Der Adler Spring 2015 | Volume XI, Issue II
Digital Edition
5TH ANNUAL SCHWABENFEST Spring Festival Returns Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13 ALSO INSIDE: Schwaben News Upcoming Events
German Community 45th Annual Johann Strauss Ball
Contents From the President...................................3
4
In the News................................................4
6
Upcoming Events......................................6 The German Community..........................7 The 5th Annual Schwabenfest...................8 Johann Strauss Ball..................................10 Groups & Committees............................12
8 10
Member’s Easter Party.............................13
13
2
From the President Winter has finally passed and hopefully spring is here to stay. Since our last newsletter we have held several very successful events. Our Dinner Dance was held in February, along with the 3rd Annual Beer & Wine tasting. In March we held the Strauss Ball, the 2nd Annual Bridal Expo, the Spring Concert and our Member’s Easter Party. In April, we celebrated Easter, resumed the Friday Night Stein Verein, and hosted the Annual Dachverband Meeting. I would be remiss if I didn’t THANK each of the chairman and their committees for jobs well done. Without you volunteering your valuable time and commitment, none of these events would ever be successful.
your children and grandchildren perform and enjoy an evening out, for free! All these events are listed in this issue along with dates and times. Every weekend in the summer and fall is pretty much booked because of either a rental or a club event, especially in the months of June, September and October. Please be generous with your time as the various rental committees will be looking for help. Also, Adam and Dave need your help to make the house and grounds look pristine for all of our upcoming events. Volunteers are needed to help on the third Saturday of each month. On these Saturday morning work days, we start around 9:00 in the morning and finish between 1 or 2 that afternoon. You don’t have to signup; you don’t even have to stay the entire time. Just show up when you can and work until you need to leave. Don’t worry about missing lunch, Helen never let’s us go hungry.
At the end of April, the Dachverband meeting brought together the Presidents and club delegates from each of the Donauschwaben Clubs from the United States and Canada. Friday night we held a Freundschaftsabend that members of our Club were invited to attend. Saturday and Sunday consisted of meetings and elections for the Dachverband. Thank you to all of the volunteers who took time out of their busy weekend to help cook in the kitchen and work in the bar.
In closing, I encourage each member to attend our monthly meeting held on the fourth Friday of each month. These meetings are your opportunity to play some Fuchs, drink some beer, meet new members, and express your thoughts and ideas. This is also your chance as a full member to vote on issues that affect the operations of the Club.
We have a busy couple of months ahead. During the month of May we will hold our annual Dirndl-Trachten Ball along with a Fifth Friday Froth Fest. June will bring our annual Schwabenfest along with the Gulasch Dinner, Golf Ball Drop and the Fuchs card tournament. This year we are trying something new to increase the attendance at some of our dances; at the Dirndl-Trachten Ball and the Weinlesetanz we will not charge an entrance fee for our members. This is a great opportunity to come to a dance, watch
Sincerely,
Bob Decher
Bob Decher Cincinnati Donauschwaben President
From the Editor
Due to the quarterly nature of this publication, information may change after printing. Please understand that the editor does his best to ensure the accuracy of all information in Der Adler. Please accept his apologies for any mistakes made herein. Also please understand that space is limited. For the latest information on all events please visit the club website or Facebook page. –Joe
T. Ludwig– Editor, Der Adler
3
In the News EHRENPLATZ
Orders are being taken until June 1 for brick stone and placement in the Ehrenplatz. They will be installed by Donauschwaben Day in August. This is a great way to remember loved ones and to support our club. For details, please call Linda Iglel at 513-741-4228.
DER ADLER DEADLINE REMINDER
The deadline for the Summer edition of Der Adler will be FRIDAY, JUNE 19. This deadline is critical to the newsletter being distributed on time. Please keep in mind that the Editor of this publication is getting married in June and he will be traveling for two weeks directly after that. Please send all information about upcoming Schwaben events, German community events etc. to Joe T. Ludwig at ludwigjt89@gmail.com. Joe will need information about Donauschwaben Day, Oktoberfest, Kirchweih, Fifth Friday Froth Fest and any other Donauschwaben Events or news between August and October 2015.
