Newspaper Grafenwoehr.com - September / October / November 2009

German-American volksfest / Page 4                                          

grafenwoehr.com The free Newspaper around the Grafenwoehr Training Area www.grafenwoehr.com

Nr. 5 Issue 03/2009 grafenwoehr.com Newspaper

Dream car travels around the world

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

Living and separating in Germany

Story by

Jutta S. Carrington It is common knowledge by now that a lot of marriages do not last forever anymore in today’s hectic world. Therefore, some military families have to face separation and divorce with all of its sad and unpleasant side effects. Some of them even while they are far away from their home and maybe even while they are deployed. (...) Page 6 1956 Ford Victoria from Gerald Welsh Story by

Susanne Williams Gerald Welsh, the proud owner of the 1956 Ford Victoria was born in the USA in 1941. From 1968 to 1971 and from 1972 to 1976 he was stationed at

Photo: Gerhard Pfennig

the Range Control in Grafenwoehr. He can very well remember the Micky Bar and the Metropol back in those days: “It was very nice there. You didn’t have to pay to get in there and they had striptease and live music.”

In February 2009 he saw his dream car, a spotless white 1956 Ford Victoria with a V8-motor and 312 PS, at Daytona 500 at Daytona Beach, Florida and immediately fell in love with it. No wonder if you just look at the beautiful chrome trims (...) Page2

1. Oberpfälzer Kultur- und Militärmuseum Cultural Department

Birth, life and death, of the people living in the Oberpfalz

Unique of its type! Unique in Germany!

Modern and historic exhibits show the change of time during the past 100 years

Visit us at: www.museum-grafenwoehr.de Email: [email protected]

Military Department The life of soldiers fascination and fate

Experience closely the nearly 100 year old history of the Grafenwoehr Training Area as well as the life of the soldiers and their fate Kultur- und Militärmuseum Martin-Posser-Straße 14 92655 Grafenwöhr

Stagings - Video films - uniforms

Opening hours:

Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Elvis and his secret concert in Grafenwöhr Story by

Olaf Meiler The Micky Bar played a special role during Elvis’ stay in Grafenwöhr. Sure -- everybody thinks because many soldiers stationed here before and after Elvis went to the well-known bar that featured live music, dance, vaudeville shown and striptease. But if you take a closer look, there’s more to the story than you know. (...) Page 8

eRegional GmbH Pechhofer Straße 18 92655 Grafenwöhr; Phone 0 96 41 / 45 47 07 Fax 0 18 05 - 00 65 34-10 72; [email protected] Ads: Phone 0 96 41 / 45 47 07; [email protected] www.grafenwoehr.com (Kategorie: Newspaper)

Guidances possible Please call: 09641/8501 Telefax 09641/925606

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2

Sightseeing

Dream car travels around the world Story by

So he bought the car and it was shipped to Bremerhaven, Germany. “I suffered a lot from nightmares while the car was on its way to Germany. I dreamt things like the car dealer had sold it over the internet to someone else without me knowing anything about it.” states Welsh.

Susanne Williams Gerald Welsh, the proud owner of the 1956 Ford Victoria was born in the USA in 1941. From 1968 to 1971 and from 1972 to 1976 he was stationed at the Range Control in Grafenwoehr. He can very well remember the Micky Bar and the Metropol back in those days: “It was very nice there. You didn’t have to pay to get in there and they had striptease and live music.” In February 2009 he saw his dream car, a spotless white 1956 Ford Victoria with a V8-motor and 312 PS, at Daytona 500 at Daytona Beach, Florida and immediately fell in love with it. No wonder if you just look at the beautiful chrome trims, bumpers,

1956 Ford Victoria from Gerald Welsh - Photo: Gerhard Pfennig and rims, the white sidewall tires, and the luxurious interior with its black and white leather loveseats. “It was

built the year I got my driver’s license and I had to have it as a reminder of those days.” says Welsh.

But everything went fine and so Welsh’s jewel arrived safely in Germany on June 13. “I can drive it without any problems.” goes Welsh. “But when I wanted to put on the handbrake I suddenly held it in my hand because the brake cable was burst. Now I’m waiting for them to send me a new one from Pennsylvania.” More pictures of this car online: http://newspaper.grafenwoehr.com

Agrotourism on Biehlerhof in the Upper Palatinate Forest Story and Photo by

Susanne Williams In a world dominated by speed and functionality, Biehlerhof appears to be a little oasis of peace and quiet. The small farm of the Biehler family is located in Schwand, a tiny little village close to Freudenberg and Hirschau, surrounded by meadows, fields, and woods far away from any traffic. It is open for guests from near and far who can stay in rustically furnished vacation apartments with modern comfort in the beautiful old farmhouse and the former horse stable. The Biehler family has 40 to 50 cattle and a lot of small animals like chicken, geese, ducks, cats, sheep, goats, and a dog. All are all very friendly and used to children so that they can be petted. Most of the time the small animals walk around on the farm and the children can play with them. While your children enjoy themselves with the animals, help in the stables, or have fun on the farm’s playground, you can relax in a deck chair underneath the fruit trees in the farm’s garden and enjoy the peace and quiet. In the evenings there is a campfire in the garden where you can join the other guests. Sometimes they have BBQs there, too.

mushrooms. In the fall they organize night hikes and in spring time they paint eggs for Easter. You can also borrow bikes in all sizes from the Biehlers and go on a tour by yourselves. And in case it rains, the Biehlers have a whole barn full of toys for the children to play with. So your children are not going to miss TV, or their computer at home. If you have guests from the States and not enough room for them at your house, consider lodging them in one of the apartments. And in case there are no more apartments vacant on the Biehlerhof, the Biehlers have a vacation house in

Hirschau with two additional apartments. There is a garden, too, with a little lake where you can go fishing on request. If you ask the Biehlers in advance, you can even bring your dog to this vacation house.

Contact Familie Biehler Schwand 7 92272 Freudenberg Phone: 09627-286 e-mail: [email protected]

Welcome to the „Biehlerhof“

Don’t worry that your children might get bored: the Biehlers offer tours in the woods to collect berries and www.grafenwoehr.com

August 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

siGhtseeinG

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Local recreation area with high fun factor

Left: The „Felsenbad“ in Pottenstein is an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by the rocks Top: The „Teufelshöhle“

Photos by City of Pottenstein

Story by

Susanne Williams If you go to the Franconian Switzerland you’ll find exactly what the name promises: a rocky landscape with woods and beautiful half-timbered houses, curved roads winding themselves along little rivers and huddling against rocks. A paradise for all: hikers, children, history enthusiasts, motorcyclists, and those who would like to enjoy a good Franconian beer. Go ahead and explore this wonderful and so close part of Bavaria! In Pottenstein for example there is a little old castle on top of a rock. You can go inside and see how the knights use to live in the middle ages (www. BurgPottenstein.de). Afterwards you could head for a cup of coffee in one

of the need cafes or pubs in town. You are going to love the historic little city with its narrow streets. Need to cool down a little bit? How about visiting the Felsenbad (www. felsenbad.eu), an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by rocks? It was built in the 1920s and is therefore one of the first outdoor pools in Bavaria with one of the prettiest beer gardens of the Franconian Switzerland inside. Just across the street you find a summer toboggan-run, the so called “Rodelmekka Pottenstein” (www.wigandslide. com). It has got two trails: the 0.72 miles long Frankenrodel which you slide down in a stainless steel trough and the 0.62 miles long Frankenbob that can be used at any weather. You could also relax at the beer gar-

den on the waterside of the idyllically situated lake Schöngrundsee next to the summer toboggan-run. Here you can rent a rowing boat or a pedal and go on a little turn… Are you interested in geology? Then check out the Teufelshöhle (www. teufelshoehle.de). It’s just around the corner and it is the oldest and probably most impressive stalactite cave. You can go on a 45 minutes guided tour through it and you’ll learn the most important facts about the development and the history of the cave and see the complete skeleton of a cave bear and wonderful stalactite formations. If you’d like to have some more history you should go to the Fränkische Schweiz-Museum in Tüchersfeld (www.fsmt.de). In five old buildings you find an exciting and eventful re-

gional museum that provides you with interesting information about the way of life in former times in this area of Germany. I bet you’re thirsty now, ha? Well, then you should visit Kathi Bräu (http:// kathi.brauereien.bierland-oberfranken. de/) in Heckenhof and try some very dark but delicious beer there. A must for everyone who likes Bavarian beer and if you are a motorcyclist this is your personal paradise: it is the meeting place for hundreds of motorcyclists every weekend during the summer season. But remember: Don’t drink and drive!!! And if all this sounds like too much confusion for you enjoy the peace and calm while hiking some the uncounted hiking trails around Pottenstein.

