On Saturday, April 27, the Landesverband held their annual meeting at the Donauschwaben’s German-American Cultural Center in Olmsted Falls, Ohio. The day began with lunch immediately prior to the start of the business meeting. A general session took place followed by breakout meetings for various groups. After these breakout meetings dinner was served and following that general session resumed including elections.
Members from our club traveled together by van out to the Cleveland are. The following attended: Janet & Sasha Malofiy, Sasha Malofiy Jr. Werner & Lisa Fricker, Bill Galgon & Marlene Fricker, Werner Fricker III, & Michael Fricker. Adam Dickmann from the Donauschwaben Philadelphia also traveled by van with our club.
When it came down to the time for elections a few of our members were reelected or took on new positions.
Werner Fricker III was elected by acclimation as the Landessportleiter or National Sports Director for the Landesverband der Donauschwaben, USA. Werner will be taking over the duties running the National Donauschwaben Soccer Tournament from retiring, Michael Talan of Detroit. Talan held the role since 1998 and was unanimously named “Ehren Sportleiter” on Saturday for his many years of service.
In addition, the Third’s brother Michael Fricker was re-elected Verbandspresse or Press Secretary of the national association the same day. He has held this role since 2017.
Congratulations to our friend Ray Martini, who was elected President of Verband. While Ray lives in Georgia, he is a lifelong member of the Trenton Donauschwaben. Ray also is a card-carrying member of the United German Hungarians.
The United German Hungarians would like to extend heartfelt thanks to outgoing President Robert Filippi for his many years of service holding the Donauschwaben of the United States! Robert, you have been welcoming and a good friend to our club!
Congratulations and good luck also to Karin Schulz on her election to the National Board. Karin is the new Stellvetreter der Kinderleitung, or Assistant to the Children’s Director and we know she will do a phenomenal job! She will be working with the Landeskinderleiterin Kaitlin Fuchs. And of course, Kathleen Martini was also reelected to continue her work as Landesjugendleiterin. The three K’s, Karin, Kaitlin, and Kathleen are all members of the German Hungarians as well as their “home clubs” respectively!
On Sunday, April 28 the Danube Swabian Foundation or Stiftung held its business meeting. For the United German Hungarians, Marlene Fricker & Bill Galgon serve as directors of the foundation.
The Danube Swabian Foundation fosters, supports and encourages the preservation of the customs, traditions, literature, culture and history of the Danube-Swaben people (Germanic people of Southeastern Europe). The foundation was founded in 1982 and is active from coast to coast in providing moral and financial support. Its long-range goal is to help maintain thriving Danube Swabian organizations in the U.S.
All in all, the weekend was a good meeting. Many discussions were had, chances to catch up with old friends and make new ones were a plenty. Our club is lucky to be in the company of many other organizations like our own across the country and the continent!
WIR GRATULIEREN ALLEN GEWÄHLTEN UND EHREN MITGLIEDERN.
VIEL ERFOLG BEI EURER ARBEIT:
MANFRED MAYRHOFER BUDAPEST