May 2016 - Germania of Poughkeepsie

GERMANIA EXECUTIVE BOARD
President:
Carol Ann Fischer 876-2592
VP: John Trott 452-2911
Secretary: Bill Reuter 914-882-0307
Treasurer:
Robb Rose 471-7442
Financial Secretary:
Michael Reichert 635-1065
DAUGHTER CLUBS and COMMITTEES
Singers President:
Helga Nowak-Razey 845-797-7519
Soccer Club President:
Joe Ulrich 380-7925
Germania Almrausch President:
Christine Pattantyús 452-6219
Newsletter Editor:
Karen Rose (845)471-7442 or
editor@germaniapok.com
Membership: Sylvia Reuter
914-882-0200 or sylvreuter@gmail.com,
and Maria Bruhmuller
Buildings & Grounds:
Gerhard Stoetzel 914-474-5956
Bar: Gary Schonmann 454-9324
25-Week Club:
Marilyn Luhmann 914-489-2561
Rentals:
rentals@GermaniaPok.com
Webmaster: Erin Sommerville
ewagner@germaniapok.com
SEE FULL CALENDAR WITHIN
Club Bar is Open 7 - 11 pm
Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
Wednesday Lunch
11:30 am - 1:30pm
Newsletter - May/June 2016
_______________________________________________________________
CALENDARING FOOD EVENTS DEPENDS ON YOU
If you have a desire to learn to cook or bake, or can
volunteer in Germania's kitchen during events, or if
you can assist with food preparation before events,
please let us know! You may have noticed calendar changes or a
shortage of kitchen staff. Please help us... Call Germania Hall
845-471-0609.
IMPORTANT REMINDER TO GERMANIA MEMBERS:
Please come and attend the Annual Meeting and
Election of Officers on Saturday, June 18th at
7:30pm. Stay informed and be proactive.
It's also time to renew your membership at
Germania. Please send in your check for 20162017 membership year (payable to Germania)
before July 1st. We appreciate your continued
support!
“A weed is but an unloved flower.”
― Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Looking for a volunteer opportunity but not sure
how you can help? Gardening! Come by
Germania at your convenience to weed around
our entrance and water the plants. Weed whacking and trimming
at the Festival Grounds is also a great help.
If you can volunteer to work at the Oktoberfest,
please contact Sylvia at 914-882-0200 or
sylvreuter@gmail.com. Festival dates are Sept 9,
10 & 11, preparation and set up work dates start
Sept 3.
Germania of Poughkeepsie, Inc., 37 Old DeGarmo Road, Poughkeepsie, New York 12603-2062
Phone (845) 471-0609 Fax (845) 471-0720
Page 2 of 19
Dear Members:
Welcome back to all our returning "Snowbirds". I am delighted to see you again! Since
the March newsletter, Spring has definitely arrived. The flowers and trees are in full
bloom, the birds are singing and the club is busy working on many exciting activities for its
members!
Our first Polish Dinner Dance organized by Sylvia Reuter was outstanding. The dinner which included many
Polish favorites, prepared under the tuteledge of Margarethe Killmer and her "3 Germania sons" was delicious.
All who attended are still raving about the meal, as well as the music. The dance floor was full. It was Maria
and John's first performance at Germania and will definitely not be their last. They played again for us on
Saturday afternoon at the Maifest. My sincere thanks to Sylvia and her committee who put on such a
memorable event. If you missed this one, make sure to mark your calendar for next year.
I thoroughly enjoyed the May 7th Germania Singers Spring Concert. This year's theme---"Remember the
Movie Hits from the 20th Century" brought back memories. A chicken marsala dinner and music by Paul
Slusar completed the evening.
The Maifest Committee outdid themselves planning for our 4th Annual Maifest held on May 13, 14 and 15.
Many volunteers committed to work shifts, be it pre-festival setup, the festival, and post festival cleanup. To all
of our members that took the phone call from Sylvia asking for your assistance, thank you. The Germania
Singers opened the festival with "Der Mai ist gekommen" and our own Germania Almrausch Schuhplattlers and
Kindergruppe performed their traditional dances, including the Bandltanz (ribbon dance around the Maypole).
Everyone that came to spend some time with fellow Germania "family" members during the festival had a great
time in spite of the unusually cold weather and spots of rain we had.
May also featured our 9th Annual Spring Gala on the 21st. It was an evening with a delicious gourmet dinner.
Elegantly clothed attendees danced the night away to wonderful orchestral music. The Gala Committee and
chefs did an outstanding job.
I'm looking forward to seeing you during the next few month's activities. Please attend the Annual Meeting on
Saturday, June 18th at 7:30pm, and find out what makes Germania "tick" so we can provide the great
Gemütlichkeit Germania has to offer for its members, friends and the community.
Happy Spring! Sincerely yours,
Carol Ann Fischer, President
Pictures on right:
Germania Almrausch performs the Bandltanz at
the 2016 Maifest; and Rachael Rose dances with
Macaroni the Clown.

