Der Adler Summer 2015 | Volume XI, Issue III
Digital Edition
BUWE, WAS HAM’R HEIT? KIRCHWEIH! Celebrating & Preserving a Proud German Tradition ALSO INSIDE: Schwaben News Upcoming Events
German Community 61st Annual Donauschwaben Day
& More
Contents From the President...................................3
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In the News................................................4
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Upcoming Events......................................6 The German Community..........................7 Celebrating & Preserving a Proud German Tradition.....................................8 61st Annual Schwaben Day.....................10 Groups & Committees............................12
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5th Annual Schwabenfest........................13
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From the President 2015 continues to be a very busy place for our club! During the next few months we have many rentals both in the large and small halls. Of course, with this many events on the calendar we will need volunteers to help. If you have never worked a wedding before then you have missed an opportunity to get to know different individuals of the club. If you can find time to volunteer, contact any board member and I’m sure they will welcome you to their team.
Our 61st Annual Donauschwaben Day has been moved to August 2 this year because 35 youth and adults will depart for Anaheim California on August 4 to attend the Annual Landestreffen which is usually held over the Labor Day Weekend. Since the distance is farther and the expense is greater, the festival was moved into August, allowing families to make this trip a vacation. Besides attending the festival, our Youth Group has been invited to perform at the Disneyland Adventure Park. I wish all of them an enjoyable and safe trip.
Since the last newsletter we have hosted many events. In April, the Frauengruppe hosted the Club Easter Party and the food that they prepared was delicious as usual! During the last weekend of April we hosted the Dachverband Meeting for all the Donauschwaben clubs within the U.S. and Canada. Thank you to all of the members who generously donated their time over the weekend and helped make the meeting a huge success. In May, the Trachten Group hosted our annual Trachten Ball. Unfortunately, the attendance at the dance was not well-attended; however, those who did attend had a wonderful evening.
Thank you to everyone who has participated in the Youth’s recent fundraising events including our homemade sausage sales, the golf ball drop, and the beer and wine tasting events. Through these different means we have raised enough money in the Youth Group Travel Fund to pay for the youth’s airfare and to help offset the cost of their hotel rooms. Finally, I would like to reminder everyone that we have a lot of great events coming up, all of which are highlighted in this publication and on our club’s website, Facebook and Twitter page. I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer wherever your travels might take you and that you will somehow find time to take part in supporting your club.
In June, we hosted our 5th Annual Schwabenfest. The festival was well-attended and we anticipate that the revenue will be well over last year’s figures. Thank you to Roric Schneider and Nick Krummen, along with the booth chairman and the volunteers who helped feed and quench the thirst of our guest. Once again the ox was a huge hit. Also in June, we hosted our Gulasch Dinner, our Annual Fuchs card tournament along with the Youth Group’s Annual Golf Ball Drop fundraiser. Results of these events will be published on the Club website and also in this publication.
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
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In the News COME OUT AND BAKE CAKES
On Sunday, September 13 and Sunday, September 20, we will be baking our famous eight-layer Dobosh and our wonderful walnut Torte for our Oktoberfest. We need as many hands as possible to help make this another successful year. Pick your favorite spot in the kitchen—whether its icing cakes or whipping egg whites. Everyone is WELCOME—experienced or beginner. Come any time after 10 AM and we’ll have a great time, compare recipes and talk (and talk and talk…) If you have any questions, please contact Linda Igel at 513-741-4228.
SCHWABEN SAUSAGE FUNDRAISER
The Donauschwaben Youth Group is once again preparing homemade sausage in Oktober. They will be selling three varieties: regular, spicy, and smoked sausage. Original flavor and spicy flavor is $6 per pound while smoked versions of both flavors are available for $7 per pound. To order, download the Sausage Order form Oktober 2015 on the club website and mail it in to the address listed or email it to Lori Decher at lpd@fuse.net. There is no guarantee that orders placed after OKTOBER 5 will be honored. Sausage pick-up will be at the Donauschwaben Society on Oktober 25 from 4 to 6 PM. Proceeds from the event will help offset the group’s upcoming travel costs.
FUCHS TOURNAMENT WINNER
The 14th Annual Fuchs Tournament was held on Sunday, June 28 in conjunction with the Goulash Dinner. Congratulations to Fred Lang who won the tournament this year. The Culture Committee would like to thank all of the participants for helping to keep this Schwaben-unique card game alive and vibrant. A special thanks also goes to the Goulash Dinner Committee for sponsoring a free dinner for the winner.
SCHWABENFEST UPDATE
Thank you to everyone who helped make our 5th Annual Schwabenfest successful. Schwabenfest like all of our events, would not be possible without the contributions of our members. While the results are not final, the consensus is that we increased our revenue and profit in 2015! More information will be available at the Membership Meetings.
