Peoria German American Society

Peoria German American Society
Weekly Update November 17, 2014
Link to our website for more details of all events and more:
www.peoriagermans.net/index.html
News of Interest From You
If you have news you would like to share with the other members please send it to me no later than
the Friday before. Since much of the content is carried over from week to week during the month,
all new, updated, or urgent content will have the main header in RED. This will make is easier for
those of you who are extremely busy to see the changes from week to week.
Feel free to forward this update on to your family and friends! Thanks in advance!
For those of you who would like to share your comments on any of our activities please use our
Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/German-American-Central-Society-Inc/111237502243602
Editor’s Comments:
Sound of Music at the Lindenhof
Hats off to our Music and Culture Committee for sponsoring the Peoria Players
performing songs from their version of the Sound of Music. The Lindenhof was
standing room only for this outstanding event. Hopefully, we will host more of these
types of events.
Hickory Grove Clean Up!
Thank you to all of you who braved the cold weather this past Sunday to help close
Hickory Grove Park for the season.
Eric Franken and Mike Barr watching the last pile of leaves burn down.
German Speaking Stammtisch Nights to Begin
in January!!
The Music and Culture Committee will be hosting Stammtisch Nights the second Friday of the
Month at the Lindenhof. One or more tables will be devoted to those who want to practice and/or
learn to speak more German. More details in the future.
Stammtisch is an informal group meeting held on a regular basis, and also the usually large,
often round table around which the group meets. A Stammtisch is not a structured meeting, but
rather a friendly get-together.
Kristkindlmarkt to be part of Shop Local Initiative
http://www.pjstar.com/article/20141113/NEWS/141119490/11669/NEWS
I’m extremely excited about this chance to reach more folks as to our Kristkindlmarkt for Small
Business Saturday. The county and city will create a shopping guide with a map and
listing of all the businesses participating in the “buy local” initiative for Thanksgiving
weekend, she said. The map and guide will be available online as well as in a Nov. 23
ad in the Journal Star.
As part of the promotion someone will be getting a gift certificate for two dinners to the
Lindenhof (thanks Julie Brown). Also, on that Saturday for every slice of strudel we
sell, our customers will get a complimentary cup of coffee or hot chocolate!
Besides this special promotion, on Saturday, November 30th radio station WGLO 95.5 will be at the
Lindenhof from 11am to noon for a live remote.
Radio ads should begin on 95.5 sometime next week as well as the week of December 8th.
I will be appearing on WMBD at 4 pm on Thursday, November 20th for their Living Well program to
promote the Kristkindlmarkt.
In addition, you can see me Tuesday, November 25th on WMBD’s morning show at 6:40 am and on
Monday, November 24th on WEEK TV. Not sure what time.
These promotions should ensure that we have a great Kristkindlmarkt this year!
One last reminder, make sure you put out your outdoor Christmas decorations this coming weekend
so you will be able to make the Kristkindlmarkt!
Prost!
Jeff Pulfer
This Week's Calendar of Events:
Nov 21: Our Famous German Buffet
The Legendary Rathskellar Brummers
Nov 28: Schlachtplatte or Beef Stroganoff
Spaetzle or Mashed Potatoes, Red Cabbage or Sauerkraut
Wilanna Vogel on the Accordion
All meals are $12 for adults and $6.00 for children. Includes Salad, Bread & Butter. Desserts $2
Extra. Children 5 and Under - Complimentary Hot Dogs!
Please call the Lindenhof and leave a message as to how many you will have in your
party if your party exceed 6 or more people. 309-691-7484
7601 N. Harker Drive, Peoria, Illinois 61615 by Green Finish Line Ford (309) 691-7484
Urgent!!!: Teams Needed for the Kitchen for
2015.
Please contact Julie Brown ASAP 309-691-8467 or send her an e-mail. brownjm@mtco.com
At least 9 teams are needed to make this work. Teams consist of folks to collect money at the
door, serve the food, and clear tables.
Also teams are expected to show up and setup for the dinner. Our doors open at 5:00 so you will
need to be there before we open.
We stop serving by 8 pm so it makes for a short night. All volunteers will get a free dinner and
drinks.
You can form your own team of friends and family or we can help find a team for you.
You can also volunteer to be a substitute and fill in as needed.
Save the Date: Saturday, November 22,
2014. Hawaiian Night
Sponsored by Damenchor. GACS
Members and their Guests Only! 4 - 9 pm
$ 7.00 person
We will be serving:
Hawaiian pulled pork sandwiches, fresh veggies & fruit pineapple and ambrosia salad, plus dessert
Games and a Raffle
Contest for the 'Best German themed - Hawaiian' outfit.
Leis' will be provided. There will also be a DJ!
Future Dates:
5th Annual Kristkindlmarkt
Sat., Nov. 29th: 10 am to 5 pm
Sun., Nov. 30th: 11am to 5 pm
And
Sat., Dec. 13th: 10 am to 5 pm
Sun., Dec. 14th: 11am to 5 pm
Yes, it is very hard to believe that we will be having our 5th Annual Kristkindlmarkt this
year! Time does fly. We hope you can all make it out to this unique event to the
Peoria Area.
