October 5, 2008
“Gruetzi Mitenand”, Greetings members,
As summer winds down, some of us would prefer not to think yet of cold evenings to come but instead turn to our delightful memories of a sunny afternoon and a lovely August first celebration. We would like to extend a sincere Thank You to Jim and Irma Shields for opening their lovely home to us, once again. We all enjoyed delicious food, wonderful surroundings and, as always, the company of great friends.
A neighbor recently told me that the prevalence of cobwebs that you may have noticed on the bushes and the trees this fall is a harbinger of a harsh winter to come. Not happy news to have to share with those whom we care about so instead, let’s focus on the good news: this newsletter is a harbinger of the Autumn Raclette dinner!
When, where and how much: Raclette Esse 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Social time starts at 4 p.m., dinner served at 4:30
St. Thomas More Catholic Church
1200 North Indiana Street
Mooresville, Indiana (map enclosed)
$15 in advance (mail the enclosed reservation form) $19 at the door
For those of you unlucky enough to not be familiar with the process, the hot, melted cheese will be served over boiled potatoes, accompanied by gherkins, cocktail onions, olives and cold meats. Wine, soft drinks and coffee will be provided, but please feel free to augment the supply. We also ask that you bring a dessert to share. If you will be joining us, and we hope you will, please complete the enclosed form and mail it to Therese Jochum so that it arrives in her hands no later than the 25th of October. We ask that you be sure to let us know you are coming so that we know how many potatoes to prepare and places to set.
If you would like to purchase cheese, the types available and prices are listed below. The cheese order form can be found at the end of this newsletter. Please note that I am told the cheeses are very fresh this year, having just been imported. Interestingly, although the prices have risen this year, they are cheaper for us here in the states than they are currently in Switzerland! Don’t miss out on this deliciousness!!
Gruyere$9.95/lb. Raclette $9.75/lb.
Emmentaler$8.35/lb.Vacherin$11.00/lb.
Tilsiter$10.00/lb.Tete de Moine$12.00/lb.
Appenzeller$11.50/lb.Marechal$11.90
Luzerner Rahmkaeser$10.00/lb.Mountain Cheese11.20/lb.
The chocolate has arrived and the International Festival, held on the State Fair Grounds, is also fast approaching. This year it will be the weekend of November 20-23rd. As part of our cultural display this year we plan to feature a table with games for the children to play. Can anyone advise on or share some of the typical games played by children in Switzerland? Volunteering at the sales or the cultural booth guarantees you a parking pass and an entrance ticket! Participating at these events is a lot of fun, as well as a great way to show your pride in your Swiss heritage. And never overlook the opportunity to do some great Christmas shopping! If you are interested in helping at one of the booths or have information about Swiss games, please contact Jim Weinmann . Thanks, in advance, for your help!
It’s hard to imagine thinking about December having not yet celebrated Halloween, but it will be here before we know it so we have made our plans for the Swiss Club Christmas party.
When and where: Christmas Party 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
3 p.m. until we run out of carols…
St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church
1200 North Indiana Street
Mooresville, Indiana (map enclosed)
The meal, the drinks and the decorations will be provided. Please bring a side-salad or dessert to share. Santa will be joining us after the meal with gifts for our younger guests. Please RSVP to Therese Jochum no later than Saturday, December 6th.
PLEASE NOTE, For children 12 and under: Please be sure to provide the following information with your reservation so that elves Brigitte Goldschmid and Andrea Strother can help Santa by delivering the gifts:
- Name and age of each child attending
- boy or girl
- a few toy ideas in the $15-$20 range
Just a reminder about our website at The information regarding the upcoming events listed herein will also be available online. Please be sure to visit often and keep an eye out for future developments as we continue to build the site.
Lastly, annual club dues for 2008 were due in May. If you have not had a chance to remit for this year’s membership, please contact one of the officers at the Raclette dinner. Individual dues are 18$, family dues are 30$. Checks can be made payable to the Swiss Club of Central Indiana. The membership form and mailing information is also available online.
Now that we have attended to our club business, we turn to sadder news and with heavy hearts announce the passing of one of our founding members, Ms. Freida Nyhart. We are very grateful to Mrs. Joanna Desmueles for providing us with the following memorial.
