The German Society of Vereinsnachrichten

Founded in 1783 and Incorporated by Act of the General Assembly of Maryland Chapter 100, February 3, 1818

Issue 112 January 2019 President’s Message-Anton Smoot

Liebe Mitglieder – Dear Mem- the future. Visit the website Inside this issue: bers, and get out amongst your fellow Germans! President’s Message 1 I hope this message Society Honors Tom 2 finds all of our members well Christmas Village at the Werner and safe. The cold weather Harbor McDaniel’s ‘German Day’ 3 seems to have arrived early and This year we had a in a hurry but maybe we will permanent table inside the GSM at Friendship 4 get some of those warmer De- Garden main tent for the entire dura- cember days Maryland is fa- tion of this event. It provided Meet Director Mary Upman 5 mous for! us an opportunity to not only Gunther 100th Anniversary 6 This past November promote our society but all the another director of our socie- Commemoration we honored Mr. Thomas Wer- German groups in the Balti- ty visit your class, please email me and we will be hap- Baltimore’s Christmas 9 ner for all of his wonderful more area. Without the cooper- Village work for not only The German ation of many of the other py to make the time and come see you and your stu- New Members Society of Maryland but for the clubs this would have never greater good of all the German happened and I personally like dents. Germany to Spend 5.5 organizations. Many thanks to to thank all of you for your [email protected] Billion on Daycare help. This was the first year we everyone that attended our an- These are just a few ideas on were able to accomplish this Getting to Know You 10 nual banquet to be part of this how we are looking to the feat and we are looking to ex- truly amazing event. It is be- future to promote our great Christmas Memories 11 pand on this in 2019. cause of individuals like Tom society and I am always look- Senior Members that our society has been in Facebook ing for your input. I strongly existence now for 235 years We have a dedicated staff that encourage all of you to visit and counting. I encourage all of the websites mentioned to get our members to visit our web- is continuously adding infor- The purpose of the mation and promoting our so- updates on all the happenings German Society of site to view the pictures and ciety thru this social media in the German Community. Maryland is to also discover the wonderful venue. I encourage all of you preserve and events that are happening on a As the holidays ap- promote the German regular basis. to go to our page and “Like” proach, many of you will be heritage and us. traveling to visit family and www.germansociety-md.com traditions through Just enter The German Society friends. I wish you safe trav- educational, social Additionally, a com- of Maryland in the search area! els and many happy memo- and benevolent plete listing of all the scheduled School Visits ries. Best wishes and a programs; and to events for all the German Or- speedy recovery to all of our develop the unity ganizations in Maryland can be This ongoing program sick and shut in members. and continuity of the found at www.md-germans.org. is something we would like to German American Mit freundlichen Grüssen, All these organizations are expand and we are looking for community in the working very hard to provide additional schools to partici- Anton G. Smoot State of Maryland pate. If you are a teacher and not only traditional events but President also encompass new ideas for would like to have myself or

Pa ge 2 Vereinsnachrichten Issue 112 January 2019

Publication Dates: Unser Kalender January-March: Deadline 12/15 January 23 GSM Board Meeting 7:30 PM April-June: Deadline 3/15 March 3 Newsletter Deadline July-September: Deadline 6/15 April 12 Annual Membership Meeting 6:00 PM October-December: Deadline 9/15

