In 1951, the Transylvania Club was formed in Kitchener, Ontario. Due to the global pandemic, the 70th anniversary of the foundation could not be celebrated in 2021, so it was compensated with a ceremony on November 19 this year.
The celebration began with performances by cultural groups. Our MC Bob Foster expertly guided through the program. The fanfare, conducted by Andrea Emrich, welcomed the guests. The group of children all appeared in traditional costumes and delighted their parents and grandparents with their dance performances. Heidimarie Hesch, Rick and Krista Hesch as well as Lorianne and Bob Schauss have done a great job with the little ones. The Transylvania Choir, directed by Andrea Emrich, entertained with some songs, the piece “Nach meine Heimat” was accompanied by the brass band.
After dinner, the official part followed. Club president Reinhard Schmidt welcomed the guests. Then the last 70 years were reviewed in a raid on the city. Cultural group leader Erika Schmidt said in her report that the Transylvania Club would not have lasted as long without the cultural groups.
John Werner, federal president of the Landsmannschaft in Canada, reported on the many exchange programs that the Landsmannschaften (Federation of Transylvanian Saxons) has organized in recent years and pointed to the cultural exchange with Austria in 2023. These exchange programs, as youth camps or cultural exchanges, they serve to strengthen the Transylvanian community in the world.
The guests of honor who appeared were welcomed. The highlight of the evening was the recognition of the founding members who still live in Kitchener. All seven members were welcomed, Anna Eichvald, Sofia Hendel, Johann Paulini, Michael Paulini, Michael Poschner, Maria Suessman and Katharina Werner, but only three were present: Johann Paulini, Maria Suessman and Katharina Werner.
After the official part, the “Wildbahn” dance band, directed by John Frim, played for the ball. The youth dance group, led by Amanda Mooser, skilfully performed some dances. That was the end of a beautiful day.
Annual General Meeting and Costume Ball at Aylmer
After a two-year break, the annual general meeting of the Landsmannschaft was held in Aylmer on 5 November. The session was opened by President John Werner. A minute’s silence was held for deceased members following a welcome from the Host President, Dave Pfingstgraef. Mr. Werner announced that 38 members have left us in the past three years. Most belonged to the Transylvania Club. The president presents an activity report, which mainly concerns the cancellation of projects such as youth exchanges and cultural exchanges. At the same time, however, a preview of upcoming activities was given. We are all hopeful that these can take place next year.
Then new elections were held. Mr. Werner thanked John Penteker, the outgoing First Vice President, for his work over the past twenty years. Rebecca Horeth was confirmed as federal vice president, press secretary Hannelore Maiterth and women’s secretary Rosemary Horeth.
Following the meeting was the traditional costume ball, which was attended by guests from and around Kitchener. During the parade of traditional costumes, those present were able to admire 24 pairs of traditional costumes. The Saxonia dance group delighted us with beautiful dances. Transylvania Choir Kitchener and Transylvania Youth Dance Group helped create the program. The “Seven Castles” director Ron Schatz played for the dance. This festival was also a successful festival after a long hiatus.
Hannelore Maiterth, Pressereferentin
Christmas and New Year wishes
Dear compatriots, on behalf of the compatriots of the Transylvanian Saxons in Canada, I wish all compatriots and friends near and far a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and happy New Year!
John Werner, Federal President
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