January 2002 - Nr. 1
Dick reports...
The Year That Was…
It is customary to take stock at the end of a year, remembering trials and tribulations, the positives and the negatives. Last year was no different from other years, and some events stand out more than others.
The 9/11 WTC disaster – for example - brought us closer to our neighbours but also made abundantly clear to the world that we are vulnerable to evil on a tremendous scale and that a few ‘neighbours’, who do not wish us well, can disrupt our very existence.
Closer to home, in our own ranks, we are mourning the passing of a good and selfless friend, Fred Wagner. With the help of his wife Ingrid, he kept the BDKK (German-Canadian Mardi Gras Association) - and all the member societies – functioning and pulling together to keep carnival in Canada alive and well. He had a great love for people and the German community at large. He was not only the president of the BDKK, but also president of the ‘Sonnenhof German Club’ for many years.
He
was adored by the girls from the ‘Narragonia Dance-Guard’ and one of the
girls asked me if Fred’s passing might now be the end of "Manöverball" in
Ontario – she was almost in tears – or who is taking over? It shows how
close one person can be associated with a large number of people and how
this can affect them. I did not have an answer for her, yet.
Another one we are missing is Hans Nebel who was a member of the original "Treue Husaren" and well known in the race-circuits a few years ago. Of course there were many more that we fondly remember – but too many to list here.
On the positive side we gained another new carnival society. The 1. K.G. Ascendia in Hamilton had its first "Opening" this year. Now there is a group that consists mainly of dedicated younger members and they already have a dance-guard (Kindergarde). When I say younger members – from where I am standing, anybody under 50 is young.
Another entity that passed mercifully away was the Austrian Club Edelweiss. It has now ceased all activities, just a few years after loosing the club property on Beverly Street. Another case of too many chiefs and not enough Indians – maybe I should I say ‘young’ Indians.
On the other side of the coin we should look to the ‘Donauschwaben’, the Danube Swabian Club who had another successful year and who has always been instrumental in bringing the younger generations into the fold, to carry on the traditions and heritage.
Another
very successful event this year was "German Day at the Ex" when thousands of
people gathered in front of the CNE Bandshell in the middle of August to
experience a full day of entertainment with the Schalmeien Band, the
Alpenwind Band, the Harmonie Brass Show Band, a fantastic fashion show by
Regina, ‘Garde’ dance by the Treue Husaren, Mississauga, carnival society, a
huge combined choir, the Danube-Swabians and the forget-me-nots and all of
it hosted by Gabi Schick and our own Sybille Forster-Rentmeister as the
Master of Ceremonies.
I am sure many of our readers had experiences to reflect on,
as the old year ends, and another new one starts. What it will bring is
future history and unpredictable, but it will also be a year of many fresh
experiences, of opportunities for growth and, sadly, moments of despair for
some. But be of good cheer, in my experience many of the events, that at the
time were perceived as unfortunate, turned out to be beneficial and
opportunities for growth.
…and how did it end?
For
me it ended at the Hansa Haus in Mississauga and dinner with about 300
guests plus George Kash and his band.
After Henry Bunge said Grace, we were served an excellent
dinner consisting of asparagus soup, Caesar salad,
beefrouladen
with carrots, red cabbage and mashed potatoes and an excellent gravy. All
this arrived at the table still hot and delicious. For desert we were served
a chocolate mouse in a semi-sweet chocolate cup.
Great!
By that time we had finished Reif’s wine – red and white – that was on every
table, we were ready for a good cup of coffee. This also arrived hot and
strong and was a fitting end to this delightful meal. There was not much of
a wait between courses since the serving staff was very quick on their feet
and apparently well trained. Great effort, Karin!
George
Kash and the band had a fabulous repertoire of beloved tunes on hand and a
great sense of just what the dancers wanted to hear at any particular
moment.
It
seemed really uncanny - if one did not know the illustrious background of
George and his band. The dance floor was always full although some people
thought the band was too loud.
However there was a way out - if people wanted to talk – the Hansa Stube was open upstairs, complete with a working bar and a designated smoking area. The guests could sit upstairs and have a conversation without having to shout into each other’s ear. Problem solved!
When
the great moment arrived and Ekko Hildebrandt started to count down the last
seconds of the ending year, excitement rose.
Happy
New Year - and the hall was filled with balloons that had been released from
the ceiling and were happily stomped on to add to the din.
Couples
embracing, people toasting each other with the champagne that was supplied
for all the tables, total strangers shaking hands and wishing each other
"Happy New Year" and tooting their little horns. Well, out with the old and
in with the new – let’s hope it is a better year for everyone.
Happy
New Year
Dick Altermann
Comments to: dick@echoworld.com