SPECIALIZATION: CRIMINAL AND FAMILY LAW FLUENT IN ENGLISH

Toboggan-run near Pottenstein August 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

www.grafenwoehr.com

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52th GERMAN-AMERICAN

Volksfest Grafenwöhr 2009

More than 70.000 visitors on the 52th German-American Volksfest 2009 in Grafenwoehr - Photo: Renate Gradl Story by

Susanne Williams The German-American Volksfest Grafenwoehr is always a big event in our area. For many people it is a tradition to come here every year to enjoy the friendship between Germans and Americans. It is a great opportunity for both sides to experience and enjoy each other’s culture.

Colonel Sorenson and DAGA Präsident Helmuth Wächter - Photos: Doris Mayer www.grafenwoehr.com

on for a life time. A good German beer and an American hot dog, what else is there but good fun and food,” states Commander James L. Holliman from the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Of course, not only German delicacies are offered: In the many military tents you can buy fresh homemade Hamburgers, Hot Dogs and Taccos, but also Italian, Japanese or Chinese food.

Orville Williams from Michigan adds: “I was stationed here about 25 years ago and I still love to think about the Volksfest. It was so great to see the German traditions: the traditional German dresses, and the different kinds of food are really interesting, I think.

At the beer tent there is a traditional German live-band playing every night and with their great music they always make Germans and Americans sing along.

“Culture is shared at the GermanThe later it gets the more people you American Fest. You have the rimight see standing on the bendes, food, dresses, and the beer ches and tables there. Germans and from the German side. This year, A good German beer and an AmeAmericans arm in arm together, German and American military rican hot dog, what else is there but singing and dancing. It’s a great vehicles were on display. There was good fun and food. atmosphere. a car show sight and sound, country — James L. Holliman western music, DJ‘s and two places Another very nice place where the Veterans of Foreign Wars to eat and drink beer. connection between Germans and Americans is very strong is the staThe location and set-up, plus a lot ge of the “Flying Boots” line dance of coordination with the city of Gra- For me the feeling of camaraderie bet- group from Eschenbach where Gerfenwoehr and Grafenwoehr Garrison ween Germans and Americans at this mans and Americans come together to community, too, made this event special fest was great!” dance, enjoy the great country music for everyone. and have fun while having a cup of Yes! It is a very nice fest where the coffee and a piece of German homeFor me, just getting out and being able cultures and the feeling of camaraderie made cake. to chat and enjoy community without are shared. You can try different kinds the distraction of a gate that keeps our of German food like grilled chicken, I grew up with this fest and for me it world apart most of the time, is a very Schnitzel, Schaschlik (pieces of meat is a must to visit it every day as long good thing. Just the freedom to have grilled on a little wooden stick, se- as possible. This is the highlight of both cultures walking around together vered with tomato sauce and fries), the summer on post again was fun. Seeing the smi- and Schweinehax’n (pork knuckles), les on everyone’s face showed that the just to name a few. For pictures go to event is special and needs to continue pictures.grafenwoehr.com August 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

6

Information

Living and separating in Germany

Story by

Jutta S. Carrington

It is common knowledge by now that a lot of marriages do not last forever anymore in today’s hectic world. Therefore, some military families have to face separation and divorce with all of its sad and unpleasant side effects. Some of them even while they are far away from their home and maybe even while they are deployed. A lot of affected spouses do not know that they have the possibility to have their family situation reviewed by the German legal system as long as their last joint residence was within Germany and one of the spouses is still here. Although they do not have their home of record in Germany but physically live here, a lot of them with children, U.S. and German law allows for divorce cases being taken to the German Family Court in the district of residence of the parties involved. International marriages, including

those of American families, can be divorced by the German legal system because the system refers to the laws of the plaintiff ’s home country and state, and the German Court system divorces U.S. couples in Germany according to American State Laws. In many cases, it is a lot easier to get in contact with local authorities, judges in Court, social workers and lawyers to discuss the family situation during a separation and/or seek legal assistance. The German legal system focuses on the well-being of children of separated spouses and offers a lot of assistance when husbands and wives to not get along anymore and the children are in the middle of the parents’ fight over them. A lot of social workers are almost fluent in English and if they are not, they have a translator to assist them with solving family problems.

possibility of personal advise from J.A.G. representatives and, if needed, local lawyers who can take their cases to court and represent them there. Since German courts close to U.S. military installation such as the courts in Weiden, Amberg, Neumarkt and Regensburg are aware of and adhere to the special regulations in the SOFA-agreement, all service of court paperwork, subpoenas and decisions are in accordance with U.S. military law and therefore are effective and acknowledged in the United States and in Germany. Once a case is filed in one court, it can not be filed in another court of law in Germany, or the United States. After having been served with court paperwork and subpoenaed by the German legal system, it is mandatory for at least one party to personally appear in court for a divorce hearing in front of a judge.

If necessary, and in cases of emergency, judges have the right to make temporary decisions about physical custody, alimony and support without a hearing and issue a temporary court order which is executable and valid until a final decision is made. On September 1, 2009 German family law will change. From this date on, it will be mandatory to be represented by a lawyer in support and alimony cases, as it always has been mandatory to have a lawyer file for divorce in family court. Since both -- being sued for support and a divorce -- have great impact on a spouse’s personal life and financial situation, a lawyer can assist and advise the client regarding any legal questions. The lawyer will also accompany his or her client to all court hearings. If you are in a similar situation, make sure you do not wait until the last minute to seek legal advice.

In stressful situations like separations and the arguments associated with them, a lot of spouses appreciate the

Schiffmann Painting Co. Story by

Susanne Williams The Malerbetrieb Schiffmann (Schiffmann Painting Co.) in Pressath was founded in 1922 by Karl Schiffmann, the great-grandfather of today’s head of the company Birgit Schiffmann. Birgit and her brother Marcel who run the company together now have learned a lot from their forefathers’ experiences since they grew up in the business. Together they are a young and modern team and if you need a contact person who gives you advice in English Birgit is the right person for you to call. The Schiffmann Painting Co. offers for example advice for builders about materials needed and about the production stages. You could also ask the Schiffman Painting Co. to do the facility management. Within a radius of 45 miles they offer a weekly or monthly cleaning service for your house or apartment which can also be of special interest for you if you plan on changing housing. www.grafenwoehr.com

The team of the Schiffmann Painting Co. They provide you with tips and interesting information like the matter of fact that the quality of paint from a professional painter cannot be compared to the quality of paint from a building supplies store. The Schiffmann Painting Co. does stretch ceilings (very common in bathrooms) and thermal isolation for your windows and walls. They work together with a lot of partners from a craftsmen network who can help you with anything you need while renovating your residence. August 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

Activities

Story and Photo by

7

Hiking on the Erzweg Trail

were mined by the end of July 1978. The work below the earth’s surface was not easy for the miners since water ingress was a constant danger. During the mining process, water had to be pumped out constantly which raised the mining costs for the owner of the mines, the Maxhütte mining Co. from Sulzbach.

Brigitte Grüner AUERBACH (bg) - When Spring starts, many enthusiastic runners and hikers start the hiking season. The Erzweg hiking trail runs from Pegnitz (Bayreuth County) to Sulzbach-Rosenberg (Amberg-Sulzbach County). The German Hiking Association has awarded it its quality seal. The trail passes along the “Grubenfelder Leonie“ nature protection area and the Maffei mining Museum. Both tourist sights belong to the city of Auerbach.

But the high quality of the ore, kept operations profitable. The mining towers of the Maffei mine are the oldest of its kind in Bavaria and can already be seen from the near-by Gottvaterberg mountain. a cable car transported the ore across that mountain and to the Auerbach train station from where it was shipped out.

