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2014 SGC Annual General Meeting
MINUTES
SGC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014
AUSTRIAN CANADIAN EDELWEISS CLUB
320 MAXWELL CRESCENT, REGINA
PRESENT:
Ilona Beck, President
Josephin Dick, Vice President
Andrew Grzesina, Past President
Ray Fichter, Treasurer
Marita Bray, Director
Rod Gellner, Director
Amanda Stehwien, Director
Katharina Ulbrich, Director
Dr. Michael Zimmermann, Director/Department of International Languages, U of R
EXCUSED:
Ulrike Hecker, Secretary
Sylvia Abonyi, German Language School Saskatoon Inc.
Gregor Beck, Regina German Film Club
Jake Dyck, Estevan & District German Freundschaft Society
Laurie Fabrick, Prince Albert German Canadian Club “Waldhorn”
Maria Gossner, Folkart Co-op Humboldt
Ida Grzesina, Volksliederchor Harmonie Inc.
Jennifer Halbert, Regina Austrian Edelweiss Dancers
Maria Hartman, Volksliederchor Harmonie Inc.
Donna Housser, Estevan & District German Freundschaft Society
Phyllis Imhoff, Imhoff Heritage Society
Janet Jost, Austrian Canadian Edelweiss Club
Sandy Jost, Austrian Canadian Edelweiss Club
Katharina Kettner, Saskatchewan Association of Teachers of German
Sigrid Kirmse, CFCR Community Radio Saskatoon
Alvin Knoll, American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, Regina
Berbel Knoll, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
Katie Knorr, German Heritage Society of Humboldt & District
Frieda Koenig, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
Julia Lacey, German Language School Regina
Dennis Linge, Lloydminster German Heritage Society Inc.
Andrea MacLeod, Kochlöffel & Nudelholz: German-Canadian Koch- und Backstudio
Sandra Morin, German Language School Regina
Ernfried Oberlaender, Jagd- und Fischverein „Waidmann’s Lust“
Michael Oelck, Saskatoon German Days
Uwe Reinkens, Regina German Film Club
George Richert, Mennonite Heritage Village
Pearl Richert, Mennonite Heritage Village
Darlene Rubrecht, German Canadian Society Harmonie Inc.
John Saxinger, German Heritage Society of Humboldt & District
Stephanie Schaefer, Das Schulhaus - Regina German Language School Inc.
Bernadette Schiller, Lloydminster German Heritage Society Inc.
Evan Stehwien, German Junior Folk Dancers
Hans-Jürgen Steinmetz, Skat Club Saskatoon
Martina Steinmetz, Skat Club Saskatoon
Susan Velder, Imhoff Heritage Society
Adeline Vogelgesang, Saskatoon German Cultural Centre
Ruth Wilson, Folkart Co-op Humboldt
Sabine Zagoricnik-Wecker, Das Schulaus - Regina German Langauage School Inc.
GUESTS:
Bryce Van Loosen
Kerri Van Loosen
STAFF:
Sabine Doebel-Atchison, Executive Director
Franziska Davies, Office & Program Assistant
Michelle Thompson, Cultural Development Assistant
- Call to Order
President Ilona Beck called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m.
- Approval of Agenda
Ilona asked if delegates accept the agenda as presented.
MOTION:To approve the agenda as presented.
Darlene Rubrecht / Kerri Knoll
CARRIED
- Approval of Minutes of Last General Meeting
The minutes of the last AGM are in the 2013/2014 Annual Report that was handed out at registration
MOTION:That the minutes of the last Annual General Meeting be approved as presented.
Andrea MacLeod/ Ida Grzesina
CARRIED
- Business Arising
No business arising.
- President’s Report
(The following is a verbatim account.)
This is now the time to present the President’s report: You will find my president’s report on page 12/13 in the Annual Report 2013/2014.
As the president of the Saskatchewan German Council it is my pleasure to present to you the president’s report for the fiscal year 2013/2014. As this year also marks the final year of my presidency I take this opportunity to not only report on the past year but also to reflect on the past three terms.
Thanks to the continuous support of Sask Culture through the Sask Lottery Funds, SGC was able to secure financial stability. For the fiscal year 2013/14 the Council received $169,360.00 in Annual Global Funding (AGF) and $15,000 in Multicultural Initiative Funding (MIF). From 2008/09 to 2013/14 AGF increased by 30%. In the same time period SGC’s total revenue rose from $164,407 to $247,960. Furthermore, it is interesting that over the past 6 years the percentage of AGF on the total SGC revenue gradually declined from 85 % in 2008/09 to 68 % in 2013/14. This clearly shows that SGC is taking advantage of a variety of funding opportunities to meet its expenses and its programs.
Looking back to the year 2008 my vision for the SGC was clear: while honoring the traditions and the achievements of the past we also wanted to represent a timely picture of the Germany of the 21st century. Therefore SGC had to open up to new emerging cultural activities and embrace contemporary German culture. Culture is not steady but it is evolving continuously. We have to accept change in order to grow and move forward. Therefore the Council’s focus had to be not only on the funding aspect but on leadership in relevant and contemporary German culture. As the umbrella organization of 38 member groups the Council had to set the tone, give directions and initiate projects and services as to how modern German culture can be represented in Saskatchewan. Accordingly over the past six years expenditures on programs, projects and the newsletter more than doubled from $62,407 to $112,506 representing 45% of the total budget.