www.GermaniaPok.com
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GOOD AND WELFARE
(News from and about our members)
Please submit your announcements, news and pictures to Editor@GermaniaPok.com.
If you know of a member who should be added to our good and welfare mentions, please contact Sylvia Reuter 914-882-0200.
CHRISTIAN KUKLIS is performing in his first play, the Sound of Music, at the Cunneen
Hackett theater in Poughkeepsie on July 2nd and 3rd with the Standing Room Only Theater
Company. He has the role of Friedrich von Trapp in the Hills cast, and he would like to invite
everyone to come and see him. More information about tickets can be found at
http://standingroomonlytheatercompany.com when it gets closer to the performances.
Christian's family is very proud of their little boy who has been training for this role for years
with Germania's kinder Schuhplattlers.
Special Get Well Wishes to the following members:
Babe Frank, who had hip replacement surgery on April 18th and is undergoing
Rehab at the Lutheran Care Center. Also to Martin Bugnits, Carolyn McCarthy, Katherine Ulrich, Penny Van
De Water and Matt Viggiano.
MANY THANKS to my children (Peter,
Edgar, Norman and Irene) for putting
together and financing such a beautiful 90th
birthday party, and to all of my family and
friends that was able to come and have a
good time. I appreciate the entertainment
and the many wonderful birthday wishes and
gifts. "Danke" from Grete Licis.
Congratulations proud parents Gábor and Christine Pattantyús on their son's hard work
studying meteorology! ANDRÉ PATTANTYÚS received his Ph.D in Atmospheric
Sciences on May 14, 2016 at the U of Hawaii. Way to go!!

www.GermaniaPok.com
Page 4 of 19
GOOD AND WELFARE... CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
(News from and about our members)
FAMOUS ENCOUNTERS
Helga Nowak-Razey recently met Plácido Domingo, the famous Spanish tenor,
conductor and arts administrator, at the Metropolitan Opera House.
Going back quite a few years, Margarethe Killmer and Peter Heller each met Arnold
Schwarzenegger. Pete's picture was taken at Schwarzenegger Sunshine Valley
House in the Catskills, which was once owned by Arnold's cousin Karl.
If you have met someone famous and
would like to share your picture, email it
to Editor@GermaniaPok.com with a
brief description and "Famous
Encounter" in the subject.
Deepest Sympathy to Gloria Hupe, Diane and Steve
Zehner, and family on the passing of GEORGE HUPE.
George Hupe, better known to family as "Pap", entered
into rest Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at his home in
Fishkill. He was 90. He was the son of the late William
Hupe and Margaret Schubert Hupe; George was born on
September 23, 1925 in Brooklyn, NY. He was married
to his wife who survives him, Gloria Hupe, for 67 years.
George worked as a jeweler in New York City for a
short time before finding a successful career as an
engineer with IBM. In his spare time George loved to
enjoy the outdoors whether hunting or fishing, devoting
time to the Germania Almrausch Schuhplattlers or
focusing on spending time with his wife and family. George served in the United States Army with the 10th
Mountain Division where he received numerous awards including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star while
serving in World War II. George is survived by his daughter Diane Zehner, son John Hupe and grandchildren
Jaeger and Nikolaus Zuck, Heather Acken and Eric Hupe. He also leaves behind his loving caregiver, Karen
Eutsey. George joined Germania in 1969, receiving his 25-year honorary membership in 1995, and is
remembered as someone who cared deeply for the club and its survival which was evident every time he
volunteered. Memorial Services were held at Germania on Sunday June 5th.

www.GermaniaPok.com
Page 5 of 19
GOOD AND WELFARE... CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
(News from and about our members)
LOREEN FRIEDRICH, age 16, is a foreign exchange student from Berkenbrueck
Germany (which is between Berlin and Poland.) She has lived with John & Georgia
Trott since August 2015. Germania members probably recognize her from her
volunteer activities during many dinners, Biergartens, Maifest and Oktoberfest! She
even made a big batch of her grandmother's soup, Soljanka, for a Biergarten back in
the winter. Soljanka is a traditional north-eastern German tomato based soup
containing meat and vegetables and her recipe will be included in Joyce's new
Germania cookbook. She enjoyed her time in America, attending Arlington high
school and visiting NYC 10 times, even though she has to make up the entire year at
her German gymnasium (apparently German schools don't give any credit for US
classes!).
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GERMAN LANGUAGE CLASSES
Instructor: Beatrix Clarke.
Thursdays, 5:30-7:00pm, on a summer schedule: the
next classes will be July 7, July 21, August 4 and
August 18.
For inquiries, or to be informed of the Fall schedule,
please contact Sylvia Reuter at 914-882-0200.
