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GERMAN AMERICAN JOURNAL
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Contents Of This Issue 4
From the president’s desk by Beverly Pochatko
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Letter(s) To The Editor
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Contributing to the Mix Part 2 by Anne Marie Fuhrig
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Advent wreaths light up holiday by Beverly Pochatko
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Chapter Chatter (Chapter News and Updates)
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Weihnachtsgedicht - Christmas Poems
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DANK Executive Office Update by Eve Timmerhaus
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DANK Education Fund
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Weihnachten, Christmas In Germany by Francine McKenna
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Holiday Greetings
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Steamboating Through America’s Heartland by Audrey L. Hess-Eberle
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Calendar of Events
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Odds and Ends (TidBit news out of Germany)
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German - Austrian Stained Glass Windows in Chicago by Christa Garcia
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Welcome New Members & Obits
Cover Design By Beverly Pochatko, Eve Timmerhaus and George Nagata
Editorial Staff Beverly Pochatko Eve Timmerhaus Eva Timmerhaus George Nagata Correspondents Audrey L. Hess-Eberle 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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GERMAN AMERICAN JOURNAL
DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013
From The President’s Desk Beverly Pochatko Liebe Mitglieder und Freunde, Dear members and friends of DANK, This past year has gone by so quickly! Thanksgiving will be past when you receive this Journal, but no matter I have much to be thankful for…my family, friends and people who share the same pride in our German heritage. Many of our members have had difficulties this past year – health and financial concerns, loss of family members and friends, but are still thankful for what they have – love of family and lasting friendships. Advent is a time of preparation and reflection, not only in the religious sense but in our organization as well. As we prepare for a new year, we look back and see if we made a difference and what could we do more? As President, I have tried to keep chapters more informed and I of them. It is difficult when they do not communicate or respond to requests. (i.e. are they happy with where they are; do they need assistance; what are their needs and what can I do to help them?) Our Christian Christmas and the Judaic celebration of Hanukah are joyous times of celebration. Unfortunately, some people get caught up in the commercialism of these celebrations and forget the true meanings. It is a time of joy, of wonder, and of hope…a time for family and friends to be together. It’s not about how many gifts you receive, or how much money you spend on them, it’s about the special kind of love and the traditions that bind you together. As you gather as families, talk about the simpler times when gifts were homemade, the visits to family and friends, bundling up in the cold, snowy winter days and going for long walks in the crunchy snow or building a snowman, and the hot cocoa that waited for you when you went back indoors. Remember how happy you were with the small box of hard candies and perhaps an orange from Santa along with the usual new pajamas, or clothes? You didn’t need electronic games because it was fun playing board games as a family. And that is the ‘clue’ to happiness–spending time with family and friends, turning off the televisions, the cell phones and iPods, the electronics that really don’t let you interact in a personal way. Give the gift of self. Christmas can be the loneliest season of all despite all the decorations and music. This is the season for sharing and caring. If you know someone who is alone during the holidays, visit them or invite them to your home. We can only hope and trust that the coming year will be better for all our families and friends. Ich wünsche Euch gesegnete Weihnachten und ein gesundes Neues Jahr! May you enjoy the peace, love and joy of the season with family and friends. Beverly A. Pochatko National President
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: 1-800-USA-DANK Office Hours: 9am - 4pm Monday, Wednesday-Friday Executive Secretary Eva Timmerhaus Office Manager Eve Timmerhaus
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Letter(s) To The Editor
Liebe Redation des German-American Journal, das neue Format ihrer Zeitung bedeutet einen grossen Fortschritt nach vorne.Nun waere es erfreulich wenn der Inhalt folgen koennte. Keep up the good work! Gisbert Manskopf, Haddon Township NJ We love the new format! Maria Bappert , Chicago, IL Hallo-hallo!
I am just writing to let you know that I really like the new format of the newsletter! Thank you very much for all the wonderful activities and important work which your organization so consistently offers: I appreciate it greatly, and look forward to the next issue of the newsletter with exuberant and abundant enthusiasm. Also: one feature which I particularly enjoyed in the previous editions were the German-language articles! Vielen Dank und herzliche Gruessen, Marina Tyler
Our chapter has reviewed both formats of the German American Journal and had a vote on the format we prefer. The vote was unanimously for the old format. The old format was much more professional looking and the stories were well chosen for the different interests of everyone. The journal reflects our organization and can be an effective marketing tool if we do not try to cheapen it. We have members who are only members because they like the journal. We feel that with the new format we could loose members. Money should be saved in other areas other than cutting costs for our journal. Christine Weiss, President of South Bend Chapter
Our members liked the change. Jeff Engel Springfield Chapter “Loved it” Harald Pitz Chicago West Chapter
The new format of the DANK GA Journal is to my liking. The articles are interesting but no stories written in German. Having German language articles may spark “Outstanding” interest of younger people to learn more about the culChristel Miske ture and language of their elders. Include some German humor and historical stories. Milwaukee Mention the many dialects in the German language and compare words from one dialect to another and what it This is so much better! means in "Hochdeutsch". I had a chance to talk with George Nagata at the DANK Carol Snippert booth at Milwaukee German Fest. The journal had not Erie been published in the new format. Better quality paper could be used to have clearer print images particularly of the photos. Ich bin auch ein stolzer Deutsch-Amerikaner Editors response: Thank you! We encourage our readers to submit articles in German. If you are interested, und beweise dies mit meiner DANK please contact our office: office@dank.org or call us Mitgliedschaft. Gerhard Roth at 773-275-1100 or 1-800-USA-DANK We would like your feedback on the new journal format. Please write to us at Editor@DANK.org or mail a letter to the DANK National Office, 4740 N. Western, Chicago IL. 60625-2013. Thank You!
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Staff Columnist Anne Marie Fuhrig Ph.D. Contributing To The Mix (Part 2)
October 6, 2012 will be 25th anniversary of German American Day, originally proclaimed in the presence of leaders of GermanAmerican organizations by Ronald Reagan in the White House Garden (picture, but there must be something better?) on October 6, 1987. http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1987/100287d.htm or http://donheinrichtolzmann.net/ dhtreagan1987b.jpg. Much has happened for German Americans since, such as the March 2010 opening of the German American Heritage Museum on 6th St. NW in Washington, DC. (picture at: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1015069 4312499194&set=a.445251049193.2 40417.149101794193&type=1 If anyone were searching the web for “German American,” seven more museums and many organizations would come up, four in the East, 30 in the Mid-West and South, and four in the far West and in Alaska. Older organizations seem to have subgroups which offer activities, such as music, dancing, guns, or crafts. The ones started after WWII are adjusting to the interests of the founders’ children and grandchildren by now. Those 38 are an impressive number, but they are mostly out of public view. They seem to get attention occasionally by cooperating on actions, but would not reach many Americans, if there was not a longer list with many more organizations, cazoo.org. It lists organizations in all but 5 states: Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Utah and Wyoming. It is not known, how upto-date this is. Trying to offer activi-
ties to their members as well as inform the public about the Germans still remains a big task. Do they even communicate with each other? Do they, for example, send each other their newsletter? Cooperation would allow them to celebrate German-American Day together and remind us and the public of our heritage. For example, groups could hand out an information sheet to the public at events now in preparation for the October anniversary. This could grow into fun for the entire country and, maybe, help us fight the doldrums. To make this work, your club needs the names and addresses of neighboring German Clubs and their leaders. Do you know where to find suitable illustrations for your announcements or for the anniversary edition of your newsletter? What will you tell the press? Such basics can make our German-American voice heard easily and pleasantly. If we really want to tell our compatriots that we 60 (or 40?) million are proud of many things, including being Americans, now is the time! Without the Germans, the country might not have hard candy, dark chocolate, pumpernickel, or kale for a cold winter supper—list to be continued for the discussion of the real American stew! We have often focused on individuals, celebrating their innovations that contributed to America. Everyone can probably remember a few of them. Among the achievements, don’t forget the zoos, museums, music halls, opera houses and bike and walking trails