About a year ago, the Greater Nuernberg Area Traffic Association has even published a small book on the hiking trail with detailed route descriptions that complements the flyer published by Amberg-Sulzbach County. The “Erzweg“ hiking trail is dedicated to the region’s century-old mining tradition and industrial history. The book about the 231 kilometer-long trail provides various tips for one-day and multipleday tours. A small map is included. The tours are suited for families as well as for regular hikers. The main trail of the Erzweg runs from Pegnitz through Auerbach, Neuhaus, Etzelwang and Högen to Sulzbach-Rosenberg. There are various loops (German: Schlaufe) such as the Hirschbacher Schlaufe, the Königsteiner Schlaufe, the Neuhauser Schlaufe, or the Plecher Schlaufe that can be added. These loops -- seven of them were marked -- offer the hikers a lot of diversion.

In Auerbach, the trail passes along the nature protection area Leonie, the Maffei mining museum with its mines and the so-called Gottvaterberg, a mountain across which the ore was once transported with a cable car. The Leonie nature protection area used to be a goaf area. While the Auerbach mines were in operation, it was forbidden to enter the area due to the danger of collapse because of the underground tunnels August 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

Bildunterschrift / Cutline of thee ore mines. After the Maxhütte mining Co. declared bankruptcy and the Leonie mine was closed in 1987, the area was left unattended. Several years ago, the area in which many endangered species have found a home, was bought by the State Bird Conservation Society. Since the summer of 2000, Aurochs graze on the land. Those animals are a back breeding of domestic cattle and resemble the extinct Aurochs. With their natural grazing, the animals ensure that the open meadows remain intact. As a result, numerous species find a habitat there. The Aurochs once live in the Auerbach area, gave the city its name and is heraldic animal. A small trail goes around the nature protection area and with a little bit of luck hikers can watch the herd which breeds several pups every year.

Bavaria’s most important ore mine is also located along the “Erzweg.“ In the Maffei mines, whose construction started in 1904, 16 million tons of ore

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However, the “Erzweg“ high-quality hiking trail does not lead past the relicts of the mining tradition in the Auerbach area. More information about the main trail and its loops can be found online at www.erzweg.de. If your looking for relaxation and are interested in a combination of nature and industrial culture, you will be excited by this trail.

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Quiet walks through the forest are just as possible as hiking along demanding mountain paths. Naturally, attention is also paid to culture, especially to the region’s more than thousand-year-long mining tradition, as the name “Erzweg“ (Ore Trail) indicates. A red cross on a white surface is the sign that marks the award-winning trail.

The Maffei mining museum was opened in May 2000. Equipment and machinery previously used in the mines is shown in the old buildings and the outside area. The museum is open from May through October on Sundays from 3-5 p.m. the tour guides are former miners who still remember their work in the Maffei mines very well. Individual tours outside the regular opening hours may be booked by calling CIV 09643-2433.

Shiatsu Cranion-Sacral- Therapy Spine correction according to Don Hock Breuß-massage Bach flowers therapy Doris Mayer Hochstraße 1 92655 Grafenwöhr Phone 0 96 41 / 92 36 94 gift certificate available

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8

Historic

Elvis and his secret concert in Grafenwöhr

diet, however, was very unbalanced. In Friedberg his grandmother cooked for him and he got what he was accustoThe Micky Bar played a special role med to from home: roasted ham, baked during Elvis’ stay in Grafenwöhr. Sure eggs, chili without beans, Wiener sau-- everybody thinks because many sol- sage, toast, peanut butter, or banana diers stationed here before and after sandwiches. In Grafenwöhr, his diet Elvis went to the well-known bar that was supplemented because Mrs. Feiner featured live music, dance, vaudeville had prepared a Schnitzel sandwich for shown and striptease. But if you take him which he really liked and therefore, a closer look, there’s more to the story Elvis was served Schnitzel sandwiches than you know. on all four days. He neither drank alcohol nor coffee Elvis did not or coke. Instead come to GerThe audience was small, he rank milk with many alone. He approximately 35 people, his sandwiches. lived in a privamost of them personnel. te residence in Only four peop— Olaf Meiler Bad Nauheim le knew of Elvis’ Museum Grafenwöhr with his father, stay at the Micky grandmother and Bar. The Feiners, a few friends. His their son and Mr. father Vernon and one of his friends Band, the taxi driver who smuggled visited him in Grafenwöhr and were him in and out of the training area looking for a place to stay where they incognito. could meet Elvis privately. One of Elvis’ superiors knew the owner of Micky All of this happened towards the end Bar, Mr. Alter Feiner, and put them of his stay at the training area, 12in contact. The issue became a secret 16 December, or 16-20 December. mission. The Feiner family hosted Elvis The host family did not ask for any father and his friend for four days in money for shelter and food and that’s their apartment. Behind the house was what prompted Elvis to show a sign of a large winter garden where Elvis could friendship on his last day. On the afterprivately meet with his father when he noon of his last day in Grafenwöhr he was off duty. went into the bar a few hours before it opened and mingled with the personnel To assure that nobody, not even the that was preparing for the evening. personnel, noticed that, Mrs. Feiner tended to the guests and cooked for Needless to say he was met with interest them in her kitchen. As house guests, and he allowed them to con him into they ate with the family, including El- going on stage where a grand piano was vis when he came by for a visit. Elvis’ waiting for him. What followed then Story and Photo by

Olaf Meiler

Elvis Presley wasn’t a concert or a performance in the classic sense of the word. Elvis stood on stage, set at the piano and sang a few of his songs, including ”Heartbreak Hotel“ and “Hound Dog,“ according to onlookers. The he left the stage, ate a few bites, talked to people, went back on stage to sing more of his songs. All

of that lasted two to two-and-a half hours before the bar opened at 7 p.m. The audience was small, approximately 35 people, most of them personnel. The piano on which Elvis played can be seen at the hotel and restaurant “Rußweiher” in Eschenbach

Historic Location for Weddings: Dagestein Castle Story and Photo by

Renate Gradl

That’s the way they were, the old knights! – This well-known song by Karl Valentin fits Dagestein Castle to the t. It is one of Vilseck’s oldest historic buildings, dating back to the 12th century. The fortress impressively documented the power of its owner. The romantic donjon is characteristic for the castle. The two lower stories date back to the time around the year 1200. The up[per stories feature wall-paintings that date back to the 14th century. From the top www.grafenwoehr.com

of the tower you have a beautiful view of Vilseck’s old town and the surrounding area. Most of the buildings seen today are of a newer date. The impressive tithe building, for example, dates back to the time around the year 1700. The medieval remainders of the castle’s wall pay testimony to the castle’s fortification. The newly renovated tithe building can be used for many events. It is an excellent location for artists. In the bailey, large pieces of art and sculptures can be displayed in front of an extraordinary backdrop. Exhi-

bitions by outstanding regional and visiting artists are a regular part of the city’s cultural program from the end of March through September. Wedding couples use this extraordinary location for their wedding to make sure that the most beautiful day of their lives will be well remembered. The Vilseck registrar holds wedding ceremonies on the ground floor of the donjon in the romantic entrance way or on top of the tower. Larger wedding parties may also use the ground floor of the tithe building as a wedding chamber.

Dagestein Castle in Vilseck August 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

eschenBach

9

400-year anniversary of the Malt House Story and Photo by

Renate Gradl

Beer brewing has always been an important trade, especially for the people of Eschenbach. During the 19th century almost every family in Eschenbach had the right to brew and sell beer known as Zoigl. The beer was not only brewed for the family’s own use but also sold in so-called Zoigl beer pubs. During the 1930s there were approximately 40 Zoigl pubs in Eschenbach according to Heike Biersack who took turns selling beer. The community brewery was located at the site of today’s fire station and was demolished in 1971. To brew beer, brewers needed malt as one of the main ingredients. Malt was produced in the so-called Malzhäuser (malt houses). Before 1900, Eschenbach had three malt houses who were either owned by the city of by private companies. “The house on Wassergasse is the oldest malt house in the Oberpfalz. It was built in

The Malt House today the style of the Renaissance and put on the City of Eschenbach’s list of historic buildings as an extraordinary cultural monument,“ explains the city employee. The sandstone skirt of a window on the north side features a chronogram

which shows the number 1607, the year in which the building was built. “That means that this building along with the church and the town hall is the oldest building in Eschenbach that has survived the pillages of the 30-YearWar and the large city fires in the 19th century undamaged,” knows Biersack.

