NEWS ARCHIVE 2006-2010

March 28,2009

German Canadian Association of Alberta President Heinz Kleist serves for a 6th Term

Let me begin by thanking all of the GCAA Executive for a wonderful year working on the usual events

such as Casino, Heritage Festival & Senioren Sonntag just to name a few.Without You and the Volunteers these events would not be possible.I would like to personally thank outgoing Vice President Brigitte Lechleitner of Calgary and Edmonton Director Walter Ahlisch.Walter will stay on as Chairman of the German Pavilion at Heritage Festival.Lets not forget Albert Naber Central Region,Gisela Bertels Calgary Region & Alfred Koegler Southern Region.I welcome the new people to our Board namely Vice Presidnet Rudy Klein of Calgary,Directors Ursula Poole Calgary,Margrit Rohrer Red Deer and Alexander Schurnig from Edmonton.I know that all of you will make share your ideas and make our board stronger.

Every President seems to target younger members and Youth to ensure succession and I am no different but my speech today deals with the ABC’s of every day Life and if perhaps our Board, as well as the Member Club boards and Private members consider the ABC’s of Life in every day dealing, we will have a stronger Organization and will succeed.

The ABC’s of Life are as follows:

A. Accept Differences

B. Be Kind

C. Count on your Blessings

D. Dream
E. Express Thanks
F. Forgive
G. Give Freely
H. Harm No One
I. Imagine More
J. Jettison Anger
K. Keep Confidences
L. Love Truly
M. Master Something
N. Nurture Hope
O. Open Your Mind
P. Pack Lightly
Q. Quell Rumors
R. Reciprocate
S. Seek Wisdom
T. Touch Hearts
U. Understand
V. Value Truth
W. Win Graciously
X. Xeriscape
Y. Yearn For Peace
Z. Zealously Support A Worthy Cause

So in closing lets have a good year in promoting & nurturing the German Heritage and Culture in the spirit of the ABC’s of Life.

Thank You

Heinz Kleist

President GCAA

Insert thanks to Arnim Joop

Taken from the September issue of "THE ALBERTANER"

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PRESIDENT HEINZ EMBRACES THE GCAA FOR A 5th TERM

(German Canadian Association of Alberta)

Whether you are engaged in business, or President of an Organization such as the GCAA every successful venture has a plan. There is a saying ”IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN, YOU PLAN TO FAIL.”

In my previous terms as President our plans were to work on Membership and Teamwork within the framework of the Member Clubs from our furthest northern Club Grande Prairie, to the furthest south Medicine Hat. Communication was a challenge which we improved tremendously and finally raising the “PROFILE” of the GCAA to the citizens of Edmonton, surrounding areas and the Province of Alberta with events such as televising the World Soccer Championships on Churchill Square 2006, and last September our 40th Anniversary Celebration with a Oktoberfest on the Square, highlighted with a Oktoberfest band the Romeros from Kitchener.

WHAT’S NEXT:

This can be summed up in three words: PROGRAMS & SUCCESSION PLANNING

First, we have a number of successful programs that have been around for many years i.e. Heritage Festival, Seniorensonntag, German Days, and Casinos etc.

However in our changing times we should explore other possibilities that are available and would benefit the German Community at large throughout the province. I challenge the Executive to meet with other Ethnic groups to see what programs that they have which may also fit our Organization. Explore Government Grants that may be available to fund such new Ventures. Review the programs of our Member Organizations to see what works in their City, and maybe done on a larger scale.

SUCCESSION PLANNING

Every business can only succeed with proper Succession Planning and the same holds true for the GCAA. We just celebrated our 40th Anniversary in 2007 and if we are to continue for another 40 years we must start now. Everyone talks about getting new YOUNGER MEMBERS on the Executive to eventually take over.

Yes, we attract some but the times seemed to have changed and the reality appears to be the work schedule of many does not allow them to make a commitment to take on Executive positions and the Presidents role. Perhaps it’s the programs and new ideas of the younger folks are not being considered since we have always done things the same way and format for many years.

