Proud To Be German - American Stolz Deutsch - Amerikaner Zu Sein Visit us at www.DANK.org
Volume 61 Number 2
National Convention November 1-3 , 2013 Rosemont, IL
2013 April - May
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Contents Of This Issue 4
From the President’s Desk by Beverly Pochatko
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Letters To The Editor
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Frohe Pfingsten
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Seeing the war through the eyes of a Hitler Youth
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Reinhold Niebuhr
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Chapter Chatter (Chapter News and Updates)
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The Schützenfest
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Germany’s Garden Colonies by Francine McKenna
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Alles Liebe zum Muttertag
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Bißchen und Stückchen
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Trends - The Eifel Region
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Walpurgis Night
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Calendar of Events
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Wanted: Marketing & Advertising Assistant/Intern
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Odds & Ends
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Welcome New Members & Donations
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Kinder Ecke Cover Design By Beverly Pochatko, Eve Timmerhaus
Editorial Staff Beverly Pochatko Eve Timmerhaus Eva Timmerhaus George Nagata Correspondents Anne Marie Fuhrig Christa Garcia Francine McKenna Desktop Publishing and Design George Nagata Advertising and Classifieds Eve Timmerhaus
General Information
German American Journal -ISSN 1086-8070 is published bi-monthly and is the official publication of the German American National Congress. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago IL. and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER” Send address changes to: German-American Journal 4740 N. Western Avenue Suite 206 Chicago IL. 60625-2013 Annual Subscrition Rate $15.00 www.dank.org/news.html
DANK does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information published herein. DANK preserves the right to change or amend submissions for any reason without prior notice.
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From The President’s Desk Beverly Pochatko, National President Liebe Mitglieder und Freunde, Dear members and friends of DANK, How quickly the time flies by and as I sit ‘taking pen in hand’ it is cold and snowy today as part of the alternating days of spring ‘warmth” and sun…leading up to the rainy days of April. In other words, it is a typical day in this part of the “neighborhood”! Easter was early this year, and all I remember as a youngster was that was the day we got new dresses, shoes, hats and perhaps a sweater or spring coat to wear to church. It’s sad to see that no matter when Easter falls on the calendar, we no longer see the ‘glamour’ of an Easter Parade. Hmm… times change and we adapt to them. I truly believe in DANK and over the past year, we have worked diligently to change the focus, but not our purpose. Change always brings a challenge and truthfully there will always be opposition from senior members who like to keep things the way they are, and the younger members who want to be more progressive. It’s a challenge, but we can do this if we work together – giving change a chance and then we can insure our future. No longer are we an organization of immigrants but an organization of Americans of German descent. Our focus is on what those immigrants left behind so that it is not forgotten. DANK believes that it is our responsibility to encourage all persons with a Germanic background to learn the language of their ancestors; to learn about the many contributions of Germans and German Americans; to preserve even the simplest of traditions for their children. In other words, we are encouraging everyone to be proud of who they are and where their roots began. In this time it is important that we don’t allow our German traditions to be lost along the wayside. Our Mitteillungsblatt has changed over the years, transitioning to a newspaper and now to a modern magazine. Each change had its opposition. As part of our focus of bringing DANK forward, we strive to present information on all levels in a publication that members look forward to receiving. I depend on each and every member, young and old, to rise up and show their pride in being of German descent; to encourage membership in DANK and its affiliated organizations…to make DANK truly the strongest voice of German Americans in the United States. Think about it! When you encourage people to join DANK, you may be the fan that rekindles the fires of pride in their heritage, by bringing our rich heritage back into their lives; traditions back into their homes – whether it is through specific foods, how you celebrate the holidays or encouraging them to research the family tree. I believe in you, but my question is “Do you believe in the purpose of DANK” and what are you willing to do to preserve your heritage? Beverly A. Pochatko beverlypochatko.president@dank.org
DANK seeks to bring together Americans of German descent in the pursuit of cultivating and presenting their heritage and interests on local, regional and national levels. These were the primary reasons that the German American National Congress was founded in 1959 and they are still among the organization’s primary objectives today.
DANK National Executive Board President: Beverly Pochatko Vice President : James Dombrowski Treasurer: Bob Miske Secretary: Linda Voit Membership: Erik Wittmann DANK National Executive Office 4740 N. Western Avenue Chicago IL. 60625-2013 Phone: (773) 275-1100 Toll Free: 1-888-USA-DANK Office Hours: 9am - 4pm Monday, Wednesday-Friday Executive Secretary Eva Timmerhaus Office Manager Eve Timmerhaus
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Letters To The Editor Re.: Genderless God in Germany February/March issue, Page 33. This bizarre, cretinous notion has been spawned from the apparently lame brain of one Kristine Schröder, German Family Minister, of all things! This person – gender neutrally spoken – sounds like yet another escapee of left-liberal gender CloudCuckoo-Land, the loony abode of radical feminists everywhere. Das Weib, grammatically correct, does not translate into das Gott, who always was and eternally will be God Our Father, in spite of the contemporary secular trends practiced in modern Germany. At least, I wish, they would quit abusing the language of my fathers, of Goethe, instead of creating American-spiked Ami-Deutsch such as gepowert, gebruncht and so much more alien language. We pre-war Americans seem to be the only Germans left who carefully nurture the traditions and spoken words of a once proud nation. Schade! And yes indeed, the new redaction and format of the Journal are a vast improvement. Hidegard Trautmann I think the new paper is great! I liked it from the first issue! Gunther Boeger
I am very impressed with the February/March edition of the journal. It is nice to see that we have again a German page and a Kinder Ecke. The quality of the paper is better and I feel we can be proud of our new journal. Thanks Sincerely, Christine Weiss The new Journal is a great improvement! Gerhard Brezina Eine schöne Zeitschrift. Viele Grüße aus Deutschland Monika Fischer-Ziegler I love the new format! It is so much nicer and easier to handle! Isolde Dean I really like the new format of the newspaper, easier to handle and to read. Joyce Bistransky Don’t like newspaper.
Robert & Inge Machnik
Submit a Letter to the Editor To submit a letter to the editor, email editor@dank.org. The German American Journal welcomes letters from our readers. Letters should not exceed 150 words. We reserve the right to edit and shorten the text. Anonymous letters and letters using a pseudonym will not be published. Cover: The Loisach River, Wettertstein Mountains, Eschenlohe, Germany The river flows through Tyrol, Austria and Mavaria, Germany. The source of the Loisach is near Ehrwald in Austria. The Loisach flows past Garmisch-Partenkirchen and into the Kochelsee. At the Kochelsee the water that was diverted from the upper river Isar for power generation at the Walcheseekraftwerk joins the Loisach.
The Loisach then flows out of Kochelsee and joins the Isar at Wolfratshausen to reduce the risk of flooding the town. The Wetterstein is a mountain range in the Northern Limestone Alps. It is a compact range between Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Mittenwald, Seefeld in Tirol and Ehrwald; partially in Bavaria, Germany and partially in Tyrol, Austria
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Frohe Pfingsten Pfingsten or Pentecost is a Christian holiday, celebrated on the 50th day of the Osterfestkreis (Easter season), that is, the 49th day after Ostersonntag (Easter Sunday)., commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Disciples of Christ after the Resurrection. Pentecost is also called ‘the birthday of the Christian Church’. So, it is a kirchliches (ecclesial) holiday and simultaneously the culmination of the Easter season. Pentecost is celebrated on two days, Sunday and Monday. Pentecost Monday is an official holiday in Germany, and some federal states students also have a so-called Whitsun break, so many Germans avail themselves of the opportunity for a vacation.. In many regions of Germany, there are special Pentecost-customs. Pfingsten marks the first day the cattle are driven to the fields for the first time. Usually this is celebrated with a procession though the town by the strongest bull decorated with flowers, straw, and ribbons- that leads the herd to the field. Based on this custom the
saying “geschmückt wie ein Pfingstochse” (decorated like the Pentecost Bull) was derived, whch is used when you recognize that a person dressed up for a special occasion. Das Pfingstbaumpflanzen (The planting of the Pentecost Tree) In this custom usually birches are incorporated. For example, you attach a braided garland, made of leafs, between two birch trees. The actual Pentecost trees are fresh logged birch trees, which are usually put up in front of the front door. They are either dug in or are tied up to something. Der Pfingstenkranz (The Pentecost Wreath) refers to people who are dancing around the Pentecost tree on Pfingstsonntag (Pentecost Sunday) and Pfingstmontag (Pentecost Monday). Here, the actual tree is again a birch. The prayer "Veni Sancte Spiritus" includes the words, "Heal our wounds, our strength renew, on our dryness pour thy dew." From this comes the custom, thought to bring blessings, of walking barefoot through the dew on Whitsunday morning. (Another custom, though one rarely practiced anymore, is "cheese rolling" by which people would race to see who could
APRIL/ MAY 2013 roll round cheeses downhill the fastest.) The Dove -- the form the Holy Ghost took at Christ's Baptism -- is the primary symbol of the day. In medieval times, there even used to be "Holy Ghost Holes" in the roofs of some churches from which a dove -- real or a model -- would be lowered over the congregation as trumpets sounded or the choir mimicked the sounds of rustling winds. When the dove descended, red rose petals or, incredibly, pieces of burning straw symbolizing the "tongues of flame" in Acts would shower down.