To submit information to the newsletter, please email Joe T. Ludwig at ludwigjt89@gmail.com
2015 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
It’s time for a new publication of our membership directory. Every picture taken will receive a 8x10 and a membership book. Of course, if you want to purchase more, you can. You can also include your family pet if you want. To sign up, look for a link to the website where you can view available times, schedule sessions and make changes. If you do not have internet access please contact Linda Igel at 513-741-4228. Volunteers are needed to help make this project a success. Pictures will be takes FREE OF CHARGE on the following dates: • Friday, July 24, 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM • Saturday July 25, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM • Friday, July 31, 2:00 to 9:00 PM • Saturday, August 1, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM • Sunday, August 2, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Summer 2015 issue deadline:
June 19, 2015
SATURDAY WORK DAYS
Calling all Donauschwaben members! Come out on the third Saturday of the month for our monthly Saturday Work Days from 9:00 AM to about 1:00 PM! Help us make your club look its best for our upcoming events. Please consider coming out even if you can only give an hour or two. Every little bit helps and lunch will be provided. For more information please contact Adam Hary at 513-923-4548 (home) 513-604-3816 (cell) or email him at hary@fuse.net.
SCHWABENFEST BOOTH CHAIRMEN AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Our 5th Annual Schwabenfest is coming up on June 12 and 13. We are looking for booth chairs and workers for the entire weekend. To help support this very important event, please contact Roric Schneider at roricschneider@hotmail.com.
SCHWABEN SAUSAGE AVAILABLE FOR SALE
We still have extra homemade Schwaben Sausage available for sale. Please contact Lori Decher at lpd@fuse.net if you are interested in buying some.
4
In The News FUCHS CLUBS
LABOR DAY TRIP UPDATE
Come out and practice Fuchs, a traditional card game from the old world, on the second Thursday of the month in the small hall from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. Players of all skill levels are welcome, especially beginners. For more information, please contact Karl Themare at 513-451-1483 or karl8879@fuse.net. Contact Karl to introduce yourself and get the details BEFORE you come for the first time.
TRACHTENGROUP UPDATE
The annual Donauschwaben convention in Los Angeles will be August 7 to 9. Airline, hotel and transportation has been reserved for August 4 to August 11. Debi is working on an application to Disney to allow the youth group to perform on Wednesday. Thursday will be the Jugenfreundschaftslager. For more information about the trip, please contact Lori Decher at lpd@fuse.net.
BRIDAL EXPO 2015 REVIEW
Thank you to the Bridal Expo committee for helping bring awareness to our reception rental business and for all of the time and effort that you put into planning the event. Everything looked and tasted phenomenal.
The Trachtengroup meets the 2 and 4 Wednesday at 7:30 PM. They are always looking for new members. If you are interested, please contact Kathi Weissmann at 513-467-6120. nd
th
DINNER DANCE 2015 REVIEW
STRAUSS BALL REVIEW
The Dinner Dance committee would like to thank everyone who attended this year’s Annual Dinner Dance on February 7, 2015. We served approximately 170 dinners and everyone seemed to enjoy the dinner, the open wine bar, and music by The Rheingold Band. This year we partnered with St. Francis Seraph, a parish school in Over-the-Rhine. Our “Let’s Fill the Bus” fundraiser netted $1,246 and provided much needed funding to support the school’s field trip program. Your generosity is much appreciated. See everyone next year on February 6, 2016.
Thank you to the dancers, Debi Tullius and Lori Decher for their hard work and presenting us with a wonderful Strauss Ball program. It was a pleasure to see such a large crowd and so many young people having a great time. This is truly what it is all about.
BEER AND WINE TASTING REVIEW
The beer and wine tasting was a great success. Thanks to all the volunteers, Uncle John for fixing the arch used for the grapes and hops and certainly the true key to our success, all the ladies and gentleman attending the event. See you next year, February 27, 2016.