At the beginning of the 1960s, the Zoigl brewery tradition began to die out. The few Zoigl brewers that were left, no longer produced their malt in the malt house on Wassergasse but bought it from commercial malt houses. Therefore, the local brewers who had bought the malt house in 1955 from the City of Eschenbach decided to sell it. Eschenbach’s honorary citizen Dr. Karl Klarner showedd interest in the building in the 1960s. He wanted to establish a restaurant on the ground floor and a city museum on the upper floors. But that never happened. Baptist Groß who owned the neighboring property bought the building from Karl Klarner by swapping a piece of property with him. In 2004, the City of Eschenbach bought the malt house and renovated it exemplary in the following years, spending more than one million Euro.

Become a triathlete Story and Photo by

Doris Mayer

ESCHENBACH. The triathletes of the SC Eschenbach are strong in many ways. Her strength is not only based on qualified training and athletic achievements. Another distinct advantage is the openness with which they welcome all who wish to participate in the training. If you like to train in a group, are interested in social events and a cold Weißbier, then that’s the place to be. The dedicated athletes of this sports section are not only residents of Eschenbach but come from communities throughout the Four City Triangle (Grafenwoehr, Eschenbach, Pressath and Kirchenthumbach). That is also a result of the good camaraderie within the group that is led by Gerhard Stock. „New runners, swimmers and bikers of all nationalities are welcome at all times,“ says the dedicated sportsman and “Ironman“ Stock. Every year, he and his crew organize the people’s triathlon at Eschenbach and are part of the team that organizes the Fitness Day in the Four City triangle. August 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

Are you interested? If yes, come to our training. Swim training is held October through April every Friday from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. on lane 5 in the Eschenbach indoor pool. Motivated coaches offer a diversified training that ranges from stroke and endurance training to special triathlon training. If the weather permits, bike training starts every Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Rußweiher outdoor pool. The bike tours through the beautiful natural landscape on mainly small rural roads are approximately 60 kilometers long. Runners meet every Sunday at 10 a.m. at the same location. The tour is normally 12 kilometers long but can be extended to 17 kilometers if the weather is nice and the runners feel like it.

The triathletes of the SC Eschenbach

R

Highlight of the training is the participation in local and regional sports events. Eschenbach’s athletes participate in the Maisel Run in Bayreuth, and in triathlon events from Eschenbach to Frankfurt, in the marathon runs in Regensburg, Munich and other cities as well as in many other sports events. For more information go to www.sceschenbach.de, section Breitensport. www.grafenwoehr.com

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Women / Babies

11

There’s Something In The Water …

I couldn’t even get the words out to communicate to the nurse how bad it was. I thought that the least I could expect after a C-section was to be comfortable.”

Story and Photo by

Louise Wayham

On April 17th, 2009, Ralston Bodhi Wayham became the first of many military brats born in Weiden Hospital that day, making his entrance into the world at 8 am via C-section, a month earlier than planned. Minutes after Bodhi was born, he was whisked out of my arms and straight into the ICU. His lungs had not yet fully developed and he was having difficulty breathing. Over the next four days, I observed the ICU doctors and nurses caring for my son and the other preemie babies in the unit and I was very impressed by how they handled what must be a difficult and, at times, heartbreaking job. They sensed that I was having a hard time nursing a baby who hadn’t yet developed the suck and swallow reflex, and that we were beside ourselves with worry, obsessing over how many milligrams of milk he was drinking at every feed. They went out of their way to treat us with kindness and that made all the difference in the world. Bodhi has blossomed into a beautiful, healthy little boy and I credit the staff at the ICU for giving him such a good start. I’ve had many conversations over the last few months with American clients and friends who are expecting babies, many of whom will be first-time mothers. It’s understandable that they will assume, being so far from home, mothers and sisters, that they’re in for a difficult experience giving birth in a foreign country, but it’s worth remembering that German doctors and nurses are among the best trained in the world. The teams at both Weiden and Amberg have cared for countless American mothers over the years, and have delivered thousands upon thousands of military babies. US military bases both overseas and Stateside have experienced a record-breaking, deployment-related baby boom, and it’s no different here in Bavaria. I counted twenty mommies-to-be in under an hour at the PX recently.

August 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

My baby Ralston Bodhi but that the doctors in ICU were outstanding. “They explained everything to me very well and they made sure I knew everything I needed to know and to watch for when I took the girls home. To this day, I can still call the doctors in ICU and ask questions, and they help me.” Kristin, a mother of three who had her son at Weiden two years ago, said, “I liked the doctors a lot but I’m not sure I would ever want to get pregnant again if it meant having my baby here and not home in the States. I think that the Liaisons need to be more hands-on, more visible.” “One thing I didn’t like,” says Angie, a third-time mother who gave birth in April, “was the assumption that I wasn’t going to breastfeed my baby. I was asked as soon as I’d given birth whether I was going to nurse and when I said yes, the nurse looked really surprised. They really helped with the

nursing, though, showed me how to use a breast pump properly and how to get him to latch on. They were really, really nice about everything.” Nicole tells me that she was disappointed at the lack of adequate pain relief after her C-section and she is not alone there. I will admit to having a low pain threshold but I think that even the hardiest woman would struggle to get by after major abdominal surgery without a little something to take the edge off.

Make solid plans in advance, especially for care of any older children, because you may be in longer than you expect. It’s not uncommon for women to stay in for a week after a C-section unless you specifically ask to leave and the hospital think you’re up to it. And lastly, no matter how many horror stories you may hear, spare a thought for Chelsea, a military mom up in Kaiserslautern who blogged about having given birth to her baby on the Autobahn after her husband missed a turn and got horribly lost. I kid you not.

A Patient Liaison Officer explained to me that Germans have very different attitudes towards pain relief and that in their view, less is more. In my view, if I’m going to be spliced open and then stitched back up again, I deserve a little more than a pat on the back and an Ibuprofen.

Home & Health Care Prosthetics & Orthotics

Kristin agrees. “The day after my C-section, the pain was so bad that

We accept VAT – forms and we speak fluent English! We offer the full range and DME of the following orthopedic services:

Gynecologist Drs. med. H. Ponnath and D. Pollak PreGnancy care • blood- tests, fetal monitoring, ultra sound, Doppler- ultrasound, • non-stress-tests, stress-tests • therapy of preterm contractions • amniocentesis • triple-test, quadruple-test, NTscreening • test for gestational diabetes • tests for perinatal infections

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While the language barrier can complicate things, the vast majority of medical staff speak good English, as do the doctors that provide the pre-natal and after-baby care. Despite this, Nicole, mother of two 7-month old twin girls born in Weiden, tells me that she felt that things could have been explained to her a little better from the outset,

My advice to anyone who is due to have a baby in a German hospital is to take advantage of the ward tour beforehand. If you’re planning on an epidural book it well in advance or you simply won’t get it. Get to know the midwife who will be delivering your baby (although this may be tricky as ours wasn’t assigned until the day before my scheduled C-section). Do not be afraid to ask and ask again, even if you worry that you’re making a nuisance of yourself.

GynaecoloGy • pap-smears, colposcopies • ultrasound of the lower pelvic and breast • all gynaecological operations (abdo minal and vaginal) • laparoscopies for all reasons • tubal ligations by laparoscopy • breast surgery (biopsies, cancer operations) • intravenously and oral chemotherapy and immunotherapy: eg. Herceptin • cancer-tests and postoperatively cancer care

Marienplatz 44 and Hospital Eschenbach (Jahnstr.18) - 92676 Eschenbach Phone: 0 96 45 - 54 9 or 0 96 45 - 85 71 0

• Wheelchairs • Crutches • Healthcare equipment • Orthopedic shoes • Custom inserts • Lower limb orthoses & prostheses • Spinal orthoses • Upper limb orthoses Our team of qualified and experienced orthotists/prosthesists and ped-orthists provide assessment, advice, measurement and fitting services in all areas of orthotic and prosthetic care to ensure a total solution for every patients´s needs. We assist those who need orthopedic care and improved function.

