bylaws and minutes
Article I - TITLE, SYMBOL AND SONG |
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| Section 1 | The name of the organization shall be called "Daughters of Ireland, Inc." |
| Section 2 | The symbol of the organization shall be the Claddagh, representing the highest ideals of the "Daughters of Ireland, Inc." - love, loyalty and friendship. |
| Section 3 | The official song of the "Daughters of Ireland, Inc." shall be "It's Saint Patrick's Day in Savannah," written by Aloysius James Handiboe, Sr. |
| The name of the organization shall be called "Daughters of Ireland, Inc." | |
Article II - PURPOSES |
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| Section 1 | The objects and purposes of this corporation are to acquire and administer funds
and property which, after payment of necessary expenses, shall be devoted
exclusively to charitable and educational purposes. By these purposes the "Daughters of Ireland, Inc." shall promote the preservation of Irish heritage, culture, and humor. |
Article III - MEMBERSHIP |
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| Section 1 |
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| Section 2 | In the event membership of the organization should be closed, priority for new membership shall be made as follows:
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| Section 3 | In order to remain a voting member, a member must attend two (2) of the four (4) quarterly meetings. |
Article IV - BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
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| Section 1 | The Board of Directors shall consist of the Officers, Immediate Past Presidents, Chairmen of the Standing Committees, and twelve (12) Directors of Irish Descent. Only those of Irish descent may cast a vote. |
| Section 2 | The Board of Directors shall approve all activities and functions of the organization. They shall obligate the organization for expenses of all materials and services. |
| Section 3 | Any Board member with two (2) unexcused absences during the course of the fiscal year will be removed from her position on the Board. |
| Section 4 | The quorum of the Board of Directors shall be the majority of its members present. |
Article V - OFFICERS |
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| Section 1 | All candidates for office or director must be of Irish descent and provide proof of Irish descent, either legal or blood (adoption, birth certificate, etc.) |
| Section 2 | Upon nomination for office, each nominee's Irish ancestry shall be verified by the Heritage Committee. |
| Section 3 | Officers of the organization shall consist of the following: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Historian. |
| Section 4 | A Roman Catholic priest shall be invited by the elected officers each year to serve as Chaplain of the organization. |
| Section 5 | The duties and responsibilities of the officers shall be as follows:
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Article VI - ELECTIONS |
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| Section 1 | President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Historian shall be elected by the membership and shall serve a one (1) year term to run from June 1 through May 31 of the following year. Each officer shall have the privilege of serving two (2) consecutive terms if elected. No officer shall be eligible for more than two (2) consecutive terms in the same office. She shall be barred from that office for a period of one (1) year after which time she shall be again be eligible for election. |
| Section 2 | Directors: Four (4) new members will be elected each year to serve for a period of three (3) years to replace the four (4) who have completed their their three (3) year terms. A member may not hold a position as director and as an officer simultaneously. |
| Section 3 | If it becomes necessary to replace a director or an officer, the President shall call a special election of the members to elect the director or officer for the unexpired term of the director or officer to be replaced. |
| Section 4 | Secret Ballot: The President of the organization, or in her absence the presiding the presiding officer, shall be solely responsible for the conduct of secret elections. The manner of holding such elections shall be that prescribed by the President or presiding officer of the organization at the time such election is held. The President or presiding officer shall have the right to require the casting of ballots personally by the members of the at such election, whether such elections are conducted by paper "yes" or "no" ballots, blackball system, or such method of secret balloting as may be prescribed. |
| Section 5 | Nominating Committee: A nominating committee consisting of a chairperson and
four (4) members - either full or associate members - shall be elected at the time of the
regular elections. Their duty shall be to present to the membership a slate of officers
consisting of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant-at-Arms, Historian, new Directors and Nominating Committee. This slate shall be presented to the membership in the Spring issue of the Claddagh Chatter to be voted at the April
General Meeting. After the slate has been published, the Nominating Committee will accept nominations for any of the officer positions, director, and/or Nominating Committee any time up to the General Meeting. Nominations made by telephone must be followed up a written request. The Nominating Committee will verify the willingness of the candidate to serve, as well as contact the Heritage Committee to confirm the nominee's Irish ancestry. The slate again will be presented to the membership at the General Meeting along with any additional qualified candidates, at which time nominations will be taken from the floor for election. In the case of two (2) or more candidates for the same office, a secret ballot will be conducted in accordance with Article VI, Section 4. |