Links: German Society Website: Glückliche Winterzeit www.germansociety-md.com Deutschamerikanischer Bürgerverein: www.md-germans.org German Marylanders: The Society Honors Thomas A. Werner www.germanmarylanders.org German American Radio: Both the current and past President of the germanamericanradio.com German Club at McDaniel College., Lyndsay Batson and Daniel Smith, spoke and congratulated Tom. The students were two tables strong. The President of the Bürgerverein, Dottie Kirchner, the President of A.G.A.S. (Association of German American Socie- ties of Greater Washington, D.C.), Ger- hard Meinzer, and the President of the On November 3, 2018 at the historic St. George’s Society, Harry Aycock Zion Church Adlersaal, the German were also in attendance. As was, of Society of Maryland, at their 235th course, our President, Anton Smoot. to help with the planning and implementa- Awards Banquet, honored Thomas tion of many different projects. ‘Tom’ Werner. Dinner and the program was followed by music and dancing. The entertainment Tom shared the evening with his family and Guests were welcomed by President by the Greg Adams Trio was exceptional his long time partner and member, Kay Anton Smoot. The evening’s Em- and especially to Tom’s liking, being an Schneck. Cee, Bernard Penner kept the pro- avid fan of Jazz music. gram running smoothly. After sing- For his success in all of these areas of ing the national anthems of both the Our 2018 honoree, Tom, was chosen due achievement, the German Society of Mary- U.S. and Germany and prayers of to his many contributions to the German land is pleased to honor Thomas Alfred Wer- ner with our 2018 Distinguished Service thanks offered by Rev. H.J. Sieg- Maryland community, including his ser- fried Otto, guests were treated to the vice as President of the German Society Award. marvelous culinary creations of Chef of Maryland, Club Fidelitas, the Mary- The GSM would like to thank the Banquet Raimund Hofmeister and the stu- land Oktoberfest, the Baltimore Kickers committee, Shelley Arnold, Dr. Mohamed dents from the Culinary Arts School. Board of Trustees and the Deutschameri- Esa, Brigitte Fessenden, Dr. Maureen Helin- A taste of what was served included kanischer Buergerverein von Maryland. ski, Barbel Otto, Dr. James Schaub, Anton Hungarian Style Paprika Chicken, Tom has and continues to be an active Smoot and Dr. Mary Upman. Braised Beef Rouladen a’la Esther member in several of the German clubs. Hazy. Oven Roasted Porkloin with He is a lifetime director of the German Bier & Onion Sauce and Baked Society and currently serves as their In- Flounder in Caper Sauce. This of vestment Chairman. Tom is currently the course, does not include the fantastic Treasurer of the recently formed GAV side dishes and desserts. Trust me (German American Verein). when I say no one left hungry. Tom's acceptance of each of these lead- ership roles has given him opportunities

Vereinsnachrichten Issue 112 January 2019 Pa ge 3 German Students Attend German Day at McDaniel College

Swarms of stu- the 2018 event. Nine- dents con- teen schools partici- verged on pated. They were McDaniel Col- treated to a wonderful lege campus day consisting of sem- on October inars and presenta- 16th. They tions on everything were there to take part in McDan- from German Music, iel’s German Day. A great event Genealogy, German and perfectly timed, October being Cinema, German American Mili- grams including Marc Fisher and the official German-Maryland Her- tary Relations to the always well Christmas in Germany, Shelley Ar- itage month. Welcoming remarks attended, ‘How I survived the Hol- nold and German Marylanders and from Professor Mohamed Esa, ocaust’. Together they enjoyed a their contributions to our culture, German Society President, Anton luncheon of German treats such as Debra Hofmann and ‘The Quest to Smoot and Minister Holger Mah- Bratwursts, potato pancakes, Find Your Ancestry’ and Mary Up- nicke of the German Embassy, en- Schnitzel and more. The day con- man and the Art of Cheese Making. ergized the group for the day to cluded with entertainment by the Congratulations to Professor Mo- come. We were also treated to Spotsylvania Alpentänzer from hamed Esa, also a German Society 'Sanctus' by Franz Schubert, ar- Courtland High School, Spotsylva- of Maryland Board member on an- ranged by David L. Weck and sung nia, Virginia and with traditional other successful year. Mark your by the Northern Middle School Bavarian music by the Edelweiss calendar now for next year’s event. Chamber Choir. They were excel- Band. 2019 will mark the 25th Anniversary lent. Several members of the German of the event and I am certain Pro- In fact, there were over 800 middle Society presented various pro- fessor Esa will make it spectacular. and high school students present at Maryland’s Oldest Dies at 111-Agnes F. Reisenweber

Ms. Reisenweber passed pilot. Together they had two children. a fall. away in April of this year. Agnes remarried years after the Cap- She remained sharp and tain’s death. She married Henry Rei- engaged until her death. She loved to Agnes was the daughter of senweber, a commercial artist. She read. Robert Richardson and Sadie Hubsch- too was an artist and worked primarily The name Reisenweber, mann. Her mother was a German in water colors and oils. from the German ‘reisen’ to travel immigrant. She was born October 29, She came from a long-lived and ‘Weber’ German for weaver, 1906 and grew up in the Roland Park family, her mother living until her late implies that there was a heritage of area of Baltimore city. Agnes mar- 90s and a sister until the age of 101. traveling weavers. ried Captain William Ernest, a bay Agnes herself died unexpectedly from