which were begun with German immigrants’ initiative, expertise and funding! Less obviously, but equally significant, are community spirit, mutual responsibility for neighborhood and outreach to others. Are we prepared to argue how different the country would have become without the Germans? Are we informed enough about each wave of German immigrants that has also influenced social conventions, the business climate of each period and region, and our political consciousness? It is harder to argue that the sum of their achievements proves that in a country focused on change, each addition to the stew is important. It has made public life more diverse and has shaped the everyday culture in the regions of this country. The contribution of the post-WWII immigrants still needs to be researched, but would certainly validate the earlier findings. This was true for example with the beginnings of the Republican Party in the late 1850s in Illinois and adjoining states. The very well done museum, the “German American Heritage Center” on the Mississippi River bank in Davenport, IA, is equipped to stress all of these aspects with its diverse exhibits on its three floors. You can really learn about the influence of the Germans there–and by implication elsewhere in the MidWest. For example, through their ethnic/language networks in the mid 19th century, Germans were well informed about adjoining parts of the country and with their solid education, they quickly saw what was
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needed to improve things and knew how to make it happen. This museum also has the essence of its exhibits on a very well-done website along with its educational work (see: http://www.gahc.org). Germans generally were responsible householders–a skill learned out of necessity–and therefore had little tolerance for waste of public monies. Many of those who had left Germany after the failed 1832 and 1848 “revolutions” against oppressive princes, became thoughtful and enthusiastic leaders in this democracy. By the mid-1850s, they had established immigration assistance networks, had become pace setters in the social life of their towns, had contributed their wealth to a public infrastructure and had developed an interest in politics. Thus they found themselves objecting to public waste and the expansion of slavery and they were ready for a rallying cry for a more compatible politics. One individual leader in this was Gustav Koerner from Belleville in southern Illinois. He had immigrated in 1832 after that failed revolution. By the 1850s, his legal work had made him want change and he joined like-minded friends. After Lincoln, a colleague in the legal profession, had expressed an interest in politics, they cooperated. http:// www.mrlincolnandfriends.org/in side.asp?pageID=69&subjectID=5. As an early example of networking, Koerner attracted the “Germans” to Lincoln’s stump speeches around Illinois and Lincoln’s other friends brought the “English.” Soon, Carl Schurz from Wisconsin also became such a leader. From that effort grew a movement that became known nationwide as the “Wide-awakes.” The German influence is not always documented–little research has been done about the German language
GERMAN AMERICAN JOURNAL
press–but their inspiring support of Lincoln sped up the growth of the Republicans, so they rivaled the traditional parties, the Democrats and the Whigs, within a year. The menacingly uniformed torch-light marches may have looked military, they did not fight–as political protesters had done in mid-19th century Germany. The “Wide-Awakes” inspired sympathizers of other ethnic backgrounds, to join them in opposing the establishment, antiimmigrant Whigs and Democrats. The expansion of slavery into the western states and their elite interests made them opponents. Thus, the Germans coalesced more or less around their values (restrained spending, entrepreneurial innovation, and individual rights for people) and became quite a force. http:// www.mrlincolnandfriends.org/inside.asp?pageID=69&subjectID=5. Gustav Koerner managed with David Davis, a central Illinois Circuit judge, the nomination of Lincoln at the Convention of the new party in Chicago in 1860. Koerner had used his ability to energize Lincoln’s German supporters to come to Chicago.
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There, he met them in their hotels and asked them to come early to occupy the most favorable seats in the 5,000-seat “Wigwam.” Thus, floor manager Davis could command their audible support in the nomination process and they succeeded in nominating Lincoln on the third ballot. This validated the Republican Party and assured Lincoln’s election. This engagement propelled the support of the Germans for the Northern cause through the four years of gruesome fighting. The many committed German regiments in the Civil War were most effective, which can still be seen from the many German graves in Civil War cemeteries. Resources: http://german.about. com/od/teaching/a/geramday.htm In light of that, it should be easy to pull off this little bit of publicity for the 2012 German-American anniversary! Let’s lift the Stein at 8 p.m. Central time on Saturday, October 6 in the entire country and let’s do it in broad view of the national media!
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The German American National Congress welcomes Consul General Dr. Christian Brecht. He has been the German Consul General in Chicago since August 3, 2012.
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Advent wreaths light up holiday by Beverly Pochatko Advent means a great deal for German Christians of both Protestant and Roman Catholic confession. It is a time of quiet contemplation which begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. In German homes, one of the most popular symbols of the season is the evergreen advent wreath. The festive wreath, usually decorated with four candles, has its roots in the northern city of Hamburg, where in 1839 the very first advent wreath was hung in the prayer hall of the Rauhes Haus charity. To begin with, the circular wreath of pine branches found favor in the homes of Protestant families, particularly those living in northern Germany. In the 1920s, though, Roman Catholics began to adopt the custom, too. Originally decorated with 24 candles — one for each day of Advent — the number has long been reduced to four. Some people even prefer just a single candle. Yet the older tradition lives on in the form of the Advent or Christmas calendar with 24 windows on its face. It, too, is a German invention which became a custom around the turn of the century and has advanced to worldwide popularity over the past 50 years. The windows or small doors which denote each day open to reveal sweets or other small gifts. In Germany, much effort goes into most of the calendars. One of the largest of them all stands in the center of the southern German town of Gegenbach, where 24 windows of the town hall are decorated with festive motifs. The festive advent wreath, usually decorated with four candles but sometimes with only one, has its roots in the northern city of Hamburg. dpa photo Visit us at:
DANK.ORG
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Chapter Chatter DANK Chicago-West Elects New Chapter President On November 11, DANK West held it election. Fred Leinweber was elected President of DANK West. Christel Hein and Heinrich Jensen were elected Vice Presidents while Kathleen Nelson was elected as Treasurer. DANK West would like to thank Harald Pitz for his many years of service as President of DANK West along with his wife Annelies who served as Secretary for many years. The members of DANK West are grateful for their many years of hard work and contributions towards our chapter.
German American Day 2012 in South Bend by Dr. Gabrielle Robinson The DANK Club of South Bend celebrated GermanAmerican Day in style. More than 40 people met at the German restaurant Wiseguys, beautifully decorated with garlands and flags, and the mood was lively from the start. As I entered, I immediately noticed a tall man dressed in the traditional carpenter’s guild uniform, black trousers and silver buttoned vest, wide sleeved white shirt and silver ornaments at his waist. Gßnter Kison told me that when he was a young man back in Germany he had been a journeyman, travelling the country for four years before becoming a master at his trade. I also noticed several colorful Dirndl costumes. The group showed a nice mixture of old and young, even two students were there, the current and past presidents of the IU South Bend German Club. Of course, we all started with German beer, while listening to German music and chatting. The animated
conversation was not interrupted when a homemade lentil soup with sausage was served. After that we had a choice of Schnitzel or Rouladen with red cabbage. The meal was topped off by six German cakes, everything from Cherry Streussel to continued on page 34...
DANK Lake County Elects New Board by Ursula Hoeft
DANK Chapter Lake County, Illinois held an election meeting on November 4. Board members for the coming year include Greg Hoeft, President; Karl Schmidt, Vice-President, Membership Chair and Archivist; Walter Veile, Treasurer; Judy Kanka, Recording Secretary; Ludwina Homer, Corresponding Secretary and Auditor; Ursula Hoeft, Publicity Secretary; Helmut Appelt, Director and Auditor; Tom Love, Director and Auditor; Fini Schmidt, Director. President Greg Hoeft addressed the newly-elected Board, stating "working together, our goal for the coming year is to keep DANK Chapter Lake County, Illinois alive and vibrant."
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Chapter Chatter Pittsburgh Chapter expands its Adult German Language Program! by Erik Wittman The Pittsburgh Chapter is proud to introduce its new German Language Teacher and chapter member Frau Michaela Kaiser. She grew up in Karlsruhe where she loved doing sports such as volleyball and basketball and playing the oboe. After finishing her “Abitur”, she moved to Mannheim in 2000 to study Business Administration. Highlights of these studies were longer periods in English speaking countries. An internship at Lufthansa Airlines in Sydney, Australia, raised her interest in the English language and intercultural exchange. A year later she came to the USA because she had the great chance to study a year abroad at Western Illinois University where she finished her MBA. After returning to Mannheim, she started studying English and Education in order to become an English teacher in Germany. Teaching is a profession she values and fascinates her. From 2008-2009, she gained her first teaching experiences at the “Handelslehranstalt Bruchsal”, close to Karlsruhe. After that internship she became a full time teacher continued on page 34...
Frau Michaela Kaiser
German Heritage Day Luncheon - Pittsburgh Photos Submitted By Patty Schmitt
2012 DANK Pittsburgh Queen Jessica Weiss
Updates From DANK Springfield by Jeff Engel We have had a fantastic year! All of the events this year have been great fun! The October meal was delicious. Thank you Paul for arranging the guest speaker Dr. Lynn Fisher. She was very interesting and quite enjoyable. We also celebrated GA Day. This couldn't have been a bigger success! The guest speaker, Richard Hart, was a pure delight. We thank Mayor Houston for the 25 year German American Day Proclamation. Thank you Lynne and Chuck for the signs, posters of our heritage and brochures. This was very time consuming and difficult. Thank You! This was a very fun afternoon. Wow, could you believe all the media coverage! Hats off to all involved! We would like to thank all of the new members who joined this year. I hope you have enjoyed all of the events. Happy Holidays!
