Stengforter Neigekeeten N°115 - Juillet 2024

Nombre de téléchargement: 13

Portrait of Georges Zeimet

CSV representative on Steinfort municipal council

Georges Zeimet, a dedicated professional in the human resources service of the Service national de la jeunesse (SNJ) (editor's note: National youth service), has a wealth of life and career experience at the age of 58, having navigated various professional paths before finding his current position. Born in Bettembourg into a family with strong values, he developed his social commitment at an early age.

He’s living in Kleinbettingen with his family since 1993: his wife, their three sons and at least one dog. In 2006, he joined the municipal council of Steinfort and has been an active member ever since. Apart from his professional and political career, he is a man with many facets: his passions include gardening, travelling, religious architecture, and black humour. He finds a balance between moments in the company of others and moments of solitude, but always with his wife by his side.

We look forward to discovering the many facets of his life and passions.

Describe yourself in a few words.

"Wer bin ich und wenn ja wie viele?" (editor's note: "Who am I and if so, how many?")

Let's start with the basics: I'm now 58, which isn't really old yet, but definitely not very young anymore. I was born in Bettembourg, in the “old-fashioned way”, at a midwife’s. After secondary school, I had a varied career and finally ended up in the human resources service of the SNJ.

I am married to "der besten Ehefrau von allen" (editor's note: “the best wife of all”) since 33 years and live in Kleinbettingen since 31 years. We have 3 grown-up sons and always at least one dog.

I'm proud of our sons because all three managed to find the jobs that they've always dreamed of!

I am a member of the municipal council since 2006, and now it's about time to start thinking about my political retirement – we’ll see what the outcomes of thinking will be.

I'll still have to work for a few more years, but definitely not too long. I love my job in the human resources department at the SNJ because we are a good team with many interesting people. Our work is useful on many levels and always in the interest of young people.

What can I add? I :

• am a "Monk" and I suffer from my being messy (my mother had a hard nut to crack on this, but it didn't really help);
• love being in company but sometimes I prefer to be on my own, but being with my wife;
• love working in the garden - alone;
• love to travel, but not too far;
• am fascinated by churches and cathedrals;
• like quiet and peaceful walks;
• love black humour, as well as politically incorrect humour – but neither must hurt;
• forget too often about the rule: “Reden ist Silber, Schweigen ist Gold” (editor's note: "speech is silver, silence is golden").

What motivated you to take an interest in politics and get involved?

Ever since I was a teenager, I've always been drawn to socio-political issues (anti-nuclear, liberation theology, the Third World, nature conservation and ecology, human rights, social injustice, religion, etc.), and at a very young age, I also got involved in social life. At home, we had a healthy and stimulating culture of debate: we could really discuss everything intensely with my father and brothers. That's how I learnt that you don't always have to be of the same opinion, that you have to defend your point of view, and that you have to be prepared to compromise. The most important is that after the debate, all the arguments are over, and everyone can laugh together again.

At a certain point, I felt the need to no longer simply discuss, but to go to where the decisions are made and taken, to take part in shaping them.

I struggled for some time to find my political direction and finally chose the CSV - because of the 'C' - I love discussing this topic passionately with anyone who wants to.

What is your role as an opposition member of the local council like?

A German politician once stated: "Opposition ist Mist!” (editor's note: “Opposition is bullshit”). The man was both right and wrong.

In opposition, you obviously have much less opportunities to contribute to the processes and to influence them.

However, the opposition has an important role to play to take a critical look at the work of the majority, questioning it, and, where necessary, proposing alternatives.

This is neither "grumbling" nor "art for art's sake"; it is an important function in a democracy in order to ensure that the voice of those who did not vote for the majority is also heard.

How do you work with the other members of the fraction to take joint decisions concerning our municipality?

There are now only two CSV representatives on the local council, but we've kept to our usual routine.

We have an ongoing exchange of views on key issues, and we also seek the advice from members of the local section. From time to time, we consult with our colleagues in other CSV sections.

When we know the agenda for a municipal council meeting and as soon as we have the working-files, we work together with the local committee to define our positions. This can be a very exciting process, with lots of controversial discussions, but at the local council level, we speak with one voice.

Sometimes we can't find a compromise, so everyone is free to defend their personal position at the municipal council.

I feel sorry that Tom Matarrese is no longer with us on the municipal council. He is a wonderful and committed person, as well as a very good friend. Therefore I am delighted that he continues to work with us and shares with us his most valuable advice.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing our municipality today? What can our municipality do about them?

I'm currently aware that our municipality has a fairly high level of debt. This is not optimal, since some essential projects might not be completed within the required timeframe. There are reasons for this situation, but it would take too far and long to explain them here.

In addition to infrastructure projects, we have three major projects:

Strengthening community life, making it more resilient - I welcome the efforts that the municipality is currently making in this regard. Unfortunately, not everyone recognises the importance of this issue to a sufficient degree.

