Winter Postillion - Saskatchewan German Council

POSTILLION
Der Rundbrief des Saskatchewan German Councils Volume 28, Issue 4
Winter 2013

Table of Contents
05
08
10
19
Aus dem Büro/From the Office 03
Grüße von der Präsidentin 04
Greetings from the President 04
Weihnachtsbaum - A German Gift 05
Waltraude Stehwien and her Art of Paper Cutting 06
Spotlight on Members
Hansel & Gretel Preschool 08
Das Schulhaus - Regina German Language School 09
SGC Recipe Corner: Kohlsuppe - Cabbage Soup 10
SGC Library Corner 10
History of the Germans from Russia, part 15 11
Rolling Calendar of Events 12
2013 SGC Christmas Card Contest 13
News from SGC Member Groups
Saskatoon German Days Committee 14
Das Schulhaus - Regina German Language School Inc. 15
German Cultural Centre 15
Concordia Alpenrose Schuhplattler Verein 16
Kochlöffel & Nudelholz: German-Canadian Koch- und
Backstudio 16
German Language School of Regina 17
Community Radio Station Saskatoon 17
Austrian-Canadian Edelweiss Club 18
German-Canadian Society Harmonie 19
Skat Club Saskatoon 19
German Junior Folk Dancers 20
Kinder- und Jugendseiten 21
The Postillion is a quarterly newsletter published by
the Saskatchewan German Council Inc.
Submissions to: postillion@saskgermancouncil.org
Deadlines 2014: Spring - March 10
Summer - June 21
Autumn - October 6
Winter - December 1
Inquirres to: Sabine Doebel-Atchison, Editor
sabine@saskgermancouncil.org
Articles may be reprinted with permission.
Saskatchewan German Council Inc.
510 Cynthia Street, Saskatoon, SK S7L 7K7
phone: 306-975-0845 fax: 306-242-8007
e-mail: office@saskgermancouncil.org
website: www.saskgermancouncil.org
Cover image: photo of Herrenhuter starrs, pics © fotolia.com
Scherenschitt illustrations in this issue are taken from originals
by Waltraude Stehwien, courtesy of the artist. Reproduction
without permission is strictly prohibited. © W. Stehwien

Board of Directors
President
Ilona Beck, Rouleau
Vice President
Josephin Dick, Saskatoon
Past President
Andrew Grzesina, Regina
Treasurer
Ray Fichter, Regina
Secretary,
Ulrike Hecker, Saskatoon
Directors
Marita Bray, Regina
Franziska Davies, Saskatoon
Rod Gellner, Regina
Amanda Stehwien, Saskatoon
Katharina Ulbrich, Estevan
Michael Zimmermann, Regina
Consultant
Barbara Hoggard-Lulay, Saskatoon
Staff
Sabine Doebel-Atchison, M.A.,
Executive Director
Andrea MacLeod, M.A.,
Office & Program Assistant
Andrea Fey,
Immigrant Settlement Advisor
Aus dem Büro
FROM THE OFFICE Sabine Doebel-Atchison
Weihnachten steht vor der Tür und als ein verfrühtes Weihnachtsgeschenk überrascht
das Council Sie mit einem neu gestalteten Postillion. Wir hoffen, dass Ihnen das neue
Aussehen unseres vierteljährlichen Rundbriefs gefällt. Einige Dinge sind neu und andere
wurden verbessert. Wie Sie sicherlich bereits festgestellt haben, hat der Postillion nun ein
Titelblatt vollkommen in Farbe!
Wir bedanken uns recht herzlich bei Waltraude Stehwien, die uns seit 2005 ihre
Scherenschritte für den Postillion zur Verfügung gestellt hat. Einen gesonderten Artikel
über sie und ihre Kunst finden Sie auf Seite 06 . Von dieser Ausgabe an werden wir jeweils
zwei SGC Mitgliedsorganisationen vorstellen. Die ersten Gruppen sind Das Schulhaus -
Regina German Language School Inc. und die Hansel & Gretel Preschool of Saskatoon.
Vielleicht wird dieses neue Feature den einen oder anderen Leser dazu bewegen sich bei
einer dieser Gruppen einzubringen oder mitzumachen. Wir werden versuchen in jeder
Ausgabe Gruppen aus verschiedenen Regionen vorzustellen. Wenn Sie ihre Gruppe in
einem der nächsten Postillione vorgestellt haben möchten, setzten Sie sich bitte mit dem
SGC Büro in Verbindung. Eine weitere Überholung hat der Kalender im Postillion erhalten.
Die Veränderungen sorgen dafür, dass er einen einfacheren und geordneteren Überblick
liefert. Schauen Sie selbst! Wir freuen uns immer über Resonanz und freuen uns darüber
Ihre Meinung zum „neuen“ Postillion zu hören.
Mit dem Winter Postillion geht auch ein geschäftiges Jahr für das Saskatchewan German
Council zu Ende. Alle Mitarbeiterinnen aus dem SGC Büro wünschen ihnen frohe
Weihnachten und einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr!
Christmas is just around the corner and as an early Christmas gift the Council is surprising
the readers of the Postillion with a new look. We hope that you will enjoy this
new and fresh look, which the Council’s quarterly newsletter received. Some things
are new and some have been improved. As you probably already noticed, the Postillion
now has a full colour cover!
We sincerely thank Waltraude Stehwien for having provided paper cuts (Scherenschnitte)
for the Postillion since 2005. You can find a specialarticle about her and her
art on page 06. From now on every issue of the Postillion will feature two member
groups. This idea came as a result of the SGC Round Table in October in Davidson.
The first groups that are being featured are Das Schulhaus – Regina German Language
School Inc. and the Hansel & Gretel Preschool of Saskatoon. Hopefully this
feature will encourage some readers to get involved in one of the groups. We will
attempt to feature groups from different areas in every issue. If you would like to see
your group featured in the Postillion, please contact the SGC office. Another major
overhaul was given to the Postillion’s Rolling Calendar of events. The change allows
for a much more organized and easy to follow calendar. Take a look yourself. We
always welcome feedback and we look forward to hearing your opinion about the
“new” Postillion.
With this Winter Postillion another busy year is coming to an end for the Saskatchewan
German Council Inc. Everyone from the SGC office wishes you “frohe Weihnachten
und einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr”!
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Greetings from the president
GrüSSe von der Präsidentin Ilona Beck
42
It is hard to believe that Christmas is only a few
weeks away. However the first snowfall and the
first doors opened in the Advents calendar are
certain signs that the year is coming to an end.
Christkindl Markets and festive choire concerts
lead us into the special Christmas spirit.
Why is it that this season has become one of
the busiest times of the year? While nature
slows down and starts to hibernate yet the
human side of the world seems to do the opposite.
We get caught in a stream of commercialism
and busy schedules. It appears that we
try to squeeze most of our visiting, well wishing,
letter writing, gift giving, and all kindness and
appreciation for each other in one month, as if
we could make up for neglected friendships
and appreciations during the Christmas season?
Wouldn’t it be more thoughtful to value
the people, neighbors, volunteers and friends
around us all through the year with a kind
remark, a short note or small gift? However at
Christmas time our busy lives come to a sudden
halt to reflect on the kindness and support we
experienced over the year; we feel thankful for
the things we have.
The Saskatchewan German Council is very
grateful for the large German community in
Saskatchewan, the various member groups, the
contribution of the many volunteers to make
the Council what it became. As our sign of
appreciation we start to feature two member
groups in each of the future issues of the Postillion.
This first issue will present the Haensel &
Gretel Preschool and das Schulhaus. If you wish
to have your group featured please notify the
office well ahead of each issue.
Further we do express our deepest gratitude
and thanks to Mrs. Waltraude Stehwien for her
continued contributions of her paper cuts for
the illustration of the Postillion. On behalf of
the board of the SGC I am most thankful to Mrs.
Stehwien for the privilege to make her artwork
available. We are very proud to have such an
outstanding artist among the German community
in Saskatoon.
You, the reader, most likely noticed that the
Postillion looks different. As final part of our
rebranding project the Postillion became a new
face and changed layout. The new contemporary
look and reader friendly design of the
quarterly publication will be our gift to you the
reader.
At this point I thank our office staff Sabine
Doebel-Atchison, Andrea MacLoad and Andrea
Fey for their excellent work and unbroken
enthusiasm for German in Saskatchewan; thank
you to my dynamic board of SGC directors who
guide the Council’ work both with the wisdom
of the elderly and the spirit and energy of the
youth. Last not least my appreciation goes out
to the entire membership and volunteers for
their continuous work and effort to keep German
language and culture alive, growing and
available for everybody in Saskatchewan.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2014!
Es ist kaum zu fassen, dass es nur noch wenige
Wochen bis Weihnachten sind. Der erste
Schneefall und die geöffneten Türchen am
Adventskalender sind ein sicheres Zeichen
dafür, dass Weihnachten nicht mehr weit
ist. Christkindlmärkte in Regina und Saskatoon
und festliche Chorkonzerte vermitteln
Weihnachtsstimmung und leiten uns in diese
festliche Zeit.
Immer wieder frage ich mich, warum ist diese
wunderbar festliche Zeit zur hektischsten Zeit
des Jahres geworden? Während die Pflanzenwelt
mit ihrem Wachstum abschliesst und sich
zur Ruhe begiebt, scheinen die Menschen sich
anticyklisch zur Natur zu bewegen. Gerade
vor Weihnachten lassen wir uns von Kommerz
und Geschäftigkeit treiben und werden zu
Gefangenen unserer eigenen Terminkalender.
Es scheint, dass wir versuchen unser gesamtes
Jahrespensum an Wertschätzung für andere in
Form von Besuchen, Briefeschreiben, Geschenken
in vier kurze Wochen pressen, fast so als ob
wir versuchen Versäumtes nachzuholen. Wäre
es nicht angebrachter über’s Jahr die Menschen,
die uns unterstützen mit einer kleinen
Geste, einem kurzen Gruß oder einem kleinen
Geschenk die Wertschäztung und Aufmerksamkeit
zu schenken, die sie verdienen? Erst die
nahende Weihnachtszeit bringt uns zum
plötzlichen Halt und läßt uns reflektieren über
all das Gute, das uns das Jahr über umgeben
hat; wir sind dankbar für all das, was wir haben
und erlebt haben.
Als Präsidentin des Saskatchewan German
Council will auch ich meine Wertschätzung ausdrücken.
Ich bin sehr dankbar für die große und
vielseitige deutsche Gemeinde in Saskatchewan,
unsere aktiven Mitgliedsgruppen, die
rege Beteiligung der vielen freiwilligen Helfer,
die durch ihre selbstlose Arbeit das Council zu
dem machen, was es heute darstellt. Als kleines
Zeichen unserer Wertschaetzung werden wir
von nun an in jeder Ausgabe des Postillions
zwei Mitgliedsgruppen vorstellen. In dieser
Ausgabe stellen wir Ihnen die Vorschulgruppe
“Hansel & Gretel“ sowie die Sprachschule “Das
Schulhaus” vor. Bitte melden Sie sich rechtzeigig,
falls Sie in der nächsten Ausgabe des
Postillions erscheinen wollen.
Mein ganz besondere Dank geht an Frau
Waltrude Stehwien für ihre kunstvollen Scherenschnitte,
die sie für die Illustrierung des
Postillions hergestellt und dem Council für viele
Jahre zur Verfügung gestellt hat. Wir sind sehr
stolz eine solch großartige Künstlerin in unserer
Mitte zu wissen.
Es ist sicher sofort aufgefallen, das sich das Aussehen
des Postillion verändert hat. Als letzter
Teil unseres Rebranding Projektes bekam der
Postillion ein neues, mehr zeitgenössisches
Gesicht und Layout - unser Geschenk an Sie,
die Leser.
An dieser Stelle möchte ich auch unserem
Personal Sabine Doebel-Atchison, Andrea
MacLoad und Andrea Fey ganz besonders
für die ausgezeichnete Arbeit über’s Jahr und
ihre ungebrochene Begeisterung für Deutsch
in der Provinz danken. Gleichzeitig danke ich
meinem SGC Vorstand, der mit der Weisheit
und Erfahrung der Älteren in Kombination mit
der Energie und dem Ideenreichum der Jugend
die Geschicke des Councils verantwortungsvoll
leitet. Ganz zum Schluss geht mein Dank an
alle Freiwilligen, die unermüdlich und selbstverständlich
ihre Zeit und Kraft zur Verfügung
stellen, dass lebendige deutsche Kultur und
Sprache allen Menschen in der Provinz vermittelt
wird.
Ich wünsche Ihnen ein frohes Weihnachtsfest
und ein gesundes Neues Jahr!

