President’s Greeting

I hope this newsletter finds you healthy after enjoying a wonderful summer. My Manx tomatoes are producing abundantly. Thanks to Andrew and Mary. It’s been a busy summer with the normal mix of family activities, hot air ballooning events and then ended with the North American Manx Association’s convention in Minnesota.

The Minnesota Manx did an outstanding job in presenting a full schedule of activities for every age group. I had an opportunity to spend time with some special cousins. Andrew did a great job in presenting a program on Manx folk tales.

Jim and I are off to Austria for the World Championship Hot Air Balloon competition next week. We are honored to be working at this competition. Our fall meeting will be held Sunday October 19, 2008. Please join us for an afternoon of fellowship.

Georgene Gelling Voutila

President Wisconsin Manx Society

Fall Meeting - October 19

Join us at the Midvale Community Lutheran Church in Madison for a Social Hour starting at 11:00, followed by lunch at 12:00 noon.

TJ’s Catering from Sauk City will provide an excellent soup and sandwich lunch buffet. The cost of the meal is $12.00 per person, payable at the meeting. The general meeting will follow the program.

Make your reservations by calling Judith Bonnett at 608-884-8905 by October 12. When leaving a message, include the number of reservations, your name, the spelling of your name, and your phone number.

http://www.iomguide.com

Beyond the Dates

WMS members have a keen interest in their Manx heritage and unique family histories. This Fall meeting’s program is one don’t want to miss.

We are delighted to have Irene and Cindy Hanson of Your History, So Far… to explain alternatives and help you start recording your personal living history.

“What do you know about your Grandparent’s childhood or your parent’s early life? What does your family know about your personal history? If they don’t care now, they will care someday.

Today’s technology makes it possible to record an interesting and entertaining history. Do something for your family, anything, but do it now.

Imagine having a permanent record of your family history told by those who lived it - to cherish forever.

Please bring pen or pencils.”

Info@YourHistorySoFar.com

North American Manx Convention Success in Minnesota

The 49th biennial convention was a huge success in Minneapolis with members from all over the States attending along with several guests from the Island. Convention chair and the new President, Sally Dahlquist, was delighted with the event and organised a varied programme including Manx dancing, sword display, Manx bingo and Manx/Minnesota Viking comedian.

The convention included a fascinating visit to the University of Minnesota where they have a special exhibit "Beyond the Irish Sea". Celebrating Manx immigrants to Minnesota state with an interesting selection of artefacts and displays.

The Manx American Youth award went to Rebecca Billman aged 13, originally from San Diego and now living in Minnetonka. She gave a comprehensive presentation and visual display on the "Legacy of Tynwald". Rebecca made the display herself that included items from the Island when her parents and grandparents had visited. The idea came from when she was asked at school to make a presentation on "Conflict and Compromise" and decided upon Tynwald as she heard how it stood constant throughout the troubled history of the Isle of Man. The Department of Education sponsors this award that is a spectacular Pooil Vaaish triangular stone with the 3 legs in the centre.

A special lifetime award was made to Robert Kelly from Chicago who has been attending these conventions since 1930 and is the honourary President of NAMA. He showed member's pictures of his first trip to the Island on that same year, 1930, with Florence Abinatti who is the mother of Brad Prendergast, past-president of NAMA.

Eddie Lowey, MLC was the keynote speaker at the gala banquet and an old friend of the local society. He gave an interesting presentation of the vibrant Manx economy today and quality of life on the Island. Wooing members with stories of Hollywood in Mann.

At the general meeting it was unanimously voted to have a Homecoming next year, 2009. Members are already looking forward to celebrating with locals during national week around the Island.

The next convention will be 2010 in Denver where the Rocky Mountain Manx Society and vice-president, Jim Corlett, will host the event.

http://northamericanmanx.org/nama/index.html

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Island Facts

Capital: Douglas

Population: 80,058 (2006 Census)

Land Area: 572 sq. km/ 227 square miles

Population Density: 133 people per sq. kilometre or 336 people per sq. mile

Location: The centre of the Irish Sea - 50 km (31 miles) from Ireland and 50 km (31 miles) from the U.K.

