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February 2004

From the President

At our January meeting we elected (2) new members to our Club's Board of Directors.  These two, Fr. John Boeglin and Janet Kluemper possess a great passion for preserving, increasing and enriching our awareness and connection to our German Heritage.  Among many other German related activities that he is associated with or has been associated with, Father Boeglin has been a driving force in bringing the Celestine and Wagshurst, Germany communities together in a similar fashion to the relationship that Jasper and Paffenweiler have established.  Some of Janet's activities include her heavy involvement with the Dubois County Museum in helping preserve our heritage and her family has hosted individuals from Germany on an extended basis.  We very much look forward to the sharing of their talents with us and helping us grow and become an even better club.Thanks Fr. John and Janet for accepting membership and associated responsibility to be on the board.  Thanks also to the following board members who were reelected: Dave Buehler, Raymie Eckerle, Matt Hilger, Linus Lechner, Jim Gutgsell, Bob Dilger, and Dan Wehr.


Beer and Wine Tasting in Review

The Jasper Deutscher Verein held their annual Wine Judging Contest at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 673 on Thursday, January 15. Over 85 members and guests were in attendance.Sharon Dilger, Rita Egler, Kathy Gutgsell, and Patti Goepfrich greeted members and guests as they arrived. Dan Gutgsell, president of the Jasper Deutscher Verein, welcomed all present and led the group in prayer before the lunch consisting of homemade bean soup, cheese, and cornbread. He thanked Linus Lechner, John Wibbels, and Bob Fleck for preparing the homemade bean soup and Rita Egler, Kathy Gutgsell, and Irene Eckerle for making the cornbread. President Gutgsell then presented the names of two individuals to be added to the Deutscher Verein Board of Directors. The nominees are Janet Kluemper and Father John Boeglin. The remaining Board of Directors nominated were Dave Buehler, Raymie Eckerle, Jim Gutgsell, Matt Hilger, Linus Lechner, and Danny Wehr. Dave Prechtel made a motion to accept the nominees and retain the present Board Members and the otion was seconded by Rafe Ackerman. The motion was voted on by those present and motion approved by vote.Guests present were Herb and Lou Mark. They discovered the Jasper Deutscher Verein via the Deutscher Verein web page.Rita Egler, Treasurer, presented a financial report and announced that she is accepting dues for 2004. Single membership is $5 and couple membership is $10 and dues may be sent to Jasper DeutscherVerein, Attn: Rita Egler, P. O. Box 15, Jasper, IN 47547-0015.It was noted that the Deutscher Verein had a very successful Strassenfest.Scott Ortiz was Chairperson of the Wine-Beer Judging Contest. Judges for the contest were Pete Massat, Jim Gutgsell, Gary Egler, Jan Hulsman, and Kerstin Ortiz. Winners in the Grape Wine Category were: first, Linda Wehr, second, Harvey Berger, and third, Ken Heim. In the Non-Grape Wine Category: first, John Wibbels, second, Linus Lechner, and third, Kenny Schnell. There were no entries in the homemade Beer category.All were thanked for their efforts in the Wine-Beer Judging Contest.The Jasper High School German Exchange chili dinner will be held on Saturday, February 7th between 5 and 8pm in the school cafeteria. The dinner will be $6 and includes a hot dog, chili, a homemade dessert and a drink. All proceeds support the Jasper High School German Exchange Program.Bob Dilger, Vice President, recognized those with January birthdays. They included Gladys Knust, Kenny Schnell, Andy Gutgsell, Dave Berger, Joe Eckerle, and Rita Egler. Those with a January wedding anniversary were Ken and Rosemary Heim. Mr. Dilger announced that Tony Haag, Division Manager at NSWC Crane, will give a presentation on Crane and what the Base does to support our country. Hot dogs and sauerkraut will be served. The meeting will be held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #673 on Thursday, February 19. There will be more information in the club newsletter.Mr. Dilger then introduced Ron Flick, a local architect and a member of ROJAC. Mr. Flick gave a very interesting presentation on the Eckert Mill and the importance it played in the growth of early Jasper. He distributed pictures of the Mill through out its history. Plans are to rebuild the Eckert Mill with a water wheel with the help of donations and grants to ROJAC. Dedication is planned for August 2005 to coincide with the visit of individuals from Pfaffenweiler to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sister City Partnership. Mr. Flick then answered questions from the group. He then recognized and thanked Joe Rohleder for his persistent efforts in getting the Mill rebuilt.Dan Wehr then addressed the group concerning the Deutscher Verein's role in promoting and maintaining the German heritage. He encouraged all to donate to the Jasper Deutscher Verein (German Club) German Heritage Endowment of the Dubois County Community Foundation. This endowment will provide funds for future German heritage projects. The Strassenfest is a celebration of the German heritage. The Deutscher Verein has been a driving force to keep the German heritage alive in Dubois County. ROJAC is important in helping to preserve the German Heritage. The Deutscher Verein should support ROJAC. Mr. Wehr talked of the importance of the waterwheel in the Eckert Mill, how a waterwheel is a driving force in the Mill. The same as the Deutscher Verein is to German heritage. Mr. Wehr then made a proposal for the Deutscher Verein to make a donation of $5,000 to ROJAC for the purpose of purchasing the waterwheel. Dave Prechtel made a motion to accept this proposal and it was seconded by Bernita Berger. The motion was voted on by those present and motion approved by vote.A proposal was also made to donate $2,500 to the Jasper Deutscher Verein (German Club) German Heritage Endowment. A motion was made by Linda Wehr and seconded by Rita Corn. The motion was voted on by those present and motion approved by vote.Attendance prizes were won by Don Scherle and Nancy Prechtel. Irene Eckerle won the 1/2 pot attendance prize.The remainder of the evening was spent socializing and tasting wine brought by members.Anyone wishing to learn more about the Deutscher Verein is welcome to attend any activities.


Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendars!

February Meeting

Date: Thursday, February 19, 2004
Time: 6:00 PM Gathering time
  6:30 PM Hot dogs, chips, sauerkraut
  7:00 PM Club Meeting
  7:15 PM NSWC Crane by Tony Haag
Place: Jasper VFW

The club will provide hot dogs, chips, beer and soft drinks. After a brief Club meeting, the audience will hear a presentation by Mr. Tony Haag addressing various aspects of the Naval Surface Warfare Center at Crane, Indiana. Tony is the Manager of the Undersea Systems Department at Crane and has a broad background of experiences at Crane. His presentation will address the diversity of work performed at the Center.Come prepared for an interesting and fun evening!

Spring 2004 Palatines to America Meeting

The Palatines to America will present a workshop on March 20, 2004 focusing on Basic German Genealogical Research and Genealogical Research of Alsaece-Lorraine. The speaker will be Robert Rau, from Cincinnati. Robert spoke to the Indiana Palatines two years ago, and he spoke at a workshop for Indiana Historical Society, in 2003. He is a very organized and knowledgeable speaker. His own family research has led him to acquire excellent research skills. He will share his techniques and expertise by his lectures and slides. The program will be at the Athenaeum / Das Deutsche Haus 401 East Michigan Street. The first lecture will begin at 9:30 A.M. and the program will end at 12:30 P.M. There will be no cost for members of Palatines to America, and only $5 for nonmembers.For further information or reservations contact:jrfeit@aol.com or 317/875-7210 James Feit, President Indiana Chapter Palatines to AmericaThe Music of Kurt Weill arrives at ACTIndianapolis, IN- Kurt Weill: From "Mack the Knife" to "September Song," is a new cabaret show opening at ACT on March 5, 2004. The show will emphasize the extraordinary variety of music that Weill (1900-1950) composed, and the many different lyricists who were his collaborators: Bertolt Brecht, Alan Jay Lerner, Moss Hart, Ogden Nash, and Maxwell Anderson. At Weill's memorial in 1950, Maxwell Anderson declared that Weill's "glorious originality and influence as a composer will become much more heralded in the future." Anderson has proven to be right. The range of Weill's music, from his early operas that show his classical training, to his cabaret, popular, jazz, folk, and Broadway songs is amazing. But perhaps his lasting fame is because of the totally original Weill sound that sets him apart from all other composers of the 20th Century. Weill, like Duke Ellington, refused to put music into classifying categories, or call it either highbrow or lowbrow.ACT IAct I tells the story of the young Kurt Weill and his collaboration with Bertolt Brecht, as he sets the tone for what cabaret music itself should sound like. The hallmark of his early career is the 1928 Three Penny Opera (based on John Gay's 1728 masterpiece The Beggars Opera) which produced some of the most famous songs of the century, including "Mack the Knife" and "Pirate Jenny." Weill's on-again off-again marriage to the great Cabaret performer Lotte Lenya, begins and remains central to Weill's life and art. His other extraordinary works of the early era include Happy End, The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahogany, and The Seven Deadly Sins. These were composed during the "Weimar Years" (between WWI and Hitler coming to power in 1933). With the growing anti-Semitism in Germany, Weill left for France; then America, in 1934.ACT IIIn Act II, when Weill arrives in America, he begins a new aspect of his career that leaves the earthy cabaret days behind. He now sets his sights on Broadway and Hollywood, and the career of Mrs. Weill (Lotte Lenya) also surges forward. With his huge successes, Johnny Johnson, Knickerbocker Holiday, Lady in the Dark, and One Touch of Venus, Weill establishes himself as a leading composer in America. The works are composed in a variety of styles, and begin influencing many American composers, most notably by the 1960's John Kander and Fred Ebb of Cabaret and Chicago fame. Weill's influence extends into jazz, and eventually rock 'n roll with Louis Armstrong's rendition of "Mack the Knife," and the Doors' Jim Morrison's famous rendition of "Moon Over Alabama." Weill very much considered himself an American composer in his later years, and he was very proud to have become an American citizen. With his early death in 1950, Weill left a legacy that still grows year by year.Among the songs in Kurt Weill: From "Mack the Knife" to "September Song" are "Mack the Knife," "Pirate Jenny," "Bilbao Song," "Surabaya Johnny," "Alabama Song," "Songs of Peace and War," "September Song," "Saga of Jenny," and "Lost in the Stars." The cast includes Jeff Owen, Mary Lou Szczesiul, Gary DeMumbrum, Peggy Chambers, Hayley Bridgewater, Jake Haley, and Jessica Zeller. The show's director is Founding Artistic Director Claude McNeal, assistant director and slide designer is Mary Lou Szczesiul, costumes are by Jerry Panatieri, and choreography is by Jessica Zeller.Show Dates and Times:

