“I wanted to push myself and do more than just a bit of mountain walking”, says Monika Strauß, explaining why, eleven years ago, she decided to join the Nördlingen division of the Deutscher Alpenverein (DAV) in her spare time away from her job in HR at the OeTTINGER headquarters. Monika was recently awarded EUR 400 from the personnel development program prize draw at OeTTINGER’s brewery location in Oettingen. She intends to invest the donation in the maintenance of mountaineering and climbing gear, as the DAV provides members with the necessary equipment for various mountain tours – from fixed-rope climbing to snowshoe hiking.
125 years of mountain fun for young and old alike
The Nördlingen division of the DAV can look back on a long history. It was founded in 1894 by just 38 members. Today, this number has risen to 1,900, making it the second largest association in the town. Every year, its members offer a varied program of action and tours with over 50 activities and excursions. Monika Strauß, who has been on many such tours, explains: “These include mountain biking, climbing and Alpine tours, but also more basic hikes nearby, family activities and a wide range of programs for young people. I qualified as a hiking guide four years ago and I completed training to be an indoor climbing supervisor one year ago.” Mountain sports are a great way of bringing people together and always generate a positive group dynamic. “There is something for every age and fitness level. My personal highlight was an organized hiking week on Mt. Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Standing at the edge of the crater, surrounded by sulfur fields and smoke, looking over the precipice and down into the heart of the volcano was an indescribable experience”, the mountain-lover enthuses.
Club life is diverse – on the mountains and in the valleys
The main tasks of the division also include the maintenance of an extensive network of footpaths and, since 1898, running its own mountain hut; the Nördlinger hut near Seefeld in Tyrol, Austria. It is a popular destination, used by many mountain climbers as a rest or overnight stop. “Our hut is staffed during the summer months – the hut guardian is famous for his tasty Kaiserschmarrn”, Monika comments, before adding: “Every year, we also organize a mountain service at the hut, which is always a highlight. What’s more, we advocate for sustainable mountain sports and the protection of Alpine flora and fauna.” However, life at the club does not just take place out on the mountains: At the association’s Nördlingen base, many gatherings and meetings are held. “We organize regular club evenings on different themes and share travel stories”, explains Monika. In May 2019, the Nördlingen section of the DAV celebrated its 125 year anniversary with an open house. “Even we were surprised by the interest in this event”, laughs Monika. “We had such a positive response that we definitely want to do another similar event.” OeTTINGER wishes the best of luck to the Nördlingen division of the DAV – here’s to the next 125 years!
Four winners in Oettingen
The OeTTINGER personal development program in Oettingen also awarded EUR 500 to fleet management employee Artur Berg, who will put the money towards new kit for the table tennis club at TSV Oettingen, while a total of EUR 900 went to Uwe Kirchenbaur from the shipping department. He will be donating the money to the Herblingen volunteer firefighters. The Mäusebande Kindergarten in Harburg/Großsorheim is also celebrating a donation of EUR 700, which will be put towards new toys for the kids, from Martin Gruber, who works in packing.
About the OeTTINGER personnel development program.
More projects supported through this program.
