Volume 59, Number 4
August / September 2011
Database Upgrade
On Target, But Not Quite There By: Bob Miske
Final Arrangements Being Made in Pittsburgh! By: Erik Wittmann
Chapters in Region 3 met in Pittsburgh on July 9th to finalize arrangements for the many social aspects of the forthcoming convention open to all DANK members and friends. Current plans call for three days of social activities starting Thursday, October 27th with a evening of food, beer and camaraderie at the Hofbrau Haus, Pittsburgh. Friday, October 28th everyone will enjoy an Oktoberfest for both delegates and the general public, please bring your
Trachtenmode, Dirndl and Ledersosen. That event will be held at the Crown Plaza, Convention Hotel featuring the Augsburg German Band with Chris Decker and wife Lori from the Uniontown Chapter. The weekend will culminate on the evening of October 29th with a Gala Banquet celebrating the Pittsburgh Chapters’ 30th Anniversary and Convention Banquet. This event will be featuring a host of entertainment including the Pittsburgh Junior Symphony Ensemble, the Alpen Schuhplattler, the Hank Haller Ensemble, and other Performers yet to be named. Information on all aspects of the Convention can be found on the Pittsburgh Chapter website www.germaninpittsburgh. org or at www.dank.org. In the next two months the Convention agenda for all delegates will be posted including registration, and planned delegate nonsocial functions. We hope that all planning to attend have already booked their rooms at the Crown Plaza South Hills, since the Convention rate of $99 per room (by providing the code GAM) will only be valid for bookings made by October 15th. Reservations can be made on line by going to either the Priority Club or the Holiday Inn web sites. You can also call (412) 833-5300 or 800-Holiday. Banquet tickets also must be ordered no later than October 15th in order to accommodate our many expected guests.
Augsburg German Band
Questions regarding the Convention can be addressed to the Convention chair, Erik Wittmann at www. germaninpittsburgh.org or by calling (412) -563-2352.
Many chapters and individual members of DANK may recall receiving a letter from the National Officers last November requesting donations toward a database upgrade for the National Office. The purpose of the upgrade is to better utilize the resources of the office personnel and thereby reduce costs. A typical set-up would include updated information of members in each of our chapters. Information would be stored on a server and chapters would be able to extract information, at any time, such as current members, paid members, member longevity etc. Personnel in the Executive office would update information as it becomes available. Eventually, the set-up would include the ability to generate membership cards, dues statements, and mailing addresses for the German-American Journal with automatic corrections from the US Postal System. A further upgrade would automatically purge the database of unpaid members at a predetermined date. It would also bring children’s membership up to adult status after their 18th birthday. Bear in mind that on all levels of the organization, there would be user ID and password security used. Above all, the utmost security and privacy of each individuals membership information is still our number one goal. Thank you to those that have sent in donations. Send donations to the National Office and call to let us know if you would like to fund specific equipment needs. Donation Received to Date: DANK Chapter Milwaukee DANK Chapter Indianapolis Private Donation Total
$1000 $ 500 $1610
$3110
Donations Pledged to Date: DANK Chapter Cleveland Region 2
Sponsor — Anneliese H. Gregory New Member — Alex Boesel
Associate Members
Education
Auf Deutsch
Insider
Business & Tech
Page 5
Page 6
Pages 7-12
Page 13 Page 14
$1000 $ 500
Ambassador Memberships
TidBits Pages 3-4
Total to Date
Lifestyle
Pages 15-17
Calendar Page 18
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German-American Journal
August / September 2011
CHECK OUT THE NEW DANK.ORG German Radio & T V Official DANK Blog Newspaper Archives
Liebe Mitglieder und Freunde! Dear Members and Friends, We are now in the height of the festival season with many German style Sommerfests, picnics and fall festivals like Oktoberfest, right around the corner. I look forward to seeing and meeting many of you at Milwaukee German Fest, where DANK will once again have a public relations booth on the festival midway. Towards the end of the festival season, the Pittsburgh chapter, along with the other chapters in Region 3 will be hosting the DANK National Convention on the weekend of October 29. As part of the convention, our hosts will feature an Oktoberfest to help us celebrate and showcase our Dirndls and Lederhosen. This year’s convention will also complete my second term as DANK National President. During my tenure over the last four years, I believe we have made DANK amore visible and respected organization. We have improved our organizational infrastructure and products, such as this newspaper and the DANK website, for our members and the organization’s leaders on all levels. We have also finally seen an increase of our membership. At the end of May, we had 7% more members than the previous year and 2 % more than two years ago. During the last four years as National President, my entire family has been very gracious to allow me the time necessary to spend with DANK. With my regular job sending me out of the country for almost half the time each month, very often that did not leave much time for family. In order to allow me to catch up with family life and especially to enjoy my one year old grandchild, I have decided not too run for another term as National President. DANK has many talented people as members and I hope to see them volunteer to serve on the national board so that our organization can continue to prosper in the future. The next issue of the Journal will have more information on the candidates running for office. Getting back to festivals, Chicago’s German Day festivities, supported by many local German-American organizations, has a parade in honor of Von Steuben. Come out and support the DANK Executive Board as they March with other members of DANK and hundreds of German-American participants. I would like to mention that DANK will once again be participating in the New York Steuben Parade up 5th Avenue on September 17. My wife Darlene will join me and others marching in this parade to showcase and promote DANK as a National Organization. If you are in New York to watch what could well be the largest German Parade in the US, look for us and shout out a greeting. The parade organizers are also working on having the whole parade televised live this year. Hopefully they will be successful in this endeavor. Until the next issue, enjoy the summer and show off your German heritage with pride. Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
William Fuchs National President
Submission Deadline For The October/November 2011 Issue:
August 25, 2011
DIE BRUECKE ZUR ALTEN HEIMAT “Building Bridges to Germany” Listen to LIVE radio from Germany on our website! Find ‘Radio Heimatmelodie’ along with a list of other live German radio stations that you can listen to for FREE.
Visit www.DANK.org
And More...
Der Deutsch-Amerikaner DANK seeks to bring together Americans of German descent in the pursuit of cultivating and presenting their heritage and interests on local, regional and national levels. These were the primary reasons that the German American National Congress was founded in 1959, and they are still among the organization’s primary objectives today.
DANK National Executive Board President William Fuchs 1. Vice President Erich Wittmann
2. Vice President Donna Lippert
Treasurer Bob Miske
Secretary Beverly Pochatko
Editorial Staff
Changes in American Society In the 1950’s the average American family consisted of a breadwinner father, homemaker mother, and several children, all living in homes in the suburbs on the outskirts of a larger city. Yes, it does seem to be a very narrow view of a model family, yet it pervaded the media and was widely accepted as the ideal and most normal. My own parents followed that model very closely, so it was certainly normal to them. They got engaged the last year of high school, married a year later and then, within the next year, their first child arrived. Today there is not the same consensus of family structure and lifestyles that existed in the 1950’s when “nearly everyone conformed to a pattern of early marriage and several children like my parents. In the 1990’s and through today, there are still families with parents and children, but the definition of a family has broadened considerably. Children of today are growing up in a variety of households and different caring and committed family arrangements: only child families, single parents, grandparents, homosexual couples and adoptive parents. Statistics show that birthrates are down, divorce rates are up, the age at which couples marry is older, and the marriage rate is down which all point away from the 1950’s model family. Young women assume that they will be working outside the home, and their choices are far greater than my choices of “traditional female occupations of nurse, teacher, or secretarial work...” Men enter into childrearing more now; changing diapers, pushing shopping carts in the grocery store and participating in their children’s education. Although there are more divorces, the frequency of remarriage shows that people want to have a stable, fulfilling family lifestyle and are even willing to suffer through divorce in order to be in a better marriage later. Problems and pressures caused by rigid family expectations in the 1950’s, created changes with new problems and pressures in the years that followed. Society is changing rapidly now, much faster than in previous decades and centuries. Along with these changes come opportunities, some good, some not so good. Technological advances in communication increase awareness of other cultures and lifestyles, further eroding the idea of one ideal family type. Previously “unacceptable” families during the 1950’s are now accepted into mainstream society. The “family values” movements’ solution, to today’s family problems, is to go backwards to 1950’s values, but that is unlikely to happen. While change is not always seen as positive progress by all, rarely do patterns revert back to an earlier period despite glorification of the “good old days.” “Whatever their station in life, the way people now conduct their affairs differs, voluntarily or involuntarily, in both opportunity and amenity from what was customary twenty five years ago. They feed and dress differently, they talk, live and spend their leisure differently, and they do so partly by choice and partly by force of circumstance.” Sir John Colville
Darlene Fuchs Editor-in-Chief
Editor-in-Chief Darlene Fuchs darlene@dank.org Correspondents Corinna Bienger Amelia Cotter Stephen Fuchs Christa Garcia Audrey L. Hess-Eberle Matthias Knobloch Editorial Staff Margita Mandel Amanda Pedersen Beth L. Casey Chapter News Editor Beverly Pochatko erieoma@verizon.net Membership Erik Wittmann erik25@comcast.net Layout & Design Stephen Fuchs Stephen@FoxTaleEdit.com Advertising & Classifieds Eve Timmerhaus eve@dank.org
Office Staff DANK National Executive Office
4740 N. Western Ave Chicago, Il 60625-2013 Call (773) 275-1100 Toll Free (866) 926-1109 Fax (773) 275-4010 Office Hours:
9am - 4pm / Monday, Wednesday-Friday Executive Secretary Eva Timmerhaus Office@dank.org
Office Manager Eve Timmerhaus Eve@dank.org
General Information German-American Journal - ISSN 1086-8070 - is published bi-monthly and is the official publication of the German American National Congress. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, Illinois and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: German-American Journal 4740 N. Western Ave., Suite 206 Chicago, IL 60625-2013
Annual Subscription - Rate: $15.00 www.dank.org/news.html
DANK does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information published herein. DANK reserves the right to change or amend submissions for any reason without prior notice. ©2011 DANK. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of the publisher.
August / September 2011
German-American Journal
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“Geduld ist das einzige, was man verlieren kann, ohne es zu besitzen.” “Patience is the only thing one can lose without owning it.” Georg Christopher Lichtenberg
German Day Festival in Lincoln Square
The weekend kicks off in full swing with a parade that celebrates Baron Friedrich von Steuben, who came to this country as a volunteer offering his services to General George Washington. General von Steuben converted the revolutionary army into a disciplined fighting force, instilling in them much needed inspiration, confidence and competence, and his methods continued to serve as the United States military’s official training manual until 1812. The annual Von Steuben Parade is the German American Event of the year. It is held in September, when hundreds of participants march, dance, play music or ride the many beautiful floats on Lincoln Avenue and join the festivities later at the
German-American Fest. On the same weekend as the Steuben Parade the German Day Festival is underway, beginning on Friday evening, September 9th and continuing through Sunday, September 10th at Lincoln Plaza. Lincoln Plaza is located at Western, Lincoln and Leland. Admission is free to all. For your entertainment there will be traditional cultural programs with participation of many societies, plus German music for your singing and dancing pleasures. Not to forget - GREAT FOOD, beverages and other attractions for your enjoyment. Bring your family and friends and enjoy the fun of our annual event. For more information go to germanday.com
Baron Friedrich von Steuben
German Chancellor Fellowship
News from American Friends of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation A German Chancellor Fellowship allows young professionals to carry out a project of their own design in cooperation with a German host. Germany’s Alexander von Humboldt Foundation awards ten German Chancellor
Fellowships annually to young professionals in the private, public, not-for-profit, cultural and academic sectors who are citizens of the United States. The program, which also includes fellowships for citizens of the Russian Federation and the People’s
Republic of China, sponsors individuals who demonstrate the potential to strengthen ties between Germany and their own country through their profession or studies. The fellowship provides for a stay of one year in Germany for professional development, study, or research. Prior knowledge of German is not a prerequisite. Fellows are provided with intensive language training prior to and during the fellowship. The program begins September 1 and lasts twelve months. It is preceded by three months of intensive language classes in
Germany. Candidates must have received their bachelor’s degree after September 1, 2000. 2012 German Chancellor Fellowship applications from U.S. applicants due: October 15, 2011. Want to know more? Applications and FAQs: www.humboldt-foundation.de Email Questions: info@avh.de
Customs & Miscellanea In Germany, when you have eaten in a restaurant, taking the leftovers with you is typically frowned upon; they are thrown away. In the US, it is customary to ask for a box. US coffee shops and restaurants often provide free Wifi; this is much rarer in Germany. In Germany, TV shows start at varying, strange times. In the US, all shows on all channels always start on the full hour. German dog owners almost never collect their dog’s feces. In the US, most cities require this and most dog owners do it. Most US bookstores have coffee shops and armchairs and are open till 11 pm, also on the weekends. Most German ones discourage browsing, don’t offer coffee and close at 8 pm, and don’t open at all on Sundays. In the US, prices are always stated without sales tax, so you never know in advance how much you actually have to pay.
