Celle Runde 2/4/12
Nine Celle Runde members met at Barbara's house to discuss the latest German news and Fasching related topics. Barbara cooked some tasty "Fashingskrapfen" , which someone described as a doughnut without a hole. New participant Katie Sloan liked the comradery of the group, and she submitted her application for a TCP membership.
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Alaaf! Helau! The group discussed Karneval customs and how differently they are celebrated in various German regions. The custom dates back to medieval times, mainly in catholic areas where the evil demons needed to be chased and also to give the parishioners a last merrymaking (hurrah) before Lent.
Heidi told us how her family would spend 3 hrs watching the Faschingsumzug in Mainz. Mainz is also known for the “Bütten Reden” (a form of stand-up comedy usually at the expense of current polititians). In Köln, the event commemorates a 1824 revolt by washer-women, women of all ages storm offices and city hall to cut off men’s ties.
In the Black Forest area the festivities are known as Fastnacht. Frightening masks are worn, mainly by men, to chase the evil spirits. Nowadays, they seem to chase something much more realistic, they chase young women! Particularly famous for this kind of merrymaking is Rottweil, and Katie Sloan recounted how she attended these kind of parades near Tübingen. Patricia told us that in Paderborn, parade members fill onlooker’s little jiggers with brandy. As if all that was not enough, large costume balls are organized in all cities, the one in Munich is particularly famous.
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Alaaf! Helau! The group discussed Karneval customs and how differently they are celebrated in various German regions. The custom dates back to medieval times, mainly in catholic areas where the evil demons needed to be chased and also to give the parishioners a last merrymaking (hurrah) before Lent.
Heidi told us how her family would spend 3 hrs watching the Faschingsumzug in Mainz. Mainz is also known for the “Bütten Reden” (a form of stand-up comedy usually at the expense of current polititians). In Köln, the event commemorates a 1824 revolt by washer-women, women of all ages storm offices and city hall to cut off men’s ties.
In the Black Forest area the festivities are known as Fastnacht. Frightening masks are worn, mainly by men, to chase the evil spirits. Nowadays, they seem to chase something much more realistic, they chase young women! Particularly famous for this kind of merrymaking is Rottweil, and Katie Sloan recounted how she attended these kind of parades near Tübingen. Patricia told us that in Paderborn, parade members fill onlooker’s little jiggers with brandy. As if all that was not enough, large costume balls are organized in all cities, the one in Munich is particularly famous.
Councilors Meeting 1/31/12
The Tulsa Global Alliance and Tulsa’s eight sister cities sponsored a German-style mid-afternoon coffee and cake get-together with the new city Councilors on Tuesday 1/31/12. Each councilor is an honorary ambassador to one of the sister cities.The goal of the meeting was to introduce the sister city chairs to their respective councilor.
The meeting was hosted in a large meeting room on the 10th floor of the City Hall building. Cathy Izzo and Barbara Taron were co-chairs of the event, and they did their very best to create a convivial atmosphere. The meeting was well attended, and all enjoyed the cakes and sweets brought by each of the sister cities. Representatives from each Sister Citiy were able to have a one on one meeting with their respective councilor to explain to them the sister cities' goal of increasing global awareness by participating in international exchanges.
Councilor G.T. Bynum spoke to the group and pointed out that the morning's Wall Street Journal had a timely article describing how one of China current vice presidents, Mr Xi Jinping, led a 1985 Chinese animal-feed delegation to Muscatine, Iowa, toured farms, and was home hosted by a local family. Councilor Bynum noted that Mr. Xi Jinping, who is believed to be groomed to be the next president of China, will now be coming to the White House on 2/14, and will return to Muscatine on 2/15 to reconnect with the people he met in 1985.
Councilor Steele has been assigned to the Tulsa-Celle-Partnership. Councilor Steele told Barbara that he visited Germany in the early 1960s, and he particularly recalled a gemstone market in the city of Idar-Oberstein, and a church built into the mountain side behind the village. The councilor indicated that he might attend some of the future Partnership events.
