AGM Agenda-Minutes
Sunday, June 26, 2022 11:15am – 2:00 pm EST Saugeen Academy, Hanover, Ontario, Canada
11:15 Virtual Meeting Orientation
Thank you to Grant Davis for integration
Quorum confirmation (Claudette Leblanc) Confirmed by Claudette
President’s Welcome (Micah Edelstein)
Michael Schmidt addressed the AGM with the story of the Church’s organ. Previous owners of the
church were fans of Symphony in The Barn. They accepted the Schmidt offer to buy the Saugeen
Academy.
John Glanzer and Noemi Glen were absent due to illness.
11:20 Reading of the Verse For the Dead (Susan Koppersmith)
Names of deceased and new members read (Susan Koppersmith) 11:25 Foundation Stone in English
(Kaitlin Brown)
11:30 Minutes of 2021 AGM (Micah Edelstein)
Motion to accept the 2021 AGM Minutes Proposer: Tim Nadelle
Seconder: Dorothy Le Baron Accepted
11:35 Business arising
Funding Requests: Requests for “multiplier effect” (many people involved) is favored but individual
proposals are still considered.
11:45 Review of activities
Micah Edelstein – President’s Report
Farah Project: for a teacher-in- training. Spearheaded by Noemi Glen. Funds were matched by the
ASC. Exceeded expectations threefold,
Auriel Eurythmy and other Eurythmy projects.
AWSNA
Prison Outreach: ongoing by Raun Griffiths..
Communication Role Mark McGivern to work with Council as an adjunct as our new Communication
Administrator, eNews editor and website manager and outreach. This is a paid position.. We will
explore to see if this role needs more manpower.
A “Friends” category. An introduction towards becoming members and joining the Society. They
receive the eNews and special notices. These new members to be paired with a buddy member to foster
their interest as a gateway to membership. Mark McGivern will make up a form for the website for
new “Friends” to be added to a separate data base. Perspectives continues and is looking for
writers.
Anthroposophy In Toronto (AIT) is a separate members’ initiative. Council supports its gesture of
being inclusive and working towards having a physical presence in downtown Toronto.
Bert Chase– General Secretary Report
Relationships are building between individuals and General Secretaries and the World Society. With
the interruption of Covid how can we foster connections into the future?
Sponsorship question: this practice came from the Theosophical Society, was transferred to the
Anthroposophical Society and appeared in the rose booklet with a place for sponsors signature with
inception. General Secretaries reviewed this process and sponsorship was removed as a gesture to
turn from the core to the current members. Gesture of world wide focus, turning towards events of
the past. Come together for the night of the burning of the first Goetheanum in communion;
individuals to carry Anthroposophy into the world. Council looking to connect with this gesture.
Questions
Hugh Seconder: Have you visited the Goetheanum? Yes, General Secretaries came together in fall
2021, (Bert returned with Covid). Meeting gave an image of the worldwide will to work together.
Challenges were meeting Swiss law compliance of who and when people were allowed to enter the
Goetheanum. Policing at doors was required while the cosmopolitan gesture was fostered inside
rather than shutting down. It was decided tha members of the Executive council would man the doors
and greet visitors to foster human relationships (swiss legal loophole?). West entry was the only
one open.
Tim Nadelle: Swiss law details? Differentiation was that those responsible for the society could
meet and greet. Person to person was allowed and made it “possible” All meetings were enhanced due
to this. Due to the 1on1 interaction, entry was granted to the Goetheanum.
Alicia: Were people turned away? Yes, if legal requirements were not met; individuals would choose
not to attempt entry. Leadership members worked to find the loopholes, extremely difficult dance.
Monica Pudelko, on Zoom: confirmed that some members were not allowed in for about 3 months and
letters were written to executive council to protest.
The theme of Carrying of tasks amongst each other. To be grateful for the work of others on our
behalf. Extending gratitude and appreciation to Jef Saunders for all that he has done on behalf of
our Society.
