Newsletter

Newsletter Archives

Our newsletter is published each month by the German Cultural Society of Erie. It is mailed to the members of the society free of charge. Others may receive the Newsletter at a moderate cost of $10.00 per year by contacting the society.  

The Newsletter contains message from the president, description of programs given at the last meeting, news items of interest  to Germans in the United States, news items of events occuring in Germany, birthdays, anniversaries and miscellaneous items. The Newsletter has photographs of local and non-local events.

January 2010 Message from the Editor - We welcome David Dahlkemper as our new Editor.  Programs for (first half of) 2010 - See-Events link Officers, Board of Directors and Committees - See-About Us link December 2009 Meeting - Christmas Party Entertainment by Misery Bay Dulcimer Club Potpourri Answer to last month's quiz Riddle auf deutsch Words of Wisdom - Tell the truth and you'll never have to remember what you said. Toys for the Children at Erie Shriners Hospital Irish folk pioneer -Irish balladeer Liam Clancy Where in the World are We? - quiz	February 2010 Message from the Editor One Man's Opinion Programs for (first half of) 2010 Click on Events link Officers, Board of Directors and Committees Potpourri Excerpts from The Diary of Anne Frank - 1947 German Life Magazine Herta Danowski (born in Austria) read a piece from a Forbes research report. Austria to be the country best-suited for retirement. "So why am I in the United States?" Where in the world were we, last issue of January 2010? Frauenkirche, Dresden, Germany. Where in the world are We? Quiz Non Fattening Cookie Recipe by Hildegard Marshall.
March 2010 Message from the Editor IS THAT A FACT Programs for first half of 2010 Click on Event link Birthdays Potpourri Quiz Words of Wisdom Officers, Board of Directors, and Committees for 2010 February 11,  2010 Program Danube River Cruse aboard the "Adagio" Presented by Paul and Nancy Fischer Where in the world are we - Quiz? Answer to February quiz - 11th Century Veste Coburg Fortress, Coburg, Germany.	April 2010 Message from the Editor St. Patrick's Day Celebration -at Station Square Pup, Erie, PA Programs for 2010 Click on Event link Program of March 11th Wanted: A Larger Welcome Mat Talk by Vanessa Bering, a German exchange student Where in the world were we - Quiz Impressions from the Max Raabe & Palast Orchester Concert of Feb. 27, 2010 Potential Fund-Raiser German Tuning Fork Potpourri Answer to last month's quiz Quiz Words of Wisdom - "Shut up and listen"
May 2010 Message from the Editor Old story about St. Joseph's School, Erie, PA Programs for remainder of 2010 Click on Events link Officers, Board of Directors, and Committees for 2010 Program of April 8th Gene Polaski presented a program a "Geocashing". Other Meeting June 25-27, 2010, the Alliance of Transylvania Saxons, Branch 2, is hosting 2010 Saxon Heimattag. Do you speak Deutsch? - Germany has launched a new campaign to protect and promote German, a move seen as a backlash against the growing use of  English. Potpourri Answer to last month's quiz - Workers Statue in Tian'anmen Square Quiz Words of Wisdom - To teach is to learn twice - Joseph Joubert, 1754 - 1824	June 2010 "Why a Million Died and a Million Fled" From The Great Hunger by Cecil Woodham-Smith Programs for 2010 - Click on Event Link Officers, Board of Directors, and Committees for 2010 Program of May 13th , "History Lesson - 1812 Battle of Baltimore" by Christian Mueller Potpourri Answer to last month's quiz Quiz: Without cheating, can you name the five presidents chiseled on the face of Mt. Rushmore? auf deutsch: Das mussen wir begiessen (That calls for a drink) Words of Wisdom: Live fully today, die peacefully tomorrow. Answer to "Where in the world were we last issue, May 2010. Ireland, the Titanic's last port of call".
