his wife Annemarie would invite the membership for a pool party at their home. Ron passed away in April and he will be truly missed. William Troutman
Congratulations Fred and Andrea Leinweber on birth of your daughter Emilia Regina Born May 17, 2013
eligible this year for DANK anniversary pins: Karl Kordas and Loni Singer for 50 years; Brigitte and Eugen Bernhardt, Erika and Helmut Stahnke for 35 years; Brigitte and Karl J. Schmidt for 25 years; Robert and Brian Bode, Hans Braun, Lara and Eric Hau for 5 years. While celebrating anniversaries was the main reason for the luncheon, it also was the perfect time to welcome new Chapter member Vera Schalk and to present her with her DANK membership pin. •
Ron Szulczyk and his wife Annemarie
Congratulations! Mark W. Lesniewski Gannon University Class of 2013
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Chapter Chatter Greetings from Chapter Erie Usually, I would brag about the weather, but I can only say that spring was very pleasant along this shore of Lake Erie. At the beginning of May we enjoyed early summer-like temperatures in the mid to upper 70s and boy did the flowers come to life quickly. Everything was a riot of color on Maitag! But then, the weather went back to where it should be and for awhile the winds were off the lake and although the sun was warm, the air was somewhat chilly. This didn’t have much of an effect on the gals working on creating flowers for our float for the big Perry 200 Parade! The Journal will be at press when the parade takes place, so we will send some photos for the next one. Chapter wise, we are doing well and members are
DANK Phoenix - Anni Schmidt’s German Folk Dancers perform at the Maifest , May 4th at the Elks Club in Sun City, AZ. •
busy as beavers. Making the float; making plans to go to Milwaukee to sing in the big NASB Sängerfest; getting ready for our annual picnic featuring John L’s ox-roast sandwiches; our own German Festival on Labor Day weekend; and the list goes on. We are trying something new – a deutsche sprache kaffee klatsch on a Sunday afternoon – something to help our members keep the language ‘fresh’. There is always a chance that this will not be a huge success, but if we can get 5-6 people, it is a start. We won’t just give it up. Several of our members, including Luise Dudkiewicz, Susan Roehrl and Hilde Huttel have hit rough seas health-wise and we wish them a speedy recovery. Congratulations to our graduates, Eva Chase (Harborcreek High School) and Mark Lesniewski (BS in Psychology from Gannon University). This fall, Eva plans to continue her studies at Slippery Rock College (PA) and Mark is working towards his Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Niagara University in Lewiston NY. Good Luck to our graduates! Wishing you a Happy Father’s Day and a Happy 4th of July! Don’t forget to show your colors and fly them on June 14th – National Flag Day! Margaret Potocki, President
Schwaben Verein & the Schwaben A.C. invite you to the Schwaben Center, 301 N Weiland Rd, Buffalo Grove, IL for a Social Get-Together. Every Thursday at 11:30 am Everyone Welcome Good German TV, Food & soccer games. Drinks available. Lots of Gemütlichkeit.
Mark your Calendars!
National Convention November 1-3 in Rosemont, IL
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Chapter Chatter
Brandenburger Schützen Verein A great evening was had by all. Our 22nd Coronation Ball on March 16, 2013, at the Schwaben Center in Buffalo Grove was a big success. 167 people were in attendance. Schützenverein, St Louis, Sport Verein Peoria, Deutsch-Amerikanischer Schützenverein Auburn Hills, MI and Germania Schützenverein Cincinnati were invited to this occasion. The five clubs took part in a shooting competition early Saturday morning at the DANK Haus to determine who would earn the trophies awarded to the best teams. President Ed Ott welcomed everybody, including Prinz Stefan and Prinzessin Elfriede from the Rheinischer Verein Chicago. He remembered three of our longtime members, Jim Cummings, Eddi Lindhardt and Hermann Heinemann, who passed away in 2012. The Invocation was given by High Colburn, followed by a family style dinner. After dinner the festivities got underway. All clubs lined up and marched into the hall, and surrounded the dance floor. The queen of each visiting club was presented a bouquet of flowers and the kids a BSV pi. The reigning queen, Inge Totzke, was thanked with a bouquet of red roses for fulfilling her duties during her reign and Eddi Lindhard her king, was remembered and truly missed. The results of the Saturday morning shooting contest were announced and trophies were presented to the Sport Verein Peoria for fist, Schützenverein St Louis for second, BSV for third, Amerikanischer Schützenverein, Auburn Hills, for fourth place, and Germania Schützenverein Cin-
cinnati received Zielwasser for their efforts. Congratulations to all! The individual awards for the new BSV King & Queen Shooting were also awarded. Right Wing award went to Elly Wichner, Left Wing to Erika Lengsfeld, Right Claw to High Colburn and Left Claw to Richard Fager. Now the most important part of the evening took place, the “de-crowning” of last year’s Queen Inge Totzke, and the crowning of our new King Richard Fager, and Queen Youn Im Kong, who received a bouquet of red roses. The king’s medal for the outgoing king was presented to Eddi Lindhardt’s sister, Irene Jacobshagen. A champagne toast was given to the new king and queen, followed by their first dance together. This opened the dance floor to everybody else to dance to the sounds of the “Perlen”, who entertained us for the evening with great dancing music. During the evening our longtime member Hermann Heinemann and past president was presented an honorary plaque, posthumously, for his many years of great and tireless service to the Brandenburger Schützenverein. Hermann’s son accepted the award. While the band took a break, raffle tickets were drawn and cash prizes as well as beautiful gift baskets and various gifts from local merchants were given to the lucky winners. A breakfast on Sunday morning at the Schwaben Center ended a weekend of competition and friends getting together. Hopefully, everybody had a good time. •
DANK Chapter Listing ARIZONA Phoenix IOWA Quad Cities ILLINOIS Chicago Chicago South Chicago West Fox Valley Lake County Northern Suburbs Peoria Springfield INDIANA Indianapolis LaFayette South Bend MICHIGAN Benton Harbor Great Lakes Bay Region NEW JERSEY Pascack Valley OHIO Cleveland PENNSYLVANIA Erie Philadelphia Pittsburgh Uniontown WASHINGTON DC Washington DC WISCONSIN Milwaukee www.dank.org
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Welcome DANK Chapter Great Lakes Bay Region! On Saturday May 4, 2013 at 3pm, members of the National Organization of DANK came to Bay City to charter the Great Lakes Bay Region DANK Chapter. There were approximately 35 people in attendance for the meeting which covered by-laws, structure, and plenty of other financial and useful club information. Once the meeting was over and Bay City was officially part of the DANK family, members and guests took a break then came back in full authentic German garb in order to celebrate the new Chapter which tied in nicely with the Maifest celebration at The Stein Haus restaurant. The official charter document was presented that evening during the Maifest party. Music was provided by The German Connection made up of local talent from Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland. Good food, great music, tasty German beer was had by all as the newly erected May Pole was dedicated. Special thanks to all of those members who worked hard to put this event together and to our guests from DANK: Robert Miske, National
Treasurer and Christel Miske, Erik Wittman, President DANK Chapter Pittsburgh and Membership Chairperson, David Hinz, President, Region II and Mary Ann Hinz. We look forward to being part of this great organization and to many years of supporting and promoting German heritage in the Great Lake Bay Region. • Chris Weeks See pictures on page 15
Bay City Maibaum! In preparation for Maifest at the Stein Haus in Bay City, Michigan, the Great Lakes Bay Region DANK Chapter teamed up to erect the Maibaum in the Stein Haus Biergarten. To go along with Bay City’s nautical heritage, the may pole is constructed in part of an old sailing ship mast. Bill Fournier and friends put in many hours of work to create the may pole, and with a little brute force and careful planning, the Baum was in place by 5pm on Thursday May 2; just in time for Maifest and the induction ceremony for DANK’s newest chapter on Saturday May 4, 2013. Shown in the photo left to right are Monte Oswald, Tom Bork, Tim Elswick, Bill Fournier, Elaine Fournier, Walter Hagen, Jason Rowell, Cheryl Elswick, Chris Weeks, Scott McIntyre, Ed Coto, Dean Woods, and Bernie Markel. •
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DANK Executive Office Update by Eve Timmerhaus
We are happy to announce our 2nd Annual Summer Membership Drive! Please see the article on page 34 for details. As German-Americans you are our biggest advocates and the best resource for growing our membership. This is a great way to introduce your friends and family to DANK. The most important element of our DANK Chapters is our members. You are the lifeblood of our organization and without you we would not survive. Last year’s Germanfest along Milwaukee’s lakefront was great— we met many people, made new friends and signed up new members! It was such a success that we’re doing it all over again! Come to our DANK booth July 25th to July 28th, 2013 and say hello! We are looking for volunteers to help us staff the booth. If
you can help out for an hour or two, please let us know. Plans are underway for our National Convention in Rosemont, IL. Attending our conventions is always educational, inspirational and fun. Mark your calendars for November 1-3, 2013. We will bring all the details and registration information in our August/September issue. We have many loyal followers who appreciated the new Journal format and information it provides. The positive comments and support we receive has been wonderful. We hope you will continue to enjoy the new format of the German American Journal. Please share it with your friends and send any suggestions our way! Wishing everyone a great summer!
