MINUTES OF WISCONSIN MANX SOCIETY, INC

April 27, 2003- 1:00 PM

Midvale Community Lutheran Church

 

The Wisconsin Manx Society, Inc. met at Midvale Community Church, Madison on April 27, 2003. Following 11 AM to noon registration and social hour and another delicious catered lunch at 12:00, President Joyce Benjamin convened the business meeting and Jody Morey accompanied the group in singing two verses of the Manx National Anthem. John and Brad Prendergast of the Chicago Manx Society were introduced as guests. Complete report will be placed on file.

 

Treasurer’s Report – Joan Ogden

Balance October 20/02 $939.24

Receipts 10/20/02 - 4/27/03 $470.00

Expenditures 10/20/02 - 4/27/03 386.80

Balance April 27/03 1022.44

 

Vice President, Judy Bonnet made a plea that those who leave names for lunch reservations should be sure to wait to speak ‘til after the “beep” in order that she will hear the complete information.

 

Secretary, Dorrie Alff reported information received about a new book entitled “Manx Murders”,by Keith Wilkinson, which is said to include considerable Manx history. She also presented publicity received from Tom Glassy, a blind Manx author of “Who’s Afraid of the Dark?” which has been serialized on Manx radio. He wanted us to offer his new CD and book to our membership (for purchase). Members felt that even with special rates, it would prove to be too expensive, with the cost of money exchange and shipping charges. The Secretary was asked to send Tom Glassy a letter with appropriate payment for the complimentary CD, which he sent and an explanation that our group is not large and meets only biannually so that it’s difficult to disseminate information and take orders as he suggested.

 

Membership – Andrew Ravenscroft is unable to continue as Membership Secretary and Judy Schlueter has agreed to assume those duties because they are closely aligned with her work as Newsletter Editor. She told us of a new member, Dorothy Mathison and asked for some help to identify some names of persons whose Newsletters have been returned with no forwarding address.

 

We understand that Gertrude Smithrude and Doris Harker are deceased. Members who have or can find more complete information should please inform Judy Schlueter so that records can be completed. Melissa Maurer has not been located, but since she is daughter of the Brews, they will be contacted for info. We need information on Lowell Alley. We will try to find more about Evelyn Cannell, for whom we have no present address by contacting her son, Paul. Judy hopes to bring Membership records up-to-date and will need the help of other members to do so. She has a new address for the World Manx, since his widow informed her that David Caley, our former World Manx contact died last fall.

Librarian, Norma Bircher asked that we take time to look over the Library Materials and borrow them for the interim between meetings. The bound NAMA bulletins are a special resource for U.S. Manx History and for information on many Manx families in the U.S. and Canada. The WMS Library also has almost all back issues of the Family History Magazine from the I.O.M.!

 

Laxey Picnic plans are progressing. On June 22, 2003 Wisconsin Manx and Cornish folks will gather at the Linden Methodist Church to commemorate the annual Laxey Picnics of the past. The “picnic” will be a potluck meal served in the church hall following 10:30 worship. Beverages and table service will be provided. After discussion of how information will be disseminated, it was decided that in addition to a newspaper release, which will be handled by Norma Bircher, WMS members should receive a special notice. A one page flier which will include a map which shows both the location of the Laxey cemetery and the Linden Church will be mailed to our mailing list before June 1st. Georgene Voutila will prepare the flier and Joyce and Ellen R.will address, stamp and mail it.

 

President Joyce read a letter received from Hilda Penrice of Canada, in response to a card we sent in observance of her 90th birthday. She was pleased to receive the card and spoke of her years of involvement in NAMA. For many of those years she was editor of the NAMA Bulletin.

A letter has been received from someone researching the Quine name. An ancestor named John Quine was born in Linden, Iowa County, WI and died in Fremont County, CO. Joyce asked our members from Southwest WI if they might be able to help.

 

Minot Celtic Festival will be Sept. 13 this year. Joyce will plan to represent us there. Mary Kelly, Frank Evans and Norm and Joan Gill are planning to go too.

 

Members were asked to be alert to possibilities for interesting programs for WMS meetings. Mary Kelly suggested that since Laurence Skelly is planning to Videotape the proceedings of Tynwald Day this July 7th. We may be able to procure that tape or an excerpt or copy thereof for a program.

 

Brad Prendergast, 1st V.P. of NAMA and therefore Chair of NAMA Convention 2004 encouraged us to start planning now for a great time in Chicago August 28,29, &30 , 2004. The Chicago Manx are looking forward to hosting us at the Allerton Crowne Plaza Hotel on Chicago’s “Magnificent Mile”. Brad suggests that since parking in Chicago is quite expensive, we should investigate bus and train transportation from Wisconsin. Once there, walking and free trolleys will get us most places we would wish to go. The Chicago Manx hope that we will be able to help them with suggestions for their advance planning since, we’ve “been there and done that”. Brad says the best way to be informed about Convention 2004 plans is to read the NAMA Bulletin, which is one of the benefits of NAMA membership. “ So,” he says “if you’re not already a member, join NAMA.”

 

Election – the following nominees were presented for election

President - Georgene Voutila*

Vice President – Judith Bonnet

Recording Secretary – Dorrie Alff

Treasurer – Joan Ogden

Membership Secretary – Judy Schlueter

1st Governor – Mona Voutila

2nd Governor – Jody Morey*

3rd Governor – Chris Merritt

 

*Nominations from the floor

Secretary cast a unanimous ballot for the above nominees

Although not elected officers, the following have agreed to continue to serve

Historian – Mae Reese

Librarian – Norma Bircher

Newsletter Editor – Judy Schlueter