Over the past years SGC implemented a series of new projects such as the ”Mach mit!” youth project, the cultural traditions series, the “Welcome” immigration hand book, the SGC branding project with new website, logo and the new face of the Postillion, the online German course, the diversity project, the services of an immigration settlement advisor, the pension advisor service and the library as resource station for German related information. New this year was an initiative where the Council started partnering with a member organization to deliver a project. For example, this spring the German Jazz Group Florian Hoefner performed at the German-Canadian Society Harmonie in Regina.
This year alone SGC spent a total of $46,874 in member funding, the highest payout ever in SGC history. Our statistics show that over the course of ten years SGC distributed a total of $ 245,869 in member funding and additional $407,109 in project, programs and services. SGC clearly has set its priorities on increased services and higher member funding so our base, the member groups, can grow and manifest in the Saskatchewan community. By strengthening our grassroots we will grow from the bottom up and will carry forward our mission to promote and to make German language and culture accessible to all of Saskatchewan.
From the start of my presidency one of my focuses was set on language acquisition. Language is the key to culture. Language accessibility will create curiosity for the new culture and over time can support cultural activities. Financial support for language learning almost doubled from $ 6,739 in 2008/09 to $12,246 in 2013/14. Furthermore, starting this fiscal year, a modified format of language school funding will give German language schools in this province more independence to administer and disperse funds. Complying with our strategic goal to increase accessibility to language learning to all people in Saskatchewan SGC proudly launched its first online German course in March 2014 supported by a capacity building grant by Sask Culture. It is the Council’s position to further advance the aspect of language learning and accessibility and streamlining it with rejuvenation and renewal. The process of rejuvenation is long term and never ending; it can be measured by the growth and capacity of its member groups, the increase of language learners and the continuous interest in German related matters.
In the past year we strategically focused on creating awareness of the SGC name and being visible and recognizable as organization in the public eye. The new logo, website and now recently the new face of the Postillion is a successful first step. It is essential to include all German speaking groups such as Austrian and Swiss. It is necessary to reach out to different cultural and ethnic communities, and cooperate with them on the multicultural stage of Saskatchewan. From multiculturalism over inter-culturalism to intra- culturalism we will transition from tolerance and acceptance to cooperation, partnership and inclusion without losing sight of our identity and diversity. The recently completed diversity project “Beyond Autobahn and Oktoberfest” will be a useful tool in that direction. It will showcase German identity in the cultural mosaic of Saskatchewan, broaden the understanding of Germans and Germany and show the German/Canadian connection in past and presence. The 12 poster series demonstrates that Germany is more than the superficial perception of Germany pictured in Bavarian style. It shows that there is a completely different side of Germany and German culture unknown to many. As a traveling exhibition and teaching tool it will create interest in our unique culture. Additional promotional activities such as the participation at SUMA (Sask. Urban Municipalities Association), Heritage Saskatchewan Forum, Sask. Heritage Festival and the cooperative work on the “Stories of Integration” project have carried forward our name and purpose as organization that is willing to reach out to other cultures.
2014 also marks the 30th anniversary of the Council’s existence. SGC came a long way from a small interest group in 1984 to a recognizable provincial organization of 38 member groups. The picture and the perception of SGC as an organization have changed significantly. SGC evolved into a dynamic organization that is recognizable not only by its logo but its actions. SGC’ s pillars stand for language, culture and traditions. Our logo conveys embracing and including all Saskatchewan people.
Last but not least I thank my Board of Directors and the efficient SGC staff headed by Executive Director Sabine Doebel-Atchison for their continuous support and cooperation over the past six years.
MOTION:To approve the President’s Report as presented.
Maria Hartmann/Hans-Jürgen Steinmetz
CARRIED
- Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Ray Fichter noted that the audited financial statements are in the 2013/2014 Annual Report. He asked the membership to read the report.
Ray pointed out that the Council increased unrestricted funds by $5,000, making it a total of $35,000. The intension is to build up a contingency fund to be able to meet liability in case funding is ever cut.
The AGF increased by $5,000.
Hans-Jürgen Steinmetz asked for clarification in schedule 5 and he recommended adding years to all columns to be more clear. Sabine and Ray clarified the columns and what they meant.
MOTION:To approve the Treasurer’s Report as presented.
Ray Fichter / Hans-Jürgen Steinmetz
CARRIED
After the motion, Ray mentioned that in the past 10 years there have been many changes at the council, the staff has been very efficient and that he will miss them and the board members, but it’s time for him to move on.
Ilona thanked Ray for his services over the past 10 years.
- Appointment of Auditor for 2014/15
Ray Fichter explained that SGC has used Jensen & Stromberg as auditor for the third time last year and that they were competent and reliable. He recommended using them again.
MOTION:To appoint Jensen & Stromberg for the 2014/2015 SGC audit.