Article VII - MEETINGS |
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| Section 1 | The organization shall meet quarterly at a time and place designated by the President. Additional meetings shall be scheduled as necessary. Each member shall be notified of any cancellation of meetings. |
| Section 2 | A quorum for any meeting shall consist of a majority of the members present. |
| Section 3 | Minutes of the previous meeting shall be read to the membership by the Secretary prior to the beginning of any new business. |
Article VIII - FUNDS |
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| Section 1 | Collection of Dues:
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| Section 2 | Allocation of Funds:
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| Section 3 | Recordkeeping:
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| Section 4 | Fiscal Year:
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Article IX - COMMITTEES |
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| Section 1 | Committees shall be organized as deemed necessary by the organization. Membership to each committee shall be on a voluntary basis. The President shall be an ex-officio member of all committees. |
| Section 2 | Committees shall consist of the following:
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| Section 3 | All committees shall report to the Board of Directors. |
Article X - AMENDMENTS |
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| Section 1 | This Constitution/Bylaws may be amended only by consenting agreement and a simple majority of the eligible membership present, provided written notice of the proposed amendment(s) is submitted to the membership no fewer than fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting at which the vote is to be taken. |
| Section 2 | No proposed amendment to this Constitution/Bylaws shall be submitted to the membership, as provided herein, in the same or substantially the same form more than once in any twelve (12) month period. |
Article XI - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY |
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| Section 1 | The rules contained in Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern the Organization in all instances to which they are applicable, and in which they are not consistent with the Constitution/Bylaws or special rules of the organization. The President may appoint a Parliamentarian whose principal duty is to advise her on Points of parliamentary procedure. The Parliamentarian shall be one sufficiently Versed in parliamentary law to merit the confidence of the President and the Organization. |
RULES OF ORDER
- Discussion on any one (1) agenda item shall be limited to ten (10) minutes by those desiring to speak.
- A member may not speak more than twice for or against any agenda item.
- Members may be asked not to speak longer than two (2) minutes during a discussion.
- Members should not prolong discussion by repeating an argument already made by another.
- The order of business belongs in the Rules of Order.
- Order of business for meetings:
(unless changed by consent of two-thirds (2/3) of members present). - Call to order
- Opening prayer
- Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
- Reading of the Minutes of the last quarterly meeting and correspondence
- Report of Officers
- Report of Standing Committees:
- Membership
- Irish Festival
- St. Patrick's Day
- Special Events
- Publicity
- Telephone
- Sunshine
- Transportation
- Constitution/Bylaws
- Heritage
- Claddagh Chatter
- Report of Special (AdHoc) Committees
- Unfinished Business
- New Business
- President's address (if applicable)
- At the annual meeting, the business particular to that meeting shall adhere
- Announcements
- Adjournment
minutes
General Meeting
Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 6:00 P.M.
Knights of Columbus 5588
Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 6:00 P.M.
Knights of Columbus 5588
President Peggy Fountain called the meeting to order at 6:40 P.M.
Membership had prayer and said the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Minutes were read and approved.
OFFICERS REPORTS
TREASURER: Trudy Fleming reported that all bills were paid and the current treasury balance is $1,721.75. Two additional checks were received this evening and will be deposited, and a bill for $149.84 for raffle tickets was submitted this evening. She itemized some of the most recent expenses which included those incurred for the Shrimp Boil, a program ad, the fee for the post office box, and payment of a disputed bill from Precision Cutting.
A policy has been implemented which now requires a written estimate submitted to the Board for approval prior to the initiation of any work or service performed for the organization. This policy is the result of a large, unanticipated bill in the amount of $1,180.21 from Precision Cutting for work done to the organization's float. Paying $400, a letter was sent expressing concern for the high charge, outlining the original understanding and requesting a waiver of the balance. Precision Cutting refused and requested immediate and full payment, which was made.
Thank you notes were read from St. Vincent's Academy and from the families of Mollie Cobb Burford and Daniel Sheehan.
SECRETARY: A thank you note from the family of Ken Miller was read, along with one from Sr. Pauline of the Social Apostolate, expressing appreciation to the Daughters for the Christmas Dinner.
PRESIDENT: Peggy Fountain reported that volunteers are needed to decorate the float. She deferred reports regarding the fund raiser Irish Dinner at Murphy's Law and St. Patrick's Day event activities for later discussions.