In the US, you pay income taxes to the federal government and separately to your home state; in Germany only the federal government collects income taxes. Every American pays income taxes on their world-wide income, no matter where they live or where the money was earned; in Germany you only pay income taxes on the money earned in Germany. When you rent an apartment in the US, the stove and fridge is normally included; in Germany you often have to bring your own. In Germany, people wear their wedding band on the right hand, in the U.S. they wear it on the left. Germans think that natural yellow egg yolk looks “unhealthy” and pale and prefer their egg yolk orange, which is why German farmers feed their chickens orange pigments called Canthaxanthin. The same pigment is used for salmon and poultry meet to make it look redder. What is called “erste Etage” (first level) in Germany is called “second floor” in the US.
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August / September 2011
Even More Quality of Life in the City “sarfest“ Celebrates Completion of Renaturalization of the River Isar
Tourist Office City of Munich On 6th August 2011, the City of Munich will celebrate a major street and bridge festival along the banks of the River Isar, to mark the completion of the renaturalization process of the Isar in the city. With the theme “Summer in the City”, theatre, dance and music groups will perform “unplugged” along the river, on its banks and meadows. The plan for the festival illustrates that, following the completion of the renaturalization of the Isar within Munich city, it is intended that the river be more accessible and enjoyable for the use of the public. That in itself is a positive development for Munich: Similarly natural and clean city rivers are few and far between in other parts of Europe, or indeed the world. The benefits of the renaturalization process can already be seen by visitors and residents alike, as ever more families with children use the river’s meadows and shingle banks for swimming, barbecues or other leisure activities. The globally unique project to renaturalize the Isar
will be completed in this summer. Over ten years of work, what was once a wild, free-flowing river has been freed from its concrete con- straints, and now offers visitors and residents a meandering paradise as it flows through the Bavarian capital. Alongside the creation of important urban habitats for numerous types of flora and fauna, the newly created shingle beaches and islands in the Isar also invite the re- gion’s human population to enjoy a barbecue, bathing, walking, cycling or inlineskating. „Isar Goes Hollywood“ – Renaturalization is an Example for Los Angeles The newly created Isar landscape in Munich has garnered international attention. The renat- uralized river could prove to be the template for a similar project for the LA River, which flows through Los Angeles. A presentation under the heading “Isar Goes Hollywood”, is being planned for Los Angeles, to show how the LA River can be returned to its natural form.
Schaumburg
The City Founded by Germans By: John Bareither The African-American community takes great pride in proclaiming that one of their own founded the City of Chicago-Jean Baptiste Point Du Sable. German-Americans can take equal pride that they also founded another great Illinois city-Schaumburg. German immigrants started settling in the Schaumburg area in the late 1830’s. The reason that these German immigrants chose this area was for it’s fertile farm land. By the 1850’s the population of the area was 48 percent German and 28 percent “Yankee”. One of the earliest institutions that these Germans immigrants established was St.Peters’s Lutheran church. St. Peter’s erected its first church building in 1847-it remains today as a museum for the church and city of Schaumburg. The church would continue to have services held in German as late as 1970. German would also continue to be the majority language of households until the 1950’s. St. Peter’s first pastor, Francis Hoffman, would later become Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. The church has the distinction of being the oldest Christian church in Schaumburg. The area was know as Township 41, until 1851. At a township meeting in 1850 citizens discussed names for the township. The citizens came up with two possibilities for a name “Lutherville” or “Lutherburg”. During the discussion, Friedrich Heinrich Nerge, a prominent German landowner, put his fist down on the table and called out “Schaumburg schall et heiten!” (It shall be called Schaumburg) All the citizens at the meeting agree! Thus the City of Schaumburg
was born. The name is derived from a county in Germany where most of the citizen of Schaumburg emigrated from. The city of Schaumburg has continued to prosper since 1851. In a brochure celebrating the 50 th anniversary of the city it gave this account: “Schaumburg has the reputation of being the model community of Cook County. Also, the town of Schaumburg is an example of a community for all other towns in Cook County and probably in other counties, too. Schaumburg is prompt in the payment of its taxes, it supports churches and schools; it has also the best roads in the land and-Schaumburg has never had a jail. Today, Schaumburg is a city that the early German immigrants would barely recognize. The population of the city is 75,936. Schaumburg is also the world headquarters of Motorola and has one of two Ikea stores in Illinois. The city also boast the second largest shopping mall in the United States-Woodfield Mall. Schaumburg also has some great entertainment opportunities for the whole family. Theatre goers can enjoy a great dinner and show at Medieval Times. For the baseball fans, Schaumburg has it’s own baseball team-Schaumburg Flyers. Betsy Armistead, The Village of Schaumburg, is a great paperback book with excellent photographs and more stories about: “The City Founded by Germans”. Go to www.arcadiapublishing.com ISBN: 9780738533506
Germany’s 17th Bundesland?... Well, Almost Dearly beloved by German vacationers, Majorca has a long tradition in the tourist business. Almost one in every five tourists enjoys the sun on this island in the Mediterranean Sea. No other island is so favored with the Germans. More than 3.5 million Germans spend their vacation on “Malle” every year. Also, an estimated 60,000 German “snow birds” spend their winters here, which itself has a population of 750,000. For this reason, the island is called Germany’s 17th federal state. Ever since the early 80’s, traveling to Majorca for one’s vacation, is extremely popular. Families love the island because of the large hotel complexes that offer all-inclusive vacations with lots of amenities for adults and children, along with a large variety of sports, games, and other activities. If one prefers a quieter time, they can relax at the pool or the pristine beaches. For the younger crowd coming to Majorca, there are continuous parties in the capital, Palma de Mallorca, and in the southern small city of S’Arenal with the well known “Ballermann” alcohol kiosk on the beach; but there are also the villages on the coasts of this beautiful island which offer her visitors enough room for a restful stay, well off the beaten track and the large amounts of tourists. The temperatures are between 10°C in the winter and 28°C in the summer, with the sun shining an annual average of more than 7 hours a day. Because of the warm Mediterranean, the temperature of the water seldom drops below 15°C in winter; in summer it even warms up to 25°C! On Majorca, Spanish is an official language together with Calatan, although the Catalan spoken on Majorca is a very special dialect called Mallorquí. Due to the extensive German tourism, many services are offered in German on the island, making Majorca a treasured retirement destination. In the early 90’s, a German politician even commented that Germany might want to buy Majorca, or lease it for 99 years, and make it officially the 17th German federal state. But since this news fell during the “Sommerloch”, (silly season), he was not surprised to find that his silly tabloid proposal actually made the headlines. Hmmm, too bad the idea was just a passing thought. I myself remember dearly the warm winters on the island, covered with blooming almond trees, and the gaily colored cyclists covering the island like a swarm of locusts.
August / September 2011
German-American Journal
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“Wer sich heute freuen kann, der soll nicht warten bis morgen.” “He who can be happy today should not wait until tomorrow.” Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi
Der Döner: Deutschlands Fastfood mit dem sich drehenden Etwas
Der Döner hat sich in Deutschland in rasanter Geschwindigkeit zu einer der beliebtesten Schnellmahlzeiten Entwickelt. Eine deutsche Stadt ohne Dönerbude ist kaum vorstellbar. Dieses ganz besondere deutsch-türkische Fastfood schmeckt, macht satt und ist bezahlbar. Erfurt in Deutschland gegen Mitternacht: Ein Matthias Knobloch unverwechselbarer Gerucht zieht durch Erfurts malerische Altstadt und führt uns direkt zu meinem türkischen Lieblingsbistro in der Pergamentergasse. Der dampfende, Fleischspieß dreht sich im weit geöffneten Fenster. Frische Zutaten liegen zur Verarbeitung unter der Glastheke bereit: Zwiebeln, Tomatenund Gurkenscheiben, Rot- sowie Weißkraut, Ziegenkäse und andere traditionelle Soßen und Gewürze. Der Geruch von frisch gebackenen Pita Broten füllt die Räumlichkeiten dieses kleinen Bistros. In der anderen Ecke finden sich Falaffel, gefüllte Weinblätter und Auberginen, Köfte, Türkische Pizzen und andere Leckereien aus der Türkei und dem Orient. Ein Döner kostet 3 Euro. Platz für einen Döner habe ich immer – ganz besonders nach einer durchzechten Nacht in meiner Heimatstadt. Meine Frau und ich beobachten den türkisch aussehenden jungen Mann, wie er mit gekonnten Bewegungen unseren Döner fertigstellt. Obwohl wir ein traditionell-thüringisches Abendessen, von meiner Mutti zubereitet, den selben Abend genießen durften - und immernoch satt sind - läuft uns das Wasser im Mund zusammen – so als hätten wir seit Tagen nichts zu Essen gehabt. Eine deutsche Stadt ohne Dönerbude ist wie eine amerikanische Stadt ohne Hamburgerschnellimbiss. Die Deutschen lieben Döner. Rund 15.000 Dönerbuden verkaufen bereits den deutsch-türkischen Kassenschlager in Deutschland, mit steigender Tendenz. Auch die Wirtschafts- und Finanzkrise kann dem Döner nichts anhaben. Schließlich bekommt man für relativ wenig Geld eine relativ gesunde
Döner Kebab Sandwich (freshly baked Pita Bread stuffed with lettuce, Döner meat, Tomato, Cucumbers, Cabbage, and Garlic Sauce)
Mahlzeit auf den Tisch. Die deutsche Version von Consumer Reports, Stiftung Warentest, hat einmal bestätigt, dass der Döner tendenziell die gesündere Alternative zu Bratwurst, Frikadellen und Pommes sei. Immerhin verwenden die meisten Dönerverkäufer Kalbfleisch welches besser ist als das des Hausschweins. Während man in der Türkei das Dönerfleisch nebst Fladenbrot und Salat auf einem Teller serviert bekommt, wird das Fladenbrot außerhalb des Landes der sich drehenden Fleischspieße mit dem Dönerfleisch sowie dem Gemüse gefüllt serviert. In Amerika kennt man diese Version auch als Gyros, welches prinzipiell dieselbe Mahlzeit, hier allerdings griechischen Urspungs, ist. Der Döner wurde in den späten Sechsigern und frühen Siebzigern durch türkische Gastarbeiter entwickelt. Wer nun genau den Döner nach Deutschland brachte ist unklar, fest steht jedoch, dass die erste Dönerbude 1971 in Berlin-Kreuzberg eröffnete was
einer Grundsteinlegung für die heutige Dönerhauptstadt Europas gleichkam. In Berlin gibt es kaum einen Straßenzug ohne Dönerimbiss. Von hier aus werden sogar Dönerrestaurants in der Türkei beliefert. Industriell hergestellte und in Kühlwagen ausgelieferte Dönerfleischspieße waren bis vor kurzem selbst den Türken unbekannt. Unsere türkischen Gastarbeiter des letzten Jahrtausends haben unsere Esskultur wahrhaftig umgestaltet. Der Döner ist von der deutschen Speisekarte einfach nicht mehr wegzudenken. Sehr oft ertappe ich mich wie ich mit tropfendem Zahn durch Chicago laufe und mich nach einem Döner sehne. Leider waren meine bisherigen Anstrengungen, ein Restaurant zu finden, welches diesen deutsch-türkische Leckerbissen anbietet, bis dato erfolglos geblieben. Ich kann euch nur empfehlen, auf einem eurer nächsten Deutschlandbesuche unbedingt mal in einen Döner zu beißen. Ich verspreche euch – ihr werdet es nicht bereuen.
Der Döner: Germany’s Meal On-the-Go By: Matthias Knobloch
The döner has become Germany’s typical choice for fast food. One can find a “Dönerbude” (equivalent to Hot Dog
Döner meat on a rotating spit (vertical rotisserie)
stand) in nearly every city in Germany. This delicious and nutritious meal is inexpensive and fills you up. Erfurt, Germany at Midnight: An unmistakable smell leads us to my favorite Turkish restaurant in Erfurt’s medieval city center. The meat on the vertical rotisserie is turning behind the wide open window. Underneath the glass counter lie further ingredients: onion, sliced cucumbers and tomatoes, red and white cabbage, goat cheese and traditional sauces (with or without garlic). The smell of freshly baked pita bread fills the little döner place entirely. One can also find falafel, stuffed grape leaves and eggplant, kofta, Turkish pizzas, and other delicious delicacies from Turkey and the Middle East in this typical dönerbude. One döner is 3 Euros, and after a night in a beer garden, there is always room for a döner. My wife and I are watching the Turkish-looking man preparing the döner. Even though we had a great traditional Thuringian dinner prepared by my mother earlier that night, and even though we are still stuffed and cannot even think about eating, our mouths are watering as if we were starving for days.
