GERMANIA EXECUTIVE BOARD President: Bill Reuter 914-882-0307 VP: Gary Schonmann 845-454-9324 News Secretary: Nancy Compton 845-452-0431 Treasurer: Robb Rose Herbst 2020 Financial Secretary: Boyd Adolfsson
______TRUSTEES Jeff Borst, Maria Bruhmuller, Liz Calabrese, GJ Doedee, Kevin Kieran, Sue Koppenhaver, Jason Powell, Sylvia Reuter, and Joe Ulrich
DAUGHTER CLUBS & COMMITTEES Singers President: Helga Nowak-Razey 845-797-7519 Soccer Club President: Joe Ulrich 845-380-7925 Germania Almrausch SV President: Bev Orser 914-456-0237 Newsletter Editor: [email protected] Membership: Sylvia Reuter 914-882-0200 or [email protected] Buildings & Grounds: Jeff Borst Kitchen: Gary Schonmann 454-9324 Bar: Bill Reuter & Gary Schonmann 25-Week Club: Carol Ann Fischer Rentals: [email protected] Webmaster: Jason Powell [email protected]
STAY SAFE
Club Bar (Members & Guests) Temporarily Closed However, see our Saturday Dinner online menu for Beer Growlers and
other options with curbside pickup Rail Trail Meetup! Please join us as we meet to visit and clean up our Club's adopted 1.5-mile Rail Trail for this quarter. We will responsibly distance and wear gloves while we walk and catch up with our friends. All welcome, the more the merrier! Please bring and wear a face covering. Pickup tool, bags and gloves provided so kindly RSVP to [email protected] Saturday To-Go Dinners WHEN: Tuesday, September 8, 2020 4 pm - 7 pm 9:00 AM to approx. 1:00 PM Order online at WHERE: meet and park at the Rail Trail entrance behind www.germaniapok.com Page Lumber by the pedestrian bridge, Old Manchester Road, Poughkeepsie
Germania of Poughkeepsie, Inc., 37 Old DeGarmo Road, Poughkeepsie, New York 12603-2062 Phone (845) 471-0609 Fax (845) 471-0720
Page 2 of 18 MESSAGE FROM OUR CLUB PRESIDENT
Germania Members, throughout much of this year, we have been forced to fight against an invisible enemy that threatens the vulnerable among us. Popular terms “new normal” and “unprecedented” might now be clichés this far into the COVID-19 pandemic, but unfortunately, remain relevant.
None of us envisioned this year would bring mandatory closings, cyber meetings, and restrictive face to face gatherings. It does appear we may have to accept some variation of “new normal” for the foreseeable future. This however shall not prevent us from continuing our mission of educating and promoting German American culture and heritage, serving our community in whatever ways possible, as well as helping one another. Even at an appropriate social distance, we must find ways to be present in the lives of others, ease their anxiety and help share their burdens.
This spirit of hope, service and sacrifice is alive and well at Germania. Members and Volunteers have donated significant personal time and money to support our Club. Many of us have volunteered for Saturday Dinners, Twenty Five Week Club, Tax Raffle, Pavilion Rentals, Building, Grounds and Soccer Filed repairs as well as contributing to the COVID-19 Relief Fund. Germania has donated over two hundred and fifty meals to Community First Responders as well as opened our doors to New Beginnings Church after a devastating fire. Together, we all make our Club a phenomenal organization in which to belong. I am extremely proud to be a Germania Member, and am honored to have the chance to serve alongside each of you.
Taking aggressive measures, we have worked to refinance our mortgage to a much lower rate, cut our utility and operating expenses, rebid and lowered the cost of our insurance policies, applied for a FEMA emergency assistance loan, and are prepared to file for 501c3 Federal tax exemption.
Additionally, we furthered partnership with our suppliers, notably Schaller & Weber and Dutchess Beer, assisting each other with social media presence and promotions. Local radio, community organizations and churches have helped promote our Club at no cost, namely WPDH, WDST, Town of Poughkeepsie, Duchess County Chamber of Commerce, Dutchess Tourism, First Evangelical Lutheran, and New Beginnings Church.
Along with our Saturday Dinners, we plan to host a September 20th Bake Sale, a Member and Spouse September 27th Appreciation Picnic, and possibly an October To Go Oktoberfest. The newly formed Germania Volkssport Club expands upon activities of Germania Volksmarch to include hiking as well as numerous additional noncompetitive sports and events. Additionally, we are applying for club membership within the American Volkssport Association, a national noncompetitive sports organization, hosting over three thousand events in all fifty states. Stay tuned for further details.
Working together with empathy and simple kindness are essential, powerful tools towards achieving our recovery. In the face of this pandemic, lets us consider any differences we may have as meaningless in the face of this shared threat. We must also continue to pray and be thoughtful towards those who have suffered.
Members and Volunteers, a heartfelt Thank You for all you have accomplished! Without your support, we would not be where we are today. Together, our Germania Family will rise out of this pandemic stronger than ever.
Stay safe and be well. I am looking forward to seeing everyone very soon.
