AATG Alabama Chapter Meeting
Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center
Birmingham, Alabama
February 7, 2009President Dr. Rasma Lazda called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
Members present were Dr. Rasma Lazda, Gunars Cazers, Nellie Tietz, Lonnie Davis, Adam Martin, Erika Rinker, Jeffrey Guenther, Daniel Hornstein, Peggy Boynton, Eva Budar, Muriel Hoequist, Vera Bolton, Dr. Judy Cox, Dr. Thomas Fox, Dr. Barbara Fischer, Raegan Lemmond.
I. Welcome and Announcements• President Lazda welcomed all attendees and asked everyone to introduce themselves.
• The 14th Annual High School German Day at the University of Alabama will take place on Monday, March 2, 2009: There was some discussion about the cost of buses and in particular about the cost of mailing the artwork to the University ahead of time. Dr. Lazda promised to look into the matter and see what could be done about judging at least some of the artwork on the day of the competition, so that the schools could bring it with them and save the cost of mailing.
• W.I.L.D. (Weedend Immersed in Language Development) took place on Friday, November 14-16, 2008 at the YMCA Hargis Retreat Center: Dr. Lazda, Gunars Cazers and Trudy Clements were the German Scholars. Fifteen German students attended. There was a discussion about how to encourage more students to attend. A suggestion was made to "bribe" the kids in some way, such as with bonus points or a grade. Producing a poster with a picture of the participants for distribution to the schools, was also suggested. Teachers were also encouraged to participate, as it is a wonderful experience for both students and teachers.
• The AATG/ACTFL Annual Meeting took place in Orlando, Florida, November 21-23, 2008: The Alabama chapter was represented by Dr. Douglas Lightfoot: Dr Lazda gave a brief summary of Dr. Lightfoot's report. It will be published in its entirety on the Chapter website
• The Chapter Project Proposal is that there be an immersion weekend for German Teachers: Everyone was in agreement that that is a good idea and that they would want to attend. Various sources of financing were discussed as the Alabama Humanities Foundation requires that AATG have other sources besides the Foundation.
Dr. Lazda, will work on organizing the immersion weekend.II. Old Business
A. Secretary-Treasurer's Report:
The minutes of the previous meeting were ready by Nellie Tietz and approved as read. The financial report was then read. The January balance was $1, 439.06. This report was then also approved. Nellie reminded the members that Serena Duncan's husband had recently passed away and suggested donating $100 in his honor to the American Cancer Society. This was unanimously approved. Nellie will see to it that the donation is made on the chapter's behalf.
II. New Business
A. The proposed budget for 2009 was introduced by Nellie. She called attention to a new item she was proposing, for a mini-grant to be awarded to a member of the Alabama Chapter. There was some discussion as to what this $80 mini-grant could be used for. Among other things, many members said that it might help to defray some of the costs for German Day, for a more cash-strapped school. After the discussion the budget was approved.
B. Fall Meeting. It was determined that the 3rd or 4th weekend in October would be best for most members. Erika suggested that the meeting be held at UAB because of the outstanding facilities
IV. OtherSome displeasure was expressed about the facilities at the BJCC for the AAFLT conference. Adam explained that it had been a matter of finances. The BJCC had simply had the cheapest facilities. He will pass on the displeasure of the AATG members to the AAFLT Board.
V.Adjournement
There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nellie Tietz
Secretary/Treasurer
Report AATG Chapter Presidents’ Assembly, Florida, November 21-23, 2008