Newspaper Grafenwoehr.com November/ December 2009

Cooking tipS for christmas / Page 17                                          

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Nr. 6 Issue 04/2009 grafenwoehr.com Newspaper

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Bavaria’s most beautiful Christmas Markets

r Teil e h c s t u De n wende Bitte

The Berlin Wall

Fall of the Berlin Wall Story by

Susanne Bartsch

Lantern Procession to Nuremberg Castle Story by

Susanne Williams Every year, Germany‘s most famous Christmas market opens its booths for visitors from all over the world, right in the middle of the city, on Nuremberg’s main market square. At 5:30 p.m. on the Friday before the first of Advent, the Christmas Angel opens the market, reciting the solemn prologue from the gallery of the church of Our Lady. And every year, by Christmas Eve, more than two million visitors from all over the world will have sampled the delights of the Christmas market.

Photo: Christine Dierenbach (City of Nuremberg)

About 180 wooden booths, decorated with red-and-white cloth, have given the Christmas market its name „Little Town from Wood and Cloth.“ 200 merchants present their traditional wares: Nuremberg’s spicy gingerbread, fruit loaves, baked goods and sweets, typical Christmas articles such as Christmas tree angels, mangers, Christmas tree ornaments and candles, toys as well as arts and crafts products. Favorite souvenirs include „Nuremberg Plum People,“ little figures made from prunes. And of course, there are always rolls with Nuremberg’s roasted sausages and beautiful, collectable mugs of Gluehwein.

The staff of the city’s market department keeps a watchful eye on the boothss and the goods that are for sale. Plastic fir garlands are a definite no-no, just as the continuous playing of taped Christmas music or carousels The market‘s merchants also compete for the most beautiful and tasteful booth design and collect their awards: since 1981, the city has presented an annual award of gold, silver and bronze plum people for the most beautiful booths. The Nuremberg Christmas market with its traditional image has (...) Read more on page 14

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany On November 9, 1989 the Berlin Wall fell and twenty years later, the students of Grafenwoehr Elementary School came together to commemorate that historic event with a very detailed and moving presentation that began with the German and US national anthems. For three weeks, they had worked on their projects with the help of host nation teacher Elfriede Kean. The outcome was amazing. As students and guests entered the school’s multi-purpose room, they found it divided by a copy of the Berlin Wall made of large furniture boxes. Just like the real wall, it was decorated on the West Berlin side with lots of graffiti and of bare concrete on the East Berlin side. As the students sat down on (...) Read more on page 4

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2

ESCHENBACH

Kindergarten Eschenbach: New Day Care Group opened Story and Photo by

Susanne Williams

The kindergarten has a warm and friendly atmosphere and is located in a beautiful big house with a huge garden and nice playground. The staff consists of 18 people since two additional teachers have been hired for the new groups.

ESCHENBACH, Germany Eschenbach’s mayor Peter Lehr and the official in charge for the kindergarten, Werner Kosmale, both worked hard to solve the capacity problems at Eschenbach’s kindergarten. Now there is a solution: In September, a fifth day care group for 24 children, ages 3 to 6, was opened. In addition, a new toddler group for 12 children, ages 1 to 3 was established. At the moment, there are 4 to 5 children from Netzaberg in each day care group (25 children total), while seven children from Netzaberg attend the toddler group. The kindergarten’s director, Brandt says: “We are very happy that parents from Netzaberg are interested in the toddler group.” If you’d like to send your child to the kindergarten in Eschenbach, call 09645-8170 and Brandt will add your child’s name to the waiting list. Starting in January, 5 new children will be able to join the day care groups. If your child is already on the waiting list but you are no longer interested in a kindergarten space in Eschenbach,

A special language support program is offered for children with migration backgrounds. The cultural exchange is seen as an enrichment to everyday life at the kindergarten. The children and teachers are open to change and trying out new things. New Day Care Group in the Kindergarten Eschenbach please inform the kindergarten as soon as possible so the space can be offered to another child. At the beginning of February, parents can register their children for the new kindergarten year which starts in September 2010. You can register from Monday, February 1st to Wednesday, February 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to noon and from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. 40 spaces total will be available. You can call Brandt now

if you’re interested and she will take down your personal data. Due to popular demand, only Netzaberg children with a German parent can be signed up at the moment but as soon as there are more free spaces, the kindergarten would gladly sign up other American children as well. A waiting list for those children has already been established. English speaking parents may contact us, the Netzaberg representative on the kindergarten’s parents council for more information.

The kindergarten in Eschenbach puts an emphasis on topics like healthy diet, exercise, early mathematical training and a language program. The cost is 75,- € per month for child care, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A warm lunch costs 2,80 € extra per day. Warm lunch is very popular at the kindergarten: at the moment 30 children from the day care groups and 10 children from the toddler group eat lunch at the kindergarten every day.

St. Nicholas, the Christ Child, a holiday veil dance and a concert Story by

Renate Gradl ESCHENBACH, Germany The number 13 is not supposed to mean bad luck that day but instead lots of joy. St Nicholas, Knight Rupprecht and the Christ Child will meet. The Eschenbach Merchants‘ Association has planned a lot for the 5th Christmas Market on 13 December. At 10 a.m. the town will be blocked for traffic so the Christmas market can start at noon. At 3 p.m. the Christ Child will have its big performance with the prologue. The city band www.grafenwoehr.com

will accompany it with music. At 4 p.m. the Netzaberg Middle School band will add holiday flair to the market. At 4:30 p.m. t h e oriental dance group will perform a holiday veil dance in the foyer of the Raiffeisen bank in Eschenbach. At 5 p.m. the kids‘ eyes will widen when St Nicholas and Knight Rupprecht arrive. They will be accompanied by the brass band. The kids can also look forward to a petting zoo, a live-size manger and carriage rides.

The performance of the wood sculptors will be a special attraction. The arrival of the night watchman is planned for 6:30 p.m.

and can be purchased at Schreibwaren Wamser, Foto Ott and at the box office.

A special highlight will be the Christmas concert by the “Junge Christen“ (Young Christians) from Michelfeld who will perform at 7 p.m. at St. Laurentius Church. Tickets cost 3 Euro

Christmas Market

Stamps R. Wolf

5th Eschenbach Christmas Market on 13 December

Coins and Stamps

estd. 1966

Stamps R. Wolf • Unterer Markt 17 • 92655 Weiden • Phone 0 961 / 4 24 23 November 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

Pressath

3

Campfire, carriage rides and many surprises Story by

Renate Gradl PRESSATH, Germany - The Pressath Merchants‘ Association has planned a lot so that the 19th Pressath Christmas Market which will be held on 29 November at the Alte Schulgasse and Reinwaldstraße will be an exciting event for kids and adults. Last year, this area proved itself to be the right place for both merchants and visitors because of its beautiful ambience. At 10 a.m. the Christmas Market will be

opened with the brass band’s signal. Like last year, the Christ Child will read its prologue from the railing at the back of the church and then, together with its angels, present the beautiful Advent calendars to the kids. Special thanks go to the teachers of Pressath Elementary School who motivate the students to make them every year.

In front of the church, two beautifully decorated horses invite visitors to a short carriage ride through town from 1-5 p.m. All day long, kids can take a ride on the children’s carousel. The merchants‘ association will sell raffle tickets all day long at its booth. Winners can also turn in their winning tickets there to claim their prizes.

The Pressath Music School, led by Benno Englhart, will play Christmas music. The Woodcutters’ Association from Grafenwöhr will participate for the first time this year. They will show off their skills at the Untere Turmstüber´l of the Vest´n. On the Vest´n itself, the Pressath Knights known as “Pressather Fähnlein“ will hold its campfire.

Raffle players have the chance to win a nice Christmas roast, a goose, a duck, a turkey and many more valuable prizes. All were donated by the Pressath Merchants‘ Association, the merchants at the market, other businesses from Pressath and the Pressath City Administration.

