Dear Reader
February was no surprise as far as Old
Man Winter was concerned. He showed up as expected with snow and
ice and hefty winds. I felt so fortunate to have a cozy and
comfortable home to live in. We only ventured out when we had to
and for special events, some of which we canceled because of the
weather. Nevertheless, we managed to take in some, like a
costume ball as you can see on our front page. When it comes to
our young people we feel that we must make a special effort,
especially when they come and participate in our old customs.
 The Carnival season is not much to behold any more in our ranks.
The old fools have all but a few gone to the big
“Buetten”-Barrel in the sky, leaving us behind shrinking in
numbers. Every year it is a bit worse. I actually think we have
seen the last of some of the events in some locations. We do
hope though that clubs like the Club Loreley in Oshawa continue
with their many youngsters.
In this issue there are two reports, one on a “Kappen-Abend” in
the Hansa Club and the Children’s Costume Ball in the Danube
Swabian Club.
We missed a few concerts and theater performances, however we
did manage the classical concert in the Hansa Club and Opera
York’s fabulous Mozart presentation of Cosi fan tutte.
Another traditional and classic event was the Austrian Society’s
annual Gala Ball. This event is especially important since the
German Gala is basically no longer in existence. The culinary
escape last year did not make that many friends and it is
unknown at this point if a return to a traditional ball is
planned.
 We heard from our friends the Kärntner Doppelsextett, who went
to South Africa for a little concert tour. We remember them well
from their visit to Canada. Besides bringing their charming
national sounds to the world they also keep up with another old
fashioned habit: They write postcards, not just email! What a
joy! I keep them on the fridge for as long as there is room.
Other than that I have not much to report. Perhaps it should be
mentioned that besides many in our community there were two very
well known personas that left us forever: Rosemary Meier from
the Deutsche Press and Mr. Dimpflmeier Sr. of the bakery that
carries his name. We offer our sincere condolences to the
families.
Like you I am awaiting spring and hope this wonderful season to
be just around the corner. I already have stocked up on annual
bulbs like gladiolas and chrysanthemums. My choice for this year
is pink white and purple.
Are you ready? If not, Canada Blooms starts in a few days.
Until next time
Sybille Forster-Rentmeister
As the editor of Echo Germanica Sybille reflects on cultural, artistic,
political and daily events within the German-Canadian landscape.
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