July 2010 Table of Contents Programs for 2010 List of Officers, Board of Directors, and Committees June 20, 2010 General Meeting Program - Grechen Prozan - "Trips Around the World by Cruise Ship" She covered all major continents. Potpourri Quiz auf deutsch: Das wird sich alles finden (Everything will turn out all right) Words of Wisdom: Be more tomorrow than you were today. Picnic ad Soccer teams - Blitzen and Donner Luau ad - Aug. 14, 2010 2nd Annual Oktoberfest at the Hofbrauhaus, Pittsburgh, PA - Sept. 18, 2010 Grant Program - see link	August 2010 Editor's message Programs for remainder of 2010 List of Officers, Board of Directors, and Committees Editor's poem - Vor Dem Spiegel Potpourri Answer to last month quiz - Utah Quiz for this month auf deutsch: Auf einen guten Bissen gehort ein guter Trunk Words of Wisdom: Teach me to live that I may dread, the grave as little as my bed. ANON GCSOE Picnic 11th Annual Light The Night Walk Where in the world were we last issue - At Rommelsberg Silver Mine in Goslar, Germany Annual German Luau notice
September 2010 Prodigies All by the Editor Programs for 2010 List of Officers, Board of Directors, and Committees September  9, 2010 Meeting John Ashby, Publisher of the "Log" magazine at the Erie Yacht Club: How they put it together & where they get their information. An excellent presentation Potpourri Answer to last month's quiz Quiz auf deutsch: Ich bin frei, fruh zu kommen Words of Wisdom: "The man who doesn't read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them." Mark Twain August Meeting - The Luau September birthdays of the members German Basket for St. Joe's October Fest Where in the world are we? Hint, picture of the out house at the Luau.	October 2010 Support for the National Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's "Light the Night Walk at Jerry Uht Park, Erie, PA - report by the Editor. Programs for 2010 List of Officers, Board of Directors, and Committees Reminder Notices General Meeting Free German translation available Report on the German Luau August 14, 2010 submitted by Marilyn Mack. Potpourri Answer to last month's quiz - "Weep, and you weep alone." Quiz: What will happen if I knock an L out of Kelly? auf deutsch: wo, pronounced vo (where); wer pronounced ver (who); Wer sitzt wo? (Who sits where?) Words of Wisdom: "Things hoped for have higher value than things assumed." - Aldo Leopold A Sand County Almanac September 2010 General Meeting Program "Log" magazine at the Erie Yacht Club: How they put it together & where they get their information by John Ashby. Report by Marilyn Mack Where in the world are we quiz Last month - At the Luau This month ?? See picture in the Newsletter.
November 2010 Editor's note - Mystery Solved Programs for Remainder of 2010 Go to Events link Officers, Board of  Directors, Committees and Parliamentarian for 2010 Important Reminder - Election of officers & board members at November 2010 meeting. Less Important Reminder Dues are due Birthdays for November Potpourri Answer to last month's quiz - Kelly knock the 'ell out of me. Quiz What is as large as a hippopotamus, but weighs nothing at all? auf deutsch: Denk an mich (Keep me in mind). Words of Interest : Mark Twain, born 175years ago this month. "Oktoberfest at Hofbrauhaus" by Marilyn Mack - Summary of events The History of Oktoberfest. "Pictures & History of Downtown Erie:" by Jerry Scrypzak - presented at the Oct. Meeting and written up by Marilyn Voshall Notable Notes Nancy Rusnak won the money tree which was donated by Bob Miller. Sharon Wallin won the GCSOE basket at the St. Joe's Oct. fest. Where in the world are we - October quiz - answer is At Regensburg's famous Stone Bridge.	December 2010 Editor's note - Blessed Bethlehem Babe Born Last Program 2010 - December 8, 2010 Christmas Party Tentative Program for 2011 Go to  Events link Officers, Board of Directors, Committees and Parliamentatian for 2011 Remember those that are ill December Birthdays & Anniversaries Potpourri Answer to last month's quiz Quiz: What is most watched movie of all time? 1) Casablanca, 2) Citizen Cane, 3) Gone With the Wind, 4) Wizard of Oz. auf deutsch: Ich esse das Brot und die Butter - please translate Words of Wisdom: Be a prophet: comfort the comfortable. November 2010 presentation: "Words ..... To Heal, To Bless, and To Prosper" by Elizabeth Way Summary of presentation by Marilyn Mack Christas Party Info Where in the World November's quiz - DUH ! December quiz - old bank in the USA