Promoting housing, especially for young people so that they can stand on their own two feet. Unfortunately, there is a lot of injustice and unequal distribution of resources in this area. It is up to the State to provide municipalities with the means to create a better local environment.

Climate change (and adapting to it) and nature protection and conservation. This is where municipalities have a crucial role to play, by raising awareness of local challenges and supporting any positive action.

What do you think of the pact of intercultural living together that our municipality recently signed with a number of other municipalities?

The pact is a good thing, but it must not become a paper tiger. It's extremely important that we learn to live together as a community, with all our particularities. We must respect each other and see diversity as an opportunity. This will not be easy to achieve and everyone needs to be aware of the importance of investing him/herself in the process and putting as much water in their wine as needed to make it a success.

Fighting each other won't get us anywhere - it's only by working together that we can achieve our goals.

What can our municipality do to make volunteering more attractive to our fellow citizens?

This is a difficult question, for which there is no ready-to-use solution.

Under no circumstances should it be a question of money, because that wouldn't work.

I think the magic bullet would be to show people, in a sustainable way, that volunteering can be a source of pleasure and that you can gain something that money can't buy. Something that you can't find by staying seated on your butt on your sofa.

Local councillor Georges Zeimet in private

What 3 objects would you take with you to a desert island?

A huge pile of books, my pocket knife, a coat rack.

Do you prefer public transport or a private car?

On a daily basis, I prefer public transport - for weekends and holidays, a private car. But for holidays, I'm tempted to take the train again, as in the past.

Would you rather have a burger with French fries or fish with potatoes?

Pasta, pasta, and pasta, and possibly more pasta - but never without a good slice of bread.

Mäertchen or Schueberfouer?

Neither – as a tradition I visit both once a year, and that's it.

Running or cycling?

Definitely cycling! Running is too tiring for me. It's probably because I’m used to working in a seated position.

Village theatre or Philharmonie?

Both, depending on my mood.

Spring or autumn?

Spring!

Writing by hand or on a computer?

If no one else has to read it, by hand. If a second person has to read it, I use the computer out of respect and courtesy.

Cash or credit card?

Sometimes the one, sometimes the other - with a certain preference for the credit card, for the sake of convenience.

Winter sport or water lover?

Summer, sun, 26°C, beach, "die beste Ehefrau von allen" (editor's note: “the best wife of all”), a good book and at least 30 metres away from  the water.

***

Personality of Steinfort:

Pierre Geimer - Meilleur Apprenti 2023

Saviez-vous que le meilleur apprenti de la promotion 2023 est issu de notre commune ? Pierre Geimer, cycliste passionné qui a fait de sa passion un métier, a été récompensé par le prix « Prix Rotary du Meilleur Apprenti 2023 » en tant que mécanicien vélo en 2023 de la Chambre des Métiers. Ce prix lui a été attribué en reconnaissance des résultats exceptionnels qu'il a obtenus dans le cadre de son DAP (Diplôme d'Aptitude Professionnelle) de mécatronique du vélo. Grâce à sa passion, Pierre a pu mettre à profit son expertise en mécanique vélo pour ses études. Il ne faut pas oublier l'investissement de son employeur, qui lui a confié de nombreuses responsabilités pendant son apprentissage.

Avec ses quatre frères, Pierre a grandi dans la maison familiale en face de l'école de Hagen et a vécu une enfance heureuse et stable. Lui-même et ses frères n'ont jamais fréquenté l'école de la commune, mais en raison de la proximité du bâtiment scolaire, il a toujours eu des contacts avec d'autres jeunes de son âge. Bien sûr, quand on a quatre frères, on n’a pas vraiment besoin de beaucoup d'autres copains. Pierre se souvient qu'il jouait souvent au foot avec ses frères dans la cour de l'école du matin au soir... du moins tant que le but s’y trouvait encore ! Il a même fait un petit détour par le club de football local, mais le football n'est pas le sport qui lui tenait à cœur.

À l'âge de 10 ans, le garçon de Hagen découvre sa passion pour le cyclisme. À cet âge, il a également reçu son premier VTT. Il roulait à vélo, démontait et remontait les pièces. Pierre s'est impliqué dans le club cycliste de l'UC Dippach, où il a été actif pendant plusieurs années dans sa jeunesse. Ses parents se sont pris le temps de l'accompagner à toutes les courses au Luxembourg et à l'étranger. Malheureusement Pierre ne parvint pas à convaincre ses frères de sa passion, sauf son petit frère qui a fait des courses avec lui pendant quelques années. Mais Pierre ne s'est pas laissé abattre...