A German city without a döner stand is like a city in the USA without a hamburger restaurant. The Germans love to eat döner. Approximately 15,000 dönerbuden are selling their Turkishsandwiches in Germany with an ever-increasing intensity. The döner always sells, even in an economic recession. For about 3 Euros, it’s nutritious, contains fresh ingredients, and fills you up. Testsieger, the German version of the magazine Consumer Reports, once found that the döner is the healthier choice for fast food – beating both the hamburger and the bratwurst. After all, the döner meat is made up of mainly veal, which tends to be healthier than pork meat, french fries, and most other sins of fast food restaurants. While Turkish people usually eat their döner kebab on a plate with pita bread on the side, the döner outside of Turkey is generally served in the form of a pita sandwich. Pita bread is filled with vegetables, sauces, and of course, the döner meat. This sandwich is also known as a gyro, which is the same form of meat, from Greece. The döner kebab sandwich was developed in Germany by Turkish guest workers in the late 1960’s and 70’s.
The exact date of the first opening of a dönerbude is still unknown, but many say that the first döner stand began business in 1971 in Berlin-Kreuzberg. Nowadays, Berlin is known as Europe’s döner capital. You would be hard-pressed to find a block without a dönerbude. Berlin is also the center of the döner industry of the country – and Europe overall. Industriallyprepared döner meat on a spit delivered to dönerbuden across the Germany is the newest good producers can count on in export balances at the end of each year. Whereas Turkish restaurants used to prepare their own restaurant spits, now even Turkey imports meat from Berlin. The Turkish people have surely enriched Germany’s culinary culture. The German food environment without the döner is hardly imaginable. Very often, I find myself walking through Chicago, craving a döner with extra garlic sauce. Unfortunately I haven’t found a place that sells the döner I know from home, but I won’t give up looking for it. I urge you to try a döner on one of your next trips to Germany. Believe me – you won’t regret it.
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German-American Journal
August / September 2011
“Das Schicksal mischt die Karten, und wir spielen.” “Fate shuffles the cards, and we play.” Arthur Schopenhauer
There is Strength in Numbers
Several GAPA members in Kauai, Hawaii. Members Rory Trausch and wife Linda, Hans Hunger and his wife Kris,Kevin Brumley and his wife Judy and Richard Von Stockum and his wife Judy and friends Phil and Jude Smyth,and Kathleen Roark.
By: Rory Trausch German American Police Association (GAPA) Chicago Well, well, summer is here – some days more than others – and the living is easy, unless you work for CPD. But I won’t get anymore political than that. I hope all of you are geared up and looking forward to some real Chicago summer weather. Of course, it is my sincerest wish that all of GAPA land have a wonderful, fun summer. The Maifest was hugely successful, I might even say record-breaking, which is a sign of the quality of the event, given the tough economic times. Most beer ever sold, most tickets ever collected by GAPA. I was extremely impressed with the GAPA
spirit, as evidenced by the wonderful turnout of members to assist in this event. This event could not have gone off without all these wonderful GAPA members and their spouses or family members – we even had 40 people at the DANK Haus 2 weeks later to count all those tickets. As I’ve been saying all along, there is strength in numbers, and the more people who show up, the easier it is on those participating. Space does not permit me to thank everybody individually, but you know who you are. There are, however, a few people I need to single out. First, to Hans Hunger, our treasurer, for over-seeing everything and acting as our liaison for the Maifest Committee, my warmest thanks. I can’t forget our member Biermeister Kevin Brumley, for keeping
the beer cold and running all those days. And our jack-of-all-trades/ handyman, Joe Schreiner, who, I think, in the future, we’ll just set up some kind of bed for him at the site; he spent so much time there. As in past years, I wish to thank the Maifest Committee for allowing us to participate, specifically GAPA members Maifest Chairman Joe Matuschka, CoChairman Matt Lodge, and Jerry Glunz, and the rest of the outstanding committee. Also a special thanks to our dear friends to the north, the Milwaukee GAPA, who came through for us again, led by Kevin Wilke and Scott “Scooter” Krueger, along with the rest of their crew. For those of you who couldn’t make it this year, you missed a really “wild and crazy” time, and we look forward to maybe seeing you join us next year at this worthwhile event. Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention our annual golf outing. Congratulations to Golf Meister Joe Kirchens on a superbly-run outing. The weather was absolutely fantastic and was enjoyed by 120 golfers. Everyone had a great time. I’d like to thank our host, the Renwood Golf Course, who despite some construction going on at a few holes, managed to be extremely accommodating to our group. Thanks to Joe Stein and the members of the American Aid Society of German Descendants, for hosting our postgolf party – excellent, authentic German food, with awesome desserts, according to my wife. Plenty of cold beer provided by the Glunz family. A big Thank You to all the volunteers, without whom there’d be no success, the hole sponsors, the people who donated raffle prizes, and the people who obtained them.
Don’t forget about our annual family picnic, coming up soon on Friday, July 8, at Bunker Hill Forest Preserves. Let’s have a good showing and help out our new Picnic Chairman, John Meidl, and also help out Fred Lowe to sell out on the GAPA 1000 Raffle. Our usual crew will be in attendance at the picnic – “Snakeman,” magician, ponies, toys for the kiddies, lots of delicious food, and of course, the Glunz trailer with refreshments. Due to the largesse of the Maifest, this is a laid-back day for us all, with S&S Catering doing the cooking. But remember, this is the day we do the drawing for the GAPA 1000 raffle tickets, so you want to make sure you get a piece of the action. Last but not least, we still have bus seats and reserved hotel rooms available for the Milwaukee German Fest trip. It’s the last weekend in July, the 30th & 31st . We’ll be going up on Saturday morning and returning Sunday afternoon. Chicago GAPA will be marching in the Fest parade with the Milwaukee GAPA members, all in our new commemorative shirts. Contact Trip Chairman Tom Moritz at 708-7746221 for more details or to sign up. So, you can see GAPA is going strong, thanks to our members. Our monthly meetings are well-attended and lively. However, we’re moving into the summer hiatus and our next meeting is not until September 6th. If you’re interested, you can still see your GAPA board at work the first Tuesdays in July and August at 8 pm. But remember - no general meeting in July and August, Have a great summer, hope to see you at one of the above events, but if not, then see you in September!
Mardi Gras Society of Chicago Celebrates 121st Anniversary By: Hans Wolf
In a most elegant setting, the Rheinischer Verein celebrated its founding since 1890. The symbol of 11x11 equals 121 years of Karneval in Chicago. Rosemont Convention Center and Catering, under the direction of Ed Sugar, provided the elegant setting for this momentous black tie event. Karnevalisten from around the US and Germany joined together at this Anniversary festival. President Reinhard Richter, in his opening speech, pointed out the dedication required by so many club members. Cornell Erdbeer, MC, then started the festivities. The many Karnevalisten from Cincinnati, Kansas City, Detroit, Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Germany were introduced and the schunkel show started.
Former Chicago Prinzenpaare from the last 20 years had been invited and were introduced to the crowd to show the dedication to carry on our rich Karneval traditions. All appeared in an elegant pomp of feathers, cepters and most colorful attire. A slideshow with pictures dating back 100 years had been collected by Ron Zilinski and was playing non-stop next to the stage. My personal highlight was the introduction of 50 year memberships. Icons Gustav Hopp and Karl Heinz Brockerhoff, both co-founders of the fanfaren, and Willi Hopp, received their Urkunde and Orden. Gustav Hopp was the reason I joined the club and started our website and Facebook. Our Haus Kapelle Phenix played traditional Karneval and Schunkel musik. Our Fanfaren and Amazonen provided for traditional entertainment. Our Prinzengarde and Elferat framed our event most elegantly, Karneval Germany style in Chicago is alive and well. Alaff (Köln) or Helau (Mainz)!
August / September 2011
German-American Journal
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“Das Gefühl für Gesundheit erwirbt man sich nur durch Krankheit.” “The feeling of wellness you gain only through illness.” Georg Christopher Lichtenberg
We hope everyone is enjoying your summer! Now that the nice weather is here to stay, take a look at our Calendar of Events in this issue for some picnicking and many festival opportunities in your area. This year’s raffle is underway! We have been working very hard mailing out raffle tickets. Special thanks to our volunteers Christel Miske, Ursula Gunther and Al Schafer for their help. All members should have received their tickets in the mail.. If you would like additional tickets, please contact our office: 773-275-1100 or office@dank.org. We have some excellent
prizes, and are looking forward to another successful fundraiser. The drawing will be held at this year’s National Convention and the winner does not need to be present. You can’t win if you don’t buy a ticket! Excitement is building for the National Convention in Pittsburgh, PA. The three-day convention, held October 28-30, will feature dinners, brunch, music, entertainment and other festivities, in addition to the business meetings. We will continue bringing you information about the convention and the variety of things to do at this important event in the Journal.
Be a Part of the DANK Haus Legacy Through the Façade Donation Program
By: Amelia Cotter The historic DANK Haus in Lincoln Square has begun the large-scale renovation of its first floor façade, along with an equally important donation campaign to raise the 50% of costs that won’t be covered by a SBIF Grant from the City of Chicago. Over $100,000 is needed to offset the cost of the renovation. Individuals who have donated to the façade so far are currently being honored with a diamond on a temporary donor appreciation wall in the DANK Haus lobby. As renovations continue, all donors will be recognized on a special permanent donor appreciation wall to be installed.
Recognizing Outstanding Achievement of German Americans
The DANK Haus would like to graciously thank its façade donors so far: Martin Hartig $1000, Steve Erbach $1000, Peter Contos $600, Jochen Mueller $200, Hidai Bregu $100, Anonymous $80, Dr. William A. Pelz $50, Ida Gantner $30, Rosemary Reiner Kaye $25, Yvonne Frazier $20, and $138 in donations via the façade donation box. To further encourage participation and giving, Individual and Corporate Sponsorship packages are now also available in four levels: Platinum Legacy ($20,000), Gold ($15,000-$19,999), Silver ($10,000$14,999) and Friend of the DANK Haus ($1,500-$9,999). Packages and benefits are flexible, and will be available beyond the facade project for those who wish to continue supporting the DANK Haus’ mission of preserving German American culture, heritage, language, and the fine arts. For more information, please contact Amelia Cotter at (773) 5619181 or development@dankhaus.com. Contributions of any kind are very much appreciated, and can be mailed or brought to: DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60625. Work on the façade began in May with the goal of being completed before winter. The new façade will not only improve the appearance of the building, but help to revitalize the organization and help preserve the DANK Haus as a lasting legacy for the German American community.