Deadline for the August/September issue July 1, 2013
Exchange Rates 1 USD = 0.77 EURO 1 EURO = 1.29 USD 5-28-13
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DANK National Raffle Returns! Many ask…why does the national organization hold this raffle? The answer is simple…to help supplement our sole income from your dues. If only money grew on trees! Unfortunately it doesn’t. With declining income, the national budget was drastically reduced to curtail the outflow of funds that in the early days of the organization were considered necessary. There were also many generous benefactors who frequently made sizable donations to DANK, and they too are declining. But, times have changed and so must we, if we are to survive. For several years, we were using money from our investments to meet the budget. The investment fund won’t last forever and we don’t want to deplete it. Thus, we need to raise $12,000 beyond the amount from your dues to meet our budget and stay in the black and begin a full recovery. From the head of household dues ($40) the
following allocations are made… $9.00 to cover the DANK Journal, $ 23.25 operating expenses. The remaining $7.75 is given to the Chapter. If a member spouse is listed, then the chapter receives $10.25 per member family. Just as in your personal household, expenses continue to rise and the unexpected expenses strain your budget. We are asking you to buy or sell tickets at $5 each OR five for $20! The early bird returns (by June 25) can be a real vacation help with a $150 gas card to the winner. If you don’t wish to purchase the tickets, consider making a cash donation. Main drawing will be held at the National Convention and all returns must be received by October 25th. Prizes are: 1st prize $1,500, 2nd prize $ 750, 3rd prize $375, 4th prize $175.00. Make your returns early and be eligible to win that $150 gas card. Thank you for your support. • Robert Miske, Raffle Chairman
Chapter 78 – Bay Region Michigan It was with great pride that representatives of the National Office joined with the members and friends of the Bay Region to form the newest chapter in the DANK Family of Chapters on May 4th. The granting of a new Chapter Charter was part of the Festivities planned by the new the Bay Region group as part of their annual Maifest activities. A friendlier and hospitable group of people could not be found than the members and Board of Directors of this new Chapter. From Chapter President Monte Oswald to Stein Haus owners Elaine and Bill Fournier, everyone welcomed our National Representatives and made them feel like they were part of this Chapter. In attendance from the National organization were Treasurer Bob Miske and wife Christel, Dave (Region 2 President) and Mary
Check out our videos on YouTube DANK1959
Ann Hinz from Benton Harbor, and Erik Wittmann (Membership Chair and Pittsburgh Chapter President) and his guest Leni Eisenloeffel. The Chapter was presented a check for $250 as seed money and Bob and Christel Miske brought along baskets that were raffled off to provide additional resources. Raffle tickets were given to the Chapter for the National Raffle, whereby the chapter gets 50%, and this group went to work and sold more than 75 tickets in less than two hours. It is this kind of energy, commitment and leadership that assures me that this Chapter will be successful while continuing to have fun celebrating their German pride. As Chapter President Monte Oswald is fond of saying - LIFE IS GOOD! Erik Wittmann, Membership Chair
DANK - German American National Congress
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Germany Humor - Sehr witzig by Francine McKenna, Staff Columnist
“A German joke is no laughing matter”, said Mark Twain, who then wrote a humorous, and wildly successful, essay, “The Awful German Language”, which showed he certainly found the language amusing if not the jokes. While according to the results of a survey some years ago, although Germany was world leader in many areas comedy was never one of them, and it was officially the world's least funny country. Even the country's Der Spiegel, one of Europe’s largest weekly news magazines, once describing the image of a typical German to outsiders as, “der gnadenlos effiziente, aber humorlose Ingenieur”, “the mercilessly efficient but humorless engineer”. Which is as unfair a judgment as condemning German cooking as beginning and ending with sauerkraut. Even though sauerkraut can be delicious. With a population of over 82 million, Germany and Germans are definitely diverse, and just as there is no one way to define a national cuisine for Germany, each region has its own variations and specialties, the same can be said for the sense of humor. So yes, although the country fights an image that its population would rather sit and drink some beer or schnapps than tell each other jokes, while the rigid structure of the language is believed by non-Germans to make joke-telling difficult if not impossible, Germans not only have a sense of humor, there are many different types.. They range from political satire, which appears throughout all aspects of the media, and Classical and Romantic authors from way back in time whose works
were witty and tongue-in-cheek, to “Vorsprung durch Slapstick”, a well-aimed cheesecake never fails to get a laugh, and traditional German carnival which has its own whole subculture of humor. Although even at the opening ceremony of the Caricatura satire museum in Frankfurt, filled with rather serious cartoons, the director said it had taken so long to come into existence “because until now we didn't have enough comedy to put in it,” while way back in 1919 a well-known German journalist and writer, Kurt Tucholsky, wrote: “When a German makes a good political joke, half the country takes umbrage on the sofa.” Germans are fond of making jokes about their own country men, especially those living in different regions from themselves, for example the East Frisians in north-western Germany: “What would you do in case of the Great Flood? Go to East Frisia because there everything happens fifty years later”. Or about certain jobs, and Germany's pampered state officials, “Beamte”, are favorite victims: Three boys are arguing about whose father is the fastest. The first says: "My father is a race driver, he is the fastest," but the second disagrees: "No, my father is a Luftwaffe pilot, he's the fastest." "That's nothing.", says the third. "My father is a Beamter and he is so fast that when work ends at 5 pm he's already home by 1 pm." As well as about life in general, and a typical example: Three priests are holding a meeting to discuss where life begins. The evangelical priest says, "Life begins when the child is born." "No, not at all," says the Catholic priest, "it all starts when the sperm meets the egg." "You're both wrong," says the Rabbi. "Life begins when the children have left home and the dog is dead." Humor is used as an escape from everyday life and kept separate from anything considered “serious”. There would be no place for a witty leader for example, fact is no one gets taken seriously, gains authority or wins votes, by making people laugh. So whereas for many nationalities it would be quite normal to lighten the mood of a business meeting, or election address, with the occasional witty com-
