The German American Societies
Of San Diego, Inc.
Spring- Summer Newsletter 2014 www.germanclubsandiego.org ~ www.OktoberfestElCajon.com
Spring-Summer Schedule at a Glance
April 26 Intern. Heritage Dance
May 7 Club Membership Meeting
May 18 Choir Spring Concert
June 7 Anniversary Ball
August 23 Sommerfest- Open House Time Info for the above pg. 23
2014 Oktoberfest Last weekend in Sept. First weekend in Oct. Friday-Sat. & Sunday
May 11 Happy Mother’s Day ! June 15 Happy Father’s Day !
Prince Karl and Princess Christina, also our Junior Prince Ryan and Junior Princess Mary. We thank you for a tremendous Karneval Season 2013-14. Again, we are very proud of what was accomplished and we fondly will remember you, the entire Karneval group, and the fun we all had! Spring - Summer Newsletter 2014: DIRECTORY German American Societies of San Diego, Inc. 1017 S. Mollison Ave., El Cajon, Ca. 92020-7614 619-442-6637 Website: www.germanclubsandiego.org email: [email protected]
CONTACT : Office Manager / Business Manager Heidi Williams Club Office 619-442-6637 fax 619-442-6611 home office 619-445-2549 cell 619-208-1148
Clubhouse Manager: Brian (Willie) Williams clubhouse direct 619-442-6638 cell 619-208-1682
EDITORIAL STAFF
Editor Heidi Williams 619.445.2549 Membership Chairperson Heidi Williams 619.445.2549 Damenkreis Heidi Williams 619.445.2549 Oktoberfest Chairperson Mike Anderson 619.390.9793 Germania Choir Frauke Kuo 619.498.3898 Skat Players Eddie Scheumann 858.279.0729 Karneval Commissioner Lana Fauskin 619.440.4767 Willie’s Volunteer Crew Willie Williams 619.208.1682 2013-14 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Marianna Roberts Wendel Jenkins Karl Ulle Marianne Kendall Norma Paul Heidi Williams Olga Tietz President 1st Vice President 2nd Vice President Secretary Treasurer Business Manager Publ. Director Office Manager Membership chair Our long-time club member,
Irmgard (Irmchen) Blauser, ( left ) Monika Parme, G.A.S. Ambassador, ( right ) can be found at all club functions like Galas, Club Dinner Dances, Karneval events, Choir Concerts, assists Heidi Williams, Business Manager, with her Oktoberfest and the Open House -Sommerfest. assignments at the club, office and field service. If She takes photos of activities, members and you have questions and need help, please email: guests. We thank Irmchen very much for her talent Heidi Williams : [email protected] or and dedication. If you want to order YOUR pictures, Monika Parme : [email protected] Monika, I thank you for your support, HW please call her at 619-466-0229
CLUB HOUSE RULES The following rules and regulations have been established to ensure that everyone using the club and property has the responsibility to preserve our beautiful facility now and for years to come. ABC restriction: No alcohol will be allowed to be brought into the club at any event, hall rental or meetings. Also, alcohol served from our bar can only be consumed inside the club house . At no time (except Oktoberfest and Open House) can glasses with alcohol be carried outside into our beer garden (not parking lot area). Cigarettes must be extinguished outside in appropriate containers. No gum chewing allowed in the building. No shoe or foot powder allowed in the building (dance floor) Club staff members are not responsible for any personal belongings left unattended and left behind in the facility.
PUBLICATION POLICY The publicity department of the G.A.S. is responsible for the bulletin’s contents and reserves the right to edit or refuse all articles and advertisements submitted for publication.
If you move, PLEASE inform us of your new address! If you change your email address, PLEASE let us know!
Advertisement : Nominal Type Setting and Artwork by Request
Business Card annually $100.00 Half Page annually $ 240.00 Quarter Page annually $140.00 Full Page annually $ 340.00
2 Spring - Summer Newsletter 2014: MESSAGE from the PRESIDENT & EDITOR
Our club was founded in 1965 and we can be so proud that after all these years we can still celebrate and present our German Heritage as is laid out in our By-Laws by having German taught at our club, by presenting cultural events like our recent Heimatabend and our incredible Oktoberfest, by having a German Choir, a Damenkreis (at which meetings we only speak German), our fabulous Karneval Group and our Skat Players. It takes a lot of volunteers to put all of this together and while our numbers are shrinking, we are extremely lucky to still have very dedicated and hard -working people to hold it all together. Once again a heartfelt THANK YOU to all of you wonderful volunteers. We greeted the New Year with a beautiful party at our club. As usual, the decorations and Marianna Roberts ambiance of the evening were fabulous. It has become a lovely tradition for many if us to spend the last President day of the year with our friends dancing the evening away. Can you believe it’s 2014 already? Where does the time go? Karneval got going in January and we spend a fun weekend in Las Vegas. Our ever so fabulous Prince and Princess made sure that everyone had a great time. The Kinder Dance Group is incredibly cute - but then all of the performances, that are offered by that group , are outstanding. Yeah, Karneval! Willie is still recuperating from his fall and the following heavy bleeding on his brain. It looked like he would be ok until his legs gave out and he had to be hospitalized. The Doctors cut 4 holes into his scull to let the blood drain. He is feeling better and we wish him and Ron a fast recovery. Our dear Ron, another one of Willie’s group, fell off a ladder and ended up with a broken hip. He is still on a cane but both guys are back working at the club…you can’t keep good people down. Thank you, gentlemen, for all your dedication. On the second Saturday in April we spend a lovely evening with Andy, a German TV star who works also out of Las Vegas, entertaining us with beautiful old and new songs. He is quite the entertainer and we all enjoyed his great performance immensely. He loved our club and wants' to be back next year in April …... Make sure you always look at the event calendar on pg. 23 of this newsletter to be up to date on what is going on. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon at one of our lovely evenings at the club and most important at our Anniversary Ball ! Mit vielen Grüßen, Marianna
Editor’s Message After a long winter, we hope that you are enjoying yourself and will toast to the beginning of