New this year!! We will have a live remote done by our friends at
WGLO 95.5 FM on Saturday, November 29th from 11am to 12pm!
Make sure you listen to them the week of November 24 and December
8 for ads related to the Kristkindlmarkt!
If anyone has a musical talent and would like to perform at this year’s Christmas
Market please contact me. Set-up space is limited. The only amplification we want to
use is our PA system or what is built into our new electronic piano. We may ask you
to demonstrate your talent prior to the weekend we would want you to perform.
Please contact me at 309-444-4656 or Jeff.Pulfer44444@gmail .com. You may also
contact Al Hedeman at 685-7217.
My niece has agreed to be the Kristkindl the first weekend, however, due to a conflict
she is not available for the second weekend. New Damenchor Member, and
granddaughter of Marianne Koengetter, Emily Johnson has agreed to be our
Kristkindl for the second weekend!! The Kristkindl is expected to be in costume for
around 2 hours each day at the Market. Starting typically, 11 am on Saturday and
noon on Sunday.
Kristkindlmarkt of Peoria, IL Facebook Page
To better promote our Kriskindlmarkt, we have a Facebook page for our
Kristkindlmarkt. Everyone is encouraged to post their photos from the first three
years on the site.
Please check out our page for some great pictures from previous years as well as the
latest updates to the event.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kristkindlmarkt-of-Peoria-IL/362806687137859?ref=hl
If you are vendor for the Kristkindlmarkt, please use this site to promote the items you
will be selling this year using photos, press releases, website links etc.
Background on the Kristkindl
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christkind
Chicago’s Christkindlmarkt
http://www.christkindlmarket.com/
http://www.germaniasociety.com/christkindlmarkt/christkindlmarkt.html
http://www.zionbaltimore.org/hospitality_christkindlmarkt.htm
http://www.canandaiguachristkindlmarket.com/
http://www.christmasmarketatosthoff.com/index
http://www.stonehillwinery.com/locations/hermann/events/event15.aspx
The Leavenworth, Kansas Christkindlmarkt is quite interesting. The do their homemade lantern
parade as part of their kickoff instead of on November 11th as is done for St. Martin’s Day.
http://www.christkindlmarktleavenworth.com/
http://www.turnerhallofmonroe.org/christkindlmarkt.html
http://sacramentoturnverein.com/events/christkindlmarkt.htm
http://eurokulture.missouri.edu/?p=14524
http://www.mychristkindlmarkt.com/
http://life.nationalpost.com/2012/12/21/touring-christmas-markets-in-germany-brings-holiday-spirit-and-winemugs-for-all/
On-line Christkindlmarkt??
http://www.christkindl-markt.com/index.php
More on Kristkindl or Christkindlmarkts
http://www.germany.info/Vertretung/usa/en/04__W__t__G/01/09__Advent__Christmas/Markets__in__America.html
Gluhwein and Mugs
Click on the link to go to a great story about pouring Gluhwein in Germany!
http://www.aroundtheworldin80jobs.com/working-at-a-christmas-market/
https://www.study-in.de/en/life/culture-travel/culture/christmas--19213
http://www.germanyatchristmas.com/gluhwein-the-official-german-christmas-market-drink/
http://kipiboo.blogspot.com/2012/11/collecting-gluhwein-mugs-from-german.html
Volunteers needed for the Kristkindlmarkt!!
Hi folks I need a few folks each day to sell items as well as distribute literature at the Public
Relations and Media Table each day during the Kristkindlmarkt.
One to two people per shift. This a great opportunity for a couple to work together and have some
fun supporting the club. You do not have to be a member of the German Society to Volunteer
Saturday, November 29:
9:45 am – 12:30 pm
12:15 pm – 3:00 pm
2:45 pm – 5:00 pm
Sunday, November 30:
10:45 am – 1:00 pm
12:45 pm – 3:00 pm
2:45 pm – 5:00 pm
Saturday, December 13:
9:45 am – 12:30 pm
12:15 pm – 3:00 pm
2:45 pm – 5:00 pm
Sunday, December 14:
10:45 am – 1:00 pm
12:45 pm – 3:00 pm
2:45 pm – 5:00 pm
Room Set-up Friday, Nov 28 and Dec 12!
Volunteers needed at 8:30 pm both evenings to move tables and put away chairs for the opening on
the Kristkindlmarkt the following morning. Four or more people can do this in around 30 minutes.
Please contact me if you can help out or if you at the hall on these evenings please step in and give
us a hand. Thanks!
CLEAN UP CREWS NEEDED ON SUNDAYS
November 30 and Dec 14!
After the vendors move out each Sunday evening we will need volunteers to put the Lindenhof back
in order. Most of this is composed of putting chairs and tables back in place. Some cleaning is
required as well – sweeping, vacuuming, bathroom clean-up etc. Anyone who can stick around and
help out your efforts will be greatly appreciated. Pizza and beverages will be provided.