Ray Fichter / Ruth Wilson
CARRIED
- Approval of Reports
In addition to reports provided at the AGM, reports can be found in the 2013/2014 Annual Report.
Hans-Jürgen Steinmetz, Skat Club Saskatoon
The club was founded in 1969 so it’s our 45th year anniversary and will also be Hans- Jürgenas president since he has been in office for 22 years. The club organized the 23rd Saskatchewan Skat Tournament. The success to keep the club going comes from Folkfest, there are free lessons to whoever signs up. The club is part of 28 million worldwide Skat players.
Adeline Vogelgesang, German Cultural Centre
Since last year the centre participated in the 3 day Folkfest, which took place August 14 to 16. It was a great success! Each month they will have special events at the centre. The grounds have been landscaped and new German beers have been added to the menu. On April 4, Herb Pexa suddenly passed away. He was a long time member and had been the president three times. The club also said good bye to John Tyson, and welcomed their new manager Adam Wolf.
Katharina Kettner, Saskatchewan Association of Teachers of German
The association aims to provide development opportunities to teachers throughout the province, the goal is to support teachers and that is why they have workshops to reach that goal. SATG also has the language contest , which takes places almost every year and is constantly getting revamped.
George Richert, Mennonite Heritage Village
There are three events that happen every year and are upcoming; Frontier Days from June 26 to 29, the 20th Annual Mennonite Heritage Village Watermelon Festival and'The Gathering' at Sommerfeld Church celebrating 100 years. Thank you also for the grant that allowed for preservation of Plattdeutsch, the group had a Sunday afternoon where only Plattdeutsch was spoken.
Sabine Zagoricnik-Wecker, Das Schulhaus- Regina German Language School Inc.
This is das Schulhaus’ second year in full operation, a level 20 class was established and they also introduced project days for the cultural part of learning a foreign language. Their fundraising night turned out to be a great success!
Andrea MacLeod, Kochlöffel & Nudelholz: German-Canadian Koch- und Backstudio
Last year, Hannelies and Stefan Kuehnle moved back to Germany so Andrea took over with the help of Barbara. The group has 8 -12 students that consistently come to class. This past year, they made Rouladen and Spätzle, Zwetschgendatschi, Dampfnudeln and Maultaschen. They also had the Star Phoenix visit, and a lovely article was written about them. Franziska took over when maternity started for Andrea. Classes will be starting in September again.
Bernadette Schiller, Lloydminster German Heritage Society Inc.
Oktoberfest is the biggest event for the club and was very successful. They are looking forward to it again this year!
Sigrid Kirmse, CFCR Community Radio Saskatoon
The radio station has over 100 volunteer hosts to try to bring what other do not. There are 17 ethnic programs during the week, two being German. Every Sunday from 1 to 3pm and on Fridays from 1 to 2pm.
Gregor Beck, Regina Film Club
The club is made up of various ages and backgrounds that wanted to be exposed to the German language. They are open to new members joining- everyone is welcome! The club tries to meet every 4 to 6 weeks. Recently shown movies include: Ein Sommer in Orange, Dreiviertel Mond and Goodbye Lenin.
Alvin Knoll, American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, Regina Chapter
This past year has been another good year for the group. They held a membership drive and successfully recruited several new members. The group relies on its member to relate personal or family histories pertaining to their own personal experiences growing up in the various areas east of Germany, whether it was the Banat, Crimea, Volhynia or what is now Ukraine. Also, Alvin would like to thank Trinity Evangelical Luthern Church for accommodating the group and of course the Saskatchewan German Council for helping with monetary and public support. They look forward to working with the Council in the upcoming years.
Ernfried Oberlaender, Jagd- und Fischverein „Waidmann’s Lust“
This club started in 1968 with only 10 people. In 1969, it grew to 49 members. And now the club has 17 members, with 3 being younger than 70 years. We were also hit hard with the passing of Franz Koenig, we will remember him dearly. Thank you to the Saskatchewan German Council for their continuous support.
Berbel Knoll, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
Under the leadership of Pastor L. Hognestad, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church is enjoying a vibrant if somewhat small church community. Trinity still offers German worship services every Sunday at 9:30am and German Lenten Services on Wednesday afternoons during the Lenten season. The choir takes part in both the German and English services. Programs are finishing up for the summer months now and will resume in September. They are however, looking forward to two special events in the summer: Vacation Bible School from August 11 to 15 open to all children, and the annual neighbourhood barbeque also in August. Families come to enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers with the church and they serve about 1,000 meals.
Laurie Fabrick, Prince Albert German Canadian Club “Waldhorn”
Greetings from Prince Albert and Les! They were involved in Tapestrama which was a success. Their language school has about 15 students. The core of the club has 10 member families, while the entire club is 40 people strong. She would like to thank Saskatchewan German Council and SaskCulture for monetary support.
Jennifer Halbert, Edelweiss Dancers Regina
On May 2 and May 3, they hosted the 7th Maifest and Gala. It was a chance for groups to come together in the spirit of dancing and share dances.
Janet Jost, Austrian Canadian Edelweiss Club