VICE PRESIDENT: A request was made for volunteers to sell the Irish Basket raffle tickets at the Irish Festival. Deana Shores said that this need was incorporated into a form that would be explained later. Details concerning basket contents were not available at this time.
SARGEANT AT ARMS: No Report.
HISTORIAN: No Report.
STANDING COMMITTEES REPORTS
MEMBERSHIP: Twenty-seven members were in attendance at this evening's meeting. Patty Wilson asked that members see her following the meeting to pick up their ticket packages for the Irish Basket raffle. The tickets are $1.00 each, and the drawing will occur February 28 at the Grand Marshal's Wife's Reception. The winner does not need to be present to win.
TELEPHONE COMMITTEE: No Report.
HERITAGE: Vicki McCuen earlier advised that Heritage has been approved for Kay Grayson, Paige Grodecki, Therese Leonard, Shelley Lowther, Fran Tuttle, and Betty Schwarz. This information was submitted to Membership.
CONSTITUTION/BYLAWS: Chair Dee Horne reported that a committee has been formed, and the Bylaws will be updated.
PUBLICITY: The South magazine had contacted us, expressing an interest in including us in an upcoming article regarding Savannah's St. Patrick's Day celebration, as the DOI is Savannah's only independent Irish Women's organization. We do not anticipate significant mention, but are honored to have been approached. Please watch for the magazine. St. Gregory The Great, Bluffton S.C. has been added to our church bulletin contact list.
WEBSITE: Members were asked to check the website regularly for up to date information. E-mail addresses are still being collected, as well as changes in current ones; this information enables us to keep members informed on a regular basis.
CLADDAGH CHATTER: The January issue is posted on-line, and copies were provided tonight for those members who do not use computers. Efforts are being made to develop a mail system, and names and addresses of members who prefer to receive the newsletter this way were requested.
IRISH FESTIVAL: Deana Shores is managing the DOI Hot Potato sale being planned for this year's Festival, February 16 and 17. Requesting volunteers, Deana said that one booth will accommodate both the raffle ticket sales and the potato sales. Plans for purchasing supplies, preparing and selling the hot potatoes, various transport issues, and volunteer responsibilities were presented. Discussing costs, she explained that the potatoes would probably sell for $2 each, depending on our costs, noting that this year's Festival dollar split was 75/25, with us retaining the 75%. Our anticipated profit should be at least $500. Emphasizing the value of this project, Deana commented that this profit would be sufficient to cover our SVA scholarship. As importantly, she noted that our increased visibility at the Festival is an added publicity mechanism, positively affecting our reputation within the Irish community, and ultimately improving membership numbers. Responding to comments regarding the Civic Center location, Deana offered the decreased costs to the Festival and its vendors, the added benefits of manpower and utilities, additional police patrols, and improved parking in the vicinity. Adding the enticements of this year's unique entertainment lineup, she said that a special Cieli will occur Friday evening, at a $5 fee. Dee Horne announced the Festival's one day entrance fee is $11.50, $20. for both days. There will be no admission charge for volunteers who work three consecutive hours for the Festival itself. DOI booth volunteers working three hours will pay a reduced admission charge of $5.00.
SUNSHINE: Masses were requested for Phyllis Stuart Murray, mother-in-law of Ellen Hogan Murray and grandmother of Deana Murray Shores, and for Avery Shores, father-in-law of Deana Murray Shores. Cards were sent and calls made to Carol Kilpatrick and family during her lengthy hospital stay, along with a floral remembrance that although ordered, was not delivered. The treasurer was advised not to make payment if a bill is received. Chair Betty Schwarz added that Carol is at home recuperating at this time. Calls are welcome.
OLD BUSINESS
Sash/Pin: Trudy Fleming reported that current costs have increased the cost of the proposed Member Sashes to approximately $100. Fran Tuttle is working with Trudy regarding the potential for a ready-made sash that can be customized as an alternative. Robin Godbold has located a jeweler who may be able to produce the Claddagh pin, and she is now waiting for his quote. It is expected that the pin will be approximately $40. A sign up sheet was made available for members who would like to make this purchase.