Please click on the pictures below to enlarge them and see the captions.
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The meeting was hosted in a large meeting room on the 10th floor of the City Hall building. Cathy Izzo and Barbara Taron were co-chairs of the event, and they did their very best to create a convivial atmosphere. The meeting was well attended, and all enjoyed the cakes and sweets brought by each of the sister cities. Representatives from each Sister Citiy were able to have a one on one meeting with their respective councilor to explain to them the sister cities' goal of increasing global awareness by participating in international exchanges.
Councilor G.T. Bynum spoke to the group and pointed out that the morning's Wall Street Journal had a timely article describing how one of China current vice presidents, Mr Xi Jinping, led a 1985 Chinese animal-feed delegation to Muscatine, Iowa, toured farms, and was home hosted by a local family. Councilor Bynum noted that Mr. Xi Jinping, who is believed to be groomed to be the next president of China, will now be coming to the White House on 2/14, and will return to Muscatine on 2/15 to reconnect with the people he met in 1985.
Councilor Steele has been assigned to the Tulsa-Celle-Partnership. Councilor Steele told Barbara that he visited Germany in the early 1960s, and he particularly recalled a gemstone market in the city of Idar-Oberstein, and a church built into the mountain side behind the village. The councilor indicated that he might attend some of the future Partnership events.
Please click on the pictures below to enlarge them and see the captions.
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Dinner at Margaret's Restaurant 1/12/12
24 TCP members came to Margaret's Restaurant to enjoy her European style food while meeting with friends. To provide a more enjoyable evening, Margaret dimmed the dinning room lights for a more intimate atmosphere and arranged the tables so that up to six people could seat at one table and visit with one another. We all appreciated that Margaret let us choose from the menu instead of having a buffet. The ample dinner portions were very delicious. Several people commented that their orders were very tasty and that they very much enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the evening.
Barbara Taron introduced new member Gabriele Blankenship, and for those who missed the Christmas party, she also reintroduced recent members Herb and Ingeborg Reuss. Barbara mentioned that our next meeting will be at the GAST Weinkeller, on 2/6/2012, for the presentation of the movie "Kirschblüten-Hanami" by German film maker Doris Dörrie. She also mentioned that we will meet in March for a dinner at the Platt College Cooking School, and some people asked her to confirm that we will be meeting at a winery and a boutique beer brewery before we adjourn for the summer.
As we were leaving, several "eagle eyed" members noticed that there was a half price sale on Christmas goods, and Margaret was delighted to sell to them a sizeable portion of the overstocked items.
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Barbara Taron introduced new member Gabriele Blankenship, and for those who missed the Christmas party, she also reintroduced recent members Herb and Ingeborg Reuss. Barbara mentioned that our next meeting will be at the GAST Weinkeller, on 2/6/2012, for the presentation of the movie "Kirschblüten-Hanami" by German film maker Doris Dörrie. She also mentioned that we will meet in March for a dinner at the Platt College Cooking School, and some people asked her to confirm that we will be meeting at a winery and a boutique beer brewery before we adjourn for the summer.
As we were leaving, several "eagle eyed" members noticed that there was a half price sale on Christmas goods, and Margaret was delighted to sell to them a sizeable portion of the overstocked items.
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Christmas Party 12/16/11
49 people enjoyed the TCP's Christmas Party at the Fellowship Lutheran Church on 12/16/11. We all savored the delicious Rouladen prepared by SonJa Ahrenkiel, Christl Parsons, and Barbara Taron. Mieke Epps did an outstanding job decorating each table with poinsettias, candles, sparkles, greens, colorful napkins, and she even had a program and menu printed for us. The lighted candelabras on the serving table added the final holiday touch to the friendly atmosphere of the party.
Barbara Taron introduced new members Ed Anthis, Myriam and Rainer Dupont, Jan and Jess Heffner, Patricia and Kenneth McLaurin, and Herb and Ingeborg Reuss.