There’s also going to be a make-up corner for little princesses and fairytale readings for kids at the same location. The “Waldmünchner Saitenmusikanten“ will play Christmas music starting at 3 p.m.

This year, all raffle proceeds will go to the Pressath Voluntary Fire Department for the purchase of an infrared camera. Needless to say there will be plenty of food and beverages at the Christmas Market.

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4

l o o h c S y r a t n e m e l E

Celebrates Fall of the Berlin Wall

Studends of Grafenwoehr Elementary School commemorate and celebrate the fall of the Berlin Wall

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - On November 9, 1989 the Berlin Wall fell and twenty years later, the students of Grafenwoehr Elementary School came together to commemorate that historic event with a very detailed and moving presentation that began with the German and US national anthems. For three weeks, they had worked on their projects with the help of host nation teacher Elfriede Kean. The outcome was amazing. As students and guests entered the school’s multipurpose room, they found it divided by a copy of the Berlin Wall made of large furniture boxes. Just like the real wall, it was decorated on the West Berlin side with lots of graffiti and of bare concrete on the East Berlin side. As the students sat down on either side, they automatically became citizens of East and West Berlin. The first presentation covered the events of August 13, 1961 when the building of the wall began. Selfconfident and like a seasoned TV anchorman, fifth grader Peyton Mansell took the stage first to explain how the wall divided Berlin into two parts, separating families and friends, and how it should not be confused with www.grafenwoehr.com

the so-called Iron Curtain, the border separating East and West Germany. The second presentation focused on what happened during the 28 years, the wall existed. The students presented moving and drastic examples of how the wall affected the lives of Berlin’s residents. The number of watch towers, the length of the wall and the number of people who were killed when attempting to flee East Berlin were mentioned and illustrated with many photos and a very moving skit presented by students Brenden Bishoff, Ean Freeman, Leandra Mulla and her brother Mesan, and teacher Krista Banister. During the skit, Leandra and Mrs. Banister asked the East Berlin authorities for permission to leave and visit their family members and friends in the West. Leandra was desperate because her brother Mesan was in West Berlin. Like it had been in real life, they were both told they had to stay in the GDR and would not be allowed to go to see their family and friends probably ever again. The next group presented the events of November 9th, 1989 when the Wall finally fell, or rather when it was rolled to the back of the multi-purpose room by teachers and guests to preserve the beautiful posters painted by the third

grade students that decorated its West Berlin side. Finally, the students were reunited and the last group enjoyed showing what Berlin looked like today.

sonal experiences to the students. Kean was proud of how much her students had learned about German history during this worth-while project.

Then, Major James Amundsen of the US Army Garrison Grafenwoehr took the stage to thank the students for their excellent work. Amundsen had been stationed twice in the divided Berlin and invited the students to ask him questions.

And so was I when I sat in the multipurpose room on that Monday, listening to and enjoying their presentations, learning facts about the Berlin Wall even I, the German citizen, had not known before!

He had also brought a small flag of the GDR and the Soviet Union which the students had no problem identifying. With their help, he explained how those two states were now gone, replaced by states where people can live and move freely. Throughout the presentation, the students were very attentive and involved. It was great to see how well all students that took the stage presented their projects and how professionally they interacted with their school mates through questions and skits. When asked about the students’ reaction to the subject while preparing their presentations, host nation teacher Elfriede Kean said that all students had got very involved and affected by learning about the facts and the various people’s fates. Kean’s family had also been separated by the Berlin Wall and therefore, she could relate a lot of per-

For pictures go to

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The Gift-Shop M.J. Hummel-Figures Lead Crystal Cut Glass China Ware Figure

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Susanne Bartsch

09 64

Story by

Photos: Gerhard Pfennig

Owner: Edwin Körper An der Kreuzkirche 19 • 92676 Eschenbach

November 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

GRAFENWOEHR

5

Finger Puppets for the Kids and Conversations for the Adults New Parent-Child Group To Open in January 2010

Story and Photo by

where finger puppets and children’s rhymes are used. A joint snack is also part of the program.

Renate Gradl

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany Even “Mice“, “Dwarfs“ and “Little Stars“ have dates. They meet with other like-minded people and color, construct or simply play to their heart`s content. The solution: they are babies or toddlers who come to the parent-child group with their Mom or Dad. And there, they can decide for themselves how independent from their parents they want to be. Maybe they are already inclined to play with other kids. Three groups have already been formed. In January, a fourth group will be added. The parents accompany the kids to the play groups that take place once a week and last for two hours. While the kids play, the parents can make contacts with other Moms and Dads and exchange experiences with

Toddlers and their parents enjoy playing together during parent-child group them. There is definitely enough to talk about. “It’s a lot of fun to not have to sit around at home all the time but be able to escape from the daily routine,“ say the mothers who attend the existing groups. “And besides, it’s important for our kids‘ development.“

“The kids are free to do what they like during ‘open play‘ time. Coloring and experimenting with different material is good for the development of the senses“, explain the examined child care specialists Vivian Woods and Ingrid Hiller. There’s also a joint play time

The new parent-child group is scheduled to start meeting in January 2010, Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. in the group room of the Grafenwöhr Jugendheim at Kolpingstraße 4. The group’s leader is Ingrid Hiller who already leads the “Little Stars“ group every Monday from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m. If you are interested, give her a call at CIV 09641-3673. Vivian Woods leads the two other groups that meet in the afternoon: the “Dwarfs“ on Tuesday and the “Mice“ on Wednesday from 3-5 p.m. respectively. She will answer your questions also and can be reached at CIV 09641-929 829. Open spaces are still available in those groups as well. The groups are open to Germans and American children.

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6

Grafenwoehr

Music is a language everybody understands Singing with “The Encores“ is fun – Americans and Germans welcome

Story and Photo by

are a mix of traditional songs and jazz rhythms such as “Santa Baby.“ Other performances throughout the year include weddings, church services or events in the training area, for example during Black History Month.

Renate Gradl

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany Music is as international as the choir “The Encores.“ Its singers come from Germany, the United States and even China. But there are no problems understanding one another because music is a language everybody knows and that connects people. The German-American choir was founded six years ago. During that time the members had a lot of fun with their music and spending time with one another. Unfortunately, they also had to say goodbye to many of their American singers because they left their “home away from home“ here in Germany to return to the United States. That’s why the remaining singers would be happy

The Encores perform at the Grafenwoehr Advent Market last year if new music loving friends and singers joined them. The choir’s musical repertoire is very diverse and ranges from classical to pop music and gospel songs

EvErything for bikE and bikEr official harlEy-davidson dEalEr sincE 1982

such as “Amazing Grace“, “Oh, happy day,“ or “I will follow him.“ Currently, its focus is Christmas songs which are sung in German and English. They

If you are interested in joining, come and listen to the choir on Sunday, December 6 at 2 p.m. at the Grafenwöhr Advent Market when the “Encores“ will add some international Christmas flair to the market place behind the town hall. By the way: choir practice is every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the protestant chapel annex, just a few meters away from Gate 1 of the training area. For more information, you may also call Ingrid Knodt at CIV 09641-2903 or 09641-83-6349, or at DSN 475-6349.

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8

law

Have you ever had an accident?

