A hearty THANK YOU to all of our active members on behalf of Joe Brandecker, club president, and the governing committee. Let's go out on a limb and mention just a few individuals: Marion Dlubak, who, with son, Joe, has been keeping the club and grounds spic and span; Dana Miles, who's been using almost every lunch break at work to make sure our website is the best it can be; Nicole Lenyo, who is serving so ably at our club dinners alongside our other fine women; Dennis Bauer, who has been contributing time and effort in the area of genealogy in the club's name; and, all the other active members without whom the club could not survive. The club appreciates your efforts very much... you make the difference!

Auf Wiedersehen!

Gary and Lisa Bartmann, along with their three children, have moved to Germany for a few years! Gary was promoted to a new posting with his company, Lockheed Martin, and has since taken up residence in Munich. By the way, anyone looking for Gary in that fair city can find him at his desk at the Hofbräuhaus... oopssss....sorry, Gary, the secret slipped out!

As if the move to Germany wasn't enough, Lisa and Gary also became parents for the third time! Julia was born to them this past February ...Congrats!

Members Forrest and Joanne Shull can be very proud that their son, Forrest, recently received his Ph.D. in computer science. Some of you may recall that Forrest was one of two of our young members to win the national Donauschwaben scholarship. We wish Dr. Shull all the best in his future endeavors!

It wasn't that long ago (okay, several months) that members Andrew and Barbara LaRue tied the knot. The handsome couple lives up in Metuchen, NJ. We wish them a life full of love and happiness.

Truly one of the bright spots at the Donauschwaben club recently has been our internet website. Member Dana Miles has worked many, many hours to give us a professional looking and very informative site that has been well-received by everyone. WE WANT YOUR HELP! Should you have anything that might be useful, informative or interesting for the site, whether it be poetry, essays, photos, etc., please let us know.

Let us know what you think by signing our Guest Book!

School News

We would like to thank Lou Romolo and Sylvia Magnus for their continuing efforts in service to our adult German Language School. Thanks to them, our club can provide an educational opportunity for those wishing to learn German.

We haven't forgotten about our children even though the club's children's school has been suspended for the last couple of years. With so many youngsters now belonging to our organization, it seems more important than ever that efforts continue to be made to reintroduce at least some type of school. There have been a number of good suggestions including ways to lessen the strain on the teachers and parents.

ANYONE interested in helping; suggesting ways to help; or, even suggesting someone who could help are urged to contact Joe, Hans or anyone at the club. Time is slowly passing us by on this issue, hopefully we'll be able to do something soon!

We have a large consignment of books still available on the subject of the Donauschwaben tragedy. These are written in ENGLISH and feature the true story of a Jesuit priest, Wendelin Gruber. Priced at $15, this is the perfect gift for yourself or for anyone with an interest in our heritage - it's a compelling read! Please call Eva Martini at 586-6109 or the club to get yours today.

A big SERVUS! to all of our members who have moved far away but still retain membership... Markus in IN; Ray and Marie in GA; Emmi and George in VA; Gary and Lisa in the FRG; Augustine in CA; Dieter and Irmgard in OH; John and Inge in FL; and, Franz and Anna in FL.

Have a great spring everyone!