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ment and find humor in whatever West Germany's Bundesnachrichit is they are doing, this would go tendienst, Federal Intelligence down badly in Germany as these Service, secretly opened East Germust be taken seriously. Howman letters as well as monitoring ever when work is over it is time phone conversations and from to relax and some type of humoramongst any state secrets which ous escape from reality is often turned up they also collected involved. jokes, which helped them gauge Although this would rarely be the mood of the GDR public. of the subtle variety, something These were then filed and much which again can puzzle nonto the delight of the West GerGermans who have perhaps just man officials sent to Bonn during spent a day where not a single Karneval each year, it was probsign of levity was encouraged. ably the most popular service the Then there is the short New Years spies provided. Eve television program, “Dinner I am sorry, but if I give you a half a day free then I must And one of the favorite subjects for One”. In black-and-white it is do the same for everybody who has a heart attack. for the jokes whispered in East a situational slapstick comedy inGermany was the Trabant or Travolving an aristocratic old lady, empty chairs around bi, the country's plastic car with its noisy two-stroke a table supposedly occupied by admirers who have engine and smoky exhaust. Such as: in fact long passed, and her butler who plays each of "A new Trabi has been launched with two exhaust pipes the absent guests, drinking their wine and steadily be- -- so you can use it as a wheelbarrow." coming more inebriated. With all that involves. or how about this in a land which had perpetual A British sketch in English with subtitles, unusual in shortages and very little personal freedom: Germany, originating from and portraying the1920's, “Christmas has been canceled. Mary didn't find any diait is unheard of in Britain but has become a “Silvester” pers for the baby Jesus, Joseph was called up to the army ritual which an estimated 50 per cent of Germans will and The Three Kings didn't get a travel permit.” watch sometime during the evening. Every year. From Bavaria to Hamburg, and not forgetting Saxony, While an integral part of German humor is “Cabaret”, intentional or unintentional, Germany has almost as which takes place on a basic stage and is devoted to many different ways of making you laugh as there are political or social satire through skits and songs, not different regions in the country from deadpan delivdancing girls, and although ery and witty banter to belly popular on television there are laughs and punch-lines. also a cabaret theaters in every Time to put the myth of the major city. humorless German to rest and Banned under the Nazis it one last joke, which of course reappeared at the end of the has to be about 'Beamten', who war and, as an indispensable else: element of German culture, Warum dürfen Pausen in Ämnot only survived communism tern nie laenger als 60 Minuten in East Germany it was subdauern? sidized. It was mocking the Damit man die Beamten nicht regime but was doing it 'ofjedes Mal neu anlernen muss. ficially', although outside the Why are state officials not alconfines of a stage political lowed to take one hour breaks? jokes were regarded as potenBecause there's not enough tial threats, so telling them was time to train them again and Sometimes we insult traffic lights playing with fire. again. • 99 per cent of the time it is useless During the Cold War agents for Turn Green you jerk.
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Sommergesang 1. Geh aus, mein Herz, und suche Freud in dieser lieben Sommerzeit an deines Gottes Gaben; Schau an der schönen Gärten Zier, und siehe, wie sie mir und dir sich ausgeschmücket haben.
Come forth, my heart, and seek delight In each delicious sound and sight, This joyful summer morning: See, how God’s goodly gifts abound, And mark how all the plains around His hand hath been adorning.
2. Die Bäume stehen voller Laub, das Erdreich decket seinen Staub mit einem grünen Kleide. Narzissus und die Tulipan, die ziehen sich viel schöner an, als Salomonis Seide.
Rich foliage decks each waving tree, And what a rich green mantle, see, The earth is now arraying: Bright lilies and narcissus fair, Than robes of Israel’s king more rare, Their beauties are displaying.
3. Die Lerche schwingt sich in die Luft, das Täublein fleucht aus seiner Kluft und macht sich in die Wälder, Die hochbegabte Nachtigall ergötzt und füllt mit ihrem Schall Berg, Hügel, Thal und Felder.
The thrilling lark ascends the sky, The dove forsakes her tower on high, Swift to the woods retiring; The richly-gifted nightingale Pours forth her notes o’er hill and vale, Delight her song inspiring.
4. Die Glucke führt ihr Völklein aus, der Storch baut und bewohnt sein Haus, das Schwälblein speist ihr’ Jungen, Der schnelle Hirsch, das leichte Reh ist froh, und kommt aus seiner Höh ins tiefe Gras gesprungen.
The hen walks forth her brood among, The swallow feeds her clamorous young, The stork protects her dwelling: The stag and roe, with footstep light, Come bounding from the neighbouring height, Joy in each movement telling.
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Mein Held
Du warst mein Held in Kindertagen, gabst Antwort mir auf alle Fragen. Ich hab’ Dir voll und ganz vertraut mit Dir im Sand die Burg gebaut. Und heute, nach so vielen Jahren sollst Du es noch einmal erfahren Ich sage Dir in Dankbarkeit Du bleibst mein Held – in Ewigkeit. (Klaus Enser-Schlag)
Lieber Vater, ich danke hier für jede schöne Stunde mit Dir! Wir haben gemeinsam schon viel gemacht, zusammen geweint, zusammen gelacht. Ich möchte Dir auch dafür danken, dass wir uns kaum zanken. Du hast immer Ruhe bewahrt, wenn ich kam so richtig in Fahrt. Dafür danke ich Dir sehr, ich würde Dich niemals geben her. (Nannette Grimmer)
We may not shower him with praise Nor mention his name in song, And sometimes it seems that we forget The joy he spreads as he goes along, But it doesn’t mean that we don’t know The wonderful role that he has had. And away down deep in every heart There’s a place that is just for Dad Author Unknown
Ein Gebet Ein Vater soll zu Gott an jedem Tag beten: Herr, lehre mich dein Amt beim Kinde Recht vertreten! Friedrich Rueckert
H appy Father’s Day
Alles Liebe zum Vatertag
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Kurznachrichten Anti-Raucher-Gesetz tritt in Kraft
In Nordrhein-Westfalen tritt eines der bundesweit schärfsten Gesetze zum Schutz von Nichtrauchern in Kraft. Vom 1. Mai an gilt im bevölkerungsreichsten Bundesland ein generelles Rauchverbot in der Gastronomie und bei Brauchtumsveranstaltungen - und damit auch in den Karnevalssälen. Mit dem Gesetz, das im vergangenen November von der rot-grünen Landtagsmehrheit beschlossen wurde, gehören Raucherkneipen und Raucherclubs in Nordrhein-
Zahnarzt zieht Zähne ohne Grund Vor dem Landgericht Stendal muss sich ein Zahnarzt verantworten, der einer Patientin elf Zähne unerlaubt und ohne ausreichenden Grund gezogen haben soll. Mindestens fünf der Zähne hätten gerettet werden können, wirft ihm die Staatsanwaltschaft vor. Die Vorinstanz hatte den Arzt zu einer Haftstrafe von einem Jahr und drei Monaten verurteilt. Erst Anfang der Woche hatte das Magdeburger Verwaltungsgericht entschieden, dass ein Zahnarzt, der einem Patienten ohne ausreichenden Befund 20 Zähne gezogen hatte, seine Zulassung zu Recht verloren hatte. •
Westfalen der Vergangenheit an. In Gaststätten an Rhein und Ruhr darf nun nur noch bei privaten Feiern geraucht werden, die als geschlossene Gesellschaften angemeldet sind. Auch bislang geltende Ausnahmen für Brauchtumsveranstaltungen wie den Karneval und Schützenfeste wurden gestrichen. Bei Kneipen-Wirten stieß die Gesetzesverschärfung teils auf scharfe Kritik - vor allem Betreiber kleiner Gaststätten mit zahlreichen Rauchern unter den Stammgästen fürchten das wirtschaftliche Aus. Die rot-grüne Landesregierung verwies im Gegenzug auf die Erfahrungen mit dem ebenfalls rigiden Nicht -raucherschutzgesetz in Bayern, wo sich solche Befürchtungen nicht bestätigt hätten. •
Welt-Mütter-Report 2013 Deutsche Mütter leben besser Der aktuelle Welt-Mütter-Report sollte den Kinderwunsch in Deutschland beflügeln. Im internationalen Vergleich gibt es nur wenige Staaten, die Müttern bessere Lebensbedingungen bieten. Die Lebenssituation von Müttern in Deutschland hat sich im weltweiten Vergleich weiter verbessert: Mittlerweile liegt Deutschland auf Rang 9 von 176 nach Platz 12 im Vorjahr. Ganz vorne landeten erneut Finnland, Schweden und Norwegen. Auf den letzten zehn Rängen finden sich ausschließlich Länder südlich der Sahara. Das geht aus dem neuen Report zur weltweiten Situation von Müttern hervor, den die internationale Kinderrechtsorganisation Save the Children veröffentlicht hat. "Pro Minute sterben zwei Babys", beklagte Kathrin Wieland von Save the Children Deutschland. Zwar stürben nicht mehr 12 Millionen Null- bis Fünfjährigen weltweit wie noch 1990. Diese Zahl sei auf 6,9 Millionen gesunken. Fast die Hälfte dieser Todesfälle betreffe allerdings Neugeborene. Der Report berücksichtigt Müttergesundheit, Kindersterblichkeit, Schulbildung und Einkommen sowie der gesellschaftspolitische Status von Frauen. •