***********************************************************************************
The January 10, 2016 25 Week Club Party was once again a
very successful event for Germania. Thanks to all the
volunteers who so graciously offered their time and
assistance with this function. The 25 Week Club helps offset
insurance expenses necessary to operate our clubhouse and the recreation grounds. The music, food
and camaraderie were exceptional as usual. One hundred sixty-three persons attended and a great
time was had by all.
Congratulations to the Grand Prize winners:
$500 June Schreck
$150 Herb Puberl
$250 Marie Lumb
$100 Gertrude Reifenberger
$ 50 Shirley Mowell
We welcome all members to purchase tickets toward future parties. Please call Marilyn Luhmann at
(914)452-2561.

www.GermaniaPok.com
YOUR AD OR MESSAGE HERE
$60/year supports Germania by reducing
postage & copy expense of this newsletter.
Mail checks payable to "Germania" to Katherine
Ulrich, 1 Baldwin Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
BIERGARTEN
Brats, Potato Pancakes, Pretzels, Soup,
Beer, Music and Gemütlichkeit!
Germania Hall opens at 6:30pm; á la carte food
service and accordionist Joe Unger 7-10pm.
NEXT BIERGARTEN DATES:
June 17 * August 12 * Oct 7 * Nov 4
Email ad to Editor@GermaniaPok.com
(MS Word, Rich Text or jpeg formats)
RENT GERMANIA
FOR YOUR NEXT PARTY
OKTOBERFEST
Call (845)471-0609 or email
rentals@GermaniaPok.com
Member Discount Available
September 9, 10 & 11
WWW.GERMANIAOKTOBERFEST.COM
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Stay informed and be proactive; attend the Annual
Membership Meeting and Election on June 18, 2016
at 7:30pm. Your vote matters.
Page 7 of 19
CLUB ETIQUETTE
Etiquette is defined as code of polite and acceptable behavior among members of a group.
Our club is fortunate to have small groups interested in reserving tables at our Friday
dinners, Biergartens and festivals. When you see a "reserved" sign on a table, please be
kind enough to honor it and do not sit at that table.
During events our kitchen is often crowded with a lot of activity so that
guests can receive dinner as scheduled; wait staff are in and out of the kitchen
throughout the event. The ovens and stove is very hot, as are the steam tables.
Hot and very heavy trays and pots are being transported from one spot to
another, some with boiling water. For safety reasons, the kitchen is for
volunteers only. Please do not enter the kitchen to request seconds, condiments or to-go containers, or to
socialize; kindly wait for our volunteers to enter the hall.
Please remember that Germania is your club. Take pride in our organization and
clean up after yourself before you leave; take a moment to throw away your garbage
and straighten out the chairs at your table. Help us keep our floors and bathrooms
clean. If you see something that needs attention, please attend to it. Our building and
grounds need the same care and attention you give your own home or car, and we
welcome you to pitch in wherever you see a need.
Volunteers are the heart of our club; the glue that holds our organization
together. They are not paid or trained. Members are more likely to give
up their time and energy if they’re being treated properly and genuinely
appreciated. If you attend an event, dinner or lunch, or are a patron at our
bar, please recognize that we are doing our best to provide you with
courteous prompt service, a delicious meal, and a pleasant experience.
Please treat our volunteers with respect and remember to thank them.
If you offer opinions or express a concern, please do so in a friendly
manner rather than an oppositional one.
Volunteering is fun and rewarding, but it's also a little more complicated than just showing up and having a
good time. How to make the most of your volunteer work: If you need training or need someone to show you
what you're supposed to do, speak up. Be dependable. Do what you say you'll do, and do your best. Don't show
up late, and always keep your promises. Be enthusiastic, open-minded, respectful, cooperative, understanding
and friendly. Don't try to do everything yourself; work as part of a team. Tips for
leaders, board members, committee chairpersons and fellow members: Treat
volunteers as the valuable contribution they are to our organization. Not only will
doing so ensure that we retain the volunteers that we already have, you we be more
likely to attract new ones to help when we need them. Just like employees,
volunteers need to know what we expect from them: communicate all of the details
and needs, show them the ropes, and introduce them to the people they will be
working with. Provide the rules. Show Your Appreciation. Saying thank you and
please goes a long way toward making people feel appreciated.

www.GermaniaPok.com
Page 8 of 19
ALLES GUTE ZUM GEBURTSTAG!
MAY: Loreto Angelino, John Atherly, Roger Bastian, Kevin Blatz, Daniel Brauer, Patrick Brown, Martin
Bugnits, Linda Coombs, Paula DeMarco, Hugo V. Fueglein Jr., Mark Fumasoli, Debra Ghee, Susie Greinacher,
Margaret Ianelli, Henry Kading, John Kading, Mary Lou Karius, Matti Laks, Peter Licis, Marilyn Luhmann,
Thomas J. Mercer Jr., James McVey, Roswitha Mongillo, Chuck Omphalius, Margaret Oettle, Peter Pressmar,
Thomas Reichert, Stephen Ren, Paul Schnecke, Anita Schunzel, Anneliese Seitz-Mund, Frank Serching Sr.,
Omar Silver, Gerhard Stoetzel, Gerda Veneman, Matt Viggiano, Edeltraut Wegner, Herb Wenskus, Scott
Wood, and Paula Eva Young.
