Sybille reports: Anniversary Dinner

Going to the local club is for many as natural as it is for others to participate in a daily workout. This was especially true for the past decades and after so many immigrants came from overseas after WWII. The scene has changed somewhat, because the originally driving forces of postwar years are getting on and are largely diminished in numbers. Their children do not often participate to the same degree their parents did. They feel they are Canadian and want to fit in and have assimilated themselves into the local Canadian culture. A few times a year they enjoy coming to the club to celebrate German customs with their families. Christmas is of course one occasion and Easter is another.

While we have brought you stories of these festivities in the past we still feel that it is worthwhile to do so again. We get to see who had children and how they have grown. It is simply wonderful to observe several generations together in one room. On occasion we have seen 4 generation around one table.

Anniversary Dinner

Other occasions of course are more for the old guard that faithfully turns up to celebrate a club anniversary for instance. At this particular occasion the Hansa Choir, recently swelled by members of the Harmonie Choir, and under the guidance of Dieter Wütherich, performed amazingly well.

The Hansa Choir directed by Dieter Wütherich

We cannot say enough about the improvements of the choir. Anyone who loves to sing and can come to the weekly rehearsals should join. The choir members really sound like they are enjoying what they do.

The 53^rd anniversary of the Hansa Club in Brampton had extra significance this year because there was a changing of the guards. After over a decade a new president was present who introduced his board of directors to the guests. Robert Gutwein took over as president. He has been a hands-on board member for a few years now and is ably assisted by his wife Heidi. They are replacing Reiner Walter and his wife Irmgard, who have been involved in the clubs business since its beginning.

Robert Gutwein thanks Reiner & Irmgard Walter

Robert Gutwein thanked them for their hard work and dedication over so many years. A round of immense applause, flowers and a plaque acknowledged their service to the community. And here are the members of the current Board of Directors:

Robert Gutwein, President;
Ekko Hildebrandt, Vice President;
Fred Kothleitner, Maintenance Director;
Gerhardt Fuellert, Membership Director;
Boe Hladish, Treasurer;
Barbara Bunge, Klaus Novak, Jack Gimpel, Directors.

A huge birthday party for Gerda Hoffmann

	Herta Mader with son-in-law Lou Wegner & daughter Lilo
Eric Gnoyke with friends

This happened after a wonderfully flavorful dinner, when he also acknowledged the birthdays of some of the long standing members. There was a huge birthday party at one table. Gerda Hoffmann celebrated an 80th birthday with her large family including great grandchildren. Herta Mader had reached her 91^st birthday and celebrated it with her son-in-law Lou Wegner and her daughter Lilly, and Eric Gnoyke was there with friends on his 90^thbirthday. None of them looked their age, all of them could tell us many interesting stories out of their long lives, worthy of collecting in a book.

Performances by the Weiss-Blau Bayern Juniors

An evening of such importance is not complete when the clubs “under groups” do not perform. Thus we were treated to the most precious of performers, the small children of the Weiss-Blau Bayern. Some of them are still toddlers yet want to participate and they do amazingly well.

...and the Weiss-Blau Bayern Seniors











...plus ringing of the cow bells by Carmen Harany

Followed by audience participation...

A totally polished performance by the Senior Dancers as well as some extraordinary playing of the cow bells by Carmen Harany complimented the occasion and was rewarded with much applause.