2009 LA Tombala Group

            Since 1960 Danube Swabian Day has been celebrated on the second Sunday in June.  On the 14th of June, 2009 members and friends of our club gathered together to celebrate the annual festival.  Beginning at 12 Noon you could partake of the delicious food prepared by Chef Steve Weiss and crew.

            Once again you could feast on Rindergulasch or Danube Swabian bratwurst with sauerkraut.  Equally tasty was the freshly baked Krapfen for dessert.

            The Ladies Auxiliary, under the leadership of Helga Schlothauer, kept busy with the food distribution and were always ready to clean up after the program.

            The Danube Swabian Blaskapelle took their places punctually on stage.  The group was lead by its president, Roger Radke, and accompanied by soloist Michelle Esper.

            Around 2 PM the various groups were asked to assemble in the Pavilion and to gather around the monument.  They were accompanied by flag bearers and the Executive Committee.  A short commerative ceremony took place.  President Franz Rimpf addressed the group in memory of those who have passed on.  Hilde Hornung recited a poem and Pastor Horst Hoyer, of the Protestant Immanuel Church, led the group in prayer.

            The Banater Choir, under the direction of Cindy Cornett and soloist Andrea Ball, sang ‚“ So nimm den meine Hände“.  The Ladies Auxliliary sang „Donauschwaben werden wir genannt“ along with the Youth Group.  During the singing of „Ich hatt einen Kameraden„ the Youth Group placed a wreath and flowers around the monument.

            Afterwards, the festivities continued in Holzerhalle in the German-American Cultural Center of the Danube Swabians.  Hilde Hornung, cultural coordinator of the Danube Swabian Association, USA, and Indrid Dorr, first Vice-President of the Club and National Pouth Leader of the Danube Swabian Association, USA, led the program.  Hymns were sung and president Rimpf addressed the attendees.  Guests and Honorary Guests were introduced.  These included Mrs.Diana Thimmig, Consulate from the Bundesrepublick of Germany, and Keynote Speaker, Mr. Ed Tullius, President of the Danube Swabian Foundation, USA and his wife, who had traveled from Cincinnati, Ohio for this event. 

            Richard Welker, President of the Concordia Sport Club, was also introduced.   He proudly showed the trophy, which had been won by his team at the National Danube Swabian Soccer Tournament several weeks earlier.

            Ingrid Dorr read a greeting from Robert Filippi, who has been recently elected as the new President of the Danube Swabian Assoication of the USA.  He and his wife, Elisabeth are presently on a European trip.

            This was followed by a short presentation of the German Language School operations.

            Mr Ed Tullius mentioned in his speech that he was honored to be able to deliver a commemorative address on the Day of the Danube Swabians.  He explained that he explored the Internet to help find facts regarding the event.  He was surprised to find that this particular Event, whether in Los Angeles or across the USA, Canada, Europe, South America, and Australia, is celebrated at different times.  „Everywhere the Danube Swabians have settled, they maintain their heritage.“  He them explained the duties and goals of the Danube Swabian Foundation, USA, along with its support for the German language schools, youth and children groups, and sports associations of the Danube Swabians.  He was very grateful that our Cleveland Club had held a raffle, whose proceeds would benefit the Foundation.  He also stated it would be nice if our countrymen would remember the Foundation in their final wishes.

            The Banater Choir sang a final two songs.  The Children’s Dance group, under the direction of Ingrid Dorr, danced their way into the hearts of the spectators.  The Youth Group, under the direction of Margot Mauer and Mrs. Erika Rounds, impressed the crowd with their folk dancing and their sheer numbers.  Neverending applause rewarded the smiling faces of the youth, our future!

            Finally, a raffle was held and several happy winners gratefully accepted their gift baskets.  While the Blaskapella played everyone relaxed together.  As one says, „So jung kumme mir nimmer zamm!“

Karoline Lindenmaier (Hetzel)  

Danube Swabian Blaskapelle,

 Soloist Michelle (Wittmann) Esper 

Pastor Horst Hoyer at the Monument

Danube Swabian Youth Group

and 

SCD Concordia