Bavarian Times Magazine - Edition 05 - December 2014

Edition #5 | December 2014

| www.bavarian-times.com

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

r fo fr ee

We Wish You A MERRY Christmas and a Happy New Year

The best Christmas markets around Hohenfels, Vilseck and Grafenwoehr // Page 49–62 USAREUR band: Professional Christmas music of the finest kind // Page 4

How to get safely through the winter season // Page 30

| Index

Page 7 Netzaberg Chapel under con struction

Page 31

Shorter braking distances are the main advantage of winter tires

Page 9 Run raises awareness for early detection

Page 34

The all-new Volvo XC90

Page 50

Choir Festival at the Grafenwoehr Advent Market

Page 12 Nature walk brings local terrain to life Page 16 GES celebrates National PTA recognition Page 24

USAG Bamberg closes after 69 years of US Army presence

Page 54 Christmas Market at Guteneck Castle Page 58

The most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany

Page 63

Gingerbread Cupcakes

Page 28 Soldier Show's razzle-dazzle promotes 'Standing Strong' | Imprint

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| Grafenwoehr

Professional Christmas music of the finest kind

Tips for taking long vacations in the winter

Photo Credit: Renate Gradl (3)

Grafenwoehr, Germany – Visitors can expect a very special Christmas concert on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. Led by Lt. Col. Bruce R. Pulver, the United States Army - Europe Band (USAREUR band) will perform on that day in the Stadthalle.

The USAREUR band is stationed in Sembach, Germany. It was established in 1940. Together with its partner unit, the United States Army Europe Soldiers Chorus it is currently the third largest US Army band outside the continental United States. The band averages 200 performances peer year in more than 20 countries in Europe and the Middle East, to include Russia and Iraq.

Most members are professional musicians who already performed before joining the military. The majority has a degree in

music from the most renowned universities in the United States.

The band consists of about 60 musicians and, together with the chorus, will surely fascinate the audience. Two years ago, about 700 people got to enjoy a premium concert by the USAREUR band. Apart from classic Christmas songs, they entertained the audience with classical music and some funny pieces, for example about Christmas shopping.

Visitors should be curious what the USAREUR band will present this year. The US Army Garrison Grafenwoehr and the city of Grafenwoehr invite everybody to enjoy this concert highlight.

Admission to the concert is free.

| by Renate Gradl

Bavarian Times | 4

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| Grafenwoehr

The military history excursion of German and American soldiers from Grafenwoehr to the Italian Dolomites had a truly international touch. Led by Lt. Col. Hans-Joachim Gehrlein (third from right) hiked and climbed along the routes of the Alpine War. The photo shows the group next to an artillery gun on Monte Piana.

Retracing the war in the Alps

German Army combines education in military history with physical fitness challenge

Photo Credit: Gerald Morgenstern

Grafenwoehr. German and American soldiers from Grafenwoehr Training Area went to the Dolomite Alps in Italy to retrace the war in the Alps. This education in the military history of one of the worst front lines of World War I was also a true physical and athletic challenge.

Upon invitation by the Italian Embassy and with much support from both the German and US headquarters, the Office of the German Military Representative (DMV) and its guests left for South Tyrol. EOD specialists and other soldiers from the DMV, led by their commander, Lt. Col. Hans-Joachim Gehrlein, civilian employees of the local office of the German Army’s installation management command, and American soldiers from the 702d EOD, the DMV’s partnership unit, went on the trip.

The group stayed in the barracks of the Italian mountain division in Arabba at the Sella mountains and thus also had the opportunity to meet with Italian soldiers. The history lesson about the development of the Alpine war between the Austrian and Italian troops started at the intersection of the Falzarego- and Valparola-Passes, directly at the foot of the Hexenstein and Little

Lagazuoi mountains. Command Sgt. Maj. Roland Balscher explained the front lines, battle positions, and the mine tunnels of the warring parties and told the soldiers about the battles that took place from 1915-1917.

Tunnel systems, battle positions, caverns, gun emplacements and embrasures were also featured at the outdoor museum at Monte Piana. More than 14,000 soldiers lost their lives on that elevated plain. Another trip went to the Drei-Zinnen area with the Toblinger Knoten and Patternkofel mountains. Expertly guided

by German Army trainer Adel Karama, the excursions also led along some fixed rope routes. Hiking up the iron and ladder routes along the Sella, Cristallo and Plattkoffel mountains posed an immense physical and athletic challenge for many soldiers.

At the end of the week, the American soldiers were especially impressed by the many new experiences. The joint, challenging mountain tours along historic military routes improved mutual understanding and camaraderie, and fostered German-American-Italian friendship. | by Gerald Morgenstern

Bavarian Times | 6

| Grafenwoehr

Netzaberg, Germany – Netzaberg chapel is growing. More than $16 million are being spent to construct a chapel on Netzaberg that is much more than just a regular chapel. Instead, a central place of worship and belief is being built at the Netzaberg Village Center next to the schools, the Kindergarten and the youth center. The religious multi-purpose facility is scheduled to be completed in May 2016.

rising in the center towards the tower is growing. Approximately 20 percent of the project has already been completed. A suspended ceiling allows for indirect lighting. The large main room can be divided by a partition wall into a worship center and an activity center. A total of 672 seats can be put into the main room including the stage opposite the tower. The baptistry is located directly in the tower.

The famous architects Brueckner & Brueckner, with offices in Tirschenreuth and Würzburg, are the creators of Netzaberg chapel. “It is the final piece of the large EB-G project (Efficient Basing-Grafenwoehr) that will be realized despite the current budget cuts,” said the previous commander of the US Army Garrison Bavaria, Col. James E. Saenz at the groundbreaking ceremony in March. The chapel is being constructed by Mickan and Peter Gross construction companies. The impressive, semicircular arch concrete structure with the height of the building

Additional rooms are located in the lower side aisles around the main worship room. They include seminar and class rooms, the registry, offices, a library, nurseries, multi-purpose rooms, locker rooms, a kitchen and the restrooms. The utility rooms are located on two floors in the back of the building which has a total floor space of 3,000 square meters. The chapel also features an outdoor area and a parking lot along the access road. | by Gerald Morgenstern

Photo Credit: Gerald Morgenstern

Netzaberg Chapel under construction

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| Grafenwoehr

So-called joint fire support teams coordinated the combined arms live-fire exercise the “Tiger” participated in from Bleidorn with mobile target locating devices and corresponding radio equipment.

Attack helicopter “Tiger” on Grafenwoehr Training Area

Photo Credit: Gerald Morgenstern

Grafenwoehr, Germany – Flying cats of prey of the “Tiger” species trained on the training area. The pilots of Attack Helicopter Regiment 36 from Fritzlar, Germany conducted live-fire training on range 301, south of Kirchenthumbach with their $50 million aircraft. For the first time, the German Army’s new attack helicopter was used in a combined arms training at Grafenwoehr.

Planning, development and construction of the joint GermanFrench “Tiger” project started in the 1980s. It was delivered to the troops in 2010 as a counterpart to the American Apache helicopter. To date, 24 of a total of 32 aircraft have been delivered to the Attack Helicopter Regiment 36 “Kurhessen” in the Hesse town of Fritzlar. The “Tiger” replaces the German army’s antitank helicopter Bo 105. For the first time now, the Army aviators from Fritzlar came to Grafenwoehr with four aircraft to conduct combined arms training. “Tiger” live-fire training can only be conducted on a few training areas in Germany due to the large safety zones required for the weapons systems. Therefore, the crews also train at the Le Luc training area in France. Additionally, the “Tiger” has been deployed to Afghanistan.

Range 301, the largest range on Grafenwoehr Training Area, offers ideal conditions for live-fire training with the “Tiger’s” weapons systems. The helicopter is equipped with wire-guided antitank missiles, type HOT, 70-mm rockets and a 12.7-mm machine gun. Two aircraft team up and fire their weapons on the respective targets from an operating altitude of up to 500 meters. In addition to the live-fire training on range 301, the “Tiger” also participated in a combined arms training with the German Army Artillery Battalion 131 from Weiden with their “Howitzer 2000” and the Mountain Infantry Battalion 232 from Berchtesgaden with their 120-mm-mortar. A civilian jet aircraft also took part in the exercise, posing as a slowly flying jet. Air Force, Army aviators, mortar and artillery were guided, coordinated and controlled by international joint fire support teams and the control tower on Bleidorn. Planning and supervision of the training was conducted by the EOD and fire safety personnel of the German Army’s Office of the Military Representative, the U.S. Air Force air liaison officers and the U.S. Army’s range control team. | by Gerald Morgenstern Bavarian Times | 8

| Hohenfels

Parents and children join together to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a 5K fun run at Hohenfels, Oct. 18.

Hohenfels Community Members head out on a 5K run to honor those strong women and men who have been affected by breast cancer and to raise the awareness of the importance to having a plan for early detection.

Hohenfels, Germany – Cloudy conditions couldn’t keep community members from turning out en masse in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a 5K run at Hohenfels, Oct. 18.

Roach said that the run was designed to honor those strong women and men who have been affected by breast cancer and to raise the awareness of the importance to having a plan for early detection while encouraging others to do the same.

When asked how many community members have been affected by breast cancer, almost everyone raised their hands. This comes as no surprise considering that a staggering one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

“An early detection plan allows you to be proactive in your health,” said Roach. “As we gather today to focus on breast cancer awareness, I encourage you to seek better health: mental, physical, emotional, social and spiritual. I encourage you to be active, educated and empowered. As Mahatma Ghandi once said, ‘It is health that is real wealth, not pieces of gold and silver.’”

October is designated as Breast Cancer Awareness month and every year, bright pink T-shirts, ribbons, and bumper stickers with snappy slogans bring a high-visibility to the disease. Yet despite all that, breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women worldwide with over 1.6 million new cases in 2013 alone.

| by Mark Iacampo, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria – Hohenfels

Photo Credit: Mark Iacampo, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Hohenfels

Run raises awareness for early detection

But it‘s not all bad news.

With early detection, the five year survival rate for breast cancer is 98 percent. Right now, there are more than 1.7 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

“The single most effective thing you can do is increase your chance of detecting breast cancer in its early stages,” said Lt. Col. Shane A. Roach, Hohenfels Health Clinic commander.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation provides an app for personal digital assistants that provides reminders for self-examinations and to schedule regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.

9 | Bavarian Times

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| Grafenwoehr

Staff Sgt. David Scott, a paratrooper assigned to 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, checks the troop door of a U.S. Air Force C130J, Oct. 21, 2014, prior to an airborne operation as part of a brigade Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise. The paratroopers parachuted into NATO ally Romania for training, roughly 24 hours after initial notification to test their readiness as the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe.

Photo Credit: Sarah Tate

Sky Soldiers parachute into Romania for rapid deployment exercise Grafenwoehr, Germany – Approximately 90 paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade‘s 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment conducted an airborne operation into Campia Turzi, Romania, yesterday, to start the field portion of an Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise, referred to as an EDRE. The exercise tests the paratroopers’ ability to plan and execute fullspectrum operations on short notice as the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe. As such, the brigade provides ready troops to deploy within 18 hours, anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Command areas of responsibility.

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Some 24 hours prior, instead of reporting to work for scheduled training, the squadron instead received notification from the brigade headquarters they would be deploying to Romania the next morning. The squadron then conducted mission analysis and began the orders process, drew necessary weapons and equipment, and headed to Grafenwoehr Army Airfield to don parachutes, conduct mission briefs and load the awaiting U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft.

“We started with a warning order at [6 a.m.],” said Maj. Matthew Work, the brigade‘s executive officer, referring to the surprise notification. “This is part of building the readiness culture we have in the 173rd [Airborne Brigade], and building upon what we‘ve been asked to do for U.S. Army Europe in expanding our EDRE capability.”

After three hours in the air, approximately 900 kilometers east, the paratroopers jumped in all the equipment and supplies they would need for the next three days. From the drop zone, the paratroopers made linkup with Romanian troops on the ground, who played the role of host-nation forces in the scenario the paratroopers are operating in.

“These guys are thinking about once they leave the aircraft, what they have to do when they hit the ground to be able to assemble quickly and move out to their objective,” said Sgt. Maj. Steven Campbell, the brigade‘s operations non-commissioned officer in charge. “It gets right at the heart of being ready to go at a moment‘s notice. Once they conduct the airborne assault, the commanders

Bavarian Times | 10

| Grafenwoehr

problems. It‘s a phenomenal event that stresses the organization.”

For the brigade, the execution of the drill is the culmination of months of effort, coordinating with the Romanian military and U.S. Embassy in Bucharest to provide tough, realistic training for the paratroopers.

“We‘ve worked closely with our Romanian allies over the weeks leading up to this exercise,” said Capt. David Dean, a brigade logistical planner who liaised with Romanian military forces in planning the exercise. Their professionalism and efforts in planning this event made this possible.”

The EDRE is the first in a series of planned exercises over the next two months involving troops from the 173rd U.S. Army paratroopers from 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne board a U.S. Air Force C130J Airborne Brigade, alongside their NATO Oct. 21, 2014 at Nuernburg Airport as part of a brigade Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise. The paratrooallies in Romania. The exercises are a pers parachuted into NATO ally Romania for training roughly 24 hours after initial notification to test their readiness as the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe. part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, demonstrating U.S. commitment to NATO collective defense as well as building interoperability with allied forces. and leaders will be challenged because they‘ll be deprived of a lot of things – sleep, food – they‘re going to move long distances. The Romania has been and continues to be a strong NATO ally,” said commander will have to take the intelligence he receives along the Dean. “An exercise likes this demonstrates that and sets the stage way and make critical decisions, which will drive where their unit for a series of future exercises to build on.” goes.”

“Part of this EDRE is having our Soldiers being comfortable with the unknown,” explained Work. “We are going to get our leaders and Soldiers to a point where they are tired and uncomfortable. They‘re going to deal with the unknown and cause people to think differently under stress and duress.”

The EDRE comes just two weeks after the brigade finished its sixmonth deployment to Poland and the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The “Sky Soldiers” of the 173rd Airborne Brigade transferred responsibility for that portion of the Atlantic Resolve mission to Soldiers from the U.S. Army‘s 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

“It‘s all about readiness,” said Campbell. “They have to be ready.

We don‘t know where we‘re going next, but we know we have to be ready at a moment‘s notice to answer the call.”

This is leader training all throughout, from the private all the way through the organization,“ added Work. “We have a number of scenarios that are set up to test leaders and help them think through

| by Maj. Michael J Weisman, U.S. Army Europe

Photo Credit: Sarah Tate

As part of the EDRE, the brigade purposefully introduced stressors such as the uncertain environment, long foot movements and lack of sleep, all with an active opposing force in the area.

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| Grafenwohr

Caecilia Meier, environmental specialist, Directorate of Public Works, shows a photo of an oak jay to Wyatt Smith, 4, during the Environmental Trail Tour at Wild B.O.A.R. on Tower Barracks, Oct. 10.

Nature walk brings local terrain to life Grafenwoehr, Germany – Caecilia Meier held the dung beetle in her hand as she led a group of 10 along the Environmental Trail, Oct. 10.

Meier makes the local flora and fauna understandable for both children and adults.

“Nature has been a hobby my whole life,” said Meier.

Photo Credit: Chelsea Bissell, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Public Affairs

When she got to a good stopping point, Meier, an environmental specialist for the Directorate of Public Works, bent down and showed the beetle to two 4-year-old boys.

They gaped excitedly as Meier explained that the beetles are completely harmless and got their name by laying eggs in the droppings of larger animals.

When she asked the boys if they‘d like to hold the beetle, Jayden Cueva instantly plucked the bug from Meier‘s hand, giggling wildly.

Beginning directly behind the Wild B.O.A.R. facility at Tower Barracks, the Environmental Trail winds 1.6 miles through the forest of the Grafenwoehr Training Area.