Yours truly, Bill Reuter, Germania President
www.GermaniaPok.com Page 3 of 18
OUR SINCERE THANKS TO ALL OUR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS WHO MADE DONATIONS TO THE CLUB. THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY DURING THIS PANDEMIC. WE ARE EXTREMELY GRATEFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
Lisa & Arnold Amthor, Loreto Angelino, Karen Barone, Roger Bastian, Chris Blatz, Carol & Paul Blauth, Jeff Borst, Lino Brajuha, Karl-Heinz Brill, Martin & Emma Bugnits, Anca Buzoianu, Liz & George Calabrese, Al & Linda Ciferri, Adolf Clausen, Nancy & Scott Compton, Jeffrey Contelmo, Paul Crumb, Daniel Cwik, Margaret DeCicco & Edward Kort, Brigitte Dessauer & Herbie Wenskus, Gert-Jan Doedee & Beverly Orser, Jean & Fred Doneit, Judith & John Duffy, Ralph Emmons, Carol Ann & Eddie Fischer, Ron & Katherine Frishmuth, Vroni Fueglein, Hugo V. Fueglein, Mark Fumasoli, Johanna & Karl Gilgert, Bobbi & Jim Gordon, Momir Guzijian, Joseph Granda, Guenther & Renate Grosshans, Marlene Heer, Herbert Heinich, Reiner Herink, Pedro & Jennifer Herrera, Ronald Hummel, Vincent Jaehnert, Monica & John Jorgensen, Henry Kading, Fran Kalble, Andrew & Mary Kanninen, John Kelly, Pat & Rony Kemmerer, Kevin Kieran & Suzanne King, Mike Killmer, Margaret Kist, Theresia Kizina, Gertrud Klassen, Erich & Gail Kling, Uwe & Ann Koepke, Dieter & Rosemary Krebs, Anneliese Ruh Kreig, Mark Kuprych, Werner Lackner, Werner Lajszky, Matti Laks, Klara Laks, Eric & Maria Lehner, Edgar Licis, Licis Family, Grete Licis, Pete & Dori Licis, Joseph Lindner, Mark Logan, Gerald and Lauren Ludwig, Charles & Marilyn Luhmann, Rudy Macak, Joan & Bob Magee, George Magloczki, Tammy & Ken Maier, Ernst Martin Jr., Joy Maryniak, Keith McArthur, Carol Meyer, Elizabeth Meyer, Vincent Miller, Rosewitha & Pete Mongillo, Michael Moran, Mathilde Morgenroth, Heidemarie Mueller, John Mueller, Joseph O'Connell, Esther Odescalchi, Richard Ott, Christine & Gabor Pattantyus, Frieda Popp, Heribert Puberl, Carol Reichert, Erick Reitberger, Rudy Schaelchli, Paul Schnecke, Ernst Hans Schneider, Lore & Karlheinz Schoenfeld, Gary & Joyce Schonmann, Janice & Siegfried Schrandt, Sandra & Robert Segar, Senator Sue Serino, Richard & Martha Siegmund, Betty Smith, Willi Stark, Derek Strothmann, Hans Stuewer, Irma Kuc Thiessen, Georgia & John Trott, Tom Turner, Christine Ulrich, Katherine Ulrich, Ginni Wagner, Stuart Weiss, Rob Wheeler, Renate Winfield, Frederick Wright IV, Evelyn Wuytack, Dave, Faith, Erik & April Yearack, Barbel Zehnbauer, Fred Zipprich.
Note: The above list is donations as of 08/21/2020
The German language class has been receiving weekly reading selections, and accompanying questions, during the Coronavirus pandemic. The questions have been focused on the student's comprehension of the reading, and the building of vocabulary. Answers to the questions follow after several days, for students to check their work.
The reading selections are easily accessed on the internet from the German language site Nachrichten Leicht, which offers easy-reading news articles from German current events, culture, and sports. The Nachrichten website also provides the ability to hear the article read by a native speaker. The articles give us news from Germany and the developments in German social life and culture.
Members are welcome to join this activity at any time, as we await the re-opening of Germania, when we can resume our actual Thursday classes for beginners and advanced beginners. Interested members should contact Sylvia Reuter at [email protected] to join the on- line activity, or to express interest when live classes resume.
www.GermaniaPok.com Page 4 of 18 BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS NEWS:
Grounds chairperson Jeff Borst has been hard at work overseeing and working on the maintenance, safety, and security of the club. When tropical storm Isaias hit the area, Germania did not lose power, but the parking lot and soccer field were littered with branches, twigs, and leaves. The plastic outdoor storage chest used for soda canisters completely fell apart. The Saturday Takeout Dinner banners came down. Jeff fixed the banner stands and the storage bin, picked up all the branches and cleaned up the property in no time. Pete Heitmann removed vines and branches that were overcrowding a tree by the mailbox. Pete Licis trimmed the bushes on each side of the clubhouse.
At the shelter, broken pipes were fixed, and water was turned on by Rob Wheeler. Jeff handled the Backflow inspection.
In early summer, George Gumbel, Sylvia Reuter, and Maria Bruhmuller cleaned the flowerpots, added new potting soil, and planted geraniums, petunias, dusty millers, coleus, and impatiens. Thank you, Maria and Resi Kizina for donating the flowers and Bill Reuter and Charlie Braun for cleaning up the parking lot of leaves and washed up mulch.
Jeff cleaned the gutters around the clubhouse. The pavilion was power washed and cleaned with the help of Charlie Braun and Gary Schonmann. Heavy moss was also removed from the roof of the pavilion restrooms.
Inside the clubhouse, a new refrigerator was installed to replace the old one that broke. Three beautiful paintings that were donated by Pete Licis were hung up on the wall.
For everyone’s safety and following New York State guidelines, hand sanitizers are available for our volunteers at high touch areas like the bar register, the front entry table, the office, the kitchen, and both men’s and ladies’ restrooms. All volunteers that come in the clubhouse are required to take their temperature and log in. A Contact-Free Forehead Thermometer is also provided for this purpose.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Before we know it, the trees will lose their leaves and it will be time for fall clean up at our property and winterization of the pavilion. If you can lend a hand and wish to be contacted about joining the Buildings & Grounds Committee, please contact Jeff at 845-592-1568.