Santa’s Helpers Needed for Kristkindlmarkt
12:30-3 pm each day. This includes a 15-20 minute break as well. Bob Barker has once again
agreed to be Santa. Bob does a fantastic job and we are looking forward to his participation again
this year. Santa needs a helper each day as well. Please contact me if you are interested in
playing Santa the second weekend or can be Santa’s helper.
Santa Helpers Wanted:
Sat. Nov 29 12:30-3pm
Santa’s Helper – Kathy Pulfer
Sun . Nov 30 12:30-3pm
Santa’s Helper – Kathy Pulfer
Sat. Dec 13 12:30-3pm
Santa’s Helper – OPENING!
Sun . Dec 14 12:30-3pm
Santa’s Helper – Cindy Kipfer
Damenchor and Harmonie Meetings, Wednesday, December
3rd at The Lindenhof! 6:00 pm for dinner - 7:00 pm meetings
Sport Verein Meeting Thursday, December 4th at 7:30 pm
The Lindenhof
GACS Meeting, Monday, December 8 at the Lindenhof
7:00 pm meeting
GACS Family Christmas Party
Sunday, December 7, 2013: 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Members and Their Guests Only!
*Sandwiches, hotdogs, chips and vegetables
will be provided, along with beverages.
*Cash Bar will be available
*If possible, please bring a dessert to share.
*We will sing Christmas songs starting at
1:45
*Santa will arrive at 2:00
*Children will receive a stocking from Santa
*Please RSVP to Angie at gacsangie@aol.com
*Please let us know what the ages are of the children.
*Any questions, please contact Angie as well.
Sport Verein Appreciation Dinner Saturday, December 20th The doors will open at 5:00, Club Photos at 6:00, Awards at 6:30 with Dinner immediately afterwards. The dinner will be held at the Lindenhof. Dinner fees for SVP members and their significant others will be applied to your 2015 dues at check‐in Dues are $30.00 per person. Please contact Tom Franken 256‐3170 for additional information. Editor's Note: Updated information on this event will be in the weekly eNewsletter. Affiliate and Committee News
Damenchor Holiday Canned Food Drive
The Damenchor will be having their annual canned food drive beginning November 1st.
Please drop off your canned goods at the Hall.
2014 -2015 GACS Year Books are available at the Lindenhof
Get yours soon!
Special thanks to all of the ad sponsors for this year’s book.
DINING TOUR BOOKS 2015
Dining Tour Books are available for sale! Contact me if
interested. Books are also available at
the Lindenhof. They are available at the
bar.
Same price as last year - $30. New
restaurants have been added.
http://peoriadiningtour.com/?page_id=37
SOCIAL NETWORKING EXPERTS WANTED!!
The Publicity and Media Committee is looking for folks between 21 and 32 who has a
large network of friends who is willing to post information related to the Oktoberfest
and other German Club events. You do not have to be a German Club Member to do
this.
Most of the info to post is already in the weekly eNewsletter or on one of our
Facebook Pages so content creation would be limited.
Please contact Jeff Pulfer if interested. Jeff.Pulfer44444@gmail.com
SVP Schützen (Shooters)
We will wrap up the year with the annual King and Queen's shoots on December 20th, followed by
the SVP Appreciation Dinner. Watch the web site calendar or contact Bryan Brown for the dates for
archery shooting at Hickory Grove Park.
Volunteer Opportunities: Contact Paul Bishop if you are interested in supporting Sportverein in the
shooting tent at each of our 4 fests at Hickory Grove, or with our serving team for Friday evening
dinners at the Lindenhof. I am also available to answer questions if you are interested in our
Thursday night airgun league at the Lindenhof. Phone 243-9323.
All Practices at the Lindenhof from 5-8 pm except on meeting nights, then 5-7:30pm. 1st , 3rd and 5th
Thursdays of the month.
Anyone who is NOT an active shooter and would like to be please contact Paul
Bishop at (309) 243-9323. Non-members are welcome. No experience needed. SVP members
will provide safety lessons. Equipment provided. Members shoot precision air guns.
SVP (Sport Verein) Youth Air Rifle League - Ages 17 and Below
Same nights as the seniors. Contact Dick Barth at (309) 264-0714 if interested.
2014 Archery News
The club has bows, arrows and a crossbow for use by those who don't have their own
equipment.
Range fees are $5 per day or $20 for the entire season. For more information or to be
added to the archery e-mail list, contact Bryan Brown at 691-8467.
Peoria County Veterans Memorial
I’m happy to announce the GACS Board has agreed to donate $1000 to the Peoria
County Veterans Memorial to be built in Peoria. More details on this project further on
down in this newsletter.
Music and Culture Committee News:
We are always looking for people interested in the German Kultur. We will try to schedule some
German lessons if we have enough interested people. We sponsor German movie
nights from time to time and hope to have one in the fall. We will be working on our German
Heritage Exhibit for the Oktoberfest and are always interested in finding people to help with exhibit
ideas, people willing to work on improving our displays both in content and in structure and for
additions to our exhibit.