5
UPCOMING EVENTS
Upcoming Events
Friday Night Stein Verein
For tickets/reservations to upcoming events, call our reservation line at 513-385-2098, option 3. Visit our website and Facebook page for more information about our events. All events are open to the public unless otherwise stated.
FRIDAY NIGHT STEIN VEREIN RETURNS
After a three-month hiatus, our Friday Night Stein Verein will be held on the second Friday of the month in the member’s hall from 6:00 to 10:00 PM. So forget Friday night happy hour at crowded, over-priced bars. Instead, come out and enjoy a few drinks with your Schwaben friends. This event is open to the public so feel free to bring your friends.
4OTH ANNUAL DIRNDL/TRACHTEN BALL
Friday, May 8 6:00 to 10:00 PM
Dirndl/Trachten Ball* Saturday, May 9 6:30 to 11:30 PM
Fuchs Club Meeting Thursday, May 14 7:00 to 10:00 PM
Saturday Work Day Saturday, May 16 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Celebrate culture and tradition with the Cincinnati Donauschwaben Trachten Group on Saturday, May 9. With dance performances by our Trachten Group and other members of the society’s dance groups, this is an event that celebrates our past and future. Roasted Chicken dinner with all the trimmings will be served from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. The dance will follow from 7:30 to 11:30 PM with music entertainment provided by The Rheingold Band. Club members will receive free admission into the dance.
Fifth Friday Froth Fest
Dinner reservations need to be made no later than May 6 and are required for dinner. Cost for dinner is $9. Entry for the dance (non-club members) is $8.
Fuchs Club Meeting
FIFTH FRIDAY FROTH FEST
Come out and enjoy traditional German Gemütlichkeit and camaraderie at the Donauschwaben Hall for our Fifth Friday Froth Fest celebrations. The event will take place on every fifth Friday of the month and will include food, music, and, of course, a cash bar. If the weather is nice enough it might be hosted outside in the shelter house.
Member’s Meeting Friday, May 22 8:00 to 10:00 PM
Friday, May 29 6:00 to 10 :00 PM
Thursday, June 11 7:00 to 10:00 PM
5th Annual Schwabenfest Friday, June 12 Saturday, June 13 Various Times
This quarter we have two Fifth Friday Froth Fests: Friday May 29 | 6:00 to 10:00 PM Friday July 31 | 6:00 to 10:00 PM
Saturday Work Day
15TH ANNUAL FUCHS TOURNAMENT
Member’s Meeting
Saturday, June 20 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
The 2015 Fuchs tournament will be held at the Gulasch Dinner on Sunday, June 28. Please be there by 1:00 PM to register; games will start promptly at 1:30 PM. To play, you’ll need $5 in change ($2 entry fee, $3 to use for playing). Two rounds of games are played to determine the table winners (Tischmeisters), who then play a fresh round to determine Fuchsmeister. Prizes are awarded to the first and second place winners. The Fuchsmeiser’s name will be engraved on the club plaque. All participants keep their winnings. For more information please contact Karl at karl8879@fuse.net.
30TH ANNUAL GOULASH DINNER
On Sunday, June 28, come out and enjoy classic Goulash the way it was made in the old country. The Goulash dinner will be served around 5:15 PM, following our annual Fuchs Tournament, performances by the Kleine and Mittle Kindergruppen at 4:00 PM and the Youth Group’s golf ball drop raffle at 5:00 PM.
Friday, June 26 8:00 to 10:00 PM
Fuchs Tournament Sunday, June 28 1:30 to 4:00 PM
Goulash Dinner* Sunday, June 28 2:00 to 6:30 PM
Golf Ball Drop Sunday, June 28 5:00 PM
Friday Night Stein Verein Friday, July 10 6:00 to 10:00 PM
Adults are $7, children (12 and under) are $4. A cash bar will be available. Doors open at 1 PM for people who wish to watch the Fuchs tournament.