By: Beverly Pochatko As we all know, there are a number of people within the German American community, in our DANK organization and in your own Chapter who deserve recognition for various reasons…. dedication to the preservation of our German history, traditions, etc. Many go above and beyond the ‘normal call of duty’ so to speak and deserve to be recognized. In 2007, four specific awards made their debut at our National Convention: The Ernst ten Eicken Award: brings remarkable vision, inspirational leadership and a seriousness of purpose to the organization. 2007 Recipient Timothy Garrett of Chicago S. (2009 – Erik Wittmann) The Willi Scharpenberg Award: for exceptional generosity, humanitarianism and ceaseless devotion to GermanAmerican ideals. 2007 Recipient Ernst Ott (2009 – Maria Thompson) The Elsbeth Seewald Award: for outstanding service to all GermanAmerican groups and invaluable commitment to promoting the German language and culture. 2007 Recipient Christa Garcia (2009 – Dora Totzke) The Rising Star Award: for a member (13 to 21 years of age) who, through continuous enthusiasm, extraordinary accomplishments and ethnic pride, benefits the well-being of the GermanAmerican Community. 2007 Recipient Katarine Hartung, Miss DANK Chicago S (2009 – no recipient) The Heritage Award: for outstanding service to DANK and our German American community and raising public awareness of our German American ideals was established at the 2009
National Convention. Recipient: 2009 Stephen Fuchs Your nominations for these awards should reach the Awards Committee no later than October 1st. Be sure to include why you think the nominee should be the recipient of this award. (A photo would be nice but not necessary) Send them to: DANK AWARDS, Beverly Pochatko, Chair, 750 East 10th Street, Erie, PA 16503 or via email too ErieOma@ verizon.net. Many chapter members go above and beyond the ‘normal call of duty’ so to speak and deserve to be recognized also, but we encourage this recognition to take place at regional or chapter meetings, where they are actively involved. Special Merit Award Certificate to be presented in acknowledgement and recognition of the special meritorious services, outstanding contributions and commitment to (his/her/its) ethnic German-American group and its cultural heritage. Also this award is given to DANK members that have gone above and beyond the normal expectations of a member to further the goals of DANK; to promote our German American heritage with dedication; and a commitment to the German American Community. The Distinguished DANK Award Pin (large DANK pin) given by the organization. The Awards Committee, having received a request from a Chapter or Regional Board a letter outlining why the person should be so honored, will propose the bestowal of such pin to be approved by the National Executive Board. Special Recognition Plaques and other special awards of all kinds and nature, given to DANK Chapters, DANK members, or deserving individuals and organizations outside of DANK, must be requested by a Chapter or Regional Board, must be proposed in advance to the National Executive Board, and be approved by it. Please note that special plaques for other, non-DANK organizations and societies must be proposed by the committee and approved by the National Executive Board before they are ordered. Their language should approximate the above certificate language. Questions? Please contact Beverly Pochatko, Awards Chair at 814-456-9599 or by e-mail at ErieOma@verizon.net.
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German-American Journal
August / September 2011
DANK Invited to Attend Luncheon in Honor of Angela Merkel By: Erich Wittmann
DANK, your organization was invited by Vice President and Dr. Biden and Hillary Clinton, the Secretary of State to attend a luncheon in honor of Chancellor Merkel, on June 7, 2011. Approximately 200 guests including representatives from government, private sector business leaders and cultural/heritage organizations received the honor of such a invitation. National Vice President/ Pittsburgh Chapter President Erich Wittmann, volunteered to represent the organization because of time availability and proximity to Washington DC. The reception for Chancellor Merkel was to acknowledge the Chancellor being presented the American Freedom Award and sharing that opportunity with representatives of German American organizations. A evening reception at the White House was held later in the evening by President Obama. Both receptions were covered by Public television, highlighting the great respect that our government has for Chancellor Merkel. Both Vice President Biden and Mrs. Clinton addressed the issue of German –American relationships acknowledging the influence of Germans on American Society and the fact that it is the largest group when addressing the heritage of Americans. The luncheon was held in the 7th floor of the State Department, with considerably pageantry.
Country Roads Lead to Southside Volksfest Record crowd eats every last bite and almost finishes the beer Perlen played for everyones dancing pleasure. We were delighted to have our lively friends from the German American Police Association (GAPA) visit, with president Rory Trausch as well as our DANK National President, Bill Fuchs and wife Darlene, the entire DANK National Board and Region 1 president Edwin Gunther and wife Ursula. There was so much gemuetlichkeit that we even had people join our DANK Chicago South membership on the spot--this is how we want to continue our culture and grow as an organization. The aroma of brats, beef sandwiches Dressed in Tachten for a fun filled day and potato salad overwhelmed the patrons forming long lines. Our kitchen By: Anita Walthier crew including Bill Schmidt, Paula MalOn Saturday June 25, 2011 warm country loy, Richard Ach and Linda Wilson cooked roads took me home to the place I belong diligently to fill the hungry appetites. Biwith DANK Chicago South as they kicked enenstich and Richard’s famous Schwarzoff their Summer Volkfest. These “south waelderkirschtorte were sweet sensational side” Germans know how to have fun in- hits. If you didn’t get the opportunity to cluding President Gary Dietz who made taste these culinary specialties, please call ahead early next time to reserve your place sure to welcome everyone. The Josefa Walthier Pavilion was before we sell out or you will be left with filled with enthusiasm. Our host, Armin only a salt-stick. A special thanks to Steven Joyce behind Homann, sponsored the well-known German TV, stage, and radio entertainers: the bar and all those who work behind the The Geschwister Mutsch brought youth, scenes to make our events possible and fun and vitality; Heinz Koch presented Marianne Dietz for her all around help in comedy along with his songs; and Guen- this event. Hope to see you on July 16 and ther Behrle enchanted the audience with August 13 for more “Gemuetlichkeit und his charm and charisma. Afterwords, the Spass”
Gary Dietz, DANK South President enjoys some time with the German American Police Association (GAPA)
Members of the Geschwister Mutsch, Heinz Koch and DANK National President, Bill Fuchs
Is Our Membership Up or Down? As Membership chair, I am happy to report that our Membership numbers have stabilized somewhat during the last two years and in actuality have shown a slight increase. Thank you to all of you who have paid your dues and stayed in active membership status. I am not about to celebrate and suggest all is well in the membership situation with our organization. As in past years we still seem to retain only about 90% of our members. Now some of that is due to members passing away, but in looking closely at the data we still have a 5% plus turnover which of course means we have to increase our membership by signing up new members to make up the loss. Good news is that we are holding even and bringing in new members but if we did not loose some we really would be ahead in our growth efforts. We continue to look at new Chapters like the establishment of a new chapter
Fairbanks Alaska. We are fortunate that two individuals from Fairbanks have agreed to undertake a membership campaign to develop a chapter because they feel that there is strong interest in that community. We are also continuing our aggressive recruitment program in Las Vegas and Philadelphia. So, if you have friends or relatives in either area, ask them to get involved or consider gifting a membership to them so we can broaden our base and hopefully establish some new successful chapters. Finally, the National Board has decided to undertake a campaign to work with our smallest chapters so that they either increase their numbers to qualify for chapter status or consider merging with a larger chapter and take on a sub chapter status. At a minimum every chapter must have an active elected Board and 10 paid members to retain the status of a chapter within the organization. Stay tuned and remember by “just adding one” you can help this organization grow.
August / September 2011
German-American Journal
DANK National Board Nomination Requests The National Convention in Pittsburgh, PA is coming up in October of 2011. If you are interested in being a part of the DANK National Board, now is the time to consider running for positions open on the national level. In the event that you know of anyone interested in running for a board position, the enclosed nominations form should be completed by your chapter and sent to Donna Lippert, address is on the form Those individuals running for an office
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Congratulations!
should submit their biographies complete with a recent photo by the next Journal deadline date of August 25, 2011. The submissions should be sent to: Darlene@ dank.org, Please feel free contact Nominations Chairperson Donna Lippert at (269) 9261929 if you have any questions. She can also be reached via e-mail at ladybug3656@ yahoo.com
DANK National Executive Board Nomination Form - 2011 (please type or print clearly)
The following individuals currently hold the positions listed on the DANK National Executive Board: William Fuchs …….……… Erich Wittmann ………….. Donna Lippert …………… Robert Miske ……….….. Beverly Pochatko ……….
National President 1st National Vice President 2nd National Vice President National Treasurer National Secretary
We (members of the chapter indicated below) nominate the following individual(s) to serve on the DANK National Executive Board: National President (one to be elected): ____________________________________________________________________(your nomination) ____________________________________________________________________(your nomination) National Vice President (two to be elected): ____________________________________________________________________(your nomination) ____________________________________________________________________(your nomination) ____________________________________________________________________(your nomination)
Edwin Gunter and Ursula Gunter visited Janesville Wisconsin to congratulate Robert and Inge Machnik,on their 40 year memberships in DANK.
____________________________________________________________________(your nomination) National Treasurer (one to be elected): ____________________________________________________________________(your nomination) ____________________________________________________________________(your nomination) National Secretary (one to be elected): ____________________________________________________________________(your nomination) ____________________________________________________________________(your nomination) Please note: as many names as desired may be placed in nomination for all offices. Please attach a separate sheet, if needed. To reiterate, nominate only those individuals who will serve, if elected. Submitted by DANK Chapter:_________________________________________________________ Return this completed form by August 15, 2011 to: Donna Lippert 257 Kublick Dr. Benton Harbor MI
49022-6618
Advertise Your Business Here Discounted Rates Available to Chapters & Associate Members
Contact Eve Timmerhaus National Office Manager (888) USA-DANK Fax: (773) 275-4010 office@dank.org
If you are gifting a membership:
Your Name
Your Phone #
Sign Up For Membership Online @ www.DANK.org
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German-American Journal
August / September 2011
Kraut & Out!
Chicago Maifest 2011 a DANK Haus Float Makes a Splash Resounding Success at the Chicago Pride Parade By: Nicholle Dombrowski
Maifest Chicago 2011 took place once again in the heart of historic Lincoln Square, from June 2 through 5. Operated by the Maifest Committee, this was the Fest’s thirteenth year and it saw a record turnout of over 50,000 people, earning record revenues. The Fest remains the largest fundraiser of the year for the DANK Haus, who take part annually with a bar, kitchen and grill. Over 140 volunteers from three states assisted throughout the weekend, including in the setup, building, and breakdown of the bar and kitchen/grill areas, which were close to
By: Amelia Cotter The DANK Haus participated this year for the first time ever in the Chicago Pride Parade with the help of over 20 volunteers who helped build the float, decorate it, and walk in the parade—which helped the organization reach over 750,000 potential new supporters. Dressed in either full Trachten with rainbow scarves, suspenders, socks, or other “Pride� adornments, or bright green t-shirts that read “Germany: 10 Years of Same-Sex Unions� on the front and “Kraut & Out! dankhaus.com� on the back, volunteers handed out DANK Haus stickers and German flags while the float weaved its way through several miles of Chicago streets, with German pop and techno music blasting out of its speakers. Eager spectators, including members of
the Lincoln side of the fest this year. The DANK Haus also gives back to the community after each Maifest by providing a Monday cleanup crew and landscaping services to restore lawns and streets affected by the heavy foot traffic. Nine volunteers assisted with this cleanup effort in spite of the long weekend. “It was an amazing effort and we’re so thankful to all our volunteers and those that work hard for the DANK Haus,� said Development Director Amelia Cotter. “I had a lot of fun spending time with such enthusiastic people and watching everyone’s efforts come together smoothly.�
the gay community as well as thousands of people and families comprising the general public, cheered for the float and shouted that they were German or loved Germany, even posing with some of the volunteers for photos or asking for hugs and high fives. “We got such an incredible response from this,� said Development Director Nicholle Dombrowski. “People were so positive and excited about us being in the parade. Throughout the whole route the people we passed were shouting out and cheering for us.� Numerous Germans and GermanAmericans alike personally commended the DANK Haus for its participation in the parade. “When everyone else zigs, we zag,� said DANK Haus Board Member Steve Erbach. “This was a great experience for us as an organization.�
September  16-Â18,  2011  Downtown  Canonsburg,  PA    Beer!   Bands!   Bratwurst!  Â
Avenue  of  German  &  Ethnic  Foods Â
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August / September 2011
German-American Journal
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Germans From Russia Visit the St. Joseph Lincoln School To Learn German By: Donna J. Lippert
It was a rainy day in April 2011, when the local group called the Germans from Russia, visited the Lincoln School located in St. Joseph, Michigan. This is where Mr. Hubble, the teacher in the computer lab, along with his son Gavin Hubble and Mr. Huber, who also assisted, sat our group down to learn the steps on how the Rosetta Stone German program works. Some in the group, already had a full knowledge of German as they came from Germany, like Siegfried and Hilde Lehmann and Reinhard Lippert, and a few others in the audience. The program usage will be available to all in the group until January 2012. It was very exciting to learn the correct spelling and pronunciation of the German
words on our computer monitor and there were four (4) steps to go through. This is a very exciting program which is offered in many different languages at Lincoln School in St. Joseph Michigan. I want to thank Linda Hasse, from the Germans from Russia group, for setting this up for our group, as we all had a wonderful time sitting at the computers going through each of the four (4) levels that were offered to us. It was also interesting for Reinhard Lippert who for the very first time actually sat at a computer! We wish to thank Mr. Hubble and his son Gavin and Mr. Huber for taking their time on a rainy night to teach us the basics of the German language, as it was a NEW experience for all of us in our group. If you get a chance, visit the www.rosettastone.com website today!