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Pa ge 4 Vereinsnachrichten Issue 112 January 2019 A.G.A.S. Hosts German-American Day

On a slightly  The Mayor of the District of burg, Germany provided an ex- overcast day, Columbia, read by Charles ceptional performance. Their rep- October 6, Volkman, President of the ertoire included O Täler weit, o members Washington Schuplattler und Höhen, Tanzen und Springen, Das from several Gebirgstrachten Verein, Echolied, Sur le pont d’Avignon, of the Ger- ‘Washingtonia’. Kein schöner Land, Ein Jäger aus man Societies  The President of the United Kurpfalz and Das Wandern ist des and clubs met States, read by Hardy von Müllers Lust. The choir founded in Washington to celebrate German- Auenmueller, President of the in 1967, has performed at concerts American Day at the Friendship Garden German-American Heritage both nationally and internationally on the Mall. The date is significant and is Foundation. and made several recordings, in- recognized nationally as German- cluding television and radio pro- American Day, declared by President The Presidential proclamation read ductions. In 1969 the Episcopal Ronald Reagan in 1987. The beautiful that ‘German Americans have Theological Seminary was con- garden with the Washington Monument helped build our Republic, shape verted into a training center as the backdrop made for perfect photos. our heritage, and enrich our culture known as the Boarding School of since the arrival of the first Ger- Gerhard Meinzer, Fine Arts for the Limburg Cathe- man settlers in the New World on dral Boys Choir. There are cur- President of the October 6, 1683. They brought Association of rently 60 boys attending the with them and instilled in their de- school. Their time include rigor- German-American scendants a desire for liberty and Societies of Great- ous training schedules and ultra- er Washington, high standards for a thorough mu- DC. (A.G.A.S) sical training, similar to the model and our host for used by other renowned boys the day welcomed choirs. For more information the guests. Greet- about the choir, see their website ings were also at http://limburger- extended by our domsingknaben.de/en/choir/. Society, by 1st VP German Society Jim Schaub. Several directors were also dreams of a better life’. It contin- Contributes to Zion’s in attendance. ues, ‘On German-American Day, ‘Save the Eagle The National Anthems of both countries we proudly celebrate the invalua- Campaign’ performed by the Washington ble contributions that Americans of Saengerbund were followed by an open- German descent-the largest ances- ing prayer, led by Pastor Katja Albrecht try group in the United States-have of the United Church. made to every facet of our society. The Presidential proclamation may  Proclamations presented included: The Governor of Maryland, read by be read in its entirety on the Socie- Jim Schaub, 1st Vice President of the ty website at German Society of Maryland https://www.germansociety- md.com/presproc18.txt.  The Governor of Virginia, read by Hans Endrikat, President of the Guests this year were treated to a Washington Saengerbund. most special treat! The Limburg Cathedral Boys Choir from Lim-

Vereinsnachrichten Issue 112 January 2019 Pa ge 5

Meet our Lifetime Director, Mary Upman “One can studied hard and earned a Bachelor of School but she was assigned to

make an Arts degree in English. She also stud- teach English for many years while exception ied German each year and gained pro- a native speaker of German received only for ficiency in that language. Mary capi- the German courses as her assign- an excep- talized on her acquired language skills ment. When Mary had reached the

tional col- by applying for and receiving a Rotary point where she felt free to move, league Foundation Fellowship for Interna- she decided to hunt for a teaching tional Understanding. This scholar- who has position in Maryland that would contribut- ship enabled her to study in Zurich, allow her to introduce German into

ed tremendously to this college, to Switzerland, for one academic year. a high school that did not already foreign languages, to the small but During this year she gave offer German. She vibrant German section at McDan- speeches about her experi- sent her resume to the