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Chapter Chatter
DANK Chapter Milwaukee Membership Recognition Meeting By Jane Nacker DANK Chapter Milwaukee held their Membership Recognition meeting on Sept. 16. Members of 10-45 years were recognized with a certificate and coordinating DANK pin. A buffet luncheon was served after the meeting. DANK Chapter Milwaukee was pleased to learn that member Doris Mueller won the $500 prize from the first drawing of the DANK National raffle. Doris received her check from Dank National Treasurer Robert Miske at the DANK Chapter Milwaukee membership meeting in September. A longtime member of DANK, Doris is an Advisor on the DANK Chapter Milwaukee Board and President of the DANK Milwaukee Folk Dancers and the Librarian for the Milwaukee DANK Chor. Chapter President Ron Kabitzke received the large DANK pin for his work on the Chapter’s 50 anniversary and the DANK display for German Fest. More photos on page 35...
Bob Miske with raffle winner Doris Mueller
Richard Trivalos, 45 Years
Dieter & Roswitha Schnappup, 45 Years
Chicago DANK Haus German American Cultural Center Lights up the Fall and Winter
In 2012, DANK Haus German American Cultural Center sharpened its focus on partnerships and external opportunities to increase the reach and profile of German culture and language. And did we ever! The year has been a whirlwind of new faces, opportunities and partners. Our most recent event was a Laternenfest with German School Chicago. German School Chicago is in their third year as a full time German language immersion school with an international baccalaureate. Nearly
400 attendees crafted their Laterne in the ballroom and learned to sing “Ich geh mit meiner Laterne Und meine Laterne mit mir.” The icing on the cake was the contribution from the German American Police Association of a live City of Chicago Police Department horse to play the part of St Martin’s noble mount as the kinder paraded to Giddings Plaza. continued on page...
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Chapter Chatter From the Shore of Lake Erie By Margaret Potocki As I write this, the air is getting crisper and leaves are rapidly leaving the trees somewhat bare. It’s a beautiful season. An Appreciation Dinner was held for all our volunteers on October 17th Volunteers are the heart of any organization and we have the best! The food was prepared by Sabella’s Catering and was delicious as usual; of course the German beer was also a hit. Fred Huttel, Jr. provided a slide show of the German Fest so we caught up with what we may have missed throughout the weekend. Ray Luniewski, co-chair of the German Heritage Festival presented our Chapter a check for $3,500. The money ($2,000) will go into our German Fest account (for a rainy day!?!?) and $1500 - to the community via the Public Library, Erie Historical Society, the Erie Genealogy Society, and to the Chapter. Janice Zuschlag won the 50/50! On November 18th, the German Day of Remembrance, members and friends gathered at the gravesite of Fred Huttel Sr. in the Asbury UM Cemetery to pay homage and to honor all victims of war and violent acts of aggression. Fred was a German POW and he shared a powerful story about Christmas as a POW and left us with this declaration ”This Christmas let us trim our lamp to give more light and less smoke & let’s carry the lamp in front so that our shadow will fall behind. Let’s make a grave for our ugly thoughts & a garden for our kindly feelings, with a gate wide open. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for.” continued on page 34 ...
Fox Valley Oktoberfest by Ginger Doerfle
more photos on page 35 At Oktoberfest time, everyone is German. They say that Germans are of hardy stock. Nothing proved that more than the attendees at the 10th Fox Valley Oktoberfest in Batavia, Illinois October 12th – 14th. Cool temperatures, rain, and even an evacuation with tornado sirens couldn’t dampen the spirits of the Oktoberfest patrons. The singing and partying continued in the shelter until the all clear was sounded and all could return to the tent. Music was provided by The Hirsch Band, The Perlin Band, and International Musicale D J Service. Traditional ethnic dances were performed by The DANK Dancers of Milwaukee and the Egerlander Dance Group. There was a church service in the tent Sunday morning with The Elmhurst German Choir singing. Delicious German food was available in the kitchen area along with tasty desserts. The German beer & wine was flowing from the bar. Attendees came from all over the Northern Illinois area along with groups from Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Birmingham, Alabama. The event was hosted by DANK Fox Valley and Fox Valley GATES with a portion of the proceeds going toward area scholarships.
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Advent Es treibt der Wind im Winterwalde die Flockenherde wie ein Hirt, und manche Tanne ahnt, wie balde sie fromm und lichterheilig wird, und lauscht hinaus. Den weißen Wegen streckt sie die Zweige hin - bereit, und wehrt dem Wind und wächst entgegen der einen Nacht der Herrlichkeit. - Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926)
English Translation:Advent The wind in the winter white forest urges the snowflakes along like a shepherd, and many a fir tree senses how soon she holy and sacredly lighted will be, and so listens carefully. She extends her branches towards the white paths – ever ready, resisting the wind and growing towards that great night of glory.
Bäume leuchtend Bäume leuchtend, Bäume blendend, Überall das Süße spendend. In dem Glanze sich bewegend, Alt und junges Herz erregend Solch ein Fest ist uns bescheret. Mancher Gaben Schmuck verehret; Staunend schaun wir auf und nieder, Hin und Her und immer wieder. Aber, Fürst, wenn dir's begegnet Und ein Abend so dich segnet, Dass als Lichter, dass als Flammen Von dir glänzten all zusammen Alles, was du ausgerichtet, Alle, die sich dir verpflichtet: Mit erhöhten Geistesblicken Fühltest herrliches Entzücken. (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
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Die schönsten Weihnachtsgedichte in Mundart und Hochdeutsch Advänt Jede Tag isch jetz es Warte uf die schöni, stilli Nacht, wo mit ihrem liebe Lüüchte D'Möntsche guet u glücklich macht. A'Auge glänzen immer heisser, d'Härze wärde liecht u froh. Alli gspüre's z'innerscht inne: Gly muess ds grosse Wunder cho... Jede Tag isch jetz e Sunntig, gschänkt u gschickt vom liebe Gott Tüet ihm d'Türe nit vermache, wenn er zue nech yne wott! Schneeflöckli, Wiissröckli Schneeflöckli, Wissröckli, du härzige Stärn, chumm, sitz a mis Fänschter, mir hend di so gärn. Schneeflöckli, Wissröckli, da chunnsch du ja gschneit. Du chunnsch us de Wulche, din Wäg isch so wiit. Schneeflöckli, Wissröckli, du decksch d Blueme zue, de schlafe sie sicher in himmlischer Rueh. Schneeflöckli, Wissröckli, du härzige Stärn, chumm, sitz a mis Fänschter, mir hend di so gärn.
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Vom Christkind
O heiliger Abend
Denkt euch - ich habe das Christkind gesehen! Es kam aus dem Walde, das Mützchen voll Schnee, mit rotgefrorenem Näschen. Die kleinen Hände taten ihm weh; denn es trug einen Sack, der war gar schwer, schleppte und polterte hinter ihm her was drin war, möchtet ihr wissen? Ihr Naseweise, ihr Schelmenpack denkt ihr, er wäre offen, der Sack? Zugebunden, bis oben hin! Doch war gewiss etwas Schönes drin! Es roch so nach Äpfeln und Nüssen!
O heiliger Abend, mit Sternen besät, wie lieblich und labend dein Hauch mich umweht! Vom Kindergetümmel, vom Lichtergewimmel auf schau ich zum Himmel im leisen Gebet.
-Anne Ritter (1865-1921)
English Translation: From the Christ child Can you believe it! I have seen the Christ child. He came out of the forest, his hat full of snow, With a red frosted nose. His little hands were sore, Because he carried a heavy sack, That he dragged and lugged behind him, What was inside, you want to know? So you think the sack was open you cheeky, mischievous bunch? It was bound, tied at the top But there was surely something good inside It smelled so much like apples and nuts.
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Da funkelt's von Sternen am himmlischen Saum, da jauchzt es vom fernen, unendlichen Raum. Es singen mit Schalle die Engelein alle, ich lausche dem Halle, mir klingt's wie ein Traum. O Erde, du kleine, du dämmernder Stern, dir gleichet doch keine der Welten von fern! So schmählich verloren, so selig erkoren, auf dir ist geboren die Klarheit des Herrn! (Karl Gerok)
Weihnachtsglocken
bringt euch frohe sel’ge Zeit!