January 2011 Gluckliches Neuwe Jahr Quote from Billy Rose - I hate war and the necessity of war, .... Programs for 2011 announced go to Events Link Officers, Board of Directors, Committees, and Parliamentarian for 2011. 2010 Christmas Party & Program, by Marilyn Voshall and pictures of the event. Brthdays for January 2011. Potpourri Answer to last month's quiz: Wizard of Oz Quiz: Starting with n empty jar: Place one marble in the jar on the first day, then double the number you place in the jar each day - until the jar is full.It requires 30 days to fill the jar, on what day is the jar half full? auf deutsch: Das Kommt mir Spanisch vor Words of Wisdom: Wear the old coat and buy a new book. "Silent Mouse" Family Night Outreach Program. Go to "Links" Where in the world are we? Quiz	February 2011 Editor's quotes. Programs for 2011 go to Events Link  Officers, Board of Directors, Committees, and Parliamentarian for 2011. It's time to renew German Life Magazine. Potpourri Answer to last month's quiz: On the 29th day. Quiz: Special quiz for the new year; see map of Germany and divide up Germany. auf deutsch: Den Baum erkennt man an den Fruchen. (By their fruit shall you know them.) Words of wisdom: Those who can, do; those who can't, teach those who can. by David Dahlkemper. Dance anyone: Introductory German dance session is being established. January 2011 Meeting program, "Hessians in the Revolutionary War" by Christian Mueller. Summary of talk by David Dahlkemper. Article: "Survey finds half of Germans want the deutschmark back" Survey commission by the German newspaper Bild. Would they adopt the euro today? Where in the world were we in January 2011 issue? At the Dreiflusseck (Junction of the Three Rivers) in Passau, Germany. Where in the world are we quiz.
March 2011 Editorial on life by a Mercyhurst College Dance Student Programs for 2011, see link Events link 2011 List of Officers, Board of Directors, Committees, and Parliamentarian Summary by Paul Williams on the trip by the GCSOE to the Harmony House, Harmony, PA and the Hofbrauhaus, Pittsburgh, PA. Coming up: April 14 is Steve Massa's talk on "The Nuremberg Trials". He is a docent at theU.S. Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson Center, Jamestown, NY. See Events Link List of members on the sick list. Fund Raiser - Jewelry demo for the ladies and games for the men on April 17. Potpourri  Answer to last month's quiz. Quiz: What is the greatest number of complete games pitched by Bob Feller in one baseball season? auf deutsch: Wir thinken so large wie die Taennen gruen said. (We drink as long as the fir trees are green) Words of Wisdom: "Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one." Quiz: Where in the world are we?	April 2011 Editorial on "You Think You Got it Bad?" Programs for 2011, see link Events Link 2011 List of Officers, Board of Directors, Committees, and Parliamentarian Jo Anna Connell School hosted a multi-cultural event on March 3th. Writeup of event with  pictures is by Hildegard Marshall. David Belmondo, WJET news man gave a talk on the various businesses he had interviewed in Erie County. List of member who are ill. Potpourri Answer to last month's quiz: Bob Feller threw 36 complete games in one baseball season. Quiz: What life lesson learned from Rudolph? (You already passed the answer.) auf deutsch: Betraeubungsmittelverschreibungsverordnung (Regulation requiring a prescription for an anesthetic.) Words of Wisdom: Wise men talk because they have something to say, fools, because they have to say something - Anon March 2011 - Where in the world are we? At Blarney Castle in Ireland, home of the Blarney Stone. April 2011 Where in the world are we?
