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USCC reaffirms Verigin as executive director

The Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (USCC) held its annual convention at the USCC Community Centre in Grand Forks.

The Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (USCC) held its annual convention on Feb. 21 and 22, 2015, at the USCC Community Centre in Grand Forks.

Attending delegates included members of the executive committee, community representatives for the Boundary/Kootenay region, representatives of outlying areas (open list), as well as representatives of the many groups and committees within the USCC.

Convention delegates expressed their appreciation to J.J. Verigin for his service to the membership and organization, and unanimously reaffirmed him in his role as executive director.

Verigin thanked the delegates for their confidence and support and pledged to continue efforts to strengthen the organization. He expressed appreciation to all who volunteer their time, energy, skills to sustain their heritage and challenged all members, particularly of his generation to step up, and take an active role in shaping their present and future.

Delegates also expressed their thanks to members of the executive committee, the organization’s governing body, including: chairperson Jim Horkoff of Nelson; treasurer Robert Zwick of Glade; secretary Michael Davidoff of Ootischenia; Peter Zaytsoff of Castlegar; Bonnie Strukoff of Delta; and Sam Semenoff of Grand Forks, for their effective guidance and prudent management of organizational affairs.

Retiring members Jim Horkoff and Michael Davidoff were thanked by delegates for their four years of service.

Delegates also thanked community representatives: Colin Markin, responsible for spiritual and cultural development (SCD); Frances  Kanigan,  responsible for youth, membership and communications (YMC); and Fred Boje, responsible for finances and asset stewardship (FAS) in the Kootenay south communities;  Edna Sapriken (SCD); Paul Strelive (YMC) and Lovette Nichvolodoff (FAS) in the Kootenay North Communities; and Barry Verigin (Interim SCD) and Larry Jmaiff (FAS) in the Grand Forks communities.

During the course of the convention ably chaired by Michael Strukoff, delegates accepted reports from members of the executive committee, community representatives and from the many groups and committees within the organization.

Resolutions adopted by the convention addressed matters related to the disposition of organizational assets, improved bilingual signage at historical sites administered by the USCC, and organization’s contractual relationships with other agencies in the Kootenay/Boundary region of B.C.

Delegates thanked and approved the work of volunteers in the area of spiritual and cultural development as well as youth, membership and communications and were pleased to hear that the fiscal year of 2014 ended well with a minor operating deficit of $8,000.

The budget adopted for 2015 also indicated a minor operating deficit but expected outstanding payments to balance the budget without the need for any increase in membership donations.

Delegates and observers thanked Cathy Pereverzeff, Val Samsonoff and Vera Kanigan for their excellent work attending to the organization’s affairs in Brilliant and welcomed Ellie Davidoff to her new role as secretary/receptionist at the Brilliant Cultural Centre.

They acknowledged with appreciation the diligent efforts of executive committee treasurer Robert Zwick, CA Theresa Dergousoff, and accounting clerk Fay Malins, for dealing with the organization’s financial affairs in a responsible, transparent, and professional manner.

Minutes of the convention were recorded by Ellen Strelaeff of Grand Forks and Marcia Strelaeff of Pass Creek.

On Saturday, delegates and observers enjoyed a wonderful luncheon and refreshments prepared by the USCC Grand Forks Ladies Organization.

On Sunday, the prayer meeting or “moleniye” was followed by a member appreciation, when several USCC members were recognized for their exemplary dedication and service to the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ.

This year’s member recognition honours were Cecil and Anne Plotnikoff, and Bill and Liz Pepin from Grand Forks; Frank and Ruby Konken from the open list; and Steve and Irene Malloff, Joe and Nettie Nazaroff, and Helenne Jones from the Kootenays.