Saturday, February 10, 2007        (we have the photos to prove it) Old and young German-Americans celebrate heritage

Heritage Center serves as venue for Mardi Gras-Faschings celebration by Ginger Brashinger reprinted from the Frankfort Station Several generations of party-goers congregated for Mardi Gras-Faschings at the German-American Heritage Center Saturday evening in anticipation of the Lenten season. The Center, located on Center Road in Frankfort, entertained a crowd of over 150 people. Celebrating with food, drink, music, and activities, both young and old were insured an enjoyable evening. The hearty menu included traditional German fare of goulash, spaetzle noodles, and bratwurst while the sweet tooth was tempted by apple strudel, chocolate cake, and cheesecake. A full bar, including German beer on tap, supplied the thirst quenchers for the evening. Hard at work in the kitchen, Linda and Frank Janca were called out front and center stage to receive an award for their many years of service. Presenting the couple with a plaque, First Vice-president Bill Schmidt, acting president in the absence of Joe Osterhout, spoke of the organization’s appreciation for the Jancas’ years of service. Additional awards were presented to members of the Building Committee, Gerald Lepinske, Martin Walthier, Timothy Garrett, Gayle Knight, Paul Moser, Edward Wolf, and Dr. Paul Bertrand, honored for the many hours of work each contributed in the planning and overseeing of the building’s construction. Martin and Josephine Walthier, celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary Saturday evening, were presented with a plaque for years of volunteer work as well. Completing multiple tenures, Josephine served as membership chairman and Martin as Vice-president. Both have been on various committees as well over their many years of membership and have passed on the family tradition of service to daughter, Christine Walthier, who presently serves as treasurer for the organization. When asked what DANK has meant to her and her family, Josephine remarked that it has been an important part of their lives. "To be in a different country from where you were born and be able to keep up your heritage—that is really something. I started my family here and feel America is my country, but we did go back for several months when we were a young family. We decided we wanted to live here. This organization helps us to remember our culture.” One of the most beloved aspects of the German culture is the signature music, enjoyed by dancers and listeners alike. Provided by Die Perlen, a band that specializes in authentic German tunes, many lament that it is a rare commodity these days. “Bands that play the old-fashioned German music, the ‘oompah’ and the polkas, are fewer and fewer,” said Bill Schmidt. “We have only five or six to choose from that we can count on to be consistent. We want to make sure the young people have the opportunity to be exposed to this part of their heritage, too." Schmidt recalls that his initial interest in the organization came when he noticed the Heritage Center's sign. ”I stopped to see what it was all about and was invited in by Gayle Knight. I was just drawn to it, and I've veen a part of it ever since. It's just a love I have for it.” Good times continued with the energy and excitement of the costume parade. Party goers who dressed for the occasion circled the building in a colorful display before the judges, first the children, then the adults. Costumes ranged from the elegant swashbuckler’s outfit of first place winner Dave Beatty to the colorful clown outfits of Dr. Helmut Feldmann wife Ingeborg. Committee members Christine Walthier, Terry Viebach, Paula Malloy, Kathy Fandle, and Richard Ach were responsible for overseeing decorations, set-up and kitchen and bar work. “We split up the work,” said Walthier. “We do it every year, pretty much the same group, but we like to decorate a little differently each time.” When asked what held her interest in the organization, Walthier replied, “I grew up with the German traditions. I have a very strong background with that and family still over there. I like following those customs and want that to continue through DANK.” Raffles held throughout the evening yielded prizes donated by club members. Music continued until midnight as dancers wound their way around the floor with the “tick-tock” polka, old teaching the young. Walter Hartung, Sr., patriarch of his own German-American family, is very proud of what the organization offers to anyone who attends the activities or joins the group. Sitting with wife Helen, grandson Nicholas, and good friends, he remarked on the special meaning of the organization. “We love to come here and be with our friends and family, and we welcome everyone who opportunity to be wants to be here, too. People exposed to this part of their pass and see the sign and stop in. They become members when they see what’s here. The young people even enjoy it.” Hartung’s family involvement extends to three generations as son Wally, acting third Vice-president, moves from room to room checking on the evening’s activities. Granddaughter Kate, in her capacity as reigning Miss DANK of the Chicago Chapter, sells raffle tickets to guests. Nothing could be more pleasing to Vice President Bill Schmidt, who said the evening offered, “Good times, good music, and camaraderie. “We love to see the young people come because so many of us are older now. We want them to carry on the German traditions that we all love.” German-American Heritage Center is located at 25249 South Center Road in Frankfort. (815) 464-1514 www.dank.org