Member’s Meeting
For reservations, call Kathi Prugel at 542-0516. Dinner reservations are required by June 21.
Fifth Friday Froth Fest
Friday, July 24 8:00 to 10:00 PM
Thursday, July 31 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM * Reservations required
6
The German Community If you would like to submit an event to this section for next quarter, please email Joe T. Ludwig at ludwigjt89@gmail.com.
GERMANIA SOCIETY’S 3RD ANNUAL MAIFEST
Friday, May 16 | 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM Saturday, May 17 | 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM Sunday, May 18 | Noon to 8:00 PM
On May 16, 17 and 18, come celebrate spring Germania Style! This three-day festival includes delicious food and beverages, the Maikönigen crowning, great music, flower market, crafters, rides and games for the whole family. Admission is $2, children 12 and under are free. Military personnel with current ID have free admission all weekend. The opening ceremonies parade starts Saturday, May 17 at 4:30 PM.
GERMAN DAY WEEKEND AT FINDLAY MARKET
Findlay Market welcomes the opening ceremonies of German Day Weekend on Saturday, June 6, beginning at 10:30 AM. Come out and attend the brief program, featuring representatives of area German-American societies, local dignitaries as well as a presentation about the German heritage of the market. Watch the parade of society members in traditional dress, through the market square, carrying colorful German flags. The OTR Biergarten will be open, serving Christian Moerlein products!
SCHUTZENFEST AT KOLPING
On July 18, 19 and 20 come out to the Catholic Kolping Society’s Annual Schutzenfest! All profits from the festival benefit the social, sports and cultural sports exchanges, and a myriad of charitable and philanthropic interests of the Catholic Kolping Society.
THE GERMAN COMMUNITY EVENTS Maifest Germania Society May 16, 17 and 18 Various Times Admission $2 German Day Weekend Findlay Market Saturday, June 6 10:30 AM German Day Mass Old St. Mary’s church Sunday, June 7 11:00 AM Schutzenfest Kolping Society July 17, 18 and 19 Various Times Mustard Club Meetings Mecklenburg Gardens 2nd Saturday, Monthly 11:00 AM
MONTHLY MUSTARD CLUB MEETINGS
The Händlmaier’s Mustard Club in Cincinnati is the first and only U.S. Chapter — and one of only two clubs located around the world — dedicated to sharing the gemütlichkeit that is Händlmaier’s Mustard. Come out to their monthly meeting on the second Saturday of every month at Mecklenburg Gardens starting at 11:00 AM. All meetings are open to the public. Mecklenburg charges $11 for the buffets, and both buffets are all-you-can-eat.
DONASCHWABEN RECEPTIONS & EVENTS Need a place to celebrate? The Donauschwaben Society offers two halls & an outdoor pavilion for wedding ceremonies, receptions, anniversary parties, and other events! Contact Mike at 513-385-2098 or mkurzhals@fuse.net for more information.
7
5TH ANNUAL SCHWABENFEST Spring Festival Returns Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13 By: Joe T. Ludwig IN 1881, A GERMAN BUTCHER NAMED JOHANN RÖSSLER FIRST OPENED HIS “MECHANICAL OX” WHICH HAS SINCE GROWN
to occupy one of the largest tents on the Munich Theresienwiese, the site for the famous Munich Oktoberfest. The machine consisted of two main parts: a “locomobile” mounted on four iron wheels and a rotisserie with a revolving spit, an enclosure and a smokestack. Today the roasted ox is still a mouthwatering tradition for Germany’s Oktoberfest guests. This year, the Donauschwaben Society in Colerain Township will bring this 134year tradition to Cincinnati once again for their 5th Annual Schwabenfest on June 12 and June 13. A CHALLENGING BEGINNING The Donauschwaben is no stranger to hosting great outdoor festivals. The
German society’s Oktoberfest, one of the city’s most authentic Oktoberfest celebrations, has brought in significant crowds for most of its 22-year history. So in late 2010, when the suggestion to host an outdoor spring festival in place of the annual Freundschaftabend was brought up, everyone was intrigued. After some discussions and debates, the festival known today as Schwabenfest was born.
awareness, it still had plenty of potential. The festival returned a year later with slightly better results and attendance soared the third year when Paulaner hosted their traveling beer garden at the event.
