This month at the Haus

Public Events Jan 10: Stammtisch Jan 14: Kaffeestube Begins Jan 21: Schnupperkurs Jan 28: Karneval Tanzparty Feb 4: Kultur in der Küche: Authentic Gulasch Feb 10 & 17: Waltz & Swing Dance Classes

Adult Language Classes: Fall/Winter Semester Ends 1/27 G100: Wednesdays, Thursdays G100 Accelerated: Tuesdays G200: Wednesdays, Thursdays G300: Mondays, Wednesdays G400: Tuesdays, Wednesdays G500: Thursdays, Fridays G600: Tuesdays, Wednesdays Aktuelle Literatur: Mondays

Kids' Activities Jan 21: Samstagsschule for Children and Teens Begins Kinderstube: Monday-Friday Kid Steps Dance Classes: Thursdays

GAI Gruppen Deutscher Damenklub: 1/16 Deutscher Sprachklub: 1/17 Haus and Grounds: 1/14 Modelleisenbahngruppe (Germanic Model Trains): 2nd Saturday Skatklub: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays Twin Cities Männerchor: 2nd & 4th Mondays Stricken und Häkeln : 1/14, 1/21

www.gai-mn.org 1

GAI News

Januar 2017

Saturday, January 28, 2017 ~ 7pm-1am $15 in advance, $20 at the door

For Ages 21+ Only

Enjoy one drink on the Haus when you come dressed in costume or with a St. Paul Winter Carnival Button!

Come to the GAI for the naughtiest night of the winter carnival season! Karneval Tanzparty celebrates Fasching, the German version of Marti Gras. It’s the time of year when the taboo is accepted, naughty is nice, and risqué revelry abounds. At GAI’s Karneval Tanzparty you can enjoy a cabaret and burlesque show, see into your future with a fortune teller, get ready for a close-up in our photo booth, and ‘get down’ at our Euro-style dance party in the Ratskeller. Plus enjoy drinks, treats, and naughty good fun all inside our gorgeous Summit Avenue mansion transformed into a Karneval Discothek. Tickets are $15 in advance and are available online by visiting www.gai-mn.org. Tickets are non-refundable and ID’s will be checked night of to confirm all attendees are over 21. Questions? Contact the GAI main office at office@gai-mn.org or by calling 651.222.7027.

This Year’s Cabaret Entertainment

www.gai-mn.org 2

2017 Anchor Events

Karneval Tanzparty January 28

Pork Roast and Sauerkraut Dinner

March 25

Deutsche Tage June 10 & 11

GermanFest June 16-18

Familienfest August 20

Herbstfest Heuriger September 15

Holiday Open Haus December 2 & 3

Community Christmas Dinner & Program

December 16

Spring Culture Series Kultur in der Küche, The Sound of Politics, Ballroom Waltz and Swing Dance Classes

Kultur in der Küche: Authentic Gulasch Saturday, February 4, 1pm-4pm $40 for GAI Members, $50 for Non-members For ages 12 and up, Limit of 10 participants Register Online at www.gai-mn.org

Have you ever tried real, Austro-Hungarian style Gulasch? Now you can make and taste this savory dish in our next Kultur in der Küche cooking class, in partnership with the Center for Austrian Studies. Unlike American versions of this dish—which resemble baked hot dish or Ratatouille—authentic Gulasch is a slow-cooked meat dish with a savory garlic-onion spice sauce. It was originally a dish made by shepherds, who would have their meal cooking for many hours in a pot over the fire while they tended their flock. Over the years, the dish evolved into a rich, savory cold-weather favorite popular throughout Europe. Cooking materials and instruction will be provided by our very own Catering Director and head chef, Katrin Erdmann. Come with a friend and share your love of authentic cuisine at the GAI!

The Sound of Politics: Building and Destroying Socialism in East Germany through Music Presentation by Dr. David Tompkins and Dr. Juliane Schicker Thursday, February 16 at 7pm—Free and Open to the Public Join us for a presentation on music and it’s political power with two leading professors from Carleton College. Germans are known as the "people of music," and the GDR in particular had the highest density of orchestras in the world. The early, Stalinist period in East Germany was a time of both repression and optimism, and music was essential to building the "new socialist society." Dr. Tompkins will explore the sound of early socialism and the actions and reactions of party members, composers, and everyday citizens. Dr. Schicker will speak on the last twenty years of the regime and exemplify how the space of music performance helped deconstruct the socialist society.

