New Braunfels German American Society

February 2011

 

February 2011                                               Volume 6, Number 2
 
Monats Blatt
 



Vorstand
 
(Board of Officers)
 
President: Chris Baker(512-396-1348)
VP and P.E.: Eberhart Moese (830-632-9634)
2nd Vice-President: Richard Odorfer (830-629-6728)
Secretary: Leah Baker (512-396-1348)
Treasurer: Almut Wetzig (830-608-0171)
Publicity: Capt. Tom Stapleton (830-609-8129)
Public Relations: Mary Irwin (830-620-0369)
Publications: Tom Sears (830-626-2425)
 
 
Inhalt
 
(Contents)
 
Messages from Chris;
Membership Dues; Officer Election; Maskenball; Fun Time for All;
Free Concert; German Classes; Tribute to Diane; Member News: Birthdays; Barefoot Becky;
Steuben Society; Helmuth Thank You; Polka & Waltz Club; Remaining Events 2011;
 
 

 



Botschaften von Chris
 
February Meeting
 
            The New Year of 2011 is upon us!   We inducted our new officers and “swept” out the old with much gratitude for the work.   I really appreciate and thank all the past year officers, especially a thank you to Helmuth for his leadership in 2010, the previous 10 years as Secretary from Diane Moltz, and Helgard with her great Publicity relations.   I am pleased to say that they will continue to bless us with their presence and advice this coming year. A big thank you to this year’s officers, as we plan ahead the new year in GAS.   I want to welcome newcomers to the Board, Richard Ordorfer and Tom Stapleton.   These men are not new to the club, and will bring great talent to our Board.
          For all new comers, our February meeting will be held at the Elks Club, located on Seguin St. across from the Chamber of Commerce/Civic Center. The meeting room will open at 6:00 PM for some friendly refreshments and fellowship. The meeting will start at 7:00.
          We have most positions filled for our annual events.    We do, however, need a volunteer to hold the leadership position for the 4th of July Parade and the Comal County Fair Parade and the Annual Christmas Party. We have many volunteers to help with all the events, just need someone to sign the dotted line as Event Chair.
          Maskenball is coming...get out your costumes and prepare for the Dinner/Dance. Be sure to reserve your spot and purchase your tickets from a Board member, to be held on February 26th 7pm.   Rumor has it that we will have awesome music, fine spirits, and a rumored Grammy-nominated (in our eyes!) musical group to entertain, bringing their accordions and related instruments to “polka” the joint all night.
          Annual Dues need to be paid. See Almut please and get these finalized.
          Your Executive Board approved finances to purchase an additional grill for our pork chops, monetary support for the National German Heritage Museum in Washington, DC.
          See you Tuesday evening.    Chris
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Important Reminder
 
Please keep your membership updated by sending your "2011 Dues" to:
Almut Wetzig
125 Donald Ross Place
New Braunfels, TX 78130-8304
Make checks out to:
GERMAN AMERICAN SOCIETY
Like always, you can also pay at the next meeting.
Dues are still:
$15.00 per single membership,
$20.00 per couple.
Please keep your membership active, so you receive the newsletter each month. Also, please inform us of any change of address or e-mail.
Thank you, Almut
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
 
Election of Officers
 
            The January Meeting was set aside for the Election of Officers. Tuesday evening at the Elks' Club, the 2011 officers of the society were sworn-in for a one year term. Dr. Chris Baker assumed the duties as President, assisted by Eberhart Moese-Vice President & President-Elect, Richard Odorfer-2nd VP, Leah Baker-Secretary, Almut Wetzig - Treasurer, Capt. Tom Stapleton-Publicity, Mary Irwin-Public Relations, and Tom Sears-Publications.
 
