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Welcome to our Society!


The German American Society connects people with German and American heritage to enhance friendship and understanding, as well as cultural exchange.

The Society’s mission is to support the German-speaking community in the Portland Metro Area through a variety of educational, social and benevolent programs.



Important Announcement: The 2012 Board of Directors and Officers, as elected by the Members at their Annual Election on January 18, are as follows...

President: Wolfgang Werner
Vice President: Christian Stehr
Treasurer: Hermann Stepberger
Assistant Treasurer: Hella Betts
Secretary: Tamara Stehr


Additional Directors:

Dieter Gebhardt
Jane Radtke
Elke Werner
Dieter Engelhardt
Norman Haugk
Eike Richter
Sven Werner


The next Quarterly Membership Meeting is Wednesday, April 25th.



Important Announcement: Fasching Celebration at the Saturday School, February 11


February 1, 2012

Dear Saturday School Families,

You or your child may have noticed some growth at the GSSOP recently. We are delighted to announce that several more families came on board in January, which has allowed us to reshuffle classes a bit to group some younger students better according to skill levels. Our regular staff now numbers ten teachers and one intern.

Our upcoming Fasching celebration on Saturday, February 11, will allow old and new families to mingle and socialize a bit. The GSSOP has traditionally celebrated the Fasching season (also known as Karneval - and Mardi Gras in French-speaking regions) during a dedicated Saturday in February or March. We will hold classes as usual from 10:00AM to 11:15PM (no Pappenheimer video on this day; please be on time for class promptly at 10!). Then, at 11:15, when the students usually have a snack and song break, we'll celebrate Fasching together in the Gemeinschaftsraum (the Community Room where you check your child in and out). Parents are more than welcome to join us at 11:15.

Teachers will be discussing the traditions associated with Fasching both this coming Saturday and the next. A two-part Pappenheimer episode dedicated to Fasching will be shown on the 4th and the 18th (one reason we show The Pappenheimers is because it showcases typical German culture and traditions - hair styles and music may change, but Fasching, Weihnachten, hiking, birthdays, the Rhine, etc. are timeless).

Earlier we announced that members of the Society's School Committee would be planning the Fasching activities. Unfortunately those two individuals are out of commission, so we are asking for your understanding and support. When you check your child in this Saturday, please sign up to bring snacks or juice for our party on the 11th, and/or to help with the simple games we'll be offering.

Finally, if you're familiar with Fasching at all, you know it involves dressing up in costumes. Please feel free to send your child to school on February 11th dressed in some kind of fun costume (please use good judgement and avoid props - thanks).

We look forward to celebrating Fasching with your child on February 11th and hope you will join us as well.

Cordially,

Herr Stehr
School Committee Chair
stehr@proaxis.com / (541) 760-3883
 


We offer cultural events such
as Song Recitals, German Movie Nights and Discussion Forums with guest speakers as well as social events.

The annual Heritage Ball and the Summer Picnic are only a few of the highlights the Society organizes throughout the year.
 
The German Saturday School, operated by the Society since 1964, and the scholarship program are specifically dedicated to promote the German language among Portland’s youth.

To view/print the Registration Form (PDF format), please click here.