Frank Nechvatal
December was a busy time. We celebrated Christmas with a party in the Horizon Room. We enjoyed a great meal. We learned of the hidden meaning behind the Christmas carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Our choir director, Chris Nechvatal, led us in singing this carol, along with several other carols.
We still need additional help with the delivery of our HOA newspaper for the months of January, February, March, and Aril. Our delivery of the papers earns our club $163.10 per month or $978.60 over the six months of delivery. If you are able to help, contact Frank at 480-883-9262.
During our meeting on Jan. 28, we will have another video, along with treats paid for by the club out of the money earned delivering papers.
At the February meeting, which falls on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 25, we will celebrate Fasching. Fasching is German Mardi Gras. This is a time of indulgence and celebration before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. That evening, we ask members to bring potluck dishes to share. Costumes are encouraged, along with fun for all.
As we continue with our historical outline of the German states, we will look at the state of Bremen. Bremen is the smallest and least-populous of the 16 German states. This state includes the city of Bremen along with Bremerhaven, a seaport city. Bremen is surrounded by the larger state of Lower Saxony. Bremerhaven is a North Sea coastal city and harbor. The name literally means “Bremen’s harbor.” With the Vienna Congress of 1815, Bremen was established as one of the 39 states of the German Confederation. In 1827, the state of Bremen purchased a tract of land from the Kingdom of Hanover. This piece of land would later become Bremerhaven. Bremen remained a state until 1935, when it was returned to being a regular city under the Third Reich. At the end of World War II, in 1947, Bremen was reestablished as a state and has remained as such through present time.
Until the next article,
Auf wiedersehen