37 Old Degarmo Road, Poughkeepsie, New York 12603-2062 Phone (845) 471-0609 Fax (845) 471-0720

www.GermaniaPok.com

GERMANIA OF POUGHKEEPSIE, INC.

GERMANIA NEWS * JUNE 2010 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE by Jon Wagner: Another year of being the President of Germania is drawing to a close, and I sincerely appreciate the support I have been shown by our members while serving you in that role. 2009/2010 has been eventful for us and we have shared some great times. Germania events are always a wonderful social experience. We even make some money for the club while we are at it! I commented at the Gala that one word in the German language seems to elude a direct translation into English. That word is Gemütlichkeit! The wonderful feeling you get at a Germania event, the great time being enjoyed by the Soccer Club on and off the field, the songs, the dancing and the camaraderie at Germania are a personification of exactly what Gemütlichkeit means. The economy, however has taken a toll on all of us personally and as a club. The dollars we raise just do not seem to go as far as they used to as short as a year ago. Germania events are well attended for the most part except attendance is down a little at some of the regular Friday night dinners. The support shown for the Biergarten format has been overwhelming. We continued that format on May 28th and again on June 4 and 5 under the fest tents as we celebrated our 160th Anniversary during the Kinderfest/160th weekend celebrations. The Board has taken many steps over the past couple of years to “control” Germania’s finances. We will be adding some additional steps to keep tabs on our club pocketbook with even a more critical eye. Trustees will be asked (well actually expected) to take charge of a couple of aspects of the club as part of their routine duties. Whether it is events, the bar, buildings and grounds, the kitchen or anything in between, the Trustees that you elect need to take ownership of parts of the club to keep us going in the right direction. We are putting together the concepts for a new position that will be responsible for the analysis of events and our purchases to be certain we are not over spending or under charging. In short that Trustee’s role will be to help us see financial problems as they develop rather than after it is too late. We have heard from Riverside Bank regarding the extension of our mortgage to cover outstanding bond debt. The preliminary news is good and we have been given tentative approval pending the outcome of a new appraisal of the properties that is being arranged by the bank. It appears likely that we will be able to pay off up to $80,000.00 of the larger bonds. We are all quite familiar with the pitfalls found within the mortgage approval process, so keep Germania in your prayers while we

Founded 1850

EXECUTIVE BOARD

President:

Jon Wagner 635-9009 Vice President:

Carol Ann Fischer 876-2592 Secretary :

Ed Blatz 632-1555 Treasurer:

Sherwood Kreig 229- 8208 Financial Secretary:

Michael Reichert 635-1065 DAUGHTER CLUBS and COMMITTEES

Singers President:

Pat Kemmerer 454-8192 Soccer Club President:

Joe Ulrich 380-7925 Germania Almrausch President:

Christine Pattantyús 452-6219 Rentals:

Karen Beyer 418-8065 Building & Grounds:

Cal Baker 454-6572 House:

Gerhard Stoetzel 914-474-5956 Bar:

Horst Schaffner 229-9013 Membership:

Gisela Hetherington 454-9849 Newsletter Editor: 471-7442 or editor@germaniapok.com

UPCOMING EVENTS

Jun 13 Soccer HOME Game 9am Jun 18 Kassler Rippchen dinner Jun 19 Annual Meeting/Elections Jun 27 Internat’l Dinner: Poland Jul 02 Pork Schnitzel Dinner 5-7pm Jul 16 Sauerbraten Dinner 5-7pm Jul 18 25-Week Club Party 1pm Jul 25 BBQ at Pavilion (music) Jul 30 Fried Chicken Dinner 5-7pm Aug 08 Internat’l Dinner: Hungary Aug 13 Friday Dinner Aug 27 Friday Dinner Sep 10, 11 & 12 OKTOBERFEST