Frieden strahlt aus jedem Blick!
Winter ist es! – leise klingen Weihnachtsglocken aus der Fern, und es leuchtet und es funkelt dort im Osten hell ein Stern.
Lasst die bangen Sorgen schwinden, Gott hat alles wohl gemacht, aus des trüben Winters Stürmen ist der Erde Glück erwacht!
Heller nun die Glocken klingen, und es mischt sich mit dem Klang in den Häusern, in den Hütten froher Menschen Jubelsang.
Seht, dort über Beth’lems Höhen steigt er strahlend hoch empor, und es jubelt und es singet durch die Nacht der Engel Chor:
Und auf Erden lauschen alle, schau’n hinauf zum hellen Stern, Weihnacht, Weihnacht ist gekommen, tönt es nah und tönt es fern.
(L. H.)
Friede, Friede allen Menschen, werfet ab der Erde Leid, denn des Sternes helles Leuchten
Lasset frohe Lieder schallen, hoch vom Himmel kam das Glück; Frieden füllet alle Herzen,
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DANK Executive Office Update Eve Timmerhaus The 2013 dues statements are in the mail! We thank those members who have already renewed their 2013 membership in German American National Congress. We welcome your financial support as well as your participation in our organization. Your membership will help ensure the future of your organization. Renew your 2013 membership at the old rate of $30 before June 1, 2013 to avoid the rate increase. After June 1st dues will increase to $40. Reminder: we do not accept payment by phone or credit card. Since we have launched the new format of the German American Journal the response to the new look has been overwhelmingly positive. Thanks to everyone for their feedback, both negative and positive. You can see some comments in Letters to the Editor on page 6. The Journal is based on the submissions of you, our readers, and we encourage you to contribute to our publication. Our readers are looking for engaging articles that are relatively easy to read and understand. While not all of our readers are fluent in German we encourage German language submissions. If you are interested in submitting an article please contact us: journal@dank. org Our 2012 Membership Drive was a great success! We signed up 294 new members from June 1 through December! Please see page 36 and 37. Welcome to all the new members! Our final raffle drawing is December 8th in the DANK Haus! Check out our web page (www.dank.org) for a list of the winners. Much appreciation to everyone who purchased a ticket, and to those chapters who took advantage of this great fundraiser for their groups. Wir w端nschen Ihnen, liebe Mitglieder, Leser und Freunde ein gesegnetes Weihnachtsfest und ein gl端ckliches Neues Jahr. Eve & Eva
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WANT TO SAVE MONEY WHILE GIVING and SHOWING PRIDE? DANK Education Fund We are coming upon the 2012 Income Tax Filing period and our DANK members who itemize their deductions should give serious consideration to donating to the DANK Education Fund, a non- profit 501(c)3 organization that allows you to support German language education and cultural activities while being able to write off those deductions. DANK members who do not itemize should also consider supporting the DANK Education Fund. As you may know the DANK Education Fund is a totally independent organization, separate from DANK, whose purpose is to support German culture and language. The Education Fund is under an independent Board of Directors. The fund is solely dependent on private donations as it does not receive direct monies from DANK National. Funds in the past have supported various Chapter language programs, donations to both local high school and college programs and other cultural activities relevant to the German-Austrian and Swiss communities. Germans who have always been supportive of education and their heritage don’t always match that commitment by financial support. Other ethnic groups such as the Chinese, Italian and Irish communities, despite smaller in overall numbers have been more supportive of educational programs geared towards their cultural groups. All donations are welcome—small or large. Checks should be made out to the DANK National Education and School Fund and mailed to DANK ED Fund, C/O Robert Brouse, 2608 Manchester Drive, Springfield, IL 62704-5478 Please use the attached donation form to submit your donation –a receipt for your donation will be returned to you for income tax purposes. Thank you! DANK Education Board of Directors – Erik Wittmann, Chair Please detach here and return with your contribution. THANK YOU! DANK Education Donation Form Name____________________________________ Please accept my donation of: $10____ Address__________________________________ $25____ $50____ City, State, Zip_____________________________ Other_________ Please mail your donation to: DANK ED Fund, C/O Robert Brouse, 2608 Manchester Drive, Springfield, Illinois 62704-5478
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Staff Columnist Francine McKenna Weihnachten, A Christmas In Germany
It only takes the fleeting fragrance of toasting sugared almonds, freshly cut conifers, cinnamon and “gluewein”, Germany's special mulled wine, drifting through chill winter air, to know Advent has arrived and with it the magical count down to Weihnachten. An enchanting time filled with tradition. Old, new, religious, secular, folk and food, the traditions begin on the Sunday nearest to 30th November, St. Andrew's Day, the first Sunday of Advent, and fill the weeks until Heilige Abend, Christmas Eve, Weihnachten, Christmas and Epiphany, Dreikönigstag.
Adventskranz zum vierten Advent
Evergreen Advent Wreaths with their four candles, one to be lit on each of Advent's Sundays until all four are burning, appear in churches and on the tables of most homes, and in some of the country's regions children will be writing and decorating letters for Christkind. Because, following a custom begun by Martin Luther, it is the Christ Child who will bring presents and a Christmas tree on Christmas Eve in those areas, and although many songs are sung in his honor as each week’s candle is lit the most popular is:
Advent, Advent, ein Lichtlein brennt, Erst eins, dann zwei, dann drei, dann vier, dann steht das Christkind vor der Tuer. roughly translated as: Advent Advent, a little light burns, First one, then two, then three, then four, Then the Christchild stands in front of the door. Christmas Markets start opening throughout the country, each symbolizing the sights, smells and atmosphere of Germany’s Weihnachten. Until Christmas Eve the canopied stalls and small huts decorated with conifer branches, are filled with handcrafted and traditional Christmas wares, from hand blown glass ornaments, wooden pyramids and carved nativity scenes to multicolored candles, many being made by the artisans on the spot. Huge quantities of hot chestnuts, bratwurst, spatzle, toasted almonds, gluewein, and other food and drink designed to take the chill from the coldest of evenings, will be enjoyed by millions because the markets are as popular now as they were in 1616, when a Nuremberg priest complained that there was no point in holding the Christmas Eve afternoon service, as “everyone was at the market”. Many Weihnachtsmaerkte take place in historic surroundings, others tucked at the base of a mountain, in a small village square far out in the countryside, the middle of a city or
DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013 perhaps with a waterfall as a backdrop, and as they are often covered by layers of pre-Christmas snow this makes them appear even more like vintage Christmas cards, a step back in time. December 1st is eagerly awaited because then the first window in the Advent Calendar can be opened. This is another deeply entrenched tradition in Germany, and many of the calendars, which often feature a Nativity or Christmas snow scene, are treasured Christmas ornaments originally made by the children themselves, or “Mom”, and which are refilled every year with small surprises. While those who have left childhood far behind often have a Advent Calendar, but when the flap opens it is more likely to reveal chocolate truffles or liqueurs, than a snowman shaped candy. Christmas begins after sunset on Heiligabend, Christmas Eve. Shops and businesses shut at 1 pm throughout the country, and the afternoon is taken up with preparations for the evening ahead, with Protestant church services taking place during the afternoon and Catholic mass late in the evening. Traditionally children will not see who brings their gifts but, until “real life” catches up, believe it is the Christkind, this is in the Southern part of the country mainly, and everywhere else the Weihnachtsmann, Santa Claus. Homes where “the Christkind brings the Christmas tree”, nearly always a real conifer, it is decorated secretly with Speculatuis and Lebkuchen cookies, glass, wooden and straw ornaments, nuts and apples, and often wax candles, as a surprise for the children when they enter “das Weihnachtszimmer”. And regardless of how religious, or not, the family is, this room will often contain a
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Weihnachtskrippe, a nativity tableau with stable and figures. The evening of the 24th is a time spent with close family, during which there is an exchange of presents, “Bescherung”, and a traditional evening meal which will be something simple such as a fish dish or some of the many different types of German sausage served with a potato salad. This is a custom which remains from the days when Advent was a time of fasting, so Christmas Eve would have been the last day of the fast. The “First Day of Christmas”, der erste Weihnachtstag, December 25, is when close relatives and friends meet up, and, in stark contrast to the previous days meal, there will be a positive feast on offer, with a roast goose, Weihnachtsgans, probably the most popular. Then comes the “Second Day of Christmas”, der zweite Weihnachtstag, which is another public holiday and again is family orientated, and once more, despite there having been no weeks of fasting before hand, it is a day filled with vast amounts of traditional food specialties and treats.