Spring at the second annual International Heritage Ball, hosted by the German American So- cieties on Saturday, April 26th. ! ! ! ! ! The German American Societies’ mission is to unite Germans, and other nationalities, interested in our culture, through various activities. However, it is also important to note that the German Societies heritage reaches beyond their own community. It unites people of different nations through their love of music, dance, and culture. We always state before Heidi Williams each event: "You don't have to be German to celebrate with us, for everyone is welcome." Editor As we progress further into 2014, we wish to highlight how thankful we are to all who help make our club thrive. It is this kind of support that we need in order to continue our mission, organ- ize future events in honor of our German heritage, as well as keeping the contact with donations to Ger- man Schools and German College departments alive. We also like to participate at functions in our sur- rounding community, like the El Cajon Friendship Festival now called : “America on Main Street”; the an- nual celebration at the Balboa Park’s Museum of Man, the International Fair at the Riverview School in Lakeside and the high school in Chula Vista, or Youth Theater and Kinder Choir presentations at the Ein- stein Academy-San Diego. They, and the Rasselbande Kindergarten, love to come to our club to celebrate Karneval with us or entertain our members and guests at our Christmas parties. So does our own Kinder- tanzgruppe on various occasions throughout the year.
As the Membership Chairperson, I want to thank 1/4 of our members for sending the membership renewal for the year 2014-15 ON TIME! Since the rest forgot, please find a friendly reminder inside this bulletin. We thank you in advance for your response. We really received more donations than usual: how nice! I will announce the overall statistic at our upcoming membership meeting on May 7th. The new, pre-paid membership cards will be passed out at the clubhouse entrance at that time and the rest will be sent by mail. Thank you for your continued loyalty. With warm greetings to all, Heidi 3
THIS AND THAT in the
El Cajon News
“The International Friendship Festival” coming back as America on Main Street
We are in the planning stages of El Cajon’s America on Main Street, scheduled for June 14, 2014, from 10:00am – 10:00pm. It will be located in downtown El Cajon on Main Street and Rea Avenue. This new signature event will celebrate the American spirit with two stages, children’s interactive attractions, booths, and hoping for a Naturalization Cere- mony and street soccer tournament. We would also like to feature entertainment, food, craft and display booths from our ethnic communities. We are expecting 30,000 people to attend this one day event and we are hoping you will be a special part of it. This patriotic event celebrates our rich ethnic diversity which makes our country strong. We will be having our first community organizational meeting on Monday, September, 30 at 5:30 pm at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 East Douglas Avenue. It will be a meeting to discuss the plans for the event and invite participation from the community. Our goal is to get many of our previous International Friendship Festival participants to return; we are happy that you agreed to join us. Sara Ramirez, Director of Recreation, City of El Cajon and Michele Sawaya, Special Events Coordinator P.S. Welcome on Board! We are very happy to announce that once again the German American Societies will be part of this event as a food vendor
The board decided this year to sponsor Kylena Parks, who so beautifully sang our National Anthem at the October- fest for many years, on the invitation she received from Salzburg, Austria, to continue her studies in Opera music. She will spend her summer there, hopefully finding the time to be able to travel around that beautiful area also. She is quite an accomplished young lady with a beautiful voice and a wonderful stage presents. The evening turned out to be quite memorable as she presented songs from Opera and Musicals. She was extremely grateful for the sponsorship and hopefully will be able to entertain us with her voice for many years to come!
Want to drop them a line? Who remembers our wonderful members: Otto and Poldi Here is their address: Guess what!: Otto celebrated his 100th Birthday on Februar 22 this year! Good Samaritan I wish we would have known that earlier ! Retirement Home So here are our belated Birthday wishes as we all sing: 1515 Jamacha Way El Cajon, California 92019 ♫ ♫ Happy Birthday dear Otto ……….♫ ♫ or (619) 590-1515 ♫ ♫ Hoch soll er leben...hoch soll er leben...drei mal hoch! ♫ ♫
Talking about years going by so fast…it seems that we just celebrated New Year’ Eve and here we are: A few weeks ago , still in March, Mike Anderson notified the Oktoberfest Committee to attend their first Oktoberfest meeting. OMG…...we are already planning our highlight of the year, the G.A.S. Oktoberfest 2014! And, of course, we are very ex- cited to start preparing the best and most authentic Oktoberfest ever ! At our “Sommerfest-Open House” on August 22nd, you can add your name to our volunteer list . Just remember, we can’t do it without you! HW
4
THIS AND THAT in the
On behalf of Cub Scout Pack 362, I'd like to thank the German American Societies for the use of their club- house for our annual Blue and Gold Dinner. This event, which took place the afternoon of Sunday, February 23rd, is a celebration of "bridging," wherein our Webelos Cub Scouts cross over into the world of Boy Scouts. Cub Scouts and families took part in this ceremonial dinner event, and were impressed once again with the way the clubhouse was set up and decorated, the ample parking, and the hospitality of Heidi and the rest of the club. We had 100 adults and scouts in attendance Pack 362 is a local Cub Scout Pack, with most members coming from the El Cajon, La Mesa, and Rancho San Diego areas and schools. Many members of Pack 362 attend other festivities from the G.A.S., including the Oktoberfest. Cubmaster Chris and the rest of his adult leadership staff, really appreciate the generosity of the G.A.S. in allowing us to use the facility. Thanks again, Donald Hofstee, Committee Chairmen — Pack 362 ################## Dear Heidi, dear German American Society, With this letter I would like to thank you sincerely for your generous support, which made it possible to welcome the world famous “Kiepenkasper”, a hand puppet player from Germany on 11 January 2014. He started of his USA tour at the German Pacific School in San Diego. Not just students from the German Pacific School San Diego enjoyed the two plays with the “Kasper” and its friends, but also guests from the entire San Diego county area, guests from Los Angeles and even Turkey had traveled to the Claire- mont based German Pacific School in order to experience this unique performance. The weather was outstanding, so children and adults were able to interact with the “Kiepenkasper” in the beautiful courtyard of the school. Thank You, Heidi and “The German American Societies”, Sincerely, Anke Byrne, President German Pacific School ##################
Polonez Dance Company 25th Anniversary Ball A formal ball to celebrate 25 years of Polonez Dance Company, a group dedicated to promo- ting traditional Polish culture and folk dances in San Diego. The event featured performances by Polonez as well as live music and entertainment by PerViVo, DJ Jack, Nasza Muzyka, and Quartet Sober Blues Band. A formal dinner and re- freshments were served. A group of members of the German American Societies enjoyed this delightful event and we all are looking forward to have these talented polish dancers perform at our International Heritage Ball this month on April 26. Please, don't miss it!