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 await final word on this decision. Some bond holders have been very patient with Germania, understandably some have not. This process should enable us to make a large number of our bond holders “whole” in the near future if they wish. Once the final approvals are gained and we arrange for a closing, the Board will write bond holders and ask you whether or not you want to be paid. While the Board does not presume anyone will be in a position to donate the amount of their bond, the letter will give recipients that choice if they wish. We have been fortunate to gain many new members recently, and many have become very active helping our club. Honorary President Janett Frank made some viable suggestions at the last Board meeting for our financial future. Please read and digest her article on the subject elsewhere in this newsletter. The amount of work that goes on around Germania is awesome. Please become an active volunteer if you are not already doing so. We need your help. Somewhere out there among our 400 plus members there is a new chef or a new bartender, or a new electrician, plumber, waiter, waitress or cleaner. We need you to help Germania any way you can. If you have not yet stepped up to a task, please don’t be shy. We offer great on the job training in a festive fun filled environment. Remember…. they call it Gemütlichkeit for a reason.

REMINDERS: Be informed, be Proactive… attend the annual meeting and elections June 19th at 7:30 PM Conversational German, Sunday Movies and Ballroom Dancing are officially on a summer break, watch future newsletters for dates they will resume. Sunday Afternoon at the Movies: Our program closed on April 11th for the season with the movie "Solange noch die Rosen blüh'n" which was well received. Participants enjoyed coffee and cake afterwards while socializing. In the fall we will start with the operetta "Der Zarewitch" by Franz Lehar. See you then! Helga Baker If anybody has the blue Oktoberfest road signs at home please bring them to Germania as soon as possible so Gábor can change the dates for the 2010 event before he heads to his summer home for July and August. If you have knowledge and experience in qualifying for and applying for 501c3 type corporation (tax exempt status), or know of resources Germania could use, please contact Cal Baker at (845) 454-6572. Cal is heading a committee looking into this for Germania.

AN URGENT MESSAGE FROM YOUR HONORARY PRESIDENT: ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING FOR DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE: As you probably all know, we are still suffering growing pains, without sufficient income so that we can see our way clear of our outstanding obligations. At the meeting of the Board of Directors which was held on Tuesday, April 13th, a great deal of time was spent on what we could or should do to help us through these trying times. Members of the board had met with the Riverside Bank earlier this year to look at refinancing our mortgage to help pay off these obligations. At that time, those of us who attended came out feeling positive about this meeting. Since that time, the mortgage market has been falling, and now we are not as positive in our feelings, so that leaves us in the position we are now in.

URGENT MESSAGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2… Here are some of the options that are available to us to present to all members that will be discussed and voted upon at the annual meeting on June 19th. Raise the dues, assess every member a yearly fee of $25.00 or $50.00 to keep up with the cost of services (electric, heat, phone, etc.,) or each member would have to work 10 hours a year, doing tasks such as mowing the lawn, washing the hall, floors, cleaning the bathrooms, helping out in the kitchen and so forth, or pay a fee in lieu of the work hours, to cover their volunteer time. Other like organizations have their new members pay an entrance fee, and they must continue once a year to pay their dues, and a set amount for the upkeep of the building. We have tried everything within our power to prevent any of the aforementioned, but the time has come that we can no longer put this subject off. We need your help, and we have to do something shortly, or we will find ourselves in severe straits, as our large $5000.00 certificates have come due, and we find that we don’t have the means to pay off the members who want their monies. We still owe one of our members quite a sum, that we promised to begin to pay off on a monthly basis, but we find ourselves sometimes without the means to do so. We look forward to any viable ideas that would be fair to all concerned, and would appreciate any help that can be made in the meantime. We worked so hard, to finally accomplish opening our new Hall, but we started out with a deficit and now we need to try and control this. Do not let all that we have done, and are still doing, be done in vain. Let us keep our Germania alive and well with all our help and continue to look forward to another 160 years.

Sincerely, Janett M. Frank, Honorary President, Past President.