Comme ses frères, il fréquente l'école Waldorf, mais termine sa première classique au lycée Michel Lucius dans la section « sciences naturelles ». Dès le début, il était important pour lui d’avoir un diplôme de fin d’études en poche. Mais il lui est vite apparu qu’il n’emprunterait pas la voie classique vers l’université, même si l’idée de devenir professeur de sport était présente. Il était crucial pour lui de choisir un métier qui lui plairait encore dans 40 ans. Après mûre réflexion, Pierre décide alors de se lancer dans un apprentissage de mécatronique vélo (pour tous types de vélos, vélos électriques, vélos de course, VTT). Ainsi, il pourrait combiner sa passion avec ses études et son futur métier. Il a fait son apprentissage dans notre commune, au Vëlosatelier de Hagen, où il est désormais engagé à durée indéterminée.

Pierre adorait ses études

Dès son plus jeune âge, Pierre a toujours aimé démonter ses vélos puis les remonter. Cette passion précoce lui a été d’une grande aide pour son apprentissage, car il avait déjà acquis une solide expérience.

Pierre garde de bons souvenirs de ses études au Lycée technique du Centre au Limpertsberg, notamment grâce à ses professeurs qui ont su partager avec lui leur enthousiasme pour le métier. Ce n'est pas un hasard s’il a été honoré comme le meilleur apprenti, et satisfaisant ainsi indirectement son employeur. L’entreprise en tire aussi profit, car avoir un apprenti de cette qualité renforce sa réputation.

Que peut faire Pierre avec son DAP maintenant ? Plusieurs options s'offrent à lui : continuer à travailler pour son patron actuel, devenir indépendant et créer sa propre entreprise, ou encore travailler comme mécanicien de vélos pour un club cycliste national ou international et partir en tournée avec eux...

Notre expert en vélo regrette qu'il n'y ait pas de possibilité de passer le master de mécatronique de vélo au Luxembourg. Il faut par exemple étudier en Allemagne, tout comme l’a fait son patron actuel. Pierre tient à cœur de voir l’ensemble des métiers à nouveau valorisé dans ce pays. Sans l'artisanat nous n'irons pas bien loin. Il est crucial que les entreprises puissent continuer à embaucher et former des apprenti.e.s et ainsi pouvoir transmettre leur savoir-faire.

Bons souvenirs de la commune

Pierre a toujours aimé vivre dans notre commune, et particulièrement près l'ancienne école à Hagen. Il se passait toujours quelque chose lorsque l'école était encore en activité. Les rires et les cris des enfants faisaient partie de la vie quotidienne. Lorsque l'école a fermé ses portes, le quartier est devenu plus calme, ce qui a déplu à Pierre et à sa famille. Ils furent ravis lorsque la maison des jeunes s’est installée dans les bâtiments de l'ancienne école, redonnait vie au quartier avec des activités jusque tard dans la soirée. Cette partie du village a repris vie.

Aujourd'hui, Pierre vit toujours avec ses parents, une situation très pratique pour lui. Pour se rendre au travail, il lui suffit de quelques minutes à vélo ou à pied. C’est un luxe auquel il ne voudrait pas renoncer. Son rêve est de trouver son propre appartement dans notre commune et de continuer à pouvoir se passer de voiture le plus souvent possible. En vivant chez ses parents, il peut économiser un peu, car il n'est pas facile pour les jeunes, surtout en début de carrière, de trouver un logement abordable. Notre passionné de vélo a déjà exploré la commune... mais n'a malheureusement pas encore trouvé de logement qui convienne à ses moyens financiers. Il faut être à deux pour pouvoir s’offrir quelque chose de décent. Bien que de nombreux nouveaux quartiers soient en construction à Steinfort, il reste difficile pour les jeunes de trouver un logement abordable.

Sa passion : le cyclisme

Même s'il travaille avec toutes sortes de vélos au quotidien, Pierre reste passionné par le cyclisme ! Actuellement, il possède deux vélos de course et un ancien de son grand-père qu'il a minutieusement restauré. Il participe régulièrement à des challenges cyclistes classiques, que ce soit ici ou à l'étranger. Ces « courses » ont lieu la veille des compétitions officielles, où les cyclistes amateurs peuvent parcourir les parcours officiels de 70, 150 ou 230 km. Ces événements festifs permettent à chaque participant de recevoir une médaille en souvenir et de partager un verre, le tout sans la pression des courses professionnelles.

Pierre souhaite désormais transmettre sa passion du vélo aux habitant.e.s de Steinfort. La vie associative et les contacts avec les autres amateur.rice.s du vélo lui manquent. C'est pourquoi il serait heureux de rencontrer d'autres passionné.e.s de notre commune pour rouler ensemble, par exemple après le travail, et qui sait, peut-être même créer un club de cyclisme ! Alors : avis aux amateur.rice.s : contactez Pierre au Vëlosatelier et peut-être que notre commune comptera bientôt un club de plus !