################## Oh, Norman Rockwell, eat your heart out! By photographer/author Eldonna Lay A moment-in-time, captured at the El Cajon branch of the German- American Societies of San Diego during its Octoberfest. Eldonna Lay – formerly a board member for the City of El Cajon’s Sister Cities Organi- zation: city of Sulzfeld. It will be one of several photographs highlighting the City’s rich diversity of cultures in its Centennial re-publication of an extended Valley of Opportunity; the History of El Cajon. The original 153 -page volume, commissioned in 1987 for the City’s 75th anniversary, will contain an additional seventy-plus pages and dozens more photos of local history over the last 25 years. The moment above, featuring Karl Ulle, Shirley Esson and Hans Klindt will be among them. The book will be available in the late Spring of 2014. “Confrontations like this are universal,” Lay says. “Everyone remembers experiencing the exasperation, the surprise, and/or the de- light visible on the faces of these three exceptionally attractive peo- ple. I’m betting that this will be one of the most popular photographs in the entire book. Others will also highlight the rich diversity of cultures and events within our East County community. 5 Spring-Summer Newsletter 2014 / Please read this bulletin, thank you! SUNSHINE COMMITTEE We would like to provide members of the Deutscher Gottesdienst G.A.S. with warm and sincere wishes at times First Lutheran Church San Diego of illness and grief by sending a greeting card. This can only function if club members and Third & Ash Street friends notify us. Please don't hesitate to leave 15:00 Uhr, letzter Sonntag im Monat a message at the club office (619)442-6637 or Für Nähere Informationen 858-452-9797
get in touch with our Sunshine Lady. Im Februar feierten wir in Dankbarkeit das Tillie O'Haver 55-jährige Jubiläum unserer deutschen (619)596-7745 Gottesdienste in San Diego. Sie wurden mit We would like to welcome more einem Weihnachtsgottesdienst 1958 von Sunshine Ladies to assist Tillie, Pastor Kohls und seiner lieben Frau Lottie visiting needy members, putting begonnen und jahrelang von ihnen weiter- happy moments into their lives geführt…….
and seeing that smile! A knock Während des März Gottesdienstes hatten on the door announcing a visit, wir de Freude, den Handglockenchor von just a little flower bouquet, a trip to the store, der Ascension Lutheran Church bei uns begrüßen zu dür- an outing to the park, holding hands or just a fen unter der Leitung von Dr. John Howard. Es war few words over a cup of coffee ….all that can wunderschön! mean the world to someone lonely! Unser nächster deutscher Gottesdienst wird am 27. April um 3 Uhr stattfinden. For this “out-in-the-field-service” we can give Im Mai fällt der Gottesdienst auf den 25. , auch um 3 Uhr. you addresses and directions, also reimburse Nach jedem Gottesdienst bleiben wir noch etwas zusam- you for expenses. Please call the club office men für unsere gewohnte Kaffeestunde. Bitte bringen Sie and leave a message. dafür etwas Gebäck mit! Für Kaffee und Tee sorgen I will contact you, Heidi Williams Elsbeth und Birgitt.
DIANA CULVER
California Certified Florist The team: Certified Balloon Artist Brigitte, Elsbeth, All occasion floral arrangements Gabi, Balloon bouquets and décor Pastor Karin Gourmet baskets & plant gardens Wedding and special events Rental linens & chair covers Fundraising opportunities www.deutschekirchesandiego.com/topics/newsletter
Mention this ad and get 20% off your order or Please notify Pastor Karin (760) 798-7130 when: Free delivery of $40 or more! - You, or someone you know, is in the hospital - You, or someone you know, want to plan a www.fleurdlisflowers.com (bi-lingual) baptism, wedding, or celebration Place your order today: 619.857.5051 - A club or church member, family member, or
someone you know dies Editors addition : Diana is the daughter of Rosa who - You, or someone you know, is ill or grieving lives in the little house on the club property and takes such good care of our clubhouse. Diana is thankful that If possible, we want to include you in our prayers, her mother is in good hands with us. To say ’thank you’ arrange for pastoral visits, and announce she is decorating our clubhouse hall with flowers for all information to the congregation, when Anniversary Balls for free! We enjoy her gift and are appropriate. very appreciative ! Karin Boye, Pastorin Please consider her business when you have an order
6 Spring - Summer Newsletter 2014 / Christmas Season at the German American Societies
OUR OWN German American Societies Kindertanzguppe!!