“The Three Wise Men”, Cologne Cathedral’s “Adoration Window”, Photo By Raimond Spekking
But in Germany that still is not the end of Weihnachten because there are twelve Weihnachtstage, Christmas Days, with many different celebrations and traditions leading to Twelfth Night, Epiphany. Until comparatively recently there used to be a Bavarian custom “The Twelve Quiet Days”, during which the women of the family were not allowed to do any
“Weihnachtsmarkt Rostock” - Mecklenburg’s Baltic Sea Coast, Photo By Frank Neumann
baking, washing, cleaning or spinning for the twelve days. However this was not because they deserved a well earned rest after all their work for the Christmas festivities, but because it was believed to bring bad luck, and, although Germany is a country of tradition, this is one which has not survived the passage of time. By now Christmas might already be a fading memory in many countries but in Germany it is Heilige Drei Koenige, Three Kings Day, which is celebrated with it own customs and food traditions that brings Weihnachten to an end for another year, until the Sunday closest to 30th November and the beginning of Advent.
DANK - German American National Congress
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Glühwein Recipe
Mulled Wine, called "Glühwein" in German, is a traditional and tasty Christmas drink in Germany and the prefect treat for cold winter days. You can buy mulled wine at every German Christmas market, but how about making your own spiced wine at home? This recipe for “Glühwein” is easy to make and will spice up every holiday party. Ingredients (serves 10): 2 bottles of good quality red wine 2 cups of water 6 cloves 2 cinnamon sticks 2 oranges - cut into bite-size pieces oranges for decoration How to make it: Put all ingredients in a pot and bring it close to boil. For additional taste, cut 2 oranges into bite-size pieces and add to the wine. Let simmer. Remove clove and cinnamon stick before serving it into lightly pre-warmed glasses. Decorate glasses with an orange slice. Enjoy and drink responsibly!
Weihnachtsgans auf Hamburger Art 1 Gans (8 bis 10 Pfund) 2 PfundAepfel (geschaelt und in Stueckegeschnitten) 1/2 TasseRosinen (ungefaehr) 1/2 TasseBackpflaumen (ungefaehr - in Stueckegeschnitten) 1 TasseBrotkrummen (Weissbrot) Orangensaft Salz und Pfeffer (nachGeschmack) Zucker (nachGeschmack) Ganskaltwaschen - Hals abschneiden, Leber, Herz, etc. waschen und beiseitelegen. Gans mit Papiertuechern innen und aussen trocken tupfen, dann mit Salzeinreiben (und Pfeffer wenn gewuenscht) Gaensehautmit Gabel oder Zahnstocher perforieren. Fuellung vorbereiten: Apfel, Rosinen und Backpflaumen mit Brotkrummen und Gewuerzen mischen. Genug Orangensaft hinzufuegen um die Masse geschmeidig zu machen (nichtnass!) Wenn zu sauer bisschen Zucker hinzufuegen. Die Fuellung lose (alles platzt wenn zu viel Fuellung benutzt wird) in die Gansstopfen. Extra Haut ueber die Halsoeffnung spannen und mit Gefluegelnadeln oder Sandwichsticks verschliessen. Auf diese Art auch die Koerperfuellung verschliessen. Ofenfuer 15 Minutenmit 450 vorheizen. Dann auf 375 herunterschalten und die Gans (25 Minuten pro Pfund) garbraten. Da Gaensesehrfettigsind, sollte das Fett von Zeit zu Zeit abgeschoepft werden und von Zeit zu Zeitmit Fond begossen werden. Ein wenig Wasser kann zugefuegt werden um den Fond mehr ergiebig zu machen. Wenn die Gans knusprig braun und fertig gebraten ist, auf eine Platte transferieren und 10 Minuten stehen lassen. (Mit Aluminum Foil bedecken). Inzwischen aus dem Fond (Fett nochmals abschoepfen) eine Sauce machen (Geschmack nochmals korrigieren). Die Fuellungaus der Gansnehmen und separatservieren. Die Gansmit Kartoffelmus und Rotkohl servieren.
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Trends (Food - Music - Books - Travel) AMERICAN QUEEN – Steamboating Through America’s Heartland By Audrey L. Hess-Eberle The Rhine, the Danube, the Mekong, the Yangtze, the Ganges, the Nile, the Zambezi, the Amazon rivers are the life-lines of countries and continents, refining development, divining providence, enhancing countries into what they have become today. Travel on or along these and the many unlisted rivers is to step into a country’s richness of history, life and culture. America’s own Samuel Clemens grew up on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River near Hannibal, Missouri close enough to develop and be tempted with the burning desire to become a Riverboat steamboat pilot, which he later did. It was all that kids of his era dreamt of – the adventure and promise of travel on the Mississippi and other great rivers. He, of course, was our beloved American story-teller-author, Mark Twain – creating his pen name from the term of a steamboat’s safe water
depth measurement of 12 feet (Mark Twain). 1812 started the golden era of Paddle-Wheeler steamboats, comfortably carrying passengers along with freight similar to cotton, produce and grain delivered to markets along the way. While steamboat travel is not a new concept, the American Queen Steamboat Company has brought the glory of steamboat travel to new heights. The world’s largest, most elegant and opulent ‘American Queen’ steam-powered red paddlewheel (the only authentic overnight paddlewheel steamboat in America) reintroduced the passion of riverboat travel, far beyond what Mark Twain and his peers could have dreamt. Warm and inviting, the American Queen’s six decks are each refined with the richness of countless Victorian details, from stained glass windows and mahogany paneling, to
elegant antique furniture and French cabin doors that open out onto your deck and the sweeping river vista. From cozy inside and outside staterooms to luxurious suites reminiscent of a fine antebellum mansion, she will become your home away from home. Relax in the Mark Twain Gallery aglow with Tiffany lamps and a good book, or follow the strains to your Jazz Brunch as you dance your way into the dining room. Later, join activities in the Athletic Club or a dip in the pool, followed by a relaxing massage in the AQ Spa. Be entertained in the magnificent two-deck Grand Saloon with showboat-style cabaret, band performances of jazz, blues, ragtime, bluegrass, country or rock and roll. Guest historians transport you back into history during one-man shows by a Mark Twain or Abraham Lincoln impersonator. . Dance the night away at the cozy
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Trends (Food - Music - Books - Travel)
Engine Room Bar club, or listen to piano music and sing-a-longs over a Mint-Julep in the Main Deck Lounge. Enjoy Southern-style family recipes from famed Natchez-born chef Regina Charboneau in the twodeck J.M. White Dining Room, or perfectly-seasoned steaks and seafood in the River Grill high above the paddlewheel. Whether cruising the upper Mississippi River region between Minneapolis to St Louis, or the lower section past Memphis, Vicksburg and Natchez down to New Orleans, or the Ohio River from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati and Louisville along to the Tennessee River to Chattanooga and many stops in between, you can choose a regular or Themeboating Adventure. Themes include Epic Civil War Vacations visiting battlefields including actors and lectures while on board, Music Themed cruises like Big Band orchestras and Rat-Pack shows or Mardi Gras all-star shows. Blue Hawaii (an Elvis Presley Tribute) or Dixie Fest Theme cruises observe Americana, including Southern style. Celebrate the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, KY with special Grandstand tickets for the race, (additional fee) or experience the 4th of July in St Louis with its magnificent display of fireworks. Fall Color Cruises salute nature’s rich palette along the Upper Mississippi, while Southern Culture cruises immerse you in the literature, music and culture of the South, exploring the worlds of William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams and Harper Lee. Visit places that inspired literary and musical genius. Old Fashioned Holiday Vacations offer special memories of a floating palace, decked in Victorian holiday
finery. Besides all your meals including complimentary wine and beer at dinner, complimentary bottled water, soft drinks, and gourmet coffees throughout your voyage, this is the most all-inclusive American river voyage with multiple specialty dining options, at no extra cost. All shore excursions are complimentary in every port. Cruises include daily lectures by the Riverlorian (their onboard historian). Enjoy professional showboat-style entertainment and dancing nightly. All-inclusive packages include your overnight stay in a select luxury hotel in the city in which your voyage originates, plus breakfast, taxes, porterage and transfers to the Steamer American Queen.