The trail is home to a diverse range of plants, trees, fungi and animals. Signs dot the path, highlighting aspects of this ecological richness, like edible plants, tree species and wild game in the training area.

Every few months, Meier leads a group on a nature walk along the trail. Using an intimate knowledge of the local ecosystem,

Her genuine enthusiasm for the subject was contagious. As Meier demonstrated bird calls, squeezed water out of moss and plucked chanterelle mushrooms and wild carrots from the ground, children and adults asked questions and eagerly answered hers.

For the parents who arrived with kids in tow, the Environmental Trail Tour was an opportunity to feed their children‘s curiosity and help them understand the outdoor world.

“I think it‘s great for kids to learn about the different trees and nature,” said Kelly Smith, who brought her 4-year-old son, Wyatt.

“He‘s all about bugs and trees and animals,” said Rosie Cueva about her son, Jayden. “It‘s also quality time together that I get to spend with him.”

| by Chelsea Bissell, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Public Affairs Bavarian Times | 12

| Grafenwoehr

Jim Van Patten, director of both the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security, and the Plans, Analysis and Integration Office for U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria, holds his Stalwart Award in his office on Tower Barracks, Sept. 12.

Van Patten earns highest honor for civilians That‘s because Van Patten, who was honored last month when the U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear School named its distinguished honor graduate award after him, received another prestigious award that will have to vie for space in his office.

On Sept. 5, Van Patten was presented Installation Management Command‘s Stalwart Award, which is given to only seven individuals each year out of the organization‘s more than 70,000 employees.

“I had a part in leading the transformation during a particularly tough year in 2012,” said Van Patten, who serves as the director of both the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security, and the Plans, Analysis and Integration Office for U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria.

The three-page, single-spaced award justification for Van Patten is much less modest than he lets on.

ding the garrison through organizational restructuring, personnel reductions, and troop restationing, all while operating with dwindling resources.

Kathy Aydt, deputy garrison commander, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria, said she couldn‘t think of anyone who deserved the award more than Van Patten.

“Jim is selfless, always concerned about others, about the Soldier, and he knows what it means to be a Soldier,” she said.

“He‘s a leader who walks the walk.”

Aydt received Stalwart Award herself while serving at IMCOM Headquarters as chief of strategic communications in 2010.

Despite all the awards under his belt, Van Patten hasn‘t let it go to his head. He and his family plan to PCS early next year but said his job will essentially remain the same.

“I‘d like the opportunity to continue to serve Soldiers and families,” he said.

KE US. CONNECT US. In 2012, Van Patten served as acting deputy garrison commander in addition to his usual duties, and was instrumental in gui-

varian Times.

| by Jeremy S. Buddemeier, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Public Affairs

Photo Credit: Jeremy S. Buddemeier, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Public Affairs

Grafenwoehr, Germany – It‘s getting crowded in Jim Van Patten‘s office, but he doesn‘t seem to mind.

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| Washington

Reassurance, interoperability key for U.S. Army Europe Washington – Exercises and the promise of more exercises in the face of Russian aggression in Ukraine has reassured America‘s European allies, the deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Europe said here, Thursday.

Speaking at a Defense Writers Group breakfast, Maj. Gen. Walter E. Piatt said the command is well-situated to answer threats to security in the region and to further interoperability among NATO allies and partner nations.

Coalition forces -- very well-schooled in counterinsurgency -had to learn again the full range of operations, Piatt said.

“We didn‘t know what was next, but we knew we wouldn‘t do it alone,” he said. “If we‘re going to deploy together, we need to train together.”

The first series of NATO exercises under this new plan took place in November.

The exercises mean the United States takes its commitment to NATO and to allies very seriously, Piatt said. The exercise program is not new, he stressed, noting that the U.S. Army wanted to continue to build on interoperability with NATO allies gained from more than a decade of war in Afghanistan. But the program has grown with Russia‘s actions in Ukraine, he added.

Officials were going to rotate a unit from the United States to Germany for Exercise Combined Resolve, but sequestration spending cuts quashed that, Piatt said, so U.S. Army Europe used local units and went forward.

Shifting to preparedness

The exercise combined U.S., Czech and Slovenian forces making up most of a brigade. Nine countries participated with about 3,000 Service members. Piatt called it the “proof of principle” in creating a multinational brigade.

U.S. Army Europe had been training U.S. and multinational troops for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan for years, at state-ofthe-art facilities in Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels, Germany.

“So we were meeting the operational demand,” the general said. “We needed to shift from meeting the operational demand to meeting operational preparedness.”

Proof of principle for multinational brigade

“What we learned was that our allies are very competent,” he said. “There are experienced forces throughout Europe.”

This was followed by Combined Resolve 2 and Sabre Junc-

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A Romanian armored vehicle and U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter conduct a combined-arms live-fire exercise at the 7th Army Joint Multinational Training Command‘s Grafenwoehr Training Area, in Germany, as part of exercise Combined Resolve II, June 27, 2014. The third exercise in the Combined Resolve series will take place through November, at the Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas.

Going forward, U.S. Army Europe would like to bring over a heavy brigade combat team, Piatt said, and when the exercise is finished, it would leave its equipment in Europe for follow-on forces.

U.S. Army Europe has roughly 31,000 Soldiers -- a far cry from the more than 300,000 assigned to the command at the height of the Cold War. Yet these forces -- plus rotational units -- will be a seed for NATO interoperability, the general said.

procedures are key to coalition operations -- from disaster response to full-out war, he said.

“You don‘t want to meet the team on the ground for the first time,” Piatt said. “We saw this many times in Afghanistan, where you would be meeting forces from other nations for the first time when you have a real operational demand. We‘re doing that now so the relationships and trust are in place before deployment.”

He spoke of a recent exercise in which a Hungarian joint tactical air controller called in a German Tornado to provide fire for a U.S. armored battalion.

“That‘s how it works. That‘s interoperability. That‘s how the alliance works,” the general said.

Interoperability is about relationships At its core, Piatt told the defense writers, interoperability is all about relationships. | by Jim Garamone, DoD News, Defense Media Activity

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tion, and the command is ramping up for Combined Resolve 3. Soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, are arriving in Europe with their tanks, armored personnel carriers and other accouterments for the exercise.

GES celebrates National PTA recognition

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Grafenwoehr, Germany – Educational and U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria leadership gathered at the Grafenwoehr Jugendheim for the School of Excellence recognition ceremony for Grafenwoehr Elementary School, Oct. 9.

In August, the GES PTA was recognized as a National PTA School of Excellence for engaging local families in the educational process and involving them in the school environment.

From left: Lt. Col. Peter Wilson, commander, 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion; Dave Lehfeld, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria school liaison officer; Matthew Kralevich, Grafenwoehr Elementary School principal; Elizabeth Dunham, DoDEA Bavaria District superintendent; Edgar Knobloch, Grafenwoehr mayor; Doug McEnery DoDEA Bavaria District assistant superintendent; Col. Mark Colbrook, commander, USAG Bavaria and Kris Garst, European PTA president and Grafenwoehr PTA vice president.

GES was only one of two Department of Defense Education Activity schools and the first school in Europe honored with this recognition. Out of 20,000 possible schools, only 170 were named as a School of Excellence.

| by Chelsea Bissell, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Public Affairs

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| Vilseck

Local nonprofits toil for the troops Vilseck, Germany – It may come as a surprise that 60 private organizations operate in the Tower and Rose Barracks communities alone. Add 15 more to Hohenfels and four to Garmisch and it might appear that we are overflowing with these groups.

Some private organizations, like the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Bavarian Community and Spouses Club and Bookoo, play visible roles in the garrison. Others, small nonprofit organizations, work within their nuclear communities to make a difference.

Two of these private organizations are the Cougar Foundation and the Saber Foundation.

The groups are similar in mission and service, working out of Rose Barracks to raise money and morale for the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. Instead of focusing on unit support, like a family readiness group, the foundations operate on a squadron level, effectively unifying unit support.

The Cougar Foundation, the larger of the two, started in 2008 to support the 2nd Squadron of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment.

Though participation lagged in prior years, the foundation has recently enjoyed a renaissance.

They have made their mark with events that reach out to the larger U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria community. Their Halloween Extravaganza -- a carnival with games, food, candy, music and costumes -- and Fright Nights -- a haunted house on post -charge local Soldiers and families small fees to get in on the fun.

In the past, the group has used the money they raise to donate uniforms, spurs, money to FRGs and to send Soldiers to compete in a Tough Mudder competition.

“The purpose of the Cougar Foundation is also to boost morale.

When new Soldiers arrive, they can pick up baskets they can take back to their hotels. We definitely want to continue this

because it‘s a way we can feel useful,” said Eleonore Surles, president of the Cougar Foundation.

The Saber Foundation, the nonprofit for 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, emphasizes esprit de corps, cavalry history and providing moral support for the families of fallen Soldiers.

“We want to do a lot of good for the guys, the wives and remembering the fallen Soldiers,” said Saber Foundation VicePresident Melanie Wilhite.

Newer and smaller than the Cougar Foundation, the Sabers have so far kept their fundraisers local, though they plan to reach out to the entire garrison this year for their holiday ornament sale.

While both organizations aim to raise money, the leaders emphasize that every penny and more goes back to the squadrons.

“We have an FRG mentality so we function like an FRG,” said Wilhite. “We‘re all volunteers. Any money we make goes back to the Soldiers. We actually draw out of our pockets to support the squadron. We do it because we like it. It brings the unit together. We‘re like a family.” | by Chelsea Bissell, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Public Affairs Information about upcoming events with the Cougar Foundation, like the Halloween Extravaganza and Fright Nights, at their website: http://cougarfoundation.org/.

Information about the Saber Foundation can be found on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SaberFoundation?ref= bookmarks.

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| Vilseck

From left, Jessica Glessemer, Marquita Reid, Tiyahna Calvert, Rachael Rapp and Emily Rapp pose in front of the Veterans of Foreign Wars‘ Buddy Poppy Drive table at the Rose Barracks Commissary, Aug. 30.

Beyond cookies and popcorn Vilseck, Germany – U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria has a strong tradition of volunteer service, so it‘s no surprise that this generosity trickles down into the local youth.

While the Girl Scouts of all ages get involved in community service, most Boy Scouts volunteer through the Eagle Scout projects.

Many of these children and parents who want to give back while also developing leadership and life skills, turn to the Girl and Boy Scouts of America.

Every Eagle Scout -- the highest rank in Boy Scouts -- is required to do a service project which the scout organizes, funds and leads. In the Tower and Rose Barracks communities, the younger scouts provide labor and help the Eagle Scouts realize their goal.

In the Tower and Rose Barracks communities, about 240 local kids participate in scouting.

Though they are most noticeable during “cookie season,” many local troops devote time and resources year-round to bettering the community.

Girl Scout Troop 543, 251 and 235, all led by Marquita Reid, like to get their hands dirty. They weeded and spruced-up the community gardens and regularly pick up litter in the common areas on post.

Recently, they partnered with the local Veterans of Foreign Wars to solicit donations for the VFW Buddy Poppy Drive.

“We‘re involved,” said Reid. “We‘re trying to teach the girls that they can be anything they want to be, but to do that they need to play a role in the community.”

Photo Credit: James Dicks

Along with local projects, Reid urges her Girl Scouts to think globally.

As a nod to the service members in Afghanistan, Reid‘s scouts sent cards and candy to an orphanage in Afghanistan around Christmas last year. They also hold candy drives, sending the windfall to an orphanage in Poland. The next drive will be Nov. 14.

“We‘re supposed to teach them to be courageous and strong,” said Reid. “If they‘re not venturing out into the community, how can they be those things?”

The projects are designed to both give back to a community and to further develop the values of leadership, morality and citizenship, said Joshua Sims, Troop #240 leader.

“We‘re trying to build young men of character,” said Sims.

“They learn they should do their part to improve their surroundings and that‘s what a young man of character does.”

The projects differ widely and are chosen, with some guidance, by the scouts themselves. Recent Eagle Scouts have built a tool shed for a local, off-post church; constructed an iglooshaped hut from willow branches at the Rose Barracks Library and repaired the wooden stairs on the rugged terrain trail at Netzaberg Hill.

Leaders in both the Boy and Girl Scouts aim to foster an appreciation of community, growth and independence in their scouts.

“It‘s about making your little corner of the world better,” said Sims. | by Special to Bavarian News To contact the local Girl Scout troops, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GrafenwoehrGirlScouts.

To contact the local Boy Scouts, email Joshua Sims at swisusor@yahoo.com.

Bavarian Times | 18

| Schweinfurt

An honor guard of U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach Soldiers marches the USAG Schweinfurt colors off the parade field during USAG Schweinfurt‘s closure ceremony. Nearly seven decades of U.S. Army presence in the Lower Franconia town of Schweinfurt concluded during the ceremony Sept. 19, 2014.

Schweinfurt, Germany – Nearly seven decades of U.S. Army presence in the Lower Franconia town of Schweinfurt concluded during a garrison closure ceremony Sept. 19, 2014.

Hundreds of people attended the ceremony at U.S. Army Garrison Schweinfurt and watched the casing of the garrison colors and the final lowering of the U.S. flag.

Kathleen Y. Marin, Installation Management Command Europe region director, spoke at the ceremony.

“The inactivation of USAG Schweinfurt is not an ending, it is an end of only a chapter,” said Marin. “Although we are leaving Schweinfurt, Installation Management Command‘s commitment to our mission, our German neighbors, service members, Families and civilians still remains.”

USAG Ansbach oversaw the closure of both USAGs Schweinfurt and Bamberg. USAG Bamberg held their ceremony Sept. 12, the week before.

great memories we‘ve had and shared with our German partners and friends.”

“I sincerely wish and hope that the bonds of our friendship will survive beyond the year of 2014,” said Florian Töpper, the Schweinfurt county commissioner, who spoke at the event.

Sebastian Remelé, the lord mayor of Schweinfurt, also spoke at the ceremony specifically about the local history between the Germans and Americans following World War II.

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“We are not here to dwell on the sadness of our departure from Schweinfurt,” said Benson. “Instead we‘re here to celebrate the 19 | Bavarian Times

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| Schweinfurt

A crowd gathers at the U.S. Army Garrison Schweinfurt headquarters building prior to the garrison‘s closure ceremony. Nearly seven decades of U.S. Army presence in the Lower Franconia town of Schweinfurt concluded during a ceremony Sept. 19, 2014.

“Today is without a doubt historic,” said Remelé. “After almost 70 years, the last American Soldiers and their Families are leaving this location. At its peak, the American community here numbered 12,000 people, and therefore accounted for a major part of the population of both the city and district of Schweinfurt. Their withdrawal isn‘t just leaving behind 300 hectares of built-up areas in the city and the district, it also marks an end of an era in

the post-war history of Schweinfurt.”

Remelé described the arrival of the U.S. Army‘s 42nd Infantry Division and 12th Armored Division to Schweinfurt April 11, 1945, thus ending five years of war for the people of Schweinfurt.

“A huge sense of relief felt by the people of Schweinfurt quickly turned to a sense of uncertainty,” said Remelé. “However, how would the Americans treat the Germans? What kind of reprisals could they expect? How long would they stay?

“The initial measures, such as the curfew of the civilian population and the non-fraternization rule of the American armed forces seemed to promise hard times,” continued Remelé. “Yet trustbuilding and essential relief measures such as the distribution of care packages quickly led to an easing of what had initially been a tense situation.”

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The attitudes of the Americans helped sway Schweinfurt, according to Remelé. Specifically Remelé mentioned the role of the “American House” in Schweinfurt, a culture and information center open from 1949 to 1953 that offered Germans lessons in English, film and art exhibitions and more.

“It also became clear that the Americans did not see themselves as an occupying force and that they were also keen on spreading a sense of democracy to Germany with the opening of the American house, for example,” said Remelé. “The American way of life also became a part of life in our towns and villages, which were at the time very provincial places.”