Albert Einstein Kinder Chor
Santa….is coming to town ♫ To every ones excitement, he came with presents to all the children at the German Ameri- can Societies. It was so much fun! Thank you, Santa !
2013 Christmas -Snow Dance Performance at the German American Societies
7 Spring - Summer Newsletter 2014 / Annual Heimatabend - 12. April 2014
Celebrating our German Heritage with German TV star Andy Hocema : www.andy-musik.com/html/hitparade.html
Dear Heidi, Hede and I want to thank you for arranging the “ Heimat - abend” last Saturday. It really was a “Heimatabend” with the well known songs. Andy did a great job. It was especially nice to see so many of the faces of the German American Club members which we have not seen at the recent functions. Everyone I talked to had a great evening. What more can you want, GREAT MUSIC, GREAT FOOD AND GOOD COMPANY Hope this will become a yearly tradition. We would love to see “Andy” again. Joachim and Hede Wolff
Thank you for these lovely comments and, yes, we will have Andy performing for us again in the near future at one of our annual Heimatabende. I started those in April 2007 & look forward to have programs like that to offer for many years to come! Hopefully, everyone who missed to attend and couldn't enjoy last Saturday, has a chance to come next time. HW
8 Spring - Summer Newsletter 2014 / KARNEVAL
Note from Our Prinz Karl and Prinzessin Christina at Season’s End 2014
Christina and I attended the Karneval in Chicago on March 1, 2013 put on by K.G. Rheinischer Verein Chicago 1890. Despite temperatures in the teens and snow it was a great event attended by 400-500 people throughout the region. It also brought together the GAMGA Prinzenpaar and the Kansas City Prinzenpaar.
We were very impressed with their Verein Fanfaren Corps which is a very large drum and bugle corps that played during the entrance and throughout the evening. The con- stant question that we received while we were there was why we would leave warm San Diego to come to the col- Prinz Karl and Prinzessin Christina der climes of Chicago. We would always respond that we wanted to see how they do Karneval around the country.
What we came away with from all the different clubs was how large and well organized our own club is. Our Prinzengarde, Elferrat and Kavalier groups were larger than all the groups we saw this year. Also our events were very well organized. This stems from all the advanced planning that everyone in our group participates in. Christina and I would like to thank everyone for a great season.
Karneval’s Annual Yard Sale Is Coming We need your donations
Monday Evenings Tuesdays and Thursdays Midday German-American Societies’ Clubhouse 1017 S Mollison Ave El Cajon, CA 92020 …or… We can pick up items – even big items!!
For More Info or for pick up : Claudia or Mark Jensen
(619) 443-7001 [email protected]
Sale to be held 13-15 June
9 Spring-Summer Newsletter 2014 / KARNEVAL As you read this spring newsletter, the 2013 -2014 Karneval season is becoming another treasured memory for many of us. Prinz Karneval is “buried” and Lumpenball is behind us. Hopefully you were able to partake in the merriment and have your own trove of memories. For those that couldn’t, there will be next year and while a newsletter page can never do a Karneval season justice, here are a few of this year’s highlights. The highlight of each season is the GAMGA Gala held in Las Vegas. This event, coordinated by the German-American Mardi Gras Association offers a weekend of Karneval pageantry and festivity but perhaps more importantly, provides the chance to socialize with members of other clubs from across the U.S. and Canada. It is here that long time friendships are renewed; ideas garnered for events back home; visits to other clubs scheduled and next year’s event planned. Friday and Saturday evening’s activ- ity were centered in the main ball room and consisted of formal club introductions, Karneval performances and danc- ing to the music of the Bluebirds. Evenings were capped by hosted parties put on by many of the participating clubs. Not surprisingly, “pacing” one’s self is key to getting through the weekend. This year, as in years past, the “must at- tend” event was the adjacent affairs hosted by Anaheim and San Diego on Saturday night and stretching into the wee hours of Sunday morning. Visits to or having guests from other clubs is always something special. Our hero themed Karneval weekend early in February exemplified why we look forward to these visits. Saturday evening’s event featured a full house and program with visitors representing GAMGA, the Limburgse, Schwarz-Rot-Gold San Jose, the Las Vegas Vagabonds, and Anaheim KG (Phoenix Club). Performances and skits by several of the clubs, a costume contest, dancing and a lively atmosphere ensured a memorable evening for us and our visitors. The months of practice and attention to detail by the performers were evident on this eve- ning of with so many impressive performances on display. The excitement would certainly have kept the party going until well into the morning had not many of the participants faced full day of Kinderkarneval beginning the next morning with San Diego and Anaheim groups plus a special Rasselbande Pre- school teacher-student event. Regardless the guests and the exceptional time had on Saturday, it would be hard not to con- clude that Sunday’s Kinderkarneval exceeded all expectations and stole the show. The club house was filled to the point of overflowing. Prinz Ryan and Prinzessin Mary were absolutely exemplary and their Prinzen- garde continue to develop in skill and grace. Sadly, Karneval, like so many good things, has its time and its season. And so, on Ash Wednesday our 2013– 2014 season was brought to a close with Elferrat Prȁsident Mark Jensen surrendering his ceremonial bell and chain to club vice-president Wendel Jenkins and Prinz Karl Becker returning his scepter. With a light-hearted reference to his two sequential reigns, Prinz Karl’s season was ended with Karnevalisten driving a stake through his heart. Fortunately, the stake was telescoping and made of cardboard so we can look forward to seeing Karl next year. as the season fades, a few impressions that stick