Some areas in Germany such as Bavaria, observe specific Pentecostal customs. People dress in the national costumes of their region, walk in processions to church and pray for a good harvest. In Franconia, horsemen perform the annual Pentecostal ride. The Pentecost ride in Bad Kötzing is counted among the largest mounted suplicatory processions of Europe, and dates from a vow of the year 1412. In the village of Steinbühl, about 7 kilometers away from Bad Kötzing, a man on his deathbed asked for the last sacraments. But the clerk was incapable of getting to them without protecContinued on page 14
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Seeing the war through the eyes of a Hitler Youth By WILLIAM F. ASTIII - Herald Palladium Staff Writer
Those who prefer unfiltered, primary source history now have a chance to see what young Germans were thinking in the World War II years. When retired Whirlpool Corp. executive Emanuel "Manny" VonKoenig died in 2009, his effects included a diary written by his older sister, Wolfhilde, starting when she was 14. The family lived in Munich, and the diary covers the years 1939-46. VonKoenig's sons - Ed, Doug, Jeff and Curt - had considerable trouble getting the diary translated, as it was written in a type of handwriting no longer used. But the work was finally done and the result is a book titled "Wolfhilde's Hitler Youth Diary." The diary's existence was a "complete surprise," said Ed VonKoenig of Lincoln Township. "We never knew it existed." The diary gives an unflinching and frequently fascinating look at how one girl, an intelligent and educated girl destined to become a top-flight anesthesiologist and head of a hospital, saw the war from the home front. The Third Reich had a powerful propaganda machine and knew how to use it. Joining the Hitler Jugend was mandatory, and the youngsters were bombarded with Nazi spin. Wolfhilde in the diary calls Allied bombing raids "terror attacks." She is an enthusiastic backer of her country, and never questions the war until the end. "We stand at the turning of the year; for the second year in a row, at war," Wolfhilde wrote on Dec. 31, 1940. "We have achieved great victories. We have conquered Denmark, Norway, Holland, Belgium and France. A year full of hopes and wishes is about to end. May next year be the last year at war and may England, our mortal enemy, be stomped to the ground." Of particular interest is Wolfhilde's description of an assassination attempt against Hitler in Munich in 1939. "When I went to bed after (Hitler's) speech, we heard a horrible bang but we couldn't figure out where it came from," Wolfhilde wrote. "The next morning we found out about the horrible assassination attempt on our Fuehrer. It was a kind providence for which we will be eternally grateful that our Fuehrer was spared." On April 29, 1945, the day before Hitler committed suicide in Berlin, Wolfhilde wrote, "I sit here writing as the earth shudders from the thunder of gunfire ... In
Berlin they are fighting to the end." Although Wolfhilde didn't know it, though Manny had been in the Navy, he was among those battling Soviet troops in the ferocious street fighting in Berlin. He would be captured by the Soviets, and was released in June 1946. "I just want to know how the Fuehrer is doing," Wolfhilde continued. "Is everything supposed to be over, everything we believed in and everything that we lived for? Should all the sacrifices have been in vain? I can not believe it ... Reichsmarshall Goering has resigned. What is this step supposed to mean? They say it may be health. Does the Fuehrer have to drink the cup to the dregs? What will the Occupation be like? Foreign troops in Munich, in all of Germany. It is hard to believe and yet so unbelievably sad. We, who conquered territory from the Caucasus to the North Sea and the Pyrenees, held Tripoli and the Balkans, now have the enemy on our land ready to eradicate us." Wolfhilde died in 1993. VonKoenig said he'd gotten to know his aunt quite well, as the family had visited her in Germany and she "had been to the states quite often." "She was very stern when she needed to be," VonKoenig said. "When she wasn't at work she was quite jovial, joking, always personable. I didn't have a chance to see her work at the hospital, but my brothers said she demanded respect and got every bit of it. She was meticulous in everything she did. She didn't do anything halfway. It was always full bore ahead." But she never talked about the war. "I never heard her speak of that," VonKoenig said. "Actually, I never had enough guts to broach the subject with her. I know my dad didn't like talking about it that much." Manny's ex-wife and the boys' mother, Rosalyn Reeder, said she got to know Wolfhilde as well, as she lived with the family in Munich in 1951 and 1952, and had visited at other times as well. "The only time I recall a distinct conversation about the war, and even this was indirect, was in 1976," Reeder said. "The three younger boys and I were over there for about 10 days. She did not take full time off from work. She would send us on excursions. She did say to me one morning, 'You will want to take the boys to Continued on page 37
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Reinhold Niebuhr - A Stellar Theologian When it comes to great theologians in the United States many think of Billy Graham, Pat Robinson and Martin Luther King Jr. Our current president, Barack Obama, said that his “favorite philosopher and “favorite theologian” is Reinhold Niebuhr. Reinhold Niebuhr was born in the small town of Wright City, Missouri. His parents Gustav and Lydia Niebuhr were German immigrants from Prussia. His father was a German Evangelical pastor; his denomination was a member of the United States branch of the established Prussian Church Union in Germany. Niebuhr would leave Wright City to attend Elmhurst College in Illinois where he graduated in 1910. He continued his studies back at Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Grove, Missouri. In 1914, he attended Yale Divinity School, where in earned his Bachelor of Divinity degree and a Master of arts degree in 1915. After, earning his masters degree he became an ordained pastor. The mission board of the German Evangelical mission board sent him to serve at Bethel Evangelical Church in Detroit, Michigan. By his arrival at the congregation it numbered only sixty-five members and grew to nearly 700 members by the time he departed in 1928. The growth of the small congregation was attributed to Niebuhr’s ability to reach out to Detroit’s diverse community, and not just the German American community, to attract new members to the church. During, World War l, even though he was pastor of an obscure German-speaking church in Detroit, he broke through his obscurity by repeatedly stressing the need to be loyal to America, winning a national audience in the media by appealing to Germans to be patriotic. While serving as pastor at Bethel, his denomination appointed him as Executive Secretary of the War Welfare Commission. Niebuhr was a pacifist at heart, but he was willing to compromise and support a war for a peaceful result. His philosophy was compromise for the sake of righteousness.
Any Detroit congregation during this time was made up of many auto workers. Niebuhr’s congregation was no different in reflecting this thriving Detroit industry. He moved to the left in his thinking of autoworkers and believed industrialism was demoralizing to its workers. Niebuhr became and outspoken critic of Henry Ford’s dehumanizing assembly
line of production. His preaching career in Detroit ended in 1928, when he left to take the position of Professor of Practical Theology at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. His career at Union would last till his retirement in 1960. One of his students included the German minister Dietrich Bonhoeffer who was involved in the plot to assassinate Hitler. During his time at Union Theological Seminary he embraced the doctrine of “Christian Realism”. Christian Realism encourages Christians to accept things as they truly are in the world. His belief in Christian Realism made him a supporter of American action in World War II, anti-Communism and development of nuclear weapons. Niebuhr would also come out against the United States’ involvement in Viet Nam War. Niebuhr’s ideals influenced Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights movement. Unfortunately Niebuhr gave no active support to the Civil Rights Movement and was very friendly to many white southerners. In Martin Luther King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” King wrote of Niebuhr influence: “Individuals may see the moral light and voluntary give up their unjust posture, but as Reinhold Niebuhr has reminded us, groups tend to be more immoral than individuals.” Niebuhr’s social and ethical ideals were highly valued by King. King also attributed his stance that the Civil Rights Movement should be non-violent to influence Niebuhr and Paul Tillish than Gandhi. Niebuhr’s ideals had a great influence the latter part
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Chapter Chatter DANK Phoenix, AZ Maifest
Liebe Mitglieder und Liebe Freunde! Our Maifest will take place on Saturday, May 4th, at 12:00 pm, (lunch at 1:00 pm) at the Sun City Elks’ Club, a venue, which has proven to be popular to our members. Our German-American Day Celebration will be on Saturday, October 12th, also at the Sun City Elks’ Club. Details on that will be forthcoming. Mark your calendars today! We’d love to see all of our members at both annual events! Elks’ Club Lodge 2559, 10760 W. Union Hills Drive, Sun City, AZ . Saturday, May 4, 2013, Doors open at 1:00 pm. Come join us for Good
2013. •
Company, Good Food, Good Music, Good Dancing! With Anni’s German Folk Dancers and Conférencier Walter Weber. Tickets are $15.00 in advance. To purchase advance tickets call one of the following: 602-979-3618, 602-569-9381, 623-933-5122. Choose your dish: Roast Beef au Jus with onions or green peppers and mashed potatoes; Chicken Al’Fredo with mixed vegetables; Salad, dessert, coffee or tea included. You must order in advance by April 27,
Greetings From Erie, PA Greetings from the snowy and cold shore of Lake Erie. I do have to tell you that the Schneeglöcken are blooming through the snow along with another yellow flower in my front yard! However, I haven’t seen the appearance of a robin to tell me that Spring has arrived. If Punxsutawney Phil our weather forecaster is right Spring will have arrived by the time you read this. We had a wonderful time at our Fasching Party. Most people arrived in costume and James von Loewe took 1st place and won a gift card to the Brewerie at Union Station. This year, James wore a Renaissance costume and he looked like a young Shakespeare. It was a hard decision for our judge to make of the very unique costumes including the Ice Princess, a Flapper, doctor and his patient, and the old lady who he said was expecting twins! It was a worrisome time when the doctor left before it happened! Good food, lots of laughs and conversations accompanied good beer made us all feel young again – if only for the evening! Thanks to Don Cowey, our
DJ and the German Biernutz Band who did a good job keeping us on our feet, and the committee who did a great job of decorating. Our February meeting was to be a “Beat the Winter Blues” game night, but..a good lakeshore snowstorm caused us to cancel our plans. Rather we keep our friends safe and warm! Get well wishes to Janice Zuschlag who is recovering from recent hand surgery. Our sympathy to member Luise Dudkiewicz on the recent passing of her son Henry. We keep all our members in our prayers. If things go right, we will be enjoying coffee and kuchen at our next meeting in March and a program on Early Erie presented by Gary Matczak. Enjoy the coming Spring and take time to look at the beauty of the world around you. Happy Easter! Frohe Ostern! Margaret Potocki, Chapter 71 President •
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Chapter Chatter DANK Chicago
By Keith Vogel DANK Haus German American Cultural Center would like to take this opportunity to discuss what the role of your membership means to the Center. When you renew your membership, it means that you value and appreciate the programming and vision of your Center. It means that you believe DANK Haus is important to the lives of German Americans and those that want to learn about German American culture. Your membership and support mean the world to DANK Haus. DANK Haus German American Cultural Center is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Traditionally, nonprofit organizations are funded by membership dues, grants and donations. DANK Haus strives to make the most efficient decisions with the 10% of your yearly dues allocated to DANK Haus by National. Thanks to the vision of past leadership, DANK Haus enjoys a tails. The Scharpenberg Gallery is showcasing nearly greatly diversified income stream from our tenants 60 classic and contemporary pieces of art. The spring and hall rentals, as well as the opportunity to raise semester of adult German classes has record attenfunds during Mayfest. However, the business world is dance. The 37 beginning level of students necessichanging and DANK Haus will need to adapt to receive tated hiring a new teacher. The Kaiser Wilhelm I pormore monies from donations, grants, and dues mov- trait was smoothly transported for restoration. A new ing forward in order to offer the same services to our Spielgruppe is meeting. A few long standing financial membership and the public. obstacles have also been cleared. Permits for our This duty falls on your Board of Directors. The billboard tenants have been approved. Our parking 12-member Board of DANK Haus German American sponsor, MB Financial Bank, has committed to three Cultural Center has to identify and solve various im- more years of providing complimentary parking for pediments to our mission and strives to create an our visitors during non-banking hours. As proof of this attractive and thriving center for German American continued progress, the German and American flags culture. Moreover, they give our organization a phi- snap smartly in the sky over our still sparkling façade. losophy, a clear vision for the near and long term fuFor those of you who have been with DANK Haus ture. A short list of the issues being worked on by the from the early years, we appreciate that you still beBoard include fulfilling our mission of preserving and lieving in us and support the new avenues the Center promoting German American culture, how to expand is taking. Of course, you cannot attend every event our reach to include and educate the most people, and and many of you already know how to cook a fine powhat truly defines a German American. It is also the tato pancake, so Kulturkueche is not on your social calBoard’s job to abide by a budget, to set Center priori- endar, but your membership helps ensure new visitors ties, and preserve the impressive building on Western can learn more about German culture and their own Avenue. They shoulder these amazing responsibilities history. with much grace and dedication. For our more recent members, welcome aboard! This year has already produced some amazing suc- DANK Haus is open to any level of member engagecesses for DANK Haus, with more on the horizon. At ment you desire. From giving your constructive ideas, writing, our Executive Director and Development donations, and volunteer time, we hope you find your Committee are 95% complete in securing a major place in your DANK Haus German American Cultural corporate sponsor. We wish we could share more de- Center. •
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Chapter Chatter DANK Chapter 36 in South Bend
By William Troutman A few years ago we were thinking about and share it with others. Germany has one of the richest heritages in energizing our chapter with an individual logo and mission statement. One of our the world and has produced more than its share of outstanding individuals in medicine, members drew a tree in the middle of a globe to symbolize that a tree only grows as electrical engineering, chemistry, music, phitall as its roots grow in the ground. We addlosophy, literature, etc. The study of German language and culture increases the depth and ed the colors of the American and German flags on each side and the DANK national perspective of the individual thus making our logo beneath the tree and we had our logo. Our indi- American society stronger and healthier. We are detervidual mission statement reads: mined to keep German education alive in our schools We endeavor to bring together Americans of German and by sharing our heritage with others, we are creancestry in order to preserve our language and culture ating a greater atmosphere for understanding and amongst ourselves, encourage our children to learn it, peace in the world. •
Pittsburgh Rhineland Karnevale a success ! Chapter Pittsburgh, with the work of its new Social Committee resurrected our historical Rhineland Karnevale. Historically DANK hosted the largest Rhineland Karnevale in the city but discontinued the event, which was held at Duquesne University over ten years ago due to various organizational factors. Our new Social Committee, headed by Mary Wagner took on the challenge to resurrect the event. With the aide of various members including Mary’s own Family the event was pulled off and financially successful. While the event did not pull in the several hundred guests as in
the old days, we did have close to 100 persons in attendance and more importantly all who attended enjoyed the event and are looking forward to next year’s event. •
Region 3 Meeting to Discuss adding two new sub Chapters! Four of Region 3’s Chapters will be meeting on Saturday April 13th to discuss the development of possibly two new sub chapters. The meeting scheduled for the Heimatland Restaurant in Brunswick Ohio, will focus on a variety of issues including how the Chapters in Region 3 can work together to support each other’s activities and the potential creation of two sub chapters focused on the Akron-Canton area ( assigned
to Cleveland) and New Castle /Sharon-Hermitage/ Youngstown area ( assigned to Pittsburgh). It is hoped that a combined effort on part of our Chapters and utilizing some of the resources designated to Membership development will be successful to developing new units that eventually will be able to stand on their own. •
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Chapter Chatter DANK Chapter Milwaukee at the 2nd Annual German Under Glass at the Mitchell Park Domes.