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Kurznachrichten Feuerwehrleute am vertrauenswürdigsten Autoverkäufer behalten schlechten Ruf Vom Beruf schließen viele Menschen auf gute oder schlechte Eigenschaften des Gegenübers. Aber kann man einem Rechtswanwalt wirklich vertrauen? In Europa gehen die Meinungen da auseinander, während bei Feuerwehrleuten Einigkeit herrscht. Feuerwehrleute, Krankenschwestern und Piloten punkten in Deutschland kräftig mit ihren Berufen. Laut einer Studie des Magazins "Reader's Digest" konnten sie 2013 erneut das meiste Vertrauen der Bundesbürger für sich verbuchen und damit ihre Spitzenpositionen unter den 20 betrachteten Berufen behaupten. Apotheker, Ärzte und Polizisten folgen, wie das Magazin in Stuttgart mitteilte. Auf den hinteren Plätzen landeten Politiker (10 Prozent), Finanzberater (14) und Autoverkäufer (16). Feuerwehrleute sind auch europaweit Spitze. In al-
len zwölf untersuchten Ländern schafften sie es ganz nach vorn. Wie in Deutschland sprachen ihnen in Europa 92 Prozent der Befragten "sehr hohes" oder "ziemlich hohes" Vertrauen aus. Im internationalen Ranking folgen dann die Piloten vor den Krankenschwestern, während es in Deutschland andersherum ist. Die größten Unterschiede gibt es bei juristischen Berufen: Richter konnten in Deutschland bei 58 Prozent der Befragten punkten, während ihnen europaweit nur 39 Prozent das Vertrauen aussprachen. Und Rechtsanwälte erreichten bei den Bundesbürgern 52 Prozent, bei den Europäern jedoch nur 38 Prozent. Für die Studie "European Trusted Brands 2013" wurden laut "Reader's Digest" mehr als 18 300 Konsumenten in zwölf Ländern Europas befragt, unter anderem in Russland und Slowenien. •
Alle vier Minuten ein Einbruch in Deutschland
Deutschlands älteste Partei feiert Geburtstag: Vor 150 Jahren gründete Ferdinand Lassalle in Leipzig die UrSPD, den Allgemeinen Deutschen Arbeiterverein. •
Im vergangenen Jahr hat es 8,7 Prozent mehr Einbrüche als im Vorjahr gegeben. Insgesamt 144.117 Vorfälle zählt die Polizeiliche Kriminalstatistik. Davon können aber nur die wenigsten aufgeklärt werden. Durchschnittlich alle vier Minuten wird in Deutschland in Wohnungen eingebrochen. Die Täter brachten es im vergangenen Jahr auf 144.117 Fälle, berichtet die "Welt am Sonntag" ("WamS") unter Berufung auf die ihr vorliegende Polizeiliche Kriminalstatistik. 8,7 Prozent mehr Einbrüche als im Vorjahr wurden 2012 vermerkt. Knapp die Hälfte der Vorfälle ereignete sich tagsüber - 61.000 an der Zahl. Dort ist der Anstieg mit 9,5 Prozent sogar noch etwas stärker. Hinzu kommen Raubüberfälle mit einem Zuwachs von immerhin 3,9 Prozent. 3025 Fälle zählt die Statistik. •
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Trends
JUNE/JULY 2013
(Food - Music - Books - Travel)
Hessen. Discover a region of contrasts
The region of Hessen in the heart of Germany offers a whole host of holiday options. There is something for everyone – from culture, walking, cycling and wellness to family holidays, city breaks and outdoor adventures. Hessen is also quick and easy to get to. Your holiday in the region can commence straightaway if you arrive at Frankfurt Airport. Hessen's main holiday destinations are characterized by variety, with the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region the leading choice for international visitors. Cultural attractions and nightlife are part of its broad appeal, but nature and the countryside are never too far away. The Odenwald forest and the hills of the Taunus, Vogelsberg and Spessart are a short drive from the center of Frankfurt. Top Taunus attractions include the huge Hessenpark openair museum and the world's only reconstructed Roman fort at Saalburg near the UNESCO World Heritage Roman Limes. The Vogelsberg uplands extend far into the Frankfurt hinterland and the region is home to delightful little spa resorts such as Bad Salzhausen, Bad Salzschlirf and Herbstein, as well as two of Hessen's flagship cycle routes – the Vulkanradweg and BahnRadweg Hessen. The Vogelsberg and Spessart
hills meet in the Kinzigtal valley, whose landmarks include Emperor Barbarossa's imperial palace in Gelnhausen and Hanau, the birthplace of the Brothers Grimm.The area to the west of Frankfurt merges into the Rheingau, which forms part of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley – one of the prettiest wine regions in Germany. Also part of the Rheingau is the Hessian capital Wiesbaden with its notable historical architecture. In the south of Hessen we find the myth-enshrouded Odenwald forest, the Hessische Bergstrasse vineyards around Heppenheim and Bensheim. Northern Hessen with its largely unspoiled natural scenery is the homeland of the Brothers Grimm. A major attraction here is the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, whose forested hills sweep down to the shores of Lake Edersee, one of Germany's largest res-
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(Food - Music - Books - Travel)
ervoirs and a water sports paradise. Mount Hohe Meissner – the home of Mother Hulda from the Grimm Brothers fairytale – and the Sababurg primeval woods in the Reinhardswald forest offer excellent walking. The capital of northern Hessen and venue of the documenta festival Kassel has made a name for itself among art lovers. Further south-west comes the romantic Lahntal valley. Historical towns such as Marburg, Wetzlar, Weilburg and Limburg an der Lahn are popular destinations for days out in this region, a favourite among canoeists and cyclists . The Rheingau, which foms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley – one of the prettiest wine regions in Germany – follows just a few kilometres to the south. Also part of the Rheingau is the Hessian capital Wiesbaden with its notable historical
Neuschwanstein Number 1
Foreign tourists have voted: Neuschwanstein Castle is the favorite among foreign guests to Germany. Europa-Park in Rust came in second in rankings, while Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, took third place. The German National Tourist Board (DZT) conducted the survey among foreign tourists in Germany for the second time as a way of determining the most popular tourist attractions in Germany. From 1 July 2012 to the end of March 2013, tourists were able to name their “TOP tourist attractions” on the DZT website. Almost 700 tourist highlights were entered and subsequently ranked. The DZT counted over 46,000 clicks for the survey, which was available in 26 languages. The Top 10: 1: Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwangau/Füssen, Bavaria 2: Europa-Park, Rust, Baden-Württemberg 3: UNESCO World Heritage Site Cologne Cathedral, North Rhine-Westphalia 4: The Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
architecture. The Rhön hills that rise up in the far east of Hessen include the region's highest peak, Mount Wasserkuppe (950m). Gazing into the distance from the virtually treeless plateaus reveals a landscape of hilltops and valleys. Discover a region of contrasts. © HA Hessen Agentur GmbH 5: The BERLIN Wall (East Side Gallery, Mauerpark, Mauerweg, etc.) 6: Lorelei in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Upper Middle Rhine Valley, Rhineland-Palatinate 7: Wildlife parks in the Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg 8: Heidelberg Castle, Baden-Wuerttemberg 9: Lake Constance and Mainau island, UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE Site, Lindau, Prehistoric Pile Dwellings, Burg Meersburg, Lake Constance, Baden-Wuerttemberg 10: UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE Site Museumsinsel Berlin The balanced geographical spread of the 100 tourist highlights confirms that from the perspective of foreign visitors, all German states have attractive travel destinations to offer. The UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE Sites also proved to be particularly popular among visitors: 19 of the 37 German UNESCO sites gained a place among the top 100 tourist attractions. Sources: www.germany.travel/de/index.html
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Fun Facts About Germany
Fun Facts About the U.S.