�SINCERE CONDOLENCIES:

It was with sad hearts that Germania Members learned of the death of the HONORABLE GEORGE C. BERNHARD, who passed away on April 12th. Judge George, as most of us remember him by, was a 35-year member of Germania. You could count on seeing “The Judge”, and his wonderful wife Jane at most of our outdoor dinners, as well as our 25 week club parties. George was a wonderful, kind man, who was always interested in the welfare of Germania. He is survived by Jane, his wife of 40 years, his daughter Elizabeth and her husband Terry Miller of Arlington, VA: and his son Gregory and his wife Robin and his grandson Gregor of Vienna, Virginia. George will be missed by all who knew him. The officers, board and members of Germania offer our sincerest condolences to Jane and her family, and hope to see Jane sometime in the future. Sincerest condolence goes to Mary Mack and her family on the death of her husband, Mr. ALBERT MACK. Mr. Mack passed away on Thursday, June 3rd at St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie. He leaves behind his loving wife, Mary, daughter Lorraine and sons William A. and John F. Mack, son-in-law Ken, daughter-in-law Nicole, and three granddaughters. It had been the pleasure of most of the Wednesday Lunch Gang to look forward to seeing Mary and Albert arriving for lunch; it was in the past year that member Ted Wagner would be the chauffeur for Mary and Al due to one illness or another. The Lunch Friends, members and all volunteers will miss their friendly faces on Wednesdays. Albert and his Father, Albert Mack Sr., owned and operated Mack Mfg. Company on Dutchess Turnpike in the Town of Poughkeepsie. During the mid fifties, they helped many of the new immigrants (many present and past members of Germania) by giving them employment with their company. The company has since been passed on to John who has been running the operation for quite a few years. Albert will be missed by all who knew him.

Germania’s international series continues! Germania Festival Grounds, 51 Old DeGarmo Road, Poughkeepsie

Rain or shine! Soda, beer and wine available for purchase.

TASTE OF POLAND

June 27th, 2010

A buffet style luncheon starting at 1:00PM will feature a variety of salads, Bread (Cheleb) and butter, Pierogi, Stuffed Cabbage (Golabki), Sauerkraut and Kielbasa, Hunter’s Stew

(Bigos), Pork roast, Noodles with Cabbage, creamed Carrots and roasted potatoes followed by desserts, coffee or tea. Live music by Tony’s Polka Band from Schenectady.

RESERVE BY 6/20/10

$25.00 per person, children ages 4-12 $5.00

TASTE OF HUNGARY

August 8th, 2010

Help us celebrate Hungary and its cuisine! Doors open at 1:00PM. Buffet luncheon features a variety of Hungarian foods including salads, pork roast with sauerkraut, Hungarian style stuffed cabbage (toltottkaposzta), Hungarian sausage with cabbage and noodles, cottage cheese noodles, Hungarian goulash, chicken paprika, Lecso, (tomatoes, onions, peppers

condiment) and rice. The dessert is authentic apple strudel, coffee or tea. Live Music by the ‘INTERNATIONALS’ dance band. The program includes a csardas

demonstration and lesson. RESERVE BY 7/30/10

$25.00 per person, children ages 4-12 $5.00

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RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE INTERNATIONAL DINNERS

Mail checks to Monica Jorgensen, 100 Bedell Road, Poughkeepsie NY 12603 Make check payable to Germania of Poughkeepsie Memo on check event date, # adults, # children Any questions please call Monica at (845) 473-7021 Or email MonicaJ@hvc.rr.com subject “Germania”