See story on page 35
Its Official - Michigan gets a second Chapter! After considerable effort on the part of a number of individuals in Bay City, Michigan, DANK’s newest Chapter will officially be granted a Chapter Charter on Saturday, May 4th in conjunction with the local communities annual “Maifest”. Currently the newest Chapter has 22 members and is looking forward to adding to that number within the next year according to Bill Fournier, one of the original founding members. An official “Founding” Chapter ceremony will be held on the 4th, with representatives of the National Board being present. The ceremony as well as the Maifest activities/banquet are open to all including other DANK members who may wish to attend. At their first DANK organizational meeting on Sunday, March 4th the group discussed for the 15th Annual Maifest to be held Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Stein Haus and Atrium. Highlights at the Maifest will be receiving the official
continued on page 37
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Chapter Chatter Munich Games with lights and dark shadows By: Christoph Brandhorst
The Olympic Games should be an event of happiness, of fair competition, a meeting of the youth of the world. Summer 1972 started exactly like this, when Munich hosted the Games with the official motto “The Happy Games” – till the tragic occurrences of September 5 overshadowed the world’s biggest sports event. Eight Palestinians broke into the Olympic Village and took a group of Israeli athletes and coaches as their hostages in an apartment for almost 18 hours. All ended up with a massacre. But Avery Brundage, the US-American president of the International Olympic Committee, announced: “The Games must go on”! The DANK Haus German American Cultural Center on Western Avenue, Chicago, attends to that event of German sports history with its lights and shadows. While the Kaiser Wilhelm I painting is off display for restoration, a special exhibit shows a full model of the 1972 Munich Olympiapark. The 81 by 68 inches scaled model fully details the fascinating pavilion roof construction and the cascading architecture of the Olympic Village as well as the Olympiaturm, a radio tower with observation deck. It was originally shown in O’Hare Airport
DANK Chapter Listing ARIZONA Phoenix IOWA Quad Cities ILLINOIS Chicago Chicago South Chicago West Fox Valley Lake County Northern Suburbs Peoria Springfield
in 1972 and recently plucked from the archives for restoration. Visitors will also be able to view a custom Dirndl from the games, likely worn by the city hostesses. Moreover pictures and literature will give an insight into the games cooperative intentions. This effort extended to visual marketing, the color scheme intentionally eschewing the red and black of the Olympic rings. The München Committee was responsible for the first Olympic mascot, a friendly little Bauhaus inspired dachshund, Waldi, chosen because the breed has qualities that make a great athlete: resistance, tenacity and agility. The exhibit is free and open to the public. The display is on the 4th floor, adjacent to the “Lost German Chicago” exhibit and Scharpenberg Fine Arts Gallery. Regular viewing hours are Saturdays between 11 am and 3 pm. Weekday appointments are always willkommen! •
INDIANA Indianapolis LaFayette South Bend MICHIGAN Benton Harbor Bay City NEW JERSEY Pascack Valley OHIO Cleveland PENNSYLVANIA Erie Philadelphia Pittsburgh Uniontown WASHINGTON DC Washington DC WISCONSIN Milwaukee www.dank.org
PAGE/SEITE 14 Pfingsten cont. from page 6 tion. Because of that, the chaps of Bad Kötzing escorted him on his request. After the safe return, it was vowed to annually repeat this ride. Under the solemn ringing of the church bells, praying citizens and peasants leave the town on festive decorated horses, renewing the ancient vow as they travel through the Zeller valley to Steinbühl. The over 900 riders in the event are dressed in the ancient traditional garb.. The rider procession is lead by the crucifier, while lanterncarriers, fanfare players and a clerical official with sacristans and ministrants follow him. Behind them rides the Pentecost bridegroom with the two bridesmen. The official peak is completed by the last year’s Pentecost bridegroom, who carries along the market flag, his bridesmen and by the representation of the student fraternity. The remaining riders join them. Many carry recollection flags with them, which they have received for longstanding participation. At four stations, the clerical official proclaims a gospel and blesses the acres with the monstrance. In Schmalenberg, the boys and men cut branches from pines, birches and brooms and create three skirts, which the so-called “Quack” has to wear from his neck down during the parade through town. He also wears a hat made of thin rods. Sunday afternoon, children go from house to house and collect flowers which are tied to the hat as well. The men spend the night in a barn, watch the green costume and, from time to time, they go through town singing the
GERMAN AMERICAN JOURNAL traditional “Quack” song. Monday at 9 a.m., the parade with the “Quack” in his costume and children carrying colored Pentecost rods, go through Schmalenberg led by a colorful decorated horse. The children sell the collected flowers after the parade and go in houses to ask people for eggs, bacon and money. A village fest starts after the ride. The biggest traditional Pentecost event in the vicinity is the historic auction of a billy goat in Deidesheim every Tuesday after Pentecost. (Deidesheim is located on the German Wine Road between Bad Dürkheim and Neustadt.) This year, for the 611th time this event is recreated. According to a document from 1404 by King Ruprecht, residents of Lambrecht – a neighboring town of Deidesheim – had the right to use the Deidesheim forests as pastureland. Contracts between the former monastery of Lambrecht and the town of Deidesheim mention that people in Lambrecht had to pay with a good-looking billy goat for the use of the forests. The youngest citizen of Lambrecht had to take the billy goat to Deidesheim and tie it to the town hall before sunrise the Tuesday after Pentecost. He then received a bottle of wine and a cheese sandwich. In the late afternoon, the billy goat was put up for auction to fill the town's cash-box Throughout the years, there was a lot of arguing about the shape and
APRIL/ MAY 2013 the condition of the billy goat. In 1808, Napoleon even got involved and signed an edict saying the pasture rights would be granted for a “well-horned and capable billy goat.” Between 1851 and 1857, the billy goats were not accepted. The case had to be taken to the Zweibrücken court, which decided that in 1858, eight billy goats had to be delivered. Today, it’s up to the most recently married couple to deliver the billy
goat. Together with the Mayor of Lambrecht and other officials, they walk to the Deidesheim town hall. According to new regulations they don’t have to arrive before 10 a.m. Tuesday. Here, the Deidesheim city council, school children and groups in national costumes greet the Lambrecht group. A fest with music, folk groups dancing, drinking and eating starts in the afternoon. The traditional auction is from 5:45 to 6 p.m. The prices paid for the billy goat reflect the people’s economic situation. In good years, people paid up to €4,500 for the billy-goat. In 2010, €2,200 was paid for the goat. In 2011, Deidesheim's sister city Buochs, Switzerland, paid €6,100 for the goat. •
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The Schützenfest: a popular tradition and a great reason to celebrate It is a Tuesday in May, seven o’clock in the evening. Thousands of people line the decorated streets in the small North German town of Wildeshausen. The newly crowned Schützenkönig, or King of the Marksmen, strides with pomp and ceremony through the town, accompanied by a retinue of musicians and marching bands wearing colorful costumes. Another high point of the parade are the scores of men in black suits with funny wooden rifles on their shoulders – these are the marksmen from the shooting clubs, proudly strutting their stuff in front of the ordinary townsfolk. Scenes from a Schützenfest, the town’s event of the year – every year. The Schützenfest is a very German institution. It is celebrated in many towns and villages throughout the land, and its high season is between May and early autumn. ‘It is impossible to say exactly how many of them take place,’ says his-
torian Professor Barbara Stambolis from Paderborn University. The strongholds are very definitely in the North rather than the South of the country and more likely to be in villages than in towns and cit-
ies. There are, however, two main regions: the state of Lower Saxony and the Sauerland region between Dortmund and Kassel. Lower Saxony’s capital, Hannover, claims to put on the largest Schützenfest in the world. Germans are quite simply proud of their long tradition of Schützenfests. ‘Some festivals even pretend to be older than they are,’ says Professor Stambolis. ‘They claim to go back to the times of Charlemagne.’ In actual fact, shooting clubs originated in early modern times. They were probably initiated in the 15th century by honorable citizens, who took up crossbows and rifles to keep order in their town. This went on until around the time of the French Revolution, when their function of keeping order was replaced by today’s popular festival character with lots of dancing and the excuse for a beer or two among the many members of the shooting club – men only, of course. To date, the shooting clubs that organize the Schützenfests have been almost exclusively male domains. A woman as Schützenkönigin or ‘Queen of the Markspeople’? Inconceivable! Many German shooting clubs put up staunch resistance to admitting women into their ranks. However, in the long term their resistance
will be in vain: in the last 30 years or so, Stambolis says, there have been more and more women who have hit the bull’s-eye and there-
fore earned the right to become Queen of the Markspeople. This is a trend, Stambolis believes, that will become more widespread in the future. Generally speaking, the historian predicts a rosy future for Germany’s Schützenfests. They will continue to be the major festivals of the year, she says – especially in the villages. With their solid structures, the shooting clubs also have an important social significance, she points out. Concerns about recruiting young members? No worries there! The young generation gets acquainted with the traditions from an early age, playing in the village marching band or trumpet and kettledrum band. And who can tell – maybe the female members will be marching at the head of the parade before long as Queen of the Markspeople! The Brandenburger Schützenverein of Chicago Meets on Wednesdays at 8pm at the DANK Haus German Cultural Center (4740 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL ) •
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DANK Executive Office Update by Eve Timmerhaus
The calendar tells us spring is here, but Mother Nature seems to have other plans for us. The snow is slowly melting and the warm weather can’t be too far behind. Spring also means it’s time to send out the 2013 raffle tickets. This is our yearly fund raiser to support the work of the German American National Congress, and its chapters. Please plan to buy some chances! In Chicago we look forward to the ever popular Maifest in Lincoln Square. May 31-June 1st. See their ad on page 39. We are pleased to announce the dates for the 2013 National Convention have been confirmed for November 1-3, 2013, in Rosemont, IL. Our conventions have always been a great opportunity to make connections
and establish relationships with fellow DANK members and friends. The office is looking for self-starting interns who can tackle some projects and also assist with Marketing and Advertising. Please see our article on page 29 for details on the positions available. The editorial staff hopes you continue to enjoy the new Journal. The response from our members and readers has been overwhelmingly positive and we thank you for your support. We encourage contributors to submit articles in English or German for publication in the Journal and our blog. For information on submitting an article please email the office: office@ dank.org.
