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Pennsylvania German non-profit hosts 4th annual Groundhog Day for Youth

The Pennsylvania German Zammelaaf, a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the Pennsylvania German language and culture, hosted its fourth annual Grundsau Lodsch fer Yunge (Groundhog Day for Youth) at the Midway Diner in Bethel on Sunday, Jan. 29.

About 75 people, including 29 youth, attended the Groundhog Day event that was geared for youth ages 5 to 12 but welcomed all ages.

“Feb. 2 has been an important event for Pennsylvania Germans to celebrate their culture, language and traditions related to Groundhog Day,” said Mary Laub, a member of the PA German Zammelaaf.

Laub, who is author of the Uff der Bauerei (On the Farm) series and teaches Pennsylvania German (Dutch) at Shaynah Kinner Day Care Center in Kutztown, said Zammelaaf sponsors this event to provide an opportunity for youth to become familiar with the Pennsylvania German heritage and traditions.

“Since the Pennsylvania Germans viewed religion as an important part of their life, it was noted that Feb. 2 is also Candlemas Day, a Christian religious holiday that is 40 days after Dec. 25 and is halfway between the winter solstice (Dec. 21) and the spring equinox (March 20),” said Laub.

“Celebrating Groundhog Day on Feb. 2 has been a popular tradition for many years,” she added.

As part of the event, Dale Zimmerman served as the Town Crier and rang a bell to announce when it was time to transition from one event to another. He was dressed in traditional garb of a 17th century farmer.

Learning about Grundsau Lodsche (Groundhog Lodges) was also an important part of the event.

Representatives from two lodges participated. Rich Riley and Bill Meck, the Hauptman (leader), represented Grundsau Lodsch No. 1. David Adam represented Lodsche No. 16.

“All were dressed in traditional Grundsau Lodsch green colored garb and spoke about the purpose, history and traditions of the Lodsche,” said Laub.

Riley also spoke about the Verbinneri (oath of membership) where all participants of the Lodsch stand with their hands posed like a groundhog and recite an oath.

“To honor that tradition, the attendees posed like a groundhog and took a humorous oath. In doing so they became honorary members of a Grundsau Lodsch,” said Laub.

There are currently 19 Grundsau Lodsche with the 19th located in the Palz area in Germany, said Laub.

Participants stood with their hands posed like a groundhog and recited the groundhog oath during the Groundhog Day for Youth event at the Midway Diner in Bethel. (Submitted photo)
Participants stood with their hands posed like a groundhog and recited the groundhog oath during the Groundhog Day for Youth event at the Midway Diner in Bethel. (Submitted photo)

There were also opportunities for learning to speak PA Dutch and for singing in the PA Dutch language.

“This annual event provides an awareness of and strives to preserve the PA German (language) and culture,” said Laub. “Alles fer die Mudderschpooch un Kultur’ (Everything for the mother language and culture). It’s vital to continue programs like these so this information can be passed along to future generations.”

Youth could participate in educational games at four groundhog stations: Groundhog Beanbag Toss, Word Match using PA German words, Speaking PA German with Grundsau Lodsch members, and Pin the Tail on the Groundhog. In addition, Schpass Babiere (Fun Sheets) featured Groundhog Day themes.

Each youth received a paper groundhog at the stations that were later turned in for an official Groundhog Day badge.

Youth could participate in educational games at four groundhog stations including a word match game using PA German words. (Submitted photo)
Youth could participate in educational games at four groundhog stations including a word match game using PA German words. (Submitted photo)

“It was very rewarding to see the smiles and feel the enthusiasm from the youth as well as the other attendees! The time and effort expended to plan and organize the event was well worth it,” said Laub.

Another highlight included two live groundhogs from Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation of Millersville.

“Poppy and Elliot, two resident groundhogs, were exciting attractions,” said Laub. “Founder and director of Acorn Acres, Betsy Shank, and her volunteer assistant Lohana Pimenta provided an up front and personal experience with real groundhogs.”

The non-profit wildlife rehabilitation organization relies on donations to rehabilitate animals so they can be released into the wild. The two groundhogs are the educational ambassadors for Acorn Acres.

Shank provided information about groundhogs, also known as woodchucks and whistle pigs since they whistle when they sense danger. She also showed a commercial that aired on Feb. 2, 2020 during the Super Bowl, featuring Poppy with actor Bill Murphy from the movie “Groundhog Day.”

Poppy even has her own Facebook page.

Throughout her presentation, Betsy held Poppy and her assistant held Elliot.

“They were very well behaved!”

At the end of the event, attendees had the opportunity to take a photo with Poppy and Elliot.

For more information, visit www.acornacreswr.com.

While there was no cost for the event, donations were accepted. A virtual event is available on the PA German Zammelaaf Facebook page through Feb. 16.

Planning is already underway for next year’s Grundsau Lodsch fer Yunge, scheduled to be held at Midway Diner on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024 with a snow date of Feb. 4.


Source: Berkshire mont

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