12:15 Treasurer’ s report; Budget 2022-23
Approval of Budget (John)
#130A-1 Hesperus Rd Thornhill, ON L4J 0G9 Canada Tel: 416-892-3656 Toll-free 1-877-892-3656 Email:
info@anthroposophy.ca
Overview of 2021 for Approval. ~600k in deposit after liabilities. Any Questions? No questions.
200K receipts 360k expenses = 44k deficit mostly due to counter covid communication solutions. Any
Questions? No questions.
ASC Core: 48K surplus due to reduced travel. Proposer: Siobhan Hughes
Seconder: Jef Saunders Motion carried.
113K from membership (split between the Goetheanum and ASC core) 2022
Budget approval:
Bequest 24k from a family. Expense budget:
Motion to approve financial statements and budgets Proposer: Jef Saunders
Seconder: Ingrid Wharton Motion Carried.
12:45 Confirmation of accountant (John)
New Accountant needed, old 5K fee seems outdated.
Questions on Budget? Or Accountant Selection?: none Who are the runner ups to the new accountant?
Siobhan: can we look for a small firm to keep it more personal and stay away from large firms?
Current candidate quo intermediate size firm 10~12k audit plus fees if no long term relationship.
Siobhan will offer their accountant from Halton School. Jeff? Clarification.
Surge of fees and search for a new accountant given to the discretion of the council. John: Motion:
to empower the council to search and select an accountant
Jef: review bylaws to see if members need to be consulted. Motion to search for accountant:
Proposer: Elizabeth Chomko
Seconder: Margaret Leffers Motion carried.
12:50 Contingency motion for changing
#130A-1 Hesperus Rd Thornhill, ON L4J 0G9 Canada Tel: 416-892-3656 Toll-free 1-877-892-3656 Email:
info@anthroposophy.ca
the accountant (John)
Proposal: continue with primary accountant while searching for a substitute secondary one.
Proposer: Richard Chomko
Seconder: Diana Hughes Approved Tim Nadelle Motion Carried
Farewell from John. Council commended John on his professionalism. John to work with Sebastian as
interim Treasurer.
Question: Who is Sebastian? Covering for Noemi as Secretary while she is recovering. Short Bio by
Sebastian.
Jef Remarks: officers can be appointed; without being members of the Council. This is an option.
Marguerite Doray: 100 century of World Economy Lectures. Proposing to do an Economics course 2022,
Centenary commemoration.
Mark spoke as our Communication Administrator.
Contributions are required for the website. Listing of events, articles, Youth blog, etc. 12:55
Anthroposophy In Toronto
A full discussion followed. Members asked questions and some answers were given.
AIT: congratulations from Diana Hughes on how AIT issue was handled. Question: What exactly were
the bylaws that justified the separation? They wanted management and financial liberty, and the
council could not be part of their decision making process, and AIT wanted to be able to fundraise
on their own.
US model allows for this but restricts proper interaction and communication.
Vancouver and Nova Scotia are counter-examples that show that it could have been adopted, as
by-laws allow for that.
Bert: pink card is the only membership worldwide. National Associations have formed under local
laws to host worldwide members. Because there is not yet a way to embody a worldwide organization.
The US Society is based in NY state, established the directors as the only members, leaving the US
members without a direct say. Resulting in the US “nonmembers” to reorganize in smaller groups to
have geographic voice.
Canada allows local groups to organize and still be members of both local branches via stewards and
national members of the whole. AIT is the new exception, based on the US model.
Diana: Do we want to go with the US model or continue with the Canadian model?
Bert: ASC will continue to support the Canadian model while also supporting AIT on their
experiment. Steiner Center as precedent ?
