Minutes of Wisconsin Manx Society, Inc

The Wisconsin Manx Society, Inc. met at Midvale Community Church, Madison on October 5, 2003. Members enjoyed the 11 AM to noon registration and social hour and another delicious catered lunch at 12:00. President Georgene Voutila welcomed member, Katherine Short to her first meeting. She explained that Katherine lives in Edgerton as do V.P. Judy Bonnet and her mother, Dorothy Gillette, who suggested that they come together.

Members announced personal joys and concerns over lunch. Jody Morey’s Mom had a stroke early in the summer and Jody has been especially busy attending to her needs. She has improved and is now living in a Nursing Home. Jody brought some of her Mom’s special Manx related possessions and made them available to other members, accepting donations in behalf of her mother.

Georgene went to Australia but didn’t look for other Manx persons or groups (and wishes she had). Judy Schlueter is expecting to become a grandmother for the first time any day now.

Andrew Ravenscroft brought his five year old daughter, Olivia, for another visit. Olivia has a special pink Pegasus unicorn costume for Halloween and is expecting her grandfather, Andrew’s father to come from the Isle of Man. Ellen Rabenhorst introduced fiancé, Leigh Roberts whom she will marry on November 1st.

Joyce and Mary Kelly attended a NAMA Board Meeting as well as a North Chicago Manx meeting in Chicago. They are concerned that we be as helpful as possible as the North Chicago Manx, a small group, plan and “orchestrate” the 2004 NAMA Convention. A brief discussion on best ways to help ensued.

THE PROGRAM entitled “Holiday Celebrations on the Isle of Man” featured our sole Manx native, Andrew Ravenscroft, who shared his memories of holiday activities on IOM. He explained the origin and use of carved turnips on Samhain eve (now Halloween) and delighted us by singing a song, Hop-tu-Naa, which was sung by children on the streets of Peel in the 1960’s. Copied excerpts from “Folklore of the Isle of Man” by A.W. Moore, My Grandmother’s Cookery book” by Suzanne Woolley and 1928–1938 NAMA Bulletins, revealed the interesting Celtic-Christian blend in our Manx heritage.

BUSINESS MEETING

At 2pm, the President convened the business meeting and Jody Morey accompanied the group in singing two verses each of the Manx National Anthem and Ellan Vanin.

REPORTS

Treasurer – Joan Ogden (Complete report will be placed on file )

Balance 4/2703 $1022.44

Receipts 4/27/03 – 10/04/03 540.00

Expenditures 4/27/03 – 10/04/03 424.45

Balance 10/04/03 $1137.99

Secretary- D. Alff ordered Manx Author, Tom Glassy’s book,” Who’s Afraid of the Dark”. It and Glassy’s C-D, “Ellan My Chree” will be available in the library.

Membership Secretary- J.Schlueter is updating Membership and mailing lists and will appreciate any info regarding necessary changes. A new method for making nametags is also in process.

Historian- Mae Reese will welcome photos of past Manx events.

Librarian- N. Bircher encouraged members to use past Family History Society Quarterlies & NAMA Bulletins.

Newsletter Editor- J. Schlueter might print special recipes in future newsletters.

VP. & Meeting Coordinator – J. Bonnet continues to contract with TJ’s Catering for our luncheons. Our next meeting is set for Apr 18, 2004.

NAMA Trustee – J. Benjamin stated that NAMA membership form has been revised, delaying genealogy questions ‘til after members have joined. She spoke of a need to help Chicago Manx with ‘04 Convention procedures, production and even costs and suggested that since we are near Chicago, our members may be called upon to be physically present and volunteering August 27-30. Joyce has encouraged Lawrence Skelly (Manx Tourism) to pursue possible connections with Elderhostel. She and Ellen Rabenhorst represented WMS at the ’03 Celtic Festival in Minot, N.D.

IN MEMORIAM – Joyce received word of the death of Sir Charles Kerruish, patron of the Isle of Man History Society and special friend of North American and Wisconsin Manx. She has sent condolences in our behalf.

President – G. Voutila has done some research into past Laxey picnics and queried some of those involved regarding effort required, their significance and possibilities of reviving them. She reminded us of the special involvement of the Birchers and Callins.

NEW BUSINESS

President was authorized to spend up to $100.00 from WMS treasury to help Chicago Manx with ’04 Convention costs. Members agreed that square (corral style) table arrangement seemed more friendly for dining and more practical for group announcements and discussion.

Since past NAMA Bulletins have been bound into ten-year volumes, J. Benjamin will make necessary arrangements to have 1990s bulletins bound similarly.

As a result of information learned from the President’s Laxey picnic research, the Board suggests that WMS strive to commemorate the “Laxey Picnic” in alternate years, planning far enough in advance to publicize in the NAMA bulletin.

Members were enthusiastic about the following program suggestions of the Governing Board, but declined to prioritize.

PROGRAM SUGGESTIONS

Historical sites on the IOM

Tynwald 2003 video

Manx Folk Tales and Legends

Manx Cats

Navan-repeat performance

Celtic Pipers

Manx Settler Memories

Meeting Adjourned 3:00pm

Respectfully Submitted - Dorrie Alff