Kindersley & District Plains Museum hold AGM

By Joan Janzen
joanjanzen@yahoo.com

The massive dump of snow didn’t prevent twelve dedicated and faithful members from gathering for the annual general meeting of the Kindersley & District Plains Museum (KDPM) Tuesday evening, November 10th, at the museum. Secretary Anna Polsfut and Elyse Moss were also in attendance.

The meeting was called to order, the minutes of the last AGM were presented, after which treasurer Vaughn Biberdorf, presented his report. This was followed by chairman Bill Warrington giving his report.

Bill emphasized the importance of recognizing this country’s history and the people who spent time running equipment in years gone by. “Those are the kinds of things that get forgotten,” Bill said. “We are lucky we were able to save a portion of the old water tower when it was torn down, but we really don’t have any historical structures from the downtown area of Kindersley.”

Bill said, although he has visited museums throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan, the Kindersley museum is the best over-all museum by far. “Nobody has got what we have, both inside and outside. That’s something we should be proud of. We even have a better and bigger variety of artifacts than the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon.”

Bill thanked everyone who helped maintain the museum throughout the year, and vice-chairperson, Glen Sitter continued his report on that same theme, saying “Working out here is a labour of love.”

He noted the year’s biggest project was the sewer line that cost $22,000 and was paid for by their partners (the Town and RM’s). Multiple buildings were painted, machinery was repaired, moved and cleaned, and work was done to the front of the building and the museum’s sign. He thanked the board members and volunteers who worked all summer long to complete these tasks. “Our front yard has never looked better thanks to the refurbished machinery displayed out front.”

“Anna Polsfut went above and beyond acquiring grants for the museum. She got us more money than we’ve ever had before,” Glen said. Both Anna and Elyse Moss were instrumental in making the Walk of Lights possible last December. They will be helping out again with this year’s event.

As for Glen Sitter, he has spent hundreds of hours working on a model railroad that is sure to impress anyone who comes to visit the museum. “I thank the museum for helping me to have fun,” was Glen’s humble response to the acknowledgement of his hours of labour.

Eugene Heit gave the Building and Grounds report, listing all the work that had been done. At present, a committee is getting ready for the Walk of Lights, which they will expand on this year, thanks to the donations received.

As for new business, a motion was made and approved that the executive remains the same. Glen Sitter said he would be sending out letters of thanks to everyone who helped the museum throughout the year.

The meeting adjourned. Everyone departed; however, they’ll all be returning to work at the museum in the days and weeks to come. But they are more than willing to take a break from their work to show people around and share the artifacts’ stories.

PHOTOS: Glen Sitter has spent hundreds of hours working on a model railroad that is sure to impress anyone who comes to visit the museum. Photos by Joan Janzen