NEWS FROM THE SINGERS by Patricia Kemmerer and Helga Nowak-Razey On the evening of May 1st the Germania Singers held a beautiful concert in celebration of 160 years of the club. The doors opened at 4:30 PM with music played by the Mountain Tops. A delicious Sauerbraten dinner was served at 6 PM, prepared by Margaret Killmer and her sister Monica Jorgensen who, along with Theresa Kizina, made the wonderful bread dumplings. Serving the dinner in record time were Rickie Engelhart, Rosemarie Loibl, Stephanie Faucie, and John Jorgensen; a full house was finished in one hour! The concert lead by director Helga Baker was a great success. The first part consisted of music from Carl Maria von Weber, Felix Mendelssohn, and Konradin Kreutzer. A very lovely duet “Leise, leise” from the opera “Der Freischütz” was sung by Helga Nowak-Razey and Jo Pragmann, accompanied on violin by Elizabeth and George Calabrese. Katherine Ulrich accompanied the singer’s concert on piano and Helen Schimpf played for the Kinderchor. Our men sounded wonderful, but as usual, the children won the hearts of everyone. They lead everyone singing the German, Austrian, and American National Anthems and performed songs of Spring for their selections in the second part of the concert. They really sounded wonderful! The third part of the concert consisted of a sing-a-long of well known German songs. It was a pleasure to see how almost everyone sang along and seemed to really enjoy themselves. After the concert we all indulged in the delicious homemade apple strudel with vanilla sauce, made by Helmut Loibl and his helpers. Concluding with more dancing, it was an evening of genuine “Gemütlichkeit.” SOCCER CLUB NEWS by Joe Ulrich, Germania Blue & White Soccer Club President The Over 40 team is the champions of the Over 40 league this year. The Over 30 team is still on top of the standings with three games to go. Congratulations! The Over 40 team won their State Cup semi-final match against Rhinebeck on May 22 and will be playing for the Over 40 State Cup, The Rocco Amoroso Cup, on Sunday June 13th in Yonkers, NY. Go team!

WORLD CUP CENTRAL JUNE 11 THROUGH JULY 12 AT GERMANIA HALL. 64 GAMES TO WATCH, CHEER OR BEMOAN AS YOUR FAVORITE TEAM MAKES WINNING MOVES OR FLUBS THE EASY ONES. Club house will be open for all 1st round weekend games and second round games!! A kickoff party was held on June 12th for USA VS ENGLAND. Join us for more great fun and do not forget the JULY 11th FINALS.

RAFFLE FOR CHANCE TO WIN A HUGE HD TV Raffle Tickets $20: buy as many as you want

Good eats all day, lots of liquid refreshment… See you at the clubhouse! Soccer Club Golf Tournament: The annual soccer club golf tournament is set for June 25, 2010 at the McCann Memorial Golf Course. The shotgun start will start at 8:00am with a reception to follow at the Germania club house.

SOCCER CLUB NEWS CONTINUED… The Soccer Club had its annual work day on Saturday, March 27th this year. It was a very productive day. The work was not confined just to the soccer field. We had 29 guys come out this year to lend a hand and everyone got on a crew and started to dig in. Here's the rundown of the work that was done: * Germania Hall inside was completely painted in time for the April 17th Gala event * New permanent fencing was installed along the front of the entrance way * New roof installed over the bandstand at the shelter * The soccer field was fertilized, treated for crabgrass, and lined * Brush behind the creekside goal was cleared * Leaves/brush along the whole roadside front cleared * Gravel plowed into the grass in hall parking lot got raked back into the parking lot * Area around the dumpster cleared and fence installed * Picnic tables donated by the American Legion were moved onto the property In addition a new hot water heater was installed and paid for by the soccer club at a cost of $500. Thanks to Bill Ferrier for doing the installation! Kinderfest. Soccer Club showed its support for the Kinderfest by providing overnight security Friday June 4th into Saturday June 5th and by running a ‘Shots on Goal’ game for the children throughout the day Saturday during Kinderfest. Germania Almrausch extends its gratitude for the help of the guys that came out that weekend. Germania also appreciates those soccer guys that volunteered for a work shift in food and beverage areas during Kinderfest and/or the Biergarten.

