Volunteer Appreciation
October 8, 2016
Those strolling along Durant Avenue past the Ashby Village offices on Saturday
afternoon, October 8, must have been puzzled to hear traditional German music drifting over the fence. If they had peeked into the yard of the East Bay School for Boys, they would have been very surprised to see a traditional Oktoberfest Beer Garden in full swing, complete with blue and white checkered tablecloths and banners. Some folks were dressed in fetching Dirndl and Lederhosen attire or even horned Viking skull caps. If they lingered, they would have smelled the tantalizing aroma of German bratwurst sausages sizzling on a grill and seen a laughing group of volunteers dancing in a large circle to the tune of popular Oktoberfest music.
This was the Ashby Village Oktoberfest Volunteer Appreciation event. The weather was warm and gorgeous, but the best part was the delicious banquet of German food, much of it generously donated by local vendors: Gaumenkitzel Restaurant, Del Monte Meat Company, Saul's Deli, Star Grocery, Trader Joe's, Berkeley Bowl West and Costco.
There was grilled bratwurst slathered with sauerkraut, German potato salad, Bauernbrot (German bread), and Brezel (German pretzels) dipped in salt and many different kinds of mustard. And, of course, each overflowing plate sported at least one slice of German Chocolate Cake. But, how to wash this all down? Not to worry. Bar hosts were offering spicy cider and six different kinds of German beers, including non-alcoholic options.
The highlight was the participation of select members of the Berkeley Folk Dancers led by dance instructors Esther and Mel Mann (whose 30+ partnership with BFD was apparent). They deftly demonstrated and coached several volunteers through dips and dives, which everyone danced enthusiastically.
All agreed this was one of the most fun Ashby Village volunteer appreciation events so far, and that it was too bad there aren’t more brezel pretzels carts in the neighborhood!
MORE FUN PHOTOS!
Welcome to the big, bodacious, Bavarian blowout!
Executive Director Andy Gaines
Welcome and thanks to our volunteers!
Mel Mann of the Berkeley Folk Dancers
begins the lessons for international dance
It's time for a raffle....
whoo hooo....winner Finley Robbins
Congrats!
Volunteer Photographer Richard Bermack
Very special thanks to the team who helped put it all together!
(photo of the crew)
(l-r) Maryl Gearhart, Mick Sullivan, Tricia Sullivan, Pat Carvalho, Kate Brizell
Peggy Malley, Andrea Mok, Tania and Ross Blau (guest grillers), Diane Meltzer, Sue Ralston (not pictured)
Photo Credits: Richard Bermack
DANKE!