Board Appointment At the December Executive Board meeting, David Hinz of Benton Harbor, Michigan was appointed by NP Pochatko and approved by the Executive Board, to serve out the term of former Region 2 President, Donna Lippert, who resigned for personal reasons. Dave has been a Region 2 representative and agreed to accept the appointment of Region 2 President. Region Two is comprised of Chapters: Benton Harbor, MI; Indianapolis, Lafayette, and South Bend, IND.; Phoenix, AZ. Dave has been a DANK member since June 1992. He and his wife, Mary Ann, live in St. Joseph, Michigan and are active members on the Board of Chapter Benton Harbor. •
Honor your Graduates and Newlyweds! Place an ad here!
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Volkswagen Chattanooga Powers Up Largest Solar Park in Tennessee Volkswagen has “powered up” the largest single solar installation at an automotive manufacturing facility in the United States and the biggest solar installation in the state of Tennessee with the opening of the “Volkswagen Chattanooga Solar Park”, built on Volkswagen’s compound in Chattanooga. The Volkswagen Chattanooga Solar Park occupies 33 acres, or half of the 66-acre land parcel adjacent to VW’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plant. The solar park contains 33,600 solar modules from JA Solar designed to produce 13.1 gigawatt hours of electricity per year -- equivalent to the energy consumed annually by around 1,200 homes in the area. The electricity produced from the solar park is expected to meet 12.5% of the energy needs of Volkswagen’s Chattanooga manufacturing plant during full production and 100% during non-production periods. The plant covers 1.9 million square feet and employs more than 3,000 people who manufacture the highlyacclaimed Volkswagen Passat sedan. For Volkswagen, the solar park in Chattanooga will rank as the automaker’s largest photovoltaic installation worldwide. Frank Fischer, CEO and Chairman of Volkswagen Group of America, Chattanooga Operations LLC, said, “We are proud to power up the biggest solar park of any car manufacturer in North America. The solar park,”
Ich bin ein Berliner Obama Berlin visit to recall JFK speech likely US President Barack Obama is reportedly planning to visit Berlin in June to commemorate the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's legendary "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech made on June 26th 1963. Merkel’s spokesman Steffen Seibert told the paper "The chancellor once again invited President Obama in her note congratulating him on his re-election and
she would be pleased to welcome him here." •
he said, “is another proof point of Volkswagen’s worldwide commitment to environmental protection under its ‘Think Blue. Factory’ philosophy, a broadly focused initiative for all Volkswagen plants to achieve more efficient use of energy, materials and water and produce less waste and emissions.” Mr. Fischer added, “Powering up the solar park also validates the awarding of the LEED Platinum certificate to Volkswagen Chattanooga, which is still the only car factory in the world that has earned such an honor.” About Volkswagen Chattanooga Volkswagen has invested $1 billion in the local economy for the Chattanooga plant and has created more than 5,000 jobs in the region. According to independent studies, the Volkswagen plant is expected to generate $12 billion in income growth and an additional 9,500 jobs related to its investment. The Chattanooga manufacturing facility builds the all-new 2012 Passat Sedan, specially designed for the North American market and winner of the Motor Trend magazine 2012 Car of the Year award. In 2012, it has produced more than 152,400 Volkswagen Passats. Volkswagen Chattanooga is the first and still only car factory worldwide with a LEED Platinum certification. •
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Germany’s Garden Colonies, Schrebergarten by Francine McKenna, Staff Columnist
Long before winter is a distant memory, the over one and a half million "garden colonies" on the outskirts of German cities begin to hum with activity, which, as they are often in the shadow of train tracks, can be seen by passengers on their way to everywhere from Hamburg in the north to Bavaria in the south east. Germans love their gardens, even if they are only containers on a balcony, but Schrebergarten, those little rented plots on the edge of cities, alongside rivers or sometimes a small paradise in the middle of a city, are the pride and joy of millions of city-dwellers. Also known as a Kleingarten, small gardens, they might look less like oasis of nature and more like housing developments in miniature, with their clipped lawns, trimmed bushes, and well tended flower and vegetable beds, but at the first sign of a disappearing winter they are packed with families getting their plot ready for the sunshine months. High days, holidays or just spare hours are spent tending, or
simply enjoying, a carefully measured piece of nature, surrounded by a painted picket fence or well trimmed hedge. Not that these gardening clubs are only the province of families and the elderly, young people are also forsaking lazy, or hedonistic weekends, and putting their names down on waiting lists to have a private allotment of their own. But it can be a long wait, four to ten years in some cities, as many of them have been in families for generations, from the times when city dwellers needed their allotments, because if you didn't grow your own vegetables then you didn't have any. The idea of making small plots of land available for the people to use and enjoy isn't a new one, in 1806 Landgraf Carl von Hessen, a German prince, had ordered they be supplied to enable the poor to grow food, and this was copied by other land and factory owners, as well as welfare organizations. Dr. Daniel Gottlieb Moritz Schreber who lived in 19th century Leipzig, Saxony, expanded the idea to create 'green' spaces for children. It was his son-in-law who in 1864 began the 'Schreberverein', Schreber Organization, as Schreber had
died in 1861, and the gardens have carried his name since that time. However it was a school director, Ernst Innozenz Hauschild, who worked together with a group of parents to develop the idea into one where worker's children could both learn and play, and the first
Schreberplatzes was in Johannapark, Leipzig, opened in 1865. Fields were planted out with vegetables and these were also used to teach children, who would not otherwise have had the opportunity, something about gardening and how food was produced. The idea quickly took off and grew from somewhere just for children to include entire families, and the areas began to be known as Schrebergarten. World War I and World War II emphasized the importance of these gardens in providing some necessary fruit and vegetables for urban dwellers, while, as so many homes were no longer standing at the end of WWII, small buildings were erected on the plots to provide shelter
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for otherwise homeless families. This is Germany so there is a nine page book of rules which were set by the German government in 1983, "The Federal Small Garden Law", or Budeskeleingartengesetz, and these must be followed by all "Schreber-gardeners", allotment or small garden holders. They cover everything from the individual gardening colony's strict governing committee and size of the plot, to the size and shape of any building erected. Although any building old enough to be considered a "Denkmalschutz", historic or a monument, is allowed break the regulations. There is a "30-30-30" rule where no more than 30 percent of a garden can be used for recreation, at least 30 per cent must be used for fruit or vegetables, and 30 percent can have some type of building, while even the most enthusiastic gardener must down tools between midday and 3 pm as anything which produces noise can only be used before or after that time, otherwise there will be trouble.
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And the leaders of the collectives often add their own conditions, even to stipulating what types of plants are allowed. However as a "Green" country, gardening with an emphasis on nature, conservation, environmental protection, "organic produce", and even "lunar gardening" is followed by choice. There are no rules covering what should and should not be used or done, nevertheless almost 100 percent of small gardeners make and use their own compost, 97 percent collect and use rain water for watering, over half grow completely organic fruit and vegetables, and very few will use either chemical fertilizers or insect repellants. The garden lawns are immaculate, flower beds weed free, fruit trees trimmed precisely to the allowed height and garden furniture perfectly placed, while at the same time it is hard to miss the garden gnomes, water features, children's garden toys and even miniature railways, which join many of the spinach and bean plants. The long waiting lists are a sign of the times in Germany, a combination of the wish to get back to nature with the satisfaction and simple pleasure of "growing your own", producing something that can not only be seen but also enjoyed. From fruit trees and berries to beet and chard, experiments with the exotic and hard to find, or simply trying
out new techniques for the fun of it. Like companionship planting, where specific plants are set close together to provide nutrients and protection to each other, such as squash, corn, and beans, and although the "gardener" might not want to eat all of these there is a thriving bartering system in place so whatever is not needed can easily be exchanged. As soon as winter is over these small patches of urban greenery not only become a hive of activity and a center for socializing, but often serve as a city's lungs and help with the conservation of nature, attracting all types of wildlife while wild flowers are given active encouragement to thrive. For generations Schrebergarten have been Germany's urban green oases, and in today's world they are more popular than ever.
We are sorry to hear Francine McKenna is under the weather. In the meantime we are publishing an article from her website www.bellaonline.com/site/germanculture. We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to her return.
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Raising the Maibaum
Pfingsten, das liebliche Fest… Pfingsten, das liebliche Fest, war gekommen; esgrünten und blühten Feld und Wald; auf Hügeln und Höhn, in Büschen und Hecken Übten ein fröhliches Lied die neuermunterten Vögel; Jede Wiese sprosste von Blumen in duftenden Gründen, Festlich heiter glänzte der Himmel und farbig die Erde. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) (aus: Reineke Fuchs)
Würzburg Residence Palace in Spring.