______MISSING THE NEWSLETTER? VACANCY TO FILL At this time the club newsletter publication has been suspended as the Board is currently seeking a member volunteer to be our newsletter editor. Editor duties entail managing the Editor email account; managing a membership newsletter publication bi-monthly (6 issues per year); to actively pursue and gather information that needs to be relayed to the membership about upcoming events and meetings as well as making sure our members are always aware of the activities of our sister clubs, committees and raffles; receiving news, articles, information and pictures via email from regular contributors; editing articles as needed; reporting on past events and member news; placement of advertisements (working with another member that manages ad payments and renewals); creating the newsletter and submitting it to a printing/mailing team. If you are interested in being the club's newsletter editor, a club news reporter, club photographer, or assistant editor, please send an email to [email protected] with copy to [email protected] and [email protected]
For the sake of whoever takes over as Newsletter Editor, please keep the news and pictures coming, especially the pictures of the good ol' days. Please continue to send articles to [email protected], and if the new Editor can use them for their first issue then he/she will. In the meantime, please keep in touch with club news through the President's email messages, our website, and our Facebook page.
www.GermaniaPok.com Page 5 of 18 SATURDAY TO-GO DINNERS AT GERMANIA
On March 28th, Germania had its first Saturday Takeout Dinner. To date, we have had 21 Saturday dinners with only one weekend (4th of July) off. Germania is incredibly grateful to all our loyal customers, both members and non-members who support our club by coming out and buying dinners every Saturday and to our dedicated volunteers who work many hours planning for each week’s dinner, marketing, shopping, preparing food & cooking, cleaning, dishwashing, plating and packing food, bartending, managing the web, and attending to the drive-thru lane. We are very thankful to our friends at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Poughkeepsie for mentioning our Takeout Dinners in their newsletter and to Dutchess Beer Distributors for providing us two large banners for our event. Our “Feature Dinner” changes every week. Among our popular dinners are Sliced Roast Pork, Frikadellen, Roasted Half Chicken, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Chicken Fricassee, Breaded Pork Chop, Roast Beef, and Assorted Grilled Wurst. The dinners, which are priced at $12, comes with two sides, a slice of bread and dessert. To know what’s on the menu or pre-order your meal, simply visit our website at www.germaniapok.com or call Germania at (845)471-0609 (leave a message, someone will return your call). Our online store also sells Germania mugs and T-shirts, and accepts donations for Meals to First Responders, as well as donations to Germania.
Germania has also given approximately 250 meals to our First Responders. Among our recipients are Vassar Hospital Nurses, Town of Poughkeepsie Police, New York State Police Troop K, Dutchess County Sheriff, LaGrange Fire District, Arlington Fire District, Poughkeepsie Mobile Life Support Services, Central Hudson Gas & Electric, First Lutheran Care Center, and Greystone Programs. The following members and friends have made donations for meals to First Responders: Karen Beyer, Walter Berhman, Darryl Bielski, Elsie & James Charkalis, Brigitte Dessauer & Herbie Wenskus, GJ Doedee, Carol Ann & Eddie Fischer, Phil Franzen- Nicholson, Joe Granda, John Haverkamp, Pat Haverkamp, Pete & Jennifer Herrera, Theresia Kizina, Henry Kading, Gertrud Klassen, Klara Laks, Charles & Marilyn Luhmann, John Palumbo, Bill & Sylvia Reuter, Dorothy Reuter, John Russell, Lore & Karlheinz Schoenfeld, Gary & Joyce Schonmann, Heather Sherer, Walter Skuza, Georgia & John Trott, Tom Turner, Dave & Faith Yearack, and Fred Zipprich.
When you place your Saturday dinner order online at www.germaniapok.com, you can also make a meal donation to first responders and Germania will arrange to get them to local heroes!! Serve those that are serving and protecting us. Donate a meal to the brave men & women working around the clock to make sure that we're safe during this global crisis. Send one or several as a way of thanking them!
Recipients of Germania's Meal Donations to First Responders and Germania's Volunteers:
Pictured: New York State Police Troop K, Mobile Life, Arlington Fire Dept., Town of Poughkeepsie Police, Central Hudson Gas & Electric, Dutchess County Sheriff, Supervisor Calamari & the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response Team, Dutchess County Stabilization Center Team, Captain Mills & the Arlington Fire Team, Town of Poughkeepsie Police, Nurses and First Responders @ Lutheran Care Center, and Greystone Programs.
www.GermaniaPok.com Page 6 of 18
SAVE THE DATE. We are planning to hold a Socially Distanced Annual Member Appreciation Picnic on September 27th, 2020 for Germania members and their spouses. Reservations will be required. To attend this event, you must have an active club membership or renew your expired dues. Please check our website for updates. MMEEMMBBEERRSSHHIIPP NNEEWWSS
PLEASE REGISTER YOUR EMAIL! If you do not currently already receive the President's weekly emails regarding the Saturday dinner menu and other news and event details, please go to www.GermaniaPok.com, click the "Explore Germania" link, then "Newsletter", and then scroll down the page to "subscribe for newsletter and more".
DUES NOTICE. Good news! You can now pay your membership dues or make donations securely online. If you have not renewed your membership yet, please visit our website at www.germaniapok.com.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY. Our sincerest gratitude to all our members who have made contributions to the Germania Covid Emergency Fund. Every dollar you donate goes a long way in helping the club with its many expenses, especially during an incredibly challenging year for Germania. Thank you for your support! THANK YOU FOR LIKING US
Germania of Poughkeepsie Facebook and other Social Media continue to be an integral part of sharing all that is wunderbar about our Germania family.
Germania was an early adopter of Facebook and other Social Media use to promote Germania events and other information. This is in no small part due to Ms. Karen Rose's efforts going back many years. Karen has kept Germania's Facebook page current, relevant, and continues to improve on, and promote Social Media value for Germania. Her dedicated work is challenging and even more critical during these unique community health circumstances. Vielen Dank, Karen!
Stay tuned for exciting new features and updates on the Germania website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other Social Media.
Pictured below are examples how our club's Facebook posts reach the community. Social media is a great way to let the community know about Germania and to promote and foster an interest in the German culture. It is also a good way to get messages to our members quickly such as cancellations or new event details. If you are a Board Member, Committee Chairperson or Event Chairperson and need a message, event or photo posted to our Facebook page please contact Karen Rose at [email protected] or (914)489-8344.