May 2011 Editor's April Fool's Joke - No Joke Programs for 2011, see link Events link 2011 List of Officers, Board of Directors, Committees, and Parliamentarian March 2011 MEETING - David Belmondo presentation with a picture. Potpourri Answer to last month's quiz - one of the last houses to be razed in Upper Peach St., Erie, PA. Quiz: About how many Americans die each year due to effects of FDA-approved drugs? auf deutsch: Der Geist ist willig, aber fer Fleisch ist schwach. (The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.) Words of Wisdom: Enthusiasm makes the difference. Norman Vincent Peale April 2011 Meeting - Steve Massa talk on the Nurnemberg Trials. Writetup by David Dahlkemper and pictures by Roy Voshall	June 2011 Editor's note - Don't Curse Cursive Programs for 2011, see link Events link 2011 List of Officers, Board of Directors, Committees, and Parliamentarian May 2011 Meeting  - Professional Musicians Nancy Rusnak, Patrick Rose, Linda Federici performance. Write uo by David Dalhkemper. Potpourri Answer to last month's quiz : 125000! Quiz: What do the three colors of the American flag stand for? auf Deutsch: Das Leben is zu kurz, um schlechten Kase zu essen. (Life is too short to eat bad cheese.) Words of Wisdom: Life: We're all in this together. Death: We're all in this alone. anonymous Notice - Saxon heeimattag - July 15-17, 2011 Where in the world were we last issue, May 2011? At the DeBary mansion in Florida; Baron Frederick deBary came to the U.S. from Germany as Mumm's Champagne agent. Where in the world are we? - June 2011 quiz
July 2011 Events coming up  August 13 - Luau Sept. 17 - Bus trip to Jamestown via Chautauque, NY December 1 - 4 - Chicago Christkindlmarkt Programs for 2011 - see events 2011 List of Officers, Board of Directors, Committees, and Parliamentarian June 2011 Meeting - presentation "Getting to Know You" by Mike Stephany Write up by David Dahlkemper  Mike told about his long term relationship with Germany Update of  sick and recovering members Potpourri Answer to last month's quiz: Red = Bravery; White = Peace; Blue = Loyalty Quiz: In 2004, the Kansas City royals scored 26 runs in a double-header baseball game, the most ever by them. How many runs were scored in each game? auf Deutsch: Was ist los? (What's a matter? What's wrong? What's happening?) Words of Wisdom: Grief shared is half-grief; joy shared is double joy. Honduras Proverb Were in the world were we last issue, June 2011? At the Sacred Heart Mission House in Girard, PA, Home of Cathedral Prep Football Camp in the '50s'; Long gone now. July 2011 quiz: Where in the world are we?	August 2011 New Med Member - Editor Programs for 2011 - see events 2011 List of Officers, Board of Directors, Committees, and Parliamentarian July Meeting - Writeup of GCSOE Picnic at Zuck Park by David Dalhkemper. Writeup of "Unsere Jugend - Unsere Zukunft North American Saxon Heimattag 2011" by Marilyn Mack "Pink Panther Party" contest at Aylmer, Ontario, Canada Photos of GCSOE members attended, Flying dances, and Pink Panther faces Quiz: Where in the world were we last issue July 2011? At the quaint, gas-lit of Wellsboro, PA Aug. quiz: Where in the world are we? Update: Lynette Straite is "chalk arting" a German Castle at the September 2011 Meeting. Henry Katzwinkel is better Welcome two new members Coming in September: 12th annual Light the Night Walk benefiting Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Potpourri Answer to last month's quiz: 26 runs in the first game and none in the second. Quiz: Who spoke these worlds, "The (United) States are laboratories are for Democracy"? auf Deutsch: Wir wollen uns gut amusieren. (We'll have alot of fun. Literal - we shall us well amuse). Words of Wisdom: Genius is just perseverance in disguise. Anon.