JUNE: Jan Adamiak, Darryl Bielski, Maria Bruhmuller, George Calabrese, Gisela Chrisley, Linda Ciferri,
Norberto Dominguez, Jean Doneit, Roberta Gordon, Louise M. Grey, Momir Guzijian, Mike Killmer, Otto
Klassen, Raymond LeGrand, Madeline Libolt, Edgar Licis, Tammy Maier, Tom Maurer, Jeff McDonough, Lisa
McVey, Helga Nowak-Razey, Anthony Palmer, Mike Parker, Agnes Tebolt, George Tebolt, Barbara Troan,
John Trott, Jerry Van Duzer, George Wellwood, Rob Wheeler, and Mark Woyner.
EDITOR'S NOTE: If we have missed your birthday, please contact the Membership Chairperson so we can update our
records.
Welcome new members
of Germania!
We are happy you joined us and hope you can attend or volunteer to help at some of our many events
throughout the year. It's a great way to get acquainted with other members of the club. Don't forget to attend
the monthly membership meetings (check out our events calendar online and in our bi-monthly newsletters for
schedules). Another way to keep posted on what's happening at the club: Like us on Facebook!
NEW MEMBERS for 2015 - 2016: Blaise Blabac, Brett Bowman, Daniel Brauer, Kevin Ferreira, Hugo V.
Fueglein Jr., Tarcisio Grandinetti, Rose Greene, Rich Haas, Herbert Heinich, Pete Heitmann, Theresia Jombach,
Zaiga Klimanis, Matt Koziol, Mark Logan, Greg and Laura Loibl, Catherine McNeal Maas, Robert Martin,
Rich Mattson, Tom Maurer, Michael Mehling, Rolland and Stephanie Mok, Roswitha Mongillo, Heidemarie E.
Moore, Mike Parker, Sharon Passes, Andy Rankel, Louise Riedel, Dave Rogers, Stanley Rychcik, James
Sciacovelli, Craig Seaman, Robert C. Segar, Henley Taylor, Agnes Tebolt, Alex Tolman, Johanna Tomik, Dale
Trost, Thomas W. Turner, Dennis Vetrano, Chris Whitney, Hugh Wildrick, Paula Eva Young, and Andy
Ziemens.

www.GermaniaPok.com
Page 9 of 19
These pictures are from 1967. The first one is members
of the Dr. Charles Gilbert Spross Unit 167 Steuben
Society of America standing in front of Germania Hall
at 197 Church Street in the City of Poughkeepsie. The
second is of club steward Irmgard Ritz. The third is
members at a Germania Picnic being led in song by
singer Herman Heller.
"Days of Yore" will feature one, or more, photos from
Germania's 166 year history. If you have an old picture
taken at Germania, or a club event, please submit it
with date or approximate year, description of event and
members in the photo. Questions, or to arrange
submission, should be directed to Editor@GermaniaPok.com or (845)471-7442.
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HISTORIC NOTE ♪ The first performance of the Germania Singing Society was on Easter
Sunday, 1851 in the basement of the First Dutch Church of Poughkeepsie located on the
southwest corner of Main and Washington Streets (this is where the German Lutheran Church
Society regularly met as they had no building of their own). The song they performed was
"The Lord's Own Day" -in German, of course- under the direction of a Mr. Umlauf.
See Germania's full history at www.GermaniaPok.com

www.GermaniaPok.com
Page 10 of 19
Dance News from
Germania Almrausch Schuhplattler Verein
Die Vorplattlerperspektive, Mai 2016
Grüß Gott! Our first half this year has been relatively quiet compared to the last few years, but regardless, still very
interesting. This year we celebrated Germania’s fourth annual Maifest, participated in the bi-annual Gauverband NA’s
Gau Delegate Meeting, supported Germania’s German Heritage Day, hosted several Biergartens and as a dance group,
started learning a new Schuhplattler dance, the Partnachtaler. We‘ve come a long way and it really shows in our
membership!
Our Kindergruppe once again is growing, following our performances at the Galleria and Maifest, three young ladies have
inquired and started to come down to our Friday Night Kinder dance practices. Welcome Jade, Ashley and Brianna!
Congratulations to our Adult Group’s newest Junior Members: Sabine Doedee and April Yearack. Both recently
graduated from our Kinder group to debut in the Adult group at Maifest! Both Sabine and April are long-term members,
literally born into the club!
