Minutes of Wisconsin Manx Society, Inc - April
24, 2005
Thirty-five Wisconsin Manx Society members and guests were
met with new name-tags and took advantage of the social hour and luncheon,
which preceded the meeting as a time to share news of life’s happenings over
the past six months.
William and Jean Brew brought photos, clippings and maps which depicted the
history of the Brew family farm as it passed through 4 generations and changed
its focus from wheat to dairy to beef to sheep and now to tourism.
The family owns only a small part of the original acreage,
much of which has gradually become part of the “Wisconsin Dells recreational
area”. The Brews now operate excursion boats in the Upper Dells. Since Mae and
Dan Brew were charter members, we especially appreciated the update on the
family farm.
Jean Willett has published her book, “Dear Mom”. She explained the
impetus to write it and the difficulties in finding a publisher. We were
pleased that she brought copies with her and was willing to sign them for those
of us who bought them. We’re proud to have an author in our midst.
Shirley Kelly of Galva, IL is recovering from back surgery according to
Bill Wade, who was back with us after some absence. Special guests were Robert
Kelly, Brad Prendergast, and Florence Abbanatti of the Chicago Manx.
Following our usual luncheon buffet we were served unusually
delicious “Honey Fudge” by Judy Schlueter. It was made from the Manx recipe
that appeared in the Spring WMS Newsletter.
At 1pm we gathered to sing all verses of the Manx National
Anthem (accompanied by Jody Morey) and watched excerpts of the 2003 Tynwald
Video. The special explanatory commentary
proved very informative. The video was given to the Wisconsin Manx by
Laurence Kelly and will be available to borrow from our library.
Members who have visited IOM gave five-minute glimpses of
their favorite places or experiences before the beginning of the Business
Meeting.
REPORTS
Recording Secretary, Dorrie Alff said that she sends press releases to about
ten Wisconsin Newspapers. Members who know of other places where publicity
regarding our WMS meetings might be important, are asked to contact Dorrie. An
e-mail reply from Hazel Murphy, World Manx Secretary says she “will look
forward to meeting our members on IOM this summer”.
Treasurer, Joan Ogden presented a complete report of receipts and expenditures,
which will be placed on file. Receipts since 10/24/04 have exceeded
expenditures leaving a balance on 4/24/05 of $1352. 90. A $100 Memorial was
received for Jean Robertson from her daughter, Barb Posekany.
Joan noted that the total of donations in the past year was
more than that of dues.
Newsletter
Editor, Judy
Schlueter received high praise for content, format and timeliness of the Spring
Edition.
Membership Chair, Judy Schlueter, in addition
to providing new name tags, presented us with a newly revised list of members
including phone, address and e-mail address. Corrections or additions should be
sent to Judy.
NAMA
Trustee, Joyce
Benjamin reported that the next NAMA Board Meeting will not be held on IOM, at
the time of Homecoming, but in San Diego where the next NAMA Convention will
take place. Joyce represented the WI Manx with members of other Celtic groups
at an International Festival in Madison. By request, she has written an article
on the WI Manx for the “Manx Connection” magazine.
Election
of Officers -WMS
By-Laws require election of officers bi-annually. The officers and Board of
Governors make up the nominating committee. This year we were fortunate to find
that all officers were willing to repeat their terms but there was no nominee
for one open Governor position. Ellen Roberts expressed concern, that there are
no male members on the Board and agreed
to attempt to find a nominee.
When no
further nominations were made from the floor, nominations were closed and the
secretary was directed to cast a unanimous ballot for the nominative slate. The
following Board Members were re-elected:
President Georgene
Voutila
Vice
President Judy Bonnet
Secretary Dorrie Alff
Treasurer Joan Ogden
1st
Governor Jody Morey
2nd
Governor Chris Merritt
3rd Governor
(open)
Records show
that Mona Voutila has served as Governor since she was elected to that position
in 1997. We’re extremely grateful to her for her loyal service and for
providing an efficient and enthusiastic President.
The
following persons will continue serving in their Volunteer Positions:
Norma Bircher Librarian
Mae Reese Historian
Judy Schlueter Membership and Newsletter Editor
Laxey
Picnic – June 12
Plans are
underway for the pot-luck picnic lunch which will commemorate the traditional
Laxey picnic. Georgene, Joyce and Norma have been in contact with those of the
Linden Church and community so that we can appropriately celebrate the 150th
anniversary of the building of the “Little Manx Church on the Hill”.
Mae Reese
will give a short history of the Laxey church during the Linden church service,
which precedes the picnic. A bag-piper might be hired to provide special music
for that service. The president asked for volunteers for set-up and cleanup.
Judy Schlueter, Judy Bonnet, Mona Voutila and Dorrie and Norm Alff will help.
Georgene may recruit others for specific jobs. Joyce has written a letter to
the Callins to ask if there are ways our members can help with cemetery
cleanup. Mary Kelly suggested that funds from our treasury might be used to pay
a professional for consultation on appropriate cleaning and/or restoration of
stones etc.
After membership discussion, Dorrie Alff moved that “the
Board make necessary arrangements for cleanup of the Laxey Cemetery, (including
cleaning of stones, if appropriate) spending an amount from the Treasury at the
discretion of the Board”. Motion was seconded and carried. An advance flier will be sent to each member
and publicity will be sent to the media when specifics can be given. A map will
be provided. Georgene hopes to wear a “period” dress and would like to see
others do so .
2005 Homecoming – More than 20 persons are planning to make the trip
to IOM. in July The World Manx Annual Meeting and Banquet will be on the
itinerary.
Henry Turville – Charter Member and past President of WMS (’85-’86)
died, (date). Joyce Benjamin attended the visitation. A suggestion that Memorial funds be used for
the library has prompted concern for ways to make the library more easily
transported as well as more accessible. Member suggestions are welcome. One
thought is that there may be an opportunity in the future, to stow our library
in a newly developing Celtic Cultural Center. Chris Merritt will check into the
possibility.
Joan Gill has agreed to do a
presentation on Manx Mythology and/or superstition (including fairies)
Meeting Adjourned – 3:00 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Doris J. Alff, Secretary