Please follow us on Facebook. "Like" our page, our posts and our photos. Review our events and share them on your timeline or click "Going" to help us spread the word.
www.GermaniaPok.com Page 7 of 18
Here is a look back to an ad for a dance and entertainment event held at Germania Hall on April 8, 1912.
PICTURES WANTED! "Days of Yore" features one or more photos from a time long ago in Germania's 170-year history. If you have an old picture taken at Germania, or a club event, please submit it with date or approximate year, description of event and members in the photo. We also feature mementos such as old ticket stubs, newspaper articles and program brochures. Questions, or to arrange submission in a future newsletter or on our club Facebook page, should be directed to Karen at [email protected], or (914)489- 8344, please also send a copy to [email protected]. We would be happy to scan your original photo(s) and return it/them to you.
______
AALLLLEESS GGUUTTEE ZZUUMM GGEEBBUURRTTSSTTAAGG!! HHAAPPPPYY BBIIRRTTHHDDAAYY!!
AUGUST: Heather Blatz, Karl-Heinz Brill, Louis Caviglia, Carol Ann Fischer, Otto Frank, Patrick Fuchs, Vroni Fueglein, Mary Anne George, Joseph Granda, Kevin Heckmann, Pete Heitmann, Harry Horetz, Rony Kemmerer, Lauren Ludwig, Carolyn McCarthy, Elizabeth Meyer, Rolland Mok, Anthony Nicolis, Simone Obermaier, Ruth Ann (Jo) Pragman, Eric Reitberger, Sylvia Reuter, Fritz Sonnenschmidt, Laszlo Toth, Stuart Weiss, and April Yearack.
SEPTEMBER: Candace Ahlf, John Beurket, Lino Brajuha, Jeff Contelmo, Gerald Dolan, Angela Dourdis, Phil Franzen-Nicholson, Madeline Gray, Reiner Herink, Richmond Hodge, Manfred Klein, Klara Laks, Dori Licis, Greg Loibl, Charles Luhmann, Joan Magee, George Magloczki, Esther Odescalchi, Alexandra Reichert, Jennifer Reichert, James Ricker, John Russell, Sandra Segar, Joan Siebert, Richard Soedler, Paul Steiniger, and Evelyn Wuytack.
Happy 90th Birthday to HELEN KADING DOLAND who is now living at Ferncliff in Rhinebeck. She would enjoy receiving cards at Archcare At Ferncliff Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center, 21 Ferncliff Drive, Rhinebeck, NY 12572.
NOTE: If we have missed your birthday, please contact the Membership Chairperson at [email protected] so we can update our records. ______
The Drive-Thru 25 Week Club Takeout Dinner was well received by the members. Thank you to the team of volunteers who worked hard at this event. Gary Schonmann, Peter Licis, and Charlie Braun prepared the Roast Pork dinner, while George Gumbel prepared the dessert. The next 25 Week club will be held sometime in the winter of 2021. Please call Carol Ann Fischer at 845-876-2592 if you are interested in joining. Proceeds are placed into the club's insurance fund. Gewinner der Verlosung (Raffle Winners):
$500 Gertrud Klassen $100 Marie Lumb $250 Carol Ann Fischer $ 50 Robin Stoetzel $150 Marie Dow CONGRATULATIONS LUCKY WINNERS!
www.GermaniaPok.com Page 8 of 18
As we all know, everyone of us has been affected by Covid 19. We've had to cancel most of our activities we were looking forward to and had planned for a long time! First of all, our Spring Concert, Dinner and Dance had to be cancelled, to our great dismay. Secondly, we had a Saengerfest scheduled for June in Utica, NY. It was to be a gathering of several Singing Societies across the State, for a social and Gemütlichkeit get-together. Herman Koelmel, Bundespresident and Gail Miller, the Utica Hostess, and the Bundes Committee had been planning this event for 2 years.
As far as the Germania Singers, we've had a few small get-togethers with social distancing! Early summer, Helga Nowak -Razey, Maria Bruhmuller, Helga Baker, Barbel Zehnbauer, and Liz Calabrese, had a picnic at the Vanderbilt Grounds, in Hyde Park, NY- with the usual German, American, & Hungarian goodies. We all tried to converse in German to keep up our heritage. Of course, the German flowed much better after some wine! Helga Baker, Monica Jorgensen & Rosemarie Loibl took walks in the Vanderbilt Park, where they enjoyed the fresh air, got exercise and kept their spirits up!
Helga Nowak-Razey also participated with the Steuben Society for an outing at Riedelbauer's in Round Top! A good time was had by all! Helga & Maria dined together to keep each other company-in Cairo, NY. Also, little groups got together, joined by Kathy Borgoy at Liz & George's house for Germania takeout! The Singers have enjoyed the many Saturday meals provided by the Club. Andrew & Mary Kanninen have been exceptional supporters of the Saturday dinners. We want to thank all the dedicated personnel involved with the prep, cooking and distributing of meals and for their sacrifices on the weekends since April. We also want to thank all the essential workers and volunteers for their dedication during this pandemic!
Our pianist, Katherine Ulrich is recovering nicely from her illness this past winter, and is out & about and even tickling the ivories! Janett Frank was hospitalized this summer, and is now recuperating at home. Renate Grosshans was also hospitalized and is now home. We wish them both speedy recovery and continuing good health.
Manfred and MaryLou Karius have been residing in Baden-Baden, Germany and have not been able to return to the U.S. Meanwhile, Manfred has also been hospitalized in intensive care, and is home now recovering. Jo Pragman is experiencing back problems-We hope she feels better soon! Lastly, George Calabrese has a tumor on his left elbow, and is currently undergoing radiation treatment.