Friday, March 5th 8 PM Preview
Saturday, March 6th 8 PM Preview
Friday, March 12th 8 PM Preview
Saturday, March 13th 8 PM Opening
Friday, March 19th 8 PM
Saturday, March 20th 8 PM
Sunday, March 21st 2:30 PM
Friday, March 26th 8 PM
Saturday, March 27th 8 PM
Box Office & Ticket Information:317-631-0334$30 A Level Seating
$25 B Level Seating
$22 C Level SeatingDiscounted rates available for groups of 20 or more.
You can also visit us online at www.americancabarettheatre.com
INTERNATIONAL COFFEE HOUSEMarch 20, 2004
Dale Parish CenterSponsored by the Guadalupe Center
317 N. Washington St.
Huntingburg, IN 47542
812-683-5212For the Benefit of Our Children and Youth ProgramsWe are seeking donations of:
  • International drinks and desserts
  • Entertainment from various countries
  • Food gift certificates for a raffle (pending on how difficult it is to get a raffle license)
  • Items for a silent auction
For additional information, please contact Dave Prechtel at 367-1411 ext. 2638.
Erinnerst Du Dich?
By Patti GoepfrichProjects Completed in 1986 and 1987Thanks to the following people who worked on these projects, parties, etc. Success was accomplished with your excellent help. Thanks, also, to the Officers and Board of Directors for a job well done.Wine & Cheese Tasting Parties - Linus and Sally Lechner, Dave BuehlerGerman Proverbs, Prayers, & Folk Remedies - Mary Jo Meuser & JHS StudentsBeginning & Intermediate German Conversational Classes - Larry TenbargeStrassenfest Float - Jim Corn, Gary Egler, Dan Hoffman and Chuck BurkOctoberfest at Cincinnati - Ron and LaVerne KieffnerFamily Picnic - Tom and Jan Hulsman, Ruth and John Wibbels, Elmer and Marilyn Brames, Dave and Rita Blessinger, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Campbell, Danny Wehr, and Roger WeisensteinerThe Making of Brautwurst - Rev. George and Erika MuenichStone Marker at the May Pole - Jim Corn and Lowell GlendeningStrassenfest Food Stand - Lowell and Joan Glendening, Bernie and Cindy Nonte and all the workersVolkstanzgruppe Marienfeld Folk Dancers - Claude and Martine Eckert, Ron and LaVerne KieffnerFall Costume Dance - Bernie and Cindy Nonte, Chuck and Linda Burk, Ron and LaVerne Kieffner, Ron and Ardella Keusch, Harold and Nancy BurtonStones from Pfaffenweiler - Displayed in the Library - Rev. MuenichSister City Signs at City Limits - Fred Hollinden and Vic Knies, Dave Buehler, Mayor Alles and city crews for putting signs upLighting of Murals on East Side of Gamble Building - Danny WehrDecorative Painting on Strassenfest Food Stand - Judy BennettRemodeling of Food Stand - Jim CornCity of Jasper Souveniors - LaVerne Kieffner, Judy Buehler, Nancy Burton, and Linda WehrQuilt Raffle - Sally Lechner and all who helped make the quiltTrip to Bauerhaus and Fall Scramble - Ron KieffnerExchange Students to Germany - Mary Jo Meuser and Claude and Martina EckertSt. Pat's Day Parade - Jim Corn, Gary Egler, Ron KieffnerPfaffenweiler Band and Guests - Claude and Martina EckertLog Sawing Contest at Strassenfest - Joe EckerleThanks to all families who hosted the folk dancers and Pfaffenweiler guests.Special thanks to my wife, Carole, for all the phone calls to members, help on the newsletter, etc., etc., etc.Thanks to Larry and Betty Hanselman for the use of the Schnitzelbank for most of our meetings.Thanks to everyone who worked on or presented programs at our meetings.If you worked on a project and your name was not included in the above, my apologies.We welcome everyone to participate in make our German Club a success.(found in The Deutscher Verein Records - 1987) THANKS JIM CORN!!!!Jim Corn created the woodcarvings used in the Maypole, located at the corner of 6th and Newton Streets, from drawings composed by Judy Bennett. The Maypole was dedicated on October 10, 1985. Since that time, Jim has taken care of the area around the Maypole. This area is seen by all who are passing the corner.Thanks Jim for a job well done!!!!!
Jasper Partnership Commission UpdateOn January 30, 2004 at 7AM, the Jasper Partnership Commission, under the leadership of Mayor Bill Schmitt, met in the Pfaffenweiler Room in the City Hall of Jasper.