with me: In a conversation at Las Vegas, Heidi Davis of the Phoenix Club was describing the constructive competition that occurs amongst the girls of their Kinder Tanzgruppe. Spe- cifically, she related a story of how girls in their youth group watched the adult Prinzengarde and set on imitating and then trying to surpass what they see. Several weeks later, the week immediately after our joint Kinderkarneval event with Anaheim, I was at a practice session of our Kinder Prinzengarde. And as the girls were getting set to practice, I couldn’t help but note several of them attempting some of the more difficult dance moves they had seen Anaheim’s exceptionally talented Tanzmariechen perform the previ- ous weekend. This was the exactly the sort of constructive influence Heidi had been describing and to my way of see- ing things, bodes well for the future of our own group. With the girls interest thus piqued, Tanja, Claudia and the other dance coordinators are stepping up to the challenge of presenting the older girls more challenging routines. 10 Spring-Summer Newsletter 2014 / KARNEVAL
And speaking of the future, continuity, change and the future of Karneval; over the season I have heard the comment made that Karneval has changed – that’s it’s somehow different than it was. Indeed, it has changed, it continues to change but I think we should view this predomi- nantly as a good thing, not as a problem. Karneval has changed by virtue of changes in membership and we all felt the loss of long time members Birgitt Meeder and Fred Ferino last year. We have also seen other long time Karneval stalwarts reduce their level of participation. But at the same time, there are many new faces and growth in active membership. For the first time in more than a decade, the Prinzen- garde has reached a size that the limits of our dance floor has become an issue. For the first time in more than a dec- ade, the Elferrat is squeezed by the size of our stage. And if there is any one example highlighting growth and a fu- ture, it is the Kinderkarneval. So with the change and regeneration in active membership, is it any surprise to see some change in the organization’s personality? And there is a second reason we see change – the simple passage of time. While still rooted in the Karneval of the Rhein region, there are changes in emphasis and style with new Karnevalisten in San Diego as well as in Germany. Where this leads, I believe, is to reinforce the central traditions that make this season special while at the same time allowing for change reflecting various tastes and preferences – the change one expects in a healthy, living, growing organization with a future.
H H E E L L L L A A U U
A A L L A A A A F F
11 Spring-Summer Newsletter 2014: Karneval at the German-American Heritage Museum
How is the German American Societies of San Diego, Inc. connected with the American Heritage Foundation?
The G.A.S. is a supporter and is holding a Silver Membership with an annual membership due of $ 200.00 Also, it is in favor of the new German Karneval Exhibit and a financial donor to this great project.
The German-American Heritage Museum of the USA highlights the history of German immigration and migration across the United States via various exhibitions and events, while at the same time introducing modern Germany to an American audience. Located in downtown DC, it serves as both a local community center as well as a national home for German- Americans across the country, but—can you explain the fascination with the number 11? Where yelling “Kölle Alaaf” will show you’re in the right spirit, versus where “Helau” is the appropriate call? The intricacies of Karneval, evolved over centuries in the primarily Catholic regions of Germany, can seem baffling at first. To learn about these fascinating traditions, however, you no longer need to go to Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Mainz. In- stead, head to the German-American Heritage Museum in DC’s Chinatown for the new exhibit “German Karneval—Then and Now”, on display until April 12 or celebrate Karneval at your local club……. The exhibit—the first of its kind in North America—is the first organized by the new executive director of the GAHM, Petra Schürmann. At a recent interview in downtown DC, she related the intense effort that went into preparing the exhibit since she took on her new role in January, and why she believes it’s the perfect subject for the museum now. “Nobody knows German Karneval in the US—that it started in the 13th century,” Schürmann said. Few Americans are aware, for instance, that there are two big categories of Karneval—the Aleman-Swabian form, celebrated in Germany’s Southwest; and the Rhineland variety, native to Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Mainz—and that regional revelries further dis- tinguish between Fasching, Fastnacht, Fasnet, and Karneval. In the US, GAMGA and its 17 member were instrumental in reaching out to people who care about preserving the traditions of German Karneval : “ALAAF and HELLAU ! ” HW 12 A lot of people aren’t aware that German is the largest ancestral group in U.S.A.
The U.S., first populated by Native Americans, re- discovered by Europeans and colonized under the flags of the Spanish, English and French, is now filled with Germans. More than half of the nation’s 3,143 counties con- tain a plurality of people who describe themselves as German-American, according to a Bloomberg compilation of data from the Census Bureau’s 2010 American Community Survey. The number of Ger- man- Americans rose by 6 million during the last decade to 49.8 million
“A lot of people aren’t aware that German is the largest ancestral group in the country,” said Don Heinrich Tolzmann, a Cincinnati author who wrote “The German-American Experience.” “It’s an eye- opener, and it’s something that’s commonly over- looked.” While Hispanics and Asians make up the fastest- growing segments of the U.S. population, the in- crease in those identifying themselves as German- American underscores the nation’s European immi- grant roots. It also reflects the use of new ancestry-tracking tools, a longing for identity and a surge in ethnic pride after the Berlin Wall fell in 1989 .
