The PA German Zammelaaf nonprofit organization hosted Grundsau Lodsch fer Yunge, a Groundhog Lodge for Youth event, at Zion UMC Church of Iona, Lebanon, on Feb. 1.
“The Grundsau Lodsch fer Yunge event provides an awareness of and strives to preserve the PA German and culture. It’s vital to continue programs like these so this information can be passed along to future generations,” Mary Laub, Kutztown, a member of the PA German Zammelaaf, stated in the release.
Though the target audience was youth ages 5-12, the non-profit organization welcomed all ages to the free educational event. The 70 attendees, including 30 youth, learned about Groundhog Day and the PA German language and culture.
The event opened with the introduction of two live groundhogs Elliot and his little sister Lilly, who both serve as ambassadors at Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation in in Lancaster County.
As the main speaker, Betsy Shank, director and founder of Acorn Acres, provided by a presentation about the rehabilitation of wildlife at the facility and talked about the life of groundhogs. At the end of the event, attendees could pose for pictures with Elliot and Lilly.
During the event, opportunities for learning to speak and sing in the PA Dutch language at four groundhog stations: groundhog beanbag toss, word match, speaking with Grundsau Lodsch members, and Pin the Tail on the Groundhog, as well as Schpass Babiere (Fun Sheets) with Groundhog Day themes. Each youth received a paper groundhog at the stations that were turned in for an official Groundhog Day badge.
Refreshments included Die Grundsau Kichlin (groundhog cookies) and Die Grundsau Pudding (groundhog pudding).
As part of the event, Les Noll served as the Town Crier and rang a bell to announce when it was time to transition from one station to another. He was dressed in the traditional garb of an old time farmer.
Learning about Groundhog Lodges was an important part of the event since they are an important part of the PA German culture. Warren Wenger and Peter Zacharias, representatives from Lodge #12, were dressed in traditional Grundsau Lodsch attire and facilitated the Grundsau Lodsch station. In addition to assisting the participants speak in PA German, they explained more about the groundhog lodges.
As part of the traditional Grundsau Lodsch festivities, a Verbinneri (oath of membership) was always included. The Verbinneri required all participants of the Lodsch to stand with their hands posed like a groundhog and recite an oath. To honor that tradition, the attendees at the event posed like a groundhog and took a humorous oath lead by Wenger. In doing so they became honorary members of a Grundsau Lodsch.
Two years ago there was one more Grundsau Lodsch added to those in Pennsylvania — Lodsch #19 which is located in the Palz (southwest) in Germany.
The PA German Zammelaaf will sponsor their next event on Saturday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p. m. at the Zion UMC Church of Iona, Lebanon. The free event will include speakers, children’s activities, crafts, artists, food, history, and language. The event is open to the public.
Organizers are already planning next year’s Groundhog Lodge for Youth event. Visit the PA German Zammelaaf Facebook page for updates.
Source: Berkshire mont
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