I hereby award Gerda Arendt this Cherry Impact Event Award for the global impact your incredibly delightful sweetness and extraordinary talent brings to all of us!
I saw this image and thought of you and all you've done to help PS and Khazar. You are a bastion of refuge when the storm clouds come in, and I for one would like to thank you. Don't worry about people talking behind your back - as they say, "sticks and stones". Crisco 1492 (talk) 11:13, 6 March 2012 (UTC)
Hi, Gerda. I was editing Desivojca, and it has this nice tree photo from the "Komani neighborhood", so I figured it should be seen more. Enjoy. Alarbus (talk) 15:55, 12 March 2012 (UTC)
I do, I love trees! --Gerda Arendt (talk) 15:59, 12 March 2012 (UTC)
Thank you so much for your help fixing up "Move Like This"! Your kindness and expertise is greatly appreciated! 28bytes (talk) 18:06, 17 March 2012 (UTC)
Thank you! My pleasure, for a change: „Keep on Knocking“, „Sad Song“, „Free“, „Drag on Forever“, „Just What I Needed“ - just what I needed, --Gerda Arendt (talk) 19:26, 17 March 2012 (UTC)
Thank you for being such a strong content editor -. Don't let the infobox wars and bad faith editors get to you. Your the type of editor we need more of here - :-) Moxy (talk) 03:16, 17 May 2013 (UTC)
I am pleased to award this MBE to you in recognition of your outstanding work on Wikipedia. Your numerous DYKs have achieved the noble goal of highlighting culture on the Main Page. Your work with other users is exemplary, and you're one of the nicest Wikipedians, always supporting and encouraging other users. Thanks for all of your superb contributions! MANdARAX•XAЯAbИAM 19:14, 28 October 2012 (UTC)
Thank you! - I was tempted to say "Blushing", but every time I say so the user is gone a week later, I don't want to miss you also ;) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 19:19, 28 October 2012 (UTC)
ps: I would like to share this award with my br'er Rabbit, the incarnation of selfless service to this project ;) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 09:15, 29 October 2012 (UTC)
Your not saying it seems to have worked – it's been a week and I'm still here! I just finished my latest article (my first in a long time). It's about an artist who was born and raised in Germany and was very interested in music. For some reason, that made me think of you.... MANdARAX•XAЯAbИAM 22:01, 4 November 2012 (UTC)
I didn't say it, as much as I was tempted! - Thanks for staying with me, and for the article! --Gerda Arendt (talk) 23:25, 4 November 2012 (UTC)
Knock on wood, as I blushed as well recently ;) Muggeseggele is still facing extinction while the Mans parking was guided so well to DYK by our fairy maiden - Glückauf Serten (talk) 10:23, 12 July 2013 (UTC)
You found #1, I blushed three more times, --Gerda Arendt (talk) 10:25, 12 July 2013 (UTC)
Gerda, es macht mich glücklich, dir den ersten Wiki Angel Award geben. Du bist ein true Wiki Angel und feine Dame.PumpkinSkytalk 18:13, 28 April 2013 (UTC)
This is awesome ... wish I would have thought of it. :) — Ched : ? 18:26, 28 April 2013 (UTC)
Thank you!!! (blushing again, see above) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 18:32, 28 April 2013 (UTC)
Your support while I was having a rough time and then your warm welcome back upon my return are indescribably heartwarming and most welcome...thank you! Dreadstar☥ 15:51, 30 April 2013 (UTC)
Thank you for being such a strong content editor -. Don't let the infobox wars and bad faith editors get to you. Your the type of editor we need more of here - :-) Moxy (talk) 03:16, 17 May 2013 (UTC)
... I'd make a Wikilove thingy with a pretty picture, but I'm lazy so instead you'll have to settle for text" Barnstar
I saw your note on my talk page. Thanks for the kind words, and for being so refreshingly pleasant and un-bitter all the time. An inspiration to us all. I'm sure I'll see you around eventually, but probably won't be for a while yet. Enjoying my time away. Cheers. --Floquenbeam (talk) 20:56, 24 June 2013 (UTC)
I enjoy refreshing apparitions, also I am in a good mood, after singing Bach for more than two hours, --Gerda Arendt (talk) 21:08, 24 June 2013 (UTC)
I'm not by there very often, but today I saw the recent kerfluffle at AN/I and thought you could use some sweets. Lest you think this is all selfless, though, I brought a second fork. Care to split it? -- Khazar2 (talk) 02:33, 20 June 2013 (UTC)