iel College, and to German- ences as a Rotary Fellow to appropriate supervisors the members of various Ro- American culture in Maryland.” in Baltimore, Carroll This is what Dr. Mohamed Esa tary Clubs in Switzerland. and Howard Counties Mary continued her said in a tribute to Dr. Mary Up- and she was pleased to man at a faculty meeting on De- studies as a graduate stu- be offered a teaching dent and teaching assistant cember 6, 2005, on the occasion of position in English at her retirement after teaching at for German in the Depart- North Carroll High ment of Modern European McDaniel College for 8 years. School with a promise Mary Upman is a native of Languages at Stanford Uni- to add Elementary

a suburb of Boston, Massachusetts, versity. She earned her German in the next the town of Weymouth. She is the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in academic year. Latin German. She taught full-time at West- daughter of Gilchrist and Helen had to be closed to facilitate the Hurst. Early in her life she be- bury Senior High School in Houston, promise. However, there was no came interested in playing the vio- Texas, Sam Houston State University dispute about this. The Latin teach- lin. She took music lessons and in Huntsville, Texas, and Gulf High er was eager to close out Latin be- played in the Weymouth Middle School in New Port Richey, Florida. cause he had the oversight of the

and High School orchestras. At In her third year of teaching at Gulf annual yearbook as part of his the University of New Hampshire High School, she and the French and teaching assignment and this kept Summer Music Conference held in Spanish teachers there were selected him very busy. 1955, she was selected to lead the as one of the 50 best foreign language In the fall of 1993, Mary

second violin programs at the high began teaching English at North section. This school level. This Carroll High School. When she was an honor was an honor that added German to her teaching cur- that pleased her was bestowed on riculum, her initial enrollment was a great deal. these teachers after a 93 students, enough to open three thorough screening of After sections of German 1. This gave she had complet- all the applicants for her a good start and, over the next ed her senior the award. It pleased few years, she was able to build up year at Wey- her and her col- the program to include German II, mouth High leagues in the foreign III and IV. She joined the American School, Mary language department Association of Teachers of German, enrolled at Radcliffe College (now very much. Mary continued to have a Maryland-DC Metro Chapter. a part of Harvard University). She successful time teaching at Gulf High Continued on page –8-

Pa ge 6 Vereinsnachrichten Issue 112 January 2019

The Sergeant Henry Gunther 100th Anniversary Commemoration

The German Society of Choir sang The Star Spangled Maryland and guests gathered to- Banner and Director, BG M. gether at the Most Holy Redeemer Hall Worthington, led every- Cemetery in Baltimore on Novem- one in reciting The Pledge of th ber 11, 2018 to honor the 100 anni- Allegiance. versary of the death of Sergeant Director Wisch intro- Henry Gunther, who was killed one duced the following honored minute before the to cease guests: Carol Ann “Gunther” firing. He was the last soldier killed Aikman, grand-niece of Henry in . The ceremony be- Gunther; Ronald Holcombe, gan at 10:30 in the morning and last- Vice Commander, American ed until 11:45. Nearly 100 people sat Legion, Dept. of MD; Jere inside a 20x30 ft. tent or stood out- Danaher, Faithful Navigator of the World War I Centennial Commis- side. Charles Carroll of Carrollton Assem- sion, invited Past Present Jim Schaub After his opening remarks bly, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus; to the podium and presented him Director Robert Wisch introduced Daniel Meyer, Director of the Dan with a proclamation from Governor GSM Past President James Schaub Meyer Choir; retired NBC news cor- Hogan in honor of the German Socie- who welcomed the attendees and respndent, James Maceda and Walter ty of Maryland’s continued ob- gave a brief history of the German Mathers, who initiated the memorial servance to keep alive the memory of Society of Maryland. Father Bruce observation for Henry Gunther ten Sgt. Henry Gunther. Lewandowski C.Ss.R., Pastor of The years ago. The guest speaker for the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic After the memorial service was Ranger Vince Church in Highlandtown where introduction of Vaise, a 26 year veter- Henry Gunther was a parishioner, guests, The Dan an of the U.S. Park gave the invocation. Meyer Choir sang Service who is current- “The Clock Ticks ly Chief of Visitor Ser- Down”, a song vices at National Capi- composed for the tal Parks East in event by Dan Mey- Washington D.C. He er about the bravery wore an authentic of Henry Gunther. World War I dough- Rev. H.J. Siegfried boy uniform complete Otto then asked with leggings and hel- everyone to join met. He enthralled the him in eleven sec- audience with his elo- Following the opening cere- onds of silence for quence as he gave a mony The Charles Carroll of Car- Sgt. Henry Gunther dynamic presentation th rollton Assembly’s Color Corp, 4 as a brass bell beginning with the life Degree of the Knights of Columbus mounted on a white marble cross was of German-Americans in Baltimore presented the Colors. Henry Gunther rung eleven times. prior to the United States’ entry into was a member of the Knights of Co- World War I. He then told about Director Wisch, who is also a lumbus, Santa Maria Council in Henry Gunther’s life, his trials and member of the Governor’s Maryland Highlandtown. The Dan Meyer tribulations during the Meuse-