Story by

Jutta S. Carrington Grafenwoehr, Germany - Not only are you in a foreign country and never had anything to do with the police but you simply do not know what to do if somebody, whether German or American, hits your car, causes damage to it and was at fault. Hopefully, you were not hurt in the accident and the damage to your vehicle is not too bad. Whatever the case, you should always contact a lawyer to represent and assist you in settling the matter with the opponent driver’s car insurance company. Please make sure that you contact the police and exchange personal data, or at least write down the license plate number of the other vehicle, the name of the street where the accident occured, and the time and date. If any witnesses are present, make sure that you have their names, address and telephone numbers. If the police and the insurance company find the other party at fault, the opponent’s insurance also has to pay the fees for your lawyer because they are a part of your claim. If your car needs to be towed and you need a rental car, make sure that the rental car is smaller (engine wise) than your own vehicle because the opponent’s insurance company does not have to fully reimburse you if the rental car has the same size and and engine power as your own vehicle. You are entitled to have an independent sworn-in appraiser (Öffentlichbestellter Sachverständiger) to estimate

A car crash the damage to your car. The fees for the appraisal also have to be paid by the opponent’s insurance company. Depreciation, or loss of value after a repair etc. will also be reimbursed by the opponent’s insurance. However, only if the opponent was considered to be 100 % at fault. In order to avoid additional financial loss, even if you did not cause the accident, you are obliged by German law to help the opponent insurance company save money. You are still entitled to get legal assistance free of charge as long as you were not considered to be at fault. If you were injured in a car accident, you should have somebody contact a lawyer for you, if you cannot do this on your own, or try to call one to inform the opponent’s insurance company about your, or your family member’s claim. You are entitled to compensation for pain and suffering based on the kind and the severity of the injuries

Courtesy Photo

you sustained in the accident. Please do not expect the same amouint of compensation you may get in the USA. Germany has a collection of verdicts about certain injuries and a table of the amounts of money insurances were forced to pay by the courts. The amount of money you receive from an insurance is personal compensation for you and not intended to pay for your doctor’s bills, or your lawyer. When you have to make a statement to the German Police, you should only provide your name, address and date of birth. Any further statements, or filing of a law suit against the other party should be discussed with and will be done by your lawyer. No matter where and when you talk to the police, they are always on duty and, therefore, will use any statement you make and that can sometimes be against your own best interest. You have the right to remain silent in Germany

just as much as in the U.S. So if you are in doubt, whether you may or may not have fully or partly caused an accident, for example through negligence, do not make a statement on how the accident occurred. In Germany, the opponent’s insurance company has to pay for the damage/ repair, loss of value. estimator, compensation, rental cars, lawyers fees etc. That is different from the way insurance claims are handled in the United States. You only need to ask for money from your own insurance company, if you caused the accident yourself and have full coverage. If someone else caused any damage to your vehicle, keep in mind the above advice. To avoid all of this, please make sure that you buckle up, choose a speed considering this time of the year with snow, ice and leaves on the streets, and arrive safely!

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November 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

miscellaneous

The Veterans of Foreign Wars

9

NEED an AD?

“We honor the dead by helping the living”

Story and Photo by

Susanne Williams GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - As soon as you enter building 505, headquarter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Tower Post 10692 Grafenwoehr, you feel welcome in this cozy atmosphere. Everybody is friendly here and they make you feel like a friend immediately. The VFW was founded in 1899 after veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) arrived wounded or sick and there was no chance for them to work again and earn their living. Its members became advocates for veterans and take care of veterans’ benefits and administrative matters world-wide. The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, with its Auxiliaries, includes 2.2 million members in approximately 8,100 Posts world-wide. 860 members are signed up at the Tower Post 10692 Grafenwoehr. Once a month there is a meeting where the Commanding Officer informs the members about recent/pending activities, and news. On Wednesdays there is “Open House” at building 505 and everybody is allowed to come in and join the group for a nice evening. They also organize cookouts in their yard for the whole family. The VFW helps families and children of veterans. They donate to support the Wounded Warriors Program. “The government does not depend on our

Story by

Susanne Williams

Gladwin K. Spohr and James Holliman from the Veterans of Foreign Wars help,” explains Joe Livingston. “We just give a little so they can give a lot!” In their community the VFW also work with the boy and girl scouts and they contribute to the German-American Volksfest’s success. On Memorial Day they go to the cemetery and do the “Flags in” and have a ceremony in Flossenbürg. They also support the JROTC program. If a local member of the VFW passes away his VFWfriends go to the funeral home to pay a last tribute to him. All the members of the VFW in Graf seem to be more like brothers than friends. They stick together and work together to help others. Just like some volunteers provided free drinks, chips and cookies for the waiting families of

the soldiers who recently came home from Iraq. For them helping is a joy!

THE VFW The VFW is a non-profit organization. If you’d like to become a member of the VFW you can either pay 35,-$ for an annual membership or depending on your age a one-time payment between 425,-$ and 170,-$ to become a life-time member. To learn more about the Veterans of Foreign Wars, please visit www.vfw.org.

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - No matter if you want to sell something, if you’re looking for something, if you have lost or found something, or if you’re looking for a real estate: A classified ad on http://anzeigen. grafenwoehr.com is going to help you reach your goal. Make sure your classified ad consists of a detailed description of what you want to buy or sell. You can upload as many pictures as you want of your item, tags are not necessary. But make sure your classified ad has a significant headline so it can be easily found. And finding the right thing is even easier with our new categories. In the categories “lost and found”, “sale”, “search” and “yard sales,” ads can be posted for free. You only have to pay for your ad if you wand to rent or sell a house or an apartment. If you are looking for a new home, your ad is free.

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10

city of Erbendorf

Christmas Flair on Kirchplatz “White Christmas Market“ on Sunday, December 13

“White Gold“ from Erbendorf

Article and Photo by

City of Erbendorf Erbendorf, Germany - In just a few weeks, the “White Christmas Market“ in Erbendorf will open its doors. On Sunday, December 13, a lot will be offered to visitors due to the city’s 900th anniversary. Many booths with Christmas decorations, arts and crafts, and lots of music, glühwein and delicacies invite visitors to stop by. Saint Nikolaus and Christ Child will also pay a visit. Another highlight will be the raffle. Following the motto “White Christmas Market,“ it will already be Erbendorf ’s 8th Christmas market that will amaze visitors. A lot of holiday ambience and flair paired with snow can be expected. The booths on Kirchplatz, GeorgBertelshofer-Platz and the new Rathausplatz will open at 11 a.m. A large offering of arts and crafts, Christmas decorations , mangers and presents awaits visitors along with sweets, gingerbread and spirits. Local clubs will

The Seltmann company logo Story and Photo by

City of Erbendorf

Christmas Market on Kirchplatz in Erbendorf offer glühwein and other food and beverages. Mayor Hans Donko will open the Christmas market at 2 p.m. Saint Nikolaus will arrive at the market at 3 p.m. Needless to say, he’ll be bringing gifts for the smallest visitors. The Christ Child and her angels will also stop

by. Christmas music will be played all day long at the Christmas market. Among the performing bands will be the marching band of the voluntary fire department, the Erbendorf city band, and the protestant trombone band. The city and all local clubs are inviting visitors to come by.

“Brückelpoint“ Housing Area - A success Article and Photo by

City of Erbendorf ERBENDORF, Germany - The city of Erbendorf, located at the Fichtelnaab river and in-between the Steinwald and Hessenreuther Forest nature parks, has been the home of nearly 350 U.S. soldiers and their families for almost one and a half years. The city invested approximately 15 million Euro into 71 duplexes for American citizens in the new “Brückelpoint“ housing area. An excellent infrastructure and the integration of the new citizens into city life make for a very high standard of living and quality of life. The American standard of living which exceeds regular housing standards, had already been taken into account during the pre-planning phase. Each duplex has 146 square feet of living space on three floors and divided into a living room and dining area, a master bedroom, four additional bedrooms, two baths, a patio and balcony. Each room www.grafenwoehr.com

ERBENDORF, Germany - If you follow the Porcelain Road, you have many opportunities to get to know the fascinating world of the “White Gold“, namely porcelain. Whether its factory tours or museum visits, porcelain painting, or seminars. There is a reason why the city of Erbendorf is located on that road because porcelain-making has been a tradition here since 1922. Hans Schrembs founded the first porcelain factory on the banks of the Fichtelnaab river and sold it in 1940 to the Seltmann-Weiden porcelain company who still owns it today. Lovers of precious porcelain have the chance to visit the factory sale at the company’s premises in Erbendorf. It’s a special opportunity for shoppers because Seltmann porcelain is exclusively being produced in Germany. The factory sale located at Bahnhofstraße 25 offers traditional and modern porcelain and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, call CIV 09682-18260-431.