After the meal, Doris Gallagher shared with us her Christmas experience in post war Germany and recalled how she was touched by the generosity of American servicemen. Stanley Conrad recalled his Christmas in Vietnam, and Barbara Taron read an article about the origin of the German Christmas custom.
Before going home the group sang some Christmas Carol under the direction of present and past GAST choir members Peter Ahrenkiel, Arnold Bieber, Stanley Conrad, Irmgard Toschik, and Mieke Epps. The Christmas Carol experience was enhanced by Mary jane Mueller who accompanied the singers on the piano.
Before leaving the party each group of participant took home one of the cooky plates packaged by Lindsay Klacko, and Lauren Smith.
Barbara thanks all the people who helped clean up after the party and in particular Mieke Epps and her friend David, Joe and Ginny Rohr, Herb and Ingeborg Reuss, and Mary Jane Mueller. She also wants to recognize Arnold and Gwen Bieber who once more brought their wine glasses so that we could enjoy our wine in real glassware, and last but not least Stanley and Barbara Conrad who sponsored the rental of the beautiful Fellowship Lutheran church hall for the Partnership.
All in all it was a wonderful evening and everyone had a great time.
Barbara Taron introduced new members Ed Anthis, Myriam and Rainer Dupont, Jan and Jess Heffner, Patricia and Kenneth McLaurin, and Herb and Ingeborg Reuss.
After the meal, Doris Gallagher shared with us her Christmas experience in post war Germany and recalled how she was touched by the generosity of American servicemen. Stanley Conrad recalled his Christmas in Vietnam, and Barbara Taron read an article about the origin of the German Christmas custom.
Before going home the group sang some Christmas Carol under the direction of present and past GAST choir members Peter Ahrenkiel, Arnold Bieber, Stanley Conrad, Irmgard Toschik, and Mieke Epps. The Christmas Carol experience was enhanced by Mary jane Mueller who accompanied the singers on the piano.
Before leaving the party each group of participant took home one of the cooky plates packaged by Lindsay Klacko, and Lauren Smith.
Barbara thanks all the people who helped clean up after the party and in particular Mieke Epps and her friend David, Joe and Ginny Rohr, Herb and Ingeborg Reuss, and Mary Jane Mueller. She also wants to recognize Arnold and Gwen Bieber who once more brought their wine glasses so that we could enjoy our wine in real glassware, and last but not least Stanley and Barbara Conrad who sponsored the rental of the beautiful Fellowship Lutheran church hall for the Partnership.
All in all it was a wonderful evening and everyone had a great time.
Celle Runde 12/3/11
Eight people attended Barbara's 12/3/11 Celle Runde meeting, and two of the participants signed up to join the Partnership. New members are Patricia and Kenneth McLaurin, and Myriam and Rainer Dupont. Another attendee intends to join our group at the next Celle Runde meeting.
During this pre-Christmas Celle Runde meeting members and guests talked about Christmas customs, legends, stories, and also personal ways of celebrating the holidays. It was a wonderful international group and the stories just came bubbling forth, and we completely forgot that we had run one hour overtime! Myriam from Ireland and her German husband brought a delightful antique set with a wooden miniature organ and hand-carved angels from the Harz.
Patricia and her mother Heidi shared stories and songs relating to the St. Martins Day Lantern Parades. Lance related how he learned (the hard way!) the importance of fanciful gift wrapping in Germany. Barbara M. brought her laptop to show us pictures of such lighted Christmas decorations that her uncle has sent her, and we all want to know in which city these pictures were taken. Barbara T. told the story about the “Sternsinger”, the history of “Silent Night” , and the not so well known original version of “Oh Tannenbaum”. Gabriele learned a lot of new customs and vocabulary and was delighted to learn that Patricia had brought a recipe for Glühwein.
During this pre-Christmas Celle Runde meeting members and guests talked about Christmas customs, legends, stories, and also personal ways of celebrating the holidays. It was a wonderful international group and the stories just came bubbling forth, and we completely forgot that we had run one hour overtime! Myriam from Ireland and her German husband brought a delightful antique set with a wooden miniature organ and hand-carved angels from the Harz.