Vereinsnachrichten Issue 112 January 2019 Pa ge 7

Argonne Campaign and his final act manamericanradio.com. The ob- viewed Director Wisch several of heroism for which he was posthu- servance to Henry Gunther was heard weeks before the ceremony and mously awarded the Distinguished and viewed live by several hundred told him The Sun would be doing Service Cross, people. The Ger- an article about our tribute to Hen- the second high- man Society of ry Gunther. She also interviewed est award given Maryland’s face Directors Ted Pottast and Rev. for bravery. book page had Siegfried Otto. The lengthy article Ranger Vaise’s nearly 4,000 appeared on page 1 of the Novem- th speech was in- viewers over the ber 10 edition of The Sun. terrupted at next 48 hours. Kathleen Cairns of Fox 45 eleven o’clock The entire event TV, produced a three minute cov- when nearby can still be erage of the commemoration which churches tolled watched by going was shown Sunday night during peace bells, to the website their 10:00 News broadcast. The which were germanamerican- telecast was posted on the Fox45 heard through- radio.com and TV website to be seen by thou- out the cemetery, in commemoration clicking on the event. It will remain on sands of viewers. of the end of World War I. the website indefinitely. F. Paul Galeone, Photogra- Following the guest speaker, James Maceda, a retired NBC phers had two photographers tak- Director Wisch asked Henry Gun- war correspondent , and his wife trav- ing candid photographs throughout ther’s great-niece, Carol Ann eled from their home in Boliqueime, the entire event. Photos may be “Gunther” Aikman to approach the Portugal to be with the German Society th purchased by going to Galeonecan- podium. She spoke of her great-uncle of Maryland for the 100 Anniversary dids.com and clicking on The Ger- and his other relatives who lived near Commemoration of Sgt. Henry Gun- man Society. ther’s death in World War I. Mr. Mace- Patterson Park. th da has written a play about Henry Gun- The Henry Gunther 100 Wreaths were Anniversary Commemora- placed at the grave of Sgt. tion provided possibly the Gunther from the Veteran most publicity in the histo- Corps Fifth Regiment In- ry of our Society. It was fantry, American Legion held on a beautiful day. Dept. of MD and Charles The sky was clear, the sun Carroll of Carrolton As- shown down warming eve- th sembly, 4 Degree Knights ryone and members and of Columbus. After the guests were all in an ex- laying of the wreaths, re- pansive mood. tired Army Master Ser- The Henry Gunther Com- geant Mark Elrod played memoration Committee Taps and the Dan Meyer consisted of Directors Bob Choir led everyone in sing- Wisch, Ted Potthast, Jim ing “God Bless America”. Schaub and BG Hall Rev. H.J. Siegfried Otto gave ther and recently completed a movie Worthington. the closing benediction and the colors script about Gunther. He said that a A special thanks is extend- were retired. movie will be made about Sgt. Henry ed to Deacon Bruce Hultquist, Di- The entire event was broad- Gunther within the next four years. rector of Redemptorist Cemeteries, cast live by Robert Mathers, a mem- Christina Tkacik, a reporter for who made our commemoration ber of our Society and station manag- the Baltimore Sun, contacted and inter- possible. er of the internet radio station ger-

