When I asked several people they did not easily come up with an answer, but agreed wholeheartedly when I suggested that it was a feeling of community, of belonging. It is such an obvious situation, so simple, that it explains a lot of human behavior: the joining of people in associations, organizations, fraternities and many other venues, including clubs. Common interests makes people join in common goals and purposes and pursue them in any way they can. It appears that very few things in life are solo activities. No one really survives alone without contribution by others. The game of life requires always other players and their good will to support the same ideas and ideals.

In Canada, as in other countries that have a multitude of citizens hailing from other parts of the world, this can be observed easily. Ethnic groups rally together for many different purposes, but they also have and maintain a strong structure with regular events strengthening the social fibers of that community. After World War II many middle Europeans came here, including those from Germany and Austria. They formed their organizations and added on to some which already existed for a long time from previous waves of immigration. The current scene from post WWII is looking already on a 4^th generation, which is largely integrated and likely not to keep up with some of the traditions as they were known in the "old country", even if they were introduced to them. The rows of original immigrants are growing thin and thinner and the traditional gatherings are also reflecting this. But we are still making a good showing and as long as we can fill a hall, we will turn up when called. There is no need yet to cancel our most forward looked to events of the year. In fact, some of us are welcoming the occasional more intimate setting.

Ball Austria

This annual event is a love affair for all things Austrian. Every year a different theme presents itself and this year it was Vienna, the city that has so much history, that its beauty is bountiful and limitless. Who is Who and could, turned up to partake in the celebration of Viennese music provided by Matt Lebar and his Ensemble for everyone’s dancing pleasure and with classical renditions by a soprano and piano duo.

After a traditional champagne reception the formally dressed guests flocked into one of the beautifully appointed ballrooms to find their tables before being welcomed by the evenings MC Helmut Gschoesser, who also introduced the head table and speakers: Dr. Karl Schmidt , Austrian Consul and his wife Maria; Mr. Alfred Wirth, Wirth Institute and Austrian Canadian Council and Mrs. Allyson Dyer; Mr. John Raschke, past president of the Canadian Austrian society; Ms. Christine Meyer, current President of the Canadian Austrian Society; and from Austrian Airlines Mr. Austin Marcus accompanied by Sybille Welte . Luckily the necessary speeches were held short and to a minimum, and dinner was served without much ado. Appetizers, soup and dessert where loved by all, but the entree, very pink veal, had a few difficulties for many, yet if it arrived warm at the table it was very, very good.

While a slide show of Vienna was running on 2 big screens, the newest of ballroom atmosphere enhancers, we saw them already at the German Ball last year, the rest of the evening went on with music to listen or to dance to. There were many prizes to be gotten; nearly every other person went home with something donated by many of the local manufacturers, importers and merchants. Tickets to Vienna from Austrian Airlines were won by Mr. and Mrs. Karl Nast, who have attended the ball religiously for many years.

Ms. Christine Meyer; Mr. Austin Marcus, representing Austrian Airlines; Mrs. Nast, winner of the tickets; Mrs. Maria Schmidt; Mr. Christopher Dymand, lawyer

The many visitors of this ball arrived from as far away as Kitchener, Burlington and several places quite north of Toronto. It must be said that all had a wonderful time and can be counted on to return next year.

On the dance floor

The organizers deserve an extra big Thank You for their efforts in putting this wonderful evening together, as do the many generous sponsors. Extra mention must go to Ms. Christine Meyer who appears to be everywhere and has a hand in everything. She has been the very soul of the Canadian Austrian Society for quite a few years now and without her, and Mr. Raschke before her, and other helpful volunteers this social segment of our society activities would not flourish and prosper still, as it does.

Until next time

Sybille Forster-Rentmeister