Former Singer, Hans Franzen-Nicholson, passed away in early May. Our condolences to his partner Phil. Also, former Singer, Culinary Chef and Friend, Helmut Loibl passed away after a brief illness. We extend our deepest sympathy to Rosemarie and family. A long time supporter of the Singers, John Borgoy, passed away unexpectedly, after being briefly hospitalized in April. Our condolences to his widow, Kathy and family. We’ve also learned that our long time singer, Ann Braun, who resided in North Carolina, had passed in June. A funeral Mass was held in Regina Coeli Church, in Hyde Park. Our condolences to her family!
A shout out to Pat & Rony Kemmerer, John & Georgia Beurket, Herman & Linda Koelmel and Jimmy Schneider!
We look forward to a time when we can resume our activities and get together in the near future!
PICTURED BELOW: (1) Germania Singers at the German Heritage Day & Bake Sale at the Galleria Mall - February 2020 (2) George Calebrese with Barb Troan during emergency 'we ran out' Apfelstrudel bake at Germania Oktoberfest last year (Sept 2019) (3) Maria and Helga at Germania's Fasching - February 2020
www.GermaniaPok.com Page 9 of 18 IN LOVING MEMORY
Hansheinrich Franzen-Nicholson of Poughquag NY, died at home on Monday, 4 May 2020 in his 91st year, after a prolonged illness.
Hans was born in Bremen, on 11 July 1929, to mother Marie Wilhelmina and father, Martin Franzen, who was an Over-Secretary to the German Railway System. At the outbreak of World War II, Hans was evacuated to a monastery in Salzburg, Austria, and, after two years, to numerous safe locations in Germany. His older brother, Friedrich, was killed on the Russian front in 1943. Following the war, Hans returned to Bremen where he briefly studied music and performed with the Bremen State Opera. He was sent to Eskilstuna, Sweden, to apprentice with a lumber company, before returning to Bremen and continuing his employment as a technical interpreter with the Deutsche Dampfschiffahrts-Gesellschaft Hansa shipping company. In 1954, he met his future domestic partner, John Boland. In 1957, Hans joined John in New York City, employed initially with Bloomingdales, and later as a used college textbook purchaser and reseller with Barnes and Noble.
In the mid ’70s, Hans and John retired to the summer home Hans had erected in the early ’60s in Poughquag. They took up weaving and spinning, which Hans had learned from Mary Kelly, whom he had met when she worked in the Bard College bookstore. Hans’s business, Golden Fleece Weaving Studios, had several retail accounts in New York City, and two accounts in Tokyo. After John died in 1986, the business faded with the retirement of Hans’s agent. In 1987, Hans met Phil, who joined him in Poughquag. Hans taught Phil weaving, and the pair was seen regularly at County Fairs and historical events, usually with fellow-members of the Elmendorph Handspinners’ Guild, demonstrating their skills, even while Hans worked as a Respiratory Technician at St Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie, and as volunteer EMT and Treasurer of the Beekman Rescue squad. Hans and Phil were united in marriage in Litchfield CT in 2010.
Hans and Phil have been members of Germania of Poughkeepsie for the last decade. They were also active members of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in the Village of Pawling for many years. Hans is survived by his husband, Phil Franzen-Nicholson, as well as Phil’s children Gregory and Grayce, three grandchildren, and a cousin, Hannelore Simonsen in Germany. ______
John Borgoy, of Pleasant Valley, died peacefully after a sudden illness. Mr. Borgoy was born in Budapest, Hungary to mother Edit & father Janos, who was a career military officer. After the Second World War his family fled the communist takeover of Hungary. They arrived in Switzerland as refugees and settled in West Germany before moving to the United States, where Mr. Borgoy attended high school and spent his entire adult life.
Mr. Borgoy attended Case Western Reserve University. He then volunteered for the United States Army and served as an instructor for the Nike Ajax system, which was the world's first surface to air missile. He was a loyal employee of IBM for over forty years, during which he progressed from typewriter repairman to engineer. He was a volunteer fireman, member of Germania of Poughkeepsie, and supporter of the Pleasant Valley Free Library. He loved languages, reading, science fiction, and historical scholarship.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mrs. Kathleen Borgoy, by his children, Elizabeth & John Borgoy, by their children, and by his sister, Mrs. Eszter Bay. Mr. Borgoy will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends, and neighbors. The family are thankful for the support they have received during this difficult time.
Pictured here in 2016 at the Germania Wednesday lunch is George & Liz Calabrese, Kathy and John Borgoy, and Phil and Hans Franzen-Nicholson.
John and Hans both will be missed at Germania.
www.GermaniaPok.com Germania Almrausch Schuhplattler Verein
Dear Germania Friends and fellow Schuhplatters: 2020 has been a different sort of year for all of us. We miss our dance practices and events, and are looking forward to a time when we can all be together again. We unfortunately had to postpone our 50th Stiftungsfest celebration, but were able to reschedule it for May 30, 2021. Remember to Save the Date!!!
Karen has been posting pictures on our Facebook page as a virtual celebration of 50 years and we invite you to post your own pictures taken of or with Germania Almrausch over the past five decades with the hash tag #GA50 to capture our attention.
Usually at this time of year, we are busy preparing for the upcoming Oktoberfest season. Right now Germania is quiet, and the dance floor stands empty. We are looking into starting some socially distant activities so that we can be together soon and share some of the camaraderie and Gemütlichkeit that we have been missing. If anyone thinks they have a great idea, please contact me.
We would like to extend congratulations to our recent Arlington H.S graduate, April Yearack, and wish her a fabulous start on her college career at Marist. We also wish all of our Kindergruppe and Junior members a successful school year.
Earlier this year, our Vorplattler attended the Mid-Atlantic Leader’s Meeting in New Jersey, and members attended the Jägerball hosted by the SG Alpenland Montreal. The Almrausch and Kindergruppe performed at the Annual German Heritage Day event at the Poughkeepsie Galleria in February. Then in March 2020, Germania Almrausch was represented at the annual Mid-Atlantic Jugendeinzel Competition, hosted by Alpenrose S.V. in Lancaster, PA. April Yearack danced with Josh Stanavage and Hazel Mangelsdorf (her first time competing!) danced with Landen Peck, both from the Alpenrose group. They both did a wonderful job and we are so proud of them! We look forward to bringing some of our Kindergruppe and Junior members to this event every year. It’s a wonderful way for them to make new friends with other young Schuhplattlers from around our region!