#130A-1 Hesperus Rd Thornhill, ON L4J 0G9 Canada Tel: 416-892-3656 Toll-free 1-877-892-3656 Email:
info@anthroposophy.ca
1:00 Confirmation of Councilors (Micah Edelstein)
Kaitlin Brown NS Catarina Burisch ON Micah Edelstein NS John Glanzer AB Noemi Glen QC
Susan Koppersmith BC
Kaitlin Brown Proposer: Tim Nadelle Seconder: Corinna Sons all in favor
Catarina Burisch Proposer: Dorothy Le Baron Seconder: Jansje Holmes all in favor
Micah Edelstein
Proposer: Chris Wilson Seconder: Elizabeth Chomko all in favor
John Glanzer
Proposer: Siobhan Hughes Seconder: Bert Chase
all in favor
Noemi Glen
Proposer: Siobhan Hughes Seconder: Corinna Sons all in favor
Susan Koppersmith Proposer: Bert Chase Seconder: Elizabeth Chomko
1:10 Confirmation of officers
President: Micah Edelstein Proposer: Richard Chomko Seconder: Micheline Gagnon all in favor
#130A-1 Hesperus Rd Thornhill, ON L4J 0G9 Canada Tel: 416-892-3656 Toll-free 1-877-892-3656 Email:
info@anthroposophy.ca
Secretary Noemi Glen Proposer: Margaret Leffers Seconder: Philip Thatcher all in favor
Treasurer John Glanzer Proposer: Siobhan Hughes Seconder: Agnes Schneeberg all in favor.
All motions carried.
*Acknowledgment of John Glanzer’s tenure & contributions (Micah Edelstein) 1:14 AGM 2023 (Claudette
Leblanc)
Next AGM somewhere in the area around Montreal for May 21ˢᵗ. Victoria Day Weekend. 1:15 Other
business
Introduction of Manitoba Conference (Bert)
Corinna Sons, Monika Pudelko
Corinna Introduction
“Meeting One Another” series in the eNews. Conference has to do with what it means to take
initiative in our time. We want young people to attend. Conference is about working with the earth
in a spiritual healing way. Location, Central Manitoba,
Monika Pudelko, trained Eurythmist, attempting an anthroposophical community on her land one hour
north of Winnipeg, Manitoba’s capital. Challenge: lack of anthroposophists in Manitoba. Forces of
light and darkness as obstacles. Who will come? Wrestling with expectations. Preparations ongoing
for a year, with Council support. Open invitation to collaborate and attend. Heart of the continent
is intentional. Carpooling, travel funds, collaboration. Also collaborate with Branch simultaneous
events.
Planning Group Susan Koppersmith BC Bert Chase BC
Robert McKay ON Kim Hunter BC
Monika Pudelko MN Jean Balekian QC John Bach BC Arlene Thorn ON Micah Edelstein NS Corinna Sons ON
Grant Davis ON
#130A-1 Hesperus Rd Thornhill, ON L4J 0G9 Canada Tel: 416-892-3656 Toll-free 1-877-892-3656 Email:
info@anthroposophy.ca
Monika via Zoom
She was guided towards Manitoba, arrived in 2013. Inspired by 2016 Ottawa conference. Heart of the
continent. What does this mean for Canada at this time? Indigeneous history and potential to share.
Location not far from Winnipeg. Sacred site around the Forks. Different trade routes at the
junctions of Assiniboine and Red River.
Attendance of Peter Selg and Constanza Kaliks from the Goetheanum is confirmed for August 11th to
14th 2023. An online presence.
Kim Hunter spoke on Zoom. Available: barracks for sleeping, tents on Monika’s land. Camping, Nearby
hosting neighbors, hotel in Gimli. More details by the end of September.
*Jef Saunders is retiring as Communication Administrator & eNews editor Acknowledgement of his
tenure and contributions (Bert Chase)
*Introduction of Mark McGivern; effective July 1, 2022 as Communication Administrator, eNews editor
and web page manager and Perspectives editor (Micah Edelstein)
1:30 Sharing Your Voice
1:44 Confirmation of proceedings
I, Micah Edelstein, presented a resolution that all by-laws, resolutions, contracts and proceedings
of the Board of Directors of the corporation as set forth or referred to in the minutes of the ASC
are hereby approved, ratified and confirmed.