Germans from Russia group learn Rosetta Stone Program in German
15th Annual German Fest in Erie, PA the grove and everything connected with putting on a festival.) The woodsy setting provides a terrific atmosphere without hindering the layout. Our vendors must be able to provide a German connection; the Genealogy Society helps provide people with info on their roots; The Kinderplatz provides entertainment for young and the young at heart, with Granny’s Ark petting zoo, a ‘train ride’, bouncing pavilions – all free! We discount admission tickets with canned goods donated for our St. Nikolaus Project and portions of the proceeds of the festival support our Erie Public Library, the
By: Beverly Pochatko Labor Day weekend is the last hurrah of summer and in Erie the German Heritage Festival marks one of the final ethnic festivals held throughout the summer. The festival season kicks off with the Russian Troika Festival, followed by Panegyri (Greek festival,) the Italian Festival and Zabawa (Polish festival). The weekend after Labor Day the “Heritage Festiva,l” sponsored by the Historical Society, is held and is followed by the Slovak Festival and then the Irish Festival. The people of Erie love to celebrate its ethnic roots with plenty of food, drink, traditional music and dancers. What is nice is seeing how the members of the ethnic groups pitch in to help the
others to make their festivals successful. We all know that our various groups find it difficult at times to get sufficient volunteers to keep things running smoothly. We offer suggestions and hours of volunteer work… that’s what makes Erie’s diverse ethnicity unique… working together in this melting pot called Erie, PA. Labor Day weekend is tricky for a festival, since now we are competing with Cleveland and Buffalo with their German Festivals, which makes getting merchandise vendors difficult. But…we have made it our goal to keep the Erie festival as German as possible, providing German food, beverages, music, dancers, etc. It is definitely family oriented and the admission price is low. (Unlike other groups in Erie, we charge an admission price since we must rent
Erie Historical Society, the Erie Society for Genealogy Research, DANK, the Lake Erie Fanfaren and more! Plan to make a day trip to Erie on Sept 3rd or 4th and help us preserve our German heritage and traditions. You will be glad you did. Tickets are $5/person – ($4 with donation of canned goods), children under 12 years are free. Open both days at 11:00 AM. See our ad in this newspaper and be sure to visit our website at www.DANKErie.org. For more information call 814456-9599.
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German-American Journal
Celebrating Our 20 Years on Pennsylvania’s Lake Shore By: Beverly Pochatko
“Where, oh where, has the Sunshine gone….it’s a long time coming”. I guess that, coupled with much cooler weather that we normally experience, our summer is off to a slow start. Although it is said “come to Erie and experience all four seasons in a day!” Well not really, but it sure seems that way at times. Gardens that were planted early, were drowned out with all the severe rains we experienced and many had to be replanted. We wonder just what kind of weather the summer will bring since, so far, the generally on target Farmer’s Almanac has not been on target yet this year. There comes a time in everyone’s life when they cannot do everything they are used to doing, and that is when we have to rely on others for help. This leads to frustration with a capital “F”! Getting help is not always as easy as one would hope. This is why as Chapter President, I always appreciate those members who step up and take an active part in our Chapter. It is nice having Greeters at the doors lined up by Rose Hill and the Hospitality Chair, Ursel Altsman lining up members to provide a ‘dessert’ for the meeting’s social hour. On April 27th, members of the Erie DANK Chapter (the German Heritage Society of Erie) met in the Crystal Room of the Erie Männerchor Club to celebrate their 20th Anniversary with an Open House, Awards Night and a Kaffee Klatsch. Prior to the celebration, members enjoyed dinner in the main dining room of the Club. Our Greeter for this informal evening was James von Loewe. Membership Certificates and pins celebrating 20 years were presented to: Elsa Bayer, Robert & Carolyn Brabender, Charlotte Chase, Emil & Gretel Daeschner,
Luise Dudkiewicz, Geza & Marianne Gruenwald, Hilde Huttel, Beverly Pochatko, Heddy Quest, Charles and Susan Roehrl, Siegfried and Carole Wunner; 15 years: Margaret Carter, Paul & Doris Gerbracht, Melissa & John Lesniewski, and Robert Wiegmann; and 10 year pins to Gerald & Deborah Chase. Each year at our April gathering, we honor members for their contributions. We presented certificates of appreciation for all they do to promote our German heritage and to further the efforts of DANK. This year the honorees included: Ursel Altsman who coordinated our Christmas and Fasching parties and did a terrific job, as well as seeing that we have desserts following our meetings brought in by members; Luise Dudkiewicz is always there to volunteer to help on any committee such as our parties, sells the 50/50 tickets and helps with door prizes when asked; Margaret Potocki is our Chapter and Region 3 Representative on our National Board, our “Sunshine Lady”, reservation taker, and an active volunteer where needed; Don Cowey has volunteered his services providing music for our special events at no cost to the chapter; Heidi Cowey has been teaching our conversational German classes and started teaching simple phrases to the members at the meetings. Now she is trying her hand at putting together our newsletter in response to my request for help and I know she will do a great job. The members’ taking an interest in the activities that we offer is why we continue to grow. It is their help and dedication that make it possible. A discussion on attending the upcoming Convention in Pittsburgh was met with a lot of enthusiasm and we hope to have a nice contingency representing our Chapter. Also discussed, were the five awards that are presented during the national convention.
August / September 2011
At the end of summer, we will once again be promoting our heritage at the annual German Heritage Festival over Labor Day weekend. It will be our 15th year doing this. We remain true to our purpose keeping the event as German as possible, and promoting family attendance. While many heritage venues tend to use the event to raise large sums of money, we are proud to say that in Erie, our only goal is to bring in enough money to restart the following year and contribute to several organizations that help preserve Erie’s German history. As is customary at our regular meetings, a 50/50 was held thanks to the assistance of Luise Dudkiewicz, Heddy Quest, and Diana Healy. The winner was Lois Tibbitts, who was the guest of Ursel Altsman and a prospective member at this gathering. Following the 50/50 drawing, our attention turned to the Dessert Table. Thanks to Renate Gaiser, the evening’s dessert hostess, along with Ursel Altsman and myself, we were able to enjoy the most delicious desserts with fresh cups of coffee for the rest of the evening. At our May meeting, we discussed our participation in the annual German Heritage Festival and the national convention. At the June meeting, our Chapter selected the delegates for the national convention in Pittsburgh and discussed plans for the summer picnic in July. There was a report on the German heritage festival’s plans for this 15th year! Following the meeting, Heidi Cowey, a native of Munich, gave a talk on German tracht, specifically the Dirndl differences in Bavaria. This is a subject we will continue to pursue, hopefully to be able to provide more insight into the changes across Germany, as well as the tracht worn by men beyond the lederhosen and that worn by the Guild members. We also welcomed a new member at this meeting. Everyone is looking forward to our annual picnic where we will relax, eat and enjoy the music of a German Band! Wishing you all a happy summer! Beverly Pochatko, President DANK Chapter 71
Picnic Along the St. First Anniversary Congratulations DANK Uniontown Joseph River By: Lois Henck
Picnic at Fernwood May 22nd
By: William R. Troutman DANK South Bend Our picnic took place on May the 22nd at Fernwood just north of South Bend off of U.S. 31. Fernwood is a big botanical garden with every shrub, flower, or tree imaginable located by the Saint Joseph River. Volunteers keep the place up with its many nature trails, a huge meadow, a working train set, an old mill complete with water wheel, waterfall, nature center, and many places to just sit and enjoy the view. They also have a superb restaurant for those members who didn’t bring their lunch. We took up four picnic tables located right outside the main entrance to the garden and it was a gorgeous day. After eating and an invigorating walk along a trail, I sat and talked to Jim McCoy and found out he was into cave exploration when he was younger. How interesting I said: I was too. Although
I was just an amateur, he was quite the professional. It’s always amazing to me how interesting people can be if you ask the right questions and just be quiet and listen.
At the beginning of 2011, a meeting of the officers and board members was set up to plan a calendar of regular meetings, activities, and events to be held during this year. It was determined that all regular meetings will be held on the fourth (4th) Tuesday of each month, unless designated otherwise. The German language class, taught by Herr Ernst Jung, is in its third year; and the class members feel that they are making progress. In our list of activities, we followed suit of other chapters and in March held a “Cabin fever” party with all types of board games, card games, table games. In May we were unable to participate in the National Pike Fest with our usual German food booth, due to unforeseen circumstances. Everyone enjoys a ‘potluck’ dinner and on May 24th the members gathered to share favorite foods and desserts prior to the meeting. On June 28th, we will be celebrating our 1st anniversary as an independent chapter. It doesn’t seem so long ago that we started out with the help of the Pittsburgh Chapter. They nurtured us, gave
us guidance and support until we were ready to ‘stand on our own’. Our thanks to Chris Decker, as Chapter President for believing that we could do it and helping us become DANK’s newest Chapter. But more about this in the next newspaper! Fall plans include the Oktoberfest picnic in Hopwood in September and to start the election process for the October meeting. Three DANK #54 members - Julie Skursha, Lois Henck, and Jean Braun have volunteered to help the Pittsburgh chapter in preparing for and holding the National DANK convention which we all look forward to attending. Also on the agenda for 2011, is the St. Nicklaus Food Drive, a Germanic effort accross the US, feeding the hungry. This group did not get involved until early last year, but in only two months $177 cash and 170 pounds of food were donated by the membership. Here’s hoping for a “bumper crop” this year. We will wrap up the year with our Christmas party. More importantly, in addition to the above items, DANK #54 is aiming to garner more members. This in response to NVP Erik Wittmann’s (national membership chair),”Bring just one” membership campaign slogan.
Check Us Out Online Head on over to our National Website to get the latest updates and information on DANK and the Germanic-American community.