On-going Activities:
Wednesdays at 7:00 PM -- Lindenhof Echoes (Alphorns) practice
Tuesdays at 7:00 PM – Damenchor and Harmonie singing practice
Sundays at 5:30 PM - Folk dance practice -- Young people and Adults at the Lindenhof
Contact Debbie Hedemann for specific "no practice days". folkdancers@peoriagermans.net
Peoria Volktänzer
Our German folk dance group practices every Sunday afternoon that the Lindenhof is available. It is not too late to join
this group and learn some of the dances prior to our busy performance schedule beginning in May.
History of the Advent Calendar

The origin of the Advent Calendar can be traced back to the 19th. Century. The first styles came
from the protestant area. So religious families made a chalk line for every day in December until
Christmas Eve.


The first known Advent Calendar which was made by handwork is from the year 1851.
Other early styles were the Adventclock or the Adventcandle - a candle for each of the 24
days until Christmas, like todays Advent wreath. So in religious families little pictures were
hang up on the wall - one for each day in December. An other tradition was to paint chalk
strokes on the door, one per day until Christmas Eve.
In 1902 a Christian Bookshop in Hamburg published a Christmas Clock which was very
similar to that published 1922 by the St. Johannis printing company. (Dominik Wunderlin,
lic.phil. Swizzerland). The Austrian (NÖ) Landesmuseum is giving the year 1903 as the year
of the first printed Advent Calendar. In 1904 an Advent Calendar was inserted in the
newspaper "Neues Tagblatt Stuttgart" as a gift for their readers.
In contrast to the above Esther Gajek says that the first printed speciem was made in 1908
by a Swabian parishioner, Gerhard Lang (born 1881 in Maulbronn, Germany -died in 1974).
When he was a child his mother made him an Advent Calendar with 24 "Wibbele" (little
candies) which were sticked on a cardboard.
Free German Books Available!
Please contact Christine Strelecky if you are interested in getting some books in German
for free.
I have many books in German waiting for someone to read. These are for senior high through adult
on all kinds of subjects. If you can are interested in reading poetry, literature, or short stories let me
know so that I arrange for you to browse the collection. There are coffee table books, books on
artists, philosophy, history, etc.
Please contact me: Christine Strelecky cstrelecky@icc.edu
Immigration Links
I came across these two links recently, that I found to be of interest at least to me.
Hopefully, some of you will also.
http://fusion.net/justice/story/wave-mexican-immigration-germany-719292
http://www.authentichistory.com/1914-1920/2-homefront/4-hysteria/
On-Line Polka Lessons from Mollie B!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhSwa_vpqhE
Mollie B’s Website: http://www.squeezeboxband.com/
Birthdays of German Leaders/Celebrities
Late November
August Ferdinand Mobius, November 17, 1790, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/August_Ferdinand_Mobius
Louis Ferdinand of Prussia, November 18, 1772, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Louis_Ferdinand_of_Prussia_(1772-1806)
Carl Maria von Weber, November 18, 1786, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Maria_von_Weber
Anna Seghers, November, 19, 1900, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Seghers
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, November 22, 1710, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelm_Friedemann_Bach
Boris Becker - November 22, 1967 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boris_Becker
Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor November 23, 912
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otto_I,_Holy_Roman_Emperor
Philipp Wilhelm, November 24, 1615, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philipp_Wilhelm,_Elector_Palatine
Charles Theodore Pachelbel, November 24, 1690, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Theodore_Pachelbel
Karl Friedrich Benz - November 25, 1844 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Benz
Georg Forster, November 27, 1754, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georg_Forster
Ferdinand Ries, November 28, 1784, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferdinand_Ries
Wilhelm Hauff, November 29, 1802, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelm_Hauff
Gottfried Semper, November 29, 1803, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gottfried_Semper
Gustav Ritter von Kahr, November 29, 1862, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gustav_Ritter_von_Kahr
Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, November 30, 1719, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augusta_of_Saxe-Gotha
Johann Carl Gottfried Loewe, November 30, 1796, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann_Carl_Gottfried_Loewe
Member News:
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The following spot is for information on special dates and happenings of the members. Please feel
free to send me news on Birthdays, Anniversaries, Births, Relocations, Special Recognitions,
member heath news, etc and I will post in the next e-mail.
Birthdays
Mike Tubbs
Pepper Bauer
Paula Brandfrass
Robert Brandfrass
Ingrid Ruscheinski
Stacey Seei
Rosemarie Bschor
Jim Hearn
Clint Brown
Gary Busse
Peter Bachfischer
Kathryn Williams
Glenn Bennett
Gene Boehle
Marianne Grigsby
Sally Hoffman
David Weiss
Joan Mulherin
Rick Owens
Robert Janosov
Jason Hayes
Heinz Doerr
Welcome New Members!!