Freida Erni Nyhart
1937 – 2008
On September 2, 2008, we lost the matriarch of the Swiss Club of Central Indiana. At age 7l, Frieda Erni Nyhart passed away, leaving behind many legacies - - the Swiss Club being one of thriving, great vitality decades later. When Frieda complained to husband/civic leader Eldon Nyhart that she desperately missed the company of her Swiss compatriots, Eldon challenged her to act. Frieda contacted the Swiss Embassy in Chicago, retrieved the names of Swiss citizens registered in central Indiana and threw a whiz-bang party to entice her Swiss guests to create the SCCI. Her spacious quarters at Lions Head Apartments on 73rd Street in Indianapolis overflowed with wine, cheeses and newly-born fellowship. She set the standard for all that was to follow, and the Swiss Club was formed.
Born in St. Gallen, Switzerland, Frieda served in the Swiss diplomatic core in the Swiss Embassy in Tunisia, Africa, as well as functioning as an interpreter at the United Nations. (Here my facts are cloudy, but I understand she spoke four to seven languages fluently.) After marrying Eldon and moving to Indianapolis, she became heavily involved in community affairs. Aside from being appointed the Honorary Swiss Consul for Indianapolis (and the first woman nationally to be named Honorary Consul) and co-creating not only the Swiss Club of Central Indiana, but the Indiana Swiss Foundation, Frieda served on the Board of Directors of the International Center of Indiana and was an active member of the Clowes Hall Women’s Club, Contemporary Club, Lambs Club, Twirlers Club, Woodstock Country Club and a Second Century Society member of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. She and Eldon amassed a huge collection of contemporary art, which filled their home and offices at The Nyhart Company.
Of note is that Frieda gave countless hours to the Herron School of Art and the Indianapolis Sister City program, establishing Crans-Montana, Switzerland, and Zionsville, Indiana, as sister cities and building the high school student exchange program between the two communities.
She enjoyed and mentored her stepchildren: Eldon Newhart, Jr., Sallie Nyhart Peeler, Maria Nyhart Dahlman and Malott White Nyhart. Later in life, she and Eldon became the cherished “Oma” and “Opa” to seven grandchildren. The grandchildren became privy to her advice and encouragement, often expressed through kitchen chats and, if need be, long letters to youngsters living out of reach. Her family was paramount to her, and her devotion to Eldon unquestionable. During Eldon’s final years, Frieda lovingly cared for him, at great emotional and physical sacrifice. Eldon called the petite, blonde Frieda “Little Girl,” but, in reality, she was his pillar.
Every journalist of merit knows you gather every fact you can about your subject, and then verify twice or more. I apologize for lack of more basic information about my friend, Frieda. My earnest inquiries have not received timely responses, and the newsletter deadline is upon us. I understand (note, not verified) that Frieda died unexpectedly from a lung infection-turned-sepsis event. I understand she is survived by three sisters, who live in Switzerland (as for other Swiss family - - I don’t know). I understand that the vast majority of Eldon and Frieda’s art collection is being donated in their name to the contemporary art halls of the IMA.
I KNOW that her funeral was a lovely occasion, filled with mourners from many areas of her influences, vibrantly displayed photos reflecting her beauty and grace throughout her lifetime, flowers and music. I KNOW the singing of Edelweiss at the end of the service (“Edelweiss, Edelweiss, bless my homeland forever”) brought tears. I KNOW the SCCI exists because of her, and we all are grateful. Most of all, I KNOW we’ve lost a trusted, exceptional friend. Godspeed, Frieda.
Joanna Desmeules
We look forward to seeing you at one of our many upcoming events. Enjoy the fall colors and cooler weather, watch out for the spiders and, perhaps most importantly, avoid the lines: vote early!
Sincerely,
Jackie Ahlborn, Secretary
Swiss Club of Central Indiana
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Raclette Esse Reservation Form / Cheese Order Form
Please make your reservation by mailing this form to arrive by October 25th:
Therese Jochum
7725 Maxwellton Street
Mooresville, Indiana 46158
15$ for adults and teens, children under 12 eat Gratis ($19 at the door). Please enclose payment for the dinner, with checks made payable to the Swiss Club of Central Indiana.
Yes, we are attending!
Name:______
Phone:______
Number of Adults:______
Number of children:______(under 12)
Yes, we would like to order cheese!
Gruyere _____ lbs.Raclette ______lbs.
Emmentaler______lbs.Vacherin______lbs.
Tilsiter______lbs.Tete de Moine ______lbs.
Appenseller______lbs.Mountain
LuzernerCheese ______lbs.
Rahmkaeser______lbs.
Please Do NOT include payment for the cheese. Total cost will be determined once cheeses are cut and weighed so you will pay for the cheese when you pick it up at the dinner.
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Location Map, Mooresville, Indiana
Street map: 1200
North Indiana Street