Töpper also noted how much the Schweinfurt region changed as a result of nearly seven decades of American presence.

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“The hardest part, however, will be saying goodbye to the people you have grown to love, the lifestyle we have come to appreciate, and the celebrations that have shaped and enriched our lives in the Schweinfurt region for nearly 70 years,” said Töpper. “Our personal connections are wide-ranging: German-American marriages, friendships, and, in particular, the many German civilian employees who worked for the U.S. Army.”

Bavarian Times | 20

| Schweinfurt

Sebastian Remelé, front left, lord mayor of Schweinfurt, Germany, and Florian Toepper, front right, county commissioner for Schweinfurt, carry flags gifted to the city from U.S. Army Garrison Schweinfurt on the occasion of its closure. Nearly seven decades of U.S. Army presence in the Lower Franconia town of Schweinfurt concluded during the ceremony Sept. 19, 2014.

Benson and Marin both complimented the workforce of USAG Schweinfurt.

Some attendees echoed this sentiment. Some of the Schweinfurt natives recalled growing up with the Army there.

“Despite the challenges of closing a community, the staff of the U.S. Army Garrison Schweinfurt accomplished their mission with grace, with dignity, with compassion,” said Marin. “They made the difference in the lives of Soldiers and Family members who made Schweinfurt their home away from home”

Franz Brügger, an attendee at the ceremony, lived in the Schweinfurt area for 18 years before he immigrated to the United States. He was drafted in 1968 and served in Alaska and Vietnam. He recalled his memories of the post as a child and of getting to walk between tanks at open houses. With the absence of an active garrison in Schweinfurt, he said the changes to the town would be wider ranging than the garrison footprint.

Since the closure process began for Schweinfurt, the numbers of Soldiers, Family members and employees has decreased to a small contingency.

“The 12,000 or so Soldiers and Family members that lived here are already gone … off to new posts and new adventures,” said Benson. “And the tens of thousands of other Soldiers, civilians and their Family members who were stationed here since 1945 are also gone. But I can tell you that they will never find a place like Schweinfurt again. And they‘ll never find the deep friendships and the good times that they forged here. But their memories remain strong, and their hearts will always have a special place in it for Schweinfurt and its people.”

Lt. Orville B. Conn was the first member of the 6th Cavalry Group to be killed during the landing in Normandy. Lt. Col. William J. Ledward was commander of the 27th Artillery Battalion and was killed in action in Italy in 1944. Conn and Ledward Barracks, which made up USAG Schweinfurt in addition to other properties, were named after them in their memory. As part of the ceremony, Remelé and Töpper presented encased American flags to members of the Ledward and Conn families.

“Where is the American GI?” asked Brügger. “It was a way of life living here in Schweinfurt. This was part of it.”

Jutta Thein, a local national, grew up in Schweinfurt. She moved to Berlin when she was 20.

“I miss the nationals,” said Thein. “They live, they buy, they have the culture here.”

Elver Williams, a retiree living at Schweinfurt, attended the ceremony. He had lived in Germany since 1979. He spoke of the disappearance of USAG Schweinfurt that the ceremony represented:

Photo Credit: Ms. Tamara Payne (IMCOM)

“This proud and dedicated workforce consistently performed well above their weight class because they love what they do and they love who they do it for and with,” said Benson.

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Remelé spoke of Conn Barracks‘ namesake.

“His name is used to represent the many U.S. Soldiers who lost their lives in the battle for freedom in Europe,” said Remelé. “It is therefore very important that his name is not forgotten even when the U.S. armed forces have left Schweinfurt.”

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| Latvia

Latvian Soldiers from 1st Company, Land Force Infantry Brigade, run through smoke they created during training Adazi Training Area, Latvia, while paratroopers from 173rd Airborne Brigade based in Vicenza, Italy, observe, Sept. 24, 2014. This threeday live-fire exercise is part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, an exercise demonstrating the U.S. commitment to NATO obligations and maintaining interoperability with allied forces.

Photo Credit: Sgt. HollyAnn Nicom, 109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

173rd Airborne assists in Latvian training ADAZI TRAINING AREA, Latvia – Paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade based in Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, were on hand to assist infantrymen from the Latvian Land Force Infantry Brigade by providing range safeties and opposing force players during an exercise here, Sept. 24.

The blank-fire exercise took place in a muddy urban training site that consisted of multiple wooden structures with many rooms and doors. The newly built facility, designed and constructed by U.S. Soldiers from the Germany-based 15th Engineer Battalion, excited some of the Latvian Soldiers.

U.S. paratroopers are in Latvia as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve demonstrating U.S. commitment to NATO and increasing interoperability among allies.

“We usually train on our own buildings, but our boards are thinner and already shot through like Swiss cheese,” said Latvian Pvt. Arturs Levikins, an infantryman in 1st Company. “When we build the villages ourselves, we know all the rooms and have them memorized already. But with this village, there could be some secret rooms or something that we don‘t know about.”

The only distinguishable sounds among the bursts of firing weapons were the forceful commands of the Latvian 1st Company during the exercise. Paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade had already completed this training scenario, and were assisting their hosts in the Latvian Land Force Infantry Brigade in doing the same.

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This particular training was part of a three-day event that will end with a live-fire exercise in which all facets of the Latvian company will be tested. For this iteration, the Latvian company integrated support from U.S. Stryker armored vehicles from Apache Troop, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Rose Barracks, Vilseck, Germany, and 12th Combat Aviation Brigade UH-60 Black Hawks, Katterbach Army Airfield, Germany, enabling them to plan, rehearse and execute their mission on the objective.

Sgt. Maj. Travis Crow, Headquarters, 173rd Airborne Brigade, from Austin, Texas, participated in the event as a range safety officer. Crow believes that the exchange of capabilities and techniques is a valuable aspect of combined training. “It‘s good practice and rehearsal for both of us, really,” he said.

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Utilizing an opposing force, referred to as the OPFOR, on an objective greatly enhanced the training value.

Staff Sgt. Michael Bellinger, with Bravo Company, Special Troops Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, a Glens Falls, New York, native, who played the role of a high-value target the Latvians needed to find, felt the combined training was useful.

“They get to visualize what actual targets would be doing, moving from building to building,” he said. “These guys have been excellent hosts for us. They let us stay in their barracks, use their training facilities, and use the gym. I was glad that we got to help them out, give them some live OPFOR for their training, just to enhance it.”

The Latvian infantrymen welcomed the added benefit of the U.S. Soldiers during the exercise. Paratroopers took on the

role of a live enemy during the scenario. Both Latvian and U.S. personnel wore Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System gear, which gives off a distinct beep when a Soldier is successfully engaged by a laser synched to another Soldier‘s weapon.

“We executed a free-flow exercise with live enemy,” said Levikins. “It‘s better to shoot at something moving rather than a stationary target. When it‘s a live human, they are thinking and they are changing position and that‘s always better.”

In addition to the Latvians, the four maneuver companies from 2nd Battalion, 503rd Inf. Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, tested on this same urban terrain lane as they rotated through the combined arms live-fire scenario.

| by Staff Sgt. HollyAnn Nicom

Photo Credit: Sgt. HollyAnn Nicom, 109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Latvian Soldiers from 1st Company, Land Force Infantry Brigade, check their plans after dismounting a U.S. Stryker armored vehicle from Apache Troop, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Rose Barracks, Vilseck, Germany. The Latvian Soldiers rehearsed maneuver tactics with Soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, and the 173rd Airborne Brigade. This combined training is part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, an exercise demonstrating the U.S. commitment to NATO obligations and maintaining interoperability with allied forces.

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After nearly 70 years of American Soldiers in Bamberg, Germany, the U.S. Army Garrison Bamberg colors were cased and the American flag was lowered for the final time Sept. 12, 2014.

USAG Bamberg closes after 69 years of US Army presence Bamberg, Germany – After nearly 70 years of American Soldiers in Bamberg, Germany, the U.S. Army Garrison Bamberg colors were cased and the American flag was lowered for the final time Sept. 12, 2014.

Kathleen Y. Marin, Installation Management Command Europe region director, and Col. Christopher M. Benson, USAG Ansbach commander, spoke at the ceremony, which was held in front of the USAG Bamberg headquarters building.

Photo Credit: Mr. Bryan Gatchell (IMCOM)

“While we close this garrison today, the U.S. relationship with Bamberg does not end,” said Marin. “It will carry on through the good will of the Americans who have chosen to settle down in Bamberg after their service with the Army ended. But more importantly, our relationship continues through the thousands of local employees from the surrounding area who have worked at Bamberg, or the hundreds of thousands of American Soldiers and their Families who have lived here. It has been a home away from home.”

Bamberg became home to the U.S. Army in April, 1945, when U.S. Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division and 45th Infantry Division declared the city liberated after a short fight toward the end of World War II. Since then, the garrison has hosted the U.S. Constabulary, the 1st Infantry Division and thousands of Soldiers and Family members, and garrison-employed U.S. civilian and local national employees.

Through the nearly seven decades, many Americans have made their lives in Bamberg, and many Americans are also

native to Bamberg, as Marin pointed out.

“Just as John F. Kennedy famously declared that he was a Berliner, thousands of Americans can officially claim they are Bambergers, as certified on their birth certificates,” said Marin.

“This ceremony honors many decades of partnership between the United States Army, the city of Bamberg and its surrounding towns and villages,” said Benson. “Bamberg has long been home to Americans, and leaving it is particularly hard because of the way you, the citizens of Bamberg, have welcomed us into your hearts and homes.”

The closure of USAG Bamberg is the first of two in two weeks within Germany's Franconian region. USAG Schweinfurt is scheduled to hold a closure ceremony Friday.

“Our nation has asked us to conserve resources in this challenging time in both our countries’ histories, and we have accepted this challenge at garrisons across Europe -- in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy,” said Marin. “As part of this transition, service members, their Families, and the civil servants of many installations have been asked to fulfill the call of selfless service, which is the very essence of duty.”

Hundreds of attendees at the ceremony watched the symbolic process of casing the garrison colors and lowering the American flag for the final time. Col. Gary A. Rosenberg, garrison commander at Fort Drum, New York, and former garrison commander at USAG Bamberg; Lt. Col. Michelle Bienias, the Bavarian Times | 24

final on-location commander of USAG Bamberg; Benson, as the final commander of USAG Bamberg; and Command Sgt. Maj. Mark A. Kiefer, USAG Ansbach command sergeant major, cased the colors for the final time. A team of USAG Ansbach Soldiers lowered the flag for the final time.

“While our garrison colors will be sent to the Institute of Heraldry in the United States, when we retire the American colors, they will remain and be presented as a gift to the city of Bamberg and its wonderful citizens,” said Benson. “While we can never fully repay you for your kindness and generosity, we hope that this flag will always serve as a reminder of our gratitude and friendship.”

Terri Hofstetter, who was a special events coordinator with USAG Bamberg's Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation and a civilian personnel officer, said it was “very heartwarming” to be at the ceremony.

“It was good to see old friends,” said Hofstetter. “I was surprised I didn't cry, but there were a lot of happy memories. It felt good to see so many people here, coming out.”

Hofstetter said she would miss the community, the people and her coworkers.

“It was a good community,” said Hofstetter. “I felt like it was a great team.”

Brad Cline, the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation manager in USAG Bamberg, had been at Bamberg for 20 years.

With the garrison closing, Cline will move to and work in Ansbach.

“It's given me a boost to do something different,” said Cline. “It is sad. It's a great community. … I'll always remember this place, and it will remain in my heart, and I'll always come back to visit.” | by Mr. Bryan Gatchell (IMCOM) 25 | Bavarian Times

Col. Christopher M. Benson, U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach commander, addresses a crowd at a fest hosted by the city of Bamberg following the USAG Bamberg closure ceremony. After nearly 70 years of American Soldiers in Bamberg, Germany, the U.S. Army Garrison Bamberg colors were cased and the American flag was lowered for the final time Sept. 12, 2014.

Photo Credit: Mr. Bryan Gatchell (IMCOM)

| Bamberg

| Vilseck

The literary adventures of Spc. Cynthia A. Rodriguez ROSE BARRACKS, Germany – Some things that happen in a Soldier's life can take them by surprise, but for Spc. Cynthia A. Rodriguez, a human resource specialist assigned to Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2d Cavalry Regiment, the publishing of her first book was a “happy accident.”

Rodriguez, who started writing in middle school during a “rebellious” stage in her life, never intended to have her teenage hobby turn into a flourishing secondary career. Although serving her country has provided her happiness and a way of life that she enjoys, it's been her passion for writing that has always provided her that true escape from her everyday life.

“I think middle school really started it all and the only way I could really find myself was by getting it all down on paper,” said Rodriguez. “When I was 17 or 18, I started writing a book and I thought it was terrible but out of it came the beginnings of Mystic Waters.”

Photo Credit: Courtesy photo

Mystic Waters, Rodriguez's first book, is her first published venture into the writer's realm. Having written a good majority of the book while on deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, it provided her with a way to not only cope with her surroundings but to find a bit of herself as well.

“Afghanistan motivated me to finish this book,” said Rodriguez. “You’re always in the mind set of ‘what if tomorrow doesn't come’ and I didn't want to live with the question of whether or not I could actually write the book.”

Spc. Cynthia A. Rodriguez, a human resources specialist assigned to Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2d Cavalry Regiment, sits ready to start a meet and greet with fans of her book, Mystic Waters, at Bank Square Books located in Mystic, CT, Jul. 6, 2014.

story. Her main character, Liza, faces many internal as well as external obstacles that she must overcome. This is a trait that Rodriguez personally identifies with and has motivated her to continue the pursuit of her passion.

“I want to go back and take creative writing classes that will help with my books,” said Rodriguez. “I can get better and there is always room for improvement.”

Rodriguez hasn't slowed down since returning from her deployment having almost completed the sequel to her first book titled Chasing the Tide and has even started on the third book in the series. For her, writing is an intense challenge but the love she has for it helps keep her literary passion alive.

“When I write a book, within the first 30,000 words, I usually have the beginning, middle and end,” said Rodriguez. “I then go back and fill it all in to where it starts to make sense. Even before I finished the first book, I already had pieces of the third book written.”

KE US. CONNECT US. The inner courage that she found to write the book while deployed seems to be an underlying theme throughout the

varian Times.

Using this process helped Rodriguez to not only link the events throughout the book but it also enabled her to incorporate some her own real life experiences into it. Writing allowed her to work through some of the emotions that a

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| Vilseck

Spc. Cynthia A. Rodriguez, a human resources specialist assigned to Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2d Cavalry Regiment, stands in front of her unit's headquarters building located on Rose Barracks, Germany, Oct. 17, 2014.

Soldier has to deal with while deployed and when a Soldier in her squadron was killed in action, it brought with it the realization of life and death that exists for everyone that has been deployed.

Photo Credit: Sgt. William A. Tanner, 2d Cavalry Regiment public affairs print journalist

“A big influence on my book was the death of Staff Sgt. Jesse L. Williams,” said Rodriguez. “When I feel like quitting, I think of him and I know that if he could have another day he would want to chase his dreams and that motivates me to keep chasing mine.”

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Rodriguez uses experiences like this to capture her audience. She wants the reader to feel as though they have been through something similar to what her characters are going through. If a reader connects with her writing in any way, it makes all of the effort that she puts into her books worth it.

“This book has something for everyone,” said Rodriguez.

“For those that are experiencing their first love, those who are just dating or even those that aren't interested in anyone right now, there's a little something for everyone.”

As future projects go, Rodriguez seems to have plenty on her plate in the foreseeable future but that hasn't stopped her from doing her best for her unit. For her, the Army comes first.

