Club Scene

March 2008 - Nr. 3

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Club Scene

Of the few clubs in and around the Ontario area we frequently visit the Danube Swabian Club, Scarborough, which recently experienced a few problems, all too familiar at other clubs too. Eventually they all have to deal with the lack of active members and a lack of younger people that are willing to carry on the traditions of old. Often those young people realize much later that there is something worth keeping up. We can only hope that it is not too late then for the youngest generation to pick up the slack.

That is what appears to be happening in Scarborough. The new board is a good mix of older and experienced people as well as some younger blood.

It has to be noted that the world has changed drastically in recent years. The demand to make money has never been greater than now. That leaves much less time for the families to indulge in cultural activities together. This is the reason why we do not see those generations as often as we would like to when they go through their childrearing years. But perhaps miracles will happen and our German culture can be salvaged if we all apply ourselves to keeping it going. Everyone can make a contribution, big or small. It takes only a bit of good will and effort. The community feeling, that comes only from being with one’s own kind, requires that we recognize the importance of our personal contribution. It is not a spectator sport like watching soccer on TV at home on the couch.

Valentine's Dance

The last time we went to the Danube Swabian Club in Scarborough was for the Valentine's Dance. It was one of those events that makes you feel at home.

A birthday party at the President's table

We joined then President Henry Betsch and his wife and family and friends at their table, where a birthday party was taking place. The food, Beef Stroganoff, was delicious, the music was terrific, the Golden Keys, and the company was cheerful. Various people had brought little giveaways for the occasion like chocolate hearts, pens disguised as lipstick and so on. There were other party favours and getting one of those was fun and an activity in itself. Someone had to come forward, go so many steps back and whoever they were then standing next to was getting a gift like a cuddly teddy bear.

The Dance

The Golden Keys

These are simple pleasures. This is clean fun that does not require having read Knigge or being instructed and inducted into the latest fads ad trends. This is the kind of stuff you do with your family, and your friends.

Kinderfest

Another occasion the week before was a Kinder Masquerade afternoon, run as usual when it comes to the kids in this group, by Lori Szauter, who becomes teary eyed if she only considers the possibility of no club, no kids…with help from the vast Szauter clan she pulled off another one of her hallmark events.

Arts & Crafts

Dressed as a clown she had them doing all sorts of wholesome activities on an arts and craft table, dancing, singing, face painting and so on.

Bouncing the Ball

There was poetry, there were fabulous costumes, including a mini Miss Danube; and there was singing and dancing and laughter, lots of laughter. The faces of the children shone with joy and so did the faces of parents and grandparents.

Invitation to a Dance

No one really wanted to go home, but we all know that all good things have to come eventually to an end too. Filled with delicious cakes made by the Woman’s Auxiliary and armed with goodies and balloons, tired and happy big and small kids, including this writer, made their way home, looking forward to the next event of this sort. It will likely be around Easter that we see that many kids again.