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Alles Liebe zum Muttertag Your Mother Is Always With You Your mother is always with you... She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street. She's the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks. She's the cool hand on your brow when you're not well. Your mother lives inside your laughter. She's crystallized in every tear drop. She's the place you came from, your first home... She's the map you follow with every step that you take. She's your first love and your first heart break... and nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, Not space... Not even death... will ever separate you from your mother... You carry her inside of you... Author Unknown
Mutter Wenn du noch eine Mutter hast, Die du als Hausfrau dir erkoren, Und sie dir'n schösten Kuchen backt, Sehr knusprig bratet Schweineohren, Gib du dich ihr recht herzlich hin, Und küss sie zärtlich auf die Lippen, Dann schenkt sie Zigaretten dir, Brauchst sammeln nicht mehr deine Kippen. Wenn du noch eine Hausfrau hast, Dann sollst du sie mit Liebe pflegen, Vor lauter Freude tut sie dir Das Bett schön machen, Stube fegen. Wenn du'ne kleine Hausfrau hast, Dann sollst du stürmisch sie umkosen, So wäscht und bügelt sie sogar, Deine Alltags- und auch Sonntagshosen! Wenn du'ne süsse Mutti hast, Dann bleib' ihr treu in allen Zeiten, Damit sie dir vor lauter Lust, Das schönste Dasein kann bereiten, Dann werdet ihr gesegnet sein Von vielen kleinen Lebewesen, So könnt' ihr anseh'n euch und sag'n Die Zeiten flieh'n, wir sind's gewesen! Ein blinder Verfasser
Happy Mother’s Day from the National Board
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Bißchen und Stückchen
Deutsche Schokolade auch im Ausland gefragt Deutsche Schokolade wird auch im Ausland gern genascht. Von Januar bis November 2012 wurden 645.000 Tonnen deutsche Schokolade und andere kakaohaltige Lebensmittel im Wert von 2,7 Milliarden Euro exportiert, wie das Statistische Bundesamt am Dienstag unter Berufung auf vorläufige Zahlen mitteilte. Dies sei eine wertmäßige Steigerung um 5,7 Prozent gegenüber dem Vorjahreszeitraum. Größter Abnehmer war demnach Frankreich mit einem Anteil von 13,4 Prozent. Gut elf Prozent der SchokoladenExporte seien nach Großbritannien gegangen, knapp acht Prozent nach Österreich. (AFP) •
Marlene Dietrich
Residenzschloss: Zentrum der Kunstsammlungen Marie Magdalene Dietrich war eine deutsch-USamerikanische Schauspielerin und Sängerin. Sie wurde am 27. Dezember 1901 in Schöneberg (heute Berlin) geboren und verstarb am 6. Mai 1992 mit 90 Jahren in Paris. In diesem Jahr jährt sich ihr 21. Totestag. •
Das Dresdener Schloss ist außerhalb Berlins die größte Kulturbaustelle in Ostdeutschland. Im Zweiten Weltkrieg brannte es bis auf die Grundmauern nieder. Seit 1997 wird es als Museumszentrum wieder aufgebaut. Künftig soll es Teile der Staatlichen Kunstsammlungen Dresden wieder in einem Haus vereinen. Ein Teil der umfangreichen Sammlung der Rüstkammer ist bereits vor drei Jahren mit der sogenannten „Türckischen Cammer“ in das Residenzschloss zurückgekehrt – der Teil, der die osmanische Kunst umfasst. Der Riesensaal bietet nun weiteren 400 Exponaten Platz. Die Rüstkammer wurde im 15. Jahrhundert als herzogliche Harnischkammer im Dresdner Schloss gegründet; sie ist aus dem Besitz der sächsischen Herzöge und Kurfürsten hervorgegangen. Weltweit gilt sie als eine der kostbarsten Sammlungen an Prunkwaffen wie Harnischen, Helmen, Schilden, Schwertern und Pistolen, sowie Reitzeugen und auch Prunkkleidern. Nach 54 Jahren im Semperbau des Zwingers kann die Sammlung nun endlich wieder in das Residenzschloss zurückehren. •
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Bißchen und Stückchen
George Clooney erhält „Deutschen Medienpreis“
Sich selbst bezeichnet George Clooney als „politisch wachen Menschen“. Deshalb war es dem Schauspieler, Regisseur, Produzenten und Drehbuchautor wohl auch nie genug, nur in der Filmbranche erfolgreich zu sein. Seit Jahren setzt er sich unter anderem für die Menschen in der Krisenregion Darfur im Sudan ein. Clooney besucht Flüchtlingscamps und dreht dabei Dokumentationen. Der Leinwandstar initiierte auch das Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP), das mit Hilfe von Satellitenbildern Hinweise auf Menschenrechtsverstöße auswertet. Das Magazin „Newsweek“ nannte den umtriebigen Clooney auf einer Titelseite einen „Staatsmann des 21. Jahrhunderts“, der politisch wirksam sei, ohne Politiker zu sein. Dieses engagement würdigt jetzt der „Deutsche Medienpreis 2012“. Die Jury zeichnet den 51-jährigen Clooney als „außergewöhnliche Ikone der Filmbranche“ aus, denn er sei gleichzeitig ein „einzigartiger Aktivist für humanitäre Anliegen und Friedensarbeit“. Der OscarPreisträger nutze seine Beliebtheit und Bekanntheit, um auf Krisen und Konflikte aufmerksam zu machen, die in der öffentlichen Wahrnehmung verdrängt würden. Seit 1992 wird der „Deutsche Medienpreis“ jährlich vom Marktforschungsunternehmen Media Control in Baden-Baden an „herausragende Persönlichkeiten“ vergeben. Befragt werden dazu nach Angaben des Unternehmens die Chefredakteure der reichweitenstärksten und einflussreichsten Medien in Deutschland. Preisträger waren unter anderen: Helmut Kohl, François Mitterrand, Yassir Arafat, Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton, Gerhard Schröder, der Dalai Lama und Bundeskan-
Deutscher Ernst von Freyberg wird neuer Chef der Vatikan-Bank
Der deutsche Rechtsanwalt Ernst von Freyberg wurde von Papst Benedikt zum neuen Chef der Vatikanbank ernannt . Papst Benedikt XVI hat den Rechtsanwalt Ernst von Freyberg zum neuen Chef der Vatikan-Bank (IOR) ernannt. Damit geht eine achtmonatige Vakanz zu Ende, die nach dem Rücktritt von Ettore Gotti Tedeschi entstanden war. Ernst Freiherr von Freyberg ist 54 Jahre alt. Der Jurist, der eine Investmentbank geleitet hat, ist Ritter und Schatzmeister des Souveränen Malteser-Ritterordens. Er lebt in Frankfurt, Vatikansprecher Lombardi geht aber davon aus, dass der neue IOR-Präsident sich mehrere Tage in der Woche künftig in Rom aufhalten werde. Derzeit ist von Freyberg Chef einer M&A-Beratung in Frankfurt mit dem Namen DC Advisory. •
Exchange Rates 1 USD = 0.77 EURO 1 EURO = 1.29 USD
zlerin Angela Merkel. •
3-20-13
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Trends (Food - Music - Books - Travel) The Eifel Region Is A Startling Revelation Eifel is synonymous with history, geography, nature, and culture presenting you the best of each of these categories. Germany is known for its majestic landscapes and an ethereal scenic beauty that belongs in the realm of fairytales. But wait till you reach the Eifel region. You are in for a surprising twist that takes you on a wild ride for your senses. From the serene to the rambunctious is but a short trip away. The Eifel region is located in western Germany and is bounded by the Rhine, the Ahr, and the Moselle rivers. What you have here is land untouched by human intervention and therefore at its most pristine. Volcanic activity is not immediately associated with Germany but here in the Eifel region you have about 200 dormant volcanoes and even a few active ones! The Vulkanmuseum in the town of Daun is where you’ll find all information about this lesser known German attraction. You can have your fill of little blue lakes that have formed on craters and lie against the blue hills and valleys. Lake Leach is the largest and also
the perfect venue for some water sport. A number of natural mineral springs are to be found in the area and is well worth a visit. The water here is precious, both for drinking and bathing, with over 500 springs. Gerolstein is a very popular carbonated water from the Eifel, and Bitburger beer, one of Germany’s highest quality brews, is made here with Eifel water. There’s also a high quality Eifel red wine from the Ahr valley. Once that’s been taken care of, you can set off on an exploration of the large number of historical ruins and natural wonders that will fill your visit with excitement and wonder. The region has many
castles, monasteries, and mysterious little villages that would be a delight to explore by foot. The Eifel Lakes are another big attraction. The little medieval village of Brockscheid has a bell founding history that goes back to the medieval period. Eifel is well known for its Roman aqueduct which used to be a water source in antiquarian times. The best way to see this would be aboard the Vulkan Express, a romantic steam engine ride that takes you through all the attractions of the Eifel. You’ll be amazed
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Trends (Food - Music - Books - Travel) to see the source of the Ahr River. You will see this in the town of Blankenheim and it’s something that you definitely have to experience for yourself. Tourists often make a beeline for Eifel Hills and for good reason too. You have the best of pristine wilderness with turquoise lakes and deep green woods; an idyllic spot to commune with nature and rejuvenate your senses. If you’re intrigued about the special geological features of the Eifel, you should visit Gerolstein which is where they have a Geo Park and a Nature Museum where you’ll find million year old fossils. For a fantastic view of the Eifel you have to get to the top of the Kaiser-Wilhelm Tower. It lies at the end of a mile long hike, but is most certainly worth the effort. The local cuisine of the Eifel is definitely an added attraction. You are in the home of Pinot Noir and
Neuenahrer Rauchfleisch which translates to strips of smoked beef. There’s more where that comes from and you’ll certainly dazzled by the choices available. The region is an enriching one in which to walk, through neatly kept villages of half-timbered houses, with plenty of visitor variety in the shapes of castles, abbeys, cliffs,
lakes and waterfalls. While in the area visit the historic town center of Monschau with its many preserved houses and narrow streets which have remained nearly unchanged for 300 years, making the town a popular tourist attraction nowadays. •
Germany - Europe’s most popular holiday destination for the for the fifth year in a row Travelers in 2012 clocked up 407.3 million overnight stays in Germany's accommodation options, putting the country ahead of Spain with 383.7 million stays and Italy, with 376.6 million. The German Tourism Association (DVT), reported the figures also suggested that the country's hotels, B&Bs and camping sites were receiving more visitors than before. In 2012, there was an increase of 3.6 percent, or 14 million more stays, compared with 2011. Meanwhile the number of people holidaying in Spain dropped by 1.6 percent, though the country remained the second highest in Europe. The drop even sharper in Italy, with a 3.1 percent fewer stays. The reason behind Germany's good result was partly down to an increase in Germans staying in their own country to go on holiday – domestic tourism rose by 2.7 percent between 2011 and 2012, while the number of tourists coming from abroad rose by 8.1 percent between 2011 and 2012.