I challenge our Executive as well as the Executive of all the Member Organizations to seek out good candidates, who are interested in preserving the German Culture & Heritage. The time is now to get people involved to ensure continued success with our Organization.

Unless we are successful in attracting the younger generation and have them “STEP UP TO THE PLATE” and replace us, in 5 to 10 years the situation will be bleak, and Organizations such as ours will disappear.

This would be a real insult to the German Community as people of German descant total approximately 600,000 or 15 % of Alberta’s population.

So, a properly executed SUCCESSION PLAN is the responsibility of everyone, who is interested in preserving the German Culture & Heritage, the Executive of the GCAA, and Executive of the Member Clubs, Private Members and German people at large throughout the province of Alberta.

In closing, I would like to thank all the Executive, Directors and Volunteers who made 2007 a successful year. As we all know VOLUNTEERS get very little credit but lots of abuse. Thank You again, for all your efforts and I look forward to another challenging and eventful year.

GCAA 2007 -2008 EXECUTIVE

GERMAN CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA HANDS THE REIGNS TO PRESIDENT HEINZ KLEIST FOR 4TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

The GCAA annual meeting was held in Red Deer on Sat. April 14,2007 with the present Executive re-elected with a couple of minor changes. President is Heinz Kleist, Brigitte Lechleitner from Calgary, Vice President, Monika Roch, Secretary, Klaus Zerulla Treasurer, Directors Helene Unger, Gisela Bertels, Elaine Monk & Walter Ahlisch.

In his address to the membership which totals approximately 30 member clubs and a handful of private members, Heinz reviewed the past year,highlighting the World Soccer Championship last June on Churchill Square. The event featured large TV Screen showing live telecasts of Soccer Games, as well as a Beer Garden and live entertainment by various ethnic dancers including the Bavarian Schuhplattler and live performances by German Folksinger Astrid Harzbecker, European Touch Band from Calgary who entertained both days.

The event went well beyond any ones expectations and attracted more than 5000 Edmontonians.

The Heritage Festival was another successful event, raising funds for the operation of the GCAA office.

I would like to thank all Volunteers for their assistance. It was the last year (2006) for our GCAA Tent, going forward beginning this year, we will rent from the Heritage Festival as it is more cost effective. New Banners & decals have been ordered identifying the German Pavilion at 2007 Heritage Festival easier.

Festival goers in past years complained that they had problems finding the German Pavilion.

The GCAA held its most successful Seniors Sunday on April 1,2007 at the Victoria Soccer Club with attendance close to 200.Please see GCAA website(www.gcaa.ca) for more information.

We are in the process of upgrading all fixtures and equipment with the process being 75 % complete. The old tent has been given to the Red Deer German Club. The Trachten have been cleaned and straightened out by the Ladies Choir, Wildrose.

The GCAA office has moved to the German Cultural Center last Sept. entering into a 3year lease.

President Heinz had another busy year, attending many of the member club functions, ie. Rosenheim Historical Societies 30th Anniversary, Choirs events, Advent Concerts, New Immigrant forums, AUGBEE meetings, Polish Club & University of Alberta, modern languages.

This coming year will be exciting as the GCAA celebrates its 40th Anniversary with October fest/ German Days being part of the celebrations. The events will be held on Churchill Square as previously noted. We are currently in the process of preparing for this event. At press time a band by the name “Romero’s” from Kitcheners has been booked and we are in the process of checking out Bands for the YOUTH. The German Cultural Association will be serving food and a Beer Garden will be on site. More announcements will be forthcoming in the future.

We will also have another Casino on May 1 & 2, 2007 at ABS Argyll on the Southside.

It is the GCAA’s commitment, communicating and assisting Member Clubs in building a strong association promoting and enhancing the German Culture & Heritage in the Province of Alberta, working with the Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany Mr.Bernd Reuscher.