All houses in Brückelpoint Housing Area feature solar panels on their roofs. has a phone and internet connection. The local provider is a subsidiary of the city’s public utility company. The energy supply shows that environmental protection is important to the city. The heat and warm water are supplied by the city’s district heat plant. Another novelty is the energy supply because the duplexes do not only have a 220 volt/50 Hz electric circuit with

European sockets but also a second electric circuit with 110 Volt/60 Hz and the typical American sockets. Photovoltaic systems on every roof contribute to the protection of the environment.

The city offers its American citizens a large variety of recreational and leisure activities such as hiking tours in the Steinwald, the outdoor pool with two heated basins and many other things to include child care.

“The new citizens are welcome in our town,” says mayor Hans Donko. Due to PCS moves, new families regularly arrive in Erbendorf while others leave.

Currently, many American children attend Erbendorf ’s kindergartens. To make a long story short: Erbendorf is a great city to live in! November 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

U.S. army

11

War Eagles gear up for exercise in Georgia Article and Photo by

as part of the platoon level training is reacting to contact, cordon and search as well as capture and recover high value targets and personnel.

Spc. Jerry Wilson Vilseck, Germany – Troopers of 1st Squadron 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment are headed for the Republic of Georgia to participate in a twoweek long training event known as Immediate Response 10.

When they are not training hard in the field, Felix said his Soldiers will have the chance to get to know their Georgian brothers and their customs.

IR10 is a joint exercise conducted at Vaziani Military Base to improve combined capabilities and strengthen regional cooperation. This exercise is held yearly and gives U.S. Soldiers the chance to train alongside and get to know their Georgian counterparts . “One Georgian platoon will be integrated into our company,” explained Capt. Chris Felix, Bull Company commander, 1st Squadron, 2SCR, “and one of our platoons will join the Georgian company.” Felix said the exercise will begin with each unit conducting a situational training exercise which will

“We will have a cultural day and a weapons live-fire as well,” Felix said. The live-fire event will give each Soldier the chance to fire the other‘s weapons. Felix said that the highlight of the exercise for his Soldiers will be working alongside the Georgian military. Gear up - Vilseck, Germany - Troopers from 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavlary Regiment don equipment before beginning manifested for the flight to the Republic of Georgia. The unit is set to participate in a two-week training event known as Immediate Response 10. culminate into a company-level field training exercise as the capstone event.

Some of the skills the Dragoons and their Georgian allies will be honing

“With current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, working with partner nations is a skill set every Soldier needs,” Felix said.” Anytime we have a chance to work with a partner military it’s great.”

Werbeanzeige_Christkindlmarkt_225_160.ai 19.11.2009 15:11:00

Weiden - Historical Christmas Market (since 1600) 26.11.2009 - 23.12.2009

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www.weiden-oberpfalz.de November 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

www.grafenwoehr.com

12

water world

View of Palm Beach in Stein near Nuremberg

Photo: Kristall Palm Beach

Story by

Susanne Williams Nuremberg, Germany Europe`s largest self-supporting slide, a swimming pool with artificial waves, entertainment and a club vacation atmosphere. A day at the Palm Beach is like an extra day of vacation. The large slide complex with its five huge slides Moby Dick, Hexenklamm, Schwarzes Loch, Grüner Hai and Turbo Blitz offers the right speed for everyone. You can recover at the beautiful pool with its VIP couches, the restaurant, children`s pool, whirl pool and art gallery. The outside area lures you with a sandy beach, a trampoline complex, beach

Have fun in a tropical atmosphere volleyball, a flow channel, playground, a lawn for sunbathing and a sun terrace. The entertainment program with club dancing and games takes place on weekends, German holidays and during vacation time starting at 3.00 p.m. Every night after nightfall from October through April, a laser show is presented. Feel at ease in the sauna area with its Egyptian decor and the

Bavarian sauna cottage with 20 different sauna attractions including Amethyst sauna, rock crystal sauna, rose quartz sauna, salt sauna, rose sauna (Caldarium), 4-seasons sauna, hay sauna, banja sauna, shepherd sauna, lemon sauna, emerald sauna, stake sauna, salt steam bath, flavor temple, steam sauna, freezing fog grotto.

Special offers include: • Sprinkling of a wide variety of natural fragrances on the hot stones • Separate ladies’ sauna in the Empire of Isis • Ottoman hammam & massage section • Beauty section in the Palace of Cleopatra • 4% Cleopatra brine-hot springs • Alpine lake, waterfall and a beautiful outside area So come and enjoy this wonderful wellness oasis for the whole family where fun and recreation go hand in hand. We’re looking forward to seeing you!

Oberpfälzer Advent Market Grafenwoehr Sunday, December 06 - Market Place Grafenwoehr Market hours: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 1.30 p.m. 1.30 p.m. 2 p.m. 2.30 p.m. 2 - 4 p.m. 3 p.m. 3.30 p.m. 4 p.m. 5 p.m.

German-American Opening with Christ Child German and American students sing Christmas songs Carriage rides German-American choir “The Encores“ sing Christmas songs Music club “Klingende Töne“ plays Christmas songs Kids craft Christmas decorations in the town hall; Reading of Christmas stories Kids of the protestant kindergarten „Kunterbunt“, sing Christmas songs Reception of the 172nd Infantry Brigade, U.S. Army City Band Grafenwöhr play Christmas songs St. Nicolaus, Kinght Rupprecht and Santa Claus distribute presents to the children, followed by the Big Band of the Pressath/Grafenwoehr Music School

• Raffle of Chirstmas geese • Christmas Mangere by the Grafenwoehr Wood Carvers • Free rides on the children‘s carousel • Large variety of Christmas goods • 1 – 4 p.m.: 1. Oberpfälzer Culture and Military Museum Exhibition “Norbert Richter Scrobinhusen“ Exhibition 500 years of schools in Grafenwoehr www.grafenwoehr.com

Palm beach Opening hours: MON/TUE/WED/THUR/SUN 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. FRI/SAT 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Kristall Palm Beach in Stein near Nuremberg, Albertus-MagnusStraße 29, Phone: 0911-688-350, www.kristall-palm-beach.de November 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

Guide

A fun night at the bar

13

Photo: photocase.com

Date night guide for Grafenwoehr Area Article by

Louise Wayham

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany 92655 Concierge™ has compiled the ultimate Date Night Guide for the Grafenwoehr area - if you’re stuck for ideas and want to try out something new, take a look at some of our tried and tested venues and ideas that are just perfect for date night. No matter what your budget, there’s something here for you. Restaurants aside, there are other things that you and your other half can get up to ... read this guide and book your sitter now! ‘STEAK ON A STONE’ Schuettersmuehle 4, Pottenstein For reservations and opening times, please call 09243-207 This fantastic, understated restaurant in Pottenstein (which, incidentally, is not even called Steak On A Stone but Gasthof Schuettersmuehle) enjoys mythical status among the military community in Grafenwoehr - and for a good reason. The novelty of cooking your own meat on a molten hot stone might wear off relatively quickly, but your overall experience here will be something that remains with you long after you‘ve PCS’d out of Germany. Their innovative, bi-lingual menu features bison, crocodile, ostrich and kangaroo in addition to the more traditional beef fillets and salmon steaks, and also showcases a selection of starters that will very nearly steal your main course’s thunder. We loved the smoked salmon with horseradish cream and the deep fried camembert. November 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

AT-HOME COUPLES’ MASSAGE For bookings and inquiries, please email [email protected]

Eschenbach-based massage therapist, Bettina Doetterl, offers a special discount on at-home Couples’ Massages for date night - just €45 for 2 x 30 minute massages performed in the privacy and comfort of your own home. Please note that the massages are performed one after the other, not at the same time. If you really want to go all out, why not have a personal chef whip up something splendid in your kitchen while Bettina works her magic? See below! YANNI’S COCKTAIL BAR Marktplatz 33, 92655 Grafenwoehr This is arguably Grafenwoehr’s femalefriendliest bar, offering an excellent cocktail menu and some good vibes. It’s the closest you’ll get to a chill out lounge atmosphere in this town, depending on what night you go. HOTEL RUSSWEIHER Grosskotzenreuth, Eschenbach For reservations and opening times, please call 09645-923030 This charming hotel, tucked away in Eschenbach behind the lake, is rumored to house a superb restaurant. We checked it out and based on quality of food, level of service and value for money, we’re happy to recommend it as an excellent choice for a quiet, private Date Night dinner.