The area know today as Germany has been occupied for centuries, thought proof does exist that people lived in the land before that. At first, the region was called Germania and consisted of different types of people and was the center of the Holy Roman Empire until the beginning of the 1800's. After World War II, Germany split into two different territories, West and East Germany. With such a long history, fun facts about Germany abound. Across the country, a workweek is six days, as oppose to a five-day workweek in most countries. Called "Werktage," (or workdays) the week consists of Monday through Friday and Saturday. Many stores close before two p.m. anyway, so it's not a complete workday for most workers. Over 150 castles exist in Germany, making it one of the most castle-populated countries in the world. Many are used as hotels, but most are still being habited by the rich. Germany is the birthplace of the Garden gnome. They were first crafted and displayed sometime in the 1800's in Germany and soon spread across Europe and eventually around the world. Beginning in 1248, the Cologne Cathedral took 632 years to construct, finally completed in 1880. The Germany highways, commonly called Autobahns, contain no speed limit. In 1963, John F Kennedy visited Germany and proclaimed "Ich bin ein Berliner," which wasn't a problem to say, but many Germans found the statement amusing because a "Berliner" is also a type of jelly doughnut. Do you wear Adidas shoes? This brand of shoe had its start in Germany. In fact, "Adidas" is made from the beginning six letters of the designer's name, Adi Dassler. Daylight savings time was first adopted in Germany in the middle of World War I. It is still considered DST, or "Summer Time." Germany has more than 400 officially recognized zoos, which is the most in the world. If you included wildlife parks, aquariums and other natural reserves or parks, you can visit almost 700 registered zoos and gardens. Germany is second behind Ireland in amount of beer consumed per person. Beer or "Beir" is listed as a food in some menus in the Bayern region and is served in larger servings.
• Maine is the only US state with a one-syllable name. • In size, Rhode Island is the smallest US state. • The tallest battle monument in the world is located in Houston, Texas. • The US states with the smallest populations are Alaska, North Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming. • The first US capital was New York City. • The world’s highest roller coaster is found in Ohio. • There are five US states with no sales tax. (Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon). • The world’s first atomic bomb was launched in New Mexico in 1945. • There was a time when California had no rain for 2 years. • The world’s wettest place is Mountain Waialeale, located in Hawaii. • Hawaii is the only US state that grows coffee. • More breakfast cereal is produced in Battle Creek, Michigan than any other location in the world. • Montana has three times more cattle than people. • Alaska has a longer coastline than all the other 49 US states put together. • The first U.S. Mint was made in Pennsylvania. • The first baseball game played during the evening was in Cincinnati, Ohio. • Babe Ruth hit his first home run in Fayetteville, North Carolina in 1914. • The oldest public building in the U.S. is located in New Mexico. • In Nebraska, you can still find the tracks of wagons from over a century ago. • Everyday, Maine sees the sunrise before the whole US. • Texas is the only US state to have had the flags of six other countries fly over it. (France, Spain, Mexico, Confederate States, Republic of Texas, and the US). • The first peanuts ever grown in the US were cultivated in Virginia. • Key West has the highest average temperature in the US. • New York City has a total of 722 miles of subway tracks. • Babe Ruth hit his first home run in Fayetteville, North Carolina in 1914. • Dodge City is the windiest city in the US. • There was a time when it was illegal to serve ice cream on top cherry pie in Kansas.
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Calendar Of Events June 1 Chicago, IL Olympiapark Exhibit. DANK Haus is excited to present a special display of the 1972 Olympiapark Muenchen. This full model was originally in O'Hare Airport in 1972 visitors will also be able to view a custom Dirndl from the games, likely worn by the city hostesses. This exhibit is free and open to the public. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago (773) 5619181. www.dankhaus.com Display open Saturdays 11 am – 3 pm. 6 Chicago, IL. Austrian Jazz Duo Internationally acclaimed jazz duo of Michaela Rabitsch and Robert Pawlik will bring swinging jazz to the Skyline Lounge in a free show. This event is free and open to the public, thank to generous support by the Austrian Consulate of Chicago. 8:00 pm. Doors open at 7:00 pm. DANK Haus, 4740 N Western Ave., Chicago. 773-561-9181. www.dankhaus.com
Tuesday evening 22 Chicago, IL. Kino Kaffee und Kuchen. DANK Haus. 22 Chicago, IL Olympiapark Exhibit. DANK Haus. 22-23 Benton Harbor, MI. Concertina Weekend. 2651 Pipestone Rd. Benton Harbor, MI. Doors open 12- 8 – pm. For more information: www.dank13.org 23 Frankfort, IL. Chapter Chicago South presents Armin Homann`s Summer Music Festival! Germanic American Heritage Center, 25249 S. Center Rd., Frankfort, IL. For more information: www.dankchicagosouth.org 28 Chicago, IL. German Cinema Now. Free Admission. Snacks and bar available for purchase. English subtitles. 7:30-10:30. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago (773) 561-9181. www.dankhaus.com
8 Chicago, IL. Kino Kaffee und Kuchen, DANK Haus.
29 Chicago, IL. Kino Kaffee und Kuchen, Classic German films, doors open at Noon, Vorfilm at 1 pm, feature at 2 pm. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. Chicago. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com
8 Chicago, IL Olympiapark Exhibit. DANK Haus
29 Chicago, IL Olympiapark Exhibit. DANK Haus.
10 Chicago, IL. Chicago Chapter Membership Meeting. 7:30 pm. Information: 773-561-9181
29 Louisville, KY. German-American Club Gesangverein. Biergarten. Music by Heritage Band. 6-10pm., 1840 Lincoln Ave., Louisville, KY. For more information: www.german-americanclub.com
7 Benton Harbor, MI. Fish Fry. Doors open 6:00 pm. For more information: www.dank13.org
15 South Bend, IN. Wandertag at Rum Village Park! 2626 S Gertrude St, South Bend, IN. 12 pm. Bring a lunch! 15 Chicago, IL. Kino Kaffee und Kuchen, DANK Haus. 15 Louisville, KY. German-American Club Gesangverein. Biergarten. Music by Bill Stivers. 6-10pm., 1840 Lincoln Ave., Louisville, KY. For more information: www.german-americanclub.com 15 Chicago, IL Olympiapark Exhibit. 19 Erie, PA 7 PM. Brief Meeting; Program: “History of Brewing in Erie“ Open to the public. Call for info. 814456-9599. Join us for dinner at 5:00 – reservations by
July 7 Benton Harbor, MI. Fish Fry. Doors open 6:00 pm. For more information: www.dank13.org 13 Chicago, IL Olympiapark Exhibit. DANK Haus. 13 Louisville, KY. German-American Club Gesangverein. Biergarten. Music by Bill Stivers. 6-10pm., 1840 Lincoln Ave., Louisville, KY. For more information: www.german-americanclub.com 14 Wadsworth, IL. DANK Chapter Lake County, IL Chap-
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Calendar Of Events continued ter Picnic! Van Patten Woods. Wadsworth, IL
mation: www.dankchicagosouth.org
14 Benton Harbor, MI. Annual Picnic-Food GamesPrizes! Please bring a dish to pass. 2651 Pipestone Rd. Benton Harbor, MI. Doors open 12 pm 8 – pm. For more information: www.dank13.org
20 Chicago, IL Olympiapark Exhibit. DANK Haus.
17 Erie, PA. DANK Family Picnic, Mt. Carmel Picnic Grove 5:30 -8:30 pm Call for info. 814-456-9599.
27 Lombard, IL BUS TRIP TO GERMANFEST, Milwaukee. WI. $45 DANK Members $50 non-members. Breakfast and beverages included. For more information and reservations please call (630) 805-1504 or e-mail at manglersoftball@yahoo.com.