 
 
 
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Maskenball Dance
 
Tickets & Dinner
  
               Tickets for Maskenball will be available at the February Meeting.
Tickets are $10.00 per person for the Dance. A meal will be served at 6:00 pm for $8.00 per person. The meal will consist of Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, Brotchen, Potato Salad, and Ice Tea. A COMBO DEAL FOR MASKENBALL WILL BE A COUPLE PRICE OF $35.00.  This includes two tickets for the Dance and Dinner.
          Costumes requested but not required! Prizes for best costumes!! 4 cash prizes will be awarded: best single, best couple, best group and judges’ choice. Come and enjoy the Maskenball. If you have 6 or more friends, call Helgard @ (830)625-6330 to reserve a table.
          We will decorate on Feb. 26th at 2 pm. Come, if you have some time.
Helgard, chair/
          Also the bar will be open when you arrive. 
 
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Spaßzeit für alle!
 
(Fun Time for All!)
 
            At the January meeting, local author and historian, Mr. Alton Rahe, gave members and guests at the German American Society's meeting a taste of his upcoming tome: Wurstfest, the First Fifty Years. This former US Air Force statistician fascinated his audience at the Elks Club as he provided a 'Fly-over' of the fifty years of the festival. He chronicled the very beginnings, starting with the concept for this celebration of sausage by Dr. Edgar Grist in 1961, overcoming the 'Bad Rap' years of the late 1970's, and revealing many details unknown to so many. He recounted the drama and selection of the festival's final location-Landa Park, in chapter appropriately named, "The Wurst Site
Story". The author's lasting message in writing this book:  'Everyone should feel good about the festival, knowing that your money is going to a very good cause!"
          The book is expected to hit bookshelves in early November, just in time for the 51st Wurstfest.
 
 
 
 
           In February, we are going to pick up the pace quite a lot with a performance by the Fire On The Mountain Cloggers.  They performed for us several years ago, and they are happy to make a return trip to New Braunfels to entertain us once again. The team has performed throughout Texas and other states for over twenty years.  International performances include shows in Munich, Germany, Caracas, Venezuela, as well as the International Cultural Festival in Xalapa, Mexico.  Major performances in the United States have been Riverfest in Little Rock, Arkansas, the World's Fair in New Orleans, Louisiana and a five-day booking at the Great American Music Festival in Branson, Missouri.  Throughout the year, Fire On The Mountain Cloggers perform at local exhibitions.  April is a busy month filled with shows for Fiesta and other events, while June features their favorite performance of the year--the Texas Folklife Festival.  Be sure to be at the February meeting for this high-energy and fun-filled evening.
 
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Free Concert
 
            The New Braunfels Music Study Club will be holding their annual concert on Thursday, February 3rd, at the First Protestant Church's Schumann Hall. The concert will feature the Comal Community Band and the Hill Country Chorus, so it will be an evening of great music.  Beginning at 7:30 pm, the concert will last approximately 1 1/2 hours.  Come join us and support our local musicians with your presence.
 
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Adult German Classes
 
            On January 6 our club sponsored the first of 10 consecutive German classes for adults at Cross Lutheran Church.  Instructor Debbie Pickett was elated to have 33 very interested students in attendance.  She is planning classes in conversational German with an emphasis on a relaxed atmosphere.  Interest in the class was very high with 10 to 12 students getting turned away due to a lack of space. Hopefully, they will wait for next January's class.
 
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tribute To Diane Moltz
 
            Diane has served as Secretary since 2001.   Not only has she been Secretary but she has been instrumental in the organizing, preparation, and working every event the German American Society is involved with.  This is particularly true of Wurstfest, Wine & Saenger Fest, as well as Wassailfest.  She also teaches German Classes.  She has always been at the top of the list of volunteers.   My appreciation, as well as the appreciation of the total German American Society, go out the Diane Moltz, a true leader in our German Community. I would like to recommend that Diane Moltz be given a Lifetime Membership in the German American Society, to say thanks for her many contributions.
 