ENCHILADA Hindenburgstraße 3, 95445 Bayreuth For reservations and opening times, please call 0921-66177

ME LOUNGE Fuggerstraße 9, 92224 Amberg For reservations and opening times, please call 09621-602599

This uber-cool Mexican eatery and cocktail bar serves up some pretty good food and drinks to die for - Mexican / Tex-Mex favorites with an unconventional twist (the chicken and mango fajitas are a must), and they’re known for their industrial strength margaritas. This place comes alive at night, as one of Bayreuth’s most popular nightspots.

This stylish bar and lounge in the heart of Amberg comes highly recommended by a number of our military clients – ME Lounge offers a great menu, featuring Italian, Chinese and International cuisines, lots of vegetarian choices and an impressive steak menu, as well as a comprehensive cocktails and drinks list.

They do an early bird dinner buffet (all you can eat) on select nights and they’re a short walk from some of the other lively bars and clubs in this hip university town. KINDERBURG KONFETTI For bookings and inquiries, please call 09641-926 804 This Grafenwoehrbased, German-run day care center offers an in-home evening babysitting service, provided by well-qualified child care professionals. Enjoy Date Night knowing that your precious angels are in good hands. www.grafenwoehr.com

14

christmas markets

Nuremberg Plum People Article by

Susanne Williams Christmas City Nuremberg: Every year, Germany‘s most famous Christmas market opens its booths for visitors from all over the world, right in the middle of the city, on Nuremberg’s main market square. At 5:30 p.m. on the Friday before the first of Advent, the Christmas Angel opens the market, reciting the solemn prologue from the gallery of the church of Our Lady. And every year, by Christmas Eve, more than two million visitors from all over the world will have sampled the delights of the Christmas market. About 180 wooden booths, decorated with red-and-white cloth, have given the Christmas market its name „Little Town from Wood and Cloth.“

Photo: Christine Dierenbach (Stadt Nuremberg)

Bavaria’s most beautiful Christmas Markets 200 merchants present their traditional wares: Nuremberg’s spicy gingerbread, fruit loaves, baked goods and sweets, typical Christmas articles such as Christmas tree angels, mangers, Christmas tree ornaments and candles, toys as well as arts and crafts products. Favorite souvenirs include „Nuremberg Plum People,“ little figures made from prunes. And of course, there are always rolls with Nuremberg’s roasted sausages and beautiful, collectable mugs of Gluehwein.

The staff of the city’s market department keeps a watchful eye on the boothss and the goods that are for sale. Plastic fir garlands are a definite no-no, just as the continuous playing of taped Christmas music or carousels The market‘s merchants also compete for the most beautiful and tasteful booth design and collect their awards: since 1981, the city has presented an annual award of gold, silver and bronze plum people for the most beautiful booths.

The Nuremberg Christmas market with its traditional image has also been a model for other Christmas markets. The „Little Town from Wood and Cloth“ has also been much in demand as a picturesque backdrop for TV productions. So come to Nuremberg and enjoy the Christmas market. Discover the unique atmosphere that makes you feel like you woke up in a Christmas movie and find great presents for your loved ones. Christkindlmarkt in Regensburg: An independent jury has selected the Christmas market in Regensburg as one of the ten most beautiful Christmas markets in the whole German speaking area (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). It is based on a 400 year-old tradition at the Neupfarrplatz. Many artists like glassblowers, potters, carvers, candle makers,

Nuremberg Lebkuchen (Spicy Gingerbread)

Photo: Christine Dierenbach (City of Nuremberg)

www.grafenwoehr.com

November 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

christmas markets

Nuremberg Christmas Market

Photo: Christine Dierenbach (Stadt Nuremberg)

etc. produce their arts and crafts right at their booths and offer them to their customers.

Cornelia invite the visitors to their castle near Nabburg in the Upper Palatinate.

Culinary delights, especially regional specialties like blueberry Gluehwein from the Bavarian Forest or hot apple cider from the fruit meadows of the Upper Palatinate are very well received just like the “Original Regensburger Bratwürste” (sausages) or the “Regensburger” from the grill which you enjoy with sweet mustard, horseradish, and cucumbers in a crunchy roll. Of course you can also find gingerbread, roasted almonds and chestnuts, and other tasty delicacies here.

The sound of bells, flying cudgels, jugglers, fairy-tale magic, fortunes tellers, magicians, and a nativity play - all this awaits the guests of Count and Countess Beissel von Gymnich in the middle of a dreamlike setting. They are all “real”: the scissors grinder, torch maker, wood turner, wicker worker, and the bread baker. Knights, bandsmen, and balladeers carry you

back to the Middle Ages. The air is filled with the smell of red wine punch, fresh roasted nuts, cinnamon and the smoke of firs. Blessed voices announce the good news and in between you hear unknown sounds – from the Middle Ages, mysticism, and the Orient. Dancers of a long-gone time spin around to lute, bagpipes, and shawn. More than 800 guests can be served and spoiled with various culinary delights while sitting in the heated knights’ cellar, the castle tavern, and the manor’s barn.

Historic, romantic Christmas Market at Schloss Guteneck near Nabburg: The Christmas market at Guteneck Castle is an invitation to daydream of the past and of Christmas in earlier times. This year, Schloss Guteneck opens its gates for the 5th historic, romantic Christmas market. With its picturesque courtyard it turns into a stage for the completely different magical atmosphere of the booths: with torches, lanterns, and open fire, with old style craftsmanship and, of course, with various treats. On every one of the four weekends in Advent, Count Burkhard and Countess November 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

30,000 square meters and 100 booths speak for themselves. Come and marvel at this wonderful scenery! The Christmas market at Schloss Guteneck is open on Saturdays from 2:00 to 10:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Admission is 4 Euro for adults. Admission for children up to age 12 and historically costumed visitors is free. Go to www.schloss-guteneck.de for more information.

www.malerbetrieb-schiffmann.de

The festively decorated booths and the merry-go-rounds are extremely popular. Every year the Christmas market in Regensburg starts on the Thursday before the first of Advent and ends on December 23rd. It is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays until 9:00 p.m.

15

Implementation of old and new painting techniques!

