The regular monthly meeting of the Troy Irish Genealogy Society was
held on Thursday, June 15, 2006 at the Holmes & Watson Restaurant
in Troy, New York. The following individuals were in attendance:
Kay Brearton
Rick Shea
Pat Gilmaier
Lori Skiff, guest
Jeanne Keefe
Lizette Strait
Bill McGrath
Jan Sullivan
Cathy McGrath
Donna Vaughn
Mimi Nicotina
Betty Violette, guest
Eileen Shea
Norm Violette, guest
Kris White, guest
The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m. by Donna Vaughn, President.
Donna welcomed the guests to the meeting.
A motion was made by Jeanne Keefe and seconded by Rick
Shea to approve the minutes of the May meeting. The motion passed;
the minutes have been posted to the TIGS website.
REPORTS
President Donna Vaughn reported that the new officers
have assumed their duties. The only change from last year is the office
of Treasurer.
Cathy McGrath, Treasurer, reported that the bank account
has been changed into her name with Donna Vaughn as an alternate signatory.
There was $235 in the checking account and $55 in dues was collected
at the meeting for a total of $290. Three of the evening’s guests
– Kris White, Lori Skiff and Betty Violette became paid members
of TIGS at the meeting.
Jeanne Keefe, Webmaster, reported that she has changed
some titles on the website. A counter has been set up on the website.
Lizette Strait, List Administrator, reported that there
are 155 list members and 12 digest members
.
OLD BUSINESS
Bill McGrath reported that Volume I (1908-1913) of the
Rensselaer County Marriage Index is up on the TIGS website. There
are 5,000 marriages with 10,000 names (brides and grooms). The reaction
to this important addition to the website has been great. It is possible
to click onto a form for use in requesting information on a particular
entry from the County Clerk’s Office. The Clerk’s Office
has already received at least one request and promptly responded.
Bill explained all the valuable information that is contained on these
marriage documents. Jeanne Keefe suggested transferring the information
to CDs and donating them to the County Clerk’s office, the Troy
Public Library and the Rensselaer County Historical Society.
A motion was made by Jeanne Keefe and seconded by Mimi
Nicotina authorizing the necessary expenditure from the treasury to
purchase 25 CDs and CD cases. The motion passed.
A motion was made by Cathy McGrath and seconded by Jan
Sullivan authorizing Jeanne Keefe to burn CDs of the Marriage Index
Volume I and donate two CDs each to the County Clerk’s Office,
the Troy Public Library and the Rensselaer County Historical Society.
The motion was approved.
The NYS Library tour item was tabled until September.
Donna reminded the members that the Ballykilcline Reunion will be
held on the weekend of June 24 and that Jeanne Keefe will speak at
their brunch at the Holiday Inn Turf on June 25. The deadline for
reservations for the brunch close on June 21. Donna noted that some
of the TIGS members who plan to attend the brunch will go to the New
York State Library when the brunch ends. The Brick Wall project and
sweatshirt items were tabled until the members handling them can be
present.
Jeanne Keefe reminded the members that they can send
any Oakwood Cemetery records for posting on the website. Several Troy
Aquaduck tours are scheduled over the summer. Jeanne Keefe reported
that there will be a Captain PJ dinner cruise in August featuring
the popular Irish band – Hair of the Dog.
NEW BUSINESS
Donna was contacted by a representative from WMHT, the
local Public Broadcasting station asking if TIGS would be interested
in participating in their fund drive when they feature “Celtic
Woman”. It would be an excellent opportunity to obtain publicity
for the organization. Jeanne Keefe agreed to coordinate with WMHT.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 20,
2006 and will be a combination meeting and potluck party at the residence
of Jeanne Keefe. Information regarding the July meeting will be posted
on the website.
OPEN GENEALOGY FORUM
Pat Gilmaier brought a book about Ireland to the meeting
to share and Donna Vaughn brought a guidebook for conducting Irish
genealogy.
The new attendees were asked to share the surnames they
are researching. Kris White is researching several surnames, among
which are Hines, Delaney, Rogers and Fox. Betty Violette is researching
the surnames of DeLee and Stanton. Bette and her husband, Norm, were
visiting from McLean, Virginia. Some of the other attendees made suggestions
for Kris and Bette to assist them in their research.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Jeanne Keefe and seconded by Rick
Shea to adjourn the meeting. The motion was approved and the meeting
adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Brearton, Secretary
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