Community Events

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, in his drama Faust, refers to the conundrum of a person not knowing how to decide as 2 souls living in his chest.
(“Zwei Seelen wohnen ach in meiner Brust…”)

I venture to say that that is how a few people felt when they were watching the FIFA Women’s World Cup opener between Germany and Canada, which took place in Berlin.

At the Hansa Club

We decided to cover it within our community, remembering the amazing atmosphere and turnout at the regular Men’s World Cup games and drove out to Brampton to the Hansa Club to experience this important event among friends. Naturally we did not expect it to be as packed as the other games, but we were slightly disappointed with what we found. Never-the-less, it was fun to watch it while eating the famous Herrings Salat with fresh buns or a Schnitzel with Potato Salad, or whatever else the volunteers in the kitchen turned out. It was lunchtime after all, and a beer went down real well with the meal.

And when the first goal was scored by Germany and some people applauded for the German team and others were quiet, I realized, it is strange to watch this game. One has to be truly neutral to be fair. Personally I feel it to be unfair to cheer for Germany, if the country we chose to live in is the opponent.

Someone asked me if I pay taxes to Germany, and I do not, but even if I did while I was living here for 40 years as an immigrant I would feel somewhat obliged to support my chosen homeland, rather than my past country. Perhaps treasonous is a bit too harsh to describe this scenario, but I cannot find a better word. What if these 2 countries were not on friendly terms, would we not have to take sides and would it then surprise us if Canada would raise an eyebrow if we chose Germany over this country?

Well, it was good conversation material anyway!

We moved on to the Danube Swabian Club to be very disappointed by the turnout. It was dismal! But the game went on and the food was as good as we have always expected it to be in the club, and we found Ulli Jeschke and family in the middle of it all supporting the club. Very nice!

Unfortunately Canada lost to Germany 2:1. However, they played not bad and had really great moments. The host team was very gracious afterwards, and both hoped as did the Ambassador, that the 2 teams might meet again towards the end. If that will happen is still written in the stars as of this writing, but I know that the Canadian team is not doing as well as the German team.

At the Danube Swabian Club

I cannot help but wonder if the weak attendance in the Swabian Club had to do with the showing of the game at Downtown Toronto’s Dundas Square. Certainly the younger people that otherwise would have shown up in the club for this event went into the city. And if that was so then this was loss of much needed business for the clubs. But we can thank the German Consulate General for the great PR on Germany’s behalf.

Midsummer Night’s Dream Dance

Anyone with a romantic streak appreciated this summer solstice dance that has become an annual tradition in the Hansa House. The clubs vice president and all-round event wizard Ekko Hildebrandt did a marvelous job organizing the dinner dance. Dancing is still one of the most desirable forms of exercise there is, and it is especially conducive for a social evening. Thus German Canadians turned out in great numbers, including some real dance aficionados, and, you got it, danced away the night to the fabulous Golden Keys.

The Golden Keys
Dancing to their tunes

Food good, decorations good, music great, company fabulous, what more can one ask for? A fire perhaps? Of course, there has to be at least a symbolic fire to dance around at a summer solstice, and there was, of course arranged by Ekko Hildebrandt who commentated through the entire evenings proceedings!

Eric Offak's polonaise

Eric Offak led the merry band of patrons all around the hall until practically no one was sitting down any more. With his inviting manner he could probably make a rock move. It was a great Polonaise enjoyed by all that could have gone on and on.

Then Ekko Hildebrandt created a true togetherness with songs around a log fire.

Singing around the log fire

Next the club has members appreciation BBQ on July 17^th 1 pm planned, which we are all looking forward to. Members are free and guest and friends only 10 dollars to offset the cost. Hopefully the weather god will play along!

I am looking forward to meeting you there!

Sybille Forster-Rentmeister

Sybille reports as a German-Canadian about culture, arts, entertainment, community events from her unique perspective as an artist.