Passion takes on all forms and depths, intermingling voices from the past with our own. It is often that link that would inspire and energize us to realize who we are and from whence we came. Listen closely and you will hear what the great rivers have to teach you, ‘American Queen’ style. ** Call for more information. Identify yourselves as a DANK member. Ask for Audrey or Tiffany** EURO LLOYD TRAVEL GROUP Toll Free: 800-572-3149 Email: chi@eurolloyd.com
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Calendar Of Events
December 1 Chicago, IL. Kino Kaffee und Kuchen, Movie: Im Tal des Schweigens. Classic German films, doors open at Noon, Vorfilm at 1 pm, feature at 2 pm $4 for DANK members, $6 for non-members. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. Chicago. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com 1 Chicago, IL. Lost German Chicago, Exhibition celebrating the establishments no longer with the Chicago German community. Doors open at 11:00 am. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. For more information call 773-5619181 or visit www.dankhaus.com 2 Cleveland, OH. Christmas Lunch at Lenau Park (7370 Columbia Road, Olmsted Twp) on Sunday, December 2nd, 2012 at 1:00 PM. You must RSVP to President Stefan Pigler (216 398-6606) 2 South Bend, IN. German Advent Service, 4PM, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 51490 Lauren Rd., South Bend, IN 2 Erie, PA. Annual Christmas celebration – Brunch at the Männerchor Club. Noon – 4 PM. 5 Milwaukee, WI. Singing 7:00 pm 7 Pittsburgh, PA. DANK & Heritage Society Family Christmas Party. Teutonia Männerchor Club, 857 Phineas St., North Side - Pittsburgh, PA. German Buffet Dinner - 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Cost: Adults -$15.00 and children under 12 - $8.00 7 Benton Harbor, MI. Fish Fry. 2651 Pipestone Rd., Benton Harbor. Doors open 5:30 PM. There is a charge of $9 per adult and $4 per child (ages 2-12). Food is served at 6 PM. You may eat as much fish as you wish. 7 Chicago, IL. German Piano Masters with Mark Valenti. DANK Haus German American Cultural Center presents an evening of six German masters on the grand piano performed by Mark Valenti in the Marunde Ballroom. DANK Haus German American Cultural Center presents an evening of six German masters on the grand piano performed by Mark Valenti in the Marunde Ballroom. Tickets range in price from $12.00 to $20.00 in advance and are available for purchase by phone at 773.561.9181. All tickets at the door are $23.00 8 Milwaukee, WI. Board Meeting, 11:30 am. Christmas Party, 2:00 pm at Sacred Heart Parish. 8 Chicago, IL. Kino Kaffee und Kuchen, Movie: Da wo die Liebe wohnt. Classic German films, doors open at Noon, Vorfilm at 1 pm, feature at 2 pm $4 for DANK members, $6 for non-members. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. Chicago. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com 8 Chicago, IL. Lost German Chicago, Exhibition celebrating the establishments no longer with the Chicago German community. Doors open at 11:00 am. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. For more information call 773-5619181 or visit www.dankhaus.com 9 Frankfort, IL. DANK Chicago South Christmas Festival. 25249 S Center Rd., Frankfort, IL 60423. For more information: www.dankchicagosouth.org 9 Chicago-West. Christmas Party. 1:30 PM. 12 Milwaukee, WI. Dancing, 6:00 pm, Singing7:00 pm.
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15 South Bend, IN. Christmas Party, Pot Luck at St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 51490 Laurel Rd South Bend, IN 15 Chicago, IL. Kino Kaffee und Kuchen, Movie: Hochwuerden drueck ein Augen zu. Classic German films, doors open at Noon, Vorfilm at 1 pm, feature at 2 pm $4 for DANK members, $6 for non-members. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. Chicago. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com 15 Chicago, IL. Lost German Chicago, Exhibition celebrating the establishments no longer with the Chicago German community. Doors open at 11:00 am. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. For more information call 773561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com 16 Pascack Valley, NJ. Christmas Party. 22 Chicago, IL. Kino Kaffee und Kuchen, Movie: Der Pfarrer von St Michael. Classic German films, doors open at Noon, Vorfilm at 1 pm, feature at 2 pm $4 for DANK members, $6 for non-members. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. Chicago. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com 31 Chicago, IL. New Year’s Eve powered by the Polkaholics at the DANK Haus, 4740 N Western Ave., Chicago. 9:00 pm. Tickets: $15. Atendees must be 21 years and older. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www. dankhaus.com January 5 Milwaukee, WI Board Meeting, 3:00 pm 6 Cleveland, OH. Chapter Cleveland, OH election of officers. Heimatland Restaurant in the downstairs banquet hall. 3511 Center Rd., Brunswick. 2 PM. 9 Milwaukee, WI. Dancing 6:00 pm, Singing 7:00 pm 12 Chicago, IL. Kino Kaffee und Kuchen, Classic German films, doors open at Noon, Vorfilm at 1 pm, feature at 2 pm $4 for DANK members, $6 for non-members. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. Chicago. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com 12 Chicago, IL. Lost German Chicago, Exhibition celebrating the establishments no longer with the Chicago German community. Doors open at 11:00 am. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. For more information call 773561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com 16 Milwaukee, WI. Singing 7:00 pm 19 Forest Park, IL. Join DANK Chicago-West at the Beacon Pub, 101 Circle Ave. in Forest Park, IL for Schnapps and Hops. All money raised from this event will be used for a scholarship to benefit a student studying German in college. $5 at the door will include the schnapps tasting. We will have German bier and bratwurst dinners available for purchase. 19 Chicago, IL. Kino Kaffee und Kuchen, Classic German films, doors open at Noon, Vorfilm at 1 pm, feature at 2 pm $4 for DANK members, $6 for non-members. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. Chicago. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com
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19 Chicago, IL. Lost German Chicago, Exhibition celebrating the establishments no longer with the Chicago German community. Doors open at 11:00 am. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. For more information call 773561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com 23 Milwaukee, WI. Dancing, 6:00 pm, Singing 7:00 pm 26 Chicago, IL. Kino Kaffee und Kuchen, Classic German films, doors open at Noon, Vorfilm at 1 pm, feature at 2 pm $4 for DANK members, $6 for non-members. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. Chicago. For more information call 773-561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com 26 Chicago, IL. Lost German Chicago, Exhibition celebrating the establishments no longer with the Chicago German community. Doors open at 11:00 am. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. For more information call 773561-9181 or visit www.dankhaus.com 30 Milwaukee, WI. Singing, 7:00 pm
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Some holiday decorated homes in Chicago
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ODDS and ENDS The Legend of Krampus
Hornschlittenrennen (Horn Sled) Championship
In Alpine European towns St. Nicholas rewards the good children with gifts and sweets and unleashes Krampus, a tall horned devil on the naughty. Krampus appears in many variations, but is usually depicted as a creature that stands on two hooves and has horns of a goat, an extremely long tongue hangs out of its mouth, and bulging eyes. On Dec. 5, the day before St. Nicholas arrives with his sack of gifts; local men dress up and make the rounds of village houses with children. When the kids open the door, they're frightened by Krampus-clad men waving birch switches at them and ringing loud cowbells.
Grab the sled by its horns and off you go at incredible speeds. The Bavarian Hornschlittenrennen (Horn Sled ) Championship in Garmisch-Partenkirchen takes place every year on January 6, “Dreikönigstag” (Epiphany) . An incredibly fun and authentic event that both visitors and locals enjoy!
World Snowman Day World Snowman Day on 18 January is being celebrated all over the world as a highlight of the cold season! The snowman – a time-honored symbol for winter – is a beloved figure in Germany and around the globe. Cornelius Graetz of Reutlingen, Germany had the idea for the World Snowman Day. For more than 25 years he’s collecting every item on the subject "Snowman". Today his unique collection exceeds 3,000 pieces by far, a huge variety of snowmen from all over the world. In 2008 Guinness World Records confirmed his world record for the worldwide largest snowman collection.
Julia Bertram - Germany's Wine Queen 2012/2013 Julia Bertram from the "Ahr" region was recently elected Germany's 64th Wine Queen. Anna Hochdörffer (Pfalz/Palatinate) and Natalie Henninger (Baden) are the new Wine Princesses. They will make hundreds of appearances representing German wine and the 13 German wine regions throughout their one year reign.
The Mystery Of The German Pickle
Die Weihnachtsgurke Come December someone will always ask about the German Christmas pickle ornament that's presumed to have a long tradition in Germany. Native Germans have never heard of the pickle legend, much less carried out this Christmas custom. The supposed source of the Christmas Pickle is the story of the Weihnachtsgurke, where Germans would hide a pickle ornament deep in the branches of the Christmas tree, and the sharp-eyed child who found it would get a special gift, while the first adult to notice it would have a year of good fortune. The Christmas Pickle is shrouded in mystery and based on many of the stories; no one is clear where this tradition originated.
