Minutes of Wisconsin Manx Society, Inc - October 24, 2004

 

Several guests and new and returning members made the fall 2004 Wisconsin Manx meeting especially interesting. Brad Prendergast, President of the North American Manx Society and a member of WMS brought his brother John, newly elected NAMA Treasurer and Robert Kelly, Honorary President of NAMA and a WMS member. All three are members of the Chicago Manx Society. They brought John Quirk, Isle of Man Journalist who had just arrived from the Isle. New members included Natalie Reno -Williams Bay, Laura Degenhardt -Blue River and Sally Dahlquist, NAMA 2nd Vice President-Edina, Minnesota. Kim George, Earl and Marian Mylrea and George and Carol Reese were welcomed as returning members. Norma and John Bircher displayed the entire ever-expanding library and it drew much interest during the registration hour.

 

The buffet luncheon was again efficiently served by T.J.’s catering of Sauk City. During lunch, our I.O.M. guest, John Quirk explained his ambitious plan to visit as many Manx individuals and groups as possible within the three weeks he will spend in the U.S. He hopes to write a book after visiting the descendents of Manx emigrants in many parts of the world. Each attendee was introduced and families explained their Manx connection.

 

Accompanied by Jody Morey at the piano, we sang the Manx National Anthem and learned another Manx song entitled “Isle of Mona” before our featured program, which was presented by Kim George on “Breeding and Raising Manx Cats”. Kim brought several special cats with her for demonstration and held the attention of the group (and the cats) for a fascinating hour. She explained that a cat with less vertebrae (little or no tail) must be built differently in the rear quarters in order to have the necessary strength and balance for jumping etc. We also learned that Manx cats come in many colors and have a sweet, loving personality. Kim said that it’s important that Manx cat breeders are responsible and breed cats to minimize the possibility of health problems. A cat, bred by Kim is a member of the Brad Prendergast household. Although Olivia Ravenscroft, small daughter of Andrew had to leave before she won the toy black Manx kitty as a drawing prize, she was delighted when it was delivered to her door following the meeting. 

 

Board member reports were as follows:

 

Treasurer-Joan Ogden gave a full report which will be kept on record.  

                Balance  4/18/04                                 $ 1105.29

Receipts 4/18/04 - 10/24/04              $   577.75

Expenses 4/18/04 - 10/24/04            $   513.84

                Balance 10/24/04                                $1169.20

 

Membership Sec’y – Judy Schlueter announced that she is trying new clips for our nametags in order to avoid the neck strings, which seemed bothersome to some folks and also tangled between meetings. She has been making special efforts to contact those on the mailing list, who have not attended meetings or renewed memberships in order that our mailing and membership lists will more accurately reflect our active members and the Newsletter and mailing costs will be more appropriate.

 

Judy is pleased to see new  members today and encourages us to buy memberships for relatives. as gifts so that they will receive the Newsletter and learn more about Wisconsin Manx Society.

 

Newsletter – Judy wants to know if WMS Newsletter arrives in poor condition. She is considering using a heavier paper to make it more durable. She tries to have the newsletter in the hands of members one month in advance of the meeting so will appreciate materials to be included at least 6 weeks prior to the meeting

 

Vice President- Judy Bonnet has had great cooperation from the caterer when planning for our luncheons, but pleads with our members to make reservations as early as possible.

 

Historian – Mae Reese presented John Quirk with a collection of materials on the founding, history and members of the Wisconsin Manx and a copy of the booklet “Laxey, The Little Manx Church on the Hill”.

 

Joyce Benjamin – Joyce has laid the groundwork for a “Laxey Picnic” to be held on June 12, 2005 in Linden. Tentatively, 10:30 worship and 12:00 potluck are suggested. Save the date and as plans progress, all members will receive specific information.

 

Joyce recommends a newly published book by Audrey McClellan. She says that since the story takes place in Scottish Islands, Westering Home makes one feel very close to Isle of Man.

 

NAMA Convention 2004 Report – Mary Kelly

NAMA President, Norman Standish took part in the Tynwald Ceremony this year, presenting NAMA Youth Awards which included special certificates, designed by Mary Kelly. He also presented a plaque acknowledging the building of “Euterpe”/”Star of India at Ramsey.

 

Chicago Manx were congratulated by the NAMA Board for a very successful Convention, attended by 100 adults and 3 children. 3rd Vice President, Sally Dahlquist said there’d be increased efforts to involve young members. School searches for Manx names will be encouraged and a special skit will be performed by Youth at the 2008 Convention. Kali Dahlquist won the Manx Youth Award. Meagan Carriger was also nominated. By the next convention, a certificate will accompany that award.  New officers were nominated and elected. Calvin Quayle, who has resigned as Genealogist will be replaced by Lucy Peterson, a relative. Joyce Benjamin will continue as a Trustee along with Carol Christian and Kelly McCarthy (appointed from the I.O.M. Bruce Quayle continues as Editor of the NAMA Newsletter and will gladly accept articles and letters. Nine local Societies reported at the General Meeting.

 

Increasing membership is a concern for NAMA. Two suggestions are: 1) Give NAMA Memberships to family members as gifts 2) Search phone and city directories for Manx names and send postcards with information about the nearest Manx society and NAMA. NAMA is willing to split the cost of such a project with the local Societies.

 

Kali Dahlquist was unable to be at this meeting to receive her award, so it was accepted by her mother, Sally from John Quirk who hand carried it from IOM.

 

Homecoming Trip to IOM in summer/2005 is being planned to coincide with Tynwald Day and it’s celebration. Importance of going as a group and staying in the same hotel in order to qualify for better rates and to facilitate guided tours and transportation was discussed. The plan is to allow for considerable personal time as well. Georgene asked those who are interested to give her names and addresses so that more specific plans can be made. A hotel should be chosen before the end of the year.

 

President Georgene gave John Quirk a Wisconsin Manx lapel pin and a red, white and blue canvas bag to collect and carry all the special printed materials he collected on his travels.

 

Before the close of the meeting, drawing was held for gift items brought by John Quirk for our members. Many received Manx stamps, lapel pins, caps etc.

 

Spring Meeting – April 24, 2005 mark your calendar

 

Special Manx items from Convention gift shop are available for sale and Christmas cards  from the Isle of Man may be purchased from Georgene.

 

Respectfully Submitted - Doris J. Alff, Recording Secretary