The regular monthly meeting of the Troy Irish Genealogy
Society was held on Thursday, July 20, 2006, at the home of Jeanne
Keefe. The following individuals were in attendance:
Kris Ayotte
Lori Skiff
JoAnn Blake, guest
Mimi Nicotina
Kay Brearton
Alan Strait, guest
Jeanne Keefe
Lizette Strait
Marge McConnell, guest
Jan Sullivan
Bill McGrath
Donna K. Vaughn
Cathy McGrath
Ron Vaughn, guest
Sheila McVeigh
Ann White
Kris White
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Donna Vaughn, President.
Donna welcomed the guests – Jo Ann Blake and Marge McConnell.
She shared copies of a “wanted poster” from 1777-78
for Claudius Smith, a “notorious Tory”, who was the
5th great grandfather of Donna’s husband, Ron.
A motion was made by Jeanne Keefe and seconded by
Kris Ayotte to approve the minutes of the June 15, 2006 meeting.
The motion passed.
REPORTS
Donna thanked Jeanne for hosting the meeting at her
home. Kris Ayotte reported that she has been sending e-mail messages
to former attendees inviting them back to the monthly meetings.
Cathy McGrath, treasurer, reported that there is $373 in the treasury.
Twenty-five individuals have paid dues for 2006-2007; 25 have paid
for the previous year but not the current year. Lizette noted that
when she subscribes new people to the list, she encourages them
to join as paying members.
Jeanne Keefe, Webmaster, reported that everything
is up to date on the web site. A new photo will be going up on the
site soon. Jeanne thanked the members who attended the Ballykilcline
brunch at which she spoke.
Lizette reported that there are 159 list members.
The members discussed the counter function on the website. Bill
McGrath explained how it works to record the number of hits the
site receives. The hits have come from all over the world.
OLD BUSINESS
Project chairperson, Bill McGrath spoke about Lin
VanBuren’s website’s links to TIGS projects. Kris Ayotte
suggested the Lin be asked to list TIGS as a genealogy society on
her website. Bill hopes to begin scanning the next volume of marriage
records. He is pleased that so many people have contacted him to
tell him about their success in finding family members in Volume
I of the index. Bill also suggested that the city directory death
records for 1903 start as a project to follow up the 1902 list.
The NYS Library item was tabled until the Fall. The
members discussed establishing a lookup section on the website and
asked for volunteers. Kris Ayotte offered to head up those efforts.
Donna reported on the great job done by Jeanne Keefe
at the Ballykilcline brunch in June. Her presentation was excellent
and it was suggested that she present it as a fundraiser for TIGS.
A free site with audio visual capabilities would be needed. There
would be no fee, but donations would be requested. Several locations
were mentioned and various members agreed to check on their feasibility.
Kris Ayotte discussed the difficulties presented by
a possible “brick wall” project. It was decided to table
the project. Also tabled was the sweatshirt/T-shirt logo project
in the absence of Mike McAlonie. Donna spoke briefly about the Aqua
Duck tours in Troy and urged members to take advantage of the tour.
Jeanne Keefe spoke with a representative from WMHT regarding TIGS
involvement in the fundraising auction to coincide with the program
“Celtic Women”. It may occur August 2-3; Jeanne will
contact members when a definite date is known. The Garden Tours
of Troy (Secret Places) was tabled.
NEW BUSINESS
Jan Sullivan brought information to share with the
members regarding proposed legislation currently in committee in
both the NYS Assembly and Senate which recommends a reduction in
the cost of obtaining vital records from the State for genealogy
purposes. Everyone was encouraged to contact their local State Senator
and Assemblyman asking them to support the legislation. The Assembly
bill is A7209; the Senate bill is S6349. The legislation is known
as “Right to Know Your Family Bill”. She also suggested
contacting two individuals who serve on the Health Committees of
the Assembly and Senate - Hannon@senate.state.ny.us and Gottfrr@assembly.state.ny.us
Bill Delaney, a list member from out of the area,
has volunteered to develop a list of names submitted to the list
during roll call to match people up. Jeanne Keefe pointed out that
there is a surname list on the website which serves a similar purpose.
The members discussed trying different meeting sites.
Several places were suggested; e.g., Brown’s Brewing Company,
Moscatiello’s Restaurant. Several members volunteered to look
into some possible sites for future meetings.
The August 17 meeting will be held at the McGrath
residence in a potluck format.
OPEN GENEALOGY FORUM
Guests were asked to share the names they are researching.
JoAnn is researching Kelleher, Lenihan, Danahy and Cronin. Her roots
are in the Glens Falls area.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Cathy McGrath and seconded by
Jan Sullivan to adjourn the meeting. The motion was approved and
the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Brearton, Secretary
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