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 Kitchener would not be what it is
today without the strong presence of its German clubs and
organizations. Among all of them the Concordia Club occupies a
special position. 135 years of history of ups and downs in a
city that has changed much over that time span demanded courage
and perseverance and will to survive the winds of misfortunes
and ride high on the fortunes that were built.
 This is what the
president of the Concordia Club spoke of to an enthusiastic
crowd of guests at the celebration of the 135th
anniversary of the club. He said: "We built Waterloo Region into
one of the most prosperous regions of the country, with very low
unemployment and an unparalleled record of innovation. How can
this be possible, when a recent survey of this region proved
that we did not even have one of the country’s highest
percentages of residents holding university degrees? I believe
it is because the German community brought so much skill, pride
in craftsmanship, and unrelenting work ethic to this area, that
now Waterloo Region serves as a model of success that the rest
of the province would love to emulate."
 These are the things we can be proud of, he reminded us. These
are the things now recognized by Canadians. They hold a positive
view of us. We did not come here to be given a hand-out or a
comfortable life, we build and worked to get and to have these
things and privileges, all within the framework of this country.
| The Birthday Cake |
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 And right he is, as was demonstrated by the many people parading
across the front of the hall
 as they were given their
recognition by President Werner Schlueter, Heidi Novak, and Miss
Concordia Denise Brown, for their commitment and membership to
the club.
| Honouring |
| Edwin Lemke |
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| Peter Pijet |
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It was apparent in the presence of the many honorary members
present that night and applauded, as Sarah Allmendinger, the
young MC, called their names.
| Decorating the
members with pins and rings |
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It was obvious that there is commitment to serve the community
by the fine work the many volunteers did in decorating the hall
and planning the event, the food, the drink, the entertainment,
and the membership recognitions. Rita Allmendinger and Heidi
Novak were very instrumental in running those committees.
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| 10-year membership |
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| 25-year membership |
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| 40-year membership |
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| 50-year membership |
When Dr. Alfred Kunz and his Concordia Choir showed up to
serenade the newest honorary member Renate Keller it was obvious
that she had not counted on special honours, but always just
worked for the greater good of the collective.
| The Concordia
Choir conducted by Dr. Alfred Kunz |
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| Honorary member
Renate Keller |
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All night long the enthusiasm grew in the hall. There is a new
spirit arising in our community. There is a promise of better
times ahead.
For the Concordia Club, as a leader in the
community with great partners of a working association, to drive
forward the aims and goals of this German Canadian community is
a natural evolution. The nearly 2000 members attest to that with
confidence.
We congratulate the Concordia Club to this 135th
anniversary! May there be many more!
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