PUBLISHED BY THE UNITED GERMAN-HUNGARIANS OF PHILADELPHIA AND VICINITY
VOL. 75
OAKFORD, PENNSYLVANIA
—KIRCHWEIHFEST— STRONG & TRUE In two thousand eighteen I wrote, Boys, what do we have today? In two thousand sixteen we asked, why is this day so special to me? In two thousand twenty, many of the old standards, institutions, and traditions are no more a given here in America. America gave my grandparents an opportunity to belong and thrive allowing them to carry with them traditions of their old home in Europe. I wonder at times about the seeming contradiction in my family; so steeped in culture of being of German heritage and yet so proudly staunchly American first. In fact it isn’t a contradiction at all. The reason why, though comes from those grandparents. They came to the United States as people with no country. Sometimes my family in writing uses the word, “Heimatlos,” which literally translates to homeless but more accurately means “without a country.” They might have been called “Flüchtlinge,” in their native language, a word that means refugee. Unlike what we think of as refugees today, however these people and others like them committed to being wholly American, because they were guided by their past and were welcomed to do so. My Grandmom Hartmann once told me a story about her seeing the statue of liberty for the first time on the horizon as the ship came into New York Harbor. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 3)
No. 4
—AN ADDRESS FROM THE PRESIDENT— Dear Members, Family & Friends!
our events. Once we learn more, we will keep everyone abreast of the calendar and event locations. It has become evident that we can make a home wherever we go and we always have a lot of fun no matter where we are. It is not the building that makes a club; it is the people! Our membership is made up of great people where each of us is unique but where a common bond is so strong. We were able to celebrate our beloved Kirchweih in September at the First German Sport Club Phoenix in their Grove. We had a full house, and we were safe, masked and properly distanced. It was a lovely affair! We will host our annual Christmas Party at the Cannstatter Volksfest Vererin on Saturday, December 5th. We will be in the largest banquet room so we may take all the necessary precautions with distancing as required. Mark your calendar so you can join us on January 30th when the dance Group will host HK night at Austrian Village where you can count on a good Schnitzel, some good HK music and good old German Hungarian fun! In closing, I hope and pray that we will see a vaccine for Covid-19 so we may get back to a normal life sooner than later.
This pandemic has surely made an impact on 2020 and has introduced new challenges for all. Whether a shift in your business, health, distancing from family and friends and the lack of socialization it has been a tough year all around. The German Hungarians have worked hard to maintain some level of social interaction with conducting Online meetings and Chat groups, Quizzo, Children’s German lessons as well as supporting local clubs and businesses as we can. As a Club, it is important to keep everyone engaged! 2020 has brought forth a very difficult year and Cindy and Joe Proll of Trifecta Sporting Club had to make some difficult decisions to say the least. As of October 25, 2020,the building and property have been sold. Bensalem Township will be taking over the land/fields and the building at 4666 Bristol Road. All of our belongings are currently in storage at a safe location. Our Auxiliary Groups are working with local clubs for dance group practice Gold Bless America & and meeting space as well as fields God Bless the German Hungarians! for our soccer teams. As we move in to 2021, we will continue to use the Janet Fricker Malofiy, President local facilities for weekly needs and