19 Chicago, IL. New in Town? Have you recently moved to Chicago from Germany Austria or Switzerland? Pop on over to meet other expats and get the scoop on the city and how it can fulfill your German needs. 7 – 9 pm. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago (773) 5619181. www.dankhaus.com
27 Louisville, KY. German-American Club Gesangverein. Biergarten. Music by Dave Van Tassel. 6-10pm., 1840 Lincoln Ave., Louisville, KY. For more information: www.german-americanclub.com
20 Frankfort, IL. DANK Chicago South Summer Picnic / Bonfire / Campout! Germanic American Heritage Center. 25249 S. Center Rd., Frankfort, IL. For more infor-
28 Pittsburgh, PA. Chapter Summer Picnic! 1 to 6 pm Fairview Park-South Fayette Twp. inBridgeville, Pa.
27 Chicago, IL Olympiapark Exhibit. DANK Haus.
Pittsburgh Chapter to start a new tradition with PGH German Fest Saturday August 24 will be the beginning of a new tradition in Pittsburgh- THE PITTSBURGH GERMAN FEST. DANK Chapter Pittsburgh, which started the ethnic festivals activity in the city with the DANK Bavarian Oktoberfest in the late 1980’s, will be initiating a new venue in the Western Pennsylvania with GERMAN FEST. The DANK Oktoberfest which was extremely successful succumbed in 2000 in part due to its success and rising costs of holding a huge event which attracted thousands at a complex like Station Square. When the Chapter hosted the National Convention in 2011 we held a mini Oktoberfest for our guests and the local Chapter. This event proved to be so popular that many in our Chapter membership including our host hotel asked that we repeat it thus
the birth of a new social event. This year’s event will only be a one day event starting at 2 pm running until 11 pm utilizing a huge ball room hall and swimming pool area thus we are combining a summer fest concept with Oktoberfest flair to create the Pittsburgh German Fest. The Crown Plaza-South Hills Village, which will be our host facility, will be offering discounted rooms to those who wish to spend the night and not worry about driving home. Bands and dancers have been signed up with a German Buffet available to attendees. So we invite one and all to save the date of August 24th and help kick off a new tradition with the PITTSBURGH GERMAN FEST. • www.germaninpittsburgh.org
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The Largest U.S. Ethnic Group? It's Germans! Amid the surge of Hispanics, the largest ethnic group in the U.S. is still German-Americans, with a population of 49.8 million, a jump of 6 million between 2000 and 2010. In fact, the number of Americans more than half of the nation's 3,143 counties contain a plurality of people who describe themselves as GermanAmerican, according to analysis of census data by Bloomberg. Americans of German-descent top the list of U.S. ethnic groups, followed by Irish, 35.8 million; Mexican, 31.8 million; English, 27.4 million; and Italian, 17.6 million, analysis of Census and American Community Survey data shows. "A lot of people aren't aware that German is the largest ancestral group in the country," Don Heinrich Tolzman, author of "The German-American Experience," told Bloomberg. “It’s an eye-opener, and it’s something that’s commonly overlooked.” Bloomberg's analysis identified what it calls a "Ger-
man belt" of the U.S. that extends from eastern Pennsylvania to the Oregon coast. A majority of counties in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana and the Dakotas are predominantly German, and they make up a plurality of Ohio and Indiana
counties. Census figures show German-Americans are slightly older and better educated than the general population, with one-third having a bachelor's degree or higher. More than 85 percent live in the same place as they did in 2009, and 40 percent are employed in management, business, science or the arts. Pennsylvania has the largest population of GermanAmericans and is home to one of the group's original settlements, Germantown in 1683. The state has 3.5 million people claiming German ancestry -- more than in Berlin. •
“Ich Bin Ein Berliner” Exhibit Opening at the GermanAmerican Heritage Museum in Washington, DC Commemorating the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s historic speech in front of Berlin’s City Hall in 1963, the German –American Heritage Museum will open a new exhibit that will be on view until December 31, 2013. All dates are subject to change. Information: (202) 467-5000 – www.gahmus. org. Location: German-American Heritage Museum, 719 6th St NW, Washington, DC. 20001 •
Visitors stand in the staircase of the restored former Prussian justice palace that serves as the county court in Halle an der Saale, eastern Germany. The 110-year-old building, re-opened after year years of restoration. •
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ODDS and ENDS “Mr. Gorbatschov tear down this wall!” June 12, 1987
Former American president, Ronald Reagan, visits the Berlin Wall. Here Reagan spoke the famous words, "Tear down this wall!" in front of the Brandenburg Gate in 1987. (Lutz Schmidt-Reuters)
Big Greek Doctor Exodus to Germany The best Greek scientists are moving abroad, with Germany being their top destination. The Greek government announces every day the coming of the long awaited development, but statistics show another reality. According to Professor of Economic Geography of the University of Macedonia, Lois Lamprianidis, more than 120,000 Greek scientists left Greece over the last years. Based on data released by Germany, more than 35,000 skilled Greeks settled in the country recently, while 25,000 more are expected to move to Germany by 2015. The president of the Department of Social Policy of Panteion University, John Kouzis emphasized that Berlin drains the European South recruiting specialists at a very low cost. At the same time, countries like Greece pay an average of more than 84,000 euros for training to become a doctor. After completing studies in Greece, doctors will probably migrate to Germany for their specialty and later stay there to work. •
Germany Fines Google Over Data Collection German authorities said that it has charged penalty on Google for gathering personal data of its users like emails, passwords and photos. The data protection office in the northern city of Hamburg said that it found a lot of personal data kept with Google and it has fined Google with 145,000 euro ($189,000) for disobeying the privacy laws and drawing personal details of users. The fact disclosed that Google with its special tools took snapshots of Street View function from 2008 to 2010. Google drew data through wireless networks also for providing its map services. Hamburg authorities said that the data taken by Google contains personal data involving various details like emails, photos, chat protocols and passwords. Johannes Caspar, Officer’s Chief said that this is the biggest violation of data protection so far. The company participating in the interrogation asked Google to remove all the data it has obtained through unfair means. Casper further said complaining about the German law that because of restriction imposed by German law, they could not impose a penalty of more than 15,000 euros. Prosecutors of Hamburg told that it didn’t lodge criminal case against Google in November when Google was caught making administrative offence. Google defended by saying that the Street View vehicles collected pieces of information that are completely useless and were never examined. The company claims that it has already deleted all the data. Authorities in Germany have imposed restrictions on Google after Street View’s dispute. •
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ODDS and ENDS The German Navy’s Gorch Fock The beautiful baroque-rigged tall ship with a sail surface area of more than 2,000 square meters is currently conducting a training tour for naval cadets. On board of the Gorch Fock the young soldiers learn to hold together quickly - being "in the same boat" in the true sense of the word. For this the Gorch Fock is an ideal platform. Everything is achieved through muscle power only, there are no winches or hydraulically operated devices which would render the handling of the sail or the steering of the ship easier. Gorch Fock, the youngest ship in a series of six ships in total, was built in 1958. She is the oldest serving warship of the German Navy and equipped with state-of-the-art technology. •
German Thieves Steal Five Tons of Nutella German police said the hazelnut chocolate spread was taken from a parked semi-trailer. The theft of seven palettes of Nutella jars, worth a total of about 16,000 euros (£13,600), took place at the weekend in the city of Niederaula in the central state of Hesse, said police. Thieves in the region have previously stolen other large quantities of food products, including five tons of coffee worth 30,000 euros taken in March and 34,000 cans of an energy drink in August. T h e site of the thefts, northeast of Frankfurt, is near a road transport hub where truck drivers living in the region tend to park their lorries at weekends, said a police spokesman. Last month, Columbia University in New York City denied its students had been stealing as much as $5,000 worth of Nutella from its dining halls.