Ballroom Waltz and Swing Dance Classes Friday, February 10 and 17, 6:30pm-8:30pm GAI 3rd Floor Ballroom - Class limit: 50 people GAI Members: $20 individuals, $35 for a couple Non-Members: $25 individuals, $40 for a couple Walk-ups will be accepted (if spots available) Dust off your dancing shoes—it’s time to swing around the ballroom! In preparation for The Kaiser’s Boogie-Woogie Ball on February 25, we are offering two 2-hour classes to brush up on your waltz and swing dance skills. The class will focus on the basic steps, but is open to all levels of dancers who would like to improve their steps. Price includes both days of dance instruction. Register online by visiting www.gai-mn.org

www.gai-mn.org 3

Language Corner: Spring Language Classes for Adults, Children & Teens

Adult Language Classes Begin February 6 Sessions Run for 18 weeks, through June 19

Making a resolution to finally learn German? We can help you keep it with our spring language classes. Whether you’re just beginning your German study, are preparing for a fluency exam, or are somewhere in between, we have a class for you. Private tutoring with GAI instructors is also available for students looking for extra practice or for those with class scheduling conflicts. Adult Language Classes will run for 18 weeks from February 6 through June 19.

Visit the Language Services section of the GAI website for placement exams, individual course details, and registration information, or call Language Services at 651.222.2979.

Samstagsschule for Children and Teens Begins January 21 Runs for 12 weeks through April 29 (no classes February 18, March 25, and April 1)

Samstagsschule for Young Children (Age 4 to 4th Grade) This spring children can build their language skills and learn about German culture at Samstagsschule (Saturday School). This weekly language program for children emphasizes natural acquisition of language in an interactive, fun environment. Our classes follow a framework which incorporates listening & speaking, singing & crafts, games & physical motion, and story time. For the older children and advanced level students, some word lessons, reading, and writing activities also will be included.

Samstagsschule for Teens Our Samstagsschule for Teens program will return for the spring as well, this time with a new textbook for the Intermediate and Advanced sections. The curriculum focuses on creating and developing German language skills for middle school and high school students, with sections for beginning, intermediate and advanced students. Our skilled instructors build listening comprehension and speaking skills in a fun and interactive, and age appropriate environment.

Visit www.gai-mn.org/Samstagsschule-Spring-2017 to register and learn more.

Back by popular demand! The GAI is pleased to once again offer a preparatory course for students planning to take the Advanced Placement German Language and Culture exam this spring. Offered on the four Saturdays leading up to the exam in May, these classes will focus on the multi-modalities of the test, with about an hour of homework to be completed outside of class each week. This course is designed for students who already have advanced German language skills and are specifically looking to prepare for the AP exam. Instruction will be in German.

Visit www.gai-mn.org/AP-German to reserve your place in class.

Prep Class: AP German Exam Saturdays, April 8, 15, 22, and 29 9:30-11:30am $165 GAI members $185 non-members Registration is Open

New! Schnupperkurs: Introduction to German Saturday, January 21, 10am-12pm $25 per person (includes breakfast & class) Breakfast is available beginning at 8:30 am Are you interested in learning German, but you are not sure what to expect? Join us for a 2 hour Introduction to German and get a taste of the GAI’s language programs. The course will be taught by one of our native language instructors who will teach you a few basic German words and phrases in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Information will also be available about our spring semester language classes starting on February 6, which you can sign up for at a discounted rate after attending Schnupperkurs.

www.gai-mn.org 4 www.gai-mn.org 4

Look Out 2017—We’re Going GREEN! The GAI is proud to announce that we are the recipients of a BizRecycling Starter and Container Grant, in association with the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation. We have received $9,878 to improve the sustainability of

our events and operations, in accordance with our values statement, by jumpstarting our organics (compost) collection program and improving our recycling collection. The award will go towards purchasing the appropriate containers, purchasing compostable flatware, cups, and dinnerware, and training staff. We have already introduced our new trash and recycling containers at our Holiday Open Haus and Community Christmas Dinner, and this January organics bins will be added. We are thrilled that the GAI can take this next step in reducing our carbon footprint and doing our part to create a more sustainable future. Vielen Dank to BizRecycling for this grant award.

How do I know? Organics or Recycling or Trash? Here is a quick guide to what goes in each container so you can help us keep the GAI eco-friendly:

Organics (Green Container): -ALL food scraps/waste—including bones, rinds, eggshells, dairy, coffee grounds and coffee filters. -ALL GAI compostable dinnerware, flatware, and cups—this includes beer and hot cups, take out boxes, and brat boats! -Used paper napkins, paper towels, and tissues -Used/food contaminated cardboard containers (uncoated) - such as egg cartons and cardboard takeout boxes/pizza boxes

Recycling (Blue Container): -Plastic containers/bottles, plastic clamshell containers (like those used for berries/fruit), plastic tubs -Cans - soup, soda, beer, etc -Glass bottles/containers -Paper - such as flyers, programs, magazines, newspapers, and mail -Coated cardboard cartons - such as from juice, milk, wine, and soup broth -Cardboard dry-goods boxes - from cereal, tissues, crackers, pasta, etc

(Note: It’s single sort recycling! No need to separate - everything goes in the same, blue containers)

Trash (Black/grey Containers): -Foil -Non-recyclable plastic, plastic wrap, and plastic bags -Styrofoam -All other waste

Signs will also be posted around the Haus to guide you in proper waste management.

