March 2010 - Nr. 3
Dick reports...
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Prinzessinball 2010…
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| Danube Swabian Youth Group | |
The current ‘Miss’ for 2009, Deanne Vincent, explains it best in
her activities report for the past year: “I have been ‘Princess’
for a year and a member of this club for as long as I can
remember.
But this was the year that I wore the Tiara and Sash
to all the functions, and although this year was simply a year,
it meant more than a year to me, since this group; this club;
this culture; this heritage has been part of my whole life”.
She also explained the various duties a ‘Princess’ – or ‘Miss
Danube’ – has to perform during her reign: “I have been to
countless Oktoberfests; Prinzessin Balls; Trachtenfests;
Summerfests and before that to Caravans. One would think that
after a certain number of times you hear the same songs; sing
‘Ein Prosit’, see the same people, do the same dance, it would
become less important, less of a big deal, less significant. But
this year has made me aware of how special this is – and what we
have”.
She also mentioned that it was a great experience and a
milestone in her life and that she had learned that life is not
matter of milestones necessarily, but of moments – “and 2009 was
made of many moments”, she explained. She also marveled at the
amazing group of people and the connections made through this
club that last a lifetime.
| Going with the music |
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It was gratifying to see the many old-timers that were attending
this event. Many of them relatives of the Youth Group members,
but also a lot of “Schlachtenbummler” (groupies?). I wonder if
it wasn’t also the fantastic Chicken Paprikasch that was served
by the kitchen, at the buffet – compliments to the chef.
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| The Golden Keys... | ...with Heidi |
To get the guests in the mood the Golden Keys – this time with Heidi, one of the original members of the band – started to play many favorite tunes to quickly fill the dance floor.
| On the dance floor |
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When
the Danube Swabina Youth Group entered the members were
introduced by Annie Hudson. Afterwards they joined each other in
a dance.
| Introducing the Danube Swabian Youth Group |
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| Joining in a dance |
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When it was time for the inauguration of the new ‘Princess’, Joe
Folk, President of the club; Annie Hudson – the ‘grey eminence’
and dance teacher behind the success of the youth group - and
the group’s president, Michelle Vincent greeted the guests with
brief words of welcome.
This was followed by one of the most important parts of the event, the activity-report by the current princess. After the introduction of the Youth Group members in a march around the hall it was finally time for the long-awaited moment – “The envelope, please” and when it was handed to Joe Folk he announced the new “Royalty” for 2010.
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| President Joe Folk says good-bye to Deanne Vincent, Princess of 2009... | ...and hello to Cheyenne Kertes, Princess 2010 |
| The passing of the crown |
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“Cheyenne Kertes” he read out, and a surprised Cheyenne stepped forward to receive her Tiara and Sash from the outgoing ‘Miss’. She was also the ‘runner-up’ for last year’s ‘Miss’ – and Phillip Miller was chosen as ‘Mr. Danube’ to share and help her with her duties this year.
| The first waltz |
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After the obligatory waltzes the Golden Keys really took charge of the event by starting a lot of audience participation – including a “Polonaise” that didn’t seem to want to end.
| Polonaise with the Golden Keys |
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At the end of her report the outgoing ‘Miss’ mentioned something
that would have applied to all the other German clubs that don’t
exist anymore.
She said: “We had a good run this year in general. And while you
look at the group up here today, we are not standing alone. The
group, standing up here tonight, is supported by people who put
in countless hours and never-failing effort that contributes
immeasurably to the Youth Group”. Words of Wisdom and certainly
something to think about!
As always
Dick Altermann