weihnachtsbaum - A German gift
Sabine Doebel-Atchison
Today Christmas trees can be found in many
homes all over the world. But this has not
always been the case and certainly the question
arises from where did this tradition come.
While it is commonly known that the traditionwas
developed in Europe, some people might
also wonder how the Christmas tree tradition
came to Canada.
The further back one goes in history the more
difficult it is to find out about the origins of the
Christmas tree. One source from the 2nd part
of the 16th century describes a tree in Bremen
decorated with apples, nuts, dates, pretzels and
paper flowers. Another source from around the
same time talks about a green tree with apples
and cheese in Basel. It was only in the 17th and
18th century that the Christmas tree became
more popular, mainly in towns and not yet in
rural areas. It should be noted too that it was
the wealthier people who could initially afford
a Christmas tree.
Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert, a
German, introduced the Christmas tree to the
British royal house. The first Christmas tree
in Canada was erected by German General
Friedrich von Riedesel and his family in 1871
in Sorel, Quebec. The SGC took this historical
event as theme for the organization’s Christmas
tree at Saskatoon’s Festival of Trees.
An SGC committee made up of Rosa Gebhardt
and Josephin Dick along with staff member
Sabine Doebel-Atchison got together to
design a traditional German Christmas tree for
the Festival of Trees. The festival has been a
staple during the Christmas season in Saskatoon
for over 25 years. Net proceeds support
the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation. Over
the years the festival has raised more than 2
million dollars. The SGC’s tree, with the theme
Weihnachtsbaum - A German gift, was among
the first trees sold at the festival. The tree was
decorated with red and gold glass ornaments
and straw stars, imported from Germany. While
it was certainly less opulent than other trees
it caught the visitor’s and certainly the buyer’s
eye simply due to that fact.
For only the 2nd time in its history the Festival
of Trees had added an extra attraction with
the gingerbread lane. Over twenty individuals,
companies or organizations had submitted
their gingerbread creation. Just like the trees,
the gingerbread creation could be purchased
by visitors. Among the submissions was one
from SGC Associate Member the Cake Witch
Café. Barbara Harder-Lutz submitted a traditional
German gingerbread house along with
a description of the tradition. Everyone that
went for a stroll along gingerbread lane at the
festival could smell the Christmas spices she
used from far away.
The Festival of Trees theme for 2014 is “A Fairy
Tale Christmas! “ Doesn’t that sound like a
theme fit for the SGC and its member groups?
Consider taking part in the festival with your
group!
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3
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1. A row of trees at the festival 2. Gingerbread
house by the Cake Witch Café 3. Josephin Dick,
Sabine Doebel-Atchison and Rosa Gebhardt
beside the SGC tree .
5