Fund Raiser, Irish Dinner at Murphy's Law: The date of this event has been rescheduled to Tuesday, May 6. Tickets will remain at $25 each, or $45 for two, and there will be seatings at 5:30 and 7 PM. With sufficient support, a Silent Auction can be an added attraction. Members are asked to consider contributions for this purpose. Gift certificates from merchants or employers and various quality items make ideal Auction items.
NEW BUSINESS
DOI Brunch: The annual Ladies DOI Brunch is scheduled on Sunday, February 24, from 11AM until 1PM at the Pirate's House, and will cost $20 per person. Payment can be made this evening, or can be mailed to the DOI post office box 30401, zip code 31410. Reservations can also be made by calling Trudy Fleming and leaving your message on the machine.
KofC Oyster Roast: The KofC Oyster Roast will be held February 23 at the Pavilion. The Daughters will be making hot dogs and hamburgers, and the Irish Basket raffle tickets will be available for sale.
Marshal's Wife's Reception: This event is scheduled Thursday, February 28, at the KofC hall, to begin at 7 PM. Shelly Lowther and K. Grayson will cater the event.
March Schedule of Events: Peggy Fountain provided the March schedule of events, including the Grand Marshal's Investiture, March 2; the Irish Heritage Dance, 8 PM at the Alee Temple, March 7*; Tara Feis, 11AM-5PM at Emmet Park, March 8; St. Vincent'sing-along, March 12; the Jasper Green Ceremony, 4:30 PM, in Madison Square on March 13; and the St. Patrick's Day Parade with Mass at the Cathedral preceding it at 8 AM, Friday, March 14. The Savannah Morning News will provide for additional details closer to these dates.
The DOI float will again be available for the Tybee Island St. Patrick's parade on Saturday, March 8. It was asked that we will have a greater representation this year. The parade is scheduled to begin at 3 PM, with line up at the park. A reception follows at St. Michael's.
The Celtic Cross Ceremony will occur on Sunday, March 9 following Mass. We will assemble in Lafayette Square at 10:30 AM for procession into the Cathedral. Following Mass, a procession will go to Emmet Park for the wreath-laying ceremony. Tickets are required for the reception at another location which follows the ceremony. Additional information is available from the Parade Committee if DOI members are interested in attending the reception.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Robin Godbold led the members in applause thanking Paige Grodecki for hosting the wonderful Christmas Tea at her home. Everyone agreed that it was a very special holiday event.
Today's 50/50 raffle was won by Marie Dillon.
The next Board Meeting will be held Thursday, April 17, at 6 PM, KofC hall.
The next General Meeting will be held Thursday, April 24, at 6 PM, KofC hall.
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Allen
In the absence of Kelly K.Hunt, Recording Secretary
*The correct date for the Irish Heritage Dance is Friday, February 29, at 9 PM. The March date announced today was originally provided by the Parade Committee office late last spring.
SUMMARY,
MINUTES OF THE APRIL 26, 2007
DAUGHTERS OF IRELAND MEETING
The fourth quarterly April General Meeting was held April 26, 2007 at the Knights of Columbus 5588. The main topics of discussion were increasing dues from $25.00 to $50.00 and the voting of officers for the 2007-2008 fiscal year. Of those members present, all but two were eligible to vote. The members voted by a very large margin to increase membership dues for the coming year to $50.00. If any member is experiencing a hardship and find it financially difficult to handle the increase, please contact either Peggy Fountain or Sheila Winders for special consideration which will be strictly confidential. We value every member and do not want to lose anyone over the increase, but the majority feels that it was necessary in order to make more things happen for the membership in the coming years.
After presenting those nominated for officer positions and asking for nominations from the floor, the current slate of officers was voted back for a second term. In addition, the vacancies on the Board of Directors were filled by Fran Tuttle, Ellen Murray, Dee Horne, and Therese Leonard. There was also discussion of moving the installation of officers to correlate and complement the welcoming of new members along with having the first quarterly meeting of the year all in one. Peggy Fountain will contact Father O'Brien to see what can be worked out with his schedule.