On a separate note, Sabine participated in the annual Jugendeinzel event in Lancaster, PA earlier this year and attended
the Gau Delegates Meeting in St. Paul, Minnesota as an Observer. She was so impressed with the meeting’s Bidding and
Selection process for hosting future Gaufest, that she decided to write an article and send it in to the Gauzeitung. Nice job
Sabine!
I’m proud to say, we are Germania Almrausch and we can dance it!
Mit Trachten Grüße,
John Weinzierl, Vorplattler
If you would like to learn more, or are interested in Germania Almrausch Schuhplattler Verein, please visit and “Like” us
on our Facebook Page: Germania Almrausch SV, or contact our Vorstand, Christine Pattantyús at (845) 452-6219, or our
Vorplattler, John Weinzierl at (845) 497-8312.
REMEMBERING GEORGE HUPE
Germania Almrausch Schuhplattler Verein was founded in 1970 under the leadership of
Charter President Robert E. Rose Jr. and Charter Vorplattler Charles Angevine. In 1971,
George Hupe was appointed Vorplattler and held that position until January of 1977. He held
that position again at various times over the years (another 4 terms), as well as other positions
during his active membership such as President (13 terms), Vice President (2 terms), and
Business Manager. George enjoyed performing all the ‘plattlers’
and especially fest dances such as the Kronentanz, Harvest Dance,
Muhlradl, Bankltanz and the Steire Figuren Tanz. He danced
proudly with his wife Gloria, and beamed with pride when his
children John and Diane and grandsons Jaeger and Nick danced
with the group. He committed to performing at most of the
group's engagements during the group's first 35 years. George
often worked on committees such as acquiring our table flag
(1972), our application to the Gauverband Nordamerika (1974), our Fahnenweihe (1991),
Auerhahn's Pattenbitten ceremony (1996), many of our Stiftungsfest celebrations, and the
2010 Kinderfest. George and Gloria participated in Gruppen Preisplatteln (group competition
dancing) in Montreal, 1975; New York City, 1981; and New Jersey, 1989. George became a
Life Member of Germania Almrausch in 1988 and was in attendance at the group's 40th Stiftungfest in 2010 where he was
one of the 40-year member honorees. On June 1, 2016 we lost a dedicated member and dear friend.

www.GermaniaPok.com
PAT AND RONY KEMMERER
As Pat was walking to school one day, Janett Wermter asked her if she would be
interested in learning to dance as there were classes at Germania on Sunday afternoons.
They both went and met some nice young men... Otto Frank, Rony Kemmerer, Ralph
Dowling, and young men from the Kingston Männerchor. They learned to dance under the
direction of Willy Sattleburg. The men were taught the proper way to approach a lady and
ask them for a dance. They later learned to dance the German Schuhplattler dances. The
girls wore blue skirts made by Mrs. Susie Peterhansel. They also put on shows at
Germania. Mrs. Ruth Carlon taught them how to put on plays and learn some German
songs. A great time was had by all!
In 1953, the lady members of Germania were called
out to join the Germania Singers. Pat was invited to
join and when she went upstairs to sing, Mrs.
Hochmuth (the Music Director) introduced her to the
ladies and said to her, "Pat, sit in second soprano next
to Martha Kemmerer. She is to be your future mother
in law." And five years later, she was! Pat has been
active with Germania since then.
Ron and Pat have had a long association with Germania. Pat joined in 1954 and Rony
joined the following year, 1955. The couple was married on January 26, 1958.
Pat has been member of the board as Trustee, Membership Chairperson, and New Year's
Eve Party Co-Chairperson with Janett Frank (nee Wermter), and together they did
journals for Germania for the Sängerfest. They both chaired the Germania Building Fund Gala
held at the Elks Club. Pat was first Vice-President under Catherine Hans, President of the United
Ladies Singers, which eventually became the New York State Sängerbund with the male chorus.
Pat was President of the Singers for 15 years and she still continues to sing to this day. She has
been a member of the Germania Singers for 63 years. She volunteers one Wednesday a month or
more if needed at the Wednesday Lunch. She also helps out at the Friday Night Dinners when
called, usually when the singers run the dinner.
Rony's parents were born in Germany. His father immigrated to the USA in the 1920s. Pat's
parents were born here; her maiden name is Fitzgerald. All members of the Kemmerer family
were Honorary Members of Germania. All were singers but one. The line continues as their
daughter Margaret Kemmerer-Morano joined Germania in 2007. Pat and Rony have 3 children
who all worked and volunteered at Germania washing dishes, waitressing, and working the
coat room. When the kids were younger, they sang in the Children's Chorus. Today, Pat and
Ron are blessed with 8 grandchildren. One granddaughter, Jacqueline Morano, was in the
Children's Chorus under the direction of Helga Baker.