Patricia and her mother Heidi shared stories and songs relating to the St. Martins Day Lantern Parades. Lance related how he learned (the hard way!) the importance of fanciful gift wrapping in Germany. Barbara M. brought her laptop to show us pictures of such lighted Christmas decorations that her uncle has sent her, and we all want to know in which city these pictures were taken. Barbara T. told the story about the “Sternsinger”, the history of “Silent Night” , and the not so well known original version of “Oh Tannenbaum”. Gabriele learned a lot of new customs and vocabulary and was delighted to learn that Patricia had brought a recipe for Glühwein.
Letter received on 11/22/11 from the Honorable Roland Herrmann (Houston German Consul General)
Dear Mrs Taron ,
I have returned to Houston still full with impressions from Tulsa and want to thank you for the opportunity of a mutual exchange of thoughts regarding the partnership between the cities of Tulsa and Celle. I was very impressed by the diversity of activities , which – for the most part – are executed by the civil organizations which means that the citizens of both cities have accepted the partnership and filled it with life.
My heart-felt congratulations.
I wish you continued joy and success with this beautiful task.
Signed: Roland Herrmann
I have returned to Houston still full with impressions from Tulsa and want to thank you for the opportunity of a mutual exchange of thoughts regarding the partnership between the cities of Tulsa and Celle. I was very impressed by the diversity of activities , which – for the most part – are executed by the civil organizations which means that the citizens of both cities have accepted the partnership and filled it with life.
My heart-felt congratulations.
I wish you continued joy and success with this beautiful task.
Signed: Roland Herrmann
Eisenhower's International Fair Monday 11/21/11
Arnold Bieber represented GAST, and Mark Clemons represented the Partnership at the Eisenhower International Fair this year.
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Affair of the Heart 11/19/11
Christl Parsons, Jan Heffner, and Barbara and Gerald Taron manned the TGA booth from 9 AM to 12:30 on Saturday 11/19/11.
TGA had an excellent location in the center of the main aisle, with traffic flowing by on both sides of the booth . Several people stopped by and inquired about TGA and Tulsa's Sister Cities. Three of the visitors mentioned that they would consider joining TGA. Barbara talked to a few children about the Celle Bee institute, and she showed them how to make imitation bees out of pipe cleaners. During the three days of the event the Partnership sold about 4/5th of the Christmas items we had purchased for this occasion.
TGA had an excellent location in the center of the main aisle, with traffic flowing by on both sides of the booth . Several people stopped by and inquired about TGA and Tulsa's Sister Cities. Three of the visitors mentioned that they would consider joining TGA. Barbara talked to a few children about the Celle Bee institute, and she showed them how to make imitation bees out of pipe cleaners. During the three days of the event the Partnership sold about 4/5th of the Christmas items we had purchased for this occasion.
Volkstrauertag Ceremony 11/13/11
Landesgestüt Celle Presentation by Joerg Adlung 11/4/11
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23 members and three guests attended the Landesgestüt Celle presentation by Joerg Adlung, at the St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church. We thank Mary Jane Mueller for making the meeting room arrangements and placing the meeting signs that guided us in the right direction. We also thank Lindsay Klacko, the meeting chair, for co-ordinating the event with Mary Jane and for selecting and ordering the excellent pizzas we all enjoyed.
Joerg explained to us that the "Celle National State Stud Farm" was created in 1735 by a decree of Georg II, Elector of Hanover and King of Great Britain. English thoroughbreds were acquired during the early days of the stud farm and bred with the local horses which at that time were used for agricultural work. Lately, with the decreasing demand for work horses, the Landesgestüt has focused on breeding sport horses. We learned that the main purpose of the Hengstparade is to show the quality of each horse to prospective breeders, and we were told that artificial insemination is now an accepted breeding process. During his apprenticeship at the Landesgestüt Joerg had to get up at 6:30 AM each morning to feed the horses, and clean their stalls. We learned that during their first year the students have to study agriculture in order to understand the relationships between the horses, the land, and the farmers. Later on they have to learn to break in the stallions. This involves making them run in circles, teaching them to wear a saddle, and finally ridding them. We learned that the chain of command at the Landesgestüt has a strict discipline and that it resembles a military organization. Even the parade uniforms have a military look. Joerg explained to us that the season January to July is the breeding season, and that the trainees along with Landesgestüt horses are sent to various breeding stations. The period from July to September is spent preparing for the Hengstparade, and the season from October to January is reserved for living on the farm and doing general cleaning and upkeep.
