May, 2004 - Nr. 5

Gala Anniversary
at the Hansa Haus

  "The anniversary dinner is an event where we celebrate our accomplishments in keeping the German Traditions alive" said Reiner Walter, President of the club in his opening address. He also congratulated former president Henry Bunge on his recent 86^th birthday and explained how Henry has kept the club financially afloat despite many difficulties during his term in office. The guests were then asked for a minute of silence to honour those who passed away during that last year. It was also on this very date – April 24^th 2003 that Irmgard Bunge passed away. This was one of the reasons for the whole Bunge clan to attend this anniversary, in her memory.

Reiner Walter then turned the microphone over to Sybille Forster-Rentmeister – the publisher of this newspaper – and that night’s Master of Ceremonies, who introduced the Hansa Choir, and the conductor Wolf Schepp, to open the proceedings with the Canadian and German National anthems, Inge Schepp at the keyboard.

The choir continued with a medley of well-known German folk songs. Afterwards Reiner Walter presented seven members with the 25-year pin for their loyalty followed by the introduction of former president Henry Bunge to say ‘Grace’.

Now it was time for the fabulous Russian style dinner prepared by the Hansa kitchen. The initial course was a mixed salad of greens, carrots, and red cabbage etc., to get the digestive juices flowing. A succulent pork roast with mashed potatoes, baby carrots, red cabbage and delicious gravy to complement the meal followed the appetizer. Second helpings were available for those that still felt that they had room for it. Red and white wines from the Reif Estate Winery were served with dinner. Dessert consisted of Coffee, Tea and a large slice of delicious cake that some guests were unable to finish completely.

Some of the Guests

Kudos to the ‘elves’ in the kitchen and the very attentive staff that tactfully and virtually unobtrusively served the guests.

This was also a rare opportunity to meet people that one infrequently sees at these functions. Seated at our table, for example were Gerda and Dietmar Lein from Lein’s Delicatessen, and Heidi and Reiner Nagy from George Jewellers in the German Corner, at Markham and Eglinton. Another dignitary was German Vice Consul Marianne Bath with her husband.

Couples

After the introduction of the visiting dignitaries, by the MC, the Oberkrainer Band began to play dance music for the guests who quickly filled the dance floor.

Multi-generational Dancing

The Weiss-Blau Bayern Junior and Senior Schuhplattler Groups and the Almrausch Folkdance Group - including the beloved cowbell performance - always crowd-pleasers - and a "lantern dance" at the end of the evening - in memory of a member who had passed away that very day - provided additional activities during the evening.

Brampton’s Mayor Susan Fennel later on also joined the celebrations to present a plaque to the club. This was her third stop this evening and Hazel McCallion, the intrepid Mayor of Mississauga, and staunch supporter of the Hansa Club, arrived even later - after her fourth stop, to join the festivities. Congratulations Hansa Club on a well-organized and very festive event.

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