September 2011 Events coming up Sept. 8, 2011 - Lynette Straite will do chalk art of a Castle in Germany. Sept. 17 - Bus trip to Jamestown via Chautauque, NY December 1 - 4 - Chicago Christkindlmarkt "Important Enough to Occupy this space" The activities of the nominating committee. Programs for 2011 - see events 2011 List of Officers, Board of Directors, Committees, and Parliamentarian GERMAN LUAU AT THE ZIESENHEIM FARM, AUGUST 13,2011 Excellent writeup by Marilyn Mack. Pictures of the pig, cooker, and chefs. Where in the world were we last issue, Aug. 2011? The old grinding wheel shown was in Mr. Dahlkemper's Grandfathers back yard. Where in the world are we this issue? Potpourri Answer to last month's quiz: Dr. Louis Brandeis. Quiz: What is the smallest country in the world that has own currency? auf deutsch: Charlene will nicht heiraten. Charlene does not want to marry) Worlds of Wisdom: No need to harry unless you see the animals lining up two by two. ANON 12th Annual Light The Night Walk announcement Benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Tuesday Sept. 20, 2011  Registration 5:30 P.M. Walk 7:30 P.M. Call 1-800-726-2873 ext. 2868	October 2011 Events coming up Dick Blatt - talk on the oldest brewery in Pennsylvania - Yuengling Brewery Company December 1 - 4 - Chicago Christkindlmarkt trip Where were you on 9/11/01? - David Dahlkemper Programs for 2011 -see events 2011 List of Officers, Board of Directors, Committees, and Parliamentarian September 2011 Meeting - Program by Lynette Straite and write up by David Dahlkemper Don't becmme a basket case - St. Joes October Fest - Oct 7,8,9. In Memoriam - Paul Johnson - member of GCSOE October 13th Meeting notice - see above Reminder - Election of Officers and Board Members - October 13, 2011 meeting Member Recovering Potpourri Answer to last month's quiz : Iceland Quiz: In Michigan in 1930, auto production was #1 business. What ranked second? auf deutsch: Der Wein ist gut, aber er ist zu teuer. ( The wine is good, but is too expensive.) Words of Wisdom: It is better to deserve honors and not have them than to have them and not deserve them. Mark Twain Bus Tour to Chautauqua and Robert Jackson Center - write up Where in the world were we last issue, Sept 2011. - At the huge Oratory at Ave Marie University, the new university located in the new town of the same name near Naples FL. Oct. 2011 quiz: Where in the world are we?
November 2011 What are you Thankful for this Thanksgiving? David Dahlkemper Programs for 2011 - see events Officers, Board of Directors, Committees, and Parliamentarian - 2011 Nominees for 2012 Officers, Board of Directors, Committees January 12th 2012 program "Lady Liberty" by Lenore Skomal Writeup written by David Dahlkemper of October 13th program - Yuengling Brewery by Todd Zwicker.  Potpourri Answer to last month's qiuiz: Bootlegging. Quiz: Who is the most popular athlete in America? auf deutsch: Ich Habe Kein Gluck. (I have no luck) Words of Wisdom: Color outside the lines. Steve Jobs Chicago Christkindlmarkt Trip Where in the world are we last Issue, Oct. 2011? Looking down on Manhattan with the Twin Towers casting their shadow on the scene below. Where in the world are we - this issue. Ans. Collegiate Academy, Erie, PA	December 2011 Believe in the Babe - Frohe Weihnachten Programs for 2012 January 12, 2012 - "Lady Liberty" by Lenore Skoma Officers, Board of Directors, Committees, and Parliamentarian - 2011 Somewhat Important Notice - renewal notice for German Life magazine. Potpourri Answer to last month's quiz: Michael Jackson Quiz: What is today's "Tower of Babel"? auf deutsch: Verstehen Sie alles? Ja, wenn Sie langsam sprechen. (Do you understand everything? Yes, when you speak slowly.) Read this Notice Amendments to the By-Laws. Notes written by David Dahlkemper on November 10th Meeting - Niagara Flagship by Dr. Tom Miller. Where in the world are we? Ans - At the Yuengling Brewery in Pottsville, PA.
