TIGS Monthly Meeting Notes
November 2007

TROY IRISH GENEALOGY SOCIETY
Troy, New York

 

The regular monthly meeting of the Troy Irish Genealogy Society was held on Thursday, November 15, 2007 at the Red Front Restaurant, Troy, New York.   The following individuals were in attendance:

Kris Ayotte                             Mimi Nicotina                                                
Kay Brearton                        Jim Owens
Mary R. Brown                      Eileen Shea
Jeanne Keefe                        Rick Shea
Cathy McGrath                      Lizette Strait
Bill McGrath                           Jan Sullivan
Bill McMahon                        Donna Vaughn
Kris White

The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m. by Donna Vaughn, President.  Donna welcomed Jim Owens, a TIGS member from Maryland, and Bill McMahon, new TIGS member who joined TIGS this evening.
 
A motion was made by Rick Shea and seconded by Kris Ayotte to approve the minutes of the October 18, 2007 meeting.   The motion passed.  The minutes have been published on the TIGS website.

REPORTS

There were no reports from the President, Vice President or Secretary.

Cathy McGrath, Treasurer, reported a beginning balance of $1,087.73.  Dues in the amount of $10 were received and $10 was restored to the petty cash fund; the current balance in the treasury is $1,087.73.   There are 98 paid members.   The members discussed the problems associated with creating membership cards for paid members and it was agreed that cards serve no purpose.  A motion was made by Cathy McGrath and seconded by Mimi Nicotina to discontinue membership cards.   The motion carried.

Jeanne Keefe, Webmaster, reported that the list of past Exulted Rules of the Troy Lodge of Elks has been put up on the website.   Kris White was thanked for compiling the data.   An announcement regarding the upcoming trip to Ireland is up on the website. Lizette Strait, List Administrator, reported there are currently 196 list members.

Bill McGrath, Project Coordinator, reported the list of grooms from Volumes 4 and 5 of the Rensselaer County Marriage Index has been completed.   Bob McConihe is performing an analysis of the data to determine if there are any errors with page numbers and/or certificate numbers.  Bill has begun sending out the brides’ names for data entry but scanning has only been done through the letter “C”.   Additional help is needed to complete scanning the list of brides.   Jeanne Keefe will be available to set up the scanner and computer on November 28 at the Rensselaer County Clerk’s Office.  

OLD BUSINESS

Kris Ayotte provided an update on the trip to Ireland in the spring.   Seats are still available and interested parties may contact Kris for information.

Donna brought several of the TIGS tote bags with her to the meeting and they are available to purchase.   Orders may also be given to Donna for T-shirts and sweatshirts.

The latest issue of the TIGS newsletter is available to paid members.   Lizette Strait was thanked for the great job she did with the issue.   She agreed to head up the next issue which will be available sometime in January 2008.

Kris Ayotte has not received any information on the grant application and will be submitting a new application.   Jim Owens offered to help with the grant application process.

Mimi Nicotina attended the recent lecture regarding Kilmainhan Jail that was held at the Celtic Hall in East Greenbush.  She reported that it was an excellent presentation but was disappointed at the small number in attendance.   Mimi will be contacting NYS Assemblyman Jack McEneny about speaking on a genealogical topic.   The members discussed possible locations for the presentation.   Mimi will look into some possibilities including the East Greenbush Library.

Kris Ayotte had an opportunity to look at some of the old records from the former Stanton Brewery in Troy which are being donated  to the Rensselaer County Historical Society.   She was able to locate a few personnel records as well as the last will and testament of Mr. Stanton.   She will have the personnel information put up on the website.  There are more records in another safe and Kris will look at them before they are donated to see if there is anything of interest to TIGS. 

NEW BUSINESS

Jeanne Keefe has an opportunity to purchase a refurbished IBM laptop computer at a very good price.   The officers unanimously agreed that it would be a wise investment for TIGS.   A motion was made by Cathy McGrath and seconded by Mimi Nicotina to approve the purchase of the laptop.  The motion was approved.

The members were asked to try to think of ways to raise funds for the organization and report back at a future meeting.    Jim Owens suggested that TIGS become a 501-C organization.   Mary Beth Brown has some information on 501-C’s which she will bring to a future meeting for discussion by the members.  

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Cathy McGrath and seconded by Jan Sullivan to adjourn the meeting.   The motion was approved and the meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.   The next meeting will be held on Thursday, January 17, 2008 at 6:30 PM at the Red Front Restaurant.    There will be no meeting in December.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathleen Brearton, Secretary