Longest River: Sulby (17 km/ 10.5 miles)

Highest Peak: Snaefell (621 m/ 2036 feet)

Head of State: Her Majesty the Queen

Lieutenant Governor: Vice Admiral Sir Paul Haddacks KCB Chief Minister: Hon Tony Brown MHK

President of Tynwald: The Hon Noel Quayle Cringle MLC

Speaker of the House of Keys: The Hon Steve Rodan SHK

Status: An internally self-governing dependent territory of the Crown which is not part of the United Kingdom

Parliament: Tynwald

Currency: Manx pounds and pence (equivalent to GB pounds)

Bank holidays: As in the UK with additional bank holidays for TT Senior Race Day and Tynwald Day.

Languages: English and Manx Gaelic

Religion: predominantly Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian

Entrance requirements:

If you are a British citizen or a Citizen of the Irish Republic you do not require any clearance from the Immigration Office to live in the Isle of Man, but you may require a work permit issued under the Isle of Man Control of Employment Acts if you want to work on the Island (or take up self-employment).

European Economic Area (EEA) national citizens are expected to be able to support themselves without assistance from public funds and are able to live and work on the Island as long as they are not excluded on grounds of public policy, public health or public security. But may require a work permit issued under the Control of Employment Acts if wanting to work or take up self employment.

Foreign National are regulated by the Isle of Man Immigration Rules. The Rules lay down the requirements for the entry and stay of foreign nationals in the Isle of Man. The Isle of Man Rules, whilst not identical to the United Kingdom (UK) Rules, are based on the UK Rules and are very similar.

http://www.gov.im/isleofman/facts.xml

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Minutes of Wisconsin Manx Society, Inc

April 20, 2007

The Wisconsin Manx Society met at Midvale Lutheran Church, Madison on April 20, 2008. Members and guests shared news and conversation during registration, lunch and following lunch.

We all enjoyed the story and digital photos of a beautiful Manx kitty that found its way to the Ravenscroft home where it is the delight of Charlotte and Olivia. It had been rescued in the New Glarus area and was sheltered in Edgerton. Mary Kelly was notified and put Judy Bonnet “on the case”. Judy persisted until she reached the Ravenscrofts who decided the kitty might be a better fit for their family than the dog they’d been considering. Charlotte, who came with her Daddy, certainly seemed to agree. She enjoys watching the bird feeder. We can expect another Manx tale from Andy!

Andy and Mary K. both brought nicely started Manx Marvel tomato plants, which they started from the special seeds Mary had brought to the Fall ’07 meeting. Mary also had some extra seed packets for those who wanted to start their own. Mary spoke of Robert Kelly’s recurrent hospitalizations.

Oneida Lindauer surprised us by coming in her wheelchair, despite recovering from very serious back surgery. Jean Olson, her daughter has been closely involved in her post surgery care and is now able to resume her nursing career and be available for her Mom too. Oneida says she has a Manx cat, Miss Kitty, who keeps her company and is a “watch cat”. She’s fortunate to have such support from Jean and we were delighted that they spent their afternoon with us.

It was fun to have Adam come again with his grandmother, Joyce Benjamin. They’re both pleased with a special Viking hat, which Grandma bought for him for his birthday. He received birthday greetings from Lawrence Skelly who is the owner of Manx Experience, from which the hat was ordered. The hat arrived in time to wear to school on “hat day” and gave Adam a chance to tell of his Manx ancestry.

Ellen and Leigh Roberts traveled to Mexico and New Mexico as well as the Orient since the last meeting but returned in time to attend Ellen’s son, Jesse’s wedding before Ellen’s knee replacement. We’re glad we were on her itinerary.

Norma and John Bircher have adjusted well to retirement from the farm and are looking forward to visits from daughters, who live in New Zealand and North Carolina.

After 2 years absence, Chris Merritt has returned from a wonderful experience of living in China and teaching “parasitology” in a Medical School there.

Judy Schlueter’s new granddaughter is named Cecilia Reese Schlueter carrying her maternal great grandfather’s surname.

Georgene told us of keeping a family tradition of rafting on the Peshtigo River on a certain “spring” weekend. It turned out to be a special experience for San Diego relatives who experience WI snow and ice for the first time.

Norm and Dorrie Alff are planning to fly to two granddaughter’s weddings-Texas in June and Georgia in October. Norm will have his second carpal tunnel surgery soon.

