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Sterling Heights Sunday, April 15, 2007 was a great day for the German
Community of Southeastern Michigan when six individuals or couples were
formally inducted into the Michigan State Music Hall of Fame in the Polka
Category". The event took place at the Carpathia Hall in Sterling Heights,
Michigan, with nearly three hundred in attendance.
The afternoon began with an invocation from its President, Dan Coppens,
followed by a delicious German sit down dinner. The tables were adorned with
white linen table covers and napkins completely set with china and
silverware with a flower vase of carnations and greens at the center of each
table. The dinner consisted of Schnitzel, Roast Chicken, Noodles Alfredo,
Mashed Potatoes, Gravy and a Winter Mix of Vegetables followed by Sherbet
for dessert. Coffee and tea were also served.
After dinner, President, Dan Coppens gave a short introduction and history
of the Michigan Music Hall of Fame and then the induction ceremonies began.
The first honoree, Richard Wagner, was introduced by his two daughters,
Heidi and Erika Wagner. Richard was honored for the formation and leadership
of Die Rhinelanders" band for nearly forty years. The second honorees, Horst
& Erika Buller, were introduced by Dan Coppens. The Bullers were
instrumental in forming the Melodias" Band, which played for many years in
the Detroit area, as well as their role as DJ's of a German Radio Show,
Melodien der Heimat". (Melodies of the Homeland). The third honorees, Ulrich
(Uli) and Gisela Kirstein introduced by their two daughters, Yvonne
Beauchiene and Manuela Anderson. Uli & Gisela were featured on radio in the
Detroit area with a German Radio program for many years. The fourth honoree,
Adam Medel, was introduced by Dan Coppens. Adam Medel has been involved in
the promotion of German Music and Culture through dance, for a whole
lifetime and is currently the Business Manager of the Carpathia Club in
Sterling Heights, Michigan. The fifth honoree, the late George Kurz, Jr.,
was introduced by his three daughters, Tina Marcus, Ann Marie Gregory and
Karla Murray. George Kurz was most well known for his role as owner of Kurz
Alt Heidelberg in Mt Clemens, Michigan. He also was the first to sponsor a
true genuine German Oktoberfest patterned after the famous Oktoberfest in
Munich, Germany. And last but not least, the sixth honoree, Marianne Rauer,
who was introduced by Manfred Heuser. Marianne Rauer has been involved with
almost every German Club in Michigan and Pennsylvania promoting the German
Culture and Music, holding many offices throughout the years. Her career
also took her into radio broadcasting where she had a German Radio program
here in Ann Arbor, Detroit and Pittsburgh, PA., where she played the music
of the homeland, Germany. Her program was called Blauen Bok".
Assisting with the presentations were: Barbara Bruckner, Terry Bagrowski and
Maryellen Kouba, who were also greeters at the door as well as Gene &
Dolores Gugan and Al Bagrowski.
Beautiful inscribed wood plaques and printed scrolls, containing their
biographies, were given to all the recipients. Near three hundred guests
came to congratulate these deserving individuals for their great
contributions to German Music and Culture.
President, Dan Coppens, stated that plans are to honor more of the German
Community next year, April 13, 2008, again at the Carpathia Club in Sterling
Heights, Michigan. Next year's candidates will be announced in the fall of
2007.
Dan Coppens |