Other Business: Committees have been re-established and need member support. Please consider signing up for: DOI Sash Committee (responsible for developing a sash for membership), Telephone Committee, Special Events Committee (Christmas Tea, Installation of Officers and Welcome New Members, Marshall's Wife Reception, etc.), Bylaws Committee, and Membership Committee (coming up with ways to grow membership and RETAIN membership as well as actively working with new members to get them involved!). We also need a volunteer to handle the 50/50 raffle at each meeting, and volunteers to set up for meetings (only one meeting per person per year, and need at least two people per meeting would help). Daughters need to identify the recipient of our annual scholarship for St. Vincent's (with the help of Sister Helen Marie Buttimer). Eligible young ladies need to be attending SVA in the 2007-2008 school year, be a relative of a member of the Daughters of Ireland, and submit to Sr. Helen Marie an essay of 500 words or less on "What St. Patrick's Day Means To Me." We hope to make the selection and present the student with a check at our next meeting. One final EXCITING piece of news … our website is finally COMING TO LIFE and will hopefully go live sometime in July.
New membership benefits along with the budget for 2007-2008 will be introduced at the General Meeting in July.
General Meeting, Wednesday, July 25, 2007 7:15 pm
St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church
St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church
The evening began with Mass led by Fr. Patrick O'Brien honoring our deceased members (see attached listing/program). Immediately following Mass, Fr. O'Brien introduced and inducted the Daughters of Ireland Officers for 2007-2008 - Peggy Fountain, President, Sheila Winders, Vice President, Trudy Fleming, Treasurer, Kelly Hunt, Secretary, Carol Kilpatrick, Historian, and Susan Allen, Sergeant-at-Arms. The annual scholarship amount of $500.00 was presented to SVA sophomore Katy Guetherman.
After the installation, the present membership gathered over at St. Peter's All-Purpose Room for the general meeting and reception welcoming new membership.
President Peggy Fountain called the meeting to order at 7:15 pm.
Membership had prayer and said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Treasurer Trudy Fleming gave report that the treasury had $71.70 as of June 2007. Dues collected totaled $885.00. After paying outstanding bills, the current balance is $259.99 (before dues collected at the meeting).
Vice President- Sheila Winders briefly discussed Ways & Means which included the purchasing of Irish items, a rummage sale and dinner/tickets to sell for fundraising purposes. A question was brought up regarding the Claddagh pin that had been sold in the recent past. Robin Godbold said that Harkelroad Jewelers would be happy to create more for us to sell. More information to follow.
Sergeant-at-arms - nothing to report
Historian - Carol Kilpatrick reported that she is continuing to add information and photos to the album. Photos were taken at the installation.
Report of Standing Committees
Membership - 42 members were present.
Irish Festival - nothing to report
St. Patrick's Day - a reminder that St. Patrick's Day will be celebrated on Friday March 14, 2008 because of Holy Week beginning on March 16th this coming year.
Special Events - the annual Oyster Roast will become a Shrimp Boil this year and will be held in November. The date will be
Ways & Means - Sheila Winder's niece, Shelley Lowther with Murphy's Law, Authentic Irish Pub, proposed to host a buffet dinner with two seating times for a possible fundraiser. We would sell tickets @ $20/person. Free parking would be made available in the Ships of the Sea parking lot. There was also discussion of a possible Silent Auction/Raffle? and live music. The idea was received by the present membership with enthusiasm. Robin Goldbold made a motion to approve this proposal as a fundraiser for the group. The motion was seconded by Therese Leonard. All were in favor of the motion.
The proposal for a Rummage Sale will be brought to the floor for a vote at the October general meeting.
Sash Committee - those that have signed up for the sash committee are as follows: Trudy Fleming, Ellen Murray, Robin Godbold, Terry Hill, Deanna Shores, Ellen Coburn, Bootzie Grant. Personnel sashes were discussed and it was asked that the sash committee put together a proposal for a member's sash to include price and design. It would make a positive impression by wearing one's sash at various group activities, including funeral visitations, etc.
Constitution/Bylaws - nothing to report.
Publicity - Susan Allen agreed to take on the responsibility of general publicity.
She also agreed to continue with the Claddagh Chatter specifically for the website. A mailing was discussed. Susan said she would make the newsletter available to those who would be handling the mailing.
Telephone Committee - Eileen Tillman has agreed to chair this committee.
Hospitality Committee - those present discussed ways of making prospective and new membership feel welcome. The idea of assigning "greeters" and "hostesses" to each general meeting was recommended. A name badge for membership was also discussed - to help membership get to know one another.
Sunshine Committee-
Transportation Committee - Jayne Ducey has agreed to chair this committee.
Heritage Committee - nothing to report.