Jean and Bill Brew offered corrections of the Fall ’07 Minutes, regarding their ancestry. “Bill Brew’s Great Grandfather came from IOM in 1854 to Wisconsin Dells (Kilbourn, WI). He went to the California gold rush and returned by way of the Isthmus of Panama with gold. He returned to the Isle to marry his sweetheart, Ann Cormode. They homesteaded at Kilbourn City, WI where they and their son farmed for 150 years.” Brews also shared that Bill’s sister’s daughter, Janice died and another niece, Melissa Mauer will graduate from Vet’s school this spring, carrying on the family concern for farm animals. Having recently returned from a trip to Australia and New Zealand, they showed us souvenirs and told of the friendly people, botanical gardens and large-scale sheep and dairy farming they witnessed.

Frank Evans, bassoonist in “real life” accompanied the group on the piano as we sang Ellan Vannin and the Manx National Anthem.

Reports:

Secretary Alff noted that information regarding the Brew family history was incorrect in the October ’07 Minutes. Bill Brew’s great grandfather was the original Brew immigrant to WI.

Corrected minutes will be placed on file.

Treasurer Ogden brought an itemized report of receipts and expenditures for the past six months. Balance on October 21, 2007 was $2118.55. $429 receipts and $295.31 expenses leave a balance of $2152.24 on March 30, 2008. The report is placed on file.

Vice President Judy Bonnet reports that we’ve been forewarned by the Caterer that, due to increased food and gas prices, the cost of our lunch will increase, before the next meeting. The Board will consider the implications and the possibility of not increasing the registration fee, but making our donations for meeting space from the Treasury.

Newsletter Editor and Membership Chair Judy Schlueter suggested that we might have a special meeting and celebration to honor founders of the Wisconsin Manx Society. After a lively discussion, it was decided to consider doing so at our Fall ’08 meeting.

NAMA Trustee, Joyce Benjamin announced that an inventory will be made of National Board records (now in Joyce’s closet) before they are placed in the new Museum at Platteville. She is still considered the contact person for the local public library, in the event they have inquiries regarding local Manx organizations. Joyce will set up and staff a WMS display at a Mad Celt Fest to be held in Madison on June 21. She reminded us that NAMA Convention Registration fees increase as the date approaches and that hotel reservations should be specified for the NAMA room rate.

Old Business

Because the NAMA Convention will be in August, decision was made to not attempt a Laxey picnic gathering this year, but to make a donation of $50 to the 4-H group, which has previously done light cleanup and planting at the cemetery and request that they do it again this year. Norma Bircher will make the necessary contact. Birchers will talk with the Town Chairman regarding necessary trimming and cutting of trees. Dorrie moved that up to $200.00 be paid for tree trimming. Motion carried. Suggestion was made that summer installation of a portable toilet might be important, if we are encouraging people to work in and visit the Cemetery. Joyce will research the possibility.

Mary Kelly reminded us that it’s not too late to send an application for the Manx Youth Award, which will be awarded at the NAMA Convention to a youth under 18 years of age who has contributed to understanding of Manx history and culture.

Motion made and passed that we pay for full- page ad in the NAMA Convention’08 Bulletin and ask A. Ravenscroft to design it.

New Business

Mary Kelly reported on the progress of the Manx Museum at the Luce Center and the donations which have been received. Motion made and carried that WMS, Inc. donate $500.00 in honor of our Founding Members. The museum will be a great repository for special IOM items of WMS

Founding Members.

Andy Ravenscroft will speak at the Conference of Celtic Women, October 9-11 2008

President Georgene ordered silver jewelry from “Manx Experience” and displayed it at the meeting with intention of donating it to the Silent Auction at the Convention. The Board approved and moved that she be reimbursed for the 75 pounds (British Sterling) cost of the jewelry Motion carried unanimously.

Our President, Georgene reported receiving $65.00 for our organization from a special fundraiser “Celtic Express” organized for “Celtic Clubs in the Milwaukee area, which are small non-profit organizations with limited resources”. She was thanked for the special effort to have us included. Manx-related door prizes were won by Frank Evans, Dorrie Alff, and Bill Brew.