If you are ever in doubt as to which bin to use, you can always ask a member of the GAI Staff for assistance. Here’s to a greener future at the GAI!

www.gai-mn.org 5

Volunteer Opportunities Karneval Tanzparty Saturday, January 28 Join us for some revelry and volunteering! We need helpers for set-up and tear-down, kitchen and bar. Remember, when you volunteer you receive a free meal and a drink! To sign up and learn more, contact Amanda Wolfson at awolfson@gai-mn.org or 651.206.2642.

Haus & Grounds Saturday, January 14, 9am-12pm Our first Haus and Grounds work session of 2017 will be held on Saturday, January 14 beginning at 9am and ending around noon with lunch and beer. This month, the work session will focus on routine maintenance and planning this year’s work. Thanks for all of the great help last year! To sign up as a volunteer for Haus & Grounds,

contact Jim Gruetzman at 651.783.2996 or at

jgruetzman@gai-mn.org

Ongoing Events Stammtisch Tuesday, January 10 at 11:45am $10 per person RSVP by Friday, January 6

Join us once a month at the ‘regular’s table’ for Stammtisch— a luncheon of German food and program auf Deutsch. At Stammtisch you can practice your German in a welcoming environment, while enjoying cultural programming organized by Tom Felling and a home-cooked meal prepared by Helga Parnell and her team of volunteers.

Kaffeestube European Breakfast Café Saturdays, January 14—May 20 8:30am -11am $12 adults, $7 children No Kaffeestube on Jan 28, March 25, or April 22 Head over to the GAI Saturday mornings and enjoy our European-style breakfast buffet with your friends and family. Frühstück includes German rolls, cheeses, cold cuts, eggs, spreads, and more! Members and non-members welcome.

Save the Date: Member Appreciation Week! February 20 –25, 2017

We love YOU, our members, and want to show our appreciation for your support this February. Check the GAI Facebook page and your email the week of February 20 for opportunities to receive some super giveaways, plus attend the Kaiser’s Boogie-Woogie Ball on February 25!

The Kaiser’s Boogie-Woogie Ball Saturday, February 25 6pm-10pm in the GAI’s 3rd-floor ballroom $5 Cover at the Door GAI Members Only! From Austria and Germany, we inherit our love of ballroom dance. From our American roots, we inherit blue riffs and rocking rhythms. Celebrate both in a night of Big Band fun at the Kaiser’s Boogie-Woogie Ball! Join us Saturday, February 25 for a classic, foot tapping, tail-feather shaking dance social in the GAI’s beautiful ballroom. Like the legendary dance parties the Volksfest held at the Haus in past decades, you will enjoy live music from Radio Joe and the Jazzbos, food and drink, and the warmth of the GAI community. Bruce Larson—“The Kaiser”—is co-hosting the ball, sharing his own passion for music and dance with us all. This is a special member-only event at the culmination of Member Appreciation Week, with admission only $5, and all food and drink at member prices.

Radio Joe and the Jazzbos

NONPROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 1388

TWIN CITIES, MN

301 Summit Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55102 www.gai-mn.org

Find us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/GAIMN

GAI Office Staff offices located on 2nd floor of the Haus. Phone: 651.222.7027 | Fax: 651.222.6295 office@gai-mn.org

Language Services Phone: 651.222.2979 | language@gai-mn.org

Kinderstube Director’s phone: 651.353.5147 | preschool@gai-mn.org www.kinderstubepreschool.org

Twin Cities German Immersion School Phone: 651.492.7106 | www.tcgis.org The Germanic-American Institute is the authorizer of the Twin Cities German Immersion School, a public charter school.

February Newsletter Deadline: January 1 March Newsletter Deadline: February 1

6

www.gai-mn.org

Ensure we start off the New Year strong— We have less than $3,000 to go to meet our 2016-17 Annual Fund Goal! Thank you to everyone who has shown their support by donating to the Annual Fund over the holidays. We have already raised 92% of our $35,000 goal. You are so close to making accessible, new, engaging programming a reality for the GAI community in 2017. Help us cross the finish line for this year’s Annual Fund with a donation in any amount today! To make a donation, visit www.gai-mn.org -or contact the GAI office at 651.222.7027.

Sprechen - Studieren - Arbeiten Resource & Information Fair Friday, February 24 3pm-7pm Free and Open to the Public Have you ever wanted to know how to study abroad in Germany? Or work for a company based in Europe? You can learn about all the possibilities to speak, study, and work with the German language at our Resource & Information Fair! On February 24 the GAI will host organizations with information for students, parents and individuals who are interested in secondary German language education, studying at a German speaking university, or working for a global business. There will also be presentations from several key organizations about the resources they offer for interacting with the German language, including the Goethe Institut, 8 Hours & Change, the GACC-MN, and more! This event is free and run open house style. Stop by anytime between 3pm-7pm.