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Walpurgis Night on April 30 is an old pagan festival, which borrowed its name from Saint Walburga whose feast occurs on May Day. On this night witches are believed to ride on broomsticks to places of old pagan sacrifices in the Harz Mountains, especially to the Brocken. The Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains, is considered the focal point of Walpurgisnacht. Also known as the Blocksberg, the 1142-meter peak is often shrouded in mist and clouds, lending it a mysterious atmosphere that has contributed to its legendary status as the home of witches (Hexen) and devils (Teufel). There, they dance around a huge fire and worship their lord the devil, who bestows them with new magic power. The writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) in Faust writes that the witches come on Walpurgis night and sing: "Now to the Brocken the witches ride; the stubble is gold and the corn is green; There is the carnival crew to be seen, And Squire Urianus will come to preside. So over the valleys our company floats, with witches a-farting on stinking old goats."
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Historically, it is most likely that the witches celebrating on the Brocken were ordinary humans that were forced to Christianity by Charlemagne. They still adhered to their pagan religion and went secretly in the mountains to worship their gods, hooded or masked to protect themselves. There is a mountain very high and bare...whereon it is given out that witches hold their dance on Walpurgis night" Jacob Grimm, 1883. If tales of goddesses, witches, and diabolism weren't enough, the Brockenberg also engenders a meteorological phenomenon: the Brockengespenst, or spectre of the Brocken. Given the right atmospheric conditions, the mountain can produce an eerie optical illusion. As the sun sinks, the shadow of a walker cast from a ridge becomes magnified and an enor-
mous silhouette appears on lowlying clouds or mist banks below the mountain. Although it's only a shadow, the distant "spectre" appears to be walking at the same
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pace, doggedly tracking the observer's path. The name Brocken spectre came into use among mountaineers after a climber fell to his death on the Brocken. Not realising that he was observing his own shadow, the climber apparently lost his footing after being startled by a rainbow haloed figure emerging from the mists. Forest pathways snake through Brocken National Park, shrouded in mist, their gnarled limbs dripping with moss and lichens, the trees seem to close in behind the hiker. With names such as the Witch's Altar and Devil's Pulpit, bizarre rock formations rise from the forest floor. In the brooding green half-light, the rocks take on a malevolent appearance. Today in Harz it is used as a time for celabration and party for the whole family. You will see witches and devils walking around the towns, people come from all over Germany and the world to celbrate this event. Booking ahead is advisable for this time. In Schierke over 20,000 people can meet up. Walpurgis evening is a fun time for all the family not just for the party animal. Children can dress up in various costumes and the night has a very child friendly feeling. At midnight the beginning of Spring is launched with much noise and fireworks to drive the witches away. •
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Calendar Of Events April 3 Milwaukee, WI. Board Meeting 6 pm. Singing 7:30 pm. 4 Waukegan, IL DANK Lake County Board Meeting, 2 pm. Bertrand Lanes, Tumbleweed Room, 2616 Washington St., Waukegan, IL. 5 Frankfort, IL. Armin Homann Music Show. Music by Die Bergkameraden . Open for Dinner at 6:00 pm. Show begins at 8:00 p.m. Donation in Advance: $25 (Drinks and Food NOT included). For tickets call: Anita at 708-636-3074. 5 Benton Harbor, MI. Fish Fry. Doors open 6:00 pm. For more information: www.dank13.org 6 Glendale Heights, IL. Chicago-West Stammtisch at Schnitzel Platz , 729 North Ave,, Glendale Heights. 6 Chicago, IL. Kino Kaffee und Kuchen, Classic German films, doors open at Noon, Vorfilm at 1 pm, feature at 2 pm. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. Chicago. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www. dankhaus.com. 10 Milwaukee, WI. Dancing 6pm. Singing 7 pm 13 Chicago, IL. Kino Kaffee und Kuchen, Classic German films, doors open at Noon, Vorfilm at 1 pm, feature at 2 pm. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. Chicago. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com 14 Benton Harbor, MI. Membership meeting. 4 PM. DANK Haus, 2651 Pipestone Rd., Benton Harbor, MI. 269-926-6652. www.dank13.org 17 Erie, PA. 7 PM Open to the public. Join us for dinner at 5:00 – reservations by Tuesday evening. Call 814520-5036 Jeff & Brigitte Chase. 18 Chicago, IL. Stammtisch. Monthly Open –Haus . 7:30 pm DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave Chicago, IL. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www. dankhaus.com
19 Cleveland, OH. Nights of Film. Start Time: 8:00. DANK Chapter Cleveland offers a free showing of the movie "Der Fall Jägerstätter" (1971) at the Cleveland Männerchor Hall. This film is in German. For more information contact: Stefan Pigler at 216-398-6606. 19 Chicago, IL. New in Town. Germans new to the Chicago area come to the DANK Haus, and learn more about the city. 4740 N. Western Ave. For more information: 773-354-3341. 20 Milwaukee, WI. DANK Chapter Milwaukee 30th Anniversary Dinner and Dance at Ritchfield Chalet. Doors open at 5 pm. Dinner starts at 6 pm. Music by Blaskapelle Milwaukee. Adults $25, children $10. For reservatoins: 262-675-6336. 20 Benton Harbor, MI. Spring Dance. Music by Squeeze Box Band with Mollie B. 6-11 PM. DANK Haus, 2651 Pipestone Rd., Benton Harbor, MI. 269-926-6652. www.dank13.org 20 Chicago, IL. Kino Kaffee und Kuchen, Classic German films, doors open at Noon, Vorfilm at 1 pm, feature at 2 pm. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. Chicago. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com 24 Milwaukee, WI. Dancing 6pm. Singing 7pm. 26 Chicago, IL. German Cinema Now. Contemporary German films with English subtitles. Free. 7:30 pm DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave Chicago, IL. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus. com. 27 South Bend, IN. Rocco’s Pizza. 4:00 p. 537 N Saint Louis Blvd., South Bend, IN. 27 Chicago, IL. Kino Kaffee und Kuchen, Classic German films, doors open at Noon, Vorfilm at 1 pm, feature at 2 pm. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. Chicago. For more information call 773-561-9181 28 Chicago, IL. Bach & Beyond. DANK Haus, 4740 N Western Ave., Chicago, IL. 3:00 pm. $12-$23.
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Calendar Of Events continued
May 1 Milwaukee, WI. Board Meeting 6pm. Singing 7:30pm. 3 Benton Harbor, MI. Fish Fry. Doors open 6:00 pm. For more information: www.dank13.org 4 Frankfort, IL. German Heritage Festival, 25249 Center Rd., Frankfort, IL. 12 pm – 10 pm. Featuring traditional German entertainment. Free admission. 4 Chicago, IL. Kino Kaffee und Kuchen, Classic German films, doors open at Noon, Vorfilm at 1 pm, feature at 2 pm. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. Chicago. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www. dankhaus.com 5 Vernon Hills, IL. DANK Chapter Lake County Awards Luncheon, White Deer Run Golf Club, Vernon Hills, IL. 8 Milwaukee, WI. Dancing 6pm. Singing 7pm. 10 Benton Harbor, MI. Rummage Sale. Doors will be open from 8 AM - 6 PM. DANK Haus, 2651 Pipestone Rd., . 269-926-6652. www.dank13.org 15 Erie, PA. Open to the Pulic. Join us for dinner at 5 pm – reservations by Tuesday evening. Call 814-52-5036. 15 Milwaukee, WI. Singing 7pm 17 Chicago, IL. Stammtisch. Monthly Open –Haus – Great German food, Bier and Gemütlichkeit . 7:30 pm DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave Chicago, IL.
18 South Bend, IN. Meet at Fernwood. 12:00 pm. Picnic Niles, MI. 18 Pittsburgh, PA. Chapter membership meeting. Schmitt & Colletta Law Offices. Washington Ave., Carnegie, PA. 10:30 am. For more information: www.germaninpittsburgh.org 18 Chicago, IL. Kino Kaffee und Kuchen, Classic German films, doors open at Noon, Vorfilm at 1 pm, feature at 2 pm. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. Chicago. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com 22 Milwaukee, WI. Dancing 6pm. Singing 7pm. 24 Chicago, IL. German Cinema Now. Contemporary German films with English subtitles. Free. 7:30 pm DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave Chicago, IL. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus. com. 25 Erie, PA. Perry 2000 Parade. 1-4 pm. 25 Chicago, IL. Kino Kaffee und Kuchen, Classic German films, doors open at Noon, Vorfilm at 1 pm, feature at 2 pm. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. Chicago. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com 29 Milwaukee, WI. Singing 6pm. 31-June2 Chicago, IL, Maifest in Lincoln Square.
DANK Fox Valley - Chicago Fire Soccer Night The date has been set for another D.A.N.K. night at the Chicago Fire, Sunday June 2, 2013 at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, IL with a 4 pm start time. This year’s ticket price include $5 donation to the Fox Valley G.A.T.E.S. program that we proudly sponsor. We would also like to encourage everyone to arrive early to do some tailgating in the parking lot prior to the game. If we have enough people we can have a designated area in the
parking lot for our group. You do not have to be a D.A.N.K. member to buy tickets for this event, so please spread the word. A copy of the flyer will be located on our website (www.foxvalleygermans.org) or contact Willi at weihunde02@ gmail.com for further information. The season home opener is March 9, 2013! Let’s hope for an exciting season and enjoy watch some great soccer!
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Marketing and Advertising Assistant (Full-time Intern) German American National Congress
Marketing and Advertising responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Please include a link to your online portfolio included with your resume and cover letter.
• Assisting in concept and creation of an assortment of projects ranging from logos, icons, banners, magazine/brochure layout, info graphics, account proposals, television, electronic media, as well as assisting on current and upcoming projects.
• This is perfect for those seeking additional experience in the field.
What we are looking for: • Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator a must. (FTP, html, css a definite plus) • An eye for intelligent design (form & balance, hierarchy, color, typography, etc.) and the ability to design with restriction • Resourcefulness, ability to take initiative and to work both independently and as a team are vital • Ability to maintain image resource files on server • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills • Extremely organized, responsible and detail oriented • Moderate knowledge of HTML is a plus but not required How to Apply: • Please email: office@dank.org.
• Complete market research on potential advertisers and independently collect and administer this data • Complete outreach to potential international advertising partner organizations or companies • Communicate and engage the organization’s chapters to improve implementation of the corporate design and recruit new member chapters • Edit marketing materials such as brochures and the organization’s media package • Author articles and editorials and proofread German Articles for the organization’s bi-monthly Journal Magazine i.e. You will be instrumental in helping ‘sell’ DANK to prospective members. and advertising interests. Qualifications: • College or graduate student • Working toward a Marketing degree • Knowledge of German language • Graphic design and layout a plus • Working knowledge of computer programs including: MS Word Office including Excel and Access Web design and maintenance
Mark your Calendars!