Auf eine Tasse Tee bei Waltraude Stehwien
Waltraude Stehwien:
HEr Art of Paper CUtting
Sabine Doebel-Atchison & Barbara Stehwien
6
To most people in Saskatchewan, Waltraude Stehwien is best known
for her paper cuttings. A visit to her Saskatoon home, however, reveals
much more about a woman who came to Saskatchewan with her husband
and four children in 1968. The family came to a city and province
that was quite different from what exists today.
Her role as a mother and wife, as well as her professional career, didn’t
leave much time for her own art. For this reason, she didn’t produce a
single paper cutting between the years of 1945 and 1985. It was only
when the Saskatoon German Club’s former cultural group approached
her with a request for a presentation about paper cuttings, that she
thoroughly researched the movements and history of this art form. This
sparked a renewed interest and was the beginning of a very creative and
productive period.
“An artist’s creative process is not definable.”
Asked where she gets her inspiration from, she pragmatically answers,
that many of her paper cuttings, such as the ones for the Saskatchewan
German Council, are commissioned works. For other works, she gathers
ideas from everyday life and her surroundings.
While for many people, creating a two-dimensional drawing out of what
they see, may be the most difficult aspect, it comes quite naturally to
Waltraude Stehwien. Certainly her background and experience in graphic
design may have an influence in this case. Waltraude Stehwien is challenged
when asked to explain her art, and quickly replies, that if it was
explainable, she may have become a writer.
To create a new paper cutting, Waltraude Stehwien researches the topic,
pre-sketches and finally draws the design, in mirror image, on the reverse
of her specialty paper. The reverse of this paper is not black, as one might
expect, but white instead. This is a little known fact to the viewer of the
final works, yet an important feature of the paper, and one that makes
finding a supplier difficult. In recent years, she has only been able to find
suitable paper while travelling in Germany.
While there are many styles and methods to cutting paper in an artful
way, Waltraude Stehwien’s challenge to herself is to design and cut the 2
dimensional image from one single sheet of paper, with no unattached
inner cuttings. There are only very few exceptions to this in her works.
Her main tool is a small pair of scissors, more than 80 years old. Although
she owns several pairs of scissors, including a newly acquired one
designed especially for paper cutting, Waltraude maintains that as long
as the favourite one, inherited from her father, does the job, there is no
need to switch. While many artists have started to use small knife blades
for their work as well, Waltraude Stehwien has not found that to be an
improvement over scissors either. She says when using a knife blade,
there is less control, and that scissors feel alive - they become like an
extension of the fingers. “The scissors are alive, they’re in motion”.

Waltraude Stehwien and the Saskatchewan German Council
Almost since its foundation, Waltraude Stehwien has provided the Saskatchewan
German Council with a variety of paper cuttings. One of the
first ones that were used by the SGC was her Lebensbaum (tree of life) for
Treffpunkt celebrations in the late 1980s and 90s.
Many paper cutting designs followed, used for a variety of SGC publications.
In the spring of 2005, the SGC also started to collaborate with
Waltraude Stehwien on its quarterly newsletter, the Postillion.
Her unique paper cuttings gave the Postillion a unified and easily recognizable
look. Waltraude Stehwien provided designs covering topics like
German traditions, arts and crafts, as well as plants, flowers and lastly,
cityscapes, for a total of 36 Postillion covers.
In addition to the paper cuttings on the
covers, Waltraude Stehwien also cut borders
and smaller designs for the inside of the
newsletter to go with the seasons. Besides
these many designs, the logo of the postillion
himself, the taditional coachman blowing
his horn, is also credited to Waltraude.
This new, stylized “Postillion” has adorned
the cover of the newsletter since the 2005
winter issue.
Her latest project is the new book In Black and White: A Stroll through
Canadian Landscapes. The work on Canadian landscapes fascinated her
so much that it resulted in an entire series of paper cuttings. In these
motifs, Waltraude Stehwien was able to express her strong sensation
for depth and contrast especially well. Paper cuttings of landscapes are
relatively rare and in many of the works around this theme Waltraude
Stehwien was able to express her courage to make use of large white or
black spaces.
The book was a result of an idea from Waltraude’s daughter Barbara, who
then took to self-publishing these works, from concept to the bookshelf.
The book is available from the artist and at many major bookstores and
giftshops in Western Canada.
To the question of what she is planning for the future, Waltraude Stehwien
replies: “I already have some new ideas in my head, but I am not
sure yet if they will come to fruition.” There are certainly many people that
hope that they will!
Waltraude Stehwien deserves immense gratitude for her contributions to
the SGC as well as to the Canadian community of German-speaking backgrounds
in the province. At the Saskatchewan German Council everyone
also knows where to turn for expertise in questions of culture, heritage,
art and tradition.
Exhibition, book and what the future might bring
This past fall, Waltraude Stehwien was part of the exhibition “Randscharf
- Scherenschnitt heute” in Solingen, Germany with two of her works. This
exhibition of the Deutsche Scherenschnittverein (German paper cutting
association), included more than 100 paper cuttings by approximately 50
artists. Waltraude is also a long time member of this association.
Waltraude Stehwien’s new book “In Black and White: A stroll through Canadian
landscapes.” The book is available in major bookstores throughout
Western Canada.
ADVERTISEMENT
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Spotlight on Members
Hansel & Gretel Preschool
Where Fun meets learning Sabine Doebel-Atchison
Founded in 1985 by Sigrid Kirmse and Leslie Angele in Saskatoon, the preschool has
been in the capable hands of Ulrike Hecker as teacher and coordinator for over 6 years.
After the initial years in Buena Vista School the preschool soon found its home in Brevoort
Park Elementary School where it is fully integrated and can take advantage of the
benefits that come with that.
1 2 3
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Hansel & Gretel is a bilingual preschool which has successfully linked German
and Canadian cultures. This has resulted in interest beyond families
of German-speaking background. Nonetheless, many children that attend
Hansel & Gretel have some connection to Germany or other Germanspeaking
countires, either through family ties or because they have previously
lived there with their families who in some cases are originally from
countries such as Egypt, Hungary or Ukraine. These families are especially
interested in the German component of the programme.
It is important to mention that in order to attend the preschool children are
not required to have any previous knowledge of German. The curriculum
follows the guidelines laid out by the provincial Ministry of Education. In
addition to the English curriculum children are playfully introduced to the
German language, using rhymes, songs and books. Cultural celebrations,
both German and Canadian, as well as various field trips play an important
part in the program. They include Easter, Carnival, Halloween, St. Martin,
Nikolaus and Christmas as well as trips to the Children’s Discovery Museum
or Zoo or to nursing homes within an outreach program.
Currently, the 3 to 5 year old children are enrolled either in a morning 3-day
or 2-day program. For the 2014/2015 school year Hansel & Gretel is working
on establishing an additional 3-day afternoon program as a direct result
of increased interest. Over the last few years the number of student enrollments
has more than trippled. The cost for the programme ranges from
$95/month for the 2-day program and $125/month for the 3-day program.
To find out about availability and discounts for additional siblings as well
as further information contact the schools coordinator. The preschool also
operates an extensive website which provides many answers to questions
parents might have in advance. Registration for the 2014/2015 school year
will be during the preschool’s open house on January 28, 2014 from 6:30 to
8:00 p.m. at Brevoort Park Elementary School (2809 Early Drive, Saskatoon).
Hansel & Gretel Preschool Inc.
President:
Franziska Davies
(fakd@shaw.ca)
Teacher/Coordinator: Ulrike Hecker
(ulrike.hecker@gmx.net)
Phone: 306-651-0436
Website:
www.hanselandgretelpreschool.ca
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1. Teacher Ulrike Hecker during one-on-one time with a student 2. Learning
by observation - butterflies hatching in the classroom 3. St. Martin
celebration with lanterns 4. Learning in the “outdoor classroom”