Vereinsnachrichten Issue 112 January 2019 Pa ge 8

Join the German Society of Maryland APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP Name: ______Street Address:______City:______State:______Zip:______Spouse (Optional):______Phone:______Email:______Referred by:______“I hereby apply to be a member of the German Society of Maryland” Annual dues $25.00. Spouse included at no extra cost.. I wish my newsletter to be sent via email at the above email address: I wish my newsletter to be sent through US postage at the above postal address: Lifetime Membership: $250.00 Mail to: The German Society of Maryland P.O. Box 22585 Baltimore, Maryland 21203-4585

Upman-Continued from page –5- Women Writers.” She also continued to Techt Sgt. Phil Upman, volunteered write articles about events that honored She wrote articles that related to the their time, house and van for innumera- outstanding leaders in the field of German work of this excellent chapter. Then ble events sponsored by the German and about teachers who are experts in she was invited by Mohamed Esa, at Club and House at McDaniel College. specialized subjects that relate to teaching that time chapter president, to serve as She is an active member of the German German. Many of these articles have the chapter’s secretary and she held Society of Maryland and has served been published in “Amerika Woche,” a this position for many years. When two terms as the Secretary of the Board German language newspaper published in Mary decided to leave the German of Directors. She continues to help the the United States for a wide audience of program at North Carroll High School, German Society with proofreading and German-speaking people. In response to she passed it to Amy Dreibelbis, a updating the program script for the some of her articles, people wrote letters strong German teacher who had ma- annual banquet in November. Mary to thank her and she was gratified by this. jored in German at Western Maryland also continues to attend cultural and The letters that she received after writing College (now McDaniel College). musical events at McDaniel College. In about Elie Wiesel’s visit to McDaniel However, she continued to be an active her leisure time she plays the violin for College were especially pleasing to her. | member of the Maryland-DC Metro enjoyment and participates in small Since retiring from McDaniel Chapter of the AATG and to write concerts for her retirement community College, Mary has remained in touch with articles about the special events held at Carroll Lutheran Village in West- her colleagues in the World Languages by this chapter. minster. Department and attended some of their One half year later Mary ac- We commend Mary for her extracurricular activities. German- cepted a position to teach German on a loyal and tireless efforts to keep the American Day is a special event for her part-time basis at McDaniel College. German language strong and vital for because she has participated in it every During her seven and a half years there students and others who want to learn year for the twenty-four years of its exist- she taught two levels of German lan- more about German-American culture ence and she is looking forward to attend- guage courses, an advanced course in in Maryland. ing German-American Day’s twenty-fifth German for Reading Knowledge, and a anniversary. Mary and her late husband, course in English entitled “German

Pa ge 9 Vereinsnachrichten Issue 112 January 2019

The German Christmas German Parliament approves to spend 5.5 Billion Village Euros on Daycare by 2022 After a few years of attempting to set up something at the German Christmas Vil- Germany's upper and lower houses of overall goal is the improvement of lage at the Inner parliament on Friday December 14th ap- pedagogic care for children, accord- Harbor, we final- proved a law that will see 5.5 billion euros ing to Giffey's ministry. ly did it. We did (6.2 billion dollars) distributed to the Problems such as underinvestment, it as a German country's 16 states by 2022 to improve underpaid educators and a lack of Community, with daycare facilities for children. places have long dogged daycare many of the clubs The new law, drafted by Family Minister facilities in Germany. joining together Fraziska Giffey, comes into effect at the to staff the booth. start of 2019 and foresees some 500 mil- The new law is part of a drive to It was an ‘offer lion euros to be distributed to the states decrease the burden on working we couldn’t re- within the first year. parents and improve educational fuse’, when the standards that was agreed by the It is up to the states to determine how the market folks coalition government of Chancellor money should be spent as long as the came and offer us the spot. Angela Merkel. The market is well attended, especially in the evenings and on weekends. It gave us and the other clubs some good exposure time. The German Society had newslet- ters, membership applications and our Genealogy flyers, which became a ‘hot topic’ for many of our visitors. A special thanks to those within our Socie- ty that worked the booth: Bill & Eva Kelleher, Bill & Shelley Arnold, Anton Smoot, Shirley & Vito Santora, Linda, John and Zack Butt, Bernie Penner and Frank Meek. We did learn from this year and will be more prepared next year. When you get the call or the email to help man the booth, please take a time slot.

