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There is nothing like a picnic in the
summer to bring the community together. The first one we
attended was at the Hansa Club in Brampton. It was held in
appreciation of all members that support the club throughout the
year and there
 was no charge for members. President Robert
Gutwein praised all the volunteers and board members, named them
and introduced them to the many folk that had shown up at this
first appreciation BBQ on the year’s hottest day. Gerhard
Fuellert, in charge of memberships, and his wife Karin worked
especially hard to make this get-together happening.
 People were warmly invited to actively participate in the clubs
affairs with advice on what should be happening in the club,
what beverages should be stocked, what food to be available at
festivities and so on. Volunteers are welcome in their field of
choice, kitchen, bar, decorating, whatever…. There is always a
lot to do in a club and all help is appreciated.
It was wonderful to see so many people in a relaxed atmosphere.
The sun was glaring from a blue sky but umbrellas warded off the
worst of it. When it got too hot for someone the cool inside was
beckoning, where the bar was
 open and coffee, tee and cake,
cookies and fruit were waiting.
Outside on the patio the BBQ as working overtime and sausages,
potatoe salad and sauerkraut were offered as main fare.
Delicious! Albert and John supplied the music and a good time
was had by all.
 I sat mostly inside and met up with a lot of friends. We enjoyed
the opportunity to reminisce with Gerry Meinzer about the glory
days of the early German Canadian Congress, and catch up.
 It was a wonderful idea to have this membership appreciation
afternoon. It made even more of a tight community than it
already was before.
The next and regular club picnic is happening August 14 at 1pm.
We are all looking forward to it and hope to see those people we
missed at the last one.
Remembrance Society Kitchener
 The annual event of the German
Canadian Remembrance society took again place at the Anna Tuerr
Memorial in Mannheim, where the Klaus Koeppen led through the
proceedings, as usual. The Concordia Choir opened with a musical
number; Mayor Les Armstrong of Wilmot Township welcomed
everyone, as did Toni Bergmeier, National President of the
German Canadian Congress. There were greetings from MP Harold
Albrecht, MPP Elizabeth Witmer and MPP Leeanna Pendergast.
Danuta Grigaitis delivered one of her heartfelt poems and Helene
Schramek, President of the Remembrance Society, reiterated the
purpose of the organization, which include the caring of the
graves in such places as the Woodland Cemetery were so many
German soldiers where interred, the planning and execution of
the memorial service there in November on the occasion of
Rememberance day of each year, which has its 40th
anniversary this year, the festivities for Pioneers day and of
course the memorial service at the Anna Tuerr Park.
 All participants and volunteers were warmly thanked. In
appreciation there is always a picnic at the Tuerr Farm
afterwards. Piller’s generously donates the meat and the
Concordia Kitchen always does the potatoe salad. Helene Schramek
and her father, Paul Tuerr welcomed all the guest and encouraged
guests to a bit of a fund raising, which as always turned out to
be quite successful.
 Here too people gathered to have a good time while doing
something useful. Being useful does not mean seriousness and
duty, but music and fun, as was provided by Danuta Grigaitis and
Horst Beyerle. The event took place in the middle of the week
and still people stuck around till 10pm, even though many of the
200 of them had to travel quite a distance to get home.
Like many others we regret not having been able to be there. Our
invites arrived too late.
Until next time
Sybille Forster-Rentmeister
P.S.: All pictures for the Paul Tuerr Picnic were supplied by
Julia Poje - member of the Remembrance Society Youth Group -
representing the Alpine Club
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