TROY IRISH GENEALOGY SOCIETY
Troy, New York

The regular monthly meeting of the Troy Irish Genealogy Society was held on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at the Sullivan residence in Clifton Park, New York. The following individuals were in attendance:

Kris Ayotte Mimi Nicotina

Kay Brearton Vincent Nicotina

Pat McAvey Karen Sagliocca

Bill McMahon Lizette Strait

Cathy McGrath Bob Sullivan

Bill McGrath Jan Sullivan

Doris Reilly Moak Ann White

The meeting was called to order at 7:25 p.m. by President Kris Ayotte. Visitors were welcomed to the meeting.

A motion was made by Cathy McGrath and seconded by Mimi Nicotina to approve the minutes of the June 19, 2008 meeting. The motion passed. The minutes have been published on the TIGS website.

 

REPORTS

 There were no reports from the President or Secretary.

Cathy McGrath, Treasurer, reported that $75 has been received in dues. The current balance is $1234.28 with 101 members paid.

Jeanne Keefe, Webmaster, could not be present for the meeting; therefore, there was no report.

Brad Miter, List Administrator, submitted a report indicating there are 198 members on the mailing list. He also reported that there were 128 postings in June and 86 to date in July.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Lizette noted that the newsletter is almost ready for publication. Jan Sullivan will be sending her an article that will complete the contents.

Kris reminded everyone of Irish Night at the Valley Cats game on August 12 at 7:00 PM. So far, Kris, Jeanne, Lizette and Kay have offered to work at the TIGS table. Kris will make the necessary copies of information needed at the event and will bring the marriage index binders to place on the table.

Kris will continue to check into the feasibility of a trip to Salt Lake City; it is difficult now to obtain any firm price due to the fluctuating fuel costs.

Mimi reported that Assemblyman McEneny’s office has confirmed that he will present a speech entitled, “Troy Green Island Irish Immigration Wave of the 1840’s” for TIGS. She is working with a representative of the Italian Community Center to firm up details on the use of their facility.

Bill McGrath, Project Chairperson, reported that the transcribing of Volumes 6 & 7 of the Rensselaer County Marriage Index is in the final stages and should be completed very soon. There are 4000 records and 8000 names in the two volumes. If all goes well, they may be up on the website in August. Work has been completed on thirty-three pages of Volume 8. It is necessary to look up each entry and write in a certificate number and a marriage date. Volunteers have been going to the Clerk’s Office to help with this project. The same process will have to be followed for Volume 9.

The members discussed the charter change allowing the list administrator to be from out of the Troy area. A change may also be made in allowing the Webmaster to be from out of the area as well. It was agreed that these positions can be done from a distance.

Kris reported that Mimi Nicotina has agreed to become Vice President. A motion was made by Lizette Strait and seconded unanimously by members present to approve her appointment.

It was agreed that the item regarding 501C status will be dropped from the agenda for future meetings. In the absence of Jeanne Keefe, the item regarding photos for the website was dropped.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Bill McGrath and Kay Brearton spoke to the members regarding a possible TIGS project; i.e., recording church memorials and, in particular, stained glass windows and other dedications in churches that will be closing in the near future. It was agreed that this is a worthwhile project for TIGS and procedures will be determined.

Jan Sullivan proposed an idea to raise funds for the Society. She noted that members may have garden plants that they must take out when gardens become overcrowded. They could be potted and put up for sale. From past experience, she has found that plant sales are very popular and there would be very little overhead involved. There would be a need for volunteers to dig up plants from their gardens or other gardens and then pot them. A good location for the sale would be necessary to ensure a good turnout of buyers. Jan agreed to assemble the necessary information and report back at the next meeting.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 A motion was made by Jan Sullivan and seconded by Mimi Nicotina to adjourn the meeting. The motion was approved and the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

Following the meeting, Lizette Strait shared some old coins that were recently found on her property by a friend who was using a metal detector. It is believed that a collection booth for an old toll road was located on her property.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Kathleen Brearton, Secretary