www.dank.org dank.org/blog Germanfest June 11th
August / September 2011
German-American Journal
13
“Der Neid ist die aufrichtigste Form der Anerkennung.” “Envy is the sincerest form of recognition.” Wilhelm Busch
Conference by the Central Agency for Schools Abroad
The Central Agency for Schools Abroad (ZfA) is a part of the Federal Office of Administration (Bundesverwaltungsamt). The Central Agency for Schools Abroad (ZfA) works closely with the German states (Länder) and the Foreign Office. The Foreign Office provides expert supervision, assistance and support to140 German schools Christa Garcia all over the world (Auslandsschulen, in which all instruction is given in German). This superb assistance from the ZfA is also given to more than 870 additional educational institutions and German departments at colleges and universities which are in part or totally supported by the Federal Republic of Germany. Within these various institutions more than 2,000 teachers are employed who are fully educated, certified and qualified holding German credentials and who have been chosen to teach in some of these institutions. In addition there are also numerous expert advisors sent by the ZfA. During their employment abroad, the German teachers, school administrators and coordinators receive support from the ZfA and the advisors in organizational, pedagogical and staff-related matters. Presently there are five Language Coordinators (Fachberater) in this country located in Portland,OR Miami,FL Los Angeles,CA Chicago, IL and Washington, DC. These Fachberater assist the German Language Schools with the administration of the DSS Deutsches Sprachdiplom. The German Language Schools in this country are predominantly run by private or nonprofit organizations (often also by school associations, private foundations and religious institutions). The ZfA realizes that these German Language Schools are an important indispensable part of German cultural and educational policy abroad. The ZfA focuses on encountering and fostering the culture and society of the host country as long as schools for German children abroad teach and promote the German language and culture and emphasize language education and professional careers in Germany. In order to achieve these objectives, the ZfA in Germany with its approx. 100 employees in the agency advises and supports the German schools abroad and other educational institutions in pedagogical and staff-related issues, assists in organizational and financial matters, and helps in recruiting and placing teachers abroad. More than 2,000 teachers recruited from Germany are currently working in the different educational institutions around the world. The ZfA also provides additional and continuous education and training for headmasters, school directors, teachers and administrators by organizing meet-
The final picture on Sunday night at the end of the ZfA Conference at the Goethe Institut in Chicago © Dieter Jaeschke - ZfA Language Coordinator in Mexico City, Mexico
ings and conferences with private schools and representatives of public schools by conducting and evaluating language examinations (German Language Certificate (DSD Deutsches Sprachdiplom) of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs in the Federal Republic of Germany (KMK). The DSD (das Deutsche Sprachdiplom) is the German Language Final Exam and is a prerequisite to university study. In order to realize success with this endeavor the ZfA also provides financial support to German Schools abroad (Auslandsschulen) and other educational institutions such as the German Language Schools of DANK. All of these measures are aimed at ensuring a high standard of performance and quality development: thus these schools become an international showcase for Germany as a good place for education and business. Of a total of 343,000 students who are attending these ZfA supported schools abroad, 78,000 are enrolled in German schools (Auslands-schulen) abroad. 265,000 students attend German classes at schools in other countries around the world. Of these 78,000 pupils at German schools abroad, 20,000 are German natives and 58,000 are nonGerman. 4,100 students take a German final examination every year and 2,900 take the examinations for the general German qualification for university entrance. 21,000 pupils pass the German Language Certificate (DSD) of the KMK every year, 12,000 of which pass level II (proof of language competency required for admission to German universities). Approx. 700 pupils are taking part in bilingual, dual professional training with recognized diplomas offered at two independent German vocational schools and 13 vocational departments at German schools abroad. (German School Management Worldwide) All of the German Saturday Schools are called Teilzeitschulen part-time German schools, the instruction
Schooling in Germany www.germany.info
Good initial opportunities for everyone are a key prerequisite for education and achievement. German schooling is based
on nine years of compulsory education for all children. Compulsory education in Germany has a long, proven tradition. As early as 1659, it was introduced in Bavaria and for the first time in Prussia in 1717. Also today, 300 years after its introduction, it is vitally important: It protects children against social discrimination and isolation, it contributes to integration; and it fosters dialogue within society. Once children are aged six, they as a rule attend primary school for four
takes place on weekends or weekday evenings. The age of the students attending these schools ranges from 3-14. Each year the ZfA and the Language Coordinators from Canada, USA, and Mexico conduct a Language Conference either the first or second weekend in June. Each year a different Language Coordinator is in charge and thus the cities are rotated yearly. This year this event took place in Chicago at the Goethe Institut. More than 70 teachers, school directors and Language Coordinators traveled from afar to attend this years conference. Gert Wilhelm, Language Coordinator from the Midwest, announced the central topic a year ago: The Process of Writing. The guest speaker was Dr. Eva Marquardt, Director of the Goethe-Institut in New York who showed a power point presentation about The Initiative of PASCH Schulen (partner schools) around the world. Additional topics of various workshops centered on the pedagogical objectives and successful procedures of teaching children how to write compositions and essays. The next June Conference (Junitagung) will take place at the Goethe Institut in San Francisco the first week-end of June. Several presentation ideas were already presented for the Immersion School Conference 2012. Hopefully we will be able to greet as many teachers and administrators then as came to this conference. They were from the following DSS (Deutsche Sprachschule) Schools in Charlotte, N.C. Atlanta, S.C., Morris, N.J., San Diego, CA, Union, N.J., Monmouth, N.J. Houston, TX, Cleveland, OH, Berkeley, CA, Boston, MA, East Bay, CA, Bloomfield, MI, Metro Detroit, MI, Denver, CO, Eastside, WA, Fremont, CA, Washington, DC, Naperville, IL, Palo Alto, CA, Stamford, CT, Knoxville,TN, Tallahassee, FL, Portland, OR, Hartford, CT, Mission Viejo, CA, San Ramon, CA, DSS of United Nations of NY, Arlington Heights, IL, and Chicago Nord, IL
years, before going on to a variety of secondary schools: Hauptschule, Realschule, Gymnasium. The standards and weighting of practical versus theoretical lessons differ. There are also Gesamtschulen, in which all children of compulsory school age are taught in parallel classes, depending on their particular abilities. Children can easily move from one stream to another as they improve. In Hauptschulen, grades 5 to 9 are compulsory, and 10th grade is voluntary. Gymnasium provides indepth education. Pupils graduate from Gymnasium after the 12th or 13th grade with a High-School Certificate. Lessons in German schools tend to be in the mornings, but the Government is constantly increasing the number of schools offering day-long instruction; short term plans being for there to be 5,000 all-day schools, or about
12 percent of all schools offering general education. Forward-looking support at the pre-school level and more language classes are likewise intended to enhance the quality of education. Attendance of all government schools is free of charge. In today’s Germany, it is incumbent on the state, and in the German federalist system that means on the German states, to guarantee balanced school instruction. A Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder coordinates schooling, as each Federal state has its own school laws. The free cost of schooling associated with compulsory education is key to democratizing schooling and education and also broadens the possibilities for socially disadvantaged classes to receive the same opportunities.
14
German-American Journal
August / September 2011
“Mancher ertrinkt lieber, als daß er um Hilfe ruft.” “Some would rather drown than cry for help.” Wilhelm Busch
125 Years of the Automobile
A German invention is celebrating its birthday. Carl Benz’s first automobile was a revolution in 1886. The jubilee year 2011 is all about mobility.
Photo: Stefan Eisele Daimler AG
By: Dominik Rech | magazine-deutschland.de THE KAISER WAS SCEPTICAL. “I regard the automobile as a temporary phenomenon. I prefer to bet on the horse,” said a critical Wilhelm II about the engine of progress. A great mistake as it turned out: the revolution on wheels was unstoppable. A German invention changed the world on 29 January 1886. A new era of transport began. With a single cylinder, about 0.9 horsepower and a top speed of 12 km/h, the “Motor Wagen” the engineer Carl Benz patented in Mannheim 125 years ago under the number 37435 is considered the world’s very first automobile. This gasoline-powered vehicle, which the boffin put on the road for the first time a few months later, looked more like a carriage without a horse. The strange tricycle provoked suspicious glances whenever Benz came round the corner in his new invention. But he and his wife Bertha remained undeterred. They believed in the future of the automobile: Bertha became the mother of all motorists and in 1888 undertook the first cross-country trip in a motor car with her two sons – the 100 kilometres from Mannheim to Pforzheim. The new era rapidly gained momentum. Unconventional thinkers like Carl Benz and Henry Ford, who made cars affordable for many using the assembly line, became the driving force behind a development that has produced more than 2.4 billion automobiles worldwide to date. The car became the companion of modernism and an integral part of everyday life. Some 42 million cars are registered today in Germany alone. And not only that: people have learnt to love the automobile. In the space of 125 years models like the VW Beetle and the Porsche 911 have turned the car into a cult object and a cultural asset. Station wagon or convertible, sedan or SUV – sporty or elegant, luxurious or functional: in the 21st century the car is far more than
Comparing Markets DOW
a means of transport. Often enough it stands for a certain attitude to life or personality. In 2011 Germany is celebrating the 125th birthday of the invention of the first automobile. The mobile events will focus on the state of Baden-Württemberg. The birthplace of the automobile has developed into a nationally and internationally significant centre of the automotive industry. The renowned manufacturers Daimler and Porsche – as well as Bosch, a leading component supplier – have their headquarters in and around Stuttgart. With an “Automobile Summer” from 7 May to 10 September 2011, BadenWürttemberg is organizing a huge, 125-day birthday party with over 300 events on all aspects of cars and transport. The German automotive industry will also be among the exhibitors showing off their latest models and developments at the world’s biggest automobile fair, the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt am Main from 15 to 25 September 2011. Alongside Japan, China and the USA, Germany is one of the leading car producers with its six manufacturers – VW, Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche and GM subsidiary Opel. Roughly 63 million cars were produced for the global automotive market in 2010 – and approx. 12 million of these vehicles were made by German manufacturers. That corresponds to a share of over 18% of total production. The German automotive industry is an important economic factor with more than 700,000 employees within Germany and great innovative potential. The Volkswagen Group, Germany’s top-selling company, is currently even on the way to becoming the world’s biggest automaker. The Wolfsburg-based company currently owns the following brands: Volkswagen, Audi, Seat and Škoda as well as the luxury brands Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini. Europe’s largest carmaker is also planning to complete the integration of the sports-car maker Porsche before the end of 2011.
iTunes Top 10 Song Downloads United States
DAX
Now that the economic crisis is over, the prospects for German manufacturers in 2011 are looking bright again and seem to point to a recovery. According to its annual forecast, the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) expects to break several records. Car exports are expected to reach 4.4 million units (up 5%); domestic production also looks likely to grow by 5% to nearly 5.8 million vehicles. Manufacturers are presenting their latest ideas for the green future of the car at the IAA: alternative propulsion systems are a priority that has been keeping the development engineers occupied for some time. Will hybrid technology become the new standard, or only be a bridging technology en route to the pure electric car? If VW’s CEO Martin Winterkorn has his way, the future will belong to zero-emission electric motors – refueled at the power socket. However, experts agree that several years of development and close cooperation between industry, research and politics are still needed before this can happen. But even so, Germany wants to be among the innovators in the automotive field again and to establish a lead market for electric vehicles. The ambitious target is to have one million electric vehicles on Germany’s roads by 2020. In order to push electromobility forward, the Federal Government is investing primarily in research and development over the next few years, one priority being to produce efficient battery systems for this propulsion technology. The example of BMW shows that German automakers are taking electromobility seriously. The group is expanding its plant in Leipzig to make it the first centre for the massproduction of zero-emission electric cars in Germany. Auto-pioneer Carl Benz would surely have been delighted at such a prospect for the future of the automobile.
Data Taken July 16, 2011
Germany
5/20/11:
$12,512.04
5/20/11:
€7,266.82
1 Party Rock Anthem • LMFAO feat. Lauren Bennett & GoonRock
1 Mr. Saxobeat • Alexandra Stan
7/15/11:
$12,479.73
7/15/11:
€7,220.12
2 Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.) • Katy Perry
2 Danza Kuduro • Lucenzo feat. Don Omar
$ Change:
- $32.31
€ Change:
- €46.70
3 Skyscraper • Demi Lovato
3 Nur noch kurz die Welt retten • Tim Bendzko
% Change:
- 0.26%
% Change:
- 0.64%
4 How to Love • Lil Wayne
4 Give Me Everything • Pitbull feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer
5 Tonight Tonight • Hot Chelle Rae
5 The Edge of Glory • Lady Gaga
EUR/USD
6 Give Me Everything • Pitbull feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer
6 Party Rock Anthem • LMFAO feat. Lauren Bennett & GoonRock
5/20/11:
$1.4158
7 Rolling In the Deep • ADELE
7 California King Bed • Rihanna
7/15/11:
$1.4158
8 Good Life • OneRepublic
8 Set Fire to the Rain • ADELE
$ Change:
+ $0.00
9 Dirt Road Anthem • Jason Aldean
9 On the Floor • Jennifer Lopez feat. Pitbull
% Change:
+ 0.00%
10 I Wanna Go • Britney Spears
10 Je veux • ZAZ
Source: Yahoo! Finance
Shaded Row: Song found on both lists
Source: iTunes
August / September 2011
German-American Journal
15
“Humor ist der Schwimmgürtel auf dem Strom des Lebens.” “Humor is the life preserver on the rapids of life.” Wilhelm Busch
European Rivers
Bloodline of a Continent By: Audrey L. Hess-Eberle Euro Lloyd Travel Group/Chicago Have you ever envisioned a dream where you can mark your passage on a deluxe ship with the camaraderie of about 150 fellow passengers from various lands and cultural perspectives - a ship that will allow you to explore the very European rivers that have given life to some of the world’s greatest cities, towns and villages? While there are several river cruise companies to choose from, European cruises such as with AMA WATERWAYS and their multi-lingual staff and crew offers you luxury while each day you quietly slip into a new river port for a guided intimate exploration which is included in your cruise price, or set off on your own private path of discovery. Why travel by river? You settle into your accommodations, unpack and are finished until journey’s end. While on board, you will enjoy some of the best dining (all inclusive including wine) in casual dress. Experience nightly entertainment from Cabaret to local music and entertainers; attend lectures, cultural
demonstrations, language lessons, cozy up in the library or lounge, or just settle into a deck chaise or the comfort of your cabin with a good book while the river’s rhythmic flow carries you past fabulous scenery as can only be seen intimately on a river. Each day’s destination brings you into the heart of a town for a conducted walking tour into galleries and museums, cathedrals and castles, parks and gardens, or via motor coach excursions into the country side past vineyards, pristine mountains, fields and castles – all included into your cruise price. Trained Heritage Guides will introduce you to UNESCO World Heritage Sites as you encounter villages from Celtic, Roman or any period from 11th through the 19th centuries. While rivers like the Main, Rhine, Danube, Mosel, Rhone and Saone have each played their own part in history, let us suggest the following AMA WATERWAYS cruise. If you purchase an air/land/sea package, roundtrip transfers between airport, hotel and ship, breakfast, hotel and sightseeing are included. However, you may wish to arrive
EURO LLOYD TRAVEL Announcing AIR FARE SPECIALS for members of DANK If you have not traveled to Germany lately, or just thought you might skip the trip to Europe this year, you can not afford to pass up the low discounted travel airfares being offered by all airlines. Please identify yourselves as DANK members when calling our office.