09645-91200 Sanitätshaus Eschenbach Karlsplatz 9 92676 Eschenbach Tel. 09645-91200 Fax 09645-91201

Filiale Kemnath Erbendorferstr. 25 95478 Kemnath Tel. 09642-914550 Fax 09642-914551

www.grafenwoehr.com

12

Sightseeing

The Auroxen in the nature protection area has grown to dear to his heart.

Story and Photo by

Brigitte Grüner AUERBACH/DEGELSDORF – Dieter Treuter knows the Auroxen at the nature protection area Leonie as well as a farmer knows his cows. For the past two years, the Degelsdorf resident has intensely taken care of the herd, has watched the pregnant cows, has counted the animals, has helped with vaccinations and has since become an important point of contact for the the State Bird Conservation Society. In June 2000, the State Bird Conservation Society brought the first Heck oxen to Auerbach. A few years earlier, the society had already bought the nature protection area Leonie. The animals are called “Heck oxen” because they were bred by the Brothers Heck from various kinds of cattle. Their looks resemble those of the long extinct Aurochs that grazed a long the Speckbach river many years ago and gave the then small town of Auerbach its name. The history of the Aurochs, however, is of less interest to Dieter Treuter, He is more concerned about the current herd and its well-being. Currently, the Degelsdorf resident goes out to the underpass at the bike trail at 5:30 a.m. and at 7:30 p.m., often accompanied by its granddaughter Constanze. Once the days get shorter, times change. Every morning, the animals pass by the underpass when they go from their sleeping areas to the lush grass meadows. Treuter counts the Auroxen and if an animal is missing, he goes looking for it. Often, the missing animals are cows who gave birth to a calf over night. Dieter Treuter has already developed an instinct for that. He knows which cows are pregnant and often can tell at the first glance which animal is missing. This year, five healthy calves were already born. Currently, four cows are still pregnant. The Degelsdorf resident is expecting the birth of new calves on a daily basis. Currently, the herd consists of 14 male and 16 female cattle -- 12 of which have calves. The oxen born on the nature protection area are too young to breed. Therefore, the State Bird Conservation Society brought in a new adult bull from the town of Gifhorn in the spring. He is strong and experienced and responsible for breeding new calves with “his” cows. www.grafenwoehr.com

The Degelsdorf resident sometimes even understands the language of the animals. When they are on the pasture, nervous and frequently calling each other, then he knows that they call for their calves. Many visitors erroneously think that the Auroxen call because they are hungry.

Die „Auerochsen“ auf der Weide im Naturschutzgebiet Leonie. Die offizielle Zuchtbezeicnung der Rinder lautet „Heckrinder“. His name is “Ajax.“ Dieter Treuter heard the name by chance when the bull arrived at Degelsdorf. So he continues to call him Ajax. First, the new bull had to fight to be respected by the younger bulls but in the meantime, he has been accepted by them as the lead bull. The Degelsdorf resident became a specialist for Auroxen by chance. In 2003, he had obeserved a cow having problems with the afterbirth because she had given birth to a dead calf. That’s when he decided to take care of the herd. Since 2007, he has a lot more time

for that because the former carpenter retired two years ago. The herd is pretty well-accustomed to Dieter Treuter. If the State Bird Conservation Society comes out to draw blood from the animals or vaccinate them, Treuter is there as well. He helps to bring the animals into the the crush. However, he does not like to watch those medical procedures. Just like he has not yet eaten the meat of a Heck ox. While the meat is something special for other people, it is unthinkable for Treuter to eat an Aurochs. The herd

The Heck oxen and the five ExmoorPonys that live in the nature protection area Leonie are of great use to the area. Without the animals and their love for the lush green grass, the former mine area would turn into scrubland over the years. However, many rare birds, amphibians and insects depend on that open grass land. That’s why the State Bird Conservation Society decided to settle cattle there. Auerbach’s heraldic animal is very robust. The animals tolerate great cold and heat and therefore can remain on the pasture without any problems all year long. Many calves are born on cold days in winter but still have a very good chance to survive. That’s not only a result of the Auroxen’s robust nature but also Dieter Treuter’s watchful eye.

www.malerbetrieb-schiffmann.de

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 August 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

Business / beauty

13

Building business through clever networking Article and Photo by

Louise Wayham

Eight months into running my own business I now find myself eager for the solidarity that being a part of a formal business networking group offers. I want to sharpen my business skills, brainstorm ideas with people who think big and beyond that pesky box. I’m not alone. The Army Times estimates that there are 50,000 military spouse business owners around the world – that’s nearly 10% of all military spouses. Of course, the vast majority of military spouse and veteran-owned businesses are based in the US but there are more than a few dotted around overseas installations, Grafenwoehr included. I’ve been fortunate enough over the last year or so to have become acquainted with many of those that live in this area and I’ve asked several of them if they feel that organized, local networking would make them better business people. A resounding yes. One of the most successful veteran business owners in the area is Bill Stevenson, the American founder of GMSM Möbeltransport that specializes in local / long-haul household moves, DIY moves, Europe-wide or

overseas relocations. Bill launched the company in 2007, aware that he had one distinct advantage over the competition.

“I saw an opportunity in Grafenwoehr for English-speaking transportation service providers,” he says. “I’ve often heard from my customers that it’s a great relief to have movers come in that speak English as their native language. The ability to communicate better than my competition has been very beneficial for my company.” Bill credits the strong work ethic, discipline and patience that are so necessary to successful entrepreneurship to his time in the military. “The Army prepared me by giving me a better perspective in regards to the needs of military families and the hardships they endure.” Statistically, Bill’s military service gives him another very important advantage over the competition – Military.com reports that success rates for veteran business owners are significantly higher in comparison to their civilian counterparts. I ask Bill what, as an American doing business in Germany, he considers to be the greatest challenge to business ownership here. “Learning the German regulations and the financial system in Germany is the greatest challenge,” he tells me. “An American business network in this area is long overdue and

support in all aspects of the business community is greatly needed for new and upcoming entrepreneurs.”

Bill’s advice to other Americans in Grafenwoehr looking to launch their own businesses? “Research, research, research! Starting a business in Germany is not difficult, but building a sustainable profitable business always takes lots of work, and the more research you do prior to opening a business, the better your chances of succeeding will be.” Organized networking isn’t only the best way to gain credible business intelligence and grow your network of contacts but it would also go a long way to solving another little problem this local economy faces. The lack of information on how one successfully registers and operates private enterprise has given rise to a rampant informal economy. Scroll down any online classified page and you’ll see what I mean. I’m very sure that the majority of these unlicensed and uninsured advertisers do not place these ads with intent to break the law but are genuinely unaware of how they can legitimize their business practices. This is where networking and mentorship comes in. Those of us that operate our companies legally and above board need the business support tools that will help us grow them into successful

businesses that will create jobs for other members of our community. And those that operate in the informal economy need to be guided towards correct and legal registration, and offered the information, support and assistance with which they can launch smart, honest businesses. Whilst networking may mean that you don’t always have to learn the hard way, it also means that you’re less likely to inadvertently break the rules – or worse, the law. Louise Wayham is a military spouse and the founder of 92655 Concierge, which offers home, lifestyle and restaurant delivery services to the Grafenwoehr community.

Treat yourself to permanent make up at „Theodora‘s“

they use tools they sterilize after they have been used. “Better safe than sorry! So don’t save your money in the wrong place,” recommends Theodora. “Sure a good permanent make up is not cheap but it’s worth the money if it is done professionally.”

Article by

Susanne Williams As soon as you enter the beauty salon „Theodora’s“ you feel the cozy relaxing atmosphere. It is a place where you immediately feel comfortable. Theodora, the owner, went to a special school to become a certified permanent make up specialist.Over the years she has acquired a lot of experience. That is the reason why “Theodora’s” is a good place to go if you would like to have something as lasting a permanent make up because it is so important to not only choose the right place that pays attention to proper hygiene but also a professional skilled esthetician. “For us it is very important to make sure that the customer has thought seriously about this decision because she is going have the permanent make August 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

The idea of permanent make up originally came from Egypt and sailors brought it to Europe. It is also used to correct little blemishes and cicatrices. up at least 3 to 5 years. We only use colors that enhance a customer‘s personal look. Permanent make up is supposed to make you look fresh all the time and is not supposed to look unnatural, ” saysTheodora. The colors used at “Theodora’s” are checked by the European food inspection and are based on natural ingredients.

