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Music, community, and thanks for many years of dedication in Riedstadt
With singing, accordion music, and good cheer despite the rain, the "Atempause" (Breathing Space) initiative its summer festival in Riedstadt. Originally planned for June 30, 2025, the event was postponed to July 7 due to the weather – oppressive heat turned into continuous rain. The festival was quickly moved to the hall of the Riedstadt Social Community Foundation , where guests, volunteers, and the team from the Riedstadt and Stockstadt senior citizens' advice center still enjoyed a cheerful get-together.
Music and community at the heart of it all
The guests were lovingly treated to coffee and cake by the numerous volunteers. The afternoon was musically accompanied by Erich Zöllner , born in 1936, whose accordion playing created a special atmosphere. The head of the counseling center, Stefanie Drozdzynski , emphasized the importance of singing together in all the "Atempause" (Breathing Space) groups: "Our groups have powerful voices – and with Mr. Zöllner, they even have musical support."
A humorous visit and personal appreciation
, Mayor and Chairman of the Foundation Board Marcus Kretschmann made a point of stopping by. With a twinkle in his eye, he promised: "I'll leave two board members here to sing along for me" – a humorous reference to department head Rick Hölzer and city councilor Richard Kraft , who watched the scene with amused smiles.
Burkhard Held, chairman of the foundation's advisory board, also emphasized the value of the initiative: "I find the 'breathing space' to be a wonderful relief service." Special thanks were also given to the Erfelden rural women , who regularly provide the groups with homemade cakes and, in the summer, also with ice cream.
Recognition for long-standing commitment
Several volunteers were honored for their long-standing service during the "Atempause" (a period of respite for volunteers):
- Elke Korbella-Nold : 10 years of work in the home relief service and in groups
- Wolfgang Pöpperl : 10 years of commitment to the relief and transport service
- Marlies Grüll : 15 years of home relief service and group work
The event made it clear how important personal encounters, musical impulses and voluntary commitment are for the social interaction of older people in Riedstadt.
(Riedstadt - Red/PSR)
Featured image: A great atmosphere prevailed at the Atempause summer festival. In the background are Mayor Marcus Kretschmann and the head of the counseling center, Stefanie Drozdzynski. Photo: City of Riedstadt