Germans have been immigrating in significant numbers to the U.S. since the 1680s, when they settled in New York and Pennsylvania. The bulk of German immigrants arrived in the mid- 19th century; they’ve been the nation’s pre- dominant ethnic group since at least the 1980 census.
Cultivating Identity “The more homogenized our society becomes, the more we see some people seeking to differentiate themselves by forming distinct personal identities,” Redding wrote in an e-mail. “For those who can find Germanic family tradi- tions somewhere in their past, it can be personally fulfilling to cultivate that aspect of one’s life.” The 49.8 million German-Americans are more than triple the 14.7 million Asians counted in the 2010 census. Bloomberg’s county-by-county analysis broke down the Hispanic and Asian populations into subgroups by national origin, with Mexican- Americans and Chinese-Americans making up the largest share of their respective groups. Americans of German descent top the list of U.S. ethnic groups, followed by Irish, 35.8 million; Mexican, 31.8 mil- lion; English, 27.4 million; and Italian, 17.6 million, the census shows.
Census figures show German-Americans are slightly older and better-educated than the general population, with one-third having a bachelor’s degree or higher. More than 85 percent live in the same place as they did in 2009, and 40 percent are employed in management, business, science or the arts. Pennsylvania has the largest population of German-Americans and is home to one of the group’s original settle- ments, Germantown in 1683. The state has 3.5 million people claiming German ancestry -- more than in Berlin. Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh, has 348,979 German-Americans, according to the census.
Interesting: At least three-dozen Texas communities celebrated Oktoberfest last year, said Warneke, of the Ger- man-Texan Heritage Society in Austin. A spring Germanfest in Muenster, a town of 1,544, drew almost 30,000 visi- tors, she said. To contact the editor responsible for this story: Flynn McRoberts in Chicago at [email protected]
To mention our local success: The most traditional and fun Oktoberfest in our area is offered annually on two three-day weekends at “The German American Societies of San Diego” in El Cajon with thousands of enthusiastic guests attending every day and every year. Come and see for yourself ! HW 13 Spring-Summer Newsletter 2014 / Birgitt Meeder……...We will always miss her!
It is over three month ago, but the German American Societies ( Karneval, Oktoberfest Committee, Damenkreis and Choir is still mourning the loss of their dear friend and fellow Committee Member, Birgitt Meeder. Thank you, Birgitt, for all your help, support, and especially, the wonderful memories over many years! Birgitt was a beautiful person, inside and out! She's still is in our hearts and that's how she'll live on. We will always miss her… HW
Birgitt, Meeder (Abel) EL CAJON-- The family and friends of Birgitt are grieving the loss of a beloved friend, mother, Omi and Mimi at the age of 71 on December 26th, 2013. Born in Soest, Germany on August 25th 1942 to the late Heinrich Josef Abel and Berta Klementine Timpte. She married the late Herbert Franz Maria on December 29th, 1961. Together they immigrated to the U.S, settling in a house in El Cajon where she raised her family and lived until her passing. In the early 80s, she worked at Crawford High School. While there, she made many life- long friendships that she held very dear. She had a passion for her heritage and worked countless volunteer hours at the German American Societies. Without her tireless efforts, many of the programs would not be what they are today. Birgitt is survived by her partner Hans Klindt, her children; son Herbert (Jennifer) with Ian, daughter Claudia (Mark) with Amber, Scott and Kirsten with Ellie, son Stefan (Debbie) with Stefanie and daughter Birgitta (Steven Herbert). A celebration of life was held on January 25th 2014 at 3pm at the German American Societies at 1017 S. Mollison Ave, El Cajon
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14 Spring-Summer Newsletter 2014 / DID YOU KNOW?????????
A Simple Pineapple INTERESTING !
Most have no idea the pineapple you pick up at the grocery store had a fascinating story.
The pineapple is a member of the bromeliad family. It is extremely rare that bromeliads produce edible fruit. The pineapple is the only available edible bromeliad today.
It is a multiple fruit. One pineapple is actually made up of dozens of individual floweret's that grow together to form the entire fruit. Each scale on a pineapple is evidence of a separate flower.
Pineapples stop ripening the minute they are picked. No special way of storing them will help ripen them further. Color is relatively unimportant in determining ripeness. Choose your pineapple by smell. If it smells fresh, tropical and sweet, it will be a good fruit.
The more scales on the pineapple, the sweeter and juicier the taste.
After you cut off the top, you can plant it. It should grow much like a sweet potato will.
This delicious fruit is not only sweet and tropical; it also offers many benefits to our health. Pineapple is a remarkable fruit.
We find it enjoyable because of its lush, sweet and exotic flavour, but it may also be one of the most healthful foods available today. If we take a more detailed look at it, we will find that pineapple is valuable for easing indigestion, arthritis or sinusitis.
The juice has an anthelmintic effect; it helps get rid of intestinal worms.
Let's look at how pineapple affects other conditions.
Pineapple is high in manganese, a mineral that is critical to development of strong bones and connective tissue. A cup of fresh pineapple will give you nearly 75% of the recommended daily amount.
It is particularly helpful to older adults, whose bones tend to become brittle with age.
Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme, is the key to pineapple's value. Proteolytic means "breaks down protein", which is why pineapple is known to be a digestive aid. It helps the body digest proteins more efficiently. Bromelain is also considered an effective anti-inflammatory.
Regular ingestion of at least one half cup of fresh pineapple daily is purported to relieve painful joints common to osteoarthritis. It also produces mild pain relief.