If you would like to learn more about Schuhplattler dancing, or are interested in more information about Germania Almrausch Schuhplattler Verein, please visit and “Like” us on our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GermaniaAlmrauschSV, or contact our 1.Vorstand, Beverly Orser at (914) 456-0237, or our Vorplattler, Gert-Jan Doedée at (845) 494-8192. We love to share about what we do!
Thank you to all of our Almrausch and Kindergruppe members and parents for your support always. Everyone stay safe and keep in touch! We will see you soon!
Beverly Orser Gert-Jan Doedée 1.Vorstand Vorplattler
IN MEMORY OF HELMUT LOIBL April 3, 1936 - August 1, 2020 Written by: Greg Loibl
God Gave Helmut many talents. Blessed with ability and a determined work ethic, Helmut quickly became a celebrated pastry chef. Through his culinary knowledge and artistic gift, he transformed the simplest of ingredients into an inimitable masterpiece. Many of his baking skills were shared with generations of culinary students.
When he wasn't in the kitchen, Helmut was a sculptor of the natural environment. He enjoyed building a stone gazebo and a Japanese garden of moss and fern. He also built many beautiful stone walls. Helmut had a great appreciation for geography and history. During his culinary travels, which took him around the globe, he was intrigued and fascinated by different cultures. He was not afraid to interact and learn from the common man.
Culinary Olympics Attended: 4 (1972, 1976, 1980, 1984) Gold Medals Earned: 4 (1972, 1976, 1980, 1984) Cakes Baked: 6,584 Countries Visited: 74 Visits to Hofbrauhaus: 134 Mixed bags of Concrete: 1,884 Masoned Stones: 228,784
"Masonry is like icing a cake" ______
Germania extends its deepest sympathy to the family of Helmut Loibl. The family held a private Catholic mass service. Helmut immigrated to the United States from Pilsting, Germany. He was 19 years old and just finished his apprenticeship with Furtner Konditorei & Cafe in Reichertshofen. He was drafted in the army from 1958-1961. He spent half a year in Fort Riley and stationed for 3 years at Mannheim, Germany. He returned from his service and settled in St. Louis, Missouri where he worked for Hilton and then for Host International. Helmut was one of only two who won a gold medal which represented perfect scores from some 25 judges at the 15th International Culinary Olympics in Frankfurt. He was a Certified Master Pastry Chef, one of only a handful in the country. He moved to Poughkeepsie in 1981 when he decided to take a teaching job at the Culinary Institute of America. He retired after 20 years of teaching in 2001. After his retirement, Helmut had more time to dedicate to his hobby, Masonry. He built many beautiful stone structures around his home and also at his children's home. Helmut and his wife Rosemarie celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in March 2020. Helmut joined Germania in 2008. He loved singing with the Germania Singers and enjoyed attending many events at the club with his wife Rosemarie. He baked an assortment of delicious desserts for our club events including the Frühlingsgala. He made his famous chocolate cake at the annual Oktoberfest, and Nusszopf (German sweet bread with nut filling) and Aachener Printen for the Annual German Heritage Day and Bake Sale and Christkindlmarkt. He also made Lebkuchen Santas for the children. In October 2014, Helmut held a baking demonstration at the Germania Hall for members who were interested in learning the techniques to create the basic recipes that are the foundation of the wonderful desserts prepared by him for many of Germania's events. He wanted to teach interested members who could eventually help the club bake the delicious desserts for its events. Page 12 of 18
Vielen Dank für eure Hilfe.
THANK YOU SATURDAY DINNERS VOLUNTEERS, YOU ARE TRULY AMAZING!
Kitchen Crew (Food Prep, Cooking, Plating, Dishwashing): Gary & Joyce Schonmann, Dave Yearack, George Gumbel, Pete Licis, Charlie Braun, Jeff Borst, Debbie & Brad Forrest, John Russell, Maria Bruhmuller, Erik Yearack, Dana Adolfsson, Robb & Karen Rose, Lauren & Jerry Ludwig
Packing Food: Georgia Herring-Trott, April Yearack, Erik Yearack, GJ Doedee, Pete Herrera, Susan Plog
Drive-Thru Lane Attendant/Greeter: Pete Heitmann
Web & Square Store: Jason Powell, Zen Piatek, Boyd Adolfsson, Bill Reuter (+marketing)
Bar: Susan Koppenhaver, Jennifer Herrera, Linda Piatek, Darryl Bielski, Edgar Licis, Beverly Orser, Karen Barone
Supplies Inventory, Purchasing, Ordering: Bill Reuter, Gary Schonmann, Charlie Braun
Apple Strudel Bake Team: Barb Troan, Carol Meyer, John Russell, and Susan Plog Apple Strudel Wrappers: Bob & Sam Segar
Some of the Tasks Above, Soliciting Participation and Recruiting Volunteers, Phone Orders, Cleaning and Organizing: Sylvia Reuter
Our clubhouse may be closed due to Covid-19, but your Board Members continue to work diligently behind the scenes with their respective officer and trustee duties, at the Saturday To-Go Dinners and at "virtual" meetings.
We try to capture Germania's cherished volunteers at work. Please share your 'volunteerism' pictures with [email protected]. And next time you attend an event at Germania as a guest, please take a moment to thank these wonderful people for their time and effort to make Germania a great organization to be a part of.
www.GermaniaPok.com GOOD & WELFARE AND SUNSHINE NEWS NEWS FROM AND ABOUT OUR GERMANIA MEMBERS. Our Deepest Sympathies to the families of Ann Braun, John Borgoy, Hans Franzen- Nicholson, Mark George, and Helmut Loibl.