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Mitglieder Nachrichten
 
            Herzlichstes Willkommen zu den neuesten Mitgliedern unserer Vereins! We welcome most heartily our newest members:
Jack Ehman
Noreen Sippel
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
 
 
Herzlichen Glückwunsch
 
zum Geburtstag
 
(Happy Birthday)
 
 
Member birthdays in February
Andreas Lojewski 2/2
Diane Moltz 2/3
Joyce Schaeler 2/5
Eberhart Moese 2/6
Jo Heideman 2/7
Wayne Austin 2/12
Ralf Mann 2/13
Edith Soechting 2/14
Debra Wolf 2/14
Alfred Brueckner 2/21
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
 
Barefoot Becky
 
Comes To Town
 
 
        On February 13 Barefoot Becky from Ivanhoe, Ohio comes to Eagles Hall with her band of talented musicians.  The dance is being sponsored by the Goodtime Polka & Waltz Club.  The dance is from 5:00 to 9:00 and is open to all.  Come out for a great evening of dancing or just sitting and listening to great polkas, waltzes, country and big band music.  Becky puts on a great show.
 
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Steuben Society
 
Prince Solms Von Braunfels Unit
 
            As we start another year it is time to pay 2011 dues.  Dues are $20.00, so see Richard Odorfer, our Treasurer, to pay your dues.  I would like to encourage other members of the German American Society to join the Steuben Society.  We want to show other Units our German Heritage by having a large and successful Unit.  In 2011 we are planning on working with the community to teach the youth of New Braunfels about the contributions of German Immigrants in settling Texas. We call our Unit “the Prince Solms Von Braunfels Unit #1845”.  We work with the German American Society to promote German Heritage in Texas. We are currently on a membership drive and would like to invite members of the German American Society to join. The New Braunfels German American Society does an excellent job promoting the German Heritage within Texas but this is a way we can inform other individuals throughout the United States about OUR German Heritage.
Please see Richard Odorfer or Ron Evans for Membership information.
 
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Thank You
 
            Once more time I like to thank every member of the club who made my last year as President a successful year. Special thanks to the board members and committee members who helped a lot to make our club what we are now.
          To our members I like to remind you on our upcoming Maskenball. Get your tickets and your meal ticket.  Cut off day for the meal should be no later than 15th of Feb.
          Hope we have a big attendance.
Grüße von Helmuth
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Goodtime Polka & Waltz Club
 
Dance Schedule 2011
 
Eagles Hall, 257 E. South Street
 
New Braunfels, Texas
 
 
*Sunday, February 13th
*5:00-9:00*   Barefoot Becky
**Saturday, March 12th
7:00-11:00   Jodie Mikula
Saturday, April 16th
7:00-11:00   Red Ravens
Saturday, June 18th
7:00-11:00   Little Fisherman
Saturday, August 20th
7:00-11:00   Donnie Wavra
Sunday, October 9th
3:00-7:00   Cloverleaf
Sunday, December 3rd
3:00-7:00   Seven Dutchman
*Note Special Time
**Extra Special Dance +Club Fund Raiser+
Call (830)660-4866 for information
Dates are subject to change. Memberships are available anytime. Ask at sign in table for membership information.
Guests are welcome. No shorts please.
 
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Remaining Events 2011
 
February 1: General Meeting at Elks Lodge
February 26: Maskenball at Elks Lodge
March 1: General Meeting at Elks Lodge
April 5: General Meeting at Elks Lodge
April 16 & 17: Folkfest
May 3: General Meeting & Annual Picnic in Landa Park
May 7: Wein & Saenger Fest (We will be selling Schweinskoteletten (Pork Chops) &
Wurst (Sausage)
June 7: General Meeting at Elks Lodge
July 5: General Meeting at Elks Lodge
August 2: General Meeting at Elks Lodge
September 6: General Meeting at Elks Lodge
October 4: General Meeting at Elks Lodge
November 1: November General Meeting at Elks Lodge
November 4 - November 13: Wurstfest (Come help sell in our NEW Booth.)
December 3: Wassailfest (We will be selling Schweinskoteletten)
December 6 : General Meeting and Christmas Party at Elks Lodge
 
We will be scheduling bus trips to Beethoven (San Antonio) and Fredericksburg Weihnachtsmarkt.
Suggestions for additional trips would be greatly appreciated.