Re-appointed for another three years were Raymie Eckerle, representing the Jasper German Club, Bob Dilger, Representing Sister Cities of Jasper and Matthias Hilger.

All officers were retained, Matthias Hilger, President and Raymie Eckerle, Vice President. Lois Kuntz will continue as Secretary. A brief review took place over the past year, the financial report presented and a look was taken into the year 2004.

The main project starting to come alive this year will be the 20th anniversary visit by Pfaffenweiler in the year 2005. With a more specific plan we are hoping to receive from Pfaffenweiler in the next couple of months, the Partnership Commission will take serious planning actions to detail the anniversary visit. Per a report by Bob Dilger, Vice - President of the Jasper German Club, the choir of St. Joseph Church is planning on a tour in Europe for June 2005. Much of the tour will be centered around Pfaffenweiler, exploring Germany, neighboring Switzerland, Eastern France and Austria. The Jasper Partnership Commission will be involved in arranging all details with Pfaffenweiler. A special invited guest at the meeting was Julie Newton, Jasper High School German Teacher. The Jasper Partnership took the opportunity to welcome her officially to Jasper.She, as well as Stan Jochum, Commission Member representing the Jasper High School, gave a review of the past year's activities by the JHS German Program and German Club, and their vision for this year.
Jasper Deutscher Verein (German Club) German Heritage Endowment
A gift to the Jasper Deutscher Verein (German Club) German Heritage Endowment of the Dubois County Community Foundation is a wonderful way to remember that special someone. A gift in honor of someone or in memory of someone may be given. The Dubois County Community Foundation will send a letter of acknowledgment to the individual being honored or to the family of someone being remembered. Send your gift along with the appropriate information to the Dubois County Community Foundation, P. O. Box 269, Jasper, IN 47547-0269 and note that you wish your gift to go to the Jasper Deutscher Verein (German Club) German Heritage Endowment. Appropriate envelopes are also available at the greeting table at each club meeting.
Lost and FoundA number of items have turned up after club meetings - a glass crock pot lid, umbrella, George Foreman drip pan, etc. There will be a lost and found table and the February and March meetings to view / claim the items.
A group meets one half hour prior to the regular meeting to review conversational German skills.All are invited to attend.

Membership Dues

It's that time of year again! Please submit your dues for 2004 as soon as possible by completing and sending in the following form. Thanks!

SEND TO: Jasper Deutscher Verein, ATTN: Rita Egler, P.O. Box 15, Jasper, IN 47546

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Name(s): ___________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________

City, State, ZIP: ______________________________________________________

Home Phone ( ) ______ - ___________ E-mail: ___________________

[circle one]

Single Membership ($5.00) or Couple Membership ($10.00)

[circle one]

New Membership or Membership Renewal

Please indicate the year which dues are to be applied: ________________________
 

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions please contact Matthias Hilger or Patti Goepfrich.

Deutscher Verein


Officers :


Directors :

Bob Dilger - President
dilger@fullnet.com
Virgil Gress- Vice President
vgress@fullnet.com
Rita Egler - Treasurer
gregler@fullnet.com
Ruth Wibbels - Secretary
wibbles@fullnet.com

Die Zeitung
Editor:  Patti Goepfrich
Phone: 482-4821
e-mail:  pmgoep@fullnet.com
 

Fr. John Boeglin
Dave Buehler
Raymie Eckerle
Dan Gutgsell
Jim Gutgsell
Matthias Hilger
Janet Kluemper
Linus Lechner
Danny Wehr