TIGS Monthly Meeting Notes
March, 2006

TROY IRISH GENEALOGY SOCIETY
Troy, New York

The regular monthly meeting of the Troy Irish Genealogy Society was held on Thursday, March 16, 2006 and was a St. Patrick’s Day potluck gathering at the Vaughn residence. The following individuals were in attendance:

Kris Ayotte
Kay Brearton
Jeanne Keefe
Michael McAlonie
Wendy McAlonie, guest
Sheila McVeigh, guest
Doris Reilly Moak
Lizette Strait
Donna Vaughn
Ann White, guest

The meeting was called to order at 7:25 p.m. by Donna Vaughn, President. Ann White and Sheila McVeigh were welcomed to the meeting.

The minutes of the February meeting were approved and they have been posted to the TIGS website.

REPORTS

There were no reports from the President. She thanked everyone for their support during her recent illness and was happy to see everyone. There were no reports from the Vice President or Secretary.

Rick Shea, Treasurer, was unable to attend the meeting; however, he submitted his report that there are 42 paid members and $215 in the treasury. Rick will provide Donna with signature cards to add her signature to the checking account. This will enable Donna to sign checks when Rick is unavailable. It will be set up as and “either or” type of approved signature.

Jeanne Keefe, Webmaster, reported that she has handled some complaints that were made regarding the website. She has been very busy with her job responsibilities. Some of the problems were caused by changes made by Rootsweb. Visitors to the website should realize that TIGS members are volunteers and that sometimes problems cannot be handled immediately. Kris Ayotte will be submitting a new photo to be placed on the website.

Lizette Strait, List Administrator, reported that there are 144 list members. As new people subscribe to the list, Lizette will invite them to become members of TIGS.

OLD BUSINESS

Reports on the marriage index project and Saturday tour of the NYS Library were tabled until a future meeting. Discussion of the Young Irish Americans project was also tabled.

NEW BUSINESS

Members were reminded that Jeanne Keefe will be the speaker at a brunch for the Ballykilcline Reunion in June and she will conduct a “Secret Places in Troy” tour in the Spring. On Saturday from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. the Capital District Celtic Association will present an Irish Storyteller at their location in East Greenbush. The storyteller will also speak at the Colonie Public Library on Sunday.

The members discussed the upcoming election of officers. In accordance with the TIGS Charter, elections are held in May; therefore, nominations must be made at the April meeting. Several of the current officers have agreed to continue in office unless someone else is interested. Information will be published on the list to determine if anyone is interested in running for any office. In order to be an officer, members must have paid their dues and be able to attend meetings.

A motion was made by Kay Brearton and seconded by Jeanne Keefe to authorize the President to appoint a member to the position of Membership Chairman. The motion was approved. Kris Ayotte was asked to accept the appointment to the new position and she accepted.

A motion was made by Kay Brearton and seconded by Kris Ayotte to authorize the President to create the position of Project Chairman with the individual to be named later. The motion was approved.

The “brick wall” project was discussed. Kris Ayotte suggested that list members be invited to submit the name of someone from the local area they are researching and have run into a “brick wall”. The submission selected would be discussed at a regular meeting and suggestions could be made to help the individual with their research.

Donna Vaughn would like a contingent of TIGS to join other Irish groups in next year’s Albany St. Patrick’s Day parade. Mike McAlonie will research creating a logo to put on a sweatshirt or other piece of apparel that members could wear in the parade. It was also suggested that TIGS participate in the annual Troy Victorian Stroll.

OPEN GENEALOGY FORUM

Donna Vaughn shared a beautiful seven generation photographic ancestor wall in her home. Some members also brought Irish recipe books to share.

The next meeting will be held on April 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Holmes and Watson in downtown Troy. Ann White and Sheila McVeigh joined TIGS as paid members at the end of the meeting. Donna was thanked for her hospitality in hosting the meeting in her home. Everyone enjoyed the refreshments and camaraderie.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Donna Vaughn and seconded by Jeanne Keefe to adjourn the meeting. The motion was approved and the meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathleen Brearton, Secretary