Brian Bledsoe – Harmonie
Doug Crossman-SVP
David Fritz –SVP
Shelley Fritz – SVP
Paul Rayburn – SVP
Aaron Rossi - SVP
Emily Johnson – Damenchor
Melissa Tobin – Damenchor
B.J. “Justin” Meierkord – Harmonie
Brian Leseman – Harmonie
Bill Loeffel – SVP
Trish Needham - SVP
2-Nov
3-Nov
3-Nov
3-Nov
5-Nov
6-Nov
9-Nov
12-Nov
13-Nov
15-Nov
17-Nov
17-Nov
18-Nov
18-Nov
18-Nov
20-Nov
20-Nov
21-Nov
22-Nov
24-Nov
25-Nov
29-Nov
Smart Phone URL to Peoria German Society
For those of you with Smart Phones, if you enterer our URL:
www.peoriagermans.net you will be accessing our phone friendly website. This new site allows easier
viewing of information about the GACS. The site includes hotlinks to our main website as well as our various
Facebook pages and our Oktoberfest website.
Peoria G.A.C.S. Facebook Pages
For those of you who do not check out our website, you may not be aware
of our Facebook Pages. Links are below:
German American Central Society Inc
https://www.facebook.com/pages/German-American-Central-Society-Inc/111237502243602?ref=hl
The Lindenhof of Peoria
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Lindenhof-of-Peoria/519822801364268?ref=hl
Oktoberfest on the Peoria Riverfront
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Peoria.Oktoberfest/?fref=ts
Kristkindlmarkt of Peoria
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kristkindlmarkt-of-Peoria-IL/362806687137859?ref=hl
Das Bier Run
https://www.facebook.com/DasBierRun?ref=hl
Peoria Oktoberfest
https://www.facebook.com/peoriaoktoberfest
ingredient being lard. This is typical offering in most of Eastern Europe as well as Germany.
Lard is actually heathier for you than margarine and butter. A couple of recipes are below.
NEWS FROM OUR FRIENDS
You are Cordially
Invited to the 6th Annual
Festival of Trees Kick-Off
Event Jingle &
Mingle Cocktail Party
Thursday, November 20,
2014 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
First Federated Church of Peoria's Life Together Center
3526 Sheridan Road (Corner of War Memorial & Sheridan)
$35 per person
Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and music amidst the beautifully decorated trees
Silent Tree Auction Click on the link below to get your tickets on-line.
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/2014-festival-of-trees-jingle-mingle-tickets-13685843727?aff=efbnen
You can also purchase your tickets at the Crittenton Center if you want to save on the processing
fee. All proceeds benefit Crittenton Centers.
Editor’s Note: This is one of the better fundraisers out there. They serve pretty good wines, have a
nice food spread, and entertainment all included in the price.
The decorated trees are outstanding! This will be the 4th year I have attended this event. This is
the second year they've held this at the First Federated Church Life Together Center. The facility is
quite nice. Hope to see all of you there!Saa
Claus
Santa Claus Parade
The 127th Annual SANTA CLAUS PARADE – the longest running holiday parade in the
country - steps off at 10:15 AM on Friday, November 28th (the day after Thanksgiving).
Please join us in this great Peoria tradition as the parade takes a magical journey through the
downtown streets of Peoria. The 88 units of costumed characters, novelty walking units, horse
units and decorated floats will surely get you in the holiday spirit and certainly delight the
children along the route
Parade
Yule Like Peoria
Coming November 28, 2014.
Commercial buildings in downtown Peoria host
various forms of entertainment. Refreshments
will be provided in some buildings, an ice carving
contest will be held at the Peoria Courthouse
Plaza, costumed characters will be walking
around, and people can decorate the street lights
throughout downtown.
Admission is free.
Klondike Festival
December 6, 2014 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
$5
The Peoria Park District is excited to announce a brand
new event on the Peoria RiverFront! The 1st ever
Klondike Festival will take place on Saturday,
December 6th, immediately following the Jingle Bell
Run/Walk.
Jingle Bell runners will enjoy free admission with their race bibs and children 12 and under are free!
So grab your friends and family, bundle up and head to the RiverFront for live music, drinks, food
and games!
Sign up for the KLONDIKE RACE!
Think you can win a human dog-sled race? Then get your teams of 5 together and register for the
Klondike race–a test of strength and speed, where teams will pull sleds across the RiverFront! Races
will begin at noon. Registration is $100 and includes the race fee, admission to the festival and a
shirt for each member of your team! Follow this link to sign
up: https://register.chronotrack.com/reg/form?eventID=11182
Check out the RiverFront Facebook page at www.facebook.com/riverfrontevents for more details
about Peoria’s first winter festival! Regular updates will be posted with band information, drink/food
options and a full list of winter-themed games for the whole family.
Bus Trip to Chicago!