National Convention November 1-3 in Rosemont IL
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ODDS and ENDS
April 23 - German Beer Day On April 23, 1516, Duke Wilhelm IV proclaimed a law that would outlast all others in German history: the beer purity edict. The decree declares that German beer may contain just four ingredients: malt, hops, yeast and water. And on the basis of these select ingredients, German brewers have succeeded in crafting the finest beers, emulated the world over. On April 23 each year, beer lovers everywhere celebrate German Beer Day. As you drink to this occasion, enjoy a few intoxicating facts about German beer: On average, each German drinks 138 liters of beer a year. Only the Czechs and Irish surpass them. Bavarians consume 50% more beer
German Court Rules Internet “Essential” Germany’s Federal Supreme Court judges ruled that people have the right to claim compensation from service providers if their Internet access is disrupted, because the Internet is an "essential" part of life. In a news release the Federal Court said since most German citizens use the Web daily, “The Internet has become a medium which shapes the way of life of the population decisively. Thus, a disruption [in Internet service] will have a significant effect in [on] daily life.” The Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe made the ruling after hearing the case of a man who was unable to use his
DSL connection, which also offered a telephone and fax line, for two months from late 2008 to early 2009. The Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe made the ruling after hearing the case of a man who was unable to use his DSL connection, which also offered a telephone and fax line, for two months from late 2008 to early 2009. He had already received compensation for the cost of having to use a mobile phone, but wanted to be compensated for not being able to use the Internet. Under German law the loss of use of essential material items can be compensated. •
than the German national average, making them the nation’s kings beer consumption. Some 1,200 German breweries employ about 65,000 workers, and German beer accounts for more than 10% of the worldwide market. Production exceeds 115 million hectoliters per year. Germany brews dozens of types of light and dark beers, from the smoky Rauchbier of Bamberg, to the yeasty, opaque Hefeweizenbier of Bavaria, to Koelsch, the pale ale of Cologne, to the woodruff or raspberry syrupsweetened Berliner Weisse of the German capital, to name just a few. Nearly all are available in the United States. •
Northern German Dialect Most Popular The northern German dialect is the most popular of Germany’s five main dialects, according to a survey conducted by the research organization YouGov. Of the 1,048 people surveyed, 29 percent preferred the northern variation of German, while its very different southern cousin, Bavarian, came close behind at 27 percent. The dialect from Cologne, which came in at third, was far behind at 13 percent, closely followed by the Berlin dialect (11 percent). The Saxon dialect came in at last place with 8 percent. What is your favorite dialect? •
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ODDS and ENDS German Government Launches App Platform Have you ever wondered where you could visit Germany's oldest trees? Or wanted to follow in the footsteps of the "fairy tale king" Ludwig II? Or how about getting a run down of the weapons systems used by the German army? At www.govapps.de, a new app directory created by the German government, you can find all these and more. The directory was designed in order to create a central place where Germany-related apps could be browsed and downloaded. The offerings cover themes such as family, education, and social networks and every region in the country. All of the apps featured there are free. Other offerings include tu-was, the German police's first app, which is meant to help citizens help those
in danger without putting themselves at risk; the DB navigator, which can help you book your next train trip; and many city-specific apps. • (© dpa/pa)
Group of male German soldiers developing breasts from drill training The German Herald reported men serving in the elite Wachbataillon unit of the German army are developing breasts on their left pectorals. A doctor who is treating the men says that their trademark close-order drill is at fault, as it has the men repeatedly, violently slamming their guns into the left side of their chest, stimulating mammary growth. The condition - called one sided gynecomastia - has been diagnosed in 74 per cent of battalion members who presented to army medics with concerns over the growths. Director of plastic surgery at the military hospital
in Berlin, Professor Bjorn Krapohl, confirmed: "There is a very significant link between the activity in the Guard Battalion and the development of the breast on the left side. "They need to change the way they drill. The constant slamming of the rifles against the left hand side of the chest is clearly a significant factor," he added. Military officials have said they will research the condition and adapt the battalion's drills if necessary. In the meantime, many of the stricken soldiers are resorting to plastic surgery. •
Germany Overrun by Racoons Raccoon numbers have been exploding in recent years in Germany and will soon reach about one million. "It's a present of the American people," Derk Ehlert, chief wildlife officer for the city of Berlin, sarcastically stated. The first raccoons were imported from American to Germany in the 1920’s to be bred in captivity for their fur. They were introduction into the wild on April 12, 1934, when Prussian hunting and game authorities released two pairs of raccoons near Edersee to "enrich the fauna" of the area. •
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ODDS and ENDS Knut Returns as Germany’s Top Crime Life-Sized Display Writer Aims at the U.S. German crime writer Nele Neuhaus is making her U.S. debut with an English translation of ‘Snow White Must Die.’ Nele Neuhaus is Germany’s topselling crime novelist, and her work is catching on throughout Europe and in parts of Asia. After a major German publisher discovered one of her novels in a bookshop in 2008, her sales have been climbing steadily, topping 3.5 million. It has sold a million copies in Germany and has sold to publishers in 18 other countries. Now she aims to conquer the U.S. market, a feat no other German crime writer has pulled off. Minotaur Books released the first English translation of “Snow White Must Die,” a brutal murder mystery that takes place in the village of Altenhain, a small town in Germany. •
1972 - Volkswagen Beetle set a milestone
Knut, the polar bear is still attracting admirers in death: Knut’s hide has been mounted on a polyurethane body and is going on display at Berlin’s Natural History Museum. The statue prepared by taxidermists featuring the famous Berlin Zoo bear's fur and claws, with the synthetic body and glass eyes. Knut was hand-raised after his mother rejected him. He rose to stardom in 2007 as a cuddly cub, appearing on magazine covers, in a film and on mountains of merchandise. He died in 2011 after suffering from encephalitis. The museum dismissed criticism of the decision to display Knut, saying it gives everyone an opportunity to see him. •
February 17th, 1972, 41 years ago the 15,007,034th Volkswagen Beetle rolled off the assembly line surpassed the old record set by the Ford Model T, which shut down production in 1927 after a 19year run. It was German Chancellor Adolf Hitler who launched the VW in 1933 when he called on the legendary Ferdinand Porsche to design a low-cost "People's Car," or Volkswagen. Large-scale production didn't begin until after World War II. In 1949, exactly TWO Beetles were sold in the United States. •
What is @ called in Germany? In German, it sometimes used to be referred to as Klammeraffe (meaning "spider monkey"). Klammeraffe refers to the similarity of @ to the tail of a monkey grabbing a branch. Lately, it is mostly called at just like in English. In Swiss German and Luxembourgish, it is commonly called Affenschwanz ("monkey-tail"). •
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ODDS and ENDS Ramones Museum in Berlin Punk rock legends The Ramones come from New York, but their biggest fan might just be from Berlin. Florian Hayler collected hundreds of Ramones-related items, and attended more than 100 Ramones concerts, then decided to collect his expertise and souvenirs in a museum. It debuted in 2005, a year after the death of founding band member Johnny Ramone. The current museum opened in October 2008 after a move and an expansion. On display are childhood photos of the group, gig set lists, fliers from the band’s
early days and a vast collection of concert tshirts. If you bop ‘til you drop, the Ramones Museum’s Café Mania has drinks, snacks and light meals on offer. The museum, located just off Oranienburger Strasse near art house Tacheles and the New Synagogue, also hosts movie screenings, acoustic shows, and Ramonesrelated special events. Closed Mondays and Wednesdays. Admission is 5 euros includes a beer and a badge making you a lifelong member - meaning free admission on further visits. www.ramonesmuseum.com
New Subway Line Shakes Cologne Cathedral Cologne Cathedral, one of the most renowned German landmarks ent into operation, according to church officials. "The effects can be felt, measured and heard," Cathedral Provost Norbert Feldhoff said in a statement, adding that "it cannot be ruled out that these effects will cause long term damage to the building." Visitors have reported vibrations felt on the floor and the outside steps as the city's No. 5 subway line arrived at the new Dom/Hauptbahnhof station. Earthquakemeasuring sensors in the building have confirmed the
vibrations. Cathedral officials and transport representatives agreed at an emergency meeting that trains would slow down to 20 km per hour from the planned 30 km per hour when driving through nearby tunnel section. A working group was also set up to seek other measures to stop the shake and noise, Feldhoff said. The cathedral, build over six centuries from 1248 to 1880, endured the World War II although damaged by Allied bombers.
