OCTOBERFEST 2019 10/26/2019

Another Great Night at the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant for Our Oktoberfest Dinner Dance hosted by The Steuben Executive Board; namely Charlie Messemer, John Rohr, Joe Carpenter, John Louthan, Jimmy Hayhurst, Bill Schillinger and the one and only Dave Schleyer. It was Big Dave's Night, one in which he will cherish for many years to come. Dave was there with his lovely wife, Christine and many other family members. They all had a great time. 

We opened the night with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by Maria Meier singing the German and American Nat'l Anthems. Next we called the Roll of Organizations ending with the Steuben Executive Board gracing the stage. Finally we introduced "BIG DAVE". But before we continued we presented a short slide show in his honor. Next up it was President John Louthan with some words of wisdom to Dave and then to present Dave with a beautiful axe plaque. John spoke eloquently in his address to Dave and quipped "how will I ever be able to fill your shoes". Don't feel bad John, not too many can! Then it was Dave's turn and what an acceptance speech he gave! WOW! Hey Dave maybe you can go on the road giving speeches-I would pay to listen. A to the heart talk with the crowd of well wishers. The only thing was that Dave had to awkwardly lean over the smaller podium to deliver his key note speech. The applause was thunderous at the end. 4 tables of former workers from Ladder 116 and the Decon Support Unit cheered him on. It was Great Turn Out for Dave, this man with 39 years in the FDNY-

HE DESERVED IT!
Soon it was on to the German Style Dinner that only the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant could deliver. After everyone had their food, German Dancers swirled around the dance floor 

They performed some traditional dances.
After the dancers exited, Maria Meier sang Edelweisse, acapella. She was with us last year and will be with us in the coming years. 

Thank You, Maria! A beautiful voice!
After Maria, DJ Danny Fanto rocked da'house for the next two hours. Everyone enjoyed themselves. And many of the crowd won the many prizes at the Chinese Auction.20 prizes in all all donated by local merchants. (see the list to follow) This year we a had a 2nd Prize in the 50/50; a 55" TV which was won by Cynthia Nolan at the Emerald Society Table. The 50/50 winner walked home with $1,000.00- a nice pot!
Kevin Dunn, Retired Capt provided 1 framed picture of a 343 Helmet which was bid on and won by Billy Greco. We also had shot glass dishes at each table with small bottles of Yaeger. Each dish contained a Genuine German Shot Glass, a piece of candy from Germany and all with a bottle of Yaergermeister, donated by a local Liquor Store. 

Many Thanks to all of those merchants that contributed to make our 

Raffle the Best Ever!
  Oh one more thing, we drew the winning names of the 

"Basket of Cash" Raffle. The $700.00 prize went to Mike Zaczyk from Engine 250 and the winner of the $350.00 prize was issued to Cornelius Beekman (Retired out of Ladder 167).  We congratulate both men and we thank all of our members for participating. The new chances will be going out in January along with the dues notices. Much luck to all... [NEXT YEAR'S OKTOBERFEST WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 26th, 2019-SAME PLACE, SAME TIME