We all enjoyed the presentation and Barbara presented a bottle of Mosel wine to Joerg to thank him on behalf of the Parnership.
Joerg explained to us that the "Celle National State Stud Farm" was created in 1735 by a decree of Georg II, Elector of Hanover and King of Great Britain. English thoroughbreds were acquired during the early days of the stud farm and bred with the local horses which at that time were used for agricultural work. Lately, with the decreasing demand for work horses, the Landesgestüt has focused on breeding sport horses. We learned that the main purpose of the Hengstparade is to show the quality of each horse to prospective breeders, and we were told that artificial insemination is now an accepted breeding process. During his apprenticeship at the Landesgestüt Joerg had to get up at 6:30 AM each morning to feed the horses, and clean their stalls. We learned that during their first year the students have to study agriculture in order to understand the relationships between the horses, the land, and the farmers. Later on they have to learn to break in the stallions. This involves making them run in circles, teaching them to wear a saddle, and finally ridding them. We learned that the chain of command at the Landesgestüt has a strict discipline and that it resembles a military organization. Even the parade uniforms have a military look. Joerg explained to us that the season January to July is the breeding season, and that the trainees along with Landesgestüt horses are sent to various breeding stations. The period from July to September is spent preparing for the Hengstparade, and the season from October to January is reserved for living on the farm and doing general cleaning and upkeep.
We all enjoyed the presentation and Barbara presented a bottle of Mosel wine to Joerg to thank him on behalf of the Parnership.
Membership Drive 11/4/11
The fall Partnership's membership drive was successful and we are happy to announce that we now have five new members. Jan Polliard sponsored new member Ed Anthis, Mary Jane Mueller sponsored new members Vic and Mary Anne Segner, and Sonia Ahrenkiel sponsored new members Herb and Ingeborg Reuss.
Thomas Conrad drew the winner's name, and Sonia Ahrenkiel's was very surprised when Barbara read her name and announced that she had won the bottle of French Champagne promised by the Partnership.
We have received reports that a few more people have expressed interest in learning more about the Partnership but, they have not yet made up their mind about becoming members.
Thomas Conrad drew the winner's name, and Sonia Ahrenkiel's was very surprised when Barbara read her name and announced that she had won the bottle of French Champagne promised by the Partnership.
We have received reports that a few more people have expressed interest in learning more about the Partnership but, they have not yet made up their mind about becoming members.
Boo-Ha-Ha Parade 10/29/11
We hope that you will all enjoy the few pictures of the Boo-Ha-Ha parade which took place on 10/29/11 on Peoria Avenue. The weather was absolutely beautiful for such an event, and all the children as well as some adults took full advantage of this occasion to dress up in very creative costumes.
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The Partnership group composed of Mark and Peggy-Sue Clemons, George Coppedge and Susanne Reinike, and Barbara and Gerald Taron met the other Tulsa-Global-Alliance members at the Coney-Island store near 41st and Peoria. From there, we went to 48th street to take our place in the parade which started at 2 PM. While waiting for the starting time, we decorated the Clemon' s car with German flags, balloons, and our Celle banner.
We thank the Clemons for driving their convertible car which we used to store all the things we needed, including the many buckets of candy brought by Becky Collins to be distributed to the children lined up alongside the parade route. Every once in a while, when we ran out of candy, Mark had to stop the car so that we could resupply the candy givers. Susanne Reinike who was here from Celle enjoyed seeing such a large crowd of happy Halloween revelers. All in all, it turned out to be a very pleasant afternoon, and we all had fun participating in the event and passing out the candies to happy children. Susanne had a great time, and we are sure that she will return to Celle with fond memories, and a new American experience.