Unfinished/Old Business - Paige Grodecki has graciously offered her home for the annual Daughters of Ireland Christmas Tea to be held on Sunday, December 9,2007. If Paige has not sold her home at present, the tea will be held at 2 Islander's Retreat (@ The Landing's). Otherwise, we will have the tea at K of C 5588.
Susan Allen presented the Daughters of Ireland website. A special thank you goes out to Susan for all her hard work and to her daughter Paige (member and owner of Circa Savannah, our website sponsor and her husband. Everyone was very impressed and pleased with all the hard work and effort that has gone into this major undertaking.
The next board meeting will be held on October 11, 2007 @ 6:00 pm. The general meeting will be held on October 18, 2007. Books will open at 6:00 p.m and the meeting will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.
Without any further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kelly K. Hunt
Recording Secretary
General Meeting
Thursday, October 18, 2007 - 6:00 P.M.
Knights of Columbus 5588
President Peggy Fountain called the meeting to order at 6:35 P.M.
Membership had prayer and said the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Minutes were read and approved. Robin Godbold added that Harkelroad Jewelers will not be carrying our Claddagh pin because their designer was no longer with this company. She will continue to make inquiries in an effort to find a local source for this item.
OFFICERS REPORTS
SECRETARY: A Thank You note was received from member Dee Horne and family which expressed appreciation for the organization's donation to St. Vincent's Academy in memory of her mother, Mollie Vera Cobb Burford.
TREASURER: Trudy Fleming reported that after paying outstanding bills, the treasury has a current balance of $1,248.89, and that she had a number of checks given to her this evening that will be deposited.
PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT: Vice President Sheila Winders and President Peggy Fountain discussed the prospective fund raiser dinner to be held at Murphy's Law on Congress Street. The prospective dates are February 5 or January 29, pending the restaurant's schedule. The confirmed date will be made available at the Shrimp Boil and Christmas Tea, as well as via the website. There will be two seatings, with the first at 5:30 pm and the second at 8 pm. Due to an issue regarding gratuity fee inclusion, a motion was made and seconded that a new vote be taken regarding the cost of tickets. It was approved that tickets will be $25 per single ticket, or $45 for two tickets. This will return a $10 profit per ticket. Members were encouraged to be creative with ticket purchases, doubling up with each other to obtain the $5 savings available on two tickets. Giving or receiving the dinner tickets as Christmas and Valentine gifts was another option. As a fund raiser, tickets can be sold to anyone outside the Daughters' organization. The menu was briefly discussed; it was also mentioned that the restaurant has a bar and drinks could be purchased there or at the table. Irish music will add to the festivities, whether live or recorded. A Silent Auction to be held during the evening is another opportunity being considered. Secure parking at the Ships of the Sea Museum will be available, and attendants will be stationed at the lot to ensure the safety of guests and their vehicles. Both Valet Parking and Escort Service to and from the lot were discussed. Carpooling is another means of transportation for the members to consider.
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: No Report.
HISTORIAN: Carol Kilpatrick reported that Ellen Murray has provided pictures from the Officers Installation and General Meeting for our album. They were available for the members to see. Carol asked if anyone had found a disposable camera during the July 25th meeting.
REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEES
MEMBERSHIP: Patty Wilson reported that there were 49 members present. We have four new members attending, and they were asked to stand for recognition. As recommended in July, Name Badges were used at today's meeting.
SPECIAL EVENTS: Carol Kilpatrick discussed the upcoming "turkey project," our annual participation in the Social Apostolate's Christmas Dinner. Cooked or uncooked BUT THAWED turkeys should be delivered to the Blessed Sacrament kitchen on December 20th. Approximately 200 underprivileged people are expected to attend this function therefore we will need as many turkeys as possible. Carol stressed the turkeys must be thawed.
SASH COMMITTEE: As a part of the effort to increase the visibility and unity of the Daughters of Ireland, it was earlier suggested that Member Sashes be designed for DOI members to wear at public organization events and such private functions as funeral visitations, etc. Trudy Fleming displayed a sash that Robin Godbold brought in as a sample. Asking for membership input, it was agreed that the DOI Member Sash should be a little less wide, but will include our Claddagh logo along with the Celtic Cross. Members preferred not to include their names, with comments that this would make it possible to hand these sashes on. The sashes will not be as ornate as the Officers' Sashes, and they would not look like the Memorial Sashes. Trudy will design and prepare a sample, and have it available at either the Shrimp Boil or the Christmas Tea. The cost of a Member Sash will be $60, and participation is voluntary. Members who are interested signed up at the meeting, and others later deciding can contact Trudy.