Welcome New Members

Christos Christou Jr. James Laisure Pamela Meil Joseph Gross Ivonne McGee Carl Roemer Alex Horneman John McGee Dorothy Roemer Christina Krieger Marc Meil Roslyn Sarshar

Send us your bio for a future issue. Send to and Jeremy is 16 years old and a junior at Bel Air High [email protected] School. He is taking German 3/4 at the moment. I have been with Harford County Schools for 27 years. I taught Dotti & Richard Bush German for 9 years at Joppatowne High before taking a My husband, few years off to be at home with my children. When Richard and I Jeremy entered kindergarten I returned to work with a GED program for students. The past ten years I have have been mar- worked in the Department of Special Education as a ried for 52 years Parent liaison helping parents with the IEP process and and have lived in connecting with community resources. AJ was diag- Baltimore all our nosed with autism at age 8 and my career path changed lives. We have to that of Special Education. one son, Drew. My love for German and the German culture Both of us are never waivered. When I was an undergraduate at the retired, Richard from the Baltimore City Fire De- College of Wooster I participated in a study abroad pro- partment and I from an Information Technology gram. In 1983 I spent 8 weeks in a beginning level of Company. Richard enjoys different art projects German at the Goethe-Institut in Bremen. I loved the such as making decoys, decorative carving and experience so much that I returned my senior year and working with wood in general. I enjoy my garden- took 2 more advanced levels. I spent 8 weeks at the ing and decorating the house during all the differ- Goethe-Institut in Bremen followed by a 8 week class in ent seasons, especially Christmas. Schwäbisch Hall. I flew home for graduation in May of 1984. I applied and received a Fulbright Scholarship to Being of German descent from both our teach English at the Bundesgymnasium Linz-Urfahr in mothers’ and fathers’ sides, we have been going to Austria for the following year. German festivals and local Oktoberfests for about I loved learning German and meeting the peo- 40 years. We loved the festivals because of the ple. I have so many fond memories of them. Four years “Gemütlichkeit”. When we first started going it ago I asked myself "what did I enjoy the most before would just be the two of us, but the setup of the Special Education?" The answer was German. I long tables allowed us to make new friends, some googled German services and Zion's contact information for just a day and some for a lifetime. About 30 given. years ago, the festivals prompted a genealogical I went on a Sunday and found the warmth and journey. Tracing our heritage back to Germany has kindness I experienced so many years ago during my left us with some great stories of our adventures as time in Germany and Austria. Since then I have joined we traipsed through cemeteries and traveled to the the German Society of Maryland, Baltimore Kickers National Archives. Here we touched the actual Club, Edelweiss Club and the Women's Auxiliary. I documents of Richard’s great-great-grandfather had taught summer adult German classes at the German who fought in the Civil War. Our ancestors came language school and loved it. My Jeremy volunteered from all over Germany: Bavaria, Hesse, Wurttem- last year in ten classes teaching the kindergarten class berg and Prussia. The ancestry search still contin- and had a wonderful time. ues today as we branch out our tree. In my spare time I love traveling, going to con- We now belong to 3 local German clubs certs or anything German and participating with Bill. I which have given us the opportunity to enhance have also enjoyed participating in the day trips and on our knowledge of the German culture, attend Ger- the trip to Boston. I love attending the German classes man language classes, meet new friends, learn taught by Eva Kelleher. I feel like I have found a sec- their stories, and travel to many different parts of ond home and family and am looking forward to many Germany where we can experience the different years to come. German regional cultures for ourselves. As for my German heritage, it dates back to my grandfather Kelm's parents. I am still searching for their Lori Ginley birthplace. I believe they lived in a town outside Berlin. I live in Harford County with my husband I feel very blessed with the friendship and kind- Bill ands our two sons, AJ and Jeremy. We have ness showed to me and my family in the German been married 27 years and are both originally from community. Buffalo, New York. AJ is 20 years old and is in his second year at Harford Community College