As you may be aware president Heinz hosts a “LIVE” Radio Show every Tuesday on World FM 101.7 One of the features of the show, is the weekly German Community Bulletin board which features events from all member clubs throughout the province. This provides every club with a chance to have their events aired free of charge, simply by providing the information via e-mail. Don’t miss this opportunity to tell everyone about your upcoming event on World FM 101.7

In closing, President Heinz would like to thank the Executive and Regional Directors for their work, dedication and assistance last year and look forward to working with everyone the coming year.

A special “Thank You”, to outgoing Director Ole Berger who has been a director for a number of years and most recent was instrumental at Churchill Square with the World Soccer/German Days event June 2006.

Heinz Kleist

President

Deutsch Kanadischer Jaehrlicher Senioren Sonntag

Victoria Soccer Club, April 1,2007

The Annual Senior Kaffeeklatsch was held on a cold April Sunday at the Victoria Soccer Club attended by close to 200 people. The program was highlighted by an address by the Honorary Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Bernd Reuscher. The entertainment was supplied by the two German Choirs, Liederkranz and Ladies Choir, Wildrose. Both choirs selected a variety of songs culminating in a joint effort with a medley of “Lieder von Den Bergen”.

An assortment of Kuchen from Artistic Bakery and Hot cup of Kaffee was enjoyed by our guests.

A number of Prizes ranging from T-Shirts, Gift Certificates, Soccer Balls were donated by German Businesses and won by some of the Seniors. All ladies were invited to take home a potted pansies at the end of the event.

President of the GCAA Heinz Kleist was MC for the afternoon

Ladies Choir Wildrose View of the Crowd Men's Choir Liederkranz

Rosenheim, Alberta. Sat.Aug.26, 2006

The Rosenheim district south east of Provost celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the Rosenheim Historical Society combined with the 100th Anniversary of the arrival of the German-American settlers.The celebrations were held at St.Norbert’s Church on Saturday afternoon.

President Marion Kelch of the Rosenheim Historical Society and her executive should be commended on preparing a flawless program which included honoring six families whose ancestors first came to the area in 1906.Marion marveled at how they survived. No roads, lack of water, no stores for supplies and it certainly was colder then. The settlers virtually had nothing and yet they persevered and succeeded.

The program included entertainment by the Lendrum Mennonite Brethren Church choir and a presentation by Dr.Horst Schmid who preserved the Church as a Historic Site in 1978 when he was Minister of Culture.

President Heinz Kleist of the German Canadian Association of Alberta presented Marion Kelch with a plaque marking the event as well as presenting her with the German Canadian Friendship Award on behalf of the Government of Canada and the Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany, Bernd Reuscher.

The celebration concluded with a dinner in the basement of the Church.

GERMAN DAYS VOLKSFEST 2006

German Days On Churchill Square June 9/10th

German Days Volksfest 2006 on June 9/10th will be held on Sir Winston Churchill Square. It is an full day event (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and will feature live coverage of the opening games from the Soccer World Championship in Germany on big screen, entertainment from multicultural folk dance groups, live bands/musicians, typical German food and a beer tent to create an Oktoberfest atmosphere. Organizing parner for German Days is the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA).

German Days Volksfest is an annual celebration of German culture and traditions brought on by the German Canadian Association of Alberta (GCAA). The GCAA is the provincial umbrella organization for Alberta's many German-Canadian clubs, choirs, dance and performing arts groups, cultural groups, and language schools which foster German language and culture. The history of German Days goes back to the 20’s when German-Canadian and their descendants gathered to celebrate their culture and language. Then this event represented the largest expression of German-Canadian activity in Western Canada and attracted between 3,000 to 8,000 people. Today still 15% of Albertans are of German, Austrian or Swiss heritage (that is about 450,000 people).

In recent years German Days have been held at the Victoria Soccer Club. But with the availability of the newly renovated Churchill Square the GCAA decided to use the opportunity and increase the event and attract more people.