– – – –

painting wall-papering spray-painting lettering

Reinwaldstr.15 – 92690 Pressath Phone 09644/416 – Fax 09644/6202 Email [email protected]

Every N a room ence Experi

– scaffolding – thermal insulation composite systems – side-painting – Paint, wallpapers, floor coverings and equipment

– Room decoration with various color schemes and painting techniqusand tromps d‘oeil – Construction of exclusive foil and linen ceilings in old and new homes

Owner Birgit Schiffmann - Painter and Varnisher www.grafenwoehr.com

16

Cooking

A MATTER OF TASTE: An Afternoon With Connie Crittenden Story by

Louise Wayham GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - I first met the lovely Connie Crittenden early in 2009, when I was sourcing a local catering company for a client’s birthday party. We arranged a coffee date, which I had to frantically cancel at the last minute, on my way to Weiden Hospital – I was eight months pregnant at the time and my son had decided to make an early appearance on the very day that Connie and I were due to sit down together in my kitchen and talk shop. Connie, in the good-natured way that I’ve come to know is simply her way, wished me well with real warmth in her voice and we agreed to talk again once I’d had my baby. We did just that,

REAL ESTATE AGENCY WE ASSIST YOU WITH • Sale of Homes and Properties • Custom Built Houses • Rental Properties • Financing • Free Property Evaluation & Translations PLEASE CoNTACT uS General manager Mr. Jürgen Gregor Phone: 0961 72 88 Sales representative Mrs. Annette Morton Phone: 0151 21 50 79 49

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finally, towards the end of the summer, when my husband and I attended a tasting at her home and Connie and I were given the opportunity to bond over Beef Bourguillon; asparagus, goat cheese and pine nut penne pasta; a fabulous dessert soaked in Kahlua; and a silver tureen of fresh lemonade. This lady can cook. Incorporating elements of American Southeastern cuisine with Mediterranean and French influences, her creations are effortlessly stylish, and she whips it all up with imagination, flair and the incredible passion of a bona fide foodie. Connie recalls watching the women in her family, her grandmother, mother and aunts, create joyful meals and desserts from scratch. “Cooking well was always important to me,” she says, “but when I moved to the Hampton Roads area where Johnson and Wales’ College of Culinary Arts had a campus, I became passionate about it. I launched my first company, A Matter of Taste Catering & Event Planning in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in 2001.” Connie is a fellow military spouse and so I’m interested in finding out whether being an Army Wife has strengthened or challenged her entrepreneurial spirit. I know from personal experience that running a business in a military community presents a very unique set of challenges – staffing, for example, is always an issue – but I also know that there is nothing more rewarding than having made the day of a client you can so readily identify with, spouse to spouse, mother to mother, Army Wife to Army Wife.

D

IHR MOBILER, DIPLOMIERTER HUNDEFRISEUR

Specialities Store Delicacies, wines, spirits, Vinegar, oils, natural and Organic products. Mon., Tue., Wed., Fri. from 10:00 a.m. to 08:00 p.m. Sat. from 10:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m.

Vaulted Bachus-Cellar and “Weinlaube” (vine-covered arbor) Zum Eichelberg 10 Sulzbach-Rosenberg Telefon 09661/1279

www.weinvertrieb-franz.de www.grafenwoehr.com

Care of all dogs and cats • Care of all dogs and cats, any races and sizes • Qualified advice • Comb, brush, cut • Removing of felt • Removing of lose hair • Ear, claw and eye care

Connie says, “Being a military spouse has definitely inspired my entrepreneurial pursuits. Owning and managing a food service business allows me a portable career and to serve the community in a very unique way. PCS moves are challenging, though, because I have to make sure that the business is in compliance with local, state or host nation Connie Crittenden laws, which gets interesting if there’s a language barrier. Plus, I usually have to adjust menu offerings to reflect readily available produce and food service supplies.” But, she adds, “One of the most important elements of being a successful military spouse entrepreneur is having an extremely supportive husband, which I have in my husband Al.” I ask Connie how a typical Connie Crittenden-catered affair would flow – from the time that a client makes contact to after-event cleanup. “It’s a highly coordinated affair. There’s a lot to organize - freshly prepared menu selections, centerpieces, entertainment and venue. We provide assistance to ensure that the client has a wonderful event and that all areas of service and display are appropriate and congruent.” “I try to help the client express their own ideas, tastes and vision. After the initial visit I begin visualizing the event and developing menus that will create an enjoyable, memorable atmosphere and enhance the event. My menus are client-inspired and created specifically for each event, incorporating elements of taste, texture, color, cultural influences and customs. If required, we can also engage the client on matters of etiquette and protocol. I remember every single one of my clients. It’s a very client-focused business.”

D Alexandra Amschler Diplomate Dog and Cat Groomer

Email [email protected]

Phone 0 171 / 68 40 50 9

www.zottel-hundefriseur.de

I am nervously aware that Thanksgiving is around the corner and I am going to try my hand at whipping up a decent Thanksgiving dinner with some transatlantic assistance from my mother-in-law in Texas via Skype. Being British, I am unsure of exactly what

one is expected to do with a sinkful of sweet potatoes, a bucket of brown sugar and a vat of maple syrup, but I’m going to give it a practice run and luckily for my nearest and dearest, I’ll have Connie Crittenden Event Management on standby in case it doesn’t work out so well. So what’s going to be on Connie Crittenden’s dining table this Thanksgiving?

THANKSGIVING MENU Chicken Liver Crostini Wild Rice Salad with Pumpkin Vinaigrette Maple Glazed Turkey Roasted Turkey Gravy Sage and Cornbread Stuffing Mashed Root Vegetables Brown Butter Brussel Sprouts with Walnuts and Capers Cranberry and Pear Relish Petite Sweet Potato Cakes with Caramel Sauce Served with Warm Brandy Alexander, Pomegranate Cosmopolitans and Spatlese Riesling

CONTACT Connie Crittenden can be reached by email at [email protected] November 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

Cooking

17

Cooking Tip for Christmas: MARTIN‘S GOOSE Cooking tip by chef

Christoph Becker The Goose • Take out the giblets and wash the goose inside and out • Cut off the wings at the last gristle • Chop up the wings and the neck for use in the gravy • Dice the onions and apples, sauté them in oil and mix in the parsley • Season the goose inside and out by thoroughly rubbing in the spice mixture • Fill the goose with the apple-onion mix and close the opening with cooking thread

• Put the goose and the broth in a roasting pan and close it tightly with the lid or aluminum foil • Cooking takes approx. 50 to 60 minutes per kilo meat depending on the oven at a temperature of 180° centigrade • Roast the chopped goose wings and neck, add the sautéed vegetables, the tomato puree and broth from the roasting pan. Roast for 15 minutes, then strain it and

season and thicken the gravy to your liking.

minutes)

• When the goose is ready, take it out of the roasting pan, put it on a cooking sheet and put it back in the oven to roast it until the skin is (approx. 15 – 20

Potato dumplings and red cabbage with apples

Tip: Serve the cabbage in an apple. Take an apple, cut off the top, scoop it

How To Expertly Carve A Goose

Cooking tip by chef

First, cut off the drumsticks. Push the drumstick a little bit away from the body to easily cut it off with one cut at the joint. Then cut the drumstick in half at the joint.

Lastly, cut the goose breasts of the carcass. Cut along the right and the left of the breastbone. If the goose breasts are well done they will practically “fall off ” on their own. The cut the goose breasts into two to three pieces.

November 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

• 1 Goose approx. 4,2 to 4,6 kg incl. the giblets • 2 onions • ½ apple • Parsley and mugwort to your liking • 20 gr. carrots, celery and field garlic • 2 TL tomato puree • 1,5 l broth • Salt and pepper

Wild Rice Salad Cooking tip by

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted and fragrant. 2. Prepare rice according to package directions; let cool completely (about 25 minutes). Stir in cranberries, celery, green onions, and toasted pecans. 3. Whisk together canned pumpkin, next 5 ingredients, and 2 Tbsp. water. Gradually whisk in olive oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking until blended. 4. Pour pumpkin vinaigrette over rice mixture; stir gently to coat. Cover and chill 2 to 24 hours. Serve at room temperature. Makes 6-8 servings

Now cut off the wings. Cut them off the body at a 45 degree angle. Again, the cut is located directly at the joint.