At “Theodora’s” a new needle module is used for each customer. “We only use the modules once because it is the safe and hygienic thing to do. The needle goes 0.047 inches into your epidermis and with new tools for every customer there is no risk for you to get infected,” explains Theodora. She adds that it is absolutely important to find out if a beauty salon uses one-way tools, or if

Contact Theodora’s Beauty Salon Pressather Str. 2 92655 Grafenwöhr Phone: 09641-929489 e-mail: [email protected] www.grafenwoehr.com

14

Sightseeing

The six-meter high „Iceberg“ is known as Germany‘s alrgest dripstone Story and Photo by

Brigitte Grüner KROTTENSEE/NEUHAUS (bg) – It is humongous and millions of years old: the six-meter high “Iceberg“ is known as Germany’s largest dripstone. His home is the Maximilian’s Grotto at Veldensteiner Winkl, a subterranean treasure chamber that already attracted visitors more than 150 years ago.

The Maximilians Grotto Experience subterranean beauty

In 1833, something happened that brought the formerly well-known cave back into the local resident’s minds. One day, an innkeeper from the nearby town of Krottensee disappeared without a trace. Five days later, her family found her alive on the bottom of the Windloch cave and rescued her with the help of ladders and ropes. The woman had fallen into a humongous flowstone cave.

ke open the current entrance. From that day on, many visitors came to see the natural monument.Unfortunately, some visitors did not only come to look but also to break off some of the dripstones. Eventually, the Bavarian State who owns the grotto closed the entrance with a door and appointed Johann Leißner as the grotto’s guardian and guide. In 1901, his son Peter discovered the „Great Lake,“ located 68 meters below the roof of the Windloch cave and to date the deepest accessible location within the grotto.

19 years later, three local men ventured out to explore the grotto. They entered through the Windloch cave and bro-

The sights of former times can still be seen today. Since a stalactite can grow no more than a few centimeters in 100

years and a stalagmite only a millimeters, the interior of the Maximilan’s Grotto changes constantly but that change is practically invisible to the human eye. There are thousands of dripstones in various sizes in the more than 1.2 kilometer long and up to 70 meter deep labyrinth of the cave. The stones inspire the visitor’s imagination. All of a sudden you can see the wings of an eagle, elephants, cow udder, or a huge organ. The Lohner family who runs the nearby “Grottenhof“ restaurant manages the grotto. Tours of the grotto that is well worth seeing are conducted Tuesday

Real EstateProcurement Günther Strobl Procurement: Buy or Rent • New or Existing Homes • Rental Properties Financing • Custom Build Homes Assistance • Prefabricazed Homes • No Money down financing • Assistance till moved in • Assistance Renovations • Assessment of Objects and Buildings Immobilien-Vermittlung Günther Strobl Wiesenstraße 1 • 92249 Vilseck Phone: 09662-8074 • 0171-5875217 Fax: 09662-413521 email: [email protected]

Visitors explore the „Windloch“ in the beautyfull Maximilians Grotto

Real Estate Agency Silvana Freddura-Plater Regional Sales Manager Phone: 0171-7052012 email: [email protected]

www.ivs-strobl.de www.grafenwoehr.com

through Sunday from April 1 through the end of October. For more information go to www.maximiliansgrotte.de. The grotto is closed in winter because many bats use the grotto as their wintering grounds. If you are hungry after touring the eight-degree centigrade cold grotto, you should definitely try the “Höhlenkäse“ (cave cheese) that has ripened in the grotto, or one of the “Grottenhof“ restaurant’s other specialties. The Maximilian’s Grotto belongs to the market town of Neuhaus/Pegnitz and is located at “Veldensteiner Winkl,“ between Middle Franconia and the Oberpfalz. The cave can be reached from B-85. Halfway in-between Auerbach and Königstein there is a sign pointing to the grotto. Read this article online

newspaper.grafenwoehr.com

D

IHR MOBILER, DIPLOMIERTER HUNDEFRISEUR

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

D Alexandra Amschler Diplomate Dog and Cat Groomer

Email [email protected]

Phone 0 171 / 68 40 50 9

www.zottel-hundefriseur.de

August 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

Travel

15

Local travel agency „Reisewelt“ offers bus tour to wine festival Story by

Susanne Williams The local travel agency “Reisewelt” is going to organize the first GermanAmerican bus tour the the wine festival of the wine dealer Franz in SulzbachRosenberg on September 19 2009. We’re going to start our tour on the market square of Grafenwoehr at 6:30 p.m. From here we’re going to head to Sulzbach-Rosenberg with cheerful atmosphere on board. At wine dealer Franz’s we are going to spend the evening in the cozy wine cellar and in a heated pavilion while the four persons live-band “Whaidahaisa” will sweeten up our time with their traditional German mood music. While we’re there we can chose from different kinds of delicacies and fine currant liqueurs, brandies, wines and proseccos exclusively from private wine-growers. After this social get-together and a wine tasting following Bachus’ model we’ll lively hit the road back home to Grafenwoehr. Seize this opportunity to experience German wine culture, music and a great time in a German wine cellar. “Reisewelt” offers this trip for only 29,- € per person including the round

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

!

EU

N

The wine cellar in Sulzbach-Rosenberg - Photos: Gerhard Pfennig trip and the delicacies and wine we consume at the festival. Free admission to the wine festival.

trip for example- on our homepage www.rw-24.de. Check it out!

Please call the travel agency “Reisewelt” for further information or booking: 09641-91111. Or send us an e-mail: [email protected]. Furthermore we’re going to organize a typical and traditional three days’ wine excursion in October with a great program including a tour through the vine yards. You can find out more about this excursion and other tours we are going to offer –a hearty beer tasting-tour to Munich and a lovely Christmas fair

Phone: 09641-91111 September 19 2009 Bus tour to the Wine festival in Sulzbach-Rosenberg Start 06:30 p.m. market sqare of Grafenwoehr

• Roundtrip • Wine tasting and • delicacies Book now!

29,- € per person

grafenwoehr.com

Mehr Bilder + Mehr Text = Mehr Informationen Kostenlose Kleinanzeigen auf http://anzeigen.grafenwoehr.com

August 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

www.grafenwoehr.com

16

Restaurant Guide

Hotel zur Post

The Dostler family Story by

Susanne Williams “Hotel zur Post“ is located right in the center of Grafenwoehr on the market square. It has been a hotel since 1891 and is famous for its cozy atmosphere. Helmut Dostler, his wife Regine and their 11-months-old daughter Maria welcome their guests here and entertain them with delicious meals from their seasonal, regional, and fresh cuisine. They enjoy taking time for their guests to make them feel at home. They have enough room to organize family gatherings, weddings, hales and farewells for up to 100 people and they offer set meals, or refreshments for such occasions. On Sundays they offer set delicacy meals for a fair price. They also have a special kid’s menu. Helmut and Regine are famous for their traditional Bavarian food, too,

Hotel Rußweiher

Photo: Gerhard Pfennig

and if you order it in advance, you can even have fresh Schweinehax’n at the “Hotel zur Post.” Both, Helmut and Regine can look back on an awesome apprenticeship: Helmut learned a lot from Alexander Herrmann, a very famous German gourmet cook, who he worked with in 1992. Regine worked at Hotel Bachmair at Tegernsee, in Zermatt, Switzerland, and at a hotel at Lake Chiemsee. You can book bed & breakfast at their hotel and you may even bring your dog.

Contact Hotel zur Post Marienplatz 8 92655 Grafenwöhr Phone: 09641-2210

Brigitta Rodler Story by

Susanne Williams On the waterside of the lake „Rußweiher” there is the cosy “Hotel Restaurant Rußweiher” lead by the Rodler family. Since 18 years Brigitta Rodler takes care of her guests’ well-being and she is famous for delicacies from the Upper Palatinate. That is how she got the award as “Oberpfälzer Schlemmerwirt” (gourmet publican of the Upper Palatinate). Brigitta offers regional and international cuisine and steaks and fish are special tidbits at the “Hotel Restaurant Rußweiher”. Every Sunday you can have a three course menu for a reasonable price here. A the kids’

Photo: Gerhard Pfennig

menu makes sure that the little guests are pleased, too. You can have bed and breakfast here and with the tennis court, the meadow for children to play soccer on, and the miniature golf court you’re sure not going to get bored here.