Respectfully submitted,

Dorrie Alff, Recording Secretary

In Memory

Willett, Dann Thomas

Dann Thomas Willett was born Sept. 20, 1923, at Rice Lake, Wisconsin, son of Rev. A.D. and Hazel Nicol Willett. His childhood years were spent in Black River Falls, Mineral Point, Eau Claire, graduating from high school at Chippewa Falls. He served in Civilian Conservation Corp. in 1941 and 1942. He attended Hamlin University in St. Paul until this was interrupted by the U.S. Army in December, 1942. While enlisted he attended Pasadena Junior College, California and Indiana University at Bloomington, Ind. and he served in the European theater as part of the 20th Armored Division. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in January, 1950 with a B.B.A. in Business and on July 9, 1950, married Jean Hibbard. He worked for International Harvester briefly and then went into real estate sales for more than 40 years and operated his own company, Madison Realty Service. His life was greatly influenced: by Scouting volunteering for adult leadership in Cubs and Boy Scouts for 16 years; by Masonry, he was a 33rd degree Mason; by music, singing in church choirs for 70 years; community choirs including army choirs; by the environment participating in many outdoor sports and activities; by Scottish dancing which he did world over. He enjoyed all people and worked constantly in making people happier. The most important thing in his life was the love of his family and his life was planned around their needs and companionship. He is survived by his wife, Jean (Hibbard) Willett; sons, Andrew (Kate) Willett, Jason (Sara Watson) Willett, and Michael (Sue) Willett; daughter-in-law, Bobbie (Davenport) Willett; grandchildren, Alessandra, Aaron, Martha, Allison, Trevor, Elara, Lucas and Michelle; two step-grandchildren, John (Jill) Davenport and Erin Davenport; three brothers, Don, Bill (Louise) and Bruce (Phyllis); sisters-in-law, Adelaide Willett and Lois Hibbard; brothers-in-law, Charles Hibbard; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Hazel (Nicol) Willett; brothers, Arthur and George Willett; a son, Timothy D. Willett; and grandson, Anthony Willett. A memorialservice will be held at TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH on Sunday, June 8, 2008, at 4 p.m. A gathering of family and friends will follow the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Trinity United Methodist for the Capital Improvement Fund or the Dann/Jean Fund at the Madison Community Foundation for the improvement of water quality. Please send memorials in care of Cress Funeral Home.
Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434 www.cressfuneralservice.com

http://www.madison.com/obits/listings.php?type=trans&date=06%2F03%2F2008

In Memory

Short, Katherine Amelia Leonard

Katherine Amelia Leonard Short, nee Corlett, age 86, died on Tuesday, March 11, 2008. Known to many as Kay, she was born on Nov. 10, 1921, in Iron River, Mich., and lived her first 40 years in Upper Michigan, then moving to southern Wisconsin. She lived a long and fruitful life, raising a large family while giving to the community, after becoming part of the Stoughton community, she volunteered at Nazareth House and was actively involved with St. Ann's Catholic Church. In recent years, health problems forced her to cut back in some areas, but she remained active so far as she was able. She is remembered not so much for her prize-winning poetry nor for her artistic and inspirational floral bookmarks, as for her smile and twinkling eyes. She was stability and strength for her ever growing family and her circle of friends. She was teacher and counselor, she held more power within her than she ever realized. Central to her life were her family and friends, but greater still was her firm and immovable faith. She was one whose confidence in God, whose trust in His promises was unshakeable. No one could doubt that she had no doubt. She is survived by her eight children, Carol Leonard, James Leonard, Douglas Leonard, Margaret Leonard, David Leonard, Frederic Leonard, Brian Short, and Robert Short; two stepdaughters, Beverly Aragon and Linda Reed; 23 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rollin Leonard; and her husband, Lloyd Short. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. ANN'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 323 N. Van Buren St., Stoughton, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2008, with Monsignor Gerard Healy presiding. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, Janesville.
Her voice, her laugh, her smile will be missed, but she remains a vivid presence in the hearts of the many people whose lives she touched.

http://www.gundersonfh.com/content/obituaries/view.jsp?

Laxey

A picturesque village best known for its large waterwheel, links to the Electric Railways, and garden glens.

Laxey is a village located on the east coast of the Island. Named from the Norse word for Salmon river 'laxa', due to the tales of great catches. Today Laxey is mainly a residential and tourist area, though in the past it was a thriving mining and fishing village. The Laxey Mines were the deepest mines in the world during the 1800's. The Great Laxey Wheel, 'Lady Isabella', was used to pump water out of the mines.

http://www.iomguide.com/laxey.php

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