Rony worked for Karl Ehmer for 35 years and retired in 1967. Rony was one of the presidents
of the Hudson Valley Tyroliens which was the Youth Group of Germania. He served on the
Germania board as a Trustee for many years. He ran the Schlactfest for a number of years or
assisted with the event. Wherever his help was needed, Rony was there to volunteer. During the picnics the club used to hold,
he would help load and unload the trucks with supplies together with other volunteers. He sang for three years and went to
the Sängerfest at different locations; every 3 years, they performed in different locations in Upstate New York. Rony played
soccer as the goalie when they played in Spratt Park. Rony continues his association with the soccer club to this day. He was
associated with the Town of Poughkeepsie Soccer League, making it to the Soccer Hall of Fame. He coached regular soccer
teams and the 1968 Travel Team for 14 years. Together with Jeff Banke, he took the Travel Team to Germany.
Pat and Rony continue to enjoy the club camaraderie and you will see them in attendance at many of the events at Germania.
Page 12 of 19
POLISH DINNER DANCE A SUCCESS! by Sylvia Reuter, Chairperson
On Sunday, April 17, Germania held its first annual Polish Dinner Dance with exceptional entertainment by
Maria and John, a band from Pennsylvania. Over a hundred members and guests attended the event. The hall
was decorated in red and white. Thanks to Dave Yearack, our spring/summer garland was put up in time for the
event. Fresh flower arrangements were created for each table by Resi Kizina. She donated the flowers in honor
of Margarethe Killmer who had major surgery a couple of months ago and kindly stepped up to help cook for
this dinner. The appetizers, main course and dessert were prepared by an excellent team of Germania members
who volunteered over 100 hours of their time to ensure the guests were served with a delicious meal. The meal
included traditional Polish foods such as Kielbasa, Stuffed Cabbage, Pierogi and Bigos. Everyone had a great
time and the volunteers received nothing but compliments about the food, the entertainment and the pleasant
service by the waitresses and bartenders. Many thanks to the volunteers for this event: Kitchen crew:
Margarethe Killmer, John Trott, Mike Reichert, Robb Rose, and Betty Smith. Servers: Georgia Herring-Trott
and Maria Bruhmuller. Bartenders: Edgar Licis and Darryl Bielski. Set-up crew: Matt Bogdan, Darryl Bielski,
and Bill Reuter. Seating Chart: Dori Licis Flowers: Resi Kizina. We are also grateful to our members who
made monetary donations for this event as well as prizes for the raffle. Thank you to all who attended and
supported us. We hope to see you again next year! For those who were unable to attend, make sure you join us
next spring for some delicious Polish food and great music and dancing.
TAX FUND REPORT BY Georgia Herring-Trott, Chair
The March Tax Raffle was very successful! There were 145 entries this time around, and over $3700 was
raised to help our club pay the tax bills. The 8 winners (winning $100 each) were:
March 1 - Maria Silver
March 5 - Paula DeMarco
March 9 - Linda Hacksteiner
March 13 - John J. Duffy
March 17 - Joe Ulrich
March 21 - Maria Bruhmiller
March 25 - Hedwig Holl
March 29 - Uwe Koepke
Thank you to all who generously donated money to the Tax Fund. Our land tax bill alone is $11,933.34! Your
support helps keep Germania in business with our special events, Biergartens, Friday dinners, and Festivals.
Look for a brand new raffle with 8 chances to win - envelopes will be sent out in late August for the October
Tax Raffle.
FROM YOUR NEWSLETTER EDITOR
IMPORTANT CHANGE! The deadline for newsletter submissions is the 15th of February, April, June, August, October
and December for issues coming out in January, March, May, July, September and November. Please send YOUR news
and pictures to Editor@GermaniaPok.com by 6/15/2016 for the July 2016 newsletter.
We have not been able to send the newsletter via email to everyone that is supposed to receive it that way due to
restrictions of our website host. We are in a testing phase of an email marketing service and hope to have all issues
resolved by December 2016.
Introducing a new section of your newsletter "Days of Yore". Send me your pictures of days long past highlighting
memorable times at the club and great members of Germania, with a brief description of when, where and who. Email
Editor@GermaniaPok.com, or call me (Karen Rose) at 845-471-7442 to make arrangements for me to scan your pictures
and I will return them to you.

www.GermaniaPok.com
Page 13 of 19
"Volunteers are not paid. Not because they
are worthless, but because they are
priceless."

www.GermaniaPok.com
Page 14 of 19
FACEBOOK... If you are on it, please check us out!
Social media is a great way to let the community know about Germania and to promote and foster an interest in
the German culture. These two Facebook posts made during Maifest show how many people saw each post (860
& 483), how many people
clicked the "like" button (24 &
26), and how many people shared
the post (4). When you interact
with our Facebook page you are
giving your club exposure and
free advertising. You can follow
us on Facebook when you "like"
our page. Please "like" or
"share" our posts and our photos.