Caroline Noeding Crowned Miss Germany 2013 Caroline Noeding, Miss Niedersachsen, beat 23 other beauties from state and regional beauty contests to be crowned Miss Germany 2013. Caroline is a 21-year-old mathematics and Spanish student from Hannover. Caroline will take a year off from her studies during her Miss Germany reign. The Miss Germany competition started in 1927 and is, according to its organizers, Germany’s oldest and most important beauty contest. More than 5,000 women competed in 115 preliminary pageants before the final contest takes place. •
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ODDS and ENDS Baby tapir named The new addition to the Indian tapir family at Leipzig Zoo was christened “Baru”. Born to parents Laila and Copashi in Gondwanaland Tropical Experience World , the youngster has been doing just fine. Baru is the first offspring to be born to Indian tapirs at Leipzig Zoo since 1929. However, the species is pretty rare outside of Leipzig, too, with only five young born in captivity last year the world over. Baru means “the new one”, which is very fitting for an Indian tapir; at barely six weeks old, he has already highlighted the need for protection of his species and ensured his home, which is Leipzig Zoo, takes the limelight. “Baru is a great ambassador for his species and for
Leipzig Zoo. We are delighted that this breeding success has once again underlined the fact that living conditions in Gondwanaland are excellent.” comments Dr. Jörg Junhold, Director of Leipzig Zoo.
German Flea Circus hit by freezing weather
Wuppertal Schwebebahn and The Jumping Elephant
An entire troupe of performing fleas has fallen victim to the freezing temperatures which griped Germany this spring. Flea circus director Robert Birk says he was shocked to find all of his 300 fleas dead inside their transport box Wednesday morning. The circus immediately scrambled to find and train a new batch so it could fulfill its engagements at an open-air fair in the western town of Mechernich-Kommern. Michael Faber, who organizes the fair, told The Associated Press that an insect expert at a nearby university was able to provide 50 fleas in time for the first show. Faber says he hopes they'll "get through this without any more fatalities." Birk said it was the first time his circus had lost all of its fleas to the cold in one go. •
Wuppertal Schwebebahn is a suspension railway in Wuppertal, Germany. Designed by Eugen Langen to be used in Berlin, the installation with elevated stations was built in Barmen, Elberfeld and Vohwinkel between 1897 and 1903, the first track opened in 1901. The Schwebebahn is still in use today as normal means of local public transport, moving 25 million passengers annually. On 21 July 1950 the circus director Franz Althoff had Tuffi, then 3 years old, take the Schwebebahn in Wuppertal, as a marketing gag. The elephant apparently did not enjoy the ride, trumpeted wildly and ran through the wagon, broke through a window and fell some 39 feet down into the Wupper river, suffering only minor injuries. A panic had broken out in the wagon and some passengers were injured. Althoff helped the elephant out of the water. Both the circus director and the official who had allowed the ride were fined. •
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ODDS and ENDS German Baby Naming Laws Here in the U.S., you can name your child almost anything, but that's not the case everywhere in the world. In Germany, you must be able to tell the gender of the child by the first name, and the name chosen must not be negatively affect the well-being of the child. Also, you cannot use last names or the names of objects or products as first names. Whether or not your chosen name will be accepted is up to the office of vital statistics, the Standesamt, in the area in which the child was born. If the office rejects your proposed baby name, you may appeal the decision. But if you lose, you'll have to think of a different name. Each time you submit a name you pay a fee, so it can get costly. When evaluating names, the Standesamt refers
to a book which translates to "the international manual of the first names," and they also consult foreign embassies for assistance with non-German names. Because of the hassle parents have to go through to name their children, many opt for traditional names such as Maximilian, Alexander, Marie, and Sophie.
Last surviving WWII food taster/tester speaks out On April 25, 2013, in an interview with the Associated Press from her home in Berlin, 95 year old Margot Woelk spoke for the first time to anyone about the 2 ½ years she was a food tester for Adolf Hitler. During WWII when Hitler was at the military command center at the Eastern Front Headquarters known as the Wolf Lair. Woelk who was in her 20’s and 14 other women were drafted into civilian service while their husbands were serving in the war. Hitler was afraid someone will try to poison him so these ladies were brought in to taste the food served to him and would wait an hour to see if anything happens. Hitler was a vegetarian and was served a variety of vegetables, rice and pasta. During the war, food was
scarce so it was nice to be able to eat good food but it was hard to enjoy knowing every meal may be her last. On July 20, 1944, a bomb went off at the compound and everyone was forced to move to a different location. Things became so tense, Woelk ran away and hid in Berlin. Woelk would eventually be captured by Soviet soldiers who assaulted her many times. She would be saddened to hear that the other 14 food tasters were also captured by Soviet soldiers and shot. She kept this a secret because she did not want people to think she was a Nazi. Now frail and in failing health, Woelk wanted to tell her story and make peace wth herself. •
Deutsche Welle Celebrates 60th Anniversary
sent German media to the rest of the world. In six decades, Deutsche Welle reporters have produced pieces on culture, politics, sports and business through an independent, unbiased viewpoint. The DW Director General, Erik Bettermann, says this is due to the multicultural, cooperative atmosphere of DW. “At DW, the dialogue between different cultures is defined by the daily cooperation and exchange between journalists and editors from some 60 nations.” •
On May 3, 1953, the German news station Deutsche Welle went on the air for the first time. Today, 60 years later, the station has morphed into a multi-faceted media machine, with a website available in 30 languages, and a network of freelance journalists from over 60 countries. Deutsche Welle has come to repre-
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Summer Membership Drive! Here is an opportunity to join DANK mid-year and gain benefits from a membership. From June 1st to October 30th, DANK is offering a special pro-rated membership fee to new members who join during this time period only. The fee, $40 per single/ head of household will be reduced to $20; spouses from $10 to $5. ($25/couple). This will cover membership dues for the balance of 2013. (Please Note: This rate also applies to new members joining in September to participate in German language schools. They will also renew in January at the new rate of $40/head of household for 2014.) As a new member, you will receive four issues of our German American Journal: June/July, Aug/Sept, Oct/Nov, and the Dec/Jan 2014 issues - (a $10 value); you will be joining
the brotherhood of thousands of people who actively acknowledge and preserve their Germanic heritage; meet other like members and share in the camaraderie of a chapter at special events such as German American Day, Oktoberfests, Christmas parties and more. Many chapters offer discounted prices to chapter members; opportunities to travel, language classes and more. Most importantly they will be helping us to preserve the heritage entrusted to us when the German immigrants gathered to lay the foundation of respecting and honoring our German heritage. To join or enroll a new member, use the application form in this newspaper; get an application form from your chapter to send in; or go to www.DANK.org and join on-line. •
Remember to use our Summer Membership Drive prices valid June 1 - October 30!
