The sounds of live German polka music, the taste of traditional German cake, and a fun-filled feeling of celebration welcomed The Village at Gleannloch Farms residents to a special Geburtstag (birthday) party. The active aging community brought in traditional flare to honor the many residents with German backgrounds. The event featured the band “Das Ist Lustig,” which means “That’s Fun” in German. The residents played bells, yodeled, danced, and had a fantastic time.
“I especially enjoyed the music and I like how the band included cow bells from Germany,” said The Village at Gleannloch Farms resident Sophie Lehle. “I have been in this country since 1952, and I’m really Americanized after all these years. It was nice to see something done to honor my German background.”
Sophie Lehle moved to the United States at 18 years old to leave post-World War II
Germany. She ran her own business for 25 years. Lehle enjoys surrounding herself
with German items, including beer steins, leather bound books and other
collectables. When Lehle looks back on the transition from Germany to the United States, she recalls one particular story.
“We did not eat medium rare meat in Germany. The first time I was invited to my husband’s mother’s house for dinner, she made a rib roast,” said Lehle. “I was just absolutely mortified. It was awful for me and it took me quite a while to get over the trauma. Now, I am accustomed quite well.”
Lehle has a great sense of humor and enjoys sharing stories about Germany with her friends. She knows a dozen people with German backgrounds at The Village at Gleannloch Farms.
Mimi Collins, lifestyles director at The Village at Gleannloch Farms, enjoys honoring the residents’ heritage. She always keeps the residents in mind when organizes special activities.
“Everyone, including myself, felt very German that day,” said Collins. “The event was fun, uplifting, and it brought the German spirit to our community.”
Collins has already booked the band to return to The Village at Gleannloch Farms for another event around Christmas. She and the residents agree that this was a time to remember!