Photos: Hotel Kaiseralm, Bischofsgrün

Recipe

Connie Crittenden

Christoph Becker

There will some meat left at the back of the carcass that can easily be removed with a spoon.

out and put it for 10 – 15 minutes in the oven. Fill the apples with the red cabbage and put the top back on the apple before serving the goose.

Recipe Phone: 09641-91111

Current offers available in our office.

1/2 cup chopped pecans 1 (6-oz.) package long-grain and wild rice mix 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries 1 cup finely chopped celery 3/4 cup chopped green onions 1/4 cup canned pumpkin 1/4 cup white wine vinegar 2 tablespoons honey 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/3 cup olive oil www.grafenwoehr.com

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Event Calendar

19

Christmas Markets Sun., 22 Nov., 10:00 - 20:00

Romantic Christmas market in Grampersdorf (part of 92339 Beilngries), Klötzel property. 25 Nov. - 23 Dec. in 92637 Weiden

Weiden‘s Christmas market has been held since 1576 and offers nowadays free, interesting entertainment (at ca. 17:00 hrs) on the steps of the Altes Rathaus (historic city hall). The Rathaus itself is turned into a Christmas calender where a new „door“ (window, really) is opened every day. Opening hours: Mon. - Fri., 10:00 20:00. Sat. 09:00 - 20:00. Sun. 11:00 - 20:00. 26 - 29 Nov., and 04 - 06 Dec.

in 92339 Beilngries, Kirchenvorplatz (ca. 45 km / 28 miles SW of Hohenfels)

26 Nov. - 20 Dec.

in 92237 Sulzbach-Rosenberg, Luitpoldplatz. The market is only open Thursdays thru Sundays. SulzbachRosenberg is ca. 20 km / 12.5 miles south of Vilseck. 26 Nov. - 22 Dec.

- in 96047 Bamberg, Maximiliansplatz The origins of Bamberg‘s Christmas Market date back to the beginning of the 19th century. Nowadays, around 50 vendors sell a variety of Christmas articles along with typcial delicacies from the region, such as Lebkuchen and Früchtebrot.

- in 97421 Schweinfurt, Marktplatz. More details will soon be online

- in 90762 Fürth, at the Fürther Freiheit

- in 92318 Neumarkt, in front of the Rathaus = city hall (ca. 45 km / 28 miles west of Hohenfels). Grand opening on 26 Nov. at 17:00, all other days open 14:00 - 20:00.

- in 92421 Schwandorf, Unterer Marktplatz (ca. 45 km / 28 miles north of Regensburg). - in 93047 Regensburg, Neupfarrplatz (historic pedestrian zone). Open Sun. - Wed. 10:00 - 20:00 hrs, Thu. - Sat. 10:00 - 21:00. Further details online with English and German language options

26 Nov. - 23 Dec.

- in 92224 Amberg, Altstadt (historic city center).

- Romantic Christmas Market at Schloss Thurn und Taxis in 93047 Regensburg, Fürstliches Schloss (mansion), Emmeramsplatz. The romantic backdrop of St. Emmeram give the „Romantischer Weihnachtsmarkt“ at the Thurn und Taxis mansion an incredible flair. Thousands of candles, torches and lanterns illuminate the impressive courtyard and almost lead you to believe that the cozy little huts are straight out of a fairy tale. Right in the middle, a huge Christmas tree oversees the busy little Christmas village. 27 - 29 Nov., 04 - 06 Dec., and 11 - 13 Dec

at Schloss Tüßling (castle) in 84577 Tüßling (ca. 7 km / 4 miles west of Altötting). You can expect the full Christmas program at this market

Autohaus Eitel

The shop for your service and convenience Our Exceptional Services • English speaking staff • Closest dealership with U.S. service and warranty authorisation for Toyota, Lexus*, Honda, Honda motorcycles • Certified collision repairs, inspections and paintings for all makes and models • Get Toyota, Lexus*, Honda, Honda motorcycles and other car parts quickly

Hotline m a e t e ic -0 Ser v 46/9219 6 9 0 : ß Th a n s ü

www.grafenwoehr.com | Keyword: Eitel Autohaus Eitel Thansüß Bahhofstraße 1 92271 Freihung-Thansüß Phone: 09646/9219-0

November 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

ne m Hotli -0 a e t e ic v Ser 8170 : 0961/4 n e id e W • Estimates for repairs and accidents • Over 800 used cars with buy-back warranty and 100 used motorcycles • Pay with tax form (v.a.t.) • Bring your own oil and our mechanics do the work for you • Repairs and inspections for any other brands • Fixed inspection price for your Toyota, Lexus*, Honda and Honda motorcycles *authorisised servicepartner

www.ah-eitel.de Autohaus Eitel Weiden Nikolaus-Otto-Str. 2 92637 Weiden Phone: 0961/48170-0

www.grafenwoehr.com

20

Restaurant / Shopping

French Breakfast at Ellie‘s Vorstadt-Café Story by

Susanne Williams WEIDEN, Germany - Enjoy a delicious French breakfast with fresh croissants and baguettes and various kinds of coffee specialties and the unique atmosphere of a French coffee house with a beautiful winter garden. The Sindersberger family loves to spoil their guests with tasty delicacies. They offer an extensive breakfast menu ranging from a “Marché” breakfast with sweet and solid kinds of toppings for croissants and baguettes to a “Gourmet” breakfast for two with candlelight. You can also combine the breakfast offers as you like. Or would you rather have a good long Sunday brunch with your friends and

family? You can order from a special brunch menu which leaves nothing to be desired from muesli to wellness cocktails and yummy baguettes with hearty toppings for a group of seven to 20 people. To make your reservations, call 0961-34612. Ellie’s Vorstadt-Café is also popular for office parties and other festivities.

Contact Ellie’s Vorstadt-Café Caffe – Baguette – Croissant Sebastianstraße 5 92637 Weiden Phone : 0961-34612

Ellie‘s Vorstadt-Café

Photo: Sindesberger

Enjoy the comfort of Homeorder Shopping Story and Photo by

Susanne Williams SPEICHERSDORF, Germany - It’s cold and wet outside and it would be way more comfortable to stay on the cozy couch in your living room than to go shopping to the mall where everyone is stressed out and it’s a challenge to find a parking space. I am sure that all of us have had this experience before.Well, we’ve got a solution for you: Evi Mayer, the owner of the Quelle Shop in Speichersdorf near Kemnath

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offers a very special service: “At our store we order for you everything the most famous German mail-order houses have to offer. No matter if it’s Neckermann, Schwab, Baur, Heine, bon prix, Otto, Witt Weiden, or Weltbild. You saw it in their catalogues and we’ll order it for you and return it for you postage free. No risk for you! If you wish, we can also deliver it to you in the area of Grafenwoehr, Eschenbach, Bayreuth, Kemnath, and Speichersdorf,” says Evi. “You don’t speak

BigCohf oice

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Cocktails internat ional

Yanni‘s Latino Bar

l a n i g al i n r o i t O terna ls

&

tai Cock

any German? No problem! We speak English and it’s a pleasure for us to help you if you’ve got any questions,” she adds. But Evi’s shop offers even more: Do you need pictures for your passport, a battery change for your watch, or batteries for hearing aids? Do you have clo- Homeorder Shop Speichersdorf thes that need dry cleaning, sheets that need to be ironed, We’re looking forward to welcoming or anything else that needs to be done and serving you at our store. by our laundry service? Would you like to buy a camera or other photo supplies, or do you have photos to develop? We can help you with all of this. Our opening hours are: Monday to Friday, 9:00-12:00 a.m. and 2:30-5:30 p.m., Saturday, 9:00- noon. Closed on Tuesdays.