January 2012 Editor's note -"IN MY OPINION" Programs for 2012 -see Events 2012 Officers, Board of Directors, Committees, and Parliamentarian  Members on the prayer list Reminder - renewal notice for the German Life Magazine Potpourri Answer to last month's quiz: The TV mast top the Empire State Building. Quiz: What is a "happy hooker?" (careful now) auf deutsch: Wie weit ist (die Post, der Bahnhof, Erie See) von hier? How far is (the Post Office, the Train Station, Lake Erie) from here? Words of Wisdom: Honor is our olny divine trait. Arthur Schopenhauer Where in the world are we - picture Along Lake Michigan's western shore as defined by Chicago, IL	February 2012 Editor's note - LOOKING FOR SOME WAYS TO STAY OUT OF TROUBLE AND EWNJOY IT AT THE SAME TIME?  Last call for German Life Magazine renewal. Programs for 2012 - see Events 2012 Officers, Board of Directors, Committees, and Parliamentarian  January 12 Lady Liberty Program by Lenore Skomal Write up of the program by David Dahlkemper. Where in the world are we? - picture Geroge Washington slept here (for real) at the Sun Inn in Bethlehem, PA. on many occasions. Potpourri Answer to last month's quiz: An angler (fisherman) who has caught a full creel (basket ) of trout. Quiz: What four states are visible from atop the Hancock (or the Willis) Tower in Chicago, IL? auf deutch: Das ist mehr als genug. (That is more than enough). Words of Wisdom: One day's misfortune may, upon tomorrow's reflections, prove to be a great good fortune. Robt. H. Jackson biographer

Grant Recipient for 2009
Alex Bogdanoff  student at Gannon University, Erie PA. The grant money was used to help sponsor a trip to Germany. The prupose of the trip was to study German culture and customs.

Grant Recipient for 2010
The Erie Siebenburger Sachsen Gesang Verein received a check for $500. The money will be used to help support the Music Director, purchase music, and transportation to singing engagements outside of Erie.

The German Flag
by Christian Mueller
   What do the colors of the German Flag stand for? The answer is somewhat complicated! Here is what your research department has found.
   The story starts with a legend. When emperor Barbarossa was crowned in 1152 in Frankfurt, the path from the church to the palace was laid out with a black-red-gold cloth. After the ceremony the cloth was cut into small pieces and distributed to the crowd. These improvised little flags were fasten to sticks and the crowd walked the street in celebration. In the year 1184, the colors were formally adapted by the Reichstag (Congress) and stayed "in power" until 1806 when Napoleon distroyed the first German Empire.
   In the following period, the colors were used by various groups in different arrangements - like gold, red, black. This went on until King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia formally decided that the black-red-gold sequence was to be the final and firm choise. Rumor has it that the King uttered the phase "From the night, through blood, towards the light" to describe the German colors. Later this was reinterpreted as "Black is the past, red (bloodly) the fight and golden the future".
   Consequently, the flag was again formally readapted in 1848 by the Frankfurt Parliament. It was again abolished in 1852, readapted as the flag of the Weimar Republic on August 11, 1919 and abolished and replaced by the flag of the Third Reich on March 12, 1933. It was finally readapted on May 8, 1949 as"Die Bundesflagge" - federal flag, although most Germans simply calli it "Die Deutschlandfahne".
   There are many more details attached to this story, that could be explored. Not at least there is the question of the definition of the specific color shades, particularly gold - some have called for the gold to be made from metallic material instead of being a dark yellow cloth.
   There you have it in a nutshell.
   As you see from the story about the flag, history plays an important part in understanding connecting events. It is for this reason, that I have chosen to inject some basic outline of German history so you can refresh your mine.