To submit information to the newsletter, please email Joe T. Ludwig at ludwigjt89@gmail.com
If you did not attend Schwabenfest this year, then you missed great food, great entertainment and great weather! Top-notch entertainment was provided by Saffire Express on Friday night and Squeeze Play and Alp’n Zaub’n on Saturday. Thank you to Joe Abt and the ox roasting crew for roasting another great Ox and Lori Decher and Cathy Weissmann and their crew in the kitchen who worked long hours to make sure all of the food was perfect. If you have any suggestions or comments for next year’s event, please contact Nick Krummen or Roric Schneider.
Autumn 2015 issue deadline: September 25, 2015
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In The News SATURDAY WORK DAYS
GOLF BALL DROP UPDATE
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.
The Golf Ball Drop was held on Sunday, June 28 before the Goulash Dinner. The Cincinnati Fire Department provided us with one of their aerial ladder trucks. Congratulations to Karen Kenning, Karen Finn and Eric Siegel who won first, second and third place, respectively. Thank you to everyone who bought tickets to support this fundraising event. All funds raised will help offset traveling costs for the Youth Group, including the upcoming “Labor Day” trip to LA.
FUCHS CLUBS
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.
DER ADLER DEADLINE REMINDER
The deadline for the Summer edition of Der Adler will be Friday, September 25. 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 Weinlesetanz, Annual Planning Meeting, Christmas Concert, Member’s Christmas Party, New Year’s Eve Dance and any other Donauschwaben Events or news between November 2015 and January 2016.
TRACHTENGROUP UPDATE
The Trachtengroup meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7:30 PM. They are always looking for new members. If you are interested, please contact Cathy Weissmann at 513-467-6120.
Please do your best to honor this deadline. Make sure to contact him directly for all requests as he does not monitor the Donauschwaben gmail account. The approximate publishing date for the Winter 2015 edition will be November 1, 2015.
DIGITAL NEWSLETTER EDITION
If you are interested in subscribing to the digital edition of Der Adler, please contact Joe T. Ludwig at ludwigjt89@gmail. com. The digital edition features more content and more pictures—all in color.
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Upcoming Events
UPCOMING EVENTS
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.
OKTOBERFEST SETUP
We will begin setup for Oktoberfest on Sunday, September 27 around 9 AM. Setup will continue throughout the week starting at 5 PM. All help is appreciated and dinner will be provided for volunteers.
FIFTH FRIDAY FRIGHT FEST
FRIDAY NIGHT STEIN VEREIN
Forget Friday night happy hour at crowded, over-priced bars. Instead, come out and enjoy a few drinks with your Schwaben friends at our Friday Night Stein Verein on the second Friday of the month in the member’s hall from 6 to 10 PM. This event is open to the public so feel free to bring your friends.
On Friday, Oktober 30 come out and enjoy traditional German Gemütlichkeit and camaraderie at the Donauschwaben Hall for our Fifth Friday FRIGHT Fest celebration. Feel free to come dressed up in Halloween costumes to kick off your Halloween weekend!
There will be an Oktoberfest planning meeting on Tuesday, August 18 at 7 PM in the member’s hall. Everyone is welcome to attend.
KIRCHWEIH MASS AT OSM
23RD ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST
Our annual Kirchweih Mass will take place at Old St. Mary’s 11 AM German Mass in Overthe-Rhine on Sunday Oktober 11. During the homily the priest will bless the Rosemary Bush which will then be auctioned off at our Kirchweih Dance. Kirchweih is one of the oldest traditions of the Cincinnati Donauschwaben Society and everyone is encouraged to attend and wear their traditional German costumes to mass.
KIRCHWEIH DANCE
On Saturday, Oktober 17 come continue our Kirchweih celebration. The highlight of this event is, of course, the reciting of the Kirchweih poem and then the auctioning of the blessed rosemary bush, which symbolizes love and prosperity. Music entertainment will be provided by the Hank Haller Band. Admission is $8 per person. For reservations call the reservation line at 513-385-2098.
OKTOBERFEST PLANNING MEETING
The 23rd Annual Donauschwaben Oktoberfest will be held on Oktober 2, 3, and 4 and once again we will need help from the membership. As we get closer to the event, keep a look out for email communications about volunteer opportunities. Success will only happen when we all work together as a team.
7TH ANNUAL CAR SHOW
The 7th Annual Donauschwaben Oktoberfest Car Show will take place Sunday, Oktober 4 from 10 AM to 3 PM during the last day of our Oktoberfest. It will include door prizes, gift bags, split the pot, dash plaques, music, great food and drink and more. If you are interested in showing a car, please contact John “Hansi” Weissmann at 513-615-2665 (cell) or at jhansw@fuse.net. Entrance to the Car Show is included with admission to Oktoberfest.