In Germany, Bromelain is approved as a post-injury medication because it is thought to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Orange juice is a popular liquid for those suffering from a cold because it is high in Vitamin C. Fresh pineapple is not only high in this vitamin, but because of the Bromelain, it has the ability to reduce mucous in the throat. If you have a cold with a productive cough, add pineapple to your diet. It is commonly used in Europe as a post- operative measure to cut mucous after certain sinus and throat operations.
Those individuals who eat fresh pineapple daily report fewer sinus problems related to allergies. In and of itself, pineapple has a very low risk for allergies.
Pineapple is also known to discourage blood clot development. This makes it a valuable dietary addition for frequent fliers and others who may be at risk for blood clots.
An old folk remedy for morning sickness is fresh pineapple juice. It really works! Fresh juice and some nuts first thing in the morning often make a difference.
It's also good for a healthier mouth. The fresh juice discourages plaque growth.
15 Spring - Summer Newsletter 2014 / PLEASE HELP US SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS
R B R, Inc. The Living Room,
Custom Designed Catering 5900 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego Beat Wick, owner Tel 619 286 8434
[email protected] www.livingroomcafe.com
We offer full-size catering, from intimate gourmet dinners sandiegoprezel.com at your home, to full-service corporate events, wed- dings, birthday parties or family gatherings. Enjoy PRETZELS at the Oktoberfest and Our European training and world-wide culinary experience “Open House“ at the makes us your perfect partner when you are hosting a culi- nary event. German American Societies / El Cajon We make our own delicate pastries and cakes, and are one of the proud suppliers of the varieties of pastries you enjoy at dances and the yearly Oktoberfest at the German Club of El Cajon. When you call, please ask for “Beat”.
Friday & Sat. Evening Group & Family Dinner Special
PleaseSunday call for Brunch: reservation Frühschoppen! 16 Spring-Summer Newsletter 2014 / PLEASE HELP US SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS
Serving San Diego and East County since 1988
FRAUKE KUO
Interpreting/Translating German-English / English-German
Telephone & Fax (619)498-3898 [email protected]
______Home and Business IT Support
Thomas Struss Tel: 858.736.5977 Web: www.sealinesd.com Email: [email protected]
17 Spring-Summer Newsletter 2014 / PLEASE HELP US SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS
Some of our club members have known Dr. Ruiz and his wife Susie, who is also a den- tist, for more than 20 years. Message: Do you want to dress Bavarian Style ? ? ? ? ? They both speak English . The German Import House will have their merchandise at the German Club’s Open House and Oktoberfest. Please visit or call us, we like to serve you ! Dr. Ruiz is a professor at the University in Tijuana and has a small, private practice for selected patients. He will give you an honest estimate, at low cost and a possible financial pay plan. Please call him.
“No pain and a lot to gain” is his slogan
Dr. J. Horacio Ruiz D.D.S.
Diego Rivera # 33 esq. Sanchez Toboada
Zona Rio, suite 2 D,
Tijuana BC
[email protected] DAVID SPORLEDER Painting Contractor Call From USA
Tel. 01152-664-684-15-55 Bonded & Insured Lic. No. 566458 FREE PASSES FOR (619) 588-5700 EXPEDIENT BORDER CROSSING BACK TO THE U.S. We, at the German American Societies, are thanking David Sporleder for his many volunteer-hours beautifying the inside and outside of our club. His dedication and expertise is greatly appreciated. The Board 18 Spring-Summer Newsletter 2014 / PLEASE HELP US SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!
P. A. QUINT ATTORNEY AT LAW Specializing in Wills, Trusts, Probate and Trust Administration
3745 Fourth Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 291-9230
www.paulaquint.com
3745 Fourth Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 [email protected] CALL AND ASK MARK AT (619) 579-3539
DRE#01004898
19 Spring-Summer Newsletter 2014 / German Information Page
San DiegoIn
The German American Societies is proud to be one of the Sponsors of this Great Event
German American San Diego Foundation The German American | San Diego Foundation was founded on the initiative of its President, the German Honorary Consul Dr. Stephan Hollmann, by a number of German American companies. The goal of the Foundation is to connect the German Ameri- can community through innovation, culture, and business, aligning its resources to be a world-class international community. Further information: http://germanamericansandiego.org
German life in San Diego / Information about German resources in San Diego http://www.german-sandiego.info Armina Kranz, Project Coordinator
Office of the Honorary Consul German American Chamber of the Federal Republic of Germany G of Commerce California, Inc. Dr. Stephan F Hollmann GACC California (TM)
E 1620 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500 Main Office New Address : 1620 Fifth Avenue, Suite 575 San Diego, CA 92101 R San Diego, CA 92101 US Phone: +1-619-321-0606 Tel: +001 619 795 3270 Fax: +1-619-744-7463 M Fax: +001 619 795 8360 A [email protected] www.gaccca.org email: [email protected]