GERMANIA’S ANNUAL CHICKEN AND PORK BARBEQUE JULY 25, 2010

Germania Festival Grounds (rain or shine) - Gate opens at noon

Hot Dogs and Hamburgers 1 to 4 pm Main Meal starting at 4:30 pm

Chicken and Pork Corn on Cob, Baked Beans, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw and Bread

Watermelon Music from 2 to 6 pm by Ludwig (the band leader of the Nobert Ludwig Orchestra from the Gala) Tickets purchased prior to July 20th, 2010 $ 25.00 ** Ticket at Gate $ 28.00 Children 6 to 14 years $ 8.00 Children under 5 years free Adult Ticket includes one (1) free drink (choice of Glass of Beer or Wine or Soda) ** Mail check payable to Germania to Gisela Hetherington, 6 Oak Crescent, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601; Tickets will be held at the gate; for additional information call 845-454-9849 or 845-876-2592 (after July 5th)

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS AND OTHER TIDBITS The TD Bank Five Boro Bike Tour was held Sunday, May 2, 2010 and among the cyclists were Germania members ROBERT ROSE, MIKE REICHERT and GERT-JAN DOEDEE. Robb comments: I truly look forward to this event every year. This year was our third and I think the best tour thus far. It is truly quite the sight to see 32,000 bicycles lined up on 6th avenue at 7:30 in the morning. Although I like trail riding better than road, it is a beautiful ride through the 5 Boroughs of New York. The sites are great. It is a tour, not a race, so you can go at your own pace. I would love to see more Almrausch members join us next year (but we will not wear lederhosen on the ride... chaffing would be brutal). My favorite of the 5 boroughs would have to be the stretch through Brooklyn to the Verrazano Bridge and the trip over the bridge. I can’t say enough about the coordination of this tour and the roads that are closed for use to ride on. It is amazing. There are some funny things you do see. Some people go as groups and dress up or decorate their helmets to match each other. There is also a lot of spandex; luckily GJ, Mike or myself do not wear it. It is also funny watching GJ trying to

manipulate his bike on to the train; thank God we catch the 4:40AM train out of Poughkeepsie which helps. He rides a Batavus which is a traditional Dutch bicycle. It is much longer and taller than most bikes we see and it is quite the conversation piece; we think it has a motor driving it but we can’t find it. When the tour is done we always stop at a nice Irish bar on 6th Avenue for a few pints and a bite to eat and then the long train ride home. [Picture: Mike, Robb and GJ from the 2008 Five Boro Bike Tour; pictures from this year unavailable]

Part of a national “aging in place” movement, HUDSON VALLEY HOME MATTERS (HVHM) is a non-profit organization founded by area residents to give those 50 and older the practical means to continue living active, independent lives in their own homes. To become a member, volunteer or contributor, or for more information on how this organization can help you, visit www.hvhomematters.org, call 845-452-HVHM (452-4846) or email Info@hvhomematters.org Old news is still good news. Congratulations to KAROLINE FLICK and NORBERTO DOMINGUEZ on the birth of their granddaughter Hannah Jo this past March 3, 2010. The proud parents are Joseph and Candi Dominguez. This past April, members HERB PUBERL and RICH POINTER worked on opening the recreation grounds for the season, meaning getting the water service and other systems up and running after sitting all winter. HERB WENSKUS hand built the beautiful shelving unit in the corner of Germania Hall that is now covering the ugly pipe that protrudes from the wall. Thanks guys! JON WAGNER is doing a great job with the club website, we urge you to take some time to browse through the various pages within the website. www.GermaniaPok.com Also, I think all can agree it is good to see Jon back in action after a brief hospital visit end of May into early June. Best wishes for a successful operation this coming July and a speedy recovery. Thank you MARGOT BERGHOFER for your efforts in getting Germania events advertised. Congratulations MICHAEL AND BOBBIJO REDLER on the birth of their second child, Anneliese Olga Redler, on March 9, 2010. She weighed in at a mere 3 lbs. 2.8 oz. so we were all pleased to hear the news when she went home from the hospital and were thrilled to see her at her first Kinderfest at Germania Festival Grounds June 5th. HELP WANTED: It’s that time of year again for the members to sign up to work at the annual OKTOBERFEST September 10th through the 12th. Please mark your calendar and call or email Sara Ali to sign up (845)454-5481 or Sali722@verizon.net If you or someone you know would like to be a vendor at Oktoberfest, please call Jon Wagner at 635-9009 or obtain the registration form online at www.GermaniaOktoberfest.com