Contact Hotel Restaurant Rußweiher Großkotzenreuth 5 92575 Eschenbach Phone: 09645-92303-0 e-mail: [email protected]

First Upper Palatian Culture- and Military Museum Article and Photo by

Renate Gradl

Grafenwöhr - The museum has two sections. The cultural section portrays everyday life in the Oberpfalz (Upper Palatinate) from the past to modern times. Based on the cycle of life, various key situations in a person’s life are portrayed. Toys from different decades show the change in our lives especially well. Professions like potter, saddler, www.grafenwoehr.com

barber-surgeon have officially long ceased to exist. Some of the professions are shown in great detail. Wash board, washing trough and the historic ancestors of the washer can be seen in the museum. An exhibition also shows the social life of former generations. The military section of the museum portrays the history of the training area. Weapons and uniforms are shown but it‘s the people that are in the focus: civilians and soldiers alike. The history of the training area which was opened

in 1908 is shown by documentaries and videos. A completely new chapter in the history of the training area began with the invasion of the Americans in 1945 and the take-over of the training area by the US Army. An Elvis-Presley-corner with a jukebox, large photos and autograph reminds visitors of the six-week maneuver the “King of Rock ’n’ Roll“ took part in. August 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

Restaurant Guide

Barn Floor Barn Floor Evergreen (09641-3800) Alte Amberger Str. 30 92655 Grafenwoehr Bavarian Altes Eichamt (0961-44242) Unterer Markt 23 92637 Weiden Gasthof Weisses Ross (09632-4114) Therse-Neumann-Platz 4 95692 Konnersreuth

Restaurant Altes Eichamt (0961-44242) Unterer Markt 23 92637 Weiden

Restaurant Beckerschuster (09643-205701) Obere Vorstadt 18 91275 Auerbach

Hotel Stadtkrug (0961-38890) Wolframstraße 5 92637 Weiden

Gasthof „Goldener Greif“ *** superior Sulzbacher Str. 5 92265 Edelsfeld 09665-91490

Hotel Restaurant Rußweiher (09645923030) Großkotzenreuth 5 92676 Eschenbach

Italian

Restaurant Advantage (0961-389300) Neustädter Straße 46 92637 Weiden SCALA Betriebe (09641-2354) Alte Amberger Str. 33 92655 Grafenwoehr

Luigi‘s lunch:

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

1 Soft drink (0,2 l) + Appetizer + Main dish

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

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

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 Restaurant Delphi (09644-376) Schinnerstraße 42 92690 Pressath Restaurant Castle Veldenstein (09156-633) Burgstraße 12 91284 Neuhaus a.d. Pegnitz Cafe Bakery Schwärzer (09644-244) Schellenberg 20 92690 Pressath Chinese PANDA Chinese Food (09641-936366) Alte Amberger Str. 52 92655 Grafenwoehr China Restaurant Peking (0961-33896) Nikolaistraße 8 92637 Weiden Fish Restaurant Country Guest House Busch (09642-686) Kötzersdorf 17 95478 Kemnath German Gasthof Hößl (09641-92270) Neue Amberger Str. 27 92655 Grafenwoehr Pressather Schlemmerstuben (09644-217) Bahnhofstraße 41 92690 Pressath

August 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

Taverna Syrtaki (09621-12951) Regierungsstraße 9 92224 Amberg Restaurant El Greco (0961-37279) Schlörplatz 9 92637 Weiden Restaurant Delphi (09644-376) Schinnerstraße 42 92690 Pressath Homemade Beer Zoigl-Bräukeller Schoilmichl (096811397) Marktplatz 20 92670 Windischeschenbach Ice-Cream Shops Eis Europa (09645-918822) Marienplatz 25 92676 Eschenbach Eiscafé Gelato (09644-917256) Bachstr. 19 92690 Pressath Eiscafé Cristallo (09642-2155) Stadtplatz 18 95478 Kemnath La Piazza (09662-416367) Marktplatz 15 92249 Vilseck 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

(11:00 am - 1:00 pm)

Daily varying

Opening hours: Tue. - 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 Paying with credit card only in our restaurant. Owner: Aldo Frusteri - All prices in our restaurant incl. 19% VAT

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 Grafenwöhr

Santa Lucia II (09641-91455) Am Sudhaus 2 92655 Grafenwoehr Pizzeria - La Strada (09641-925340) Alte Amberger Str. 35 92655 Grafenwoehr Isola di Capri (09641-1033) Alte Amberger Str. 36 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

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Hotel Parksteiner Hof (09602-4396) Basaltstraße 10 92711 Parkstein

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

Ristorante Luigi - Neue Amberger Straße 99 - near Gate 3 - 92655 Grafenwöhr

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

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Cocktails internat ional

Yanni‘s Latino Bar

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

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18

US Army

A contrast of American and Iraqi nursing Story and Photo by

Pfc. Bethany L. Little AL-HILLAH, Iraq – In the United States, nurses might be the first people that a patient sees when they go in for a doctor’s appointment or go to the hospital. In Iraq, things are a little different. Walking through the Babil Maternity Hospital, the doctors are the ones writing things down, taking a patient’s vital signs and telling the nurses what to do. “The nurses here aren’t allowed to do some of the same things that nurses back in the U.S. are allowed to do,” said 1st Lt. Betty Moore, general medical surgeon nurse, 10th Combat Support Hospital. Some of the differences noticed between Iraqi and American nurses at the

medical symposium hosted at the Babil Maternity Hospital held here, July 2629, are education, practical skills and critical thinking skills.

“There isn’t a standard for their educational requirements. For example, there are some nurses here with a ninth grade education and then there are others who have a two or four year degree from a local university,” said Moore, a native of Canyon Lake, Texas. “Nurses in Iraq have little opportunities to receive foreign education, but we do our best to learn as much as we can when the opportunity arises,” said Neda’a Wahab, midwife and health researcher, Babil Maternity Hospital.

can do with patients.

aren’t allowed to do anything.”

Critical thinking skills are another major difference between Iraqi nurses and American nurses.

To help reduce the number of differences, American nurses are helping by providing Iraqi nurses with additional skills and critical thinking training.

“A nurse in the U.S. has the initiative that many Iraqi nurses lack or are not allowed to use,” said Capt. Sharon Owen, brigade nurse, Charlie Company, 172nd Support Battalion. “For example, if a patient starts to have a problem, a nurse in the U.S. would start to assess the patient immediately. Here, the nurses would go find a doctor because they don’t know what to do or

“The American nurses are here to help the Iraqi nurses by being a role model for the nursing profession,” said Owen, a Cincinnati native. “Things have to change in Iraq, by educating and giving the nurses here some of the knowledge we have, we can start empowering the nursing profession.”

Practical skills vary among Iraqi and American nurses. The role of an American nurse is viewed as the primary person who deals with the patient. In Iraq, nurses follow the orders of the doctors and are limited as to what they

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Lt. Col. Lori L. Trego, Department Director, Deployed Combat Casualty Research Team, 10th Combat Support Hospital, a native of Pottstown, Pa., teaches Iraqi nurses how to properly resuscitate an infant mannequin at the Babil Maternity Hospital here, July 28. American nurses are helping Iraqi nurses by teaching additional skills and providing critical thinking training. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Bethany L. Little)

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US Army

19

172d Task Force Shield Soldiers Receive Schützenschnur Story and Photo by

Pfc. Audrey Glynn Grafenwoehr -On August 5, 35 Task Force Shield Soldiers received their German Army Schützenschnur shooting award from Lt. Col. Anton Kussinger, deputy commander, Office of the German Army Representative, Grafenwoehr in a ceremony outside the German Army’s training area headquarters. The shooting competition for the award was organized and conducted by Kussinger’s office on July 16 and July 20-21 on Range 123. Seven TF Shield Soldiers won the Golden Schützenschnur, thirteen received the Silver Schützenschnur and fifteen walked away with the German award in bronze. The event’s goal was to bring American and German Soldiers together to train, work, build camaraderie and get to know each other’s weapons and qualification requirements for marksman, sharp shooter and expert. Staff Sgt. Roger M. Castillo receives his Golden Schützenschnur award from Lt. Col. Anton Kussinger in a ceremony outside Bldg. 449.