Friday Night Stein Verein Friday, August 14 6:00 to 10:00 PM
Saturday Work Day Saturday, August 15 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Members’ Meeting Friday, August 28 8:00 to 10:00 PM
Friday Night Stein Verein Friday, September 11 6:00 to 10:00 PM
Saturday Work Day
Saturday, September 19 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Members’ Meeting Friday, September 25 8:00 to 10:00 PM
Oktoberfest Setup
Week Before Oktoberfest Various Times
23rd Annual Oktoberfest Oktober 2, 3, & 4 Various Times
7th Annual Car Show Sunday, Oktober 4 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Friday Night Stein Verein Friday, Oktober 9 6:00 to 10:00 PM
Kirchweih Mass
Sunday, Okotober 11 11:00 AM
Saturday Work Day Saturday, Oktober 17 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Kirchweih Dance
Saturday, Oktober 17 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Members’ Meeting Friday, Oktober 23 8:00 to 10:00 PM
Fifth Friday Fright Fest
Friday, Oktober 30 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM * Reservations required
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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 OKTOBERFEST
Come out to Germania’s 44th Annual Oktoberfest on August 28, 29, and 30. The Donauschwaben Dancers will perform on Sunday, August 30 from 5 to 6 PM.
TUG-OF-WAR COMPETITION
Come out and support our Tug-of-War team at the Germania Oktoberfest Tug-of-War Competition on Sunday, August 30 starting at 3 PM. Come out and support Team Donauschwaben, the defending champions!
ST. JUDE OKTOBERFEST
For the last couple of years the Donauschwaben Dancers have been performing at St. Jude’s Oktoberfest in Bridgetown. On Saturday, September 27, come out and see the Donauschwaben dancers perform at the St. Jude Oktoberfest in Bridgetown, Ohio. The Kinder & Middle Group, Youth Group and Schuhplattlers will perform at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 PM, respectively. Hope to see you there!
ZINZINNATI OKTOBERFEST
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the country, is held along Fifth Street in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio and showcases the rich German heritage of Southwest Ohio, as well as tasty samples of German-style music, food and beer. First held in 1976, the event has grown to be America’s largest Oktoberfest with more than 500,000 people attending each year. As the event gets closer, check your email for information about when and where the Donauschwaben Dance groups will perform.
THE GERMAN COMMUNITY EVENTS Germania Oktoberfest Germania Society August 28, 29 & 30 Various Times Tug-of-War Competition Germania Society Sunday, August 30 3:00 PM German Heritage Night Great American Ball Park Saturday, September 5 1:10 PM Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Downtown Cincinnati September 18, 19 & 20 Various Times St. Jude Oktoberfest St. Jude Bridgetown September 26 & 27 Various Times
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.
GACL Mass Old St. Mary’s Church Sunday, Oktober 18 11 AM Mustard Club Meetings Mecklenburg Gardens 2nd Saturday, Monthly 11:00 AM
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.
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BUWE, WAS HAM’R HEIT? KIRCHWEIH! Celebrating & Preserving a Proud German Tradition By: Joe T. Ludwig The Donauschwaben Society in Colerain Township is known for hosting many fun events throughout the year. Every year, for example, during the first weekend in Oktober, the German society hosts its Oktoberfest, a three-day festival that always brings in local crowds who strive to experience authentic food, music, dance and old-fashioned German Gemütlichkeit. But the society hosts another lesser known event, also held annually every Oktober, that is deeply rooted in German culture and tradition and is more authentic, perhaps, than even Oktoberfest. ROOTED IN GERMAN TRADITION Kirchweihfest, an annual celebration of the consecration of the town church,
is one of the oldest festivals not just in Donauschwaben heritage but in the entire German-speaking world. The origins of this festival can be traced back to the Middle Ages—long before the ethnic group known as the Donauschwaben came to be—and is still celebrated throughout much of the German-speaking world today, especially in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and most of Austria. It is also celebrated by the Donauschwaben clubs throughout the U.S. and Canada. In the old country, the Kirchweihfest was always one of the most beautiful and popular festivals of the year. It was a fest whose roots lay deep in the genuine Christian beliefs of the German people; a fest which best expressed the sociability and hospitality of their rural lifestyle; a
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fest, in which the entire family—in fact the entire village community young or old— participated in the many preparations as well as the cheerful festivities; and a fest which everyone did their best to honor. The Cincinnati Donauschwaben Society has honored this old-world tradition every year since the establishment of the organization in the mid-1950’s. The festivity stretches over two weekends, with the Kirchweih mass and blessing of the rosemary bush on Sunday and the auction and dance the following Saturday. BUWE, WAS HAM’R HEIT? In the early years of the club’s existence, the Kirchweih mass took place in St. Joseph of Nazareth Church right around the corner from the old Banater Halle