Take advantage of what your club has to offer! Wednesday Lunch 11:30 – 1:30PM. Why not give Germania’s Wednesday lunch a try? Friday Night Out: Every other Friday Germania is serving dinner from 5PM until 7PM. A home cooked entrée with two side dishes, bread, dessert and coffee for $12!!! Come and join us for an affordable meal served by member volunteers in a family style seating and get to know your fellow members. Did we mention Germania has a full calendar of dinners, dances and events?? Did you know we have a soccer club, choral group and Bavarian Schuhplattler group? You just might meet your new best friend at Germania! Check out www.GermaniaPok.com MEMBERSHIP DUES are due in July. Watch for the notice in your mailbox; you may pay your membership dues by mail, at the annual meeting on Saturday June 19, 2010 or at any event you attend this summer. Call membership chairlady Gisela Hetherington at 845-454-9849 with any questions, comments or concerns. GERMANIA NEWSLETTER by Karen L. Rose: Reminder! Please submit your articles, pictures and news to me by emailing them to editor@germaniapok.com by the 15th of January, March, May, July, September, and November. Please look ahead to what you are planning as a chairperson or daughter club so your event is submitted timely. Please also remember to report on the events you recently hosted or feel free to comment on events you have attended. We welcome announcements and personal news from our members, so please write to me! Go Green and help the club save on postage; receive your newsletter and the photographs throughout in clear full color via email! Please take a few moments to sign up for the newsletter via email by going to our club website, www.GermaniaPok.com, click on the button on the left called “Newsletter”, click the grey box that says Email Me the Newsletter and follow the two (2) steps: one to register your name and mailing address and one to register your email. Thank you very much!!

A LOOK BACK:

It seems a lifetime ago that Germania held its annual ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY! A wonderful traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner was cooked by Margarethe Killmer and Monica Jorgensen and they wish to thank the following volunteers: Eurike Engelhardt, Janett Frank, Theresa Pointer, Marilyn Luhmann took reservation, Carol Ann Fisher and her crew of helpers that set up and decorated, John Jorgensen, Charley Luhmann, Ginny Wagner and Christine Pattantyús. The band MacCana was awesome as was the Irish step dancing demonstrated by the band members as well as the Kreig’s granddaughter and her students. Everyone who went to this event had a great time.

FRÜHLINGSGALA by Helga Baker, chair person: On Saturday, April 17th, 2010 Germania held its 4th Annual Frühlingsgala in celebration of our 160th Anniversary Year. The evening started with a wonderful Cocktail Hour and delicious Hors d' Oeuvres as guests socialized with soft background music provided by Walt Otto on the piano. The hall was tastefully decorated by Germania members. Tables were set with white and yellow linens and the napkins were wonderfully folded by Theresia Kizina. Flower arrangements were artfully designed by Thomas Mercer. Jerry van Duzer designed the lovely programs. The invocation was given by Fr. Peter Kihm who reminded us to thank the Almighty for 160 years of joyful music, mutual support and Gemütlichkeit as immigrants found a home away from home with their German friends. Darcy Sala CEC (Instructor and CIA Graduate) with her students together with Fritz Sonnenschmidt (CMC, former Culinary Dean of the CIA) and Patisserie Helmut Loibl (Former CIA Instructor) presented the diners with an outstanding culinary experience. The beautiful Viennese Desert Table at 11PM crowned the evening with its delicacies. The elegantly dressed crowd danced to the wonderful music of the Norbert Ludwig Orchestra. According to our guests the evening was a great success. As a fundraiser it brought Germania approximately $2000 profit. The Gala Committee (Carol ann Fischer, Gisela Hetherington, Patricia Kemmerer, Fr. Peter Kihm, Theresia Kizina, Helmut Loibl, Helga Nowak-Razey, Jon Wagner, and Helga Baker) want to thank all who made this wonderful affair so memorable. Without your help and patronage it would not have been possible. See you again next year for our FIFTH ANNUAL FRÜHLINGSGALA!!!