“The Army works for me because I am willing, I work hard and I have a respect that has been ingrained in me,” said Rodriguez. “Writing brings me the same satisfaction that graduating the Warriors Leadership Course did. It's the feeling that I've achieved these things.”

| by Sgt. William A. Tanner, 2d Cavalry Regiment public affairs print journalist 27 | Bavarian Times

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From left, Spc. Aurielle Polynice, Staff Sgt. Duane Reno, Pfc. Kiari Mhoon and Sgt. Tyrell Mays pay homage to the Beatles during the Soldier Show at U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria, Oct. 28.

Soldier Show's razzle-dazzle promotes 'Standing Strong' Grafenwoehr, Germany – Fourteen of the Army's top singers, dancers and showmen lit up Tower Barracks at the 2014 Soldier Show, Oct. 28 and 29.

During the 75-minute show, active-duty, National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers belted pop songs -- like David Guetta's “Titanium”, Imagine Dragon's “Radioactive” and Phillip Phillips' “Home” -- while they jumped, shimmied and sashayed across the Tower Barracks Theater stage.

With the theme of “Standing Strong,” the performance went beyond entertainment to promote fortitude in the face of adversity.

“The show is delivering the Army message through song and dance instead of sitting in a classroom looking at slides,” said Sgt. 1st Class Frederick McDuffy, Army Entertainment's noncommissioned officer in charge.

Photo Credit: Chelsea Bissell, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Public Affairs

While much of the show was fun and upbeat, it also addressed serious issues -- some tragic, some commonplace -- that the Army community knows well.

The performers conveyed the desperation of suicide and the hope of finding support with Christina Aguilera and A Great Big World's “Say Something.” In another scene, a Gold Star Family mourns their fallen Soldier; in another, the waiting fiancée of a deployed Soldier sings John Legend's ballad, “All of Me.” For the Soldiers on stage, the stories and messages they portray are deeply personal.

Spc. Copey Rice, from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, struggled with a friend's recent suicide while rehearsing for the show.

“It was just so emotionally draining,” he said. “The (suicide) scene made it possible for me to keep going.”

The Soldier Show's resident break dancer, Staff Sgt. Harrison Scurry, stationed at Fort Drum, New York, finds most meaning

during “Thank You,” a song the cast performs thanking Soldiers for their service.

“In the early stages of war it seemed like no one cared,” said Scurry, who has devoted the past 12 years to the Army. “I spent 39 months total in Iraq and Afghanistan. With 'Thank You,' the Soldiers see that someone cares.”

“When we went to Afghanistan the Soldiers sit down with rock faces. When we got done singing 'Thank You' they were smiling.”

After each show, the performers stand in a receiving line. Soldiers often take this opportunity, explained the cast members, to share their thoughts on the show and how it affected them.

“Standing there in that line, I've had some of my greatest moments seeing the gratitude from the message,” said Rice.

Spc. Abighail Mary, from Camp Humphreys, South Korea, agreed.

“That's the best moment when you can see the emotion, when they're telling you about their son or daughter,” said Mary.

“That's the most important part for me.”

The performers' ability to connect with their military audience makes the Soldier Show a powerful asset, said McDuffy.

“It's actual Soldiers who go through the same things you go through delivering the message,” he said. “And that's what makes it different.” | by Special to Bavarian News Got talent? Apply to audition for the 2015 Soldier Show here: http://www.armymwr.com/recleisure/entertainment/experience_army_entertainment.aspx.

Bavarian Times | 28

| Health

At the first signs of cold, a warm bath with essential oils can help to fend it off, or at least alleviate the symptoms.

How to fight off a cold

Bathing, sweating, resting – how to quickly get rid of a cold and other ailments (djd/pt). Colds are annoying. Most of them begin with a sore throat, then the nose starts running, often accompanied by a pestering cough, a headache and joint pain. The cold and wet time of the year is the peak season for infections of the upper respiratory tract. Up to four colds per year are normal for an adult. Although they are usually harmless, they are annoying and should not be ignored to ensure they do not turn into a serious illness.

Warm water and essential oils It is extremely important to actively react as soon as the first signs of a cold appear. An effective measure is a warm bath, preferably with essential oils from medicinal plants such as eucalyptus, rosemary, thyme and camphor. Such baths help in many ways: The warmth stimulates the blood flow through the mucous membranes, allowing them to better fend off viruses.

Additionally, the essential oils have a direct impact on the nose and the bronchial tubes, dissolving the mucus, and clearing the upper respiratory tract. After the bath, it can be helpful to wrap a warm blanket around your body to induce sweating. Sweating activates the body’s natural defense mechanism, comparable to having a temperature.

herbal teas, natural water, hot lemon, or warm elderberry juice with honey. Additionally, you should rest a lot and eat a lot of vitamins such as fresh fruit and vegetables. A slow walk in the fresh air can also be helpful as long as you do not have a temperature and dress warmly. And last but not least, Grandma’s chicken soup is a miracle cure against infections of the upper respiratory tract. It contains the protein cysteine which has an anti-inflammatory and decongestant effect.

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Winter tires provide safety and are required by German law during certain weather conditions.

Photo Credit: djd/Deutsche Versicherungswirtschaft/thx

How to get safely through the winter season (djd/pt). Darkness, bad visibility, fog and ice and snow on the road. Winter often arrives earlier than expected. Our special offers you tips on how to best prepare for the fall and winter season.

Mounting winter tires and adapting your driving habits Drivers should not underestimate the winter season and the dangers associated with it. “As soon as the announcement is made that temperatures will drop, drivers should be prepared for changing driving conditions and difficult road conditions, and should adapt their way of driving,” says Stephan Schweda, spokeswoman of the Association of German Insurances. An early tire change makes sense to not put yourself and other drivers in danger. “Safety and consideration are priority number one when the weather is bad,” adds Schweda. Driving defensively is especially important when the roads are slippery

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and icy. Keep more distance, accelerate and apply the brakes slowly, and reduce your top speed: Those are the most important driving safety tips for the winter.” Winter tires provide additional security and are required by German law during certain weather conditions.

Opt for quality winter tires Drivers who mainly drive in a flat countryside often ask themselves whether it is cheaper to invest in year-round tires rather than in two separate sets of summer and winter tires. If you travel year-round on tires carrying the M+S symbol for mud and snow than you are technically ion the safe side as far as the legal requirement for winter tires is concerned. However, “that is not the best solution for your vehicle‘s safety and the safety of other motorists,” says Klaus Engelhart, press spokesperson for the Continental tire company. While year-round tires are designed to perform better on snow than summer tires, “the specifications for tires that provide utmost safety and mobility even under the most extreme weather conditions are significantly higher,” according to Engelhart.

During the dark winter months, vehicle lights should be regularly checked, lights should be turned on when driving, and the windshield wipers should be in mint condition. A defensive way of driving and a traveling speed adapted to the driving conditions, especially in wooded area, can significantly reduce the danger of accidents.

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| Cars & Traffic

Have you already changed to winter tires? German law requires that cars are equipped with winter tires during certain weather conditions.

and driving at 80 km/h needs a braking distance that is six meters longer before it stops than a car equipped with winter tires.

That is much more than one complete vehicle length. When the car equipped with winter tires stops, the car equipped with summer tires is still traveling at a speed of 32 km/h.

Nonetheless, 30 percent of all drivers in Germany either do not change tires at all, or too late in the season, according to a survey conducted by Goodyear.

Shorter braking distances are the main advantage of winter tires

Winter tires maintain their elasticity even during cold temperatures This winter tire, for example, features a so-called full-silica-contact surface that keeps the tire’s elasticity and ability to fully adapt to the road’s surface even in cold weather. The difference regarding the performance of winter and summer tires is based upon the difference in the material mix used for the contact surface and the tire patterns. Summer tires are made of a special mixture designed for warm temperatures which hardens when it gets cold. The full-silica-contact surface, on the other hand, improves the grip and increases the safety margin of winter tires in critical situations.

Photo Credit: djd/Goodyear

You should already change to winter in October and you should drive with them until Easter. However, 17 percent of those polled do not change their tires until the temperatures drop significantly. Three percent wait until the first snow falls, or when they simply can’t get to where they want to go with summer tires anymore. More than ten percent of Germans do not change their tires at all. Additionally, more than a third of German drivers believe that winter tires are only needed in regions where it snows a lot. A dangerous mistake because modern winter tires need a significantly shorter braking distance and feature a better steering and acceleration response during the cold season than summer tires.

(djd/pt). When the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, it is time for winter tires. Winter tires are not only “snow tires.”

They also have their advantages during the typical fall weather with freezing rain or frost. They are generally superior to summer tires and provide a safety plus during the fall and winter seasons. Their main advantage is the significantly shorter braking distance when temperatures are low.

More than ten percent do not change to winter tires Brake tests show that on wet roads and at temperatures barely above the freezing point a vehicle equipped with summer tires

31 | Bavarian Times

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(djd/pt). If the roads are covered with ice and snow and you violate the appropriate traffic laws, you run the risk of quickly getting a fine. If you park your car on the road and do not feel like completely de-icing your windshield in the morning, only cleaning a small hole to look through, you risk having to pay a fine of 10 Euro if the police catch you. It will get real expensive if you get into an accident due to your lack of vision: A 35 Euro fine and most likely costly trouble with your insurance. Likewise you should not be driving with summer tires in winter. If you drive on snowy roads without winter or all-weather tires, you can expect a 40 Euro fine and one point in the German traffic registry in Flensburg. If you obstruct traffic due to the wrong tires, the fine is 80 Euro.

It can get really expensive without snow chains It will get significantly more expensive if you travel into Austria without snow tires. Here, the ADAC reports, snow tires must generally be put on when driving on winterly roads that are marked with a blue road sign showing the snow chain symbol.

If you do not comply, fines up to 5,000 Euro have to be paid depending on the severity of the violation. In Switzerland, if a road is marked with the sign “snow chains mandatory,” you must also put on snow chains. Exceptions may apply for vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive. Violations will be fined with 100 Franken (about 73 Euro). “Not only for financial reasons but mainly for safety reasons, you should invest your money into a set of modern snow chains,” says Oliver Schönfeld.

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| Cars & Traffic

The all-new Volvo XC90 The all-new Volvo XC90 is a visually striking, premium quality seven seat SUV with world leading safety features, new powertrain technologies, an unrivalled combination of power and fuel efficiency and a superlative interior finish.

The new XC90 marks the beginning of a new chapter in Volvo’s history, capturing its future design direction, incorporating its own range of new technologies and utilising its new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) technology.

The First Edition of the all-new Volvo XC90, 1,927 individually numbered cars only available for sale via digital commerce, sold out in 47 hours after it was released in early September 2014.

Volvo’s new face The new XC90 is the first Volvo to carry the company’s new more prominent iron mark, which has the iconic arrow elegantly aligned with the diagonal slash across the grille. Together with the T-shaped “Thor’s Hammer” DRL lights, the iron mark introduces an entirely new, distinctive and confident face for Volvo’s forthcoming generation of cars.

The XC90’s larger bonnet with its new topography, the beltline and the sharpened shoulders connecting with the tattoo-like, new rear lights are other important design signatures that will be mirrored across the range.

Photo Credit: Volvo Cars USA

To add more visual muscle from the sides, the XC90 comes with a range of wheel sizes up to 22 inches.

Luxurious interior The XC90’s interior is the most luxurious to have been designed for a Volvo. The most striking feature is a tablet-like touch screen control console, which forms the heart of an all-new in-car control system. This system is virtually button free, a simplicity that opens up generous surfaces and gives us the opportunity to create a modern, luxurious interior architecture.

The all-new XC90 interior combines materials such as finest Nappa leather and wood with handcrafted details, including a gear lever made of crystal glass from Orrefors, the famous Swedish glassmaker, and diamond-cut controls for the start/ stop button and volume control.

New trim level strategy Volvo Cars’ reinvented trim level strategy resembles a tree with two branches. Kinetic is the base, followed by the very competitive Momentum level.

Inscription and R-Design form the two branches on the tree.

The Inscription package is designed for customers that want an elegant look and a luxurious experience, while R-Design has a sporty and dynamic aura.

In principle, the previous top level has been replaced with the Inscription and R-Design versions. Both of them feature an elevated content, carefully chosen to emphasise each of their distinctive individual personalities. (Volvo Cars USA)

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| Cars & Traffic

(Audi of America) The Audi Q3 combines coupe-like design with the utility of an SUV, offering an excellent balance of agility and functionality. It features a standard 200 horsepower 2.0 liter TFSI® engine with a six-speed Tiptronic® transmission.

The Q3 joins the highly successful Q5 and Q7 Audi SUV line-up and will go on sale this fall.

Audi Q3 MSRP* excluding transportation, taxes, title: Audi Q3 Premium Plus, FWD: $32,500 Audi Q3 Premium Plus, quattro: $34,600 Audi Q3 Prestige, FWD: $36,400 Audi Q3 Prestige, quattro $38,500 * Transportation charge is $925.00

The sporty character of the Q3 is defined by its low roof line and wraparound tailgate, along with distinctive exterior lighting including Audi xenon plus and LED daytime running headlamps as well as LED taillights standard. The optional Sport package which includes sport seats, shift paddles and Audi drive select adds to the dynamic character of the Q3. The Audi drive select system allows drivers to adjust the shift points and throttle mapping of the Q3 at the touch of a button. The available legendary quattro® all-wheel drive system helps provide additional grip for those seeking a winding road or additional traction in wet and snowy conditions.

Inside, the Audi Q3 seats five passengers, has 60/40 split folding rear seats that make 48.2 cu-ft of cargo volume when folded down. Standard dual-zone automatic climate control, available power tailgate and interior LED lighting round out the interior. The Audi advanced key provides keyless access as well as keyless start/stop functionality.

The available MMI® Navigation plus with voice control utilizes a 7.0 inch display and adds a color display to the driver information system located in the instrument cluster. The MMI Navigation Plus features the award-winning Audi connect® infotainment system (included in Prestige model), which includes in-vehicle Wi-Fi connectivity for up to eight wireless devices for passengers. Audi connect also provides Google Earth™ maps for a true aerial view of roads and the surrounding area. A 14-speaker, 465 watt Bose Surround Sound System is also part of the Prestige model offering to satisfy audiophile needs.

The Audi Q3 offers an excellent balance of performance and functionality for the urban outdoors.

35 | Bavarian Times

Photo Credit: Audi of America

Audi announces pricing for all-new 2015 Audi Q3 crossover

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| Cars & Traffic

Available in Germany starting in December: The new version of the BMW crossover X6.

Photo Credit: BMW USA

BMW X6: A powerful vehicle with a lot of character

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(dmd). Off-Road BMW fans can treat themselves to a special Christmas present this year. On Dec. 6, the second generation of the BMW X6 is available at local car dealers. It features a more sporty design and better gas mileage.

One thing is for sure: Like the old version, the updated version of the massive crossover isn’t a car for introverts. It measures 4.9 meters from the back to the front, weighs 2.17 tons and is 1.9 meters wide. The front is dominated by the headlights and the roof line that slopes to the back still ends in a bulky rear end with newly designed LED lights. The vehicle’s design strongly resembles that of the BMW X5 with which it is technically identical. However, it appears “stronger and more assertive.”

For a reason: The crossover comes with a selection of three engines. A Diesel engine with 258 HP and two gasoline engines with 381 and 450 HP. Those who do not want to put the new X6 under their Christmas tree, might want to wait until the spring when BMW will offer two additional engines with 306 and 313 HP respectively.

According to BMW, the average gas mileage of the vehicle was reduced by 22 percent and now averages 6 to 9.7 liters per 100 kilometers. The CO2-output averages 157-225 grams per kilometer. Serial features include Bi-Xenon-headlights, an automatic trunk lid release, an eight-gear Spectronic sports transmission with rocker switches at the steering wheel, automatically dimming rearview mirror, the security package “Driving Assistant” and leather seats and trim. The trunk has a volume of 580 liters and can be expanded to 1.525 liters when putting down the rear seats.