on Logan Street. After the church closed its doors in the early 1960’s, the mass moved to Old St. Mary’s Church where it has been celebrated since. During the mass, members of the Youth Group and Children’s Group, in their traditional Swabian costumes, carry the beautifully decorated rosemary bush into the church, where it is blessed in a holy mass. The mass is said in German, just as it was done in the old country. The social part of the Kirchweih celebration takes place on the following Saturday in the clubhouse. The event begins with the grand parade led by the Klein and Middle group followed by members of the Youth Group, Schuhplattlers and Trachten Group. Then a poem called “Kerweih” is recited in the Swabian dialect. The poem was written by Mrs. Anna Reichrath, who was the Society’s Fahnenmutter and unofficial poet laureate. The main event of the festival is the auction
of the rosemary bush (Strauss) where bidders (traditionally men) attempt to win it for their wife, fiancée, or sweethearts. The rosemary bush is grown annually by a member of the extended KurzhalsWaldeck Family. It symbolizes fertility, health, and life-creating power and is decorated with ribbons and is highly desired, especially by young Schwaben couples. In 2014, the Strauss sold for $1,000 to Joe T. Ludwig and his fiancée (now wife) Caroline Dektas. PRESERVING TRADITION Preserving the traditions from the old country has always been the Cincinnati Donauschwaben Society’s mission since it officially began in 1954. And even after 60+ years of existence, that focus is showing no signs of wavering. The Kleine Kinder Group and the Middle Group are growing in number; the Youth Group, Schuhplattler and Trachten Group are as strong as ever. But as time goes on, it is
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the responsibility of the membership to make sure the traditions of the founding members stay alive so they can be introduced to a new generation. Kirchweih may not seem as glamorous or as exciting as Oktoberfest but it represents the foundation of what our club was founded to preserve: tradition. If we fail to preserve the traditions of our club, then our foundation will crumble. The Kirchweih Mass will be held on at Old St. Mary’s 11 AM German mass on Sunday, October 11 and the dance will be held on Saturday, Oktober 17 from 7 to 11 PM. Music entertainment will be provided by the Hank Haller Band. Schwaben sausage and desserts will be available for purchase and admission into the dance is $8 per person. Special thanks to Rogar Schneider for contributing to this story.
61ST ANNUAL DONAUSCHWABEN DAY
By: Joe T. Ludwig
The 61st Annual Donauschwaben Day was celebrated on Sunday, August 2. Donauschwaben Day is an event that pays special tribute to the founding of our club and the members who made it possible. Thank you everyone who came out to enjoy the music and dance performances by the various dance groups.
CLUB GOLD AWARD Congratulations to the following members who have been awarded the Club Gold Award: Dave Brabender, Mike J. Kutcher, and Annita Kabbes.
FULL MEMBER PROMOTIONS Congratulations to the following associate members who have been recently promoted to full membership on Donauschwaben Day: Bob and Rachel Biederman, Ben and Pam Clinkenbeard, Geof and Kristen Garver, Bob and Therese Kenning, Jason Koeninger, Steve Kunkle, Michael J. Kutcher, Richard and Lois McGinley, Bert and Julie Leslie, Chris and Wendy Nascimento, David Plogman, Joe and Dianne Reynolds, Eric Schwarz, Candy Shannon, Joe and Eileen Waldeck, Erhard Waldeck, and Joe and Lisa Zenni. 25 YEAR MEMBERS Congratulations to the following members who celebrated their 25th year as members of the Cincinnati Donauschwaben Society: Tom and Chrissy Keller, Greg and Annette Suer, Pete Fullbeck, Bob and Kamela Kurzhals, Mike and Amy Waldeck and Bill and Maria Westrich. DACHVERBAND GOLD AWARD Congratulations to the following members who have been awarded the Dachverband Gold award: Richard Elder and Karl Themare.
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Pictures courtesy of Cincinnati Donauschwaben club members Eileen Waldeck & Bob Johnstone. 11
Groups & Committees KLEINE KINDERGRUPPE
TRACHTENGRUPPE
Meets Mondays at 7:00 PM. For more information, please contact: Erin Sucher: 741-4986 Patty Butterfield: 863-1243
Meets 2nd & 4th Wednesday at 7:30 PM. 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 PM. 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 PM. 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 PM. For more information, please contact: Debi Tullius: 522-3849 Lori Prugel-Decher: 245-9450
Meets 1 & 3 Thursday at 10 AM. 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 PM. 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
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CATERING COMMITTEE
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CLUB WEBSITE
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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
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5th Annual Schwabenfest 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 Ludwig..............................................................................................................Editor Eileen Waldeck, Bob Johnstone, Annette Suer.....................................................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 Autumn deadline is September 25, 2015. © 2015 Cincinnati Donauschwaben Society
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PRESIDENT Helen Hary VICE PRESIDENT Jean Swierling TREASURER Rose Abt SECRETARY Johnna Stolze HISTORIAN Eileen Waldeck
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