DAs Schulhaus - Regina German
Language School Inc.
Komm, wir lernen deutsch! Sabine Doebel-Atchison
Das Schulhaus is the Council’s newest
language school member. Founded in November
2011, the school was able to triple
its student body in the first three years. It
was the founders’, a small group of teachers
and enthusiastic parents, intention to start
a provincially registered non-profit school
in the Queen city. Their fresh approach to
German language instruction, coupled
with cultural engagement makes language
learning fun and successful and builds on
the legacy of earlier institutions.
In 2013 the Das Schulhaus coordinator
Sabine Zagoricnik-Wecker received the
Saskatchewan Organization for Heritage
Languages (SOHL) New Volunteer Award
in recognition of her outstanding service
to the province’s multilingual community.
The success of Das Schulhaus can also be
measured by the participation of students
in the German language proficiency exams
A2 and DSD1.
Besides the language instruction, cultural
events and celebrations are a big part of
the school’s activities. Among the celebrations
are 1. Schultag mit Schultüten (1st
day of classes), St. Nikolaus, Weihnachtsfeier
(Christmas celebration) , Kinderfasching
(children’s carnival), Easter and a year-end
picnic. One of the most popular events
is the Lantern Parade in Wascana, which
was attended by more than 70 students,
parents and friends of the school this year.
Das Schulhaus also takes part in many of
the events of Regina’s German community
such as the annual Christkindl Markt and
Mosaic.
A highlight for students are the annual
project days which last year had the Broth-
Das Schulhaus - Regina German Language School Inc.
Principal:
Linda Froh
Coordinator:
Sabine Zagoricnik-Wecker
E-mail:
dasSchulhaus@gmail.com
Phone: 306-551-7457
Website:
www.dasSchulhaus.org
Facebook:
Das Schulhaus Regina German Language School Inc.
Twitter:
@dasSchulhaus
ers Grimm Fairy Tales as a theme. Among
other things the students created a display
which was also showcased at the SGC Treffpunkt
Weekend in Estevan. The theme of
the project days for this school year will be
Dr. Oetker.
Language classes are taught on Wednesday
and Thursday evenings at Campbell
Collegiate in Regina. Das Schulhaus offers
classes for children ages 5 to 18 for $285
per school year (+ workbook, discount
for multiple siblings available), classes for
adults for $170 per semester (13 evenings
+ book) as well as high school credit classes
for $390 for 100 hours (+workbook). In
addition to taking language classes, anyone
interested in German language and culture
can become a member of the school for
$15 family/year or $10 single person/year.
Classes are taught by qualified teacher
who are all members of the Saskatchewan
Assosciation of Teachers of German (SATG)
and who on a continuous basis strive to
improve their teaching competence. This
allows them to deliver classes according to
the newest standards of language aquisition.
The team of teachers is enthusiastic
about what they do and new teachers are
always welcome to join the team.
Das Schulhaus maintains a very comprehensive
website where anyone interested
in German language learning and beyond
can receive more information. The school
can also be found on Facebook where
the coordinator shares many useful and
interesting facts and articles.
Registration is currently open for adult winter
classes and the language proficiency
exams A2 and DSD1. To be able to expand
1. Das Schulhaus 2013 Annual General Meeting 2. Project Days - Brothers Grimm Fairy
Tales 3. First day of school in 2012 4. A play performed by students during the Christmas
celebration
the programme Das Schulhaus
is currently looking for a suitable
location to establish a preschool
class.
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9

LIBRARY corner
Andrea MaCleod
Dinner for One
DVD (19 minutes)
recipe corner
Andrea MaCleod
Krautsuppe
Cabbage Soup
Soups are a big part of German culinary culture and each region has it’s own
specialty. Some soups are well known throught the German speaking regions, but
always with a little variation. They are versitle and useful for any occasion.
Mrs. Sophie is celebrating
her 90th birthday
and has invited four
of her dearest friends.
Unfortunately, they
have already passed
away and so it falls
to her butler James
to perform each role.
Besides serving the
guests he must also toast during each course
and empty the glass. As a result, his composure
suffers during the evening. A tiger fur with full
size head also plays a role in poor James’ job.
Even though the sketch is in English it gained
great popularity within Germany. Enjoy it with
some friends during your New Year’s Eve party.
Karl May
Book Collection
- Cabbage
- Broth
- Potatoes
- Boneless smoked pork loin chops
- Caraway seeds
Rinse and cut the cabbage into smaller
pieces and boil some water. Place the cut
cabbage in a pot and pour the boiling water
over it. Let this sit for 2-3 minutes then drain
the water. Pour boiling water over it again,
then bring to a boil. Add the broth and
let the cabbage cook until soft. Half way
through you can add the peeled and cubed
potatoes. Once the potatoes are soft you
can add the loin chops and caraway seeds
and let everything simmer for 10 mins.
The amount of all the ingredients depend
on the number of people you wish to serve
and how much of each ingredient you like
in your soup.
Caraway seeds will give the soup a special
taste and prevent bloating.
The broth can be home-made broth from
meat or cube broth from the store. Extra flavour
can be achieved if you lightly fry some
of the cabbage in a frying pan.
- Glattes Kraut
- Brühe
- Kartoffeln
- Kassler
- Kümmel
Das Kraut waschen und in kleinere Stücke
schneiden. Dann Wasser zum kochen bringen.
Das Kraut in einen leeren Topf geben
und mit kochendem Wasser überbrühen, ca.
2-3 Min. ziehen lassen. Das Wasser abgießen
und das Kraut abermals mit kochendem
Wasser überbrühen. Alles zum Kochen bringen
und Brühe hinzugeben. Das Kraut solange
kochen bis es weich ist und ca. nach
der Hälfte die geschälten und gewürfelten
Kartoffeln hinzu geben. Wenn die Kartoffeln
weich sind das gewürfelte Kassler und den
Kümmel beigeben. Alles nochmals 10 min
köcheln lassen.
Die Menge der Zutaten ergibt sich aus der
Personenzahl.
Kümmel gibt der Krautsuppe einen besondern
Geschmack und beugt Blähungen
vor.
Die Brühe kann eine hausgemachte Brühe
sein, oder vom Brühwürfel kommen. Extra
Geschmack kann durch das Anbraten von
etwas Kraut erziehlt werden.
59 Books
The Saskatchewan German Council received,
with great thanks, an collection of Karl May’s
works from Harry Dahlem of Saskatoon. The
complete collectionconsists of 81 books of
which the Council library now possesses 59.
The hard cover books are in great condition.
May was famous for his travel narrative, which
played mainly in the orient, United States and
Mexico during the 19th century. Most famous
are the three volumes about Old Shatterhand
and his blood brother Winnetou.
Karl May is one of the most translated German
authors with an estimated 200 million
editions, half of which were published in Germany.
Many of his works have been adapted
for the screen, as play or radio play as well as
into comics.
10