Et enfin, les conseils de Pierre aux jeunes

Faites quelque chose de votre vie ! Si, à 15 ans, vous êtes sûr de ce que vous voulez faire plus tard dans votre vie, commencez vos études ! Pas besoin de passer d'abord le diplôme d’études secondaires, comme l’a fait Pierre ! En revanche, si vous n'avez pas encore décidé du métier que vous souhaitez exercer, prenez les devants et obtenez votre diplôme de terminale. Ainsi, toutes les options pour l’avenir restent ouvertes !

***

Stengeforter Veräiner

Laughter and emotions with RIDO85

Once a year, they take to the stage to entertain us with their theatrical performances: the members of Rido85! Founded in June 1985 by a group of theatre enthusiasts, the club regularly introduces our residents to the charm of village theatre.

The club thrives on its members' love of theatre, and their passion for bringing exciting and original stories to the stage. Members come from a wide range of backgrounds and share a common enthusiasm and commitment to the dramatic arts.

What does life in a drama club look like, what goes on behind the scenes, and what are the challenges involved? Find out in the next few lines in our interview with Françoise Medernach.

What are the different stages involved, and what profiles do you need before a play can be performed on stage?

First of all, we have to find a play. To do this, it's important to know who is involved, in other words how many actors and actresses are available. It all depends on the play. It's mainly our director, Nicole, who takes care of this. She reads the new plays and makes a shortlist, which is then passed on to the committee members and the actors and actresses. One play is then chosen. Nicole is currently looking for one. We have a first reading before the summer holidays and then rehearsals can start in September.

In terms of profiles, like many small clubs, we don't do big castings. The stage manager knows the members of Rido85 well and assigns roles accordingly. We're also always happy to welcome new members, so please be free to contact us.

How has village theatre developed in recent years?

I think in general it's getting harder and harder to find people who are willing to volunteer for associations. And that's not only true for theatre. And especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, this problem has become even more acute.

It's also difficult for us to find suitable plays. On the one hand, village theatre is supposed to offer entertaining plays, but on the other hand, we also want to perform more challenging plays to attract a wider audience. We've tried both approaches and found that if you play well, if you really put yourself out there - which we always do - then the audience will recognise you. I think that village theatre is no longer just a welcome distraction, but that more and more quality is expected. It has become an important cultural factor in our municipality.

What challenges does Rido85 face today in attracting new members and a diverse audience? What are the solutions to these challenges?

Finding new members is actually one of the biggest challenges... especially for men. Rido85 is a theatre club in its own right, not a brass band or any other club that does theatre as a supplement and can therefore rely on its members.

This interview could already be a solution: if residents of our municipality or even people from outside read this and are interested in theatre, they can contact us. We put on a play once a year, in late November or early December. Our rehearsals start in September, always twice a week, with one rehearsal on Sunday. And I'm not exaggerating when I say that Rido85 is a fun team, with lots of laughter even during rehearsals.

Are there any amusing anecdotes that might interest our readers?

There are lots of anecdotes... every year there are always funny scenes during the rehearsals and also during the performances. Last year, for example, Corinne and I started the first scene and, although we knew our lines very well at every rehearsal, we suddenly moved on to another scene. We both noticed this and tried to get back to the right scene. Without the information at the beginning, the audience wouldn't have understood the play afterwards. Somehow, we managed to get back to the right scene, but our prompter, Annette, had already started to sweat.

We also had a scene with a phone that kept ringing when the person had already picked up and was talking, or the doorbell that was supposed to ring but didn't... so you just keep improvising on stage until it finally does. At that point you're almost dying of stress, but later you can talk and laugh about it.

Another time, a colleague had to be very lightly dressed on stage. It didn't matter during the rehearsals, because we don’t practise with the right clothes until the very end. At the final rehearsal, even the little thing she was wearing slipped off. Of course, for the few people who came to watch the dress rehearsal, it was a lot of fun.

What are Rido85’s plans for the future?

Performing a play every year is always a big project for us. However, our dream would be to put on a classic play of renown. But that usually requires a lot of participants. We've already discussed the idea of organising a dinner play with a criminal plot. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when we couldn't go on stage, we recorded a CD of stories for children. These stories, which we wrote ourselves or translated into Luxembourgish, were recorded in a professional studio. It was a great experience and a great success. Maybe we'll do a similar project again in the future.

How can interested people join or support the club (for example, as actors, set designers, volunteers, etc.)?

New actors and actresses are always welcome. But a theatre club also needs a lot of people to help out in different areas. Whether it's preparing the ground - here, we're lucky enough to have the support by the municipality and the CIGL. The stage also needs to be decorated. We also need people to design our poster. And, of course, we need volunteers to help out on the theatre nights, whether it's behind the counter, at the box office, or taking down the stage after the show. These are the good souls of the club, the ones you don't necessarily see on stage, but without them the club couldn't survive.