Check out our events and share
them on your timeline, or click
"Going" and "invite" friends to
help us spread the word. When
you are at Germania, go to our
Facebook page on your phone and
"check-in". Facebook is also a
good way to get messages to our
members quickly such as cancellations or new event details. If you need a message, event or photo posted to our
Facebook page please contact Karen Rose at 845-471-7442.
WHAT ELSE HAVE THEY BEEN SAYING ON FACEBOOK ABOUT GERMANIA?
Friday Dinner (Sauerbraten) on April 1, 2016 and
Biergarten April 15, 2016
Facebook page insight report for week of April 9 - April 15
Wow! Our posts reached over one thousand people that week!

www.GermaniaPok.com
Page 15 of 19
Update on the Germania Heritage Project
- by Georgia Herring-Trott
The Heritage Project started in 2014 after Georgia and John
Trott listened to so many inspiring immigration stories while
attending various functions at Germania. As a historian,
Georgia felt it was important to record these stories and
document the role Germania played in helping new
immigrants assimilate to their adopted land. Over the past
several years, 13 Germania members have been interviewed,
with a goal of at least 20 total interviews to be included in the Heritage Book. So far, the stories
have included:
A German girl falling in love with an American soldier, moving to Poughkeepsie and joining
Germania for the dancing;
A young immigrant from Germany smiling at a pretty girl in New York City who became his
wife, “and they never stopped smiling at each other all the time they had together” who also
enjoys the dancing and singing at Germania;
A young mother surviving a brutal capture and forced labor by the Russians after World
War II and immigrating to the US for a better life;
A young girl’s father heroically trying to save the family farm from the invading Russians as
his family fled, but she never saw him again;
A very obedient young girl from Vienna, undergoing two separate apprenticeships,
following her mother’s wishes and ultimately finding a job in New York thanks to her training;
A young man who immigrated to America to follow his true love and keeps connected to
his German heritage through Germania;
A young boy who lost virtually everything to the Russians in World War II, but survived and
fled to freedom, where he built anew;
An amazing story of a refugee surviving war-torn Germany and thriving in North America,
including cooking hundreds of dinners at Germania;
A very resourceful young man who immigrated to America for opportunity, learned English
from his co-workers, and enjoys the German food and music at our club;
A young lady who came to America for opportunity but had to overcome sexism and
discrimination in her new home;
The young man from Canada and his story of traveling around the
world, including mission work in Africa, to settle in New York;
A young girl who keeps in touch with her German heritage through
German language classes and the singers at Germania;
And a teenager who was such a fan of Elvis Presley, she convinced her
mother to immigrate to America - she even vowed that she would become
Elvis’ housemaid in order to meet him!
If you would like to be interviewed, or you know a member who has an immigration story, please contact
Georgia by Phone at (845) 452-2911 or by Email at herringtrott@aol.com. Please join this exciting History
Project today!

www.GermaniaPok.com
GERMANIA NEWSLETTER TEAM
The Germania Newsletter is released six times each year to over 450 members. I got to
thinking that we have never "introduced" you to the newsletter team.
I, Karen L. Rose, was the Germania Newsletter Editor for several years in the 1990's
when the club was on Church Street and creating the newsletter was done by typewriter
and cut n' paste! I took that role again in February 2010. Over the past six years I have
enjoyed creating a newsletter that is colorful (at least for those that receive it via email),
fun and interesting. While I accept many articles, and then edit and place them, I also act as
a reporter by writing my own articles and taking many pictures when I am at the club. As
Editor, I actively pursue information that needs to be relayed to the membership about
upcoming events and meetings as well as doing what I can to make sure our members are always aware of the
activities of our sister clubs, committees and raffles. I also enjoy putting a spotlight on past
events and volunteers.
Printing and copying the newsletter has always been a challenge. It is both time consuming and
costly. In recent years we have been fortunate to have Maria Bruhmuller on our team to get the
printing and copying done for Germania as a donation. The goal is to have more than 80% of our
membership receive the newsletter quickly and in color via email rather than in black and white
via snail mail, which incurs a postage expense. But until then, Maria is an important part of the
team.
Our advertisers are part of the team, and we hope you will patronize the businesses and organizations that advertise
with us. The ad fees we collect help Germania pay the cost of having a 16+/- page newsletter copied and mailed.
Katherine Ulrich maintains the Newsletter advertiser records and account, which includes
yearly renewals. Additionally she prepares the envelopes with mailing labels and postage
stamps, and stuffs the envelopes after she folds the newsletters so they can be mailed to
members not on e-list. Thankfully her hands have held up to the task! When the March 2016
newsletter came out, Katherine was recovering from an operation on her hand, so Steuben
Society members stuffed the envelopes during their Wednesday meeting at the club and Sylvia
picked them up to take them to the post office for stamps. This is a great example of how fellow
members often pitch in when and where needed.
Our webmaster Erin Sommerville is the link between our club and Homestead, our web host,
which contract includes our email accounts, including Editor@GermaniaPok.com. Erin posts
the newsletters to the website so that we have a digital archive.