Gerda, I am truly saddened to see the ArbCom finding against you, as you are quite possibly the kindest, most encouraging, compassionate editor on the entire project. Thank you for all your work, both in article space, and in "Precious". Happy editing. GoPhightins! 15:33, 7 September 2013 (UTC)
Gerda, for your ceaseless efforts across the project to recognize and encourage civility, goodwill, and all manner of useful contributions -- and just generally to foster a collegial and warm atmosphere -- I hope you will accept this barnstar. I had considered giving you the Random Acts of Kindness star or the PumpkinSky Prize, but (unsurprisingly) I find they've already been awarded, so I've settled on this option, fresh and just as appropriate as it is. All my best. Snowtalk 03:34, 9 January 2015 (UTC)
Barnstars are well intended but for my taste they are a little too impersonal; sort of like a store-bought greeting card versus a handwritten letter. So I am taking this opportunity to say that Wikipedia is a better place because you are here. I wish you all the best. PS: Have you ever sung Berg's Altenberg Lieder? I think maybe it is not quite your style of music but I find the pieces hauntingly beautiful, and the words are simple but profound. Short Brigade Harvester Boris (talk) 03:53, 26 January 2015 (UTC)
Well this is mainly for all your work with the Pumpkin sky prize, it makes the real jewel around here. Also thanks for the encouragement you've shown me, I'm always touched... --Jules(Mrjulesd) 20:29, 21 June 2015 (UTC)
Thank you for being here, Gerda. You persist and make your presence felt, like a lovely waterlily that blooms in a swamp. Sminthopsis84 (talk) 15:57, 17 February 2016 (UTC)
Just when we need you the most, you step lightly in
Thank you Gerda for being a force for humane continuity, decency and enlightenment in a challenging world. Sminthopsis84 (talk) 17:14, 17 February 2017 (UTC)
Hi Gerda Arendt. For your tireless contributions to articles about German music, and specifically for the promotion of Dirk Kaftan to the Main Page, I award you this barnstar. Keep up the great work, big thanks! ComputerJA (☎ • ✎) 03:44, 20 February 2017 (UTC)
Long overdue thanks for reminding me I was Today's Wikipedian 10 years ago. Wow, time flies - and the suddenly revived memory of those days left me with a warm sense of nostalgia.
I don't do much editing around here these days, but thought I should leave you this to show my appreciation. I haven't given anyone a barnstar for about 10 years now, so I guess it serves you well! :-) Keep up the good work! Húsönd 19:37, 18 July 2017 (UTC)
The Golden Quackstar
An ancient Wikipedian award, for your efforts to revive memory. Húsönd 19:37, 18 July 2017 (UTC)
I am using the FA article on Kafka as an example for students learning about Wikipedia. What brilliant work you and collaborators have done on this piece, am I right in seeing that you've watched/edited the page for many years? Thanks for your efforts with Wikipedia, your on-wiki style and work is clearly a model others should aspire to follow. :) Monikasj (talk) 23:17, 30 August 2017 (UTC)
You've been a source of strength to me during myriad nonsensical blocks over the years, as well as a level-headed voice of reason, somehow managing to stay afloat in a ubiquitous sea of insanity. Joefromrandb (talk) 21:56, 18 October 2017 (UTC)
This is the first time in long years that I receive such a nice, sweet and warm comment, namely the one you placed on my Talk Page.
After several years of frustration and disappointment with Wikipedia, where I've had many edits and some articles vandalized, erased, distorted, challenged, or otherwise threatened, it is comforting to encounter a caring soul like you. Just...what is a sweet nice girl like you doing in a hostile place like this?
I can see your zeal and dedication to classical music, especially that from your compatriots. I myself am a devoted fan of Johann Sebastian since I was 11 and learned my first exercises authored by him. I cannot stop enjoying his music, and among the many performing artists that have made it available to us, I have a special regard for Wendy Carlos and her extraordinary renderings, particularly her Switched-On Brandenburgs albums.
Note: I had long forgotten that reference I had added to the Joseph Jongen article, I just was (and still am) proud of having added the word "monumental" to the opening paragraph about his Symphonie Concertante, which it well deserves.