Current Fall airfares (special early-bird-sales can occur at any time) for travel to and from Germany, including taxes and fuel surcharges, start from: Chicago Indianapolis Milwaukee Madison Cleveland Detroit
$999 $1009 $1009 $1009 $999 $1039
Audrey L. Hess-Eberle or Tiffany Nedwed EURO LLOYD TRAVEL GROUP Partner of Lufthansa City Center The Monadnock Building 53 W. Jackson Blvd. - Suite 863 Chicago, Illinois 60604
*Call for special airfares to other European cities and beyond. *Low discounted Domestic and international airfares. *European Rail passes and single tickets. *Car rentals with special low dollar rates in most European countries. *Cruises world-wide. *Worldwide tours – independent, hosted and fully escorted.
Call now for information: 1-800-572-3149 or 1-312-362-0218 email: chi@eurolloyd.com Visit us at: www.eurolloyd.com
Rates are subject to availability for your date of travel, with various airline non stop or connection options. Friday, Saturday, Sunday Weekend surcharges apply for each direction.
or depart independently, into or out of a city different from the following itinerary, then board your cruise independently. There are many cruise options to consider, durations, itineraries and dates. Europe’s Rivers and Castles, November 06, 2011 Wine Cruise with AMA WATERWAYS $2099 -7 night cruise // $3339 - 14 day cruise/land // $3839 cruise/land/airNYC NOV 03 - Depart USA for Prague NOV 04 - Arrive into Prague, check in to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure to explore on your own. NOV 05 - Morning sightseeing of Prague’s historic city center, the Dancing House and the metronome overlooking the Vitava River before arriving at the 1000-year-old Hradcany Castle for a tour. Walk over the Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. Afternoon optional tours available. Evening is at leisure. NOV 06 - After breakfast, depart for Nuremberg, capital of Franconia. Guided tour of this Imperial city. Late afternoon, embark the luxurious AMADANTE and meet passengers at a Welcome Aboard Wine Toast’. NOV 07 - Cruise along the Main-Danube Canal…attend a Wine Lecture before your ship arrives in Bamberg, once the center of the Holy Roman Empire. Your walking tour includes a visit to a brew pub known for Rauchbier or smoked beer. Tonight’s German-themed-dinner will be paired with wines of the region. Continue through Franconia past slopes of vineyards. NOV 08 - Arrive at Wuerzburg, home of the fuller-bodied Stein wines and lateripening Rieslings. Visit the extraordinary baroque Residenze Palace, including a wine-tasting with a platter of bread and meats at the Hofkeller. An optional tour is offered to Rothenburg. NOV 09 - Visit the medieval town of
Wertheim of the Tauber and Main Rivers with a walking tour. NOV 10 - Arrive at the wine village of Rudesheim for your mini-train tour and visit to the Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Cruise this stretch of the Rhine past castles, the Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Koblenz at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel. After dinner, walk around Koblenz which dates to ancient Roman times. NOV 11 - Guided tour of Reichsburg Castle, situated above the town of Cochem on the Mosel . Your walking tour includes restored timber-framed homes. Afternoon wine lecture back onboard. Arrive Zell, a large center of wine-growing on the Mosel, like Schwarze Katz. Enjoy an 18th century wine festival of costumes, as a brass band leads you through town for a spectacular evening celebration. NOV 12 - Walking tour of Bernkastel, its medieval marketplace, Castle Landshut, and wine tasting, Mosel-themed dinner. NOV 13 - Disembark in Luxembourg for walking tour. Take TGV high-speed train to Paris. Overnight. NOV 14 - Day 12 Morning guided tour of Paris. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight NOV 15 - Paris on your own or optional tours. NOV 16 -Transfer to airport for homeward flight. Consider AMA WATERWAYS for Russia, Spain, France and the Mekong in Asia. ZUM WOHL!!!!!!! Call today for more information, varied itineraries and lengths of stay, all travel destinations. Identify yourselves as a D.A.N.K. member. Ask for Audrey or Tiffany. Phone: 312-362-0218 /// Toll Free: 800572-3149 /// Email: chi@eurolloyd.com
16
German-American Journal
August / September 2011
Destined to Witness Growing up Black in Nazi Germany
Book By: Hans J. Massaquoi Reviewed by Ursula Mache Hoeft The title is interesting – so is the photo on the cover. One can’t help but wonder: what’s wrong with this picture? The seriouslooking, dark-skinned little boy with the cherubic face doesn’t seem to belong in a sweater with a swastika on the front! Born in Hamburg in 1926, as the title of his memoir reveals, Hans-Jürgen Massaquoi was not your regular, run-of-the-mill little
boy. The son of a white German nurse and a well-to do African, he had inherited his father’s skin color. Until he was three, Hans-Jürgen Massaquoi led a charmed and privileged life. He enjoyed all the status afforded a member of the family of Momolu Massaquoi, his grandfather, the Liberian Consul General to Germany. But in 1929, when his African family returned to Liberia, Hans-Jürgen’s happy, secure life ended abruptly. On a doctor’s advice, his mother decided not to accompany the Massaquoi family, fearing that the inhospitable African climate would be bad for her son’s health. But it soon became obvious to the two that Germany’s political climate might well prove to be even more inhospitable and unhealthy for the black-skinned Hans-Jürgen. Massaquoi describes his experiences in Nazi Germany, and later in Liberia, and then in the U.S., without pulling any punches. Because of his color, he is frequently the object of ridicule, discrimination and, at times, persecution, prompted by Hitler’s pro-Aryan, anti-everyone-else, decrees. Repeatedly he faces dangerous situations. Luckily, he always manages to make it through, sometimes by the skin of his teeth.
One night he is stopped and questioned by a member of the SS as he is on his way home after a rendezvous with Gretchen, his verboten first love. Just in the nick of time, one of his Aryan neighbors comes to his aid. But Massaquoi doesn’t dwell on the unhappy experiences, many of them life threatening, that he lived through during the years that the Nazis were in power in Germany. Every unhappy occurrence and close brush with danger that he describes is quickly followed by an account of a positive experience, often one in which a German saved him from harm; sometimes it was even a member of the Nazi party who came to his aid. Through Massaquoi’s eyes, Nazi Germany and its average, working-class citizens are seen from a unique perspective. The fact that he apparently has as many good memories as bad ones of his life during those times should not be surprising. As he points out, people of color were extremely rare in Germany before World War II. Besides those who were members of diplomatic families, like Massaquoi, black skinned people encountered in Germany during the thirties were usually either sports
figures or entertainers. Germans found them exotic and interesting. As Massaquoi’s story confirms, while people of color may not have fit into his model of the ideal citizen, there were many Germans who didn’t give a damn about Hitler’s notion of a master race. Repeatedly, average Germans showed him kindness and spontaneously came to his aid. Despite the hardships that he endured, Massaquoi’s fondness for Germany is obvious throughout Destined to Witness. Although he has lived in the U.S. for more than fifty years, is married to an American woman, has two successful sons born in this county, and has achieved much success here, one can’t help but sense that Massaquoi still considers himself to be very much a German. He reveals his deep-rooted “Germanness” when he describes a rare emotional outburst that occurred between him and his mother following a particularly hurtful experienced he endured as a young boy. He quickly goes on to explain, “usually we outdid each other in keeping our hurt to ourselves. We were Germans, after all.” Readers who are of German heritage will know what he means.
The Berlin Wall Today Remnants, Ruins, and Remembrances
Preface by Michael Cramer Pictures by Eva C. Schweitzer
The Berlin Wall Today is a richly illustrated full color book that takes the reader on a tour of the last traces and fading memories of the historic Iron Curtain—to memorials, parks, hidden back yards, train tracks, factory buildings, churches, and Prussian cemeteries. The Berlin Wall Today tells stories of struggle, desperation, survival, and rebirth and of a history that shaped the post- war world. It also shows how the people of Berlin are reclaiming and memorializing the ground where the Wall once stood: Mauer Park, where young
people from all over world gather to party; a guard tower that is now the Museum of Forbidden Art; the Topography of Terror Museum, which includes the former Gestapo headquarters; and landmarks such as the Reichstag, the East Side Gallery, and Checkpoint Charlie. Numerous maps lead the visitor from point to point. Blurbs: “This comprehensive, well-illustrated book offers the reader fascinating insights into the world’s most notorious Wall.” Paul Sullivan, www.slowtravelberlin.com
“This book stands out. It is not just about the Wall, but what happened to it after the Wende, with images strikingly new and refreshingly unfamiliar. it’s not just a guide, but a commentary on the significance of the Wall. It highlights the dark history of the Iron Curtain, as well as its political and artistic legacy as a canvas and cultural landmark.” Justinian Jampol, director of the Wende Museum, Los Angeles “This book is a walk back in time showcasing the historical highlights of the Berlin wall. This period in time must never be forgotton even though the wall itself is gone.” Darlene Fuchs
New York, New York
New York has secured television broadcast time for whole parade but needs funding www.germanparadenyc.org Great news for German-Americans everywhere: For the first time ever, the New York Steuben Parade will be televised live on PBS thanks to a commitment from local New York stations WNET thirteen and WLIW21. One of the most colorful and exciting parades in New York City will now be available to a much larger audience, bringing GermanAmerican culture and traditions right into your living room. The 2011 Steuben Parade will be held on Saturday, September 17, starting promptly at 12 Noon and so will the broadcast. The experienced team of IMG Media, one of the largest production companies in the world and an expert for live coverage of mass events, will produce the program out of facilities right alongside the Parade route and stream an HD signal live to Channel 13. A repeat of the Steuben Parade will be shown on Sunday, September 18, at a time yet to be determined. The German-American Steuben Parade of New York is currently trying to get the Steuben Parade broadcast into other markets all over the United States and we are hopeful to get the program shown in areas with a strong German background. If you live in the Midwest, Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida, or any other area with a strong presence of German-American heritage, please
petition your local PBS station to carry the signal from Channel 13. Within a short time after the Steuben Parade, a DVD will be available featuring the entire broadcast. At this time, we are asking you for help in financing our undertaking. It has long been a goal of the GermanAmerican community to have the New York Steuben Parade
broadcast on TV to spread our heritage and tradition further and make people everywhere aware of who we are. Now that we succeeded and secured a spot on PBS, we need to cover the significant production cost, and we are asking for support. Can you become a partner for the program? Please pick one of the following categories to indicate your level of support: Generous individuals, families or organizations can support the broadcast at four different levels: You can become a PRODUCER for $1,000. You will see your name on an “underwriter slide” and be mentioned as part of the supportive German-American community during the broadcast. You will also receive a DVD of the Steuben Parade and the spectacular 2-DVD set “Visions in Germany”. You can become a DIRECTOR for $500 and receive a DVD of the Steuben Parade and the spectacular 2-DVD set “Visions in Germany”. You can become an EDITOR for $100 and receive a DVD of the Steuben Parade. Or become a FAN at the level of $50 and receive a Steuben Parade tote bag to proudly display your German-American heritage when shopping or going to the beach. www.germanparadenyc.org/news44.html If this endeavor is successful we would hope that Chicago could find similar television broadcasting arrangements.
August / September 2011
German-American Journal
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How Mobile are the Germans?
Germany is a land of automobiles. However, the statistics also show that other means of transport are becoming increasingly important magazin-deutschland.de A mobililty market leader is now facing competition: although over 42 million cars are registered in Germany and Germans use their cars for the vast majority of their everyday journeys, a trend is now emerging towards a mobility mix in which both public transport and the bicycle are becoming increasingly important. Today 83% of all German households have at least one bicycle. In 1988 the total was just 70%, while in 1969 only half of all households (53%) had a bicycle. The increasing importance of the alternatives to the automobile is also confirmed by a recent Federal Transport Ministry study on “Mobility in Germany”. In a comparison of the years 2002 and 2008 it ascertained an increase of four million
journeys a day completed by bicycle. The number of trips completed on foot rose by five million, while public transport was used one million times more. Conversely, the number of journeys completed using motorized private transport – in other words, primarily cars – fell by two million. Germany’s strong infrastructure supports flexible mobility. Bus and rail services profit from the dense network of over 230,000 kilometres of road and over 40,000 kilometres of track. Environmentally friendly public transport makes a particularly strong mark on cities: Timescout, a survey of youth trends conducted in six German cities in 2010, discovered that almost 80% of 20- to 29-year-olds said that a car was unnecessary in their city because of the well-developed public transport system.
Play ‘Red Wing’!
A Family’s Odyssey Through Europe and the Old West Review by: Eve Timmerhaus This is a biographical novel that traces four generations of the author’s family. It records their lives and migrations from Prussia to Austria, to Ohio, to the Oklahoma Territory, back to Europe after World War I, then once again to American, finally settling in Pratt County, Kansas. Each move was for different reasons.