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The Partnership group composed of Mark and Peggy-Sue Clemons, George Coppedge and Susanne Reinike, and Barbara and Gerald Taron met the other Tulsa-Global-Alliance members at the Coney-Island store near 41st and Peoria. From there, we went to 48th street to take our place in the parade which started at 2 PM. While waiting for the starting time, we decorated the Clemon' s car with German flags, balloons, and our Celle banner.
We thank the Clemons for driving their convertible car which we used to store all the things we needed, including the many buckets of candy brought by Becky Collins to be distributed to the children lined up alongside the parade route. Every once in a while, when we ran out of candy, Mark had to stop the car so that we could resupply the candy givers. Susanne Reinike who was here from Celle enjoyed seeing such a large crowd of happy Halloween revelers. All in all, it turned out to be a very pleasant afternoon, and we all had fun participating in the event and passing out the candies to happy children. Susanne had a great time, and we are sure that she will return to Celle with fond memories, and a new American experience.
Tulsa Rowing Club Member Visit to Celle Ruderverein
Ina Koller, a member of the Celle Ruderverein, who visited the Tulsa Rowing Club two years ago, sent us the following pictures of Kathleen Wilson. Kathleen, is a member of the Tulsa Rowing Club, and she visited Celle in early October.
Port Of Catoosa Outing 10/5/11
The Partnership thanks Mr. Robert Portiss, Port Director, for organizing this meeting and allowing us to visit the Port of Catoosa in an air conditioned coach. We also thank Mr. Jeff Yowell, the Port's Communications and Advertising Manager, for giving us a very instructive guided tour of the Port's facilities, and for staying with us for the duration of our reception. We appreciate Ms Charlotte Pyle for her help in setting up the meeting room, and for providing us with ice and buckets for our drinks.
A total of 46 people participated in this event. 32 Partnership members were present and the rest of the group was composed of 14 guests and TGA members.
Mr. Yowell informed us that the Port's site covers 2500 acres, 2000 of which have been developed and 500 are awaiting future development. The Port is home to 63 industries which currently employ 3090 people. Some of us noticed several "Help wanted" signs and Jeff informed us that business has picked up during recent months. We learned that the Port has its own customs facilities where imported goods can clear customs upon their arrival in the Tulsa area. In addition the Port is a designated free trade zone. This means that imported products assembled in this zone can be assessed a finished product duty that is lower than the sum of the components duties. We also learned that the load of one barge equals 60 truck loads or 15 railroad car loads. We were informed that instead of requiring 60 truck drivers, shipping by barge only requires a staff of three or four people. In addition, one tow boat can control up to 12 barges and this helps reduce costs even further. Amongst other things, we drove by the fertilizer storage area, the grain storage area, a tank farm for an oil recycling company, and a firm manufacturing pipe for the oil industry. We also learned that the Port has 22 miles of rail tracks and that it owns three diesel switching engines.
After the tour, the Partnership held its reception in the Port's meeting room. We were able to sit amongst friends to enjoy a glass of wine and the varied selection of many different dishes, cheeses, and fruits offered by the Partnership.
A total of 46 people participated in this event. 32 Partnership members were present and the rest of the group was composed of 14 guests and TGA members.
Mr. Yowell informed us that the Port's site covers 2500 acres, 2000 of which have been developed and 500 are awaiting future development. The Port is home to 63 industries which currently employ 3090 people. Some of us noticed several "Help wanted" signs and Jeff informed us that business has picked up during recent months. We learned that the Port has its own customs facilities where imported goods can clear customs upon their arrival in the Tulsa area. In addition the Port is a designated free trade zone. This means that imported products assembled in this zone can be assessed a finished product duty that is lower than the sum of the components duties. We also learned that the load of one barge equals 60 truck loads or 15 railroad car loads. We were informed that instead of requiring 60 truck drivers, shipping by barge only requires a staff of three or four people. In addition, one tow boat can control up to 12 barges and this helps reduce costs even further. Amongst other things, we drove by the fertilizer storage area, the grain storage area, a tank farm for an oil recycling company, and a firm manufacturing pipe for the oil industry. We also learned that the Port has 22 miles of rail tracks and that it owns three diesel switching engines.
