The 34th Mittelwest Bezirks Heimatfest is being held this year in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 27-28. It's jointly hosted by D'Fröhliche Schuhplattler of St. Louis along with D'Holzar of Dallas, Texas. Friday evening we're in for a special treat -- celebrating the 50th anniversary of D'Fröhliche Schuhplattler Verein with a Heimatabend! On Saturday it's all-day fun with Jugend Einzelplatteln, a meeting, workshops, and a Flohmarkt. In the evening the banquet, awards for our young dancers, Ehrentänze, and a good dance band. The $90 Fest ticket covers beverages for much of the weekend and Saturday's banquet meal. Accommodations and events are at the Sheraton Westport Chalet Hotel.

If you're interesting in attending, contact Rita Dziersk. Tickets must be prepaid by the end of February.  Hotel block is available until March 9 to get the $155/night rate. Call 1-888-627-7066 and mention the Mittelwest Bezirks Heimatfest. We always have a great time with our friends from all over the midwest. 

Our yearly trek to our friends at the BSC Holzhacker Buam in Toledo has been scheduled.  Sunday, March 22 is the date. Arrive by 11 am to enjoy Frühschoppen and greet your many friends. What's Frühschoppen? Food, beer, fellowship -- Weisswurst, big fat pretzels, potato salad, cold cuts, Leberkäs, salads, and, of course, Weissbier. Then when we are stuffed, we'll go upstairs to the spacious dance floor and teach one another some dances and continue the fun. Besides the Holzhacker folks, there are usually fellow Trachtler from other nearby clubs--Cleveland, Windsor, Fort Wayne. It's a great afternoon. All are welcome. Free will donation for the food; cash bar (with really reasonable prices!). Contact Edelweiss Vorplattler Eric Walker if you want to attend so he can pass along a count to our (most excellent) hosts.

Bavarian Sport Club Hall, 2102 LaGrange St., Toledo, Ohio.  Corner of LaGrange and Moore.  Enter the secure parking lot from Moore.

Helen Gassel

July 10, 1930 – November 15, 2025

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear friend, Helen Gassel.  She passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025 at the age of 95 years old.  Helen was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Gassel (Ehrenvorstand).  She was the devoted mother of Pamela Gassel, Cathy Delbeke, and Chris Gassel, and a proud grandmother.

Helen has been an active Ehrenmitglied member of GTEV Edelweiss since 1972.  She held many committee positions over the years including:  GACC Vertreterin, Frauengruppe Präsidentin, Kindertanzgruppe Leiterin, Schuhplattler, and was always there to lend a helping hand.

Throughout the years Helen was also a member of the GACC and the Austrian Society. She held the German American of the Year award.

Her family is presently planning a private celebration of life ceremony.  We extend our deepest sympathy to her family.  Ruhe in Frieden.

Join your friends at Edelweiss for a wonderful program of music, followed by a delicious catered dinner (children under 12 are free). Santa always shows up, so if you're bringing a little one, sneak a gift in so Santa has a surprise for him or her. This day always sets a good mood for the upcoming holiday season.

Our annual memorial mass takes place on Sunday, Nov. 9. We'll be back at St. Michael, just across the street from the GACC Hall, where we were most warmly welcomed in 2024.  Afterwards -- luncheon at GACC Hall.  The mass starts at 2 pm.  Please bring a side dish or dessert to share.  $10/person to cover cold cuts, bread, condiments, refreshments.  Pay when you arrive.  Please let Annette know you'll be there if you haven't already done so.  

All in the German/Austrian/Swiss community are welcome to attend, as are people from the community.  It's a lovely mass and an afternoon of friendship with fellow members.

2 pm:  St. Michael Catholic Community, 40501 Hayes, Sterling Heights.

About 3 pm: GACC Hall, 40450 Hayes, Clinton Township. In the Amore Plaza between 17 & 18 Mile Roads.