Contact Quelle Shop Speichersdorf Hauptstraße 10 95469 Speichersdorf Phone: 09275/1439 Email: [email protected]

In

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newspaper.grafenwoehr.com November 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

Restaurant Guide Cafe Bakery Schwärzer (09644-244) Schellenberg 20 92690 Pressath

Barn Floor Barn Floor Evergreen (09641-3800) Alte Amberger Str. 30 92655 Grafenwoehr

Chinese PANDA Chinese Food (09641-936366) Alte Amberger Str. 52 92655 Grafenwoehr

Bavarian

La Piazza (09662-416367) Marktplatz 15 92249 Vilseck

Eis Cafe

Piccola Venezia

China Restaurant Peking (0961-33896) Nikolaistraße 8 92637 Weiden

Merry ChristMas

Fish Restaurant Country Guest House Busch (09642-686) Kötzersdorf 17 95478 Kemnath

happy new year Opening hours: Mon. - Thur.: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm - 0:00 pm Fri. - Sun.: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm - 1:00 am

German Gasthof Hößl (09641-92270) Neue Amberger Str. 27 92655 Grafenwoehr Pressather Schlemmerstuben (09644-217) Bahnhofstraße 41 92690 Pressath Restaurant Altes Eichamt (0961-44242) Unterer Markt 23 92637 Weiden Hotel Stadtkrug (0961-38890) Wolframstraße 5 92637 Weiden

Altes Eichamt (0961-44242) Unterer Markt 23 92637 Weiden Gasthof Weisses Ross (09632-4114) Therse-Neumann-Platz 4 95692 Konnersreuth

Hotel Restaurant Rußweiher (09645923030) Großkotzenreuth 5 92676 Eschenbach Restaurant Advantage (0961-389300) Neustädter Straße 46 92637 Weiden SCALA Betriebe (09641-2354) Alte Amberger Str. 33 92655 Grafenwoehr

Santana (09642-1243) Weinleite 1 95478 Löschwitz

Hotel zur Post (09641-2210) Marienplatz 8 92655 Grafenwöhr

Landgasthof Kahrmühle (09644-91376) Kahrmühle 1 92960 Pressath

Restaurant Castle Veldenstein (09156-633) Burgstraße 12 91284 Neuhaus a.d. Pegnitz

Oberpfälzer Hof *** (09681-788) Hauptstraße 1 92670 Windischeschenbach

Greek Taverne MYKONOS (09645-918198) Marienplatz 20 92676 Eschenbach

Hotel Parksteiner Hof (09602-4396) Basaltstraße 10 92711 Parkstein Guesthouse Burkhard (09604-92180) Marktplatz 10 92533 Wernberg-Köblitz Beer Garden Gasthof Hößl (09641-92270) Neue Amberger Str. 27-29 92655 Grafenwoehr Gasthof Weisses Ross (09632-4114) Therse-Neumann-Platz 4 95692 Konnersreuth

Taverna Syrtaki (09621-12951) Regierungsstraße 9 92224 Amberg

24. December closed

Oberer Markt 1 • 92637 Weiden i. d. Opf. Phone 0 961 / 4 31 32

International Santana (09642-1243) Weinleite 1 95478 Löschwitz Hotel Angerer - Turmhotel (09662-7090) Marktplatz 4 92249 Vilseck BräuWirt (0961-3881800) Weiden Türlgasse 10-14 92637 Weiden SCALA Betriebe (09641-2354) Alte Amberger Str. 33 92655 Grafenwoehr Hotel Restaurant Böhm (09641-93690) Neue Amberger Str. 39 92655 Grafenwoehr Miratel Mitterteich (09633-92320) Gottlieb-Daimler-Str. 4 95666 Mitterteich Restaurant Beckerschuster (09643-205701) Obere Vorstadt 18 91275 Auerbach Gasthof „Goldener Greif“ *** superior Sulzbacher Str. 5 92265 Edelsfeld 09665-91490 Italian Santa Lucia II (09641-91455) Am Sudhaus 2 92655 Grafenwoehr

Restaurant Delphi (09644-376) Schinnerstraße 42 92690 Pressath

Pizzeria - La Strada (09641-925340) Alte Amberger Str. 35 92655 Grafenwoehr

Homemade Beer Zoigl-Schoilmichl (09681-1397) Marktplatz 20 92670 Windischeschenbach

Isola di Capri (09641-1033) Alte Amberger Str. 36 92655 Grafenwoehr

Taverna Syrtaki (09621-12951) Regierungsstraße 9 92224 Amberg Restaurant Delphi (09644-376) Schinnerstraße 42 92690 Pressath

Eiscafé Gelato (09644-917256) Bachstr. 19 92690 Pressath

Restaurant Castle Veldenstein (09156-633) Burgstraße 12 91284 Neuhaus a.d. Pegnitz

Eiscafé Cristallo (09642-2155) Stadtplatz 18 95478 Kemnath

ry Ve iCe i L

Paying with credit card only in our restaurant. Owner: Aldo Frusteri

Restaurant El Greco (0961-37279) Schlörplatz 9 92637 Weiden

Ice-Cream Shops Eis Europa (09645-918822) Marienplatz 25 92676 Eschenbach

November 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

Neue Amberger Straße 99 - near Gate 3 - 92655 Grafenwöhr

Asian Asia Sushi Bar (0961-3989879) Schlörplatz 1 92637 Weiden

21

V

De ser

Knight‘s Banquet Haus am Markt **** (09665-953665) Hinterer Markt 14 92281 Königstein Multi-Restaurant-Delivery www.92655delivery.com (09641-444341) Am Gründerzentrum 1 92655 Grafenwöhr Mexican Restaurant Tortuga (09641-463) Schulstr. 18 92655 Grafenwöhr Loco Mexican (0961-7409) Hinter der Mauer 10 92637 Weiden Mongolian BBQ China Restaurant Peking (0961-33896) Nikolaistraße 8 92637 Weiden Sushi Asia Sushi Bar (0961-3989879) Schlörplatz 1 92637 Weiden Thai Koh Samui (09641-2286) Im Markwinkel 1 92655 Grafenwöhr Turkish Marmaris Grill (09641-8240) Alte Amberger Str. 35 92655 Grafenwoehr

Pizzeria Antonio (09662-6017) Bahnhofstr. 20 92249 Vilseck Ristorante - Pizzeria Luigi (09641-485) Neue Amberger Str. 99 92655 Grafenwoehr Restaurant Pegasus (0961-27094) (Airfield) Latsch 92637 Weiden

to order call

09641/8240

Alte Amberger Straße 35 92655 Grafenwöhr

www.grafenwoehr.com

Fashion and Designer Outlet Sale

The NoBasics fashion factory in Selb – An Outlet Center of a special kind Selb. We would not have expected anything like that: here we discovered more than 40 designer labels from the luxury segment and internationally known brand collections for ladies, gentlementand children. The creators of the NoBasics fashion factory present their range in an absolutely stylish and spacious on 2500s qm in the authentic factory atmosphere of a former porcelain factory. The special feature here: since this is a Factory Outlet Center we offer savings between 30 and 70% all year round. Presentation and service leave nothing to be desired.

Right next door in the Factory in Outlet Center the offers of world brands in the field of table-top culture like villeroy & Boch, Silit, Rösle or the shop of the designer association Ars habitandi lure. You can round off a long shopping day delightfully in the bistro heinrich´s. The Outlet Center can be reached within 3 minutes from the freeway A93, exit Selb West and it has to offer more than 300 free parking spaces on the doorstep.

www.nobasics.eu

OUTLET SHOPPING IN SELB women

men

kids

designer outlet

DOLCE & GABBANA JIL SANDER MULBERRY BAGS PRADA

accessoires

BETTY BARCLAY BAGS

FAShION OUTLET SALE SAvE UP TO 70% A93 exit Selb West, vielitzer Straße 26, Selb Mon to Sat 10-18h