“It was a pleasure for me to arrange this opportunity for our Soldiers to interact with our German counterparts.

Our friends in the Bundeswehr conducted this event for us in the most professional manner possible and our Soldiers had a great time qualifying with the German weapons. I could not have asked for a better showing from the Bundeswehr, or our Soldiers,” says Staff Sgt. Luis R. Tulier. Staff Sgt. Roger M. Castillo echoes Tulier’s feelings. “Any Soldiers who has the opportunity to participate in the Schützenschnur competition while in Germany should take advantage of this great cultural experience,” he says. “We were surprised how well the U.S. Soldiers performed on the machine gun,” says Sgt. Maj. Billy Sablowski, a German Army weapons’ instructor and the organizer of the event. “87 out of 94 participants total received the award which is outstanding. It was truly a great experience for all Soldiers with lots of good conversations in a very relaxed atmosphere. We look forward to continue working together,” he adds. For Sablowski, the event had a very special touch since his son, Sgt. Alex Sablowski, a Soldiers with the German Army’s 922d Electronic Warfare Bn. at Donauwörth, was the event’s safety officer.

Charlie Co. helps support Iraqi Army with Shabaniyah Story and Photo by

Pfc. Bethany L. Little HASWAH, Iraq – Soldiers of Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment assisted their Iraqi counterparts by providing support during the Iraqi pilgrimage for the holiday of Shabaniyah. Shabaniyah is the religious celebration of the birthday of the Shiite Imam Mohammed al-Mahdi where Iraqis make a pilgrimage from all over Iraq to the holy city of Karbala. Three million Muslims travel through Iraq the past three days, for the celebration and in past years the pilgrimages have been targets for criminal activity, such as bombings and shootings. This year, 1st Company, 2nd Battalion, 31st Iraqi Army Brigade took the lead with the support of Charlie Company to maintain the safety of the pilgrims on their way to Karbala. August 2009 • grafenwoehr.com

„We provided the Iraqi Army with support during the week of Shabaniyah just in case something happened and they needed our help,“ said 1st Lt. Ernest Y. Lee, platoon leader, Charlie Company, 2nd Bn., 28th Inf. Regt., and native of Sacramento, Calif. „The Iraqi Army really didn‘t need us this week, things were pretty quiet,“ said Spc. Johnathan D. Cogden, Infantryman, Charlie Company, 2nd Bn., 28th Inf. Regt., and a Stevensville, Mich., native. „They took the lead on the patrols by deciding what to do, where to patrol and what check points to inspect.“ Since June, American forces have been entirely in a supportive role for Iraqi forces. U.S. forces have been assisting with missions such as support during the Shabaniyah holiday. „We‘ve built the best partnership with the Iraqi Army,“ said 1st Sgt. Richard

Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 31st Iraqi Army Brigade return from a mission to ensure the safety of pilgrims traveling to Karbala for the Shabaniyah holiday. Charlie Company, 2nd Bn., 28th Infantry Regiment, aissted their Iraqi counterparts by providing support during the week of Shabaniyah with Iraqi Army in the lead. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Bethany L. Little) A. Mitchell, Charlie Company, 2nd Bn., 28th Inf. Regt., native of Jasper,

Ind. „We will go anywhere and provide security where ever we are needed.“ www.grafenwoehr.com

20

Event Calendar

Flea Markets Sat., 22 Aug.:

- 06:00 - 14:00 hrs: in 95643 Tirschenreuth, Festplatz - 06:00 - 14:00 hrs: in 92637 Weiden, at the Spielvereinigung („Am Langen Steg“ subdivision, near hospital). Note: Flea market might be cancelled due to repair works! - 09:00 - 14:00: in Raigering just outside of 92224 Amberg, car park at the “Sterk” brewery Sun., 23 Aug., 08:00 - 15:00:

in 92339 Beilngries, Volksfestplatz, Sandstraße Sat., 05 Sep.:

- 06:00 - 14:00: in 92637 Weiden, Volksfestplatz, Leuchtenberger Straße - 07:00 - 16:00: in 91054 Erlangen, large car park on Parkplatzstraße Sun., 06 Sep.: 08:00:

in 92648 Vohenstrauß, Festplatz 11 + 12 Sep.:

Trempelmarkt in 90403 Nürnberg, Hauptmarkt Germany‘s largest flea market is held in

the pedestrian zone every second weekend in May and September. Around 4,000 sales stands group around the so-called „Hauptmarkt“ in the historic city center and the side-roads off the Hauptmarkt - and with this many vendors you can find anything, from expensive antiques to „Graffel“ (knickknacks). Children have their own flea market where the can sell their old toys. Don‘t miss this great Flohmarkt!. Opening hours: Fri. 16:00 - 24:00, Sat. 07:00 - 18:00 - Flohmarkt in 95448 Bayreuth, Volksfestplatz, Friedrich-Ebert-Straße. Fri. 10:00 - 22:00, Sat. 06:00 - 09:00 Sat., 12 Sep.:

- 06:00 - 14:00 hrs: in 92637 Weiden, at the Spielvereinigung („Am Langen Steg“ subdivision, near hospital). Note: Flea market might be cancelled due to repair works! - 06:00 - 14:00 hrs: in 95643 Tirschenreuth, Festplatz - 09:00 - 14:00: in Raigering just outside of 92224 Amberg, car park at the “Sterk” brewery Sun., 13 Sep., 12:00 - 18:00:

Trödel- Antikmarkt in 84028 Landshut, Dreifaltigkeitsplatz (city center) Only for antiqes, artifacts, exquisite wares. No flea market stuff or new products. Fri. + Sat., 18. + 19 Sep.,

no time specified: “Grafflmarkt” in 90762 Fürth, area around the St. Michael church Sat., 19 Sep.:

- 06:00 - 14:00: in 92637 Weiden, Volksfestplatz, Leuchtenberger Straße - 13:00: in 92421 Schwandorf, Festplatz, Angerring / Nürnberger Straße Sun., 20 Sep.:

- 08:00 - 15:00: in 92339 Beilngries, Volksfestplatz, Sandstraße - 10:00: in 90427 Nürnberg, Schloss Almoshof (=KUF/3), Almoshofer Hauptstr. 51, ph 0911-9344-9470. Held every third Sunday of the summer months except during August. The “Kunstcafé“ offers home-made cake, coffee and other delicious snacks. No admission fees! Sat., 26 Sep.:

- 06:00 - 14:00 hrs: in 92637 Weiden,

at the Spielvereinigung („Am Langen Steg“ subdivision, near hospital). Note: Flea market might be cancelled due to repair works! - 06:00 - 14:00 hrs: in 95643 Tirschenreuth, Festplatz - 09:00 - 14:00: in Raigering just outside of 92224 Amberg, car park at the “Sterk” brewery Sun., 27 Sep., 08:00 - 15:00:

in 92339 Beilngries, Volksfestplatz, Sandstraße 02 - 04 Oct.:

3-Day Flea Market in 93059 Regensburg, Dultplatz, Am Europakanal. Opening hours: Fri. and Sun. 10:00 – 19:00 hrs, Sat. 06:00 – 19:00.

Big Oktoberfest in Grafenwoehr Yeehaa!!! In Fall we’re going to celebrate our big Oktoberfest in the HEATED beer tent on the Volksfestplatz in Grafenwoehr.

On Friday, October 23 2009 we’re going to party from dusk til dawn with DJ Liquid and DJ Earl. There’s going to be a Jägermeister and Red Bull Promotion and a Finest Gogo-Show. Star guest Ronny Rockel, the German bodybuilding champion 2002, is going to impress us with his show presented by No Name Veranstaltungen and Get Fit Grafenwoehr. Beginning: 8:00 p.m. On Saturday, October 24 2009 we’re going to celebrate the big Oktoberfest and the live-band Speckbachtaler is really going to heat up the mood with their music just like last year. Admission: 7:30 p.m. On Sunday, October 25 2009 a great sheephead tournament is going to take place. 1st price. 500,-€, 2nd price: 300,- €, and 3rd price: 150,- €. And there are more great prices waiting for the other players. www.grafenwoehr.com

August 2009 • grafenwoehr.com