• Thursday, August 13: 3:00 - 4:30 PM. "Volkssänger Study Group", directed by Sally Ann Smiell, of GTEV Almenrausch Schuhplattler, San Francisco. (formation of the study group will depend on what the response will be – it can be re-scheduled).

• Friday, August 14: 2:00 – 3:00 PM. "Zither Study Group", directed by William (Bill) Kolb. The group will be joined by Familie Helgart from D'Illachtaler, Rottenbuch, Bayern, Volksmusikanten family playing zither, button box, string bass, guitar, harp, recorder and singing. They are looking forward to assisting.

• 3:00 - 4:00 pm "How to Play a Plattler" on the button box, directed by Peggy Mueller, SVEV D'Oberlandler, Milwaukee.

• 4:00 - 5:00 pm "Brass Study Group" directed by Andy Hacker SVEV D'Oberlandler, Milwaukee.

• Saturday, August 15: 1:30 - 2:15 pm "Griffschrift Study Group" directed by Dennis Hoshield, Edelweiss, Detroit.

• 2:15 - 3:30 pm "Accordion/Button Box Study Group" directed by Joe Smiell, SVEV D'Oberlandler, Milwaukee.

The Volksmusik Stube will be open all weekend. For Study Groups requiring additional time, or newly formed Study Groups, the Stube may be occupied for one hour increments anytime during the weekend on a first come first served basis. As these new times become known, please post them on the door of Michigan Hall. All Trachtler visitors and musicians are welcome at any time to drop in on the Volksmusik Stube and join in, meet others, or enjoy what is under way.

The May issue of the "Gauzeitung has articles about:

• - Hutschmuck – the various feathers and other decorations worn on a man's hat.
• - Bavaria Cleveland's Bunter Nachmittag
• - D'Pittsburgher's 46. Stiftungsfest
• - Edelweiss Westchester's 76. Stiftungsfest
• - Edelweiss Detroit's Bairischer Nachmittag
• - Haberfeldtreiben, an old Bavarian custom
• - Reports from the 1. & 2. Gauvorplattler, Vortänzerin, & Dance Committee
• - G'stanzln – some great verses to sing

updated 12June 2009 by A. Beevis The website for the 22. Gaufest of Gauverband Nordamerika has been updated. The Gaufest will be hosted by Toledo Holzhacker Buam on August 13-16, 2009 in Toledo, Ohio. The registration packets were sent January 15, 2009 and the hotel reservation lines opened on February 15, 2009. Vendors who would like to participate should click on the "Vendor" button on the website. Gaufest registration packet is downloadable from the Gaufest website.

Note: Neither of the host hotels will allow beverages to be brought into the hotel. We encourage interested clubs to preorder beverages. The beverages will be available for pick up at check in. Both hotels are offering refrigerators in rooms.

New: The final schedule including workshop descriptions, children's activities is now posted. New souvenir items have been added to the order form. Order now and pick up at Gaufest. Items available at the Gaufest will be limited. Gaufest coins will be available at the souvenir booth. Amended "flower order form" and expanded "souvenir" page on website: www.toledogaufest2009.com.

The Park Inn has released more triple and quad rooms due to demand.

Deadlines: Heimatabend Participation Registration extended to June 1, 2009. Official Program Ad extended to June 1, 2009.