Bavarian Times | 36

The New BMW 2 Series Convertible Few new cars have been more anticipated than the BMW 2 Series Coupe when it arrived in early 2014. Hot on the heels of the widely acclaimed BMW 228i and M235i Coupe, BMW announ-

ces the new BMW 2 Series Convertible. Available in the US as the 228i and M235i, the 2 Series Convertible blends the style and dynamic driving character for which the 2 Series Coupe is

Photo Credit: BMW USA

| Cars & Traffic

| Cars & Traffic

Photo Credit: BMW USA

already renowned with the open-air pleasure of a folding softtop. The BMW 2 Series Convertible will make its world debut at the Paris Motor Show. The 2015 M235i and 228i as well as the 228i xDrive, featuring BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system, will arrive in US showrooms in early 2015. The 2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible will be offered at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $38,850 for the 228i, $40,650 for the 228i xDrive, $48,650 for the M235i, including $950 destination and handling The BMW 2 Series Convertible follows in the tire tracks of the pioneer and undisputed leader in its class - the BMW 1 Series Convertible. The 1 Series Convertible entered the fray as the first open-top premium model in the sub-compact segment, went on to defend its position as clear market leader against subsequent pretenders to its throne, and achieved sales figures in excess of 130,000 units worldwide. The development team for the new BMW 2 Series Convertible has focused squarely on building on the strengths which proved pivotal to this success.

With even more grace, athleticism and sharpness about its design, clear advances in terms of performance as well as efficiency, and improvements in the driving comfort, functionality and innovative equipment features it offers, the BMW 2 Series Convertible takes the qualities displayed by its predecessor to a new level.

The number 2 has a special importance in the model history of BMW and, since the arrival of the BMW 02 range more than 45 years ago, has represented exceptionally sporting driving pleasure in a subcompact car. Introduced in 1966, the 02 series went on to become a byword around the world for sporty, agile handling – and from 1967 these gifts could also be enjoyed with the roof down. Specialist coachbuilder Baur wasted little time in developing a pair of soft-top variants based on the BMW 02 range which were produced until 1975.

Elegance and openness in the established style of BMW Convertibles.

The exterior design of the BMW 2 Series Convertible displays the typical characteristics of an open-top four-seater from the Bavarian brand. The BMW 2 Series Convertible combines a low-slung silhouette and dynamically stretched lines with compact proportions and powerfully contoured surfaces. As with the 2 Series Coupe, its distinctive looks underline its standalone status in the brand’s model line-up and spotlight the dynamic potential, exhilarating open-top driving experience and premium characteristics which customers can expect. All in all, the eye-catching features which distinguish the BMW 2 Series Convertible from its rivals need no second introduction.

Opening the standard electrically-operated soft-top roof highlights the harmonious transition between the exterior and interior. The shoulderline and soft-top compartment create a level surface that wraps around the passenger compartment and evokes the distinctive “boat deck” character of BMW Convertibles. The rollover bars, which remain out of sight unless deployed as required, also contribute to an overall impression dominated by large level surfaces. The design of the interior is headlined by modern functionality, high-quality materials and the driver focus for which BMW is renowned. And exclusive accents in the center console help to give the BMW 2 Series Convertible a refined premium feel in keeping with the car’s character.

Hallmark BMW design language, classical features of a BMW Convertible.

The front end of the BMW 2 Series Convertible, which adopts the brand’s familiar design language, exudes power and presence. As with the BMW 2 Series Coupe, front-end structuring comes courtesy of lines that converge dynamically on the lar-

Bavarian Times | 38

| Cars & Traffic

Together, the level shoulderline of the BMW 2 Series Convertible and the car’s telltale BMW proportions – the product of short overhangs, a long hood, long wheelbase and set-back passenger compartment – create an ideal environment in which to enjoy an exhilarating open-top driving experience. The positioning of the seats well back in the body gives the driver and passengers an up-close-and-personal experience of not just the onrushing wind and the sun’s rays but also the transfer of power to the rear wheels.

Its shoulderline rises slightly to the rear and merges into the virtually horizontal trunk lid. And it links up with the prominent swage line running alongside it, through the door handles and into the rear, to create a dynamic wedge shape which captures the forward-surging urgency of the BMW 2 Series Convertible. Additional character lines leading from the doors and side skirts to the rear fenders divert the eye to the powerfully formed surfaces around the rear wheel arches, which duly focus attention on the car’s rear-wheel-drive set-up. The BMW 2 Series Convertible’s body is at its widest around the rear wheels.

The rear lights, which extend well into the fenders, display the familiar BMW L-shape and have LED-powered light strips. The third brake light is integrated into the trunk lid and likewise illuminates using LED units.

39 | Bavarian Times

The interior: driver-focused cockpit, cutting-edge functionality, refined premium ambience.

The arrangement of displays and controls familiar from other BMW models gives the BMW 2 Series Convertible’s cockpit a familiar driver focus. The surface structure of the instrument panel, center console and door trim follows the overlapping principle known as “layering”. The bespoke design of the BMW 2 Series Convertible’s center console creates a refined premium feel on board. The controls for the audio system and climate control are set against high-gloss black surfaces, and the air vents have chrome surrounds. These elements are joined by an exclusively designed display for the climate control system with white readouts on a black background. An array of stowage areas and large storage compartments in the doors, meanwhile, contribute to the modern functionality of the interior. (BMW USA)

Photo Credit: BMW USA

ge, slightly forward-slanting BMW kidney grille. The contours of the twin circular headlights narrow at their inner extremes and are replicated by the outlines of the outer air intakes. Air Curtains integrated into the front apron serve to channel the onrushing air precisely behind the front fenders, reducing turbulence in the wheel arches. The headlight units are separated from the BMW kidney grille by narrow strips on either side. An LED accent strip – or, if the Xenon lights are fitted, an LED accent light – cuts across the top of the headlights.

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The all-new 2015 GLA Fits in anywhere, stands out everywhere

• All-new U.S. specification vehicles • Extensive selection • Convenient delivery • Custom-order or choose from inventory

militaryautosource.com Contact Your Local Sales Representative: Grafenwöhr | Im Gewerbepark 31 | D-92655 Grafenwöhr Jamie James | jjames@militarycars.com Cell: +49 (0) 170 9923 124 | Office: +49 (0) 9641 936 7617 Program and guarantees are subject to terms and conditions. Offered by Auto Exchange Kraftfahrzeug-Handels GmbH. (AX8894)

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militaryautosource.com Contact Your Local Sales Representatives: GRafenwÖhR | Sam Childs | (0 96 41) 92 61 41 | Chris Cadotte | (0 96 41) 9 26 00 20 VILSeCK | David Goulden | (0 96 62) 7 00 71 37 *Custom order and Stateside delivery available on Audi and Volkswagen vehicles only. Programs and guarantees are subject to terms and conditions.

Vehicles shown are for illustration purposes only and may contain optional equipment at additional cost. See your Sales Representative for details.

Offered by Auto Exchange Kaftfahrzeug-Handels GmbH. (AX8897)

| Cars & Traffic

Mustang offers high performance with sleek new design and innovative tech

“Ford Mustang inspires passion like no other car,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development.

“The visceral look, sound and performance of Mustang resonates with people, even if they’ve never driven one. Mustang is definitely more than just a car – it is the heart and soul of Ford.”

Mustang’s impact goes well beyond the 9 million-plus cars sold in its 50 years of continuous production. It has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and is the world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook. For the first time ever, Ford will bring Mustang to customers in key parts of Europe and Asia.

The Mustang experience The way Mustang looks, drives and sounds is key to the visceral experience that makes drivers just want to get in the driver’s seat and hit the road. The Mustang is the first car to offer four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines that each produce at least 300 horsepower. With more powertrain options to choose from, there is a Mustang to fit any lifestyle. The 3.7-liter V6 and upgraded 5.0-liter V8 are joined by an all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine that brings state-of-the-art technology to Mustang.

The Mustang’s EcoBoost engine uses direct injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to deliver plenty of usable per-

41 | Bavarian Times

formance across a broad RPM range. A unique intake manifold and turbocharger housing enable it to deliver the performance Mustang drivers expect with 310 horsepower* and 320 lb.-ft. of torque.* “This EcoBoost engine delivers where a Mustang driver expects it to, with a broad, flat torque curve that pours out when you stand on it for easy passing or hustling down a twisty road,” said Dave Pericak, Ford Mustang chief engineer.

Mustang GT continues with the latest edition of the throaty 5.0-liter V8, now featuring an upgraded valvetrain and cylinder heads that help boost output to 435 horsepower* and 400 lb.ft. of torque*. A new intake manifold features charge motion control valves to partially close off port flow at lower engine speeds. This increases the air charge tumble and swirl for improved air-fuel mixing resulting in improved efficiency and idle stability.

With 300 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque on tap from the standard 3.7-liter V6, even the most accessible Mustang delivers the performance customers expect. Drivers will appreciate smoother shifts from the updated manual gearbox, while a reworked automatic transmission features new steering wheelmounted shift paddles for drivers who want the choice between convenience and control. (Ford Motor Company USA) *Using 93-octane fuel

Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company USA

Loaded with innovative technologies and delivering high levels of performance and style, the all-new Mustang is the next chapter in the life of one of the world’s most iconic cars.

| Cars & Traffic

2015 Cheverolet Traverse is spacious, refined and efficient When it comes to a spacious interior, advanced safety features and a refined design built for efficient performance, the Chevrolet Traverse is the ideal crossover SUV – with seating for up to eight.

Traverse is offered in LS, LT (1LT and 2LT trims) and LTZ models, and is offered in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. All models are powered by a 3.6L V-6 engine that uses gasoline direct injection technology, which optimizes performance and efficiency – including EPA-rated 24 mpg on the highway.

Photo Credit: General Motors USA

Traverse is also designed to protect occupants and offers advanced safety features including forward collision alert and lane departure warning features – crash-avoidance technologies that use a camera and sensors to help determine when the driver is getting too close to a vehicle up ahead, or when the vehicle enters another lane without the use of a turn signal.

They alert the driver with visual cues on the dashboard, as well as audible signals.

Updates for 2015 include a revised 18-inch aluminum wheel appearance, Siri Eyes Free, a new Ebony/Saddle Up interior color combination and three exterior colors: Siren Red Tintcoat, Sable Metallic and Blue Velvet Metallic.

Chevrolet supports Traverse owners with two years/24,000 miles (whichever comes first) of scheduled maintenance, which covers four services of an oil change, tire rotation and 27-point inspection. It complements the three-year/36,000-mile (whichever comes first) bumper-to-bumper limited vehicle warranty and five-year/100,000-mile (whichever comes first) powertrain limited warranty for peace of mind.

Exterior details Traverse’s exterior design is centered around its Chevrolet heritage, with the classic gold bowtie positioned on a three-bar grille. The athletic exterior of Traverse incorporates distinctive front and rear fascias and includes a power dome hood, streamlined headlamps and fog lamps, chrome accents and sculpted front corners.

Offered with 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheel designs to complement the sleek lines and stance of the exterior, Traverse is stylish and functional. Built on a body-frame integral structure that allows for easy entry and exit, it was also engineered to allow a smooth entrance to the second- and third-row seats with wide rear doors and GM’s exclusive Smart Slide second-row seat feature.

Interior details With class-leading interior space, Traverse provides a comfortable ride with flexible seating for seven or eight adults, and more cargo-carrying capacity than any other vehicle in its segment.

Premium materials include soft-touch surfaces on the instrument panel and front door uppers, contrasting stitching, chrome and silver accents, and available blue ambient lighting that glows throughout the cabin. A center stack houses illuminated climate controls and showcases a 6.5-inch color touch radio with the available Chevrolet MyLink or MyLink with navigation infotainment systems.

MyLink includes large, easy-to-use controls and intuitive menus that help customers quickly and easily chose the level of connectivity that works for them. MyLink enables customers to seamlessly integrate their smartphones for hands-free calling

Bavarian Times | 42

through the audio system and Bluetooth streaming of popular Internet radio favorites Pandora and Stitcher.

Enhanced connectivity and convenience for 2015 includes text message support and Siri Eyes Free. With text message support, the driver can be alerted to new messages and can have

them read aloud, view and respond to them (functionality depends on the smartphone). Siri Eyes Free enables iPhone4S and iPhone 5 users to access Siri via the steering wheel controls and check calendar entries, have text messages read and respond to them, place calls or call up music. (General Motors USA)

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

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

Photo Credit: General Motors USA

| Cars & Traffic

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

Chassis and car paint: • • • •

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

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

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

Volvo Zentrum Amberg

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

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

| Cars & Traffic

Photo Credit: Chrysler Group LLC.

2015 CHRYSLER Town & Country Continuing to offer the versatility and functionality it is known for, the Chrysler Town & Country minivan is available in two additional models for 2015, providing customers with comfort, safety and innovative features at any budget.

Town & Country LX, new for 2015, offers customers a number of creature comforts that come standard at a great price.

Standard features on the exterior include power sliding doors, power liftgate and 17-inch aluminum wheels, while the well-appointed interior includes leather-trimmed seats, class-exclusive Stow â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n Go seating, and the ParkView rearview backup camera.

The Town & Country LX offers an exceptional level of standard content at a starting price under $30,000.

Also new for 2015 is the Town & Country Limited Platinum, which builds on the luxury and convenience of the Town & Country Limited. Like the Limited model, the Limited Platinum includes standard navigation and power third-row seats. In addition, the Limited Platinum model features a luxurious interior environment with Nappa premium leather, dual-screen Blu-ray DVD system, power sunroof, and memory seats and mirrors.

The Limited Platinum model comes standard with the SafetyTec Package and the Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Convenience Group, which includes amenities like heated steering wheel and heated front and second-row seats. On the exterior, the Town & Country Limited Platinum features a 17-inch fully polished and painted aluminum wheel.

With the additional models for 2015, the Chrysler Town & Country is now available in the United States in six different models: the Chrysler Town & Country LX, Town & Country Touring, Town & Country S, Town & Country Touring-L, Town & Country Limited and Town & Country Limited Platinum.

No compromise on safety The 2015 Chrysler Town & Country offers more than 40 available safety, security and technology features, providing customers the safety they expect to ensure peace of mind when traveling. Standard safety features include ParkView rear backup camera, front seat-mounted air bags, a driver-side inflatable knee blocker, advanced multistage driver and front passenger air bags, side-curtain air bags for all three rows, trailer sway damping, and electronic stability control, including Brake Assist and all-speed traction control. Standard on Touring-L, Limited and Limited Platinum models is the SafetyTec Group consisting of rain-sensitive windshield wipers, auto high-beam headlamps, ParkSense rear park assist system, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection. (Chrysler Group LLC)

Bavarian Times | 44

Fred’s Car Parts Car Parts + Accessories

Top service since 1996

Hohenstadt, phone 09154/916547 Eschenau, phone 09126/298352 Pegnitz, phone 09241/724357 Altdorf, phone 09187/ 922 6565 Grafenwöhr, phone 09641/454630 Ottensoos, phone 09123/983564 Competent service for your car | On-location customer service | Large selection of items in store | Orders delivered within one day 175/65 R 14 82T Nexen Winguard Snow € 44,- each

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• Mounting and balancing of wheels with new equipment • Storage and tire cleaning • Disposal of old tires Service available at the Grafenwöhr store: Neue Amberger Str. 2, phone 09641-454630 Opening hours: Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Sat. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

195/65 R15 91T Firestone Winterhawk 2 EVO € 55,- each Continental winter contakt TS 850 € 68,- each Ah

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Opening hours: Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | www.freds-autozubehoer.de

| Pets

New Year’s Eve: How can we help our dogs?

Photo Credit: Alexandra Amschler

For our dogs, New Year’s Eve already starts a few days before Dec. 31 because our kids and youths ignite the first firecrackers a few days prior. Due to their sensitive hearing, the noise of fireworks on New Year’s Eve is aggravating for dogs and can cause fear, and even panic attacks. Typical signs of a New Year’s Eve phobia are panting, drooling, and shaking, severe restlessness with the dog putting its tail between its legs or hiding.