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Bleigießen – “Lead Pouring” Melting lead on New Year's Eve to tell the future. In Germany after the New Year has been welcomed it is time to gather round to melt lead over candles. The molten metal is then poured into a bowl of cool water, and hardens into figures and forms. The shapes tell the party-goers their future in the coming year. Whatever your fortune may be, we wish you a very happy 2013! This poem accompanied such a list in a Silvesterblei set: In der Silvester-Nacht wird das Blei zum Schmelzen gebracht. Es wird gekippt in Wasser, kalt und klar; rate, was stellen die Figuren dar? Schau sie an, so wie sie sind; rätst die Gestalt du nicht geschwind. Halt sie hinters Licht, das Schattenbild dir mehr verspricht. Kommt es dir nicht in den Sinn, schau auf dieses Büchlein hin. Es sagt dir frank und frei, so allerlei...!
Germany consolidates its position in European space
On 20 and 21 November 2012, delegates from the 20 member states of the European Space Agency (ESA) and Canada met at the 'Mostra d’Oltremare' conference centre in Naples, Italy. The start of the ESA presidency of Switzerland and Luxembourg was characterised by intensive and success-oriented negotiations. After two days of thorough discussions, the Council Meeting at Ministerial Level was successfully completed and the German positions on the future of the European Ariane launcher and utilisation of the International Space Station until 2020 were adopted. <- Ariane 5 ME and Ariane 6 Rocket Boosters
Katerfrühstück Traditions surrounding the December holidays put incredible emphasis on drinking, which can often lead to a hangover. In Germany Katerfrühstück, or the hangover breakfast, is the first meal of the day after a night of heavy drinking, believed to cure a hangover. Rollmops and pickled herring can be a welcome part of Katerfrühstück and aids in adding the salt and potassium your body lost from the previous evening’s festivities -- and it does taste good, too!
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Education Christa Garcia German and Austrian Stained Glass Windows in Chicago
Chicago has been a great center of German and Austrian made stained glass. Since the Great Fire of 1871 the studios of Franz Mayer and F.X. Zettler, both of Munich, Germany, and the studios of the Tyroler Glasmalerei Anstalt (TGA) in Innsbruck, Austria began to send representatives to sell their new decorative patterns for churches. These three studios often worked together and their style is interchangeable. From the 1870s to the 1920s, Chicago became the most influential center of Catholic culture in the United States. Unlike that of any other period of history, its state of- the-art church
design included brightly colored windows, often displaying action packed scenes from biblical events or episodes from the life of a patron saint. Chicago has a wealth of these national churches, be they German, Irish, Italian or Polish, in almost every city neighborhood, but especially on the north and west sides. Today superb examples of windows made in Munich by F.X. Zettler or Franz Mayer can be seen in churches such as Saint Vincent de Paul onWebster St, St. Joseph on Orleans, St. Michael in Old Town, St. Michael on the South Side, St. Benedict on Irving Park, and former St. Henry, now the
Guardian Angel Croatian Catholic Church at Devon and Ridge. A set of windows depicting the Mysteries of the Rosary and dedicated to Mary, Mother of God, were made by the Tiroler Glasmalerei Anstalt (signed TGA) of Innsbruck, Austria for St. Stanislaus Kostka (1327 N. Noble Street), the mother church of the Poles in the United States. The Munich style lost much of its appeal in the 1920s. Today it is appreciated as a fine expression of German aesthetics and artistic sensitivity in the face of an almost overpowering American competition led by Louis Comfort Tiffany.
www.spurensuchemidwest.org - a website designed by DANK, the German American Education Fund and the Goethe Institute in 2003 with a grant from the Illinois Humanities Council and also in cooperation with the Swiss, Austrian and German Consulates and the following sponsors: Austrian Cultural Forum, EJL-Consulting, Inc., Julius Meinl, Leo Schelbert, the Swiss American Historical Society, the Swiss Benevolent Society of Chicago, Signature Bakery, Vienna Pastry Shop, and Wine-Bauer, Inc.
German-American Friendship Poster Contest @ This poster commemorates the 300th anniversary of the first German settlement in what would become the USA, Germantown, PA, in 1983. @
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German-American Friendship Poster Contest continued Whether Western line dance or Bavarian Schuhplattler, both Germans and Americans love to dance! especially when October rolls around! On October 6, 1683, a group of 13 families from Krefeld, in present-day North Rhine-Westphalia, arrived at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The settlement they founded, Germantown, was the first community founded by Germans in what would become the United States of America. To celebrate the national German-American Day, marking this historical event and over 300 years of German heritage in the United States, the Los Angeles-based Tri-centennial Foundation presents a poster contest on the theme of German-American friendship. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN! WE HEREBY GIVE PERMISSION TO PUBLISH ANY AND ALL INFORMATION ABOUT OUR POSTER CONTEST IN THE GERMAN AMERICAN JOURNAL, A PUBLICATION OF DANK, OR ANY OTHER PUBLICATION. Tricentennial Foundation Hans W. Eberhard, Chairman This Contest is for Young and Old! So get your colors out, your crayons and your brushes! This contest is for t out your art supplies! The Foundation is looking for images that demonstrate friendship in a graphically attractive and dynamic message. The winning posters will be displayed in schools and other public settings, so please consider this when designing your poster. Posters should: Be original artwork, size 8.5" x 11" Include the words GERMAN AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP Have artist's name, age, school grade, and phone on the back. Have copyright release. Posters should be submitted by mail, postmarked by June 3, 2013: Tricentennial Foundation, 8628 Orion Ave, North Hills, CA 91343-5815 Cash Prizes: $250 for Open competition (non-student) : Category I $200 for college student (undergraduate) : Category II $150 for high school student: Category III $100 for elementary or middle school: Category IV One of the four winning posters will be selected as the Grand Prize Winner, and will receive an additional prize of $100! Please note: Multiple entries from an artist for the same category are acceptable, if they are mailed together in the same envelope. All submissions become the property of the Tricentennial Foundation and may be used for its purposes. For questions or for more information, please check the website of the Tricentennial Foundation. Š Germany.inf
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German American Day 2012 in South Bend by Dr. Gabrielle Robinson continued from page 10 Cheesecake—all prepared by Christine Weiss, President of DANK, who also had organized the event. The first speaker was Jeffrey Luppes, who teaches German at IUSB and is a member of DANK. He gave a lighthearted and informative overview of the major contributions GermanAmericans have made to American life and culture. He surprised many by listing famous men such as Babe Ruth and President Eisenhower among the many Americans with German heritage. Luppes also addressed the difficulties Germans had
following the two World Wars. I was the second speaker, talking more specifically about the German immigrants to northern Indiana who played a major role in building South Bend. I also quoted the moving memorial to German American friendship that stands in front of our sister city Arzberg’s city hall. In closing I mentioned the long shadow of the Nazi past, the theme of my recently published book The Reluctant Nazi: Searching for my Grandfather that combines diaries my grandfather kept in Berlin 1945 with my
memories of growing up in post war Germany. I ended by reading from the book two tributes to the human spirit that manages to bridge the abysses created by war. (For more information, see my website at gabriellerobinson.com) After the presentations we all continued talking, not wanting to leave this friendly and hospitable environment or parting from old and newly made friends on German American Day 2012.
Pittsburgh Chapter expands its Adult German Language Program! by Erik Wittman continued from page 11 at the “Käthe-Kollwitz-Schule” in Bruchsal, a vocational secondary school with a focus on nursing and social studies. While teaching English and Economics, she realized that working with students was a challenge she enjoyed. She loves the art of teaching and encouraging her students in their efforts and to see them making progress. While happy in her job she decided to get married and now has a lovely one year old son. This past August she and her husband moved to Pittsburgh where he works at Carnegie –Mellon University. Having lived here for a few months and enjoying the city, she decided to check out local German connections, finding DANK by perusing our website. She contacted the Chapter and the rest is history since she wants to continue teaching and will do so for out Adult Education Program on a gratis basis. The Chapters language classes will begin in January of 2013 and will be held at a minimum of two locations if sufficient interest is shown by members and others. Willkommen Michaela!
