PRÄSIDENTEN - ECKE
OKTOBERFEST Straight ahead ---}
We've had a wonderful year and now the big party is coming.
Friends, it’s time to call Debbie @ (619) 468-3739 or Karen @ (619) 445-9101 the volunteer coordinators. Of course, you already know why you need to call them. They will be glad to hear from you.
The Oktoberfest Committee is already knee deep in planning and preparing and would like to ask for your help with the setup at the work parties. There is still a lot left to do and your help would be appreciated.
Stay cool till Oktoberfest and...HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
Immer Euer
Wendel Jenkins
German American Societies President
This year’s “Open House” was rescheduled from the original time and date to a day earlier and to a later time. It was the right decision according to nearly all people I talked to. The temperature outside was perfect for an afternoon and early evening in El Cajon. Our clubhouse grounds were prepared with extra shade cloth, which made it especially comfortable to sit at the tables near the dance floor with a cool beer, a Bratwurst, and listen or dance to Gordon Kohl’s band. Mr. Kohl’s band sounded very good and I am sure the dancers would agree with me. The Choir, Oktoberfest and Karneval groups each had tables decorated with appropriate décor to attract new members, and according to Heidi, we did have a number of new members sign up. Overall, I must say that I enjoy an outside event, like the Open House. It gives us all a chance to mingle, talk to old friends, sit at this table or that table, and catch up on each other's news.
Heidi and Willie certainly understand how to make the grounds and the clubhouse gemütlich and inviting. I would love to see a couple of other Saturdays during the year just like the “Open House”. It reminds me of “home” where we would meet with old friends over Kaffee und Kuchen, which, of course were also available. Thank you Heidi and Willie, and all the other hard working, and quite often-unseen people, that makes a day like that possible. - Birgitt Meeder
Thank you, Birgitt, for your positive report regarding the Open House. And yes, the “Open House” is getting bigger and better each year. I consider it “my baby” and would gladly organize something similar more often as an outside event. If only I had a larger “before and after” helping crew!! Work parties were announced on the cover page of our last summer bulletin. But only three faithful and dedicated members, who work with me at every club event showed up, can you imagine that --- out of almost 500 members?! So, if someone would like to organize an enthusiastic “helping hands committee” then we would gladly consider putting more outside “Open House Parties” on the program! After all, the club is our home away from home to most of us, but it’s a heck of a lot of work for a few helping hands to keep the facility inviting and “gemütlich.” - Heidi Williams
A big “thank you” to our # 1 Oktoberfest sponsor in 2008
(Round trip to Germany for two)
John Haedrich, owner of Tip Top Meats, European Delicatessen, Inc.
6118 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, Ca. 92009 ~ Ph. (760) 438-3184 www.tiptopmeats.com
In his heart “Big John” is very connected to his homeland Germany. He likes promoting dedicated people, worthy causes and projects. He has an “old world” philosophy with a “new world” optimism. It’s a lot of fun when I load up my van with club members for our monthly shopping trip to Tip Top market, where John always sits at our table to laugh and joke with us. I approached him one day and asked if he could please support the German American Societies by donating a prize for our Oktoberfest raffle. I didn’t have to ask twice, of course he would help! He not only presented me with a check for $2500.00, but he also bought us 180 new oval dinner plates valued at $1400.00! How much luckier can we get? When you visit his store just tell the staff that you’re a member of the German club in El Cajon and you think “Big John is the Greatest”! John, thanks again, from all of us here at the club, for your enormous generosity to the German American Societies and for making our Oktoberfest much more exciting and special!Notes of the Membership Committee
The German American Societies would like to welcome and thank our newest members for joining and enjoying our club :
Chris Plath, Tobias Hoffmann, Erol Bulent, Roger Graupmann, Steven Horstman, Brent Quick, Monique Halgrims, Roger Ogden, Christine Heck, Ilona Schmid, Kurt J. Hauptmann, Mr.& Mrs. Paul, and Lori Jones.
A reminder to all 78 members regarding their unpaid membership dues. Outstanding membership dues will consequently prompt the removal of your name from our roster stopping all mail including bulletins from being sent to your address. Please use this reminder as your last chance to pay your out-standing dues since we would like to keep all our valued members “on board”!
Celebrating Germany at the Museum of Man – Balboa Park
On a Thursday evening, Aug. 28th 2008, about 250 visitors enjoyed a fabulous event in the impressive halls of the Museum of Man. Black-red-gold flags everywhere and the sound of German music (Edelweiss Band) were the first impression at the entrance. Beer stations, a large buffet offering a variety of German food, and a desert table on the balcony serving big portions of Apple Strudel that satisfied everyone. Most guests came in their traditional, colorful outfits but the highlight was the entertainment of the Balboa-Folks-Dancers. Members of our Germania choir singing well known folks songs for everyone to join in added to the “gemütliche” atmosphere of the evening. The Museum of Man, the La Jolla Brew House Restaurant, the House of Germany, and the German American Societies of San Diego sponsored and organized this cultural event. It was very successful! We thank them and all volunteers!
GERMAN AMERICAN SOCIETIES HOSTS FIRST FRIDAY BREAKFAST FOR
SAN DIEGO EAST COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SEPTEMBER 5, 2008
For the third straight year, G.A.S. hosted this monthly breakfast meeting, a pre-Oktoberfest meal showcasing everything our club has to offer to many of the local business members in the East County. Heidi Williams led a crew of volunteers (who started as early as 4:00 AM!), with Christel Pfeifer and her cooking staff, serving what was likely the best First Friday breakfast of the year! Featuring eggs (kindly donated by Hilliker’s Ranch Fresh Eggs in Lakeside), a selection of Wurst, potatoes, fruit, and more, but also exposing many of the diners to a more German-like breakfast that included delicious rye bread, cheese, and sausage! The breakfast was sponsored by the Home of the Guiding hands, who showed an excellent presentation, and was highlighted by a lively debate over the proposition to raise sales taxes in El Cajon this year.
Everyone seems thrilled to be at our club, and we received lots of warm and genuine praise! Our gift baskets and gift certificates for Oktoberfest and Karneval opening were happily received by the lucky winners! Several Chamber members, including the President and the new CEO, told me that they could hardly wait for Oktoberfest. Many of those at the breakfast have never attended before, and they, too, are anxiously waiting for October to arrive. I want to thank everyone who contributed, the event was a great success, and it showed our community what a wonderful club we have! - Mike Anderson, Oktoberfest Chairman