Proposer: Micah Edelstein Seconder: Hans Roch
all in favor with one abstention (Jef Saunders) 1:45 Motion to adjourn (Micah Edelstein)
Foundation Stone in French (Claudette Leblanc)
#130A-1 Hesperus Rd Thornhill, ON L4J 0G9 Canada Tel: 416-892-3656 Toll-free 1-877-892-3656 Email:
info@anthroposophy.ca
AGM Agenda-Minutes
Sunday, June 26, 2022 11:15am – 2:00 pm EST Saugeen Academy, Hanover, Ontario, Canada
11:15 Virtual Meeting Orientation
Thank you to Grant Davis for integration
Quorum confirmation (Claudette Leblanc) Confirmed by Claudette
President’s Welcome (Micah Edelstein)
Michael Schmidt addressed the AGM with the story of the Church’s organ. Previous owners of the
church were fans of Symphony in The Barn. They accepted the Schmidt offer to buy the Saugeen
Academy.
John Glanzer and Noemi Glen were absent due to illness.
11:20 Reading of the Verse For the Dead (Susan Koppersmith)
Names of deceased and new members read (Susan Koppersmith) 11:25 Foundation Stone in English
(Kaitlin Brown)
11:30 Minutes of 2021 AGM (Micah Edelstein)
Motion to accept the 2021 AGM Minutes Proposer: Tim Nadelle
Seconder: Dorothy Le Baron Accepted
11:35 Business arising
Funding Requests: Requests for “multiplier effect” (many people involved) is favored but individual
proposals are still considered.
11:45 Review of activities
Micah Edelstein – President’s Report
Farah Project: for a teacher-in- training. Spearheaded by Noemi Glen. Funds were matched by the
ASC. Exceeded expectations threefold,
Auriel Eurythmy and other Eurythmy projects.
AWSNA
Prison Outreach: ongoing by Raun Griffiths..
Communication Role Mark McGivern to work with Council as an adjunct as our new Communication
Administrator, eNews editor and website manager and outreach. This is a paid position.. We will
explore to see if this role needs more manpower.
A “Friends” category. An introduction towards becoming members and joining the Society. They
receive the eNews and special notices. These new members to be paired with a buddy member to foster
their interest as a gateway to membership. Mark McGivern will make up a form for the website for
new “Friends” to be added to a separate data base. Perspectives continues and is looking for
writers.
Anthroposophy In Toronto (AIT) is a separate members’ initiative. Council supports its gesture of
being inclusive and working towards having a physical presence in downtown Toronto.
Bert Chase– General Secretary Report
Relationships are building between individuals and General Secretaries and the World Society. With
the interruption of Covid how can we foster connections into the future?
Sponsorship question: this practice came from the Theosophical Society, was transferred to the
Anthroposophical Society and appeared in the rose booklet with a place for sponsors signature with
inception. General Secretaries reviewed this process and sponsorship was removed as a gesture to
turn from the core to the current members. Gesture of world wide focus, turning towards events of
the past. Come together for the night of the burning of the first Goetheanum in communion;
individuals to carry Anthroposophy into the world. Council looking to connect with this gesture.
Questions
Hugh Seconder: Have you visited the Goetheanum? Yes, General Secretaries came together in fall
2021, (Bert returned with Covid). Meeting gave an image of the worldwide will to work together.
Challenges were meeting Swiss law compliance of who and when people were allowed to enter the
Goetheanum. Policing at doors was required while the cosmopolitan gesture was fostered inside
rather than shutting down. It was decided tha members of the Executive council would man the doors
and greet visitors to foster human relationships (swiss legal loophole?). West entry was the only
one open.
Tim Nadelle: Swiss law details? Differentiation was that those responsible for the society could
meet and greet. Person to person was allowed and made it “possible” All meetings were enhanced due
to this. Due to the 1on1 interaction, entry was granted to the Goetheanum.
Alicia: Were people turned away? Yes, if legal requirements were not met; individuals would choose
not to attempt entry. Leadership members worked to find the loopholes, extremely difficult dance.
Monica Pudelko, on Zoom: confirmed that some members were not allowed in for about 3 months and
letters were written to executive council to protest.
The theme of Carrying of tasks amongst each other. To be grateful for the work of others on our
behalf. Extending gratitude and appreciation to Jef Saunders for all that he has done on behalf of
our Society.
