Time flies when you’re having fun, and the past several months offered fun to those who attended our Association events so far this year.
In May we participated in the Chicago FOP Ethnic Meeting, bringing out several tasty food items for our Law Enforcement Ethnic Partners. It was an opportunity to spread the word on the German American Police Association and enlisting new members. We renewed friendships with other Associations, and welcomed the Romanian American Police Association to our circle.
In June we had another sell out year for the “Tim Schaefer Memorial Golf Outing”, thanks to our Golf Meister Joe Kirchens, and Sponsor Meister Jeff Schuck. Also in June was our annual pilgrimage north to the German American Police Association of Greater Milwaukee to tailgate and watch the Cubs play the Brewers. After several disappointing years the Cubs finally won, returning the Norbert Holzinger Pickelhaube Trophy to Chicago. The trophy is currently being proudly displayed at the Louis Glunz Beer Inc corporate headquarters, while the DANK Haus is under remodeling.
Numerous family and friends enjoyed the great weather for our Picnic in July. This event offered to our families entertainment items such as magicians, pony rides, bounce houses, fire trucks and of course food and beverages. An immense thank you goes out to our Picnic Meister John Meindl for the coordination of this event, as well as to all those who contributed their time or donated in sponsoring the entertainment.
September of course marked the German Day Festivities; however the location and parade route were slightly altered along Lincoln Avenue. This however did not stop our members from enjoying the great food at Laschet’s Inn, nor the enthusiasm of those marching, riding or driving in our parade contingent. Special note should be given to our Parade Chauffeur’s Sharon Terry, Dave Smart and Gerhard Stadler who transported participants from our parking area to Laschet’s, as well as donating the Thin Blue Line flags that were distributed along the parade route.
Renew your membership now so you do not miss the future fun, by using the form in our newsletter or on our website. www.gapachicago.org
On November 8th, we will be hosting our annual Oktoberfest at Elmcrest Banquets with the announcement of our Scholarship recipients. Information on how to attend, as well as eligibility requirements for the Scholarships are included in this newsletter as well as on our website www.gapachicago.org
While time flies when you’re having fun, it also is true that time flies the older you become. In 2025 the German American Police Association will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Several commemorative items are being discussed and events have already been booked. Mark your calendars now for our Golf Outing June 9th, 2025, Picnic July 11th, 2025 and our Anniversary Banquet on October 3rd, 2025.
Respectfully,
Paul Kurtzner, Chairman Board of Directors