January 2001 - Nr. 1
Dick reports...
Remember the Y2K Bug…?
It was featured in some literature and cartoons as a horrible looking critter that would swallow everything in your computer. But when we ushered in the last year of the 20th Century, on New Year’s Eve, it disappeared without even a whimper.
Of
course in the states some nut turned off the main switch in a small club at
midnight, plunging the premises into total darkness. But just as people
started lighting candles he turned it back on. It was a relatively young
crowd and there were no heart attacks – but can you imagine if someone had
done that at the Hansa Haus or the Donauschwaben Club – how many of the
elderly might have had serious problems with a stunt like this.
However,
now that we are really starting into the first year of the 21st
Century, we don’t worry about the Y2K Bug anymore. Having arrived at the
end of the year 2000, today we are a little more blasé about the matter. We
look back at the year, our trials and tribulations, our successes, our
failures and where we barely sneaked through potential disasters. We reflect
and come to the conclusion that it was not such a bad year after all.
This
year I celebrated at the Hansa Haus, same as last year. Of course the event
was sold out again, actually some people had already signed up at last year’s
celebration for this year.
Lots
of tuxedos and fabulous evening gowns were in evidence. Well, it is a
festive occasion and it only happens once a year. So why not go all out?
And
all out they went at the Hansa Haus. A fabulous dinner was served with cream
of asparagus soup, salad, pork medallions, chicken breast, gravy, mashed
potatoes, cake and coffee, as well as wine of your choice during the meal,
on festively decorated tables. Kudos also to the servers who kept things
running smoothly, and the kitchen staff who so diligently laboured behind
the scenes.
They club had hired a German cook to prepare the meal and the rest was done in-house under the supervision and hands-on guidance of a very capable Karin Walter.
After
dinner George Kash – Toronto’s Santa Claus – (don’t tell anyone that
I told you!) and his band took over. They played almost non-stop the rest of
the evening. Yes, he did demonstrate his beer-drinking special while
standing on his head. He even topped it after midnight with not only the two
large glasses of beer but also an additional two shots of "Jägermeister".
The
selections of dance music – from his incredible repertoire – contained
something for everybody. This kept the dance floor loaded, as was to be
expected.
After
dinner the Hansa Stube, upstairs, was opened so that the smokers could enjoy
the sit-down bar, while they indulged in their cravings for nicotine. The
alternative was the cold foyer – about which I have ranted before.
When
it was time to usher in the New Year a "count-down clock" was
activated, which lit up and where everyone could see the last seconds of the
last year of the 20th century slip away. Then came the
traditional champagne so that the guests could toast each other and the New
Year. The band also played the Canadian national anthem to conclude these
activities. Happy New Year!
I have checked with some of my reliable sources about festivities in other clubs. The Bayern Club featured Fred Rohrer’s band - which by the way was rated "phenomenal". The hall was not overbooked this time but everyone had a ball. Nice table decorations and balloons complemented the newly decorated hall and the foyer was opened for smokers. Unfortunately the regular caterers where unable to cater the event this year and the substitute catering service was not really the best choice. The regular catering service will most likely be available for the next event of the club.
The consumption of alcoholic beverages was moderate and one of the guests drank only water. (He must have been a designated driver). Well, it’s the law. They just do not tolerate drunk drivers in this city, so why try to fight City Hall?
The Germania Club in Hamilton had a great time also. There the highlight of the evening was a buffet with 160 items to choose from. The table reached from the stage to the entrance – for those who know the dimensions o the club – and another 10-foot table had to be set up for the desert alone. I guess George did it again!
A great number of the guests were non-Germans that were very happy with the event and who also professed that they have had a great time.
The band, "Die Goldenen Zwei" (the golden two) were actually three musicians who also performed beyond expectation and kept the guests on their feet.
Unfortunately I was unable to reach anyone from the Donauschwaben Klub, but knowing the Matt Lebar ensemble and what this group is capable of, I am sure that the evening was a total success again.
Happy New Year to all, as always
Dick Altermann
Comments to: dick@echoworld.com