12:15 Treasurer’ s report; Budget 2022-23
Approval of Budget (John)
#130A-1 Hesperus Rd Thornhill, ON L4J 0G9 Canada Tel: 416-892-3656 Toll-free 1-877-892-3656 Email:
info@anthroposophy.ca
Overview of 2021 for Approval. ~600k in deposit after liabilities. Any Questions? No questions.
200K receipts 360k expenses = 44k deficit mostly due to counter covid communication solutions. Any
Questions? No questions.
ASC Core: 48K surplus due to reduced travel. Proposer: Siobhan Hughes
Seconder: Jef Saunders Motion carried.
113K from membership (split between the Goetheanum and ASC core) 2022
Budget approval:
Bequest 24k from a family. Expense budget:
Motion to approve financial statements and budgets Proposer: Jef Saunders
Seconder: Ingrid Wharton Motion Carried.
12:45 Confirmation of accountant (John)
New Accountant needed, old 5K fee seems outdated.
Questions on Budget? Or Accountant Selection?: none Who are the runner ups to the new accountant?
Siobhan: can we look for a small firm to keep it more personal and stay away from large firms?
Current candidate quo intermediate size firm 10~12k audit plus fees if no long term relationship.
Siobhan will offer their accountant from Halton School. Jeff? Clarification.
Surge of fees and search for a new accountant given to the discretion of the council. John: Motion:
to empower the council to search and select an accountant
Jef: review bylaws to see if members need to be consulted. Motion to search for accountant:
Proposer: Elizabeth Chomko
Seconder: Margaret Leffers Motion carried.
12:50 Contingency motion for changing
#130A-1 Hesperus Rd Thornhill, ON L4J 0G9 Canada Tel: 416-892-3656 Toll-free 1-877-892-3656 Email:
info@anthroposophy.ca
the accountant (John)
Proposal: continue with primary accountant while searching for a substitute secondary one.
Proposer: Richard Chomko
Seconder: Diana Hughes Approved Tim Nadelle Motion Carried
Farewell from John. Council commended John on his professionalism. John to work with Sebastian as
interim Treasurer.
Question: Who is Sebastian? Covering for Noemi as Secretary while she is recovering. Short Bio by
Sebastian.
Jef Remarks: officers can be appointed; without being members of the Council. This is an option.
Marguerite Doray: 100 century of World Economy Lectures. Proposing to do an Economics course 2022,
Centenary commemoration.
Mark spoke as our Communication Administrator.
Contributions are required for the website. Listing of events, articles, Youth blog, etc. 12:55
Anthroposophy In Toronto
A full discussion followed. Members asked questions and some answers were given.
AIT: congratulations from Diana Hughes on how AIT issue was handled. Question: What exactly were
the bylaws that justified the separation? They wanted management and financial liberty, and the
council could not be part of their decision making process, and AIT wanted to be able to fundraise
on their own.
US model allows for this but restricts proper interaction and communication.
Vancouver and Nova Scotia are counter-examples that show that it could have been adopted, as
by-laws allow for that.
Bert: pink card is the only membership worldwide. National Associations have formed under local
laws to host worldwide members. Because there is not yet a way to embody a worldwide organization.
The US Society is based in NY state, established the directors as the only members, leaving the US
members without a direct say. Resulting in the US “nonmembers” to reorganize in smaller groups to
have geographic voice.
Canada allows local groups to organize and still be members of both local branches via stewards and
national members of the whole. AIT is the new exception, based on the US model.
Diana: Do we want to go with the US model or continue with the Canadian model?
Bert: ASC will continue to support the Canadian model while also supporting AIT on their
experiment. Steiner Center as precedent ?