Vereinsnachrichten Issue 112 January 2019 Pa ge 11

A Christmas Memory-Tell me Yours

Shelley Arnold, Editor so special. On Christmas Eve, each deco- ration’s placement was contemplated with As Christmas was rapidly the strategy and thought of a chess move. approaching I found myself surfing, While he worked the tree, my Mom not on my phone or my computer, but worked her magic in the kitchen, prepar- surfing ing a feast with all of my favorite foods. through my memories. All these great memories, but my Fugitive favorite, both as a child and as a mother moments was the Christmas service at Church. It is from my something about getting dressed up in childhood your Sunday best (not done as often to- and when day) and going to church. As a child, we my three walked to the little church on the corner. children Things did not change much over the were small came flooding to the fore- years. As a child and as an adult with front. Memories of a five year old children it was the total joy of Christmas, that was in such awe of the Christmas hearing the story of the birth of Christ and tree so carefully decorated by her fa- singing the carols, always closing with Senior Members ther, the pure joy watching Silent Night, while feeling my small children rushing that warm and fulfilling down the stairs, rubbing their feeling of belonging. Dr. Armin Mruck holds the record eyes, knowing their hopes, So my question to at the GSM as our most senior feeling their anticipation, you is what is your favorite member, having joined the Society wishing their happi- Christmas memory? What in 1963, 55 short years ago. The ness…..and all that pretty traditions do you or did all-time record is held by Theodore much hinging on the big guy your family keep? Did you J. Potthast, Sr., who from 1940 until remembering our address. put shoes out for St. Nicho- his death in 1998 was our most sen- These memories las? Do your children know ior member. Ted, Sr., was elected Krampus/Rupprecht? Did sparked thoughts of to the GSM Board of Directors in you…yep, my German com- you make cookies with your Mom? What kind? 1942, the war years, and successful- munity family. What were ly served for 56 years as a director. your happiest memories? How many Do you decorate with Ted Potthast, Jr., joined in 1966 and of us, not first generation, grew up schwibbogen’s, pyramids, nutcrackers, with German traditions. What were smokers, etc. Tell me about it. Send me a is second among current members the traditions? After all, Germany is few lines and I will publish a page next with respect to seniority. Ted is still the Christmas capital…from the issue. It will only take a minute….and an active member and has been for Christmas markets to the food to the what fun you will have just thinking of the the past 52 years. Ted, Jr. has special Christmas decorations, what wonderful, warm and happy memories. served as President of the Society, did your family bring and keep as part Send to Shelley at [email protected] the GSM Treasurer and is a lifetime of their Christmas celebration? We all director. have a tree, but my Dad made the tree

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OFFICERS LIFETIME DIRECTORS OFFICE MANAGER Anton Smoot-President Shelley ‘Dolch’ Arnold Bärbel Otto Dr. James D. Schaub-1st VP John K. Aymold, Jr.* Past newsletters are posted on our website, www.germansociety-md.com, Linda Butt Shelley Arnold-2nd VP as is our history, Pioneers in Service’. Dr. David Denisch Maureen Helinski-Secretary Prof. Dr. Mohamed Esa For more German-American happenings check the website for the Theodore Potthast-Treasurer Deutschamerikanischer Bürgerverein von Maryland at Brigitte V. Fessenden* DIRECTORS www.md-germans.org or www.GermanMarylanders.org. Dr. Maureen Helinski Zachary Butt Prof. Dr, Armin Mruck This newsletter is published by The German Society of Maryland, Kraig Dean founded in 1783 and incorporated in 1818 by an Act of the General Michael J. Nieberding* Assembly of Maryland. It is a non-profit, tax exempt corporation Lynette Dean Betty Niemann pursuant to the provisions of §501c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Steven Harper Rev. H.J.Siegfried Otto * Please submit articles or items of interest to Gerhard Meinzer Paul Gerhard Otto Shelley Arnold, Editor at [email protected] Anton Smoot Bernard Penner, Esq. Robert Wisch Theo. J. Potthast, Jr.,Esq.* The German Society of Maryland Elizabeth K. Wittstadt Shirley Santora Gen. M. Hall Worthington Dr. James Schaub* Visit us on the web P.O. Box 22585 Dr. Mary Upman EX OFFICIO Baltimore, Maryland 21203-4585 www.germansociety-md.com President- Women’s Auxiliary Christel van der Berg 410-685-0450 Dr. Maureen Helinski, Webmaster Thomas A. Werner* Email: [email protected] Eva Maus Kelleher Hon. Gerard W. Wittstadt

* = past president