SCHUHPLATTLER NEWS. Germania Almrausch SV celebrated its 40-year anniversary this past April 24, 2010 with over 125 guests in attendance which included Verein from Edelweiss-Passaic (NJ), Auerhahn SV (PA), Alpenrose SV (PA), United German Hungarians (PA) and SG Alpenland Montreal. The Austrian Boys provided the music for the event and a great time was had by all.

Margarethe Killmer and Monica Jorgensen and their volunteer helpers did a wonderful job with the beef goulash dinner. We recognized that evening and now the following Germania Almrausch members: 10-year members: Gert-Jan Doedee, Marijo Doedee (who regrettably resigned a couple weeks prior to the event) and André Pattantyús in 2009; 20-year members: David Yearack and Lisa Faith Yearack; 25-year member: Mark E Delaney in 2009; 35-year member: Grete Licis in 2009; 40-year members: George Hupe, Gloria Hupe, Dorrie Rose Mathewson and Eugene Schlag. These members have each helped mold our Verein to what we are today. It seems the years go by very quickly and often members of an organization can feel overlooked or unappreciated; please know that we honor you today for your milestone years of membership in our Verein, we admire your dedication and we appreciate your camaraderie. Thank you!

KINDERFEST ON JUNE 5, 2010 WAS A GREAT SUCCESS by Karen Rose It is so hard to know where to start for an event that we planned to host four years ago and we have been actively fundraising for the last two years. I suppose the starting point is with special thanks to the original Kinderfest Committee Dave & Faith Yearack, Karen Rose and Jennifer Reichert who were later joined by Evelyn Wuytack and George & Gloria Hupe. Their hard work leading up to June 5th was evident when Kinderfest was officially underway and all throughout the day… 16 Verein checked in at the registration table representing our own Germania Kinderchor and Schuhplattler Kindergruppen from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Quebec. By 12:15PM there was a parade to the march music of The Austrian Boys of over 170 children in Tracht from the Germania Soccer field, around the festival tents and into the pavilion where they lined up behind the Austrian, German, Canadian and American flags. Each Verein was identified by wooden signs bearing their club name and location. The Germania Kinderchor brought goose bumps to my arms as they sang each of the four national anthems; we were very proud to have them join us on the day we hosted the 17th annual Mid-Atlantic Kinderfest. Committee member and Germania Almrausch Kindergruppe co-director, Dave Yearack, welcomed over 420 guests and there was a point when he had a watery eye with the realization that the long awaited event was here and now. With sunny skies overhead, unlike many a past Kinderfest that endured rain and stormy weather, and the games and crafts underway after the opening ceremony commenced, we knew it was really happening and it would be a successful event. Congratulations to the many members of Germania Almrausch that worked hard in the hot humid morning hours to set up the grounds and throughout the day to see that the following areas were running smoothly: registration, parade, raffle ticket sales, cookbook, tote bag and candy sales, crafts, games and game prize table. We wish to thank Germania of Poughkeepsie for co-hosting the Kinderfest and the many members of Germania that worked on grounds set up and keeping, and the parking, food and beverage areas; special thanks also to the volunteers that prepared all of the delicious food that was sold including a German favorite, Rouladen. We recognize that there are key kitchen volunteers that put in over 10 hot and laborious hours to make the food area a success and we thank you. Thanks also to those that worked on the grounds and setting up the tent in the days just before Kinderfest. Thanks to Melissa White who was our Kinderfest photographer capturing memories of our guests, the dance performances and the various activities throughout the day. The raffle was made up of over 20 baskets and prizes, and it could not have been done without the members who donated the great items that filled the baskets. We also wish to thank Germania Blue & White Soccer Club for running the Shots on Goal game and setting up the volley ball net; although the heat of the day deterred many from partaking in the game. In fact bottled water was sold out at one point in the day and a run was made for more! I worked many hours putting together a commemorative program book and I wish to thank the advertisers and boosters that made publication financially possible. The music of The Austrian Boys was enjoyed by all and we wish to thank Frank Billowitz Sr. for his generous fee discount in support of our Verein and Kinderfest. In fact we had many donations of various sorts that we are very grateful for and that helped make our Kinderfest a success and it is impossible to name all our donors. But we must recognize the member that went above and beyond to support us both by working and financially – Thomas Mercer. He often boasts that kids only belong on a spit over a fire but his actions of generosity for the benefit of the kids speak louder than his cranky words! The first ever traveling Kinderfest scrapbook was introduced and two books currently contain over 45 pages capturing most of the past 16 years of Kinderfest; our Verein will scrapbook this year’s event and pass the books to next year’s host on June 4, 2011 where more of the past will be filled in and we will have the rich history of this Kinderfest preserved for many years to come. Robb Rose was the Master of Ceremonies and made sure we kept to the schedule in our Program; the various Ehrentanz performances were wonderful. The dancing was a pleasure for all observers. What a sight to behold at the end of the day when over 170 children marched onto the dance floor and formed multiple circles before they danced the Gauplattler together! The Gauplattler and raffle drawing marks the close of Kinderfest and I believe that the event was memorable. I only wish I had more time to make it around to all our guests and observe the interaction between all of the children and teenagers; I wish I had more time to sit back with my fellow committee members and revel in the festival. For Germania Almrausch and the guest Verein, Kinderfest is devoted solely to honoring Schuhplattler Kindergruppe as our future; it is a festival that provides them with an opportunity to showcase their talent, strengthen lifelong friendships and start new friendships. So in closing, thank you to the Germania Almrausch Kindergruppe and all of the other children for attending and participating in this year’s Kinderfest! Look for details about next year’s Kinderfest, the 18th annual Mid-Atlantic Kinderfest to be held in Dover, New Jersey, at www.edelweisspassaic.com