#130A-1 Hesperus Rd Thornhill, ON L4J 0G9 Canada Tel: 416-892-3656 Toll-free 1-877-892-3656 Email:
info@anthroposophy.ca
1:00 Confirmation of Councilors (Micah Edelstein)
Kaitlin Brown NS Catarina Burisch ON Micah Edelstein NS John Glanzer AB Noemi Glen QC
Susan Koppersmith BC
Kaitlin Brown Proposer: Tim Nadelle Seconder: Corinna Sons all in favor
Catarina Burisch Proposer: Dorothy Le Baron Seconder: Jansje Holmes all in favor
Micah Edelstein
Proposer: Chris Wilson Seconder: Elizabeth Chomko all in favor
John Glanzer
Proposer: Siobhan Hughes Seconder: Bert Chase
all in favor
Noemi Glen
Proposer: Siobhan Hughes Seconder: Corinna Sons all in favor
Susan Koppersmith Proposer: Bert Chase Seconder: Elizabeth Chomko
1:10 Confirmation of officers
President: Micah Edelstein Proposer: Richard Chomko Seconder: Micheline Gagnon all in favor
#130A-1 Hesperus Rd Thornhill, ON L4J 0G9 Canada Tel: 416-892-3656 Toll-free 1-877-892-3656 Email:
info@anthroposophy.ca
Secretary Noemi Glen Proposer: Margaret Leffers Seconder: Philip Thatcher all in favor
Treasurer John Glanzer Proposer: Siobhan Hughes Seconder: Agnes Schneeberg all in favor.
All motions carried.
*Acknowledgment of John Glanzer’s tenure & contributions (Micah Edelstein) 1:14 AGM 2023 (Claudette
Leblanc)
Next AGM somewhere in the area around Montreal for May 21ˢᵗ. Victoria Day Weekend. 1:15 Other
business
Introduction of Manitoba Conference (Bert)
Corinna Sons, Monika Pudelko
Corinna Introduction
“Meeting One Another” series in the eNews. Conference has to do with what it means to take
initiative in our time. We want young people to attend. Conference is about working with the earth
in a spiritual healing way. Location, Central Manitoba,
Monika Pudelko, trained Eurythmist, attempting an anthroposophical community on her land one hour
north of Winnipeg, Manitoba’s capital. Challenge: lack of anthroposophists in Manitoba. Forces of
light and darkness as obstacles. Who will come? Wrestling with expectations. Preparations ongoing
for a year, with Council support. Open invitation to collaborate and attend. Heart of the continent
is intentional. Carpooling, travel funds, collaboration. Also collaborate with Branch simultaneous
events.
Planning Group Susan Koppersmith BC Bert Chase BC
Robert McKay ON Kim Hunter BC
Monika Pudelko MN Jean Balekian QC John Bach BC Arlene Thorn ON Micah Edelstein NS Corinna Sons ON
Grant Davis ON
#130A-1 Hesperus Rd Thornhill, ON L4J 0G9 Canada Tel: 416-892-3656 Toll-free 1-877-892-3656 Email:
info@anthroposophy.ca
Monika via Zoom
She was guided towards Manitoba, arrived in 2013. Inspired by 2016 Ottawa conference. Heart of the
continent. What does this mean for Canada at this time? Indigeneous history and potential to share.
Location not far from Winnipeg. Sacred site around the Forks. Different trade routes at the
junctions of Assiniboine and Red River.
Attendance of Peter Selg and Constanza Kaliks from the Goetheanum is confirmed for August 11th to
14th 2023. An online presence.
Kim Hunter spoke on Zoom. Available: barracks for sleeping, tents on Monika’s land. Camping, Nearby
hosting neighbors, hotel in Gimli. More details by the end of September.
*Jef Saunders is retiring as Communication Administrator & eNews editor Acknowledgement of his
tenure and contributions (Bert Chase)
*Introduction of Mark McGivern; effective July 1, 2022 as Communication Administrator, eNews editor
and web page manager and Perspectives editor (Micah Edelstein)
1:30 Sharing Your Voice
1:44 Confirmation of proceedings
I, Micah Edelstein, presented a resolution that all by-laws, resolutions, contracts and proceedings
of the Board of Directors of the corporation as set forth or referred to in the minutes of the ASC
are hereby approved, ratified and confirmed.
Proposer: Micah Edelstein Seconder: Hans Roch
all in favor with one abstention (Jef Saunders) 1:45 Motion to adjourn (Micah Edelstein)
Foundation Stone in French (Claudette Leblanc)
#130A-1 Hesperus Rd Thornhill, ON L4J 0G9 Canada Tel: 416-892-3656 Toll-free 1-877-892-3656 Email:
info@anthroposophy.ca