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Strawberry Schaum Torte 12 Servings Prep: 15 min. Bake: 50 min. + cooling Ingredients 8 egg whites 1 tablespoon white vinegar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 cups sugar 3 cups sliced fresh strawberries 1-1/2 cups whipped cream Directions • Place egg whites in a large bowl and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Add the vinegar, vanilla and salt; beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, about 2 tablespoons at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved.
• Spread into a greased 10-in. springform pan. Bake at 300° for 50-60 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to a wire rack to cool (meringue will fall). • Serve with strawberries and whipped cream. Store leftovers in the refrigerator. Yield: 12 servings. •
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Thank you for your donations German American Day Monte Oswald Martina Kistner George Pempek Leslie Suppan Walter Hartung Ruth Glienke Johann Jonekis Nancy Vazquez James Lipa Brian Luecht Jonja Simpson Mark Schoenbrunn Erwin Gronau Andrew Hain William Perry Christiane Manko-Morgan Erich Krahn Linda Ray Education Fund Martina Kistner Clifford Wilson Guy Wendler Robert Mitchell
John Sheets Ruth Glienke Johann Joneikis Ursula Anderson Gudrun Dorgan Nancy Vazquez Rosemarie Morgen James Lipa Karl Mayer Reinhard Hudak Brian Luecht Sandy Hartman Paul Drocke Martin Trettenbach Mark Schoenbrunn Erwin Bronau Andrew Hain Stephanie Nadda Osar Koenig Gudrun Watson Doris Simon Christiane Manko-Morgan Erich Krahn Margarete Tkocz Linda Ray
Newspaper Monte Oswald Martina Kistner George Pempek Clifford Wilson Renate Zerngast Guy Wendler Robert Mitchell James Muldernick, St Walter Hartung Charles Noles Rosina Lotspeich Ruth Glienke David Dohm Johann Joneikis Ursula Anderson Gudrun Dorgan Tak Mizuta Rita Lozada Catherine Schwab Nancy Vazquez Randi Bauer James Lipa Karyn Mehringer Karl Mayer Karl Kordas
Judth Kanka Brian Becker Brien Luecht Horst Fiedler Dave Stout Sieglinde Daniels Gerald Bernahl Erika Lange Joan ErichsenJill Shearer Meta Holzmann Theodore Bruns, MD Alois Doblinger Mark Schoenbrunn Erwin Gronau Andrew Hain William Perry Rudolf Schloesser Gudrun Watson Christiane Manko-Morgan Erich Krahn Linda Ray
We Welcome our New Members National Edda Galliher Chicago-South Beth Trippany Michael Schmidt Ray and Pam Yambor Chicago Ellen Kosman Michael, Carrie & Vincent Muehle Garrett Schoeben Joerg Guenther Scott Winterroth Natalie Seewald
Springfield, IL Rhonda Stout David & Carolyn Langemann Frank Hanisits Lawrence & Judith Richardson Kyle Valtilla Kris & Lera Ruebling Benton Harbor Rory, Jennifer & Max Callendar Paul Hutchens Primrose Eichberg Milwaukee Susan Marshall
Pittsburgh Paul, Christine Paul & Jackie Stephany Great Lakes Bay Region, MI Sieglinde & Kenneth Bouckaert James & Joan Youngblood Tim & Cheryl Elswick John, Rene, Brenda & Davis Konkle Rene & Diana Feys Justin Rowell Gary Dudlicek
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Hildegard (Mueller) Schloesser, 1934-2013 Hildegard Schloesser, of LaPorte, passed away on March 22 following a long struggle with cancer. Her friends knew her as Hilde and was ‘Mutti’ to her children’s friends. Mostly everyone remembers her contagious beaming smile! Born in Hannover, Germany, she married Rudolf F. Schloesser on Aug. 20, 1955 in Hildesheim, Germany. They immigrated to Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada and in 1960 moved to the LaPorte area. A member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Hilde was an assistant in the Sunday School program; a member of D.A.N.K. South Bend Chapter for many years; and an active member of LaPorte Neighborhood Watch Association. She enjoyed working alongside her husband, Rudy, in addition to gardening and baking (especially at the holidays), and being with her grandchildren. Hilde is survived by her husband, Rudy, two daughters, Christine and Regina; one son, Martin, and their spouses; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; all from the LaPorte area, in addition to her sister and brother-in-law, Erika and Robert Peinemann and niece Katrin and nephew Jens, of Germany.
DANK Chapter South Bend, IN
mourns the passing of long-time member
Ronald B. Szulczyk
A resident of Granger, IN, Ronald Szulczyk 72, passed away Sunday, April 14, 2013 in his home, surrounded by his loving family. Ron was born in South Bend on February 9, 1941. In 1985 Ron married the former Annemarie K. Siterlit, who survives. In addition to his loving wife, Annemarie, Ron is survived by 8 children, 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, as well as his sister, Nancy (Pat) Tubbs. Ron was a member of DANK Chapter South Bend, IN for 33 years. Ron has touched so many lives in so many ways. His laughter and smile will truly be missed by all.
DANK Chapter Benton Harbor
mourns the passing of long-time member
Inge B. Laser
February 3, 1925-April 22, 2013 Inge B. Laser, 88, of La Porte was born in Hamburg, Germany. In 1946, she married Erhard Laser who preceded her in death. She is survived by three children, 9 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
DANK Chapter Phoenix, AZ
mourns the passing of long-time member
Harry Solomonson
Harry passed away on March 23, 2013, in Phoenix, Arizona. Harry was born on May 28, 1930, in Springfield, IL and moved to Phoenix in 1971. Harry and wife Romy were married for 49 years. A celebration of Harry’s Life will be held in Phoenix on Memorial Day. Please join us in expressing our most sincere condolences to Romy and the family.
DANK Chapter Lake County, IL mourns the passing of long-time member
Verena Veile
Passed away April 28, 2013. Born in Bichelsee, Switzerland, she immigrated to the United States in 1964 and married Walter Veile in 1971. Verena, is survived by her husband Walter, two children and three grandchildren. Verena enjoyed walking, gardening, reading, and traveling especially back to her beloved Switzerland.
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Kinder Ecke The Happy Wanderer I love to go a-wandering, Along the mountain track, And as I go, I love to sing, My knapsack on my back. Chorus: Val-deri,Val-dera, Val-deri, Val-dera-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha Val-deri,Val-dera. My knapsack on my back. Mein Vater war ein Wandersmann, Und mir steckt's auch im Blut; Drum wandr' ich flott, so lang ich kann, Und schwenke meinen Hut. Chorus: Faleri, falera, faleri, Falera ha ha ha ha ha ha Faleri, falera, Und schwenke meinen Hut.
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Join DANK Chicago-West on their bus trip to Milwaukee’s
It vill be Fantastich! When does this take place? July 27th, 2013. Bus departs at 10:00 a.m. We will arrive in Milwaukee around 12:00 and be staying until 10:00 pm. Where do we meet? We will be meeting at Trinity Lutheran, 1165 Westmore Ave. Breakfast will be between 9:30 and 10:00. Bus leaves at 10:00 Promptly! How can this get any better? There will be a mid-afternoon excursion from 2:00 until 5:00. We will pay a visit to both the Usinger’s Outlet Sausage Company and the Old German Bier Hall appropriately located in the Old German section of Milwaukee. How much will all this fun cost? $45 DANK Members $50 non-members What does that include? Breakfast before the bus trip, round trip bus ride, beverages served on the bus, and your entrance ticket into Germanfest. To reserve your seat contact: Fred Leinweber at (630) 805-1504 or e-mail at manglersoftball@yahoo.com. SEATS ARE LIMITED SO SIGN UP EARLY!
Happy 4th of July
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