HIstory of Germans
from Russia, Part 15
Alvin knoll
As the Christmas season is upon us, I thought I would
touch upon some of the traditions that the settlers
brought with them from their Alsatian-Franconian
homeland. Many of the customs celebrated at this time
of year were steeped in religion and tradition.
There is a story of a parish Priest asking his students to name the three
high feast days of the year. The answer he received was Die heilige
Fasenacht, die heilige Sauschlacht, und die heilige Karwe (Kirchweihfest)!
Even the lowly slaughtering day was considered a family feast day and
children were usually granted time off from school to help.
With the start of Advent (4 weeks before Christmas) all festivities such
as dancing and wedding celebrations were forbidden. Everyone waited
with anticipation for the upcoming Christmas celebrations. On December
21st the young people celebrated Lange Nacht. One practice was
that the young ladies were permitted on this evening to continue their
spinning bees well into the early hours of the next morning. At midnight
they would take a break and invite their sweethearts into the spinning
room for coffee and cake. After a short time they would resume spinning
while the young men would sing songs or play practical jokes. Beware if
a thread broke or a young fellow was able to catch a spool, for the unfortunate
girl could only redeem it with a kiss!
At last it was Christmas Eve, a time when the Christkindl was to arrive.
Now a young girl always played the Christkindl, never a man. This goes
back in time to the milde Perchta, the kind fairy also known as Mother
Holle in ancient German folklore. The Christkind was usually accompanied
by Belzenickl, a rather uncouth fellow dressed in hides (usually
sheepskins) and a terrible mask. He had a very large chain around his
waist and carried a large switch and sack on his shoulder. He sometimes
stuffed a mischievous lad into that sack when he departed from his visit.
The young fellows were usually dumped somewhere in a neighbouring
snowbank. The younger children, although somewhat traumatized,
accepted Belzenickl as part of this tradition and the good children always
received a special treat from this legendary figure.
Another tradition, one with which I am quite familiar, is that of Names’
Days. In the Catholic Church tradition people are given a saint’s name,
either as a first or middle name from the church calendar. For example
there is St. Barbara on December 8th, St. Thomas on Dec. 21st and my
own father’s name’s day, St. John, on December 27. Now for our family
this was a time when uncles, aunts and cousins came together to
celebrate. Our small farmhouse was packed with people. While the elders
played cards the younger cousins would play games. There was always
lots to eat as it was only a couple of days after Christmas! I remember
everyone arriving in the evening after chores were done, and all the
winter coats were thrown on a bed in one of the bedrooms and the card
playing began in earnest. I have asked our Bishop about this practice.
He was aware of it and he told me that it is only practiced by German
Catholics; he was not aware of any other Catholic countries celebrating
these Names Days.
The twelve days of Christmas (December 25 to January 6th) were called
the Zwischen den Jahren or the days between the old year and the new.
On December 28 the young unmarried men would run through the
streets with a birch rod and playfully switch any young girls they happened
to meet, all the while chanting Frisches Grün, neues Leben!
On Silvesterabend (New Year’s Eve) there were many festivities. Now if
the fire in the stove happened to go out on this night, the young, single
marriageable girl in the household would say “O du liewe Ofebank, du brauchsch
Holz un ich a Mann! In the early hours of New Year’s Day groups
of young men, armed with shotguns made their rounds from house to
house, to “shoot in” the New Year. At every house where they stopped,
they fired the traditional shots and were welcomed in by the owners for a
quick shot of wine or vodka and they then proceeded to the next neighbour.
This brings me to my own story of my Großvater and Großmutter.
It happened on New Year’s Eve 1921 in Kendal, Saskatchewan. They had
only been married in November. It was late in the evening when all of a
sudden there was noise out in the farmyard. The dog was barking and
there was lots of whooping. Großvater went to the window to look out.
It was of course dark outside and with oil lanterns burning inside, he
couldn’t see much, so he cupped his hands to peer out and that’s when
his friends let loose with their shotguns. Poor Großvater was so startled
that he backed up into the room and fell over. You can imagine my
Großmutter’s reaction. She was heard to say, Jesus Gott, jetzt haben Die
mein Mann geschossen! A little excitement no doubt! I never did hear if
Großmutter invited the culprits in for their drink!
Well there is so much more to write on this special season, but I will end
with Frohe Weihnachten und alles Gute im neuen Jahr!
Office of the Honorary Consul
of Germany for Saskatchewan
Barbara Hoggard-Lulay
823 Brookhurst Bay , Saskatoon, SK S7V 1G1
Phone: 306-979-4911 Fax: 306-979-4912
E-mail: saskatoon@hk-diplo.de
Office Hours:
Tuesdays & Thursdays by appointment
11

Rolling Calendar of Events
every Wednesday
Skat at the German Cultural Centre in Saskatoon at 7 p.m.
Student Stammtisch at Amigos, starting at 7 p.m.
every FRIDAY
Classical Connection on CFCR 90.5 FM from 1-2 p.m. with Sigrid Kirmse
every SunDAY
Treffpunkt Deutschland on CFCR 90.5 FM from 1-3 p.m.
Sunday Brunch at the German Cultural Centre, Saskatoon, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
German Buffet at the German Cultural Centre, Saskatoon, 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
December
14 Christmas skat
Skat Club Saskatoon
Call 306-664-3664 for more information
18 Skat Club Saskatoon AGM, Awards & 1 round of skat
Skat Club Saskatoon
Call 306-664-3664 for more information
31 New Year’s Eve Bash
German Cultural Centre Saskatoon
Call 306-244-6869 for tickets ($25)
January
28 Open House & Registration
Hansel & Gretel Preschool
6:30p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Brevoort Park Elementary School (2809 Early Drive, Saskatoon)
February
3 Kochlöffel & NUdelholz Class
Kochlöffel & Nudelholz - German Canadian Koch- und Backstudio
Call 306-384-5833 or e-mail kochlöffelundnudelholz@gmail.com
12

2013 SGC Christmas Card
contest Sabine Doebel-Atchison
Two German language schools took part in this year’s SGC
Christmas Card Contest - the German Language School Saskatoon
and Das Schulhaus - Regina German Language School.
Each school picked one winner in each of the following age
categories: 5 to 8 years of age, 9 to 13 years of age and 14 to 17
years of age. Each winner received a $15 cash prize from the
SGC. An overall winner will be chosen by Postillion readers and
the SGC friends on Facebook. This card will be printed for the
2014 Christmas season, with the winner receiving 10 complimentary
card. If you have a favourite image call (306-975-0845)
or e-mail the SGC office (office@saskgermancouncil.org).
Elise (age 7), Saskatoon - image 1
Liam (age 8), Regina - image 2
John (age 12), Saskatoon - image 3
Tianna (age 13), Regina - image 4
Conrad (age 14), Saskatoon - image 5
Kimia (age 17), Regina - image 6
2
4
6
3
SGC Member
Organizations
American Historical Society of Germans
From Russia, Regina
Austrian Canadian Edelweiss Club, Regina
Austrian Edelweiss Dance Association, Regina
Community Radio Society of Saskatoon Inc.
Concordia Alpenrose Schuhplattler Verein
Concordia Brass Band
Das Schulhaus - Regina German
Language School Inc.
Department of International Language, U of R
Estevan & District German Freundschaft Society
Folkart Co-op Humboldt
German Cultural Centre, Saskatoon
German Canadian Society Harmonie, Regina
German Heritage Society of Humboldt &
District Inc.
German Junior Folk Dancers, Saskatoon
German Language School Saskatoon Inc.
German Language School of Regina
German Russian Cultural Group, Leader
German Students’ Association - U of S
Hansel & Gretel Preschool Inc.
Imhoff Heritage Society, St. Walburg
Jagd- und Fischverein “Waidmann’s Lust”, Regina
Karnevalsgesellschaft Harmonie, Regina
Kochlöffel & Nudelholz: German-Canadian
Koch- und Backstudio
Lloydminster German Heritage Society Inc.
Melville & District German Heritage Club
Mennonite Heritage Village, Swift Current
Parents Association of German
Language School, Saskatoon
Prince Albert German Canadian Club Waldhorn
Regina German Film Club
Saskatchewan Association of Teachers
of German, Saskatoon
Saskatchewan German Culture Assistance
Fund Inc.
Saskatoon German Days
Skat Club Saskatoon
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Regina
Village of Edenwold
Volksliederchor Concordia, Saskatoon
Volksliederchor Harmonie Inc., Regina
5
1
Associated Members
Cake Witch Café - Rosthern
13