Over the last four years, Schwabenfest has seen its fair share of success. But creating a brand new outdoor festival didn’t come without challenges. It took a lot of hard work and dedication from a lot of people to make it what it is today.
“Even though the festival has done well in the past, we felt like it needed its own identity,” Nick said. “We wanted to build on the successful formula of our Oktoberfest but still put on a festival that provided a unique experience for our guests.”
When this two-day festival started in May 2011, it was first called the Spring Froth Fest. Months of preparation and planning went into the event the first year but even though the festival battled lackluster weather, stiff competition and lack of
8
But there was still something missing from the festival, according to Nick Krummen, Schwabenfest co-chair.
And that’s exactly what they did. A UNIQUE FLAVOR The idea for roasting an ox came from series of casual conversations at club
events between Nick Krummen, Roric Schneider, Scott Lowry and Joe Abt while discussing the famous Oktoberfest ox roasting tradition in Germany. Right away Scott expressed overwhelming enthusiasm for the idea. “I honestly thought he was joking when he said he wanted to build an ox roaster for Schwabenfest,” recalled Roric Schneider, Schwabenfest co-chair. “But I was wrong. He was serious about it. He and Joe got it done!” In late 2013/early 2014, Joe and Scott got to work. They spent many hours engineering their own version of Mr. Rössler’s ox rotisserie in Joe’s garage. After months of fine-tuning and testing, the machine was ready. And just like that the festival had a new, delicious identity. When the time came to finally roast the ox in June 2014, they sold all 800 or so pounds of ox meat in one evening.
“We received a lot of positive feedback about the ox,” Nick said. “Guests really enjoyed watching the ox cook the night before and then eating it the next day. We look forward to this tradition for many years to come.” “It wouldn’t have been possible without Scott’s vision and Joe’s hard work,” said Roric. “The two of them did a fantastic job making this idea come to life.” PLANNING FOR SUCCESS This year, Schwabenfest promises to be bigger than ever. Live entertainment will include performances by the Donauschwaben dancers, the annual stein holding contest, and live music from local bands Saffire Express (Friday night), Squeeze Play (Saturday afternoon) and the Alpen Echos (Saturday night). Food items will include homemade sausage dinners, pretzel sandwiches with ham or turkey, homemade apple and cherry strudel, Bavarian cream puffs and more.
9
Even though the festival is smaller than the typical Donauschwaben Oktoberfest, logistically it is just as complicated. The festival committee needs volunteers to help run the various food booths, the beer booths, parking, admission, the dessert booth, and set up and tear down. They will also need help spreading the word on social media such as Facebook and Twitter. For more information please contact Nick Krummen or Roric Schneider. The 5th Annual Schwabenfest will take place on Friday, June 12 from 6:00 PM to Midnight and Saturday, June 13 from 1:00 PM to Midnight at the Cincinnati Donauschwaben Society in Colerain Township. Entry into the festival is $3. For the latest information about Schwabenfest, visit our website at www. cincydonau.com, find us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter. This story is dedicated to the memory of Scott Lowry.
THE 45TH ANNUAL JOHANN STRAUSS BALL 2015 Celebrating a Legend By: Joe T. Ludwig Famous composer Johann Strauss was largely responsible for the popularity of the waltz in Vienna during the 19th Century, so much so that he was given the nickname the “Waltz King”. For the last 45 years, members of the Cincinnati Donauschwaben Society have celebrated Strauss and his famous works at their annual Johann Strauss Ball. Members of the German Society’s Youth Group—under direction of Debi Tullius and Lori Decher—performed a choreographed 30 minute show set to Strauss’ famous waltzes and polkas. During
the performance, the dancers wore long ball gowns and tuxedos to add to the décor. After the performance by the Youth Group, the Spitzbuam Band from St. Louis provided live music for the rest of the evening. A special thank you to the Strauss Ball committee for organizing such an eloquent event, the dancers who spent weeks practicing, Debi and Lori for their direction, the parents for their support, and, of course, those who attended the event.