Shaking Off the Shame of Being German? By: Stephen Fuchs - German Pulse
Recently the Chicago Daily Herald ran a series of articles on “Women’s Perspective” on the Holocaust on the front page. One viewpoint was from a “German’s” eyes and the other through a Jew’s. I feel it is important to note that the German writer is a German American whose family emigrated to the United States in the 1880’s and the Jewish writer’s family emigrated from Russia shortly before WWII. The reason for the articles were to promote the opening of the “Spots of Light” exhibit at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie which focuses on the stories of 10 women of the Holocaust. While the Jewish perspective focused more on the exhibit, the German one seemed to be more about the shame and guilt the author feels for being German. The author, Teresa Schmedding, opens her article with the following statement... “I expected the feelings of guilt — and braced for them. While I know my immediate relatives were farming in Missouri before the war and didn’t have a direct hand in the Holocaust, I’m German and have always felt that guilt by association.” She then goes on to question what she would have done if she was in Germany at the time of the Holocaust and raised under Hitler’s youth movement. Then after her review of the exhibit she stated... “I went to the exhibit hoping to shake
off some of the shame of being German. Instead, I simply walked away prouder than ever to be a woman.” She went hoping to “shake of the shame of being German”? I realize that German’s to this day still feel some guilt for what happened during WWII, but do we really have to be shameful of our heritage? Every country has at least one shameful event that took place in its history. Am I ashamed to be an American because of the slaughtering of thousands of Native Americans that took place during the exploration of this country? It was a horrible thing that took place, but I am not going around saying that it makes me feel ashamed of my American heritage. Maybe people still feel ashamed of their German connection because the horrific events don’t seem as far off in history, but is it going to take another 50 or 100 years before we can be proud of the good things German’s have done to contribute to society? Yes, it is important to recognize the troubling things the Nazi’s did so that we can try to prevent similar actions in the future and to remember the victims, but there have got to be plenty of good things that the German’s have done that we can be proud of. Maybe this is something GermanAmerican organization’s can work on in the United States so that we can educate the American’s on the positive side of Germany instead of the negative portrayal taught in schools and on TV.
The story runs from 1862 to 1938, highlighting fourteen years in which they homesteaded in the Oklahoma Panhandle. There, the third generation son is a musician at the “all night dances” held on ranches and homestead. The story also recounts the impact of major events on the family; the Austro-Prussian War (1866), World War I, the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl and the rise of Nazism in the 1930’s Germany.
“Play ‘Red Wing’!” is a song written in 1907, which is also when Oklahoma became the 46th state in the Union. The book celebrates the centennial of both the song and the state. This 377 page book is published by Author House
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German-American Journal
August / September 2011
*** Calendar Of Events ***
This area is designated for DANK chapters and Associate Members to inform their members and the public of events they are having. We rely on the submissions of each chapter or organization, therefor all events may not be included. Please contact our National Office at 773-275-1100 or visit www.DANK.org for the most recent listing of events or for information on how to make sure your event is listed in the next issue. (Associate Member Events Listed In Italics) 26
August 2011 5
Benton Harbor, MI: Fish Fry. 6-8 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Band Plays 7-10 p.m. 2651 Pipestone Rd., Benton Harbor, MI 269-926-6652
Chicago, IL: German Cinema Now. Contemporary German films with English subtitles. 7:30pm DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. Info: call 773-561-9181 or visit dankhaus.com
26-28 Oregon, OH. German-American Festival, 3624 Seaman St.,
Chicago, IL: Kulturkueche Make Oma Proud – Demonstation, recipes, tasting and drink. For more information: www. dankhaus.com
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Pittsburgh, PA. Board Meeting, 850 Washington Ave., Carnegie, PA 10:00 a.m. For more information: www. germaninpittsburgh.org
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Chicago: Lost German Chicago Exhibition open to public, 11am. Free. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com
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Chicago: Lost German Chicago Exhibition open to public, 11am. Free. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com
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Eastlake, OH. German Heritage Night at Lake County Captains Minor League Baseball, 6:00 p.m. For more information: www.captainsbaseball.com
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Milwaukee, WI. DANK Folk Choir meets at Sacred Heart Parish, 7:00 p.m. For more information: 262-675-6336
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South Bend: Annual picnic at 1:00 PM Potluck at Kison’s farm 63620 Maple Rd. South Bend
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Chicago, IL: Sportsklub DANK, 7:30pm. No cover, cash bar. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. Table Tennis, Fussball Table, Bags – Fussball on Big Screen! For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com.
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Frankfort, IL Alpine Summer Music Fest. Music by The Freistadt Alte Kameraden. Doors open at 4pm., music starts at 5pm. 25249 Center Rd., Frankfort. Please RSVP by August 6 (708-636-3074 or 708-403-9693). Donation: $15, tickets in advance $10. For more info: www.dankchicagosouth.org Chicago: Lost German Chicago Exhibition open to public, 11am. Free. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com
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Benton Harbor, MI Membership Meeting, 4 p.m. 2651 Pipestone Rd. For more information: 269-926-6652 or www.dank13.org
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Erie, PA. Festival Volunteer Meeting and Sign-up - Meet us at the Erie Brewing Company on West 12th near Greengarden Dr. 7:00pm
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Chicago, IL: Stammtisch, 7:30pm. Monthly Open Haus.No cover, food and drink available. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. For more info call 773-561-9181 or visit dankhaus.com
19-21 Olmsted Twp, OH. Summer Oktoberfest, Lenau Park, 7370 Columbus Rd.
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Fairgrounds, 164 Eastland Rd, Berea, OH. information: www.clevelandoktoberfest.com
For more
3-4 Erie, PA. German Heritage Festival - St. Nick’s Grove, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.. For more information: www.dank-erie.org
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Frankfort, IL. Fall Festival Parade. 1pm
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Benton Harbor, MI: Fish Fry. 6-8 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Band Plays 7-10 p.m. 2651 Pipestone Rd., Benton Harbor, MI 269-926-6652
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Milwaukee, WI. DANK Milwaukee Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. Sacred Heart Parish. Fore more info: 414-422-1385
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Milwaukee, WI. DANK Folk Choir meets at Sacred Heart Parish, 7:00 p.m. For more information: 262-675-6336
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Chicago, IL. Adult Language School. Every Wednesday 6:30pm - 9pm. 3rd floor Schule. 6 Levels of German Language instruction. 18 weeks. For more information call 773-5619181 or visit www.dankhaus.com
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Chicago: Lost German Chicago Exhibition open to public, 11am. Free. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com Chicago, IL Kinderschule registration and Steuben Day Parade float. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. For more information: 773-561-9181
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Milwaukee, WI. DANK Folk Dancers meets at Sacred Heart Parish, 6:00 p.m. For more information: 414-764-1895
Chicago, IL. Membership Meeting. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com
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Chapter Chicago-West Board Meeting. 1:30 p.m
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Milwaukee, WI. DANK Folk Choir meets at Sacred Heart Parish, 7:00 p.m. For more information: 262-675-6336
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Milwaukee, WI. DANK Folk Dancers meets at Sacred Heart Parish, 6:00 p.m. For more information: 414-764-1895
Welcome New Members April 26, 2011 - June 25, 2011
Chicago-South , IL
Springfield, IL Gisela Martin
Peoria, IL
Norene Kurth
Wayne Bogart
Chicago, IL
Benton Harbor, MI
Wolfgang Schaff Courtney Conway David Simmons Carrie Baumann Senz Ulrich Johann and Maria Huprich William McCain
Fox Valley, IL
Tom and Jan Sleeter John and Annette Winter Eric Lee
Chicago, IL: Stammtisch, 7:30pm. Monthly Open Haus.No cover, food and drink available. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. For more info call 773-561-9181 or visit dankhaus.com
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Chicago, IL: Kino, Kaffee, und Kuchen, Doors open at Noon. Vorfilm at 1pm Feature at 2pm. $4 for members, $6 for non-members. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. For more info call 773-561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com
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Chicago: Lost German Chicago Exhibition open to public, 11am. Free. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com
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Benton Harbor, MI. Oktoberfest. Doors will open at 6 PM. $6 per person entrance fee. The Kitchen and Bar will be open to serve at 6 PM for an extra charge. The Just 4 Fun Band will entertain from 7-11 PM for your dancing pleasure. German food is available. For more information: www.dank13.org or 269-926-6652
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Pascack Valley, NJ. Regular Meeting. For more information: 201-767-3095
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Erie, PA Getting ready to celebrate Oktoberfest! Enjoy a video of the opening parade leading to the Theresienwiese in Munich and see the many colorful German tracht, dancers and the floats! Members are encouraged to wear their German outfits tonight/ 7 p.m. For more information: www. dank-erie.org
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Milwaukee, WI. DANK Folk Choir meets at Sacred Heart Parish, 7:00 p.m. For more information: 262-675-6336
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Chicago, IL: German Cinema Now. Contemporary German films with English subtitles. 7:30pm DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. Info: call 773-561-9181 or visit dankhaus.com
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Pittsburgh, PA. Board/General Membership Meeting, 850 Washington Ave., Carnegie, PA 10:00 a.m. For more information: ww.germaninpittsburgh.org
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Frankfort, IL Oktoberfest. Dancing with music by the Will Smacka Band. 4-9:00 p.m., 25249 Center Rd., Frankfort, IL. For more information: www.dankchicagosouth.org
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Milwaukee, WI. DANK Chapter Membership Meeting at Sacred Heart Parish. 1:30 p.m. For more information: 414422-1385
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Milwaukee, WI. DANK Folk Choir meets at Sacred Heart Parish, 7:00 p.m. For more information: 262-675-6336
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Milwaukee, WI. DANK Folk Dancers meets at Sacred Heart Parish, 6:00 p.m. For more information: 414-764-1895
2-5 Cleveland, OH Labor Day Oktoberfest, Cuyahoga County
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National
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SEPTEMBER 2011
Chicago: Lost German Chicago Exhibition open to public, 11am. Free. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com
Bob Howe
Milwaukee, WI. DANK Folk Choir meets at Sacred Heart Parish, 7:00 p.m. For more information: 262-675-6336
Oregon, OH. For more information: www.gafsociety.org
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David Fizzell Mary and Ronnie Johnson Robert Camp Stacy Vermilyer Fay Noonan
Ambassador Memberships Sponsor: Anneliese H. Gregory New Member: Alex Boesel
August / September 2011
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Merchandise For Sale
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Obituaries Edith B. Quint, 84, of Benton Harbor, passed away Sunday, May 29, 2011 at her home. A Celebration of Life Service was held at Starks & Menchinger Chapel in St. Joseph, MI.. Edith was born September 20, 1926 in Bainbridge Township to Fred & Anna (Henneman) Schultz. She married Karl F. Quint in Benton Harbor. Edith was a long-time member of St. Peter’s Church & the DANK and in 1986 joined the DANK Frauengruppen. She enjoyed going out to lunch & shopping and tending to her flower gardens. Edith also liked to cook & bake for her family & friends, and cherished the time spent with them. Edith is survived by her daughter Dorothy Messinger of Watervliet; her two sons-in-law-Rob Ross of Benton Harbor & Richard Douglas of Watervliet; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; her brother Fred Schultz of Benton Harbor; her sister Adeline Fredericks of Benton Harbor; numerous nieces & nephews including Sandy Withrow & Bonnie Miller of Benton Harbor; and a special friend Wilmarie (Walt) Jensen of Benton Harbor. She was preceded in death by her husband Karl on March 6, 1997 and two daughters-Shirley Ross on November 30, 2000, and Nancy Mears on March 17, 2011.
DANK Polo Shirt with Blue Trim
DANK Polo Shirt
$32
Check Us Out Online 50th Anniversary Pin
$7.50
Moon Landing Coin Silver - Sold Out Bronze - $19
DANK Flag Pin
$7.50
Head on over to our National Website to get the latest updates and information on DANK and the Germanic-American community.
www.dank.org dank.org/blog
Can you spot the 10 differences between these two pictures? Bicentennial Poster
$12.70
Bumper Sticker
$2.00
Cookbook
$17.00
All Prices Include Shipping And Tax! Call Our Office To Purchase Toll Free: 866-926-1109 Bulk Discounts Available With Purchases Of More Than 5 And Sent To The Same Address
DANK Is On YouTube www.YouTube.com/DANKNational
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German-American Journal
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August / September 2011
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