News from Member Groups
The Saskatchewan German Council Inc. has 38 member groups throughout Saskatchewan. Those groups include
cultural clubs, language schools, dance groups, choirs, genealogical groups, and many more. The following pages
contain articles by SGC member groups.
1
2
3
Saskatoon german days
advent celebration
Saskatoon German Days Committee — Barbara Hoggard-Lulay
An advent celebration was hosted by the
Saskatoon German Days Committee for the first
time on December 1, 2013. The community hall
of the Cathedral of the Holy Family was the perfect
location for an event like this to showcase
what advent means: the preparation time for
Christmas. Advent highlights our cultural and
Christian heritage.
More than 200 people accepted the committee’s
invitation, and additional tables were
quickly set up to cope with the rush.
the German Language School and the Hansel &
Gretel Pre-School. A special display was set up
to showcase traditional nutcrackers, smoking
men and angels created in the Ore Mountains
(Erzgebirge) in Saxony and also a picture of the
first illuminated Christmas tree in Canada by the
family of Baron von Riedesel in Sorel/Quebec
in 1781.
The entertainment included performances by
the Véronique Eberhart Trio and the German
Junior Folk Dancers.
4
The afternoon programme spoke to several
of our senses: the vision, the acoustic and the
taste. Each table was individually decorated
with either a hand-made advent wreath or a socalled
Klausenbaum, which is made with apples
and dates from the 15th century, predating
the advent wreath that was first created by the
Lutheran theologian Johann Hinrich Wichern in
Hamburg in 1839.
Tables with hand-crafted straw stars and other
traditional Christmas decoration and Nürnberger
Lebkuchen were set up for sale. There
were book tables and information tables for
Authentic German Torten, cakes and apple strudel
baked by the German pastry chef Barbara
Harder-Lutz were served and enjoyed by the
guests.
Last but not least, the German Days Committee
is very grateful for the help of 25 volunteers
assisting in different jobs to make this event a
great success!
We wish all readers of the Postillion a Merry
Christmas and happiness and health in the New
Year.
1. Hall filled with guests and the German Junior
Folk Dancers performing 2. Traditional German
staw stars for sale at the event. 3. Saskatoon
German Days Committee Members: Brigitte
Boldt-Leppin, Barbara Hoggard-Lulay and Rosa
Gebhardt. 4. Vendors at the event. 5. Traditional
German Christmas decoration on display.
5
14

...this little light of mine... sonne, mond und sterne
Das Schulhaus - Regina German Language School Inc. — Sabine Zagoricnik-Wecker
Here it was again, for the third year, the annual Lantern Parade became
a tradition in Das Schulhaus, and we were happy to welcome around 70
Laterneläufer. Not only our Schulhaus families, but many families from
outside the school joined us to be part of this magical German tradition.
The Schulhaus families crafted their lanterns the class before and many
colourful bright lights just wandered through Wascana Park.
Imagine the walk, singing St.Martin songs and Laternelieder, walking
along the dark snowy shore of Wascana Lake welcomed by the chatting
geese sitting on the water …. Walking, talking and singing along… and
eventually gathering at the fire pit enjoying some hot Martinspunsch and
like every year, the first Lebkuchen of the year. It is almost dark under the
trees there, lanterns and fire spending enough light to warm up and sing.
What else do you need to combine tradition and joy, bringing light in the
eyes of your child, like the lantern they are carrying? It is the beginning
of the dark part of the year in which we brought the lights. This year the
weather cooperated with a mild and windless night, and we are already
looking forward to what next year’s Laternenumzug, lantern walk, martinmas
is going to bring us.
Time is too short during this season full of culture.
We are part of the Regina Christkindl Markt again this year, preparing and
crafting. The students already started to talk about Weihnachten in the
classroom, participating in the SGC’s Christmas card contest, capturing
Weihnachten.
We cannot forget to polish our boots, to be filled with goodies from St.
Nikolaus and we are confident he has time to visit us in time on the 5th of
December.
December… oh why is this month just a short one. Nevertheless, there is
still time to get into the German Christmas spirit with lots of old and new
songs, Plätzchen and more magic, or a sleigh ride in the magical valleys
east of Regina. Who knows? Vielleicht sehen wir auch das Christkind und /
oder den Weihnachtsmann?
FROHE WEIHNACHTEN!
Registration is now open for the adult classes winter semester and language
proficiency exam A2 and DSD 1!
Please contact: dasSchulhaus@gmail.com
1
1. Students making lanterns
in class with their teacher 2.
Students, parents ans friends
of Das Schulhaus during their
lantern parade. 3. Variety of
lanterns made at the school
for the traditional lantern
parade
2 3
News from the cultural centre
German Cultural Centre, Saskatoon — Amanda Marien
On September 19 we held a traditional fall
supper with turkey and all of the fixings. It was
a nice evening with great food and accordion
music courtesy of Neil Stubbs.
Oktoberfest was well attended with over 500
people through the doors. The ‘oom-pah’
sounds of the Concordia Brass Band resonated
through the hall and set the party atmosphere.
Later, England played classic rock and country
to keep the party going. The Concordia Alpenrose
Dancers performed two sets and showed
some onlookers how to pass the Bierstiefel.
The beer pong tables were in use all night with
many ‘losers’ purchasing a round! Behind the
bar we had bottles of Becks and Warsteiner and
Alpine Ale on tap. Many shots of Jagermeister
and Apfelkorn were also consumed. Schnitzel,
Bratwurst and pork on a bun were served along
with Sauerkraut. For dessert strudel, coffee and
liquors were available.
The Christkindlmarkt was a nice way to get
into the Christmas spirit. We had about twenty
vendors selling a variety of items including:
Christmas décor, jams, art, quilting and sewing,
wood crafts, handmade jewelry, stained glass,
baking and more. The Frauengruppe bake table
was very successful and many people sampled
the Gluhwein made by the Senior dancers. The
Rumours, a fantastic young group of university
students, performed jazzy Christmas music and
even the youngest members of the German
Junior Folk Dancers took to the dance floor. The
best part of the day included the free sleigh
rides outdoors and a visit from Santa who had
candy canes for everyone!
We hope to see many familiar faces at the New
Year’s Eve dance and late lunch on December
31.
15

News from SGC Member Groups
Looking back at dance group
activities in saskatoon
Concordia Alpenrose Schuhplattler Verein , Saskatoon— Amanda
Marien
Oktoberfest was ‘wunderbar’ this year, with a great crowd and party atmosphere.
We performed two dance sets and then had a chance to let loose and have some
fun! A few too many ‘Berlin Blondes’, a shooter with Jagermeister and banana
liqueur made for a bit of a headache the next day!
We had a chance to raise some funds with the sale of Glühwein at the Centre’s
Christkindlmarkt. It was our first time making the traditional mulled beverage, and
we were worried that it wouldn’t measure up, but it tasted great! We also made a
non-alcoholic version with cranberry and apple juice and the traditional spices.
We finished off the dance season with a Christmas party at Joan Rudolph’s home.
We enjoyed drinks and appetizers, played ‘Minute to Win It’ games and had a gift exchange where the ‘stealing’ from one another went on forever!
When it was finally time to open your gift, you had to do so with oven mitts on to make it more difficult! Everyone had a great time.
We wish everyone a restful holiday season and hope that you’ll join us in the New Year.
comfort food for cold days
Kochlöffel & Nudelholz - German-Canadian Koch- und Backstudio,
Saskatoon — Andrea MacLeod & Barbara Hoggard-Lulay
The Kochlöffel & Nudelholz cooking club met once again in November, braving
the snow, to make some delicious Dampfnudeln and Hefeklöße. Both are
similar, yet they are different.
Dampfnudeln and Hefeklöße are made from a yeast dough, but the way they
are prepared is quite different. Dampfnudeln are simmered in milk, Hefeklöße
are steamed over hot water.
Our November class was well attended by 10 people and all enjoyed the
evening. As usual, when we have two recipes, we split the class. Each group
familiarized itself with the recipe and then prepared the dish with the instructors’
help.
1
Yeast dough can be tricky sometimes but both doughs turned out perfectly.
After the dough was left to rise to double its size the Hefeklöße and Dampfnudeln
were cooked accordingly. A custard, Vanillesosse in German, was
made from scratch, using real vanilla beans.
Dampfnudeln were served with the Vanillesosse, Hefeklöße are usually served
with a blueberry sauce, but are enjoyable with custard as well.
The December event will be the Plätzchen class. Christmas cookies in Germany
have their own name: Plätzchen. There is a great variety of Plätzchen,
depending on the family’s taste and of course the region where they live.
Classical Plätzchen are gingerbread cookies, short bread cookies, black and
white cookies, Vanillekipferl and many more.
The first class in the New Year will take place on Monday, February 3, 2014.
We wish all readers of the Postillion a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
1. Dampfnudeln 2. Hefeklöße with blueberry sauce
2
16