Our sincere condolences on the passing of Luanne McDonough (Jeff McDonough’s wife), Audrey Ann Mousaw (Robb Rose’s sister), and Lawrence “Larry” Pellerin (brother in law of Kevin and Heather Blatz, and Chris Blatz).
CONGRATULATIONS TO KAREN SCHOENFELD, daughter of Lore and Karlheinz Schoenfeld, whose artwork was selected for the Flag Project at the Rockefeller Center. The flag project is a new exhibit that came about from a competition in NYC that started in May of this year. Anyone with any artistic ability had a chance to submit their design for the iconic flags at the Rockefeller Center. Karen's artwork was made into an 8 foot by 5 foot flag and flown over the rink from August 1st to the 23rd. From her interview with TAPINTO.NET, Karen says: "I wanted my flag to represent unity, respect, and love in a trying time. We must come together as a nation; white, yellow, brown, straight, gay, democrat, republican, old and young because we are Americans ... In the end, love does win." No tickets are required to view the Flag project. It is open to the public. Karen holds a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and Photography from Pratt Institute. She works as a senior product designer in New York City. We are so proud of you, Karen!
GET WELL SOON TO THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS:
Loreto Angelino, Kimberly Brown, George Calabrese, Janett Frank, Renate Grosshans, Manfred Karius, Ed Kelley, Dori Licis, and Edgar Licis.
Congratulations to EMILIO "LEO" HERRERA, son of Jennifer and Pete Herrera. Emilio graduated from Spackenkill High School and is going to attend college at Cornell University. He will be studying Physics. His older brother Tomas is a junior at MIT studying Chemical Engineering. THE HERRERA FAMILY: Leo, Tomas, Jennifer and Pete
Former Germania Kinderchor and Almrausch Kindergruppe member AARON SIMONSON's wedding to Rachel Trussi, planned for May, has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Aaron and Rachel are from Poughkeepsie and they both work in Manhattan. The wedding venue is the Bovey Castle in Devon, England. Aaron is Fran Kalble's grandson. Fran's oldest granddaughter, GINA NORMAN FROM HOLLISTER, California is pursuing her doctorate (PhD) in Research and School Psychology at the University of Connecticut at Hartford. GOOD & WELFARE AND SUNSHINE NEWS NEWS FROM AND ABOUT OUR GERMANIA MEMBERS.
Lore & Karlheinz Schoenfeld celebrated 60 years of marriage on August 26, 2020. They were married on August 26, 1960 in Lore’s hometown of Öhringen, Germany, and they have four children Fred, Ellen, Karen and Andrea (Bassel). Karl worked at IBM East Fishkill for more than 40 years, while Lore enjoyed volunteer work, including the Girl Scouts. Lore and Karl are involved in a variety of activities and are members of Mended Hearts, St. John’s Lutheran Church and Germania of Poughkeepsie. In addition, Lore was the recipient of a heart transplant in 1991 which makes milestones like these all the more special. Congratulations Mom and Dad - we love you!
Congratulations to ERIK ADOLFSSON, son of Dana and Boyd Adolfsson. Erik graduated from Spackenkill High School and is also an Eagle Scout. He is attending Cornell University and will be studying Chemical Engineering. Mom & Dad love you very much and are so proud of you!
On February 8, 2020, the 18th Annual German Heritage Day and Bake Sale was held by Germania at the Galleria Mall to celebrate our German culture. The event was well attended by club members and shoppers in the mall. The Germania Almrausch SV and Kindergruppe performed for a large audience. The Germania Men & Ladies Chorus also performed some favorites and had the crowd singing along. Thanks to all the volunteer bakers who donated a variety of homemade baked goods for sale and helped to make the sale a great success. Gábor's elegant pastries are always a huge hit with the buyers. The Bienenstich always sells faster than it can be unwrapped and cut. The German Heritage Day Committee (Barb Troan, Joan Magee, Joan Siebert and Carol Ann Fischer) wishes to extend sincere thanks to all who donated baked goods, the singers and dancers, wrappers, transporters, sellers, cashiers, and dishwashers who made this day such a success. I [Barb] want to especially thank the other members of the German Heritage Day Committee for all their work and ideas. See you next year!
Senator Sue Serino visits Germania Volunteers!
Our heartfelt thanks to Senator Sue Serino for purchasing Germania dinners and making a generous donation. We appreciate Sue's support during this pandemic! We are glad to hear that she has finished her radiation treatments and wish her continued healing and good health!
GOOD & WELFARE AND SUNSHINE NEWS NEWS FROM AND ABOUT OUR GERMANIA MEMBERS.
Our neighbor, New Beginnings Alliance Church at 35 DeGarmo Road suffered significant damage from a fire in early March. Germania opened its doors to Pastor Denes House to hold the church's Worship Podcast every Sunday morning for several weeks. The pastor and its congregants are extremely grateful to Germania for helping them during a difficult time.
"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act." Proverbs 3:27
On Tuesday, June 23, 2020, APRIL YEARACK graduated from Arlington High School with an Honor Key for maintaining an 85+ grade point average all four years of high school. Throughout her high school career, April participated in extracurricular clubs, such as the French Club and Anthropology Club. And perhaps most noteworthy, April was a member of the AHS marching band, playing both the flute and the mellophone and winning the New York State Field Band Championship all four years. She will be attending Marist College, majoring in Political Science. April’s motto: “History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it!” April was born into the Germania Almrausch Schuhplattler family and danced with our Kindergruppe as soon as she could walk, about 15 years now! She became a Junior Member of the Germania Almrausch adult group in October of 2016; and with her brother she also became Germania's first paid Junior Members. In March 2018, April had her first experience as a participant in the Mid-Atlantic Jugend Einzelplatteln, which was hosted that year by Alpenrose S.V. in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Another first for April was at the 27th Gaufest in 2019 in Washington, D.C., which was hosted by Alt Washingtonia SV, where April competed in the Einzelpreisplatteln. And in March 2020, she competed again at the Mid-Atlantic Jugend Einzelplatteln, hosted again by Alpenrose S.V. We are proud of April’s enthusiasm on the dance floor and hope to see her continue her membership… we see her potential as a future leader in our Verein. We wish her nothing but continued success in her future endeavors and know that wherever she chooses to go in life, she will be great. Congratulations again graduate April Yearack from Germania Almrausch!