Christmas in Chicago
Christkindlmarkt
Saturday, December 6, 2014
http://www.christkindlmarket.com/en/
Holiday of Lights at the Museum of Science and Industry
http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/christmas-around-the-world/
Julmarknad (Swedish Bazaar) http://www.swedishamericanmuseum.org/events/annual.php
A complete list of holiday happenings in Chicago: http://www.events12.com/chicago/december/
Departure - CougarPlex, EP campus 7 a.m. Return - 10 p.m. Cost for BUS only:
$25.00
transferable, nonrefundable. Space is limited. Contact Christine Strelecky 309 621 3871 by
10/24/2014
One of Harmonie’s members, Rick
Owens, is part owner in the new Music
Venue, the Limelight Eventplex, which
is just around the corner from the
Lindenhof
More info atwww.limelighteventplex.com on the
Limelight Eventplex's Facebook page.
Book your Xmas Party, wedding reception or other
special event at the Limelight. Contact us
at309.693.1234 or info@limelighteventplex.com to
find out more.
Limelight Eventplex is located at 8102 N University St, just a couple blocks north of Pioneer Pkwy.
http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com/ News for Beer Lovers!
Christkindl Beers
While in Florida last year I came across a couple of beers made just for the
Christkindlmarkt. Both beers are made in Germany. I don’t think either of
these beers are available in Peoria, but there are other winter bocks and winter
beers out there that are great for sipping on a cold Winter’s Night!
WEISSENOHE MONK’S CHRISTKINDL
KLOSTERBRAUEREI WEISSENOHE
• GERMANY
For centuries, German brewers have crafted special beers to celebrate Christmas
(Weihnachten) and the coming of winter.
Expressions of holiday cheer, as well as sustenance during the darkest days of the
year, these festive brews have always been a bit maltier and richer than typical
year-round beers. Every December, The brewers of Klosterbrauerei Weissenohe
welcome merrymakers to the grounds of the monastery. For those stranded
elsewhere during the holidays, savoring this special dark lager is the next best
thing to being there.
At Weissenohe the Reinheitsgebot (the famous Bavarian beer purity law) is still
observed, and the beer is made by the traditional, and painstaking, doubledecoction method, which is only rarely observed in Bavaria today. Urban Winkler’s
brewing methods have been handed down to him from earlier generations of brewmasters at Weissenohe, and refined in accordance with the teachings of older
brew-masters in the area. Franconians, a famously stubborn and uncompromising
people, still support almost 300 small breweries in their tiny corner of Bavaria, and
have kept the old ways even as breweries in the rest of Bavaria modernize,
stream-line, and forget.
http://www.sheltonbrothers.com/beers/weissenohe-monkschristkindl/
http://www.klosterbrauerei-weissenohe.de/
MAHR’S CHRISTMAS
BOCK
MAHR'S BRÄU
• GERMANY
Well, Ho-ho-freakin’-ho! There is no better Christmas beer in Germany than this
one from famous Mahr’s-Bräu, in beautiful baroque Bamberg – Germany’s
renowned city of craft breweries. Not too sweet, nicely balanced with a delicate hop
bitterness, this is a bock beer that you can drink forever . . .
Darker and hoppier than the brewery’s regular bock, this robust, flavorful bock was
brewed especially for the holiday season. This is a brand-new offering from Mahr’s
that sold out in two hours at the brewery. In the words of Stephan Michel, the
brewer, “Dude. It’s killer.” Only a few hundred cases were produced for the USA,
so get it while you can.
Mahr’s is a rare example of artisanal brewing in a land of increased mass
production, consolidation, and narrowing of popular tastes. A larger brewery simply could not make beer like this – unfiltered,
unpasteurized, and bursting with flavor. There is no cutting corners or economy-of-scale at Mahr’s. The beers are naturally more
expensive as German beers go, but beer drinkers always get more than their money’s worth.
The Mahr’s “gasthaus” – built in 1670 – is one of the great places in the world to have a beer.
http://www.sheltonbrothers.com/beers/mahrs-christmas-bock/
http://www.mahrs.de/en/#
12 BEERS OF CHRISTMAS
http://theaposition.com/tombedell/golf/lifestyle/4806/12-beers-of-christmas-1anchor-our-special-ale-2013
Cooking with Beer – from the Costco Connection
Cooking with beer is another way to bridge flavors of beer and food. Beer elevates batters and
biscuits with carbonation, can feed the yeast in leavened breads, glaze meats and roasted poultry,
stand in for sour vinegars in dressings and marinades, and add malt sweetness to sauces desserts
and more. Beer and cheese are natural partners as both are fermented foods, and creamy, buttery
tastes amplify with carbonation and hops.
Beer can enhance the flavor and health of barbequed foods. Marinades made with dark beer
protect meats from forming dangerous compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAHs). A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that marinating pork in a
stout or other black ale four hours before grilling over charcoal reduced PAHS by as much as 53
percent.
Also, beer is less acidic than vinegar or citrus juice, so it won’t break down the meat texture as
quickly. Yet the citrus, fruity or spicy aromatics of hops vanish with too much heat. Add small
amounts of hoppy beer at the end of the cooking or right before serving. Malty styles such as stout
or porters, may be simmered over low heat.