News from the German Language
school of Regina
German Language School of Regina — Sandra Morin
The school year to date has been active as
usual for the German Language School of
Regina! The start of the school year began
with Schultüten being presented to the new
students to the school with exception of the
adult student. Schultüten were presented to
students in almost all of the different levels of
classes. Although the tradition is to present the
Schultüten to students as they commence their
entrance into the first grade, we modified the
tradition that any students who begin classes
with our school for the first time, receive a Schultüte.
Many thanks to the teachers who dedicate
their time to construct and fill the cones with
the goodies that the students receive.
A custom that is now practiced in Germany
that was adopted from North America is Halloween
so on October 26, our teachers and
students came to school with fabulous and
diverse costumes. The students participated in
various classroom activities learning vocabulary
associated with Halloween and the school day
culminated with the students visiting the adult
classrooms, shouting “Süßes oder Saueres” and
being rewarded with treats for their goodie
bags.
On November 16, our teachers and administrators
participated in a one-day teaching
workshop, hosted by MLAR. This workshop was
very useful and provided teachers with excellent
tools to use in their teaching
methods.
1
2
All of the students and teachers are
busy preparing for the Christmas
season! Our school participated in
the Christkindlmarkt at the German
Canadian Society Harmonie on
November 30, with a booth selling
Räuchermännchen, Pyramiden, Holzfiguren
und Dekorationen from the
Erzgebirge as well as other imported
Christmas items. It is a wonderful
way to connect our cultures with
the larger community! Thank you
to the wonderful teachers for your
enthusiasm and participation with
this event!
Upcoming events: St. Nikolaustag
celebration, performance at German
Club Christmas party and our school
Weihnachtsfeier!
Many thanks to Dale Reed and staff
for providing the German Language
School of Regina with an alternate
location when Campbell is not
available!
Frohe Weihnachten & ein glückliches
neues Jahr!
News from the
Radio Host
Community Radio Station,
Saskatoon — Sigrid Kirmse
The most beautiful time of the year for music
is upon us. We celebrate the birth of the
Christ. This started, of course, on December
1st, the First Advent. I have a whole box
full of Christmas Music, all of it leading to
December the 24th and beyond.
For those who have never listened to “Treffpunkt
Deutschland”, please tune in to CFCR
90.5 FM every Sunday from 1-3 p.m. I do
take requests, but they have to be posted
one week ahead.
Now, my faithful 2nd to the program, Andrea,
will leave in February 2014, therefore
we need a replacement. Andrea plays
mostly music for the younger generation. I
am also looking for a person who will take
on one Sunday per month to play music for
the older generation, the kind I am playing.
I have a lot of CD’s and records, so there
is no shortage on music. Helge still helps
when she is needed. Whoever is interested
in broadcasting, speaks a very good German
and is willing to give up a few hours
on a Sunday should contact me soon.
3
1. Teachers at the school’s booth at
the Christkindl Markt. 2. "Süßes oder
Saures" treats being distributed by
the adult students! 3. Some of the
German Language School of Regina
participants during table discussion
at a teacher workshop.
I also do the Friday Classical Connection
on CFCR from 1-2 p.m. Both programs are
sponsored by the Saskatchewan German
Council. My thanks to all who have been
faithful listeners over the past 36 years and
who have contributed to our program.
Have a wonderful Advent time and a very
Happy and blessed Christmas.
17

News from SGC Member Groups
1
2
Activities at the Austrian Club in Regina
Austrian-Canadian Edelweiss Club of Regina — Janet Jost
Hosting the annual Schnitzel Night
An evening full of Austrian tradition resulted
in a very successful fundraiser at the Austrian
Canadian Edelweiss Club of Regina on October
18th. Guests that evening were treated to a
delicious meal consisting of a Weiner Schnitzel,
Austrian potato salad, lettuce salad, sauerkraut,
and a bun. Scrumptious homemade apple
strudel was served for dessert. The Austrian
Senior Dance group started the night off with a
few dance numbers and after supper continued
on with superb entertainment which the
crowd thoroughly enjoyed. Several guests were
awarded prizes that evening due to donations
from our many sponsors. Imperative to
the success of this fundraiser, were our many
volunteers. Although only a few volunteers
were captured in the pictures below, we would
like to salute all volunteers that assisted with
the Schnitzel fundraiser event. On behalf of the
Austrian Canadian Edelweiss Club we would
also like to thank our many sponsors and all
those that attended. We look forward to continuing
on with this special evening of sharing
our culture with the citizens of Regina and area.
Austrian Artists Gather
An afternoon of crafts and fellowship took place
at the Austrian Edelweiss Club of Regina in November.
With the assistance of a grant received
from the Saskatchewan German Council, members
gathered to create unique masterpieces.
Often when we get together there is work to
be done, but this painting afternoon was a
wonderful opportunity to socialize and relax
without any volunteering necessary. Fun was
had by people of all ages including a family that
had four generations painting together. There
was a wide variety of objects that were available
to be painted on. Several ladies painted an
Edelweiss, the exquisite white flower that has
become one of Austria’s defining symbols.
The Austrian Club members and dance families
will have another opportunity to allow their
creativity to flow on December 8 at our Family
Christmas Party where we will all be decorating
Gingerbread Houses. We will also be entertained
by a magician and Santa will be there as
always handing out treat bags for all to enjoy.
On behalf of the Austrian Edelweiss Club of
Regina, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and
may many blessing come your way in 2014.
1. Dancers at the Schnitzel Night 2. Kitchen
volunteers at the Schnitzel Night 3. Traditional
painting at the Austrian Club 4. Traditional
painting at the Austrian Club - heart-shaped
keepsake 5. Traditional painting at the Austrian
Club - finished box with Edelweiss flowers.
3 4
5
18

