Category: G

In Loving Memory of Emmanuelle Gunter 1940-2015
Honoured by her family and friends.

Continue reading “Gunter, Emmanuelle #263 *”

Thank you for honouring Joyce and Gerry with a Leaf of Inspiration.  Story to follow.

Honoured by Pat Compton

Honoured by the Gennoe Family

Earl Frederick Graham

April 16, 1930 – April 14, 2013

Partner, Father, Stepfather, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Humanitarian and Volunteer

Earl joined Lionism at the North Bay Lions Club in 1977, now being a member for over 36 years.

Earl was a very active volunteer.  He has received many awards and recognitions such as:

• Lions International – Life Membership
• Helen Keller Fellowship
• Melvin Jones Fellowship
• Judge Brian Stevenson Fellowship

In Lionism he gave his time and energy tirelessly, being currant Treasurer and Past President, he has held every position the club has offered him.

He attended many conventions, district and multiple district, holding area positions such as:

• Zone Chairman
• Regional Chairman
• District A-5 Treasurer and many more

Earl was a very active member in the North Bay Lions Club and District A-5. He was a bingo packer and a bingo caller on Cogeco T.V. Bingo known for his closing words – “Goodnight Stu”.

Earl was employed by Bell Canada for over 30 years and he served on many other community boards such as the Salvation Army Christmas Kettles Board, Chairman from 1993-2013 of the Terry McKerrow CT Scan Board and was a board member of the North Bay Regional Hospital since 2001.

Earl was very well known for his beautiful stained glass works, he always had aproject on the go.

Earl was a man who always had a smile and a little cheer to share.  We’ve Learned many things from Earl and we will miss him deeply.

A great person and volunteer – Earl Frederick Graham.

Honoured by Dina, Joanne, Anson, Evelyn, Emma and Mason.

Thank you for honouring your parents with a Leaf of Inspiration and for supporting your Community Waterfront Park project.  Story to follow.

Honoured by Beth Grimstead

Thank you for honouring Dalton and Barbara Gordon with a Leaf of Inspiration and for supporting your Community Waterfront Park.  Story to follow.

Honoured by Friends of Meggan and Jerry Grabiec.

Thank you for honouring Kasia Zofie Grabiec with a Leaf of Inspiration and for supporting your Community Waterfront Park project.  Story to follow.

Honoured by past, present and future members.

Germania (Nipissing) German-Canadian Club Est. 1962

A group of soccer players called “Ted’s Redshirts” first discussed the possibility of starting a club that would have social functions and facilitate get-togethers for German-speaking immigrants. Under the leadership of Rudi Neumann, the Germania (Nipissing) Club was founded on March 4th, 1962. Its membership increased rapidly from the seven founding members to around 150 members by 1964. From the very beginning, membership was open to all Canadians, regardless of their background, and indeed there were many who enjoyed what the Club had to offer.

It soon became apparent that the Club needed its own clubhouse. A property was obtained on Marsh Drive and a group of volunteers began with the construction. Fortunately, there were many members who had a trade in the construction field, but every able-bodied man was welcome. Money was raised by the members, and the donations were called bricks. The ladies contributed food for the hard-working men!

On January 25, 1964, the official opening of the new clubhouse took place, with invitations going out to the German Consulate in Toronto, the mayor of North Bay and the Nipissing MP and MPP. In the evening, a special gala dinner dance was enjoyed by all.

From that time on, the clubhouse was a hive of activity. Foremost were the dance parties, often with live music, and indeed they were always well attended. A favorite was Oktoberfest, of course, and the clubhouse at times almost burst at its seams. The food was prepared by some great cooks, all volunteers. A Fasching, or Mardi-Gras party, was another highlight of the year, with amazing costumes. A special barbecue took place every summer. The Ladies’ Auxiliary provided salads and beautiful cakes for the occasion. And then there was Christmas, with a special children’s party where Santa made an appearance. At one point the ladies wrapped 170 presents!

The Club took part in the annual Canada Day parade with some beautiful floats. It often won first or second prize.

As the years went by, the membership started to shrink. As the children grew up, many moved away to find work elsewhere. Others were not interested in the activities of the Club. The maintenance costs were quite high, and it was decided to sell the clubhouse. One of the members acquired it, with the promise that the Germania Club would always have priority for its parties. Unfortunately, a fire broke out and completely destroyed the clubhouse. It was never rebuilt.

Even without their home, the members did not give up, but were able to rent other places, mostly the Shrine Club, for their parties. Since there was some money remaining from the sale of the clubhouse, the members decided to treat themselves to bus tours. So, over the next decade, a trip convener thought up some wonderful trips, for example, to Kingston and the Thousand Islands, Frankenmuth, Niagara Falls with a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens and one of the wineries, the Sault Locks, the casino and Mackinac Island. There were also concerts in Toronto and a visit to Stratford. This was another great time for the club members.

Finally, with less money and fewer people able to participate, the trips were replaced with nice dinners and barbecues—occasions where members could socialize, even if they didn’t dance anymore!

In April 2012, members celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Germania (Nipissing) Club.

The purchase of a leaf in support of the development of the North Bay waterfront offered a wonderful opportunity to highlight the significant role that this organization has played in the community. For five decades, the Germania (Nipissing) Club has served as a gathering place where individuals and families with a German or German-speaking background can network and enjoy social and cultural activities with their peers, and share their heritage with the community.

Contributing members: Elfrieda Bremermann, Marga and Robert Cote, Lottie and
Hans Frenssen, Marianne Gomm, Annett Kaefer, Hella Koziol, Waltraud and
Christine Leonhardt, Helga and Leo Rainer, Ursel and Arndt von Holtzendorff, and
Helga Weiskopf.

In honour of our family.

Thank you for purchasing a Leaf of Inspiration honouring your Family and for supporting your Comunity Waterfront Park project. Story to follow.

Honoured by the Gaiser Family.

Thank you for puchasing a Leaf of Inspiration and for supporting your Community Waterfront Park project. Story to follow.