L to R: Morgan Schulz, Brianne Galgon, Elizabeth Killian, Mikaela Malofiy, Jenn Blank, Emma Walter, Michelle McFadden, Chrissy Malofiy, & Allyssa Schulz.
Newark, DE, December 31, 2023 – A hearty group of our members attended and volunteered at the New Year’s Eve party at the Delaware Saengerbund this year. Its been a few years since the club in Delaware hosted a gathering on the 31st, but for the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024 it was back with some great fanfare.
Some of our members traveled to the clubhouse on Saturday the 30 to help the members of the DSB with kitchen prep, hall setting, and of course decorations. It was hard work but also some nice time to socialize together. Klaus also served the workers a very tasty Käsespätzle dish. Some more prep work was done on Sunday in the early afternoon. Thanks to the folks who came out to help before returning to their hotel nearby to get dressed up for the party.
On Sunday by the time the doors were opening, the attendees included members of the Saengerbund, the Enzian Volkstanzgruppe, members of our club as well as friends from some other German American organizations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and maybe more. Everyone looked wonderful, prepared for a fine evening.
And it’s a good thing too, because it meant the photo booth in the entryway of the clubhouse got lots and lots of use. Additions like this made the event more fun, with photos being printed right there for friends to share.
The “Deutsche Halle” looked great with black and white linens, twinkling lights, balloons and glitter.
the hall ready for a party
Hors d’oeuvres were served on a large, elegant buffet on the dance floor. Cocktails could be acquired from the “back bar” located conveniently behind the stage. Beer, wine, soda, as well as liquor were all included in the ticket price. Morgan Schulz, and Jess & Steve Motter with big smiles made sure everyone was sufficiently hydrated! Coffee was also available all evening for those wishing a little help to stay up way past midnight.
Music ranged from some great Schlager hits, to country & western, 60s, 70s, and 80s pop and rock. Live music can make or break an event, and the David Betz Band certainly made this one!
A fine buffet dinner with two carving stations was included. John Reiter and Sasha Malofiy carved turkey and ham under the hot lights of the buffet. Serving from the Von Steuben Room just off the hall made quick work of service.
It’s no secret that many of our members, as a group like to play hard, and also to work hard. Spending New Year’s Eve at this event, we did just that. Folks helped out throughout the evening, clearing tables, serving on the buffet, setting up and breaking down the cocktail tables and the dessert stations. Working together is when organizations like ours do our best, and it made the event a great way to come together with the folks in Delaware.
When the time came for the countdown out came the cowbells and the noisemakers. 2nd Vice President and Entertainment Chairman Teresa Vikari, who organized the wonderful event called up the members of the DSB, the EVTG, and U.G.H. to join in at the stage. The band leader counted down and at 12:00 midnight we rang in the new year quite literally.
Balloons dropped from the ceiling. Many people were hugging, kissing, laughing and smiling.
I was glad personally to be there along with that group.
On behalf of the German Hungarians, I’d like to thank the Delaware Saengerbund for that cup of kindness shared.
Michael N. Fricker
The featured image is by Emma Walter