If that happens, dog owners should be especially careful. Dogs that are sensitive to noise should definitely stay on the leash because there is always a danger that they are so frightened by the first sound of a firecracker that they panic and run away.

Additionally, dogs sensitive to noise (blow-dryer, vacuum cleaner, etc.) have already made a connection between the smell of the fireworks and the noise. Our dog’s sense of smell is much better than ours. Dogs that have connected the smoke with the noise, then start reacting fearfully before we have even it noticed the smell. As long as the noise continues you must definitely keep your dogs on the leash to protect them. Even the best trained and most self-confident dogs can and will react with fear to a loud explosion. Make sure that no fireworks explode directly next to your dog and make sure he is inside when the explosions really get going. And most importantly: Do not leave your dog behind alone.

Take your dog to its favorite place, favorably in the room of the house where the explosives can least be heard. Close the window and the blinds in the room where you keep your dog.

Turn on some quiet music to distract your dog. This will help him greatly. Provide protection to your dog during this stressful situation.

Young dogs who are experiencing their first New Year’s Eve cope better if they had a great experience right before the event. This can be a chewing bone or an exciting game with their favorite toy that is being continued with a lot of joy when the first rockets start taking off. That way, the young dog learns that he can ignore the explosives and still have fun. Do not leave your dog alone. A lot of dogs pass water or defecate into the apartment if they are afraid. Later, you will not be able to retrain your dog and get rid of this behavior.

There are additional therapeutical means such as Bach flowers: Musk plant, aspen and rock rose are used to treat fear.

However, a Bach flower therapy should be started three to four weeks prior to New Year’s Eve and the exact mixture of the flowers must be prescribed by an n alternative practitioner specializing in animals. This also applies to homeopathic treatments such as emergency rescue drops. The better they match the type of animal, the better the results.

Bavarian Times | 46

If your dog is afraid of explosions and suffers from New Year’s Eve anxiety, the following treatments can be recommended: 1. Dogs that aren’t very frightful but react with light fear, cowering, maybe trembling to the sound of explosives may be given Borax D30 from Dec. 28 to New Year’s Eve twice a day 5-8 drops or 5-8 globules.

2. Fear of explosions with panic. Dog runs away panic-stricken and won’t return on their own, hides in a rather dark place and has wide pupils even in bright light. Dosage: Belladonna D30 once a day 5-8 drops or 5-8 globules for three to five days, if the panicking animals do not relax. On New Year’s Eve, Belladonna D30 from Dec. 28 to Dec. 31, once a day 5-8 drops or 5-8 globules (Note: Some dogs do not only react to sounds but also to the lightning bolts caused by the explosives.)

3. Extreme trembling, clearly detectable anxiety to include anxiety that there might be an explosion anytime. Dosage: Gelsemium D30 on New Year’s Eve (optionally beginning on Dec. 30) after the first explosions, or when the dog shows the first symptoms: twice to three times daily 5-8 drops or 5-8 globules.

4. The dog reacts to noise with panic, running around and trembling. Light anxiety, a lot of agitation. The immediate reaction is diarrhea that goes away as quickly as it came. Dosage: Argentum nitric D30 if necessary twice with a one hour interval.

47 | Bavarian Times

New Year’s Eve treatment: From Dec. 28 to Dec. 30, once a day 5-8 drops dilution or 5-8 globules, on Dec. 31, twice a day 5-8 drops dilution or 5-8 globules. (Quelle:Monika KaltnerMuschkiet) If your dog’s fear turns into panic and he starts trembling, drooling, isn’t responsive anymore and his heart is racing, then you should consult a veterinarian. However, medications should never just be given to prevent potential symptoms! | by Alexandra Amschler

Photo Credit: Alexandra Amschler

| Pets

| Events

Upcoming Events Stammtisch Clubhouse - KONTAKT Club Grafenwoehr Wed, 19 November, 19:00 – 23:30 Movie Night - KONTAKT Club Grafenwoehr Fri, 21 November, 19:00 – 21:00 Where: Tower Barracks, Grafenwoehr Movie Theater Family Day Bowling Sun, 23 November Where: Tower Barracks & Rose Barracks Bowling Center Sunday Night Football Sun, 23 November, 19:00 – 23:00 Where: Warrior Zone, Tower Barracks, Bldg. 153 Movie Nights Thu, 4 December, 18:00 – 22:00 Where: Tower Barracks Warrior Zone, Bldg. 15 Movie Night - KONTAKT Club Grafenwoehr Fri, 5 December, 19:00 – 21:00 Where: Tower Barracks, Grafenwoehr Movie Theater Magic: The Gathering Tournaments Fri, 12 December, 18:00 – 22:00 Where: Tower Barracks Warrior Zone, Bldg. 153 Movie Night - KONTAKT Club Grafenwoehr Fri, 19 December, 19:00 – 21:00 Where: Tower Barracks, Grafenwoehr Movie Theater Movie Night - KONTAKT Club Grafenwoehr Fri, 2 January 2015, 19:00 – 21:00 Where: Tower Barracks, Grafenwoehr Movie Theater

Community Highlights Netzaberg Youth Center Now: New Hours started Sept. 1. Due to construction limiting accessibility, the center changed opening hours to 2:30-6:45 p.m.

Mon-Fri. Every other Saturday day trips, bowling and more will be offered. Activities will be held on Tower Barracks. For more information contact the Youth Center at DSN 475-9393, CIV 0964183-9393.

Use of Social Media Regardless of the method of communication, Army standards must be observed at all times, both on and off-duty. Posting hate speech online via social media, regardless if the site is public or private, is against Army policy and is subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Exchange News New Concession at Rose Barracks Mall Now Open: The new “Wigs & More” shop is now open in the Rose

Barracks mall. Items from hair extensions to designer accessories are available. Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday – Saturday and closed on Sunday.

Facility & Road/Openings/ Construction/Closures Closure of Central Issue Facilities in Vilseck and Hohenfels 15-19 Dec: The CIFs in Vilseck and Hohenfels will be closed Dec. 15-19 for mandatory inventory. Unfortunately, no customer service can be provided during this week. Customers are kindly asked to plan their OCIE or RFI requirements accordingly. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, Dec. 22. The point of contact for questions is Mr. Klugmann at DSN 476-2375.

Religious Chaplain Crisis Line After duty hours, please call: MP STATION CIV 09662-83-2490 or 09662-83-3397 / DSN 476-2490 or 476-3397.

USAG-GRAFENWOEHR IOC CIV 09641-83-7226 / DSN 4757226. CHAPLAIN CRISIS LINE CIV 0162-296-0838.

During business hours: Tower Barracks Chapel: DSN 475-1570, CIV 09641-83-1570. Rose Barracks Chapel: DSN 476-1570, CIV 09662-83-1570.

Adult Education / Training FAST Classes 12-25 Nov: Rose Barracks Education Center, Bldg. 223, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Register now until the last working day before the particular class begins. Functional Academic Skills Training (FAST) provides Soldiers with instruction in reading, mathematics, and language skills and is an excellent tool to prepare Soldiers to raise their GT score. This class is a 60-hour long course and is limited to twenty students. For more information please contact the Rose Barracks Education Center at DSN 476-2653/3292.

School News Vilseck Elementary School 18 Nov: CSI Committee Mtg 2:45 Library 20 Nov: Lions’ Den “Special Education 101” (8:30–9:30) in the school’s annex.

25 Nov: In the school’s MPR at 5:30 PM, our MA students will present a program called "The First Thanksgiving" for the general PTSA meeting 27–28 Nov: NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Break 11 Dec: Shelter in Place drill (1:30) 12 Dec: Geography Bee 8:45–10:15 (Annex) 12 Dec: Early Withdrawal Date 22-31 Dec: NO SCHOOL – Christmas Break Netzaberg Elementary School 27–28 November: NO SCHOOL. Thanksgiving break.

| Christmas

20 Dec – 4 Jan: NO SCHOOL. Winter break.

Netzaberg Middle School – Home of the Knights 21 Nov: PTSA Holiday Movie Special, 3-5pm, MPR 27-28 Nov: No School for Students - Thanksgiving Break 11 Dec: Earliest Date for Accelerated Withdrawal 20 Dec – 4 Jan: Winter Break – No School 5 Jan: Return to School Vilseck High School 16 – 21 Nov: Creative Connections Workshop 20 Nov: Awards Seminar 27 Nov: Thanksgiving No School 28 Nov: No School

Was ist Los? Flea markets Every Sat., 6 a.m. - 4 p.m., in 93059 Regensburg inside the buil-

ding at Am Protzenweiher 27, ph 0941-82-933. The market will not take place on German holidays.

Every second Sat. of the month: 6 a.m. - 3 p.m.: in 90443 Nuremburg, Großparkplatz (large car park) on Gugelstraße, corner Humboldtstraße.

Every third Sat. of the month: 7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. in 92224 Amberg, Kaufland-Parkplatz, An den Franzosenaeckern. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.: in 92637 Weiden, Volksfestplatz, Leuchtenberger Straße Every third Sun. of the month: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Trödel- & Jahrmarkt in 93073 Neutraubling (next to Regensburg), at the "Globus" DITY store, Pommernstraße 4.

For more events in your community, visit the USAG Bavaria Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USAGBavaria or USAG Bavaria’s website at http://www.grafenwoehr.army. mil and click on the “Weekly Newsletter” tab.

Christmas markets from A-Z starting on Nov. 29, 2014 Christmas market in Abenberg starting on Nov. 27, 2014 Christmas market in Amberg starting on Dec. 6, 2014 Miners‘ Christmas in the Maffei mine near Auerbach starting on Nov. 27, 2014 Christmas market in Bad Kötzting starting on Nov. 28, 2014 Advent market in Bamberg starting on Nov. 27, 2014 Mangers’ Way and Christmas market in Bamberg starting on Nov. 28, 2014 Christmas market in Bayreuth on Nov. 2, 2014, holiday hobby, artisan and ideas market in Bindlach starting on Nov. 29, 2014 Christmas market in Creußen starting on Dec. 05, 2014 Christmas tree market in Erlangen starting on Nov. 26, 2014 historic Christmas market in Erlangen starting on Nov. 26, 2014 Christmas market in Erlangen starting on Dec. 12, 2014 Christmas market in Falkenstein (Oberpfalz) starting on Nov. 29, 2014 Christmas market in Garmisch-Partenkirchen starting on Nov. 29, 2014 Christmas market in Hilpoltstein on Nov. 30. 2014 Advent market at Theuern Castle in Kümmersbruck starting on Nov. 28, 2014 Christmas market in Kulmbach starting on Nov. 28, 2014 the largest burnt punch of the world in Nürnberg starting on Oct. 24, 2014 Gingerbread market in Nürnberg starting on 28.Nov. 28, 2014 Nürnberg Christmas market starting on 28.Nov. 28, 2014 Christmas market of Nürnberg’s partner cities on Dec. 6, 2014 Christmas market in Pegnitz on Nov. 30, 2014 Christmas market in Pottenstein starting on Nov. 27, 2014 Advent market in the Katharinen hospital in Regensburg starting on Nov. 27, 2014 Christmas market in Regensburg starting on Nov. 28, 2014 Lucrezia Christmas market of the artisans in Regensburg starting on 27.Nov. 27, 2014 romantic Christmas market at Thurn and Taxis Palace in Regensburg starting on Dec. 5,.2014 Christmas market of the social initiatives in Regensburg starting on Dec. 6, 2014 Christmas market in Warmensteinach starting on Nov. 27, .2014 Weiden Christmas market and Advent calendar starting on Nov. 28, 2014 romantic Christmas market at Gut Wolfgangshof in Zirndorf-Anwanden

More Christmas markets online:

http://www.bavarian-times.com/christmas-markets

| Christmas

Choir Festival at the Grafenwoehr Advent Market

German-American opening ceremony on Dec. 6

Photo Credit: Renate Gradl

Grafenwoehr, Germany – The goal is to satisfy everyone’s taste on Saturday, Dec. 6 – and that does not only apply to culinary delicacies but also to entertainment. Apart from a large variety of Christmas gifts and delicious food and beverages, the Advent market in Grafenwoehr also features a colorful entertainment program on the stage at the market place.

The German-American opening ceremony with the Christ child and the children’s choir of Grafenwoehr’s German middle School is at 2 p.m. At 6 p.m., several choirs invite visitors to a choir festival. The children and adult singers will put you in the Christmas spirit with German and international Christmas music. At 5 p.m., St. Nicholas with his helper Knight Rupprecht and Santa Claus will present sweets to the girls and boys.

Another highlight will be the raffle again. Children can take free rides in the children’s carousel and ride in the horse carriage while the adults may take an extended stroll over the market to look for nice Christmas gifts. The large Christmas manger of the wood carver’s association will be a true eye catcher.

Other beautiful nativity scenes will be on display and visitors can watch the wood carvers at work. The Grafenwoehr Cultureand Military Museum will be open from 2-5 p.m. | by Renate Gradl

Eschenbach Christmas market with fire show, angels and petting zoo

Photo Credit: Renate Gradl

The 10th Christmas market takes place on Dec. 14 Eschenbach, Germany – A Christmas market will be held again below the town hall on Sunday, Dec. 14. It starts at 1 p.m. t. The Christ child, accompanied by five angels, will say the prologue at 3 p.m. Visitors can stroll along many booths and vending tables and warm up with a Glühwein. Naturally, Bratwurst, steaks and sweets will be available as well. This year, the local business association will have its own vending table selling coffee and cake, and a warming soup in the evening.

The Christmas market also features a wide variety of musical entertainment. The Eschenbach City Band and the music

school will play Christmas music. The American Netzaberg Middle School Choir has also announced its coming and even St. Nicholas will stop by with a bag full of sweets which he will distribute to the kids at 5 p.m. There will also be a live manger with sheep and geese.

Kids may enjoy the petting zoo, or carriage rides with the Christ child. The fire show at 6.30 p.m. will be a special highlight.

Eschenbach’s night watchman will officially close the Christmas market at 7 p.m. | by Renate Gradl

Bavarian Times | 50

| Christmas

Pressath Christmas market to be held on Nov. 30

At 2 p.m., the Pressath Christ child will arrive with its angels.

There will be a lot to experience for visitors until 8 p.m. Poker work, wood carving, story tellers and jewelry makers are located at the Hans-Ficker-Vereinshaus. The Pressather Fähnlein, the old city guard, will put up a camp where candles and

wooden items will be made. Kids may ride on the children’s’ carousel and join Karina Schuster at 3 p.m. for free felting. .

At 6 p.m., the German-American choir “The Encores” will mingle with the visitors and add some international flair to the Christmas market with its German and American Christmas songs. Naturally, Glühwein and delicious food such as Bratwurst, steaks, Dotsch (potato pancake) and Langos will also be available. A special highlight will be hot and cold cocktails. And if you are lucky, you will win your Christmas dinner in the large raffle that is held by the business association. | by Renate Gradl

Photo Credit: Renate Gradl

Pressath, Germany – The Christmas market in Pressath has a long tradition and takes place for the 24th time this year. It starts at 10.30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30. At 11 a.m., Mayor Werner Walberer and city chaplain Edmund Prechtl will hold the official opening ceremony. Christmas music will be played by the brass band of the -Music School VierStädtedreieck.

Christ child opens Christmas market

The market place will turn into a small town of booths again on Sunday from 2 - 7 p.m. Many local clubs and artisans will present their goods and provide food and beverages to the guests. Mainly arts and crafts, unique gifts, toys, jewelry, wood carvings and much more will be on sale. The culinary delicacies are especially tempting. In addition to Christmas cookies and Glühwein, visitors can enjoy Schnitzel sandwiches, pizza, French fries, grilled meats, freshly baked “Nußstein“ rolls, onion cake and Eisenhut bread out of the old wood-fired oven of the former Nußstein bakery.