Well, to make this short, it's been a pleasure to meet you, even if you are a nine-year-old girl (which I don't believe or understand, but accept nonetheless). :)
Thank you! --AVM (talk) 02:19, 19 February 2018 (UTC)
For spreading good will, good wishes, and good thoughts for so many years. You have such a good influence here. And also, thank you for Der Gemischte Chor Zürich. You are wonderful! Anna Frodesiak (talk) 00:15, 5 March 2018 (UTC)
In appreciation of the unflagging kindness and constructive spirit demonstrated across the numerous corners of the encyclopedia where I have encountered your work! Innisfree987 (talk) 18:41, 24 March 2018 (UTC)
For the wonderful spirit of collaboration and friendship to all editors, as well as for the vigorous contribution to DYK articles, wikipedia would not be as good a place without you. 1l2l3k (talk) 11:39, 11 August 2018 (UTC)
Gerda, I was reminded tonight of your giving me a Precious and it remains perhaps the nicest and most meaningful thing someone has done for me on Wikipedia. I have my Wiki friends who are great and who I get support an encouragement from but to have a "stranger" take the time to really look into me as an editor and capture the good I try to do here meant, and means a lot. I know I thanked you at the time but wanted you to also be thanked for the last impact. Best, Barkeep49 (talk) 02:57, 3 March 2019 (UTC)
Gerda Arendt, this barnstar is for those who add "special flavor" to the community, and I have no doubt you are one who exemplifies this trait. Thank you for your precious awards, and your hard work at their yearly anniversaries. Not to mention your DYKs and other article improvements. This is merely a little appreciation. starship.paint ~KO 10:19, 17 April 2019 (UTC)
My aspens dear, whose airy cages quelled,
Quelled or quenched in leaves the leaping sun,
All felled, felled, are all felled;
Of a fresh and following folded rank
Not spared, not one
That dandled a sandalled
Shadow that swam or sank
On meadow and river and wind-wandering weed-winding bank. ...
The Portal Barnstar is awarded to Wikipedians who have made significant contributions to topic portals.
I had no idea that you have been manually updating and changing entries at Portal:Germany/Did you know on such a regular, long ongoing basis. Seriously, you've been doing this every month for years, and this is greatly appreciated. Your dedication to keeping the Portal:Germany up-to-date with new entries is very commendable. North America1000 01:11, 17 August 2019 (UTC)
Giving thanks for your wonderful demeanor, motivating spirit, and exemplary contributions to this encyclopedia. You are always a shimmering light in this vast abyss of data, and I just want to let you know I appreciate every thing you do here. — Coffee // have a ☕️ // beans // 00:54, 29 November 2019 (UTC)
Please let me offer my best wishes to you for the year 2020. May all your whishes and aspirations be fulfilled and many thanks for being so patient with heavy cases such as me. In other terms, thanks for being here, so helpful and ready to spare you time to help other users. On my part, I'll try to advance from inept to less inept. Respectfully yours, LouisAlain (talk) 08:56, 2 January 2020 (UTC)
Just popping in to leave a greeting. First, thanks for all your excellent work on the wiki. I appreciate all the encouragement you've given me. --LilHelpa (talk) 00:44, 16 February 2020 (UTC)
Hi Gerda, I would like to thank you for your fantastic work on Wikipedia as well as your Precious project. I think that the support and encouragement you give others produces vast amounts of positive energy which is then channeled into better content and improved work environment for all. Crum375 (talk) 19:51, 20 February 2020 (UTC)
Your untiring work to let people know that they have been seen and appreciated makes this place better. Thank you. bonadea contributions talk 22:51, 2 May 2020 (UTC)
Thank you for your patience and flexibility, and for giving me the opportunity to review an interesting and challenging DYK, my first time out. :) --Neopeius (talk) 23:22, 22 May 2020 (UTC)
I’ve been meaning to stop by here to tell you how much your presence is appreciated. (You beat me to it by mere hours with your “like”, which is also very much appreciated). I can’t actually imagine being so selfless and warm-hearted that I would spend my time investigating others’ good actions, and create little gifts 🎁 for fellow editors that highlight and celebrate what they’ve done right, like you do. You give out 💎 when really you are the true gem around here, my dear. 💕 petrarchan47คุก 02:51, 9 July 2020 (UTC)
Thank you for your many years as one of Wikipedia's shining stars. Your exemplary work is greatly appreciated! MANdARAX•XAЯAbИAM 07:15, 3 August 2020 (UTC)
Thank you for being such a beautiful soul. Your words are generally timed perfect for when others need to see them and are so uplifting. I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge my awareness of all the colors that make you the uniquely wonderful and awe inspiring rainbow that you are. Tsistunagiska (talk) 16:20, 10 December 2020 (UTC)
Your understanding and support has no doubt tried you from time to time, but it has made all the difference to me. Thank you. Jenhawk777 (talk) 23:51, 12 December 2020 (UTC)
Gerda, for six years you've diligently returned to remind me of the precious award that you so kindly granted me. It makes me smile each year. For your work in making the wiki a more wonderful place, please accept this small token of my appreciation.
Gerda Arendt, you are one of nicest and caring persons in Wikipedia. As such, I have inducted you to the "Wall of Honor". We need more people like you in this project. I wish you a very Happy New Year. Tony the Marine (talk) 04:57, 1 January 2021 (UTC)
Thank you for your tireless contributions to classical music, and for your tireless contributions in keeping readers informed.
Your efforts are like a concerto; a solo instrument accompanied by an orchestra.
