History of our Chorus - Page 8

Although meetings are suspended during the warm weather, summer has its high points for the club. At Greenwood Lake in 1996, Hans Matz, Bernhard Bartsch, and Roy Johnson arranged a fine boat party, engaging a riverboat with a country & western band. It was such a great time, it attracted many of the boats in the area. In high summer the Bierfuchs usually hosts a fun evening at some not too distant restaurant. Applying traditional German Ordnung to current American custom, a group of members distinguished themselves at the Cosmos' "old timers game" in July of 1991, by winning first prize, a portable Sony TV, for best organized tailgate party.

The Christmas party has always been special. Every December the children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews of members have looked forward to this gathering. It's a favorite with the adults too. The chorus sings Christmas carols, in German and in English, and Chris Sawusch (née Heinrich) charms tall with the stirring "O Holy Night". Pauline Hoefer often found just the right Christmas story to enchant both young and old. The appearance of Santa was frequently made possible by one of his helpers, Walter or
Alex Kattwinkel. To welcome Santa, often the children sang, recited poetry or performed on their musical instruments. Sometimes it was thanks to the Schaller Family and other times to the Kristensen Family, but every year the children received chocolate. Magda and Werner Heinrich, among others, were instrumental in making these parties successful. Christmas gifts, candy, cookies, Stollen and naturally, songs, have made this an appropriate start to each Holiday season for many years.

Families figure prominently in another important event. In the second week of September, the RSB, their families and friends gather at the Crystal Brook Resort. The proprietors, the Hasenkopf-Dukarm family, are great hosts, who serve traditional German-American fare in the their gracious inn. Nestled in the northern Catskills, this fine family resort is the perfect setting for this fun weekend. At the nearby Mountain Brauhaus, singers often had quite a few pleasant evenings, and Frühschoppen (early drinks) on Sunday mornings. Following the rhythmic clang of the Teufelsgeige, the glorious procession from the Brauhaus to the dining room at noon on Sunday has made a lasting impression on many. Among the other happy family outings were the Schaller & Weber picnics at the Kolping grounds and ski trips to Vermont.

Travels

Travel has been an important aspect of the RSB, and is the source of many happy memories. In 1977 members journeyed to Kitchener, Ontario, which has a large German community. There the group enjoyed the Oktoberfest which every years draws a big crowd. Returning in 1978, this time as guest of the Concordia Männerchor, the RSB presented a full length concert at the Kitchener Concordia Club. Over the Columbus Day