On September 13th, 2014, the Alliance held their Annual Parade and Recognition Luncheon. The parade started at Allegheny commons and ended at the Teutonia with a stop on East Ohio Street where the Alpen Schuhplattler performed a plattler. The parade was well attended with many Antique Cars as well as some fine German cars and even a float and Boy Scout Troop along with the Teutonia Maenner und Damenchor marching proudly along the parade route. Arriving at the Teutonia the Choirs rendered a few songs which were enthusiastically applauded by the audience. John Erskine welcomed everyone and introduced our special guests. The choir then rendered “Der Lindenbaum” the Linden Tree as a mixed song and the men sang “Aus der Traube in die Tonne” directed by District Director Steve Lipnichan. The Rev. Dan Merry of the Southminster Presbyterian Church gave the Invocation followed by a wonderful Buffet Lunch as provided by our Kitchen Staff.
Darlene Harris, Pittsburgh City Council Woman read the Proclamation honoring the 2014 Nominees of the Alliance of Germanic Societies and also remarked that she is proud to be a citizen of “Deutschtown” and having the opportunity to share this special Recognition Luncheon with everyone.
Falcioni, Erskine and Banzhaf
James J. Falcioni, this year’s honoree, has been associated with German traditions, music and culture throughout his life and was introduced by Willi Banzhaf as a very special friend. He has contributed in so many ways to numerous events and through his efforts all have been most successful. As the founder of the Deutsche Lieder und Tanz Gruppe, later to be known as the G.T.E.V. D’Lustigen Isartaler, and honorary member of the Alpen Schuhplattler Jim has always been ready to take up the banner in all events. He especially was successful in staging several musical productions, the “Puppen Fee” and just recently presented the musical “Im Weissen Roessl” or the “White Horse Inn”, donating all proceeds to the Teutonia Building Fund. Again celebrating the 50. Anniversary of the Alpen Schuhplattler he personally made all the decoration for the Festabend as well as the Mass which was celebrated in the Saengerhalle. There are so many more credits to his generosity to mention here, but he is truly deserving the honor of being named German-American for 2014.
Erskine and Smith
Dr. Peter Safar (1924-2003) was the very special honoree for his year. He was introduced by Robert Tate, President of the Austrian Society of Pittsburgh who lauded this Viennese born and educated Doctor for his life’s achievements in medicine. Dr. Safar has been honored world-wide for improvements in medical practice and advances in medical science. His achievements were wide ranging from the development of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and as a founder of the nation’s first medical/surgical intensive care unit. Dr. Safar was chairman of the Anesthesiology Department, where he held the title of Distinguished Professor. In 1999 he was awarded the “Cross of Honor”, Austria’s highest civilian honor for his services in the field of medicine.
Accepting his Honorary Award was Dr. Smith of UPMC, a longtime friend and colleague of Dr. Safar.
A great time was had by all and another successful Germanic Societies of Pittsburgh Parade and Recognition Luncheon was had.