http://www.germany.info/hollmann N http://www.germany.info/losangeles Y
The German American Societies
20 Spring-Summer Newsletter 2014 / Please Support Our Advertisers!
2225 Milton Ct., Suite B San Diego, CA 92110 Phone: 619-275-6555 Fax: 619-275-6558 email: [email protected]
www.fleetridgetravel.com CA-CST# 2063522-5
21 Spring - Summer Newsletter 2014 / Want to connect with German Speaking Clubs &
Contact Information of German Schools and Colleges
♦ German American School Association ♦ (858) 401-3311 School Director [email protected]
♦ Albert Einstein Academies, www.aeacs.org, [email protected] Tel 619-795 1190 ♦ Preschool’ Rasselbande’ www.dierasselbande.com, Ms. Tel 619-465-4420 ♦ German Pacific School San Diego, 619-354-9991 or 858-461-9118, http://www.gpssd.org
♦ Grossmont College, Prof. Johannes Bruestle, [email protected] ♦ Adult German Classes, German American Societies, Ms. Erna Duby Tel 619-447-0302 ♦ AATG S. D. Chapter, www.aatgsandiego.org [[email protected]] House of Germany, Balboa Park , ‘Kinder Workshop, Ms. Gisela Mueller Tel 619-234-1530
The German Consulate in Los Angeles Please visit the website for further information regarding questions concerning: visa, passport renewals, finding a translator, a German school or pre school. The Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, 6222 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 500 Los Angeles, CA 90048 Ph:(323) 930 2703 Fax:(323) 930 2805 —http://www.germany.info/Vertretung/usa/en/03__Consulates/Los__Angeles/00/__Home.html
AATG The American Association of Teachers of German www.aatgsandiego.org
supports the teaching of the German language and German speaking cultures in elementary, secondary and post secondary education in the United States. The AATG promotes the study of the German speaking world in all its linguistic, cul- tural and ethnic diversity and endeavors to prepare students as transnational, trans cultural learners and active, multilingual participants in a globalized world.
With 4,000 members, the AATG serves teachers of German at all levels of instruction and all those interested in the teaching of German. AATG is an allied organization of the Modern Language Association, a constituent member of the Joint National Committee for Languages/National Council for Languages and International Studies, the National Federation of Modern Language Teachers Associations, and an organizational member of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, the National Network for Early Language Learn- ing, and the Internationaler Deutschlehrerverband.
THE HOUSE OF GERMANY AT BALBOA PARK Check out our web site: www.houseofgermany.com Announcement from the House of Germany Come see us on Sundays to have coffee and cake in the Park
Liane Mende-Mueller President 858-536-7063 [email protected]
THE HOUSE OF AUSTRIA Check out our web site: www.geocities.com/houseofaustria President: Frank Dürr Note: Our members can meet monthly what is called “The Stammtisch”
San Diego County Swiss Club Inc. 2001 Main St. Chula Vista, CA. 91911-3923 (619-423-1036) www.sdswissclub.com 22 Spring - Summer Newsletter 2014: MARK YOUR CALENDAR, PLEASE!
*** FUTURE EVENTS 2014 *** Apr 26 Sa “ Intl. Heritage Ball” , different nationality dance performances, dinner, Express Band, don't miss it ! May 07 We General Membership Meeting, dinner fundraiser by Karneval - 6:30 pm / meeting 7:30 pm May 10 Sa Einstein Academy Disco Dance, for info call: Tel # 619-795 1190 May 17 Sa Afternoon “Highschool Students: German Study Award Ceremony” May 18 So Spring Choir Concert, 2:00 pm, Please bring friends and neighbors! German Rouladen dinner ! ! May 31 Sa G.A.S. Promotion Food Vendor at “Riverview School International Fair / Lakeside” June 07 Sa Club’s - 49th Anniversary Ball, dinner, entertainment, Bluebirds Band (all members, please, attend!) June 14 Sa G.A.S. Promotion Food Vender at the “America on Main Street Festival” , El Cajon Summer Break (June 15 to August 15, volunteer work at club: Repairs, etc.) Aug 23 Sa Open House - Sommerfest / BBQ Outside, dance to the great Express Band, Entertainment Oct Oktoberfest last weekend in Sept. / first weekend in October (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) Nov 15 Sa Karneval Opening , Dinner Dance, Karneval Performance, Bluebirds Band Dec 06 Sa Christmas - Snowdance, beautiful decorated hall, dinner, Entert., Express Band Dec 09 Tu Germania Choir Weihnachts - Konzert, German Rouladen dinner, raffle & Gemütlichkeit Dec 14 Sa Member Christmas Party, German School Kinder Entertainment, enjoy Santa’s visit! Dec 31 We New Years Gala, dinner, entertainment, elegant ....bring your guests, Bluebirds Band!!!!!
Entrance Members: $10.00 Guests $ 12.00 Buffet Style Dinners are served at each event—only $12 Doors open 6:00 p.m. ♦Buffet Dinner 6:30 p.m. Dances 7:30 p.m.—11:30 p.m. Ordering dinner in advance by phone or email will provide you with reserved seating for the entire evening
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION 2014 – 2015 From April 1. 2014 to March 31. 2015
Student Membership $ 25.00 ( ) ( Student membership valid under the age of 25 years ) Single Membership $ 40.00 ( ) Family Membership $ 60.00 ( ) Dear members, reinstatement necessary if not paid 90 days after April 1st with a initiation fee of $25.00 added FIRST LAST NAME ______NAME______BIRTH DATE & YR.______FIRST LAST
NAME ______NAME______BIRTH DATE & yr______- ADDRESS ______
CITY, STATE, ZIP______
HOME PH. # (____) ___ -______BUS. PH.#(____)_____-______
CELL PH.# (___ _)______-______e-mail: ______THIS FORM IS VALID UNTIL MARCH 31 . 2015
DATE: ______www.germanclubsandiego.org Office 619-442-6637 (for message) German American Societies of San Diego, Inc. 1017 South Mollison Ave., El Cajon, Ca 92020
23 NEW YEARS BALL 2013-2014 AT THE GERMAN AMERICAN SOCIETIES
2014
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR : JUNE 7 2014 IS THE NEXT ELEGANT EVENT, OUR ANNIVERSARY BALL !