After the tour, the Partnership held its reception in the Port's meeting room. We were able to sit amongst friends to enjoy a glass of wine and the varied selection of many different dishes, cheeses, and fruits offered by the Partnership.
9/21/11 TGA's Savoring Sister Cities
The 2011 annual Tulsa Global Alliance's Savoring Sister Cities event was a success, over 300 guests participated in the festivities. The venue was great, the food was excellent, the entertainment was fabulous, and as usual the TGA staff (Becky Collins, Pat Kroblin, Cathy Izzo, and Bob Lieser) and the event co-chairs (Judy Glenn and Lexi Allen) did an outstanding job in getting everything organized.
29 TCP members participated in this get-together, and they also brought with them an additional five guests. We all had a great evening and enjoyed meeting new people and old friends we had not seen for some time.
We especially want to thank Mark and Peggy Clemons for picking up the food from our donors and delivering it to the event. We also thank Lindsay Klacko ( past Celle exchange student from TU), Chris VanMieghem (our first Celle exchange student), and Lance wheeler ( a Celle Runde member) for manning our booth during the festivities.
The delicious food served at our booth was donated by Siegi's Sausage Factory (Bratwursts), Margaret's German Restaurant (Spaetzle), and the Tulsa Celle Partnership ( Sauerkraut). The Partnership also donated a bottle of "2009 - Dr. Loosen" German Mosel wine for the TGA wine pull, as well as the "Make your Own Octoberfest" basket which was one the several door prizes.
29 TCP members participated in this get-together, and they also brought with them an additional five guests. We all had a great evening and enjoyed meeting new people and old friends we had not seen for some time.
We especially want to thank Mark and Peggy Clemons for picking up the food from our donors and delivering it to the event. We also thank Lindsay Klacko ( past Celle exchange student from TU), Chris VanMieghem (our first Celle exchange student), and Lance wheeler ( a Celle Runde member) for manning our booth during the festivities.
The delicious food served at our booth was donated by Siegi's Sausage Factory (Bratwursts), Margaret's German Restaurant (Spaetzle), and the Tulsa Celle Partnership ( Sauerkraut). The Partnership also donated a bottle of "2009 - Dr. Loosen" German Mosel wine for the TGA wine pull, as well as the "Make your Own Octoberfest" basket which was one the several door prizes.
9/10/11 German Style Coffee and Cake Outing
First of all we thank the Centennial Botanical Garden for letting us hold our meeting in their visitor center, and especially Pearl Garrison who hosted us and was the guide for the botanical walk.
We are glad that eighteen members and guests enjoyed participating in this social event. We all enjoyed viewing the Garden's ponds and the wild Oklahoma landscape from the wide windows of the visitor center. A few hardy people went out to explore the trail before joining the rest of the group for the coffee and cake session.
As promised, the Executive Committee set up a real German afternoon coffee environment with table clothes, linen napkins, porcelain dishes, silverware, and flowers on each table.
Our home baked cakes were delicious and we are happy to report that most people went back for a second helping (we all decided to enjoy the day and go back on our diets tomorrow). We thank Sonia Ahrenkiel for her Cheese Cake, Christl Parsons for her Bread Pudding, Barbara Taron for her Apfelkuchen, Irmgard Toschik for her Streuselkuchen (please note that Irmgard deserves a special thank you because she baked a cake and arranged to have it delivered even though she was unable to attend), and Doris Wicks for her Obsttorte. We also thank Arnold and Gwen Bieber who brought some of the porcelain dishes and drinking glasses, as well as the coffee machine and the coffee.