TELEPHONE COMMITTEE: No official report, but it was commented that telephone calls exchanging information have begun.
IRISH FESTIVAL: The Irish Festival organization is in the process of mailing letters to participants and supporters. They will be asking for donations and community and business support to help allay the costs necessary to maintain this event. It will again be held at the Civic Center.
PUBLICITY: An initial list of publicity contacts has been compiled and members who are aware of additional sources were asked to let Susan Allen know about them. We have had PR coverage concerning either the web site or the organization in 2 issues of Coastal Senior, 3 issues of the TWATL publication, and most of the region's church bulletins. An organization listing in the Little Black Book has been requested, and there was a half-page ad in the Irish Feis program. With the exception of the program ad, all publicity has been at no cost to us. Also, lists were placed on tables for members to record their names and e-mail addresses. Members were assured this information would not be distributed to outside sources, nor would they be receiving jokes, chain letters, or other e-mails that are not DOI-Specific. The intent is to build a communication chain that will increase publicity and information opportunities within our group.
WEBSITE: Our website can now be accessed at www.daughtersofireland.com in addition to www.daughtersofireland.org. It is suggested that members put the DOI website into either their "Favorites" or "Bookmark" sections to speed access and eliminate the need for continually entering our site name. Since launch, the website has had 1,853 successful hits, getting an average of 60 hits a day. The average user views the site for approximately 6 minutes. The website is updated regularly, so be sure to check it now and then. Latest additions include links to other sites, which were detailed briefly. If members are aware of sites that should be linked, please inform us.
CLADDAGH CHATTER: Copies of the October issue of the Claddagh Chatter were placed on tables around the room for those members who do not have computer access. There is still a need for someone to make copies of the newsletter and mail it to members who are unable to attend meetings and/or do not have computers.
HERITAGE COMMITTEE: Vicki McCuen reminded members that if they want to have their Irish heritage documented within the DOI, please get their lineage information to her.
CONSTITUTION/BYLAWS and SUNSHINE COMMITTEE: A combined committee discussion centered on a revision recommended by the Executive Board to By-Laws Article IX, Committees, Section 2, h, Sunshine Committee. An amendment is being recommended to make this a more meaningful expression of caring, and it has been considered that special Mass cards would better accomplish this as offering a mass is the greatest gift that can be given in time of crisis and sorrow. Past situations have included learning too late about family deaths, funerals occurring out of state, family requests not to send flowers or even occasions of too many flowers being sent when other needs may be overlooked. The members discussed issues relating to non-Catholic family members, and suggestions regarding preferred contributions. Sunshine Chair Betty Schwarz commented that a special Mass card would be a wonderful blessing. In addition, she noted that the attendance of Daughters attired in their sashes at the visitation site to say prayers would be a beautiful message of support. In compliance with regulations regarding changes to the By-Laws, a letter of notification will be mailed to the membership, and a vote regarding the amendment will be taken at the January General Meeting. The majority of the members attending today's meeting did express their approval of the change to special Mass Cards by a show of hands vote. The Sunshine Committee was directed to send Mass Cards.
OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
THE SHRIMP BOIL will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2007, from Noon until 4 PM at the KofC 5588 Pavilion. There is no charge to DOI members and the immediate family members residing in the household. Other guests are welcome at a fee of $10.00. Dessert contributions are appreciated. We had a good turnout last year, with about 60 members and guests attending, and it was expressed that we'd like to increase attendance this year.
NEW BUSINESS
THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TEA will be held on Sunday, December 9, from 3 to 5 PM, at the home of member Paige Grodecki, 2 Islanders Retreat, The Landings. Specially decorated for the holidays, it will be a festive setting for this popular event. A flyer with details and directions will be provided at the Shrimp Boil, and will be made available to those not attending.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sweatshirts with the embroidered DOI logo are available for $25.00. They are available in dark green with a gold logo, or white with either a gold or a green logo. Trudy Fleming will take orders.
Jan Sheppard was the lucky winner of today's raffle, taking home a nicely crafted Halloween decoration.
Without any further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Allen
In the absence of Kelly K. Hunt, Recording Secretary