ANN H. BRAUN, 80, a resident of Raleigh, North Carolina since 2013 and formerly of Hyde Park, died on Monday, June 22, 2020, at Sunrise at North Hills Senior Living Facility in Raleigh. Born September 17, 1939 in Staatsburg, she was the daughter of the late Martin and Lucile Davis Hayes. Ann was an X-Ray Technician at the Hudson River Psychiatric Center for many years until her retirement. A devout catholic, she was a communicant of St. Rafael Catholic Church in Raleigh and Regina Coeli Church in Hyde Park. Ann was a volunteer with Meals on Wheels of Hyde Park and Hudson Valley Hospice. Along with her husband, Rudy, she was a member of Germania of Poughkeepsie and was active with the Germania Singing Society.
On April 28, 1984 in Staatsburg, she married Rudolf Braun. Mr. Braun predeceased her in 2017. Ann is survived by her stepdaughter, Rose C. Dowin, and husband, Harry, of Knightdale, NC; stepson, Norbert Braun, and wife, Melinda, of Davidson, NC; two granddaughters, Elena Kennedy, and husband, Brian, of Elon, NC, and Kayla Dougherty and husband, Chris, of Knightdale, NC; two great-grandchildren, Eleanor and Eli Dougherty; nephews, Walter, Michael, Kevin and Sean Doyle; and nieces, Nancy Downing, Marie Schudde, Karen Hayes, and Magdalena Hayes - Fox. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her sister, Laura Doyle, and her brother, Martin Hayes. Burial is in the family plot at Union Cemetery of Hyde Park.
Germania Men & Ladies Singers President - Helga Nowak-Razey (845)797-7519 Director - George Calabrese (845)242-2769 Adult Rehearsals 7:30 PM every Monday
Founded 1850 ♪♫ VOICES WANTED ♫♪
Germania Blue and White Soccer Club Celebrating “62” Years 1958 - 2020
President - Joseph Ulrich Vice President - Bill Kapogiannis Treasurer - Rob Wheeler Secretary - Scott Grimes
GERMANIA ALMRAUSCH SCHUHPLATTLER VEREIN Traditional Bavarian Dancing ♥ Adult & Children's Group
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS!! Come Home to Unconditional Love Vorstand: Bev Orser (914) 456-0237 Sunday at 10 AM [email protected]
[email protected] First Evangelical Lutheran Church 325 Mill Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Facebook @GermaniaAlmrauschSV (845)452-6050
Lunch and Listen: 1st Wednesday 12 PM
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www.mountainbrauhaus.com Sit long • Eat much • Laugh often Mitch Greene has been a soccer icon in the Hudson Valley for over 40 years. Mitch grew up in Hyde Park, NY where he attended Roosevelt High School. He played soccer there and with his help Roosevelt became one of the best teams in the league in the mid 70’s. Mitch moved on and attended Dutchess Community College and then Southern Connecticut University where he played soccer.
Mitch married Rose Maley and they settled in the area where he started Greene Electric as an independent electrician. Mitch currently lives in Poughkeepsie with Rose. His oldest daughter, Casey, is married to David Wunderink and lives in Michigan with their children, Asa, Neve, and Gael. His youngest daughter, Jamie, lives in Hyde Park with her children Sa’maya and Mar’ki s. Mitch loves his grandchildren and makes them smile with his funny antics. He’s dedicated whole heartedly to his family.
Like many soccer players that grew up in this area, Mitch started playing for Germania of Poughkeepsie. Mitch’s larger than life personality attracted other young players to join Germania as well. Mitch initially played for the Germania Reserve team. Under the watchful eyes of Mike Firneiss and John Jorgensen, and playing with Germania legends such as Herbie Puberl, Hubert Gilner, Lou Szantos, Bill Garvery, and Davey Sullivan, Mitch quickly stepped up to play with the first team and played in the midfield.
Mitch never shied away from anyone and many times his emotions got away from him with opposing players and referees. If RED CARDS mean that a player has a lot of passion, Mitch WAS THE KING OF PASSION as a Germania player!! All joking aside, Mitch has always been, and still is, one of the most talented players ever at Germania and in the Hudson Valley. He’s played for Germania’s over 30 and over 40 teams and currently plays for the over 48 team.
Mitch is always willing to help and has provided electrical services to the club too numerous times to count. He also delivers and donates the Christmas tree to Germania every year. And he is always willing to volunteer for soccer field clean up days and field projects, as well as accepting volunteer work shifts at the Germania festivals and Soccer Club run Biergarten events.
One thing you can count on with Mitch. On nice days, on rainy days, in the freezing cold, and at every event Mitch will be wearing SHORTS! We don’t know why but we don’t ask questions. It’s MITCH! If you know Mitch you know he’ll always greet you with a smile, know your name, smack you on the shoulder, offer you a cold beer, and enjoy the conversation with you.
On the occasion of his 25th year in our club Germania, we congratulated our soccer pied piper and dear friend Mitch Greene, Honorary Member, at the 169th Membership Dinner held on January 16, 2019.
Some pictures above used in loving memory of Mitch's sister-in-law Luanne McDonough. Page 18 of 18
GERMANIA NEWSLETTER Germania of Poughkeepsie, Inc. 37 Old DeGarmo Road Poughkeepsie, New York 12603-2062
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"When it rains, look for rainbows; when it's dark, look for stars." — Oscar Wilde ------
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