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Toledo - An organization that is
in its 125th year has many reasons to celebrate; however, the Annual
Banquet, which the Schwaben Verein gave Saturday, April 9, at Oak Shade
Hall, was given to honor the women, who support the men of the organization.
No event given by the Verein could achieve success without the busy hands of
the ladies baking, cooking, decorating, and serving at all functions. There
is no LadiesÕ Auxiliary of the Schwaben Verein. One has often been proposed,
but the women seem to be satisfied to stay in the historical German role of
supporters of the men.
To show their appreciation, the men of
the Verein hired RonÕs Catering to prepare a menu, which consisted of a
garden salad, roast beef, small red potatoes, green beans with almonds,
dinner roll and for dessert an authentic Sachertorte with whipped cream. The
men did slip up on one part of the dinner. There was a hors dÕoeuvre buffet
before dinner; however, it was prepared by the ladies. A big demerit,
gentlemen, you will have to do better next year! Beverages consisted of
mixed drinks, beers, and wines. Accompanying the cocktail hour and dinner
was music by Al Vogt of Adrian, Michigan.
Special guests were Art and Kathryn
French of the Ann Arbor Schwaben Verein, Hubert Rosch and Lisa Gerstheimer
of the Detroit Schwaben Verein, former G.A.F. President Robert Willetts and
his wife, Mary Kay, former G.A.F. President Lee Weber, present G.A.F.
President Michael Willinger and his wife, Marcia, Alois and Marcia Amstutz
from the Swiss Society, Mel Arndt with friend Daiva, John and Jeanne Toth,
and Thersa Jakober of Fremont, Ohio. Wolfgang Drescher introduced a German
group from Egelhof, makers of thermal expansion valves for air conditioners.
Egelhof is finishing a new plant in Toledo, which will supply the auto
industry.
Following the dinner, President Herman
Schmalzried gave honorary mention to those members, who have died. He also
presented a gold 3D-year pin to Jim Mease for sterling membership. Kris
Schwarzkopf and Marsha Dunaway were presented with bouquets for outstanding
service to the Verein. Treasurer Gerald Dunaway, Secretary Frank Fink, and
Marie Schmalzried (wife of the President) also received floral recognition.
Greg Carson, a magician, furnished the
entertainment for this special evening. Carson drew John Schwarzkopf, Jack
Renz, and President Schmalzried to the stage as foils for his act. The
evening closed with smiles on the faces of members who attended the banquet.
A few guests, who were completely captivated by the event stayed, late in
the evening.
Roy F. Lessing |