Experiment with recipes from American brewers and chefs found in cookbooks, blogs such as
www.foodlovesbeermagazine.com and breweries such as Alaskan Brewing Company, which
maintains a database based on employee potlucks and home cooking.
Cheers to beer because beer is food! - LS
Craft beer made in Germany!!
https://www.deutschland.de/en/topic/life/lifestyle-cuisine/craft-beer-made-in-germany
Gluhwein Recipes:
Gluhwein is at Kristkindlmarkt tradition. Gluhwein can be made in a number of ways. Typically it starts with
an inexpensive red or white wine. Additional spices and fruits are then added. Probably the key in my
opinion is the sugar. The Gluhwein needs just the right amount of sugar to make it not too sweet, with a slight
bit of tartness. The secret ingredient of Gluhwein made in Nurnberg, Germany is blueberry juice. Yes!
Blueberry juice. This caught me by surprise as well, since none of the recipes below use this.
http://www.justhungry.com/2006/12/recipe_gluhwein_mulled_wine_fo.html
http://www.gluhwein.net/recipes.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_4688592_gluhwein-recipes.html
http://dreamingofwinter.blogspot.com/2009/08/gluhwein-recipe.html
http://www.food.com/recipe/gluhwein-189322
http://www.bigoven.com/recipe/124325/traditional-gluhwein
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1918,148185-246196,00.html
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1718,153178-249199,00.html
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,173,153179-248199,00.html
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1718,153179-249199,00.html
http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1718,152178-248198,00.html
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art25534.asp
http://german.about.com/library/blrezept_gluehwein.htm
German Immigration
Below is an excellent link pertaining to German Immigration to the US. I found it to be
very informative.
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/pre
sentations/immigration/german.html
Suggested Facebook pages:
https://www.facebook.com/GermanAmericans?ref=stream
The Swiss Corner
Swiss Center of North America
http://www.theswisscenter.org/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Swiss-Center-of-NorthAmerica/111433115241?fref=ts
Those interested in Swiss and Amish Culture in the US may
want to click on the link below for Sugarcreek, Ohio
Sugarcreek Ohio was originally settled by immigrants from Switzerland. It has a rich blend of Swiss
culture and Amish heritage wrapped into an experience all its own.
With Swiss-style architecture, famous Swiss cheese and an annual Swiss Festival, Sugarcreek has
become a top tourist destination in Ohio.
http://www.experience-ohio-amish-country.com/sugarcreek-ohio.html
Yodeling Videos from Oesch’s die Dritten
I recently stumbled across a very talented Swiss Yodeling Group – Oesch’s Die Dritten. They
have a number of videos on YouTube. One link is below. Their CD’s can be purchased from
Amazon.
Oesch's die Dritten - Website
http://www.oeschs-die-dritten.ch/en/
Oesch's die Dritten - Jodel-Time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWhMLfnlYIc
Oesch's die Dritten - Die Jodel-Sprache
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3GTxRt4iao&list=RD1Dw9m0kpU2c&index=13
Oesch's die third party - We are a yodelling family
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvP-Jen_AgM
Oesch's die Dritten - Ku-Ku Jodel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCsHcE-vtXc
Oesch's die Dritten - Mi Vatter isch en Appezeller
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V9KSoOnIo8&index=12&list=RD1Dw9m0kpU2c
Oesch's die Dritten
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eoWMG9WdT8&index=11&list=PLF28F20A511E38DA9
BEST POLKA BANDS
http://www.bestpolkabands.com/fr_karlctrydtch.cfm
Flash Mob Bavarian Style!
http://www.flixxy.com/bavarian-flash-mob-in-munich.htm
This could be the second coming of the Chicken Dance!
The German Tunes of The Queen City.
WAIF 88.3 Great German Music from Cincinnati, Ohio. Streaming live on line every
Wednesday Evening from 4pm - 7pm C.S.T
http://www.waif883.org/
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/waif-cincinnati
Quick German Recipes – Just Like Oma’s
http://www.quick-german-recipes.com/
German American Cultural Heritage
http://webpages.charter.net/onkelken/ Tour beautiful German castles! Learn wonderful German Folksongs! Visit the Black Forest! Look up your German genealogy roots! Listen to Oktoberfest music! Experience German/Swiss/Austrian wonders!