Horst P. Horst “I like taking photographs, because I like life. And I love photographing people best of all, because most of all I love humanity.” Horst P. Horst
The German fashion photographer Horst P. Horst — born Horst Paul Albert Bohrma in Weissenfels-an-der Saale, Germany, to Max Bohrmann, and Klara Schönbrodt, in 1906 – captured distinctive, elegant work that made him one of the leading fashion photographers of the mid-20th century. His black-andwhite portraits are known for their drama, enchantment and classical inspiration. Horst moved to the U.S. in 1939 and joined the U.S. army as a photographer in July 1943, three months before he became an American. He changed
his name to Horst P Horst and generally became known by the single name Horst. In 1945 he photographed United States President Harry S Truman, with whom he became friends, and he photographed every First Lady in the postwar period at the invitation of the White House until the Ford administration. Many of the scenes from entertainer Madonna’s 1990 “Vogue” music video are recreations of photographs taken by Horst, including his most famous work famous “Mainbocher Corset”, taken in Vogue’s Paris studio (1939). •
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German Language School Conference Homestay Program in Ingelheim, Germany - June 22 to July 13, 2013 The GLSC proudly sponsors a Homestay Program for younger students 12 to 16, who have studied German for one or preferably more years. The host school is the ‘Kaiserpfalz-Realschule plus’ in Ingelheim, near Frankfurt. We are a GAPP (German American Partnership Program) exchange. Students use German in a German-speaking environment every day while living with carefully screened host families. The American group also prepares a ‘show and tell report’ as part of its ambassadorial mission; journals are kept during daily contact with the chaperones. The group attends school with the host brother or
sister in Ingelheim, enjoys local events and travels as a group. Also included are a Rhine River cruise with a castle excursion, visits to Gutenberg’s Mainz, historic Cologne and other places of interest to teenagers. As a special treat the American group stays in the southern Großstadt Stuttgart at the end of the study-travel three-week experience. Cost: $2,400.00, which includes airfare. Chaperones: Two teachers from Saturday schools will accompany the students. After February 1, as available. For further information: (612-0) 644-5823 donau_13@verizon.net
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Charles Schulz and Snoopy Charles Monroe Schulz father, Carl Schulz, emigrated from Germany to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and it was there his only child was born on November 26, 1922. For over sixty years readers have turned to the comic pages to see what was happening in the lives of Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the gang in Peanuts, probably the most popular comic strip ever, and it was inspired by the Sundays Carl and Charles Schulz spent together reading the comic strips. The young boy was fascinated by Mickey Mouse and Popeye and developed an ambition to be a cartoonist. Like Thomas Nast he was 15 when his first drawing, of Spike the family dog, was printed in a nationally-syndicated newspaper
feature. After war service Schulz sold onepanel cartoons focused on drawings of precocious children with large heads using words and behavior well beyond their years, then the first simple four-panel Peanuts strip appeared on October 2, 1950, in seven newspapers nationwide. As newspaper editors in the late 1940s and 50s wanted a change in style, a post-war minimalist model compared to the stylized versions of pre-war years, his intellectual and self-effacing humor was a natural fit for mid-20th century comics world wide. A humor that could be observational, ironic, sarcastic, nostalgic, silly, bittersweet, and with a large dose of suspended reality, it was
honored in many ways over the years. Including the Apollo 10 mission, when the modules were named "Charlie Brown", the Command and Service Module, and "Snoopy", the Lunar Module, after the two main characters in the comic strip. Charles Schulz "Peanuts" humor even conquered space. © germany.info
Germany Under Glass 2013 Bigger and Better By Jane Nacker DANK Chapter Milwaukee participated in “Germa- also interactive activities with German crafts, storytellny Under Glass” on Saturday, March 2, at Milwaukee ing, genealogy and German script writing. German County’s Mitchell Park Domes. Sponsored by the Ger- beer was available, along with food entrees from local man American Societies of the Greater Milwaukee restauranteur, Mader’s, and the Konditorei sold tortes Area and the Milwaukee County Parks, “Germany Un- and coffee. In the main lobby of the Domes, the Milwaukee DANK der Glass” derives its name from the three glass domes that enclose the horticultural conservatory of the Mil- Chor performed a selection of traditional songs, and waukee County Park system. the Milwaukee DANK Folk Dancers performed several Since the first 2012 “Germany Under Glass” was such dances, including the Bändertanz. a success, the 2013 event was awaited with glad anThe DANK Chapter Milwaukee display booth was ticipation. This year was an even greater success, with located in the Tropical Dome. Members handed 3100 attendees, 700 more than in 2012. out over 250 copies of the DANK Journal along The event was a mini-German Fest in the middle of with information on joining DANK. Lists for names winter. “Germany Under Glass” showcased customs and addresses of potential volunteers to work at from Germany, Austria, and other German-speaking the DANK booths at Milwaukee’s German Fest communities. Visitors strolled through the beauty of the conservatories while listening to German musi- were on our table and we hope to recruit many of cians and singers. Multiple German dance groups per- these for German Fest and our Chapter. Children, formed traditional dances. Presentations on pretzel as well as adults, who came to sample some Gerfolding and making pretzel necklaces were just a few man chocolates were encouraged to practice usof the activities in the Education Center. There were ing the words, “Bitte,” and “Danke schön.” •
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Thank you for your donations German American Day Ingewalde Snyder Sonja Scholtis Albert Juengling Harry Meinhold Egon Polnau Walter Radke Harri Strelis George Blanke Greg Dienhart Elfriede Vogel Raymond Lintner Charles Hubbard Michael Konrath Erna Jochum Anne Hipwell Education Fund Matthew Wirtz Edith Prusak Ingewald Snyder Anita Prolic Sara Brantsch Ingrid Kaltenbach George Herrmann Egon Polnau Walter Radke Esther Markwart George Blanke Greg Dienhart
Dieter Markwart Julie Reichert Gerline Kubitz Gustav Hopp Elfriede Vogel Walter Weber Herbert Schreck Raymond Lintner Inge Dominis Adalbert Bielski Renate Koetke Charles Hubbard DXennis Antkowiak Edmund Baumann Anne Hipwell Newspaper Fund Matthew Wirtz Roman von Schafnitzel Erika Laben Roland Scheibe Jakob Setter Vigil Kuppelwieser Karin Dethlefs Ingewald Snyder Sara Brantsch Ada Trbojevic Helene Vieraitis Hedwig Mayrens Harry Meinhold
Ingrid Kaltenbach Marcel Pitz George Herrmann William Wirth, Jr Helmut Appelt Egon Polnau Walter Radke Hildehard Pieger Esther Markwart Leonhart Harri Strelis George Blanke Dieter Markwart Gren Dienhart Anne Olsen Ewald Gansewenndt Elisabeth Krueger Margaret Greif Ingrin Wagschal Gustav Hopp Kenneth Schlick Heinrich Walz Ernest Zeller Elfriede Vogel Walter Weber Ingrid Wagoner Jared Meyer Raymond Lintner Daniel Koza Charles Hubbard
Nicholas Popoff James Schmidt Klaus Voss Erna Jochum Anne Hipwell Adalbert Bielski Robert Adam Petar Gataric Hildegard Trautmann Armind Fiedler Joel Zink Technology Fund Ingewalde Snyder Ada Trbojevic Egon Polnau Walter Radke George Blanke Greg Dienhart Elfriede Vogel Herbert Schreck Raymond Lintner Adalbert Bielski Robert Adam Frank Zedeck Charles Hubbard Christine Clark Klaus Voss Anne Hipwell
We Welcome our New Members National Robert & Lisa Pineda Chicago-South John Wirtz Philip Wirtz John & Julie Ott Donald & Rita Wynn Cathy Stidham Carol Krygowski Chicago Susan Borst Peter & Lucianne Bischoff Todd Brady
Chicago-West Kaethe Brauer Margot Karalius Kay Hermann Fox Valley, IL Steven Froelich Springfield, IL Mark Dust Susan Fuchs Holt
Hans Weissgerber III Edward Strege Chgo Northern Suburbs Wonyounh& Chad Park Daniela & Aydan Weiszhar Irmi Davis Cleveland, OH Craig Dinger
Benton Harbor, MI Peter & Virginia Palis
Erie, PA Glenn Blodgett David & Renecca Smail
Milwaukee, WI
Bay City, MI
Christine Waldman Dave Beckrow Keith Markstrom William & Elain Fournier Harold Miller Walter & Ann Hagen Christopher Weeks Thomas & Lonnie Bork Bernie & Nancy Markel Tamara Hock-Harris Allan & Karon Nietzke Franz Ernst Dean Woods Ronald Monville Edward Czuprynski Anthony & Michelle Judd
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Hitler Youth continued from page 7 Dachau, and you should. But you'll have to go on a day when I'm not with you because I'm not ready to face it.'" Manny, who was younger than Wolfhilde, probably had the same beliefs as she did during the war, VonKoenig said. "I think it's important to realize that anything Manny told us about his experiences was a reflection long after the fact," Reeder said. "What we have from Lulu (Wolfhilde's nickname) was exactly what was happening day by day." Manny immigrated to the United States in 1950, became a U.S. citizen in 1956, earned a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Minnesota, and served in the U.S. Army Reserves for six years. He worked for Whirlpool for 36 years, retiring as vice president of Whirlpool do Brasil in 1989. He died in 2009 at the age of 82. Once the diary's translation was in hand and the family realized what they had, everyone felt the diary had Reinhold Niebuhr continued from page 8 of the 20th century and the 21st century. Probably his greatness legacy is the penning of the “Serenity Prayer that is still with us. “God grant me the serenity to accept the thing I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can change, And wisdom to know the difference.” The first known publication of the prayer was in 1937. Alcoholic Anonymous (founded 1935) would later adopt the prayer as a way for its members to cope with overcoming their addiction. Our society of the 21st century is still grappling with alcoholism and drug abuse-should we legalize drugs or keep them illegal. Niebuhr’s “Serenity Prayer” will help people cope with their addiction no matter which way the drug debates is decided. • Submitted by: John Bareither, Evanston, Illinois
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to be published. "The information was just so valuable, how could you not share it?" VonKoenig said. "It's not only family history, it's part of history you are not used to reading about, from that particular perspective. We knew right away this thing had to be published." Reeder added, "There was also this feeling on our part - why had not Wolfhilde thrown it away? Why had Manny not thrown it away? It kind of felt like it was meant to be public." "It was obviously important to Lulu to have never thrown it away," VonKoenig said. "It was important to my dad to not throw it out, either. They both recognized that some time we would get our hands on it, they both knew it was a part of history, and maybe they wanted it not being exposed until they were both gone." The book is available at iUniverse at $34.95 for the hard cover edition, $24.95 for soft cover, and $9.95 for the e-edition. It’s also offered at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, VonKoening said. • Reprinted with permision of Herald Paladium. Michigan chapter... continued from page 12 charter from the National DANK organization. Plans also include the locally famous German and European themed buffet served from 5:30 - 9:30 along with a fabulous concert performed by "The German Connection" a group of 12 local performers who have formed a brass band playing music from European scores reminiscent of the music performed in the town squares in Europe. Members of this group have performed European concert tours in recent past years. They come attired in Lederhosen and dirndls and are the focus of the evening. Their performance is from 6-10pm in the main Atrium dining room. Other entertainment and fun will be had by all including singing of the traditional Schnitzelbank. Plans are also in the works to dedicate a 45' tall Maypole in the Stein Haus outdoor patio. To meet the requirements of being established as a Chapter, the Bay City group elected its first Board of Directors. Elected were President-Monty Oswald; Vice President -Tom Bork; Treasurer-Walter Hagen; Secretary -Chris Weeks and the following Board members -Bill Fournier, Al Nietzke, Dean Woods, Harold Miller and Ed Czuprinski. •
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GERMAN AMERICAN JOURNAL
APRIL/ MAY 2013
Kinder Ecke lines are estimates. This project can be modified to suit other ages and may take more or less time depending on your circumstances.
Celebrate May Day With Crafts! May Day is celebrated in many places around the world. The traditions and stories surrounding May Day cary from place to place. There is, however, one thing that is similar in most celebrations - the use of flowers! One of the most popularly known May Day traditions is to hang a basket full of spring flowers or other small gifts on a neighbors door-
knob. Follow these directions and learn how to make a cone-shaped May Day basket you can hang on a neighbor's door knob. Age Guideline: 5 Years and Up Time Required: 20 minutes (Does not include drying time) The above age and time guide-
Materials Needed: Construction Paper Cellophane Tape Home-Made Flowers Scissors Instructions: Cut a triangle shape out of bright colored construction paper. Make the point flat. Roll the triangle into a cone shape and tape the 2 sides together. Trim off any extra paper around the top of the cone to make it even. Cut a strip of construction paper that is approximately 12-inches long by 2-inches wide. Tape this strip onto the top of your cone to make a handle. Now you can fill the basket with flowers and/or treats. You can make home-made flowers to fill your basket. Once your May Day cone basket is done, try to hang it on your neighbor's doorknob without getting caught!
May-Baskets by Evaleen Stein Let us take our baskets early To the meadows green, While the wild-flowers still are pearly With the dewdrops' sheen.
Then our lovely loads we'll carry Down the village street, On each door, with laughter merry, Hang a basket sweet.
Fill them full of blossoms rosy, Violets and gay Cowslips, every pretty posy Welcoming the May.
Hey-a-day-day! It is spring now, Lazy folks, awake! See the pretty things we bring now For the May-day's sake!
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GERMAN AMERICAN JOURNAL
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Wir gratulieren dem neuen Oberhaupt der katholischen Kirche,
Papst Franziskus und w端nschen Gottes Segen in der F端hrung in seiner neuen Position.
Always Remember Memorial Day May 27, 2013