51 | Bavarian Times

The small brewery museum of the Heberbräu brewery is open for visitors and some stores will be open as well. The Christ child will come to present gifts to the children. Children can enjoy pony rides, turn the Wheel of Fortune, or visit the petting zoo. Hermann‘s Punch theater will perform for young and old fans in the Nußstein cellar.

A diverse music program will entertain visitors all afternoon to include performances by the Kirchenthumbach brass band and the youth group of the brass band. | by Renate Gradl

Photo Credit: Renate Gradl

Kirchenthumbach, Germany – Kirchenthumbach will host its traditional Christmas market this year on the second Advent weekend. The market starts on Dec. 6, 2014 at 5 p.m. with a church service in the local church, featuring a solo performance by singer Evi Haberberger. Afterwards, visitors are invited to visit the booths on the festively lit market place which offers culinary delicacies. The Christ child will open the market at 7 p.m. The brass band will play Christmas music. Later in the evening, the night watchman will come accompanied by the tower trumpet players.

Romantic Christmas market at Dagestein Castle

Photo Credit: Renate Gradl (2)

Vilseck. The alluring smells of punch and bees wax candles fill the air along the wooden booth of the Christmas market.

On Dec. 6 and 7, the romantic Christmas market at Dagestein Castle gets you into the Christmas spirit.

Visitors are pampered with hot beverages smelling like Christmas and delicious food. If you are still looking for a small present, you will find it here. several clubs and artisans are offering their wares for sale in the courtyard and in the three barns including items made of wool, ceramics, wood, felt and knit goods, door wreaths, Tiffany glass ornaments, honey and bees wax products, jewelry, liqueurs, Christmas cards and herbal products.

provided by Vilseck Music club and the boys and girls of “St. Josef” Kindergarten. At 5.30 p.m. St. Nicholas will present gifts to the children. From 6-7 p.m. on Saturday and from 3.30 - 4.40 p.m. on Sunday, Christmas tales will be read in the castle’s tower. The “Hope and Joy” gospel choir will perform from 6.30 - 8 p.m.

On Sunday, the market starts at 2 p.m. with a performance of the youth orchestra of the Vilseck Music Club. At 3.15 p.m. the German-American choir “The Encores” from Grafenwoehr will perform and at 4 p.m. the Tower Brass Band from Schlicht will put you in the Christmas spirit. At 5 p.m., the Christ child will visit the children. The night watchman will end the market at 7 p.m. with the New Year’s saying.

On Saturday at 4.45 p.m., a lantern parade will march from the market place to Dagestein Castle where mayor Hans-Martin Schertl will open the Christmas market, Entertainment will be

| by Renate Gradl

More Christmas markets online:

http://www.bavarian-times.com/christmas-markets

Romantic Christmas Market Dagestein Castle, Vilseck December 6 and 7, 2014 Saturday 4.45 - 9 p.m.

Sunday 2-7 p.m.

The mouth-watering smell of baked apples, punch and bees wax candles fills the air, traditionally decorated wooden booths are lined up in the historic bailey, warm candle light illuminates the wares of the artisans in the barns, musicians are tuning their instruments...

Let us put you in the mood for Christmas! www.vilseck.de

| Christmas

Auerbach, Germany – It’s a tradition that has survived over the past 25 years in Auerbach: The miners in their black uniforms form a parade and march onto the Auerbach Advent Market with their torches. This takes place on the evening prior to their St. Barbara fest. St. Barbara is the patron saint of the miners and to date she is being commemorated by the former miners and their comrades. St. Barbara’s saint day is on Dec. 4. Usually, the Sunday prior is the first Sunday of Advent and a special mass is being held at the Auerbach church. Led by a band and accompanied by local politicians, the miners walk through the seasonally decorated town. A joint dinner follows mass.

However, the torch parade the night before is even more impressive. The Advent market in the historic old town has been organized by the city’s marketing association for more than 30 years.

Clubs and groups offer culinary delicacies such as cross Bratwurst, hearty soups, spicy gingerbread and sweet cookies in the booths with their red roofs. Also available are small, homemade presents, articles to decorate your home and homemade jewelry. The brass band opens the market with Christmas tunes, followed by children’s choirs and other choirs.

At dusk, mostly families gather on the seasonally decorated market place which is towered over by a large Christmas tree.

The children’s eyes then go up to the balcony of the historic Schenkl school house. From there, the Christ child speaks its prologue. Both children and adults are taken by her white and golden dress and her long, blonde locks. After the prologue,

this heavenly messenger joins the crowd together with its angels and St. Nicholas to distribute sweets to the children. The candles on the trees are glowing, the chains of lights are sparkling between the booths, and when even white snowflakes fall from the sky, then everybody knows it’s Christmas time in Auerbach. And then the visitors are waiting for the miners in their black uniforms with the golden buttons and characteristic hats.

They say their prologue in the glow of the shimmering torches and put everybody in the spirit for the most beautiful time of the year. but they also commemorate their many deceased comrades whose work once established the city’s wealth. Meanwhile, some young men have joined the association, despite the fact that they don’t work in the mines anymore, to carry on and pass on the tradition of their fathers to their sons and grandsons. | by Sabine Wiesent

Photo Credit: Sabine Wiesent

A Miner’s Christmas Market

Regensburg Christmas Market

from November 27 to December 23, 2014 at the Neupfarrplatz Square – daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thur/Fri/Sat until 9 p.m.

Oldest Christmas Market in Regensburg

First mentioned in 1796, Regensburg’s Christmas market has a century-long tradition at the Neupfarrplatz Square. The seasonly decorated booths offer arts and crafts and culinary delicacies. An independent jury voted Regensburg’s Christmas market as one of the top ten most beautiful Christnas markets in the German-speaking countries. It is a great experience for the entire family.

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53 | Bavarian Times www.christkindl-regensmarkt.de

| Christmas

Christmas Market at Guteneck Castle

Photo Credit: Schloss Guteneck

Guteneck, Germany – The air is filled with the smell of almonds and a magic glow. Snow-covered pines, sparkling snowflakes, Christmas cookies and candlelight make for a fairytale-like atmosphere each year at the Christmas market at Guteneck Castle in Schwandorf county in the Oberpfalz region.

For the 10th time this year, Count Beissel von Gymnich cordially invites visitors to the market on all four Advent weekends.

A fairytale-set up awaits visitors on a 30,000m² area in and around the castle. The market with its more than 120 beautifully decorated booths is divided into three segments: Castle romance, traditional arts and crafts and the Middle Ages and features various traditional crafts such as torch making and tin

molding. You can enjoy exclusive Christmas articles, various delicacies and, for example, the knights‘ tournaments in Medieval alley.

Get carried away by the power of Christmas time. A live nativity set in the castle’s forest tells the story of Christmas in a lovely way. Gleemen and night watchmen provide seasonally fun on the entire market grounds. There are plenty of seats in the heated Gutsstadl and the Ritterkeller to allow you to enjoy the daily shows and the market‘s delicacies.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to our anniversary Christmas market at Guteneck Castle. | by Editorial Department

Upper Palatinate Advent market Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014, Grafenwöhr market square Market hours: 2 p.m. - 10 p.m.

2 p.m.:

German-American opening with Christ child and children’s choir of the Grafenwöhr Elementary School various musical performances (children can take pictures with them) Free horse carriage rides, manger exhibition and wood carving

The entire population is cordially invited to attend!

Weihnachtsmarkt tz arktpla am M

Program:

 Large raffle with many prizes  Large assortment of Christmas goods  children’s carousel  2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Military and Cultural Museum open  tinker children

Amberger

6.

29 th christmas market at the marketplace in Amberg From November 27 th to December 23 th

Opening timEeSsDAY

WEDN MONDAY to 08.00 pm 10.00 am to AY to SATURD THURSDAY 09. 00 pm 10.00 am to SUNDAY 8.00 pm 13.00 am to 0

Photo Credit: Förderkreis der Regensburger Kunsthandwerker e.V.

| Christmas

Lucrezia Market Regensburg The arts and crafts market on Haidplatz and Kohlenmarkt November 28 to December 23, 2014, daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Lucrezia market presents exclusive arts and crafts, artwork, a large variety of entertainment and culture on two stages and an art exhibition in the courtyard of the Thon-DittmerPalace and in the Sigismund chapel. A visit to the Lucrezia

market turns a stroll across the Haidplatz and Kohlenmarkt into a special experience for children and adults.

For more information, go to www.lucrezia-markt.de

| by Editorial Department

Christmas at the Parsberg Castle Christmas at the Parsberg Castle takes place every year on the first weekend of Advent. Thirty festively decorated booths around Parsberg Castle invite visitors to stroll through the romantic Christmas market. The entertainment program includes live music, arts and crafts and culinary delicacies round out the offers. The Parsberg Castle museum can also be visited during the market.

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Lupburg Christmas Market

Needless to say, the Christ child will stop by the market this year as well.

The Lupburg Christmas market is traditionally held on the second weekend of Advent at Lupburg Castle. Local clubs offer home-made items and arts and crafts. Entertainment is provided by nusic groups from Lupburg.

Opening hours: Friday, Nov. 28, 5.30 - 10 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 29, 3 - 10 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 30, 1 - 10 p.m.

Opening hours: Saturday, Dec. 6, starting at 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, starting at 2 p.m. with the children’s choir of the elementary school.

For more information, go to www.parsbergerburgenweihnachten.de.

For more information, go to www.burgenweihnachten.de.

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daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Haidplatz and Kohlenmarkt

Nov. 28 through Dec. 23.

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Art & Culture during Advent

r 28 , Novembe from FridayNovember 30 to Sunday,

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Organizer: City of Parsberg/market town of Lupburg together with the Tourism Association Parsberg/Lupburg and the Castle Christmas team

| Christmas

ber 23, 2014, offers a romantic atmosphere that puts you in the spirit of Christmas. The Christmas market entices visitors with its glamorous, romantically lighted booths and its many Christmas goods, embedded into the Old Town with its beautiful Renaissance houses, and located around the Old Town Hall on the Upper Market.

Christmas market from Nov. 27 to Dec. 23 WEIDEN, Germany – The historic Weiden Christmas market, held around the Old Town Hall from November 27 to Decem-

Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Christmas music will be played in the music hut in the middle of the Christmas market on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 6 to 8 p.m. | by Pro Weiden

Photo Credit: Pro Weiden

Christmas time in Weiden

Traditional Christmas decorations, fluffy knit wear, and many hand-made goods äs well äs culinary Christmas delicacies and sweets will bewitch you. Weiden's Christmas market will dazzle all your senses. Enjoy hot Glühwein, gingerbread, candy, or traditional Christmas tree Ornaments. You can also enjoy a children's carousel, the manager on the market fountain and the Christmas pyramid.

| Christmas

The Frankfurt Christmas market is one of the largest and most famous Christmas markets in Germany.

Photo Credit: Tourismus+Congress GmbH Frankfurt am Main

The most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany Chemnitz Christmas market The Christmas market in Chemnitz is considered one of the most beautiful of its kind in Saxony. It will be opened on Nov. 28 cutting of a large Christmas stollen. 200 wooden booths are grouped around the town hall, offering traditional wood carvings from the Erzgebirge: Nutcrackers, angels and miners, for example. The five-story, 12-meter-high Christmas pyramid and a five-meter-high arch of lights can be seen from far away.

Opening hours: The Chemnitz Christmas takes place from Nov. 28 to Dec. 23.

Opening hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., on Nov. 28 from 4 to 9 p.m., and on Dec. 23 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Striezel market Dresden It comes as no surprise that one of Germany’s most traditional Christmas market also offers visitors a specialty: The Striezel market in Dresden already takes place for the 580th time this year. Its name pays tribute to the colloquial term for stollen made in Dresden. The rich yeast pastry was also well-liked by King August of Saxony who directed in 1730 that a 1.8 ton stollen be produced. To commemorate that event, Dresden’s bakers carry a large stollen from the Zwinger palace through town during the “Stollenfest,” which is held on the second Saturday of the Striezel market. More gift ideas can be discovered in front of the Kreuzkirche church: Ceramics, blueprint cloth from the Lausitz region, glass art from Thuringia, wood car-

If you want to pick the best from a German winter’s tale, then visit Rothenburg’s Reiterlesmarket during the Advent season.

The traditional look of the Nürnberg Christmas market serves as an example for many Christmas markets, such as the one in Chicago, for example.

vings from the Erzgebirge, and the famous gingerbread from the town of Pulsnitz, located 20 kilometers north of Dresden.

quay. In a historic setting, surrounded by half-timbered houses, 200 booths in the Main metropolis offer everything the holiday season has to offer. Toys, arts and crafts from the Erzgebirge, candles and Christmas decorations. Frankfurt is also known for its nicely crafted stone ware.

Opening hours: The Dresden Striezel market takes place from Nov. 27 to Dec. 24. Opening hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Nov. 27 (opening day) from 4 - 9 p.m., on Dec. 13 (Sternstunden event) from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and on Dec. 24 (closing day) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Frankfurt Christmas market Frankfurt’s Christmas market, one of the largest and most famous Christmas markets in Germany, spreads from the Paulsplatz at the Römerberg to the elaborately decorated Main river

Opening hours: The Frankfurt Christmas market takes place from Nov. 26 to Dec. 22. Opening hours: Monday thru Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Christmas markets in Hamburg Northern Germany’s largest Christmas market with its festively illuminated booths is held on some of Hamburg’s most beautiful

Romantic Christmas market with traditional artisans

Photo Credit: Presse- und Informationsamt Nürnberg / Uli Kowatsch

Photo Credit: Rothenburg Tourismus Service / W. Pfitzinger

| Christmas

Experience one of the most beautiful Christmas markets of the world!

at the Thurn and Taxis Palace in Regensburg

r to e b m e v o N .

7 2 14 0 2 r e b m e c e 23. D www.romantischer-weihnachtsmarkt-thurnundtaxis.de

opening hours: Sun to Wed, noon to 10 p.m.

Thur to Sat, noon to 11 p.m.

Contact: Phone: +49-(0)941-280-2180 www.vs-regensburg.de

1/2 price admission*

* when you bring this ad you will receive a 50% discount on the admission. One ad per person on one entry only! (BT)

| Christmas

squares. Pastries, arts and crafts, and toys from all over the world are offered from the Gerhard-Hauptmann-Square to St. Petri Church. Historic sales wagons, oldtimer carousels and carnies take market visitors back to the turn of the 18th to the 19th century, to include a visit to an Art Nouveau café.

Opening hours: The Christmas market around St. Petri Church takes place from Nov. 24 to Dec. 30. Opening hours: Daily from 10.30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The market is closed on Dec. 25 and 26. The historic

Christmas market on the town hall square takes place from Nov. 24 to Dec. 23. Opening hours: Daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m.

Heidelberg Christmas market The Heidelberg Christmas market is very popular with international and German tourists. The town looks totally different when strolling through it during the holiday season. 140 booths are spread around downtown. Topping it off is an ice skating rink from which skaters have a perfect view of the romantic castle.

Arts and crafts Christmas market in Tirschenreuth

Arts & Crafts Christmas Market Tirschenreuth

Sat., Dec. 6, and Nov. 2p9.m. - 10 p.m.

3 ., Nov. 30 . Sun c. 7, 1 p.m and De 8 p.m.

A large variety of food and beverages will also be available to visitors. Additionally, about 150,000 LED lights will provide a special, Christmassy illumination. This year, three entrances will be available to visitors: at the Fischhof Bridge, at the new stress ribbon bridge, and at the Fischhof compound. Sufficient parking spaces are available at all entrances. Admission is 3 €.