Last, but certainly not least, Sylvia Reuter has graciously accepted an
administrative assistant role for the club and fills the Editor inbox with
various news articles, including Good & Welfare, birthdays, pictures,
Meet the Members articles, and calendar updates. She establishes a liaison between the
President and the Editor. And the time she spends on the newsletter team is in addition to her
volunteer work as Membership Chairperson (huge job), waitress, and taking on dinner set up
and clean up tasks, and being a Festival Committee member. Kudos Sylvia!
Contributors! I would like to thank all the members, including event chairpersons and sister
club leaders, who contribute articles, good and welfare news, and pictures. Keep them
coming! Especially the pictures of the good ol' days.
In closing, I wish to thank my team. I appreciate your help and efforts. I also pause to remember my friend, the late
Jon Wagner, who once said to me "how would you like to be the Newsletter Editor?"
Germania Men & Ladies Singers
President - Helga Nowak-Razey (845)797-7519
Adult Rehearsals 7:30 PM every Monday
1850-2016 * 166 Years
Proudly Hosted the 2012 Sängerfest
Germania Blue and White Soccer Club
Celebrating “57” Years 1958 - 2015
President - Joseph Ulrich
Vice President - Jeff Contelmo
Treasurer - Mark Woyner
Secretary - Scott Grimes
GERMANIA ALMRAUSCH
SCHUHPLATTLER VEREIN
Traditional Bavarian Dancing
Founded 1970 Poughkeepsie, NY
Adult & Children's Group
Vorstand: Christine Pattantyús (845) 452-6219
AlmrauschSecretary@GermaniaPok.com
Vorplattler@GermaniaPok.com
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
24 Hour Towing * Late Model Wrecks Bought & Sold
MATT’S AUTO BODY
1930 Salt Point Turnpike, Salt Point, NY 12578
Bob Beckmann * Matt Lawlor * (845) 266-5450
MOUNTAIN BRAUHAUS RESTAURANT
7 Miles West of Thruway Exit 18
3123 Route 44/55 (at Jct. 299), Gardiner, NY 12525
(845)255-9766 • Closed Mon & Tues
www.mountainbrauhaus.com
Sit long • Eat much • Laugh often
GERMANIA CALENDAR OF EVENTS
(As of June 8, 2016)
June– December 2016
For Rentals & General Information call Germania at 845-471-0609
CLUBHOUSE/BAR OPENS 7PM Tuesday, Thursday and Friday nights
We are open for LUNCH EVERY WEDNESDAY 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
German Language Class – Thursdays 5:30pm-7:00pm
Jun 03
Jun 17
Jun 18
Jun 24
Friday Night Dinner (Pork Schnitzel)
Biergarten (Joe Unger)
Annual Meeting and Election of Officers
Friday Night Dinner (Sauerbraten)
Fri
Fri
Sat
Fri
5:30pm-7:30pm
6:30-10:00pm
7:30pm
5:30pm-7:30pm
** no membership meetings July, August & September **
Jul 10
Jul 29
25 Week Club Party (Paul Slusar)
Friday Night Dinner
Aug 06
Aug 12
Aug 21
Yard Sale
Biergarten
Indoor BBQ
Sun
Fri
1:00pm – 5:00pm
5:30pm-7:30pm
Sat
Fri
Sun
9:00am – 4:00pm
6:30pm-10pm
1:00-5:00pm
Sep 09
Sep 10
Sep 11
Sep 30
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest
Friday Night Dinner (Oktoberfest Surprise)
Fri
Sat
Sun
Fri
5:00pm-10:00pm
11:00am-10:00pm
Noon – 6:00 pm
5:30pm-7:30pm
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Biergarten
Car Show
Membership Meeting
Friday Night Dinner
Steuben Society 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance
Fri
Sat
Tue
Fri
Sun
6:30pm-10:00pm
7:30pm
5:30pm-7:30pm
1:00pm – 6:00pm
Nov 04
Nov 06
Nov 12
Nov 18
Nov 19
Biergarten (Joe Unger)
Fall Concert
Schlachtfest
Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market)
Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market)
Fri
Sun
Sat
Fri
Sat
6:30pm-10:00pm
12noon – 5:00pm
7:00pm – 11:30pm
4:00pm – 8:00pm
10:00am – 4pm
Dec 03
Dec 10
Dec 10
Christmas Party
Children’s Christmas Party
Soccer Christmas Party
Sat
Sat
Sat
7:00pm-11:00pm
11:30am-2:00pm
5:30pm
07
15
18
21
30
ALL DATES AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
ALL EVENTS ARE RUN BY MEMBER VOLUNTEERS * THESE EVENTS CANNOT TAKE PLACE WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT!
***When Arlington Central School District closes due to inclement weather, Germania will be closed***
www.GermaniaPok.com / www.GermaniaOktoberfest.com / Find us on Facebook