German CLub Regina Update
German Canadian Society Harmonie, Regina — Kerri Van Loosen
Der Geist von Weihnachten ist offiziell
angekommen!
Our third Annual Christkindlmarkt
took place on Saturday November
30th and warmed everyone who
attended with the Christmas spirit!
We were very fortunate that the
weather cooperated, which I’m sure
encouraged the record crowds that
attended. There were several new
booths selling an array of wonderful
hand crafted items, enough to
complete everyone’s wish list. For
those who wanted to visit, there was
the Kaffee Stube which provided
fresh Stollen, poppy seed loaf, kaffee
and gulaschsuppe. While the adults
shopped, the children were kept
busy by decorating and baking their
own Plätzchen. If you caught a chill
while standing in line for the bratwurst
sold outside, you could warm
up by the Feuer or purchase a hot
mug of Gluhwein. Our hats are off to
the Christkindlmarkt Committee and
all of the volunteers who made this
year a huge success! Thank you for
maintaining and growing another
German tradition.
Coming up on Saturday December
14th is our Annual Weihnachtsfeir.
The evening will provide a traditional
meal, special guest entertainment
and Christmas songs. Tickets are
$20 and are available at the German
Club 352-5897.
Please note that the German Club
will be closed for the holidays from
December 23rd to January 6th.
Regular business hours will resume
on Tuesday January 7, 2014.
Die besten Wünsche für Sie im
neuen Jahr!
join us on Facebook: reginagermanclub
or on Twitter: reginagermanCLB
Photos taken by Eva Wasserle.
1. Wooden santas and ice candle
holders for sake at the market 2.
The club’s hall filled with visitors 3.
Cookie baking and decorating for
the little ones.
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2
3
Playing Skat in Saskatoon
Skat Club Saskatoon — Hans-Jürgen Steinmetz
The Skat Club Saskatoon continues to meet every Wednesday evening
at 7pm. Usually there is a turnout of 18 – 23 members who play the best
and most challenging card game in the world. As always, we are working
towards recruiting new members. The efforts of the Skat Club at Folkfest
have seen the addition of several new members over the years, and in
2014 we are expecting a few more.
During the SGC “Round Table” meeting in Davidson we handed out some
DVD’s to the membership. We would like to get some feedback from
non- Skat playing people to make improvements to the next DVD we
are planning to produce. The goal for us is to promote the game of Skat
which is truly part of German culture. This entertaining game is played by
people in all levels of society. History shows that it was the favorite game
played by crusaders between their battles.
Our players also attended an assortment of tournaments this year, which
included clubs in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Kitchener, Hamilton, Newmarket,
Winnipeg, Red Deer, Calgary, Edmonton and Kelowna.
We look forward to hosting our yearly Saskatchewan Tournament in May
2014, which is always the biggest event we have.
Anyone who wishes to see what is involved is cordially invited any
Wednesday evening, between 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., to the German
Cultural Centre where they will see all the action. More information about
us can be found on our homepage:
http://www.skatcanada.ca/canada/clubs/saskatoon/index.html
Our upcoming events are:
Christmas Skat Tournament, 3 rounds December 14 @ 10:00 a.m.
General Meeting and Awards
December 18 @ 6:30 p.m.
One round of Skat
@ 7:00 p.m.
2014 New Skat Season Starts January 8
Members and Officers of Skat Club Saskatoon take this opportunity to
wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and the very best in the year 2014, and
may your year be filled with good health, happiness and prosperity.
19

News from SGC Member Groups
1
2
3
Performing in Saskatchewan and beyond
German Junior Folkdancer - Saskatoon — Barbara Stehwien
Many exciting things have happened in our past year of ‘Having fun with German traditions’. Last year’s trip to
the Vancouver Christmas Market had us performing two hour sets over a mild December weekend, with only 6
teen dancers. One set was an evening show, which created wonderful Christmas ambience, even in the rain. We
performed many high energy dances, helping to keep warm and the boys showed off their athletic, self taught
Jumpstyle dance to add some modern techno variety to the sets.
Our spring season had us travel to North Battleford to take part in their
annual Taste of Culture event, dance for the Saskatoon City Hall multicultural
event in their cafeteria and help cheer on the marathon runners in
the early morning hours at the Saskatchewan Marathon in Saskatoon.
Because cultural dance seems to be losing noticable momentum, our
annual Minifest was replaced by an ‘In lieu of Minifest’ event with only
two other groups joining in. In both North Battleford and at this Minifest,
some of our older dancers joined the Norwegian group to fill their void
of missing partners. Because our Trachten are from Northern Germany,
the influence of regionally related costumes throughout Europe was
quite evident, and our dancers blended in wonderfully. And definitely
had a lot of fun doing double duty dancing.
We took most of the summer off, for the first time in 15 years, but did
get back together in time for the annual 3-day Saskatoon Folkfest. We
practiced and performed some dances with the Alpenrose group, including
the much loved Miner’s and Maypole dances. Long time dancer
Evan also represented the German Pavilion as youth ambassador and
enjoyed multicultural dancing, mingling, and being part of the Exhibition
parade.
For the many shows at the German Pavilion, our teen girls learned the illusionary
Strumpfhosentanz that turned out to be a big hit and brought
some fun variety onto the stage.
In September, 5 new dancers signed up and we are happy to welcome
some very young girls and boys, who have learned two dances already
and are charming our audiences throughout the many Christmas events
on our agenda.
We are once again fundraising with imported Lebkuchen, if anyone
is interested in purchasing some of this German Christmas essential.
barbara@germanjuniorfolkdancers.ca
1. The youngest members performing the Schustertanz 2. The teen boys
performing their Jumpstyle at the Vancouver Christmas Market 3. The
teen girls performing the Strumpfhosentanz. 4. The junior dancers performing
the Fighting Dance
4
20

K i n de r - &
J u g e n d s e i t e n
Buchstabengitter
Finde die folgenden Wörter:
GESCHENK KERZE PLÄTZCHEN STERN TANNE
DUFT ZIMT KRIPPE LIED STOLLEN
Witze
Zwei Freunde schauen Fußball:
„Ein gutes Spiel,“ sagt der eine,
„nur die Tore fehlen!“ – „Wieso, da
stehen doch zwei!“
Die Polizei stoppt Peter: „An
deinem Fahrrad brennt die
Lampe nicht, du mußt absteigen!“
- „Hab” ich schon versucht“,
entgegnet Peter, „aber dann
brennt sie auch nicht!“
„Anton, weißt du, wie die Mehrzahl
von ,Baum’ heißt?“ – „Klar:
Wald!“
Malvorlage
Der Kellner fragt den Gast: „Ihr
Glas ist leer. Wollen Sie noch
eines?“ Darauf der Gast: „Nee,
was soll ich denn mit zwei leeren
Gläsern.“
„Ach Omi, die Trommel von
Dir war wirklich mein schönstes
Weihnachtsgeschenk.“ –
„Tatsächlich?“, freut sich Omi.
– „Ja, Mami gibt mir jeden Tag
fünf Euro, wenn ich nicht darauf
spiele!“
Fragt der Lehrer: “Fritzchen, nenn
mir bitte fünf Tiere aus Afrika!
Sagt Fritzchen: “Zwei Löwen und
drei Elefanten.”
Zwei Hunde treffen sich. „Wuff“,
bellt der eine. – „Kikeriki“, antwortet
der andere. „Was ist denn
mit dir los?“ – „Heutzutage muss
man auch Fremdsprachen können!“
„Mutti, darf ich noch lesen, bis
ich einschlafe?“ – „Ja Tim, aber
keine Minute länger!“
21

Gedichtvorschlag
für den Weihnachtsmann / das Christkind
In many regions in Germany it is tradition to recite a poem or sing a
song when “Weihnachtsmann” or “Christkind” bring gifts on December
24. Here are some suggestions:
Lieber guter Weihnachtsmann,
schau mich nicht so böse an,
stecke deine Rute ein,
ich will auch immer artig sein.
Volksgut
Advent, Advent,
ein Lichtlein brennt!
Erst eins, dann zwei, dann drei, dann vier,
dann steht der Weihnachtsmann vor der Tür.
Vom Christkind
Denkt euch, ich habe das Christkind gesehen!
Es kam aus dem Walde, das Mützchen voll Schnee,
mit rotgefrorenem Näschen.
Die kleinen Hände taten ihm weh,
denn es trug einen Sack, der war gar schwer,
schleppte und polterte hinter ihm her.
Was drin war, möchtet ihr wissen?
Ihr Naseweise, ihr Schelmenpackdenkt
ihr, er wäre offen, der Sack?
Zugebunden, bis oben hin!
Doch war gewiss etwas Schönes drin!
Es roch so nach Äpfeln und Nüssen!
Volksgut
Anne Ritter, 1865-1921
Suchbild
The two Christmas trees may look the same, but they are not! Find 12 differences:
22

Publication Mail Agreement # 42086521
Please return unclaimed copies to:
Saskatchewan German Council Inc.
John V. Remai Center
510 Cynthia Street
Saskatoon, SK S7L 7K7
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