- for more history about German Days go here
- read what the Examiner writes about us here

REGIONAL MEETING HIGHLITES: Sat. Jan.21,2006

Announcing Astrid Harzbecker Alberta Tour June 2006
Sponsored by
Alco Inc. Energy Industries & Lexus of Edmonton

Star der Deutschen Volksmusik "Astrid Harzbecker" who was in Edmonton in 1999 for Klondike Days will be here in June 2006 for Concerts in Edmonton, Red Deer & Calgary. Astrid won the Grand Prix of Volksmusik in 1991 with the Hit "O Maria Schuetz die Berge" Some of her other Hits are: Denk an Mich, Il Sole and the #1 Hit in 2005 "Lass den Sommer in dein Herz". She enjoyed Alberta so much in 1999 that she dedicated one song on her last CD to the Rockies entitled "Red Roses River". Die offizielle Homepage von Astrid Harzbecker

Concert dates and Location:

Red Deer, Sat. June 3,2006 7:30 P.M. Festival Hall

Tickets: Albert (403) 346-0890

Rita (403) 347-0450

Ingrid (403) 782-5729

Prices: $15.00 members, $20.00 non-members .

Calgary, Sun. June 4,2006 3:00 P.M. German Club Calgary

Tickets: (403) 288-2255

Price: $15.00

Edmonton, Wed. June 7,2006 8:00 P.M. Cultural Centre, Roper Road Edmonton

Tickets: (780) 466-4000 or (780) 465-7466

Price: $15.00

Available: April 1 2006

News Archive 2003 - 2005

German Days 2005 break from the past [German]

Am Wochenende vom 10. - 12. Juni fanden in Edmonton die alljährlichen "German Days" statt an dem die deutsche Gemeinde zusammenkommt und bei Bratwurst und Bier ihre Traditionen und Kultur feiert. Die "German Days" von der Deutsch-Kanadischen Assoziation von Alberta organisiert.

Während in den letzten Jahren "German Days" hauptsächlich als ein Volksfest an einem Sonntagnachmittag im Juni im Victoria Fußballklub veranstaltet wurden, haben die Veranstalter dieses Jahr die Festivitäten auf mehrere Tage gelegt. Möglich wurde dies durch die Unterstützung der beiden deutschen Klubs in Edmonton, der deutsch-kanadischen Kulturvereinigung und dem Victoria Fußballklub. Los ging es am Freitagabend im Klubhaus des Fußballvereins mit einem Abendessen und dem Auftritt von Hypnotiseur Martin Brown. Am Samstagvormittag führte die Deutsch-Kanadische Kulturvereinigung in Edmonton einen Tag der offenen Tür durch. Während sich die verschiedenen Kulturgruppen an Ständen den Besucher präsentierten wurde auf dem Parkplatz beim Frühschoppen Essen und Getränke verkauft. Der Andrang war so groß, daß ununterbrochen neue Tische aufgestellt werden mußten und die Schlange am Grill nie abnahm. Am Abend wurde im Keller des Klubhauses ein Klubnacht für die jüngeren Leute veranstaltet. Ein Live DJ spielte europäische Musik von den 70er Jahren bis heute.Die Resonanz auf dieses Ereignis war sehr gut.

Am abschließenden Sonntag fand das Volkfest im Victoria Fußballklub statt. Die Kapelle "Premium Akkord" spielte vom Frühschoppen bis zum Abend frische Musik. Zwischendurch sangen der Frauenchor "Wildrose", der Männerchor "Liederkranz", die European Academy of Medieval Swordsfighting führte ein paar atemberaubende Kämpfe vor und zum Abschluß tanzten die Bayrischen Schuhplattler. Am Nachmittag verlieh der Vorsitzende der Deutsch-Kanadischen Assoziation von Alberta, Heinz Kleist den Volunteer Award an Dr. Manfred Prokop für seine Forschung zur Geschichte der deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft in Alberta. Anschließend verlieh Heinz Kleist in der Gegenwart von Edmonton's Bürgermeister Stephen Mandel, Bildungsminister Gene Zwodewsky und des Honorarkonsuls Fritz König den "Lifetime Achievement Award" an Dr. Horst Schmid für seine außerordentlichen und jahrzehntelangen Verdienste um die deutschsprachige Gemeinde von Alberta. Dr. Horst Schmid war der erste Einwanderer der einen Ministerposten in der Provinzregierung von Alberta bekleidete. Als Minister für "Community Development" setzte er nicht nur Standards als Minister, er förderte auch außerorderlich den Multikulturalismus in Alberta und machte Alberta weltweit über die Grenzen von Kanada als Tourismusziel bekannt.