Ken Wigger
Webmaster
http://www.germanworldonline.com/
http://www.germanpulse.com/
German Culture Links
http://www.bellaonline.com/site/germanculture
Germerica: On-line German-American
Newspaper http://germerica.net/
Americka Woche - German Language On-line
Newspaper from Chicago http://amerikawoche.com/
German-American Heritage Foundation
http://www.ugac.org/index.html
German Radio Programs in The U.S.
http://www.ugac.org/resources/res_lang.html
Vacation Planning Ideas:
Bavarian Alps Travel
http://www.bavarian-alps.travel/en/index
http://www.austria.info/us
WISCONSIN
Milwaukee
Milwaukee Summer Lakefront & Ethnic Festivals
A Listing of Summer Festivals in Milwaukee
http://milwaukee.about.com/od/festivalsevents/a/MilwaukeeFests.htm?nl=1
Monroe:
http://www.explorewisconsin.com/BaumgartnersCheeseStoreandTavern/
http://greencounty.org/restaurants.iml?Category=8
http://www.minhasbrewery.com/
New Glarus
http://www.swisstown.com/
http://www.newglarusbrewing.com/
http://www.puempels.com/
INDIANA
Berne, Indiana
http://www.bernein.com/
http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/culture/Clock_Tower_rings_out_in_Berne,_Indiana.html?cid=19372906
Swiss Days 2011
http://www.berneswissdays.com/
Fort Wayne
http://www.germanfest.org/
http://www.prostfortwayne.com/Home.html
Missouri
Hermann Missouri
http://www.hermannmissouri.com/
http://www.hermannmissouri.com/monthly.htm
Welcome to BeerFestivals.org, home of The Beer Festival
Calendar!
http://www.beerfestivals.org/
This is THE place to get info about great places to drink beer around the world. It's
brought to you by Ludwig, the beer drinking lion, and his hard-working staff, Maryanne
Nasiatka and Paul Ruschmann.
Tracht/Clothing and More!!
Rare Dirndl http://erikaneumayer.com/
Ladies, just in time for your man to buy you the dirndl of your dreams for Christmas. Rare Dirndl is
new this year to the Peoria Oktoberfest!
German Import Haus http://www.germanimporthaus.com/about-us.html
Returning once again with a variety of German Tracht and other items are our friends from the
German Import Haus. Geat prices on both men and women’s attire.
Novelty Trade Inc. www.MyGermanTShirts.com (website up and running!!)
This site has ball caps, great T-shirts, soccer apparel and more! Novelty Trade participates in our
annual Oktoberfest on the Riverfront.
http://www.tracht-shop.eu/en/
http://www.bavarian-superstore.de/e/index.htm
http://www.trachteria.de/
www.ernstlicht.com/German-Importers.html
http://germanwear.net/
http://www.mydirndl.com/shop/page/1?shop_param=1
http://fancygoodsofeurope.com/cgi-bin/store/imageFolio.cgi
http://www.germanimporthaus.com/
www.bavarianspecialty.com/
www.trachten.de/
www.trachtenstore.com/shop/index.php/language/en/
http://hausofbavaria.com/
www.sternberg-trachtenstube.de/
www.berglandtrachten.com/
www.oktoberfestproducts.com/
www.germanbavarian.com/
http://www.europesfinestimports.com/
http://www.alpenlandstore.com/
www.mygermantshirt.com
MEMBERSHIP INFO:
NOTE TO PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS:
Anyone who is interested in checking out one of the affilates is welcome to attend any
of their membership meetings as well. Please contact the respective affilate president
before doing so, if you are not attending with one of there current members:
Damenchor: Debbie Hedeman (309) 444-8489
The purpose of the this all female group is to promote German music, heritage, and traditions. We
do this by continuing to participate in various civic and social events in the Peoria area, ensuring a
German cultural presence in Peoria and surrounding communities.
Harmonie: Jeff Pulfer (309) 444-4656
This all male group strives to preserve the German traditions through both German and American
music. Harmonie, along with The Kaiser Wilhelm Ratskeller Brummers, our sponsored band Our
meetings are at 7:00 the first Wednesday of the month,
Sport Verein: Tom Franken (309) 256-3170
Our co-ed Sport Verein group supports several disciplines of sports: soccer, air gun shooting,
archery, bicycling, golf, hiking and running. The Sport Verein Peoria holds its business meetings on
the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 pm at Lindenhof. We welcome anyone who is interested to
participate with the Deutsche Kultur.
URGENT!!!
For those of you who have moved and or planning to move PLEASE!!!!! notify the membership
secretary in the affiliate you belong to as to your new address.
If you change your e-mail address please contact us with the change!!!
Want to find out more of what is going on in Peoria?
Checkout www.peoria.com and www.peoria.com/events If you create an account, you will get a
weekly e-mail with links to what is going on in the Peoria area.
Also, www.Peorianightout.com is an excellent resource of finding out about entertainment, events,
and dining specials. http://www.peorianightout.com/events/dining
Also, the Peoria Visitor's and Convention Bureau has a very comprehensive site as well:
http://www.peoria.org/
More:
http://www.eventcrazy.com/
http://eventful.com/
http://www.explorepeoria.com/pages/EventsCalendar
http://www.peoriachamber.org/calendar/
Peoria Chamber of Commerce Calendar of Events
http://pjstar.eviesays.com/
Peoria Journal Star and other area Newspaper event calendar
http://www.ciproud.biz/events.amp - WMDB event calendar
http://www.artspartners.net/
Prost!
Jeff Pulfer
Home phone: 309-444-4656
e-mail: Jeff.Pulfer44444@gmail.com