HEINZ KLEIST is the current president of the GCAA, now serving his 8th year.The German Canadian Association of Alberta (the umbrella association for the province) held its annual meeting on 2 April 2011; this time in conjunction with the German Canadian Club of Red Deer’s Fruehlingsfest at the Westerner Park Chalet.
The turnout of clubs was great considering that southern Alberta encountered severe snowstorms, and some Calgary clubs were unable to attend.
In 2011 there are many member clubs who celebrate milestones: The Bavarian Schuhplattlers of Edmonton (40th anniversary Maifest in May), the German Canadian Club of Calgary (80th anniversary in June), Schlaraffia Rocky Mountania Calgary (40th) and the Victoria Soccer Club of Edmonton (60th in October). Congratulations from the GCAA to all clubs for persevering in reaching these plateaus, as it takes a lot of volunteer hours and dedication.
Discussions such as the future of German Days and Heritage Festival were held.
As per the recently amended by-laws of the GCAA, the number of directors required was reduced from 10 to 5, with specific regional identification of directors having been removed. The current executive is as follows:
- President: Heinz Kleist [Edmonton]
- Vice-President: David Gelsinger [Calgary]
- Secretary: Monika Roch [Edmonton]
- Treasurer: Klaus Zerulla [Edmonton]
- Past President: Rita Schuetz [Red Deer]
- Director: Philip Roeder [Edmonton]
- Director: Ursula Poole [Calgary]
- Director: Alison Dowling [Edmonton]
- Director: Peter Holmes [Edmonton]
- Director: Ron Link [Edmonton]
We wish to thank all outgoing directors for their participation and hard work of the past years: Alexander Schurnig, Dr. Helen Unger, M. Rohrer, A. Roeder & Günther Vielguth.
