JANESVILLE - The German Interest Group will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 2921 Mt. Zion Avenue, Janesville. Gary Raetz, a retired teacher and dedicated genealogist, will give a lecture, "German Americans Hung on to their Culture." His research has resulted in a documentary video and DVD tracing the history of the first German families to settle in northeastern Stephenson County in Illinois. These families maintained their German culture and language in the community, schools, and churches that they founded. Visitors are always welcome at the meeting. For more information, contact Rick Leyes at (608) 754-5538.