Once again, admissions go to welfare services and charitable organizations in the local area. | by Lions Club Tirschenreuth

Photo Credit: Lions Club Tirschenreuth / Franz Göhl

in the historic Fischhof

Tirschenreuth, Germany – The arts and crafts Christmas market opens its doors in the historic Fischhof and the adjacent area on Nov. 29 and 30 and Dec. 6 and 7. Almost 100 exhibitors will present their different arts and crafts.

Admission: 3 € Admissions are donated to welfare services in Tirschenreuth County Host: Lions Club Charity Tirschenreuth

Bavarian Times | 60

| Christmas

Opening hours: The Heidelberg Christmas market takes place from Nov. 24 to Dec. 22. Opening hours, Christmas market: Sunday thru Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Opening hours ice-skating rink and winter forest: Nov. 24, 2014 to January 18, 2015, Monday thru Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., closed on Christmas Eve, Dec. 25 and 26 from noon to 10 p.m., Dec. 31, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Leipzig Christmas market The Leipzig Christmas market has a long tradition going back to the year 1767. Today, it is one of the largest markets in Germany. Very popular are gingerbread from the town of Pulsnitz, Glühwein and Christmas decorations from the Erzgebirge, as well as a large selection of toys and ceramics.

Opening hours: The Leipzig Christmas market takes place from Nov. 25 to Dec. 23. Opening hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., on Nov. 25 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Dec. 22 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Please note that stores in downtown Leipzig are open on Sunday, Dec. 7 and 21. Therefore, the Christmas market is only open from 1 to 6 p.m. On Dec. 23, only the booths on the marketplace will be open. All other market sections close on Dec. 22.

Photo Credit: www.mediaserver.hamburg.de / R. Hegeler

Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas market The Christmas market in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is known to be one of the oldest Christmas market in Germany because the Advent season has been celebrated with the so-called “Reiterlesmarket” since the 15th century. In the Middle Ages, the Rothenburg “Reiterle” was considered to be a messenger from another world who flies through the air with the souls of the dead in the winter. Old-German Christmas cookies and “white” Glühwein is offered in the streets around the town hall.

Opening hours: The Reiterlesmarket in Rothenburg ob der Tauber takes place from Nov. 28 to Dec. 23. Opening hours: Sunday thru Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Nürnberg Christkindlesmarkt Bavaria’s largest Christmas market is located in Nürnberg: If you stroll across the Nürnberg Christmas market you have a choice of two local delicacies: Nürnberg’s roasted Bratwurst and gingerbread. Nicely packaged in tin boxes, it is and has been the perfect gift for hundreds of years. Nürnberg’s gingerbread tradition goes back to 1395. Apart from these delicacies rich in calories, Nürnberg’s market offers traditional goods in the more than 160 wooden booths.

Roncalli: The historic Christmas market in front of Hamburg’s town hall.

Opening hours: The Nürnberg Christmas market takes place from Nov. 28 to Dec. 24. Opening hours: Monday thru Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. On the opening day, Nov. 28, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The opening with the Christ child’s prologue is held at 5.30 p.m. On Christmas Eve, the market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | by Editorial Department

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

Opening hours, Tuesday through Sunday 9a.m. to 10 p.m.

Home-style cooking e.g. Schnitzel, steaks, fish and venison plus seasonal dishes upon request

Home-made cakes, tarts and cream puffs, also to go!

Hot meals Open all day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Visit our patio with its beautiful view over the city.

Closed on Mondays.

61 | Bavarian Times

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

| Christmas

The “alpine winter” puts a spell on Wolfsburg‘s Autostadt.

The medieval old town of Goslar turns into a Christmas forest during the Advent season.

Advent between the Harz Mountains and the coast Many appealing Christmas markets attract visitors in Lower Saxony

Maritime flair on the Christmas market But the holiday season is not only appealing in Wolfsburg, but also at many other locations in Lower Saxony. The Engelke market in Emden, for example, has a very maritime appeal: Next to the Christmas village around the town hall, festively illuminated ships turned into floating museums and traditional sailing boats are anchoring in the old inner harbor, inviting visitors to come aboard. There are several Christmas markets in Hannover, the state‘s capital: A Finnish and a medieval Christmas village are located in the old town. The adventure zoo turns into a winter zoo with a Christmas market made of half-timbered booths, an ice-skating rink and a hill for sledding. For more information and the exact dates and times of the Christmas markets, go to www.reiseland-niedersachsen.de.

Hotel Restaurant Drahthammer Schlössl GmbH & Co. KG The Michel-Trettenbach Family Drahthammerstraße 30 92224 Amberg Phone 09621/7030 info@drahthammerschloessl.de

Historic and festive A fairytale-like Christmas forest is located in the center of the historic old town of Goslar in the Harz mountains. Below the high, romantically illuminated pine trees, set up on a scented forest floor, a visit to this forest turns into a contemplative experience in a wintery setting. Climbing up the “stairway to heaven,” guests get to the top of the northern tower of the Market Church and from here have a beautiful view. The splendid historic marketplace of Hildesheim is also festively illuminated during the holiday season. Decorated booths invite visitors to stroll along and enjoy what is being offered. The scent of fresh gingerbread and steaming Glühwein puts visitors into the Christmas spirit and sweetens the time of Advent.

November 26 to December 22: Christmas market in Hannover’s old town.

November 26 to December 30: Christmas market and Christmas forest in Goslar.

November 28 to January 4, 2015: Alpine winter in the Wolfsburg Autostadt.

November 28 to February 16, 2015: Winter zoo in Hannover.

Photo Credit: djd/Niedersachsen/Stefan Sobotta

Photo Credit: djd/Niedersachsen

(djd/pt). It is an impressive view, even from afar, when the four smoke stacks of the Wolfsburg power plant turn into oversized candles of an Advent wreath. They invite people to visit the “alpine winter” in the “Autostadt,” the theme park of Volkswagen car company. The smell of cookies and Glühwein makes for a pre-Christmas atmosphere, fancy gifts and culinary delicacies are offered in the wooden booths. Ice skaters can lap around the frozen lagoon and in the evening famous professional skaters present their shows there.

Christmas buffets American Christmas buffet on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014 German Christmas buffet on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014 French Christmas buffet on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014 Austrian Christmas buffet on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014 From 6 to 10 p.m. respectively 26.50 Euro per person per buffet Holiday buffet on Dec. 25 and 26, 2014 From 11.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. respectivelyr 26.50 Euro per person per buffet Reservations requested

BräuWirt Restaurant and Brewery in Weiden’s Old Town!

Traditional dishes and typical Bavarian specialties served fresh from the kitchen during opening hours. Changing weekly offers and popular monthly promotions.

The offers high-quality, home-made Zoigl brewed folTraditional dishes andbrewery typical Bavarian specialties served fresh from thebeers, kitchen the Bavarian purity requirements awarded with the Gerduring opening lowing hours. Changing weekly offers and popularand monthly promoman DLG food certificate in gold. tions.

Visit us at the BräuWirt – we are looking forward to seeing you!

Gasthausbrauerei Bräu Wirt Unterer Markt 9, 92637 Weiden/Opf Phone: 0961 48 13 30 info@braeuwirt.de, www.braeuwirt.de

| fOOD & dRINK

Gingerbread Cupcakes Baking time: 60 minutes; 12 servings 1. Mix the soft butter, sugar, vanilla sugar and salt in a bowl and blend it until creamy. Add the two eggs separately.

2. Separately mix flour, cocoa, baking powder and gingerbread spice, and slowly stir it into the butter mix until the dough is creamy. Add milk, if necessary.

3. Put paper molds into a muffin baking pan and fill it. Bake at 175 degrees C (350 degrees F) for approx. 25 minutes.

4. Let the cupcakes cool down and then put a small hole into the middle of them. Fill the holes with jelly.

Photo Credit: diegluecklichmacherei.com

5. Topping: Mix mascarpone with powdered sugar, blend it and decorate the cupcakes with it. Finally, sprinkle cinnamon on the cupcakes and put a dab of jelly on the topping.

Ingredients (dough): 85 g soft butter (room temperature) 75 g sugar 2 eggs A dash of salt 165 g flour 2 table spoons cocoa 2 teaspoons gingerbread spice 1 package vanilla sugar 1 package baking powder Milk as needed Jelly for the filling

The winter will be

hot! hot

MON

LadieDAYS s Saun ‘ a

(not d uring schoo Bavari l vaca an Germ tions and an ho o lidays n )

❱ Sole basins (32°C -36°C) ❱ Steam baths ❱ Sports basin ❱ Warm water basin (34°C) ❱ 4 Saunas (60°C -110°C) ❱ Splashing area and much more

Ingredients (topping): 400 g mascarpone 80 g powdered sugar Cinnamon and jelly

63 | Bavarian Times Badstraße4|91257Pegnitz|Phone 09241489080 WWW.CABRIOSOL-PEGNITZ.DE

| Travel

From the hut directly onto the slopes: accommodations in attractive locations in the Austrian Alps are especially popular.

Photo Credit: djd/Belvilla Ferienhäuser (2)

Five tips for a vacation in the Austrian Alps with a good value for your money (djd/pt). A little less hustle and bustle, as bit more recreation: You do not have to spend your vacation in the well-known skiing areas who have a lot to offer but are often overcrowded. Winter athletes who do not mind investing some time into research will still be able to find places that combine fun on the slopes with a family atmosphere. Other advantages usually are good value for your money and literally more room on the slopes. And ample opportunities for après-ski activities are provided as well.

Trendy snow locations Austria remains one of the most popular winter travel destinations. We have selected five trendy locations who offer the same sports activities as the most popular destinations but offer additional advantages. Brixen im Thale in the Kitzbühel Alps, for example, offers attractive slopes and a family-friendly

Sand skiing isn‘t our business -

Snow skiing is!

Mehlmeisel natural sporty fresh

atmosphere. Special about the town is the fact that it is located in a valley that is open on both sides. Zell am See is known for its excellent price-performance ratio with the 2,000-meter-high Schmittenhöhe directly located next to it.

Finding the best accomodations Families might want to spend their winter vacation in Altenmarkt in the Pongau or in Saalbach with more than 200 kilometers of slopes. Mayrhofen in the Zillertal, on the other hand, is known for its diversity. Here, skiers as well as snowboarders enjoy what the town has to offer, to include fun sports activities such as snowshoeing. All five locations offer a large variety of vacation homes ranging from apartments to houses for larger groups.

S ea son the or opening flift will KlausenDec. 12, b e o n 14 20

Gemeinde Mehlmeisel Verkehrsamt Rathausplatz 95694 Mehlmeisel Phone: Gemeinde Mehlmeisel 09272-979-0 Fax: 09272-979-24 Phone: Klausenlift 09272-909212

Mehlmeisel Wintersport Oasis in the Fichtelgebirge

Winter Sports - the Place to be

Snow-Info: 09272/441 + 282 Modern snow cannons guarantee snow

3 T-Bar-Lifts with a capacity of 2750 people/hour

Biggest variety of slopes in Northern Bavaria.

www.klausenlift.de  info@klausenlift.de

| Travel

Even the middle of Garmisch is lush and beautiful with a mountain backdrop.

The softer side of Garmisch

Patagonia and Deuter-clad adventurers flock to the town yearround to scale mountains and ski down them; to paddle stretches of the Partnach and Loisach rivers; and to bike forested trails in southern Bavaria.

But, there's a softer side of Garmsich-Partenkirchen, one that doesn't involve bags of gear and sore muscles, but rather comfort and ease.

Relaxation vacation With so many athletes attracted to the area, the large amount of massage salons in Garmisch-Partenkirchen makes sense.

Patrons here can choose between a traditional deep-kneading Swedish massage and a Thai massage.

A Thai massage, for neophytes, combines stretching, massaging and applied pressure to create an experience more relaxed than its Swedish counterpart.

65 | Bavarian Times

At Bulan Spa, customers are led to a raised platform where soft pallets are separated by canopies. Once the client disrobes, the message therapist drapes them with warm towels and then gently (or not) works the body from feet to head.

If a massage alone doesn't cut it, go for a soak the AlpspitzWellenbad, the local swimming pool and spa on the Partenkirchen side of town. Head to the sauna area of the complex to sweat out your impurities in the steam room, lounge in the whirlpool or brave a frigid dip in the plunge pool. When taking a break, sate your thirst at the bar with coffee or beer. Remember, this whole area is sans-swimsuit.

You can also hit the pool. Youngsters can splash around the kiddie pool or slip down the water slides. There's also a lap pool, steamy whirlpool and diving board to keep the family occupied.

Eating well Garmisch-Partenkirchen is dominated by Bavarian restaurants.

A local favorite for the music and atmosphere is Zirbelstub'n, in the Garmisch pedestrian area. Their menu has traditional fare

Photo Credit: Chelsea Bissell, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Public Affairs

GARMISCH-PARTNENKIRCHEN, Germany -- One of the first things you'll notice when disembarking in Garmisch-Partenkirchen are the outdoorsmen.

| Travel

-- Munich-brewed beer, schnitzel, cordon bleu -- but also goes its own way with enchiladas, curry and chicken wings. Zirbel's turns more into a bar the later it gets, so to enjoy a quiet meal, arrive early.

If you crave a break from Bavarian, Bollywood is a favorite for Indian food and Vaun, continental and Asian-fusion, is wellloved, but a little pricey. Good Italian can be found in Partenkirchen at Pizzeria Renzo. The extensive menu covers pasta, salads, steaks, seafood, appetizers, wines and, of course, pizza. But, quality wasn't sacrificed for quantity; the food was authentic and delicious.

A walk in the woods Even if leisure is your goal, everyone who lands in GarmischPartenkirchen should enjoy its natural charms.

Take an easy stroll around the Eibsee, a picturesque lake 12-kilometers southwest of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. If the urge strikes, rent a paddleboat for a few euros and scoot across the water to get a 360 degree view.

The Eibsee Cable Car, which takes visitors to the top of the famous Zugspitze, shares a parking lot with the lake. The view

from the top of Germany's highest mountain promises to wow those able to handle the height.

Arguably, the most stunning outing is the Partnachklamm, or Partnach Gorge. Vertical rock walls rise over the Partnach River with waterfalls cascading down the sides. Visitors walk along the river through a carved out section of the wall, occasionally passing through tunnels and getting splashed by tumbling water.

One end of the gorge to the other is a very scenic, but technically easy 30-minute walk. At the end of the gorge, hikers can chose to continue into the mountains or head back either by retracing their steps through the gorge, or via a harder route.

The latter option starts off rough with steep ascending switchbacks for 15-20 minutes at a steady pace. At the top of the trail is a restaurant where you can rest your weary legs, before descending, through rolling hills and sheep farms, back to the beginning.

To get to the Partnach Gorge, park at the Olympic Stadium and walk 20 minutes to the ticket booth. Entry to the gorge during open hours is 3.50 euros for adults and 2 euros for kids. During off-hours, enter at your own risk. For more on the Partnach Gorge, visit the Garmisch-Partenkirchen tourism site at http://www. gapa.de/Garmisch-Partenkirchen_Sights_Partnach_Gorge.

| by Chelsea Bissell, U.S. Army Bavaria Garrison Public Affairs

Relax at the Bulmare Spa

We ❤ bath!

The Wellness Pool

. aily Open d a.m. to 10 p.m 0 from 1

Im Naabtalpark 44 � Burglengenfeld � Phone: 09471 60193-0 � www.bulmare.de

Burglengenfeld, Germany – Everybody is looking forward to the holiday season when the days are getting dark in November. Every Wednesday now (except during German school vacations and on German holidays), the Bulmare spa puts on a romantic atmosphere to relax and feel comfortable in with its “Magic Lights” (Lichterzauber) program. On these special evenings, there is underwater music in the adventure pool which you can enjoy while floating on the water in so-called “pool noodle” floats.

Upon request, the Bulmare team also arranges “Wellness Dreams.” Gift certificates are available at the cashier‘s desk, or in the Bulmare online shop at www.bulmare.de. | by Editorial Department Bavarian Times | 66

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