Germania Blue and White Soccer Club Celebrating “52” Years 1958 - 2010 President - Joseph Ulrich Vice President - Jeff Contelmo Treasurer - Mark Woyner Secretary - Scott Grimes

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In Memory of

August Meixner ___________________________________

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church 97 Mill Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

845-454-0340

Celebration of the Eucharist Weekdays 8AM vigil (Sat) 5:00PM

Sunday 8:00, 10:00, 11:30 AM

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GERMANIA ALMRAUSCH

SCHUHPLATTLER VEREIN Traditional Bavarian Dancing

Founded 1970 Poughkeepsie, NY

Vorstand: Christine Pattantyus (845) 452-6219 Vorplattler: David Yearack (845) 452-6360

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In Memory of Albert and Emma Mack

From the MACK FAMILY

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Late Model Wrecks Bought & Sold

MATT’S AUTO BODY

Bob Beckmann Matt Lawlor Salt Point Turnpike, Salt Point, NY 12578

(845) 266-5450 24 Hour Towing ___________________________________

In Memory of the best Jeweler on Main Street, Poughkeepsie

Germania Men & Ladies Singers and “Children’s Chorus”

Rehearsals: Adults 7:30 PM every Monday Children 10 AM every Saturday President- Patricia Kemmerer (845)454-8192

1850-2010 * 160 Years ___________________________________

Gábor Pattantyus (845)452-6219

PROFESSIONAL CHAUFFEUR

Fully insured and Bonded CDL Certified The Best prices to airports and NYC

___________________________________ MOUNTAIN BRAUHAUS RESTAURANT 7 Miles West of Thruway exit 18 Route 44-55 & 299 Junction, Gardiner, NY 845-255-9766 Closed Mon & Tues

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ARLINGTON GETTY Your Friendly Convenience Store

for Gas and Food 813 Main Street Poughkeepsie, NY

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Come Home to Unconditional Love Sunday at 10 AM

First Evangelical Lutheran Church 325 Mill Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

(845)452-6050

Lunch and Listen: 1st Wednesday 12 PM

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BANKERS Life and Casualty Company

We specialize in Seniors

In the insurance business since 1879, we offer: Medicare Supplement, Long Term Care, and Home Health Care Insurances; Annuities/Life Insurance

Chuck Omphalius NY/CT Licensed (914)980-4769

Chuck is a Germania Member!