Die diesjährigen "German Days" ware ein voller Erfolg. Alle Besucher waren sehr begeistert über die gute Organisation und die Fülle von Veranstaltungen, die angeboten wurden. Den einzigen Dämpfer bereitete das Wetter, daß die Organisatoren leider nicht unter Kontrolle hatten. Die 10°C am Sonntag hätten ruhig wärmer sein können.

German Days 2005 on June 10-11-12, 2005

Details right here!!!!

Don't miss it!!!

NEW! May 2005 Seniors' afternoon a success

Posted 22 May 2005 - A full house of seniors was entertained and had a very pleasant afternoon at Edmonton's Victoria Soccer Club as the GCAA held its annual Seniorennachmittag on Sunday, 15 May 2005. Over 300 seniors attended this event, at which GCAA President Heinz Kleist served as master of ceremonies. The Honourable Dr. Horst A. Schmid, former Alberta Heritage Minister and long-time supporter of the German community in Alberta, gave a stirring address on the efforts and many accomplishments of German immigrants

2005 Executive elected at AGM

Posted 10 April 2005 - The GCAA elected a new board on 9 April 2005, under Heinz Kleist's presidency for a second term... more here

T-shirts and pins available

Posted 04 April 2005 - A new T-shirt design is available to member groups and to the public. T-shirts are $15.00 each, or two for $25.00.
	The GCAA hopes to make a variety of pins, T-shirts and other items available over the course of the summer, at such events as German Days and the Edmonton Heritage Festival. Watch for more details!

We have moved (again)!!!

Posted 22 March 2005 - Yes, another move, but this time in the same building. We are now on the south side of the building we were in, instead of the northwest corner. As a result, our mailing address has changed from 4115 - 97 Street to the new address of 9650 - 41 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6E 6G9. Please change your records!

GCAA Annual General Meeting and Election to be held in Red Deer on Saturday, 9 April 2005

Posted 12 March 2005 - All member groups and individuals members of the GCAA are invited to attend the GCAA Annual General Meeting, at the German-Canadian Club Red Deer, starting at 12 noon on Saturday, 3 April 2005. Only members which have paid their 2005 dues on or before 31 March will be eligible to attend and vote. Agendas and minutes of previous meetings will be sent out to the membership, or call 780.465.7466 or email mail@gcaa.ca if you need assistance.

GCAA Casino fundraiser upcoming on 29 & 30 April 2005

Posted 15 February 2005 - The GCAA is looking for volunteers from the member groups for the upcoming casino in Edmonton (Argyll) on 29 and 30 April 2005. Please contact us at mail@gcaa.ca or (780) 465-7466 for details.

First meeting by teleconference

Posted 31 January 2005 - The 15 January 2005 General Meeting of the GCAA was held in both Calgary and Edmonton jointly by teleconference for the first time!

2004 Executive elected at AGM

Posted 05 April 2004 - On 3 April 2004, the GCAA held its annual meeting and elections at the German-Canadian Club Red Deer... more here

Books

Posted 1 June 2003 - Annotated Bibliography of the Cultural History of the Germans in Alberta available here.

"A Profile of the German-speaking communities in Alberta"

Manfred Prokop

The website "A Profile of the German-speaking communities in Alberta" at http://www.ualberta.ca/~german/PAA/start.htm has been expanded. In the section on the immigration history you will now find an overview of the immigration history of Alberta's German-speaking communities and biographical sketches, with special emphasis on Calgary and Edmonton (types and location of German-run businesses, churches, clubs, political involvement, newspapers, etc. between the 1880s and 1918). There are also photos, maps and other visuals.