Barbara Taron gave us some information about the Walsrode Bird Park, and we all enjoyed watching the video segment showing a Walsrode trainer doing a demonstration with free flying birds of prey. Becky Collins explained the purpose of the "Savoring Sister Cities" event, and she invited all TCP members to come and enjoy the festivities at the Tulsa Community College on 9/21.
We are glad that eighteen members and guests enjoyed participating in this social event. We all enjoyed viewing the Garden's ponds and the wild Oklahoma landscape from the wide windows of the visitor center. A few hardy people went out to explore the trail before joining the rest of the group for the coffee and cake session.
As promised, the Executive Committee set up a real German afternoon coffee environment with table clothes, linen napkins, porcelain dishes, silverware, and flowers on each table.
Our home baked cakes were delicious and we are happy to report that most people went back for a second helping (we all decided to enjoy the day and go back on our diets tomorrow). We thank Sonia Ahrenkiel for her Cheese Cake, Christl Parsons for her Bread Pudding, Barbara Taron for her Apfelkuchen, Irmgard Toschik for her Streuselkuchen (please note that Irmgard deserves a special thank you because she baked a cake and arranged to have it delivered even though she was unable to attend), and Doris Wicks for her Obsttorte. We also thank Arnold and Gwen Bieber who brought some of the porcelain dishes and drinking glasses, as well as the coffee machine and the coffee.
Barbara Taron gave us some information about the Walsrode Bird Park, and we all enjoyed watching the video segment showing a Walsrode trainer doing a demonstration with free flying birds of prey. Becky Collins explained the purpose of the "Savoring Sister Cities" event, and she invited all TCP members to come and enjoy the festivities at the Tulsa Community College on 9/21.
8/5/11 Beer Stein Presentation
Forty Partnership members and guests gathered in the GAST Center Weinkeller to listen to Dave Schoeneweis' presentation on beer steins. While we munched on German style Pretzels and other snacks offered by the Partnership Dave allowed us to pass around many valuable steins from his collection, and we all admired their intricate details and beauty. Dave mentioned that some steins come in sets consisting of a 1/3 liter stein, a 1/2 liter stein, and a one liter stein. He also explained how to identify the origin of a stein by looking at the stamp located at the bottom of each valuable piece. Dave identified some of the artisans who produced the most valuable steins, and he told us that depending on where and by whom a stein was manufactured, its value can range from a few dollars to well over one thousand dollars. Dave recommended that someone who desires to build a collection should concentrate on a particular feature or artist.
Several of the attendees also brought some of their own steins and took a few minutes to tell us how they came in their possession, and the personal memories attached to each piece. Lively conversations about the decorations found on each stein rounded out a very pleasant evening.
Please go to the following site if you wish to learn more about "steinmarks", and artists:
http://www.steinmarks.co.uk/pages/pv.asp?p=stein1
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Several of the attendees also brought some of their own steins and took a few minutes to tell us how they came in their possession, and the personal memories attached to each piece. Lively conversations about the decorations found on each stein rounded out a very pleasant evening.
Please go to the following site if you wish to learn more about "steinmarks", and artists:
http://www.steinmarks.co.uk/pages/pv.asp?p=stein1
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8/6/11 Celle Runde Meeting
Eight people met on Saturday 8/6 to view a German TV program about the political events which led to the erection of the Berlin Wall. The program also discussed the policies which led the East German government to use force to prevent its citizen from escaping to the west.
Letter from Daniel Pham - July 2011
We have received the following letter from Daniel Pham who returned from his stay in Celle in late July:
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“I just wanted to let you know that I am home now. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity totravel to Germany. It has been the BEST experience I have ever had. I made many friends and familiesthat I will never forget and whom I hope to return and visit again in the future. I learned so much and foundthat it broadened my horizons. It was a beautiful place with very nice people. Again, thank you so much!!!”
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“I just wanted to let you know that I am home now. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity totravel to Germany. It has been the BEST experience I have ever had. I made many friends and familiesthat I will never forget and whom I hope to return and visit again in the future. I learned so much and foundthat it broadened my horizons. It was a beautiful place with very nice people. Again, thank you so much!!!”