From the Shore of Lake Erie By Margaret Potocki continued from page 13 Thanksgiving is truly a time to be thankful, being with extended family for one day; thankful they have employment and can provide for their families; for good health; others thank God for the safe return of a loved one from the military war zone; and we are all thankful that the national election is over – no matter whom they supported. Most of all, we are thankful for family and friends. On December 1st, we celebrate the beginning of Advent with our family, members and friends. This year, we moved to a Saturday afternoon to accommodate the senior members of the chapter as well as our young families. The venue was moved to Brew Erie at Union Station. The changes means that no one will have to travel in the dark, and the youngsters won’t be so ‘wound up’ following lots of sweets and the visit from Santa himself. We always have a good time and expect this year to be the same. Until next time ich wunsche Euch ein gesegnetes Weihnachtfest und ind ein gesundes Neues Jahr.
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Volkstrauertag DANK Chapters Benton Harbor, MI and Lake County IL. observe Volkstrauertag at Fort Custer MI and Fort Sheridan IL respectively. To read the full story, go to www.dank.org/blog.
Volkstrauertag at Fort Custer Submitted by Donna Lippert
Volkstrauertag at Fort Sheridan photo by Ursula Hoeft
DANK Chapter Milwaukee Membership Recognition Meeting By Jane Nacker continued from page 12
Clara Fairfax-Statz, 40 Years
Frank Misch, 40 Years
Gisela Murray, 40 Years
Fox Valley Oktoberfest by Ginger Doerfle continued from page 13
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Welcome Our New Members June to November 2012! National Rolando Barron, Jr Jennifer, Justin & Jared Cook Frank & Patricia Schoenbach Chicago-South Fritz Dorge Lothar& Debbie Gehring Katy Gill John Halabrin Anthony & Mary Issert Ray & Ruth Janecek Doris Kuhn Marilyn Nagez John Stern Carl Thomsen Michael, Ivan & Ava Wiedemann Michael & Margaret Wunder Chicago Christopher, Rebecca & Paul Adams Edie Blewett Arthur Brandt Elizabeth Breskot Roland Buck Lisa Conforti Susan Herzog-Schueler Irene Hill Amanda, Jalia & Elias Kacsh LilianaKaradakov Frank & Margarita Klein Gina Landes Bradley, Jeanie, Matty & Paddy Lewis Rebecca Schaefer Nancy Foote Christel, Tina & Jesse Valentine Reinhard & Tina Schwarz Markus Semar Gale Geschrey Steve Kreher Karl Foltan Ronny Frym Mike Hoefke Will Lockwood Liz & Aidan Keane Alexander & Aurelia Palos Dennis Mickeleit
Matt, Susan, Anna & Joseph Schueler Markus, Ilisa& John Williamson Chicago West Anita Budnick Henry Koehler Sandra & Jeffrey Peterman Nancy Sternik Lake County, IL Walter Barke Fox Valley, IL Annelie Auer Terry Dearborn Deuchler Johanna Michael & Jon Linn Fack Arlene Kollar & Dave Kaatz Alma Roberts Randy & Rae Anne Ruhl Jason Schaum Michael Scheurich Nancy Sternik Jerome Umbdenstoct Wallace & Dorothy Wiese Springfield, IL Esther Allen Michelle, James & Kevin Bertolino Anita Dennison Robin Fuchs David Leinberger Dale & Molly Schaffenacker John & Ursula Smith Lou , Jennifer, Nathan & Aaron Tuttle Edward & Barbara Veseling Ashleigh, Haleigh& William Nation Zachary & Kaitlyn Spa Robin Yoggerst Benton Harbor, MI Thomas, Tina& Timothy Evoy Marvin Grenke Laurel Purdy Tammy Schulz
Indianapolis, IN ChristophErdel Milwaukee Walter Barke Brian Binder John Ernst Armin Fiedler Leo & Irene Fox Henry & Carol Gerner KadeeKnapper Kara, Chares, Emelia & Elsa Koehler Linda Nickel Stephani Richards-Wilson Gerhard Roth Stefan, Christine, Lukas, Thomas, Stephan & Lucy Vater William & Carolyn Wohlbedacht Northern Suburbs Jorge, Michelle & Jorge Jr Alvarado Janet & Dr Peter Bachner Sergey, ThorritaBorozdin& Maria Pietron Carol Ann, Maximilian & Eva Buhler Kristi Coleman Andrew & Jean Cross Barbara, Christian, Dylan & Ryan Frei Mariola, Sarah & Greta Howell Amanda, Jalia& Elias Kacsh Gerry, Ewa, John & Christine Koser Klaus, Nadine, Samantha & Lukas Lotter Waldemar, Irma, Anna & Eric Mattner Julie, Matt, Elijah & Evelyn Mueller Michael, Maria Von Ellem-KcKenna, Liam Von Ellem-McKenna McKenna& Sandy Von Ellm Richard, Bozena, Michael & Katarina Meschbach Chris, Alyssia, Celena, Gunnar & Daniel Michelsen Ute, John, Andrew & Eric Monson Dawn Patitucci
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Welcome Our New Members June to November 2012! Northern Suburbs continued Kevin, Katharina, Connor Christina, Robert, Karina & Ella Palffy Nicole Plenge-Gilday, Reese & CienaGilday Markus, Thuy, Nele & Emma Radons Shirley, Cameron & Justin Ranne Rachael Roberts Patrick, Jessica, Alexander, Nathaniel & Evelyn Schaele Chris, Megan & Daniel Schoenleb Fei Shang, Lily Jiang Anita, Joshua & Charlotte Tasher Nathan Tobler Anna Thomas Heinz, Kirsten, Karsten, Lars & Annika Titzke Thomas Von Oesen Richard Waple
Michelle, Karl, Alexis, Logan &Brooklynn Welti Kerstin, Olaf, Olivia & Tom Weppner Thomas Wettermann Mark Wilhelm Elizabeth Zellner Cleveland, OH Alex & Elisabeth Clift South Bend, IN Andrew Scherer Phoenix Paul & Rose Marie Scheske Larry & Dale Spoden Pittsburgh, PA Helga Barne Patricia Bruno
Hildegard Dobler Martin, Mary Ellen, McKenzie & Madison Fritz Bill Fulmer Gerard Gillman Michaela Kaiser Kurt Mueller Art, Julianne, Giancarlo & Mario Riccadonna Catherine Schmitt George & Susan Schmitt Diane & JohnSmith Will Barton Erie, PA Jean Merryman Frank Swiderski Alice Chipley Joe Gallagher Joseph & Wendy Ochs Frank Swiderski
In Sympathy
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blessed are they who mourn, they will be comfortedâ&#x20AC;?
Marianne Gruenwald, 91, the wife of Geza Gruenwald, passed away Oct. 10, 2012. A DANK member of Erie Chapter 71 since 1991, she was born in Altendambach, Germany, In addition to her husband of 64 years, Geza Gruenwald, she leaves a daughter, Claudia Mosso, and a grandson, Brent Mosso to cherish her memory.
Edward P. Priebe, 82, died Monday, November 5, 2012 of complications of leukemia. His survival over 25 years with bone marrow disease was exceptional, remaining active until it became physically impossible. His wife of 40 years, Florence (Dolly) Murphy Priebe survives. Ed is further survived by sons, Stephen of Corvallis, Oregon, Jonathan of Harborcreek, Eric of Oakmont, Pa. Also a daughter, Susan Spallino of Rocky River, Ohio; one step-daughter, Kelly (Tuckman) Ford of Waterford, Pa.; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He and Dolly were members of DANK 71 since 2001.
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Web Links To Some Christmas Markets In The U.S. Chicago (November 21 - December 24) www.christkindlmarket.com/en/ Akron, OH (November 23 - December 31) www.lock3live.com/winterevents.aspx Philadelphia, PA (November 22 - December 24) www.philachristmas.com/28-0-About.html Pittsburgh, PA (November 24 - December 23) www.downtownpittsburgh.com/play/market-square/ Peoples-gas-holiday-market Fort Wayne, IN (November 23 - December 9) www.fwhistorycenter.com/events.html
Denver (November 23 - December 22) www.denverchristkindlmarket.com/ www.facebook.com/DenverChristkindlMarket?fref=ts Hermann, MO (December 1 - 2, 8 - 9) www.visithermann.com/special_events/christmas_ splash.htm Elkhardt Lake, WI (November 30 - December 9) www.christmasmarketatosthoff.com/ Mifflinburg, PA (December 13 - 15) www.mifflinburgchristkindlmarket.com/
Bethlehem, PA (November 15 - December 23) Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem www.artsquest.org/christkindlmarkt/ Christmas City Bethlehem www.christmascity.org/
German American Journal - A New Look - A New Printer
Printers Of The German American Journal
George Nagata with our Newsweb account manager Andy Sanchez Next To New Printers.
Eve Timmerhaus receives the new journals
Hot Off The Presses Ready For Shipment
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