October 21, 2001

Midvale Community Lutheran Church

The Fall meeting of the Wisconsin Manx Society, Inc. was called to order by President, Joyce Benjamin after a delicious soup and sandwich luncheon, catered and served by T.J.’S of Sauk City. The Manx National Anthem was sung and a brief period of silent meditation was observed to honor the victims of the September 11^th disaster. In welcoming guests as well as new and returning members, each participant identified self and community. The variation of communities represented was noted. An article read from the June, 1998 NAMA Bulletin told of a time when Agatha Christie helped produce a special fund-raising Treasure Hunt on Isle of Man in an effort to promote Tourism.

Reports were received. A copy of Treasurer Joan Ogden’s Financial Report was attached to the agenda so that all attending members could be aware of the "State of the Treasury". The Board hopes to prepare a proposed budget with the information from a financial summary Joan prepared and was attached to the Treasurer’s Report. A budget for the coming year will help us know if we have money available to spend for special projects (such as the binding of NAMA bulletins completed in the spring). An addendum to the Financial Report cited the Fall, ‘01 Newsletter expenses ($117.20) was received from Joan. Consequently,

Balance (April 22, 2001): $1153.84

Receipts: 385.00

Expenses: 600.30

Balance (October 21, 2001): $938.54

Membership Chairman, Andy Ravenscroft expressed his delight in recording new members and asked members to continue spreading the word about our group. He is still working on special stationery and has had some difficulties with updating the WMS w web page. He may have more success with using his new Service Provider.

Historian, Mae Reese reiterated her desire for any information, new or old regarding our members. She invited those attending to scan the scrapbooks she maintains and brings to each meeting. It’s a good way for new members to get a glimpse of the past of our organization.

Librarian, Norma Bircher announced that Dorrie has given her past issues of the Isle of Man Family History Magazine. She will process them for the library and they will be ready to borrow at the next meeting. Judy Bonnet has affixed envelopes and cards to the bound copies of the NAMA Bulletin and they are available for borrowing at this meeting.

Newsletter Editors, Dorrie Alff and Judy Schlueter reminded members that items for the Newsletter are always welcome and the deadline for the Spring edition is March 7, 2001. They are still experimenting with format, printing etc. and trying to be more efficient in communication with the aid of the Internet. Please notify them of changes of address and of any errors made in our mailings. They asked if Newsletters are being saved as part of the History and if they are in the Library. The answer to both questions is "Yes". This is one more way for newer members to see what we’ve done in the past.

Old Business- WMS was represented at the Minnesota Manx Meeting, the Celtic Women International Meeting in Milwaukee and at the Minot Celtic Festival. President, Joyce Benjamin made it a point to be present at each occasion. She was joined by Mary Kelly at the Gill Cabin in Wisconsin for the Minnesota Manx Meeting and by Mary and her husband, Frank Evans at the Minot (North Dakota) Celtic Festival. Joan Gill, Minnesota Manx was also at the Minot Festival. With two display tables there, the IOM presence was definitely felt. Mona Voutila, Mae Reese and Joyce were among approximately 100 women at the Celtic Women International Meeting in Milwaukee. Next year that meeting will be in New Orleans. It would be a much bigger financial challenge to send a delegate.

The Board has received word of the possibility of a special award (similar to the Cleveland Medal) to be given to a Manx-descended youth in North America for excellence in Art, Essay or Music. The first award might be given as early as the next NAMA Convention. Since our meetings are so infrequent, the membership empowered the President to do whatever necessary to be certain that we have an opportunity to recommend James Morey as a candidate. Jody Morey, James’ mother was asked to begin to collect a resume in preparation for the possibility of entering James in the ensuing contest.

Concern was expressed regarding the request in the recent NAMA Bulletin for help for the IOM Children’s Center. After some discussion, our President said she would seek out more information so that we can make a thoughtful decision about the possibility at our next meeting. Meanwhile, individual members can read the item in the September Bulletin and make their own decisions.