I believe my choice of images is the picture that speaks 1000 words. Atsme💬 📧 12:11, 21 February 2021 (UTC)
For your daily efforts to spread positivity, to remember, recognise and affirm other Wikipedians. For your empathy, humour, kindness and unflappability. Reading your thoughtful Precious award dedication to me was an uplifting and affirming moment for me. Thank you for all that you do. You are a role model, to me and many others! Kohlrabi Pickle (talk) 04:00, 17 March 2021 (UTC)
I may be semi-retired these days but was thinking of you earlier. So this is just a quick drive-by messaging, to tell you that you are awesome and thank you for all that you do here!! :) - Alison❤ 04:03, 2 April 2021 (UTC)
I would most definitely be remiss if I did not acknowledge your incredible work and awe inspiring presence here in this encyclopedia. You are one of the most effectual people I have ever met, physically or otherwise. I mean that. When you smile the world forgets all it's troubles and smiles back. I truly believe you have that affect because I have experienced it myself. A cloudy day doesn't stand a chance with you. The light you give off is amazing and really brightens up everything around you. I don't know if you really know that but I just had to share it with you. Dream dreams, Sing songs, Dance, Laugh, Enjoy Life. What an adventure!! --ARoseWolf 14:22, 28 April 2021 (UTC)
Thanks to your collaborative spirit, I managed to discover Less Unless, who has just become our latest administrator. Sometimes looking through a user's contributions can lead to good things! Ritchie333(talk)(cont) 11:28, 23 May 2021 (UTC)
For all the kindness that you show to your fellow editors, For all the effort you go to in welcoming new users, and For always being there for those less fortunate. Ched would like to offer you this Huge Heart barnstar.
For your contributions to In Freundschaft. I guess your friendship, loyalty and resilience deserve more, but this is with what I come up with for now. Paradise Chronicle (talk) 05:52, 1 November 2021 (UTC)
I don't think I've given someone a barnstar before, and you are the first person that came to mind. I haven't seen as much patience, kindness and civility in most elite contributors as I have seen with you. I hope you have a happy new year! Wretchskull (talk) 13:46, 31 December 2021 (UTC)
Hello Gerda. Mere words are not enough to thank you for all that you have shared over the years. Wikipedia is blessed to have you as an editor. Best wishes to you now and always. MarnetteD|Talk 21:20, 1 January 2022 (UTC)
Thank you very much for distributing wonderful gestures of appreciation around Wikipedia, tirelessly and with an unbreakable belief in the spirit of the project.
Gerda, you send out these little jewels and beautiful messages titled "Precious" but I want you to know that the real precious is you. You have no idea what you have meant to me over the last two years, the last year especially. Thank you for your incredible light and the beauty of the Song I hear from you. All the pictures, songs, articles and DYK's are masterpieces to me. We all have rough edges and there is no doubt that many could find something to disagree with about any of us but you are a lovely person and an amazing editor and I truly believe I wouldn't be alive today without the "garden talks" we have had during my darkest days. I love you very much, as a fellow editor, a friend, and a sister. You are my Precious and a shining jewel. I may still check in from time-to-time and I'll make sure to leave a little note for you or ping you when I do. Keep shining and take care of yourself. --|ARose]]Wolf 17:10, 28 July 2022 (UTC)
By the authority vested in me by myself it gives me great pleasure to present you with this award in recognition of the thorough, detailed and actionable reviews you have carried out at FAC. This work is very much appreciated. Gog the Mild (talk) 19:49, 28 November 2022 (UTC)
Award for a particularly friendly and cooperative behaviour in Wikipedia
Thankyou and kind regards User:Gisbert K, 2 December 2022
You have contributed so much to WIkipedia's coverage of classical and sacred music, that your influence is difficult to measure.
This fact was brought home to me when my husband bought a book for his dad for Christmas called "Stories of the Hymns" written by Glenn Rawson and J. Tonioli. I noticed they cite Wikipedia extensively in that book, and as I was looking up the articles they cited I realized that you have contributed to a LOT of them. Take joy in the fact that your work is being cited in the real world, and bringing joy to others.
For a tireless contributor and our great ambassador of goodwill.
For vast contributions to this encyclopedia's body of work regarding classical music, opera, and the arts of song and melody generally, for staggering numbers of magnificent images illustrating the diversity of flora, the grandeur of numerous places of worship, and many other subjects besides, and above all for devoting countless hours to the effort to make so many other members of this community feel valued for their unique contributions, and for generally making the project a warmer, kinder, more inclusive, and more familial place for an encyclopedist to spend their time, it is my great honour to present to you this token of appreciation; I deign to believe I can speak for the community in saying it is the smallest portion of the recognition you deserve. You are a truly remarkable Wikipedian.
--SnowRise let's rap 04:10, 31 August 2023 (UTC)