10
Pictures courtesy of Donauschwaben club member Annette Suer 11
Groups & Committees KLEINE KINDERGRUPPE
TRACHTENGRUPPE
Meets Mondays at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please contact: Erin Sucher: 741-4986 Patty Butterfield: 863-1243
Meets 2nd & 4th Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Any member interested in helping with For more information, please contact: catering should contact: Kathi Weissmann: 467-6120 Helen Hary: 923-4548 Lori Prugel-Decher: 245-9450
MIDDLE GROUP
FRAUENGRUPPE
DER ADLER
Meets Mondays at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please contact: Rose Abt: 367-4887 Heidi Kurzhals: 680-5303 Lauren Hunt: lauren.marie@fuse.net
Meets 4 Friday of every month at 8:00 p.m. For more information, please contact: Helen Hary: 923-4548
The quarterly newsletter for the Cincinnati Donauschwaben Society. For all inquiries and suggestions contact: Joe T. Ludwig: ludwigjt89@gmail.com
YOUTH GROUP
SENIORS GROUP
CULTURE COMMITTEE
Meets every Tuesday at 7:15 p.m. For more information, please contact: Debi Tullius: 522-3849 Lori Prugel-Decher: 245-9450
Meets 1 & 3 Thursday at 10 a.m. For Please consider donating cultural matemore information, please contact: rials to the committee. Hans Bucher: 861-6450 Richard Elder: 761-4090 Karl Themare, Jr.: 451-1483
SCHUHPLATTLER
SOCIAL MEDIA
Meets every Monday night at 7:15 p.m. For more information, please contact: Lori Prugel-Decher: 245-9450
Like the Cincinnati Donauschwaben For all the latest information about on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. upcoming events, please visit our website at www.cincydonau.com
th
st
CATERING COMMITTEE
rd
CLUB WEBSITE
Are YOU or Someone you know turning 65? I can help you make the transition to Medicare! There are many different options and choices, don’t get caught up in the confusion of dealing with multiple representatives from multiple companies. At NO COST TO YOU, We can find the right plan that fits YOU! If you plan to keep working that’s great, but there may still be some things to consider.
Get answers to all your Medicare questions, I know you have them. I work for you, NOT the insurance companies. Jerad Laine Consolidated Healthcare Solutions 4700 Ashwood Dr, Suite 135 Cincinnati, OH 45241 Call me at 513-202-6334 to schedule a meeting or Email: JLaine@CHSToday.com
12
MEMBER’S EASTER PARTY 2015 THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES PRESIDENT Bob Decher VICE PRESIDENT & RESERVATIONS Ed Tullius SECRETARY Marty Kunkle TREASURER Joe Abt HOUSE COMMITTEE Adam Hary GROUP LIAISON & BAND COORDINATOR Rick Stolze BUYER Nick Krummen RENTALS Mike Kurzhals MEMBERSHIP Nick Abt MARKETING Kevin Wilzbach LANDSCAPING/ GROUNDS Dave Brabender
LADY’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Der Adler Credits Joe T. Ludwig.................................................................................................Editor-in-Chief Caroline Dektas............................................................................................................Editor Annette Suer, Joe T. Ludwig..............................................................................Photography Joe. T. Ludwig...............................................................................................................Design
Are you interested in contributing content to Der Adler? Contact Joe T. Ludwig at ludwigjt89@gmail.com for all inquiries. The Spring deadline is June 19, 2015.
PRESIDENT Helen Hary VICE PRESIDENT Jean Swierling TREASURER Rose Abt SECRETARY Johnna Stolze HISTORIAN Eileen Waldeck
Follow Us © 2015 Cincinnati Donauschwaben Society
13